Vietnam's party general secretary To Lam meets Chinese defense minister Xinhua) 16:59, December 20, 2024 HANOI, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun here on Thursday. Lam welcomed Dong's participation in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, saying that Vietnam and China are socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. Lam said Vietnam cherishes China's valuable support in the cause of national liberation, national independence and socialist construction in Vietnam, and takes developing friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy. Lam expressed the hope that the two militaries will strengthen practical cooperation and inject new vitality to the development of bilateral relations. For his part, Dong noted that China and Vietnam has entered a new era of building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The Chinese side cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, the two countries and the two militaries, and stands ready to follow the guidance of the consensus reached by top leaders of both parties and countries, deepen practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side in various areas including maritime security, enhance strategic mutual trust between both militaries, promote constant development of bilateral relations and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Dong said. On Friday, Dong and his delegation attended a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Interview: Macao demonstrates success of "one country, two systems," says former Croatian deputy PM Xinhua) 11:10, December 21, 2024 ZAGREB, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The achievements Macao has made in the 25 years since its return to China affirm the success of the "one country, two systems" policy, said Ante Simonic, former Croatian deputy prime minister, in a recent interview with Xinhua. Simonic highlighted Macao's remarkable economic growth, with its per capita gross domestic product rising from 15,000 U.S. dollars in 1999 to 69,000 U.S. dollars in 2023. He noted that this reflects a "huge improvement" in the quality of life for local residents. Simonic stressed that economic growth "is not just about numbers" but must be viewed in terms of broader human wellbeing and global contribution. "Macao's development has fostered job creation, improved public services, and enhanced living standards for its population. The city has also prioritized education, healthcare, and social infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of prosperity reach its people," he said. The "one country, two systems" model exemplifies China's "courage and profound wisdom in governance," Simonic noted. By allowing Macao to maintain its legal and economic systems while being firmly integrated into the larger framework of the nation, China has demonstrated its capacity to balance unity with diversity, he said. Simonic emphasized that Macao's achievements extend beyond local development, as it has acted as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, enriching regional collaboration and promoting cultural exchange. He credited China's strategic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, for laying the groundwork for Macao's continued stability and prosperity. "These efforts not only benefit local populations but also contribute positively to China's role in fostering global harmony and development," Simonic added. Simonic, former Croatian ambassador to China, has been the founder and president of the Croatia-China Friendship Association in Rijeka, the third-largest city in Croatia. Honored with the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2017, he was recently named a Friendship Ambassador by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Reflecting on his visits to Macao in 2010 and 2011, Simonic described the city as a unique blend of East and West. Macao's cultural diversity, warmth, and charm are beautifully reflected in its architecture, traditions, and way of life, he said. "From the serene charm of its historic temples to the lively atmosphere of its bustling streets, Macao remains a place where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist, creating a truly unforgettable experience." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) A domestic dispute in Sacramento between a man and his wife and mother-in-law escalated into the man killing his 1-year-old baby, authorities said. Mark Wineman/Getty Images A Sacramento man was arrested early Friday after using a knife to behead his 1-year-old son, the county sheriffs office said. The gruesome homicide occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m., when officers responded to a report of a family disturbance at a home on the 7500 block of Versailles Way, the sheriffs office said. Deputies arrived to find a woman outside the home who said her husband had assaulted her and her mother. The womans mother was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities tried to contact the husband, Andrey Demskiy, 28, inside the home, but Demskiy refused to come to the door or surrender, the sheriffs office said. After learning that the couples 1-year-old son was still inside and that Demskiy may have thrown and injured him, officers forcibly entered the house. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officers found Demskiy in a bedroom, where he was uncooperative and tried to resist, but was ultimately detained. Shortly thereafter, officers found a severed childs head in the room, the sheriffs office said. Based on an initial investigation, detectives determined that the grisly event began as a domestic violence incident involving Demskiys wife and mother-in-law. After the two women left the house, Demskiy used a knife to behead his son, the sheriffs office said. The childs identity was not immediately available. Demskiy was in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail as of Friday evening and was ineligible for bail, the sheriffs office said. He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. A mother who had a massive stroke while in Spain has been left helpless in hospital. Robyn Taylor cannot speak, is paralysed on her right-hand side, blind in one eye and is given food and water via a tube into her stomach. She had been visiting her parents Tony and Karen Sumner in Murcia when tragedy struck on September 11, the day before she was due to return home. She was found on the bedroom after she had a severe stroke and she was rushed to hospital. Once there she had two brain haemorrhages and had part of her skull removed. Although she is out of a coma, the 34-year-old, of Upton Priory, Cheshire, remains in hospital and needs repatriating to the UK, where she can receive the rehabilitation she cannot get in Spain. A fundraiser, which has reached its 12,000 target, was launched by Robyn's cousin, Stephen to help with the costs. He wrote: 'Robyn spent two harrowing weeks in a coma and, though she has regained wakefulness, she faces a daunting battle ahead. Robyn Taylor, pictured, cannot speak, is paralysed on her right-hand side, blind in one eye and is given food and water via a tube into her stomach She had been visiting her parents Tony and Karen Sumner in Murcia when tragedy struck on September 11, the day before she was due to return home. 'She is paralysed on her right side, unable to speak, and cannot respond to simple requests. 'Every passing day without specialized care diminishes her chances of recovery. Robyn urgently needs to return to the UK to receive life-changing neuro-rehabilitationcare that she is not covered for under her GHIC card in Spain. What is a GHIC card? It stands for Global Health Insurance Card and is a card available to UK residents which provides access for medical treatment in countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) under the same conditions as locals. The card offers coverage for emergency medical treatment and for some planned treatment as well as forfor pre-existing medial conditions. However it does not replace travel or medical insurance or cover medical repatriation or treatment in a private medical facility. You can use a UK GHIC when you're visiting: A country in the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Switzerland Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so people are advised to check coverage before travel. Source: NHS Advertisement 'This rehabilitation could help her regain some independence and improve her quality of life, but it is only available to her in the UK.' The family's main concern is getting Robyn home where she can begin physiotherapy, speech therapy and neuro stimulation. It is currently unknown which parts of the brain can function again Mr Sumner, 59, said: 'We have lots of photos of her and the family on the wall in her room, in the hope it jogs something. 'Some days we get recognition from her, other days we get nothing. She has no history of stroke symptoms and there is no family history, we want to know why it happened at such a young age. 'It is a situation you have never been in before, when it first happened it was like a parallel universe and a massive emotional rollercoaster. 'Three weeks felt like six months, it consumes you and becomes everything you do, think and talk about. Robyn is bubbly and a bit fiery, she's a loving 34-year-old.' The two have lived in Spain for 15 years and Robyn visited them with her daughter Alana, 10, on September 1. Alana is currently staying with her grandparents and has been told her mother may not be the same again. The family's main concern is getting Robyn home, where she can begin physiotherapy, speech therapy and neuro stimulation, what parts of the brain can function again and how long this will take remain unknown. Mr Sumner added: 'It is all up in the air and that is the frustration. We try to remain positive.' California's biggest downtown areas are crumbling under the weight of homelessness and drug addiction, causing a vital part of its economy to dry out. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have made countless headlines since the pandemic about their drug-infested streets where businesses are quickly pulling out due to high crime rates and low consumer passage. But for people like Matt Haney, a Democratic Assembly member from San Francisco - who lives in its terrorized Tenderloin District - these deteriorated downtowns are vital to a city's survival and community building. 'The clock is ticking,' Haney told The Los Angeles Times. 'With each month and year that goes by - and things get worse - it gets harder for cities to come out of the challenges that theyre facing. 'We cant leave our downtowns to the vultures to circle and take them apart as they decay. That would be a catastrophic failure.' Haney is a big believer in downtown areas and told LA business leaders that it 'impacts people's live in so many positive ways.' 'Like all of you, I love downtowns, and I, like all of you, will not accept that we give up on our downtowns,' he told them. The assemblyman is on a mission to visit nine of state's biggest downtowns - including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento - to hopefully find a cure to their stagnancy. Cities like Los Angeles (pictured) and San Francisco have made countless headlines since the pandemic about its drug-infested streets where businesses are quickly pulling out due to high crime rates and low consumer passage. But for people like Matt Haney, a Democratic Assembly member from San Francisco (pictured) - who lives in its terrorized Tenderloin District - these crumbling downtowns are vital to a city's survival and community building and need rebuilding 'We cant leave our downtowns to the vultures to circle and take them apart as they decay. That would be a catastrophic failure,' he said In Long Beach, he ate potato wedges near the city's convention center. In San Diego, he walked the streets full of empty storefronts. In San Jose, he visited student housing constructed inside a former hotel. In his hometown, he visited the famed Union Square, where the large Macy's flagship location is set to close down. Haney, who is the chair of the Assembly's Downtown Recovery Select Committee, plans on introducing legislation next year to that hopefully take the disaster zones and make them into something profitable and inviting to locals, he told The Times. Haney's hope for thriving downtowns may be a hard-won fight as many locals fear the decaying areas and office vacancies are at record highs. Los Angeles has roughly 25 percent of offices vacant, while San Francisco is closer to 35 percent. It stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, where office workers packed up their desks and began working from home, significantly decreasing consumer activity in the once-heavily-pack downtowns, leaving space for the homeless and addicts to take residency. For Haney, there's an urgency to fix the decaying areas. 'The pandemic made us aware that our downtowns are hugely un-resilient,' Steven Pedigo, an assistant dean at the University of Texas at Austin, told The Times. Pedigo believes the decline in lively downtowns comes from cities like Sacramento heavily relying on government workers and San Francisco with tech workers, all of which have been slow to make a return to office. The assemblyman is on a mission to visit nine of state's biggest downtowns - including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento (pictured) - to hopefully find a cure to their ailments Haney, who is the chair of the Assembly's Downtown Recovery Select Committee, plans on introducing legislation next year to that hopefully take the disaster zones and make them into something profitable and inviting to locals (pictured: San Diego) He wants to see more activity at the state level. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured) vetoed a bill that encouraged developers to renovate older buildings by easing zoning laws. Haney plans to reintroduce the bill For Haney, that means bringing the people back to downtowns. 'Downtowns cannot survive without people,' he told The Times. He's looking to get Proposition 1 passed, a $6.4 billion bond that will fund treatment and housing for the homeless with mental illness or addiction problems. 'One of the things that came up in some of these visits is these cities are not always talking to each other,' he said. 'They dont always have strong support or connections from the state as a whole.' He wants to see more activity at the state level. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that encouraged developers to renovate older buildings by easing zoning laws. Haney plans to reintroduce the bill. 'A lot of these buildings and many of the developers are controlled by much larger forces of investment, so that civic pride or a local connection is not as present as it used to be,' he told The Times. 'Buildings must be more than a number on [a] spreadsheet.' He also thinks big cities, like LA, could learn from smaller cities, like Downey and Paramount, who revitalized their 'little downtowns' to make them attractive to residents. She is the aristocratic model whose birthday celebrations were hailed as the most glamorous and decadent society event of the year. But while her life may appear to be a whirlwind of parties and exotic holidays, it seems Lady Lola Bute is aware of the responsibilities that come with her noble title. For the 25-year-old recently launched her own fashion range and fabrics for the new collection are being made at a textile mill set up by her great-grandfather to create jobs for servicemen returning to Bute at the end of the Second World War. In a gesture of support for the island, her familys ancestral home for more than 700 years, Lady Lola commissioned Bute Fabrics to create the distinctive tartan cloth for some of the pieces. While a kilt with a split beyond the thigh would be sure to cause a stir at a ceilidh, Lady Lolas affection for her Scottish roots is obvious in her new brand, Debute. Lady Lola hits the dancefloor at the London launch of Debute The 198 Caroline Kilt described as a mid-rise fitted kilt skirt with side slit and side buckles The 5th Marquess of Bute started the Rothesay mill which made the material for Lady Lolas collection Items labelled as crafted from custom one-of-a-kind tartan weave designed in-house in collaboration with Bute Fabrics in Scotland include the 198 Caroline Kilt described as a mid-rise fitted kilt skirt with side slit and side buckles and the same grey tartan is used in the collection for trousers, a mini-dress and a bustier top. The Bute Fabrics mill was founded in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute and is one of the biggest employers in Rothesay, the islands main town. In April, Lady Lola hosted her 25th birthday at Mount Stuart House, the family seat since the 18th Century. Society guests including Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne and Princess Olympia of Greece joined her for a festival-themed party and a dinner of local lobster, oysters and beef. Lady Lola wore a 90s-inspired micro-dress and was pictured dancing seductively with Dutch actor boyfriend Parker Van Noord. The family of a devoted Sheffield United fan who died after being hit by a car on the way to a match have said they are 'devastated' by his loss. Jordan Hattersley, 36, from Treeton, was fatally injured while walking to Bramall Lane with his father and two younger siblings to watch his side play Sunderland on November 29. Police said they were called at around 7.25pm and that the vehicle, a red Lexus, had been travelling on Suffolk Road in the direction of Queens Road when the crash happened. Mr Hattersley was taken to hospital with serious injuries and died in hospital earlier this month. His father, Richard Hattersley, said he was truly grateful to the other match goers who stopped to help and support the family at the scene. He said: 'Jordan was devoted to Sheffield United. It was his main outlet after his family. 'He was following his passion, and at the matches he was an inspiration and role model to his brother and sister. We are all devastated by his loss.' South Yorkshire Police said the 36-year-old computer engineer was born and raised in Sheffield before moving to Rotherham in his mid-teens. Jordan Hattersley, 36, from Treeton, was fatally injured while walking to Bramall Lane for a Sheffield United game Mr Hattersley was with his father and two younger siblings to watch the Blades play Sunderland on November 29 Raised as a Blades fan, Mr Hattersley held a season ticket from a young age Raised as a Blades fan, Mr Hattersley held a season ticket from a young age. He and his wife Kirsty, who had a little boy, had been together for 13 years before getting married in Cyprus this year. She said: 'We thought we had time. We should have had time. We were at the height of our relationship, on cloud nine and just high on life and it's all been ripped away in a split second.' Mrs Hattersley explained that the couple's six-year-old son, Freddie, now needs a great deal of additional support, adding her husband was 'an all-round good person' who would go out of his way to help others. She added that the family had taken some small comfort in donating his organs and saving other families from the grief they are now facing: 'He's given the gift of life this Christmas.' Mrs Hattersley also praised the staff on the critical care ward at the Northern General Hospital for the way they tried to save her husband and had looked after the family. She said 'You bought us precious time with Jordan and a chance to say our goodbyes and, for that, me and his family will be eternally grateful.' Police are continuing to appealing for witnesses to the collision, and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage that could help their investigation. Superyacht bosses have been branded 'Scrooge-like' by a trade union after they temporarily laid off around 250 of their employees over Christmas. Sunseeker, a company that specialises in luxury yachts, are believed to have made between 150 and 250 workers temporarily redundant, according to trade union Unite. Many of the staff, who have worked at the multi million pound yacht brand for less than two years, will not return to employment until January 2 or 3 next year. Those affected by the layoffs will receive statutory payment for the 'first few days,' or will alternatively be offered paid holiday entitlement. Workers from production operations in New Quay Road said they were informed of the temporary layoffs after receiving Christmas well-wishes. One worker, who asked not to be named, claimed the statutory payment is the same as a statutory sick payment. The Poole-based brand, whose revenues reached over 260 million as per their last financial accounts, have yet to confirm the number of staff impacted. Unite trade union has since blasted the superyacht company dubbing their behaviour 'Scrooge-like' and 'abhorrent', whilst urging them to reconsider their decision. Superyacht company - Sunseeker - have been dubbed 'Scrooge-like' by a trade union after temporarily laying off up to 250 workers (file image) The Poole-based brand, whose revenues reached over 260 million as per their last financial accounts, have yet to confirm the number of staff impacted (stock image) Sunseeker have said their workers had not lost their jobs, adding that temporary lay-offs were due to 'restrictions in its supply chain which have heightened during December.' It is believed that superyacht bosses will review the situation on January 2 next year. A temporary layoff happens when an employer does not have enough work for it's staff and thus asks some staff to stay at home. Employers can impose temporary layoffs for six weeks in a 13-week period, or for four weeks in a row, according to GOV.UK. Unite trade union have claimed between 150 and 250 workers, all with less than two years of service, will be affected by the temporary layoffs. Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: 'Sunseeker makes multi-million pound superyachts for the ultra-wealthy yet is treating its workers like the worst Victorian industrialists. 'It simply beggars belief that it has chosen the week before Christmas to make this announcement and is simply kicking workers out the door with no notice and barely any pay. 'This Scrooge-like behaviour is utterly unacceptable and Unite will be doing everything in its power to not only support our members at Sunseeker but to campaign to get this devastating decision reversed. 'The communities in Poole and across Dorset should be left in no doubt as to what sort of employer Sunseeker are if they carry on down this course of action.' A spokesman for Sunseeker said: 'Although the forward order book is still strong, this decision is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations and does not reflect on employee performance or contributions. 'Sunseeker deeply values the hard work and dedication of the team and appreciates everything its employees do for the company. 'Sunseeker is committed to supporting staff members affected during this time. 'Those impacted by temporary layoffs, commencing the first few days that they would have normally returned in January, will receive statutory payment, or have been offered the option to use paid holiday entitlement. 'Employees will have their continuity of service preserved and will continue to receive all of their non-monetary benefits. 'Sunseeker is also taking every possible step to minimise the impact of this situation and to restore full operations as soon as possible.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was heckled, booed and called a 'murderer' by a crowd gathered at the scene of a horrifying Christmas market attack that left five dead and hundreds injured on Friday night. A black BMW rammed into a huge crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm yesterday, as officials say four adults and a nine-year-old child were killed. A further 205 people were injured during the massacre. Police arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, who continues to be under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm. But today there was visible hostility towards the Government as questions remain over whether the authorities 'ignored' warnings in advance of the fatal attack, including that police had considered putting al-Abdulmohsen on a 'dangerous persons' list previously. On Saturday morning, Chancellor Scholz arrived to pay his respects at the market, where he described last night's event as a 'terrible, insane act'. He said: 'What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. 'We have now learned that there are over 200 who were injured. Five have died so far, an incredible number, almost 40 are so seriously injured that we have to be very worried about them. 'What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people with such brutality.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was heckled, booed and called a 'murderer' by a crowd gathered at the scene of a horrifying Christmas market attack in Magdeburg on Friday There was visible hostility amongst the crowd as questions remain over whether the authorities 'ignored' warnings in advance of the fatal attack Scholz was accompanied by interior minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, who were greeted by boos and whistles as they walked past the crowd Residents of Magdeburg express their anger by loudly booing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, yelling, "Get out of here!" pic.twitter.com/LceMYWWjs3 Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 21, 2024 Olaf Scholz und Nancy Faeser werden in Magdeburg ubel beschimpft. pic.twitter.com/hpQJBodZRy Michael (@Michael27184036) December 21, 2024 The Chancellor laid a white rose at a church before heading towards his car, but he quickened his step after finding himself being heckled by the disapproving crowd. Scholz was accompanied by interior minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing. Footage from earlier today features the politicians walking through the crowd amid audible boos and whistles, as angry bystanders yelled 'Get out of here!' Others were heard calling the group 'criminals' and 'murderers' as they hastily left the scene under police escort. Amid the inflamed emotions, several opposition politicians have spoken out to claim the police could have stopped Friday's attack if they had taken intelligence received more seriously. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD, said that 'staggering failures by the authorities made the horror of Magdeburg possible.' On a statement posted to X she said: 'While politicians deploy the security apparatus against the opposition and government critics, there is a lack of resources to defend against real threats.' Weidel added that the AfD had requested a special session of the Bundestag to debate the matter further. Chancellor Scholz arrived to pay his respects at the market, where he described last night's event as a 'terrible, insane act' Scholz (second from right) is seen accompanied by German Federal Minister of Justice Volker Wissing (second from left) and German Minister of the Environment Steffi Lemke (right) The Chancellor and his ministers laid a white rose at a church before leaving the scene Scholz and his ministers were escorted by police amid hostile booing from bystanders Questions emerged today over whether authorities 'ignored' warnings in advance about suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen (pictured) Pictured: Taleb al-Abdulmohsen the alleged car-ramming perpetrator that killed 5 and injured more than 200 in an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 20, 2024 Meanwhile Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the small left-wing BSW party, asked 'why so many tips and warnings were ignored in advance,' The Telegraph reports. It is understood that police had previously spoken to Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, that he was on a 'dangerous persons' list and that Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about him because of his fierce criticism of his home country. Despite this, police did not put him on a list of political extremists because he did not pose a 'concrete danger.' Several German media outlets have reported that the suspect, who police believe was working alone, was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. He has lived in Germany since 2006 after arriving in the country as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, and has been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg, officials said. In 2013 he was sentenced by a German court for 'disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes', according to Der Spiegel. Three years later, he applied for asylum in Germany and his application was approved within four months. The country has been in mourning following Friday's attack, with locals placing candles and tributes at the site where the car drove into a crowd. The Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, seen abandoned and empty on Saturday, just hours after the horrific attack Firefighters patrol the scene of the crash on Friday after a car rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm Debris and closed stalls are seen on the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market Plush toys, candles and floral tributes lie near the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market People lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg A motive for the attack remains unclear at this stage, although officials said the suspect's 'dissatisfaction with the treatment of refugees from Saudi Arabia in Germany' may have been a factor. Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the 'Islamism of Europe.' The violence has shocked Germany and the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that's part of a centuries-old German tradition. It prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburg's loss. On Saturday night, heartbroken mourners respectfully gathered outside Magdeburg Cathedral. Many brought candles, wreaths and teddy bears to honour the young victims slain and injured in the deadly attack. Police officers accepted wreaths and red glass candles from those gathered as a helicopter hovered overhead. Clergymen pass by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a prayer ceremony at the Magdeburg Cathedral on Saturday On Saturday night, heartbroken mourners respectfully gathered outside Magdeburg Cathedral Many brought candles, wreaths and teddy bears to honour the young victims slain and injured in the deadly attack Inside a sombre silence enveloped the cathedral despite it being at full capacity. Those in attendance included emergency responders and fire fighters, victims' families, and political leaders. The church bells rang out at 7.03pm to mark the time of the deadly attack which had rocked the city just 24 hours earlier. Regional Bishop Friedrich Kramer of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany, gave a defiant speech saying: 'The peaceful space of the Christmas market has been destroyed and crushed. 'We will not give the perpetrator our hate. Instead, we will stand for peace and unity.' He encouraged people to focus on personal peace adding: 'The safest space of peace you can protect is your heart.' Simone Borris, Lord Mayor of Magdeburg, thanked emergency responders who had bravely responded to the scene tending to more than 200 injured. 'Many of our rescue workers have seen things they will never forget,' she acknowledged. Less than 24 hours after the Christmas Market attack close to 1,000 right wing extremists descended on Magdeburg for a mass demonstration The masked protestors who waved anti-immigration posters and shouted chants of 'migration kills' were escorted by hundreds of police in full riot gear as they marched through the city She spoke about supporting victims and families adding: 'I am confident that we can overcome this grief together with our solidarity.' Outside the cathedral more than 1,000 mourners braved the rain and biting cold to watch the service on a large screen. But a less savoury picture was emerging at the other end of the city. Less than 24 hours after the Christmas Market attack close to 1,000 right wing extremists descended on Magdeburg for a mass demonstration. As people paid tribute to the five dead and many injured at a moving at the city's cathedral, hate-filed slogans echoed on the streets in the distance. The masked protestors who waved anti-immigration posters and shouted chants of 'migration kills' were escorted by hundreds of police in full riot gear as they marched through the city. 'Among the demonstrators were many extremely violent far-right groups from across Germany. Many of them were masked,' said Oliver Kreuzfeld, an expert on the far-right scene from Endstation Rechts, an initiative against extremism based in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Kreuzfeld observed the demonstration and identified members of violent neo-Nazi groups known for past violent attacks on trains. They also included members of long-established groups, like the Neonazi Kiez in Dortmund. Tributes have been paid to a 'beautiful, level headed' and 'always kind' teacher who was fatally stabbed in south London, as police confirmed a man known to her has been charged with murder. Gemma Devonish, 42, who worked as head of year at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, died at the scene in Carshalton, on Thursday morning. Emergency services were called to reports of an injured woman at a property in Nutfield Close just after 10.30am, where they discovered Miss Devonish had suffered stab wounds. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Today, James Madden, 38, of Railton Road, Lambeth, who was known to Miss Devonish, was charged with her murder and remanded into custody. He will appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Monday. Officers are awaiting the conclusion of a post-mortem examination as detectives said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder. Miss Devonish's family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers, police added. Tributes have been paid to Gemma Devonish, 42, a teacher at Rosebery School in Epsom, Surrey, as police confirmed a man known to her has been charged with murder Emergency services were called to reports of an injured woman at a property in Nutfield Close just after 10.30am on Thursday, where they discovered Miss Devonish had been stabbed Police announced today that James Madden, 38, of Railton Road, Lambeth, who was known to Miss Devonish, was charged with her murder and remanded into custody As news of the tragedy emerged, tributes were paid to Miss Devonish, including from her 'devastated' colleagues. A statement from Rosebery School said: 'The entire Rosebery community is devastated by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Gemma Devonish. 'Our thoughts are with Gemma's mother and sister, extended family and friends, at this deeply distressing time.' Headteacher David Lach described Miss Devonish as 'the kindest and most gentle of people' and that her loss to the school is 'incalculable', he told Surrey Live. He said: 'She was a wonderful teacher who inspired a love of her subject among all her students and went above and beyond to offer her time, expertise and care to the students in her classes and in her year group. 'We know that this news will have come as a terrible shock to students and parents/carers across our community, as it has to all staff, who are finding it incredibly difficult to comprehend that we have lost such a cherished friend and colleague, so suddenly. 'Her loss to our school is incalculable, but she leaves the most incredible legacy in the hundreds of students that have been touched by her energy, passion and empathy.' Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, said on X that she was 'deeply distressed' by the news. In a statement she wrote: 'My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends & colleagues.' Police have appealed for any information about the fatal stabbing in Carshalton on Thursday Meanwhile on social media, a friend described her as 'beautiful, level headed, really f***ing cool. Always kind, always a gorgeous easy smile. She was wonderful.' On Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila issued an appeal for any information about the incident. He said: 'Our thoughts today are with Gemma's family and friends who are trying to come to terms with this truly tragic event. We are offering them all the support that we can. 'We know that the wider community will also be impacted and I would urge anyone with concerns to please speak with local officers. 'While we have made an arrest, detectives continue to carry out a number of enquiries as we build a picture of the events that led to this horrific murder. 'I would ask anyone who was in the area of Nutfield Close who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, particularly on Wednesday 18 or morning of Thursday 19 December, to make contact.' Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, from the South Area Command Unit responsible for policing in Sutton said:'I share the shock and concern that this terrible incident will have on the local community in Sutton. 'A team of specialist detectives is already making significant progress in this investigation and have swiftly arrested a man who is now in police custody.' Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 7175 2206, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously quoting CAD 3012/19Dec. A left wing commentator has slammed the idea of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Governor of California. Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks show hit back at her co-host Cenk Uyger after he suggested Harris would 'cakewalk' her way into leading The Golden State. In response, the 38-year-old was left with her mouth wide open in shock as she shouted: 'No! No! What are you doing? What are you doing?' Uyger said that Democratic voters in the state would back the move for Harris as they 'love to obey'. Frazzled by the suggestion, Kasparian said: 'This state cannot survive another incompetent Democrat leading it. No, we just can't.' Addressing the camera directly, and seemingly Harris, she said: 'How about you wait and see, like, your way out of public life? 'And go do what youre supposed to do. Go work in the private sector. Go do the lobbying thing whatever it is. But dont run as governor of California. Do not!' The two had been discussing how liberals have been grieving the presidential win of Donald Trump over Harris and what she might do next. Ana Kasparian, seen here, of The Young Turks show hit back at her co-host Cenk Uyger after he suggested Harris would 'cakewalk' her way into leading The Golden State Political insiders told DailyMail.com after the election that they expected Harris to retool and prepare to run for president again in 2028 After the loss, her advisers and allies say they have been instructed by the vice president to 'keep her options open'. She could run for president again in 2028, or run for the open governor seat in her home state of California in 2026. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who came up through California politics with Harris, is term limited and may eye a 2028 run for White House himself. It's unclear, however, whether Harris would be interested in running for governor, as it could be perceived as a step back from her role as vice president. Political insiders told DailyMail.com after the election that they expected Harris to retool and prepare to run for president again in 2028. In 2028, Harris will be only 63, young enough to make a political comeback, especially if Trumps second term is a failure. Kasparian's reaction comes after she said she had felt 'politically orphaned' and had turned her back on her Democratic Party affiliation. She said that she ditched the Dems after liberals sympathized with a homeless pervert who molested her back in 2022. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who came up through California politics with Harris, is term limited and may eye a 2028 run for White House himself The California-native opened up about her traumatic experience, sharing that while she was out walking her dog in Los Angeles, two men - both assumed to be homeless and under the influence of drugs - had erections and grabbed her by the waist and proceeded to grind up against her. Kasparian said the turning point in her political stance was when she was scolded by liberals following her confession of feeling fearful to leave her house. Some of the messages claimed she was painting a wrongful picture of the homeless community, some called her a racist despite her not disclosing the men's race. She had been speaking on the Jillian Michaels' podcast when she spoke of the incident. The nearly two-hour podcast went on to detail the two womens thoughts on the recent political climate with both of them claiming the left forces people to defect. Kasparian, who was once aligned with the Democratic Party said: Im at a point where I do not want to be pigeon-holed in any political tribe or identity. Everything has become dogmatic and if you don't buy into the entirety of the dogma you open yourself up to backlash. It's not a fun experience, she added. Wildlife campaigner Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation unearthed allegations of animal abuse at charity approved abattoirs. RSPCA Vice-President Caroline Lucas, who was also the former leader of the Green Party, also quit the animal welfare organisation amidst the claims. Both have taken to X to speak of their 'sadness' at their departure, with Lucas saying the charity's 'assured' scheme 'risk[ed] misleading the public' and 'legitimising cruelty'. Their resignations came after an investigation by Animal Rising made claims of cruelty at 'assured' slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. 'RSPCA Assured' is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation's 'stringent higher welfare standards', according to its website. In June, the charity commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the programme was 'operating effectively' to ensure animal welfare on member farms. In the fallout of footage released by Animal Rising last week, the RSPCA said it was 'appalled' by what was shown, and has launched an immediate investigation alongside suspending three slaughterhouses from the scheme. Packham's resignation comes after Queen guitarist Sir Brian May quit as the RSPCA's Vice President after serving the charity for 12 years amid a row regarding the welfare programme, stating there was 'no other option' for him. Wildlife campaigner Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation unearthed allegations of animal abuse at charity approved abattoirs RSPCA Vice-President Caroline Lucas, who was also the former leader of the Green Party, has also resigned from her post amid the claims Chris Packham took to X to express his 'sadness' following his resignation from the RSPCA The presenter of the BBC's much-loved Springwatch had also previously threatened to resign after footage emerged of salmon swimming without tails and chunks missing from their bodies at an RSPCA Assured facility in Scotland. The now former president of the charity slammed the video as 'abhorrent' whilst condemning the animal charity's assured scheme. At the time - in July - he signalled that unless changes were made in the way welfare was enforced, he would possibly quit his role as President of the organisation. Later in August footage alleged staff were hitting pigs with paddles in their 'terror-filled final moments' in an RSPCA approved abattoir in Suffolk. The footage was recorded by campaigners from the Animal Justice Project (AJP) inside C&K Meats in 2023. Other allegations laid against the slaughterhouse included poor hygiene practices and evidence of severe stress indicators amongst the animals, such as frothing at the mouth and heavy panting. The slaughterhouse, which has the capacity to kill between 1,200 to 1,400 pigs a day, insisted that it was 'committed to ensuring high levels of animal welfare and take the subject matter very seriously'. In September separate recordings emerged with claims of animal abuse at a flagship farm used in Marks and Spencer's adverts - and had been RSPCA Assured since 2022. The two-year investigation was launched after vegan activist Joey Carbstrong secretly put cameras in place at a dairy farm owned by Charlie Langmead. Footage posted online appeared to show workers smacking calves in the face, kicking cows, hitting the animals on the back and with a metal floor scraper. In one instance, an employee could be seen running at a cow and angrily shouting 'You're f***ng r*****ed', before appearing to stab it with a sharp object. Mr Carbstrong, an ex-gang member who went vegan in 2013, claimed M&S had previously used the farm in its advertising. The wildlife presenter had also previously threatened to resign after footage emerged of salmon swimming without tails and chunks missing from their bodies at an RSPCA assured facility (pictured) RSPCA Vice-President Caroline Lucas, who was also the former leader of the Green Party , also quit the animal welfare organisation amidst the claims. Queen guitarist Sir Brian May (pictured) resigned as the RSPCA's vice president over the 'appalling' animal welfare standards in farms certified under its 'assured' scheme In letter posted to Instagram (pictured) in September, Sir Brian said it was with 'profound sadness' that he was stepping down from his role In September separate recordings emerged with claims of animal abuse at a flagship farm used in Marks and Spencer's adverts - and had been RSPCA Assured since 2022 (pictured) Workers at the dairy farm owned by Charlie Langmead.were also seen apparently smacking calves in the face, kicking cows, hitting the animals on the back and with a metal floor scraper Responding to the distressing footage, M&S said the alleged behaviour fell 'well below the standards' expected of the supermarket and that it had immediately suspended the farm after being showed the video A video filmed secretly at an RSPCA-certified abattoir in Suffolk called C&K Meats showed staff hitting pigs with paddles in 'terror-filled final moments' before they are slaughtered for meat AJP's video appeared to show pigs in 'crowded and filthy' pens and pigs being 'forced' to walk past a bleeding corps Responding to the distressing footage, M&S said the alleged behaviour fell 'well below the standards' expected of the supermarket. The supermarket chain also immediately suspended the farm after being showed the video. In the wake of fresh claims from animal campaign group - Animal Rising - Mr Packham released his resignation statement on X which read: 'It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. 'I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.' Ms Lucas said she and the wildlife TV presenter failed to get the charity's leadership to act, adding that the charity's 'assured schemes risk misleading the public'. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'With huge sadness I'm resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I've held with pride for over 15 years. 'But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. 'I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.' In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas' resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is 'simply not true' that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. 'We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. The footage was recorded by campaigners from the Animal Justice Project (AJP) last year inside C&K Meats in Suffolk - which has the capacity to kill between 1,200 to 1,400 pigs day Distressed sounds can be heard throughout, with pigs also appearing panicked as they are herded through the abattoir towards their death. Abattoir workers can also be heard throughout the footage, shouting at the pigs as they are hit A spokesperson for C&K Meats told MailOnline: 'We are committed to ensuring high levels of animal welfare and take the subject matter very seriously.' 'We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was 'operating effectively' to improve animal welfare. 'We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by 2 million of investment.' The charity insisted that while 94 per cent of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the "right thing to do" to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. 'RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3 per cent of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,' the spokesperson continued. 'No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. 'We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.' Walking along corridors adorned with festive decorations and amid the quiet of the care home, a soft and distant harmony echoes the voices of young and old. As the gentle noise begins to trickle through the halls, supplemented by the faint jingling of bells, the lyrics to Away in a Manger become clearer. This is the sound of Scotlands only intergenerational facility a rather grandiose name for a place of love and companionship. Comprising a nursery and care home, the two community resources were integrated to create a first-of-its-kind care village in Methilhaven, Fife. The unique set-up makes it easier for the nursery children to visit elderly residents of the home where they share stories, play games and sing songs together in a scheme that is bringing untold benefits to both groups. The elderly participants are rejuvenated by the uplifting moments they have with the enthusiastic youngsters, who give scant regard to the frailty or conditions that can pose a barrier to others. Meanwhile the tots benefit from the dialogue they have with the older people, boosting their vocabulary, learning stories, history and all manner of general knowledge from their wise elders. Lynne Garvey, director at Fife Health and Social Care, which runs the village project, said: Methilhaven is a fantastic facility for the area. Nursery kids and care home residents come together to sing, share stories and play games Methilhaven residents have been treated to handmade Christmas cards by the nursery children But it represents much more than a state-of-the-art development. This isnt just bricks and mortar, its a fresh approach to bring people across the generations together. The bond being formed between the two generations is particularly evident during the festive period. One resident, Sheila Cook, 82, said the heartwarming time spent with the children takes her back to her own childhood. She added: Weve been teaching the kids our favourite Christmas songs, like Away in a Manger and When Santa Came Down the Chimney. They teach us some of their new ones too and thats really special. The children just accept us for the way we are. Surrounded by the backdrop of the groups Christmas tree, these residents have been treated to handmade Christmas cards by the six nursery children, followed by a game of Santa Bingo and a round of biscuits while they chat the hour away. They gather twice a week on the former site of Kirkland High School and have become so close over the past year, that the children will refer to the residents as their friends when chatting during class or at home with their families. The scheme is described as truly inspirational The elderly residents and their young counterparts mark all manner of festivals and occasions together, such as Halloween, birthdays and Christmas parties. Ms Cook said spending time with the kids is something she looks forward to every week. She added: We just love colouring and singing songs to the kids. Sometimes they can be a bit shy, but they get used to us. The village, which includes the 36-bed home, an integrated nursery, extra care housing properties and four specific-needs bungalows, has become a beacon of pride for the community which suffers from high levels of deprivation. This is why the facility offers a community cafe for locals who are encouraged to enjoy a hot beverage and a bite to eat on their home patch regardless of whether they have any relationship to the residents or youngsters within. Nursery headteacher Alexandria Johnston believes the project has garnered great community support for the facility, something particularly important during the Christmas period. She said: The relationships between the residents families and the nursery are amazing, especially with the support that they give us. Were in such a deprived area and its well known how much families can struggle at this time of the year, but the older adults families have been fantastic at adding to donations, supporting fairs and fundraising. Its not just what goes on under this roof, its how its managing to reach out to the whole community. It is the comfort of knowing they will get to spend time with the young ones that makes local families happy to send their relatives to the facility, says Tammy McDougall, a social care worker at the home. Ms McDougall, whose niece is also a member of the nursery, said: For most people its a big part of their decision-making when they come into care. They want to come here specifically because we have the nursery and they can spend time with the kids. Younger and older members of the local community are forming new bonds Weve had that feedback directly from families. Even my niece will tell me how much she has loved spending time with the adults when I see her out of work. She loves it so much. The staff behind the intergenerational initiative are following research which shows the best time to shape a childs personality, views and social values is between the ages of two and five. So while the youngsters may only spend two hours per week with the residents, it is hoped that these relationships will help build a greater respect for elders in the area. Fife Councils spokeswoman for education, Councillor Cara Hilton, said: The village is bringing generations together in the local community. By bringing young and old together, a new community is being created which promotes a greater understanding and respect between the generations. Its truly inspirational to see and its something we want to do more of in the future. As the session concludes and the children finish up their snacks, they give each resident a warm embrace in the form of a great big cuddle. They are headed back to the nursery now, but they already cannot wait to return. Each of them blows the residents a kiss when they walk out and says a gentle see you next time. Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House on Friday, Dec. 6. San Francisco Ballet and its performers union have reached a two-year agreement, averting a potential disruption to its 2024-25 season. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle San Francisco Ballet and its performers union have reached a two-year agreement, averting a potential disruption to its 2024-25 season. The deal, ratified by both parties on Monday, Dec. 16, resolves months of contract negotiations between the Ballet and the companys 84 dancers and three stage managers. The agreement addresses key issues such as wage increases, health and wellness provisions, and the number of full-time dancers employed. It also introduces new company ranks to provide career advancement opportunities, offers better compensation for stage managers, and improves rest periods and safety measures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These changes were prompted by growing concerns over the physical demands placed on performers, including a recent increase in workers compensation claims. (The Ballet is currently facing lawsuits from two dancers, Mathilde Froustey and Ellen Hummel, who claim they were forced to perform through pain, leading to permanent injuries.) The opening night of the Ballets Nutcracker was initially in jeopardy due to the contract dispute between the company and its union, the American Guild of Musical Artists. Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House on Friday, Dec. 6. San Francisco Ballet and its performers union have reached a two-year agreement, averting a potential disruption to its 2024-25 season. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle As negotiations stalled in early December, there were fears that the 20th anniversary performances of Helgi Tomassons beloved production could be canceled. Tensions were heightened by concerns about the safety and well-being of dancers, who had raised alarms about the physically demanding nature of their work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Just days before the premiere, however, the Ballets management and AGMA reached a tentative agreement, allowing the Nutcracker season to proceed as planned, ensuring both the companys holiday tradition and the dancers livelihoods would not be interrupted. With that agreement now firmly in place, company leaders are confident moving forward with its season, which kicks off with the Ballets Opening Night Gala on Jan. 22. We are thrilled to come to a respectful and equitable agreement with the world-class dancers and stage managers of San Francisco Ballet, said Ballet Executive Director Branislav Henselmann. The exemplary artists of SF Ballet, who continue to build upon the legacy and artistry of the nations oldest ballet company with a firm vision on the future of the art form, are the reason I joined the organization. Jeffrey Boyd, AGMAs national executive director, commended the dancers and stage managers for their resolve through this process. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An Arizona man who called himself a 'supreme villain' filmed himself spraying insect killer on fresh produce inside a Walmart. Charles Smith, 27, was arrested after uploading a since-deleted video of him spraying Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug & Flea Killer all over bananas, yams, lemons, tomatoes, rotisserie chickens and more inside a Mesa, Arizona, Walmart on Thursday. He turned himself in after police contacted him, according to The Arizona Republic. He also admitted to stealing the pesticide he used in the clips from the store. Smith was booked into jail on charges for introducing poison - a felony - as well misdemeanor criminal damage, endangerment and theft, police said. In videos circulating online, no bystander or employee confronted Smith, who goes by Wolfie Kahletti on social media, as he went on his spraying spree. He later placed the contaminated fruits and vegetables into an empty cart and wheeled into what appeared to be a back area, his Instagram Story showed. Walmart confirmed the contaminated food items were removed and the area was thoroughly cleaned, the outlet reported. Charles Smith, 27, was arrested after uploading a now-deleted video of him spraying Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug & Flea Killer all over bananas, yams, lemons, tomatoes, rotisserie chickens and more inside a Mesa, Arizona, Walmart on Thursday He turned himself in after police contacted him. In videos circulating online, no one was seen confronting Smith, who goes by Wolfie Kahletti on social media He later showed him putting the contaminated fruits and vegetables into an empty cart and wheeled them into what appeared to be a back area. Walmart confirmed the produce was thrown out NEW: Self-proclaimed "Super Villian" films himself spraying food at a grocery store with insect k*ller. Wolfie Kahletti is known for filming himself wreaking havoc in public for his 328,000 followers on TikTok. After apparently receiving backlash, Kahletti deleted the video and pic.twitter.com/Em97ZZqd0E Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 21, 2024 Smith confirmed to The Republic that the produce was disposed 'right after' and 'no one was poisoned.' This has not been confirmed by police. He did not say why he decided to spray the food. Smith's social media is full of prank videos, with him often using bungee cords to lock people in businesses, throwing raw bacon and eggs into a man's dryer at the laundromat and more. Earlier this month, another TikToker was arrested after fleecing Target with a sneaky checkout barcode hack. Marlena Velez, 22, who has nearly 300,000 followers, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with an additional count of petit theft in connection to a shoplifting incident at the Cape Coral Target on November 20, NBC 2 reports. Police say she entered the store, selected 16 household goods and clothing valued at $225. However, at self-checkout, she allegedly used a fake barcode to scan the items for a lower price - which was caught on surveillance footage. Authorities were able to nab Velez for the crime based on a prior arrest and due to the fact the alleged thief's phone wallpaper seen in security footage was identical to Velez' background seen on Instagram photos, according to the Fort Myers News-Press. The theft came less than 24 hours after she was cuffed for doing the exact same crime at the same Target location weeks prior. For her previous alleged theft on October 30, cops said Velez stole 16 items - including household goods and clothes - worth a total of $500.32. Princess Anne has retained her title as the hardest working royal having racked up 217 engagements for 2024, as her brother King Charles III took second place despite undergoing treatment for cancer over the last year. The Princess Royal, 74, known to be the most industrious royal family member, took on 31 more official engagements this year than her elder brother, who carried out 186. Together, the pair took on the most official duties than their royal counterparts, despite Anne briefly taking a break in June after she was kicked by a horse and suffered concussion, and the monarch undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Despite this, the King has managed to return to a packed schedule that in recent months has included travelling to France for D-Day commemorations, hosting the Emperor of Japan for his state visit and touring Australia and Samoa with the Queen. The analysis comes as Buckingham Palace confirmed the King will continue undertaking duties, with his treatment 'moving in a positive direction' into 2025. The research, which was conducted by Reboot SEO company, is based on entries published in the Court Circular, The Telegraph reports. Anne has long been known as the hardest-working royal, although the King took the top spot in 2019 and 2020. The Duke of Gloucester and Prince Edward came in joint third, completing 126 engagements, while Sophie Wessex came in fifth with 124 engagements. The Princess Royal, pictured with husband Sir Tim Laurence, has retained her title as the hardest working royal having racked up 217 engagements for 2024 Princess Anne pictured with her elder brother King Charles III during the state visit of the Emir of Qatar earlier this month The Princess Royal arrives by carriage on day three of Royal Ascot in June this year The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at Windsor Castle in June King Charles III took second place despite undergoing treatment for cancer over the last year with 186 engagements The monarch pictured at D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France in June King Charles III and Queen Camilla pictured in Samoa during their tour in October How Princess Anne proved she is once again the hardest working royal Princess Anne: 217 engagements King Charles: 186 engagements Duke of Gloucester: 126 engagements Prince Edward: 126 engagements Sophie Wessex: 124 engagements Queen Camilla: 95 engagements Prince of Wales: 71 engagements Princess of Wales: 11 engagements Advertisement Meanwhile Queen Camilla undertook 95 engagements. While usually among the top spots in the annual rankings, the Prince and Princess of Wales saw a large dip in engagements this year, following on from the Princess' cancer diagnosis and subsequent preventative chemotherapy. Prince William completed 71 engagements in 2024, while Kate Middleton undertook just 11, as the couple sought to focus on her recovery and spend time with their three children. 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. Camilla undertook 95 engagements this year. Pictured: The Queen at a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall in East London on Friday The Princess of Wales, pictured at the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, undertook 11 duties this year following her cancer diagnosis The Prince of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey William and Kate, pictured during the Emir of Qatar's visit in December, have stepped back from duties this year following her cancer diagnosis A 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 latest figures were unveiled as the King and Queen held their last public event of the year at a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall in East London. Royal aides said this would 'celebrate the strong sense of community cohesion in the borough, highlighted by peaceful counter-protests in August 2024 following disorder in other parts of the UK'. Charles has increased his engagements recently, including a visit to Apple's London HQ and a meeting with CEO Tim Cook. 'You could almost forget at the start of the year this was a man that faced the shock of being diagnosed with cancer', a source said to Sky News. Some engagements might involve little more than turning up; others demand much preparation, not to mention a long journey. And the Court Circular makes no mention of illness, pregnancy, red boxes or the paperwork and private meetings which fill every royal diary. Rachel Reeves was dubbed the Christmas Grinch last night as it was revealed that her Budget tax grab means 45 pence in every pound donated to charity will now effectively go to the Government. The Chancellor's National Insurance raid will add an extra 1.4billion to wage bills in the already struggling voluntary sector, forcing bosses to decide whether to lay off staff or axe vital services. Exclusive analysis by The Mail on Sunday shows that following Ms Reeves' hikes, charities will hand over a total of 6.3 billion in National Insurance payments to HMRC next year which is equivalent to 45 per cent of the 13.9 billion donated by the public. Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden called the Chancellor 'a modern-day Grinch' the mean-spirited Dr Seuss character who steals a whole town's Christmas gifts. 'With her new National Insurance jobs tax snatching cash donated to those in need, she is dipping her hands deep in every charity collecting tin,' he added. 'People will be forced to rethink their generosity.' Sarah Elliott, head of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: 'Many charities rely on the generosity of the public but that can only stretch so far. People would be hugely concerned if they fully understood the perilous situation facing charities and how many are cutting services or facing closure. 'One thing is clear the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions will push many charities to breaking point, forcing devastating decisions between managing overstretched budgets and providing the lifelines so many rely on.' Rachel Reeves was dubbed the Christmas Grinch last night as it was revealed that her Budget tax grab means 45 pence in every pound donated to charity will now effectively go to the Government Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden called the Chancellor 'a modern-day Grinch Mr Holden (pictured) added: 'With her new National Insurance jobs tax snatching cash donated to those in need, she is dipping her hands deep in every charity collecting tin' Her organisation, which represents 17,000 groups, calculated that the sector's National Insurance is set to rise from 4.9 billion or 35 per cent of public donations to 6.3 billion when the Chancellor's policy kicks in from April. Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, says the end-of-life charity faces paying an extra 3 million in tax next year. He told how volunteers who rattled tins in high streets were 'met with warmth and kindness from the public' but added: 'I am confident that not a single one of these generous donors would want their donations passed straight through to HMRC.' Last night charity bosses issued an urgent plea to the Chancellor to reconsider, but the Treasury has so far resisted pressure to exempt charities from the tax raid. Last week Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Reform MPs tried to push through an amendment to spare the voluntary sector, but it was voted down by Labour MPs. Tory MP Mr Holden said: 'When you see a Labour MP, ask them why they think it's fair the taxman will be taking almost half of your donation at Christmas.' Shadow Culture Minister Stuart Anderson added that the tax rise was a 'slap in the face' for members of the public feeling generous this Christmas. And Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: 'This will clobber charities who are providing vital services and support. The extra financial burden will put their work at risk. The mean-spirited Dr Seuss character steals a whole town's Christmas gifts Exclusive analysis by The Mail on Sunday shows that following Ms Reeves' hikes, charities will hand over a total of 6.3 billion in National Insurance payments to HMRC next year 'For many, this may even be the last Christmas where they can do their essential work before the added pressure is too much.' According to the latest figures, the Charities Aid Foundation UK says the public donates 13.9 billion a year. But this is not the only source of funding for charities, as they can also receive government grants or deliver public services under contract. But the smaller the charity, the more reliant they typically are on public donations. Philanthropists and business leaders also called on Ms Reeves to change course. Businessman Lord Spencer, who has just pledged to donate 20,000 to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said the National Insurance tax hike was a 'calamity' for charities and businesses. And advertising tycoon Sir Martin Sorrell criticised Ms Reeves' Budget and called for an exemption for the sector. He said: 'Charities often act as a private subsidiary for what government does. 'I gave to a charity I believe in recently and it wrote back to say it was under the pump because of increased National Insurance contributions. Some of these charities won't survive by themselves.' Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: 'I hope people don't feel discouraged from giving to charities, because the National Insurance rise is one of the reasons charities need donations more than ever. 'The whole sector is hoping and praying that the Chancellor changes her mind.' An RSPCA spokesman said: 'We're really concerned at the impact these National Insurance rises which could cost us more than 1 million next year alone will have for animal welfare. 'We urge the Government to help by easing this burden.' Senior Labour MP Graham Stringer said: 'I would appeal to the Chancellor to show some festive spirit and give charities some much-needed relief.' And former Tory Cabinet Minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'If Rachel Reeves has read Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, she's obviously got the wrong message. 'She's clearly modelling herself on Ebenezer Scrooge before he's had his dreams and come to his senses. 'By imposing these unnecessary tax rises on charities, this granite- hearted Chancellor is not just failing to come to Tiny Tim's aid she's kicking the poor little mite's crutch away. 'But like Scrooge, it's not too late for Red Rachel to salvage what's left of her reputation and give hard-pressed charities some much-needed Christmas cheer.' A Treasury spokesman said: 'Our tax regime for charities, including exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous in the world. Tax reliefs for charities and their donors were worth just over 6 billion for the tax year to April 2024. 'We have protected small charities and businesses by more than doubling the Employment Allowance to 10,500, meaning more than half of all employers with National Insurance liabilities either gain or see no change next year.' The King has scrapped Cadburys coveted Royal Warrant after 170 years despite it being his mothers favourite chocolate. The late Queen loved Cadburys Bournville so much, she received boxes of it every Christmas. Her great-great-grandmother Victoria had awarded the top British exporter its warrant. But six monarchs later, it is to lose its globally recognised mark of excellence after the King chose not to renew it, The Mail on Sunday understands. Almost 400 companies were in the latest round of warrants announced this week, with Charles keeping 386 granted by his mother, ranging from Kelloggs cereal to Moet champagne. Those unsuccessful, like Cadbury, were told by letter. As is protocol, the brands were not given a reason why. The warrants are awarded in recognition of the supply of goods or services to the royal household and senior Royal Family members. It is understood the supply of Cadbury products to royal households has decreased over several years. The King is also known for his healthy eating, preferring a piece of fruit or fibre-rich seeds over a bar of chocolate. King Charles (then the Prince of Wales) at a visit ot a chocolate factory. The monarch has scrapped Cadbury's royal warrant after 170 years A bust of King Charles III made entirely of chocolate. Other confectionery brands, including Bendicks and Nestle have retained their warrants Palace insiders, however, say Royal Warrants reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, not just the King, alongside factors including sustainability. Consumer goods giant Unilever, which owns brands such as Marmite, is also missing from the list. But similar brands to Cadbury which still have a warrant include Nestle, upmarket Bendicks of Mayfair, which makes dark mint chocolates, and Prestat, one of Londons oldest chocolate shops. More than 100 warrants have gone, although some companies may not have reapplied, may have ceased trading or may have had their application deferred. Boots, which previously held a warrant from the late Queen, said its warrant was pending and had not been rejected. Palace insiders say Royal Warrants reflect the consumption of the entire royal household, alongside other factors including sustainability Cadbury, the maker behind classic brands such as Dairy Milk, Twirl and Crunchie, is one of Britain's most successful exporters Cadbury, which makes family favourites such as Dairy Milk, Roses and Heroes, is one of Britains most successful exporters. Originally manufacturing in Bournville, Birmingham, it is celebrating its 200th year in business. A Cadbury spokesman said: Ours is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nations favourite chocolate. 'While we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK not to have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one and we fully respect the decision. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The Saudi doctor who killed five people by ploughing his BMW into a Christmas market vowed to slaughter '20 Germans' last year. German police were warned about 'unstable' Dr Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen in September last year, but did nothing more than take screenshots of his twisted online threats. The 50-year-old psychiatrist rammed his SUV into a packed market in the town of Magdeburg on Friday night, leaving a nine-year-old boy and four adults dead and injuring more than 200 people, 40 of them critically. Footage showed scenes of horror with the car cutting through families who barely had time to turn their heads. A woman reported his online threat, made in Arabic, to Berlin police, as well as the German migration authorities. But no action was taken. Last night she said Al-Abdulmohsen 'openly threatened the lives of Germans but police didn't arrest him or take any action. This could have been prevented if the police had done their job properly.' Al-Abdulmohsen had bypassed security bollards and used an emergency corridor which should have been blocked for anything other than ambulances and police vehicles to enter the market. He launched his attack just after 7pm local time in Germany, as thousands of shoppers gathered at the centre of Magdeburg. Driving slowly at first, the blue SUV turned in to an alleyway where hundreds of shoppers were browsing stalls and sipping mulled wine. A police vehicle is stationed at the scene of a vehicle-ramming attack on the Christmas market on December 21 Several German media outlets identified the suspect as Taleb A (pictured), and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy Pictured: Taleb A the alleged car-ramming perpetrator that killed 5 and injured more than 200 in an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany Firefighters patrol the scene of the crash on Friday after a car rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm The Christmas market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg, Germany, is empty on Saturday evening Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market on the cold and gloomy day Debris and empty stalls are seen on a closed Christmas market one day after a car-ramming attack in Magdeburg He then pointed his vehicle directly at the crowd and ploughed forward. As shoppers fled in panic, the driver turned another corner and drove out of the market. An off-duty policeman pursued the BMW until he came to a halt outside Magdeburg shopping centre, where he was arrested at gunpoint by armed officers. As the five deaths were confirmed in a sombre press conference last night, details emerged of the youngest victim, who was nine, and was out shopping with his mother. Last night, his mother, posted a poignant message for her son. She said: 'Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again... [my son] hadn't done anything to anyone... he was only with us on Earth for nine years... why you... why?' The boy was a member of the local youth fire brigade club. It posted: 'We are particularly saddened by the loss of such a young life from our own ranks.' As Germany grieved last night, anger was also boiling up, with signs that troublesome days lie ahead. More than 1,000 far-Right thugs descended on Magdeburg to protest against the attack, with anger visible on their faces. Although no violence broke out, there were fears that more such protests lay ahead. As Al-Abdulmohsen was being questioned, it was revealed that he was on drugs during the attack, but police did not give more details. Authorities said that his mental and physical states were being examined. The prosecutor said that the medic's grievance about how Germany was treating Saudi dissident asylum seekers was part of the investigation as a possible motive. Police officers secure the area during the German Chancellor's visit to the scene of a vehicle-ramming attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg People lay flowers at a makeshift memorial near the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg Although his Saudi background and a vehicle attack on a Christian event had all the signs of an Islamist terror attack, Al-Abdulmohsen's background has shown that it was 'unusual and contradictory'. Peter Neumann, professor of security studies at King's College, London, said: 'He is against Islam, he supports [the Right-wing] AfD party, he is not an Isis supporter, but he did an attack like an Isis terrorist. So it is a bit of a cliche to say it, but this all may suggest mental health issues.' There were also claims made on social media that the Saudis had warned the German authorities at least three times about Al-Abdulmohsen, but were ignored. But Professor Neumann said that the claims could be part of a Saudi disinformation campaign, as Al-Abdulmohsen was a staunch critic of the country's rulers. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited the site of the attack, said that he was 'very worried for the 40' said to be critically ill. There were also questions as to how another attack on a Christmas market was allowed to happen, eight years after the atrocity at the Breitscheidplatz market in Berlin, which left 13 dead and 70 injured. Experts were also dismayed at how police and intelligence services missed warning signs. Al-Abdulmohsen was a high-profile Saudi ex-Muslim who openly made his threats on social media where he endorsed far-Right leaders such as Britain's Tommy Robinson. His warning of a killing spree last year followed a dispute with a German refuge for atheist asylum seekers. He claimed staff there sexually assaulted a number of Saudi women. In a tweet he said: 'Would you blame me if I randomly killed 20 Germans because of what Germany is doing against the Saudis?' Plush toys, candles and floral tributes lie near the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market And in August this year, he posted in Arabic: 'I assure you that if Germany wants a war, we will fight it. If Germany wants to kill us, we will slaughter them, die, or go to prison with pride. 'Because we have exhausted all peaceful means and all we have received from the police, state security, the prosecution, the judiciary, and the Ministry of the Interior is more crimes against us. Peace is of no use with them.' He also accused the country of allowing too many Syrian terrorists to enter the country. He tweeted: 'Germany's goal has become clear: to spread Islam in Europe. They are attacking political movements critical of Islam by infiltrating them with corrupt people, including addicts, prostitutes, and thieves, in order to corrupt the movement from within.' The Queen may have modernised many aspects of the monarchy during her 70-year reign, but she could still be a traditionalist from time to time. One such occasion was when the late monarch allegedly expressed her disapproval of Meghan Markle opting to wear a veil at her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Royal author Tom Bower claimed Her Majesty raised her concerns in his 2022 book Revenge, writing: 'The Queen also questioned why Meghan needed a veil for the wedding, given it was to be her second marriage.' The late Queen was also allegedly taken aback at the divorcee's choice of a white bridal gown, which typically represents virginal purity. Meghan had previously been married to Hollywood film producer Trevor Engelson between 2011 and 2013. Queen Camilla, who had previously been married to Andrew Parker Bowles between 1973 and 1995, stuck with tradition and opted not to wear a veil for her wedding to Charles in 2005. But Meghan forwent subtlety when it came to her veil for the grand service in the historic St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The 16ft-long piece of material was trimmed with lace depicting flora from each of the 53 Commonwealth countries. The late Queen observes Meghan during her wedding to Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018 The duchess arrives for her wedding in her 16ft-long veil which was trimmed with lace depicting flora from each of the 53 Commonwealth countries Two page boys were required to help carry the 100,000 dress's long veil into the chapel Fashion designer Clare Waight Keller, then of Givenchy, who worked alongside Meghan on the 100,000 dress said she wanted to create a 'timeless piece' but also 'convey modernity'. She said: 'In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.' Biographer Tom Bower claimed the Queen questioned the veil in his 2022 book The gown and veil were created after 3,900 hours of work by 50 people, with the dressmakers having to regularly wash their hands to avoid discolouring the material. The veil was held in place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, which was made in 1932 and lent to Meghan by the late Queen. But the decision to wear such an eye-catching veil for her second wedding appeared to raise eyebrows with the more traditional royals. The practice of brides wearing veils is said to go back to ancient Greeks and Romans, who wore them to disguise themselves from any evil spirits who wanted to stand in the way of their happiness. Over the centuries many cultures have embraced the garment and it is now often associated with aspects of bridal virtue like modesty and chastity. Recalling the dress for a Windsor Castle exhibition on the wedding, Meghan said: 'I had a very clear vision of what I wanted for the day and what I wanted the dress to look like. The duchess steps out of her car in her Givenchy dress made by British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland arriving at Windsor Castle Meghan's veil was held in place by the Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, which was made in 1932 and lent to Meghan by the late Queen When Charles married Camilla in 2005 in a civil service, she opted to wear off-white and forgo the veil entirely Meghan waves to the crowds on her wedding day while wearing her veil and Queen Mary's diamond tiara 'So what was amazing in working with Clare [Waight Keller] is that sometimes you'll find designers try to push you in a different direction. But she just completely respected what I wanted to see for the day, and she wanted to bring that to life for me.' But the elaborate veil was not the only controversy that arose from Meghan's choices for her bridal gown. The late Queen never voiced her true opinion about the duchess to anyone except her very closest confidantes, including Lady Elizabeth Anson. Known as Liza to her friends, she was a cousin of the Queen, and used to speak on the telephone to the monarch on a daily basis. Lady Elizabeth told royal author Ingrid Seward that the Queen had made only one remark to her about Meghan and Harry's wedding, which was that the bride's Givenchy wedding gown was 'too white'. She wrote in her February 2024 book My Mother and I: 'In the monarch's view, it was not appropriate for a divorcee getting remarried in church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal.' Her husband, Prince Phillip, would also go on to make comparisons between Meghan and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who Edward VIII abdicated to marry. Seward claims he was 'one of the few wary' of being charmed by Meghan and thought it was 'uncanny' how much she reminded him of the socialite Simpson. Although twice-divorced Simpson did not opt to wear white when she married Edward in 1937, instead choosing pale blue. Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson pose for a portrait after their wedding at the Chateau de Cande, in Monts, France, on June 3, 1937. Simpson chose a pale blue dress rather than a white one Wallis, centre, is driven to the funeral of her husband, the Duke of Windsor, in 1972 Prince Philip reportedly said it was uncanny how much Meghan (pictured with Prince Harry in 2018) reminded him of the Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson (pictured with Edward in 1966) Katie Nicholl, in her book The New Royals, also reported a similar concern from the late Queen after she was told by a source that the decision to wear white had left her 'surprised'. She wrote: 'Perhaps it's a generational thing, but she believes if you've been married before, you wear off-white on your wedding day, which is what the Duchess of Cornwall [Camilla] did.' As well as the controversy surrounding the dress veil and colour, the person who walked Meghan down the aisle while she was wearing it also became an issue. Instead of the traditional father of the bride, Thomas Markle, handing her over to the groom, it was decided on short notice that Prince Charles would do the honours. Thomas had decided not to come to the wedding when he became embroiled in a scandal after it was discovered by The Mail on Sunday that he had staged photographs with paparazzi for cash. But the late Queen reportedly felt regret that the bride had not made up with her estranged father before the paparazzi drama unfolded. According to Nicholl, the fact that Harry had not yet met Thomas and that Meghan was still not speaking to her father concerned the Queen, and while she rarely intervened, she made a point of speaking to Harry and Meghan about the situation. 'It was the Queen's feeling that Meghan should sort things out with her father and that Harry should have met Thomas before the wedding,' a family friend told the author. 'She thought the whole thing could have been better handled.' The late Queen and Meghan watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, driven along the Long Walk in a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV as they arrive for her wedding ceremony But once the deceit of his actions around the photographs was revealed, the duchess's relationship with her 80-year-old father broke down, and it seems they still don't speak. Although Meghan was not alone in choosing to forgo tradition for her wedding, as her husband-to-be Harry also wanted to carve out his own image for the big day. When he was about to get married, he went to see the Queen to ask permission to keep his beard on his wedding day. Long-standing protocol in the British Army states beards are forbidden, and since Harry was going to be married in military dress uniform, his would have to go. But in an effort to save his ginger fuzz, the prince did the only thing he could think of to get around the rules - begging his grandmother to make an exception for him. Harry later recounted in his tell-all memoir Spare that he 'desperately wanted to hang on' to his beard as it had become an 'effective check on my anxiety'. He claimed it helped 'therapy, and meditation, and a few other things' to calm his nerves. When he gave all his reasons to the Queen, which also included concerns he didn't want Meghan to see a 'total stranger' at the alter, she permitted him. Harry later recounted a conversation he had with William, who got married clean shaven, about his beard pass, writing his brother said: 'You put her in an uncomfortable position, Harold! She had no choice but to say yes. Harry asked the Queen for special permission to keep his beard for the wedding Meghan added a personal touch to her wedding dress, stitching a piece of blue gingham fabric from the dress she wore on her first date with Harry to the hem Meghan and her father Thomas were already estranged at the time of her wedding to Harry He replied: 'No choice? She's the Queen! If she didn't want me to have a beard I think she can speak for herself.' Meanwhile, although the Queen was concerned about Meghan's choice of veil and white dress, perhaps the biggest pre-wedding concerns came from the tiara. She had offered Meghan access to her collection of tiaras and, during what Harry later described as an 'extraordinary morning', allowed her to try them on in front of her, her devoted dresser Angela Kelly and a royal jewellery expert in her private dressing room. Something later went badly wrong, however, when Meghan tried to arrange a fitting with Kelly, who, it seems, did not like the manner in which the bride and groom were treating her, according to Daily Mail diary editor Richard Eden. Perhaps accustomed to ordering around underlings on a television shoot, Meghan may not have been used to dealing with someone such as Kelly, who - although a servant - was also a confidante and friend of the Queen. Harry denied in his memoirs that he angrily told Kelly, 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets.' He did, however, admit they had been exasperated by the dresser, who 'fixed me with a look that made me shiver'. The late Queen's closest adviser and dresser Angela Kelly seemed to have been annoyed with how she was treated by Meghan during the tiara fitting The Queen (pictured two days before her death on September 8, 2022) was reportedly saddened at Harry and Meghan's choice to leave the Royal Family, allegedly confiding to a close friend that she was exhausted by the turmoil of it all He added: 'I could read in her face a clear warning. This isn't over.' On the day of the wedding, royal watchers noticed the Queen's face looked stern as she looked across at Meghan in her wedding dress. In the years following the wedding, the Sussexes continued to grow more distant from the Royal Family as they clashed with the strict order of things within the institution. They eventually made the decision to leave the Firm and move to the US in 2020, later attacking the family in an interview with Oprah Winfrey the following year. The Queen was reportedly saddened at their choice, allegedly confiding to a close friend that she was exhausted by the turmoil of it all. The source told Nicholl: 'The Queen was very hurt and told me, "I don't know, I don't care, and I don't want to think about it any more".' Seward wrote of the situation: 'At that point the Queen decided there was no longer any point in worrying about Harry as he wasn't going to take notice of anyone but his wife. 'However much she loved Harry - and she did - she couldn't condone the way he was speaking about the institution of the monarchy she'd spent 70 years preserving.' Prince Andrew is believed to be so fed up by his fall from grace that he has 'refused to walk the late Queen's corgis'. The Duke of York was gifted two of her late Majesty's dogs on her death, yet the 64-year-old won't walk any of them because he is so 'demoralised' by life. Instead he is said to ask the footmen to take the dogs around the grounds at Windsor castle, along with his five other dogs he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. It comes after it was revealed that he will not be attending Christmas with King Charles , in the wake of his links to an alleged Chinese spy being made public. The beleaguered Duke of York agreed not to embarrass the King further and has voluntarily decided, along with the Duchess of York, to give the annual celebrations in Norfolk a miss. A source told the Sun: 'He's so down and demoralised he hasn't even been able to get himself motivated to take the dogs for a walk. 'He used to do it regularly but recently he can't even bring himself to go out.' Prince Andrew is believed to be so fed up by his fall from grace that he has 'refused to walk the late Queen's corgis' The Duke of York was gifted two of her late Majesty's dogs on her death, yet the 64-year-old won't walk any of them because he is so 'demoralised' MailOnline understands that their children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, had already made the decision to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws, having not had the chance to do so for several years. The Daily Mail revealed today that His Majesty didn't want to ban his brother from attending but hoped he might 'do the decent thing' and decide to stay away in light of the growing spy scandal. It is understood that The King and Queen were hoping none other than the Duchess of York might come to their rescue and save the family's festivities this Christmas - and it appears that she has. In an interview at the weekend Sarah likened herself to being a 'carer for a sad man' and also spoke of her love for the king and his kindness towards her. The monarch - who owned more than 30 corgis and dorgis throughout her life - was often joined by Fergie on walks around the grounds of Windsor Castle towards the end of her reign. Meanwhile, Andrew faced further embarrassment when it emerged that he and Prince Harry are known as the 'Dukes of Hazard' by Palace courtiers. It comes after an avalanche of negative publicity surrounding the pair. In an interview at the weekend Sarah likened herself to being a 'carer for a sad man' and also spoke of her love for the king and his kindness towards her The monarch - who owned more than 30 corgis and dorgis throughout her life - was often joined by Fergie on walks around the grounds of Windsor Castle towards the end of her reign Alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who forged links with Andrew and mixed with other British establishment figures, insisted he has 'done nothing wrong or unlawful' Alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who forged links with Andrew and mixed with other British establishment figures, insisted he has 'done nothing wrong or unlawful'. Mr Yang said it was 'entirely untrue' to claim he was involved in espionage and said he was a victim of a 'political climate' which had seen a rise in tensions between the UK and China. Businessman Mr Yang became a 'close' confidant of the Duke and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May. The Royal Household is investigating claims Andrew invited him into Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and St Jamess Palace. In a statement after a High Court judge lifted an order granting him anonymity he said: 'Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity. 'I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a 'spy' is entirely untrue.' Mr Yang last week lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. He was known in the legal case only as H6 until the anonymity order was lifted today. Pregnant Princess Beatrice has been ordered by doctors to stay home in the UK for Christmas in case travelling endangers her baby. The late Queen's granddaughter was planning to spend Christmas overseas with her property tycoon husband's family for the first time since their marriage in 2020. But Buckingham Palace announced last night that the Princess, 36, who is in the final months of her second pregnancy, has changed her festive plans following medical advice that she should not travel for 'long distances'. On October 1, the Palace announced Princess Beatrice was expecting the baby 'in early spring'. She is now in the third trimester of her pregnancy, which starts from 28 weeks. Dr Ellie Cannon, Mail on Sunday columnist and GP, said: 'There are a whole host of reasons why somebody in their third trimester may not be able to fly. 'Different acute issues might be something common such as a chest infection or even a viral illness, which can be quite serious in pregnancy. Flying can make this worse because of dehydration and sitting still for hours which can also raise the risk of blood clots. The late Queen's granddaughter was planning to spend Christmas overseas with her property tycoon husband's family for the first time since their marriage in 2020. Pictured: Attending a Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace on December 19 Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6 'More long-term issues could be high blood pressure or diabetes. Travelling long distance can be dangerous in this scenario because of the ongoing monitoring needed.' The Princess will now celebrate at Sandringham with the Royal Family, alongside husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, her stepson Wolfie, eight, and daughter Sienna, three. She is not expected to join the family in their walk to church on Christmas morning. The Princess has attended other public events recently, including the pre-Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. It is not known exactly where Beatrice was planning to travel to spend Christmas, but it was reported that she had been planning to celebrate with her in-laws. Her husband Mr Mapelli Mozzi, known as Edo, is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Williams-Ellis. The family owns an 18th Century mansion an hour from Lake Como in northern Italy. Prince Andrew, Duke of York (left), Sarah, Duchess of York (second left) Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (third left) and Britain's Princess Beatrice of York (fourth left) arrive for the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church last year Prince Andrew with his daughter Princess Beatrice as they made their way to Sandringham Church for Christmas Service in 1994 Princess Beatrice and Eugenie normally spend Christmas at Sandringham but this year both planned to celebrate with their in-laws. Princess Eugenie, 34, is still planning to visit the family of husband Jack Brooksbank, 38. Both daughters will not spend their day with their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who will be at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. It is understood that Sarah helped persuade Andrew to lay low over Christmas after he was embroiled in a scandal over his connections to a Chinese spy. Prince Harrys Netflix show about polo may have been mauled by the critics, but you might have expected his old chums from the sport to have a much more positive verdict. But Tommy Severn, the captain of Polo England who has played with both Princes William and Harry, has joined the chorus of derision, I can reveal, criticising the show as very weird. He also said the California-based Duke cant come back to England now as any return would make him look like an idiot. Severn was baffled by how little Harry appears in the series, which has failed to make the top ten of Neflix shows anywhere in the world, saying: It seemed to be more about Timmy and Tim Dutta than the Prince, who doesnt appear until near the end. Timmy, 23, plays for a US team bankrolled by his father. Harry and William were once so close to Severns family that they kept their ponies at the polo stud owned by his grandfather, Christopher Hanbury in Gloucestershire. Harry also spent his gap year at the familys ranch in Argentina. Tommy Severn, the captain of Polo England who has played with both Princes William and Harry, has joined the chorus of derision against the Prince's new polo show Mr Severn (pictured) also said the California-based Duke cant come back to England now as any return would make him look like an idiot Severn said Harry (pictured) cant come back to England now as any return would make him look like an idiot. Severn said that the show was more 'Timmy and Tim Dutta (pictured) than the Prince' When asked why the Duke failed to mention his formative years in polo with Severn and his family, he replied: Ive no idea! He added: I think Harrys cut ties so if he came back now, hed look like an idiot. But he said he couldnt completely rule out Harry returning to the UK and Royal life later: William might help him because they were close thats the brothers bond. Harrys show, called Polo, aims to reveal sports fierce rivalries. But the Prince, 40, appears only a handful of times over the five episodes. Jane Fryers review for the Daily Mail called the show plodding and boring, while The Guardian described it as an unintentionally hilarious profile of the worlds stupidest sport. A government app meant to vet migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border to legally allow them into the US was used by two men now accused of being vicious Tren de Aragua gang members, DailyMail.com can reveal. Two Venezuelan men currently being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Aurora, Colorado and who are believed to be members of the bloodthirsty South American gang entered the US via the CBP One Mobile App, their relative exclusively told DailyMail.com. The uncle, a resident of the Edge of Lowry apartment in the Denver suburb, claims his two nephews have no involvement in a brutal kidnapping of other migrants on Tuesday. After the two victims, a man and woman were beaten, stabbed and held against their will for hours, they were released and called 911. Local police descended onto the apartment complex, which the city acknowledges has been run by the criminal organization for months since video of the armed thugs emerged in August. In all 19 migrants were rounded up and turned over to ICE. Charges against eight migrants have been filed for the kidnapping. ICE later said three of those people were released, but the remaining 16 are all Venezuelan migrants who were either TdA members or associates of the mob-- considered to such a public safety threat that the US government classified TdA a transnational criminal organization over the summer. The gang is also responsible for a wave of crime across American cities that includes beating police officers, rapes, murders and child prostitution. The Edge at Lowry apartments was the second property taken over by the South American gang The uncle of the two men denies they are TdA gangsters. 'They are hard-working men,' he explained, sharing their names, birthdate and alien ID numbers. DailyMail.com is withholding their names since police have yet to bring criminal charges against the men, but police did say they are connected to TdA. 'They entered the US legally through with the CBP One App over a year ago. They are here legally and trying to do the right thing.' The app allows migrants in certain areas of Mexico to request a asylum appointment at a port of entry along the US Mexico border. If the migrant meets the minimums criteria for the asylum claim and if their name does not appear in the FBI or ICE database, the migrant is admitted into the country legally and and even given a work permit. 'The CBP One App is a huge fraud. It was never meant to do what the Biden Administration is having it do. It was never meant to vet asylum claims,' John Fabbricatore, the former director of ICE in Colorado told DailyMail.com. Venezuela does not have diplomatic relations with the US and does not share criminal histories for its citizens with American law enforcement officials. Any citizen of that country would automatically not show up in US crime data bases unless they had already been previous arrested in the US. A migrant uses the CBP One app to apply for an appointment to claim asylum in the U.S. Migrants, seeking asylum in the United States and who previously requested an appointment on the CBP One application, attend their appointment Venezuelan Jorluis Ocando (left) walks with other migrants after attending their CBP One appointment and crossing to El Paso, Texas on October 22 Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents Your browser does not support iframes. 'Things like the CBP One App have made the United States less safe,' the former ICE chief added. 'We have let thousands of people in on an app to be minimally vetted.' The former cop turned border security expert added the obvious question is how many other TdA gangster have been legally allowed into the country. 'This is a perfect example of how the Biden Administration failed to have a well-thought plan for having people safely come in. The Biden Administration plan for migrant entry is just chaos. ' Republican law makers have been calling for an end to the use of the CBP One App at the border for this very reason. Over a million Venezuelans have been allowed into the US by the Biden Administration since 2021. Since January 2023 through the end of November 2024, more than 904,500 migrants from Venezuelan, Cuba and Mexico have been granted legal entry to the US through the app, CBP stated. The authors great-great-grandfather, Fred Barbier, pictured years after escaping the Carlisle Indian School and starting a successful farm. Courtesy of Jaqueline Keeler The authors grandmother, Marjorie Keeler, bottom, with her two brothers, William and Pierre, and their French grandfather. Courtesy of Jaqueline Keeler In 1899, my great-grandfather Fred ran away from boarding school the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania and never went back. Was my great-grandfather running away from something, or was he running to something? I cant describe his motivation or his experience at Carlisle because my family never spoke of it. I didnt even know he was a student there until I saw his name in the National Indian Boarding School digital archive. But I have my suspicions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Dec. 9, President Joe Biden made a historic declaration, using his powers under the Antiquities Act to recognize the Carlisle Indian School as a national monument. The move came after Biden issued an apology on Oct. 25 for the federal governments role in these schools. In a speech, Biden vividly described the horrors: Children abused emotionally, physically and sexually abused. Forced into hard labor. Some put up for adoption without the consent of their birth parents. Some left for dead in unmarked graves. After his detailed description of how children were stripped of their clothes and names, had their hair cut and their language beaten out of them, he declared it horribly wrong and a sin on our soul. This act of recognition was an important reminder of the historical trauma associated with such institutions and the urgent need to preserve their memory, including the untold stories of those who suffered within their walls. But it was also incomplete. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My great-grandfather was not a child when he arrived at the Carlisle Indian School. He was 21. When St. Pauls Industrial School, run by the Episcopal Church, opened in 1873 on the Yankton Sioux reservation, the students were 4 to 40 years old. This age range spoke to the resilience of the community, and the desire of Native people to learn to read and write. What tribal members didnt want was to be taken far away from home, to be subjected to abuse or to never return. In 2021, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland of Laguna Pueblo, whose grandfather also attended Carlisle, established the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. This groundbreaking effort generated two reports detailing the scope of the federal governments involvement with boarding schools and the harm they caused, including at Carlisle, the first off-reservation boarding school that became the model for hundreds that followed across the country. The reports found that 973 children died in 417 boarding schools run by the federal government. The number is undoubtedly higher than that, but thats the official accounting so far. The second report also found that the government spent $23.3 billion in 2024 dollars on the schools. Many of the 183 children buried in the cemetery at Carlisle have headstones that say unknown. The lack of names on the grave markers is a painful reminder of the schools disregard for the children and historical evidence of how little the school cared for the children they were charged with educating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some tribes, like the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, are still working to get the remains of their children back. In 2022, six Rosebud kids were returned to the tribe after American youth from the tribe had visited Carlisle and saw the graves and how they were marked after attending a summit with President Barack Obama. The tribe worked for years and finally got the bodies returned and buried in the traditional Lakota way. Among these children was a relative of my great-great-grandfather John Bordeaux, a Sicangu Lakota from Rosebud. Native families have complicated relationships with these boarding schools. They are more like entanglements and persist to this day. There are still Indian schools that Native students attend, including one in Oregon, where I live. That school, Chemawa, was under investigation in recent years. My mother attended two Indian boarding schools: the Tuba City Indian boarding school and the Phoenix Indian School. Two of her siblings attended the Intermountain Boarding School in Utah. She will only discuss the positive aspects with me. She enjoyed having running water and not, as the eldest daughter of the family, having to be a mom to her seven younger siblings. Returning home after a few years in Phoenix to attend the public high school on the reservation, she missed that autonomy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My father did not attend Indian boarding school, but instead struggled with racism directed at him in his hometown. He later told me that the experience made him distrust white people. At 14, his father was beaten to death by white police officers in Yankton, S.D., a city named after our tribe. Unbelievably, he was sent to identify his fathers body, which was made unrecognizable by the brutalization he received. He left the reservation at 18 for the Army and then met my mother while studying engineering in Cleveland through the federal relocation program meant to depopulate reservations of young people. This program, ironically, led to my birth. I would not exist without it. The program was meant to disappear us as a people, as nations, but it inadvertently brought us together. *** So, what did my great-grandfather Fred run to? I can tell you that just two years after escaping school, the Indian census and the baptismal record at the old White Swan Episcopal church, Saint Philip the Deacon (where I was also baptized), show the birth of a baby boy my grandmothers oldest brother, William Barber. My great-grandfather had married my great-grandmother, Rose Bordeaux, and had a son. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They would have another boy, Pierre. Later, after two daughters died as infants, both marked in the cemetery with lambs on their headstones, they had my grandmother. Tragically, my great-grandmother died after giving birth to her. Tragedy struck again in 1918, when William, just 18 years old, died in the great flu epidemic the COVID of its era. Great-Grandpa Freds older brother, the Rev. Charles Smith Cook, once visited Carlisle with a treaty delegation in 1891. This was just a few weeks after the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre on the Pine Ridge Reservation, where Cook served as the Episcopal priest. In the immediate aftermath of the massacre, the young minister and another young Dakota man, Dr. Charles Eastman, rode out for two days in a blizzard rescuing Lakota women, children, elders and men torn to pieces by gunshots but who were still alive. Four babies were found alive under their dead mothers. Only one survived. The survivors were brought back to the church in wagons, where my grandmothers uncle had the pews torn out to build a makeshift hospital. It was Dec. 29, and the church was still decorated for Christmas with pine boughs. I remember my grandmother unrolling a large portrait an old-fashioned photograph of her oldest uncle Charles when I visited her once. He was a handsome young man. Elaine Goodale Eastman, wife of Dr. Charles Eastman, wrote about him after the massacre: Day by day his ne features sharpened; his eyes, burning and black, sank deeper in his head; and no self-control could keep the strain entirely out of his voice. She called his subsequent death in 1892 a tragedy. As my grandmother showed me his portrait, she told me that he died of a broken heart. Charles was one of the first generation of Dakotas to obtain advanced degrees, graduating from Seabury Divinity School and Trinity College in Connecticut. He had attended Northfield Mount Herman, a prep school in Massachusetts, and the Hampton Institute in Virginia, whats now one of the countrys historically Black colleges and universities. In the late 19th century, some members of our tribe went to Hampton to receive an education. Undoubtedly hoping for a similar educational experience, Cooks brother, Alfred Clement Cagaka Ice Smith, sent his son Clement to Carlisle to finish high school. Cook visited Carlisle in 1891. He went with prominent Lakota/Dakota leaders, including American Horse, He Dog, Young Man Afraid of His Horses, Hollow Horn Bear, Medicine Cow and Mad Bear. During an earlier visit in 1880, after seeing his childrens conditions, Chief Spotted Tail demanded and received their return. However, he failed to obtain the return of other children from his tribe. On the 1891 visit, American Horse also attempted to get his children returned but was denied. The 1894 letter refusing the request said: Theres no reason the boy should be returned, but every reason both on his account and on account of American Horse, his father, why he should remain here. Research into Carlisles archives has found evidence that funds were taken from the childrens Individual Indian Money accounts without their consent to pay the schools expenses. These accounts include income from Native lands held in trust by the federal government. In August 1900, a few years after my great-grandfather had run away, the superintendent of the Department of the Interiors Indian School Service wrote to the commissioner of Indian affairs in Washington, D.C., naming Fred Barbier, Sioux, of White Swan, S.D. and other boys as runaways, urging other institutions not to enroll them if they tried to apply. He described my great-grandfather and the others as hardened cases. As I said, my family never spoke of my great-grandfather attending Carlisle, and I can only guess why he left. Maybe it was the regimented lifestyle, or how young men like himself were spoken down to and called boys. Perhaps he just wanted to go home. Many young students like him were contracted out to work on farms by the school. He didnt need to farm for white people. He had his own farm and later became a successful farmer. He lived a very long life, almost 100 years. Just before he could celebrate his 100th birthday, he died. But even in that 99th year of his life, he was still chopping wood, living independently in his home, a vigorous, lean Dakota man. *** My grandmother also attended boarding school at Saint Marys Episcopal Girls School. I found her records (and those of my mother and her siblings) in the National Indian Boarding School Digital Archive. Documenting their experiences has been a long time coming. The nation owes Secretary Haaland, the digital archive publisher and the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition a debt for making that happen. I am thankful to them for traveling across the country to hear and record for posterity the stories of survivors of those boarding schools. Meanwhile, the fate of congressional legislation to remember and account for the violence the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act remains uncertain. How it will fare in the new Trump administration probably isnt hard to guess. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies So many stories are left untold. Like my family, countless victims havent even told us, their descendants, about what happened. A former NASA astronaut has come forward to reveal that he personally witnessed 'two metallic spherical orbs' whizz by his plane this August while flying above Texas. Leroy Chiao, who served as the commander of Expedition 10 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2004 and 2005, was 9,000 feet in the air when objects 'zipped' on the left side of his airplane. He said one flew on top of the other and each was about three feet in diameter. 'It's just kinda dumb luck that they didn't hit me,' said Chiao. The former NASA astronaut estimates that the orbs were only 'about 20 feet away.' 'It could've been a bad result, if they had actually hit me,' Chiao said. 'It happened so quick, there wasn't even a chance to get scared.' The NASA veteran, now an engineering consultant and entrepreneur, told NewsNation that the strange metallic orbs appeared to evade detection. 'It wasn't on radar,' he noted, 'Air traffic control certainly didn't alert me. '[And] it wasn't on my display that shows other airplanes that are participating with the [Federal Aviation Administration] FAA-required transponders.' 'I don't know what it was,' the baffled former astronaut confessed. A former NASA astronaut has come forward to reveal that he personally witnessed 'two metallic spherical orbs' whizz by his plane while flying above Texas. Above, an example of a 'metallic sphere' weather balloon included in a 2023 report by NASA's UFO advisory panel 'It's just kinda dumb luck that they didn't hit me,' said Leroy Chiao (pictured), whose NASA missions saw him serve as the commander for Expedition 10 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2004 and 2005. Chaio believes these strange metallic orbs were a top secret drone test Chiao unpacked the details of his odd late-summer UFO encounter to The Hill on NewsNation, stating that he 'got a good look at them' but 'only for a second.' 'I was flying back from Colorado and I had just refueled in the panhandle of Texas in my small airplane,' Chiao recalled. 'I was flying back to Houston on an instrument flight plan,' he said, referencing a more formal set of flight rules that are coordinated with FAA air traffic control along known and pre-established flight corridors. But with the benefit of hindsight, the former astronaut believes that these orb UFOs are still not only 'mysterious' but that the government's lack of transparency on these and other mystery drones over sensitive US sites has 'scary' implications. 'They could tell us what they know,' Chiao opined, 'and if they really don't know, that's a little more disconcerting.' Citizens, police and politicians have all put forward theories on who or what is behind this recent wave of drone reports from mass hysteria to foreign spies to space aliens Chiao said that he leans toward it being a test of top secret US tech. 'My first guess is that it's some kind of military program, a drone of some kind,' he told NewsNation, 'but you know it's hard to say, right?' 'Frankly, I think whoever was operating the drone wasn't aware that I was there.' Above: a leaked US military image of what appears to be a metallic-looking orb flying over Mosul, Iraq in April 2016, included in a classified briefing video on UFOs shown to multiple US government agencies - according to the UFO reporter who obtained the image, Jeremy Corbell While playing a 2022 military UFO video taken by an MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Mid East, Pentagon UFO-hunter Dr Sean Kirkpatrick told a NASA panel that: 'We see these ['metallic orbs'] all over the world, and we see these making very interesting apparent maneuvers' Chao, who saw dealt with an interesting, but ultimately terrestrial 'UFO' case when he lived on board the ISS, said that he is personally concerned about some of the possible worst-case scenarios for America's late 2024 mystery drone wave. 'It is pretty mysterious,' he weighed in. 'It's hard to believe that our government doesn't really know what's going on.' 'At first blush, to me, it seems like some kind of a military program, our military,' he continued, 'and if it's not that, then it gets a little more scary.' Chiao said that the past month of drone sightings over New Jersey and nearby states, as well as those over US military bases at home and abroad, seem 'way too widespread and organized to be some kind of a prank.' He added that he feels the Pentagon and the rest of the federal government 'could be a little more transparent.' 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' In New Jersey, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has also become a vocal critic of the federal government's lack of candor on the drone mystery, calling their response 'disappointing, to say the least.' 'Over 500 mayors were invited to an unprecedented 'mayors-only' briefing on such an important topic,' Mayor Melham told local network WABC last week. 'Many northern NJ mayors traveled nearly three hours round trip, on short notice, to be there,' he explained, 'only to learn what could have easily been said over a Zoom call. Many walked out.' Journalist and author Michael Shellenberger, who testified to Congress last month on his reports of a hidden UFO data collection program, obtained a recording of the meeting, in which one NJ mayor complained of SUV-sized drones. 'The mayors are livid,' Shellenberger told Fox News. 'One of them got up there and said, 'I had two automobile-sized drones hovering over my house.'' Metallic orb UFOs have been the most common type of case reported by US military witnesses according to the first director of the Pentagon's UFO-hunting All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), ex-CIA physicist Dr Sean Kirkpatrick. 'We see these ['metallic orbs'] all over the world,' Dr Kirkpatrick told NASA's UFO advisory group last year, 'and we see these making very interesting apparent maneuvers.' After mysterious bright lights, according to AARO's most recent annual report, orb or spherical UFOs were still the most commonly reported this year at 22 percent of all US military sightings. Unreliable lifts, noisy and failing air conditioning, insufficient seating for breakfast and queues at check-in. Those were the sort of complaints levelled by guests at Royal Lancaster London hotel when it was ranked 272nd on Tripadvisor in 2013. But then, in that year, Sally Beck took over as manager and everything changed. It's now ranked fifth in the UK capital, with almost universally glowing reviews of the 2,226 posted on Tripadvisor, 90 per cent (2,015) are five-star, 160 are four-star and just 16 (0.72 per cent) rate the hotel as a one-star experience. So, we asked Sally, what changed? A lot, it turns out. Here, Sally reveals some of the secrets behind the Hyde Park hotel's meteoric rise up the Tripadvisor rankings, from its 'no blame' staff culture to an unwavering commitment to listening to, and reading, complaints. But undoubtedly, Sally herself is one of the main reasons for the change in Royal Lancaster London's Tripadvisor fortunes. The 58-year-old explains that she's been in hospitality all her life, born in Wells in Somerset where her parents ran the Red Lion Pub. She continues: 'I am a publican's daughter and come from a long line of publicans and hoteliers. I didn't live in a house until I was about 15 years old. Royal Lancaster London's general manager, Sally Beck (above), revealed how she moved the hotel's Tripadvisor ranking up from 272nd to fifth Royal Lancaster London has almost universally glowing reviews on Tripadvisor 'When I was 18 months old, we moved to Caenby Corner in Lincolnshire, where we ran the Moncks Arms before moving when I was seven to The Berkeley Hotel in Scunthorpe. We then stayed around Scunthorpe running various pubs, hotels and restaurants until I went to college in nearby Grimsby - Grimsby Tech College, studying hotel, catering and institutional management. I then started my first job as a trainee manager at The Dormy in Ferndown, Dorset.' Forward wind to 2013 and Sally found herself in charge of the 411-room Royal Lancaster London and its reputation as being merely a not-bad five-star property. The main problem? The product. Sally explains: 'When we were 272nd we were happy that we weren't over 300. We were about to start a long-awaited renovation - new lifts, air conditioning, plumbing and so on, and the hotel was very tired. Yet our staff feedback was still always good. Our product let us down.' Was a strategy put in place specifically to improve the hotel's Tripadvisor ranking? 'Yes,' says Sally. 'We firmly believe that guest feedback is the lifeblood of our business.' Sally reveals that the renovations finished in 2018, with the hotel having risen to about 60 in the rankings at that time thanks to 'guest service efforts' and a new working culture. First of all, 'surprise and delight opportunities' were introduced extra touches to the guest experience added to special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Sally says: 'We firmly believe that guest feedback is the lifeblood of our business' Sally runs a 'no blame culture' system with her staff A 'guest of the day' concept saw team members picking a guest and 'spoiling them beyond expectations', and public mentions of endearing staff behaviour began to be 'publicly shared and celebrated'. Sally explains: 'Staff do get reward points for any mentions, but the biggest impact is an in-person well done and congratulations from us.' The 'glitch culture' was also reinforced so any guest 'glitches' with their experience, where expectations had not been met, began to be 'recorded and discussed'. Sally reveals: 'Any constructive feedback is dealt with in a serious matter, learning or training opportunities are highlighted, discussed and followed up on in a non-threatening manner. Our only focus is to get better, never to chastise anyone.' This ban on 'blame culture' has paid dividends. Sally explains: 'We prefer confident team members who can look the guests in the eye and fix [issues] for them. By not having a blame culture, they are confident that they will be supported in their decision to make happy guests. 'Our team is trained and encouraged to spot the difference between an OK stay and a wonderful stay, and know to ask open-ended questions with genuine care and attention to proactively dig deeper where things have not lived entirely up to guest expectations. And they're empowered to make it right: small issue, generous recovery.' Other initiatives included little giveaways on departure, at the team's discretion, and a 'general culture to treat each other and our guests as we would wish to be treated ourselves'. 'We prefer confident team members who can look the guests in the eye and fix [issues] for them,' says Sally. 'By not having a blame culture, they are confident that they will be supported in their decision to make happy guests' Did the customers notice the changes over the years? Sally says: 'Definitely. Our repeat business has risen exponentially and we have succeeded in winning more and more corporate business, as well as leisure guests. 'Our suite business has increased and our whole team is invested in our results and feel proud and involved when they have turned around a guest issue into a great review. 'It is a big part of our everyday business to see our reviews and where we sit and how well we are doing at making our guests happy.' Sally surmises that not paying attention to reviews is a common mistake among less successful hotels. She believes that these properties 'underestimate how many people look at reviews prior to making their hotel decision', adding that another error is 'not replying to reviews good or bad'. 'The public can see clearly which hotels truly care about their stay and experience against those that clearly don't,' Sally remarks. The hotelier stresses, though, just how crucial her employees are. She says: 'The dedication and passion of our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Royal Lancaster London, we value every interaction with our guests, from the pre-stay phase to during the stay and even after guests have checked out. We treat our guests like family, from the bottom of our hearts, ensuring that our hotel becomes a true home away from home. The staff at Royal Lancaster London is 'trained and encouraged to spot the difference between an OK stay and a wonderful stay' Tripadvisor said: 'The Royal Lancaster London's ranking increase is testament to the excellent customer experience they have delivered over the years' Of the 2,226 reviews for Royal Lancaster London posted on Tripadvisor, 90 per cent (2,015) are five-star Above is a recent guest review for Royal Lancaster London, with the reviewer revealing that staff made her feel like royalty DOES SALLY HAVE ISSUES WITH FAKE REVIEWS? 'Occasionally, but the team will reach out to the guest during their stay and have a conversation about what happened. If we have failed to satisfy a guest before they check out, we tend to know about it, so a fake review is easy to spot.' Sally Beck Advertisement 'One of my key missions is to make our hotel the happiest in London, and I believe we've made significant strides in achieving this goal. A testament to our success is our outstanding retention rate of 23 per cent in the last financial year - a true reflection of the happiness and loyalty we cultivate among our team and our guests. 'Our team turnover is so low - and I know our whole team is invested in our commitment to make happy guests. 'I think guests are surprised by the personal attention that they receive, when our team greets them and endeavours to surprise them and delight them at every interaction during their stay.' Was Sally surprised by the hotel's ranking joy? She says: 'We really didn't think we would keep going beyond top 50, then we went to top 30, then top 20, then top 10 and we traded all last year in the top five.' Tripadvisor has noticed the hotel's success, too, telling MailOnline: 'Tripadvisor's popularity index is based on real traveller feedback and takes into account factors like recency, quantity and quality of reviews, as well as the consistency of ratings over time. The Royal Lancaster London's ranking increase is testament to the excellent customer experience they have delivered over the years. 'This year the hotel was named one of the top hotels in the world, according to Tripadvisor reviewers, as part of our Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards, putting it among the top one per cent of properties listed on the site globally. Guests were particularly taken with the lovely staff, great location and views of Hyde Park and the property was named 17th in our 2024 list of Best of the Best Pet Friendly Hotels.' Witnessing a bout of air rage is never pleasant, but one former flight attendant has revealed something that will bring some comfort that cabin crew have been trained to deploy a psychological negotiation technique to calm persistently problematic passengers down. Ex-Emirates flight attendant Marika Mikusova, who has written three Diary Of A Flight Attendant books about the five years she spent working at 38,000ft, revealed to MailOnline Travel that the technique goes by the acronym L.E.A.P. These letters denote the four stages of the method 'listen, empathise, ask and paraphrase'. During the first stage, the flight attendant is all ears. Czech Marika, 35, explains: 'First, we listen carefully to the passenger without interrupting them. If the passenger is sitting down, it is a good idea to crouch down so that he or she does not feel that we have a psychological advantage by standing and looking down at them as if we were their parent, teacher or any authority figure. Clever, huh? 'So, if you see a kneeling flight attendant in the aisle who isn't smiling but just listening attentively to the passenger and occasionally nodding, you know what it is all about.' Is the nodding important? Yes, it shows empathy (stage two). Ex-Emirates flight attendant Marika Mikusova (above) has revealed the technique cabin crew are taught to calm down angry passengers Marika, who lives in Prague, reveals: 'By nodding, we are letting the passenger know that we understand their anger and are keen to resolve the problem.' Body language is also crucial. Marika continues: 'It's hard for the passenger to believe we're trying to find a solution if, for example, we keep our arms crossed. 'By the way, just listening and not interrupting is often enough for the passenger to vent their frustration and not escalate it further.' And if the passenger is still livid? It's time for the next stage ask. Marika says: 'We can ask the passenger open-ended questions for example "what", "where", "when" - to get to the root of the problem. This has the benefit of giving the complainant a chance to fully express their feelings.' Marika, pictured in Dubai, reveals that cabin crew 'listen, empathise, ask and paraphrase' when dealing with air rage passengers Diary of A Flight Attendant is a warts-and-all behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to work at 38,000ft Then, it's time to summarise. 'In the end, we play a kindergarten teacher,' says Marika. 'So we're summarising the information the passenger has spouted at us to let him or her know we've been listening all along and understand their point. Meanwhile, the passenger either nods or corrects us as appropriate. 'Most people are incredibly relieved at this point. The passenger feels like a winner. Though we are totally drained. However, at least we might have just prevented something worse - swearing, physical aggression, destruction of the plane. You never know.' And if the passenger is seriously aggressive? 'For those who are aggressive, we don't have any words, but acts and useful equipment in our restraint kit,' says Marika. Marika Mikusova's book Diary of a Flight Attendant is out now. Click here to order a copy. You can find Marika on Instagram here. Netflix fans are raving over a 'terrifying' horror movie that left their 'palms sweating' and gave them 'anxiety through the roof'. Fall, which premiered in 2022, is an American thriller survivor film which follows two women who get stranded after climbing to the top of a 2000ft radio tower. For best friends Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner), life is all about conquering fears and pushing limits. But, when the pair find themselves stuck with no way down, they're left with no choice but to desperately fight to survive the elements, a lack of supplies, and vertigo-inducing heights in this adrenaline-fueled movie. Despite hitting the streaming platform more than a year ago, the film is stirring up conversation online again after going viral on the Netflix Bangers Facebook group. The horror master himself Stephen King has even given it a review, writing: 'Tight, terrific, and very, very scary. Reminded me a bit of Duel. Wish Id written it. Hint, if you suffer from Acrophobia, DONT WATCH.' Netflix fans are raving over a 'terrifying' horror movie that left their 'palms sweating' and gave them 'anxiety through the roof' Fall, which premiered in 2022, is an American thriller survivor film that follows two women who get stranded after climbing to the top of a 2000ft radio tower Acrophobia is an anxiety disorder that causes people to have an intense, irrational fear of heights. In a Reddit thread, users discussed the worst films for people with the phobia, and Fall was up there on their no-go list. They wrote: 'I don't consider myself to have a massive fear of heights but Fall was so effective in making you feel queasy and anxious. 'I don't have any fear of heights, but Fall made my palms sweat for the entire runtime.' Common complaints from viewers are overwhelming feelings of stress, nausea and anxiety, particularly with those who have a fear of heights. Meanwhile, X users also shared their thoughts, penning: 'Just seen Fall has been added to Netflix UK. Absolutely loved that movie. Well worth a watch if you've not seen and fancy giving yourself sweaty palms!!' 'Ok, so Fall - (2022 Movie). If you wanna see a movie thats more terrifying than any scary movie.' 'Fall (2022) is pretty much my definition of a horror movie! #vertigo #heights #falls.' 'Good movie made me throw up and have a panic attack, but good.' For best friends Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner), life is all about conquering fears and pushing limits But, when the pair find themselves stuck with no way down, they're left with no choice but to desperately fight to survive the elements Social media users rushed to X to share their thoughts, writing: 'If you wanna watch a movie thats intense from start to finish its called Fall' 'If you wanna watch a movie thats intense from start to finish its called Fall.' 'I saw this in theatres, when I tell you my hands were SWEATING that entire movie.' 'I hid behind a cushion for most of that film, thought I was OK with heights....perhaps not!' 'Actually induced a stress headache. A really entertaining watch.' 'My anxiety was through the roof the entire time watching it!' The movie has been received positively by critics and currently holds a 79 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Empire Magazine gave the film four stars, with reviewer John Nugent penning: 'This is an enjoyably throwback breed of thriller, a movie only interested in making your palms leak sweat and your adrenal glands go into overdrive. In those modest goals, it is entirely successful.' The Observer's Wendy Ide awarded it three stars, noting: 'Even if you dont suffer from vertigo, there are moments in Scott Manns thriller the single-handed selfie snapped while dangling from a rusty grating 2,000 feet in the sky, for example that are almost unwatchable.' She added: 'While the pace falters a little there are only so many ways you can almost fall off a tower, after all the tension is unrelenting.' If you're looking for something a little more festive, a new Netflix film inspired by Die Hard has arrived on the platform just in time for Christmas, and critics are thrilled. If you're looking for something a little more festive, a new Netflix film inspired by Die Hard has arrived on the platform just in time for Christmas, and critics are thrilled Carry-On, is a new '10/10' thriller from The Shallows director Jaume Collet-Serra starring Taron Egerton, 35, and Jason Bateman, 55 (Jason Bateman pictured) Carry-On, is a new '10/10' thriller from The Shallows director Jaume Collet-Serra starring Taron Egerton, 35, and Jason Bateman, 55. The film sees Taron play a transportation security agent (TSA), who is blackmailed by Jasons character into smuggling dangerous items onboard a flight on Christmas Eve. Written by TJ Fixman, the film was originally planned to be the first release as part of Netflix's deal with Steven Spielberg's Amblin production company, however, it was delayed due to re-writes of the script. Carry-On also stars Sofia Carson, 31, Danielle Deadwyler, 42, and Logan Marshall-Green, 48, and has already received strong reviews from critics. In his review for The Wrap, William Bibbiani said: 'There are about two minutes in that are as exciting as any other action movie this year, and about 100 minutes that are pretty fun too.' Pramit Chatterjee in Digital Media Talkies wrote: 'Carry-On is the best Christmas movie of the year.' Meanwhile, Nick Schager for The Daily Beast added: 'This breakneck Netflix offering confirms the enduring vitality of its chosen formulaand, in the process, proves an unexpected and welcome Yuletide streaming gift.' Speaking to the BBC, Collet said that the Bruce Willis classic had inspired the movie, adding: 'Everyone wants to make the next Die Hard and the reality is that no one ever will - its a perfect movie that cant be replicated, and also a very specific product of its time.' 'But when I read the script for Carry-On, I felt like I had found a more grounded version of Die Hard - which was our North Star for the entire process - for a new generation.' Fall is available to stream on Netflix now. Some Hollywood actors may get accused of being unapproachable, but that's not every celebrity. And Tom Hardy is up there with one of the nicest guys in showbiz, along with Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman. Tom recently offered to pay the wages of an entire TV set crew on the new Guy Ritchie series after a construction company went into liquidation. The Venom star, 47, recently filmed scenes for Guy Ritchie 's upcoming TV series, The Associate, in London. But around 50 freelance building workers were left devastated after Helix 3D, the construction company contracted to build sets, went bust, The Times reported. This is when Tom stepped in and offered to pay the workers' wages that Paramount resolved the situation and set about sorting their paychecks. And after Tom's sweet gesture this week, MailOnline takes a look at who the nicest guys in Hollywood are... Tom Hardy offered to pay the wages of an entire TV set crew on the new Guy Ritchie series after a construction company went into liquidation Ryan Reynolds According to Ryan's Deadpool & Wolverine co-stars, he is the 'nicest man in Hollywood.' Ahead of the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen spoke about the movie in an interview with Comic Book, where the two actors commented on the reputation of Ryan and Hugh Jackman have for being among the kindest stars in Hollywood. Emma said: 'They're the best people you ever met.' Matthew added: 'They may be the nicest it's sort of sickening. They're so lovely. They're so big-hearted and so kind and so funny and lovely.' Matthew then asked Emma directly: 'Are they the nicest men in Hollywood?' To that, Emma said: 'I genuinely think so.' Ryan also revealed he stopped getting paid during filming and took a smaller salary to pay for the screenwriters to be on set. According to Ryan Reynold's Deadpool & Wolverine co-stars, he is the 'nicest man in Hollywood' Ryan explained: 'I let go of getting paid to do the movie just to put it back on the screen: They wouldnt allow my co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick on set, so I took the little salary I had left and paid them to be on set with me so we could form a de facto writers room.' The Marvel star said that despite having to give up his pay, it was worth it to help the creative team which was struggling working with a tight budget. He said: 'I think one of the great enemies of creativity is too much time and money, and that movie had neither time nor money. It really fostered focusing on character over spectacle, which is a little harder to execute in a comic-book movie. 'I was just so invested in every micro-detail of it and I hadnt felt like that in a long, long time. I remembered wanting to feel that more not just on Deadpool, but on anything.' Keanu Reeves Over the years Keanu Reeves has earned himself the title of Mr Nice Guy in Hollywood following an endless series of selfless gestures Over the years Keanu has earned himself the title of Mr Nice Guy in Hollywood following an endless series of selfless gestures. Reeves' colleagues and fans have come out to commend the actor's kind-hearted nature and shared their positive experiences of the star. Tales that have been told include Reeves, 59, handing out expensive Rolex watches to the John Wick stunt crew and gifting Harley Davidson motorcycles to the stunt people who worked on The Matrix Reloaded. Reeves has also been known to take a pay cut from his own salary in order to benefit the film as whole, whether that is to accommodate other big stars being brought onto the cast or adding to the special effects and costume budget. Reeves celebrity has made him a prized addition to many social events, even weddings. In August of 2022, Reeves surprised a couple at their wedding in Northamptonshire . He bumped into customer sales rep James Roadnight and his wife Nikki, who works with dogs, because he happened to be staying in the same four-star hotel as them. Reeves had previously delighted two other couples in 2018 when he posed for joyous photos after their nuptials. Hugh Jackman Hugh Jackman has long had a glowing reputation for being a lovely person, and a whole host of fans have shared their favourite stories about him Hugh has long had a glowing reputation for being a lovely person, and a whole host of fans have shared their favourite stories about him. Despite being well-known for his portrayal of cranky, tough and angry superhero Wolverine, Hugh is much more personable in real life. The esteemed actor, 55, has been lauded for his 'down to earth' personality and being 'generous' with his fans as nobody had a bad word to say about him. One fan revealed they used to see Hugh in the gym, while another recalled meeting the Hollywood star while he was filming for the 2008 movie Australia. 'Just adding my voice to the chorus of all the others saying Hugh Jackman is lovely - met him very briefly when he was filming 'Australia' in North Queensland and he could not have been nicer,' one said. 'Polite, gracious, funny, down to earth and generous with his time. Top bloke.' Another recalled: 'Hugh Jackman went to my gym during filming for Wolverine. He would say good morning every time I saw him (at 5.30am!) and ask how I was.' And a third agreed as they added: 'My former housemate did some plumbing work for Hugh Jackman and said he was one of the nicest people he had ever met.' Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson received praised from his costar, Chris Evans, for his incredible generosity toward their crew while filming their new movie Red One The Rock received praised from his costar, Chris Evans, for his incredible generosity toward their crew while filming their new movie Red One. While speaking about working with the successful wrestler-turned-actor, 52, Chris, 43, revealed that the international icon is an expert at boosting morale on set . 'He does this thing on movie sets, at the end of the week the crew will all put in 5, 10 bucks in this little bucket. They get raffle tickets. It's called 'five-dollar Friday,'' he told People. 'Someone draws a name at the end of the day and they win a couple-thousand bucks.' Chris proceeded to marvel over how Johnson 'would splash the pot in ways that no other actor can keep up with.' 'As actors we're like, 'I'll splash the pot. I'll put in a chunk of change here. I'm not in the running for it,' but just a way to say thank you to the crew each week,' the Captain America explained. But, unlike anyone else he's ever worked with, Chris revealed that Dwayne would step in and and more than triple the giveaway pot. The actor recalled one time when the giveaway pot was at 5,000, that Johnson raised it to 20,000, before repeatedly deciding to shell out even more cash for the crew. 'This is crazy. I'm not exaggerating. [Johnson] was like, 'Oh, well what's the pot? Five grand? How about it's called 20,'' Evans detailed. 'So he picks a name and someone's going crazy and he's like, 'Should we do it again? How about 40?' I'm not exaggerating the number got up big, and he pulled out five or six names.' Chris noted that their crew was 'just so excited to work for' Dwayne, who he pointed out 'works just as hard back for them.' Upon hearing Chris' sweet remarks, Dwayne said: 'Well, I love that. Our crew is the backbone of our business, so you want to take care of them.' Chris previously estimated that Dwayne gave out a combined $100,000 to various crewmembers on set in a single day. Tom Hardy Tom Hardy, 47, recently filmed scenes for Guy Ritchie's (left) TV series, The Associate, in London and offered to pay wages when a construction company went into liquidation Tom offered to pay the wages of an entire TV set crew on the new Guy Ritchie series after a construction company went into liquidation. The Venom star recently filmed scenes for Guy Ritchie 's upcoming TV series, The Associate, in London. But around 50 freelance building workers were left devastated after Helix 3D, the construction company contracted to build sets, went bust, The Times reported. It is said that the company then refused to pay out 250,000 of wages ahead of Christmas , and its chief executive Brian Dowling sent out the devastating message last week saying their pay would likely not be in their accounts before the New Year. It wasn't until star Tom stepped in and offered to pay the workers' wages that Paramount resolved the situation and set about sorting their paychecks. A source close to Tom told The Times: 'He offered to [pay], but the production and Paramount have sorted the payment.' Meanwhile a Paramount source said they were 'outraged' at the situation and plans were in place to make sure the workers were paid. In a letter seen by the publication, organising official for the broadcasting union Bectu, Chris Hudson, said: 'Our members deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and compensated on time for their work. 'It is wholly unacceptable that they are facing significant financial precarity, particularly ahead of Christmas. 'This close to Christmas, our members are rightly very distressed, with many fearing they will be unable to cover necessities.' He's been Hugh Jackman's personal trainer and best friend for over 30 years. So it's no surprise that Michael Ryan has been spending time with his Hollywood actor pal almost daily while he's back in Australia for the holidays. Since being sighted in Sydney last Sunday, the Wolverine star has spent almost every moment with Michael in what has been a long-awaited catch-up between the two best mates. The pair were first spotted dining at Speedos Cafe in the trendy seaside suburb of North Bondi. They were joined by Hugh's two children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19, whom he shares with his estranged wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. The next day, Hugh maintained his buff physique at the gym with his personal trainer pal. Hugh Jackman's personal trainer Michael Ryan has been best friends with the Hollywood star for more than 30 years. Pictured together in December 2024 Leaving a Bondi gym together, Michael displayed his tanned skin and washboard abs while wearing khaki workout shorts and white running shoes. Earlier, at the gym, Hugh was seen shoulder-pressing an impressive 35kg as his trainer watched on and observed his form. The Greatest Showman star wore a grey singlet, black shorts and wrapped a towel around his neck as he left the fitness centre before taking a quick dip at a nearby beach. Later that Monday, Hugh and his two kids enjoyed a family day out with Michael and his daughter as they cruised on Sydney Harbour. The 56-year-old was visibly thrilled to be spending quality time with his family, giving off a relaxed air. Hugh and Michael were also joined by the trainer's other close family members. But his wife, Zoe Bingley-Pullin, didn't appear to attend. On Wednesday, Hugh maintained his good spirits while laughing and joking with his longtime personal trainer and friend at the beach. Hugh cooled off amid the humid climes with a swim in the sea and then chatted with Michael as they strolled up the beach together. So it's no surprise that they have been spending time with with each other almost daily while Hugh's back in Australia for the holidays. Pictured together in August 2017 Hugh and Michael have maintained a solid friendship and work relationship for more than three decades On Monday, Hugh and his two kids enjoyed a family day out with Michael and his other family members as they cruised on Sydney Harbour Hugh and Michael have maintained a solid friendship and work relationship for more than three decades. The pair met at a Sydney gym prior to the Les Miserables star's on-screen career. 'I was working at a gym and he was introduced by a friend of his, Gina Chick, as a towel boy!' Michael told Today Extra in July. 'He wasn't even an actor back then. So, through the journey of knowing him, I showed him how to train and then he got a role in acting. 'I'll never forget, he said to me one day, "If I ever made it as an actor, I'd use you as my trainer".' In May 2007, Hugh was Michael's best man at his wedding to Zoe. The pair tied the knot at St. Mark's Anglican Church at Darling Point in Sydney, with Hugh's now ex-wife Deb attending with their two adopted kids. 'I am very proud to be best man to this guy,' Hugh told The Sunday Telegraph at the time. The pair met at a Sydney gym prior to the Les Miserables star's on-screen career Hugh told Michael: 'If I ever made it as an actor, I'd use you as my trainer' 'It's going to be a very exciting day and there are lots of surprises he doesn't know about.' Hugh is currently back in Australia to spend the Christmas season with his children, following his split from his wife Deb in September 2023. It is unclear if their mother is also returning to Australia for Christmas. Hugh - who lives in New York - and his children are likely staying at his stunning $12million North Bondi penthouse. Hugh and Michael's regular catch ups come after reports that Hugh's ex-wife, Deb, is said to have been 'seething with rage' over his rumoured new romance with Sutton Foster. Hugh and Deb, 69, confirmed their separation after almost three decades together in September 2023, and he is now said to be dating Broadway star Sutton, 49. It has been claimed that Deb was enraged at being 'the last to know' about the relationship. According to Radaronline, Deb was especially unimpressed with Hugh's close friend Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively, who both allegedly 'kept quiet' about the rumoured romance. 'They kept their lips sealed out of loyalty to Hugh,' a source told the publication. Hugh is currently back in Australia to spend the Christmas season with his children, following his split from his wife Deb in September 2023. Pictured in May 2023 'Now she is seething with rage over being the last to know, Deb feels blindsided. She has a memory like a steel trap and isn't afraid to use it. 'Debs feels cheated by all three because someone could have told her what was happening and they all chose to keep their mouths shut,' they added. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Deb and Ryan's representatives for comment. Hugh was reportedly planning to introduce Sutton to his and Deb's children over the festive period. However, Deb was allegedly 'not keen on the idea' with a source claiming that she does not want a 'blended' family Christmas. 'It's a delicate balancing act and he feels like if anyone is going to spend less time with the kids this year, it's him,' they added. The insider said Hugh and Sutton are determined to make their relationship work and are keeping things low-key at the moment. Hugh and Sutton took on the roles of Harold Hill and Marian Paroo in The Music Man, which ran from February 2022 to January 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre in Manhattan. Hugh and Michael's regular catch ups come after reports that Hugh's ex-wife, Deb, is said to have been 'seething with rage' over his rumoured new romance with Sutton Foster (right) The pair have attended public events together, stepping out at the opening night of their show The Music Man on Broadway in February 2022. In September 2023, Hugh shocked fans when he filed for divorce from Deb. 'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,' the couple said in a joint statement. 'Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.' It's been a roller coaster of a month for Samantha Armytage. In the space of a few weeks, she announced her shock marriage split from husband Richard Lavender then jumped straight into the hosting chair on Nine's Today show. And she's also making some moves in the property world: the 48-year-old TV personality is in the process of putting the finishing touches to her cosy cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands. The understated three-bedder will serve as her new country bolthole since moving out of her former marital home, the Lavender Equestrian estate, in Berrima. The two properties could hardly be less alike. Richard's homestead, with its modern, hotel-like design and no neighbours for miles around, could almost pass for a Bond villain's retreat. From a break-up to jumping ship from one TV network to another, Samantha Armytage has had her fair share of ups and downs this year. Pictured with ex-husband Richard Lavender in 2023 Sam's new cottage is an understated three-bedder on a quiet street surrounded by a few neighbouring properties By contrast, Sam's newly purchased single-level property is separated only by hedges from the nearby cottages nestled together in an intimate tree-lined area. While she will be significantly downsizing and losing the sense of privacy afforded by Richard's place, perhaps more of a neighbourhood feel is what a social butterfly like Sam is looking for after her separation. Sam snapped up the quaint 1960s home in May for $1.3million, and she has since installed a new roof and had a verandah added during extensive renovations. The cottage, set on a 1922 sqm block, has been given a modern makeover during the work, which continued from August through to this month. Highlights of the home include a spacious living room with a fireplace and picture windows that open out to a patio, perfect for entertaining. There's also an open plan kitchen and dining room, as well as a BBQ area and pond. Aerial photos of the work in progress show a brand-new timber verandah opening onto a yet-to-be-landscaped backyard. The cottage looks set to be the perfect downsized base for newly single Sam once renovations are complete. Richard's lavish 40-hectare property, on the other hand, has box-like walls and a flat roof, with the ultra-modern compound featuring a lap pool and plenty of parking. Sam's new place is a far cry from Richard's 40-hectare Southern Highlands estate (pictured) The equestrian estate is crisscrossed by creeks and surrounded by open fields of luscious green grass, with old-growth trees surrounding the property. It is the same home where Sam and Richard held their intimate wedding ceremony on New Year's Eve in 2020, which was followed by a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral. But just four years later that would all come to an end, with Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealing earlier this month the TV presenter and her businessman husband had gone their separate ways. We are yet to see tears from Sam, however, who has appeared to put the split behind her by making her debut on Nine's Today show this week, putting her TV career back in full swing following her departure from Channel Seven's Farmer Wants a Wife. Sam's new property, which she snapped up earlier this year for a cool $1.3mllion, is currently under renovations and a new roof has since been completed Sam's TV career is also back in full swing after departing Channel Seven for Nine She has already undergone quite the makeover while adjusting to her newly single life as she made a string of very glamorous appearances in recent weeks. The presenter was last photographed with Richard on September 5, looking laid back while strolling through Sydney airport. Returning from a trip to Noosa for her 48th birthday, Sam showed off her unique style in beige trousers and a cream blouse, which she complemented with a wide-brimmed straw hat. However, that was to be the last time they were publicly photographed together before their marriage hit the rocks, with Sam instead being seen out solo since then. At the 2024 Melbourne Cup, the new Nine host proved she was embracing her newfound independence as she pulled out all the stops with a glamorous outfit for a day out at Flemington Racecourse. Sam attended the festivities without Richard - who works in the equestrian business himself - and instead socialised with a host of Aussie stars. For the fun-filled day out on November 5, Sam put on a very stylish display in a gorgeous red off-the-shoulder gown with dramatic puffed sleeves. Keeping in line with tradition, the veteran presenter fixed a red tinted fascinator in her golden tresses to complete her dazzling ensemble. Sam has already undergone quite the makeover while adjusting to her newly single life as she made a string of very glamorous appearances in recent weeks. Pictured at Derby Day 2024 At the 2024 Melbourne Cup, Samantha proved she was embracing her newly-single life as she pulled out all the stops with a glamorous outfit for a day out at Flemington Racecourse Still wearing her wedding ring, Sam fully embraced the racing day dress code as she posed up a storm for the cameras, standing tall as she stepped out solo at the glitzy event. She has been a regular on the racing day circuits this year and had also stepped out in style just days earlier at Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day. The former Sunrise host showed off her fashion credentials in a stunning black midi dress with sparkling buttons and white collared detailing. She completed her fashionable outfit with a pair of pointed pumps and toted her essentials in a chic white handbag. Just weeks earlier in October, Sam had begun to tease her fashion makeover while stepping out at the Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. Sam and Richard first started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June 2020 before tying the knot at his property in rural NSW six months later Samantha and Richard's separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper, but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance. 'Yes Richard and I have separated. All break-ups are hard, but its somewhat lessened by the fact its amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Sam then told media. 'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I wont be making any further comment.' It is understood she has moved out of Richard's Southern Highlands home and is now living in an apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The couple first started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June 2020 before tying the knot six months later. The intimate ceremony only featured a small number of guests due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Richard's daughters believed to have attended. Amid her marriage breakdown, Sam has also undergone a huge career change after stepping down from Channel Seven after 21 years with the network. Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she said she felt her time had come to an end. 'I'm big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: "I've done what I can do here" and I move on,' she said. 'This is not the end. It's just the end of this chapter.' Since signing with Nine, she has appeared as a fill-in anchor on Today and will also host the new seniors dating show The Golden Bachelor next year. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a certified Swiftie and even asked for a day off so that she could go to Miami to catch a show. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, had already seen the show in Los Angeles during the early days of The Eras Tour. Back then, Swift's latest release, The Tortured Poets Department, wasn't part of her show and Gellar wasn't going to miss that. So she told her bosses at the production for Dexter: Original Sin that she really needed a Friday off. She was asked if anything was wrong with her kids, to which she answered, 'I just need to get a Friday off,' before admitting 'Well, I'm going to Miami to see the Eras Tour.' The I Know What You Did Last Summer actress admitted this while promoting Dexter on The Drew Barrymore Show with co-star Christian Slater, 55. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a certified Swiftie and even asked for a day off so that she could go to Miami to catch a show. Seen here on December 13, 2024 'He knew it was the only thing I cared about at work,' she said about Slater. Gellar shares daughter Charlotte, 15, and son Rocky, 12, with husband Freddie Prinze Jr., 48. 'So I got to see [that era],' Gellar gushed. 'And I got to see Florence Welch do Florida [in Florida]. It was next level.' The former soap star documented both shows on social media. She captioned the shots and video clips from her October trip to Miami with a Taylor lyric. 'Florida!!! Its one hell of a drug.' The Cruel Intentions star's daughter Charlotte is also a big fan of Taylor Swift and got to meet the pop superstar in 2018. 'I dont often put pictures of my kids on here, but last night was truly special,' Gellar wrote at the time. 'Thank you to the incredible @taylorswift for being so kind to Charlotte. She was so in awe, she could barely speak.' The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, had already seen the show in Los Angeles during the early days of The Eras Tour Back then, Swift's latest release, The Tortured Poets Department, wasn't part of her show and Gellar wasn't going to miss that. The Cruel Intentions star's daughter Charlotte is also a big fan of Taylor Swift and got to meet the pop superstar in 2018 Thank you for being the kind of role model young girls need to see,' she continued. 'Oh and did I mention how awesome the show was?!? I cant believe Taylor sang 26 songs, each one better than the next!! A truly #gorgeous show!! (I definitely won big Mom points last night),' she gushed. Sarah's confession comes after she had to clarify something she said about Jennifer Love Hewitt that got taken out of context. She had an awkward interaction with a reporter when asked about the new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie last summer. Sarah is not returning to the franchise but her husband is, so she's in a good position to know what's going on with the film. She said, 'I have nothing to do with that,' before ending the interview by smiling and walking off during the red carpet premiere of Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel to the smash hit Showtime drama Dexter. A fan posted the exchange to X, formerly known as Twitter, and exclaimed: 'Look at her face!! She hates her so bad! sksksksk.' Many fans followed suit, leaping to the conclusion that Sarah and Jennifer were feuding. The I Know What You Did Last Summer actress admitted this while promoting Dexter on The Drew Barrymore Show with co-star Christian Slater, 55 So she told her bosses at the production for Dexter: Original Sin that she really needed a Friday off. Sarah seen here on December 12, 2024 She was asked if anything was wrong with her kids, to which she answered, 'I just need to get a Friday off,' before admitting 'Well, I'm going to Miami to see the Eras Tour.' Taylor seen here on February 16, 2024 After that clip went viral recently, SMG took to her Instagram Stories to set the record straight. 'Aspiring actors please note: this deer in the headlights reaction is perfect for when you are excited to see so many old friends in one project but have already stupidly forgotten what NDA means once this month,' penned Gellar. She wrote the text over top a photo taken of a director's chair on set of the sequel in Sydney. The post came hours after Hewitt confirmed her return to the I Know What You Did Last Summer horror franchise after 27 years. 'It's never too late to go back. Julie James is returning,' captioned Hewitt, 45, who included a haunting photo of herself on set. The image captured Hewitt staring into a dirty mirror covered in sticky notes left by the film's ruthless killer. Alluding to the highly-anticipated sequel's July 18, 2025 release date, Hewitt concluded her caption with: 'I know what you will be doing next summer!' Finneas has revealed the one food that Australians make better than any other country as he prepares to return Down Under for his 2025 tour. The record producer, 27, whose full name is Finneas Baird O'Connell, is kicking off his solo tour in January and has shared his excitement for his return to Australia. Promoting his tour on The Project, Finneas told how he insisted that he kick off his tour Down Under because he loves so many things about Australia. 'When we planned the year of touring, I was like ''can we start in Australia?'' because I love it there so much and it's the time of year I like to be in Australia the most,' he said. The older brother of Billie Eilish also revealed the one surprising food that he thinks Australians make better than any other country in the world - poached eggs. 'You also poach an egg, you poach an egg like nobody's business! In the United States, we don't understand poached eggs the way you guys do, it's an Australian expertise,' he shared. Finneas has revealed the one food that Australians make better than any other country on Earth as he prepares to return Down Under for his 2025 tour The record producer, 27, (pictured in Brisbane in 2023) is kicking off his solo tour in January and has shared his excitement for his return to Australia - mostly to eat the poached eggs Like many others, he also lauded Australian coffee as he insisted it is miles better quality than anything he can find in the United States. He added: 'In Australia, you guys do a thing which they don't do enough in America which is that you put either a slice of orange or orange peel or rind in an Americano, which is just super classy and super nice.' Though Finneas is looking forward to his own solo tour, he admitted leaving behind his younger sister Billie, 23, has been 'bittersweet'. Finneas has accompanied Billie on most of her headlining tours but has decided not to join her for her ongoing Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour because of his own plans. 'It's been very bittersweet. I only decided to do it because I knew that I couldn't be in two places at once,' he told Jake Shane on the Therapuss podcast. 'I can't do my own tours and her tour at the same time, and I don't want to prevent her from touring as much as she wants to tour.' Nonetheless, Finneas praised her 'amazing' concert tour and said his absence does not take away from the show. On past tours, Finneas - who famously produces and writes music with Billie - has played the electric guitar and drums for his sister. Though Finneas is looking forward to his own solo tour, he admitted leaving behind his younger sister Billie Eilish (both pictured in March), 23, is 'bittersweet' 'And then the sweet part has just been I've seen the show a few times and it's amazing,' he gushed. 'I think her show is incredible. It doesn't suffer at all because I'm not there.' Finneas is kicking off his solo tour, titled For Cryin' Out Loud!, in New Zealand on January 7 with a performance in Auckland before he flies over to Australia. On January 9, he will take to the stage at Brisbane's The Fortitude Music Hall before performing at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion just two days later. He finishes up the Australia leg of the tour with two shows in Melbourne, when he will take to the stage at the Forum Theatre on January 13 and 14. Finneas will then jet back stateside to carry on his tour with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Detroit and Los Angeles, before heading off on his European leg. The show is set to wrap up on May 9 in Cologne, Germany, and has already received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Vogue Williams and Tamzin Outhwaite looked on fine form in first look snaps of the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing festive special, which is set to to waltz back onto screens in a matter of days. For one night only, the glitzy ballroom will open its doors back up as six brand new celebrities and their professional partners take to the dance floor. The couples will need to perform a festive fuelled routine in the hope of impressing the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas - as well as the voting studio audience in order to be crowned Christmas Champion 2024. But eager fans can now catch a glimpse of the new series in first look snaps as the professionals take to the dance floor with their celebrity partner dressed in an array of brightly coloured dresses and suits. In the official line-up photo, the ladies commanded attention in frills, ruffles and fringing, while the gentlemen looked strapping in an array of red, green and white suits. Vogue dazzled in a frilly red number which she wore with strappy glittery heels as she posed alongside her dance partner Gorka Marquez. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will strut it's stuff back onto screens in a matter of days and in the first look pictures, Vogue Williams put on a dazzling display in a red mini dress alongside her professional partner Gorka Marquez Meanwhile Tamzin Outhwaite flashed her toned legs as she took on an impressive back bend balancing on one foot, whilst her other leg kicked high into the air Vogue, who shares Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two, with her husband Spencer Matthews put on a very leggy display in the mini dress which also featured a white halter neck detail. Her blonde locks were styled into a quiff and held in place with a red and white bow. Next to her, Gorka looked dashing in a pair of tartan trousers and red T-shirt with matching blazer. As the pair took to the dance floor they could be seen sporting different monochrome outfits for their high energy performance, kicking and flicking their feet. In their couples picture, Tamzin Outhwaite looked festive in a green dress and gold shoes while her partner Nikita Kuzmin was dressed in an all-red ensemble. One dancing shot saw Tamzin flash her toned legs as she took on an impressive back bend balancing on one foot, whilst her other leg kicked high into the air. She will go up against British racing driver Billy Monger and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova who stunned in red frilly dress that boasted a dramatic tulle skirt and flew in the air when she spun around during their sensational routine. Nadiya's ex, Kai Widdrington is also taking part this year and is partnered with Welsh-born Tayce who shot to fame as a finalist on season two of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. In the official line-up photo, the ladies commanded attention in frills, ruffles and fringing, while the gentlemen looked strapping in an array of red, green and white suits Vogue, who shares Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two, with her husband Spencer Matthews put on a very leggy display in a black and white mini dress as she took to the dance floor Her blonde locks were styled into a quiff and held in place with a bow as she put ona. high energy performance for the festive show As the pair took to the dance floor they could be seen sporting different monochrome outfits for their high energy performance, kicking and flicking their feet In their partner shots, the pair wore matching green ensembles. Speaking about joining the Strictly festive line-up, Tayce gushed: 'I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. 'My partner and I are going to dance for our lives! In all seriousness, it's an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. 'I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs.' Meanwhile comic Josh Widdicombe and his partner Karen Hauer put on a festive display in green and red. Speaking of his Christmas traditions, Josh said: 'I am insistent about sequence and turn taking with present giving. I manage to lose all fun.' Series hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return with Emma Bunton also performing. It comes after this year's winner Chris McCausland revealed appearing on the show was by far the 'scariest' thing he has ever done as he reflected on the competition's unexpected emotional rollercoaster. In their couples picture, Tamzin Outhwaite looked festive in a green dress and gold shoes while her partner Nikita Kuzmin was dressed in an all-red ensemble In her dancing shots Tamzin wore a delicate lilac dress adorned with sequins and a floaty cape that billowed out behind her as she showed off her moves Nikita looked suave in a black and white suit with his blonde locks slicked back behind his ears She will go up against British racing driver Billy Monger and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova who stunned in green mini dress complete with a red belt, gloves and tie For their dancing shots, Nadiya could be seen in red frilly dress that boasted a dramatic tulle skirt and flew in the air when she spun around during their sensational routine Nadiya's ex, Kai Widdrington is also taking part this year and is partnered with Welsh-born Tayce who shot to fame as a finalist on season two of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Meanwhile comic Josh Widdicombe and his partner Karen Hauer put on a festive display in green and red They will be joined on the show by Nancy Xu and her celebrity partner, Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey During Friday's instalment of The One Show, the comedian, 47, joined hosts Alex Jones, 47, and Lauren Laverne, 46, to discuss his experience on the BBC show. He was also joined by Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, 58, and comedian Lee Mack, 56, and the pair spoke about their upcoming Christmas film, Bad Tidings, which premieres on December 22. TV presenter Alex kicked off the show by welcoming all three guests before turning to Chris to congratulate him on winning the show. She said: 'Congratulations Chris! We were in floods of tears in our house, has it sunk in at all yet?' Chris smiled as he admitted: 'It's been insane. I mean it's relentless, the show is stressful, it's the scariest thing I've ever done. It's the most exhausting challenge I think I've ever done, but the most rewarding thing I think I'll ever do.' 'It's been remarkable really, and I didn't expect it to be emotional, I just thought it was dancing and I thought if you were good then you'd entertain people and they (would smile).' He added: 'But I didn't expect people to cry, I didn't expect me to cry, and I kept it in until I did (the) semi-final and then once the tap was on I couldn't get off it.' Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One at 3.55pm and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. Residents and other interested parties look over renderings of the planned Fresno high-speed rail station in May. Craig Kohlruss/TNS A rendering of a Central Valley station for the California high-speed rail project. California High-Speed Rail Authority California lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to approve more than half a billion dollars in funding for the states embattled high-speed rail project ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff joined Reps. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino; Jim Costa, D-Fresno; and Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, on Friday in calling for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to approve $536 million for the project. In a letter addressed to Buttigieg, they called the project essential. The money would fund design work on the first two segments of the project from Bakersfield to Palmdale (Los Angeles County) and from Gilroy to a junction point in the Central Valley south of Chowchilla (Madera County). Specifically, the money would fund the designing of tunnels through the Tehachapi Mountains in Southern California and through the Pacheco Pass in Northern California. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Eventually, project officials plan to link the high-speed rail routes with other existing and planned rail routes, including the privately run Brightline West high-speed rail project in Southern California. California Democratic Sens. Adam Schiff, left, and Alex Padilla were among legislators sending a letter to the transportation secretary urging funding of the high-speed rail project. Ben Curtis/Associated Press These investments will continue to support living wage jobs, provide small business opportunities, and equitably enhance the mobility of communities in need including disadvantaged agricultural communities all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the lawmakers wrote. California voters initially approved $10 billion in bond funding for the project in 2008. At the time, it was projected to cost $33 billion and be completed by 2020. Sixteen years later, the project has blown past both of those estimates. Its projected costs have soared to between $89 billion and $128 billion. Even under the rosiest projections, no segments will be completed and ready for riders until 2030 at the earliest. The Democrats letter comes as their Republican colleagues have taken aim at the project. Republicans have long decried the high-speed rail plan as a boondoggle that should be abandoned, and theyve intensified their criticism since Trump won the election last month. Even if the Biden administration approves Democrats funding request, Trump could move to revoke it when he takes office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the Republicans main critiques has been the ballooning price of the project. Ironically, if they succeed in persuading Trump to terminate funding for the project, it could spark a flurry of litigation and delay work for years, driving up the cost further. Construction crews work on completing the Central Valley segment of the high-speed rail in Fresno in 2021. Peter DaSilva/Special to the Chronicle 2021 Californias application for the high-speed rail funds is just one pending request before the federal government that Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, are urging Biden to approve before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Earlier this week, the Biden administration granted one of those outstanding requests when it approved Californias ability to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035. Like many policies that require federal approval, Trump could seek to reverse that decision when he takes power, a move California would probably challenge in court. Prince Edward was proud and relieved when King Charles finally named him as the new Duke of Edinburgh last year, fulfilling the stated wish of their parents. And now Edward and his wife, Sophie, have gone to extraordinary lengths to emphasise their similarities with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in their Christmas card. The card features a photograph of Edwards late parents in the brief, blissful days they spent in Malta before Elizabeth succeeded her father aged 25. At the time, they too were known as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Next to it is a picture of Edward and Sophie in an almost identical pose also in Malta during a visit to the Mediterranean island in October. Beneath the images, the couple write: The Edinburghs at Villa Guardamangia, Valettta in Malta, some 75 years apart. Closer inspection shows that, in a bid to mirror the Queen and Philip, Edward and Sophie have in a practice known as flipping reversed the original image, which showed Edward on the left and Sophie on the right. The clues in Edwards double-breasted suit which now appears as if buttoned right to left, as a womans jacket would be. The card features a picture of the Edinburghs both 'then and now', with Prince Edward and Sophie on the right and the then Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Elizabeth and Philip on the left - both taken at Villa Guardamangia in Valletta Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, have gone to extraordinary lengths to emphasise their similarities with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in their Christmas card The late Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh pictured at the Villa Guardamangia in Malta in November 1949 In March, a picture released by the Princess of Wales on Mothers' Day caused a stir after it emerged that it had been edited. It was the first time she had been pictured publicly officially at least since undergoing abdominal surgery in January. in an extraordinary development last night, foreign picture agencies including Reuters, AP, Getty and AFP withdrew the picture, saying it may have been digitally manipulated. It showed the mother-of-three beaming with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and was the first official picture released of Catherine after she underwent 'planned abdominal surgery' in January. Admitting she did 'occasionally experiment with editing' on pictures, the Princess apologised for any 'confusion'. Kevin Costner was spotted enjoying a sunny day out in Aspen with his youngest child, daughter Grace, on Friday. The 69-year-old Yellowstone star whose ex-wife is Christine Baumgartner looked stylish in a cream-toned sweater, trousers, and tan jacket while spending time with his 14-year-old and her friends. Grace was dressed in a pair of wide-leg blue jeans, a black crop top and a black puffer jacket. Her gal pals were similarly dressed as they indulged in a group shopping trip. Costner is father to seven children in total Annie, 40, Lily, 38, Joe, 36, Liam, 28, Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace. Kevin Costner was spotted enjoying a sunny day out in Aspen with his youngest child, daughter Grace, on Friday The 69-year-old Yellowstone star looked stylish in a cream-toned sweater, trousers, and tan jacket while spending time with his 14-year-old and her friends In early December the proud dad shared a rare photo with six of his kids on Instagram. 'Hoping you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people you love most,' Kevin wrote to his nearly two million followers. 'At the top of my "grateful for" list are the many really, really special memories I've gotten to make with my kids this year. Here's to a holiday season dedicated to making more.' Missing from the family photo was Costner's elusive 28-year-old son Liam Costner, whom he welcomed in 1996 during a brief relationship with Bridget Rooney. The two-time Oscar winner welcomed his three oldest children during his 16-year marriage to ex-wife Cindy Costner, which ended in 1994. And he welcomd his three youngest children within his 18-year marriage to ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. Baumgartner now receives $63K/month in child support, according to divorce documents finalized in February. She has moved on with new financier boyfriend Josh Connor, who was previously a neighbor and mutual friend of hers and her then-husband. Grace (far left) was dressed in a pair of wide-leg blue jeans, a black crop top and a black puffer jacket Costner, 69, tied the knot with ex Christine Baumgartner, 50, in 2004 and welcomed three children with her before she filed for divorce in May 2023 On Monday, Kevin Costner shared a rare snap of himself posing with six of his seven children on a beach following the Thanksgiving holiday Connor and Baumgartner were spotted earlier this month enjoying a romantic evening out on the town in New York City. They sheltered under an umbrella together while walking to the restaurant Il Totano in Manhattan's West Village. A source said the couple are 'so in love after she stayed in a tough marriage' for 'far too long' for her children's sake, per Page Six. Baumgartner is said to be 'beyond happy to be in a committed and loving relationship with someone that shares her same values.' Costner, meanwhile, is rumored to be romancing actress Sharon Stone. Ronnie Wood's wife Sally has revealed the secret behind the couple's happy 12-year marriage. The couple have been married since 2012 after exchanging vows during an intimate ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London following a six-month romance, with Rod Stewart serving as best man. The pair met at her place of work, the Theatre Royal, nine years beforehand. They went on to welcome daughters Gracie Jane and Alice Rose in 2016. And now in a new interview, Sally, 46, opened up about life with the Rolling Stones rocker, 77, and gave an insight into their happy marriage. Sally told The Mirror: 'We spend a lot of time together - we get on really well. I feel we're very lucky, because we love being at home with the girls and watching telly and going to nice restaurants. We do all of that anyway.' Meanwhile, Sally told that far from living a rock and roll lifestyle, the couple love nothing better than staying up late to read books and watch the TV, adding that they're 'night owls'. Ronnie Wood 's wife Sally has revealed the secret behind the couple's happy 12-year marriage In a new interview, Sally, 46, opened up about life with the Rolling Stones rocker, 77, and gave an insight into their happy marriage Sharing a candid glimpse into their day to day lives, she continued: 'I take the girls to school every day, but Ronnie at 2,3,4,5 in the morning, goes to sleep. I think because hes so programmed to go on stage until 10 or 11 oclock at night, so he has to wind down after that. Ive always worked at night in the theatres. Were just naturally night people. Normally Ronnie gets up at midday.' But while the couple are perfectly content with life as it is, Sally - who is Ronnie's third wife - told how she wouldn't rule out the couple renewing their vows down the line. She said: 'It's a great idea. We did a little thing when we were five years married. We went to our local church, and did it ourselves with the girls, and now we're at 12. I guess we've been busy with the twins.' Last year, Sally praised her musician partner, but admitted that she wished they didn't have such a big age gap. She told The Telegraph: 'Hes on my level completely. Hes a very nice and caring person. Oh God, dont use the word "nice", its so boring. Hes very funny, kind and affectionate and welcoming.' Discussing their age gap, she said: 'Um, well, I know (the age gap's) there. And I wish it wasnt, but it is. I think I had to say: "I cant do this because of the age". It comes after last month Sally proved to be the ever supportive wife as she joined Ronnie at the launch of an exhibition of his own work at the Andrew Martin shop on Walton Street in Chelsea. Ronnie looked appropriately smart in a black two-piece suit and crisp white dress shirt as he greeted onlookers before making his way inside. The couple have been married since 2012 and went on to welcome daughters Gracie Jane and Alice Rose in 2016 [pictured this month] Meanwhile, Sally told that far from living a rock and roll lifestyle, the couple love nothing better than staying up late to read books and watch the TV, adding that they're 'night owls' While the couple are perfectly content with life as it is, Sally told how she wouldn't rule out the couple renewing their vows down the line. Meanwhile Sally on hand to support her husband, caught the eye in a floral minidress, sheer black tights and conventional black heels. Away from his work with The Rolling Stones, Wood has won accolades - and earned a tidy sum - through his passion for art. The musician has made more than 1million through his paintings, with accounts filed in 2023 revealing made a massive 1,437,277 in profit the previous year. He discovered his talent for painting at Ealing Art College in the 60s alongside fellow stars Freddie Mercury and Pete Townshend. After finding fame, Ronnie picked up a paint brush again in the 80s. He previously said: 'When I am painting, I lose track of time. I get engrossed. It's great'. One of his paintings, unveiled in March 2023, depicted The Rolling Stones - among them late drummer Charlie Watts - performing on a street in Havana. Lisa Vanderpump joked about the paternity of Kristen Doute's baby following the star's recent pregnancy announcement. The 41-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum is expecting her first child with fiance Luke Broderick. During a guest spot on the Housewives Nightcap podcast this month, Lisa, 64, revealed she 'never' talks to Doute, who now appears on the VPR spinoff The Valley. When one of the hosts mentioned her baby news, Vanderpump responded with a jab: 'I hadnt heard that. How on Earth did that happen? Whos the father? Do we know?' The hosts then made her aware that Kristen is expecting the baby girl with Luke. 'Oh, shes getting married?' Lisa then asked before admitting, 'Im really not very involved in The Valley, even though Im a producer.' Lisa Vanderpump joked about the paternity of Kristen Doute 's baby following the star's recent pregnancy announcement; pictured in 2022 The 41-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum is expecting her first child with fiance Luke Broderick Once Kristen got wind of the dig, she shared a screenshot of a Page Six article about her former boss' statement and added a clown emoji. Adding another element to show her reaction, she soundtracked the Instagram Story post with rapper Pitbull's 2009 song Full of S**t. Scheana Shay, who used to star alongside Doute on Vanderpump Rules, came to her defense on the latest episode of her Scheananigans podcast. On Friday's installment of the show, she said, 'One thing was the host brought up Kristens exciting pregnancy news and Lisas response was, "Do we know who the dad is?" 'I just want to say with all due respect it was kind of shady.' She explained, 'It is super shady. But especially because Lisa is a producer on The Valley.' Shay, who has been cut from Vanderpump Rules as the show searches for a new cast, added, 'Like, you know who Luke is. 'You know hes a cast member on this show. This season, they get engaged. And if you dont know who someone is on a show that youre producing, then why is your name in the credits as a producer?' Kristen reacted to Lisa's comment with a clown emoji Scheana Shay, who used to star alongside Doute on Vanderpump Rules, came to Kristen's defense on the latest episode of her Scheananigans podcast, calling Vanderpump's comment 'shady'; pictured in November Kristen and Luke got engaged this past September and their baby announcement came three months later Scheana's monologue continued, 'Its just a paycheck [for Lisa], basically. Knowing the struggles that Kristen has openly shared on her path to becoming a mother and [knowing] her pregnancy loss... even if you dont like someone, its just kind of distasteful on this topic of motherhood. How hard is it to say "I wish her best"?' Shay also weighed in on why she believes there is tension between the former employer and employee duo. 'I feel like because Kristen has always stood up to her and has never just bowed down and been like, "OK, Lisa is the boss and producer," Like shes going to tell her how she feels. Whereas Im going to be nice and respectful and just like, "Yes, maam, OK. Jump? How high?' Doute showed off her diamond engagement ring after Broderick popped the question on a yacht in Maui, Hawaii earlier this year. She captioned social media photos of the proposal: 'Im wrapped around your finger like this ring im wearing. Out of the all the fish in the sea, you chose me.' Jessica Alba shared a passionate kiss with her co-star Lorenzo de Moor during a scene for their upcoming movie Maserati: The Brothers in Rome this week. Lorenzo plays Carlo Maserati, the eldest of the six Maserati brothers who become involved in the new automobile industry at the dawn of the 20th century. Although Carlo died in 1910, four years before his surviving brothers founded the luxury car brand that bears their name, the movie apparently covers his life as well. Meanwhile Jessica plays a character called Sandra - evidently a love interest for Carlo, based on the steamy sequence they were seen filming in Italy on Thursday. The 30-year-old actor could be seen sweeping the 43-year-old actress into his arms and locking lips with her as she wrapped him in an embrace. During their romantic interlude, the characters were also seen leaning against an outdoor wall and grinning, with Sandra clutching Carlo's right arm. Jessica Alba shared a passionate kiss with her co-star Lorenzo de Moor during a scene for their upcoming movie Maserati: The Brothers in Rome this week Both Jessica and Lorenzo were in period costumes designed to transport viewers back to the turn-of-the-century setting of the scene. She sported a luxurious retro hairdo and was decked out in a floor-length cream dress and a matching jacket, worn over a white ruffled blouse. Meanwhile Lorenzo was seen wearing a grey vest over a white tunic, occasionally bundling a long black coat over the ensemble. One of the movie's leading men is Michele Morrone, the Netflix sex symbol of the 365 Days erotic thriller franchise, playing Alfieri Maserati, one of the brothers. Bindo, another Maserati brother, is played by Salvatore Esposito, who starred on the hit Italian crime show Gomorrah and also featured on the US series Fargo. They join an international cast that includes Anthony Hopkins from the UK and Andy Garcia from the US. Directed by Robert Moresco, who co-wrote the Oscar-winning 2004 film Crash, Maserati: The Brothers began principal photography in Italy on December 2. Lorenzo, who was born in the Netherlands and raised in Italy, has acted in both countries and also has a slate of English language projects lined up. During their romantic interlude, the characters were also seen leaning against an outdoor wall and grinning, with Sandra clutching Carlo's right arm Lorenzo plays Carlo Maserati, the eldest of the six Maserati brothers who become involved in the new automobile industry at the dawn of the 20th century Meanwhile Jessica plays a character called Sandra - evidently a love interest for Carlo, based on the steamy sequence they were seen filming in Italy on Thursday The 30-year-old actor could be seen sweeping the 43-year-old actress into his arms and locking lips with her as she wrapped him in an embrace Both Jessica and Lorenzo were in period costumes designed to transport viewers back to the turn-of-the-century setting of the scene She sported a luxurious retro hairdo and was decked out in a floor-length cream dress and a matching jacket, worn over a white ruffled blouse Meanwhile Lorenzo was seen wearing a grey vest over a white tunic, occasionally bundling a long black coat over the ensemble One of the movie's leading men is Michele Morrone, the Netflix sex symbol of the 365 Days erotic thriller franchise, playing Alfieri Maserati, one of the brothers Bindo, another Maserati brother, is played by Salvatore Esposito, who starred on the hit Italian crime show Gomorrah and also featured on the US series Fargo They join an international cast that includes Anthony Hopkins from the UK and Andy Garcia from the US Directed by Robert Moresco, who co-wrote the Oscar-winning 2004 film Crash, Maserati: The Brothers began principal photography in Italy on December 2 Lorenzo, who was born in the Netherlands and raised in Italy, has acted in both countries and also has a slate of English language projects lined up One of Lorenzo's upcoming projects is the sequel to A Simple Favor, the hit 2018 thriller starring Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick and Henry Golding Lorenzo has also been cast in the upcoming British TV series Iris, starring Tom Hollander and acclaimed Irish actress Niamh Algar as well as Debi Mazar In her offscreen love life, Jessica is happily married to Cash Warren, 45, with whom she shares her daughters Honor, 16, and Haven, 13, and son Hayes, six Jessica and Lorenzo were the image of romance as they played their scene this week One of Lorenzo's upcoming projects is the sequel to A Simple Favor, the hit 2018 thriller starring Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick and Henry Golding. He has also been cast in the upcoming British TV series Iris, starring Tom Hollander and acclaimed Irish actress Niamh Algar as well as Debi Mazar. In her offscreen love life, Jessica is happily married to Cash Warren, 45, with whom she shares her daughters Honor, 16, and Haven, 13, and son Hayes, six. Cash, who is the son of Hill Street Blues actor Michael Warren, met Jessica while working as an assistant director on her critically savaged 2005 film Fantastic Four. They spontaneously decided to get married at a Beverly Hills courthouse one day in 2008 while Jessica was heavily pregnant with Honor. Nicole Kidman touched down in Australia on Saturday to reunite with her extended family for their first Christmas since her beloved mother Janelle's death. The Aussie actress, 57, has had a difficult few months since Janelle died at the age of 84 in September - just hours before Nicole won an award at Venice Film Festival. She is now preparing for her first Christmas without her mother and has flown back to Sydney to reunite with her family as they rally around to support one another. Nicole was spotted touching down at Sydney's International Airport with her husband Keith Urban and their two daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14. She put on a very loved-up display with musician Keith, 57, as the couple sweetly walked hand-in-hand through arrivals after disembarking their Qantas flight. Nicole, who lives in Nashville with Keith and their two daughters, flashed a small smile as she appeared happy to have returned to her native Sydney for the holidays. Nicole Kidman touched down in Australia on Saturday to reunite with her extended family for their first Christmas since her beloved mother Janelle's death Nicole is preparing for her first Christmas without her mother and has flown back to Sydney to reunite with her family as they rally around to support one another Nicole was spotted touching down at Sydney's International Airport with her husband Keith Urban and their two daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14 (all pictured) For her travels, she cut a stylish figure in a black T-shirt and denim straight leg jeans, which she styled with a smart navy blazer and white trainers. Nicole cut a low-profile as she shielded her eyes with a pair of dark shades and carried her essentials in a large black handbag. Meanwhile, Keith kept it casual as he looked travel ready in a black T-shirt and dark trousers, which he teamed with white trainers. He too sported a pair of aviator shades and carried a backpack while he walked holding hands with Nicole, who he married back in 2006. They were joined by their two teenage daughters Sunday and Faith, who walked closely behind them after they got off their long-haul flight. It is tradition for Nicole to jet back to Australia over the Christmas period and they often host New Year's Eve celebrations at their Sydney Harbour apartments. Over the past ten years, Nicole has purchased two penthouses in the exclusive North Sydney Latitude building and then combined them to make a mega-apartment. While back in Sydney this Christmas, Nicole will no doubt be reuniting with her younger sister Antonia, 54, and her family for the holidays. Nicole, who lives in Nashville with Keith and their two daughters, flashed a small smile as she appeared happy to have returned to her native Sydney for the holidays She put on a very loved-up display with musician Keith, 57, as the couple sweetly walked hand-in-hand through arrivals after disembarking their Qantas flight For her travels, she cut a stylish figure in a black T-shirt and denim straight leg jeans, which she styled with a smart navy blazer and white trainers Nicole cut a low-profile as she shielded her eyes with a pair of dark shades and carried her essentials in a large black handbag Meanwhile, Keith kept it casual as he looked travel ready in a black T-shirt and dark trousers, which he teamed with white trainers The Kidman clan have already had a festive catch-up in recent weeks after Antonia jetted out to visit Nicole in Nashville at the start of the month. Antonia was joined by her daughters Lucia, 26, and Sybella, 17, for the trip as they jetted over to stay in Nicole's $4.89million Nashville mansion. Lucia, who lives in Sydney, shared festive snaps from the holiday to her Instagram at the time as she documented the trip. She was joined by her boyfriend Henry Poole, while Antonia's husband Craig Marran also jetted over with them. Nicole's sister Antonia shares her two daughters and two sons Hamish, 23, and James, 21, with late businessman Angus Hawley, who died in 2015. She also has two younger sons Nicholas, ten, and Alexander, eight, with her second husband Craig. The Kidman clan have all been rallying around each other since their matriarch Janelle sadly passed away in September. Janelle died at the age of 84 - just hours before Nicole was awarded the Best Actress gong for her role in Babygirl at the Venice Film Festival. Keith also sported a pair of aviator shades and carried a backpack while he walked holding hands with Nicole, who he married back in 2006 They were joined by their two teenage daughters Sunday and Faith, who walked closely behind them after they got off their long-haul flight The family all looked as close-knit as ever as they stepped off the plane following their lengthy travels from the United States Nicole flashed a smile as they caught the attention of other travellers after touching down in Australia It is tradition for Nicole to jet back over to Australia over the Christmas period and they often host New Year's Eve celebrations at their Sydney Harbour apartments While back in Sydney this Christmas, Nicole will no doubt be reuniting with her younger sister Antonia, 54, and her family for the holidays The family have already had a catch-up in recent weeks after Antonia and her daughter Lucia jetted out to visit Nicole in Nashville at the start of the month (Lucia and Sunday are pictured) The Kidman clan have all been rallying around each other since their matriarch Janelle (pictured with Nicole in December 2018) sadly passed away in September at the age of 84 'Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother has just passed,' Nicole revealed in a statement read out on her behalf by director Halina Reijn upon her win. 'I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, guided and made me. 'I am beyond grateful I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all.' Nicole and her immediate family returned to Australia for the funeral just weeks later, where they were supported by Antonia's family and many of their close friends. Nicole had an incredibly close relationship with her beloved mother Janelle and often spoke about her support and influence on her career over the years. She was born in Hawaii and raised in Sydney with her sister Antonia by Janelle and her psychologist father Antony, who died in September 2014 of a heart attack. Karina Natt, the wife of Channel 10 star Narelda Jacobs, has hit back at cruel trolls after the pair were criticised her pregnancy. Narelda, 48, and Karina, 39, announced earlier this month that they were expecting their first child together. Posting to Instagram on Saturday, the couple shared a sweet carousel of clips and photos that showed them enjoying life since revealing their big news. One clip showed the couple looking glamorous in stunning gowns, standing in the Sydney CBD. Narelda was holding the train of her black dress over Karina's midriff before pulling it back to reveal her burgeoning baby bum, that was accentuated with a large black bow on Karina's dress. Another sweet image showed Narelda and Karina sharing an intimate festive-themed moment. Karina Natt, the wife of Channel 10 star Narelda Jacobs has hit back at cruel trolls, who criticised the couple's pregnancy. Both pictured Narelda also snapped a selfie of the couple kissing in front of the large Christmas tree in Martin Place. Another photo showed Karina in an eye catching orange off-the shoulder dress, again showing off her baby bump as she posed in front of what appeared to be a hotel window. A third photo showed Narelda and Karina wearing very similar black outfits, enjoying a fun moment in an elevator. The sweet carousel was rounded out by the loved-up couple hanging out with friends, and even Narelda taking to some home improvement. While the post was met with a flurry of love and congratulations from friends, fans and followers, not everyone was as generous. One cruel troll took the time to criticise the couple's baby news with: 'Feel sorry for the child not knowing who's the father.' It is unclear if the donor is anonymous or known to Narelda and Karina. Karina, who is the former chief of staff for Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, did not take the dig lying down, wasting no time in hitting back at the churlish commenter. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the couple shared a sweet carousel of clips and photos that showed them enjoying life since revealing their big news While the post was met with a flurry of love and congratulations from friends, fans and followers, not everyone was as generous 'Who made you the author of our family's story?' she replied. Followers were quick tto jump to the couple's defence, hitting back at the nasty comment. 'Good thing it's not your child, not your life and has absolutely nothing to do with you so just scroll on! Had to be all freaking negative huh!' one replied. Another chimed in with: 'Feel sorry for your negative mindset! Your comment is so out for 2025,' while a third jumped in with: 'Feel sorry for any child you have with that homophobic and bigoted view.' A third hit back with: 'Feel sorry for yourself and your miserable life, unhappy troll.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt for comment. Taking to Instagram while at the beach earlier this month, Karina and Narelda dropped their baby bombshell during an announcement about an upcoming book launch. 'We've got some exciting news,' a bikini-clad Narelda said to camera before Karina added: 'We're having a book baby.' Narelda then revealed the couple were expecting. One cruel troll took the time to criticise the couple's baby news with: 'Feel sorry for the child not knowing who's the father' 'Who made you the author of our family's story?' Karina hit back The pair were married in a fun-filled ceremony in Sydney in early August, just 18 months after they went on their first date 'Oh, and we're also having a human baby, which is out next year,' she said. The newsreader and the political advisor then shared a kiss. One follower dubbed it 'the announcement of THE YEAR!!!' among many other messages of congratulations. Brittany Higgins offered her well-wishes to the mums-to-be, calling it, 'most marvellous news I've heard in a long while. 'Congratulations to the both of you!' added the former Liberal staffer. Other big names weighed in, including Bindi Irwin who wrote 'CONGRATULATIONS!!! Such wonderful news!' Aside from their pregnancy news, the couple also revealed that their 'satirical picture book for adults', If Queers Weren't Meant To Have Kids, had been picked up by publisher University Of Queensland Press (UQP). The pair were married in a fun-filled ceremony in Sydney in early August, just 18 months after they went on their first date. Narelda debuted her new romance in an Instagram post in early 2023, sharing a photo of the two women kissing during Sydney World Pride celebrations. The Shawshank Redemption star William Sadler announced the death of his wife Marni Joan Bakst after 46 years of marriage. Sadler, 74, shared the news on his Facebook page this week, alongside a photo of him and Bakst taken the morning of their wedding on May 6, 1978. Shortly before going down the aisle, the couple were pictured in their bathrobes sitting at a breakfast table and enjoying their coffee. In the message accompanying the image, Sadler revealed that Bakst died this Wednesday after fighting cancer for two years. 'After what has been an amazing forty five years of marriage I dont think I can fathom or put into words much of this yet,' he wrote. Over the course of their long-running marriage, Sadler and Bakst welcomed a daughter called Sadler Colley Bakst, 38. The Shawshank Redemption star William Sadler announced the death of his wife Marni Joan Bakst after 46 years of marriage; pictured in 1990 at the premiere of his film Die Hard 2 'Early yesterday morning, my wife, Marni Bakst, finally lost her two year battle with cancer,' Sadler wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. 'After what has been an amazing forty five years of marriage I dont think I can fathom or put into words much of this yet,' he added. 'Maybe with time and a little distance Ill find it easier to describe this extraordinary artist, feminist, wife, and mother, but for now I want to thank you all for your patience and kind words,' he concluded, signing off: 'Yours, Bill.' Sadler posted a heartwarming tribute to his wife on their anniversary last year, along with the same picture that he later uploaded to break the news of her death. 'This picture was taken the morning of our wedding, exactly forty five years ago today,' Sadler wrote alongside the photo last May. 'The extraordinary looking young woman with the huge eyes is Ms. Marni Bakst. The lucky young man is me,' he noted touchingly. 'All these years later I still bring her coffee, she still has those beautiful eyes, and Im still the luckiest man on this, or any other planet. Happy Anniversary Marni!' Bakst was at Sadler's side throughout his acting career, since before he made his Broadway debut in Neil Simon's Biloxi Blues in 1985. Sadler, 74, shared the news on his Facebook page this week, alongside a picture of him and Bakst the morning of their wedding on May 6, 1978 'After what has been an amazing forty five years of marriage I dont think I can fathom or put into words much of this yet,' he wrote Sadler and Bakst are pictured in the late 1970s in a snapshot she posted to her Facebook page shortly before their wedding anniversary in 2014 Sadler, pictured in 2019 at the premiere of the Ava DuVernay miniseries When They See Us, has had a long and distinguished career in movies, TV and theater His most famous film role is as a long-serving prisoner called Heywood in the acclaimed 1994 drama The Shawshank Redemption He memorably featured as death in the 1991 romp Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, which he is pictured attending the premiere of with Bakst in Hollywood The couple, who welcomed a now 38-year-old daughter called Sadler Colley Bakst, are pictured at the premiere of The Shawshank Redemption in September 1994 His most famous film role is as a long-serving prisoner called Heywood in the acclaimed 1994 drama The Shawshank Redemption. Based on a novel by Stephen King, the movie starred Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman and is often hailed as one of the greatest motion pictures ever made. Sadler is also known for movies like Die Hard 2 in 1990 and the 2013 Marvel movie Iron Man 3, in which he played a fictional President Of The United States. He memorably featured as death in the 1991 romp Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, reprising the role 30 years later for the 2020 picture Bill & Ted Face The Music. Sadler's recent work has included the 2019 miniseries When They See Us, Ava DuVernay's dramatization of the Central Park Five case. This year, he could be seen in the Max horror movie 'Salem's Lot - another Stephen King adaptation, harking back to The Shawshank Redemption. The price tag of The Block's housing plots for its 2025 series has been revealed. The 21st season of the popular Nine reality series will set up production in Daylesford in central Victoria. In a never-before-seen twist, contestants will be required to complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, as opposed to renovating existing properties in previous seasons. According to News Corp, Nine dropped almost $10million to acquire the land that will be sub-divided into five separate lots. The publication reported that the Nine-owned company Micjoy Pty Ltd took ownership of the parcel of land for $9,445,801.00. The figure is on par with previous Block purchases, with Micjoy dropping $10million on the notorious Gatwick Hotel in Melbourne for the Block's 2017 season. The price tag of The Block's housing plots for its 2025 series has been revealed. Pictured: hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft The company also paid $14.3 million for five properties in Hampton East, Melbourne for the 2022 series. Filming is expected to commence in March while casting for the next crop of Blockheads has been underway for several months, the publication reported. Situated in lush countryside 111km from Melbourne, the tiny town has become a popular weekend getaway destination for those living in the big smoke. But leaders of the community, a population of 10,000, have concerns over how the hit show will influence the town's 'image'. Nine purchased an allotment not far from the town's main street where five teams will build luxury homes completely from scratch. Steve Rowe, Daylesford Local Tourism Board chief executive, is convinced that the show's presence will bring extra publicity to the area - and even more tourists, giving a boost to Daylesford's economy. But he has also expressed his concern about Daylesford's image. 'Once filming wraps up, my interest will drop off,' he told the Herald Sun. 'But during production, itll definitely bring people into town we just need to make sure it showcases Daylesford in the right way. According to News Corp, Nine dropped almost $10million to acquire a parcel of land in Daylesford, central Victoria, that will be sub-divided into five separate lots The publication reported that the Nine-owned company Micjoy Pty Ltd took ownership of the parcel of land for $9,445,801.00 'For me its all about perspective were a tight-knit community, when things align, everyone benefits, we just have to make the most of it.' Meanwhile, local shopkeeper Alexander Hancock told the publication that not everyone in Daylesford 'was thrilled' about the Nine show coming to town. However, he agreed that the reality hit meant 'free advertising' for the tourist spot. Daylesford was set to be the site of The Block's 2024 season, however production was eventually moved to Phillip Island following a planning dispute. Despite plans for the proposed setting being approved by the Hepburn Shire, Nine was then challenged in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in September. The network were reportedly forced to cancel $500,000 worth of accommodation it had booked for the show's cast and crew. 'We've had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don't go where we are not welcome,' a production insider told the Herald Sun at the time. 'Especially for the 20th series of The Block, which is so important.' Contestants will have to build homes from scratch in a new plotline that is sure to inject more tension into the show Planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council include what appears to be five new homes that will provide a starting-off point for contestants According to the documents, contestants will create the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, that will include a study, living area, garage, covered outdoor area and a heated swimming pool According to Realestate.com.au, planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council for The Block 2025 include five new homes that will provide a starting-off point for contestants. Contestants will be required to complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, including a study, living area and a garage. The properties will also include other lavish amenities including a covered outdoor area and a heated swimming pool. The documents, which were submitted by Group Architects, also suggest that the five homes will be near-identical two-storey eco friendly developments. Previously, Blockheads have been tasked with renovating an existing property or, in the case of the 2022 season, renovating homes that were shipped into the Gisborne site. In December, the application was finally approved by the Victorian Planning Minister to build five dwellings on a 2,000sqm block of land owned by Hygge Property. Daylesford, located in the famed Macedon Ranges region of Victoria offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant local culture. 'Daylesford has a robust national tourism brand unlike other places, we dont rely on sun, sand, or snow for attracting visitors,' Belle Property Daylesfords principal director, Will Walton - who sold the site to Nine - said. 'We are recognised as a culinary destination, renowned for our high-level, award-winning restaurants. 'This focus on food and wine is a key driver for our tourism sector and also stimulates our holiday investment property market.' Fearne Cotton has given a health update after undergoing surgery to remove two benign tumours from her jawline. The TV host, 43, had the operation two and a half weeks ago, just days before announcing her shock split from husband Jesse Woods after 10 years of marriage. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Fearne admitted she is 'so grateful to be healing' as she showed off the scar running down her ear. She captioned the post: 'The human body is incredible. In less than three weeks you can barely notice where I had the tumour removed. I feel almost normal. My ear is still quite numb and my face a little tender but other than that I'm feeling good. 'Only swipe if you want to see the gradual stages of healing. It's not massively gruesome but it certainly looks worse than photo number 1. I found the whole process fascinating and feel very grateful that the operation went well and that the tumour was benign. 'My surgeon Professor Oflynn made me feel extremely calm and all the nurses were complete angels. Nurse Jackie was especially amazing whilst I was in hospital telling me to get off my phone and nap etc. I needed a firm telling off at times. Fearne Cotton, 43, has admitted she is 'so grateful to be healing' while showing off her scar just weeks after undergoing surgery to remove two benign tumours from her jawline The TV host revealed earlier this month that she was set to go under the knife, just days before shocking fans by announcing her split from husband Jesse Woods after 10 years of marriage 'Feeling grateful that I'm healing well and will always wear this scar with pride. A reminder to slow down and look after myself'. Ahead of surgery Fearne gave no indication of her marital woes as she told followers: 'Hey gang I'm going to be out of action for a bit due to a surgery. I felt a lump under my ear on my jawline a while ago now but this year noticed it was growing. 'Turns out it's a benign tumour and another small one above it on the saliva gland. I'm feeling positive about it all and will take the opportunity to rest and slow right down. 'If you feel a lump or bump or feel like something is a bit off, always go get it checked. I'm so glad I did as the longer you leave these things the more complicated things become. 'It's obviously so weird that only a couple of months ago Davina told me about her tumour and then weeks later I was calling her having discovered mine. I'm not only lucky she's a bloody good mate but also a beacon of light and positivity when it comes to this stuff. 'Sending you all loads of love and I'll see you soon.' She later issued an update: 'Operation went really well. Recovering and resting. Thanks so much for all the kind messages.' Breaking her silence on the split on Caroline Hirons' podcast, which released on Monday, Fearne spoke of the 'toxic pressure that a woman can have it all'. Taking to Instagram on Saturday Fearne shared snaps of her scar as it improved following surgery It was the latest health update from the TV personality She said that it was now 'barely noticeable' She captioned the post: 'The human body is incredible. In less than three weeks you can barely notice where I had the tumour removed' After a stressful few weeks of health woes and going through a divorce, while running a business at the same time, Fearne admitted: 'The pressure is immense'. She said: 'There is a lot of pressure for women to prove ourselves, that we can run businesses, I'm trying to do the same with Happy Place. But if we are honest, the pressure is immense. 'I can imagine you [Caroline] are like me, there are lots of things I'd like to do, lots of goals. 'I want to grow and expand myself in many ways but I don't want to feel depleted and stressed out and not be able to be present in my family home, [I want to] have time with my friends, have fun. 'There is still that toxic sort of trope that women can have it all, that people believe.' Fearne shares son Rex, 11, and daughter Honey, eight, with Jesse, 48, and she is also stepmother to his children Arthur, 21, and Lola, 18, from his first marriage. In the statement revealing the split, Fearne told fans their priority was their children. She posted on Instagram: 'It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that Jesse and I are ending our marriage. Our priority has been and always will be our children. 'We please ask that you respect the privacy of our family at this time.' It comes after Fearne had reportedly feared for her marriage for some time before announcing the couple's split. Friends of the couple have told The Mail Fearne and Jesse had feared for their marriage for a while. Breaking her silence on the split on Caroline Hirons' podcast, which released on Monday, Fearne spoke of the 'toxic pressure that a woman can have it all' Fearne shares son Rex, 11, and daughter Honey, eight, with Jesse, 48, and she is also stepmother to his children Arthur, 21, and Lola, 18, from his first marriage Jesse is the son of Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood (pictured together in 2011, when Fearne and the musician first began dating) It has emerged the couple had faced challenges for several years, with Fearne previously admitting their marriage had been 'suffering' as far back as 2019. Speaking at the time, Fearne said Jesse's demanding schedule with his band Reef had put a strain on their relationship which left them desperately 'clinging onto their marriage' in an unearthed interview. The couple's problems eventually came to a head with a two-hour 'screaming match' where they worried their 'love had gone'. The presenter candidly told readers in her column for Red Magazine: 'Love takes hard work - and no one wants to hear that'. She continued: 'This year, Jesse and I hit a rough patch - he was away, touring relentlessly, [with his band, Reef]. 'I was trying to keep my own career going while looking after our kids and we were both desperately clinging on to our marriage.' After the lengthy row, which took place in a local park, the pair broke down crying but the former Top Of The Pops host credited her husband's emotional side for them being so honest with each other. She added: 'In the midst of this gargantuan row, I think we both wondered where the love had gone and worried that it might not come back.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Fearne and Jesse for comment. The news comes just three days after Jesse's band Reef announced they would be going on tour again in 2025 for their 30th anniversary. They will be touring the country beginning in Nottingham on October 16 and ending on November 8 in London. Fearne previously confessed the pandemic killed her and her husband's sex life in an unearthed podcast. The presenter took to her Instagram stories last week to issue the statement and tell fans their priority is their children Back in 2021 Fearne admitted the pair were struggling to find time for each other as she confessed 'sexy time' was no longer a happening. Speaking with Alan Carr on his podcast Life's A Beach, she said: 'Sexy time hasn't happened for so long in terms of me going anywhere. 'I think for me and my husband, booking into the local Travelodge would make us feel sexy at the moment.' Asked where they would go for a romantic trip abroad, she confessed the couple were struggling for time alone just the two of them. 'We have had no time alone because of the ridiculous pandemic but before all this craziness, Paris was our go-to. 'Not every weekend, maybe once a year. But it felt well special because it's so chic and beautiful.' 'It just has an air of something gorgeous, doesn't it? I love it there.' Pro-Palestinian supporters hold up a sign and flag inside an encampment on the UCLA campus on April 26 in Los Angeles. Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press WASHINGTON The University of California system agreed to resolve nine open U.S. Department of Education investigations into alleged discrimination against Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Arab students and employees at five campuses. The Department of Education found that UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz appear not to have responded promptly or effectively to notice of alleged national origin discrimination, including harassment against its students and employees. When the university determined allegedly harassing conduct involved protected speech, some appeared to fail to evaluate if it created a hostile environment and to take steps to eliminate or prevent that conduct, the Education Department found. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As part of the settlement, the universities agreed to review complaints from the current and prior academic years to determine if further action is warranted and report the responses to those complaints; gain the departments approval for changes to discrimination policies; conduct training for employees and public safety officers; and conduct an assessment of discrimination on the campuses and identify next steps. This agreement builds upon the Universitys ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and harassment based on national origin, including Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim ancestry, and/or association with these actual or perceived identities, University of California Office of the President spokesperson Rachel Zaentz said in a statement. Zaentz said the voluntary agreement is one of many important steps reflecting the Universitys continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of impacted community members, education and training, and prompt and appropriate responses to all reports of discrimination and harassment. The Education Department also launched an investigation into UC Berkeley in March following an anti-Israel campus protest that forced the cancellation of a planned lecture by Israeli attorney and former Israeli Defense Force member Ran Bar-Yoshafat in February. The complaint against UC Berkeley, however, wasnt included in the settlement and the Department of Education told the Chronicle Friday the complaint had been dismissed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meanwhile, a report by House Republicans found that numerous universities failed to stop antisemitism on their campuses, likely violating Title VI. The committee found that UCLA allowed the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students by removing nonstudents from the encampment or clearing it and that UC Berkeley didnt suspend any students, despite an unlawful encampment, student riots, building occupations, and the obstruction of a major gate to the center of campus. The report urges schools to do more to enforce their own rules, but also says federal agencies should crack down on institutions that dont sufficiently protect Jewish students. The report comes several months after Republicans launched a series of hearings in which they excoriated university and K-12 leaders for what they said was improper handling of campus protests against the war in Gaza. Throughout the spring, they harshly criticized college presidents, the U.S. secretary of education and school superintendents, saying they were stoking antisemitism and facilitating harassment. Republican lawmakers also sent a letter to the chancellor of UCSF on July 31 threatening to revoke federal funding over their concerns about ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation. A House investigation into UCSFs handling of allegations of harassment is still under way, according to the report released this week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the Department of Education settlement resolves the complaints, several UC campuses continue to deal with the fallout from the protests in other ways. In September, two UC Santa Cruz students and a professor who said they were banished from campus by police in May, with no explanation or opportunity to defend themselves, filed a lawsuit against the school. An ACLU attorney told the Chronicle the university has already agreed to stop expelling students and faculty from campus for taking part in protests, but the lawsuit is proceeding over other issues. Kate Moss has been seen for the first time since it was reported she had split from Count Nikolai Von Bismarck. The model, 50, is said to have finally called it quits with Nikolai, 37, after nine years together. A newly-single Kate lived up to her supermodel status as she left the Dorchester Hotel after dining at the China Tang restaurant in Mayfair on Friday night. She looked stylish in a black and gold paisley coat layered over a simple black top and smart trousers. The beauty added inches to her frame with a pair of black block heels and toted her belongings in a stylish red 1,800 Bvlgari bag. She accessorised with gold and silver bangles and diamond stud earrings. Kate Moss has been seen for the first time since it was reported she had split from Count Nikolai von Bismarck The model, 50, is said to have finally called it quits with Nikolai, 37, after nine years together For her latest outing, Kate looked incredible as she stepped out of the Dorchester Hotel after dining at the China Tang restaurant in Mayfair on Friday night It comes after insiders claimed Kate and her former boyfriend parted ways due to friction stemming from their different approaches to life. A source told The Sun the exes remain on good terms but 'have been on and off for months', and eventually Kate felt the time was right to move on and cut ties. 'She felt they were going on different journeys in life. And, at 50, Kate feels fabulous and like she wants to get back out there and have some fun in time for Christmas. 'Despite being 13 years her junior, Nikolai wants to enjoy a quieter life. He remains on his sober path and they just have increasingly different hobbies and wants. Representatives for Kate have been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Kate shares daughter Lila Moss, 22, with ex her ex-partner Jefferson Hack. Kate started dating Nikolai, who was rumoured to have dated Princess Beatrice in the early 2000s, in 2015 after she split from her musician ex husband Jamie Hince. Having known each other for a number of years with the supermodel being pals with his mother, Countess Debonnaire von Bismarck, they struck up a romance. She looked stylish in a black and gold paisley coat layered over a simple black top and smart trousers The model has moved out of the London home she shared with Nikolai, according to insiders, who have revealed that their different approaches to life caused friction (pictured in 2019) A source Kate felt the time was right to move on and cut ties after months of being 'off and on'(Kate pictured with daughter Lila and Nikolai in May) Kate told Harper's Bazaar in 2022: 'Being in love makes me feel beautiful. My daughter Lila inspires me to be the best person I can be. 'My favourite moments are when all the family are sitting down together having lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the country.' Over the summer rumours lingered that Kate and Nikolai's longterm romance had been on the rocks. Kate was pictured hand-in-hand with reggae legend Bob Marley's 27-year old grandson Skip in May. After the photo emerged, Kate and Nikolai shared a very frosty reunion at the Gucci Cruise 2025 Fashion Show just days later. Nikolai stared straight ahead as Kate repeatedly turned her back away from him and chatted with model daughter Lila. Kate gave up alcohol back in 2017 in favour of juice fasts and reformer Pilates, even selling her own range of teas and skincare products through her beauty and wellness brand, Cosmoss. But after ringing in her 50th birthday this year, she has made girl's nights out part of her wellness routine. For the milestone, she threw a raucous party in classic Kate style, with dancing until 2am, a makeshift catwalk and a 30-strong group of her closest A-list pals and fashion's finest names. Since then, she's been seen dancing wildly at a Stevie Nicks concert and celebrating her renewed relationship with sister Lottie, 26, by hitting the town together. Notably absent, however, was Nicolai who has been sober since 2017 and has said he doesn't 'like being in any sort of limelight'. The couple were last seen in public together in June this year, attending the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week. After her heart was shattered by Johnny Depp, Jamie Hince was the only man to persuade her to marry but couldn't tame her and her affair with Pete Doherty hit the rocks because of his cocaine habit. Andrew Garfield has admitted he and co-star Florence Pugh were both left red faced after an embarrassing error during a sex scene for their new movie We Live In Time. The actor, 41, stars in the romantic-comedy opposite the actress, 28, and made the revelation during his appearance on Friday's The Graham Norton Show. Giggling, Andrew recalled how the pair failed to hear the director call 'cut' and continued smooching despite the cameras having stopped rolling and crew leaving. '[Me and Florence are] looking at each other and trying to stay in the moment, but also we can read each other's mind going "What do we do? What's going on? Why isn't anyone saying anything?"'. 'I said "It's not my job to say cut" and she said "It's not my job to say cut" and this was all happening telepathically' Andrew then revealed that it was he who finally looked up only to realise the cameras were no longer facing them and the crew had turned their backs. Andrew Garfield has admitted he and co-star Florence Pugh were both left red faced after an embarrassing error during a sex scene for their new movie We Live In Time The actor, 41, stars in the romantic-comedy opposite the actress, 28, and made the revelation on Friday's The Graham Norton Show (pictured together in the movie) He went on: 'Then it was Florence in all her brilliance and jubilance went "Oh my god this is the most embarrassing thing of my life!"'. We Live In Time follows the 'unconventional' love story of a recent divorcee and an on-the-rise chef. The first trailer sees Almut (Florence) and Tobias (Andrew) brought together in a surprise meeting that changes their lives forever. Through snapshots of their life together - including falling for each other, creating a home and building a family - a difficult truth is uncovered that rocks the relationship's foundation to the core. As they embark on a 10-year romance that is challenged by time limits, they learn to treasure every moment of their unconventional love story. Meanwhile Florence recently revealed after wrapping on the movie forced to reevaluate her personal life and how she many sacrifices she had made. In an interview with The Times, she revealed how 'relationships came and went' after she split from her long-term boyfriend, Zach Braff, in 2022. She said: 'I had this opportunity to look at my life away from my work. And I realised, OK, I need to wake the f*** up. Giggling he recalled how the pair failed to hear the director call 'cut' and continued smooching despite the cameras having stopped rolling and crew leaving '[Me and Florence are] looking at each other and trying to stay in the moment, but also we can read each other's mind going "What do we do? What's going on?' He went on: 'Then it was Florence in all her brilliance and jubilance went "Oh my god this is the most embarrassing thing of my life!"' 'I had to look away from my career, from movies, from wanting to be this kind of actor, that kind of actor. Or how many awards I would love to get before I pass away. 'Thats been my focus for ten years, but I want to make sure that the things I need to do, whether children, family, change, change in relationships well, I realised I need to make changes now. Because Im a worker bee and that is why Ive never wanted a break. Everything was just, wow! Whats next? And it is only ten years in that I can now go, oh, I need to do a bit of my life.' The Hollywood star decided to take a career hiatus this year - her first since her debut film, The Falling, in 2014 - to focus on her personal life. In September, the actress then confirmed her relationship status after sparking romance rumours with Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole. Florence was seen slipping out of The Perfect Couple premiere after-party as she made a quick getaway with the actor. Confirming her loved-up status during her October cover shoot with Vogue, she said: 'I am. OK, so something that I resonate with is that I believe that if magic is real, then it's falling in love.' Florence candidly revealed they are 'figuring it out' and admitted she is ready to start a family. She added: 'We are figuring what we actually are. And I think for the first time, I'm not allowing myself to go on a roller-coaster. 'I'm allowing myself to take time to let something evolve and let it be completely real to its core, as opposed to racing into that.' The drama sees Almut (played by Florence) and Tobias (played by Andrew Garfield) brought together in a surprise meeting that changes their lives for ever Meanwhile Florence recently revealed after wrapping on the movie forced to reevaluate her personal life and how she many sacrifices she had made In September, the actress confirmed her relationship status after sparking romance rumours with Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole (Finn pictured in 2022) 'Falling is the most amazing feeling but unfortunately if that's the only thing that you know in a relationship, then that's the thing that you chase. That's not gonna last.' Prior to Finn, Florence was in a relationship with former Scrubs star Zach, 49, from 2019 until their split in 2022. Giving a rare insight into their relationship, the star explained: 'I had to be public in the past because people were bullying me and bullying my partner. 'Mine and Zach's relationship was actually quite private until it was nasty, and I could see the toll that it was taking on him and us and our families. And that's when I spoke out. 'I think for anyone I'm with, I want to protect them. It's not nice knowing that people are saying the worst things I've ever read about someone that I love. 'So that was necessary. I needed to talk about it. I think any relationship in this limelight is going to be stressed.' Samantha Armytage has revealed how she will be spending the Christmas holidays as a newly single lady. The new Today Show stand-in host, 48, will be keeping things relaxed and casual as she goes through a divorce with husband Richard Lavender, she told the Daily Telegraph on Saturday. 'My favourite Christmas tradition is to have a swim in the ocean first thing Christmas Day' the 48-year-old said. Sam explained that she would be spending the holidays with family and having a little bubbly. The TV star said she will, 'open a good bottle of champagne and pour a glass for all the family, then start the unwrapping'. Last week, Sam was getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her loved ones after splitting from her husband. Samantha Armytage (pictured) has revealed how she will be spending the Christmas holidays as a newly single lady The blonde was spotted on a shopping trip in Sydney stocking up on pricey booze. 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. The former Channel Seven star appeared to be in excellent form as she beamed from ear to ear. 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. 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 TV star said she will, 'open a good bottle of champagne and pour a glass for all the family, then start the unwrapping' 'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won't be making any further comment.' 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. 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. Samantha started dating Richard in April 2019, and they announced their engagement in June 2020 After introducing herself to viewers, Sam recalled first meeting Dan 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. 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. '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. Courtney Cox showcased her smooth visage while heading for dinner at swanky Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica on Friday. The Friends star, 60, wore minimal make-up to display her timeless beauty as she slipped into a chic black sweater and jeans. Courtney's trousers were cinched with a belt and completed the effortlessly stylish look with a silver pendant necklace and matching hoop earrings. She slipped her feet into a pair of comfy black brogues while toting her essentials for the evening in a woven leather handbag. The outing comes after Courtney joined the cast of Scream 7, with a source sloe to the star revealing 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. Courtney Cox, 60, showcased her smooth visage while heading for dinner at swanky Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica on Friday The Friends star wore minimal make-up to display her timeless beauty as she slipped into a chic black sweater and jeans 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. 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.' Courtney's trousers were cinched with a belt and completed the effortlessly stylish look with a silver pendant necklace and matching hoop earrings It comes after she joined the cast of Scream 7, with a source sloe to the star revealing to Variety that she would be retuning to the hit horror franchise and reprise her role as Gale Weathers 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 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. 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. 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. Newlyweds Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski certainly getting into the Christmas spirit. Tammy, 29, recently returned from a winter wonderland honeymoon with freshly minted groom Matt Zukowski, 29, in Finland. The mum-of-three took to Instagram on Saturday to share a series of delightfully cheesy family Christmas photos. The photos showed Tammy and Matt and Tammy's children Wolf, eight, Saskia, six, and Posy, one, wearing matching Christmas sweaters. They were not afraid to ham it up with an array of poses that would not be out of place on popular humour site Awkward Family Photos. One image showed Tammy and Matt kneeling on the floor with Posy in their lap, while Wolf and Saskia stood behind. Newlyweds Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski certainly getting into the Christmas spirit/ The mum-of-three, 29, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a series of delightfully cheesy family Christmas photos with her kids (all pictured) One image showed Tammy and Matt kneeling on the floor with Posy in their lap, while Wolf and Saskia stood behind. The quirky quintet held their gaze toward something out of frame Instead of looking at the camera, the quirky quintet held their gaze toward something out of frame. Another hilarious photo showed Matt laying on the ground on his stomach with his feet in the air and his hand placed playfully under his chin. Posy was happy to lay on Matt's back with her arms around his neck while Tammy perched on his raised feet. With Matt in the same pose, another photo showed Tammy, looking at the camera as she lay on her husband's back Tammy sat perched on Matt's feet while Posy rested herself on his back. A third photo showed the group posing side on in descending height order, again holding their gaze away from the camera. Another showed all five beaming broadly as they struck a hammy pose in front of a painted Christmas-themed window backdrop. The playfulness didn't stop there, either with one photo showing the group posing front on, this time in descending height order with their hands placed on each other's heads. Captioning the giggle-worthy photos, Tammy said this was a Christmas tradition her fans would have to get used to. Another hilarious photo showed Matt laying on the ground on his stomach with his feet in the air and his hand placed playfully under his chin With Matt in the same pose, another photo showed Tammy, looking at the camera as she lay on her husband's back A third photo showed the group posing side on in descending height order, again holding their gaze away from the camera 'Hands down my new favourite tradition,' she wrote. 'Can't wait to recreate this every year.' Tammy's friends, fans, and followers were besotted with the Yuletide themed images including her sister Amy. Amy was quick to praise her brother-in-law's photogenic nature with: It's like Matthew was born for this.' Still not done, Amy commented a second time with: 'This is my favourite thing ever.' It seems that Tammy's fans agreed with Amy, commenting the likes of: 'This is incredible,' and 'The Best Family Christmas photos I've seen ever ever!!!' Tammy shares Wolf, and Saskia with her first ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, and one-year-old daughter Posy with her second ex-fiance Matt Poole. Tammy and Matt Zukowski tied the knot in a gorgeous November ceremony at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay. Tammy looked stunning in a strapless ivory and blush pink gown that featured an elaborate tulle train and a corset bodice, highlighting her ample cleavage. The playfulness didn't stop there, either with one photo showing the group posing front on, this time in descending height order with their hands placed on each other's heads 'Hands down my new favourite tradition,' Tammy captioned the photos. 'Can't wait to recreate this every year' The blonde beauty completed her look with a long ivory veil and her hair was styled with long hair extensions in a half ponytail with a middle part. As the couple held hands, Tammy became emotional and broke down in tears while they exchanged vows and said, 'I do.' She was supported by her bridesmaids: her sisters Amy, 34, and Emilee, 32, along with her half-sister Ava Olympia and Starlette Thynne. Following the wedding, Tammy and Matt jetted off for an equally luxe, snowbound honeymoon. The couple were living it up at the stunning Aurora Collection Lapland Resort in Saariselka which is famed for views of the Northern Lights. Clocking in at as much $1100 per night, the resort offers 'Arctic scenery from the comfort of your own cabin', according to the website. Tammy was not shy about taking to social media during the loved-up post-wedding vacation to share a raft of jealousy inducing photos from the couple's enviable honeymoon. Settling into married life, Tammy also revealed, last week that she had taken her husband's name on social media. The bio on her Instagram account, which boasts an impressive 17.3 million followers now bears the name Tammy Zukowski. However her account handle @tammyhembrow remains unchanged. They struck up a firm friendship during their time in the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! jungle. And Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, 30, and Stanley Johnson, 84, were reunited on Friday at Piers Morgan's Christmas party. The former Made In Chelsea star put on a glamorous display in a plunging burgundy mesh mini dress. Meanwhile, Stanley dressed to impress in a copper orange blazer, a burgundy jumper and blue pinstriped shirt. The pair beamed from ear-to-ear while posing for snaps, before being joined by Victoria Derbyshire, who also took part in the ITV jungle show. Sharing the snap to Instagram, Toff penned: 'Reunited with @stanleyjohnson for our annual Christmas jaunt at @piersmorgan Christmas party. Feeling so festive' Georgia Toffolo, 30, reuniteed with I'm A Celebrity bestie Stanley Johnson, 84, as the pair pose for sweet snaps at Piers Morgan's Christmas party on Friday During her stint Down Under, Toff did coyly confess she had a soft spot for older politicians, saying: 'I have always said I do have a thing for older politicians before I came in here... and can confirm that is still standing!' Georgia won I'm A celeb in 2017, and only pocketed 13,000 for her stint down under, but she later took part in I'm A Celeb South Africa. During her stint Down Under, Toff did coyly confess she had a soft spot for older politicians, saying: 'I have always said I do have a thing for older politicians before I came in here... and can confirm that is still standing!' Stanley recently revealed that a despite a bit of time passing between he and Toff reuniting after leaving the jungle, they stayed in touch. He told The Sun newspaper: 'I haven't seen Toff since we got out of the jungle but I've absolutely kept in touch with her. 'In fact, we're lined up to present a show together for ITV. They think we're a natural TV duo. I can't reveal too much about it, but I have a really good feeling about it.' The reunion comes after Toff returned to the UK after a lavish holiday in the Maldives with her fiance James Watt. James proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands. At the time, a source told MailOnline: 'He asked her to marry him yesterday in front of both of their families in Greece. Sharing the snap to Instagram, Toff penned: 'Reunited with @stanleyjohnson for our annual Christmas jaunt at @piersmorgan Christmas party. Feeling so festive' James proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands 'After the proposal they went to a big party at the Peligoni club and ended up dancing on tables to ABBA, celebrating with all the other guests.' Georgia, who found fame as a regular cast-member on E4 show Made In Chelsea , has been dating the millionaire BrewDog co-founder since last summer and the pair now live together in London. Announcing the news while showing off her enormous diamond engagement ring, the blonde beauty told her Instagram followers: 'James just asked me to marry him. 'It really was the best moment of my life so far. I never knew I could feel happiness like this. The easiest, quickest yes to being your wife. 'Our love story is my favourite. How we managed to find each other out of billions of people out there will always be my greatest blessing. 'I love you forever and the magical life were building.' James proposed with and exquisite eight carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth 200,000. Georgia Kousoulou has shared a health update on her daughter Gigi after rushing newborn to A&E following a terrifying health scare. The former TOWIE star, 33, welcomed her second child with husband Tommy Mallet, 31, last month. Georgia, who also shares son Brody, two, with Tommy, hurried Gigi to hospital after noticing she came down with bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. It often gets better without treatment in around 3 weeks. Now, Georgia has revealed Gigi is being discharged for hospital, just in time to spend Christmas at home with her family. Alongside a snap of Georgia cradling her baby girl, she penned: 'Time to get you home for Christmas baby girl. After a long stressful week in hospital Gigi is allowed home.. Gigi bronchitis got worse & she needed to be on oxygen. Georgia Kousoulou has shared a health update on her daughter Gigi after rushing newborn to A&E following a terrifying health scare 'What Iv learnt most is always go with your gut & if you think your baby isnt well always check it out! 'Thank you to the nurses & doctors at princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow. They were incredible with GIGI. 'Thank you to our family for keeping things going at home with brody.. & our friends for checking in, we love you.' Georgia also shared a positive update earlier this week, admitting: 'Guys thank you so much more messaging me about Gigi. She is doing well but bronchitis not a joke, it is awful. It is so scary, as you can see I'm still in my pyjamas. 'My mum's here and Tom's dad is downstairs. I've had Tom's mum here, Brody's off school for Christmas and now I don't want him to get it. When you've got a newborn and a toddler, it is so hard. 'I have been up all night just watching her breathe, if your child has had bronchitis you will know what I'm talking about because they just gasp for breath. It is not nice, it's really not nice.' She added: 'I'm feeding little and often and checking her temperature all the time and just watching her breathing all the time. 'Her chest was going in a little bit when she was breathing but mildly. I'm keeping her up right, that is all you can do.' Georgia, who also shares son Brody, two, with Tommy, hurried Gigi to hospital after noticing she came down with bronchitis Alongside a snap of Georgia cradling her baby girl, she penned: 'Time to get you home for Christmas baby girl. After a long stressful week in hospital Gigi is allowed home.. Gigi bronchitis got worse & she needed to be on oxygen' Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. It often gets better without treatment in around 3 weeks It comes after Georgia shared the adorable moment her son Brody met his newborn baby sister for the first time. The youngster beamed at Gigi and gave a thumbs up as he carefully cradled her, while Gigi wrapped up warmly in a pale pink blanket. Little Gigi sported a pink bow on her head and was clearly camera ready as she stuck her tongue out for the photo. Captioning the touching moment, Georgia penned: 'This feeling is like no other. Thank you for all the love.' Sharing her happy baby news on Instagram last month, Georgia penned: 'Introducing you .. GIGI Fordham. Born on 22.11 weighing 8 pound 12. Our darling girl, We are so in love, our hearts could burst. Thank you god for answering our prayers.' Georgia announced her pregnancy back in May, one year after she tragically suffered a miscarriage. Taking to Instagram to announce the news, she wrote: 'Our little rainbow baby due December. Words can't express the emotions we have, we have prayed, wished & with a little help it's happened.. 'I can't thank my team enough. Rehan Salim you are the best IVF specialist - I'm so blessed we met you & Michelle my amazing nurse who helped me every step of the way! The former TOWIE star welcomed her second child with husband Tommy Mallet, 31, last month Georgia also shares son Brody, two, with Tommy It comes after Georgia shared the adorable moment her son Brody met his newborn baby sister for the first time 'These guys made my experience with IVF so much better than I could of [sic] even imagined. 'I was so scared as all the things I had heard beforehand but they were simply the best & held my hand the whole way through. Thank you for giving us the best gift of all. 'To anyone watching who is suffering... I am with you & I know how you feel. I pray this post doesn't trigger you. I know how hard it is seeing announcements. Please know you are not alone & please don't give up hope.' Georgia previously said she will 'never get over the feeling' of losing her baby after she suffered a devastating miscarriage at 12 weeks. The star had started having therapy after struggling with emotional triggers and feeling 'drained' by grief. Zoe Ball has flown to New York with her daughter Nellie to visit her son Woody after stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday. The DJ, 54, decided to leave the show after six years to 'focus on family,' and now she's in the Big Apple to spend quality time with her two children, whom she shares with ex Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim. Woody, 24, shared the happy news on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, posting an excited selfie with the caption: 'My mum and sister just landed.' He later shared another snap of Zoe and Nellie relaxing on the bed, writing, 'Family safe and sound.' Woody is currently living in New York for work while he tours with his music label Truth Tribe. Zoe confirmed she was quitting her breakfast show last month as she handed over the reins to her 'bestie' Scott Mills. Zoe Ball has flown to New York with her daughter Nellie to visit her son Woody after stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show Woody, 24, shared the happy news on his Instagram Stories, posting an excited selfie with the caption: 'My mum and sister just landed' She was left in tears as Woody sent in a sweet message to her final BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday. Ball started sobbing as Woody said: 'Hey mum, you've done such an amazing job on the Breakfast Show and I just wanted to thank you for making everyone's mornings a bit more magic. Here's to a healthier sleeping schedule. Love Woody.' Choking back tears as she introduced the next song, Ball said: 'Oh my goodness, this is for everyone who's listened and everyone in the room and my kids of course. Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) It's Frank Wilson.' As her three-hour show came to an end, Ball signed off to her listeners with a message of female empowerment. The first ever female host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, shared: 'Remember, girls, you can do anything.' She began her final message by remarking it had been a 'real privilege' to host the show, as she praised the 'special, intimate relationship' she had with the listeners, saying it felt like 'having a chat with a mate'. Ball shared: 'It's been such a gift to do this show, to follow wonderful Terry and, of course, Chris, tough acts to follow. Pretty cool to be the first lass to host and I won't be the last. Remember, girls, you can do anything. 'So to the biggest stars of our Breakfast Show, that's you all of our listeners, young and old, and those in the middle, thank you for tuning in, whether as a lone listener, as a family, as a work gang on your morning jogs, dog walks, truck drives, training, commutes or hiding in bed, it's been a real privilege to keep you company through your morning manoeuvres. Zoe bid an emotional farewell to her Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday, after breaking down in tears following a sweet message from her son As her three-hour show came to an end, Ball signed off to her listeners with a message of female empowerment, saying: 'Remember, girls, you can do anything' 'You're just there, and I'm just here having a chat with a mate. It's such a special, intimate relationship. It's never lost on me that we've been through life's little highs and little lows together. Chuckling, she reflected on years of 'much laughter, silliness, few tears, lots of singing and dancing', and said 'dear Scott [Mills will look after you in the new year'. Quoting Paul Williams' hit, she went on: 'You give a little love and it all comes back to you. I've felt that love from you listeners. I send buckets of love to you. Take care of yourselves lovely peeps, my top cats.' She ended her show by playing Keeping the Dream Alive by Munchener Freiheit. Ball began the programme in an upbeat mood, quoting adapted lines from Les Miserables' One Day More by telling listeners: 'Another day, another destiny, one final show from me, ZB only joking I'm not going to sing, let's have some Daft Punk.' She then played the French electronic duo's hit One More Time and read out a message from a listener who said he was driving home for Christmas early so he could listen to her last show. Admitting she had been 'crying on and off since 6.30AM', she read out a message from Strictly and I'm A Celebrity star Oti Mabuse, saying after the song: 'Thank you Oti for your gorgeous message this morning, that made me cry too.' After reading out some 'five-word weekends' where listeners sum up their weekends in short form, Ball said one of her plans was: 'Having a good old blub.' She then played Peggy Gou's (It Goes Like) Nanana and announced that Father Christmas would be appearing on the show after 8am 'talking to the kids'. During the show, Ball said she wanted to send love, especially to her family, and children, Woody and Nell, who 'fill me with wonder every day, being your mum is the best thing that ever happened to me"' Ball also gave a shout-out to 'all the marvellous folk who work at Radio 2, our boss, Helen (Thomas), she has a tough job but she does it with great care. I have so much respect for her.' She also told staff, including security guards, cleaners, presenters and the production team, that 'you're all wonderful and you've made our show so fun.' Tom Girardi has been ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation to determine where he should serve his sentence following his conviction on federal wire fraud charges. Lawyers for the former attorney, whose landmark settlement against Pacific Gas & Electric was featured in the Oscar winning film Erin Brockovich, requested a new trial in October, claiming the 85-year-old estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne suffered from dementia and was unfit to stand trail prior to his conviction in August. In order to determine if those concerns are valid, U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton ordered on Friday that he surrender to officials on January 7 for evaluation. Girardi will be then flown to the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, for 30 days to see whether he qualifies for incarceration at a Bureau of Prisons center serving severely impaired, elderly defendants. After that, he would be returned to California for a hearing to determine if he should serve his sentence at a prison or medical facility. The disbarred attorney's legal team argued it wasn't necessary for their client to travel across the country for evaluation. 'Mr. Girardi has special needs relating to his memory,' defense attorney Samuel Cross said. Tom Girardi, 85, has been ordered to undergo psychological testing at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to determine where he should serve his sentence following his wire fraud conviction in August (Pictured in Los Angeles in August) 'We expect him to deteriorate and not do well [in Bureau of Prisons custody]. Theres no reason this has to be done a continent away,' according to Rolling Stone. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Paetty countered that the U.S. Marshals are 'well-versed' in transporting defendants with medical issues. 'The defendant is ambulatory. Hes not on a respirator, hes not on a ventilator. They can facilitate [his transportation] safely, humanely, and suitably.' Girardi was convicted of stealing more than $15 million from his clients which he used to pay for his lavish lifestyle in August. Staton had ruled Girardi was competent to stand trial then, finding that while he suffered some mental decline, the former attorney was exaggerating his symptoms, and was able to contribute to his own defense. Prosecutors have asked for a 14-year sentence, but the defensed claimed Girardi was a 'broke, half-blind, incontinent, 85-year-old man with dementia,' who should not spend time behind bars. Girardi, who built the prestigious LA law firm Girardi & Keese, was charged and convicted on four counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a 20 year sentence. His high-rolling career came tumbling down in 2020 when he was accused of stealing millions in settlements hed won for the victims of the 2018 Lion Air plane crash in Indonesia. Girardi's attorneys have argued their client suffers from dementia and should not be imprisoned. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton ordered on Friday that he surrender to officials on January 7 for evaluation (Pictured in Los Angeles in April 2018) The disbarred attorney will be flown to the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina , for 30 days to see whether he qualifies for incarceration at a Bureau of Prisons center serving severely impaired, elderly defendants (Pictured in Los Angeles in August) Girardi built the prestigious LA law firm Girardi & Keese after he and Erin Brockovich won a huge legal victory against a California utility giant. That battle inspired the Oscar winning film Erin Brockovich (Pictured in Toronto in September 2011) Claims from that crash - in which 189 people died - are the basis of separate criminal charges against Girardi that are still pending in Chicago. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges as well. During the trial, the jury heard that between 2010 and 2020 the shamed attorney used his clients settlement funds 'like a personal piggy bank.' Paetty told the jury 'Girardi Keese was a den of thieves and Tom Girardi was the thief-in-chief. Girardi Keese was a house of cards built on the lies of Tom Girardi.' Girardi was married to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne. The couple split in November 2020 after 21 years of marriage. Their divorce has yet to be finalized They described how Girardi ran a massive 'Ponzi scheme,' lying to clients and using their misappropriated millions to pay for his own lavish lifestyle of private jets, luxury cars, exclusive club memberships, expensive jewelry for his third wife, ex-go-go dancer Jayne, 52, plus $20 million to fund her acting career. Prosecutors also showed how the attorney would sometimes use settlements from one client to pay others. The couple were together for 21 years but their divorce - filed by Jayne soon after the Lion Air allegations - has been held up since Girardi Keese filed bankruptcy in 2021 with more than $100 million in debts. Jayne never showed up at her soon-to-be-ex husbands trial. Michael B. Jordan received an unwanted visit to his Los Angeles home ahead of the holidays from a man falsely claiming to to be a member of his 'security.' Law enforcement sources revealed to TMZ that the intruder was seen in Jordan's front yard on Wednesday afternoon. After the 37-year-old actor's security called authorities, the suspect was promptly escorted 'off the property' as they 'waited for the cops.' The intruder alleged he was part of Jordan's security while speaking to the police, who dutifully took all the suspect's information. While Jordan was home, at the time of the incident, the outlet reported that he 'left the house' while the man spoke with officers. Although Jordans team initially told cops that they 'just wanted to get him out of there,' they ended up deciding to 'press charges after all.' LAPD ended up taking a trespassing report and 'conduct their investigation and then forward the case to prosecutors for possible charges.' Michael B. Jordan received an unwanted visit to his Los Angeles home ahead of the holidays from a man falsely claiming to to be a member of his 'security' (seen in March 2023) TMZ noted that the intruder does not have a known history of coming to Jordan's residence. The Creed star and the suspect never came face to face. He joins a long list of celebrities, including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, to have their homes broken into in broad daylight. The scary encounter comes just a week after Jordan smashed his $429,000 Ferrari into a parked car after accidentally pressing the gas pedal instead of the brake. 'It was an actual accident,' an insider told DailyMail.com. 'Michael was annoyed that he ruined his car, but that can get fixed. He was, and is, embarrassed about it all as he accidentally had his foot on the gas and didn't brake in time. 'It was an actual accident,' an insider told DailyMail.com. 'Michael was annoyed that he ruined his car, but that can get fixed. He was, and is, embarrassed about it all as he accidentally had his foot on the gas and didn't brake in time. A reporter for LA-OC.tv said when he tried to film the car and its occupants speaking to police, Jordan's security guard 'tried to run me off.' Police officers did not perform a field sobriety test, the outlet said. No charges have been filed in connection to the case. Earlier this year, Jordan admitted to feeling 'very lonely' - two years after his split from Lori Harvey. Law enforcement sources revealed to TMZ that the intruder was seen in Jordan's front yard on Wednesday afternoon After the 37-year-old actor's security called authorities, the suspect was promptly escorted 'off the property' as they 'waited for the cops' In an hour long interview with Jay Shetty in March, Michael said: 'I love multitasking; I love juggling, the balancing act that I do. The worst part is the loneliness that comes with that.' 'There's a loneliness that I have. The responsibility that you have is isolating, and the weight is isolating. 'So I think the worst part of that is the feeling like nobody really understands, and sometimes falling into the spaces of just being alone, feeling alone.' Giggling in response to Jay Shetty's query about finding love as the 'sexiest man alive', Michael said: 'I revert back to the last question. It's very lonely.' While Jordan was home, at the time of the incident, the outlet reported that he 'left the house' while the man spoke with officers; seen in 2022 'No, I go back and forth between wanting partnership and then not knowing what's the best partner for me.' 'Like bringing them into my world and what I have going on isn't easy. It's not just I love you, you love me. 'That should be enough right? It's not quite that simple. Finding the right person to understand all of me, but then all that comes with me, as well' The actor's last public relationship was with model Lori, however the pair split after one and a half years in June 2022. A source close to the exes told People that they were 'completely heartbroken' about the split and they 'still love' each other. Earlier this year, Jordan admitted to feeling 'very lonely' - two years after his split from Lori Harvey (pictured together in 2022) 'Michael matured a lot over the course of their relationship and was ready to commit for the long term,' the insider added. 'He let down his guard with her, opening up emotionally in a romantic relationship for the first time.' 'They had great times together and brought out the best in each other.' Explaining how he struggles to tune his business side off, Michael said it can be difficult for him to compromise when it comes to romance. In an hour long interview with Jay Shetty in March, Michael said: 'I love multitasking; I love juggling, the balancing act that I do. The worst part is the loneliness that comes with that' Michael (pictured with Jay Shetty) said: 'The sacrifice, the compromise that comes with a partnership and a relationship, and understanding how to make that all work, sometimes it gives me anxiety' 'The sacrifice, the compromise that comes with a partnership and a relationship, and understanding how to make that all work, sometimes it gives me anxiety and pause. 'Also there is a part of me that has not lived life yet. I haven't really travelled as much for fun.' Quipping how much he simply loves being Uncle Mike to his niece and nephew, the star divulged that it is very 'lonely' trying to find love - even if you are a superstar. Elaborating on his busy schedule home and abroad, Michael revealed he struggles to find time for himself. With all the hustle and bustle, the actor added that he may not have had the opportunity to meet the one his 'soul connects to' (seen in March 2023) With all the hustle and bustle, the actor added that he may not have had the opportunity to meet the one his 'soul connects to.' 'There are so many places and people I have never had the opportunity to happening meet that I might connect and vibe with that might be a person my soul connects to.' Although he may have not had too much time to enjoy, Michael is looking forward to taking some time out to enjoy his life. 'I'm looking forward to that part of my life. I think the last couple of years I'm starting to get to a place where I have to start living. 'I've sacrificed and I have been zoned in for so long, I owe it to myself a little bit to do that.' December 21, 2024: Hezbollah has had a bad year. Israel destroyed most of its leadership with a brilliant special operations plan. Hezbollahs missile and rocket attacks on Israel from Lebanon finally resulted in Israel crossing the border to attack Hezbollahs ground forces and some of its launching sites. Worse, at the end of the year the head of Sunni Islamic terror group HTS led a force of armed supporters to overrun and occupy most of Syria in less than two weeks. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia with his family and his armed forces fell apart. This meant Hezbollah in Lebanon could no longer receive supplies from Iran, which had for years delivered supplies via a route from Iran, through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon. Hezbollah is now isolated and facing a very angry Israel by itself. And Israeli airstrikes destroyed most of the former Syrian government weapons storage sites so those weapons are not available to a terrorist-controlled successor Syrian government. Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the invasion force, presently controls most of Syria, except for the Kurdish-controlled northwestern 40 percent of Syria. With Assad gone to Russia, millions of Syrian refugees in Turkey began returning to Syria. The Kurds and Hezbollah do not get along. The events of November and December 2024 are quite a change from what was going on in Syria during 2023. Back then Iran openly opposed any peace with the West because of Western insistence that Iran first cease its support for violence in Iraq and Syria as well its nuclear-weapons program. Iranian forces in Iraq sought to dominate the Iraqi government. Iran supported forces in Syria trying to establish bases for attacking Israel. HTS has driven the Iranian and Russian forces from Syria. The only foreign force remaining is Syria is about a thousand American troops based on the Syria/Iraq border to deal with the Islamic terrorists (mostly ISIL remnants) which still survive in that part of Syria, and whose relation to the new HTS government is unknown. Last year Iran supported Lebanese efforts to expel Sunni Arab refugees who had flooded in because of the fighting in Syria. Lebanon started registering and attempting to deport Syrian refugees. Nearly two million Sunni Arab Syrian refugees fled to Lebanon since 2012, radically changing the demography of Lebanon. Before 2011 the Lebanese population was only five million. Since nearly all those refugees were Sunni Moslems, it radically changed the religious mix of Lebanon from 27 percent Shia, 27 percent Sunni, and 46 percent Christians and other religions to a more volatile combination. With the refugee influx there were now seven million people in Lebanon and 47 percent were Sunni, 19 percent Shia and 34 percent Christian and others. This put the Hezbollah militia in a bad situation. Their better armed and trained fighters have been able to dominate the other minorities since the 1980s. That was possible because of Iranian cash, weapons and advisors. But the Iranian help and better organization is no longer enough when the Sunnis are nearly half the population and out for blood because of the slaughter the Iran-backed Alawite Syrian government inflicted on Syrian Sunnis. Lebanon does not want another civil war over this and it was becoming difficult to contain the anger. Hezbollah and Iran have had some success attracting non-Shia factions, especially Christians to be part of the Shia coalition. This is traditional Lebanese politics, with the Christians surviving by forming a coalition with non-Christian groups. Now even these Christian factions are backing away from Hezbollah. In late 2024 Israeli forces invaded Lebanon, determined to further reduce Hezbollah strength and severe the Hezbollah connection with Iran. That was done and now Hezbollah is a much smaller and largely leaderless organization. Currently, Iranian power is unusually weak inside Iraq and nonexistent inside Syria. The Assads have gone to exile in Russia. In early 2023 Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi visited Syria for two days. Raisi met with key members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. These two terror groups are based in Gaza and depend on Iran for financial support and weapons. Raisi discussed planned terror attacks in southern Israel, the West Bank, Jerusalem and now from Lebanon. Iran forced Hamas to establish a partnership with Hezbollah to recruit Palestinians living in Lebanon to carry out rocket attacks into Israel. This plan failed, in part because this Iranian meddling prompted Israel to invade Lebanon and portions of southwestern Syria. When HTS forces unexpectedly overran Syria in late 2024, Israeli troops occupied portions of Syria to expand their buffer zone. Israel had recently wiped out most Hezbollah leadership with airstrikes and exploding electronic devices. By the end of 2024 Hezbollah was in tatters and virtually leaderless. The Assads were gone from Syria and Israeli forces had occupied and will apparently annex portions of Syria and Lebanon. There's just four days to go until the much-anticipated final episode of Gavin and Stacey, with fans set to say an emotional goodbye to the beloved comedy, 17 years after it first hit screens. The critically acclaimed series follows the lives of titular characters Gavin (Matthew Horne) from Essex and Stacey (Joanna Page) from South Wales, documenting key points in their long-distance relationship and events that bring the two families together. Gavin and Stacey first aired on BBC Three in 2007 and spanned 20 episodes over the course of three series. Fans were left wanting more when the show's previous festive special concluded with Nessa (Ruth Jones) declaring her love for Smithy (James Corden) and proposing to him, but his answer was not revealed. Now, they are hoping that the finale will bring an answer to that all-important question, and shed some light on what happened during the famous fishing trip. And we take a look at all the other questions viewers want answered, including if Gavin and Stacey still together and if Sheridan Smith will return. There's just four days to go until the much-anticipated final episode of Gavin and Stacey, with fans set to say an emotional goodbye to the beloved comedy, 17 years after it first hit screens Gavin and Stacey first aired on BBC Three in 2007 and spanned 20 episodes over the course of three series Now, they are hoping that the finale will bring an answer to that all-important question, and shed some light on what happened during the famous fishing trip Will Smithy and Nessa FINALLY end up together? At the climax of the last Christmas episode in 2019, Nessa got down on one knee to propose to Smithy, but viewers never got to hear his response. The pair had an on-off relationship during the series after several unplanned one-night stands led to their son, Neil the baby. In the last episode, which caught up with the characters 10 years after the previous instalment, it was revealed they were successfully co-parenting their son. And as the family gathered in Barry for the festivities, the episode ended with Nessa down on one knee and the episode ended immediately after she asked: 'Marry me?' While talking about Nessa's shock proposal, she told the Mirror back in 2019: 'Its quite difficult to show her soft side. If Im down on one knee, its obvious whats going on. 'When I put my hand on my heart and I said, as Nessa, "I love you. No, I do, I loves you with all my heart" I really meant it to James.' Will the pair finally get their happy ever after and accept they are destined to be together? At the climax of the last Christmas episode in 2019, Nessa got down on one knee to propose to Smithy, but viewers never got to hear his response What happened to Smithy's girlfriend? On the Christmas Day special fans met Smithy's new girlfriend Sonia and it was clear she didn't quite fit into the mad world of the Shipman and West's. Sonia made a hasty exit from Barry after being unimpressed with Gavin and Stacey's family, leading Nessa to tell Smithy she is in love with him. However, Smithy had already posted an engagement ring to her grandparents house before the disaster of a Christmas and shes going to be there to get it. Will this affect Smithy's answer to Nessa? Will he have to retract his proposal to Sonia? It could all get rather messy. On the Christmas Day special fans met Smithy's new girlfriend Sonia and it was clear she didn't quite fit into the mad world of the Shipman and West's What REALLY happened on the fishing trip? Probably the most highly requested question, fans are desperate to know what really happened on Bryn's notorious fishing trip with his nephew Jason which they both refuse to speak about, a long-running joke on the series. Replying to the announcement post, fans pleaded: 'Fishing trip reveal or we riot'; 'Oh my Christ! Pleasewe HAVE to know what went down on the fishing trip'. Stacey's brother, played by Robert Wilfort, would pop up in the sitcome from time to time as he visited the family from his home in Spain. And while the fishing trip was often alluded to, fans never found out what did happen that day between him and Bryn. Will the mystery finally be solved? Probably the most highly requested question, fans are desperate to know what really happened on Bryn's notorious fishing trip with his nephew Jason which they both refuse to speak about, a long-running joke on the series Several fans said they finally wanted to know what happened on character Bryn's notorious fishing trip with his nephew Jason Will Gavin and Stacey still be together? The series is called Gavin And Stacey after all, so what will the two main protagonists have been up to since we last caught up with them. In the last festive one-off it was revealed that the pair, played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page, now have three children so there is sure to be plenty of drama in the couple's lives as they raise their family together. One thing is for sure, it is never smooth sailing when the Shipman family get together with the gang in Barry. The series is called Gavin And Stacey after all, so what will the two main protagonists have been up to since we last caught up with them Will Bryn come out? Perhaps the final episode could see Bryn open up about his sexuality, after Rob Brydon previously revealed he would be surprised if his character wasn't gay . Aside from the mysterious antics on the fishing trip, the way Bryn stares at Larry Lamb's character Mick Shipman suggests his sexuality is 'not ambiguous' - even though producers never openly said he was gay. Speaking on the Table Manners podcast back in 2021, when asked if he thought his character was gay or not Rob said: 'There's a part of me that doesn't want to say anything because I think it should be in the mind of the audience. 'Obviously they've written it... It's not ambiguous, is it? I would be surprised if he wasn't. 'But I wonder perhaps if he's never acted on it. They've never said to me, it's just what is there in the script. But I mean, you know, the way he gazes at Larry lamb - at Mick. 'He is a lovely looking boy. But they've never sort of nailed it on the head. But I think it's for the audience to decide for themselves...'. Will he finally open up about his sexuality? Perhaps the final episode could see Bryn open up about his sexuality, after Rob Brydon previously revealed he would be surprised if his character wasn't gay Will Bryn get TikTok? He's known for his incredible enthusiasm and is always eager to be 'down with the kids'. And after the explosion of TikTok since the last episode, it seems as though the trending dances and skits could definitely be something that Bryn would relish getting stuck into. With baby Neil now 14-year-old perhaps he will show Bryn the ropes and the Welshman could be on the way to becoming an influencer. After the explosion of TikTok since the last episode, it seems as though the trending dances and skits could definitely be something that Bryn would get stuck into Will Dawn and Pete have survived another year? Pete Sutcliffe (Adrian Scarborough) can do nothing right as Dawn's disappointing husband. The couple have been married for over 30 years however Dawn (Julia Davis) is known for her frequent and very public arguments with her husband Pete. Another break-up was on the horizon last time we saw them, but thankfully Pam and Mick were able to save them from the brink of divorce once again. But what will have happened in the five years since we saw them? Will they have finally called it quits or do they secretly love each other's annoying grievances? Pete Sutcliffe (Adrian Scarborough) can do nothing right as Dawn's (Julia Davis') disappointing husband - will the couple still be together? Will Rudi return for a final duet with her brother? Rudi (Sheridan Smith) and Smithy's rendition of Estelle's American Boy will never be forgotten as the pair proved they had a rapping ability second to none. Rudi didn't return for the last Christmas special much to the disappointment of fans, but will she make an appearance for the last ever episode? Rudi (Sheridan Smith) and Smithy's rendition of Estelle's American Boy will never be forgotten as the pair proved they had a rapping ability second to none Will Gwen still be making omelettes? Seems like a silly question really, one thing is for sure if anyone is under the weather Gwen (Melanie Walters) is sure to whip up an omelette. Stacey's mum is known for her signature dish and became most memorable for her iconic phrase (in her Welsh accent) 'Anybody fancy an omelette?' Will she be serving up her final omelette in the last ever episode, or will her repertoire have expanded? Eamonn Holmes has reportedly turned down a huge six-figure offer to star in Celebrity Big Brother 2025. It's been said that the GB News host, 65, was deemed the 'perfect housemate', with producers keen to get him in the famous house especially amid his divorce from Ruth Langsford, 64. It was previously reported that Eamonn, who has embarked on a new romance with Katie Alexander, 43, is said to be at the top of ITV's wish list for next year's series with bosses tempting him with a 250,000 fee. However, while the star is said to be 'flattered' by the offer, he has ultimately rejected it as he allegedly feared being away from his girlfriend, who is 22 years his junior. Eamonn, who suffers with mobility issues due to a long-term back injury, also worried about the possible lack of support he'd receive due to his specific needs. A source told The Mirror: 'Eamonn was approached to do Celebrity Big Brother. He was flattered by the offer and it was a huge six-figure sum. After giving it some serious thought, he ultimately turned it down. The logistics of navigating the house and needing a wheelchair really concerned him and he didn't feel confident that the support he'd need would be there.' Eamonn Holmes has reportedly turned down a huge six-figure offer to star in Celebrity Big Brother 2025 While the star is said to be 'flattered' by the offer, he has ultimately rejected it as he allegedly feared being away from his girlfriend Katie Alexander, who is 22 years his junior The insider went on to explain Eamonn's concerns about not being in contact with his partner, with whom he recently sparked engagement rumours, and has been a 'huge support' following his split from Ruth. They said: 'Eamonn also values his time at home with his partner Katie, and being locked away from her for such a long period wasnt something he could come to terms with.' They continued: 'The producers were really keen to have Eamonn on the show, they saw him as a huge draw for viewers and were willing to pull out all the stops. With his controversial opinions he would made the perfect housemate. 'But Eamonn knows his limits, and the idea of being in such an unpredictable environment, without Katie and the support he relies on, made it a no-go.' The publication reports that it was a 'tough decision' for the broadcaster as the offer was 'incredibly tempting', but in the end he had to put his health and mobility first. After surgery on his back in 2022 for a slipped disc, Eamonn has not been able to walk unaided and often relies on a wheelchair or an electric mobility scooter. The source added it didn't feel 'realistic' for Eamonn to enter the Big Brother house, what with 'all the challenge' of trying to manoeuvre a wheelchair, with the star struggling to see how it would be practical. MailOnline have contacted representatives of Eamonn and ITV for comment. Eamonn, who suffers with mobility issues due to a long-term back injury, also worried about the possible lack of support he'd receive due to his specific needs 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 comes amid reports Eamonn and Ruth 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. 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. It comes amid reports Eamonn and Ruth are still only communicating through their lawyers , despite the pair's amicable olive branch on social media 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. MailOnline have contacted Ruth and Eamonn's representatives for a comment. Lilly Jay was seen for the first time since breaking silence on her ex-husband Ethan Slater's romance with his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. The clinical psychologist, 32 - who also shares a two-year-old son with the Broadway star - stepped out for a chilly stroll in a snowy neighborhood in New Jersey while pushing their little one in a stroller. In the essay published for The Cut on Thursday, Jay also emotionally opened up about their divorce and the 'public downfall of her marriage.' She penned about moving both herself and her then two-month-old baby boy to London while Slater filmed Wicked - before he left her for Grande after they met on set of the movie. Lilly further reflected on how she never expected to get a divorce after tying the knot with her high school sweetheart - but emphasized both she and her ex focus to positively co-parent their son. During her latest outing ahead of the Christmas holiday, Jay was seen bundling up in a pair of dark gray leggings as well as a gray puffer coat. Lilly Jay, 32, was seen for the first time since breaking silence on her ex-husband, Ethan Slater's, romance with his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande The clinical psychologist - who also shares a two-year-old son with the Broadway star - stepped out for a chilly stroll in a snowy neighborhood in New Jersey while pushing their little one in a stroller She slipped into a pair of black boots while walking along the snow-covered sidewalks, and pulled back her locks into a simple bun at the back of her head. Jay later added a pair of thick gloves to her hands to help her stay warm in the cold, winter temperatures. Slater's ex-wife was also joined by her father as the trio ran a few errands, such as grabbing a warm drink from a local coffee shop. They also stopped by a barber as her son got a quick trim, and later picked up a few items from a supermarket. Lilly's recent outing comes only two days after she broke her silence on her public separation from ex-husband Ethan Slater in a lengthy essay published for The Cut. Both she and Slater had been married for five years and welcomed their baby boy to the world in August 2022. However, the divorce was finalized three months earlier in September. Grande was also previously married to Dalton Gomez for two years until their divorce was finalized in March of this year. 'I confidently moved to another country with my 2-month-old baby and my husband to support his career. Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn't understand the growing distance between us,' Jay wrote. In the essay published for The Cut on Thursday, Jay also emotionally opened up about their divorce and the 'public downfall of her marriage' She penned about moving both herself and her then two-month-old baby boy to London while Slater filmed Wicked - before he left her for Grande after they met on set of the movie During her latest outing ahead of the Christmas holiday, Jay was seen bundling up in a pair of dark gray leggings as well as a gray puffer coat Jay later added a pair of thick gloves to her hands to help her stay warm in the cold, winter temperatures Slater's ex-wife was also joined by her father as the trio ran a few errands, such as grabbing a warm drink from a local coffee shop They also stopped by a barber as her son got a quick trim, and later picked up a few items from a supermarket She expressed there are 'days when I can't escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker' as she while 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.' Lilly then seemingly referenced to Ethan and Ariana with, '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.' '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.' Jay then stated that her 'partnership has changed' with Ethan, their 'parenthood has not' while raising their son. 'Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided.' Lilly further opened up about motherhood post-divorce and penned, '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.' 'No-one gets married thinking they'll get divorced, in the same way we don't board a plane expecting to crash,' Lilly added '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,' she seemingly wrote of Ethan and Ariana 'This, I tell myself, is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide,' the psychologist continued in the essay. Jay later got candid with readers about dealing post-partum depression after welcoming her son and amid the split. Lilly said that she 'feared that loss of control and postpartum depression would destroy her 'entire adult life.' She also wrote about how the split affected her job and reflected 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.' '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.' While pregnant with her son, Jay penned that she 'never felt happier nor more aware of how precarious happiness could be.' Lilly also revealed, 'I survived preeclampsia, a life-threatening birth complication, and finally, our family was whole. Mine is a story of worrying in the wrong direction.' Jay then stated that her 'partnership has changed' with Ethan, their 'parenthood has not' while raising their son'; seen in 2018 After Lilly's essay was published, a source told DailyMail.com that both Slater and Grande were 'relieved' she did not 'throw them under the bus.' 'Ethan and Ariana are fully aware of what happened, as is everyone who was around at the time. [Lilly] made it clear that she moved to London with him and the timeline from that point forward speaks for itself.' The insider added, 'Filming was still occurring when they were first seen being intimate in photos and Lilly was no longer there so people can put two and two together - Lilly didn't need to.' Jay and Slater's divorce agreement prevented her from 'disclosing certain details about the events that transpired' in regards to the split, but she could still share 'her emotions surrounding the ordeal.' 'During the legal proceedings, Lilly was essentially silenced, unable to speak freely. Despite the circumstances, she came out of the divorce a winner.' The source continued by sharing Jay showed 'dignity' by not publicly talking about 'the affair.' 'She knows that one day her son will read about this online and she wanted him to read that her first and only words on this were done so in a respectful and classy manner.' After Lilly's essay was published, a source told DailyMail.com that both Slater and Grande were 'relieved' she did not 'throw them under the bus' 'During the legal proceedings, Lilly was essentially silenced, unable to speak freely. Despite the circumstances, she came out of the divorce a winner,' the insider said; former couple seen in 2018 in NYC In regards to the 'sponge' analogy in the essay, the insider stated that it had been a dig at her ex. He notably played the character of Spongebob on Broadway. 'The 'sponge' analogy was a subtle jab at the situation, but now that her story is out, she feels liberated.' 'Though she was approached by nearly every media outlet, Lilly didn't want to give an interview until she was ready. She wanted to control her own narrative and tell her story on her terms. And she did just that.' Following the essay, Ethan was also slammed by fans on social media over his 'deeply disappointing treatment' of Lilly. Following the essay, Ethan was also slammed by fans on social media over his 'deeply disappointing treatment' of Lilly One penned on X, 'Ethan slater IS an horrible person idk why some of y'all defending him and im sorry but theres no man on earth, especially NOT that one who's worth any of this.' Another added, 'Did not know lily jay was a therapist... her article is so well written and ethan slater is trash and i hope ariana wakes up and realizes that a man who leaves his post partum wife is not a forever kinda person lol.' 'Ethan Slater is the worst type of person. His relationship with Ariana will be over within a year, promise,' one wrote, while a fan typed that the actor, 'is a truly horrible person for what he put his ex wife through.' 'Ethan Slater's actions are deeply disappointing and disrespectful to his wife, especially after all she's been through,' another expressed. Major insurer Liberty Mutual is dropping all its condo policies in California, it has announced. The company, which is the fourth-largest home insurer in the state, has told regulators that it will stop offering new condo and renter policies next year. Existing policyholders will then see their coverage axed in 2026, according to filings with the California Department of Insurance. 'During this time of increasing risk and volatility, we are building a sustainable business path forward in California by simplifying our product offerings and investing in the areas where we can win in the long term,' a spokesperson told the San Francisco Chronicle. It comes as several large insurers have fled the state amid worsening climate disasters, leaving many people struggling to find home cover. Over half of Californians said earlier this year that they had been affected by rising premiums for property coverage or had been dropped by their insurer entirely. Wildfires are becoming increasingly common across California, and have burned more than 1 million acres of land this year so far. Filings show Liberty Mutual currently insures just under 67,500 condos and about 102,200 rental properties under its Liberty Mutual and Safeco brands, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The company, which is the fourth-largest home insurer in the state, has told state regulators that it will stop offering new condo and renter policies next year In 2023, the insurer covered 6.75 percent of the California home insurance market, according to the outlet, but it has not written new condo and rental policies under the Liberty Mutual brand since December 2023. In August, the company also said it was discontinuing its fire dwelling insurance for around 17,000 policyholders in the state. Rather than blaming losses, however, Liberty Mutual said technology issues were the reason for the non-renewals. The company said it was retiring the 'antiquated' technology it uses to manage the policies, 'and it is not feasible to create a new system to support this product in California.' Dwelling fire insurance is different to a typical homeowners policy. The main purpose of the coverage is to cover fire damage to the structure of a home itself, rather than for the belongings inside. Dwelling fire policies are often bought by people who do not live in their homes full time, such as landlords or vacation homeowners. In the latest state filings regarding the condo and renter policies, Liberty Mutual said it expects its agents to help affected customers find new coverage. All existing customers will remain covered until at least January 2026, it added. Several large insurers have fled the state amid worsening climate disasters, leaving many people struggling to find home cover (Pictured: The Franklin Fire in Malibu earlier this month) Filings show Liberty Mutual currently insures just under 67,500 condos and about 102,200 rental properties under its Liberty Mutual and Safeco brands The typical annual premium for Americans will have risen to $2,522 by the end of this year, according to predictions from insurance comparison platform Insurify It comes as regulators in the state are phasing in reforms to help stabilize the insurance market, which many fear has tipped into a crisis. As major companies such as State Farm have cut back in the state, this has led to a lack of competition. Labor shortages and higher fees for home repairs have also been pushing up prices for homeowners in the state. And some Americans unable to find cover have been forced to buy into the expensive FAIR plan, which is California's insurer of last resort. This month, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced the state will allow insurers to justify rate hikes based on the growing threat of climate change, a long-running industry demand, The Mercury News reported. In exchange, companies must try to expand coverage in parts of the state with the greatest wildfire risk. Farmers Insurance announced earlier this month that it would increase the number of California homeowners policies it writes each month, saying that the marketplace has 'improved.' However consumer advocates are concerned the new regulations could mean many policyholders see sharp rate hikes, according to the outlet. Risky cryptocurrency investments are increasingly creeping in to the retirement savings of ordinary Americans. Many workplace retirement plans with well-known companies such as Vanguard, Fidelity, BlackRock and Morgan Stanley, are investing in a company called MicroStrategy. MicroStrategy is an American development company, and is a holding in many traditional retirement stock portfolios, according to The New York Times. While Americans are responsible for choosing where their 401(K) is invested, they are often unaware of the exact details of the funds they hold in their account. MicroStrategy started as a provider of business software, but has pivoted to focus on buying Bitcoin. The company has made a more than 3,000 percent gain since August 2020, according to the outlet. But it also suffered a catastrophic year in 2022, losing more than 74 percent, as did many companies focusing on cryptocurrency due to the collapse of the FTX exchange run by Sam Bankman-Fried. Americans who are skeptical about the risks of cryptocurrency may be concerned to know that they are investing in this stock indirectly through their retirement accounts, experts are warning. 'You can't get colossal returns like these without taking on outsize risks - exposing investors to hazards that they may never have dreamed of taking in their retirement accounts,' wrote New York Times columnist Jeff Sommer. Many workplace retirement plans with well-known companies such as Vanguard, Fidelity, BlackRock and Morgan Stanley, are investing in a company called MicroStrategy MicroStrategy's overall stock return in the last several years is substantial. Tech company Nvidia, for comparison, has gained 1,179.7 percent since August, 10, 2020, according to The New York Times. This year alone, shares in the Tysons Corner, Virginia-based firm founded by billionaire Michael Saylor have surged more than 500 percent. With a stock market value exceeding $90 billion, it has surpassed major American companies including Target, CVS and General Motors. The company has embarked on an unconventional plan to raise capital solely to purchase and hold more Bitcoin, according to Bloomberg. It has announced multibillion-dollar acquisitions of the cryptocurrency every Monday over the past five weeks. Bitcoin prices have surged in the weeks since Donald Trump won the presidential election, with the cryptocurrency rallying above $100,000 for the first time. The cryptocurrency has since dipped, but has settled around $95,000. The President-elect, as well as those he has so far chosen for the top posts in his administration, have openly embraced digital assets, bolstering investors' hopes that the cryptocurrency industry's place will be cemented in financial markets. MicroStrategy now holds more than $40 billion worth of Bitcoin, according to Bloomberg. However, its underlying software business had a net loss of $340 million in the third quarter of this year. This means that the company's market capitalization is largely based on its Bitcoin buy-and-hold strategy, the outlet reported. MicroStrategy is an American development company, and is reportedly a holding in many traditional retirement stock portfolios Shares in MicroStrategy, which was founded by billionaire Michael Saylor, have gained more than 500 percent this year alone Bitcoin prices have surged in the weeks since Donald Trump won the presidential election (Pictured: Trump speaking at the Bitcoin 2024 event in July) Investing in cryptocurrency is a divisive issue, with many arguing that it is risky. The financial services company Charles Schwab, says on its website: 'We suggest that clients who are interested in cryptocurrency approach them as speculative investments and consider their goals as well as the risks involved. 'For those who already have a diversified portfolio and a long-term investment plan, we see cryptocurrency as being used primarily for trading purposes outside the traditional portfolio.' If the appeal of Bitcoin should wane for any reason, Sommer writes in The New York Times, 'MicroStrategy would spread the pain to many thousands of people.' DailyMail.com reached out to MicroStrategy for comment. The Government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that over 14,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) have been opened in the country as on October 21 to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. In a written response to a question, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Scheme, 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices have been brought under its ambit, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic drugs. The PMBJP scheme was launched by the government to set up dedicated outlets known as PMBJKs to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. On the progress made under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the country, Nadda said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diagnosed and treated at various levels in health care facilities. The treatment in government hospitals is either free or highly subsidised for the poor and needy. Treatment of major NCDs are also available under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). This scheme provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting the bottom 40 per cent of Indias population. The Centre has also recently approved health coverage for all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their income under PMJAY, Nadda said. Nadda said the latest ABPM-JAY package provides cashless healthcare services related to 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties. These treatments are available at a network of more than 29,929 hospitals empanelled under the scheme, Nadda said. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT), an initiative launched by the Union Health Ministry aims to provide affordable medicines for treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. As on November 30, 2024 there are 218 AMRIT pharmacies spread across 29 states and Union Territories, selling more than 6,500 drugs (including cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, stents, etc), implants, surgical disposables and other consumables at a significant discounts up to 50 per cent on market rates, Nadda said. The Centre implements the strengthening of tertiary cancer care centres facilities scheme in order to enhance the facilities for cancer care at tertiary level. The National Health Mission provides support for improvement in health infrastructure, availability of adequate human resources to health facilities, to improve availability and accessibility to quality health care especially for the underserved and marginalised groups in rural areas, Nadda informed. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued an order directing its departments and zonal heads to carry out a drive to identify and verify illegal Bangladeshi migrants in municipal schools and those registered for birth certificates. The MCD has also directed all MCD zones to remove encroachments by illegal Bangladeshi migrants. An action taken report has been sought by the MCD deputy commissioner by December 31. The directive comes days after the Delhi L-G Secretariat ordered a crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, with the issue becoming the latest flashpoint between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi due in February. The decision follows a meeting held on December 12 with Delhi governments Principal Secretary (Home), where the MCD Commissioner was represented by the Additional Commissioner (HQ) and Deputy Commissioner (HQ). Zonal heads have been instructed to implement preventive measures to address the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. The education department will take appropriate preventive measures to identify illegal Bangladeshi migrants while giving admission in municipal schools. It is also requested that proper identification and verification drives may also be undertaken to identify the illegal Bangladeshi migrant children in schools, the order by the deputy commissioner said. The public health department was directed not to issue birth certificates to any illegal migrant from Bangladesh. The MCD told them to take preventive measures and they too were instructed to undertake a proper identification and verification drive. Moreover, zones were also told to remove encroachments made by such migrants. The relations between India and Bangladesh are under severe strain after the interim government headed by Yunus came to power in August. Relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated further in recent weeks over continued attacks on Hindus, especially after the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKCON Bangladesh and now, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote organisation. Last week, Bangladesh acknowledged 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, following Hasinas ouster. In a remarkable observation which indicates increased economic opportunities across the country, the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) has estimated the number of domestic migrants has lowered by around 12 per cent to 40.20 crore between 2011 and 2023. The overall number of migrants in the country, as of 2023, is 40,20,90,396. This is about 11.78 per cent lower as compared to the number of migrants enumerated as per Census 2011 [45,57,87,621]. Consequently, the migration rate which stood at 37.64% as per Census 2011 is estimated to have since reduced to 28.88% of the population, according to a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The paper titled 400 Million Dreams! Examining volume and directions of domestic migration in India using novel high frequency data, pointed out that West Bengal, Rajasthan and Karnataka are the States showing the maximum amount of growth in percentage share of the arriving passengers. Similarly, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are States where the percentage share of total migrants has reduced. At the state level, Uttar Pradesh-Delhi; Gujarat-Maharashtra; Telangana-Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar-Delhi emerge as the primary dyads of the movement, it said. At the district level, Murshidabad - Kolkata; Paschim Bardhaman-Howrah; Valsad - Mumbai; Chittoor - Bengaluru Urban and Surat - Mumbai are the most popular routes for migration between districts. This has implications for urban planning as well as for planning of transportation networks. According to the report, April-June is the high month for migrant movement with November-December witnessing secondary highs. December-January and September-October are the months with the highest inflows whereas May-June and January-February are the months with the highest outflows in Mumbai. These are perhaps months where most migrant labour travel back to their places of origin. A secondary high in winter time is perhaps indicative of travel around the festival/marriage season. January, on the other hand, appears to be the month of lowest travel. Even prior to the pandemic related lockdowns, there were signs of the passenger movement showing little growth, however after the pandemic, even the high months i.e. April-May are at a distinctly lower level as compared to the corresponding period before the pandemic, passenger levels for May 2023 being 6.67% lower than the corresponding number for May 2012. Further, it is interesting to note that a majority [>75%] of our predicted migration flows are within 500 kms of the origin. This is in line with gravitation effects and theories such as Ravensteins Theory of Human Migration (1834 - 1913), it said. We hypothesize that this is on account of availability of improved services such as education, health, infrastructure and connectivity as well as improved economic opportunities in or near in major sources of migration and is an indicator of overall economic growth, noted the paper authored by former EAC-PM chairman Bibek Debroy. The paper used three high-frequency and granular data sets, Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) data on passenger volumes; mobile telephone subscribers roaming data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and district level banking data to understand the likely impact of migration at the places of origin. Using TRAIs mobile phone roaming data, the report finds that April-June is the high month for movement with November-December witnessing secondary highs. The report said the total number of passengers carried by the Railways in 2023-24 stood at 6,843 Million. This includes 3,852 Million Suburban passengers and 2,991 Million non-Suburban passengers. Indian Railways defines suburban services as those being up to 150 Kms. A secondary high in winter time is perhaps indicative of travel around the festival/marriage season. January, on the other hand, appears to be the month of lowest travel, it said. As per Census 2011, just five states, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, together account for about 48 per cent of the total outbound migrants, which includes within-state migrants as well. Similarly, just five states, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, together account for about 48 per cent of all incoming migrants. This includes within-state migrants as well. In the period from 1991 to 2001, the compounded annual growth rate of the number of migrants was 2.7 per cent. This increased to 3.7 per cent during 2001 to 2011. Interestingly, in the period from 1991 to 2001, Indias workforce grew from 3.17 crore to 4.02 crore (an annual average growth of 2.6 per cent), whereas from 2001 to 2011, the workforce grew from 4.02 crore to 4.82 crore (an annual average growth of 1.99 per cent). Perhaps one of the last privy purses, the erstwhile princely estate of Bettiah Raj, one of the largest zamindari of Bihar, will now be assimilated in the property owned by the State government. According to a notification issued in the Bihar Gazette decks have been cleared for complete takeover of 15,358 acres of land belonging to the Bettiah princely State by the Bihar administration. Out of a total of 15,358.60 acres of land, 15,215.33 acres is in Bihar and 143.26 acres is in Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, a large chunk of land that came under the erstwhile Bettiah Raj has been encroached upon over the years. The Vesting of Bettiah Raj Properties Act-2024s gazette notification dated December 11 followed a bill passed by the state legislature in the winter session last month. Earlier, properties of the estate were managed by the Court of Wards, Board of Revenue (Bihar Government). The last raja of Bettiah Raj, Harendra Kishore Singh, died heirless on March 26, 1893, leaving behind two widows, Maharani Sheo Ratna Kunwar and Maharani Janki Kunwar. Maharani Sheo Ratna Kunwar who succeeded to the estate of Raja Harendra Kishore Singh on his death as his senior widow died on March 24, 1896 and on her death Maharani Janki Kunwar became entitled to the possession of the estate. Since it was reportedly found that Maharani Janki Kunwar was not able to administer the estate, its management was taken over by the Court of Wards. Cities in Bihar where land belonging to Bettiah Estate are located include: 9758.72 acres in West Champaran, 5320.51 acres in East Champaran, 35.58 acres in Gopalganj, 7.29 acres in Siwan, 4.81 acres in Patna, 88.41 acres in Saran. Similarly, cities in Uttar Pradesh where land belonging to Bettiah Estate are located include: Kushinagar (61.16 acres), Maharajganj (7.53 acres), Varanasi (10.13 acres), Gorakhpur (50.92 acres), Basti (6.21 acre), Allahabad (4.54 acre), Ayodhya (1.86 acre). All the existing properties, to the knowledge of the court and being looked after by the court, of the Bettiah Raj, located in or outside the state of Bihar, whether movable or immovable, shall stand vested with the state government from the date on which this Act comes into force. Bettiah Raj Properties means and includes all movable and immovable properties of the erstwhile Raja of Bettiah, says the Gazette notification. With the publication of gazette notification of the Vesting of Bettiah Raj Properties Act-2024, now the Board of Revenue of the state government is framing rules of the Act which will be further approved by the state Cabinet, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Revenue and Land Reforms department, Dipak Kumar Singh told PTI on Saturday. The Act has been passed with a view to ensure effective protection and management of Bettiah Raj land, said the ACS. According to office of the Court of Wards, Bettiah Raj (authority which used to manage properties of the estate earlier), details of properties were submitted to the Secretary, Board of Revenue, on September 9, 2021, total land-15,358.60 acres, worth Rs 7957.38 Crore belonging to the concerned estate are in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. After taking over the possession of all land of Bettiah estate, the department concerned may allot these land to other wings of the state for several infrastructural projects, sources said. A large chunk of land may be allotted to the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) for developing townships, malls and parks in West Champaran district, an official said on the condition of anonymity. The property of Bettiah Raj situated within the state of Bihar and state of UP in course of time has been subjected to numerous litigations, encroachment, unauthorized occupation, etc. The properties once vested with the State Government cannot be subject to any succession under any law and all ongoing disputes, suits or proceedings relating to succession pending before any court of law on the date of commencement of this act shall stand abated. The Court of Wards, consequent upon vesting, shall hand over all the papers, documents, records, maps and all relevant information to the concerned Collector of the districts where the properties of Bettiah Raj are located, says the notified Act. All existing leases or the existing privileges upon the lands and properties of the Bettiah Raj Properties shall stand extinguished from the date of such notification, it said. All Bettiah Raj properties vested in the state under this act shall be free from all encumbrances and shall be exempt from attachment, seizure or sale. All salami, rents, cess, royalties and revenues in respect of lands comprised in Bettiah properties or tenure on or after the date of vesting shall be payable to the state and any payment made otherwise shall not be binding on the state, it said. BJP MP and former Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari on Saturday accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh of disrespecting the Purvanchal community and questioning their social identity. He alleged during a news conference that AAPs show of respect for Purvanchalis is merely pretentious.The press conference, moderated by Media Chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor, highlighted Manoj Tiwaris contributions to strengthening the identity of the Purvanchal community in Delhi.Kapoor emphasized that Tiwari played a key role in getting declared Chhath Puja as a public holiday in the city, thus giving due respect to the major festival of Purvanchal. Tiwari challenged Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh to issue a clear response within 24 hours about whether votes of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in Delhi should beremoved. We raised this issue in Parliament, advocating for detaining and deporting illegal infiltrators to their respective countries without subjecting them to violence, Tiwari asserted. He accused Kejriwal of insulting the Purvanchal community on several occasions, including in a 2019 statement in which Kejriwal allegedly claimed that Purvanchal residents travel to Delhi on Rs 500 tickets and avail free treatment worth Rs five lakh and go back. Tiwari criticized Kejriwals handling of the COVID-19 crisis, alleging that instead of providing food and protection to migrant workers in Delhi, the AAP government forced them onto buses to return to their states, endangering their lives. He attributed numerous COVID-era deaths to Kejriwals negligence, citing how relief was finally provided only after intervention by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath. Tiwari also stated that Kejriwals government has worsened the living conditions of unauthorized colony residents over the past decade, 70% of whom belong to Purvanchal and Uttarakhand. Despite this, AAP failed to address their concerns, he claimed. He alleged that during the construction of the Signature Bridge in East Delhicompleted under Presidents RuleKejriwal sent party goons to threaten workers. At the time, neither Kejriwal nor Sanjay Singh showed any concern for the Purvanchal community. Tiwari condemned AAPs efforts to divide Delhi along caste and religious lines, emphasizing that the citys status as the nations capital requires unity and inclusive governance. Refuting Sanjay Singhs remarks during his press conference about an MCD letter, Tiwari clarified that the letter did not mention Purvanchal residents. However, Singhs repeated references to Purvanchal were aimed at promoting regionalism in Delhi, he said. Tiwari concluded by urging Arvind Kejriwal to address issues such as poor water quality in Delhi, which he claimed has led to over 21,000 deaths in the past decade, instead of fostering regional and communal divides. December 21, 2024: On October 1st Israel once again invaded Lebanon, for the 5th time in the last 46 years. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on November 26th but not everyone in the area went along. There are a lot of factions, mainly Islamic terrorist groups, that no one controls. There are some self-defense militias that respond to attacks from anyone. Meanwhile, neighboring Syria underwent a rapid and unexpected change of government when a well prepared opposition group led by the HTS rebel organization began a surprise offensive on November 26th. Within two weeks all Assad government forces were gone. Most just changed into civilian clothes and walked away. HTS forces didnt take the Kurdish region in the northeast that occupies about 40 percent of Syria. The Kurds have their own army and support from the United States. The HTS was allowed to get organized in Turkey, which wanted a new government in Syria so that the millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkey could go home. This unexpected collapse of the Assad government, which had ruled Syria for 53 years, presented Israel with opportunities. These included occupying some Syrian territory to provide a larger security buffer zone. Israel also went into Lebanon to complete the destruction of Hezbollah. After this Hezbollah will continue to exist, but as a shadow of its former self. It could take this Hezbollah remnant a decade or more to rebuild. Israel realizes that and will thwart a Hezbollah revival any way it can. The last Israeli war in Lebanon took place during 2006 and lasted 34 days. It began on July 12, 2006, when Hezbollah gunmen ambushed an Israeli border patrol. Three Israelis were killed and two captured. An Israeli quick response team attempted to rescue the captured soldiers with but five more Israeli troops killed during a failed rescue effort. The two captured Israeli soldiers were later killed by Hezbollah. Ultimately this brief war involved about 30,000 Israeli troops and about a thousand Hezbollah gunmen. The Israelis lost 121 soldiers and 46 civilians. Hezbollah lost about 500 fighters. The Lebanese security forces lost 43 men, local militias lost 31 while 1,100 Lebanese and 51 foreign civilians along with five UN workers were killed. As many as 20 percent of the dead civilians were actually unarmed Hezbollah members. Hezbollah keeps stockpiles of weapons in civilian homes and can instruct Hezbollah members to go to a specific home and get weapons and other equipment for an operation. The current war in Lebanon is another side effect to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack out of Gaza that triggered more battles in Gaza as well as fighting in northern Israel and Lebanon. The current fighting in Lebanon led to the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during a September 27 Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. For over two decades it was believed that Hassan Nasrallah was so critical to the success of Hezbollah, that if he was killed, the whole organization would fall apart. Although on paper the movement has clear lines of authority, and a defined order-of-succession, if you take a close look at Nasrallah's henchmen, you realize that most of them are pretty much the ordinary run of uninspiring Arab thugs. As none of them comes near Nasrallah in either brains or charisma, they would most likely begin squabbling among themselves if Nasrallah got killed. Iran sent lots of advisers and technical experts to Lebanon, but none of these could expect to lead Hezbollah, largely because all Lebanese are touchy about foreign influence. Although decades of Syrian occupation favored Hezbollah, and thus Shias in general, it was still foreign occupation. And it's no secret that the old Assad Syrian regime considered large parts of eastern Lebanon as territory that should be part of Syria. Iran doesn't like depending so much on one person, but they don't have much choice. Nasrallah, like most Arab strongmen, saw the elimination of any likely successors as an excellent method for avoiding getting deposed. In 2024 the importance of Nasrallah and Hezbollah ceased to be a problem. He was killed along with other key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Israel used exploding pagers and portable radios, plus airstrikes, to accomplish this. Israel also killed several senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders including the elusive Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas supreme leader and one of its founders. Sinwar was moving about in Gaza when he and some aides were confronted by some Israeli soldiers. There was a brief gunbattle and the Israelis discovered that one of the dead men was the elusive Yahya Sinwar. Within a day, DNA tests confirmed that Sinwar was dead. His death was a catastrophe for Hamas which had recently suffered the loss of several leaders. Sinwar had spent two years planning and organizing the October 2023 Hamas offensive in Gaza that left over a thousand Israelis dead. This was the largest number of Israelis ever killed in one day, let alone one action. With Sinwar gone, his replacement is apparently Khalil Al Hayya, who is based in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar where he handles Hamas relations with Iran. In practice you cant replace someone like Sinwar and his aides had a difficult time obtaining agreement on selecting Khalil Al Hayya, who plans to stay in Qatar where he is relatively safe from an Israeli attack. Now virtually leaderless, Palestinians are unsure of what the future will bring. Most Palestinians live in or immediately adjacent to Israel. Two million of Israels 9.8 million population are Palestinians. The Gaza Strip contains 365 square kilometers of territory and 2.1 million Palestinians. The West Bank contains 5,655 square kilometers and 4.1 million Palestinians. Gaza has had many rulers over the last century. A century ago Gaza was administered by British officials and occupied by British troops. After 1945 Gaza was ruled by Egyptian officials. In 1956 a war between several Arab states and Israel was won by the Israelis, who also captured Gaza but then withdrew. The 1967 Arab Israeli war saw Gaza once more captured by the Israelis and administered by them until 2005 when, after an 11 year process, Israeli forces withdrew and a local Palestinian government, initially Al Fatah, which also ruled the West Bank, took over Gaza. In 2006 Hamas, a radical Palestinian group that had taken refuge in Egypt, won Palestinian elections for a united Palestinian government. The West Bank Palestinian leaders refused to accept Hamas rule and there was fighting between Fatah and Hamas factions. Israel did not want this violence to spread into Israel and blockaded Gaza, only letting people in or out who were unarmed and had a good reason, like medical care or visiting relatives the Israeli knew about. Hamas continued to recruit Palestinian men to join their force. Hamas armed these new recruits with weapons from Iran, via Egyptian smugglers who could get the guns into Gaza. Hamas completely took over in Gaza in 2007 while Fatah remained in control of the West Bank. By 2023 Hamas forces in Gaza had grown to about 30,000 men, though there were also other rival armed Palestinian and non-Palestinian terrorist groups, and there had been several mini-wars between Hamas and Israel since 2007. In October 2023, 3,000 of the armed Hamas fighters, and an equal number of Gaza civilians and non-Hamas terrorists, invaded Israel. About half of the 3,000 attacking Hamas fighters were killed during this offensive. The IDF/Israeli Defense Forces lost 376 troops while 767 civilians died as well. As of December, about a third of the 97 hostages remaining in Hamas captivity have died or been killed by the continuing fighting in Gaza between Hamas and IDF forces. Surviving Hamas gunmen stayed in Gaza because they failed to advance. In Gaza Hamas waged a guerilla war against the IDF. Hamas also took 251 Israeli civilians and soldiers captive and is trying to bargain with Israel to get thousands of imprisoned Palestinians freed in return for their Israeli captives. So far Israel is not willing to release thousands of convicted Hamas and other Palestinian killers to get imprisoned soldiers and civilians back from Hamas. Instead IDF forces have been searching for the hostages and fighting Hamas gunmen who are guarding them. Hamas has been much less of a problem in the West Bank where Fatah security forces, with some assistance from the IDF, have kept most Hamas fighters out. Hamas leaders, especially Ismail Haniyeh, have lived in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar for several years. There he controlled $11 billion dollars donated to Hamas by various western and charitable groups and Arab governments as well several hundred million dollars a year from Iran. In theory this money should be used to make life easier, or at least bearable, for Palestinians living in Gaza. That does not happen because Hamas steals the money as well as foreign aid from Western countries. Israel sends food aid, accompanied by a military escort that fights armed Hamas members seeking to steal the aid. As of late-2024, this remains the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Ranchi resident businessman Prince Raj Srivastava was attacked by criminals on Friday at 10:57 pm. Prince Raj Srivastava was leaving for his Hinu residence from Skyline Tower in Kadru. As soon as Prince sat in his car, 4 unknown criminals who were lying in wait surrounded Prince's car. Surrounding the car, these criminals tried to open the door. In such a situation, Prince Raj Srivastava became alert, the criminals tried to forcefully open the door of the car twice, in which once a criminal also attacked Prince's face. Seeing sharp weapons and knives in their hands, Prince sat back in his car, after which Prince left from there to his residence. 4 criminals chased Prince Raj Srivastava in 2 vehicles and tried to stop Prince's car at Kadru bridge. Somehow Prince saved his life and reached Doranda police station. Seeing this, the criminals fled from there. Earlier, when Prince escaped with his life, the criminals attacked his car with a heavy stone on the way, due to which his car got damaged. All the pictures of this incident have been captured in the camera installed in the car. The information of the case has been given in writing to the Doranda police station, but till late evening, the FIR has not been registered. According to the information received from the sources, the case of Ranchi Police is stuck regarding the matter of Doranda police station and Argora police station area. Shrivastava has appealed to Ranchi Police to catch these criminals as soon as possible and take legal action. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying that he should apologise for his statement on Dr BR Ambedkar. If this does not happen, the BSP will protest across the country on December 24, she said. In a series of posts on X in Hindi, Mayawati said, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare Constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived, and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Shri Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people. She further mentioned that people from all sections of society in the country are quite angry and agitated by the words spoken by him in Parliament regarding such a great man. Ambedkarite BSP has demanded that he take back his statement and repent, which has not been done till now, she said. The BSP chief also stated that in such a situation, if the demand is not met, the BSP will raise its voice across the country. That is why the party has now decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a complete peaceful dharna-demonstration will be held at all district headquarters across the country, she said. During a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah had 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 attained heaven for seven lifetimes). On Wednesday, Shah held a press conference in which he accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed instant protests from treasury benches and opposition members over the alleged insult of Dr Ambedkar until both the houses were adjourned sine die on Friday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the 120th Foundation Day celebrations of King Georges Medical University (KGMU) on Saturday, where he praised the institution for its remarkable growth and resilience over the years. Emphasising that crisis reveals the true strength of individuals and institutions, he stated, In times of crisis, some break down, while others rise to the occasion. He urged the KGMU staff and students to continue strengthening the institutions reputation, ensuring that no patient leaves disappointed. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the institutions progress, noting that KGMU started in 1905 with a contribution of Rs 10,75,800 and has since evolved into the largest medical institution in the country, spanning over 100 acres and introducing new services. Reflecting on KGMUs contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CM highlighted how it worked swiftly and effectively, following the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government, in contrast to another medical college where doctors were suspended after being found to be negative during quarantine. He also honoured 67 meritorious students, to whom he presented medals and certificates for their achievements. The chief minister said that the government has given everything to the institution, emphasising that there is no shortage of funds. He urged KGMU officials to focus on improving services and setting goals for the next 100 years to ensure its continued glory. He further noted that the medical university boasts the highest number of medical seats and continues to produce skilled professionals. The government has also approved an amount of Rs 300 crore for state-of-the-art machines and labs to take the institution forward. Apart from this, Rs 377 crore has been approved for the new building of the surgery department, Rs 46 crore for fire safety, and Rs 70 crore for expanding Lari Cardiology. CM Yogi urged the doctors at KGMU to adopt new medical facilities such as patient screening, virtual ICUs, and telemedicine. He said that there is no shortage of funds for treatment, as the government has ensured that funds are available. Mentioning the rising number of patients and the increasing mental health concerns, especially due to excessive smartphone use, the chief minister called for an expansion of the mental health department and greater awareness efforts. He also appealed for rapid progress in areas such as cardiac surgery, kidney and organ transplants, and organ donation. CM Yogi stressed the importance of educating the public on organ donation, urging KGMU to conduct awareness campaigns through various means such as camps, programmes, hoardings, and pamphlets. The chief minister said that the funds allocated to the centre for excellence department are not being utilised effectively and need to be addressed. He further emphasised that the most valuable asset for doctors is their compassion. A doctors caring attitude, he stated, plays a critical role not only in patient recovery but also in creating a positive work environment for all hospital staff. The disease may be cured, but the behaviour is remembered, he said, stressing the importance of setting high standards in both the service and education fields. KGMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand presented a memento to CM Yogi during the event. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, State Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, IIT-Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agarwal, etc were present on the occasion. Despite police permission being denied, top Telugu actor Allu Arjun attended the theatre where 'Pushpa-2' was screened on December 4, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy charged on Saturday. Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the police to force him out, CM alleged. Responding to the issue after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised it in the Assembly, Reddy, referring to videos in circulation, found fault with Allu Arjun for holding a roadshow and waving to the crowds in spite of the heavy crowd. Reddy further said the theatre management gave a letter to the police on December 2 seeking security for the visit of top actors and others on December 4. However, the police rejected the application, citing difficulties in crowd management. Before entering the theatre and exiting, the actor stood through the sunroof of his car and waved to the crowds leading to thousands of fans jostling to get a glimpse of him, he said. He slammed film personalities for making a beeline for Allu Arjun's residence to meet him after his arrest but not showing empathy to visit the boy who is undergoing treatment in hospital after suffering injuries in the incident. "I appeal to the top film personalities that they should not be inhuman," he said. He also said there won't be any special privileges when untoward incidents like death in a stampede happen and said the government would not spare those who troubled common people. A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was hospitalised on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when thousands of fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of the blockbuster 'Pushpa 2,'. Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family. Allu Arjun was arrested by the city police in connection with the death of the woman on December 13. The Telangana High Court granted him a four-week interim bail on the same day and he was released from the prison here on December 14 morning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday claimed that outfits described by a past Congress government as "frontal organisations" of the Maoists took part in Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo march. Speaking at a press conference here along with his deputy Eknath Shinde at the end of the one-week-long winter session of the state legislature, he also said his government would find out illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in Mumbai and deport them. As to the portfolio allocation of his new cabinet, he said it could happen later in the evening or on Sunday. Fadnavis reiterated his allegation, made during the session, that urban Naxal outfits, acting as frontal organisations of the Maoists, participated in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra. ''I am not saying this, but the reports of the Congress-led state and central governments prior to 2014 said so,'' he said. Action was taken against some of these organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he noted. To a question about the Public Security Bill, aimed at `curbing the urban Naxal menace,' Fadnavis said it was sent to a joint select committee comprising 21 members from both Houses for scrutiny. The decision was taken even without the Opposition making such a demand so that nobody should allege that it contains provisions to suppress legitimate dissent, he said. The committee will be headed by the BJP leader and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, he added. To a question about Somnath Suryavanshi who died in police custody after being arrested following the violent protests in Parbhani city over vandalising of a replica of the Constitution, Fadnavis said Suryavanshi was asked by the magistrate when he was produced in the court whether the police had tortured him. He replied in the negative, the chief minister pointed out. Even the CCTV footage did not disclose signs of torture while a detailed medical report said he was suffering from a respiratory ailment and there were old injury marks on his body, Fadnavis added. As to deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's absence at the press conference, he said the NCP president was visiting, "after taking permission", Beed and Parbhani to meet the kin of the victims of recent incidents of violence in the two central Maharashtra districts. While Parbhani witnessed violence over the vandalising of a Constitution replica, a village sarpanch was brutally murdered in Beed district and the issue came up during the session with the Opposition claiming that the mastermind of the crime was present in Nagpur but not being arrested. Speaking before Fadnavis, deputy CM Shinde said the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government was the same team playing a new match. It was the continuation of the previous government (which he headed), he said, adding that all existing schemes will continue and development works undertaken in the last two and a half years will be expedited. Criminals in any case, whoever they may be close to, will not be spared, the deputy CM assured. Opposition parties resorted to drama by protesting on the staircase of the Vidhan Bhavan (legislature complex) instead of raising issues that concerned people, Shinde said. Without naming Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde took swipes at his former boss' presence during the session. ''When someone resigned as CM, he had also announced that he would quit as MLC (Member of Legislative Council), but did not. He came like a tourist, to save his membership of the House." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday hinted that his party might go solo in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election without exiting the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Talking to reporters, Raut said party workers were insisting the organisation go solo in the local body polls, as there were more aspirants than for the Lok Sabha or state assembly polls. "Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders (about whether to go solo) for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo," he said. The undivided Shiv Sena controlled the cash-rich BMC for 25 consecutive years from 1997 to 2022. The term of the previous elected representatives of the BMC ended in early March 2022, and fresh polls are due for nearly three years now. Raut said the party's power in Mumbai is undisputed. "If had we got more seats to contest in Mumbai (during the assembly polls), it would have won them," he said, claiming that it was necessary to win Mumbai or else the city would be separated from Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena contested 24 seats in Mumbai and won 10, while the Congress fielded candidates for 10 seats and bagged four, and the NCP (SP) contested two seats unsuccessfully. "Even when the (undivided) Shiv Sena was (in an alliance) with the BJP, we contested the BMC and other civic body polls independently. We are trying to find ways to do it. The MVA will exist in the Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Nashik civic bodies," he said. Last week, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had said the Shiv Sena will contest the BMC polls, likely to be held next year, as part of the ruling Mahayuti. The BMC polls will be contested as Mahayuti (alliance) in all 227 civic wards, said Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena. The BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP are part of the Mahayuti alliance. Jashn-e-Rekhta, celebrated the beauty of Urdu with soulful music, heartfelt poetry and moments that deeply connected with everyone, says SAKSHI PRIYA In the delicate dance of words and melodies, there exists a beauty that can only be captured by the language of the soul, Urdu. The language has flourished in the hearts of poets, lovers and dreamers for centuries, finding its voice in the lyrical verses of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal and countless others. As one steps into the world of Jashn-e-Rekhta, a living celebration of this beloved language, it is as though you are immersed in a space where poetry is not merely recited, but experienced, felt in every beat of your heart. Dil-e-nadaan tujhe hua kya hai? Aur koi bhi, tujhe na samajh paaya These lines by Mirza Ghalib echoed throughout the festival, capturing the essence of Jashn-e-Rekhta 2024 in a way no words could. Each verse, each melody, became a reminder of the timeless beauty and emotion embedded in Urdu poetry, and how it continues to bind hearts together across generations. The opening evening saw the mesmerising Sufi performance by the ever-graceful Padma Shri Kailash Kher and his Kailasa band, setting the mood for an emotional journey through music and words. But the magic of Jashn-e-Rekhta didnt stop there. The second day of the festival paid tribute to the legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi. Performances by the Qutbi Brothers and the stirring Dastangoi session by Himanshu Bajpayee and Pragya Sharma were particularly notable. Their narratives made the audience reminisce about the timelessness of Urdu poetry, while the theatrical production Jaun Elia ka Jinn brought forth the intensity and passion that marked the poets life. Javed Akhtars book launch of Kyon: Jaun Elia's Unpublished Poetry and Sanjiv Sarafs Wayward Verses led to a deeper understanding of how Urdu continues to shape the contemporary cultural landscape. As the final act, Papons soul-stirring performance brought the festival to a close. The final day of Jashn-e-Rekhta added a modern touch to the festivities with Nisschal Zaveris Chaand, Urdu aur Awaaz Unplugged, a performance blending classical Ghazals with contemporary musical expressions. This performance bridged the timeless charm of Urdu poetry with modern acoustic instrumentation, providing an experience that resonated with every listeners heart. Nisschal, with his incredible talent and reverence for the art, captured the essence of what makes Urdu poetry so deeply moving, a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, an invitation to dive into the depths of emotion, where every word is a universe unto itself. The event concluded with a moving tribute- Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon, a celebration of the songs that have touched Bollywoods heart, presented by Javed Akhtar. One of the most delightful aspects of Jashn-e-Rekhta was the Rekhta Pavilion. From the Rekhta Food Festival - Aiwan-e-Zaiqa, which showcased the subcontinents culinary delights, to the Rekhta Bazaar and Books Bazaar, which made Urdus literary treasures accessible to all, every corner invited exploration. At its heart was the Dial-e-Poet, where visitors could listen to the timeless voices of legends like Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Rahat Indori, creating a deeply personal connection to their immortal words. Around these spaces, people of all ages gathered in spontaneous circles, reciting shayari, sharing verses and singing ghazals. The soft glow of the lights created an atmosphere of unity, where the shared love of Urdu poetry connected everyone and the timeless melodies carried emotions that resonated deeply in the heart. Jashn-e-Rekhta celebrates the timeless charm of Urdu, bringing its poetry, music, and legacy to life. It reminds us that Urdu isnt just inked on pages but lives in every song, verses and conversation, a celebration of life where poetry becomes a vibrant, living essence. Photos: Pankaj kumar A series of intense Israeli airstrikes shook Yemens 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. Israels 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. Then, in a second wave of strikes, the military said its fighter jets targeted Houthi energy infrastructure in Sanaa. 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 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. 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 kilometres southwest of Sanaa, has been key for food shipments into Yemen as its decade-long war has gone on. Theres 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. The waves of strikes on Yemen early Thursday werent a direct response to the missile hit, said a military official, but rather a preplanned 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. In Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, a large piece of shrapnel from the missile collapsed a school building there, without causing any injuries. The military official said that the Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, at Israel since October 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. 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 Defense Ministry. But Israel appears to have carried out Thursdays strikes alone. A US military official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the attacks, said that Washington had no part in them. While the US has carried out strikes on the Houthis in the past, its 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. Israels grinding offensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, local health officials say. The tally doesnt 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 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 1,50,000 people, including civilians. The conflict also has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters thats 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. 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. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a delegation of 13 Indian companies at 10 Downing Street in London on what the British government described as a curated visit to enhance the bilateral partnership and boost investment flows. The visit on Wednesday follows Starmers meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit last month, when the leaders committed to take forward an ambitious UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with collaboration opportunities on economic growth, security and defence, technology, climate, health, and education. According to a readout from the British High Commission in New Delhi, the Indian investors and CEOs also met senior Cabinet ministers to discuss job creation and growth opportunities under a proposed India-UK trade deal after Starmer had confirmed the relaunch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations early in the new year. India is a vital partner for the UK and we have huge ambition to unlock more opportunities together, building on our already strong relationship, said Starmer, with reference to the business meeting. Im delighted to welcome some of Indias most senior business leaders to Downing Street and to outline the UKs ambitious focus on economic growth and innovation, he said. The delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), discussed deepening ties with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Meanwhile, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and minister for trade policy Douglas Alexander discussed bilateral trade, worth GBP 42 billion a year and supporting over 600,000 jobs across both economies as per UK government statistics. As one of the most globally connected economies in the G20, the UK provides unmatched opportunities for Indian businesses to thrive. India already accounts for the second highest number of FDI projects into the UK, and this government is committed to deepening our trade and investment links with India even further, said Reynolds. Boosting investment is a mission at the heart of this government. It was great to hear first-hand from Indian business leaders on why so many of them have given us a vote of confidence and chosen to invest here, he said. The companies represented are said to have collectively invested over GBP 10 billion into the UK and employ tens of thousands of people across the country. The delegation was led by Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises which completed a major investment in the BT Group this year. This business delegation comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands as the fastest-growing large economy and is on track to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027. Over time, India-UK relations have developed into a robust, multifaceted partnership built on historical ties, economic synergy, and increasing geopolitical alignment, said Mittal. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations present significant opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation. We are optimistic that this delegation will pave the way for numerous successful business collaborations. We shall seek guidance from Prime Minister Starmer on the sectors that may exhibit better collaboration opportunities, he said. Other companies represented at the meeting included Bharat Semi Systems, Biocon Group, Blue Star Limited, Essar Group, Hero Enterprise, Jet Synthesis, Piramal Group, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and UPL Limited. The delegation concluded their tour with a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London. During the election season, Tesla and other companies saw a rally in the stock market especially after Donald J. Trump won the November 5 elections, but that is changing now as the electric car company is seeing continued dips. In the latest observation in the market, Tesla saw a further five percent drop, and this is a continuation of its stock's woes in the industry. There are now doubts that Tesla's hype during the election period is coming to an end, but it is not yet over as Elon Musk is close to taking a larger role in the United States government as the head of DOGE. Tesla Shares Continue Its Dip, 5 Percent More Shaved Off A new report from CNBC shared that Tesla's continued drop in the stock market logged a new dip for the company, particularly as it fell 5 percent earlier today during the US premarket trading. This closely followed the recent woes Tesla faced, including the most recent one from earlier this week when the company faced an eight percent drop on Wednesday. It was revealed by the report that this succession of decline brought Tesla's "worst day" since its performance saw a massive spike after President-elect Trump won the November elections. That being said, Tesla's stock is still seeing a 76 percent improvement for the entire year in its current state despite facing successive dips, and CNBC speculated that it may be because of investors looking to profit from their earlier rally post-election. Will Trump's Future Appointment Change Tesla's Fate? After Trump won, Tesla's stocks continued to soar in the market after the President-elect unveiled more of what his administration will deliver behind the electric vehicle and autonomous driving industry. Since Trump is not yet returning to Washington for his second term, this woes by Tesla may still change, leading the company to improve once the changes take effect. That being said, Musk's appointment as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency may also change the hardships Tesla is facing now. Elon Musk's Tesla and Trump's Presidency Because of Elon Musk's massive support for Donald Trump and joining the rally for campaigning the Republican politician, Musk is among those who reaped the benefits after the candidate won. Immediately after Trump's run was declared the winner and Vice President Kamala Harris conceded, Tesla and the Trump Media and Technology Group skyrocketed in the market. Additionally, there has also been the so-called "Trump Effect" which centers on the many claims by the President-elect on the future changes for the country, especially its massive changes to the electric vehicle market. It is known that Trump is dropping the policies and laws established by the Biden administration, but instead of affecting the industry as a whole, Musk's Tesla saw a continued rise while its rivals fell. Despite Trump's opposition to the EV legislation by POTUS Biden, he would be rallying self-driving technology and helping its adoption in the country with the President-elect's support for autonomous technology. Tesla, like Elon Musk, is sitting in the middle of the many benefits befalling the Trump administration's future plans, but while these are not happening yet, the clean energy company's performance in the market is taking a slight dip. Jared Isaacman is a 41-year-old fintech mogul and space enthusiast who has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee NASA. Isaacman transformed payment processing when he co-founded Shift4, his company, which he had begun at age 16. Today, his firm has a market cap of $9.3 billion through well-timed acquisitions and curious tests into crypto and blockchain technology. Growth of Shift4: From Basement Startup to Billions Isaacman's love for Shift4 started in 1999 and it was not in the unlikeliest of placesin his parents' basement. It was only in 2020 when it went public. Since then, over 200,000 merchants were supported including the biggest ones like Pay With Crypto. CNBC says that this expansion fits with Isaacman's vision to modernize global payment systems while meeting diverse customer needs. Going All In on Blockchain Two years ago, The Giving Block worth $54 million was bought by Shift4. If you're unfamiliar with it, just think of it as a crypto donation marketplace. Since then, the firm began focusing on stablecoins or some cryptos pegged to real-world assets. Stablecoins have lower transaction costs and faster cross-border payments, making them increasingly appealing to businesses and consumers alike. Isaacman believes stablecoins hold greater potential as a medium of exchange compared to more volatile options like Bitcoin. Shift4's innovations aim to bridge the gap between traditional payment methods and emerging blockchain technology. NASA and Beyond: Isaacman's Space Aspirations Besides his fintech success, Jared Isaacman has commanded two private SpaceX missions, which are part of the emerging private space industry. His experience seems to align with Trump's vision of advancing US space exploration. So, Isaacman's experience as NASA head says a lot about this dedication to pushing technological and scientific frontiers on Earth and into orbit. According to The New York Times, Isaacman is one of Musk's "close associates." The assignment is quite expected since there's a friendship between the two. Crypto's Gaining Influence in Global Payment With booming stablecoins in the crypto market, leaders in these are PayPal, Visa, and Stripe; which marks the change of dynamics regarding global payments' ways of operations. These cryptocurrencies come in handy to be very convenient to make use of them for payments, especially in emerging markets. In most emerging markets, such services can hardly access bank facilities. Shift4 is at the forefront of this change as it adopts stablecoins. The company aims to serve high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury transactions and everyday users in developing countries who rely on stablecoins for daily needs. Jared Isaacman Will Juggle Crypto and Space Exploration Isaacman's journey from a teenage entrepreneur to a fintech leader and now a key figure in US space exploration embodies the American dream. His dual focus on advancing fintech and unlocking the mysteries of the universe is somewhat admirable. But it would be more impressive if he could effectively manage NASA soon. Just a few days after Trump talked about the US BTC strategic reserve, the value of Bitcoin soared to $107,000. That's a new all-time high price that happened to the world's largest cryptocurrency over the past weekend. Bitcoin reached the $100,000 milestone earlier this month which gave some sweet shivers to fans. Well, a 140 percent increase is indeed a very surprising outcome for most crypto holders. Anna Teresa McConaha (nee Duffy), lovingly known as Angela by her friends and family, was born on August 17, 1943, in Derry, Northern Ireland. On December 19, 2024, Angela passed away peacefully, surrounded by her adoring family and held close by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Angela leaves behind her devoted husband of 59 years, Earle Lee McConaha, with whom she shared a lifetime of adventures, enduring love, and beautiful memories. Together, they built a legacy of faith, resilience, and joy while raising their four cherished children: Sadie, Paddy, Wade, and Kerrie, along with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever hold her in their hearts. She is also survived by her dear sister, Ethna Glackin and her loving nieces and nephew, Sibohan, Sharon and John. Angelas life began in the vibrant community of Derry, where she was nurtured by her Irish roots and strong Catholic faith. Her unwavering belief in the power of God guided her throughout her life, inspiring her family and countless others who were blessed to know her. From the winding streets of Northern Ireland to the many places Angela and Lee lived during his military service, she brought her warmth, kindness, and radiant smile wherever life took her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Angelas love knew no bounds. She touched the lives of everyone she met, offering comfort, laughter, and light to those around her. Her presence was a gift, her heart was open to all, and her legacy will endure in the stories, prayers, and cherished memories she leaves behind. Angela will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to share in her extraordinary journey. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to shine brightly in our lives. A Mass will be held on Monday December 23, 2024 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 11665 Ft. Caroline Rd. Jacksonville, FL to honor Angelas life and legacy. Details of her internment will be shared with family and friends in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Angelas memory, reflecting her generosity and commitment to helping others. May Angela rest in eternal peace, cradled in Gods love. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. All pertinent information held by the United Nations about the death of Dundalk solider Sean Rooney should be given to his family, Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu has said. The Louth TD was speaking after RTE revealed ahead of the second anniversary of Pte Rooneys death in Lebanon that more information contained in UN reports about the incident would be shared with the Rooney family. The family of the 24-year-old, who died while on duty for the United Nations UNIFIL mission in Lebanon on December 14 2022, have been battling for two years to get access to all the information about Pte Rooneys death. Deputy O Murchu said: A far greater amount of information should be forthcoming from the United Nations to the State, the coroner and the Rooney family about what happened to Sean. The UN had access to documents, witness reports and other crucial information in the hours and days after the tragedy and the reports they compiled are critical to the proper investigation and understanding of what happened. I have been in contact with the Rooney family over the last two years and they still dont have all the information about what happened to Sean, In reply to a parliamentary question from Deputy O Murchu, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: The United Nations have insisted that it may not be shared with third parties or made public in any form, either in whole or in part, and that the final report of the Board of Inquiry will not be published. But a spokesperson for the UN said last week: It doesn't mean that at some point we cant... that some information that was harvested as part of that Board of Inquiry cannot be shared with the relevant parties. I'm telling you that more information is coming down the pipeline, I expect more information to be shared with the Irish Mission. Deputy O Murchu has consistently raised the issue, most recently in October, when he asked about the progress of the investigation into Pte. Rooneys death and the legal case in Lebanon. Deputy O Murchu said: The Tanaiste has promised to leave no stone left unturned in relation to the investigation and to ensure that all information is provided. The Louth County Council December meeting saw Sinn Fein's Debbie McCole co-opted to the Council to fill the seat vacated by the outgoing Joanna Byrne. Following a convention last week and subsequent ratification by Sinn Feins ruling body, the Ard Comhairle, Cllr Debbie McCole replaced Joanna Byrne on Louth County Council on Monday following her success in the General Election. Cllr McCole is from Drogheda and has been working as a paramedic for the last 23 years and has said it is frustrating to see at first-hand how people struggle to access the most basic of services and also see the consequences that can have in their lives." Cllr McCole continued, "when Sinn Fein offered me this opportunity I jumped at it because I want to make peoples lives better. My husband and I, like everyone else, struggled at times raising our two daughters and some people are finding daily life hard. "I know I am not going to solve those kind of problems at local council but I am looking forward to supporting Joanna Byrne TD as she continues to affect that badly needed change at national level." She added, "I have been a member of the Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery Service for over 12 years and have been involved in searches and recoveries all over Ireland. I am well used to fighting for people and I can add that determination and spirit to the Sinn Fein team in Drogheda and in Louth." A young mother has died following a serious incident in County Limerick this Saturday afternoon. According to gardai, a young woman in her early 20s was rushed to hospital following an incident in Rathkeale at around midday. The woman has since passed away. It is understood she was the mother of a young child. "Gardai are currently at the scene of a serious incident involving a vehicle that occurred at the entrance of a private property in Rathkeale, Co Limerick at approximately 12.15pm," said a garda spokesperson earlier this Saturday. "A female pedestrian, aged in her 20s, was injured in the incident and has been conveyed to University Hospital Limerick," they added. According to a garda statement, the vehicle, a silver Ford Transit van, "failed to remain at the scene." READ ALSO: Young man presents himself at hospital following shooting incident in Dublin It's understood a number of people rushed to the woman's aid including bystanders, members of the gardai and paramedics. There is understood to be a large garda presence in the town this Saturday night. Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and who were in the area between 11.30am and 1pm this Saturday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai. Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact Rathkeale garda station in Limerick on 069 63222, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Courage doesnt mean you dont get afraid, it means you dont let fear stop you! Waving our yes or no cards, I felt so bagets again seated in a crowd of young ones . I was one with them while we were discussing about the pains and difficulties of that awkward moment when we were still a teen, discovering ourselves and at the same time experiencing physical changes as a girl. Camp Courage, is a movement that seeks to help Filipina teens build confidence and be able to seize the moment. The kick-off event was held at the Sen. Renato Cumpanero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School At #CampCouragePH teens will be fed with the right information and tools they need to overcome the many difficult challenges they go through brought about the feeling being dyahe, hiya or kaba and turn it into kayang-kaya! #CampCouragePh will go around the Philippines to reach out to about 400,000 Filipina teens in 500 schools nationwide. It will conduct workshops and activities that will help girls understand their bodies even better, know the right things to do in any situation, and find opportunities when reading they can enhance their talent and skills even more. The camp is more like a boot camp for personality development for girls with a bunch of support groups with Liza Soberano as the ambassador for the camp. As the camp courage school program encouraged teens to face their teen challenges head on, inspire them to believe in themselves and their abilities. By September 2015, www.ourcampcourage.ph will be launched as a support system website for teens who can share inspiring stories and encourage each other. Among the Johnson and Johnson brands supporting the campaign are Clean & Clear, which seeks to help girls show their real self with the confidence of clean and clear skin; Carefree, which aims to let them discover new experiences with the well-maintained fresh confidence; and lastly, Modess, which empowers them to make their move with unrestrained confidence. This advocacy was done after a research by J&J found out that 75% of teens age 13 17 years old have this desire to do what they want without being judged this is where the insecurities /fear/shyness and stage fright (hiya, dyahe and kaba) comes from. It is good that there are boot camp like this, I do hope that aside from just going for it and trying new things without fear, they also teach them that there is a good kind of fear so they can also be discerning enough to know what when it is ok to say no. As some of the speakers that day someone just said they should always say yes and go. How about you what were your greatest fear when you were a teenager, care to share? Stay gorgeous everyone! The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum 5 (APHF5), organized by Habitat for Humanity (HFH), is a biennial conference that brings together local communities, socio-civic organizations, the private sector and the government in seeking to provide solutions to the problem of housing accessibility. This is the first time APHF5 will be holding a satellite event on September 3-4 at The Manila Hotel, in alignment with the main conference in Hong Kong. APHF5 Manila serves as a springboard to the upcoming National Housing and Urban Development Summit 2016 supported by The World Bank, and the UN-Habitat Conference on Housing and Sustainable Development. The two-day forum will focus on four tracks that expound on this years theme of Building Impact: Building Leadership capacity for those at the forefront of shelter advocacy; Impacting Communities for sustainable housing solutions; Building Markets to explore the shelter needs of low-income families; and Impacting Society by calling all advocates to work together for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Now is the time to put our words into action: to focus on real solutions and how they impact our communities. More than discussion, this year is about implementation how innovation is driving affordable and sustainable housing, how diversity is pushing different ideas into reality, and how decent housing can truly transform our communities. But this transformation is possible only if the key players come together and collaborate with each other, says Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of HFH Philippines. HFH Philippines Charlie Ayco will lead the plenary discussion, joined by esteemed speakers such as: Motoo Konishi, World Bank Country Director for the Philippines Winston Padojinog, President of the University of Asia and The Pacific Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista Alfredo B. Benitez (3D NegOcc), Chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, House of Representatives Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno Jonathan Reckford, CEO of HFH International. For details of speakers and further information on the APHF5 satellite event in Manila: aphousingforum.org.ph. ASUS Zenfone Zoom is one of the new smartphone offerings of ASUS for 2016. If you have been following my Social Media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and youve seen my previous post Im sure you already know that I went to Cebu this weekend to see Sinulog up close. Asus Philippines flew me in with some other bloggers from Manila and Davao to be one one of the first to test the new ASUS Zenfone Zoom at one of the colorful, eye-catcching and most-attended festival in the country to welcome 2015, the Sinulog Festival. Before leaving Manila, ASUS sent us a Zenfone Max as well so we can use it to take pictures or videos for our personal travel diary of our first blogging related trip of 2016 as we can #SeeMoreWithFullCharge with this new smartphone (more details later). As we landed in Cebu we were escorted by the ASUS Philippines PR team to take us to home for the weekend and the event venue for the ASUS Zenfone Zoom launch at the Marriott Hotel. Lo and behold, the worlds thinnest 3x optical-zoom smartphone with 3x HOYA lens. The ASUS Zenfone Zoom revolutionizes smartphone photography because of its DSLR-quality photography , so that we can all enjoy and indulge in the experience of taking photos with our smartphone something we Filipinos love to do (including me!) Specs: 64-bit quad-core power, 4GB RAM, 250Mbit/s LTE and Full HD display, Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display, 128GB memory, 3000mah non-removable lithium polymer battery, 13MP rear and 5MP front cam. with 3x Optical Zoom, Macro Photography, 0.03 Laser Auto Focus, Low Light Mode, Optical Zoom for Video and Panoramic Selfie features. Comes in Pure leather back cover, in black, and white (not sure if the orange will be available in the Philippines!) Yep cant help but admire this monster high-end smartphone camera of ASUS! So, to give us the full experience, we explored Cebu Cathedral and the historical Magellans Cross during the festivities. Competing with the crowd (to take better angles) and with each other (as we were group into teams for a fun photography contest) armed with the Max and the Zoom . Viva Pit Senyor, was the parade of the Sto. Nino with the fast movement of the carousel and the people waving their hands, it was amazing that I was able to get a stabilized shot like this using the ASUS Zenfone Zoom (0.03 Laser Auto Focus feature check a fast moving subeckt as the focus of the shot). It was difficult to take a shot because the gates were closed and there were many people around throwing in different colored candles at the Magellans Cross, but the Zoom took a perfect shot with drama using the Low Light Setting , you can also read the text on the cross if you zoom it in. Using the Optical Zoom function of the Video setting . We were challenged to have a foreigner/tourist say with Pit Senyor sa Tanan , we went to find a random tourist during the Sinulog Festival 2016 Grand Carouselle Parade and here is the finish product: Here are some of the shots taken from the festvities! I was so glad to be able to #SeeSinulogUpClose like this close! Thank you ASUS Philippines for the opportunity! Vibrant colors, stabilized shot inspite of most of them being an action shot, super clear details . The three best features of the the ASUS Zenfone Zoom you can bank on. Let these photos speak for itself. Interested to know how much is it? It was revealed to us at the launch: Want it ? Get it! Visit ASUS Global Facebook Page for the availability and other details about the latest Zenfones. Stay gorgeous everyone! What can you do in one minute? One minute every month is all it takes to save yourself from breast cancer. Do the self-breast exam once a month seven days after menstruation or every first week of the month. Male and female alike should be doing it as men are not spared from breast cancer as well. If you see something unusual like discharge or lump go and get help. In the Philippines, once you find yourself needing an examination call these numbers Globe 0917155PINK (7465)or SMART 0928524PINK (7465) . Its absolutely #FREE! Dont let your fears stop you from getting help. The less time you waste procrastinating on taking your health for granted the more you save yourself and your family from breast cancer. Did you know that breast cancer is the number 1 cancer killer in the Philippines all because we shove doing the self-breast exam. One minute is all it takes to do it. You can do it lying down or standing up. Google for ways how to. This year, Avon Philippines Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer campaign focuses on the importance of taking a Pink Minute to make breast self-examination a part of every womans habits. Join the Avon #PinkMinute Advocates in the fight against breast cancer this #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth by following Avon PH KGBC on Facebook. An Avon Pink Minute bus will also roam around EDSA which you can get on and have a test. Avail of it while in traffic and use the pink minute for a worthy cause. If you need anything else let me know via DM or the comment section below. Here are the 10 Facts You Need to Know About Breast Cancer. Stay gorgeous everyone! This Christmas, The Big Dish, Irelands 32-metre radio telescope at the National Space Centre (NSC), is celebrating 40 years of tracking Santas annual journey around the globe. Located in the aptly named Elfordstown in Cork, the dish was built in 1984 by Eircom to send calls to North America via satellite, it has also been used to listen for the birth of stars in the cosmos and as a teaching device. Illuminated Each Christmas Eve, the illuminated dish takes on an entirely different mission, lighting Santas way to Ireland as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children across the globe. Bruce Hannah, CEO of The Big Dish Company, said: Santa might be a traditionalist when it comes to his sleigh and reindeer, but hes also a savvy adopter of technology." "He uses satellite positioning to help keep him on track for his very long night of delivering presents to children all over the world. These navigation satellites relay data to groundstations in Elfordstown, which can track Santa across 70% of the globe from Irelands unique vantage point. Santas annual round-the-world trip will start at around 11am Irish time. A midnight sweep through Ireland will be one of his last stops before he heads towards chimneys in North and South America. Parents of children who should be in bed can follow Santas progress at https://santatracker.google.com. The former Chambers bar on Washington St is for sale, more than a year after its closure. The bar, which opened in 2006 and was Corks only LGBTQ+ venue, was criticised by patrons in September of 2023 for rebranding as Sinners to appeal to university students. Customers were angered by the name change, removal of rainbow flags, and other paraphernalia from inside the venue, and cancellation of drag shows for Freshers Week. The performers said they would no longer work there. Protests Protests followed, and despite an apology from management, the bar has been closed since shortly after the jazz weekend last year. It is now on the market, with Barry Auctioneers and Valuers describing it as a high-profile, ground-floor licensed premises with all-year-round significant footfall, which is located in the centre of this established and active hospitality hub in Corks city centre. The former bar is fully licensed, with great potential, and is suitable for many more retail-type uses, including a fast-food restaurant or a convenience retail outlet, they added. It is available immediately, with potential buyers invited to take over the 10-year lease, which has seven years remaining. The annual rent is 115,000, while the bar also pays yearly service charges of 16,000 and rates of 24,000. A Cork TD has criticised the selection process for the ceann-comhairle role, saying that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael offered the position as a spoil of office. Independent TD from Wexford Verona Murphy was elected ceann comhairle on Wednesday afternoon as the Dail met for the first time, after both Micheal Martin and Simon Harris had urged their party membership to cast her name in the secret ballot. Ms Murphy is part of a regional Independents group of nine TDs currently negotiating on the formation of the next government. Her election as ceann comhairle, a role that comes with a 255,000 salary, plus the additional advantage of being automatically returned to the next Dail, is thought to be helping to secure the technical groups support in government, while keeping an extra junior ministership for their own members. Important Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould told The Echo: The position of ceann comhairle is one of the most important positions in the Dail. They are supposed to be the Independent chair of the Dail. The position is not supposed to be offered around as a bargaining chip on the road to power. I was very proud that Sinn Fein nominated Aengus O Snodaigh as a credible alternative to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Aengus has over two decades of experience in the Dail chamber, was raised through the Irish language, and has chaired numerous important and efficient committees. Mr Gould continued: TDs should have been encouraged to vote for who they felt would be best able to do the job of ceann comhairle. Instead, it was treated as a spoil of office and another step on the path to power for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael." Disappointing That is a disappointing view of our parliament and of the mandate given by the people. While Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have publicly discussed their plans for return to office, their entire focus has been on who gets what job and not on the very real policy changes and initiatives people need in their everyday lives. [Wednesday] was no different. The secret ballot for the ceann comhairle was introduced in 2016, so that TDs would be able to elect the right person for the role. Instead, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have cast that aside and focused only on their path to power. Mr Gould concluded: I want to wish Verona well as she takes up this historic role. I think the only positive is that we now have a female ceann for the very first time and I would hope that Verona treats this role with the respect and independence of government it deserves. More than 600 protesters once again took to the streets of Cork city on Saturday afternoon to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and to celebrate the news of the closing of the Israeli embassy in Dublin earlier this week. Speaking at the rally, Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign co-chair Kathy Glavanis described the closure as a victory for activists everywhere. Its a win for our movement, not as something the Irish government have accomplished, but for us as campaigners," she said. Pierced Protest MC Christina Collins said the pro-International law and pro-Palestine call from the Irish public was so strong that it pierced the apartheid walls of the Israeli embassy in Dublin and it shook it to its very core." "The most powerful lobby in the world found no fertile soil in Ireland. And so they had to go," she said. Among those who attended the rally was the Labour Party Cork city councillor Laura Harmon. In a video from the march posted on her social media page, Ms Harmon said it was important for Ireland to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. At the march for Palestine today in Cork again with friends and Labour colleagues. Its so important that we pass the Occupied Territories Bill and that this would be a priority for the next government in Ireland," said Ms Harmon. We have been marching here in Cork for over 60 weeks now. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger. There is so much support here in Cork for Palestine and the people of Palestine. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The newly discovered amphibious mouse belongs to a group of semi-aquatic rodents that are among the rarest in the world. Conservation International / Ronald Diaz Researchers in northwest Perus Alto Mayo region have discovered 27 new animal species, including a semi-aquatic mouse, a salamander that climbs trees and a blob-headed fish. The 38-day survey uncovered and recorded more than 2,000 species of plants and wildlife, reported The Guardian. Discovering even one new species of mammal on an expedition would be extraordinary, but discovering four new mammal species, as well as eight new fishes and three new amphibians, is mind-blowing, said Trond Larsen, leader of the Rapid Assessment Program at Conservation International, as Euronews reported. The expedition was led by a team of researchers from Conservation International who were joined by Indigenous scientists and guides from Global Earth, as well as local experts from the Indigenous Regional Federation of the Alto Mayo Awajun Communities. We know very little about the planets biodiversity, and these ecosystems hold so many mysteries, said biologist Wily Palomino with Conservation International, who was part of the expedition, in a press release from Conservation International. It would take 10 lifetimes to truly understand them. Expeditions like this are just the beginning. The Alto Mayo is a diverse and complex landscape of intertwined ecosystems and local communities that stretches from the Andes mountains to the Amazon. The purpose of the expedition was to find the greatest number of species in a short time. The setting for this unique search was unusual, however, since the area has been scarred by deforestation and is full of human settlements, rather than being the kind of pristine forest setting where an abundance of rare wildlife would be found. This blob-headed fish was a new discovery for scientists, but already familiar to the Indigenous Awajun people who worked with the scientists. Conservation International The researchers said the findings of the expedition demonstrate that people and nature can live side by side, but we must take immediate action to preserve it. During the expedition, the team of 20 slogged through swamps, rivers and lagoons. They crossed farm fields and climbed mountains into cloud forests, all the while looking for movements and other signs of animals while setting up camera traps and collecting samples. Of the 2,000 species they recorded, 27 were new to science and nearly 50 are threatened with extinction. Four of the newly discovered species were mammals. Mammals are the best-known animal group in the world so discovering four new mammals in any expedition is surprising, Larsen said in the press release. Finding them in a region with significant human populations is extraordinary. The amphibious mouse the team discovered is part of the aguajales ecosystem a swampy area dominated by aguaje palms. The area is a designated ecosystem recovery zone, where deforestation for rice farming is a threat to the mouses unique habitat. Larsen said the species which likely exclusively inhabits the Alto Mayo is part of a semi-aquatic group of rodents, of which most known species are exceptionally rare. Just before coming upon a dark brown harlequin frog Atelopus seminiferus an extremely rare species that had never been seen at such low elevations, Larsen had crossed a muddy logging track, where a donkey pulled a cart of fresh-cut timber through the forest, the press release said. Palomino said many researchers hypothesize that fragmented forested areas hold little biodiversity, which is why they have largely ignored places like Alto Mayo. Palomino said the expedition challenges those views. The discovery of so many new and threatened species was so surprising, in part, because it was a nearly blank slate no one has ever really looked, Palomino said in the press release. Now, were proving the unexpected: Small patches of healthy forests can support a wealth of species. Approximately 280,000 people live in Alto Mayo, including Indigenous Awajun people. To make ends meet during the end of the 1990s and early 2000s, community members were forced to allow migrant farmers to rent their lands. This led to a steep rise in deforestation, according to Diego Dourojeanni, Conservation Internationals leader of work with Alto Mayos Indigenous Peoples. Communities didnt deforest their land because they wanted to it was out of necessity, Dourojeanni said in the press release. While it helped in the short term, it became clear that this practice came at a steep cost to resources, food security and the ecosystem services like clean water that the forests provide. The expedition came out of efforts to address deforestation by working with the Awajun people and other local communities to help build alternative sources of livelihood, like selling vanilla and medicinal teas, in addition to practicing agroforestry with coffee beans and cocoa. They are also striving to improve Awajun community governance to ensure sustainable and equitable management of their territory. The expedition was the beginning of a plan to connect Alto Mayos remaining patches of abundant biodiversity to create a conservation corridor for the long-term protection of the regions wildlife. To effectively protect nature, you first need to know whats there, Dourojeanni explained. By understanding where wildlife lives, we can make better land management decisions and target areas that are best suited for conservation and sustainable activities like ecotourism, selective logging and sustainable agriculture. Dourojeanni said getting a better idea of what lives in the forest is not just important for economic reasons. We want people to value forests and resources in a more emotional way, Dourojeanni emphasized. Because the truth is that if its just for incomes sake, its really, really hard to compete with agricultural drivers of deforestation. And traditional knowledge on how to use the forest is at risk of being lost in a generation or two. Dourojeanni said there have been signs of progress in the last decade. Communities have stopped renting out their land as much and have a better understanding of how important it is to protect their forests. Its not too late yet, Dourojeanni said. If we do the right thing, people and nature can co-exist on this landscape. China provides Vanuatu with 100,000 USD in emergency humanitarian cash assistance Xinhua) 11:12, December 21, 2024 SUVA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang said in an interview with Xinhua on Friday that the Red Cross Society of China has provided Vanuatu with 100,000 U.S. dollars in emergency humanitarian cash assistance in the wake of a recent powerful earthquake there. "Today we have received 100,000 U.S. dollars of emergency humanitarian cash assistance from the Red Cross Society of China, which will be handed over to Vanuatu on Saturday," he said, adding that China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity based on the situation and the needs of Vanuatu. Li told Xinhua that the embassy has kept in close contact with the Vanuatu government to learn about its rescue and relief needs, and provide timely support. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) A federal judge in California has agreed with WhatsApp that the NSO Group, the Israeli cybersurveillance firm behind the Pegasus spyware, had hacked into its systems by sending malware through its servers to thousands of its users' phones. WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, sued the NSO Group back in 2019 and accused it of spreading malware to 1,400 mobile devices across 20 countries with surveillance as its purpose. They revealed back then some of the targeted phones were owned by journalists, human rights activists, prominent female leaders and political dissidents. The Washington Post reports that District Judge Phyllis Hamilton has granted WhatsApp's motion for summary judgement against NSO and has ruled that it had violated the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The NSO Group disputed the allegations in the "strongest possible terms" when the lawsuit was filed. It denied that it had a hand in the attacks and told Engadget back then that its sole purpose was to "provide technology to licensed government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to help them fight terrorism and serious crime." The company argued that it should not be held liable, because it merely sells its services to government agencies, which are the ones that determine their targets. In 2020, Meta escalated its lawsuit and accused the firm of using US-based servers to stage its Pegasus spyware attacks. Judge Hamilton has ruled that the NSO Group violated the CFAA, because the firm appears to fully acknowledge that the modified WhatsApp program its clients use to target users send messages through legitimate WhatsApp servers. Those messages then allow the Pegasus spyware to be installed on users' devices the targets don't even have to do anything, such as pick up the phone to take a call or click a link, to be infected. The court has also found that the plaintiff's motion for sanctions must be granted on account of the NSO Group "repeatedly [failing] to produce relevant discovery," most significant of which is the Pegasus source code. WhatsApp spokesperson Carl Woog told The Post that the company believes this is the first court decision agreeing that a major spyware vendor had broken US hacking laws. "Were grateful for todays decision," Woog told the publication. "NSO can no longer avoid accountability for their unlawful attacks on WhatsApp, journalists, human rights activists and civil society. With this ruling, spyware companies should be on notice that their illegal actions will not be tolerated." In her decision, Judge Hamilton wrote that her order resolves all issues regarding the NSO Group's liability and that a trial will only proceed to determine how much the company should pay in damages. Paris, Dec 21 (UNI) The first contingent of 120 French soldiers has left Chad after the African country broke its military cooperation agreement with France, the Ministry of the Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims of Chad said on Friday. "Breakdown of military cooperation with France, 120 French soldiers board Airbus A330 Phoenix MRTT to France on December 20, 2024," the ministry said on social media. French radio station RFI reported earlier in the day, citing sources, that the Chadian authorities, who broke off military cooperation with France in late November, have demanded that French troops leave the country by January 31, 2025. According to French media, there are currently around 1,000 French soldiers in Chad. On December 10, the French armed forces announced the departure of two Mirage 2000D fighter jets from Chad after the country demanded the withdrawal of the French military contingent, with the third fighter jet to return to France in the coming days. The Chadian Foreign Ministry announced the termination of defense cooperation with France on November 28. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said in an interview with Le Monde that France should withdraw its military contingent from the country. The Jeune Afrique news magazine reported, citing sources, that the reason for terminating the agreement was a difference in the positions of the parties on the civil conflict in Sudan. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also said that the presence of French military bases in his country was incompatible with national sovereignty, demanding the removal of French military bases. In 2022, the French military, which had been present in Africa's Sahel region since 2014 as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Barkhane, was forced to leave Mali. In November 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the end of Operation Barkhane. In 2023, France also withdrew its troops from Burkina Faso and Niger at the request of the countries' coup-installed authorities. UNI/SPUTNIK ARN In stark contrast to the luxurious Christmases spent at his parents' million-dollar Maryland home, Luigi Mangione is now experiencing a somber holiday season. On Christmas Day, the 26-year-old suspect will find himself in solitary confinement, with guards stationed outside his cell as he prepares to enjoy a hearty roast meal. His holiday feast will consist of succulent corn-fed chicken and an apple pie for dessert. However, he will not have the opportunity to partake in the usual inmate activities of games, cards, or television viewing. This change in scenery echoes the situation of incarcerated Sean "Diddy" Combs, both facing their first festive period behind bars. Incarcerated CEO murder suspect Mangione has been kept in isolation without cellmates and segregated from fellow inmates throughout his incarceration. Unlike Diddy, he has been denied access to a laptop during his time in jail. According to an insider who spoke to Radar Online, "His interactions with other prisoners have been limited, so it is basically solitary." "He takes all these meals alone with guards at his cell door and he is prevented from chatting or meeting other inmates." The insider continued, "This is for his own safety because he is America's most celebrated inmate at the moment and the authorities don't want someone making a name for themselves by trying to take him out." Diddy's Holiday Feast Having been repeatedly denied bail on sex trafficking charges, Diddy is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. Recently, a judge has allowed him access to a computer for the first time. According to a menu sourced by People magazine from the prison, on Christmas Eve, Diddy will enjoy a special dinner menu. The meal will feature either succulent turkey roast or hearty Navy beans, accompanied by a baked sweet potato, a medley of mixed vegetables, and a serving of whole wheat bread paired with margarine. A delightful beverage will also be served alongside this festive feast. Inmates will also be treated to a baked chicken patty sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a hamburger bun or a chickpea burger served with steamed rice, pinto beans, and a selection of fruits, all paired with a beverage. On December 25, a morning feast awaits at 6 AM, mirroring the routine of every other day. Diddy's meal includes a selection of fruits, cereal, breakfast cake, and skim milk, Lunch will be provided featuring a choice between baked Cornish hen or BBQ tofu. Alongside the main dish, inmates can enjoy side options such as macaroni and cheese, spinach, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, or a festive dessert, all accompanied by a refreshing beverage. This holiday season, the MDC is reportedly planning to serve a festive Christmas dinner to inmates. The menu will feature two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread, accompanied by potato chips, fresh fruit, and a beverage. Scheduled to be served after 4 PM, this meal mirrors the one provided to inmates on Thanksgiving earlier this year. Mangione's Fate in MDC Mangione is accused of committing forgery and unlawfully possessing a prohibited weapon, both of which are considered felony offenses. Authorities announced on Wednesday that the firearm in possession of Mangione was identified as the same weapon linked to the shell casings recovered at the site of Thompson's homicide. With the addition of these new charges, Mangione is now facing the possibility of the death penalty. Per THR, Mangione arrived at the MDC on Thursday and was officially processed as an inmate by Friday morning. His release date remains unknown, and the online record offers minimal details beyond his age. Mangione is scheduled to stay isolated in a solitary confinement cell at MDC until at least Monday. This particular unit, commonly referred to as "the SHU" or "the hole," consists of small cinderblock cells, as shared by prison consultant Sam Mangel, who spoke with Business Insider. According to Mangel, "SHUs are notoriously loud. You have people in there for psychiatric issues, for disciplinary reasons, and for withdrawal" from drugs. "So it is the loudest place in the jail people are banging on their doors at all hours of the night." The MDC is known for housing individuals facing federal charges in New York as they await their trials. The same prison is where Diddy currently resides, and interestingly, both inmates share the same lawyers, Mark Agnifilo and Karen Friedman-Agnifilo. It is also known for its persistent issue is the ongoing shortage of staff, coupled with frequent incidents of violence and subpar living conditions. Federal judges have a reputation for lowering sentences solely due to the deplorable state of the detention center. One judge even went as far as to label it as "dangerous" and "barbaric." Jennifer Grey remembers a story from the set of 1984's "Red Dawn" involving a night of drunken partying and a drunken Patrick Swayze that derailed an important love scene that ended up on the cutting room floor. "We were in this, you know, sleeping bag, and he was nervous or whatever, and he came into the sleeping bag drunk," Grey said on the Dec. 20 episode of "The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter" podcast, hosted by Scott Feinberg. "I was smoking a lot of weed in those days too. So I was super paranoid, and I was scared. I didn't sleep the whole night." She revealed that it was a sweet moment in which two characters, who are part of a group of teens resisting a Russian invasion of their Colorado town, share a kiss. Even though the love scene is in a film with a serious subject matter, Grey said it was one of the rare moments in the script when she got to leave behind the action. "I'm running, I'm shooting, I'm throwing hand grenades. But this is the only acting scene I get to do where I'm not doing action," she explained. "I was so angry because I was all self-righteous about wanting to do good." While Grey was excited to shoot, Swayze dealt with his lines. "He didn't know his lines. And then it got cut," she continued. Although production promised to reshoot the scene, they never did. Their chemistry on set would go on to be spotlighted as iconic in the 1987 movie Dirty Dancingbut before that, Grey remembered a different kind of tension when it came to their screen test for the movie. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing (1987) pic.twitter.com/CI8mJt0e7a DAILY CELEBZ (@beautifulcelebz) May 17, 2020 Swayze did apologize for his behavior while shooting "I love you, I love you, and I'm so sorry." Looking back on her younger self and the commitment to her craft, Grey said she may have been a little intense. "Keep in mind, I'm a super young actor really taking everything seriously," she said. SALEM, Ohio Mt. Hope Auction Co. recently settled with the U.S. Department of Justice over alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Under a consent decree filed Dec. 12 by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the Millersburg-based auction agreed not to deal in or exhibit AWA-regulated animals without a license, to allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to their sale barn to ensure compliance and to submit to monitoring and future restrictions designed to prevent future AWA violations through auctions of exotic or other regulated animals. The USDA cited the business 69 times in less than two years for multiple violations of the AWA, including unsafe or unsanitary enclosures and allowing the public to come into direct contact with potentially dangerous wildlife, according to a complaint filed Sept. 6. As part of the settlement, Mt. Hope Auction can reapply for a new USDA license to hold the Alternative Animal Auction. But the auction said it disagreed with the governments allegations. Not only has this circumstance been disappointing to us and the entire private exotic animal community, but it has also highlighted what we perceive as inconsistent, unrealistic and ill-informed application of United States animal welfare laws and regulations, Auction President Thurman Mullet said in the statement. The case According to the governments filings, USDA performed 11 inspections since 2022, identifying alleged violations such as keeping inaccurate records and not properly maintaining enclosures. The government says Mt. Hope neglected to provide necessary veterinary care to 39 animals and accepted hundreds of animals from unauthorized vendors. The temporary restraining order in September followed reports issued by PETA, the animal rights organization, going back to 2022 about alleged abuses and other incidents occurring at the Alternative Animal Auctions. PETA submitted a complaint to the USDA that year urging the government to inspect Mt. Hope Auctions stockyard, resulting in the federal agency issuing 12 citations to the auction for failing to meet the minimum standards required by the AWA. In recent years, Mt. Hope Auction has auctioned off more than 5,000 animals annually, which underscores the widespread effect of their violations, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division in a press release. The companys business as usual approach risking injury, illness and harm to the animals at its auctions will not continue. It is important for auction houses dealing in regulated animals to abide by the Animal Welfare Act and provide humane treatment to the animals that come through their doors. A USDA license is required to obtain and sell AWA-regulated animals. After the preliminary complaint, the court entered a temporary restraining order on Sept. 13 that ordered Mt. Hope to follow strict animal treatment rules at its Alternative Animal and Bird Sale set to take place Sept. 19-21. That event was subsequently canceled, as was a planned November exotic animal auction. The government maintained its request for a longer-lasting order to ensure future compliance. Under the terms of the newly approved consent decree, if Mt. Hope obtains a USDA license within the next three years, it must undergo a two-year probationary period. During that time, it must provide proper veterinary care, maintain detailed records, ensure safe housing for animals, prevent unsupervised public contact with animals and allow USDA officials to monitor compliance. If Mt. Hope breaks these rules again, it could face permanent revocation of its license. With the courts approval, the government will drop the lawsuit, but the court will retain the authority to enforce the decrees terms. Despite numerous opportunities to correct their business practices, Mt. Hope Auction chose not to comply, said Rebecca Lutzko, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Their complete disregard for the laws regarding animal welfare and treatment placed both these animals and the public at large in danger. As this case demonstrates, we will hold accountable businesses that seek to profit from treating animals inhumanely. Mt. Hopes side of things Mt. Hope Auction disputes the governments characterization of its operation and the conditions under which it has been inspected. In a statement, Mullet wrote the reinspection process was mired by a lack of cooperation from the USDA, and when inspectors did return, they cited the auction for negligible offenses. The company noted that it has been involved in the private exotic and alternative animal industry since 1991, maintaining a USDA license for more than three decades without any incidents until recently. In the statement, Mt. Hope expressed frustration that only in the past two years has the USDA raised concerns about their practices, despite what the auction describes as a long history of responsibly caring for tens of thousands of animals. Our livestock auctions remain heavily regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said the statement. ODA has found no violations or misconduct during hundreds of auctions held annually involving tens of thousands of animals, including prior to, during and following the time periods involved in USDAs accusations. Mt. Hope also said it was not left with enough time to defend itself, with the case being filed only weeks before the auctions license to conduct its popular Alternative Animal Auctions was set to expire, leading them to pursue a settlement. The agreement includes a wide variety of items that both sides (agree) to, including our right to reapply for a new license in the future, the statement reads. At this time, Mt. Hope will focus its efforts on our livestock, equipment and equine auctions. This includes continuing to abide by all ODA rules and regulations to provide a safe environment for all animals which pass through our doors, as well as dealers, patrons from the local community and around the world. The full statement from Mt. Hope is included below. Mt. Hope Auction has reached an agreement with the United States Department of Justice to resolve a lawsuit filed against our family business earlier this year. The lawsuit attempted to revoke Mt. Hopes USDA license required to legally operate our Alternative Animal Auction. Given that our USDA license was set to expire on September 30th, only 24 days after the lawsuit was filed, we were willing to reach this settlement. However, we continue to disagree with the allegations. Our reinspection process was denied 2 times within those 24 days, which included 2 inspectors and 3 security officers walking through our facility. Items cited during this procedure included cobwebs and pigeons in our Livestock barn. Due to this, we passed up our 3rd inspection and let our license expire. The agreement includes a wide variety of items that both sides (agree) to, including our right to reapply for a new license in the future. We hosted our first alternative animal auction in 1991 and are proud of our role within the private exotic and alternative animal industry. Prior to 2022, Mt. Hope held a USDA license for over 30 years without incident. Only within the last two years has the USDA taken issue with any aspect of our operations, despite our decades of experience and care for the tens of thousands of animals sold through our market. Not only has this circumstance been disappointing to us and the entire private exotic animal community, but it has also highlighted what we perceive as inconsistent, unrealistic and ill-informed application of United States animal welfare laws and Regulations. Our livestock auctions remain heavily regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. ODA has found no violations or misconduct during hundreds of auctions held annually involving tens of thousands of animals, including prior to, during, and following the time periods involved in USDAs accusations. At this time, Mt. Hope will focus its efforts on our livestock, equipment and equine auctions. This includes continuing to abide by all ODA rules and regulations to provide a safe environment for all animals which pass through our doors, as well as dealers, patrons, from the local community and around the world. The Auction will have no further comment. The Free trade agreement (FTA) approved by the South Korean Parliament last month may spurt the countrys apparel imports from Philippines in the coming years. Presently, Philippines has negligible share in south Korean apparel imports valued in billions of dollars. The Philippine government is optimistic that the FTA will come into force in current month itself after the issuance of an executive order by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Exporters of both countries will get certain benefits under the trade agreement. The FTA approved by South Korea's Parliament may boost apparel imports from the Philippines, which currently holds a negligible share. In January-October 2024, South Korea imported $10.513 billion of apparel, with the Philippines contributing just 0.67 per cent ($70.114 million). Fabric imports from the Philippines were similarly low. The FTA may enable larger share for Philippines. According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, South Korea has imported apparel of $10.513 billion in the first ten months of the current year. Philippines share was just 0.67 per cent in the total inbound shipment. South Koreas apparel imports from the partner country was valued at $70.114 million during the period. The imports decreased 9.61 per cent in January-October 2024 from the imports of $77.571 million in the corresponding period of the last year. In 2023, South Koreas apparel imports from the Philippines totalled $89.586 million, which was 0.75 per cent of South Koreas total apparel imports of $11.979 billion during the year. China, Vietnam, Turkiye, Bangladesh and Indonesia were the top five apparel suppliers to South Korea. In fabric too, Philippines has negligible presence in the South Korean market. South Koreas fabric imports totalled $797.591 million in the first ten months of the current year. Of this, the imports from Philippines were noted at $6.193 million, or 0.78 per cent of the total imports. Fabric import from Philippines was 4.04 per cent lower the inbound shipment of $6.454 million in January-October 2023, as per TexPro. Last year, South Korea had imported fabric worth $1,051.931 million. Of this, the import from Philippines stood at $7.778 million, or 0.74 per cent of the total. Being an industrial developed nation, South Korea is an important consumer market for garment and textile products. Philippines may gain larger share in the market in the coming years due to the coming into force of the FTA. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Nana Patekar's latest film Vanvaas, directed by Anil Sharma, has been creating waves since its release on December 20. The emotionally gripping storyline, starring Utkarsh Sharma and Simratt Kaur, has drawn praise for its direction, captivating plot, and stellar performances. Ahead of the release, it was revealed that Nana Patekar would be teaming up with Aamir Khan for a special podcast promoting the film. Today, the duo was spotted in Juhu, Mumbai, shooting for the podcast, further heightening excitement among fans. The podcast delves into Vanvaas themes of family, honour, and self-acceptance, offering a unique perspective on the film. As audiences continue to flock to theatres, the podcast serves as an engaging promotional highlight. Vanvaas, backed by Zee Studios and helmed by Anil Sharma, marks another milestone for the filmmaker known for blockbusters like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Gadar 2. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2024) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTC Pink: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"). Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company has issued a total of 8,750,165 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.24 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,100,039.60. The closing of the final tranche of the Private Placement, consisted of 2,397,000 Units for gross proceeds of $575,280. Please see the Company's news release dated December 3, 2024 for details regarding the first tranche closing of the Private Placement. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable for two years from the date of issuance and entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.36. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement for drilling and development activities relating to the starter gold-in-oxide project at the Cuiu Cuiu project, and general working capital purposes. In connection with closing of the Private Placement, the Company paid cash finder's fees totaling $29,459,98 ($22,843.20 cash fees in connection with the first tranche and $6,616.79 cash fees in connection with the second tranche). All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") the Company advises that a director participated in the Private Placement and is considered to be a "related party" of the Company. Each subscription by a "related party" of the Company is considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of MI 61-101 and TSXV Policy 5.9 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the related parties' participation is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration, and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Three main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contain National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 Indicated resources of 12.29Mt @ 1.14 g/t gold (450,200oz) in fresh basement material and 11.11Mt @ 0.48 g/t gold (171,883oz) in oxide material. The project also contains Inferred resources of 13.63Mt @ 1.04 g/t gold (455,100oz) in fresh basement material and 12.22Mt @ 0.39 g/t gold (151,608oz) in oxide material. The resource estimate for the primary material is based on the NI 43-101 technical report dated 12th October 2022 titled "Technical Report on the Cuiu Cuiu Project, Para State, Brazil Report for NI 43-101". The resource estimate for the oxide material is based on the NI 43-101 technical report dated 4th December 2024 titled "Cuiu Cuiu Project NI 43-101 Technical Report & Pre-Feasibility Study". The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history which according to the ANM (Agencia Nacional de Mineracao or National Mining Agency of Brazil) produced an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer gold workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "intends", "will", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. This news release contains forward-looking statements and assumptions pertaining to the following: use of proceeds of the Private Placement, strategic plans and future operations, and results of exploration. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234829 SOURCE: Cabral Gold Inc. Moscow, Dec 21 (UNI) A total of 68 people received injuries of varying degrees of severity when a car rammed into a crowd at a Christmas fair in the German city of Magdeburg, the city administration said in a statement. "Two killed, 15 seriously injured, 37 moderately injured, 16 lightly injured," the statement said. Earlier, the Bild newspaper reported that the number of people injured in the terrorist attack ranged from 60 to 80. On Friday evening, Germany's NTV broadcaster reported that a car had rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg. Saxony-Anhalt Minister-President Reiner Haseloff said two people had died, one of whom was a small child. Police suspect that the driver was a 50-year-old Saudi man acting alone. Bild reported citing law enforcement officers that no explosives had been found in the car used to ram into the crowd in Magdeburg. Magdeburg police said the suspect was detained. UNI/SPUTNIK ARN Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk experienced a dramatic market setback as its shares plummeted nearly 20% to 600.30 DKK on Friday, marking a historic decline for the company. The sharp downturn followed disappointing Phase III clinical trial results for their obesity medication CagriSema, which achieved an average weight reduction of 22.7% in participants, falling significantly short of market expectations ranging between 25-27%. This performance, while substantially better than the placebo group's 2.3% reduction, failed to meet the ambitious targets set by investors and analysts, leading to a substantial erosion in market value. Market Impact and Analysis The ripple effects of Novo Nordisk's decline reverberated throughout the pharmaceutical sector, dragging down the European pharma index by 4.1%. Supply chain partners like Gerresheimer saw their shares tumble by 13%, while competitor Eli Lilly benefited from the development with notable pre-market gains. Jefferies analysts responded by drastically reducing their peak sales forecast for CagriSema from $20 billion to $7.75 billion, citing concerns about both efficacy and patient adherence. Despite these setbacks, the medication's market launch remains scheduled for 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Ad Fresh Novo Nordisk information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Novo Nordisk analysis... With a story as rich as Kona coffee, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union fulfills its founder's original mission of putting people before profits. Few credit unions have a story like Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU). In the throes of the Great Depression, 10 coffee farmers with few opportunities but limitless dreams for a better life banded together to form a financial co-op called Kona Farmers Federal Credit Union. Nearly 90 years later, that co-op-today known as HCFCU-serves some 45,000 customers across the state. Powered by state-of-the-art technology and offering a wide range of personal and business banking services, it is a model of success in a state where more than 70% of people bank with credit unions. "We are proud of our history-how and where we started- and our role in the community we serve," says Tricia Buskirk, President and CEO. "We have a deep understanding of how to support our community and meet their needs, and we are committed to serving them through both good and challenging times." Grown For and By the People Hawaii's history with credit unions originates with the Japanese concept of "tanomoshi," or groups of friends and neighbors who via an informal, word-of-mouth tradition would meet monthly to contribute a predetermined amount. Members would take turns receiving their payout until everyone had a chance to benefit. In the early 1900s, Hawaii's economy was tied to plantations, primarily coffee, pineapple, and sugar, which were tended by laborers from Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, and other parts of the world. When local banks denied laborers the opportunity to build wealth and receive financial assistance, they formed co-ops where members could pool money and take turns receiving individual payouts. These local financial groups were typically organized around a common crop, and it was the coffee growers who started HCFCU. Over time, the 10 founders of HCFCU combined forces with coffee and sugar laborers, strengthening their co-op. As HCFCU expanded, it opened branches island wide and remained steadfast in its credo of "people helping people." Today, HCFCU uplifts the community it serves by supporting more than 80 charitable nonprofit organizations and raising scholarship funds amounting to $30,000 per year for high schoolers. In 1972, HCFCU opened the first student credit union in the state, which it still facilitates in 5 high schools. On top of leading financial literary classes for youth, HCFCU conducts Deposit Days where elementary students can make their own deposits. School-based programs are especially important to Buskirk-37 years ago, she joined the HCFCU-supported, student-led credit union at her high school. The experience sparked her passion for fi nance and economics, which eventually led to her current leadership position. "When it comes to the community, that concept of trust and knowing that we'll be there for them is what keeps people with credit unions," she says. Solving Problems, Supporting Community As a community-focused credit union, HCFCU thinks about its community as a whole and as a collection of individuals with specific needs. Take one issue facing customers all over the world: cybersecurity and fraud. In 2023, check fraud in the United States alone resulted in $21 billion in consumer losses. To protect its members from these and other scams, HCFCU offers identity threat protection plans to protect against fraud as well as free educational seminars for the community on Medicare scams and cybercrimes. Each member of the HCFCU team is ready and willing to help members with any issue, big or small. Even Buskirk, as CEO, is willing to step up and help members with their individual needs. Some members need help on an individual basis, and HCFCU is there for them. "This is what we do," Buskirk says. "We connect with our members, we see them in the community, and we understand their needs because we are the community as well." Creating Family There's a community within HCFCU too; its employees are among its greatest assets, as evidenced by the credit union's investment in its team. Cecilia Calpito, HCFCU's Controller, started her career with the company in 2008. She was a young parent establishing a career path through operations and accounting at the credit union, which eventually led her to pursue a degree in business administration. Through HCFCU's employee education expense program, Calpito had her tuition, books, and materials paid for, which eased her college journey that earned her a bachelor's in business administration from the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. "We prioritize our employees, and invest in them," says Buskirk. "We couldn't be prouder of Cecilia and all that she's accomplished." As HCFCU continues to evolve, the community it serves responds with praise. For 21 years in a row, it's received the Best of the West award from community members. HCFCU also has numerous Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce awards to its name. Buskirk herself received the Pacific Business News' 2024 Women Who Mean Business Award for being an outstanding female leader-a fitting accolade for someone whose family history aligns with the credit union's. Coming from a family of coffee farmers, Buskirk found her "ikigai," or purpose driven role, when she found that her great uncle was on the original board of directors for HCFCU. "I was astonished," she says. "This knowledge has brought even more meaning and joy to my role leading the credit union, and it's a role I hope to continue for many more years to come." Contact Information Nellie Medeiros nelliem@hicommfcu.com 808-930-7700 SOURCE: Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union 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. Murrieta, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 21, 2024) - Buyer Beater University, a premier real estate education platform, proudly announces the launch of its newly redesigned website, offering an enhanced experience for aspiring real estate investors nationwide. The updated platform reflects Buyer Beater University's ongoing commitment to providing users with easy access to creative real estate investing strategies, actionable insights, and personalized mentorship. Buyer Beater University Launches New Website, Enhancing User Experience for Real Estate Investors To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8843/234624_19a9d496d4d8fa59_001full.jpg New Website Redesign Offers Streamlined Navigation and Resources for a Seamless User Experience The updated Buyer Beater University website showcases an intuitive design, making it easier for users to navigate resources and explore the mentorship opportunities available to them. With a focus on providing real estate investors - whether new or seasoned - with immediate access to valuable content, the redesigned website is poised to help more people reach their financial goals. "We understand the importance of a seamless user experience, especially for those looking to take the leap into real estate investing," said Trever Ahing, Co-Founder of Buyer Beater University. "Our new website is a reflection of our commitment to guiding aspiring investors through each step of the process - from learning creative strategies to taking action and building wealth." Website Features Designed to Educate, Empower, and Support Investors The new Buyer Beater University website showcases a range of enhanced features, including: Simplified Service Pages: Clear descriptions of the mentorship programs, with detailed guidance on creative financing, novations, and scaling real estate portfolios. Clear descriptions of the mentorship programs, with detailed guidance on creative financing, novations, and scaling real estate portfolios. Complimentary Resources: Easily accessible guides and tools, such as "The 7 Real Truths About Real Estate That Nobody Tells You (Until Now)", aimed at educating investors with practical, immediately actionable strategies. Easily accessible guides and tools, such as "The 7 Real Truths About Real Estate That Nobody Tells You (Until Now)", aimed at educating investors with practical, immediately actionable strategies. Interactive User Interface: A user-friendly design that allows prospective investors to submit inquiries, request mentorship qualifications, and connect with the Buyer Beater University team with ease. A user-friendly design that allows prospective investors to submit inquiries, request mentorship qualifications, and connect with the Buyer Beater University team with ease. Success Stories: Featuring real-world case studies and testimonials from students who have closed deals and scaled their businesses using Buyer Beater University's strategies. "We've created this website with our users' needs at the forefront - providing clarity, ease of use, and a hub for real estate knowledge," added Ahing. "Our goal is to empower people to start their real estate journeys with confidence, using our expertise and supportive community." About Buyer Beater University Buyer Beater University has over 20 years of experience in real estate and creative financing. The platform has helped over 1,500 investors nationwide build strong portfolios, leveraging out-of-the-box strategies like novations and creative deal structuring. With a hands-on mentorship program, Buyer Beater University provides the support and resources investors need to succeed. To explore the new website and learn more about Buyer Beater University's mentorship programs, people may visit https://BuyerBeaterUniversity.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234624 SOURCE: Jeremy McGilvrey On December 9th, the exhibition "Longevity in the Tao of Chrysanthemum: The Artistic World of Qi Baishi," supported by Kweichow Moutai Group, opened at the Athens University History Museum. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241221429801/en/ Gao Shan(R3), and Petros Tatoulis(R2), took a group photo with other guests at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. (Photo: Business Wire) Featuring the works of Qi Baishi, a renowned Chinese painter, the exhibition highlights the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture for Western audiences, while advancing cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Greece. Gao Shan, Chairman of the Labor Union at Kweichow Moutai Distillery (Group) Co., Ltd., remarked on the significance of the event, saying, "Qi Baishi employed distinctive Eastern painting techniques to convey the Chinese perspective of the world. Athens, a city celebrated for its great masters and masterpieces, is the perfect setting to showcase the work of Qi Baishi, one of the most outstanding Chinese painters of the 20th century. This meeting of masters is a truly wonderful encounter." He added, "Moutai is dedicated to 'spreading its fragrance around the world.' Our visit to Athens is not only a testament to the deep friendship between China and Greece but also a hope that the brands of our two nations can serve as a bridge to deepen this bond." Petros Tatoulis, former Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece and former Regional Governor of the Peloponnese, emphasized the shared historical richness of China and Greece. He noted, "Qi Baishi is not only an exceptional Chinese artist but also a significant figure in world art history. His works reflect Chinese culture in a profound way, much like Moutai." On the morning of December 10th, the Kweichow Moutai Cultural Experience Center was inaugurated in central Athens, offering enhanced services and cultural experiences to Greek consumers. This center aims to be a pivotal platform for the flourishing of Sino-Greek cultural relations. In the evening, the "Meeting Bosom Friends, Bonding by the Aegean Sea" 2024 Moutai Night in Greece event took place at Zappeion Hall in Athens. Artists from both nations came together to deliver a stunning artistic showcase that blended traditional Chinese culture with ancient Greek civilization, celebrating the harmonious integration of the two cultures. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241221429801/en/ Contacts: Eason Zhou Email: evisionsinfo@gmail.com SDI Partners, a London-based investment manager, has announced its recent adoption of the Ledger enterprise platform to improve investor asset custody. The platform, a certified SOC 2 Type 2 custodial solution widely used by regulated industry leaders globally, reflects SDI's commitment to secure and efficient asset management. The integration of Ledger Enterprise will enable SDI Partners to safeguard investor funds while maintaining liquidity, ensuring the seamless management of day-to-day treasury operations. "We integrated Ledger's enterprise solution because we were looking for a means to secure our partner assets efficiently and securely without sacrificing liquidity," said David Rosenberg, Managing Partner at SDI Partners. In addition to the robust custody solution, cryptocurrency assets secured through Ledger are backed by a $150 million pooled crime insurance policy. To further protect investors, SDI Partners has added a $750 million custom policy add-on, increasing the total policy coverage to $900 million. "The integration of Ledger will help SDI Partners adjust its business operations to address the increased concern for the safekeeping of cryptocurrency assets from within the industry," an industry correspondent noted. Ledger Enterprise is a B2B platform offering cutting-edge hardware and software solutions for managing and securing digital assets. Designed for businesses navigating regulatory compliance and managing large digital asset portfolios, Ledger Enterprise's advanced security model includes Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), Personal Security Devices (PSDs), and a Proprietary OS. The platform also provides customizable governance, API automation, advanced reporting, and enterprise-level support and consultation. About SDI Partners SDI Partners is a London-based investment management firm founded by experienced technologists and investment management experts. While the firm officially began offering services to individual investors in January 2024, its operations date back to mid-2022 when it was established as a boutique investment management house. SDI Partners provides global investors with access to its AI-powered investment strategies, including options trading and market-making solutions. For more information, visit www.sdi.partners . Contact Media Organization: SDI Partners Website: https://sdi.partners/ Contact Person: Randall Bloomfeld Email: help@sdi.partners Address: 51 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ SOURCE: SDI Partners View the original press release on accesswire.com In a year that saw 60 countries go to polls, the most talked about were elections in India and the United States. Narendra Modi won a third term; in the US, Donald Trumps comeback was historic. The UK voted for Labour, ending the 14-year dominance of the Conservative Party and Sri Lanka got a new leader. In our yearly roundup, we take a look at what has changed and what has not read more A man applies finishing touches to a painting of US President-elect Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a wall in Ahmedabad. Modi and Trump's bonhomie grabbed headlines during during the president's first time. File photo/Reuters 2024 was the year of the elections. More than 60 countries cast their ballots and this included the worlds oldest and the worlds largest democracies the United States and India. Several countries voted against the incumbents in the UK, the Labour Party won, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Keir Starmer replaced Rishi Sunak as the prime minister. In most dramatic of all elections, of course, was the US presidential race. There were assassination attempts that Donald Trump survived. In a shock move, Joe Biden pulled out of the race after a disastrous debate performance against his rival. The Democrats went on to pick Kamala Harris to take on Trump. Pollsters said the election would be neck and neck. They were proved wrong and Americans voted for Trump and how. Advertisement In India, the results threw a surprise. Yes, Narendra Modi went on to win a third term but not with the numbers he hoped for. Modi 3.0 has been about coalition politics. Six months on, it has been smooth sailing. There were elections in the neighbourhood, Pakistan and Sri Lanka both went to polls. Japan and France are among the other nations that saw political upheaval because of elections. And Russia held polls too with Vladimir Putin remaining president. (No surprises) In our yearly roundup, heres a throwback of elections from around the world. INDIA: 2024 Lok Sabha elections 1. The Narendra Mod-led National Democratic Alliance had set a target of winning 400 seats in the Lok Sabha. However, the bloc missed the mark and bagged only 292 seats. The BJP won 240, which was a big decline from the 303 it boasted in the previous election in 2019. So what changed in this election? 2. One of the big setbacks for the BJP in Lok Sabha was its poor performance in the key state of Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance secured 43 out of the states 80 Lok Sabha seats compared to the NDAs 36 (which won 64 in 2019). In Ayodhya, the saffron party lost five out of the nine seats including the Faizabad constituency the home of the Ram temple, which was inaugurated in January with an eye on the polls. So did the partys plan backfire? Find out in one of our most-read stories on the Indian election. 3. After the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP got into damage control mode. It defied anti-incumbency and scored a hat-trick in the Haryana Assembly elections in October. Its next target was Maharashtra. The Mahayuti alliance of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured a big win in the state. And PM Modi had a role to play. With this, the party ended a year on a high note. Advertisement United States: 2024 presidential elections 1. Donald Trumps win in the US presidential elections was historic. Its not every day that you see comebacks of that sort. In fact, he is only the second in American history to win the White House after a re-election bid. Trump is also the first Republican to win the popular vote in two decades. What is this vote and how did the now president-elect pull off this feat? We explain. 2. Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump after his victory. Their bromance during the president-elects first term grabbed headlines. But does that mean he will spare India when it comes to his tariff plan? It doesnt look like. What does the second Trump presidency mean for India? How will it impact India-US ties, trade and defence? 3. On the night of November 6, the US media called the election, declaring Donald Trump the winner. However, as of today, Joe Biden is still the president of the United States. Trump is now president-elect and he will take over at noon on 20 January. But why the long wait? Advertisement Donald Trump gestures as he holds hands with his wife Melania during his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, on, November 6. Reuters United Kingdom: 2024 general election 1. The UK saw a change in government. The Labour Party won, ending the 14-year rule of the Conservative Party. It was a stunning comeback for Labour, which saw its worst electoral defeat in over 80 years. The man behind the win was Keir Starmer, now the UKs prime minister. Heres how he scripted the win. 2. The exit of the Conservative Party made India nervous. Under its earlier chief Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party was widely perceived as antagonistic towards New Delhi. However, Starmer might be good news for New Delhi. Heres why. Keir Starmer, leader of Britains Labour party, addresses his supporters at a reception to celebrate his win in the election, at Tate Modern, in London, on July 5. Reuters Pakistan: 2024 general elections Pakistan held elections in February this year. However, it wasnt until a month later that it decided on a prime minister. There was talk that Nawaz Sharif would make a comeback. However, that changed after the PMN-L won fewer seats than expected. Instead, his brother Shehbaz Sharif got the top job. But its not an easy job. Economic instability continues to grip Pakistan. With Imran Khan wielding influence from behind bars, the threat of a political upheaval looms large. We look at the challenges that Sharif faces. Advertisement In this photo released by the National Assembly office, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is congratulated by his elder brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following his appointment, at a parliament session, in Islamabad, on March 3. Lawmakers in Pakistans National Assembly elected Shehbaz Sharif as the countrys new prime minister for the second time as allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in parliament shouted in protest, alleging rigging of the election. AP Sri Lanka: 2024 presidential election After wading through political and economic crises, Sri Lanka held its first presidential election in September. It got a new leader in Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The 55-year-old Marxist fended off competition from opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and then President Ranil Wickremesinghe. In this story, we profile Dissanayake and analyse his policies. A person reads a newspaper following the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National Peoples Power (NPP) alliance as the new president of Sri Lanka after his victory in the presidential election, in Colombo, on, September 23. Reuters Russia: 2024 presidential election Amid war, Russia too held its presidential election. The country insists its a democracy but the results are forseeable. In March, Vladimir Putin claimed his fifth term in office. Another presidency which will last six years means he will remain in office until 2030. But what does this mean for the war in Ukraine and the world? This explainer answers the questions. Cars drive past an electronic screen, which shows an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a quote from his annual televised year-end press conference and phone-in, with the Moscow International Business Centre seen in the background, in Moscow, on December 19. Reuters Japan: 2024 general election Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for snap polls this October. It shook up politics in the country as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority for the first time in 15 years. But what does this mean for party and the country? Thats our yearly roundup of how elections around the world unfolded. If you have a keen interest in geopolitics, bookmark this page. Happy reading! Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompsons murder, is lodged in the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New Yorks Brooklyn. The prison has earned a grim reputation for its barbaric living conditions. The jail also houses high-profile inmates, including rapper Sean Diddy Combs, and cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried read more Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a shocking Midtown Manhattan murder, now finds himself locked away in the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New York's Brooklyn. AFP Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a shocking Midtown Manhattan murder, now finds himself locked away in the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New Yorks Brooklyn. Known for its grim reputation, this federal jail has housed a string of high-profile inmates while facing severe criticism for its harsh conditions, so much so that it has been described as hell on earth. Heres what we know about this notorious prison. Advertisement Also read: Who is Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old arrested in UnitedHealthcare CEOs killing? Deadly stabbings, maggots in food The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn has earned a grim reputation for its brutal conditions. Since becoming New York Citys primary federal detention centre in 2021, following the closure of the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) where Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide 2019 over alarming conditions, MDC has housed individuals awaiting trial in Manhattan or Brooklyns federal courts. The facility, with approximately 1,121 inmates, is infamous for its violence, overcrowding, and unsanitary environment. The conditions are so dire that some judges have hesitated to send defendants to the MDC. District Judge Gary R Brown of the Eastern District of New York described the detention centre as having dangerous, barbaric conditions in a September sentencing opinion. The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn has earned a grim reputation for its brutal conditions. AFP Inmates regularly report rampant violence, severe staffing shortages, and the smuggling of drugs and contraband. Just this summer, an inmate was murdered, and at least four suicides have occurred in the past three years, lawyers told The Daily Beast. Stabbings are reportedly a regular occurrence, with some inmates claiming there are stabbings at least a couple of times a week. One inmate recalled the horrifying violence, stating, One guy was stabbed in the eye with a makeshift knife. This is my first time in jail, but these knives are six, nine inches long sometimes, you know, homemade with materials from the steel walls. Its very violent. Theres stabbings, theres stabbings at least a couple times a week," an inmate named Eli told _Spectrum News NY1. _ Advertisement But its not just the violence that makes this facility infamous. Detainees have also reported shocking conditions, such as maggots, cockroaches in food, and mold in the showers. A video obtained by the media showed these disturbing issues, including broken lights in the facility. Inmates regularly report rampant violence, severe staffing shortages, and the smuggling of drugs and contraband in MDC, Brooklyn. AFP In 2019, a power outage left over a thousand inmates stuck in freezing cells for days, as the heating system failed in the middle of winter. David Patton, former head of Federal Defenders of New York, told NY1: A lack of medical care to real serious sanitation issues to maggots in the food to violence, everything you can think about thats problematic at a jail or prison is problematic at the MDC, and it has been for a very long time. Advertisement Sam Bankman-Fried, Sean diddy Combs: The high-profile prisoners at MDC The MDC Brooklyn is not only infamous for its deplorable conditions but also for housing some of the most high-profile inmates in the world. Among the prisoners currently detained at MDC is cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried, who was arrested on charges of fraud following the collapse of his crypto exchange, FTX. Also incarcerated is rapper Sean Diddy Combs, who has been held for a flurry of sexual assault lawsuits. US rapper Sean Diddy Combs, is currently in jail. One of the most well-known figures to have passed through the facility was Ghislaine Maxwell, the British former socialite convicted of child sex trafficking. Maxwells arrest was linked to the notorious financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, whose own death in 2019 sparked widespread controversy. Other high-profile inmates who have been housed at MDC include Fyre Festival fraudster Billy McFarland, convicted rapist R. Kelly, infamous pharmaceutical executive Martin Pharma Bro Shkreli, rapper Fetty Wap, and notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Advertisement The prison has also held former NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, former Mexican official Genaro Garcia Luna, and ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado. Also read: From merch to donations: How UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione has become internets hero Whats next for Mangione? Luigi Mangione is facing both state and federal charges, with the severity of the allegations looming large. The state charges against Mangione include murder and acts of terrorism. He is also facing weapons and forgery charges in Pennsylvania, where he has pleaded not guilty. While New York State abolished the death penalty in 2004, the 26-year-old could still become the first person in decades to face execution if the state decides to move forward with it, given the seriousness of the federal charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 18, 2025, where his legal team will likely address the mounting charges against him. Advertisement Street art depicting video game character Luigi, and a crossed-out UnitedHealthcare logo, referencing Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, appears on a wall at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, US, December 11, 2024. Reuters Executives suspect that Mangiones motive for murdering Thompson stemmed from deep frustrations with the healthcare system. Following his arrest, officials discovered a manifesto praising filmmaker Michael Moores critiques of the healthcare system, along with other writings and materials, including fake IDs and a US passport. With input from agencies PM Modi to visit labour camp during Kuwait visit, six months after Mangaf fire tragedy New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who goes on a two-day visit to Kuwait from tomorrow, will be visiting a labour camp in Kuwait City to meet with Indian workers, six months after a terrible fire tragedy killed 47 Indian workers who were housed in cramped conditions in Kuwait city. Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said that PM Modis visit to the labour camp will be to express the importance the Indian government attaches to Indian workers who are in a foreign country. The visit by PM Modi will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading for a two-day visit to Kuwait, starting today (December 21). The trip assumes importance as he is the first Indian premier to travel to the West Asian country in over four decades read more Narendra Modi is the first Indian PM to visit Kuwait in over four decades. File Photo/AFP Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait on the weekend. This will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the West Asian nation in 43 years. He will be in Kuwait from December 21 to 22, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, on Wednesday (December 18). Kuwait was the only Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country that Modi had not visited until now. Lets take a closer look. Advertisement Whats the agenda? PM Modi is travelling to the West Asian country at the invitation of Kuwaits Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the two-day visit, he will hold discussions with the countrys leadership. Modi will also interact with the Indian community in Kuwait. PM Narendra Modi will be in Kuwait on December 21-22. File Photo/PTI As per a Financial Express report, the topics of energy security, expanding economic collaboration, and security cooperation could come up during the talks between PM Modi and Kuwaits leaders. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait, the MEA said in its statement. India-Kuwait ties India and Kuwait have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly ties, as per the MEA. New Delhi established diplomatic relations with Kuwait in 1961. The Gulf country is one of Indias top trading partners, with bilateral trade touching $10.47 billion in FY 2023-24. Indias exports to Kuwait increased 34 per cent from $1.56 billion to $2.1 billion, between 2022-23 and 2023-24. Investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India have surpassed $10 billion. Kuwait is a key source of oil for India, emerging as the sixth largest crude supplier. It accounts for 3 per cent of Indias energy needs. India and Kuwait also share cultural connections and Indians form the largest expatriate community there. The West Asian country has nearly one million (10 lakh) Indians, who comprise 21 per cent of its total population and about 30 per cent of its total workforce. Several Indians are working in Kuwaits healthcare sector, including at least 1,000 doctors, 500 dentists and around 24,000 nurses, as per ThePrint report. Advertisement The MEA said in its statement that ties between India and Kuwait have been underpinned by economic and strong people-to-people linkages. The two countries have also supported each other in their time of need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India dispatched medical teams to Kuwait, while Kuwait supplied over 425 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen and 12,500 oxygen cylinders to India. Why the trip matters PM Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait in over four decades. Indira Gandhi was the last Indian PM to visit Kuwait in 1981. The then Vice President Hamid Ansari was the last Indian Head of State or Government to travel to the West Asian country in 2009. At the ministerial level, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Kuwait on August 18 this year, calling on the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Advertisement EAM S Jaishankar with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah during a meeting, in Kuwait on August. 18, 2024. File Photo/PTI Earlier this month, Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya was on an official visit to India. He and his Indian counterpart, Jaishankar, signed an MoU on establishing a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) at the level of foreign ministers. PM Modis visit also assumes importance as it comes in the backdrop of Israels war in Gaza and the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which makes it a key player in shaping the response of these nations to geopolitical challenges, as per Financial Express. On December 1, Kuwait hosted the 45th session of the GCC Summit, where the leaders of the regional forum condemned Israels aggression against Lebanon and called for an end to the war in Gaza. Advertisement It also urged the global community to protect innocent civilians and to ensure the opening of safe corridors and the arrival of urgent humanitarian aid. As Times of India noted, India has also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and to ensure that the conflict does not spill over to the rest of West Asia. India and Kuwait could hold talks about the ongoing conflict in the region. PM Modis Kuwait visit comes as India expands diplomacy in West Asia. The PM has visited the region frequently seven times to the UAE, two times each to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and once to Bahrain and Oman. His travels to Kuwait this weekend closes the circle on this comprehensive engagement, senior journalist C Raja Mohan wrote for Indian Express. Advertisement With inputs from agencies After the Christmas market attack in Germany, police have arrested a Saudi Arabian doctor as a suspect. Taleb, a 50-year-old lone attacker, rammed his black BMW SUV into the crowded marketplace in Magdeburg, leaving two people dead and nearly 70 people injured. According to his social media profile, he is a harsh critic of Islam and supports the far-right German political party AfD read more Police have arrested Taleb A, a Saudi Arabian doctor who has lived in Germany for years as a suspect in the Christmas market attack in Germany. File image/ Reuters A festive evening turned into a scene of horror on Friday, as a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, became the target of a shocking vehicular attack. Amid the bustling and twinkling Christmas market, a black BMW SUV tore through protective barriers, careening 400 metres through the market. The devastating incident claimed two lives, including that of a child, and left nearly 70 people injured, 15 of whom remain in critical condition. The drivera Saudi Arabian doctor who has lived in Germany for yearswas swiftly apprehended and is now under investigation, regional premier Reiner Haseloff told reporters, calling the attack a catastrophe for the city and the country. Advertisement Heres what we know about the suspect so far. A harsh critic of Islam, moved to Germany in 2000s The suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack has been identified as Taleb A, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian national and a medical professional specialising in psychiatry and psychotherapy, according to The Guardian. Taleb has lived in Germany since 2006 and resides in Saxony-Anhalt, the state where Magdeburg is located, regional premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed. The suspect in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack has been identified as Taleb A, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian national and a medical professional specialising in psychiatry and psychotherapy. File image/ AP Born in the Saudi city of Hofuf in 1974, Taleb moved to Germany to escape restrictions in Saudi Arabia. He reportedly found it impossible to express his atheist thoughts and views openly in his homeland, where Islam is the sole religion recognised under law, reports BBC. After settling in Germany, Taleb launched a website, wearesaudi.net, to help ex-Muslims flee Saudi and other Gulf states and create an information resource for others to do the same. According to reports, he is wanted by Saudi Arabia on charges of terrorism and smuggling women from the Middle East to European countries. However, Germany has refused to extradite him to Saudi Arabia and granted him asylum in 2016 despite the charges against him. As per his social media profile, Taleb is a harsh critic of Islam and supports far-right German political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is known to have an anti-immigration stance. Lone attacker Speaking about the attack, which authorities are investigating as a possible act of terrorism, Premier Reiner Haseloff said they are investigating the Saudi Arabian national in the case. We have arrested the perpetrator, a man from Saudi Arabia, a doctor who has been in Germany since 2006. From what we currently know, he was a lone attacker, so we dont think there is any further danger, Haseloff stated. Advertisement Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene, recounting how the suspect drove his vehicle at high speed through the market toward the town hall for 400 metres. Forensics police inspect the car that rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 21, 2024. AFP Videos circulating on social media, though yet to be officially verified, show what appears to be a dark car speeding into the crowd. Vehicle Ramming Incident at Christmas Market in Magdeburg Reports of at least 11 Killed and over 60 Injured. A driver ran over a group of people this evening (Friday) at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg, Germany. According to the German newspaper Bild, several pic.twitter.com/XNfSV1rtJY Jony (Israel News Pulse) (@israelnewspulse) December 20, 2024 Advertisement One witness told the German news outlet Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, He drove deliberately into the section of the Christmas market decked out with scenes from fairytales. German broadcast journalist Lars Frohmuller, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, described the chaotic aftermath. Everywhere there were ambulances, police, and many firefighters. This was a real chaotic situation. We saw blood on the floor, people sitting beside each other with golden and silver foils around them, and many doctors trying to keep people warm and help with their injuries, she told the BBC. Advertisement A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market after an incident in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday December 20. AP According to a security official cited in The Guardian, the suspect had rented the car shortly before the attack and had no known Islamist ties. However, Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director of the Counter Extremism Project at the International Center for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), urged caution in ruling out a wider network. Obviously, everything is possible to do by yourselfyou can rent a car by yourself, you can buy gas canisters by yourself, you can build an explosive device by yourself, he explained. But all these things in combination give the possibility of a wider support network, who were not in the car but helped the man prepare, and that is really important to determine, Schindler told German media outlet DW. Advertisement This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas, Haseloff said. Previous attacks in Germany Germany has experienced deadly attacks on its Christmas markets before, raising concerns about safety at these popular holiday venues. In 2016, a tragic incident unfolded when an Islamist extremist drove a lorry into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 people. The attack remains one of the darkest moments in Germanys recent history. Just last month, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stressed the importance of greater vigilance at Christmas markets. However, she noted that there were no concrete indications of danger at the time. The discussion around public safety was further heightened by a knife attack in Solingen in August, which claimed three lives. In response, Faeser advocated for stricter weapons laws in public areas. The Solingen attack led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Syrian man on suspicion of being a member of the Islamic State group. This incident reignited debates over Germanys asylum and migration policies. With input from agencies Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has clung to power despite months of political instability, but will soon face a no-confidence motion brought by his former ally, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, saying Trudeau failed as a PM. The motion, which will be tabled on January 27, will be backed by major opposition parties, making it difficult for Trudeaus minority government to survive. If this happens, what are the options left? read more Trudeaus minority government has been in survival mode since the New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrew its support earlier this year. The situation worsened when NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced a no-confidence motion. File image/Reuters Justin Trudeau seems to be lurching from one crisis to another. The Canadian Prime Minister, who has clung to power despite months of political instability, now faces what appears to be an unavoidable end to his tenurenearly nine months before the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025. For years, Trudeaus survival strategy relied on his ability to navigate fierce opposition, with support from his allies serving as his final line of defence. However, it appears that even this support has now evaporated. Advertisement Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and once a crucial ally that kept Liberals in power, has declared his intention to topple Trudeaus government. Singh announced plans to introduce a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons on January 27, shortly after the winter recess. With a no-confidence motion imminent and discontent brewing within his own ranks, Trudeau finds himself at the centre of a political storm. Here are some potential ways forward for Canada. Trudeau in trouble Trudeaus minority government has been in survival mode since the New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrew its support earlier this year. The situation worsened when NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced a no-confidence motion, declaring that the Liberals dont deserve another chance. No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this governments time is up, Singh wrote in a post on X. Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful. The NDP will vote to bring this government down, and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them, he said. Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful. The NDP will vote to bring this government down, and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them. pic.twitter.com/uqklF6RrUX Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) December 20, 2024 Advertisement The main opposition parties, the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois have vowed to back the motion, leaving Trudeau with almost no chance of survival. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a long-time critic of Trudeau, had previously challenged Singh to act, and the NDPs move is seen as the final blow to the government. We cannot have a chaotic clown show running our government into the ground. What is clear is that Justin Trudeau does not have the confidence of Parliament, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had told reporters. Advertisement A string of polls over the last 18 months show the Liberals, suffering from voter fatigue and anger over high prices and a housing crisis, would be badly defeated by the official opposition right-of-center Conservatives. Adding fuel to the fire was the shock resignation of Trudeus finance minister Chrystia Freeland this week followed by a cabinet reshuffle that failed to pacify growing internal dissent. Canadas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on December 3, 2024. Reuters File As many as 20 Liberal MPs, including senior figures like Rob Oliphant, have called for Trudeau to step down, with some openly stating they wont contest the next election under his leadership. Despite mounting opposition from within his own party and a series of shocking by-election losses in traditional Liberal strongholds, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained defiant. Advertisement What are his options? Here are some possibilities for Justin Trudeau in the coming days, according to a Reuters report. Resignation If Trudeau steps down, the Liberal Party would appoint an interim leader to serve as prime minister while preparing for a special leadership convention. However, organising such conventions typically takes months, presenting a significant challenge for the party. If an election occurs before the convention concludes, the Liberals would face the unprecedented scenario of heading into the polls under an interim prime minister not elected by party members. While the party could attempt to expedite the process with a shorter convention, this could spark backlash from candidates who may view the accelerated timeline as unfairly disadvantaging their campaigns. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. About 20 members criticised his leadership during the meeting. File image/Reuters Forced out by own party Unlike Britain, where party leaders are chosen by the parliamentary caucus and can be removed quickly, the Liberal leader is selected by a special convention of members. There is therefore no formal party mechanism to remove Trudeau if he wants to stay. That said, if members of his own cabinet and a large number of legislators call for him to go, he may conclude his position is untenable. Loses the no-confidence motion In Canada, governments are required to demonstrate they have the confidence of the elected House of Commons. Advertisement Confidence is typically tested through votes on budgets and other spending measures. If the government loses such a vote, it is considered to have fallen, triggering an election campaign almost immediately. Moreover, each parliamentary session includes designated days for opposition parties to introduce motions on various issues, including non-confidence. These opposition days provide another avenue for testing the governments ability to maintain the support of the House. Removed by Governor General Ultimate constitutional power in Canada lies with Governor General Mary Simon, who is the personal representative of King Charles, the head of state. She can in theory remove Trudeau, but in real life, this would not happen. The governor general wont dismiss a prime minister who still holds the confidence of the Commons, Philippe Lagasse, a professor and constitutional expert at Ottawas Carleton University told Reuters. Ultimate constitutional power in Canada lies with Governor General Mary Simon, who is the personal representative of King Charles, the head of state. She can in theory remove Trudeau, but in real life, this would not happen. Reuters How can Trudeau survive? Trudeau could prorogue parliament, which would formally end the current session and give him some breathing space. Under this scenario, the return of the House would be delayed by several weeks, allowing the government to unveil a new plan for how it plans to run the country. Although this would have the advantage of delaying any motion of non-confidence, it could further anger Liberal legislators, especially if Trudeau were still prime minister. With input from Reuters PM Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday on a two-day visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in over four decades. read more PM Modi emphasised the importance of sincere and practical engagement between the stakeholders for bridging differences and achieving negotiated settlements. India and Kuwait share a deep and historic bond, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on Saturday adding that the two nations are poised to transform their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership by exploring opportunities across the entire oil and gas value chain. Modi voiced willingness to help efforts that could lead to an early restoration of peace in Gaza and Ukraine, asserting solutions to such conflicts cannot be found on the battlefield. Advertisement In an interview to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), he emphasised the importance of sincere and practical engagement between the stakeholders for bridging differences and achieving negotiated settlements. Modi also reiterated Indias support for a negotiated two-state solution towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, according to the interview. With Kuwait standing as Indias sixth largest crude supplier and fourth largest LPG supplier, Modi said the scope for further collaboration is immense as his country emerges as the third biggest global energy, oil and LPG consumer. Kuwait holds around 6.5 per cent of global oil reserves, he said. Modi said that the petrochemical sector offers another promising avenue for collaboration as Indias rapidly growing petrochemical industry is set to become USD 300 billion by 2025. The energy partnership between the two countries is not only a pillar of economic relationship but also a driver for diversified and sustainable growth, setting a path towards a future of shared prosperity, he said. Modi described the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an organisation of six Middle East countries, including Kuwait, having vital significance for India. Advertisement Indias relationship with the Gulf is rooted in historical, cultural and trade linkages, with the GCC region accounting for around one-sixth of Indias total trade and hosting around one-third of the Indian diaspora, he said. Around nine million Indians residing in the region are contributing positively to its economic growth, he added. The prime minister said the Indian community acts as a living bridge between the two countries. Trade and commerce, which have been on an upswing, have served as important pillars of their bilateral relationship, he said. In the interview, he expressed happiness with Made in India products, particularly in automobile, electrical and mechanical machinery and telecom sector, making inroads in Kuwait. Advertisement He said India today is manufacturing world-class products at a most affordable cost, stressing that diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade. Modi added that there is a considerable potential to expand bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical, health, technology, digital, innovation and textile sectors. India and Kuwait share a deep and historic bond and the relationship between both countries has always been one of warmth and friendship, he said, adding that the crosscurrents of history and exchanges through ideas and commerce have brought people close and together. The two countries have traded with each other since time immemorial, Modi said. Advertisement Modi is set to meet the Emir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait on Sunday. With inputs from agencies. The countdown to Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has begun. The event will be the biggest in the world which India will host for 45 days between January 13 and February 26 at Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj read more Mahakumbh Mela 2025, the years first biggest event of the world, will be hosted by India from January 13 to February 26 at Prayagraj in northern state of Uttar Pradesh. What is Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela? The Mahakumbh mela or the festival of the sacred pitcher is a grand amalgamation of rituals with the bathing ceremony being the most significant of all. The congregation in this primarily includes ascetics, saints, sadhus, sadhvis, kalpvasis and pilgrims from all walks of life. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of this congregation spans over four locations in India and keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages on four sacred rivers. Advertisement 1 - In Uttarakhands Haridwar on the banks of Ganges 2 - In Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain on the banks of Shipra 3 - In Maharashtras Nashik on the banks of Godavari 4 - In Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Sarasvati. The site for the celebration is decided based on a distinct set of astrological positions of the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. The celebration commences at the exact moment when these positions are fully occupied as it is considered to be the holiest time in Hinduism. In ancient Hindu mythology, the Mahakumbh Mela holds a profound inner meaning, serving as a symbolic journey of self-realisation, purification, and the eternal quest for spiritual enlightenment. Significance of bathing in Mahakumbh Pilgrims from various parts of the world congregate to the Kumbh Mela to experience as well as take part in the ritualistic act of taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is believed to be more than a tradition and is said it is a spiritual purification, a symbolic cleansing of the body and soul. Pilgrims believe that taking a holy dip in these sacred waters washes away physical impurities as well as purifies the mind and renews the spiritual connection with the divine. Advertisement It is also firmly rooted in the belief that by immersing oneself in the holy waters, one can cleanse themselves of all sins, liberate both themselves and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth, and ultimately attain Moksha, or spiritual liberation. While it is considered sacred to take a dip in the holy waters throughout the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, starting from the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima, there are specific dates that hold special significance and they are: Paush Purnima - January 13 Makar Sankranti - January 14 Mauni Amavasya - January 29 Basant Panchami - February 03 Maghi Purnima - February 12 Maha Shivratri - February 26 How grand will be Prayagraj Maha Kumbh? Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the 45-day Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He said, however, arrangements are being made to accommodate 100 crore people. On the main Muhurta of Mauni Amavasya (January 29), an estimated six crore devotees will take a holy dip, but preparations will cater to 10 crore. The Mahakumbh will feature extensive facilities, including 12 km of ghats and an expanded area spanning 10,000 acres. Devotees will have the opportunity to experience the darshan of Char Dham, Dwadash Jyotirlingas, and other significant Jyotirlingas, the CM said. Advertisement Adityanath further said that the event will integrate cutting-edge technology, including an AI-based Bhashini app in 11 Indian languages that would enable visitors to access information about the Kumbh and services like Khoya-Paya in their preferred language." The government plans to implement a precise headcount of every attendee and ensure a sustainable, eco-friendly event, he said. The CM went on to say that the Mahakumbh will feature zero liquid discharge systems, 1.50 lakh toilets, and a ban on single-use plastics. The Panchen Lamas now-cancelled Nepal visit shows that Beijing was keen to get Kathmandus seal of approval on its selection of the 11th Panchen Lama to prepare for the return of the 15th Dalai Lama, but things are never simple in Tibetan Buddhism read more The Panchen Lama plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhism, especially for the Gelukpa, or Yellow Sect, which considers him as the second in the hierarchy after the Dalai Lama. AFP A day after Gyaltsen Norbu, the China-selected Panchen Lamas visit to Nepal was cancelled, CGTN, an official channel of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), released an article in English, Regulating Tibetan Buddhism Reincarnation Under the Rule of Law. It asserted: China introduced the Measures on the Management of Tulku Reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhism in 2007, its first regulation on reincarnation affairs. The measures stipulate that the reincarnation process must not be interfered with or controlled by foreign organisations or individuals, and no group or individual is allowed to unilaterally search for or recognise reincarnations. Advertisement It shows what the real stakes were for Gyaltsen Norbus trip to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha Gautama. During the preceding weeks, speculations loomed large over the Lamas visit to the pilgrimage city in Nepal near Indias border. As late as December 12, The South China Morning Post in Hong Kong affirmed: Panchen Lama to make rare visit to Nepal after Tibet trip The trip, which has not been confirmed by Beijing or Kathmandu, comes months before the Dalai Lama is expected to unveil a succession plan. The article continued: It follows a visit to China last week by Nepals Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, when he told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Kathmandu regards Tibet and Taiwan as inalienable parts of China and that Tibet-related affairs are Chinas internal affairs. Nepal was to be Gyaltsen Norbus second foreign trip abroad after a visit to Thailand in 2019. Eventually, Nepal shot down the Lamas visit. Kathmandu told the Chinese Embassy that the Lama would not be allowed to visit due to Nepals neutrality on religious matters. But the issue is not simple This issue is part of the struggle to control the next Dalai Lama, as the Panchen Lama plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhism, especially for the Gelukpa, or Yellow Sect, which considers him as the second in the hierarchy after the Dalai Lama. In the past, the Panchen Lamas have often recognised the new Dalai Lamas. Advertisement After the death of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1989, in the town of Shigatse, where the Tashilhunpo, the Panchen Lamas monastery, stands, a dispute erupted between the Dalai Lamas office in Dharamsala and the Chinese government about the true incarnation of the Panchen Lama. Of course, the Chinese government (run by the Communist Party) normally had no say in the matter. As the result of the dispute, since 1995, there have been two Panchen Lamas: Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognised by the 14th Dalai Lama and the majority of Tibetans, has been missing since 1995 after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities. He remains under arrest (if still alive) for the past 29 years. Advertisement The second is Gyaltsen Norbu, selected by the Chinese government in 1995 but seen by the Tibetans as a political tool of Beijing, rather than a legitimate spiritual leader. An activist group, Tibetan Rights Collective (TRC), analysed: Nepals refusal to host Gyaltsen Norbu could be interpreted as an implicit acknowledgement of the contentious legitimacy of his claim as the Panchen Lama. By taking this stance, Nepal may be signalling its reluctance to endorse Chinas religious appointments. The Tenth Panchen Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen, the 10th Panchen Lama, was born in Xining, at the border between Tibet and China, in 1938; in the following years he was imposed by Beijing as the true Panchen Lama. A Tibetan candidate sponsored by Lhasa was rejected by the Communist leadership. During the following years, Chokyi was a loudspeaker for Beijings propaganda. Advertisement Similar to Gyaltsen Norbu today, Chokyi Gyaltsen was often called fake by the Tibetans, but he eventually grew into a great patriot. In 1962, he had the courage to write a 70,000-character petition (dubbed by Mao as a poisonous arrow), in which he listed numerous problems on the plateau. It was addressed to Zhou Enlai, who requested Xi Zhongxun (Xi Jinpings father) to study the letter and prepare an answer. Chinas domestic situation was then very unstable; the power struggle within the Party was at its peak (Xi Zhongxun would be purged in July 1962). The Panchen Lama ended up spending 17 years in confinement; he had gone too far for the communist leadership. Advertisement However, it means that even fake lamas or stooges can change into great Tibetan patriots. How the next Dalai Lama may be selected by China The selection of the reincarnation of the 11th Panchen Lama is worth having a look at: Soon after Chokyi Gyaltsen passed away, under mysterious circumstances while on a visit to Tibet in 1989, the Chinese government formed a search team under Gyayak Rinpoche, the Panchen Lamas dharma teacher. Chadrel Rinpoche, abbot of the Panchen Lamas Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and Arjia Rinpoche, another high lama, were to assist the old Lama. After the death of the former, Chadrel took over the search. Arjia remembers: The Chinese government trusted Chadrel Rinpoche to do their bidding asking only that he report frequently to the central government on his progress. Chadrel Rinpoche considered that it was Tashi Lhunpo monasterys responsibility to discover the newly born Lama, but as Arjia says: The Tibetans clearly wanted the 14th Dalai Lama to be the final arbiter of the identity of the true reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. When Beijing discovered that Chadrel had been communicating with the Dalai Lama, everything changed. Ying Kesheng, the Party Secretary of Qinghai Province, called a meeting and enumerated three points dictated by Beijing: eliminating from contention the boy selected by the Dalai Lama (Gedun Choekyi Nyima, who, since then, has been under house arrest); denouncing and removing Chadrel Rinpoche from his official position on the search team; and mandating a Golden Urn Ceremony. Three names were put in a Golden Urn in the Jokhang Cathedral in Lhasa, and the Governor of Tibet, called Gyaltsen Norbu, selected a candidate called Gyaltsen Norbu: Gyaltsen Norbu chose Gyaltsen Norbu, a joke later circulated. But the trick was simple; the capsule in which the chosen boys name was written was much larger than the two others. The Communist credential of Norbus family had been checked by the Party before the function; he was the perfect candidate. There is no doubt that a similar process will be followed for the 15th Dalai Lama if the present leader does not take the initiative and announce the details of his return (in 2011, he said that he would do this when he is 90 years old, i.e., July 2025). In these circumstances, one understands that Beijing was keen to get Nepals seal of approval on its selection of the 11th Panchen Lama (to prepare for the return of the 15th Dalai Lama). Already, the government in Kathmandu has accepted to change the name of Tibet into Xizang, the name given to their restive province by Xi Jinpings regime. But it was too big a bite for Olis government, despite the new honeymoon following the Nepalese Prime Ministers visit to China. Thankfully, permission was refused to Gyaltsen Norbu to proceed to Lumbini. Not so Docile But things are never simple in Tibetan Buddhism. One important factor is that Gyaltsen Norbu has a highly respected teacher, Geshe Jamyang Gyatso, from Labrang Tashikyil monastery in Amdo, who acts as his tutor. This plays a crucial role in his education while moulding his worldviews. Another serious question is: Will Gyaltsen Norbu remain docile, as Beijing would like him to, or will he follow the footsteps of his predecessor? On June 10, 2015, Xinhua had announced that President Xi Jinping accepted an audience with Gyaltsen Norbu at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. The term accepting an audience was a euphemism to say the least, because the audience seemed more like a summon-cum-lecture. The meeting was very appropriate , says Xinhua, because it showed that the Party has consistently given a high level of attention to Tibet. It also indicated the great importance that the Central Committee attaches to religious work. Apart from Xi, three other members of the Politburo were in attendance: Yu Zhengsheng of the Standing Committee, Sun Chunlan, the UFW head, and Li Zhanshu, director of the General Office of the Party. Why such a rare lineup? Apparently Gyaltsen Norbu needed to be briefed on how to be a good Communist. Another telling sign: on February 10, 2024, Gyaltsen Norbu gave a message in English on the occasion of the Tibetan New Year (Losar). It lasted a few minutes, but what was surprising is that during the entire speech he never uttered a word of praise for Xi Jinping. Of course, during other speeches he often eulogises the policies of the Party and the importance for his countrymen to follow them. But it is far from sure that he is fully a puppet of the regime. In India, it is worth watching these developments as the Indian Himalayan populations are very much concerned by the future of the Dalai Lama lineage. The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. If China continues to engage with Pakistani entities, its own companies supplying parts and technology to any of these listed entities will find themselves in the spotlight. Thats something for Beijing to mull over read more In a rather strange twist, an outgoing US administration has decided to sanction Pakistan for a proliferation threat from its missile program. Entities designated include the well-known National Development Complex (NDC) and a clutch of other firms that supply to its massive complex for nuclear and missile capability. This last-minute action means that something has taken place, which is sufficiently important for the nonproliferation lobby to sit up and take notice. Or else its a message to Pakistan to back off on undesirable activity. Or it could be both. Advertisement NDC has been around for a while The National Development Complex was created in 1990 and is located in the Kala Chitta Dhar mountain ranges west of Islamabad. It is a part of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), which is in charge of weaponisation. The NDC itself has been in charge of missilery, first pushing out the Shaheen series, based on the Chinese M-9, and then going on to create a short-range series like the Nasr, which is advertised as nuclear capable, at a mere 60 km range. That was part of the mad hatter doctrine, essentially conveying that Pakistan would use its nukes at any time and under any circumstances, none of which could be easily predicted. Thats all in the public sphere. The point in terms of sanctions is that NDC is its primary missile aggregation facility, together with the production of TELs (transporter erector launchers), a facility located in Fatehjung, whose main supplier is also China. In recent months, Pakistans missile activity has been intense and on a distinctly upward curve after a long spell of relative inactivity. 2024 missile achievements In 2024 there were some noticeable achievements. In August, Pakistan moved towards its stated goal of full spectrum deterrence, with a Shaheen training launch of a stated 2,750 km range that could potentially target US bases in the Middle East. A training launch usually signifies full operationalisation and induction. Just months prior to this was the test of a MIRV (multiple independent re-entry vehicle), Ababeel, with a range that potentially skimmed Omans coast. It was claimed as Pakistans answer to Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programmes, either Indias or anyone elses. All of this would have been viewed with alarm in Washington. Then came an even more disquieting development. On November 5, a ballistic missile launch was announced by the Pakistani navy, with a range of 350 km. No details were given, but examination of the video showed that it was launched from a Zulfikar class frigate. Multiple notices of launch (NOTAM) were issued, including one of 1,500 km. This could potentially threaten US assets in the Indian Ocean. China has demonstrated its own such capability, in a thrust towards area denial/access denial primarily to target aircraft carriers. It is well known that Chinese engineers are working alongside the Pakistan navy in Karachi. Alongside these developments was the announcement of the launch in April 2024 of the Hangor 2 class of submarines in China, destined for Pakistan, delayed by a year as Germany refused to supply the diesel engines. Its unclear what engine is now powering that potentially huge game changer. The four, which were to be produced in Pakistan, are due anytime, with the keel laid for one on December 21, 2024, and the second at the Karachi Shipyard a year later. In short, 2024 has seen a huge leap in capability. And it could affect the US Indo-Pacific plans. The whole thing also has a huge Chinese signature, especially since the technology being provided has been vastly upgraded. Advertisement Those shadowy entities Then there are the two other entities involved. Rockside Enterprise in Karachis upscale Clifton area is one. The company seems to be invisible on the net but seems to be linked to Akhtar and Sons (also sanctioned). The latter is shown as a textile company with a large denim manufacturing capability. Ditto with regard to the other company listed, Affiliates International. This is remarkably like the Abdul Qadir Khan network, which sourced and sold nuclear and missile-related tech and parts across 20 countries. Uncovering that took years of patient intel gathering when it was brutally exposed in 2004 for an operation that probably started in the seventies. No one was actually prosecuted for this vast criminal enterprise, including AQ Khan himself. Detailed reports showed European companies, for instance, knew that the dual-use equipment was for Pakistan. What they did not know was that the network was supplying other countries like Iran, Libya, and North Korea. In this case, the listed entities are clearly shell companies, living in the shadowy world of international smuggling. Advertisement The objective of the sanctions exercise is to prevent the state-owned NDC and these private players from accessing the international market. But as is evident, the NDC is closely tied to China, and Beijing has been adept at accessing international technology, both legally and through a network of its own. Sanctions on NDC have no real meaning, since it is hardly likely to engage with foreign buyers in its own name, nor is it likely to bank in western countries. But the upshot is that if China continues to engage with it, its own companies supplying parts and tech to any of these listed entities will find themselves in the spotlight. Thats something for Beijing to mull over. The sanctions are not a message to Islamabad only. Its also for China. Advertisement Meanwhile, Pakistani reaction has inevitably mentioned double standards in not sanctioning India. But some seventy-plus Indian companies have faced sanctions. The difference is that these are not cutouts but real industry-providing spare parts, in this case to Russia. That doesnt violate Indian laws. Theres no shadowy network here. Even then, Indias defence ministry has acted swiftly to tighten export controls, particularly to prevent the movement of equipment to non-authorised hands. Delhi is not perfect, but it is not associated with any state-run effort to bypass nuclear and missile controls. Theres a reason. Delhi made its own nuclear weapons with its own domestic efforts. Pakistans weapons are an international cocktail. Advertisement The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The fall of a strongman may be cause for celebration, but as Syrias ruins attest, what follows is often not freedom but a deeper descent into conflict read more In West Asia. when strongmen fall, what follows is often not liberal democracy but sectarian strife, religious extremism, or both. Image: AP In Syria it is a little bit of Islamic history repeating. There is no place in fundamentalist society for democracy. It is either the iron fist of the dictator, with the accompanying horrors of totalitarianism, or Sharia and Jihad intertwined Islamic theocracy. When strongmen fall, what follows is often not liberal democracy but sectarian strife, religious extremism, or both. This stark reality was laid bare during the Arab Spring, a euphoric uprising turned grim postscript, most evident in Syria, Libya, and Iraq. Advertisement The Arab Spring provides no shortage of examples. In Libya, Muammar Gaddafis ouster led to years of chaos, with jihadist groups exploiting the power vacuum. In Egypt, the fall of Hosni Mubarak briefly ushered in an Islamist government under Mohamed Morsi, only to be reversed by Abdel Fattah al-Sisis military coupa return to dictatorship as the perceived lesser evil. These failures illustrate a harsh truth: in fundamentalist Islam, the state and society are deeply intertwined; liberal democracy cannot take root. Without strong institutions or secular traditions, the fall of dictators often empowers forces bent on implementing sharia through jihad. The Theological Challenge: Kingship as Not Supreme Islamic theology itself complicates secular governance. Unlike Christianity after Martin Luther, which accommodates the separation of church and state, Islam posits that sovereignty belongs to God, not earthly rulers. The Quran and Hadith, Islams foundational texts, leave little room for kingship as a supreme entity. Caliphsthe early successors of the Prophet Muhammadwere seen as custodians of divine law, not sovereigns unto themselves. This theological foundation has often fuelled challenges to secular rule. When regimes fail to deliver justice or prosperity, Islamists present sharia as the divinely ordained alternative and jihad as a means to enforce it. This sentiment is potent even in modern times. For example, in Africa, Boko Haram in Nigeria frames its insurgency as a fight against Western education and secular government, calling for a return to pure Islamic governance. The group exploits poverty and weak state institutions to mobilise support, much like jihadist movements elsewhere. Iraq: From Dictatorship to Sectarian Conflict Iraqs descent into Shia-Sunni bloodshed following Saddam Husseins fall offers another grim lesson. Saddam, a Sunni autocrat, ruled with brutal authority but managed to suppress sectarianism. His removal by US intervention in 2003 dismantled the Baathist state apparatus, empowering Iraqs Shia majority and marginalising Sunnis. Groups like ISIS emerged by exploiting Sunni grievances and the vacuum left by a failing central government. Advertisement Iran and Turkey: Islamisation by Different Means The case of post-revolution Iran offers a more complex example. The 1979 overthrow of the Shah replaced secular autocracy with a theocratic regime under Ayatollah Khomeini. The Iranian model fuses religious authority with state power, presenting sharia as the supreme law of the land. The regime maintains its legitimacy through clerical oversight and a ruthless security apparatus, suppressing dissent while championing anti-Western jihadist rhetoric. Irans experiment shows that replacing dictatorship with sharia does not guarantee justice or freedom; it often entrenches a different form of autocracy. Turkey, once the regions democratic outlier, is now drifting toward Islamisation under Erdogan. Erdogan, who has steadily eroded Turkeys secular traditions, sidelining the militarythe traditional guardian of Kemal Ataturks secular visionand consolidating power. Erdogans rhetoric blends nationalism with Islamism, appealing to a conservative base that sees secularism as an imposition of Western modernity. While Turkey remains nominally democratic, its trajectory suggests that Islamisation, once unleashed, can erode pluralism and centralise power. Advertisement Saudi Arabia: A Structural Trap The rise of sharia across West Asia threatens the bold reforms underway in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom looks to tap its young demographics with a more liberal application of Islam. The Twin Threats The tension between dictatorship, sharia, and jihad is structural, rooted in the absence of secular, pluralistic institutions in much of the Islamic world. In Islamic countries, when dictators fall, Sharia forces resurface with vengeance, feeding cycles of conflict. The result is a paradox: secular autocrats like Assad, Saddam, and Mubarak are loathed for their repression, yet their removal often empowers worse alternatives. The fall of a strongman may be cause for celebration, but as Syrias ruins attest, what follows is often not freedom but a deeper descent into conflict. Advertisement On another level, the rise of fundamentalist Islam in the Middle East threatens to subsume minorities, including Christians and the Druze. Already the Hindu minority is threatened in Pakistan and Bangladesh, while the Sikhs have been decimated in Afghanistan. For global democracies, the demand for secularism when Islam is in the minority and Sharia when in the majority is no longer tenable. The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. At least 14 people were injured in Israels capital, Tel Aviv, after Houthis launched a missile attack against the Jewish nation. The two sides exchanged multiple strikes this week read more In a major turn of events, at least 14 people were injured in Israels capital Tel Aviv after Yemeni militant group Houthis launched a missile attack against the Jewish nation. According to The Times of Israel, the missile struck a residential neighbourhood in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Israels Magen David Adom paramedics said that the 14 people injured in the incident were hurt mainly by shards of glass that emerged following the strike. Advertisement The Israel Defence Forces confirmed the attack and maintained that the missile hit the capital after several unsuccessful interception attempts. The military noted that they are probing the circumstances of the attack. As per the report, the missile targeted a public park in the Israeli capital on Sunday. : . pic.twitter.com/kn4gZmWaf2 | Or Ravid (@OrRavid) December 21, 2024 IDF says it was a partial interception The IDF noted that there was only a partial interception of the missile launched from Yemen and that the warhead [likely] exploded and damaged the school. The Israel Air Force (IAF) and Home Front Command are currently conducting an in-depth probe into the matter. It is pertinent to note the latest strike came after IAF struck terror targets in Yemen on Thursday. The Israeli attack took place in retaliation to Houthis missile attack at an elementary school in Ramat Gan, just east of Tel Aviv. Following the strike, Houthi official Hezam al-Asad said that the failure of Israeli defences means that the heart of the enemy is no longer secure. The failure of all Israeli defence systems means that the heart of the Zionist enemy is no longer secure," he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Advertisement . pic.twitter.com/y53bulgr2q (@hezamalasad) December 21, 2024 In another post, he said: " There is no longer any use for interception systems that cost billions of dollars. The enemy is trying to minimize its losses in the media to maintain its military standing and the morale of its settlers. It portrays the areas where the interceptor missiles fell as targets hit by [our] missiles, he added. Advertisement The attack took place in the Makeen area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where about 30 terrorists raided an army outpost in the middle of the night. Two intelligence officers told AFP that the attack lasted for two hours read more The Pakistani military on Saturday said that 16 of its soldiers died and five others were left seriously wounded after terrorists attacked an army outpost in an overnight raid. The Pakistan Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan has been battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western border regions since the Talibans 2021 return to power in Afghanistan. Islamabad accuses Kabuls rulers of failing to root out militants staging attacks on Pakistan from over the border. Advertisement How did the attack take place? The attack took place in the Makeen area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where about 30 terrorists raided an army outpost in the middle of the night. Two intelligence officers told AFP that the attack lasted for two hours. Sixteen soldiers were martyred and five were critically injured in the assault, he said. The militants set fire to the wireless communication equipment, documents and other items present at the checkpoint. Why did Taliban attack the outpost? The Pakistani Taliban known as TehreekeTaliban Pakistan (TTP) said that the attack was in retaliation for the martyrdom of our senior commanders. The group also claimed to have seized a hoard of military gear including machine guns and a night vision device. The TTP shares its ideology with that of their Afghan counterparts who surged back to power three years ago. How is Pak battling the militant crisis? While Islamabad has pinned the blame on Afghanistan, Kabul has pledged to evict foreign militant groups from Afghan soil. But a UN Security Council report in July estimated up to 6,500 TTP fighters are based there and said the Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group. The report said the Afghan Taliban show ad hoc support to, and tolerance of, TTP operations, including the supplying of weapons and permission for training. The spike in attacks has soured Islamabad-Kabul relations. Security was cited as one reason for Pakistans campaign last year to evict hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan migrants. With inputs from AFP Six killed in Russia from Ukrainian missile attack Moscow, Dec 20 (UNI) Six people have been killed, including a child, in Russia's Rylsk as result of Ukraine's missile attack, acting Governor of Russia's Kursk Region Alexander Khinshtein said on Friday. Earlier in the day, Khinshtein said that the Ukrainian armed forces launched a missile attack on the city of Rylsk. Later, the Russian Investigative Committee said Friday that it has opened a criminal case on terrorist attack charges over the Ukrainian strikes on the city of Rylsk. "According to preliminary information, six people were killed, including one child. Ten people have been injured, including a 13-year-old child, and were taken to the Central District Hospital of Rylsk. All of them are under medical supervision. Their injuries are classified as minor," Khinshtein said on Telegram. The announcement comes at a time when the island nation completed a long-delayed foreign debt restructuring. China is Sri Lankas largest bilateral lender with Beijing owing half of Colombos bilateral debt at the time of the 2022 economic crash read more Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on Saturday that he will travel to China in January to continue his bilateral visits after concluding his trip to India. The announcement comes at a time when the island nation completed a long-delayed foreign debt restructuring. China is Sri Lankas largest bilateral lender with Beijing owing half of Colombos bilateral debt at the time of the 2022 economic crash. Dissanayake recently visited India where he met and assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sri Lanka will not allow its land to be used for anti-India activities. The two sides also held discussions to strengthen bilateral ties. Advertisement New Delhi has been concerned about Beijings growing toehold in Sri Lanka, which it sees as being within its sphere of geopolitical influence. Sri Lanka, China to advance development of BRI Meanwhile, on Friday, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing high-quality development under the multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with Qin Boyong, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Tuesday and Wednesday, the NewsFirst news portal reported. During the meeting, the Sri Lankan president, who came to power in September, expressed gratitude to China for helping the island nation battle its economic and social crises. He also emphasised that under him, the new government will jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality and deepen cooperation in various fields. With inputs from agencies Mali since 2012 has faced attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as by separatist movements and criminal gangs. Last weekend seven people were killed during attacks in the centre of the country. read more Malis military has battled to contain jihadist groups that have been active for over a decade in central and northern Mali. File Image- AFP At least 20 people were killed in attacks Friday on villages in central Mali that have been the target of jihadist groups, local officials and sources said Saturday. Six villages in the region of Bandiagara were attacked yesterday (Friday) by jihadists. Grain silos were burned, the local populations fled. There were also about 20 dead, a local elected official who asked not to be named told AFP. A Mali security official told AFP that five villages in Bandiagara were attacked. We counted 21 dead and many injured, the official added. Advertisement In September, jihadists attacked a police academy and stormed the military airport in Bamako, the first attack in the Malian capital since 2016. After taking power in coups in 2020 and 2021, the military broke its historic alliance with former colonial ruler France and turned towards Russia. The military leaders also expelled a UN stabilisation force. The attacks have undermined the juntas claims that its new foreign partnerships and increased military effort have turned the tide against the jihadists. Various rights groups have also cited abuses committed against civilians by the army and its Russian allies. With inputs from agencies. Since December 18, at least three separate instances of stampede, which have resulted in multiple deaths, including those of children, have taken place in Nigeria read more There have been at least three stampedes related to food distribution in Nigeria in th epast week. Reuters Several people were killed or injured Saturday (December 21) in crowd stampedes during food distribution events in Abuja, Nigerias capital, and in the southern town of Okija, according to the presidents office. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu cancelled all official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims, his spokesman said in a statement. Police reported that 10 people died in Abuja, including at least four children, and that many others were killed in Okija. Advertisement The Abuja incident occurred outside the Maitama Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where a food distribution drive for vulnerable and elderly people was taking place, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said. In Okija, chaotic crowds overwhelmed a community center distributing rice, according to Ngozi Echeazu, an official with the National Emergency Management Agency. In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones, Tinubu said. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them. At least third incident this week Earlier, on December 18, 2024, a devastating stampede took place at a holiday funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event, held at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun district, was organised by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation and aimed to provide financial assistance and food to children up to 13 years of age, Al Jazeera reported. Over 5,000 children and family members attended, drawn by the promise of cash handouts and scholarships. The massive turnout led to a crowd surge, resulting in the deaths of 35 children and injuries to six others. The exact sequence of events is under investigation, and several organisers have been arrested already. With inputs from agencies Advertisement The United States is bound by law to provide Chinese-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, to the constant anger of Beijing read more U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday agreed to provide $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, while the State Department approved the potential sale to the island of $265 million worth of military equipment. The United States is bound by law to provide Chinese-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, to the constant anger of Beijing. Advertisement Democratically governed Taiwan rejects Chinas claims of sovereignty. China has stepped up military pressure against Taiwan, including daily military activities near the island and two rounds of war games this year. Taiwan went on alert last week in response to what it said was Chinas largest massing of naval forces in three decades around Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas. Biden had delegated to the secretary of state the authority to direct the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan, the White House said in a statement without providing details. Taiwans defense ministry thanked the United States for its firm security guarantee, saying in a statement the two sides would continue to work closely on security issues to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait. The Pentagon said the State Department had approved the potential sale to Taiwan of about $265 million worth of command, control, communications, and computer modernization equipment. Taiwans defense ministry said the equipment sale would help upgrade its command-and-control systems. Taiwans defense ministry also said on Saturday that the U.S. government had approved $30 million of parts for 76 mm autocannon, which it said would boost the islands capacity to counter Chinas grey-zone warfare. Advertisement The violence shocked Germany and the city, prompting several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution, and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Berlin kept its markets open but has increased its police presence at them. read more The Christmas market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg, Germany, is empty on Saturday evening , Dec. 21, 2024. Image- AP President Joe Biden issued his condolences on Saturday following an attack at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg that left five people dead and more than 200 injured. No communityand no familyshould have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace, Biden said as reported by The Hill. Five people were killed, including a 9-year-old, after a Saudi doctor drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers in the German city of Magdeburg, officials said Saturday, as people mourned the victims and their shaken sense of security. Advertisement City official Ronni Krug didnt provide further information on the adults killed in the attack on Friday night. He said 200 people were injured, of whom 41 were in serious or very serious condition. How did the attack unfold? Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a 34-year-old manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is located in a mall across the Christmas market was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs and thought at first they were fireworks. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed and a child was thrown into the air by the car. The woman recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. The market itself was still cordoned off Saturday with red-and-white tape and police vans every 50 meters (yards). Police with machine pistols guarded every entry to the market. Some thermal security blankets still lay on the street. Whos the man behind the attack? Prosecutors said the suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm. Several German media outlets identified the suspect as Taleb A., withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. He has lived in Germany since 2006, practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Magdeburg. officials said. Talebs X account describes him as a former Muslim. It is filled with tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion, while sharing congratulatory notes to Muslims who left the faith. He was critical of German authorities, saying they had failed to do enough to combat the Islamism of Europe. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Advertisement Some described Taleb as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. Recently, he seemed focused on his theory that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum-seekers. The motives behind the attack There were still no answers Saturday as to what motivated the man to drive his black BMW into a crowd in the eastern German city. Prosecutors said the motive may have been dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany, but investigators are still trying to get to the bottom of what was behind the attack. Investigators have to analyze computers, mobile devices and other evidence, and at the end of the day we will know, or at least hope to know, what drove him to this act. With inputs from agencies. Since last year, Chinas military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge and last month the defence ministry said a top-ranking military official had been suspended and was under investigation for serious violations of discipline. read more China is looking to expand its overseas infrastructure and logistics to "project and sustain military power at greater distances" beyond its base in Djibouti, the Pentagon said. File Image Chinas Defence Ministry criticised a recent US Pentagon report on its military, calling it a distortion of Chinas defence policies and interference in internal affairs. The annual report, released Wednesday, highlighted issues of corruption within the Chinese military, noting that at least 15 senior officers and defence executives were ousted between July and December 2023, potentially disrupting Beijings 2027 modernisation goals. Despite advancements in military capabilities, the report stated that corruption continues to pose significant challenges to Chinas armed forces development. Advertisement Here are the key takeaways about the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) from the report: Chinas navy the largest in the world has more than 370 ships and submarines, up from the approximately 340 that the Pentagon said China had in its 2022 report. The navy has also continued to grow its ability to perform missions beyond the first island chain which includes Japans Okinawa, Taiwan and the Philippines 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. The PLAs air force is rapidly approaching technology up to US standards, the report said. It is modernising and indigenising its aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial systems. China is also developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles that will significantly improve its nuclear-capable missile forces and require increased nuclear warhead production, the report said. The country also probably completed the construction of three new silo fields in 2022, which would contain at least 300 new ICBM silos where it has loaded some of the missiles. Advertisement Beijing may also be exploring the development of conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems that could threaten the United States, it added. China is looking to expand its overseas infrastructure and logistics to project and sustain military power at greater distances beyond its base in Djibouti, the Pentagon said. The PLA has likely considered having military logistics facilities in countries from Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh to Kenya and Nigeria, among others. A global Chinese military logistics network could disrupt US operations, the report added. China amplified its diplomatic, political and military pressure against Taiwan in 2023, the report said. The country continued to erode longstanding norms in and around Taiwan by employing a range of pressure tactics, it added. Advertisement This includes maintaining a naval presence around the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as its own territory; increasing crossings into Taiwans self-declared centerline and air defence identification zone; and conducting highly publicised major military exercises nearby. Citing data from Taiwans Ministry of National Defense, the Pentagon reported an increase in Chinese airplanes crossing the Taiwan Strait centerline in 2023. With inputs from agencies. The case goes back to 2013 when the woman identified publicly as Beatriz was unable to obtain an abortion because El Salvador bans them in all cases, even when a womans life is in danger or when pregnancy results from rape read more Women participate in a demonstration to celebrate the ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the "Beatriz et al. v. El Salvador" case in San Salvador on December 20, 2024. AFP The Inter-American Court of Human Rights on Friday ruled against El Salvador for barring a woman from getting an abortion, despite her life being at risk and her fetus being unviable. It ordered the Salvadoran government to pay compensation, establish guidelines for medical and judicial personnel, and take legal and other steps to guarantee legal certainty in regard to similar cases. The case goes back to 2013 when the woman identified publicly as Beatriz was unable to obtain an abortion because El Salvador bans them in all cases, even when a womans life is in danger or when pregnancy results from rape. Advertisement The Costa Rica-based court found El Salvador responsible for obstetric violence and violation of the right to health in Beatrizs case. It said the Salvadoran government failed to comply with its duty of due diligence in guaranteeing the rights of access to effective judicial remedies, personal integrity, health, and privacy of a woman who went through a pregnancy with multiple risks. Beatrizs mother, identified only as Delmy, told AFP the ruling was total justice, saying she hoped the government would comply with the courts decision in the future. Organizations in Costa Rica advocating for womens health also hailed the ruling. Justice has triumphed. We are happy. Today is a day that has gone down in history for reproductive justice for women, Angelica Rivas, a lawyer for a group called the Colectiva Feminista, told AFP. The Salvadoran government acknowledged Fridays ruling and said it would assess its implications. High-risk pregnancy Beatriz, who was 22 at the time of the pregnancy, suffered from lupus, lupus-related kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis. She already had a young child from a pregnancy two years previously, during which she had severe preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure. Taken together, doctors determined her pregnancy was high-risk, and could kill her and ultrasounds found the fetus was anencephalic, meaning part of its brain and skull were missing, making it no longer viable. Advertisement But while terminating the pregnancy was considered, no decision was made since there were no protocols for the care of cases such as Beatrizs, the court said. It noted that El Salvador had admitted there was a situation of confusion and that better protocols could have been established for such an unusual set of circumstances. After Salvadoran authorities heard a contradictory expert opinion that Beatrizs life was not at risk, the fetus was carried to term and a cesarean section was performed at birth. The baby died five hours after delivery. Beatriz survived the birth. But she died in October 2017 after contracting pneumonia while getting treatment for injuries from a traffic accident. Advertisement The court said there was no proof of a causal link between the risky pregnancy and her death. The court also said it was not trying to arbitrate the different medical opinions, nor trying to establish what the best course of treatment would have been for Beatriz. But it stressed that Beatrizs underlying medical condition meant the Salvadoran state had a special duty of protection to provide her with diligent and timely medical care. But the lack of legal certainty regarding the approach to Beatrizs case led to the bureaucratization and judicialization of the required medical care, which generated multiple consequences. El Salvador has banned abortion since 1998, with anybody breaking that law facing a potential prison sentence of up to eight years. Advertisement More commonly, though, Salvadoran courts apply charges of aggravated homicide in such cases, which carry heavier penalties of up to 50 years behind bars. The agency said at least four of the people arrested on Dec. 10-11 were found in the vicinity of a military installation. Guam has many such installations, including Andersen Air Force Base, where the Dec. 10 missile test was conducted read more A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk, U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk, Navy MQ-4C Triton, Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses, and KC-135 Stratotankers perform an "Elephant Walk" at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. File image/ Reuters Seven Chinese citizens were arrested on charges of illegally entering Guam around the time the U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted a key missile interception test using a new radar, the islands Customs and Quarantine Agency has said. The agency said at least four of the people arrested on Dec. 10-11 were found in the vicinity of a military installation. Guam has many such installations, including Andersen Air Force Base, where the Dec. 10 missile test was conducted. Advertisement Conducting espionage against U.S. military facilities, especially those with missile launch capabilities, could provide the PRC with potentially valuable intelligence, the Institute for the Study of War said in a report on Friday. Guamanian authorities said that all of the Chinese nationals arrived on the same boat from Saipan, and that the investigation was ongoing. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States plans to create an air and missile defense network at 16 sites around the island to deter any missile attack on Guam by making it too complex and resource-intensive to carry out. The plan aims to integrate the most advanced U.S. missile defense systems and radars, and could cost as much as $10 billion over the next decade. The Dec. 10 test was successful, and the Missile Defense Agency says up to two interception tests could be conducted each year. Police identified the suspect as a man from Saudi Arabia, though authorities had not confirmed whether the crash was an act of terrorism. That has not stopped leaders like Marine Le Pen and Nigel Farages anti-Islam and anti-migration rhetoric, though read more On Friday (December 20) night, a driver crashed into a crowded Christmas market in Eastern Germany, killing at least five people. Now, the incident has triggered a wave of far-right rhetoric across Europe. Leading right-wing politicians seized on the tragedy to push anti-immigrant and anti-Islam messages as hard-right parties continue to gain traction on the continent. Magdeburg police identified the suspect as a man from Saudi Arabia, though authorities had not confirmed whether the crash was an act of terrorism or linked to any extremist groups so far. Advertisement The incident has added fuel to the anti-immigration platforms of far-right parties, including Germanys Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling strongly ahead of the countrys snap federal election in February, according to Politico. Alice Weidel, chair of AfD, pointedly asked When will this madness end? Authorities in Germany continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and have called for calm as the nation mourns the victims. European right-wing leaders weaponise tragedy Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders called the crash barbaric and renewed his calls for stricter border controls across Europe. Another barbaric attack in Europe this time by a man from Saudi Arabia, Wilders said. Once again, an incredible number of innocent victims, dead and wounded, are to be mourned. Once again, politicians crying crocodile tears. Ive been saying it for over 20 years: stop with those open borders. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has consistently linked violent incidents to Islamist extremism, also responded with a sharp critique. Once again, Islamist barbarity is sowing terror in the heart of Europe. This act of war against a symbol of our civilisation is heartbreaking, Le Pen said. Our thoughts this evening are with the victims and families of this carnage perpetrated in the middle of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. In Britain, Nigel Farage, a longtime immigration critic and key figure in the Brexit campaign, echoed similar sentiments, tying the crash to European immigration policies. We have allowed people who hate us and our values into Europe. Christmas is their target. Any guesses why? Farage said. Efforts to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing, with recent negotiations indicating potential progress. Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been actively involved in facilitating discussions aimed at ending the 14-month conflict in Gaza read more Hamas and Israel are reportedly close to a ceasefire deal. Image used for representational purpose/Reuters Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said Saturday (December 21) that a Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel is closer than ever, provided no new conditions are imposed by Israel. The possibility of reaching an agreement (for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal) is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a joint statement following talks in Cairo on Friday (December 20). Advertisement Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, were held last week in Doha, raising hopes of a potential deal. A Hamas leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that talks had seen significant and important progress in recent days. Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon, the official said. Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalized before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahus new conditions. Long walk to Israel-Hamas ceasefire Efforts to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing, with recent negotiations indicating potential progress. Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been actively involved in facilitating discussions aimed at ending the 14-month conflict in Gaza. The proposed phased plan likely includes an initial ceasefire lasting six to eight weeks, during which Hamas would release approximately 30 hostages, and Israel would free Palestinian prisoners. This phase also envisions increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, according to a recent report by AP. The swift progress in the ceasefire deal efforts came after Hamas officials indicated a willingness to be more flexible on the timing of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. With inputs from agencies In June 2023, the UK introduced legislation enabling sanctions on Russia to remain in place until compensation is paid to Ukraine. This legislation also established a mechanism for sanctioned individuals to donate frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction read more The Russian Embassy in London on Saturday (December 21) condemned Britains plan to transfer over 2 billion ($2.5 billion) to Ukraine using proceeds from frozen Russian assets, calling it a fraudulent scheme. We are closely following UK authorities efforts aimed at implementing a fraudulent scheme of expropriating incomes from Russian state assets frozen in the EU, the Russian Embassy said on social media. The Russian Embassy in London accused Britain of disguising an illegitimate action through elaborate legislative choreography. Advertisement British Defence Minister John Healey said the funds would be dedicated to Ukraines military, including the development of advanced drones with capabilities comparable to long-range missiles. Timeline of funding provisions for Ukraine In June 2023, the UK introduced legislation enabling sanctions on Russia to remain in place until compensation is paid to Ukraine. This legislation also established a mechanism for sanctioned individuals to donate frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction. The loans were finalised in July this year by leaders of the G7 nations Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States alongside European Union officials. The majority of the frozen Russian assets are held within the EU. In October, Britain announced it would give Ukraine 2.26 billion as part of a broader Group of Seven (G7) initiative to loan $50 billion to Kyiv, funded by the interest accrued on Russian central bank assets frozen due to the war in Ukraine. Simply robbery: Russia seethes at fund transfer The United States contributed $20 billion to this initiative, with the remaining funds coming from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The funds are intended to support Kyivs military needs and the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure. Russias Foreign Ministry has criticised the G7s approach, calling a recent US transfer of its share of $50 billion in loans to Ukraine simply robbery. With inputs from agencies At least 2 people were killed and over 68 were injured after a BMW car ploughed into a crowd at a German Christmas market. The authorities are calling it a terror attack as the investigation is currently underway read more At least two people, including a small child, were killed and 68 were injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of people at a Christmas market in eastern Germany. The incident took place on Friday in the German town of Magdeburg. The local authorities are calling it a terror attack as an investigation is currently underway. According to the city government, out of the 68 people injured in the incident, over 15 were left in a critical state. A black BMW, drove straight into the crowd while travelling at a speed of 400 meters. Multiple videos circulating on social media showed the car ramming several people. However, the authenticity of those videos remains unclear. Advertisement According to The Guardian, emergency workers have reached the spot and immediately started treating the accident victims. Makeshift tents have also been erected to provide speedy medical treatment. The man behind the wheels The driver of the car was immediately arrested after the incident. The police identified him as a man named Taleb A. The 50-year-old suspect was a doctor from Saudi Arabia who had been living in Germany since 2006. He is a consultant for psychiatry and psychotherapy and was recognised as a refugee in 2016. This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas, said Saxony-Anhalts leader Reiner Haseloff, who was on his way to Magdeburg. As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city, he added. As per the report, the suspect rented a car shortly before the attack and the suspect was not known to authorities as having an Islamist background. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to X, formerly known as Twitter to condemn the attack. The reports from Magdeburg raise the worst fears, he wrote in the post. The German Chancellor is also due to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday along with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. Condemnation pours in French President Emmanuel Macron said he was profoundly shocked by the attack and shares the pain of the German people. Michael Reif, spokesperson for the city, conducted a press briefing shortly after the attack. Reif confirmed that the incident took place at 7:04 pm local time and is being treated as a terror attack rather than an accident. The images are terrible. According to my knowledge, the car drove into the crowds of visitors but from what direction and how far it went, I cant say," he said. Magdeburgs mayor Regina-Dolores Stieler-Hinz said at least two people were killed in the incident. Hospitals within a 50-mile (80km) radius of Magdeburg are preparing to take patients, while all the regions emergency helicopters were deployed to the incident. Germany is home to an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 Christmas markets which are hosted around the country for about a month. The markets open from the end of November to just after Christmas. These markets have witnessed attacks in the past. In 2016, an Islamist extremist attacker drove a truck into a crowd of Christmas market-goers in Berlin, leaving 13 people dead and dozens more injured. The main perpetrator of the attack was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Advertisement According to a post on the Magdeburg markets Facebook page, the market was closed for today. We ask for your understanding, the post reads. With inputs from agencies. Scholz was joined by numerous national and regional politicians, all dressed in black, in the eastern city of Magdeburg, where they then laid flowers outside the main church read more German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday visited the Christmas market in Germanys Magdeburg to take stock of the situation as the death toll went up to five. According to German public-service broadcaster ARD, over 200 people were left injured after an SUV ploughed through a busy market in Magdeburg on Friday night. Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who was allegedly driving the car. It is, however, not clear yet whether the attack was inspired by radical religious or political beliefs, or linked to psychological problems. Advertisement It is very positive to hear that Germany is not alone, the chancellor said as he thanked world leaders for expressing solidarity during this time. He also called for an in-depth investigation into the incident. We should not allow those who wish to sow hate to do so, Scholz said. Seven Indian nationals have also been reportedly injured in the incident. Three of them have been discharged from the hospital. Our Mission is in touch with all those injured in the attack, according to sources. Indias Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack. We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance, the MEA said in a statement. Christmas is over in Magdeburg Meanwhile, Magdeburg city councillor for public order, Ronni Krug, announced the closure of the Christmas market saying, Christmas in Magdeburg is over. The interior ministry announced on Saturday morning that official buildings in Saxony-Anhalt, the German state with Magdeburg as its capital, will fly flags at half-mast to honour the victims of the attack. Who was the attacker? The Saudi man, named by German media as Taleb A., was a psychiatric doctor who had lived in Germany since 2006 and held a permanent residence permit. Media pointed to his social media posts in which he expressed views critical of Islam, sympathetic to the far right and even warned of the dangers of an Islamisation of Germany. The motives remain mysterious, wrote Der Spiegel weekly about the latest vehicle-ramming attack to target a traditional German festival market. With inputs from agencies Advertisement By now Francis annual Christmas address to the priests, bishops and cardinals who work in the Vatican Curia has become a lesson in humility - and humilitation as Francis offers a public dressing down of some of the sins in the workplace at the headquarters of the Catholic Church read more Pope Francis told Vatican bureaucrats on Saturday to stop speaking ill of one another, as he once again used his annual Christmas greetings to admonish the backstabbing and gossiping among his closest collaborators. A wheezing and congested sounding Francis, who just turned 88, urged the prelates instead to speak well of one another and undertake a humble examination of their own consciences in the Christmas holiday season. A church community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the life of humility, renouncing evil thinking and speaking ill of others, Francis said. Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens peoples hearts and leads to nothing. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero. Advertisement Beware of this, he added. By now Francis annual Christmas address to the priests, bishops and cardinals who work in the Vatican Curia has become a lesson in humility - and humilitation as Francis offers a public dressing down of some of the sins in the workplace at the headquarters of the Catholic Church. In the most biting edition, in 2014, Francis listed the 15 ailments of the Curia, in which he accused the prelates of using their Vatican careers to grab power and wealth. He accused them of living hypocritical double lives and forgetting due to spiritual Alzheimers that theyre supposed to be joyful men of God. In 2022, Francis warned them that the devil lurks among them, saying it is an elegant demon that works in people who have a rigid, holier-than-thou way of living the Catholic faith. This year, Francis revisited a theme he has often warned about: gossiping and speaking ill of people behind their backs. It was a reference to the sometimes toxic atmosphere in closed environments such as the Vatican or workplaces where office gossip and criticism circulate but are rarely aired in public. Francis has long welcomed frank and open debates and even has welcomed criticism of his own work. But he has urged critics to tell it to his face, and not behind his back. Advertisement Francis opened his address Saturday with a reminder of the devastation of the war in Gaza, where he said even his patriarch had been unable to enter due to Israeli bombing. Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war, he said. The annual appointment kicks off Francis busy Christmas schedule, this year made even more strenuous because of the start of the Vaticans Holy Year on Christmas Eve. The Jubilee is expected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to Rome over 2025, and Francis has a dizzying calendar of events to minister to them. After addressing the Vatican prelates, Francis issued a less critical address to the Vaticans lay employees who gathered in the city states main audience hall along with their families. Francis thanked them for their service and urged them to make sure they take time to play with their children and visit grandparents. Advertisement If you have any particular problems, tell your bosses, we want to resolve them, he added at the end. You do this with dialogue, not by keeping quiet. Together well try to resolve the difficulties. It was an apparent reference to reports of growing unease within the Vatican workforce that has been called out by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees, the closest thing the Vatican has to a labor union. The association has in recent months voiced alarm about the health of the Vatican pension system and fears of even more cost-cutting, and demanded the Vatican leadership listen to workers concerns. Advertisement Earlier this year 49 employees of the Vatican Museums the Holy Sees main source of revenue filed a class-action lawsuit in the Vatican tribunal complaining about labor woes, overtime and working conditions. Unlike Italy, which has robust labor laws protecting workers rights, Vatican employees often find they have fewer legal recourses available to them when problems arise. Employment in the Vatican however is often sought-after by Italian Catholics: Aside from the sense of service to the church, Vatican employment offers tax-free benefits and access to below-market housing. German Christmas market attack: Seven Indians have been injured in the deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg and the Indian embassy in Berlin is providing them all possible assistance, official sources said on Saturday night. read more India on Saturday condemned the horrific and senseless attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg that left at least five people, including a nine-year-old, dead and nearly 200 injured. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian mission in Germany is in contact with the Indians injured in the attack and is rendering all possible assistance. We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Advertisement Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, it said. Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance, the MEA said in a statement. Press release: India condemns attack in Magdeburg, Germanyhttps://t.co/3nA9nNmPVm pic.twitter.com/8ZIW0GHnCm Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 21, 2024 Seven Indian nationals have also been reportedly injured in the incident. Three of them have been discharged from the hospital. Our Mission is in touch with all those injured in the attack, according to sources. Germans on Saturday mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people, injuring 200 others and shaking the publics sense of security at what would otherwise be a time of joy and wonder. The alleged attack Friday evening in Magdeburg, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Berlin, killed a 9-year-old and four adults and injured 41 people badly enough that authorities warned the death toll could rise. Advertisement Magdeburg marked the tragedy Saturday with the tolling church bells at 7:04 p.m., the exact time of the attack in the city of roughly 240,000 people. The driver, a 50-year-old doctor who immigrated from Saudi Arabia in 2006, surrendered to police at the scene. Hes being investigated for five counts of suspected murder and 205 counts of suspected attempted murder, prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens said at a news conference. With inputs from agencies. The power vacuum left by Assads regime has created a difficult and volatile environment. The actions of Israel and Turkey, though on the surface driven by security concerns, appear to be a thin veil for larger geopolitical dominance ambitions read more Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) have jumped at the chance to shape Syria's post-Assad era. Images: Reuters The recent collapse of President Bashar al-Assads regime has prompted Israel and Turkey to swiftly assert their influence within Syria, each pursuing distinct strategic objectives that could potentially lead to increased regional tensions. Israeli incursion into Syrian territory In the immediate aftermath of Assads departure, Israeli forces entered Syrian territory, establishing a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli troops would maintain their presence until another arrangement is in place that ensures Israels security. This move ostensibly seeks to prevent hostile entities from gaining a foothold near Israels borders and to counter potential threats from groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has taken a leading role in Syrias transitional government. Advertisement Tel Avivs moves have been criticised globally. Turkeys dynamis with Kurds, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Concurrently, Turkey has intensified its military operations in northern Syria, targeting Kurdish-held areas. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on international allies to withdraw support from Kurdish fighters, whom Turkey views as terrorists, especially following Assads ouster. Ankara has also expressed support for the new Syrian transitional government led by HTS, contingent upon the groups commitment to moderation and national reconstruction. National security interests or geopolitical ambitions? While both nations justify their actions on national security grounds, their objectives diverge significantly. Israel is focused on neutralising perceived threats from Islamist factions and preventing the resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS. Turkey, on the other hand, seeks to curb Kurdish autonomy and expand its influence by backing the new government in Damascus. This alignment with HTS has raised concerns, given the groups origins and Islamist ideology. The power vacuum left by Assads regime has created a difficult and volatile environment. The actions of Israel and Turkey, though on the surface driven by security concerns, appear to be a thin veil for larger geopolitical dominance ambitions. The risk of escalating tensions is still high. The impact on Syria, ravaged by years of war and now set to see a sudden rise in population as refugees return, is uncertain. With inputs from agencies Leading right-wing figures from Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to Nigel Farage in Britain, seized the opportunity to push their anti-immigration rhetoric after the Germany attack read more A major fury erupted among the far-right group after a driver rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Germany, killing at least two people and injuring over 68 others. The authorities noted that the main suspect in the attack was a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who have been living in Germany since 2006. The suspect named Taleb was awarded refugee status in 2016. Leading right-wing figures from Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to Nigel Farage in Britain, seized the opportunity to push their anti-immigration rhetoric. The anger is intensifying as hard-right parties gather momentum around the continent. Beyond the continent of Europe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other key advisers of US President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the matter, even calling for the resignation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign. Advertisement The attack took place in the German town of Magdeburg and occurred at a time when Germanys AfD Party, which is known for its anti-immigration stance, was gaining popularity in the country. Not only this, Germany is also scheduled to host snap federal elections on February 23 after Scholzs government lost confidence motion. Prominent European rightwing leaders seize the opportunity Far-right Dutch politician Wilders called the incident barbaric and said that Europe should close its border. Another barbaric attack in Europe this time by a man from Saudi Arabia, Wilders said. Once again, an incredible number of innocent victims, dead and wounded, are to be mourned. Once again politicians crying crocodile tears. Ive been saying it for over 20 years: stop with those open borders," he added. French far-right politician, Marine Le Pen also took potshots at the rise in Islamism across Europe. Once again, Islamist barbarity is sowing terror in the heart of Europe. This act of war against a symbol of our civilisation is heartbreaking, Le Pen said, adding: Our thoughts this evening are with the victims and families of this carnage perpetrated in the middle of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Meanwhile, British politician Nigel Farage also blamed the violence on border policies. We have allowed people who hate us and our values into Europe. Christmas is their target. Any guesses why? Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been increasingly supporting the rightwing European leaders later reposted Farages tweet. Days before the attack, Musk endorsed the German far-right party for the February polls. The Tesla CEO later shared another post in which he called for the resignation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling him an incompetent fool. The Arakan Army (AA) had completely captured the western regional command at Ann on Friday after weeks of fighting, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channel read more A Myanmar ethnic rebel group has captured a military regional command in Rakhine state, it said, in what would be a major blow to the junta. The Arakan Army (AA) had completely captured the western regional command at Ann on Friday after weeks of fighting, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channel. Ann would be the second regional military command to fall to ethnic rebels in five months, and a huge blow to the military. Advertisement Myanmars military has 14 regional commands across the country with many of them currently fighting established ethnic rebel groups or newer Peoples Defence Forces that have sprung up to battle the militarys 2021 coup. Fighting has rocked Rakhine state since the AA attacked security forces in November last year, ending a ceasefire that had largely held since the putsch. AA fighters have seized swathes of territory in the state that is home to China and India-backed port projects and all but cut off state capital Sittwe. The AA posted photos of a man whom it said was the Ann deputy regional commander, in the custody of its fighters. AFP was unable to confirm that information and has contacted the AAs spokesman for comment. AFP was unable to reach people on the ground around Ann where internet and phone services are patchy. In decades of on-off fighting since independence from Britain in 1948 the military had never lost a regional military command until last August, when the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) captured the northeastern command in Lashio in Shan state. Advertisement Myanmars borderlands are home to myriad ethnic armed groups who have battled the military since independence for autonomy and control of lucrative resources. Last month the UN warned Rakhine state was heading towards famine, as ongoing clashes squeeze commerce and agricultural production. Rakhines economy has stopped functioning, the report from the UN Development Programme said, projecting famine conditions by mid-2025 if current levels of food insecurity were left unaddressed. Pollsters also asked respondents how they define victory in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip 68 per cent say victory will only be achieved with the return of all the hostages read more With each passing day in the Israel-Hamas war, people are losing their trust in the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government. A recent poll by Channel 12 shows that only 22 per cent of people have confidence in the Israeli government with 29 per cent expressing trust in Netanyahu. However, people are more likely to put their faith in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with 75 per cent of the respondents saying they trust them. Meanwhile, only 47 per cent of people have expressed confidence in IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. Doing worse than Halevi is Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz at just 24 per cent. Advertisement Pollsters also asked respondents how they define victory in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip 68 per cent say victory will only be achieved with the return of all the hostages and 12 per cent believe it will mean the annexation of Gaza and the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the Strip. Four per cent define victory as border residents returning to their homes, while 8 per cent say it would involve the establishment of a moderate Palestinian leadership in Gaza other than Hamas. On the war front Meanwhile, Israels military said Saturday it had failed to intercept a projectile launched from Yemen that landed near Tel Aviv, with the national medical service saying three people were lightly wounded. Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made, the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel. In return, Israel has struck multiple targets in Yemen including ports and energy facilities in areas controlled by the Huthis. A short time ago, reports were received of a weapon falling in one of the settlements within the Tel Aviv district, Israels police said Saturday. Israels emergency medical service said three people had been taken to hospital with light injuries and several others treated near the scene including for shock. With inputs from AFP Ousted president Assad fled Syria just over a week ago 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. read more Demonstrators chant slogans and wave the new Syrian flag as they gather for Friday prayers at the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, Syria, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Image- Reuters Syrias new rulers appointed Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, according to the official Syrian news agency (SANA) on Saturday, as they seek to improve international relations following Bashar al-Assads ousting two weeks ago. Reuters cited a source in the new administration, saying that this step comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability. Syrias de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has actively engaged with foreign delegations since assuming power, including hosting the U.N.s Syria envoy and senior U.S. diplomats. Advertisement Sharaa has signaled a willingness to engage diplomatically with international envoys, saying his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development. He has said he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts. The United States, other Western powers, and many Syrians welcomed the fall of Assad as rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control. However, it remains unclear whether HTS will impose strict Islamic rule or show flexibility in moving towards democracy. HTS, once part of al Qaeda until breaking ties in 2016, played a significant role in toppling Assad. Syrian rebels took Damascus on December 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war, ending his familys long reign. Forces under Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also known as Sharaa, established a three-month caretaker government to rule over the rebel-held northwest Idlib province. Washington designated Sharaa a terrorist in 2013, saying al Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing Assads rule and establishing Islamic sharia law in Syria. U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10 million bounty on his head. The war killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Zelenskyy said he and Burns had held multiple undisclosed meetings since the start of the war, acknowledging the CIA directors crucial role in the war that is now in its third year read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Saturday (December 21) that he met with CIA Director William Burns in Ukraine, marking a rare public disclosure of their discussions as the country continues to fend off Russias invasion. The United States has been a vital supporter of Ukraines financial and military efforts since Moscow launched its offensive nearly three years ago. Washington has also provided Kyiv with regular intelligence sharing to bolster its defence capabilities. Zelenskyy said he and Burns had held multiple undisclosed meetings since the start of the war, acknowledging the CIA directors crucial role. Advertisement Bill Burns paid his last visit to Ukraine as CIA Director, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. He and I have had many meetings during this war, and I am grateful for his help. Bill Burns visited Ukraine on his final trip as CIA Director. Throughout this war, weve had many meetings, and I am deeply grateful for his assistance. Usually, such meetings are not made public. All our meetings, whether in Ukraine, other European countries, the United States, pic.twitter.com/llT7fF7Q2E Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) December 21, 2024 While Zelenskyy stressed that such meetings were typically kept confidential, he noted they had taken place in various locations, including Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. Burns is expected to step down as CIA chief as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to nominate his own candidate for the role. Advertisement The last confirmed meeting between Zelenskyy and Burns occurred in mid-2023, following a secret trip to Ukraine by the CIA director, according to US officials. Zelenskyy did not specify the date of their most recent meeting but posted a photo of the two shaking hands in front of Ukraines state crest. He stated it would be their final meeting before Burns exits the post. The disclosure comes as the war enters a critical phase, with Trump set to assume office in a month. The incoming president has pledged to end the conflict within hours, raising concerns that Ukraine could face pressure to agree to a peace deal favouring Moscow. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Amid the investigation, a German official maintained that Abdulmohsen had shared anti-Islamic views. Another anonymous official told the American news outlet that the authorities are searching the suspects home and believe that he may be under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack read more As the authorities investigate the attack that jolted the German town of Magdeburg, reports are emerging that the Saudi man, who was the main suspect in the attack, had expressed anti-Islam views. At least 2 people were killed and 68 were injured after a car rammed into the crowd at a Christmas market. Following the attack, police identified Taleb al-Abdulmohsen as the main suspect of the attack. The 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia came to Germany in 2006 and was awarded a refuge status in 2016. Amid the investigation, The Washington Post quoted a German official maintaining that Abdulmohsen had shared anti-Islamic views. Another anonymous official told the American news outlet that the authorities are searching the suspects home and believe that he may be under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. Advertisement Abdulmohsen, who lives about 30 miles away in Bernburg, was immediately arrested at the scene. The new revelation became significant since several far-right leaders across Europe pushed anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric after the incident. From Wilders to Le Pen, far-right leaders push anti-Islam rhetoric Far-right Dutch politician Wilders called the incident barbaric and said that Europe should close its border. Another barbaric attack in Europe this time by a man from Saudi Arabia, Wilders said. Once again, an incredible number of innocent victims, dead and wounded, are to be mourned. Once again politicians crying crocodile tears. Ive been saying it for over 20 years: stop with those open borders," he added. French far-right politician, Marine Le Pen also took potshots at the rise in Islamism across Europe. Once again, Islamist barbarity is sowing terror in the heart of Europe. This act of war against a symbol of our civilisation is heartbreaking, Le Pen said, adding: Our thoughts this evening are with the victims and families of this carnage perpetrated in the middle of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Meanwhile, British politician Nigel Farage also blamed the violence on border policies. We have allowed people who hate us and our values into Europe. Christmas is their target. Any guesses why? Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been increasingly supporting the rightwing European leaders later reposted Farages tweet. Days before the attack, Musk endorsed the German far-right party for the February polls. The Tesla CEO later shared another post in which he called for the resignation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling him an incompetent fool. The attack happened after an alarm was raised Following the incident, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a post on social media that she plans to visit Magdeburg with Chancellor Olaf Scholz to express our deepest condolences and to thank the emergency services. We fear for the lives of the seriously injured and mourn for the people who were taken from their lives by this terrible act, she said. Last month, Faeser called for great vigilance at Christmas markets, a popular holiday tradition across Europe. Federal security authorities do not currently have any concrete indications of danger, she said in an interview with DW. But in view of the high threat situation at an abstract level we still have reason to be very vigilant and to take effective action for our security, she said, pointing to additional security measures, such as a ban on knives at Christmas markets, punishable with a fine of up to about $10,500. Advertisement HTS, which leads the victorious coalition of armed groups in Damascus, claims to have broken with jihadism and has sought to reassure people of its ability to revive the country after nearly 14 years of civil war read more Fireworks errupt as Syrians gather to celebrate the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad at the main Ummayad Square in the capital Damascus on December 20, 2024. AFP Syria wants to contribute to regional peace, the countrys new authorities said late Friday, after a meeting between leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and a US diplomatic delegation. The Syrian side indicated that the Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region and that Syria rejects any polarisation, the statement said. It said the new authorities wanted to affirm Syrias role in promoting regional peace and building privileged strategic partnerships with countries in the region. Advertisement A Syrian official had previously told AFP that the meeting between al-Sharaa known previously by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and the US delegation led by Barbara Leaf, head of the Middle East at the State Department, was positive. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that seized power in Damascus, was previously the target of US sanctions. But after their first formal contact in Damascus on Friday, Washington announced it had dropped a bounty for his arrest. Based on our discussion, I told him that we were dropping the offer of a reward, Leaf told reporters. She said she told the new Syrian leader of the critical need to ensure that terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside Syria or outside, including to the United States and our partners in the region. He committed to doing so, she said, adding he had appeared to her as pragmatic. HTS, which leads the victorious coalition of armed groups in Damascus, claims to have broken with jihadism and has sought to reassure people of its ability to revive the country after nearly 14 years of civil war. Advertisement France, Germany, Britain, and the United Nations have also sent emissaries to Damascus in recent days to establish contacts with the new authorities. The West is wary of the risk of fragmentation of the country and the resurgence of the jihadist group Islamic State, which has never been completely eradicated there. Francis, 88, has called for peace since Hamass unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza read more Pope Francis on Saturday condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as cruelty, a day after the territorys rescue agency said an Israeli air strike killed seven children from one family. Gazas civil defence rescue agency reported that an Israeli air strike killed 10 members of a family on Friday in the northern part of the territory, including seven children. Yesterday they did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised. Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war, he told members of the government of the Holy See. I want to say it because it touches my heart. Advertisement Violence in the Gaza Strip continues to rock the coastal territory more than 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war, even as international mediators work to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants. The Israeli military told AFP it had struck several terrorists who were operating in a military structure belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation and posed a threat to IDF troops operating in the area. According to an initial examination, the reported number of casualties resulting from the strike does not align with the information held by the IDF, it added. Francis, 88, has called for peace since Hamass unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza. In recent weeks he has hardened his remarks against the Israeli offensive. At the end of November, he said that the invaders arrogance prevails over dialogue in Palestine, a rare position that contrasts with the tradition of neutrality of the Holy See. In extracts from a forthcoming book published in November, he called for a careful study as to whether the situation in Gaza corresponds to the technical definition of genocide, an accusation firmly rejected by Israel. Advertisement The Holy See has recognised the State of Palestine since 2013, with which it maintains diplomatic relations, and it supports the two-state solution. Turkey backs Syrias new Islamist-led rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and hopes they will act against Kurdish fighters. Ankara has vowed to continue military operations until Kurdish forces disarm, citing border security concerns read more A Turkish drone strike killed five civilians in northeastern Syria on Saturday (December 21), according to a war monitor, marking the latest in a series of deadly incidents amid escalating tensions in the region. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that two of the victims, including a woman and a political party member, succumbed to their injuries, adding to three earlier deaths in the same attack. The strike targeted a car travelling between Al-Hawl and Tal Brak in Hasakeh province, the Kurdish Hawar news agency said. Advertisement This crime is one of a series of flagrant violations of international law and human rights which forbid the targeting of civilians, the Kurdish Internal Security Force said in a statement. Separately, Turkish drones struck wheat silos southwest of Kobane, destroying significant stockpiles, according to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led force in the region. The SDF has been a key US ally in the fight against ISIS and serves as the de facto Kurdish army in northeastern Syria. Backdrop: Violence after Assads fall The violence comes after the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, which saw Turkey increasing its support for armed groups opposing Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara views the SDF as a terrorist organisation due to its links with the YPG, a Kurdish group Turkey claims is tied to PKK militants waging a long-running insurgency within Turkey. Turkey backs Syrias new Islamist-led rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and hopes they will act against Kurdish fighters. Ankara has vowed to continue military operations until Kurdish forces disarm, citing border security concerns. On Thursday (December 19), two Kurdish journalists were killed in a Turkish drone strike near the Tishrin Dam, south of Kobane, while covering clashes between Ankara-backed forces and the SDF. The Observatory also reported 14 pro-Turkey fighters killed in fighting near the dam on Saturday. Tensions are rising over the strategic Kurdish-held town of Kobane, with fears of a Turkish assault growing after Ankara-backed forces captured Manbij and Tal Rifaat, two other key towns. The Turkish military maintains it targets only terrorist groups and denies accusations of striking civilians. With inputs from agencies In the early hours of Saturday, Senators voted 85-11 to approve the extension of government funding at the current level until March 14. The bill will now reach the desk of the current US President Joe Biden for his signature before the Friday midnight deadline read more Hours after the nod from the US House of Representatives, the Senate passed the new stopgap bill, averting a government shutdown. In the early hours of Saturday, Senators voted 85-11 to approve the extension of government funding at the current level until March 14. The bill came after President-elect Donald Trump influenced Republicans to reject the original bipartisan deal, leaving the Congress in a spiral. The bill provides more than $100 billion in disaster assistance to areas ravaged by hurricanes and other storms and includes economic assistance for farmers. On Friday night, the bill was passed by the House with 366 votes in favour, 34 against and one person abstained from voting. Advertisement The bill will now reach the desk of the current US President Joe Biden for his signature before the Friday midnight deadline. Tonight, the Senate delivers more good news for America. There will be no government shutdown right before Christmas, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor ahead of final passage. This is a good bill. Itll keep the government open and helps Americans affected by hurricanes and natural disasters, helps our farmers and avoid harmful cuts," he added. Schumer emphasised that the whole ordeal gives a lesson for the next year that the bipartisan approach is the only way out. After a chaotic few days in the House, its good news that the bipartisan approach in the end prevailed. Its a good lesson for next year. Both sides have to work together, he added. The bill was passed by the Congress after a turbulent week Interestingly, the bill, which was passed by the House, dropped US President-elect Donald Trumps demand for a debt limit increase. Chaos ensued after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk slammed the initial bipartisan stopgap bill at the very last minute. This raised fears of a government shutdown with the Democratic Party leader referring to Musk as president instead of Trump. Soon after the condemnation from the president-elect, a Trump-backed package was hastily drawn out by the House Republicans which called for a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling, which would have helped the incoming president enact his agenda. However, the move was rejected by his own party members and failed to garner support in the House. While the final bill did not include Trumps demand for temporary suspension of the debt limit, the Republicans agreed to increase the borrowing limit by $1.5 trillion in exchange for $2.5 trillion in net cuts to mandatory spending. This provision would come into play during next years budget reconciliation process. Is Trump losing grip over the GOP? The rejection of the Trump-backed bill on Thursday indicated that the president-elect might not have an iron-clad grip on the Republican Party, which was usually thought after he won the November 5 polls. Trump had furiously urged the package to be passed, including threatening to oppose any Republicans who go against his bill. Despite numerous warnings from both Musk and Trump, Republican lawmakers on the right were outraged by lifting government borrowing limits rebelled. Critics are now arguing that the recent breakdown gave an early glimpse of the chaos to come when Trump returns to the White House on 20 January. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. The US House of Representatives passed a new funding bill just hours before the deadline, averting a government shutdown. The bill ignored Trumps demand to suspend the debt ceiling for two years and will now be voted at the Senate. read more US House Speaker Mike Johnson arrives to speak to reporters after the US House of Representatives rejected a Republican-led funding bill aimed at averting the closure. Reuters After a turbulent week, the House of Representatives passed a new funding bill on Friday evening, just hours before the US government was due to shut down. Interestingly, the bill, which was passed by the House, dropped US President-elect Donald Trumps demand for a debt limit increase. The bill was passed by 366-34 in favour and approved the government funding for the next three months. The legislation was soon sent to the Senate, where it is also expected to be passed. Chaos ensued after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk slammed the initial bipartisan stopgap bill at the very last minute. This raised fears of a government shutdown with the Democratic party leader referring to Musk as president instead of Trump. Advertisement Soon after the condemnation from the president-elect, a Trump-backed package was hastily drawn out by the House Republicans which called for a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling, which would have helped the incoming president enact his agenda. However, the move was rejected by his own party members and failed to garner support in the House. White House slams Trump and Republicans The bill which now sits at the Senate table, funds federal operations and disaster aid, but excludes Trumps debt-ceiling proposal. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre launched a scathing attack against Republicans over how they handled the budget crisis. Republicans blew up this deal they did and they need to fix this, period, she told reporters. [Republicans need] to stop playing politics with a government shutdown, and theyre doing the bidding of their billionaire friends, thats what were seeing, at the expense of hardworking Americans," she added. While Jean-Pierre didnt name specific individuals, her remarks appeared to referencing Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who had publicly opposed an earlier bipartisan spending deal that was ultimately abandoned at Trumps urging. This is a mess that they created, and they need to fix this, Jean-Pierre said. Does Trump have a hold over the GOP? The rejection of the Trump-backed bill on Thursday indicated that the president-elect might not have an iron-clad grip on the Republican Party, which was usually thought after he won the November 5 polls. Trump had furiously urged the package to be passed, including threatening to oppose any Republicans who go against his bill. Despite numerous warnings from both Musk and Trump, Republican lawmakers on the right were outraged by lifting government borrowing limits rebelled. Critics are now arguing that the recent breakdown gave an early glimpse of the chaos to come when Trump returns to the White House on 20 January. It is pertinent to note that Friday was lawmakers final day to approve a new federal budget before a government shutdown would begin at midnight. If the Senate passes the bill before midnight, Congress will avert a government shutdown. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. The bounty was lifted following the first face-to-face meeting between American diplomats and the HTS leadership read more The United States has lifted a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was the strongest rebel group that emerged after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Al Assads regime. The bounty was lifted following the first face-to-face meeting between American diplomats and the HTS leadership. Barbara Leaf, the State Departments senior diplomat for the Middle East, announced the move on Friday. She said that Sharaa had given assurance to the American diplomats that Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups would not be allowed to operate in Syrian territory. Advertisement Leaf noted that the US delegation told Sharaa that they would no longer offer the $10m reward for his capture. They maintained that the bounty would complicate the efforts to hold talks with the HTS leadership in the future. It was a policy decision aligned with the fact that we are beginning a discussion with HTS, Leaf said. So if Im sitting with the HTS leader and having a lengthy detailed discussion about the interests of the US, interests of Syria, maybe interests of the region, its suffice to say a little incoherent then to have a bounty on the guys head," she added. While making the announcement, Leaf was accompanied by the presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens, and Daniel Rubinstein, a senior adviser who has been put in charge of handling US relations with the new forces running Syria. Fall of Assad should end Irans influence in the region: Leaf Leaf emphasised the fall of Assads draconian regime should mark an end to the Iranian influence in Syria. What our government would like to see is a Syria that can stand on its own two feet, that can regain, like its neighbour, Iraq, a full measure of sovereignty over its own affairs, she said. During the meeting, the American delegation raised questions about the whereabouts of Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012. They also raised concerns about Majd Kamalmaz, a Syrian-American psychotherapist, and other US citizens who disappeared during Assads rule, The Guardian reported. What about the Kurds? It is pertinent to note that the United States has not had diplomatic relations with Syria since closing its embassy in 2012. Another issue which propped up during the Friday meeting was the Kurds in Syria. The group has been a strong ally of the United States and helped the country to deal with the presence of Islamic State in the region. This complicates things since Turkey which helped the rebel groups in Syria has been urging outside powers to cut their support for the Kurdish militia in northern Syria, the Peoples Defence Units (YPG), which make up the core of the counter-IS alliance, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkey has already deemed the YPG as a terrorist organisation. Advertisement On Thursday, Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said: In the upcoming period we do not believe that any power will continue to collaborate with terrorist organisations. The heads of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State and PKK-YPG will be crushed in the shortest possible time. While addressing the matter, Leaf said that the US is seeking a compromise over the SDFs future. We are working energetically in discussions with Turkish authorities, also with the SDF, she said. We think the best way ahead is for a ceasefire around Kobane [a Kurdish stronghold on the Turkish border] and that we work to find what I would call a managed transition in terms of SDF role in that part of the country." Advertisement So I think were working above all to de-escalate things there, to not distract from the really critical counter-Isis fight and the critical role that the SDF has in managing foreign terrorist fighter detention facilities, while Damascus and the SDF hopefully begin a dialogue themselves," she added. The meeting took place a day after the Pentagon stated that 2,000 US troops are currently stationed in Syria. This was a significant jump from the 900-figure which was pushed by the American officials. With inputs from agencies. Qualcomm has successfully defended itself in a trial against Arm Holdings regarding a claim that it violated a licensing agreement. The dispute arose after Qualcomms 2021 acquisition of Nuvia, a startup, for $1.4 billion. Arm alleged that Qualcomm improperly used Nuvias chip technology without paying a higher licensing fee. However, a federal jury in Delaware concluded on Friday that Qualcomm did not breach the terms of its agreement with Arm. The jury also could not decide if Nuvia had violated the license, leaving that issue open for a potential retrial. Background of the Dispute Arm, a leading chip design company based in the UK and majority-owned by Japans SoftBank, claimed that the acquisition of Nuvia should have triggered a renegotiation of the licensing terms. Arm argued that Qualcomm, relying on Nuvias technology to enhance its entry into the computer processor market, should have destroyed any designs obtained from Nuvia. Qualcomm, however, maintained that it had a separate license agreement with Arm, which covered its use of Arms technology in its products. The Jurys Verdict The jury ruled in favor of Qualcomm, affirming that all the products in question were covered by Qualcomms agreement with Arm. According to a report by The Verge, Qualcomms General Counsel, Ann Chaplin, commented, The jury has vindicated Qualcomms right to innovate and affirmed that all the Qualcomm products at issue in the case are protected by Qualcomms contract with ARM. Despite this win, the jury could not resolve whether Nuvia had breached its agreement with Arm. This unresolved issue could result in additional legal actions. Arms Response and Future Plans Arm expressed disappointment with the jurys inability to reach a consensus on all counts. We are disappointed that the jury was unable to reach consensus across the claims the company said in a statement, as reported by Bloomberg. Arm has indicated its intention to seek a retrial on the matter of whether Nuvia breached its license agreement. Key Testimonies and Impact The trial featured testimony from both companies CEOs. Qualcomms $1.4 billion purchase of Nuvia was viewed as a strategic effort to enhance its portfolio of next-generation chips, such as the Snapdragon X series. Internal documents from Qualcomm revealed that the company anticipated saving up to $1.4 billion annually on payments to Arm through the Nuvia acquisition. Arms internal documents suggested that the company could lose $50 million in revenue as a result of Qualcomms actions. Furthermore, Gerard Williams, co-founder of Nuvia, testified that the startup incorporated one percent or less of Arms technology in its final products. Conclusion and Future Plans for Qualcomm In light of the victory, Qualcomm reaffirmed its commitment to innovation. We will continue to develop performance-leading, world-class products that benefit consumers worldwide. The company stated, highlighting its work on custom ARM-compliant CPUs, including the Oryon processors. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code 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) China plays important role in South Asian countries' green transformation: scholars Xinhua) 11:18, December 21, 2024 POKHARA, Nepal, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's role was highlighted on Friday by scholars as some South Asian countries are transitioning to green development and low-carbon economies. A panel session themed on green development and digital economy in South Asia was held under the Phewa Dialogue hosted jointly by Sichuan University of China and Tribhuvan University of Nepal in Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city. Kazi Mahmudur Rahman from Independent University of Bangladesh talked about China's role in the greener development of his country's key textile industry. Focusing on China's role in advancing renewable energy in South Asia, Elibichchiralalage Nimala Chinthake Perera from University of Vocational Technology in Sri Lanka spoke of China's efforts in terms of investment, technology transfer, training, infrastructure development, policy support, offshore wind exploration and Belt and Road projects. He noted that his country has been tapping its wind energy resources to meet growing demand for power. Challenges have arisen from the new round of scientific and technological revolution, noted Xu Xiujun from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, suggesting building a digital Silk Road, a green Silk Road and a health Silk Road with high quality to confront the challenges. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) The US Capitol building is shrouded in haze in Washington, DC, the United States, on June 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Global Times-US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul claimed on Tuesday that some unidentified drones spotted above New Jersey and New York were "spy drones" from China. The US media described his remarks as a "bombshell." He rushed to label the unidentified drones as "Chinese spy drones" despite officials from the Biden administration having previously insisted that many of the aircraft were innocent commercial drones. Some American politicians seem to have a special preference for sensationalizing the "China threat." Much like the "spy balloon" incident that unfolded in early 2023, the latest accusations against Chinese drones follow an old script, repackaged with new rhetoric aimed at smearing China. The "spy balloon" that the US shot down with fighter jets turned the country into a laughingstock around the world. Over a year later, some US lawmakers are now aiming to slap the "spy" label on "Chinese drones," using alarmist language to stoke further fear and anxiety about China. Meanwhile, the Pentagon, White House, and Department of Homeland Security have all asserted that these unidentified flying objects have "no foreign origin." Once again, this proves that in the eyes of some US politicians, accusations of "spy" don't need to be based on facts, as long as they can defame China. From "spy balloons" to "spy cranes" to "spy drones"... these absurd and paranoid labels reflect the distorted and narrow-minded mentality of some US politicians in their attempts to contain and suppress China. The accusations against "Chinese spy drones" coincide with a recent move in the US Senate, where a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 aims to create mechanisms for further oversight and prohibition of the use of Chinese drones. The bill seeks to add Chinese drone companies to the Federal Communications Commission's "Covered List," which would prevent their use in telecommunications industries. Proponents of the bill argued that the US should ban Chinese drones, claiming that these drones pose a threat. Undoubtedly, some US politicians, by fostering continuous fear of a specific "other," are pushing political agendas that serve their private interests. The result is that the US ultimately bears the costs. American industrial insiders have told media that 90 percent of public safety agencies in the US and globally are already using Chinese drones. If the bill goes fully through and prohibits the use of Chinese drones, it would be catastrophic. The drone ban is also opposed by US farm groups, who consider Chinese drones to be better, cheaper, more capable, and more reliable than US-made alternatives, arguing that it would cripple US agriculture. However, some US political elites choose to ignore this reality. What they care about is demonizing everything related to China from balloons to garlic to drones in order to score political points and serve their own interests. The exaggerated "threat" posed by Chinese drones and the absurd legislation targeting them are nothing more than reflections of unwarranted fears about China. The current wave of drone hysteria only deepens the paranoia, making the US a breeding ground for delusion, irrationality, and instability. The rumors exaggerating the threat of Chinese "spy drones" and so-called security threats will ultimately collapse under their own weight. The repeated "spy" farces have only led one to wonder since when America has become so vulnerable in terms of security, making the US increasingly a laughingstock on the world stage. Fri Friday 50 /33 Light rain in the morning. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s. China FM urges Germany to stop manipulation, smears, and protect Chinese national's legitimate rights after reports of espionage probe into Chinese suspect Global Times By Global Times Published: Dec 20, 2024 05:34 PM In response to an inquiry on that German authorities are launching an espionage probe into a Chinese national who allegedly took pictures at a German naval base, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that he is not aware of the case and the Chinese government consistently urges Chinese citizens abroad to abide by local laws and regulations. The Chinese government protects the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens and enterprises in accordance with the law. We hope the German side will base its actions on facts, stop manipulating and slandering under the guise of the so-called spy case, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Germany, said Lin. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 19, 2024 Contracts Contracts For Dec. 20, 2024 NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $11,762,911,991 undefinitized, fixed-price incentive (firm-target), firm-fixed-price modification (P00011) to a previously awarded contract (N0001923C0003). This modification adds scope for the production and delivery of 145 F-35 full rate production (FRP) Lot 18 aircraft (48 F-35A aircraft for the Air Force; 16 F-35B aircraft and five F-35C aircraft for the Marine Corps; 14 F-35C aircraft for the Navy; 15 F-35A aircraft and one F-35B aircraft for F-35 non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) program partners; and 39 F-35A aircraft and seven F-35B aircraft for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers). Additionally, this modification provides tooling support for the governments of Italy and Japan's final assembly and check out facilities. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (57%); El Segundo, California (14%); Warton, United Kingdom (9%); Cameri, Italy (4%); Orlando, Florida (4%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); San Diego, California (2%); Nagoya, Japan (2%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in June 2027. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,513,023,832; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,042,260,961; F-35 non-U.S. DOD program partner funds in the amount of $816,352,999; and FMS customer funds in the amount of $2,013,017,680 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract that is being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. 4 Marine Service LLC, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico (N00023-25-D-0001); 4H4 Management GmbH, Weinheim, Germany (N00023-25-D-0002); Acciona Construction Australia Pty. Ltd., Port Melbourne, Australia (N00023-25-D-0003); Acquisition Logistics LLC, Henrico, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0004); African Contract Solutions Inc., Irving, Texas (N00023-25-D-0005); Agudam LLC, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (N00023-25-D-0006); Ahntech Inc., Los Altos, California (N00023-25-D-0007); Al Jazy Trading Co., Amman, Jordan (N00023-25-D-0008); Amentum Services Inc., Chantilly, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0009); American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group Inc., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (N00023-25-D-0010); Amstability LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0011); Anglicotech LLC, Arlington, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0012); Atlantic Diving Supply Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0013); Bodwe-Kvg JV LLC, Dowaiac, Michigan (N00023-25-D-0014); Bromgrove Limited, Herndon, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0015); Centerra Group LLC, Herndon, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0016); Competdac SRL, Oradea, Romania (N00023-25-D-0017); Crowley Government Services Inc., Jacksonville, Florida (N00023-25-D-0018); Culmen International LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0019); DA Defense Logistics HQ LLC, El Paso, Texas (N00023-25-D-0020); DaeKee Global Co. Ltd., Busan, South Korea (N00023-25-D-0021); Deckscop Consultancy and Trading, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (N00023-25-D-0022); Delta Vector USA LLC, Houston, Texas (N00023-25-D-0023); Deployed Global Solutions LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0024); Deployed Resources LLC, Rome, New York (N00023-25-D-0025); Downie Jones Ship Stores Ltd., Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong (N00023-25-D-0026); DSG Bulgaria Eood, Sliven, Bulgaria (N00023-25-D-0027); DVE Construction Ood, Zlatograd, Bulgaria (N00023-25-D-0028); Ecolog International FZE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (N00023-25-D-0029); EFS Ebrex SARL, Geneva, Switzerland (N00023-25-D-0030); Elizarov Consulting Group LLC, Germantown, Maryland (N00023-25-D-0031); Gardaworld Federal Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0032); Gelasakis Tourism Hotel Services Societe Anonyme, Piraeus, Greece (N00023-25-D-0033); Gemini Tech Services LLC, Willow Park, Texas (N00023-25-D-0034); Global Defense Logistics SRL, Constanta, Romania (N00023-25-D-0035); Greenlight Group LLC, Destin, Florida (N00023-25-D-0036); Gulf Master General Trading LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (N00023-25-D-0037); Hall Brian, Solana Beach, California (N00023-25-D-0038); Hectacorp Inc., Panama City, Panama (N00023-25-D-0039); Hong Ye Rental & Construction Ltd., Saipan, North Mariana Islands (N00023-25-D-0040); Inchcape Shipping Services Dubai LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (N00023-25-D-0041); IPGS Corp. Pte. Ltd., Singapore (N00023-25-D-0042); ITBM Group Ltd., Dubai, United Arab Emirates (N00023-25-D-0043); J & J Maintenance, Inc., McLean, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0044); JTG Corp. Pte. Ltd., Singapore (N00023-25-D-0045); KBR Services LLC, Houston, Texas (N00023-25-D-0046); KUOG Corp., Huntsville, Alabama (N00023-25-D-0047); KVG LLC, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (N00023-25-D-0048); Lee Eng & Construction, Inc., Houston, Texas (N00023-25-D-0049); Logistics Plus Inc., Erie, Pennsylvania (N00023-25-D-0050); Logistics Worldwide 365 LLC, Dallas, Georgia (N00023-25-D-0051); Loyal Source Government Services LLC, Orlando, Florida (N00023-25-D-0052); Lukos LLC, Tampa, Florida (N00023-25-D-0053); Maginot Support Services Inc., Flower Mound, Texas (N00023-25-D-0054); Marianas Integration LLC, Saipan, North Mariana Islands (N00023-25-D-0055); Military Services Australia Pty. Ltd., Murarrie, Australia (N00023-25-D-0057); MLSUSA Corp., East Longmeadow, Massachusetts (N00023-25-D-0058); Monarch Global SP. Z O.O., Warszawa, Poland (N00023-25-D-0059); MVL USA Inc., Lansing, Michigan (N00023-25-D-0060); National Shipping Agency S.A., Souda, Greece (N00023-25-D-0061); NO KA Lahui JV LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii (N00023-25-D-0062); Noamer Consulting and Investments Ltd., Herzliyah, Israel (N00023-25-D-0063); Noble Supply & Logistics LLC, Boston, Massachusetts (N00023-25-D-0064); Obera LLC, Herndon, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0065); Offize Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada (N00023-25-D-0066); OPS Corp., Busan, South Korea (N00023-25-D-0067); Pacific Defense Contracting LLC, Bangor, Maine (N00023-25-D-0068); Palladium Internation LLC, Washington, D.C. (N00023-25-D-0069); Parsh Marine(S) Pte. Ltd., Singapore (N00023-25-D-0070); Poland - U.S. Operations SP. Z O.O., Gdynia, Poland (N00023-25-D-0071); Proshipser JSC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (N00023-25-D-0072); Red Orange North America Inc., Fort Washington, Pennsylvania (N00023-25-D-0073); Relyant Global LLC, Maryville, Tennessee (N00023-25-D-0074); Response AI Solutions LLC, Arlington, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0075); Rio Logistics(S) Pte. Ltd., Singapore (N00023-25-D-0076); RMGS Berger, A JV LLC, Virginia Beach, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0077); Shipping Consultants Associated Ltd., Chatham, Great Britain (N00023-25-D-0078); Seabulk Logistics Services LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (N00023-25-D-0079); TAA SP. Z O.O., Bydgoszcz, Poland (N00023-25-D-0080); TechTrans Intl., Inc., Houston, Texas (N00023-25-D-0081); Terrestris LLC, Dumfries, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0082); Trailer Bridge Inc., Jacksonville, Florida (N00023-25-D-0084); US21 Inc., Fairfax, Virginia (N00023-25-D-0085); Vectrus Systems LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado (N00023-25-D-0086); Waypoint LLC, Lead, South Dakota (N00023-25-D-0087); Weston Trolley Co. LLC, Dearborn, Montana (N00023-25-D-0088); and Zenjatra Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal (N00023-25-D-0089), are being awarded a $1,425,000,000 multiple award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide logistical capabilities which supports the six phases of the continuum of military operations in support of the geographic combatant command's joint operations, coalition partners, and other federal agencies in setting and sustaining the theater through the following requirements: theater opening (includes reception, staging, onward-movement, and integration support; sustainment; theater distribution; and stability operations and Defense Support of Civil Authorities support. The contracts will run concurrently and will include a five-year base performance period with one five-year option with individual requirements performed under task orders when specific dates and locations are identified. If the option period is exercised, the total estimated contract maximum could be up to $2,850,000,000. The base period will begin in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2029; if all options are exercised, the performance period will be completed by December 2034. Work will be performed in 26 geographic regions: North America; the Caribbean and Bermuda; Central America; South America; Middle East; Bahrain; United Arab Emirates; Africa; Eastern Europe and Western Asia; Western Europe; Mainland Asia; Japan; Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka; Australia and Oceania; Pacific Islands; Philippines; Indonesia; Malaysia and Singapore; Thailand; Vietnam; Southeastern Asia; the continental U.S.; Hawaii; the U.S. Pacific Ocean Outlying Territories; and the U.S. Atlantic Ocean Outlying Territories. Due to the fact that the specific requirements cannot be predicted at this time, more specific information about the percentage and where the work will be performed cannot be currently provided. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) (O&M,N) funds in the amount of $43,500 will be obligated ($500 on each of the 87 contracts to fund the contracts' minimum amounts) and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Additional funds will be obligated at the task order level with the appropriate fiscal year O&M,N funding as issued by the customers for each area of responsibility. The requirement was competitively procured with small business set aside for geographic regions within the U.S. and outlying territories, with 96 offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command Headquarters, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, was awarded a $235,478,899 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification for engineering, technical, design agent, and planning yard support for operational strategic and attack submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Kings Bay, Georgia (13%); Bangor, Washington (10%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (3%); North Kingston, Rhode Island (2%); and Newport, Rhode Island (2%), and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,361,900 (49%), fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,375,000 (33%); fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of in the amount of $2,391,000 (13%); and fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $989,000 (5%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $3,380,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-24-C-2124). Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Owego, New York is awarded a $198,092,727 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides maintenance, program management, and logistics services to support through life support (TLS) services for 36 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) MH-60R aircraft. The TLS services enable the RAN to provide the necessary operational capability and all-inclusive sustainment to include organizational, intermediate, depot, operational and deeper level maintenance, training, and support activities on RAN MH-60R aircraft, aircraft systems, support systems, and support and test equipment for the RAN AIR 9000 Phase 8 Future Naval Aviation Combat System MH-60R Foreign Military Sales FMS program. Work will be performed in Yerriyong, Australia (83.5%); Owego, New York (10%); Stratford, Connecticut (6%); and Mawson Lakes, Australia (0.5%), and is expected to be completed in January 2028. 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 (N0001925D0016). The MAG DS Corp., doing business as MAG Aerospace, Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $79,837,991 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite/delivery-indefinite/quantity contract. This contract procures surveillance systems and associated materials and components, as well as system and sensor installations in support of the mission of the Regional Multi-domain Awareness Capability Program Office. This program provides services and support to customers both domestic and foreign to include, but not limited to, Naval Air Systems Command, the Department of Defense, the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, and NASA, as well as state and local governments. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by 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 competed, and two offers were received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0032). (Awarded Dec. 19, 2024) Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $60,971,182 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-5405) to exercise options for Design-Agent engineering and technical services, Technical Data Package maintenance, travel, and incidental material in support of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. This modification combines purchases for the Navy (65%); and the governments of South Korea (24%), and Japan (11%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (47%); Yuma, Arizona (12%); at sea/shipboard (7%); El Segundo, California (5%); Louisville, Kentucky (3%); China Lake, California (5%); Forest, Mississippi (1%); Dallas, Texas (1%); Picatinny, New Jersey (1%); and various other locations each less than 1% (18%). Work is expected to be completed by January 2026. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,254,499 (49%); FMS (South Korea) funds in the amount of $605,000 (24%); fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $415,585 (16%); and FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $271,600 (11%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $60,040,645 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-5123) to exercise options for in-service AEGIS Sustainment, Baseline 10 system and fielding, product documentation. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $24,284,462 (40.45%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $18,402,481 (30.65%); fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,038,706 (11.72%); fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,481,623 (7.46%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,310,114 (5.51%); fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,160,260 (3.60%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $363,000 (.60%), of which $7,038,705 (11.72%) will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. CACI Enterprise Solutions, Chantilly, Virginia (N3220525F0262), is awarded a $57,600,224 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Integrated Business Systems. The Integrated Business System provides lifecycle support for critical software intensive systems designed to provide business activity and operational support to both ashore and afloat MSC personnel and the fleet. The period of performance will begin Jan.1, 2025, and conclude June 30, 2026. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $3,030,000.00; and working capital funds (transportation) in the amount of $6,874,356, for a total of $9,904,355.92, will be obligated at the time of award. This contract will be a bridge contract awarded on a sole source basis in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1)(only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. JLL-Midnight Sun IFMS LLC, Vienna, Virginia, is awarded a $33,753,775 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification to previously awarded contract N69450-19-D-1750. This award brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $252,568,176. This modification provides for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Jacksonville, Florida; and outlying areas. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and outlying areas and will be completed by December 2025. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance (O&M) (Navy); fiscal 2025 O&M (Marine Corps); and fiscal 2025 Navy working capital funds, will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. Huntington Ingalls Industries Unmanned Systems, Pocasset, Massachusetts, is awarded a $31,855,947 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-6308) for Lionfish Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicle production, support equipment, and ancillary equipment. Work will be performed in Pocasset, Massachusetts (99%); and Hampton, Virginia (1%), and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,855,285 (62%); fiscal 2024 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $7,169,805 (23%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,830,857 (15%), will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $26,243,525 modification (P00034) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost contract (N6833518C0681). This modification is for the procurement of 14 electronic consolidated automated support system radio frequency mission equipment kits and 14 electronic consolidated automated support system radio frequency mission equipment kits (integrated configuration) in support of PMA260. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed in April 2027. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement funds (Navy) in the amount of $26,243,525 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Artisan Consulting Engineers LLC, Chapin, Illinois, is awarded a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for roofing construction. This contract provides for new construction, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation for roofing construction, repairs, maintenance and associated work. Work will be performed in San Diego, California; Naval Base Point Loma, California; Naval Base Coronado, California; Naval Base San Diego, California; and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and will be completed by December 2029. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, is $20,000,000. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Future task orders in the amount of $20,000,000 will be funded by fiscal 2025 operation & maintenance (Navy) funds. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website, with seven offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N6247325D3421). Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, was awarded a $17,833,201 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N0016421GWS31 N0016421FW038) for Engineering Services, to support AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer-Mid Band, used on the EA-18G Growler. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (90%); El Segundo, California, (5%); and Forest, Mississippi (5%), and is expected to be completed by March 2026. No funding will be obligated at time of the modification award. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 19, 2024) Raytheon Missile & Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded an $8,495,629 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-5415) to exercise options for maintenance and recertifications in support of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile and NATO SeaSparrow Missile Systems programs. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (94%); and the governments of the United Arab Emirates (4%), and Thailand (less than 1%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Mississauga, Canada (44%); Tucson, Arizona (41%); Ottobrunn, Germany (8%); Hopkinton, Massachusetts (2%); Burlington, Massachusetts (2%); Valencia, Canada (1%); and various other locations each less than 1% (2%), and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2025 other customer funds in the amount of $3,064,028 (36%); fiscal 2022 other customer funds in the amount of $2,500,000 (29%); fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,676,037 (20%); fiscal 2024 other customer funds in the amount of $921,645 (11%); FMS (United Arab Emirates) funds in the amount of $333,919 (4%); and FMS (Thailand) funds in the amount of $2,000 (less than 1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $1,676,037 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $17,389,071 modification (P00076) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N0001918C1012). This modification adds scope to procure Boeing services to provide the following: analysis of critical safety items, item unique identification, and interoperability and replaceability to determine inclusion and exclusion lists for future production aircraft, support services for the MQ-25 Fleet and Training Units, development of a configuration audit plan, update databases due to design changes, and update and deliver description document packages for changes to the SDTA+ configuration to support the Department of the Navy. Work will be performed in Saint Louis, Missouri and is expected to be completed in July 2028. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,389,071 will be obligated at the time of award, $17,389,071 which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Mercury Mission Systems LLC, Torrance, California, is awarded a $16,492,279 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N0001925F0066) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001924G0003). This order procures five data transfer units, 102 removable storage modules, and 51 docking station cables in support of CV-22 aircraft for the Air Force; 277 data transfer units, 554 removable storage modules, and 277 docking station cables in support of the V-22 aircraft for the Navy; 17 data transfer units, 34 removable storage modules, and 17 docking station cables for the government of Japan. Work will be performed in Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement funds (Navy) in the amount of $8,318,383; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,796,298; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement funds (Navy) in the amount of $2,659,851; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,627,571; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount $1,090,176, will be obligated at the time of award, $8,318,383 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Dunlap Towing Co., La Conner, Washington, is awarded an $8,139,060 fixed-price, economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for marine barge towing services for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). PSNS & IMF requires these services to transport defueled, decommissioned reactor compartment disposal packages from Bremerton, Washington, to the Port of Benton in Richland, Washington. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington (50%); and Richland, Washington (50%), and is expected to be completed by December 2029. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding will be provided at the task order level. This contract was competitively procured via the Solicitation module on the PIEE website, with two offers received. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, is the contracting activity (N4523A25D4000). AIR FORCE Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, has been awarded a $1,425,169,721 contract modification (P00007) to a previously awarded contract (FA8124-23-D-0002) for the T108 propulsion system sustainment. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $3,962,125,119. Work will be performed at Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia; and other locations in the contiguous and outside the contiguous U.S., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2032. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $74,636,341 will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Beyond New Horizons LLC, Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, has been awarded a $68,890,161 modification (P00008) to previously awarded (FA9101-24-C-B002) for test operations and sustainment. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $3,857,718,219. Work will be performed at Arnold AFB, Tennessee, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2036. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Arnold AFB, Tennessee, is the contracting activity. TDX International LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $52,862,547 cost-plus fixed-fee contract for Pacific Air Forces Alaska range combat training integrated communications and support interim contract. This contract provides for integrated range operations and maintenance in support of joint air and ground combat training and testing for the Air Force's Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex. Work will be performed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2027. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $13,299,369 are being obligated at time of award. The 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (FA5215-25-C-0001) . Qubitekk Inc., Bakersfield, California, was awarded a $21,100,244 cost-plus fixed-fee type Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract for Air Force Research Laboratory Quantum Network. This contract provides for research and development in quantum networking to establish secure and robust systems for the Air Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Work will be performed at Vista, California; and Rome, New York, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 18, 2028. This contract was a competitive acquisition; offers were solicited electronically via an open broad agency announcement and then later determined to be a SBIR Phase III, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2024 research and development funds in the amount of $8,973,817 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-25-C-B001). MacAir Aviation LLC, Xenia, Ohio, was awarded a $15,315,963 firm-fixed-price contract for the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Aeromedical Aviation Laboratory effort. This contract provides for Aerospace Medicine Primary training for all Air Force flight surgeons. Work will be performed in Xenia, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 3, 2029. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,729,501 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA2396-25-C-B002). Chimes District of Columbia Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, was awarded a $12,031,658 firm-fixed-price for base custodial services. This contract provides for custodial services to maintain base facilities. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,657,524 are being obligated at the time of the award. The 436th Contracting Squadron, Dover AFB, Delaware, is the contracting activity (FA4497-25-C-0011). Alaska Aerospace Corp., Anchorage, Alaska, has been awarded a $11,870,500 firm-fixed-price completion contract modification (P0003) to a previously awarded contract (FA8818-24-C-B002) for continued additional enhancements work at the Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska. Work will be performed in Kodiak Island, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by June 24, 2026. Fiscal 2024 congressional add funds in the amount of $11,870,500 are being obligated at the time of award. Space Systems Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired Inc., West Allis, Wisconsin, was awarded a $10,346,093 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the 66th Air Base Group Civil Engineering Division. This contract provides contractor operated civil engineer supply store services. Work will be performed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed Dec. 17, 2029. This contract was a mandatory source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $475,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA2835-25-D-0001). Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a $9,846,450 firm-fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost modification (P00004) to a previously awarded contract (FA8617-23-C-6241) for the Vietnamese Air Defense Air Force T-6C sustainment program. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas; and in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2026. This involves Foreign Military Sales to Vietnam. Foreign Military Finance funds in the amount of $9,846,450 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. H.V. Collins Inc., Providence, Rhode Island, was awarded an $8,383,834 firm-fixed-price construction contract for building renovations. This contract provides for construction requirements to renovate non-controlled administrative space into controlled space. Work will be performed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by April 14, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $2,351,095 are being obligated at the time of award. The Infrastructure Support Branch, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. (FA2835-25-C-0001) ARMY MVL USA Inc., Lansing, Michigan, was awarded a $495,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design-build and design-bid-build construction services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2029. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-25-D-0100). Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Washington, was awarded a $69,506,383 firm-fixed-price contract for the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. 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 Oct. 19, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (HC1050-23-D-0003). CACI Inc.-Federal, Chantilly, Virginia, was awarded a $61,093,078 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for Integrated Personnel and Pay System support. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2026. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation, Army and other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $1,870,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-25-C-5007). Eastman Aggregate Enterprises LLC, Lake Worth, Florida, was awarded a $14,974,541 firm-fixed-price contract for beach erosion control and beach renourishment. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Bal Harbour, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2025. Fiscal 2025 civil construction funds in the amount of $14,974,541 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-25-C-0004). Renk America LLC, Muskegon, Michigan, was awarded a $13,800,750 modification (P00067) to contract W56HZV-20-C-0124 for system technical support for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System, the Self-Propelled Howitzer System and the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle. Work will be performed in Muskegon, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2023, 2024 and 2025 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army in the amount of $13,800,750 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Longbow LLC, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $10,696,220 modification (P00013) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0053 for Apache AH-64D/E fired control radar. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2025 Army working capital fund funds in the amount of $10,696,220 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Aims Group, Metairie, Louisiana, was awarded an $8,047,738 firm-fixed-price contract for levee construction. 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 August 4, 2028. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-24-D-0001). Torch Technologies Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $7,741,480 modification (P00207) to contract W31P4Q-21-F-0038 for engineering services. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2024. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. CORRECTION: The $103,584,000 contract (W9127S-25-C-0001) announced on Dec. 17, 2024, for Barnard Construction Co. Inc., Bozeman, Montana, to construct a containment structure and a concrete box drainage bridge culvert structure was actually awarded today, Dec. 20, 2024. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Raytheon Co., Woburn, Massachusetts, is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with cost, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost-plus-award-fee line items with a stated maximum value of $191,143,000. Under this contract, the contractor will support the Missile Defense System modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts which include development and sustainment of radar models and the use of those models in events, including but not limited to, element development, including Army Navy/transportable radar surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) and Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) radar development, flight test pre-mission testing, ground test, and warfighter exercises and training. The highly specialized services required to meet the Agency's M&S needs for the radars include Open Systems Architecture Sensor Model (OSM) and open systems Architecture Signal Injector (OSI) development and maintenance, Integration of OSI with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) radar representation, integration of OSI with HWIL radar representation, integration of OSI and OSM with the simulation frame work, verification and validation support, stakeholder/event support, options for AN/TPY-2 and SBX wrapped tactical code models options for OSM suite maintenance and end user support, options for warfighter exercises and training, options for continuous digital assessment, options for OSM for end-to-end digital integrated system simulation, and options for OSI for ground test integrated system simulation. This award is the result of a sole source awarded acquisition. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Woburn, Massachusetts. The ordering period is from Dec. 20, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2027. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-18-D-0003). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY BC Technical Center LLC,* doing business as BC Engineered Products, Morristown, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $45,398,263 indefinite-quantity contract for family of medium and light tactical vehicles service kits. This was a competitive acquisition with eight responses received. This is a three-year contract with two one-year option periods. The performance completion date is Dec. 22, 2029. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-25-D-0026). GE Aviation Systems LLC, Loves Park, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $15,555,185 firm-fixed-price long-term contract for Abrams Family of Vehicles axial fan impellers and vaneaxial fan assemblies. A delivery order in the amount of $4,810,995 was also executed at the time of award. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (c)(1), as stated in the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 20, 2027. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is Army working capital funds and will be applied to the specific year delivery orders will be awarded in. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-25-D-0009). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a maximum $11,442,236 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for transfer transmissions with containers. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 19, 2029. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-25-D-0011). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4015078/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New York National Guard Members Train with Swedish Partners By Senior Airman Sarah McKernan, 106th Rescue Wing December 19, 2024 WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. -- Nine New York National Guard Airmen and Soldiers learned cold weather survival techniques from Sweden's subarctic warfare experts during a week-long course in Boden, Sweden, 48 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Five Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing, an Airman each from the 174th Attack Wing and the 105th Airlift Wing, and two Army Guard Soldiers took part in the Winter Training Planners Course at the Swedish Armed Forces Subarctic Warfare Center Nov. 25-29. The course included a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training in the Swedish winter, said Lt. Col. Bill Robesch, the 106th Rescue Wing's chief of safety. "They are the experts operating in this environment," Robesch said. "So we are going to pass that knowledge on to the rest of the New York Air National Guard and the rest of the Air Force. "We received briefings on training in subarctic environments, understanding how extreme cold affects both people and equipment and what to consider when planning in those conditions," he said. The team learned to assess how terrain differs between seasons comparing clear landscapes in warmer months to snow-covered terrain in winter and explored how these changes impact navigation and training operations, Robesch explained. The outdoor training provided real-world, hands-on experience with the challenges of working in extreme conditions, said 1st Lt. Louis Buck, a helicopter rescue pilot at the 106th. "They took us out onto a frozen lake and taught us how to assess the ice for safety," Buck explained. "We drilled holes and took core samples to check the ice thickness and quality. Based on those measurements, we learned how to calculate how much weight the ice could safely hold and whether it was suitable for crossing." The New Yorkers' visit to Sweden is the latest training exchange under a State Partnership Program agreement between the Swedish military and the New York National Guard signed in July. The Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program provides a framework for military cooperation and exchanges between state National Guards and other nations' militaries. Since signing the agreement, the head of the Swedish Army has visited the New York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division to observe training, the adjutant general of New York has led a delegation to Sweden, and Swedish Air Force officers have visited the 106th Rescue Wing. The New York National Guard also has State Partnership Program relationships with Brazil and South Africa. Tech. Sgt. Michael Patterson, a 106th special missions aviator, said a key takeaway from the latest training exchange was learning the importance of winterizing equipment and personnel. "The Swedish instructors went through our gear and provided recommendations on everything from the type of boots we should wear to the specific equipment needed for arctic operations," he said. "They gave us a rundown of their survival kits, showing us what they carry on everyday flights and what's necessary to survive and function in extremely cold conditions." Buck said the training was illuminating for the 106th team and strengthened ties between the U.S. and Swedish forces. "Meeting in person and experiencing each other's cultures really helps solidify and grow these partnerships," Buck said. "We already have a strong relationship with Brazil, and both us and the Swedish military are excited to build that same level of rapport and trust between our units." The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers specializing in rescue and recovery. It deploys for domestic and overseas operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Holds a Telephone Talk with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte President of the Republic of Bulgaria 19 December 2024 | 17:53 President Rumen Radev held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is visiting the Novo Selo training ground today to get acquainted with the activities of the Multinational Battle Group with Italy as the host country. During the talks, the two discussed the challenges related to the complicated security environment in Eastern Europe and the need to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Alliance member states in the region. The Head of State underlined the actions Bulgaria has undertaken to modernise the Armed Forces and said that he expects the Bulgarian National Assembly and the government to continue supporting this process. The President also called for the expedient construction of the NATO oil pipeline in Eastern Europe, which will increase the security of energy supplies in the region. For his part, Rutte underlined Bulgaria's contribution to the collective security system and the importance of the modernisation process of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and highlighted the high professionalism of the Bulgarian service people. In view of the serious geopolitical challenges the Alliance is facing, Rutte called on the member states to accept a higher percentage of the agreed minimum expenditure in the national budgets for the modernisation of the armed forces and the enhancement of their defence capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Golob: Weapons must be replaced by diplomacy Republic of Slovenia - Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia 19. 12. 2024 Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending a special European Council meeting in Brussels today. Yesterday, the EU-Western Balkans Summit was held, during which EU and Western Balkan leaders discussed the implementation of the Growth Facility, the region's progress towards the EU and common geopolitical challenges in a rapidly changing world. Today's summit will focus on the situation in Ukraine and a strategic debate on the EU's position, as well as on the situation in the Middle East, also addressing migration and former Finnish President Niinisto's report on strengthening Europe's civil and military resilience and preparedness. Before the European Council meeting, Prime Minister Golob attended a breakfast meeting of the Renew Europe political group, which was also attended by Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement. The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that Commissioner Kos will make her first official visit to Slovenia on Monday, 23 December 2024, which will be an opportunity to exchange views on the priorities of the new European Commission, EU enlargement and the current situation in Europe and the world. In a press statement, Prime Minister Golob said that 2025 will be the key year for ending the conflict in Ukraine: "Weapons must be replaced by diplomacy that seeks solutions for a just and lasting peace. When and if the opportunity to stop the conflict presents itself, Europe must seize it with both hands." EU leaders will also discuss the European Union's role in the world, particularly in the light of the changed geopolitical, security and economic situation. "I believe that the most important strategic debate today will be on how the European Union should position itself globally in these challenging times, while also anticipating the actions of the new US administration," the Prime Minister explained. Mr Golob also commented on yesterday's discussions at the EU-Western Balkans Summit. He noted that the leaders had engaged in very frank and fruitful talks, with enlargement gaining momentum, but that the first obstacles had also been revealed: "I think it will be necessary to be pragmatic, to keep political unity on the EU side regarding the goal of achieving enlargement. Slovenia is in favour of simpler, pre-defined rules to facilitate accession negotiations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior UN Official Tells Security Council That 'Unbearable' Numbers of Civilians Killed, Injured in Sudan, Urging End to Violence, Funding for Aid Meetings Coverage Security Council 9822nd Meeting (PM) SC/15947 19 December 2024 'I Was Burying the Corpses Myself,' Recalls Masalit Leader As indiscriminate killings, sexual violence and famine deepen the crisis in Sudan, the Security Council must rise to the challenge of delivering lasting peace in that country, that body heard today from both humanitarian officials and Member States. Noting that the war in Sudan has now raged for over 20 months, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the "unbearable" numbers of civilians killed and injured there. She reported that Thomas Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, held discussions with Sudanese authorities in November, which led to agreement on increased humanitarian presence in key locations. Also recalling his announcement of an immediate $5 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support efforts in eastern Chad, she added that permission to use the critical Adre border crossing was extended for three more months. However, while a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was able to reach Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur on 22 November, a second convoy was delayed by an escalation in fierce fighting. Outlining three key asks, she stressed first that parties must comply with international humanitarian law. The appalling toll exacted on civilians must end, essential infrastructure must be spared and sexual violence must be stopped. Council members must use their influence to ensure that all humanitarian relief routes are open. Finally, donors must provide the $4.2 billion needed to support nearly 21 million people inside Sudan in 2025, as well as the $1.8 billion needed to support 5 million people primarily refugees in seven neighbouring countries. "There are some in this Chamber who claim that any UN action to protect civilians would violate Sudan's sovereignty," observed Shayna Lewis, Senior Advisor and Sudan Specialist at the organization Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities. Sovereignty, however, comes with a responsibility to protect civilians. Without immediate Council action, the world will not remember the geopolitical excuses, she cautioned, but rather the genocide that occurred "on our watch again". Spotlighting the role of "external backers" including the United Arab Emirates she stressed that they must not be allowed to profit from Sudan's "smuggled and blood-drenched gold". The international community must not "draw a false equivalency" between the actions of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, she added. Backed by the United Arab Emirates, the latter is attempting to "finish the genocide that began over 20 years ago", she said. "If civilians are not dying from a bullet or bombs from the sky, they are dying from preventable famine," she continued, also pointing out that the massive telecommunications blackout which has left 30 million civilians unable to access the Internet is exacerbating the problem. Although negotiations have secured some humanitarian access, she emphasized that the aid is "only delaying death, not saving lives". Also addressing the Council was Saad Bahr el-Din, Sultan of the Masalit, who told the Council that even though previous statements were largely accurate the bloodiest parts of the conflict were not reflected in these briefings. The Masalit and other tribes have been systematically targeted at a large scale because of their ethnic identity, he said, stating that crimes include genocides "that haven't been witnessed in our modern history". He added that his city was under siege for two months by the Rapid Support Forces, which bombarded it around the clock from all sides. Additionally, he reported that foreign mercenaries prevented people and supplies from moving in or out and that snipers were stationed around water sources. "I myself was among those on the hit list," he said, recalling that after 56 days he fled his home at night, walking for 14 hours in the rain to help the wounded. Highlighting indiscriminate killing and torture, as well as the rape of women, he said: "I was burying the corpses myself." The Rapid Support Forces and allied militias from neighbouring countries burned and buried people alive, he went on to say, pointing to videos online showing these atrocities. Further, thousands of people have fled to camps in eastern Chad, where they live in dire humanitarian conditions among children and elderly dying from famine. Calling for radical solutions that include security, humanitarian assistance and justice, he stressed that the quantity of weapons flowing in from some countries in the region is "unimaginable". The Council must pressure those countries to stop providing arms that feed the war in Sudan, he concluded. Echoing that, Sudan's delegate said that the flow of weapons into his country has affected "the trajectory and balance of the war". The Rapid Support Forces have excelled in killing civilians, and the United Arab Emirates is using an aerial network to facilitate the Forces' regular access to weapons. Detailing this, he pointed to flights that took off from the United Arab Emirates and landed in Chad carrying "arms shipments to a warlord in southern Libya". Further, 160 Colombian mercenaries embedded in the Rapid Support Forces are employed by a company based in Abu Dhabi that works for the United Arab Emirates Government. Calling for an end to this flow of weapons, he said that it is also vital to designate the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization. Democracy is part and parcel of the culture of Sudan, and he underscored his Government's commitment to protecting civilians. It has made efforts to open air, sea and land crossings for humanitarian purposes and has renewed the opening of the Adre crossing for three months. And he pointed out that 3,980 of the 4,000 visa applications submitted have been approved and thousands of internal movement permits have been issued to humanitarian organizations. Nevertheless, the representative of the United Arab Emirates said: "It is deeply regrettable that the Sudanese representative would, once again, exploit an important Council meeting to try to evade responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground by making unfounded allegations against the [United Arab Emirates]." These claims emanate from the Sudanese Armed Forces' unwillingness to participate in peace talks, he said, adding that their goal is to take power in Sudan "through the barrel of a gun". Calling on the warring parties to cease hostilities and put people ahead of their military objectives, he underscored that the weaponization of hunger must end. Meanwhile, several delegates stressed the need to tackle the humanitarian crisis affecting the Sudanese people which Switzerland's representative called the world's worst food crisis while the United Kingdom's speaker described it as preventable man-made famine. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States and Council President for December, spoke in his national capacity to announce an additional $200 million in aid. Noting that this brings his country's total support for Sudan to $2.3 billion, he observed that States must double that to "even come close to meeting the immense demand". He added: "Don't just claim to be concerned about Sudan's future. Prove it." For his part, Japan's delegate highlighted a $5 million contribution to the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to develop water supply and hospital facilities in Sudan's Kassala and Red Sea States, while the representative of the Republic of Korea said that Seoul has provided $12 million in humanitarian assistance. Turkiye's representative noted that his country has delivered 8,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Port Sudan. China's delegate, welcoming the Sudanese Government's opening of the Adre crossing, highlighted his country's agricultural assistance programme in Red Sea State. Several speakers also stressed the importance of women's participation in political processes, including the representative of Malta, who commended Sudanese women for advancing peace at the grass-roots level. She also condemned "the epidemic of sexual violence" against women and girls as did Slovenia's delegate, who pointed out that "women and children bear the heaviest brunt" of the violence. Further, the call for ceasefire was heard repeatedly during today's debate, including from speakers in the region, such as the representative of Egypt who pointed to his country's common history and values with Sudan, as well as the 1.2 million Sudanese people it hosts. The international community must prevent this regional crisis from "metastasizing" into a global one and ensure that Sudan does not transform into a hub for terrorist groups, he added. In June 2023, Egypt hosted a conference for all Sudanese forces and participated in initiatives to achieve ceasefire, he recalled. Such a ceasefire, said Algeria's delegate also speaking for Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Guyana depends not only on the willingness of Sudanese parties, but also on the support of regional and international partners. For its part, the Council must support good-faith diplomatic efforts while preserving the central role of the United Nations and African Union, he said, welcoming the third consultative meeting on Sudan recently held in Mauritania. Drawing attention to the unconscionable role of external actors in this conflict, he urged full respect for the established sanctions regime and arms embargo. The representative of Ecuador also stressed that any external interference that fuels conflict and instability in Sudan is inexcusable. On another issue, France's delegate called for the creation of a mechanism to ensure that both parties implement the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan. He also expressed regret that a recent Council resolution concerning a ceasefire in Sudan was vetoed by the Russian Federation. However, the representative of the Russian Federation said that his delegation voted against that text because it ran counter to international law and undermined Sudan's legitimate Government. Objecting to all "dubious schemes of political engineering", he stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country "are not bargaining chips". While Sudan has already tried the entirety of the Council's toolbox, he observed that the only time it has experienced calm is "when the country has been left unbothered". He added: "Democracy and prosperity cannot be bought or sold like goods in a shop." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Yellowstone County jury determined Friday that a man shot dead two years ago died by suicide through law enforcement intervention. An eruption of gunfire near North Park on Memorial Day 2022 traumatized several men and women, along with their families, and resulted in one Billings police officer wounded by gunfire and 19-year-old Michael Morado being shot dead. I thought that I would never be able to see my son again, said Lt. Eric Schnelbach, who had to duck behind the dashboard of his vehicle while bullets fired by Morado tore through his windshield. Seven people served as the jury of Fridays coroners inquest. Per Montana law, such an inquest is held whenever a law enforcement officer uses deadly force. Yellowstone County attorneys Ed Zink and Hallie Bishop led jurors through the days proceedings. They called five witnesses, two of whom were officers who survived what one investigator called a gun battle with Morado. Late on the night of May 30, 2022, a patrol officer with the Billings Police Department attempted to pull over a Chevy Impala for traffic violations. The Impala, with Morado at the wheel, led the officer into a residential area near Grand Avenue and Eighth Street West. Dashcam footage played during the inquest showed the Impala stop briefly while a passenger hopped out of the car and ran away from the officer. The Impala then drove away. The officer reported the description of the Impala and its direction, then tried to track down the passenger on the run. Schnelbach, then a sergeant, was just a few months into his rank when he received the report of the Impala. Cameron Farrell, who had been with the department for roughly three years leading up to the shooting, was driving his own patrol car and also spotted the sedan. Farrell followed the Impala toward Burnstead Drive, he testified during the inquest, where it turned down an alleyway. Farrell reported the cars location, and Schnelbach also approached the alleyway, entering from the opposite end as Farrell. Within seconds, a report from Schnelbach went out across BPDs radio system. Shots fired, Schnelbach said. Schnelbach had driven his vehicle just in front of Morados Impala. With the two nearly facing each other, Morado raised a handgun and opened fire, with several bullets striking Schnelbachs windshield on the drivers side. One of those rounds struck Schnelbachs shoulder as he dropped to avoid gunfire. While still in cover, Schnelbach said in court, he put his vehicle into drive and rammed the Impala back into the alleyway. To the west of the Impala, Farrell started firing shots from his side arm as soon as he saw glass exploding from the two vehicles in front of him. He then got out of his vehicle and grabbed a rifle, intermittently demanding that Morado drop his weapon and show his hands. From what investigators determined, none of the shots fired by Schnelbach and Farrell struck Morado, who stayed inside the sedan while bullets peppered its chassis. Over 20 officers soon reached the scene to provide support, and arranged themselves in a broken crescent surrounding Morados vehicle in the alley. BPD Sgt. Benjamin Beck started calling out to Morado to show both of his hands. If you follow my instructions, Beck said, you will not be hurt. Seconds later, Morado opened the drivers door of the Impala. He had a pistol in his hand. Morado squeezed off several rounds toward police, and 11 officers opened fire. BPD Det. David Raschkow, who investigated the fatal shooting during the months that followed, later determined that those 11 officers fired approximately 90 rounds. Footage recovered from Schnelbach and Farrells dashcams captured the gunfight in unforgivingly graphic detail. Almost immediately after those 11 officers returned fire, Morado collapsed onto the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dr. Walter Kemp, Montanas chief medical examiner, conducted an autopsy of Morados body on June 1, 2022. He determined that gunfire had struck his body 15 times, only a fraction of which would have been fatal. Raschkow and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Agent Bradley Tucker, also assigned to investigate the shooting, were not able to establish which officer had fired the shots that killed Morado. Both did, however, tell the jury that they did not find any evidence of criminal conduct on the part of BPD officers. Jurors deliberated for roughly an hour before reaching their decision. The coroners inquest into a fatal shooting on the part of local law enforcement was the third such hearing in the past two months. In November, two separate inquests determined that officers were justified in using lethal force, and both hearings resulted in jurors concluding that those killed committed suicide through law enforcement intervention. Spain orders 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft 20 December 2024 Getafe, Spain, 20 December 2024 -- The Spanish government has signed a contract with Munich-based, Germany, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) for the acquisition of 25 Eurofighter aircraft. Known as the Halcon II programme, the order will cover the delivery of 21 latest-generation single-seat and four twin-seat Eurofighter aircraft to replace part of the F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force. The agreement, which follows a previous contract signed in 2022 for a batch of 20 fighter jets, will see the Spanish Eurofighter fleet grow to 115 aircraft. With the first delivery due in 2030, these new aircraft will: boost Spain's air-power capabilities and operations; reinforce its prominent position at the heart of NATO, and secure the programme's industrial footprint. "The Eurofighter is the most advanced and the most successful fighter jet from European production and is the backbone of European air superiority. It is also a symbol of industrial cooperation between nations and companies - an example of how Europe can work in our current defence context. We are grateful for the trust of the Spanish government in our Eurofighter and in Airbus Defence and Space. Not only is this order an important demand and defence signal, it secures the supply chain in Spain and across Europe," said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. All Spanish Eurofighters are assembled, tested and delivered at the Airbus Getafe site (Madrid-Spain) and its industrial footprint translates into more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in Spain alone. The main national defence and technological companies are involved in the manufacturing process. The acquisition was approved by Spain's Council of Ministers in September 2023 and includes the aircraft, engines, and the necessary support services. The Halcon saga Designed to replace the country's F-18 fleet, the Halcon programme means a significant upgrade of Spain's airpower capabilities: a total of 45 (20+25) Eurofighter jets ordered since 2022, equipped with advanced avionics, electronically-scanning radar (E-Scan), enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Full Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity. They will join the current Spanish Air Force's 70 aircraft fleet from 2026 onwards. In service with Spain since 2003, the country's air force operates the Eurofighter from the air bases at Moron (11th Wing), near Seville, and Los Llanos (14th Wing), Albacete. Gando (46th Wing), on the Canary Islands, will soon become the next operating base. In total, the Eurofighter programme secures more than 100,000 jobs in Europe, which will be boosted through latest-generation aircraft, as well as in the future, through technological advances within the Eurofighter development. To date, more than 700 Eurofighters have been ordered by eight nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia's Support for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Expansion Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 20 December 2024 Category: International relations On 20 December 2024, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, and the Hon Jeremiah Manele MP, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, released a Joint Statement announcing that Australia would a package of support to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). Guided by Solomon Islands' priorities, Australia's package of support will include funding, training and infrastructure to grow the RSIPF in a sustainable manner, including support for a new sovereign Police Training Centre in Honiara. This new step in our bilateral partnership builds on more than four decades of security cooperation between Solomon Islands and Australia, spanning policing, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, defence, border and cyber security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Leader During Precision Strike in Syria U.S. Central Command Press Release | Dec. 20, 2024 USCENTCOM Dec. 20, 2024 Release Number 20241220-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On Dec. 19, U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a precision airstrike targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif aka Mahmud in the Dayr az Zawr Province, Syria resulting in two ISIS operatives killed, including Abu Yusif. This airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond. This strike was conducted in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russians. "As stated before, the United States working with allies and partners in the region will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute. ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Federal Air Transport Service: New state aircraft landed in Switzerland Swiss Government Bern, 20.12.2024 -- The new state aircraft type Bombardier Global 7500 landed on 19th of December 2024 in Switzerland. In future, the Swiss Confederation will thus have a state aircraft with state of the art technology in terms of security, efficiency and performance. The first deployment of the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft by the Federal Air Transport Service is planned early in 2025. The Federal Air Transport Services operates the aircraft which are used by the federal government, departments, federal offices and the armed forces. In August 2023, the Federal Council resolved the procurement of a new state aircraft and assigned the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) the task of replacing the Cessna Citation Excel 560XL with a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft. The new state aircraft was handed over on 17th December 2024 by the manufacturer Bombardier in Montreal, Canada to representatives from Switzerland. Prior to the handover, the aircraft was checked by specialists from flight testing at the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse and the Air Force. After successful acceptance, the aircraft was flown by a mixed pilot crew of the Air Force and armasuisse into Switzerland, where it landed on the Payerne military airfield after a flight of around seven hours on the evening of 19th December. First deployment by Federal Air Transport Service planned early in 2025 The ground and cockpit staff will be trained from January 2025. The first deployment of the new state aircraft by the Federal Air Transport Service is planned early in 2025. Expectably during the first two years, the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft will be based at the Payerne military airfield before it is stationed at the Bern-Belp airport near the Federal City of Bern. The Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft will also be used for long distance operations from Bern-Belp. It is planned to install the self-protection system in summer and autumn 2025, which will reduce the risk in the event of threats by Man Portable Air Defence Systems (known as MANPADS). After successful testing, acceptance and approval of the self-protection system, the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft will eventually be ready for full use at the end of 2025. It will have considerably greater range and autonomy than the previous state aircraft fleet. The Federal Air Transport Service's previous aircraft will still be used until upgrading is completed. These are the Citation Excel 560XL (year of construction 2002) from Cessna and the Falcon 900EX (year of construction 2008) from Dassault. The Citation Excel 560XL will be replaced by the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft in due course. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General concludes visit to Georgia Council of Europe Secretary General Strasbourg/Tbilisi 20 December 2024 Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his three-day visit to Georgia today. He made the following statement at a press conference in Tbilisi today, focusing on fundamental freedoms, democracy and recently adopted legislation (see also the video of the press conference here). "Dear media representatives, good afternoon, Thank you for joining me at today's press conference which concludes my official visit to Georgia. I am joined on the stage by the Council of Europe's Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Marja Ruotanen, and the Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Gianluca Esposito: they will be able to answer any technical question you may have. This is a critical time for Georgia: the country is filled with political tension, polarised public debate and high-level of violence. I am here first and foremost to show my support to Georgia and Georgian people. They deserve to live in a stable and democratic country. As you know, Georgia is a full and valued member of the Council of Europe since over 25 years. As Secretary General, it is not for me to legitimise the elections. This is the competence of state institutions. In addition, I refer you to the reports of the election observation missions. With all that is happening in Georgia, it would be irresponsible for me as Secretary General not to be here. Not to be here by the side of one of our member States - to stand with its people. The main objective of my visit is to remind everyone that the current political crisis can only be resolved by standing by the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I would like to thank all those whom I met this week. I had frank, open, constructive discussions with everyone who agreed to meet me: civil society, the Public Defender, government and oppositions, as well as representatives of the international community in Tbilisi. This was one of the key conditions for my visit: to see everyone. Dialogue is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy. Ahead of my visit, I welcomed the release of Nika Gvaramia and Aleko Elisashvili without prejudice to pending judicial proceedings. And I met Mr Elisashvili yesterday afternoon. Today, let me focus on three important issues: first, fundamental freedoms; second, democracy; and third, recently adopted laws. First, fundamental freedoms. During my meetings with the authorities, I made clear that fundamental freedoms - notably freedom of expression, media freedom, and freedom of assembly as enshrined on the European Convention of Human Rights and interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights - must be fully protected. Violence from all sides is not acceptable, notably against demonstrators and journalists. The number of alerts sent to our Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists has significantly increased and shows, in some cases brutal attacks against media professionals. I call upon the Georgian authorities to, first, refrain from disproportionate use of force; second, rapidly carry out independent, transparent and effective investigations and ensure that those responsible are held to account; and third, release all those subject to administrative detention. I welcome assurances I have received in those respects. On 18 to 29 November this year, the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) visited Georgia. During the visit, the delegation examined the treatment and safeguards afforded to persons in police custody, including those detained during the ongoing public demonstrations in Tbilisi. Early next week, the CPT will share its preliminary findings with the authorities. I expect the government to act upon them as soon as possible. A follow up visit by the CPT may be carried out in the coming weeks. The second point I would like to raise is about democracy. Polarisation is undermining democratic debate in Georgia. All political forces, majority and oppositions alike, must assume their responsibilities to break this deadlock through dialogue and respect for democratic principles. Democracy cannot function in a climate of generalised mistrust and permanent confrontation. We at the Council of Europe are available to facilitate this political dialogue, notably through confidence-building measures and parliamentary cooperation. Ultimately, however, it is for the Georgian people and political leadership to do their part to create the conditions for a fully functional democracy, with a healthy debate between political majority and minorities, as well as with civil society. My third and last point concerns recently adopted legislation. I expressed my concern about legislation that restricts the rights of civil society and individuals. Such legislation must be changed to comply fully with the European standards, as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and recalled by the Venice Commission. I welcome the government assurances to amend the legislation on so-called "foreign influence". We will now set up a working group with Georgia and Council of Europe experts, notably the Venice Commission, to identify the changes that will be made to this legislation. I expressed the hope that similar cooperative processes could be set up in other areas, such as equality and non-discrimination, civil society, electoral and justice reforms, as well as prison and probation. I am also concerned by the incompatibility of the package of laws on the "protection of family values and minors" with our standards and case-law of the Strasbourg Court. In this regard, the Council of Europe has a very effective instrument: our 2024-2027 Action Plan for Georgia, prepared by the Council of Europe and the Georgian authorities, and adopted by the Committee of Ministers last October. This plan is a key tool for supporting reforms and Georgia's European aspirations. We will continue to work with the Georgian people and authorities, civil society, as well as our national and international partners to adjust this plan to the realities on the ground. I call upon our donors to step up, not reduce, their support for this work. Dear media representatives, let me sum up what will happen next. First, upon my return to Strasbourg, I will inform all our member States, and our EU and other partners, about the results of this visit. I will also share information with our Human Rights Commissioner who intends to carry out a visit to Georgia soon. And, finally, I will inform the Parliamentary Assembly rapporteurs, who plan on visiting Georgia in January, as well as our Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Second, early next week, the CPT preliminary findings will be shared with the authorities. Action needs to be taken by the authorities as soon as possible on these preliminary findings. A follow-up visit by the CPT may be carried out in the coming weeks. Third, we will set up a joint working group with Georgian counterparts to amend the so-called "foreign influence" law. Fourth, we will adjust our Action Plan to focus on key priority areas, notably equality and non-discrimination, civil society, electoral and justice reforms, and prison and probation. Dear media representatives, I spent the last three days in Georgia, in Tbilisi. I had the opportunity to meet everyone who agreed to meet with me, in a constructive environment and without any hinderance. I wish to thank all those who contributed to the organization of my visit. Georgia's place is and remains in Europe. Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe. We will continue to accompany it on its democratic and European path. Thank you for your attention. I am ready to answer any questions you may have." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway to increase the support to Lebanon Government of Norway News story | Date: 20/12/2024 'Despite the ceasefire, the Lebanese population finds itself in a highly vulnerable situation. Many people are still internally displaced, and there is significant material destruction. This is why Norway has decided to increase the support to Lebanon,' said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide The Norwegian government will provide an additional NOK 40 million (USD 3.5 million) making the total Norwegian contribution to Lebanon in 2024 NOK 410 million (USD 36 million). The support will fund aid for refugees and marginalized Lebanese citizens, including internally displaced persons. There is an urgent need for additional assistance and to rebuild the essential infrastructure. NOK 30 million will go to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) livelihoods and social services project to support the Lebanese Armed Forces service members and their families, who have been profoundly affected by the crises. In addition, NOK 10 million will be provided to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's work in Lebanon and Syria. 'The ceasefire is an important first step to make it possible for displaced people to return to their homes, to restore calm and to re-build. The situation is still volatile, and I urge the parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and implement the UN Security Council Resolution 1701,' said Foreign Minister Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Swedish Government increases humanitarian support to Gaza and surrounding region Government Offices of Sweden - Ministry for Foreign Affairs 20 December 2024 The Government has decided to allocate SEK 800 million to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. Sweden is also continuing its support to the response in Gaza through extensive core support to a number of key humanitarian actors. The Government's core support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will be discontinued. Today, the Government presented the 2025 appropriation directions for the Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida), which set out next year's support via Sweden's partner organisations. The Government has decided to significantly strengthen its preparedness to provide humanitarian funding in the event of sudden-onset, deteriorating or underfunded crises throughout the year. SEK 800 million of these funds will be allocated to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. Support to the response in Gaza will also continue through Sida's channels and the extensive core support that the Government provides to a number of key humanitarian actors, such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Government's core support to UNRWA will be discontinued. Support to Gaza Since 7 October 2023, Sweden has provided more than SEK 630 million to the humanitarian response in Gaza. Sweden is also one of the largest donors of core support to many of the humanitarian actors operating in Gaza. This core support is flexible to be allocated to activities where it is needed most. Sweden's support to UNRWA Sweden's support to UNRWA through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sida totalled SEK 451 million in 2024. Sweden has been one of UNRWA's largest donors for many years and has long worked to expand the organisation's resource base. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden cooperates with United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities and spread of disinformation Government Offices of Sweden - Ministry for Foreign Affairs 20 December 2024 Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities. The agreement is an important platform for closer cooperation and exchange of experience between Sweden and the US in this area. Memorandum of Understanding (pdf 115 kB) "Foreign malign information influence activities and disinformation spread by foreign powers are a threat to our democratic societies and create mutual distrust," says Ms Malmer Stenergard. Foreign malign information influence activities are security-threatening activities in which foreign powers exploit society's vulnerabilities and areas of conflict in order to achieve their objectives. The Government and government agencies are working actively to address these threats and build resilience to stop disinformation about Sweden gaining traction. International cooperation and exchange of experience regarding how best to counteract these security threats and strengthen resilience are of the utmost importance. "Actively working to counteract these security threats is a priority for the Government. In today's increasingly interconnected world, information influence campaigns have no borders, and this Memorandum of Understanding with the US provides an important platform for closer international cooperation in this area," says Ms Malmer Stenergard. Sweden takes part in a number of international networks focused on foreign malign information influence activities and cooperates closely with its Nordic neighbours and the EU on these issues. Sweden is also an observer in the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SEK 40 million in humanitarian assistance to children in Gaza ahead of winter Government Offices of Sweden - Ministry for Foreign Affairs 20 December 2024 The Swedish Government has decided to provide SEK 40 million to the efforts of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Gaza. This support will go to essential items for the winter, protection, access to education and psychosocial support. "Children in Gaza are extremely vulnerable and are suffering through appalling conditions in the war that's been going on for more than a year. The winter cold and rain further exacerbate the situation. Sweden's support will strengthen UNICEF's efforts to cover children's basic needs, such as clothing, shoes, protection, education and psychosocial support. On my trip to Israel and Palestine, I underscored the importance of an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The civilian population, and children in particular, must receive all the support they need," says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. Sweden's support to UNICEF will help address the extensive needs on the ground. UNICEF's efforts for children's education and protection in Gaza are a priority area for which the organisation has indicated a need for additional funding. The majority of schools have been destroyed or are functioning as accommodation for internally displaced people and therefore cannot be used. UNICEF is supporting education and recreational activities being carried out in provisional premises - primarily tents. There is a major need for heated and rainproof structures, warm clothes and shoes during the winter. UNICEF is also supporting psychosocial programmes for processing trauma and for children who have been orphaned or separated from their families. The current support is part of Sweden's long-term commitment to support civilians affected by the war in Gaza and promote compliance with international humanitarian law. Sweden has provided more than SEK 630 million in targeted humanitarian assistance to Gaza since October 2023. Sweden is also one of the world's largest donors of core support to a number of the international actors on the ground in Gaza, including UNICEF. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas urges pressure on Zionist regime, solidarity with Palestinian nation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 20, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hamas movement has called for putting pressure on the Zionist regime to stop the aggression and war against Gaza, condemning the regime's crimes and strengthening solidarity with the Palestinian nation. According to Shehab news agency report on Friday, in its statement Hamas stressed that the International Day of Human Solidarity, which is celebrated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20 every year, once again reminds of the crimes, barbarities and genocidal war that the Zionist occupation regime has committed since more than 441 days ago against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. This occasion reminds us of the political, legal, moral and humanitarian responsibilities of the international community to stop this unprecedented brutal aggression in contemporary history, it added. Human solidarity with the Palestinian nation and supporting its legitimate rights in the shadow of the continued war and crimes of the Zionist enemy against the people of Gaza is a great honor for all those who have chosen this path and stand against the plots of the Zionist enemy and its supporters, Hamas noted. Hamas urged the international community and all supporters of justice to use all possible means to put pressure on the Zionist regime to stop genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced migration that it has carried out in Gaza over the past 15 months. The international community, the Islamic and Arab nations, international institutions and the freedom-seekers of the world are responsible for condemning the crimes of the occupying regime and prosecuting the its leaders for their aggression against the Palestinian nation and their legitimate rights, it stressed. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: Alarming El Fasher siege, hostilities must end - UN report Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 20 December 2024 GENEVA -- The ongoing siege and hostilities in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur State, have left at least 782 civilians dead and more than 1,143 injured, says a report from the UN Human Rights Office. Thousands of civilians are besieged, without guarantees of safe passage out of the city, and at risk of death or injury from indiscriminate attacks by all parties to the conflict. "The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives everyday on a massive scale," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "This alarming situation cannot continue. The Rapid Support Forces must end this horrible siege. And I urge all parties to the conflict to stop attacks on civilians and civilian objects. I call on them to comply with their obligations and commitments under international law." For seven months since the siege began, El Fasher has been turned into a battleground between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), backed by its allied Joint Forces - comprised of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Minni Minawi, the Justice and Equality Movement/Jibril Ibrahim, and other smaller armed groups. The report finds that the parties have used explosive weapons in populated areas in a manner raising serious concerns regarding respect for the principle of precaution, and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks. The report, based on interviews conducted in October and November with 52 people who managed to flee El Fasher, and corroborated by multiple independent sources, says there has been regular and intense shelling by the RSF of densely populated residential areas, recurrent airstrikes by the SAF, and artillery shelling by both the SAF and its allied Joint Forces. It warns that attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes. According to the report, during a major escalation in fighting in June, parties engaged in heavy exchanges of fire in civilian areas killing dozens of civilians. They also used homes for military purposes and attacked and looted markets. "Victims died inside their houses, in markets, in the vicinity of hospitals and in the streets," says the report. In one neighbourhood, Al-Thawra Janoub, it says, "residents were unable to collect the bodies of those who died in the streets for days, due to the continuous shelling and heavy exchanges of fire." Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, currently the only remaining public hospital in El Fasher capable of providing surgical operations and sexual and reproductive health services, has been shelled repeatedly by the RSF, says the report. This at a time when service providers have reported a surge in cases of sexual violence since the siege began, as documented in the report. Another health facility, Tumbasi Medical Centre, was shelled by the RSF in August, leaving 23 people dead and 60 injured. The report also documents repeated RSF attacks on camps hosting internally displaced people, in particular Zamzam and Abu Shouk. Zamzam IDP camp, located about 15km south of El Fasher town and currently home to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, has seen an increased presence of the SAF-allied Joint Forces and has been shelled six times by the RSF, reportedly leaving at least 15 displaced people dead. This, coupled with reports of increased mobilization of fighters by the parties to the conflict along tribal lines across Darfur, indicates preparations for further hostilities may be under way. "Any large-scale attack on Zamzam camp and El Fasher city will catapult civilian suffering to catastrophic levels, deepening the already dire humanitarian situation, including famine conditions," said Turk. "All efforts must be taken, including by the international community, to prevent such an attack and to halt the siege." The UN Human Rights Chief also called on all parties to the conflict to embrace mediation efforts in good faith, with a view to the immediate cessation of hostilities. To read the report, click here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/report-ohchr-sudan-country-office-siege-el-fasher-north-darfur-may-2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following Georgia's elections, ODIHR reiterates concerns over pressure on voters and independence of state institutions and calls for concrete action OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe WARSAW 20 December 2024 WARSAW, 20 December 2024 -- In its final report on the observation of the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) reiterates its earlier findings and conclusions. The elections took place amidst serious concerns about the impact of recently adopted legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society, steps to diminish the independence of institutions involved in the election process, and pressure on voters, which combined with election day practices compromised the ability of some voters to cast their vote without fear of retribution. In its assessment of post-election developments and complaints, ODIHR found that cases were not considered sufficiently, limiting legal remedies, and the forcible suppression of protests and numerous sarrests caused grave concerns about compliance with international commitments to freedom of peaceful assembly. "Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process," said Eoghan Murphy, who headed ODIHR's 2024 election observation mission to Georgia. "To safeguard the democratic principles currently at stake in Georgia, it is imperative that the authorities urgently address all concerns." While observers noted the legal framework provides an adequate basis to hold democratic elections, the report also emphasizes that recent frequent amendments marked a step backwards, raising concerns over its use for political gain, and restated ODIHR's longstanding recommendation for a comprehensive legislative review. Today's report reiterates the negative impact of the polarized and instrumentalized media and limited campaign finance oversight, although contestants were generally able to campaign freely and candidates across 18 party lists competed in a low-key campaign. Many advantages taken by the ruling party in addition to a significant imbalance in financial resources contributed to the uneven playing field. Preparations for the elections were well managed. However, on election day frequent compromises to the secrecy of the vote, several procedural inconsistencies, and reports of pressure and intimidation, including through the recording of the process, negatively impacted public trust in the process and an otherwise generally procedurally orderly election day. Today's report underlines that complaints both before and after election day were frequently not comprehensively considered and dismissed on technical grounds, undermining the right to a proper review of concerns. ODIHR therefore recommends measures to guarantee effective remedy and increase public trust. Following the elections, there have also been massive protests that were repeatedly violently dispersed and resulted in numerous arrests and allegations of brutality towards protesters and journalists, in breach of international commitments guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly as well as the right to freedom from torture and other forms of ill-treatment. In line with its mandate, ODIHR does not recognize or endorse elections. Instead, ODIHR provides a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on universal principles, international obligations, and the commitments to hold democratic elections made by all OSCE states. This enables voters to form their own judgments about the quality of the election. The Office also stands ready to support a wide range of electoral stakeholders in their efforts to address the issues through post-election dialogue and concrete action. Today's report offers a number of recommendations to improve the conduct of elections. These require changes both in law and practice to address the issue of low public trust and the ability of voters to cast their ballots without fear, and at the same time to increase the transparency and integrity of the electoral process in Georgia for the benefit of all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP unfazed by challenges, firm on defending PH sovereignty in WPS Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno December 20, 2024, 5:02 pm MANILA -- The military stands undeterred by challenges in asserting the Philippines' sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Friday. "In the WPS, the AFP has been undaunted in asserting our sovereignty. With modernized tools and strategic international partnerships, we carry on in strengthening our maritime presence, securing our exclusive economic zone, and upholding the principles of international law," Brawner said in his speech for the military's 89th founding anniversary. This year's anniversary theme is "AFP@ 89, Sandigan ng Bayan Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas." He added that this mission goes beyond defending territorial claims. "It is about preserving ideals that define us as a nation," Brawner said. At the heart of this effort to protect Philippine sovereignty in the WPS is the AFP's Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). Brawner said the CADC is a visionary strategy that harmonizes the country's military capabilities with the unique geographic realities of the Philippines. He added that this ensures a robust and sustainable defense of the Philippine maritime domain. "Our pursuit of progress was further propelled by the ongoing AFP Modernization Program, which brought cutting-edge technologies and advanced assets into our arsenal. These upgrades, including enhanced maritime patrol capabilities and advanced surveillance systems, have significantly bolstered our readiness to address traditional and emerging threats. Equally vital is the critical role of our reserve force, which has proven itself an indispensable partner in national defense and humanitarian missions," Brawner said. With this development, he said the AFP stands as one cohesive force, embodying professionalism and readiness in the face of any challenge. "The inclusion of new units such as the AFP Cyber Command and the AFP Intelligence Command highlights our adaptability to contemporary threats and underscores their relevance in ensuring the security and intelligence infrastructure of our nation," Brawner said. Aside from its territorial defense role, the AFP chief said that military personnel from all services have stood at the forefront of humanitarian assistance and disaster response as proven by the recent six typhoons. "Despite the devastating impact of six typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito making landfall in a span of one month, the AFP mobilized swiftly to protect lives and rebuild communities," Brawner said. And whether protecting the country's sovereignty or extending a hand in times of need, the AFP chief said the military remains steadfast in our duty to the flag, the country, and the people. "As we look ahead to 2025, we carry forward the values that define the AFP -- honor, service, patriotism. We will accelerate the AFP Modernization Program, ensuring that our Armed Forces remain capable of safeguarding our nation amidst evolving geopolitical and environmental challenges," he added. From strengthening its territorial defense to enhancing disaster response capabilities, Brawner said the AFP remains committed to fulfilling its institutional mandate. "Equally important, we will continue fostering peace and development in conflict-affected areas. By eliminating internal threats and transforming former battlegrounds into centers of progress, we will help lay the foundation for a more united and prosperous Philippines," he added. This goal is guided by the AFPs' new campaign plan, "Tatag Kapuluan," which envisions a resilient and secure archipelago through synchronized and holistic national efforts. "To every soldier, sailor, marine, airman, and reservist, your courage, professionalism, and unwavering loyalty inspire the nation. You are the guardians of our sovereignty and the builders of a brighter tomorrow. Let us continue to embody the ideals of integrity and excellence as we work toward a stronger and more capable Armed Forces," Brawner said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu to avoid Auschwitz liberation event in Poland over war crime arrest fears Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 3:32 PM Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly skipping an event marking liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland next month out of fear of being arrested for the war crimes against the Palestinians in war-wracked Gaza. Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita published the report on Friday, saying information obtained by the daily showed that Israeli officials had not asked Netanyahu to join the January 27 ceremony. Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and ousted war minister Yoav Gallant after charging them with committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli regime has been waging a war of genocide since last October that has featured using starvation as a method of warfare. The brutal military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of more than 45,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children. In its verdict, the court said there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that both Gallant and Netanyahu "intentionally and knowingly" deprived Palestinians in Gaza of basic needs like food and water, adding that their actions geared towards destroying the conditions of life in the coastal sliver constituted crimes against humanity. Poland is a party to the Rome Statute that established the court. Affirming the country's commitment to the tribunal and its decisions, Deputy Foreign Minister Wadysaw Bartoszewski has said, "We are obliged to respect the decisions of the International Criminal Court in The Hague." The Polish daily also pointed to Poland's commitment to the ICC Statute, noting, "They (the Israeli officials) knew what Warsaw's response [to Tel Aviv's potential request for joining the liberation ceremony] would be." The paper also said Israeli president Isaac Herzog did not plan to attend the event either. Earlier this month, however, the United States, the Israeli regime's biggest ally that has backed it up with billions of dollars in military support during the war, welcomed Gallant on its soil. Gallant met with US President Joe Biden's West Asia envoy, Brett McGurk, at the White House on December 10, posting information about the meeting on social media and attaching pictures of the duo's shaking hands joyously. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doctors Without Borders says Israel committing 'genocide' in Gaza Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 12:19 AM Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Secretary General Christopher Lockyear says Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza. Lockyear also said on Thursday that Israel is exhibiting "signs of ethnic cleansing" in its military offensive in the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military is "destroying the conditions of life" in Gaza through 14 months of attacks on civilians, dismantling the healthcare system and infrastructure, and denying humanitarian aid, the aid organization said. "We are seeing clear signs of ethnic cleansing as Palestinians are forcibly displaced, trapped, and bombed," Lockyear said in a statement. "What our medical teams have witnessed on the ground throughout this conflict is consistent with the descriptions provided by an increasing number of legal experts and organizations concluding that genocide is taking place in Gaza," he added. Last week, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for a long-overdue end to the Israeli regime's October 2023-present war of genocide in the Gaza Strip. A total of 158 countries voted in favor of the resolution on December 11. The resolution urges "an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza. In a new report published on Thursday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has concluded that Israel is guilty of the crime of extermination and acts of genocide in Gaza, The US-based human rights organization found that Israel has inflicted conditions of life in Gaza calculated to destroy the enclave's Palestinian population. This amounts to extermination, which is a crime against humanity, and acts of genocide. International organizations have denounced the occupation regime for deliberately targeting civilians and causing starvation through a siege, obstruction of humanitarian aid and targeted attacks on aid workers. More than 45,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have so far been killed and more than 107,300 others injured since the regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Minister Criticizes His Government's Media Crackdown By Abubakar Siddique December 20, 2024 The Key Issue The Taliban's deputy foreign minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has called on his government to end its clampdown on the press in Afghanistan. "Too many restrictions and hurdles for media organizations dampen their morale," he told a gathering in Kabul on December 18. He said harassment prevents Afghan media from "courageously" reporting on critical issues or criticizing authorities. "Trust them because they are our media," he said while arguing that allowing the Afghan media freedom is in the interest of the Taliban government. Stanikzai is the first senior Taliban figure to publicly criticize his government's draconian crackdown on Afghanistan's once-vibrant press. He has also repeatedly called on Taliban leaders to repeal the ban on women's education because "no country can progress without education." Why It's Important: Stanikazi's comments are another instance of dissent within the Islamist group over its hard-line policies. It is another attempt to warn against the consequences of the Taliban's extremist policies, which have turned its government into an international pariah that no country has formally recognized. Yet the Taliban government has systematically moved to completely dismantle the free press, which mushroomed under the pro-Western Afghan republic. Earlier this year, the Taliban attempted to kill visual media by banning the depiction of all living things, including humans and animals. The Taliban crackdown on journalists consists of harassment, beatings, and detentions, as well as the jailing of scores of journalists. Fear of Taliban harassment has prompted hundreds of Afghan correspondents to go into exile. Independent Afghan media in the country now operate under severe Taliban restrictions and broad censorship. After the Taliban banned a discussion of "sensitive topics and criticisms" of its government and leaders, several independent analysts have been jailed for expressing their views on air. The Taliban government has banned some international broadcasters and denied visas to most international correspondents. Global and Afghan media watchdogs have accused the group of attempting to turn the Afghan press into a "propaganda tool." What's Next: Despite Stanikzai's criticism, the Taliban's overall approach and policies toward the Afghan media are unlikely to change soon. Its government will continue to stifle independent Afghan media to gradually push it toward becoming its propaganda arm. What To Keep An Eye On Residents of the Afghan capital, Kabul, are paying for the increasing air pollution in the city. Doctors in the city say respiratory diseases have swiftly risen as the air quality has deteriorated with the onset of winter in the mountainous city. "Out of every 20 patients I see, 15 suffer from respiratory diseases," Abdul Hadi Sherzad, a doctor at a private hospital in Kabul, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. This month, fuel prices have skyrocketed. Below-freezing nighttime temperatures prompt many of the city's impoverished residents to burn whatever they can find. "People often burn car tires along with coal and wood," said Fariba, whose young son has contracted a lung infection because of air pollution, while her family cannot afford treatment. Kabul is joining other major cities across South Asia, where air pollution is the worst globally, particularly during winter. Why It's Important: Air pollution has become the No. 1 public-health hazard in Afghanistan's teeming capital. Yet the cash-strapped Taliban government appears to be able to do little to mitigate the crisis, which is likely to cause many deaths this winter. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-stanikzai- press-freedom-media/33247262.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian Elections: OSCE Flags Vote-Buying, Violence, And 'Instrumentalized' Media In Final Report By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 20, 2024 The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in its final report on the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia that numerous issues "negatively impacted" the elections and eroded public trust. The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) issued the final report on December 20. The OSCE said shortly after the October 26 elections that it had recorded instances of vote-buying, double-voting, physical violence, and intimidation. The final report reiterates the organization's concerns and offers recommendations to improve elections in Georgia. "Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process," said Eoghan Murphy, who headed the ODIHR's 2024 election observation mission to Georgia. Murphy urged authorities in Georgia to urgently address all concerns about the elections, which gave the ruling Georgian Dream party more than 54 percent of the vote, enough to maintain control of the government. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze acknowledged that the final report contains "critical remarks," including on the suppression of votes. "In 76 percent of the polling stations where it observed, OSCE/ODIHR did not identify any irregularities at all," he said at a briefing, adding that in other cases there were "isolated irregularities" that were identified. "These were related to incorrect ballot entry, improper arrangement of the polling station, so-called leaks, video recording, etc." According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian Dream government is ready to cooperate with the OSCE to implement its recommendations. The report refers to the passage of a "foreign agents" law modeled on a similar Russian law, earlier in the year, saying the election took place amid "serious concerns about the impact of recently adopted legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society." The law, which mandates that organizations receiving significant foreign funding register as "foreign agents," took effect on August 1, sparking significant backlash from international and domestic actors. The final report also cites pressure on voters and election day practices that "compromised the ability of some voters to cast their vote without fear of retribution." In addition, there was an overall lack of response to complaints in the post-election period, the report said, saying the ODIHR "found that cases were not considered sufficiently, limiting legal remedies." The report reiterates the negative impact of the "polarized and instrumentalized media" and limited campaign finance oversight. It notes that candidates were generally able to campaign freely, and candidates across 18 party lists competed, but a "significant imbalance in financial resources contributed to the uneven playing field." Demonstrators began gathering in central Tbilisi soon after the elections as criticism mounted over voting irregularities. The protests intensified after Kobakhidze announced that Tbilisi was suspending until 2028 talks with Brussels on Georgia's bid to join the European Union. The ODIHR notes that some protests were violently dispersed, resulting in numerous arrests and allegations of brutality toward protesters and journalists. The ODIHR said that the suppression of protests by force and numerous arrests "caused grave concerns about compliance with international commitments to freedom of peaceful assembly." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/osce-final-report-georgia- election-irregularities-2024/33247631.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland Outraged Over Hungary's Decision To Shelter Politician Wanted On Corruption Charges By RFE/RL's Hungarian Service December 20, 2024 Poland has summoned Hungary's ambassador over Budapest's decision to grant political asylum to a Polish opposition politician who is wanted for alleged corruption during his tenure in Poland's previous government. Warsaw was outraged by Hungary's decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski. The decision, announced the Hungarian prime minister's office on December 19, accused the Polish government of persecuting its political opponents. Poland called the move a "hostile act" that runs counter to the principle of loyal cooperation among members of the European Union. "In response to this action, the Hungarian ambassador to Poland will be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, where he will receive an official protest note," the ministry said on December 20. The ministry also said that if Hungary fails to comply with its EU obligations, Poland will ask the European Commission to respond. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government says it has opened the door for prosecutors to investigate suspected wrongdoings committed during the tenure of the nationalist Law and Justice party, which ruled the country for eight years until 2023 and which have been covered up. Tusk said he was dismayed by Hungary's decision to shelter a man being sought on suspicions of defrauding the state of millions of zlotys. "I did not expect corrupt politicians escaping justice would be able to choose between [Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr] Lukashenka and [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban," Tusk said on December 20. His reference to Lukashenka was apparently linked to the case of a Polish judge who fled to Belarus. Romanowski was detained during the investigation but released in July. He denies the charges against him. Through his lawyer he has argued that he is the victim of political retribution by Tusk's government. Gergely Gulyas, head of Orban's office, said the decision of the Hungarian authorities was in line with both domestic and European Union legislation. He said Romanowski's arrest raised serious concerns about fair treatment and political bias in Polish judicial proceedings. Polish opposition lawmakers, including Romanowski, accused Tusk's government of conducting a politically motivated witch-hunt against them. Romanowski told Polish broadcaster TV Republika that he thinks the fact that Hungary has granted him asylum confirms that "we are dealing with political persecution in Poland." Prosecutors and judges in Poland are politically controlled, he said. A spokesman for the European Commission declined to comment on the specific case but emphasized that EU member states are obligated to enforce European arrest warrants. Stefan de Keersmaecker said at a briefing in Brussels on December 20 that the obligation means that Hungary should send Romanowski back to Poland to face justice. The spokesman added that all EU member states maintain a high level of protection for fundamental rights and freedoms, making them all safe countries for asylum seekers. But an asylum application from a national of another EU member state can only be accepted under exceptional circumstances. With reporting by AP and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-poland-orban-tusk- romanowski-corruption/33247465.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgia Promises Changes To 'Foreign Agents' Law Amid Mounting International Pressure By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 20, 2024 The Georgian government has pledged to amend its controversial "foreign agents" law following discussions with the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. Berset announced at a press briefing in Tbilisi on December 20, wrapping up a three-day visit, that a working group including Georgian representatives, the Council of Europe, and the Venice Commission will be formed to draft necessary changes to the legislation. "The government of Georgia promised to modify the content of the 'Foreign Influence Transparency' law. This working group will determine the specific changes required. I hope similar collaborative processes can extend to other areas, such as equality, anti-discrimination, electoral reform, and reforms in penitentiary and probation systems," Berset said. The law, modeled on a similar Russian law, mandates that organizations receiving significant foreign funding register as "foreign agents." Passed by the Georgian parliament in May despite a presidential veto, it came into force on August 1, sparking significant backlash from international and domestic actors. Georgian NGOs began appearing on the "foreign agent" registry in October, raising concerns about their ability to operate freely. Critics, including the European Union, have warned that the law could derail Georgia's aspirations for EU membership. While Moscow praised the Georgian government for adopting the law, Western countries, including the United States and Britain, condemned it as a tool for undermining democracy. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, reiterated Georgia's openness to discussions about the law. "If anyone proves there's something harmful in this legislation, we're ready to address it and work with relevant structures of the Council of Europe," Kobakhidze said. Berset's visit comes amid heightened political tensions in Georgia, marked by public polarization, high-level violence, and allegations of electoral misconduct. Addressing the situation, Berset emphasized: "Georgia is at a critical juncture. The country is filled with political tension, polarized public debate, and high levels of violence," adding that the country "deserves stability and democracy." "I am not here to legitimize elections; that is the responsibility of other competent institutions," Berset said, stressing that his primary goal was "to support Georgia and its people." He also said that resolving the political crisis depends on "upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law." During his visit, Berset held multiple meetings with government officials, including Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and opposition representatives. His visit is seen as an effort to mediate amid deep divisions within Georgian society. On December 19, the United States imposed sanctions on Georgia's Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Special Tasks Department Deputy Director Mirza Kezevadze under the Global Magnitsky Act. Hours earlier, Britain had sanctioned Gomelauri and four other senior officials. These sanctions reflect growing Western dissatisfaction with Georgia's political trajectory. Despite this, Kobakhidze assured that the government would "compensate any losses" incurred by sanctioned individuals and announced plans to award honors to the Interior Ministry's leadership following the presidential poll in February 2025 and inauguration of Georgia's next president, whose legitimacy is contested by the opposition and the current President Salome Zurabishvili. Georgia's "foreign agents" law has become a focal point in the country's strained relations with the West. The government's decision last month to delay European Union accession talks until 2028 also sparked protests in the country and criticism in the West. Moreover, economic hardship and the threat of backsliding from the Euro-Atlantic course have created a sense of urgency and fertile ground for unrest. International partners are apprehensive that Georgia's adoption of tactics similar to those used by Moscow could undermine its democratic progress and EU aspirations. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-foreign-agents-amendment- pressure/33247107.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement on Afghanistan US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson December 20, 2024 Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in Geneva on December 16, 2024 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, Representatives of the World Bank (WB) and of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also participated in the meeting as observers. Begin text: The Special Envoys and Representatives for Afghanistan: Expressed grave concern over the Taliban's decisions in December 2024 to ban women and girls from attending public and private medical training institutions; and expressed concern that this new ban will have devastating consequences for all Afghans, especially mothers and infants - both born and unborn, both boys and girls - and will further destabilize an already fragile healthcare system. These decisions, which come on the back of the Taliban's "Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice" announced in August 2024, expand upon the already over 80 repressive, discriminatory edicts aimed at excluding Afghan women and girls from education, public and economic life. We call for the immediate reversal of these unacceptable practices and policies. Noted with grave concern recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the region, as well as the continuing threat terrorism poses to security and stability in Afghanistan; and acknowledged the Taliban actions to tackle terrorist threats from ISIS-K, while recalling the need for the Taliban to pursue actions to tackle terrorist threats, in accordance with Resolution 2593 of the United Nations Security Council and underscoring that some terrorist groups still reside safely inside Afghanistan and are able to plan and carry-out internal and cross-border terrorist strikes. Underscored that achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan requires a credible and inclusive national dialogue leading to a constitutional order with a representative and inclusive political system, as well as accountable political leaders and the State of Afghanistan meeting its international obligations. Emphasized the need for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023), which took positive note of the UN's independent assessment prepared pursuant to UNSCR 2679 (2023), encouraged member states and all other relevant stakeholders to consider implementation of its recommendations and requested the UN Secretary General to appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan to take forward a process between Afghan stakeholders and the international community for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan. Commended the work of the United Nations, including the UN-led Doha Process, and recognized the important and specific work of UNAMA, UN agencies present in the country, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the many international and local NGOs and other humanitarian actors that continue to support the people of Afghanistan through ongoing social and humanitarian crisis. Reaffirmed that international NGOs are indispensable to humanitarian work in Afghanistan; and reinforced the importance of a united humanitarian response that includes representation from UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and other humanitarian actors. Highlighted the necessity to continue helping Afghans who are suffering in the ongoing humanitarian crisis with appropriate consideration for vulnerable populations, including women and women-led households, children and members of ethnic and religious minority communities. Looked forward to deepening engagement with neighboring countries and other countries of the region on a joint response to the developing situation in Afghanistan, including countering potential threats such as terrorism and illegal migration to regional security and stability emanating from Afghanistan; commended the efforts of Muslim-majority countries and the OIC in engaging with the Taliban on women's and girls' rights and welcomed the leadership they have demonstrated on issues such as access to education and encouraged them to continue their active engagement on these and related issues. Expressed their appreciation to Switzerland for organizing these consultations and hosting the meeting; and looked forward to this Group of Special Envoys and Representatives meeting again in the near future. End text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eric Anthony Roberts (born April 18, 1956) is an American actor.[1][2] Roberts has amassed more than 700 credits and is one of the most prolific English-speaking screen actors.[3][4][5] Roberts' career began with a leading role in King of the Gypsies (1978) for which he received his first Golden Globe Award nomination. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Paul Snider in Bob Fosse's Star 80 (1983). Roberts' performance in Runaway Train (1985), as prison escapee Buck McGeehy, earned him a third Golden Globe nod and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Notable films Roberts has appeared in include Raggedy Man (1981), The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984), By the Sword (1991), Final Analysis (1992), The Specialist (1994), The Cable Guy (1996), It's My Party (1996), Cecil B. Demented (2000), National Security (2003), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006), The Dark Knight (2008), The Expendables (2010), Lovelace (2013), Inherent Vice (2014), The Human Centipede 3 (2015), and Babylon (2022). A black belt in taekwondo, Roberts also demonstrated his martial arts skills in the films Best of the Best (1989) and its sequel Best of the Best II (1993). On television, his performances in the drama miniseries In Cold Blood (1997) and the sitcom Less than Perfect (20022005) have earned him Satellite Award nominations, winning Best Supporting Actor for the latter. His other varied television work includes being the only non-UK actor to play the Master in the 1996 Doctor Who television film, as well as recurring roles on the NBC drama Heroes (20072010), the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless (20102011), the legal drama Suits (20142019), and the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones (2022). Early life [edit] Eric Anthony Roberts was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on April 18, 1956,[6] to Betty Lou Bredemus and Walter Grady Roberts, one-time actors and playwrights, who met while touring with a production of George Washington Slept Here for the armed forces.[7] In 1963, they co-founded the Atlanta Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta off Juniper Street in Midtown. They ran a children's acting school in Decatur, Georgia. Roberts' mother became a church secretary and real estate agent, and his father was a vacuum cleaner salesman.[8] Roberts' younger siblings, Julia Roberts (from whom he was estranged until 2004) and Lisa Roberts Gillan, are also actors. In 1971, Roberts' parents filed for divorce, which was finalized in early 1972.[9] He stayed with his father, who died of cancer in March 1977,[7][10] in Atlanta.[7] After the divorce, his sisters moved with their mother to Smyrna, a suburb of Atlanta.[7] In 1972, their mother married Michael Motes. In 1976, they had a daughter,[7] Nancy Motes, who died February 9, 2014, at age 37, of an apparent drug overdose.[11] Michael Motes was abusive and often unemployed. In 1983, she divorced Motes, citing "cruelty"; she later said that marrying him was the biggest mistake of her life.[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xINOMOTmOFs 1993 Love, Cheat & Steal Lauren Harrington w/ actress: Madchen Amick ( MAY-ch?n AY-mik; born December 12, 1970) is an American actress and television director. She is known for her starring role as Shelly Johnson on the television series Twin Peaks (19901991), its prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) and its revival television series Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). She appeared in the pilot episode of Baywatch (1989). She was a series regular on Central Park West (19951996), Freddie (20052006), and Witches of East End (20132014) and as Wendall Meade in ER (2004). In film, she had starring roles in Sleepwalkers (1992) and Dream Lover (1993). She also portrayed Alice Cooper on The CW's drama television series Riverdale (20172023). Dream Lover is a 1993 American erotic thriller film written and directed by Nicholas Kazan[2] and starring James Spader and Madchen Amick, with Bess Armstrong, Frederic Lehne, and Larry Miller in supporting roles. The original music score was composed by Christopher Young. The UK will continue to work closely with UNOWAS to build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel. 20 December 2024 First, the United Kingdom congratulates Senegal, Ghana, and Mauritania on their successful recent elections. But, elsewhere, democracy and civic space remain under pressure, with civil society organisations, human rights defenders, journalists and media institutions facing severe challenges. Timelines for the return to constitutional governments in Mali and Burkina Faso have either been delayed or remain unclear, and Niger is also yet to establish a transition timeline. Guinea's transition timeline has also slipped again. We urge that the return to constitutional order is completed swiftly. Inclusive and transparent democratic processes are crucial for stability and peace. Second, the security situation across the Sahel is worsening, with terrorist and insurgent activities, serious and organised crime, and external actors and proxies exacerbating instability. Private military security companies, like Russia's Wagner Group and Africa Corps, are not the answer. They have a track record of worsening existing conflicts and undermining long-term development and stability. We are concerned about the economic impact of deteriorating security in already fragile states. Many countries in the Sahel now face difficulties accessing the financing they need to maintain macroeconomic stability and sustain growth. The United Kingdom also notes the outcome of the recent ECOWAS summit held on 15 December, including the announcement of the six-month grace period for the Alliance of Sahelian States. We urge all states in the region to cooperate to tackle the growing security, development, governance challenges and transnational threats. Maintaining strong links between states is critical. Third, we are extremely concerned by the deteriorating regional humanitarian situation. Extreme flooding has affected over 3.7 million people in West Africa this year and has contributed to worsening food insecurity, further fuelled by conflict, displacement and climate change. Since 2019, UK aid has supported over 16 million people in the Sahel with life-saving assistance. But access is increasingly restricted. We call on all actors to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. Armed escorts must remain a last resort. In closing, the UK looks forward to deepening bilateral partnerships, and continuing to work closely with UNOWAS and regional organisations to help build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to refrain from obstructing MONUSCO operations: UK Statement at the UN Security Council Explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on renewing MONUSCO's mandate. 20 December 2024 The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of this resolution renewing MONUSCO's mandate. And we thank France and Sierra Leone for their leadership of the negotiations. I would like to make two points. First, The UK is disappointed by the postponement of the Luanda Process Heads of State Summit scheduled for 15 December. We remain greatly appreciative of Angola's mediation efforts and urge all parties to engage with the Luanda Process in good faith and deliver on their commitments. Second, we are concerned by the surge in violence since the 15 December. In this context, the UK is concerned by the presence of Rwanda Defence Forces in DRC, as reported by the Group of Experts. We call on all parties to the conflict to refrain from obstructing MONUSCO operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR and partners rush aid as Sudan arrivals overwhelm South Sudan border UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR Representative in South Sudan, Marie-Helene Verney - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. 20 December 2024 GENEVA -- Over 20 months in, the war in Sudan shows no sign of slowing down and, in fact, continues to escalate. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warns that the recent surge in arrivals in South Sudan is overwhelming services in border areas, and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient. In less than three weeks, over 80,000 people have sought safety in South Sudan following the escalation of fighting in Sudan's White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile States - more than tripling the average number of daily arrivals compared to previous weeks. The majority are women and children with critical humanitarian needs, arriving mainly through remote and hard-to-reach border crossings and settling in small border villages. Those fleeing the latest wave of violence in Sudan are not only Sudanese, but also South Sudanese refugees previously living in Sudan's White Nile State, which had been relatively safe since the conflict started. Refugees and returning South Sudanese are staying in makeshift shelters and some are sheltering under trees. Despite the limited services and resources available in these border locations, many are reluctant to move onwards, hoping the security situation improves in Sudan, allowing them to swiftly return home. Initial assessments at Joda, the main border crossing between Sudan and South Sudan, show malnutrition rates exceeding the emergency threshold. Treatments are out of stock and food supplies are critically low, worsening the nutrition situation, particularly for children under 5 and pregnant and lactating women. Lack of clean water and insufficient latrines and sanitation facilities are also exacerbating the situation, posing a real risk of the spread of cholera and other deadly diseases. Local health facilities are either limited, overwhelmed or non-functional. There is also a great need for psychosocial support and services as those fleeing recount traumatic experiences that forced them to flee, including aerial bombardments and witnessing mass killings. In one location, people spoke of having to walk for up to two weeks to reach safety, with several in the group reportedly dying during the journey from hunger, dehydration, and exhaustion. Remote villages, where those fleeing have arrived, have, in some cases, doubled or even tripled in population size. For example, the villages of Gerbana and Dukuduku, which are hosting refugees for the first time since the conflict began, had a combined population of 6,000 only a few weeks ago and are now hosting 15,000 new arrivals, far exceeding the villages resources and infrastructure capacity. The two existing transit centres in Renk currently host close to 17,000 people, four times their intended capacity. The Renk County Hospital is reportedly overwhelmed by the arrival of hundreds of wounded in the past few weeks. In response to this new influx, UNHCR and partners are scaling up protection and assistance, notably as some of the areas receiving new arrivals lack the presence of humanitarian partners. Right now we are concentrating on providing life-saving assistance, including providing water and basic healthcare. At the Joda border crossing, monitoring capacities are being increased, and humanitarian actors have established border monitoring systems at the five unofficial crossing points. High-energy biscuits, sanitation items and dignity and menstrual hygiene kits for women and sanitation items have been distributed, as well as oral rehydration sachets to manage dehydration and diarrhoea. Health partners have scaled up efforts by expanding bed capacity with additional tents and beds, replenishing medical supplies, and deploying more staff to treat critical patients at the main hospital. Land is being identified to set up a new reception centre as well as expanding existing transit centres to accelerate registration and relocation to areas of return or other refugee hosting locations across the country. Local authorities are allocating land for new arrivals, enabling some to construct shelters. Despite efforts to support this sudden influx, the humanitarian response remains woefully underfunded, with aid partners in South Sudan having received only 24 per cent of what is needed to adequately meet people's needs this year. The lack of funding threatens efforts to address this new emergency and to meaningfully support new arrivals and the communities hosting them. UNHCR, along with 48 partners, will need $468 million in 2025 to support refugees and host communities. Nearly 1 million people have arrived in South Sudan since the start of the Sudan conflict in April 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza is now a graveyard and there's no escape, say UN aid teams 20 December 2024 - Hunger, dire living conditions made worse by heavy winter rains and ongoing hostilities continue to endanger people's lives in Gaza, which has become "a graveyard", UN humanitarians warned on Friday. "The world is not seeing what's going on with these people, it's impossible for families to shelter in these conditions," said Louise Wateridge, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Speaking from Nuseirat in central Gaza after heavy winter rains overnight and into Friday morning, the UNRWA Senior Emergency Officer insisted that "an entire society here is now a graveyard...Over two million people are trapped. They cannot escape. And people continue to have basic needs deprived and it just feels like every path here that you could possibly take is leading to death." Echoing that warning, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) highlighted widespread and dangerous malnutrition levels in the enclave, where more than 96 per cent of women and children in Gaza "cannot meet their basic nutritional needs," said Rosalia Bollen, Children's Fund (UNICEF) communication specialist. Speaking from Amman, Ms. Bollen noted that the most northerly part of Gaza has been under a near total siege for 75 days. This has largely prevented humanitarian assistance from reaching youngsters in need there "for more than 10 weeks", she said. "The suffering is not just physical, it is also psychological...Children are cold, they're wet, they're barefoot; I see many children who still wear summer clothes and with cooking gas gone, there's also lots of children I see scavenging through piles of garbage looking for plastic they can burn." With more heavy rain expected on Friday evening, UNRWA's Ms. Wateridge emphasized the critical need to get aid into the enclave to support Gazans who have been uprooted multiple times by Israeli bombardment and who have little to protect themselves from the elements. "It's impossible for families to shelter in these conditions," Ms. Wateridge insisted. "Most people are living under fabric, they don't even have waterproof structures and 69 per cent of the buildings here have been damaged or destroyed. There's absolutely nowhere for people to shelter from these elements." Multiple and continuing aid obstacles imposed by the Israeli authorities have meant that humanitarians have had to prioritize food over shelter, leaving Gazans desperate and at risk from food stampedes. "The certainty of winter has been the only thing that the United Nations has been able to plan for," Ms. Wateridge maintained. "And yet we have still not yet been facilitated to bring in enough shelter supplies for people, because we have had to prioritize food. Women have been crushed to death waiting for a piece of bread." On Thursday, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that the Israeli authorities had "denied another UN request to reach besieged areas of North Gaza governorate with food and water. As a result, Palestinians in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and parts of Jabalya remain cut off from the essential assistance they need to survive." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan's El Fasher siege: UN humanitarians killed as refugee crisis intensifies 20 December 2024 - The ongoing conflict in Sudan - particularly around besieged El Fasher - and a growing refugee crisis on the South Sudan border, have intensified an already alarming humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies on Friday. In a new report, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) has detailed the catastrophic humanitarian situation unfolding in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur state. The city has been under siege for seven months by fighters from the powerful militia known as the RSF, which has been battling Government forces for control of Sudan since April last year. Thousands of civilians are trapped, leaving at least 782 civilians dead and over 1,143 injured. "The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives everyday on a massive scale," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The report, based on 52 interviews conducted in October and November with survivors who fled El Fasher, reveals a widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas by the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) - together with their allied militias. These actions raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes. Hospitals and camps targeted The report highlights attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, the last remaining public hospital in El Fasher providing surgical and reproductive health services, has been repeatedly shelled by the RSF. Tumbasi Medical Centre was similarly targeted in August, resulting in the deaths of 23 people and injuries to 60 more. The report also documents increased cases of sexual violence since the siege began, exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations. The Zamzam IDP camp, located 15 km south of El Fasher and home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, has been shelled six times by the RSF, reportedly killing at least 15 civilians. "Attacks against the civilian population and protected persons and objects, including medical facilities, may amount to war crimes," said Li Fung, the UN High Commissioner's Representative in Sudan. Risk of escalation The situation in El Fasher remains dire, with the report warning of potential large-scale attacks on Zamzam camp and the city itself "Any large-scale attack on Zamzam camp and El Fasher city will catapult civilian suffering to catastrophic levels," Mr. Turk cautioned. Rights office, OHCHR, has called on all parties - as well as the international community - to engage in mediation efforts and immediately end hostilities. WFP workers killed The World Food Programme (WFP) mourned the deaths of three staff members in the Blue Nile state, killed during an aerial bombardment on 19 December. WFP Executive DirectorCindy McCain condemned the attack, calling for accountability. "Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unconscionable. Humanitarians are not, and must never be, a target," Ms. McCain gravely stated. "2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers in Sudan. Yet despite significant threats to their personal safety, they continue to do all they can to provide vital support wherever it is needed," underscored Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement released by his spokesperson. Refugee crisis at the border Meanwhile, the spillover from the war between rival militaries is overwhelming neighbouring South Sudan. UNHCR warns that over 80,000 people have fled into South Sudan in just three weeks, joining the more than one million Sudanese refugees already there. "The recent surge in arrivals in South Sudan is overwhelming services in border areas, and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient," said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan. Call for accountability The UN is calling for a renewed push for mediation and increased international support to prevent further civilian suffering. Ms. Fung expressed the need for accountability and compliance with international law particularly due to "the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments that was signed by both parties in May 2023." The OHCHR report also underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into potential war crimes and for those responsible to be held accountable. Emergency funds for Egypt The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $6 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan to Egypt, in support of the ongoing response there. The conflict in Sudan has created the world's fastest-growing displacement crisis, the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Friday. "Of the more than three million people who have sought protection across Sudan's borders since April of last year, some 1.2 million are being hosted by Egypt - more than in any other country - according to recent data from the Egyptian Government," he told reporters at the daily briefing in New York. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security and economic woes plague West Africa, as key elections loom By Vibhu Mishra 20 December 2024 - West Africa and the Sahel continue to grapple with a confluence of political, security and humanitarian crises as countries prepares for pivotal elections in 2025, the UN special envoy for the vast region told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday. Leonardo Santos Simao, highlighted upcoming presidential elections in Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, and the adoption of constitutional reforms amid a strained political environment in Gambia. He also commended recent successful elections in Ghana and Senegal, noting the signing of a "Peace Pact" by all presidential candidates in Ghana and the smooth transfer of power following orderly concessions by political rivals. In Senegal, electoral observer missions highlighted the transparency of the process and the trust placed by political parties in national institutions, he added. "These two elections demonstrate progress in democracy in the region," Mr. Simao said. Challenges remain However, several countries in the region - including Ghana and Senegal - continue to face significant economic challenges. "They will require support to manage rising debt and implement projects that protect livelihoods, otherwise their democratic gains may fail to satisfy the expectations of the populations, in particular among women and the youth," Mr. Simao warned. He also urged efforts to prioritise preventive diplomacy and dialogue in the region, while emphasising he remains focused on fostering mutual understanding and encouraging common ground with all stakeholders. "While the positive outcomes of these engagements are gradual, there are promising signs of increased collaboration on people-centred, pragmatic solutions to the region's security, governance, humanitarian and socio-economic challenges," he added. Escalating security threats Insecurity remains the most urgent concern, with terrorist groups becoming increasingly aggressive and utilising sophisticated weaponry, including drones. Recent attacks in the Central Sahel have claimed many lives, affecting civilians and security personnel alike. Beyond the Sahel, violent extremism and organized crime have begun to spill into Gulf of Guinea nations, such as Benin and Togo, threatening more regional destabilisation. The cessation of operations by the G5-Sahel Joint Force and the restructuring of the Accra Initiative, highlight the urgent need to reinvigorate regional security mechanisms, Mr. Simao said. He called for increased support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the only functioning security platform in the Lake Chad Basin, which is struggling to counter increasingly well-equipped terrorist groups. Humanitarian crisis deepens The humanitarian situation in the region also remains challenging. Chad, hosting two million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) - including those fleeing the violence in Sudan - is grappling with the dual challenges of displacement and severe flooding. In Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, escalating violence has displaced millions, while underfunded humanitarian appeals leave many vulnerable. "I urge partners to contribute to the humanitarian appeal, which remains less than 50 percent funded," Mr. Simao said. Withdrawal from ECOWAS He also briefed Council members of the Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last week, where leaders took note of the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from the bloc. While formal withdrawal proceedings are expected to commence in late January 2025, ECOWAS leaders also extended a six-month window for dialogue, in case rapprochement is possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Renews Mandate of Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2765 (2024) Meetings Coverage Security Council 9824th Meeting (AM) SC/15949 20 December 2024 The Security Council today extended for one year the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), expressing grave concern over the ongoing offensive by the 23 March Movement (M23) in North Kivu, in violation of the ceasefire, and the unauthorized presence of external forces from a neighbouring State in the eastern part of the country. Unanimously adopting resolution 2765 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2765 (2024)), the Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations decided that the new mandate expires on 20 December 2025. The mandate includes, on an exceptional basis and without precedent to peacekeeping's basic principles, its Force Intervention Brigade. The draft further decided that MONUSCO's authorized troop ceiling will comprise 11,500 military personnel, 600 military observers and staff officers, 443 police personnel and 1,270 personnel of formed police units. The text also decided to retain the Mission's key strategic priorities protecting civilians, supporting the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions and key governance and security reforms. In this regard, it authorized MONUSCO to use "all means at its disposal ... to promptly and effectively prevent armed groups' attacks against civilians". By its other terms, the text requested the Secretary-General in his quarterly reports on MONUSCO to provide updates on progress towards the implementation of its gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal to evaluate the Mission's performance, including its Force Intervention Brigade, and provide operational assessments and recommendations. Furthermore, the text requested a tailored approach to MONUSCO's gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal, considering evolving conflict dynamics and protection risks in hotspot areas across North Kivu and Ituri Provinces. It requested that this strategy be shared with the Council by 31 March 2025. "Today's adoption can be a moment that will significantly change the trajectory of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict," said the representative of Sierra Leone, a co-penholder of the draft. He supported Kinshasa's efforts to protect civilians and stabilize and strengthen State institutions. However, he cautioned that M23's territorial expansion remains deeply concerning, demanding that it end its offensive and cease its expansion in the east of the country without delay. France's delegate, noting that the text reaffirms that protection of civilians will be a priority task for MONUSCO, said the Mission will also continue its disengagement. Condemning all obstacles to the implementation of its mandate including the territorial expansion of M23 he reaffirmed support for the Luanda process and urged all stakeholders to continue negotiations. After the vote, Mozambique's delegate, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, stressed that the resolution arrives "at a pivotal moment" for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. Highlighting MONUSCO's efforts to support Kinshasa in addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the country, he underscored that effective implementation of its mandate remains crucial to the stability of the country and the protection of civilians. Effective collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is vital, particularly in planning the next steps for the Mission's drawdown and consolidating the drawdown in South Kivu. At the national level, he underlined the critical importance of revitalizing the Nairobi process in sustainably addressing the issue of local armed groups. Simultaneously, the establishment of a robust State presence in the eastern regions is vital in ensuring a well-equipped State apparatus capable of administering the territory and countering all threats against civilians. He also highlighted the critical contributions of the African Union in addressing the protracted conflict in the eastern part of the country as well as Angola's leadership and mediation efforts. While national and regional efforts are vital, he called on the Security Council to continue playing a constructive role in achieving a peaceful conflict settlement. China's delegate, noting that the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a critical juncture, commended Angola's efforts to promote the Luanda process. He further voiced support for Kinshasa in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, adding that the UN should fully respect the views and demands of its Government and ensure that the withdrawal of MONUSCO does not create a security vacuum. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's delegate expressed disappointment that the Luanda process Heads of State summit was postponed and urged all parties to engage with the process in good faith. Also expressing concern about the surge in violence since 15 December, including the presence of Rwanda Defence Forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he called on parties to the conflict to refrain from obstructing the Mission's operations. "While we fully support the extension of MONUSCO's mandate", the representative of the United States said, "we remain dismayed that some members of the Council resisted the inclusion of language factually describing Rwanda's role in [the eastern part of the country]," especially in the face of "extensive evidence" of Rwanda's deployment of troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its influence over M23 operations. She also expressed disappointment that Rwanda's President declined to attend the tripartite summit, "forfeiting a significant opportunity to advance peace efforts". Highlighting the ceasefire agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and the establishment of the verification mechanism to monitor the ceasefire, she added: "We must not lose sight of how far we have come." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Adopting Resolution 2764 (2024), Security Council Underscores Importance of Preserving Child Protection Capacities in UN Mission Transitions Meetings Coverage Security Council 9823rd Meeting (AM) SC/15948 20 December 2024 The Security Council today adopted a resolution highlighting the need for sustainable child protection capacities in United Nations peace operations and the importance of their smooth, responsible transfer to the Organization's country teams during mission transitions or withdrawals. Unanimously adopting resolution 2764 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2764(2024)), the Council condemned all violations of applicable international law involving the recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict, as well as their re-recruitment, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abductions and attacks against schools and hospitals. The 15-member organ further called for "strengthened coordination" among key stakeholders to "ensure the continuity, effectiveness, and sustainability of child protection activities." These actors include the heads of UN peace operations, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Co-Chairs of the Country Task Forces on Monitoring and Reporting, as well as relevant Governments and authorities. The representative of Malta, the draft's author and Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, noted that the text has gathered the support of more than 100 States. She emphasized that her country has placed the protection of children in armed conflict at the forefront of its agenda, noting that the resolution reaffirmed States' determination to address violations against children in conflict zones and recognized the need to sustain child protection capacities during UN mission transitions. Describing the text as "a call to action", she further underscored the critical need for the timely recruitment and deployment of Child Protection Advisers. Ecuador's delegate, Vice-Chair of the Working Group, said that his country's joint leadership with Malta over the last two years has produced the adoption of nine consensus-based documents about children in Afghanistan, Colombia, Philippines, Iraq, Nigeria, Mali, Central African Republic, Somalia and South Sudan. These conclusions stand as road maps to guide the action of States and the international community. She called on the Working Group to continue its efforts together with the Special Representative, the monitoring and reporting mechanism, and UN personnel on the ground in shedding light on grave violations against children. Hailing the text's adoption, Sierra Leone's representative stressed that "more than 470 million children are affected by armed conflict globally" and that peace operations and other programmatic interventions play a critical role in protecting civilians and stabilizing the post-conflict situation. "It is in this spirit that we hope that this resolution will ensure the prioritization of child protection capacity and mechanisms in differentiated contexts of UN mission transitions," he added. Expressing deep concern that grave violations against children "have risen to shocking levels in recent years", the United Kingdom's delegate called on the Council and the wider UN system to "do more to protect children who are uniquely vulnerable and often the primary victims of conflict". Welcoming the resolution's focus on the crucial role of dedicated Child Protection Advisers in UN missions, he called for greater coordination on child protection across the entire system, along with an effective monitoring and reporting mechanism. The Russian Federation's delegate welcomed a "balanced and laconic resolution" that represented the Council's constructive approach towards unity on the important mandate "which of late has regrettably been politicized". Voicing support for the African Union's efforts on promoting the child component in its peacekeeping operations, she called for renewing the request for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure that information communicated regarding violations against children is accurate, objective and reliable. The representative of the United States said that "this resolution serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency and necessity of strengthening the international community's child protection capacities". She emphasized the crucial need for those States named in the Secretary-General's annual children and armed conflict report to enter action plans with the Special Representative's office to address the concerns raised. Guyana's delegate stressed that the Council must use its tools to improve the protection of children. "We have seen examples of how increased child protection capacity in countries has led to improvements in the lives of the children," she observed, pointing to the negative impacts of abrupt UN mission closures on child protection. The adopted text provides critical details for coordination and smooth and responsible mission responsibilities during transitions, she added. "They [children] embody the seeds of hope for better future," said Algeria's delegate, stressing that the adopted text constitutes an important step towards ensuring sustainable protection of children in armed conflict. The speaker for the Republic of Korea noted today's adoption demonstrates strong global commitment to strengthening the children and armed conflict framework developed over 25 years and represents a milestone in global efforts to bridge the gap in child protection capacities. Japan's delegate emphasized the vital importance of education in post-conflict settings a prerequisite for lasting, sustainable peace, that must be prioritized, as the resolution pointed out. He supported the text's call for dedicated child protection capacities and reintegration assistance to end and prevent violations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USAF's top leadership team concludes Standing Watch trip in Romania Published Dec. 20, 2024 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs BUCHAREST, Romania (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with key NATO allies in Romania to conclude their week-long Standing Watch trip on Dec. 20. Allvin spoke with Romania's Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Gheorghita Vlad and Chief of the Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi in separate engagements. During these meetings, Allvin offered congratulations on Romania joining the F-35 program last month, conveyed his appreciation for Romania's unwavering support in strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank, and discussed future areas for increased collaboration among the nations' air forces, amongst other topics. "Romania makes significant contributions to European security through its vital role on NATO's Eastern Flank, support for Ukraine and as host of the first European F-16 training center," Allvin said. "Acquiring the F-35 (Lightning II) will bolster Romania's national security and further strengthen NATO's defense and deterrence capabilities." Separately, Flosi met with Chief Master Sgt. of the Romanian Air Force Ionut Enache to discuss several topics, including professional military education and training opportunities. The visit to Romania was the last stop of Allvin and Flosi's Standing Watch trip, which included numerous stops in both the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions. The senior leaders travelled to meet with Airmen who are serving overseas during the holiday season, as well as to engage directly with key allies and partners. Prior to departing Romania, Allvin praised the Total Force Airmen serving in the country. "Working side-by-side with our allies and partners, the Airmen here epitomize the readiness and response capabilities our Air Force is known for worldwide," he said. "They are warriors who are strengthening our interoperability with their Romanian hosts 24/7, 365 days a year, so if the need should arise, we are ready to fight and win together." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli settlers accused of setting fire to and vandalizing West Bank mosque By VOA News December 20, 2024 Palestinian residents in Israel's occupied West Bank city of Marda reported Friday that Israeli settlers set fire to and vandalized a mosque, writing slurs and threatening slogans in spray paint on its walls. In security video taken from the scene, a masked and hooded person can be seen spray-painting the walls of the mosque. At least two others join the person, one of them carrying what appears to be a large jug or container as they head into the building. Among the messages sprayed on the wall were "Death to Arabs," and "the righteous will rejoice because he sees revenge," a quote from the Hebrew Bible's book of Psalms. In a video statement Friday, Marda village council chief Nasfat al-Khufash called it a systematic terror attack. "A number of settlers set fire and attempted an attack on a wider scale on the mosque," he said. "These attacks are continuous and systematic by settler groups." Israeli police and the Israeli security agency Shin Bet security services said in a joint statement: "We see this incident as extremely serious and will act resolutely to bring the perpetrators to justice for rigorous trial." Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported, in a statement posted to the social media platform X, Israeli Air Force fighter jets under the direction of Israeli intelligence and the Israeli Navy struck Houthi militant targets overnight on the western coast of Yemen as well as deeper in the country. The statement said it hit fuel and oil tanks, two power plants and eight tugboats. The IDF said hitting the targets "severely harms the military operations of the Houthi forces." The IDF said the Iranian-backed Houthi militants have "carried out repeated attacks on the State of Israel, in which unmanned aerial vehicles and surface-to-surface missiles were launched toward the country's territory." Also Friday, Sweden announced it was ending funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees known as UNRWA. Sweden's international aid chief, Benjamin Dousa, made the announcement on Swedish television, saying the decision came following Israeli lawmakers passing a ban on the agency from working in Gaza. Israel has long claimed UNRWA was a front for terrorists. Sweden said it plans to increase its aid to Gaza in the next year but will do so through other aid agencies. In a statement Friday, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called the decision "disappointing" and said it comes at the worst time for Palestine refugees. The agency chief said it will double the suffering the people of Gaza have "endured over the past 14 months since the horrendous Hamas attack on 7 October and the ongoing war." Lazzerini said he hopes Sweden reconsiders its decision. The war in Gaza was 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 Israel's 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. VOA's United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report, and some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump wants to quickly end Gaza war can he? By Patsy Widakuswara December 20, 2024 President-elect Donald Trump has signaled eagerness to wrap up the war in Gaza as quickly as possible, even as the outgoing Biden administration continues its last-ditch diplomatic push for a ceasefire deal. Earlier this week, Trump said if the hostages held by Hamas are not home by Jan. 20, 2025, the date of his inauguration, then "all hell is going to break out." The warning is similar to the threat he issued on social media earlier this month, where he said, "There will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America." It's not clear what Trump plans to do in Gaza. When asked to clarify the threat, he said, "It means it won't be pleasant." Trump may deploy resources to place military pressure on Hamas, said Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. However, it's unlikely to be "significantly harsher than what the Israelis have brought to bear over the last 14 months." "There could be another element which I hope that's not the approach to maybe squeeze some of that humanitarian aid going in," Alkhatib told VOA. It's also possible that Trump's threats are directed to Hamas members outside of Gaza and the countries that support them, and Trump might move to pressure those nations to cut off financing, Alkhatib added. Hamas is a U.S.-designated terror organization. Hamas' external wing may be more receptive to Washington's pressure, particularly since its patron, Tehran, has been weakened through the loss of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy, while the Assad regime was Tehran's stalwart ally. Trump's warnings send "an unmistakable message to the people in the Middle East that the U.S. wants to get this done," said David Makovsky, director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Project on the Middle East Peace Process. This leaves Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu navigating between placating the ultraright-wing faction of his coalition which is pushing for building settlements in and even annexing Gaza and pleasing Trump, who wants credit for ending the war and potentially expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia, Makovsky told VOA. The 2020 agreement brokered under the first Trump administration normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, then later with Morocco. "Trump is not into building more settlements and staying in Gaza. Trump wants, I think, a Nobel Prize for a breakthrough with Saudi Arabia," Makovsky said. "And I don't think those things go together." Analysts say that even before taking office, Trump is already shaping the calculations of combatants in the Middle East. His pick for national security adviser, Representative Mike Waltz, gave the president-elect credit for last month's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, brokered by the U.S. and France. "Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump," Waltz posted on social media. "His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won't be tolerated." US 'hopeful' for deal Meanwhile, the Biden administration has pledged to spend all the time left in its waning days to try to make a deal happen. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday he is "hopeful" an agreement can be reached. "Gaza has to be translated into something different that ensures that Hamas is not in any way in charge, that Israel doesn't have to be, and that there's something coherent that follows that enables the governance, the security, the reconstruction of Gaza," he said. That goal is still out of reach, despite Washington's renewed diplomatic push with Turkey, Egypt and Qatar. "I don't see a scenario in which President Biden is going to be able to really fundamentally shift the needle here," Alkhatib said. He added that while Hamas may be motivated to secure a deal while Biden is still in office rather than after Jan. 20 when the U.S. is likely to drive a much harder bargain, they know that any assurances provided by the Biden administration may not be fulfilled by the Trump administration. This despite officials from both the Biden and Trump administrations saying they are working together in handling global conflicts, partly to secure the transition period that may be seen by adversaries as moments of opportunity, said national security adviser Jake Sullivan. "And so, the imperative on us, both the outgoing Biden administration, the incoming Trump administration, has to be to lash up more tightly than is typical, to spend more time together than is typical, and to try to ensure we are sending a common, clear message to both friends and adversaries in the Middle East." The common message from the two leaders is that the U.S. wants the conflict to end. So far, the warring parties are not listening. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN official calls for end to siege of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur By Lisa Schlein December 20, 2024 United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk is calling for an end to the siege of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur state, which has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries, and the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. "The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives everyday on a massive scale," Turk said in a statement Friday to coincide with the release of a report describing the devastating impact of the seven-month-long siege of El Fasher in Sudan by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "This alarming situation cannot continue. The Rapid Support Forces must end the horrible siege. And I urge all parties to the conflict to stop attacks on civilians and civilian objects ... and to comply with their obligations and commitments under international law," he said. Since the siege of El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur state, began in May, the report finds at least 782 civilians have been killed and more than 1,143 injured. Fighting displaces millions The RSF and Sudan National Forces have been battling for control of the country since April 2023. Since the RSF and Sudanese warlords made a power grab, plunging the country into chaos, more than 11.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes. About 8.5 million are displaced inside Sudan. Another 3 million have fled as refugees to neighboring countries. Additionally, the United Nations reports more than half of Sudan's population or 26.5 million are suffering from acute hunger, with thousands on the brink of famine. Authors of the report say the findings indicate a persistent disregard of international humanitarian law by the parties to the conflict, "as evidenced by the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated urban areas and direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including attacks on health facilities." Seif Magango, a spokesperson for human rights chief Turk, told journalists in Geneva on Friday that the RSF, Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, and their allies "have turned the city into a battleground" from which there is no escape. "There has been regular and intense shelling by the RSF of densely populated residential areas, recurrent airstrikes by the SAF, and artillery shelling by both the SAF and its Allied Joint Forces. "Residential neighborhoods, markets, hospitals and camps hosting internally displaced people have been struck," Magango said. Survivors who fled El Fasher have testified that intense artillery shelling by the RSF on densely populated residential areas and recurrent airstrikes by the SAF and Joint Forces "in most cases were conducted without warning despite the presence of thousands of civilians." The U.N. human rights report accuses the warring parties of the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. It says the Zamzam Camp, which hosts hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, and where famine has been declared, has been shelled repeatedly. It says the Abu Shouk IDP camp, northwest of El Fasher, housing more than 100,000 internally displaced people from African tribes, has been subjected to recurrent artillery shelling by the RSF, "amounting to direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects." Between May 9 and November 28, the U.N. human rights office has documented 13 attacks on health facilities, most attributed to and "deliberately targeted" by the RSF. For example, it notes the Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, in western El Fasher, "has been repeatedly shelled since the start of the hostilities." "This is the last remaining public hospital in the city with the capacity to perform surgery and provide sexual and reproductive health services, including necessary medical care for survivors of sexual violence," it says, noting that "this is particularly tragic as there has been a surge in cases of sexual violence since the siege began." Monitors track sexual violence reports Human rights monitors have documented numerous reports of sexual violence against women and girls during the siege and as they fled El Fasher after May 2024. The report quotes a reliable source who says the 20 to 40 victims of sexual violence reaching service providers each month "is considered to be significantly underreported due to stigma and artillery shelling that restricted movement." "Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes," Magango said. "This alarming situation cannot be allowed to continue. All parties to the conflict must refrain from attacks on civilians and civilian objects and respect international law." The report's authors express concern about a buildup of SAF-allied Joint Forces in the densely populated Zamzam camp. This, coupled with the increased mobilization of fighters along tribal lines across Darfur, they say, "indicates preparations for further hostilities may be under way." "Any large-scale attack on Zamzam camp and El Fasher city will catapult civilian suffering to catastrophic levels, deepening the already dire humanitarian situation, including famine conditions," warned High Commissioner Turk in Friday's statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview: Biden administration pushes for Sudan ceasefire in remaining weeks By Margaret Besheer December 20, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $200 million in new humanitarian funding for the Sudanese people at a high-level Sudan meeting he chaired Thursday at the U.N. Security Council, bringing total U.S. support to Sudan to more than $2.3 billion since fighting began among rival generals in April 2023. U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello spoke to VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer on the sidelines of the council meeting. He said the outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden wants to consolidate humanitarian progress and move toward a ceasefire, even a temporary one, in its remaining weeks. Once allies in Sudan's transitional government after a 2021 coup, Sudanese Armed Forces General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have become bitter rivals for power. Fighting erupted between their forces in the capital, Khartoum, last year. It has since spread across Sudan, causing widespread atrocities and killing, and one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. VOA: U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello, thank you for talking to VOA today. You have one month to go for the Biden administration. What do you realistically think you can achieve in the remaining weeks on Sudan? U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello: Well, one of the things that Secretary Blinken made clear today at the United Nations is that we're going to use every second we've got, and we've got some momentum. We're in the fifth straight month of breaking the largest humanitarian embargo in the world, but we have so much more to do. We've seen four times more food and medicine moving into Sudan than we saw just a few months ago, and each one of those is food and medicine reaching a mother or a child that's been malnourished for months in places like Zamzam camp or Kadugli in South Kordofan. We're getting the convoys moving, including the first convoy into parts of southern Khartoum since the war began almost two years ago. So, we have got a lock in those humanitarian gains that are saving lives. But ultimately, we've got to move towards a ceasefire, even a temporary ceasefire, from the parties, to give some relief to the horrific conditions that millions of Sudanese people are facing. VOA: And how do you hope to move toward that temporary ceasefire? Might you convene another meeting of the ALPS [Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan] before January 20th? Perriello: I just came yesterday from Mauritania, where we were meeting with the African Union, the United Nations, the Arab League and others, about how we can move towards expanding both local and national ceasefire efforts. It was a big statement for Secretary Blinken to sit at the council today in the U.N. And you heard from the Algerians and the other African leaders this idea that we've got to give more urgency to this ceasefire. ... This famine and this war was a war of choice by men who were willing to let the Sudanese people suffer, and those same men can help bring it to an end if we can get the regional actors in Africa and in the Gulf to align on an effort to put a pause in the fighting and restore the civilian transition. VOA: Would you say the two generals are the biggest obstacle to peace? Is this just about their egos? Or does it go deeper? Perriello: Well, certainly it was a big part of what started this war. But really, you have to go back a few steps and remember it was Generals Hemeti [Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo] and [Abdel Fattah] al-Burhan joining forces to overthrow the civilian transition that had inspired the world in 2019. And there are many forces behind both of them that want to prevent the people of Sudan from having the power over their future. And we continue to see that with extremist groups and others who want to profit from this war, whether it's groups like the National Congress party of the former Bashir era, that know the people wouldn't support them having power, and they're using this war to come back to power. We see some of the tribal leaders who should be some of the strongest voices for peace, instead of figuring out how to profit off of the famine and off of the war, we see countries that have engaged and are willing to continue to see that suffering of the Sudanese people. But we've also seen neighboring countries show the welcomeness ... to accept millions of refugees. We've seen efforts in the region to work with us on these local ceasefire efforts, including some of these humanitarian corridors. So, it's important that we not use the level of the crisis as an excuse to do nothing, because when we've engaged, we've been able to make a difference. And I think that's what Secretary Blinken was trying to remind the council today. VOA: What will it take to get the two generals to the negotiating table? Perriello: Well, first of all, I think we'll continue to try to push them to the table, but what we showed with the ALPS efforts in Switzerland on humanitarian access is you don't need a table anymore. We have telephones. We have proximity talks. What we need is the political will, and we appreciate that countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt and others are continuing to try to support these peace efforts. We think the African Union has a role to play. And the American people, in the same way we've seen Americans show just so much compassion in crisis after crisis around the world, we need folks to see these young people with the Mutual Aid Sudan and elsewhere that are risking their lives to get food and medicine into their communities. They need that support and attention from us. It's also something, quite frankly, that has really strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, including from a recent letter this week from both Republican and Democratic senators trying to draw more attention to the crisis in Sudan. So, it needs all of us to pay more attention, but most of all, it needs the people with guns and the people supplying guns to all sides in Sudan, to put those down and become partners in peace. VOA: You mentioned, and Secretary Blinken mentioned in the council, that there's a lot of external interference in the war in Sudan. There's credible evidence the UAE has been fueling the violence and supplying the RSF with arms. Why has the Biden administration been reluctant to really exert significant public pressure on the UAE? Perriello: Well, you saw some powerful testimony today at the Security Council about this issue, about foreign interference and the role certain countries are playing to fuel this conflict. The Biden administration has really led the way on putting pressure on all of the external actors to stop fueling this war and inviting them to be partners in peace, both ending the famine and trying to end this war. [U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.] Linda Thomas-Greenfield helped push for an extension of the Darfur arms embargo and also the first sanctions for violating that arms embargo in over 15 years. We are going to continue with our sanctions and with our diplomacy to raise the costs of those that are fueling this conflict, but also to continue to invite in those who want to be partners for not just peace for the Sudanese people, but how we rebuild Sudan and how we restore that civilian transition. Secretary Blinken announced today an additional $30 million with Congress to support civil society, particularly women and youth, who have continued to inspire us in Sudan, to help rebuild that political dialogue and that path the only real path forward which is a unified civilian front into peace and democracy. VOA: There are reports that the State Department is considering a genocide declaration. Why the reluctance to use the "genocide" word? Perriello: Far from reluctance, the State Department's really been leading the way. I mean, as someone who was in Darfur more than 20 years ago when the genocide was happening. When I was out of government a year ago, I was proud that the State Department led the way on declaring the acts of ethnic cleansing that we heard about from the Sultan of the Masalit today. Called out the crimes against humanity. We'll continue to look at where the facts lead in terms of other designations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West and Central Africa faces deepening food crisis - UN agencies call for enhanced humanitarian action and lasting hunger solutions World Food Programme 20 December 2024 DAKAR -- Over 40 million* people across West and Central Africa are struggling to feed themselves during the 2024 post-harvest season. This number is set to rise to 52.7 million by mid-2025, including 3.4 million people facing emergency levels of hunger (IPC/CH Phase 4) according to a new Cadre Harmonise food security analysis released this month. Despite a marginal drop in the number of acutely food insecure people compared to last year - linked to improved security and above-average rainfall in some parts of the Sahel, food insecurity is worsening. The number of people facing emergency levels of hunger (IPC/CH Phase 4) has surged by 70 percent during the post-harvest season and 22 percent during the June-August 2025 lean season. Countries most affected include Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad - which together account for well over half of the total food insecure population - while forcibly displaced people bear the brunt of the food crisis. This situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced humanitarian action and long-term solutions that effectively tackle the food crisis engulfing the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. "The vicious cycle of hunger in West and Central Africa can be broken, but it requires a fundamental shift in our approach," said Margot van der Velden, WFP's Regional Director for Western Africa. "We need timely, flexible, and predictable funding to reach crisis-affected people with lifesaving assistance, and massive investments in preparedness, anticipatory action and resilience-building to empower communities and reduce humanitarian needs." Food insecurity in the region is driven by conflict, displacement, economic instability, and severe climate shocks. Over 10 million people have been forcibly displaced in the region, with significant numbers in Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria. Forcibly displaced people are most often cut off from their fields and grazing areas making farming - vital for food security - impossible. Furthermore, climate shocks - especially the deadly floods this year that affected six million people - claim lives and destroy livelihoods, disrupting agricultural productivity. "The continuing deterioration of food security and nutrition despite significant efforts by governments and partners, emphasizes the need for an urgent paradigm shift in response," said Robert Guei, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for West Africa. "We need to strengthen and implement joint integrated resilience programmes in the most affected countries and beyond. Additionally, we need to facilitate smallholder farmers' access to locally produced fertilizers to boost sustainable, affordable, and nutritious food production." High food prices and households' low purchasing power are compounding the crisis, making it impossible for many families to afford even basic nutritious food. These economic issues are particularly severe in coastal countries such as Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, where the cost of living has skyrocketed. The situation is significantly affecting the nutritional status of children. In 2024, an estimated 16.3 million children were expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including 5 million in its severe form. Recent nutrition surveys conducted in the Sahel also reveal a deteriorating situation in several regions. "Good nutrition in the early years of life is the bedrock of child survival, development and a future healthy adult life. Every dollar invested in nutrition yields up to $16 in economic returns through improved health, enhanced education outcomes, and increased productivity throughout life," said the UNICEF Regional Director, Gilles Fagninou. "We must ensure a reliable and sufficient supply of therapeutic food to treat children under 5 in the region, while at the same time we seek to invest for the long-term to prevent malnutrition happening in the first place." With sufficient and predictable funding, FAO, UNICEF, and WFP will continue working with national governments, scaling up their ongoing efforts to alleviate hunger, build resilient communities, move towards sustainable food systems and lift people out of poverty through resilience-building programmes. Since 2018, WFP and UNICEF have been working with national governments across the Sahel tackling the root causes of hunger and building a more robust and resilient system that provides affordable, accessible and nutritious food to families and communities. Using a multi-sectoral approach, the two agencies are creating more opportunities for both people and systems to better prepare for and cope amid recurrent shocks and crises. About WFP The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media; @WFP_WAfrica and @WFP_FR; Facebook, and YouTube. About FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to eliminate hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and to ensure regular and adequate access to good quality food for all, enabling people to lead healthy and active lives. With over 194 member countries, FAO works in more than 130 countries around the world. FAO's primary language accounts on Twitter are @FAO, @FAOArabic, @FAOenEspanol, @FAOenFrancais About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 20 December 2024 - Day 1031 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 since the beginning of the day, there have been 191 combat clashes, the Russian enemy launched three missile and 32 air strikes using nine missiles and 59 CAB, more than 730 kamikaze drones strikes and more than 4,000 shells to positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements using different types of weapons. In the Kharkiv direction, there was one combat encounter with Russian zagarbnikami in the area of Vovchansk. In the kupans komu direction, the Russian opponent 11 times tried to push Ukrainian units out of occupied positions near kucervka, synkivka, petropavlivka, zagrizovogo and lozovoi. One battle is going on. Fourteen times, the Russian enemy attacked in the Lyman direction, trying to advance in the directions of Yampolivka, Terniv, Novosergiyivka, Green Grove, Ivanivka, Torsky, Grigorivka and in the Serebryansky Forest. Two clashes are ongoing so far. In the Kramators komu direction, the Defense Forces repelled six Russian attempts to advance near the settlement of Times of Yar. Russian forces tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense 11 times in the Toretsky direction. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers in the areas of the settlements of Toretsk and Leonidivka have received a hard cut off from Ukrainian defenders ten times. One attack is going on so far. Intensely attacks the Russian enemy of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Here, during the day, Russian forces carried out 41 assault and offensive actions. The greatest activity of the Russian occupiers is kept in the areas of the settlements of Mirolyubivka, Rumin, Lisivka, Zelene, New Labor, Dachenske, Vovkove, Pishcnna, Novovasilivka, Novoelizavetivka, Novooleksiyivka and Ukraine. Thirty-five attacks in the direction of Ukrainian defenders have already repelled, six more clashes - continue. At the same time, Russian forces launched aviation strikes on the settlements of Oleksandropil, Suhiy Yar and Pokrovsk, dropping three controlled bombs in total. Our soldiers are making efforts to prevent the advancement of the Russian opponent into the depths of Ukrainian territory. According to the information available at this time, as of today, the loss of the Russian aggressor in this direction has been 370 persons, out of which 171 are irrevocable. One BMP and nine cars were destroyed. In addition, a mortar and a unit of automotive equipment were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction, at this time of the day there are 20 combat clashes. Zagarbniki maintain high activity, trying to advance in the areas of settlements Sontsivka, Stari Terni, Andriyivka, Kurakhove, Dachne, Dalne, Konstantinopol and Konstantinopil. Defense Forces units repelled 17 Russian attacks, three attacks are ongoing so far. Aviation strikes controlled bombs suffered settlements of Konstantinopil and Andriyivka. At the same time, in this direction of the Defense Forces zneskodidi 86 occupants, 34 of them are irrevocably. In addition, the automotive equipment unit was destroyed. There were 25 boezitknen in the vremivs komu direction. Twenty-two Russian assaults have already been stopped by Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Uspenivka, Dalnogo, Amber, Spill, Bogatir, Velika Novosilka, Makarivka, Novosilka and Novodarivka. The fierce battles are still going on. Also Russian forces used aviation in the area of Velika Novosilka, dropping four controlled aviation bombs. In the orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian warriors have successfully repelled the Russian opponent's attempt to advance in the area of small tokmacki. Our defenders four times repelled the attacks of Russian zagarbnikiv in the Pridniprovsky direction. Russian forces used assault aviation around the area of the settlement of Ivanivka, striking 8 unkekorovanim missiles. Fifty combat clashes took place today in the Kursk direction, in addition, Russian forces launched one missile strike and fired 377 artillery shells. In the sivers komu and gulyajpil .s komu directions since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has not been active. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 14 to 20 December 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out 24 group strikes by precision weaponry and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, which hit energy facilities that were used to support the AFU, infrastructure of military airfields, UAV workshops and depots, a military echelon at an offloading site, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries. Over the past week, units of the Sever Group of Forces continued to eliminate AFU formations on the territory of Kursk region. Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two tank brigades, one heavy mechanised brigade, seven mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, two assault battalions of the AFU, one marine brigade, and five territorial defence brigades. In Kharkov direction, Russian troops hit units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Over the past week, the enemy losses were over 2,675 troops, nine tanks, 73 armoured fighting vehicles, including one Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and one U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carrier, 68 motor vehicles, two Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launchers, and 26 field artillery guns. The Zapad Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line, defeated military personnel and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, one airborne brigade of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. In addition, 18 counter-attacks of AFU assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses were more than 3,610 troops, two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, six armoured personnel carriers, including one U.S.-made M113 and one Polish-made Rosomak armoured personnel carriers and four other armoured fighting vehicles, 34 motor vehicles, and 57 field artillery guns, including eight Western-made 155-mm ones. Four electronic warfare stations and counter-battery radars and six ammunition depots were eliminated. As a result of decisive actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Annovka, Vesely Gai, Yelizavetovka, Trudovoye, and Uspenovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops hit units of six mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one infantry brigade, two airmobile brigades, one assault brigade, one air assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades. Over the past week, the AFU losses were more than 2,365 troops, one tank, five armoured personnel carriers, including one U.S.-made Stryker and three U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 12 other armoured fighting vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, 17 field artillery guns, including seven Western-made ones, four electronic warfare stations and counter-battery radars, and five ammunition depots. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units continued advancing into the depth of the enemy's defences and liberated Novopustynka, Pushkino, and Starye Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops engaged units of one heavy mechanised brigade, six mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, two assault brigades, two assault battalions of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades. In addition, 67 counter-attacks of the enemy were repelled. The AFU losses were more than 2,945 troops, two tanks, 15 armoured fighting vehicles, including three U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 23 motor vehicles, and 43 field artillery guns. As a result of active operations, units of the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Zelenovka and Novy Komar (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops hit formations of two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades. In addition, 16 counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses were up to 1,215 troops, two tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, 11 other armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, and 20 field artillery guns, including six self-propelled artillery systems and NATO-made 155-mm howitzers. The Dnepr Group of Forces' units engaged manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade, two mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one air assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. The AFU losses were up to 440 troops, 20 motor vehicles, 16 field artillery guns, including three U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers. In addition, one HIMARS MLRS combat vehicle and four U.S.-made Patriot SAM system launchers, five electronic warfare stations, and six field ammunition depots were eliminated. Air defence units shot down one Ukrainian Air Force's MiG-29 aircraft, six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, three UK-made Storm Shadow air-based cruise missiles, one Neptune long-range guided missile, four French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 18 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 519 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Over the past week, 59 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered on the line of contact. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,152 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,933 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,874 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,384 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 one heavy mechanised brigade, five mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and four territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Gornal, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Mirny, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Yuzhny. Four counter-attacks of the enemy's assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Guyevo, Maryevka, Mikhaylovka, Nikolskoye, Novaya Sorochina, Rubanshchina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Obody, and Khoten in Sumy region. The AFU losses were more than 340 troops, three tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 42,440 troops, 248 tanks, 187 infantry fighting vehicles, 128 armoured personnel carriers, 1,301 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,158 motor vehicles, 323 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, 76 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group Friday, December 20, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Defendant Rostislav Panev in Custody Pending Extradition from Israel to the United States Note: A copy of the superseding criminal complaint can be found here. A superseding criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging a dual Russian and Israeli national for being a developer of the LockBit ransomware group. In August, Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was arrested in Israel pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request with a view towards extradition to the United States. Panev is currently in custody in Israel pending extradition on the charges in the superseding complaint. "The Justice Department's work going after the world's most dangerous ransomware schemes includes not only dismantling networks, but also finding and bringing to justice the individuals responsible for building and running them," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Three of the individuals who we allege are responsible for LockBit's cyberattacks against thousands of victims are now in custody, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to hold accountable all those who lead and enable ransomware attacks." "The arrest of Mr. Panev reflects the Department's commitment to using all its tools to combat the ransomware threat," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "We started this year with a coordinated international disruption of LockBit the most damaging ransomware group in the world. Fast forward to today and three LockBit actors are in custody thanks to the diligence of our investigators and our strong partnerships around the world. This case is a model for ransomware investigations in the years to come." "The arrest of alleged developer Rostislav Panev is part of the FBI's ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most prolific ransomware variants across the globe," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The LockBit group has targeted both public and private sector victims around the world, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, as well as small businesses and multi-national corporations. No matter how hidden or advanced the threat, the FBI remains committed to working with our interagency partners to safeguard the cyber ecosystem and hold accountable those who are responsible for these criminal activities." "The criminal complaint alleges that Rostislav Panev developed malware and maintained the infrastructure for LockBit, which was once the world's most destructive ransomware group and attacked thousands of victims, causing billions of dollars in damage," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Along with our domestic and international law enforcement partner actions to dismantle LockBit's infrastructure, the Criminal Division has disrupted LockBit's operations by charging seven of its key members (including affiliates, developers, and its administrator) and arresting three of these defendants including Panev. We are especially grateful for our partnerships with authorities in Europol, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel, which show that, when likeminded countries work together, cybercriminals will find it harder to escape justice." "As alleged by the complaint, Rostislav Panev for years built and maintained the digital weapons that enabled his LockBit coconspirators to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage around the world," said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. "But just like the six other LockBit members previously identified and charged by this office and our FBI and Criminal Division partners, Panev could not remain anonymous and avoid justice indefinitely. He must now answer for his crimes. Today's announcement represents another blow struck by the United States and our international partners against the LockBit organization, and our efforts will continue relentlessly until the group is fully dismantled and its members brought to justice." According to the superseding complaint, documents filed in this and related cases, and statements made in court, Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. During that time, Panev and his LockBit coconspirators grew LockBit into what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world. The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies. LockBit's members extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments from their victims and caused billions of dollars in other losses, including lost revenue and costs from incident response and recovery. LockBit's members comprised "developers," like Panev, who designed the LockBit malware code and maintained the infrastructure on which LockBit operated. LockBit's other members, called "affiliates," carried out LockBit attacks and extorted ransom payments from LockBit victims. LockBit's developers and affiliates would then split ransom payments extorted from victims. As alleged in the superseding complaint, at the time of Panev's arrest in Israel in August, law enforcement discovered on Panev's computer administrator credentials for an online repository that was hosted on the dark web and stored source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which allowed LockBit's affiliates to generate custom builds of the LockBit ransomware malware for particular victims. On that repository, law enforcement also discovered source code for LockBit's StealBit tool, which helped LockBit affiliates exfiltrate data stolen through LockBit attacks. Law enforcement also discovered access credentials for the LockBit control panel, an online dashboard maintained by LockBit developers for LockBit's affiliates and hosted by those developers on the dark web. The superseding complaint also alleges that Panev exchanged direct messages through a cybercriminal forum with LockBit's primary administrator, who, in an indictment unsealed in the District of New Jersey in May, the United States alleged to be Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev ( ), also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab. In those messages, Panev and the LockBit primary administrator discussed work that needed to be done on the LockBit builder and control panel. Court documents further indicate that, between June 2022 and February 2024, the primary LockBit administrator made a series of transfers of cryptocurrency, laundered through one or more illicit cryptocurrency mixing services, of approximately $10,000 per month to a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Panev. Those transfers amounted to over $230,000 during that period. In interviews with Israeli authorities following his arrest in August, Panev admitted to having performed coding, development, and consulting work for the LockBit group and to having received regular payments in cryptocurrency for that work, consistent with the transfers identified by U.S. authorities. Among the work that Panev admitted to having completed for the LockBit group was the development of code to disable antivirus software; to deploy malware to multiple computers connected to a victim network; and to print the LockBit ransom note to all printers connected to a victim network. Panev also admitted to having written and maintained LockBit malware code and to having provided technical guidance to the LockBit group. The LockBit Investigation The superseding complaint against, and apprehension of, Panev follows a disruption of LockBit ransomware in February by the United Kingdom (U.K.)'s National Crime Agency (NCA)'s Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization's infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit's reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by documents filed in this case. The superseding complaint against Panev also follows charges brought in the District of New Jersey against other LockBit members, including its alleged primary creator, developer, and administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. An indictment against Khoroshev unsealed in May alleges that Khoroshev began developing LockBit as early as September 2019, continued acting as the group's administrator through 2024, a role in which Khoroshev recruited new affiliate members, spoke for the group publicly under the alias "LockBitSupp," and developed and maintained the infrastructure used by affiliates to deploy LockBit attacks. Khoroshev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State's Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/ . A total of seven LockBit members have now been charged in the District of New Jersey. Beyond Panev and Khoroshev, other previously charged LockBit defendants include: In July, two LockBit affiliate members, Mikhail Vasiliev, also known as Ghostrider, Free, Digitalocean90, Digitalocean99, Digitalwaters99, and Newwave110, and Ruslan Astamirov, also known as BETTERPAY, offtitan, and Eastfarmer, pleaded guilty in the District of New Jersey for their participation in the LockBit ransomware group and admitted deploying multiple LockBit attacks against U.S. and foreign victims. Vasiliev and Astamirov are presently in custody awaiting sentencing. In February, in parallel with the disruption operation described above, an indictment was unsealed in the District of New Jersey charging Russian nationals Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev, also known as Bassterlord, with deploying LockBit against numerous victims throughout the United States, including businesses nationwide in the manufacturing and other industries, as well as victims around the world in the semiconductor and other industries. Sungatov and Kondratyev remain at large. In May 2023, two indictments were unsealed in Washington, D.C., and the District of New Jersey charging Mikhail Matveev, also known as Wazawaka, m1x, Boriselcin, and Uhodiransomwar, with using different ransomware variants, including LockBit, to attack numerous victims throughout the United States, including the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. Matveev remains at large and is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million . through the U.S. Department of State's TOC Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/ The U.S. Department of State's TOC Rewards Program is offering rewards of: Up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction in any country of Khoroshev ; Up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Matveev ; Up to $10 million for information leading to the identification and location of any individuals who hold a key leadership position in LockBit ; and Up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction in any country of any individual participating or attempting to participate in LockBit . Information is accepted through the FBI tip website at tips.fbi.gov. Khoroshev, Matveev, Sungatov, and Kondratyev have also been designated for sanctions by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control for their roles in launching cyberattacks. Victim Assistance LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI and submit information at www.ic3.gov/ . As announced by the Department in February, law enforcement, through its disruption efforts, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Submitting information at the IC3 site will enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted. LockBit victims are also encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-nj/lockbit for case updates and information regarding their rights under U.S. law, including the right to submit victim impact statements and request restitution, in the criminal litigation against Panev, Astamirov, and Vasiliev. The FBI Newark Field Office, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, is investigating the LockBit ransomware variant. Israel's Office of the State Attorney, Department of International Affairs, and Israel National Police; France's Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command, Paris Prosecution Office Cyber Division, and judicial authorities at the Tribunal Judiciare of Paris; Europol; Eurojust; the U.K.'s NCA; Germany's Landeskriminalamt Schleswig-Holstein, Bundeskriminalamt, and the Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia; Switzerland's Federal Office of Justice, Public Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Zurich, and Zurich Cantonal Police; Spain's Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil; Japan's National Police Agency; Australian Federal Police; Sweden's Polismyndighetens; Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Politie Dienst Regionale Recherche Oost-Brabant of the Netherlands; and Finland's National Bureau of Investigation have provided significant assistance and coordination in these matters and in the LockBit investigation generally. Trial Attorneys Debra Ireland and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, David E. Malagold, and Vinay Limbachia for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the charges against Panev and the other previously charged LockBit defendants in the District of New Jersey. The Justice Department's Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, Office of International Affairs, and National Security Division also provided significant assistance. Additional details on protecting networks against LockBit ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov . These include Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisories AA23-325A, AA23-165A, and AA23-075A. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic: Cybercrime Components: Office of the Attorney General Criminal Division Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section Criminal - Office of International Affairs Office of the Deputy Attorney General USAO - New Jersey Press Release Number: 24-1622 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jordanian National Pleads Guilty to Explosives Threats and Attack on Energy Facility Friday, December 20, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, of Orlando, pleaded guilty today to four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. "With this plea, we are holding this defendant accountable for his threats to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by his desire to 'warn' businesses because of their perceived support of Israel," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department will fiercely protect the right of every person to peacefully express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas, but we have no tolerance for acts and threats of hate-fueled violence that create lasting fear." "Today, the defendant is admitting he attacked a solar power facility, damaged a number of Florida businesses, and left a series of threatening messages about perceived support for Israel," said Director Christopher Wray of the FBI. "Violence, destruction of property, and threats are simply unacceptable. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who commit illegal and destructive acts and cause our citizens to fear for their safety and livelihoods." According to court documents, beginning around June, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel. Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind "Warning Letters." In his letters, which were addressed to the U.S. government, Hnaihen laid out a series of political demands, culminating in a threat to "destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel." Hnaihen's attacks escalated. At the end of June, as law enforcement worked to identify the masked attacker, Hnaihen broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and spent hours systematically destroying solar panel arrays. He smashed panels, cut wires, and targeted critical electronic equipment. Hnaihen left behind two more copies of his threatening demand letter. Hnaihen's attacks caused nearly $500,000 in damage. Following a multiagency effort, law enforcement identified Hnaihen and arrested him on July 11, shortly after another "warning letter" threatening to "destroy or explode everything" was discovered at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando. Hnaihen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each threat offense and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the destruction of an energy facility offense. Hnaihen has also agreed to make full restitution to the victims of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and George Kraehe of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Topic: National Security Components: Office of the Attorney General Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) Press Release Number: 24-1630 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid Growing Strength of Terrorist Groups in Sahel, West Africa, Senior Official Urges Security Council to Scale Up Support within Regional Frameworks Meetings Coverage Security Council 9825th Meeting (AM) SC/15950 20 December 2024 In a region grappling with escalating threats due to violent non-State actors, civic restrictions, political transitions and heightened humanitarian needs, the head of UN efforts in West Africa and the Sahel called on the Security Council for scaled up support within regional frameworks, as speakers welcomed small signs of progress on the democratic front. Leonardo Santos Simao, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), presenting the latest Secretary-General's report (document S/2024/871), reported that he just attended the 15 December Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit, where Heads of State took note of the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from the organization. ECOWAS responded with an offer of six months for dialogue to encourage those countries to remain, he added. Regional leaders unanimously acknowledge insecurity as the region's most urgent concern, with terrorists becoming increasingly aggressive, and utilizing sophisticated weaponry, including drones, he said, also drawing attention the spread, beyond the Sahel, of violent extremism and organized crime to northern Benin and Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea countries. To address such threats, he called for the Council to scale up support within regional frameworks. While the announced operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force is a positive step, the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) joint force has ceased operations, and the Accra Initiative is undergoing restructuring, to model the Multinational Joint Task Force, "the primary security cooperation mechanism in the Lake Chad Basin region, and the only functioning platform for cooperation on regional security in West Africa and the Sahel". He went on to highlight a trip in November to Chad with Special Representative Abdou Abarry, Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), during which they met the Lake Chad Basin Commission as well as a camp for internally displaced persons of whom the country presently hosts 2 million, amid severe flooding, with the worsening humanitarian situation in other countries leading to further displacement. In this context, he urged support for the underfunded humanitarian appeal, which is less than 50 per cent funded. Addressing climate resilience, he spotlighted meetings held between stakeholders to discuss the transboundary management of water at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, and welcomed the visit, in December, of the Council's informal expert group on climate change, peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin region. On human rights issues, he deplored the closing of 8,200 schools in the region, due to insecurity and expressed concern about persisting human rights violations and civic restrictions in Guinea and Central Sahel. However, he welcomed progress in fighting impunity, citing the conviction of those responsible for the 2009 Guinea stadium massacre. Detailing progress in the region on the democratic front, he noted his visit to Ghana during the presidential and legislative elections; as well as taking note of legislative elections in Senegal on 17 November, Cote d'Ivoire on track to its 2025 presidential elections and Liberia making progress in democratic consolidation. However, in Guinea-Bissau, the parliamentary elections planned for November 2024 have been postponed sine die, he said, also pointing out that, in the Gambia, 2025 will be a critical year for the adoption of constitutional reforms, due to a political environment in which consensus has eroded. The Council also heard from Levinia Addae-Mensah, Executive Director, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, a network encompassing 750 civil society organizations across the region, who described a "heightened security threat profile", leading to expanding zones of instability and ungoverned spaces in the region, due to recent democratic transformations and security challenges stemming from the growing strength of terrorist and violent extremist groups in the Sahel and some coastal States. Citing data from the group's early warning system indicates that 76 per cent of armed attacks occurred around tri-border communities with inadequate State presence, she pointed out that "cascaded negative effects" of such dynamics led to challenges, including the closing of 12,000 schools, exacerbating the vulnerability of girls to early marriage, female genital mutilation and trafficking. Despite these challenges, she took note of positive trends, including progress towards democratic governance in Liberia, Senegal and Ghana; strengthened early warning systems and response mechanisms; and development of national and local infrastructures for peace. Despite the shrinking of civic spaces, her organization is strengthening resilience through initiatives, such as Security Consultative Committees, which it introduced in Mali, she said, pointing out that such "a dichotomous reality" underscores the value of organic approaches to peacebuilding. In closing, she highlighted processes that presented opportunities to reset approaches to addressing threats in the region, including the 2025 review of United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture and the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions. In the ensuing discussion, many speakers echoed concerns about the security situation in the region, with several urging support for regional security initiatives. Among them was the representative of Sierra Leone, co-penholder on the file, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, who urged predictable funding for regional security mechanisms, spotlighting the importance of the Multinational Joint Task Force in fighting terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin, and the potential of a fully operationalized Accra Initiative in addressing security threats, including the recruitment and radicalization of young people in the region. Switzerland's delegate called for a holistic approach to security, stressing that insecurity also hinders the improvement of the socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in the region. Voicing alarm about the persistence and spread of armed conflict, terrorism and violent extremism, she said: "It is necessary to engage in actions to maintain and promote dialogue and social cohesion, and to tackle the root causes of fragility." The representative of the Republic of Korea concurred, pointing out that the "lack of coordinated regional responses and fragmented counter-terrorism efforts heighten the risk of terrorist expansion across the Central Sahel and into coastal States". He therefore encouraged ECOWAS and regional States to foster effective collaboration to counter terrorism and transnational organized crime, an appeal echoed by the representative of Japan. Also on the security front, the United Kingdom underscored that "private military security companies like the Wagner Group and Africa Corps are not the answer". Rather, these entities have a track record of worsening existing conflicts and undermining long-term development and stability. On the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, he called for more humanitarian access, highlighting his Government's support for more than 16 million people in the Sahel since 2019. Similarly, the representative of the United States, Council President for December, speaking in her national capacity, warned that, amid Governments' struggle to reclaim control over territory, leaders who engage in heavy-handed counter-terrorism tactics, while neglecting to address the drivers of marginalization, are only worsening the security situation. However, the Russian Federation's delegate countered that the fractious security situation "is the heavy burden of the consequences of the military aggression waged by Western countries against Libya a burden borne, to this day, by all States in the region". Long-term stability in the Sahel requires the international community to support Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso "who stand at the forefront of the fight against pan-African terrorist groups", she added, also stressing that the Council should respect the decision by members of the Alliance of Sahel States to leave ECOWAS. Meanwhile, China's delegate called for the international community to "maintain necessary patience" with countries in transition and provide them with "small constructive support". Countries in the region must foster collective security and continuously enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, he said. To that end, his country, as announced at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September, will provide expertise and support to the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa. Malta's delegate was among several speakers highlighting democratic concerns, welcoming Ghana's introduction of a 40 to 50 per cent target of women in elected and appointed positions. However, she urged transitional Governments to adhere to previously agreed electoral timelines, pointing to postponed elections in Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso, as well as similar negative trends in the Gambia and Nigeria. Addressing the humanitarian picture, Guyana's representative, also speaking for Switzerland, as the Council's informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger, noted that, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 48.6 million people throughout the region were projected to experience food insecurity in the "critical June and August lean period", mainly due to worsening security conditions in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. She called for increased international support, particularly in capacity-building; respect for international humanitarian law to protect humanitarian personnel, as well as objects indispensable to civilian survival; and a comprehensive overview that acknowledges the interrelated nature of existing and emerging challenges, including food insecurity. Many delegates drew attention to the exacerbating impact of climate change on the regional humanitarian situation, including Ecuador's representative, who called on the international community to intensify its efforts in providing aid, and Slovenia's delegate, who warned that: "Crop failures, combined with the local grievances and ongoing instability create a fertile ground for recruitment by extremist armed groups." In this context, she echoed the Secretary-General's call for countries in the region and ECOWAS to develop conflict-sensitive climate adaptation plans as part of comprehensive peacebuilding strategies. France's representative concurred, observing that, by making access to resources difficult, climate change impacts "are an additional hurdle in West Africa". France has therefore renewed its support to regional climate, peace and security mechanisms to address these challenges. He added that improving the situation in the region requires a peaceful political climate, common commitment by all actors to pursue dialogue, a return to constitutional order and universal respect for human rights and the freedoms of association and expression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Delivering a plan for continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in Australia The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence 20 December 2024 The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, delivered by an Australian workforce and anchored by sovereign supply chains, through the release of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan outlines the Government's record investment of up to $159 billion over the next decade through the Integrated Investment Program that will see a significant boost to Australia's maritime capabilities. This includes 55 newly announced vessels compared to the plan under the former Coalition government. The Plan articulates a 30-year pipeline of construction and sustainment projects, largely across South Australia and Western Australia, including conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, an enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet and landing craft for the Australian Army. These decisions will create an intergenerational pipeline of naval construction projects that will support around 8,500 jobs in shipbuilding and sustainment by 2030, plus an additional 20,000 jobs over the next 30 years in support of Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program. The Albanese Government is already taking decisive steps to grow this workforce, including through: $1.5 billion to provide 500,000 Free TAFE and vocational education training places; $250 million to attract, train and retain the nuclear-powered submarine workforce, including 4,000 Commonwealth supported STEM university places across Australia; The implementation of the South Australia Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report and Action Plans in partnership with the South Australian Government. The coordinated growth of this workforce will be overseen by the newly established Maritime Workforce and Skills Council in close collaboration with partners from federal, state and territory governments, industry, trade unions and academia. The Government is also progressing detailed design and enabling works to deliver multi-billion-dollar infrastructure upgrades for Australia's maritime industrial base, including for the new Defence Precinct at Henderson in Western Australia and the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia. Building and sustaining vessels for the defence force is critical to protecting our national security and sovereignty, and supporting Australia's industrial capability. To ensure the Government's approach to shipbuilding keeps pace with the changing strategic environment, the plan will be updated on a biennial basis, with the next iteration scheduled for release in 2026. A copy of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan can be found here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/strategic-planning/2024-naval-shipbuilding-sustainment-plan. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: "The long-term investment laid out in the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan represents the Albanese Government's vision for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, a future made in Australia and our commitment to keeping Australians safe. "Through the most significant investment in maritime capability in Australia's history, we will see generations of naval construction projects happen right here, with plans to construct and upgrade over 70 vessels across South Australia and Western Australia. Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: "Under this plan, the Albanese Government is building world class shipyards and creating tens of thousands of well-paid jobs for decades to come, providing financial security for Australians and a future made in Australia. "The Government's record investment in the maritime domain will deliver a much bigger and more lethal navy and an army that's appropriate to our strategic environment. This will make Australia safer." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Okra ceases after 10 years of ADF support Issued by Defence Media 20 December 2024 Operation Okra, the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the international coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, has concluded with the remaining ADF personnel returning home this month. Established in 2014, Operation Okra was Australia's commitment to the US-led multinational Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, formed to secure a lasting defeat of the violent extremist group Daesh. More than 4,800 ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Okra. Over the past 10 years, Operation Okra has included deployments of an Air Task Group, Task Group Taji, a Special Operations Task Group, and a number of ADF personnel embedded in coalition positions and liaison roles. The Air Task Group completed more than 2,700 sorties against targets in Iraq and eastern Syria; flew more than 550 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; delivered more than 47.2 million kilograms of fuel by air-to-air refuelling; and supported numerous air transport sorties. Task Group Taji, which concluded in 2020 after five years, trained more than 47,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) through the joint Australia-New Zealand Building Partner Capacity Program at the Taji Military Complex north of Baghdad. ISF capability was further enhanced by the Special Operations Task Group which assisted with training for advanced combat tactics, military working dog training, combat casualty care, explosives identification and neutralisation, and facilitating access to coalition airpower. Operation Okra tangibly enhanced the ISF's ability to independently undertake operations against Daesh, enabling Australia and other nations to reduce direct military support. While Operation Okra has ceased, Australia will continue to contribute with our partners to the security of the Middle East and support the maintenance of the global rules-based order. Quotes attributable to the Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN: "I am extremely proud of our Australian Defence Force servicemen and women, and their families, for their dedicated service in helping Iraq fight for a united and peaceful homeland." "Operation Okra demonstrated Australia's resolve to support international efforts against terrorism and violent extremism. A stable Middle East is in Australia's national interest, and the excellent work of our Australian Defence Force members has made a tangible and important contribution to global security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ADF supports Vanuatu earthquake response 20 December 2024 RAAF Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules aircraft have returned 284 Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals from Vanuatu in the wake of the Port Vila earthquake on December 17. The aircraft also carried Australian disaster response and medical teams to Vanuatu to assist with the recovery efforts. The Australian Defence Force is preparing to provide further support as needed. In a joint ministerial statement outlining Australia's immediate $2 million response package, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was ready to assist the Vanuatu Government as required. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong added Australia's condolences. "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," Senator Wong said. Australia has deployed a 64-person disaster assistance response team and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations, along with a medical assistance team, a five-person crisis response team from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a liaison officer from the National Emergency Management Agency and a contingent of Australian Federal Police members. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia takes leading role in Middle East maritime security By Corporal Michael Rogers 20 December 2024 As Houthi attacks on shipping intensified in the Red Sea, Australia stepped up its commitment to maritime security, assuming command of Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) on October 1. It's the first time Australia has led CTF 153, which was established in April 2022 to enhance international maritime security and capacity-building in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden. The 14-member Australian contingent, drawn from all three ADF services, joins a 31-strong multinational task force operating out of the US Naval Support Activity in Bahrain. Together, they plan and execute maritime security missions in a contested and congested area of operations. Australia's command of CTF 153 is part of Operation Manitou, the latest in a series of operations in which the ADF has conducted maritime security operations in the Middle East for decades. This includes previous command of CTF 150, which is also part of the Combined Maritime Forces - a partnership that now includes 46 member nations. The new role in CTF 153 continues Australia's presence in the region; a response to the threats to international trade, peace and security posed by Houthi militants since November last year. Captain Jorge McKee, Commander of CTF 153, emphasised the collaborative nature of the mission. "Australians are planning missions alongside nearly a dozen flags, including Finland and Poland, who joined CMF following the Houthi attack on the MV Galaxy Leader on November 19 2023," Captain McKee said. "Together we employ warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and collaborate with a wide range of partners to find illicit activity at sea, and keep civilian mariners safe. "We build plans as a multinational staff, and gain approval from other navies who will assign us warships and aircraft to execute the operation." Executing the plan involves Australian and Finnish officers managing missions from the watch floor in Bahrain coordinating with the warships to carry out the operations. The team will soon use sail drones, similar to Australia's Bluebottles, as surveillance assets to find illicit activity and direct warships towards vessels of interest. What's most impressive, according to Captain McKee, is not the individual actions of the team, but the power of partnerships when confronted with complex security threats. "The two main achievements for us are excellent coordination with a number of multinational agencies in the area and the conduct of basic maritime security operations regardless of the Houthi threat," he said. "Our focus is on identifying and interdicting illicit activities on the high seas, or deterring them by preventing the movement of goods." Beyond operational missions, CTF 153 supports training activities, including maritime law workshops, boarding operations training and pollution control workshops for regional partners. The multinational team benefits from a diverse mix of ideas and experiences, enhancing their ability to achieve mission objectives. Despite the mission's maritime focus within a major US Navy headquarters, Australian Army and Air Force members have rapidly adjusted to the task. "It's a reflection of the excellent skills that we develop in adaptable young Australians that enable them to get stuck and find a solution no matter the problem," Captain McKee said. "While all our tasks are at sea, this is a joint security operation within an area that is seeing the most combat at sea since the end of World War 2. "I am extremely proud to be part of an integrated team that is making a big contribution to sustaining the global rules that have kept us safe and secured Australia's prosperity," Captain McKee said. Separate to the command of CTF 153, Australia maintains its commitment to Operation Hydranth, supporting international efforts to degrade Houthi capabilities in Yemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Blair concludes productive visit to Latvia and Poland National Defence News release December 20, 2024 - Warsaw, Poland - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Yesterday, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to Latvia and Poland during which he met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members ahead of the holidays and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts. While in Latvia from December 15-17, Minister Blair visited Adazi Military Base (Camp Adazi), to thank CAF troops for their contributions in strengthening the security of Canada and our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies. He also recognized the success of Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR conducted in Central and Northern Latvia last month. This was the first Canadian-led brigade field exercise in Europe in over 30 years. The Minister met with Defence Minister for the Republic of Latvia, Andris Spruds, to discuss the strong Canada-Latvia defence relationship rooted in our shared values. Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada's commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, highlighting ongoing military support to Ukraine, including Canada's October 2024 commitment to contribute $5 million to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's Drone Coalition Capability Common Fund led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. Minister Blair also thanked Latvia for hosting the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA). The Brigade plays a key role in NATO's deterrence and defence efforts. Canada's contribution through Operation REASSURANCE is our largest foreign military deployment. He outlined plans to reinforce MNB-LVA with a steady state of approximately 3,000 persistently deployed Allied soldiers by summer 2025. This includes about 1,500 CAF members currently at the Brigade, along with additional capabilities and personnel flowing into Latvia beyond that into 2026. From December 17-18, Minister Blair was in Poland where he met with Canadian troops deployed on Operation UNIFIER, delivering combat engineer training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and participating in Polish-led medical training for the AFU. He recognized CAF members' commitment to providing Ukraine with the training needed to defend itself against Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war. While in Poland, the Minister met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Poland, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, to discuss both countries' growing defence relationship. Their discussion focused on joint military assistance to Ukraine and strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank. Minister Blair also expressed gratitude for Poland's support in facilitating Canada's equipment donations to Ukraine. The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to continuing military assistance and training for Ukraine while underscoring the strong Canada-Poland defence partnership based on shared values and NATO cooperation. Canada remains steadfast in its dedication to strengthening relationships with Allies, supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and independence, and upholding the rules-based international order. Quotes "During my visit to Latvia and Poland, I thanked our Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on Operation REASSURANCE and Operation UNIFIER for their vital work. I was also pleased to have productive discussions with my counterparts about shared priorities. Canada's commitment to the security of our Allies and the strengthening of NATO's collective deterrence and defence posture has been unwavering. Our ongoing collaboration underscores the importance of a united Alliance in the face of evolving global threats." - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence Quick facts Canada enjoys excellent relations with Latvia. Canada was the first G7 country to recognize the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991, and the first country to ratify Latvia's accession to NATO in 2004. Canada and Poland enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership. Canada remains proud to have been the first NATO country to ratify Poland's membership in 1998. NATO is a cornerstone of Canada's international security policy. Canada believes in and steadfastly supports NATO's principle of collective defence and actively contributes to NATO missions and operations. Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF since 2014 to support NATO's assurance presence, posture, and defence and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia currently consists of 13 contributing nations, including Canada, Albania, Czechia, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Sweden will begin contributing in January 2025. Operation UNIFIER is the CAF's military training, professionalization, and capacity building mission in support of Ukraine, launched in 2015 at the request of the Ukrainian government following the illegal annexation of Crimea. It was expanded in early 2022 during the Russian pre-invasion military buildup. Since the start of Operation UNIFIER, the CAF has trained over 43,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over 10,000 of whom have been trained in various locations across Europe following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including $4.5 billion in military assistance. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, and M777 howitzers along with associated ammunition. Canada is currently a member of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group's Armour, Air Force, Drone, and IT capability coalitions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address His Majesty's Canadian Ship Charlottetown returns from Operation REASSURANCE National Defence News release December 20, 2024 - Halifax - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE. On July 1, 2024, HMCS Charlottetown became the flagship of Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). While in theater, the ship operated with the naval forces of nine nations and provided leadership to the multinational force serving as NATO's forward presence in the area. The Royal Canadian Navy's routine presence in the Mediterranean Sea is an important part of NATO's collective defence posture in a region affected by growing instability and war. Canada's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region is rooted in a strong, cohesive presence and remains a critical part of deterring actors seeking to destabilize the existing international rule of law. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada's largest military commitment abroad. Quotes "I extend my congratulations to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown for their skillful execution of yet another successful Operation REASSURANCE. The leadership role they have played as the flagship of SNMG2 proved invaluable to the Alliance Mediterranean Fleet, and demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability of RCN sailors in the modern maritime environment and in a volatile region. In operations with partners, Charlottetown was instrumental to the integration of allied naval assets, and the reinforcement of our collective defense. I hope our military and civilian communities will join me in extending a warm welcome to the crew returning home. The commitment that they and their families made to ensuring mission success deserves our recognition and appreciation. Bravo Zulu!" Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic "I am immensely proud of the crew's exceptional professionalism and dedication during our six-month deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. Their work ethic, teamwork, and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the success of our mission, enhancing security, and reinforcing NATO's collective defense efforts. This deployment underscores Canada's steadfast contribution to international peace and stability, and I am proud of the role His Majesty's Canadian Ship Charlottetown played in supporting our NATO allies." Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer, His Majesty's Canadian Ship Charlottetown Quick facts Under Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed a Maritime Task Force, which contributes ships to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs), an Air Task Force providing logistical support out of Prestwick, and a Land Task Force, including Canada's contribution to NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia, of which Canada is the Framework nation. SNMGs are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from various Allied countries. These vessels, including their air assets, are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to conducting operational missions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam's party general secretary meets Chinese defense minister amid high level of political mutual trust Global Times By Guo Yuandan and Liu Caiyu Published: Dec 20, 2024 11:19 PM General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Hanoi on Thursday. Dong and his delegation attended a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Since the beginning of this year, there have been frequent high-level exchanges between the military forces of China and Vietnam. An analyst reached by the Global Times said that the positive interactions between the two militaries show a high level of political mutual trust, which has positive significance for jointly maintaining peace and stability in the region. Lam said that Vietnam and China are socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. Vietnam cherishes China's valuable support in the cause of national liberation, national independence and socialist construction in Vietnam, and takes developing friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy. Lam expressed the hope that the two militaries will strengthen practical cooperation and inject new vitality into the development of bilateral relations. The Chinese side cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, the two countries and the two militaries, and stands ready to follow the guidance of the consensus reached by top leaders of both parties and countries, deepen practical cooperation with the Vietnamese side in various areas including maritime security, enhance strategic mutual trust between both militaries, promote the constant development of bilateral relations and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Dong said. Since the beginning of this year, there have been frequent high-level exchanges between the Chinese and Vietnamese militaries. From October 24 to 26, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Vietnam at the invitation of the Vietnamese side, where he held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang. They conducted in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional situations as well as bilateral military relations, and witnessed the signing of relevant agreements to strengthen defense cooperation. On August 20, China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun met with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang in Beijing. From April 11 to 12, China and Vietnam held the eighth border defense friendship exchange in Hekou county, Yunnan Province in Southwest China, and Lao Cai of Vietnam, as well as relevant port areas. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang led delegations attending the event and held talks. The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a hotline between the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command and the Vietnamese navy, according to Xinhua News Agency. Lam highly praised Dong Jun's visit with the delegation, emphasizing that strengthening defense and security cooperation is one of the cornerstones of the bilateral relationship and a concrete manifestation of the consensus at the leadership level of both countries. Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at the China Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times that since the beginning of this year, the positive interactions between the two militaries have demonstrated a high level of political mutual trust, and have shown the regional and international community that China and Vietnam are capable of effectively managing and addressing maritime differences, jointly maintaining regional peace and stability. "In the current international environment of increasing uncertainty, China-Vietnam cooperation serves as a stabilizer. The military and security cooperation between China and Vietnam is not aimed at any third party," Ding Duo said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi expresses confidence in Macao's new chief executive People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:05, December 20, 2024 MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed his confidence in Sam Hou Fai, who was just sworn in as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). When meeting with Sam here, Xi said he is confident that Sam will lead the SAR's new government and people from all walks of life in comprehensively, accurately and unwaveringly implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy. Xi expressed the belief that Macao will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, vigorously promote appropriate economic diversification, and continuously improve public well-being. He also voiced his conviction that Macao will leverage its unique position and advantages to better integrate into overall national development and deepen exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions. "The central government will fully support the chief executive and the Macao SAR government in fulfilling their duties," Xi noted. Sam expressed his gratitude to Xi and the central government for the trust. He pledged to lead the new SAR government in breaking new ground for the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao. Cai Qi and other officials were present at the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 20, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 20, 2024 19:10 AFP: Authorities in the United States on Thursday arrested a man called Sun Yaoning, or Mike Sun, on charges that he acted as an agent for Chinese Communist Party in influencing local politics in California. Has the Foreign Ministry seen this and does the spokesperson have any comment? Lin Jian: I'm not familiar with the specifics of the case that you mentioned. Let me stress that China never meddles in other countries' internal affairs. It is quite clear to the global community who exactly does that kind of thing. Global Times: We noted that Western media outlets, including US-based The Hill and UK-based Daily Telegraph cited a report by Adrian Zenz, who is an anti-China academic, in their articles, saying that chili pepper products sold in UK and US supermarkets contain ingredients from Xinjiang, which are probably produced using "forced labor." They called on Western companies to stop using chili pepper ingredients and products from Xinjiang. Do you have any comment on this? Lin Jian: This so-called report mentioned by certain media outlets is deeply flawed. It pretentiously quotes some vague accounts by so-called anonymous witnesses, but does not provide any factual basis, and even lacks the most basic field investigation. The fact is, the farming process of chili peppers in Xinjiang has largely been mechanized alreadyin some major production areas, 100 percent of the chili peppers are now harvested by machines. Is the report suggesting that there is "forced machine labor?" Earlier this week, an international symposium on employment and social security was held in Urumqi. More than 200 participants from over 40 countries, regions and international organizations attended the event, and many said the Xinjiang they saw is very much different from the false propaganda they had seen from sources outside China. They condemned the "forced labor" narrative, calling it a lie that deprives people in Xinjiang of their right to work, subsistence and development. From cotton to tomato and now to chili pepper, a handful of Western media and long-time disinformation manufacturers have concocted one lie after another about Xinjiang. But what's made up will not hide the truth; and a lie is still a lie even if it's told a thousand times. For those behind these same old clumsy theatrics, it is high time they quit this "creative" business for good. Reuters: Australia's Prime Minister has said his government would provide 190 million Australian dollars in funding to support the Solomon Islands to expand their police force so that the Solomon Islands can reduce reliance on external partners over time. So China and Solomon Islands have a police cooperation pact which Australia has also expressed concern about. How does the Foreign Ministry view Australia's move to provide the Solomon Islands with police support? Lin Jian: China maintains that when countries develop relations with Pacific Island countries, it is essential to let Pacific Island countries make their own decisions, put development first, and stay open and inclusive. No country should view Pacific Island countries as their "backyard." We hope relevant parties will earnestly respect the independence and sovereignty of Pacific Island countries and not interfere in their internal affairs. China Daily: It's reported that US Department of Defense recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay. Commentators say that in recent years, successive US administrations have promised multiple times they will close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven't acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the US has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years. What's your comment? Lin Jian: We noted relevant reports. The US has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. What the US has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba's sovereignty and rights and interests. The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the US to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible. The US's repeated failure to keep its promise of closing this US-run "concentration camp" will only add another stain to the poor US track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of US commitment to human rights. The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba's protracted wound. It is a living witness to more than a century of US illegal interference in Cuba. The US, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called "state sponsor of terrorism." The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this. China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes US interference in Cuba's internal affairs. The US needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba's territory, stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, close the "black site" and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, give the Cuban people's land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism." AFP: Police in Sweden said yesterday that Chinese authorities are conducting investigations on a ship that has been linked to the cutting of two undersea cables. Denmark's foreign minister also has said that representatives from China, Sweden, Germany and Finland were aboard the ship. Does the Foreign Ministry have any further information or comments on the situation? Lin Jian: China has fully communicated with Sweden, Denmark and other relevant countries on carrying out joint fact investigation. Relevant work is still ongoing at the moment and I have no more information to share. Let me reiterate that China stands ready to continue enhancing communication and coordination with relevant parties under the principles of openness, cooperation, professionalism and objectivity to find out together what happened, and ensure the incident can be properly resolved. Reuters: Just a follow-up on that question on the cable situation, could your Ministry please share which Chinese authority was on the bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 during the investigation? And to what extent is the Chinese authority working with Sweden police? Lin Jian: As I just said, relevant work is still ongoing at the moment and I have no more information to share. AFP: Authorities in Germany said yesterday that they have opened an espionage investigation into a Chinese national who according to local media took photographs at a naval area of the Baltic seaport of Kiel. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this case? Lin Jian: I am not familiar with what you mentioned. The Chinese government has all along asked Chinese citizens overseas to observe local laws and regulations, and has worked to protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses overseas in accordance with laws and regulations. We hope Germany will stick to the facts, stop the manipulation and vilification with the so-called "espionage cases," and earnestly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Germany. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EXCLUSIVE: One US-sanctioned Hong Kong company disappears, another takes its place VPower, named as a supporter of Russia's war effort, disappears as Horsemart comes out of nowhere to win high-end government contracts. By Ha Syut for RFA Cantonese 2024.12.20 -- A Hong Kong security company sanctioned by the United States for allegedly supporting Russia has disappeared from a list of government-licensed security firms, only to be replaced by a start-up company that has directors and government contracts in common with its predecessor or its parent company, Radio Free Asia has learned. VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong) Ltd. had been in the business of cash counting, management and the transportation of valuables under armed escort until it was sanctioned on June 12 by the United States for allegedly providing armed gold escort services to Russia. The company held a Category 2 Armed Escort License that is granted by Hong Kong's Security Bureau to a select and highly experienced group of security firms including Brink's Cash Solutions, Loomis International and Guardforce International. Hong Kong is gaining a reputation as a safe haven for companies wishing to skirt the restrictions imposed by U.S. sanctions on Russia. The Russian private military company Wagner Group, which made headlines last year by starting to march on Moscow amid an apparent dispute with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has longstanding ties to Hong Kong. The city was named in a U.S. Treasury Department investment ban aimed at curbing China's military-linked high-tech ambitions in artificial intelligence, advanced computer chips and quantum computing, amid growing evidence that the ruling Chinese Communist Party is leveraging Hong Kong universities and private companies for research funding, expertise and links to global supply chains. Iran's sanctioned shipping line IRISL was found in 2020 to be running a network of Hong Kong-based companies. A U.S.-based security expert told RFA Cantonese that the Hong Kong authorities don't seem bothered by the evasion of sanctions on their watch, because Beijing likely isn't either. NATO has referred to China as "a decisive enabler" of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine. VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong)'s mainland China-based parent company Shenzhen VPOWER lists the Hong Kong government, major banks and financial institutions in Hong Kong among its "regular customers," and provides armed escort and personal protection services. While the Security Bureau removed VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong) from the list of Category 2 licensees after sanctions were imposed, it soon granted another license to newcomer Horsemart Services Ltd, which was set up in March 2022, not long after the Russia-Ukraine war started. A security industry insider who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals told RFA Cantonese that the criteria for a Category 2 license are pretty stringent, requiring companies to have plenty of capital, public liability insurance, high-spec equipment including bulletproof vehicles and arms storage protocols, and to use only highly trained personnel. Horsemart's registered capital is just HK$11,000 (US$1,415), according to the Hong Kong Companies Register. "The review process is quite onerous and takes more than a year," the person said. "I don't understand how a start-up company could get on the list that quickly." Public tender records searched by RFA Cantonese revealed that Horsemart has close ties to the sanctioned company's Chinese parent, Shenzhen VPOWER Finance Security. The name of its director Wang Jiang, who holds a mainland Chinese ID card, also appears on the lists of senior officers at several Shenzhen VPOWER affiliates. Wang and fellow mainland Chinese ID card-holder Fan Deyu replaced two Hong Kong ID card-holders as directors at Horsemart in July. The company has been awarded a HK$40 million (US$5 million) tender by the Civil Engineering and Development Department to provide security at the government's explosives depot on Hong Kong's outlying Lantau Island, very similar to the HK$53 million (US$6.8 million) contract awarded previously to its sanctioned predecessor, VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong). That contract was for three years, and also for security services at a government explosives depot. And Horsemart has been hiring, according to recent recruitment ads posted in Hong Kong. The company is looking for armed security guards to provide security and escort services on Lantau Island. According to photos uploaded by concerned citizens to Facebook, the company's armored vans have very similar livery to those used by VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong). Neither VPOWER Finance Security (Hong Kong) nor Horsemart Services had responded to a request from RFA Cantonese for comment by the time of writing. Hong Kong's Security Bureau said: "The Special Administrative Region government does not comment on the situation of individual security companies." Sunny Cheung, a strategic analyst and associate researcher at the Jamestown Foundation, said the Hong Kong government seems to be turning a blind eye to Hong Kong's role in the evasion of U.S. sanctions. "The Hong Kong government is completely bound up with the interests of the Chinese government," Cheung said. "They fully understand that [China] wants to use Hong Kong as a safe haven or a free port to achieve their aims." "I don't think the Hong Kong government is unaware of it ... it claims it won't allow Russia to use it as a transit camp, but it has no intention of solving the problem," Cheung said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EXPLAINED: What are China's plans for Macau? Xi Jinping says he wants the gambling hub to link China to the rest of the world, a role once filled by Hong Kong. By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2024.12.20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping left Macau on Friday after a three-day ceremonial visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese enclave's handover to Chinese rule, after laying out his vision for the role the gambling hub will play in his plans to boost China's flagging economy. "Macau is a shining pearl inlaid on the coast of the South China Sea and a treasured part of our great motherland," Xi said in his keynote speech marking Friday's anniversary, and inaugurating the next city government. "The earliest Chinese students to go overseas went out to the world from here, many Chinese classics were translated and spread to the West, and modern Western science, technology and culture were introduced to mainland China via Macau," he said. "At different times in history, Macau has played an important role and made unique contributions," Xi said. Xi said Macau's economic growth is now seven times what it was at the 1999 handover. The city's key task is now to "actively integrate into overall national development," he said. What does that mean in practice? Xi wants the city to "actively participate" in his signature Belt and Road global infrastructure and supply chain project, as part of the "Greater Bay Area" integrating the city with neighboring Guangdong province and the former British colony of Hong Kong. In 2021, the ruling Chinese Communist Party launched a semi-conductor research and development base jointly administered by authorities in the southern province of Guangdong and the formerly Portuguese city of Macau on Hengqin Island, paving the way for a blurring of the border between the two jurisdictions. The "cooperation zone" on Hengqin Island is jointly administered by Guangdong and Macau, with a Communist Party, police, state security police and government presence. The aim is to fast-track semiconductor chip designs and other high-tech research and development projects including new energy, big data, artificial intelligence and biomedical industries. Chinese President Xi Jinping left Macau on Friday after a three-day ceremonial visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese enclave's handover to Chinese rule, after laying out his vision for the role the gambling hub will play in his plans to boost China's flagging economy. "Macau is a shining pearl inlaid on the coast of the South China Sea and a treasured part of our great motherland," Xi said in his keynote speech marking Friday's anniversary, and inaugurating the next city government. "The earliest Chinese students to go overseas went out to the world from here, many Chinese classics were translated and spread to the West, and modern Western science, technology and culture were introduced to mainland China via Macau," he said. "At different times in history, Macau has played an important role and made unique contributions," Xi said. Xi said Macau's economic growth is now seven times what it was at the 1999 handover. The city's key task is now to "actively integrate into overall national development," he said. What does that mean in practice? Xi wants the city to "actively participate" in his signature Belt and Road global infrastructure and supply chain project, as part of the "Greater Bay Area" integrating the city with neighboring Guangdong province and the former British colony of Hong Kong. In 2021, the ruling Chinese Communist Party launched a semi-conductor research and development base jointly administered by authorities in the southern province of Guangdong and the formerly Portuguese city of Macau on Hengqin Island, paving the way for a blurring of the border between the two jurisdictions. The "cooperation zone" on Hengqin Island is jointly administered by Guangdong and Macau, with a Communist Party, police, state security police and government presence. The aim is to fast-track semiconductor chip designs and other high-tech research and development projects including new energy, big data, artificial intelligence and biomedical industries. Political commentators say China is rewriting its idea of the "one country, two systems" framework under which Hong Kong and Macau were returned to mean that the two former colonies can keep their separate jurisdictions only insofar as it benefits China as a whole. "It ... means that the mainland is the foundation, and Macau and Hong Kong are branches and are there to serve the mainland," political analyst Chen Daoyin told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview. "The main point is that Hong Kong and Macau must be integrated into the overall framework of China's modernization and must not create anything unique to them." What about the promises of autonomy? Xi's Macau visit coincided the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which promised Hong Kong a "high degree of autonomy" for at least 50 years after the 1997 handover. The last British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, hit out at Beijing's "flagrant disregard" of its commitments in the U.N.-registered treaty in a newspaper article on Thursday, accusing it of comprehensively crushing the city's freedoms under two national security laws that followed the 2019 protest movement, and calling for sanctions from London in response. Xi's singling out of Macau as a favored location for global exchanges is in keeping with the fact that the city has never mounted any serious political challenge to the will of Beijing, and, unlike Hong Kong, was never promised fully democratic elections in the first place. The city's political and financial elite, exemplified by mainland-born incoming Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, have always been more closely aligned with Chinese political goals than the former British colony of Hong Kong, and have never really wanted democracy, experts say. In that sense, the city is living up to its reputation as the "well-behaved child," while Hong Kong remains in a cycle of political repression following waves of mass popular protest since its handover to Chinese rule. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania faces tough balancing act over ties with China By William Yang December 20, 2024 The pledge by Lithuania's new government to reset diplomatic relations with China after Beijing downgraded bilateral ties with the country in 2021 is facing challenges even before it has begun. Analysts say Lithuania's recent decision to expel three of China's diplomats and the damage done to two data cables in the Baltic Sea - as well as questions about the role a Chinese cargo ship may have played - are complicating that effort. China downgraded ties with Lithuania after the previous government agreed to open a representative office for Taiwan in the capital, Vilnius, in 2021 that used the English word "Taiwanese" in its name. Beijing bristles at any moves that give democratically governed Taiwan added international recognition. Most of Taiwan's overseas representative offices have Taipei in their name. Balancing act Tomas Janeliunas, an international relations professor at Vilnius University, says Lithuania's new government will have to play a balancing act when it comes to relations with China because each change in the geopolitical landscape can have an impact. "When a new tension point breaks out, Lithuania will have no choice but to skip this balancing policy and return to the more aggressive diplomacy toward China," he told VOA in a phone interview this week. Following its parliamentary elections in October, Lithuania's new prime minister, Gintautas Paluckas, vowed to restore full diplomatic relations with China without "humiliating" Lithuania and "falling to our knees and begging for anything." In an interview with the Baltic News Service on Nov. 1, Paluckas said that it is certainly an aspiration to have normal relations with China. Relations with China "will not be very rosy," with the two sides arguing about economic and protectionist measures, but the European Union "is trying to maintain diplomatic relations," he said. "We are a sovereign country, we have no dependency on China, and nobody is trying to create one, but diplomatic relations are valuable. And one truly needs to have them," he said. Zhao Junjie, a senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times that Paluckas' comments show the new Lithuania government is "turning to more rational, pragmatic and sustainable ways" to handle relations with China. New government's differing views Despite the new prime minister's stated intention to resume diplomatic exchanges with Beijing, there are also differing views on how Lithuania should handle relations with China within the new government. The Lithuanian government's latest four-year plan, which the country's Parliament approved Dec. 12, calls China "a growing challenge" to the Baltic state's foreign and security policies. The plan also pledges to develop economic and cultural ties with Taiwan, which China views as an inseparable part of its territory. In an interview with Baltic News Service on Dec. 3, Lithuania's new foreign minister, Kestutis Budrys, said China bears the responsibility of initiating steps to restore diplomatic relations with Lithuania. "It was not Lithuania that decided to downgrade the level of diplomatic representation and initiated the change of its form altogether," Budrys said, adding that all sides across Lithuania's political spectrum support the restoration of diplomatic ties with China if the Baltic state's national security is ensured. Meanwhile, Lithuania's minister of economy and innovation, Lukas Savickas, said in an interview on December 12 that the previous government's position on China had been "out of line" and that Lithuanian businesses have interests in the Chinese market. Experts say since the new government has explicitly presented China as a foreign policy and security challenge to Lithuania, Vilnius is unlikely to fundamentally change its policies toward China. While "the previous government, which pursued the so-called values-based foreign policy, only vaguely mentioned China in its program, the new [government's] program sets the boundaries in this regard much clearer," said Raigirdas Boruta, an associate expert at Vilnius University's Eastern Europe Studies Center. Since the new government has pledged to keep developing economic and cultural ties with Taiwan, Boruta told VOA that Lithuania is unlikely to make fundamental changes to its relationship with China under the center-left-led administration. Aggressive actor Other recent events have also added new sources of tension to the bilateral relationship. In late November, a Chinese bulk carrier carrying Russian fertilizers, Yi Peng 3, was suspected of severing two data cables in the Baltic Sea, prompting investigators from several European countries, including Sweden, Lithuania and Finland, to surround the ship and seek to conduct a thorough investigation. Additionally, Lithuania announced the expulsion of three Chinese diplomats after declaring them "personae non gratae" on November 29. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said the Chinese diplomats violated the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian legislation but did not provide further details about the expulsion. Beijing condemned Lithuania's expulsion of the Chinese diplomats, describing the move as "provocative." "China reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on December 2. Janeliunas said these events have hardened the Lithuanian public's impression of China as an aggressive actor in the Baltic region, making it difficult for the new government to reduce tension between the two countries. If the government "talks about softening Lithuania's attitude toward China, it could trigger some harsh reactions from society or some media outlets, as they question why the ruling Social Democrats are considering such a move," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole The government (through Parliament) is progressively conceding to pressure from the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), after its membership successfully petitioned authorities to prioritise exhumation and decent reburials of liberation struggle heroes and heroines.In a petition signed and submitted to Parliament by Comrade Sam Parirenyatwa who is the Mashonaland Central provincial chairman for ZNLWVA, surviving liberation war stalwarts bemoaned government negligence of fallen heroes and heroines' remains."Section 23 of our constitution on the veterans of the liberation struggle and section 84 of our constitution on the rights of veterans of liberation struggle are silent on the fate of those who perished fighting for the independence and freedoms which Zimbabwe enjoys today and their families," Parirenyatwa said."We are aggrieved that men and women who perished during the war of liberation are still buried in shallow graves and squalid shrines within and outside Zimbabwe, which is a characteristic of massive neglect by the people enjoying the independence and freedom they perished for," Parirenyatwa added."We are concerned that the remains of our national heroes of the First Chimurenga/Umvukela are still stashed in British museums 44 years after independence and there be no notable progress on their repatriation," Parirenyatwa said.Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe has announced during the inauguration of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe's board of trustees that the Ministry expects urgent attention on the maintenance of shrines."My Ministry also expects urgent attention on the maintenance of our shrines both within and outside our borders in tandem with our client's expectations. It is therefore the board's responsibility to ensure that both the shrines and narratives are preserved for posterity," Kazembe said."I also want to add that the issue of the human remains of the heroes of the first Chimurenga being kept in the Natural History Museum in Britain is brought to its logical conclusion to give closure to the families and the nation at large. I am happy that this issue is also part of your strategic management plan," Kazembe Kazembe added."We need to expedite the National Heroes Acre extension because we are fast running out of slots at the National Shrine. I also expect the Board to work on Altena Farm Monument which is one of the significant liberation sites of the early stages of the Second Chimurenga," Kazembe Kazembe disclosed.Minister Kazembe also claimed he is reliably informed that they recently concluded the formulation of the draft Policy on the Management of Post Conflict Mass Graves and Human Remains.He also added that over and above the policy, he expects the Board to present the principles of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe Act Review early in 2025."The amended Act will be instrumental in the transformation of heritage management to fully accommodate the entity's evolving and expanded mandate, which, over the years, has excessively outgrown its legal space. I also want to emphasize the critical role of community engagement in our work," Kazembe Kazembe said. No country should treat Pacific Island countries as backyard: FM Global Times Certain Australian media should abandon narrow mind-set given improving China ties: expert By Zhang Yuying Published: Dec 20, 2024 11:22 PM Updated: Dec 21, 2024 02:13 AM China maintains that when countries develop relations with Pacific Island countries, it is essential to let Pacific Island countries make their own decisions, put development first, and stay open and inclusive. No country should view Pacific Island countries as their "backyard," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday. Lin made the marks in response to a question about Australia's announcement that it will provide substantial funding to support the police in the Solomon Islands, and that Australian media have expressed concerns about China's police cooperation with the Pacific Island nation. We hope relevant parties will earnestly respect the independence and sovereignty of Pacific Island countries and not interfere in their internal affairs, Lin told a routine press conference. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Australia announced on Friday that it will plough 190 million Australian dollars ($118 million) into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and set up a new police training center in the capital Honiara. The new assistance package was unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. In a joint statement, Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the package would provide the Pacific island nation with an "enduring sovereign security capability" and reduce its "reliance on external partners over time," ABC reported. Although Albanese did not name China directly, ABC claimed that the Australian Prime Minister "suggested the deal would ensure China wouldn't be able to grow its policing and security presence." The Australian Financial Review also hyped that the latest move by the federal government sought "to curb China's security ambitions in the Pacific," while Australia's 9News network published a report titled "Australia and Solomon Islands sign $190 million security deal in blow to China." "This reflects the narrow mind-set of the Australian media, which views the police cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands as an erosion of Australia's influence in this South Pacific island nation," Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday. China-Solomon Islands cooperation is based on equality and mutual benefit, without attaching any political conditions and not targeting any third party, Chen said. "Due to this zero-sum game mentality, the Australian side has distorted the police cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands, demonstrating its desire to exclude China's coordination with other countries in this region." The expert further emphasized that, particularly in light of the current stabilizing and improving relations between China and Australia, the Australian media should abandon their narrow mind-set. "Australia should recognize that China is a partner rather than a competitor, and China has no intention of participating in any so-called competition with Australia in the South Pacific region. Such a narrow perspective from the Australian side is counterproductive to the advancement of bilateral relations," he said. According to ABC on Thursday, Australian think tank Australian Strategic Policy Institute, known for its critical stance on China, will have its taxpayer funding cut after a sweeping government review of public support for national security research. "Given the recent improving ties, Australia should collaborate more closely with China and intensify its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, which not only aligns with the shared interests of both nations but also contributes positively to regional stability, peace, and development," Chen told the Global Times. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi inspects PLA garrison in Macao People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:18, December 21, 2024 MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the inspection after attending a gathering in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. On Friday afternoon, Xi reviewed the troops and met with representatives of the military personnel. He urged the military personnel to enhance defense capabilities in all aspects and contribute more to breaking new ground in the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics. Over the past 25 years, the troops have played a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Macao's long-term prosperity and stability, Xi noted. Highlighting the need to unwaveringly uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, Xi stressed efforts to comprehensively strengthen military discipline and maintain high levels of unity, security and stability in the armed forces. Cai Qi and other officials attended the activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime partner in the Baltics: Pistorius welcomes Lithuanian counterpart Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence Dec 20, 2024 Defence Minister Pistorius welcomed Dovile Sakaliene, Lithuania's new Minister of National Defence, at the Bendlerblock on 16 December 2024. Sakaliene had been confirmed by Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, on 12 December. By choosing Berlin as her first destination for an official visit she underlined the relevance of Germany as Lithuania's most important European partner. In addition to the buildup of the Brigade in Lithuania, which is to progress alongside the construction of the required brigade infrastructure in Lithuania, Pistorius and Sakaliene discussed the continued support of Ukraine in 2025 as well as armaments cooperation. Their main focus, however, was on continuing the close bilateral German-Lithuanian cooperation, which is particularly apparent in the establishment of the German Brigade in Lithuania. Pistorius began by thanking Sakaliene for the great commitment and dedication displayed by the Lithuanians in preparing the deployment of the Brigade. In 2025, the focus would be on establishing a brigade staff capable of command and control as well as of conducting exercises, he said. Around 500 German military personnel were to be deployed in Lithuania by the end of the year. They would be augmented by approximately 1,300 soldiers who are presently forming the eFP Battlegroup in Lithuania. The forces were to become part of the Brigade by the end of 2026. Regarding the support of Ukraine, both countries are working together closely and reliably, e.g. in the European Military Assistance Mission EUMAM, where Lithuania is involved in training Ukrainian forces on German territory. Agreement on armaments cooperation To prevail on the battlefield of the future, weapons must be interoperable. This is why Germany and Lithuania plan to use the same weapon systems. Following the talks in Berlin, Minister Sakaliene signed a purchase confirmation for the procurement of 44 German Leopard 2 A8 MBTs under the German framework contract. "Because they will be using the same type of tank, our armed forces can work together even better", Pistorius stressed in Berlin. It would save costs and facilitate joint maintenance of the systems. The Bundeswehr Brigade in Lithuania will also be equipped with Leopard tanks. Author: Lara Finke NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 7,629 crore contract with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for Indian Army India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 4:54PM by PIB Delhi Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited for procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 7,628.70 crore. The contract was signed by senior officials of the Ministry and representatives of L&T in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in South Block, New Delhi on December 20, 2024. The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance overall operational readiness of the Indian Army. This versatile artillery gun, with its cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strike with precision and its lethal firepower will bolster the capability of artillery in all terrains. The gun being equipped with cutting-edge technology is capable of delivering long-range lethal fires with high accuracy & higher rate of fire and will be able to operate in sub-zero temperature in high-altitude areas to its full potential. The project will generate an employment of more than nine lakh man-days over a period of four years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs. The project will be a proud flag-bearer of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in consonance with the 'Make-in-India' initiative. ******* VK/Savvy (Release ID: 2086514) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Captain in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Charged with Murder and Terrorism Offenses Friday, December 20, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Defendant Allegedly Orchestrated the Nov. 7, 2022, Murder of Stephen Troell, a U.S. Citizen Living in Iraq, in Retaliation for the January 2020 Death of Qasem Soleimani Note: View the unsealed complaint here. A complaint was unsealed today charging Mohammad Reza Nouri, 36, of Iran, also known as Muhammad Rida Husayn, Ali Asghar Nuri, and Abu Abbas, an Iranian national and officer in the IRGC, in connection with Nouri's alleged role in orchestrating the Nov. 7, 2022, murder of American Stephen Troell in Baghdad, Iraq. Nouri was arrested in Iraq in March 2023. "The Department of Justice will not tolerate terrorists and authoritarian regimes targeting and murdering Americans anywhere in the world," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "We allege that Mohammad Reza Nouri, an officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, orchestrated the murder of Stephen Troell, an American citizen living in Iraq, carrying out the Iranian Regime's efforts to take vengeance for the death of Qasim Soleimani. Stephen should still be alive today, and the Justice Department will work relentlessly to ensure accountability for his murder." "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains determined to target U.S. citizens, and orchestrated a cold-blooded plot to brutally murder Stephen Troell, a Tennessee native working at an English language institute in Iraq," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "According to the allegations, Mohammad Reza Nouri, an IRGC captain, played a key role in planning the attack in which Troell was ambushed as he drove home from work with his wife. Today's announcement makes clear that the FBI and our partners will not tolerate the IRGC's ruthless attacks on Americans, here in the United States or overseas, and will hold accountable any who seek to harm our citizens." "As alleged, Mohammad Reza Nouri, a Captain in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, orchestrated the murder of American Steven Troell in Iraq," said Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim for the Southern District of New York. "Nouri is alleged to have gathered intelligence on Troell's daily routine and whereabouts, procured weapons and vehicles, and provided safe harbor to the operatives who carried out the sinister plot to brutally attack Troell in front of his wife. As alleged, the Iranian regime is actively targeting U.S. citizens, such as Troell, living in countries around the world for kidnapping and execution both to repress and silence dissidents critical of the regime and to take vengeance for the death of Qasem Soleimani. This office will not stand by when an American is attacked and murdered in cold blood, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring Nouri to justice." "As alleged in the complaint, Nouri facilitated Troell's murder. He gathered information and coordinated with a co-conspirator to procure supplies that operatives relied on during their attack on Troell," said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring IRGC operatives, including Nouri's co-conspirator, to justice for harming Americans." According to court documents, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) is actively targeting nationals of the United States and its allies living in countries around the world for kidnapping and/or execution both to repress and silence dissidents critical of the Iranian regime and to take vengeance for the January 2020 death of then-Commander of the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad. The IRGC is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency under the authority of Iran's Supreme Leader, comprised of components including an external operations force, the IRGC-QF, and has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Secretary of State since April 15, 2019. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire to avenge the death of Soleimani, and, among its activities, the IRGC plots and conducts attack operations outside Iran targeting U.S. citizens residing in the United States and abroad. In November 2022, the Iranian regime struck in Iraq: a group of operatives working on behalf of the IRGC brutally murdered Stephen Troell, a 45-year-old American living in Baghdad, where he worked at an English language institute, as Troell was driving home with his wife after work. Nouri is an IRGC Captain who works for the IRGC in Iraq and is involved in the IRGC's external attack plotting against U.S. citizens and others. Nouri played a key role in the IRGC's targeting and ultimate murder of Troell, whom Nouri appears to have believed was working as an American or Israeli intelligence officer. Nouri, on behalf of the IRGC, collected critical, highly personal information about Troell to facilitate stalking, attacking, and ultimately killing Troell. Nouri, with the assistance of co-conspirators, developed a source with access to details of Troell's life and daily routine. With this information, Nouri created intelligence documents for his IRGC associates and a group of operatives recruited to execute the attack, which included Troell's date of birth, coordinates of his residence, occupation, work schedule, telephone number, wife's name, and children's names, among other information. In the weeks leading up to the murder, Nouri coordinated with one of his co-conspirators (CC-1) in the plot targeting Troell to procure some of the means for attacking Troell, including firearms as well as a vehicle for use in the lethal attack on Troell. On the evening of Nov. 7, 2022, the group of recruited operatives carried out the attack. Troell was driving home from work with his wife when heavily armed gunmen in two cars forced the Troells to stop shortly before they reached their residence, blocked any possible escape route, approached Troell on the driver's side, and, using an assault weapon, shot and killed Troell as his wife witnessed the attack in the passenger seat. On the day of the murder, Nouri coordinated with CC-1 shortly before and immediately after the attack. Nouri and CC-1 spoke repeatedly in the hours leading up to the attack. Less than a half hour after the attack, Nouri sent CC-1 encrypted messages inquiring about the wellbeing of the operatives tasked with carrying out the hit on Troell, asking, "The guys are fine?" and "They are doing well?" to which CC-1 responded, "One is injured." As the night went on, CC-1 continued to update Nouri, noting that "two so far" of the operatives on the hit squad whom Nouri referred to as "our guys" had gathered safely since the murder, that "the rest are on the way," and that the injury sustained by one of their confederates was "slight." In the course of these encrypted messages, Nouri and CC-1 celebrated the events of the day and their success. That night, after the murder, Nouri left Iraq for Iran. Shortly before departing Baghdad, Nouri visited a religious site associated with mourning for Soleimani's death. Following the murder, approximately nine of the operatives on the hit squad also left Iraq and entered Iran, where they joined Nouri. In Iran, Nouri arranged housing for the operatives, providing them safe harbor in the aftermath of the murder. Nouri and another IRGC official addressed the operatives during their stay in Iran, offered their blessings to the hit squad, and told them that Troell was purportedly a spy on behalf of America and Israel, that Troell threatened Islam by attracting Iraqi youths to the Jewish religion and spreading it in Iraq, and that Troell therefore deserved to be murdered. In March 2023, Iraqi authorities arrested Nouri, and he was subsequently convicted by an Iraqi court for his role in Troell's murder. Nouri remains in custody in Iraq. Nouri has been charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; conspiring to take hostages, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; conspiring to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; murdering a U.S. national outside the United States, and faces a maximum penalty of death or life in prison; and causing death through the use of a firearm, and faces a maximum penalty of death or life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division is investigating the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs; Justice Department's Attache in Iraq; FBI Legal Attache office in Iraq; Iraqi authorities; and U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob H. Gutwillig, Matthew J.C. Hellman, and Kyle A. Wirshba for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorneys Joshua Champagne and Timothy J. Reardon III of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topic: National Security Components: Office of the Attorney General Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 24-1623 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses UK, Australia 'baseless' claims, urges end to interventions in West Asia Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 4:33 PM The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has rejected as "baseless, unrealistic, and irrelevant" the recent claims made by the UK and Australia on the Islamic Republic. On Friday, Esmaeil Baqaei called on the two countries to reconsider their policies and stop interfering in the internal affairs of the other countries and West Asia in violation of international law. He made the remarks in response to the joint statement issued by Australia's and British ministers earlier this week in which they criticized Iran's retaliatory operations against Israel. Baqaei condemned the stance as "one-sided and biased", stressing that Iran's operations "True Promise 1" and "True Promise 2" came in accordance with the country's legitimate right to self-defense which is enshrined in the UN Charter. The "True Promise 1 & 2" followed the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, and the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh who was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, respectively. The spokesman also rejected the repeated claim that Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles, describing the accusation as part of the US and UK's scheme aimed to "securitize international relations" and "globalize" the Ukraine conflict. He noted that even Ukraine's president has denied the allegation. Referring to the support given by the West, particularly the US, Britain and Australia, to Israel, the spokesman said the supporters of the occupying regime and its expansionist policies, which are "the main cause of instability in West Asia", must be held accountable for their complicity in the "heinous" crimes committed in Gaza and the entire region. He also called on Australia and the UK to stop "their fraudulent and instrumental" use of the human rights issue. Referring to human rights abuses in the two countries' asylum seekers' detention centers and their support for Israel's genocide in Gaza, Baqaei said the two countries are in no position to comment on the other countries' human rights records. Baqaei also dismissed the British and Australian accusations regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program. He said, "Iran's nuclear activities and plans are taking place based on the technical and practical needs of the country, within the framework of Iran's obligations and legal rights as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and according to the safeguards agreement, and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency." "According to the reports of the agency, it [Iran's nuclear program] has never deviated from the peaceful path," he stressed. Referring to the IAEA's criticism of the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, under which the US and UK will provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, and these countries' inaction on Israel's arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, the spokesman noted that their policies are "clear examples of their double standards" on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and their lack of concern about the international peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Israel after partitioning Muslim states to advance Tel Aviv's regional domination: Iran Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 2:18 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns about a long-term underway plot by the United States and the Israeli regime aimed at disintegration of regional Muslim countries as a means of enabling Tel Aviv to dominate the entire region. The top diplomat made the remarks on Friday during an interview with the al-Ghad network in the Egyptian capital Cairo, where he earlier attended the 21st Session of the Council of Ministers of D-8 (Developing-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation. He cited the regime's US-enabled war of genocide and escalated deadly aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon as well as its ongoing intensified attacks against Syria's defensive and economic infrastructures as the proof of the Islamic Republic's repeated warnings about the threat posed by the regime to the whole region. The official also noted that "Israel has repeatedly tried to drag the entire region into a wide-ranging war," adding that the Islamic Republic had, however, acted "very intelligently" in the face of the regime's warlike provocations. Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi pointed to Iran's years-long support for Syria during the tenure of the Arab country's former government, describing the support as a means of backing up not any certain individual, but the entire Arab nation, its national sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of the Israeli regime and the scourge of terrorism. As part of the support, the Islamic Republic would provide Damascus with some pieces of advice concerning the manner of the latter's interaction with the Syrian people and political opposition, he noted. "The Syrian government, however, would act on its own initiative, and was not being controlled by Iran and Russia." Araghchi cited the case of the Islamic Republic's advisory support, led by the country's former top anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani, for the Syrian military in the face of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and other terror outfits. The official, meanwhile, cautioned about potential return of the threat of terrorism to Syria due to the unraveled state of the Arab country's affairs, saying the threat was posed to all regional countries. He also dismissed allegations of exertion of any control on the part of the Islamic Republic on resistance groups across the region, noting that the country and the movements were common in their objective of fighting the Israeli regime and supporting the people of Palestine, but each of the movements acted independently. Araghchi hailed the groups for their delivering "heavy blows" to the regime, despite its assassination of some of their leaders, saying it was those blows that forced the regime into accepting a ceasefire in Lebanon last month. The official described the resistance as a "lofty cause and sacred ideology in the face of the Zionist regime's occupation and atrocities," saying the martyrdom of resistance leaders would not weaken the movements, which restore their capabilities more strongly that before every time. He also discussed the potential of creation of an Arab-Islamic coalition in the region, besides commending Iran and Egypt's civilizational and historical stance, and their important and effective regional position. Araghchi considered reinforcement of cooperation and coordination between the countries to be line with the interests of all regional countries and the whole Muslim world, noting that Tehran had always backed Cairo's efforts in support of the Palestinian people and cessation of the Israeli regime's atrocities against them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Navy to take delivery of high-tech homegrown vessels, weapons: Commander Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 9:21 AM Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says that the navy will receive several new domestically designed and manufactured vessels and weapons, equipped with advanced and state-of-the-art technologies. Irani made the remarks on Friday, highlighting that the homegrown military hardware will soon join Iran's naval fleet, and will "surprise" enemies. "These new additions encompass various domains, including surface, aerial, manned, unmanned, and missile systems, of which the enemies are completely unaware of their capabilities. They are equipped with a new generation of highly valuable technologies and weapons with deterrent capabilities," Iran's Navy chief pointed out. He noted that the missiles that are set to be unveiled feature "very new ranges." Irani also said that unmanned aerial vehicles with operational ranges of more than 2,000 kilometers and underwater vehicles are among the modern homegrown military equipment. Iranian Navy is awaiting the necessary preparations in order to unveil the domestically-developed equipment, he stated, emphasizing they will join Iranian naval units and enter service within the next few weeks. Iran's Navy has in recent years achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers. The Iranian naval forces have also staged military drills with different countries, including Russia, China and Pakistan, over the past years to promote their combat readiness. They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar rebels capture major military base in west, group says The fall of the base will be a major blow for the junta days after it appointed a new defense minister. By RFA Burmese 2024.12.20 -- Ethnic minority insurgents captured a major military base in western Myanmar on Friday after months of fighting, the group said, the latest major set-back for the junta that seized power in 2021. The victory in Rakhine state came as an alliance of ethnic rebels in neighboring Chin state announced they had taken control of "90%" of Mindat and Falam townships, previously held by junta forces. The Arakan Army, or AA, took complete control of the military's Western Command headquarters in the town of Ann, in Rakhine state, the group said. "At around 12 in the afternoon we managed to completely capture the whole headquarters," AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha told Radio Free Asia. He gave no information about casualties but said AA fighters had captured two senior officers identified as Brig. Gen. Thaung Tun and Gen. Kyaw Kyaw Thant. Junta soldiers who had managed to flee from the base were being pursued, he said. A spokesman for the military was not immediately available for comment. On Wednesday, the AA released drone video footage of the base showing buildings in ruins, with roofs shattered by artillery and fires burning and smoke rising. The video also contained footage of scores of captured men, hands tied, marching in a line with white flags of surrender. Also on Friday, residents of Rakhine's Gwa township told RFA that the AA had captured Light Infantry Battalion 563, giving it control of the entire town. Some junta soldiers in Gwa retreated to the Rakhine mountains and were preparing defensive positions there, they said. Junta's remaining townships The AA, one of Myanmar's most powerful insurgent groups, is fighting for self-determination in the western-most state. It has made unprecedented progress over the past year, capturing 13 of the state's 17 townships and pushing the military into a few pockets of territory. The junta is desperately reinforcing its troops in three of the five remaining townships it controls - Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Munaung - to repel expected AA attacks, residents said this week. Kyaukphyu is particularly important for the junta as China is developing a port there and it also has energy facilities there including oil and gas pipelines that run across Myanmar to Yunnan province. The junta appointed a new minister of defense, Gen. Maung Maung Aye, on Tuesday. State media did not give a reason for the change but it comes after a series of defeats for the army this year, not only in Rakhine state but throughout the country. Fighting in Chin state Separately, in Chin state, to the north of Rakhine state, insurgents have made significant advances, capturing large parts of two major towns, including one near the border with India, a rebel group said on Friday. Fighting in Chin state since the army seized power in 2021 has forced thousands of villagers, many of them Christian, into India where Hindus say their presence is complicating communal tensions there. In the latest battles, the Chin Defense Force insurgent group and allied fighters seized military and police strongholds, administrative offices and other buildings in the towns of Mindat and Falam, which they began attacking on Nov. 9 as part of an offensive known as "Operation CB," the group said in a statement. The group said 123 junta soldiers had surrendered in Mindat and 45 had surrendered in the town of Falam, about 170 km (106 miles) to the north. Falam is about 40 km (25 miles) from the border with India. RFA tried to contact Chin state's junta spokesperson, Aung Cho, for comment but he did not respond. A Mindat resident said junta forces were holding out in some places and the military was launching air strikes. A junta blockade aimed at cutting supplies to the insurgents had made life very difficult, said the resident, who declined to be identified for safety reasons. "We've had so much trouble, food has become scarce. It's become difficult to buy even a little rice so now we grow it on the mountain," the resident said. Towns of strategic importance Yaw Mang, spokesperson for the Mindat Township People's Administration, told RFA that the Mindat and Falam hold strategic military importance for both the southern and northern regions of Chin state. "Mindat is the most strategically important in southern Chin state ... so once it is controlled, the junta's power will be significantly weakened in this area," he said. Yaw Mang said that the military had carried out more than 200 airstrikes between Nov. 9 and Dec. 19 as part of a bid to repel Chin rebels. A Chin human rights worker said the military was likely to retaliate against the insurgents' advances. "When ethnic rebels win victories like this ... they bomb, shoot and launch heavy weapons at schools, religious buildings and hospitals," said Chin Human Rights Organization Managing Officer Salai Man Hre Lian told RFA. Translated by Kiana Duncan and Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes. This story has been updated to include information about the Arakan Army taking control of Rakhine state's Gwa township and comments from the spokesperson for the Mindat Township People's Administration. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand calls regional talks on war-torn Myanmar frank but short on agreement By Zsombor Peter December 20, 2024 Thailand says regional talks it hosted Friday on a stalled peace plan for Myanmar were "frank" but reached no consensus on a path forward. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, gathered in Bangkok to discuss the Five-Point Consensus the bloc agreed to in April 2021, two months after Myanmar's military seized power from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. That coup sparked a civil war that has killed thousands and displaced more than 3 million people. In addition to an immediate cessation of violence and negotiations among "all parties" to the conflict, the plan calls for the appointment of a special envoy to meet with all sides and assistance from ASEAN's humanitarian aid agency. Myanmar's junta did grant a meeting last year between Suu Kyi who has been held in custody since the coup and Thailand's then-foreign minister. Some aid has also trickled in via Thailand under ASEAN's watch. But the bloc has not appointed a permanent special envoy, and there have been no meaningful negotiations between the junta and its foes as fighting shows no signs of letting up. Friday's talks followed a meeting in Bangkok on Thursday among Myanmar and its immediate neighbors on cross-border concerns, including crime. After Friday's meeting, Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told the press that the talks between the foreign ministers of Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore were "cordial and very frank." The bloc's other members sent delegates but not ministers, he added. Bolbongse Vangphaen, director-general of Thailand's Department of ASEAN Affairs, said the delegates agreed that the peace plan from 2021 would continue to anchor their efforts. "The foreign ministers reaffirmed that the ... Five-Point Consensus remains the main reference for ASEAN's efforts in addressing the situation in Myanmar," he said, adding that "all recognize that there is a need to step up efforts" to see it through. "We are aware that there are obstacles to making progress." As for any broad agreement on how to tackle those obstacles, however, Bolbongse said "nothing specific" came out of Friday's talks, and that they would continue at another meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers next month. "The meeting today was a chance for the foreign ministers and representatives to just sound out ideas and seek various approaches to see ... how we could perhaps converge on some common terms to push forward," he said. "There's no clear approach as yet." David Mathieson, an independent Myanmar analyst, told VOA that Thailand was trying to create momentum on regional efforts after "another lost year of empty diplomacy." He called meetings among Myanmar's immediate neighbors "crucial" now that the junta has lost control of most borders. Those meetings, he added, are potentially more useful than ASEAN, which generally acts only when all members are in agreement. Like many of the bloc's critics, he called the Five-Point Consensus "effectively dead" from the start. "It's fundamentally flawed, depending on engaging the [State Administration Council, or SAC], who don't want to respond," he said, using the junta's formal title. "That's where all these efforts will fail, ascribing the SAC with reason they don't possess." Surachanee Sriyai of Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak institute agreed that the plan "has never been a viable path" out of the crisis for Myanmar, but at least gives the bloc the semblance of taking collective action while sticking to its norms of acting by consensus and staying out of each other's affairs. Following Thursday's meeting, Thailand said junta officials told the group it was open to "inclusive political dialogue." Junta officials, however, have labeled many of their opponents "terrorists" and banned dozens of political parties, including Suu Kyi's ousted National League for Democracy. Mathieson said any efforts to help Myanmar out of its crisis need to include both the junta and all opponents. That means not only the National Unity Government comprising ousted lawmakers, but all the revolutionary groups now aligned against the junta. Whether together or on their own, Surachanee said, ASEAN members should cultivate relationships with those opposition groups as they continue to gain ground on the junta, which, by some estimates, now controls less than half the country. "Plenty of [situational reports] have pointed at the SAC losing ground and the ability to govern," she said. "In this way, countries, especially Thailand, should look to other alternative counterparts to work with." Following Friday's meeting, Bolbongse said other ASEAN members were free to "engage with whichever groups that they may have influence on" and that those efforts could "complement each other." But by focusing their attention on dialogue with the junta, critics say the bloc and most of its members are legitimizing a regime that many if not most in Myanmar consider illegitimate. Asked to respond to the critique, Bolbongse said Thailand was simply engaging in state-to-state dialogue. "Whether the SAC is seen as legitimate or not, Myanmar as a whole is still a member of ASEAN, so we are engaging with Myanmar," he said. "That's all, thank you." The junta claims its military is waging a legitimate campaign of proportionate force. But numerous well-documented accounts of violence describe indiscriminate air and artillery attacks, with many destroying churches, schools and clinics. Rights groups allege repeated cases of rape, torture and murder. U.N.-appointed experts and envoys have accused the junta of war crimes and crimes against humanity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News / National by Staff reporter Two men have been arrested in Zambia accused of being "witchdoctors" who had been tasked with trying to bewitch the president.The police said they had arrested Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri in the capital, Lusaka."Their purported mission was to use charms to harm" President Hakainde Hichilema, said the police statement, released on Friday.Many people in the southern African country believe in - and live in fear of - witchcraft.The police said Mr Candunde and Mr Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of MP Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda.The MP was reportedly arrested last month in neighbouring Zimbabwe over robbery charges, which he denies, but he has not been seen in public.He is also accused of having escaped from custody in August as he awaited to appear in court.The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, led by former President Edgar Lungu, has previously alleged that these charges are politically motivated.Emmanuel Banda, who has been an independent MP since 2021, was previously associated with Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hichilema that year.In their statement, the police said the MP's younger brother, Nelson, was "currently on the run".Mr Candunde and Mr Phiri have been charged under Zambia's Witchcraft Act with "possession of charms", "professing knowledge of witchcraft" and "cruelty to wild animals".The pair were found in possession of "assorted charms", including a live chameleon, the police added.They told the police they had been promised more than 2m Zambian kwacha (58,000; $73,000) for their "mission", according to the police statement.The suspects are being held in custody and will appear in court "soon", the police said, but did not give an exact date for the hearing. They have not yet commented in public on the allegations. Myanmar military appears to be using Thai fisherman as leverage, experts say By Tommy Walker December 20, 2024 Myanmar's recent arrest and sentencing of four Thai fishermen has heightened tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors with some analysts telling VOA the move appears to be aimed at gaining legitimacy and recognition ahead of high-level government meetings in Bangkok this week. Earlier this week, a Myanmar court in Kawthoung sentenced the owner of a seized fishing vessel to six years in prison, and three other fisherman received four-year prison terms. The sentencing comes as Thailand's foreign ministry continues talks for their release and as Myanmar is the focus of high-level government meetings in Bangkok. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist in Bangkok at Chulalongkorn University tells VOA that it's clear that Myanmar is using the fishermen to leverage its own interests. "The detention of Thai fisherman is designed to gain leverage over the Thai government in return for more official engagement and recognition of the State Administration Council," Thitinan said. The State Administration Council, or SAC, is the official name of Myanmar's military led government. "This makes Thailand look kind of weak. This has been going on for some time, it's not the first time for sure, but suddenly it has become a thorny issue," Thitinan said. Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who focuses on Southeast Asia politics, agrees. "I think that the generals, in their Neanderthal-ish way, are using them to maintain Thailand's full support," he said, adding that it risks backfiring if they hold the fishermen too long. "The Thai government is as supportive of the junta as it could be, but there will be a public backlash at some point." Myanmar's military led government has said little about the sentencing of the fishermen or when they might be released. VOA reached out to the SAC for comment but as of press has not received a response. Fishing disputes have long been a point of friction between the two countries but late last month Myanmar's navy fired upon 15 Thai fishing vessels on the west coast off Ranong province in southern Thailand. Both Thai and Myanmar authorities blame each other for the incident. Dominic Thomson, regional director of Southeast Asia for the Environmental Justice Foundation, says the incident was the first of its kind in a long time. "There have been no reports of similar incidences since at least 2015. The nature of the incident, coupled with the detention of the fishing vessels and crew is unprecedented," he told VOA via in an emailed response earlier this month. One Thai national drowned during the altercation, while four Thai crew members were detained along with 27 Myanmar nationals. Myanmar authorities also seized one fishing vessel, the Sor Charoenchai 8. Fast forward two weeks and Bangkok is now hosting two meetings with representatives from Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Malaysia. The meetings are focused on border security, transnational crime, ASEAN and the Myanmar's crisis. The first meeting in Bangkok was held on Thursday. On Friday, a meeting centering on ASEAN's role on Myanmar's crisis is set to take place. The recent maritime altercation has added to bilateral tensions between Thailand and Myanmar's military government ahead of the meetings. Nearly four years after the Min Aung Hlaing and his troops staged a coup in February 2021, removing the democratically elected government, Myanmar is in a state of nationwide conflict. Over the past year, the junta has been losing territory, with pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups in coalition to defeat military rule. Over 60% of Myanmar is not under the military's control. At the same time, Myanmar is under increasing pressure to end the violence and hold an election next year. Thitinan says for Thailand to engage the Myanmar junta in such a high-level way is "problematic" and that it's no surprise that the Myanmar military is dragging the fisherman issue on. "The question is why Thailand is suddenly giving in to this demand and leverage from the [State Administration Council]. The SAC is playing hardball here, to get recognition for legitimacy, and Thailand is playing along," he said. The fisherman case dragging on is not surprising, the SAC is going to drag it on and milk it. It is surprising because in the medium long term it is detrimental. Engaging the SAC is very problematic because they are losing the civil war, and the future of Myanmar is not in favor of the SAC," he added. For their part, Thai officials have sought to play down the incident. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says relations between Myanmar and Thailand remain strong, according to She said the four fishermen will be released on January 4, which, if it goes through, will be exactly five weeks since they were detained. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura speaking on behalf of Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa says fisherman issue has already been discussed between the two countries in Thursday's meeting. "Our Thai Foreign Minister also had the opportunity to have bilateral meetings with the Myanmar foreign minister. They discussed key issues such as regarding the case of the four Thai fisherman," Nikorndej told a press conference. "The Thai Foreign Minister receives official assurance from the Myanmar side that all four Thai nationals will be released soon. Both countries will cooperate in promoting understanding and preventing recurrence of issues of the same nature," he said. Thitinan, however, believes the meetings in Bangkok may not be the end of the issue. "I would not be surprised if the Foreign Minister of Thailand Maris goes over to Naypyitaw next week or the coming days to clear up this issue," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Video address on Security Agency Worker's Day December 20, 2024 00:00 President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, veterans, I extend my congratulations to you on this significant occasion - Security Agency Worker's Day. Today, we pay honour to the professionals and patriots who steadfastly defend Russia's national interests, uphold its constitutional order and territorial integrity, and ensure effective protection of its citizens, society, and state from both internal and external threats. Throughout the centuries-long history of our Motherland, security agencies have served as its faithful and secure support. It is our duty to remember the glorious and heroic path of the national security services and to honour the memory of veterans who saved lives and defended the freedom and independence of our country. They made a monumental contribution to Victory over Nazism, the 80th anniversary of which we will celebrate in May of the coming year. It is heartening that the current generation of security officers preserve and build upon the best traditions of their predecessors, enhancing their performance and acting with foresight, competence and responsibility. On behalf of the citizens of Russia, I express my gratitude to the officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the Federal Guard Service (FSO), and the Main Directorate for Special Programmes for their competence and bravery, for their loyalty to duty and total commitment, for their determination to accomplish the tasks set with utmost efficiency. Special words of appreciation go to those who currently act decisively in Donbass and Novorossiya, along the line of contact and in border regions, who conduct effective raids behind enemy lines, and who, through our intelligence services, procure vital information indispensable for the defence of the Fatherland, for the protection of civilians, for achieving all the goals of the special military operation, and for strengthening Russia's technological and economic sovereignty and our standing in the world. I want to emphasise that today we are confronted with a multitude of serious challenges. This necessitates a significant improvement in the quality of your work across all key areas. The fight against terrorism remains a key objective. I urge all intelligence services, especially the FSB, to engage in counterterrorism with the highest level of focus and rigour, drawing upon the extensive experience accumulated. I also call upon the National Anti-Terrorism Committee to coordinate these efforts, to devise preventive measures, and to pay greater attention to the protection of strategic military and civilian facilities. Counterintelligence, particularly military, face crucial responsibilities. Your actions within the troops, especially in units engaged in the special military operation, must be precise and systemic. You must swiftly suppress the activities of foreign intelligence services, actively combat those who orchestrate sabotage and terrorist attacks, and detect spies and traitors. The FSB Border Service faces special requirements. Your task is to further enhance the technical equipment and mobility of border authorities, to staff them with well-trained personnel, and, of course, to fine-tune interaction with army units and other security agencies. The safety of our society depends directly on a resolute fight against extremism. Those who incite national discord and religious intolerance, and who attempt to destabilise and weaken the country from within, must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It is imperative to be more active and assertive in combatting economic crimes and any manifestations of corruption, to enhance protection of information infrastructure and resources, to bolster the security of major social, political, and international events, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of public and military administration systems, and to provide reliable counterintelligence cover for defence enterprises and the entire process of working on our advanced weapons systems. I am confident that the Russian intelligence services will consistently meet these challenges. Once again, I congratulate you on your holiday and, naturally, on the upcoming year 2025! May you and your loved ones enjoy good health and all the best! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address For a peaceful future for Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to Turkey Germany Federal Foreign Office 20.12.2024 - Article Foreign Minister Baerbock is travelling to Ankara to talk with her Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on 20 December. The focus of her trip is the peace process in Syria. 12 days have passed since the dictator Assad fled Syria and his regime was toppled. 12 days in which the people in many parts of Syria have breathed a sigh of relief. 12 days in which Syrian refugees around the world have reacted euphorically to the end of the dictatorship in their home country. Germany, too, is actively responding. In recent days, an official German delegation travelled to Damascus and held important talks with the transitional government. Foreign Minister Baerbock is now travelling to Turkey to speak with her counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara about the next steps in the process. Prior to her departure, Foreign Minister Baerbock stated: All eyes are on Syria right now. After seemingly endless years of brutal civil war, there is finally hope once again for a future in which the people in Syria, women and men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, can live together in security. Turkey is a key player in the Middle East. Our two countries now have a responsibility to play an active role in the Syrian peace process. Syria must neither become a plaything of foreign powers nor an experiment of radical forces, said Foreign Minister Baerbock. Peace in Syria can only be achieved on the basis of democratic processes and the participation of all groups within Syrian society. Germany stands ready to work with the transitional government and will judge it by its actions. We have already drawn up an eight-point plan for Syria. The focus is on responsible policy in the interest of the entire Syrian people. Preserving Syria's territorial integrity is also essential for the future of the country. Lasting peace requires patience, resolve and international cooperation Turkey and Germany are home to the two largest communities of refugees from Syria, with 1 million in Germany and almost 3 million in Turkey. Beyond this, our two countries share other unique ties as well. During her visit to Ankara, the Foreign Minister will also speak directly with Syrian refugees in order to hear their stories and experiences first-hand and, above all, to understand their concerns. She will be accompanied on her trip by Minister of State Tobias Lindner, Federal Foreign Office Special Coordinator for Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 20.12.2024 - Press release Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement today (20 December) prior to her departure for Turkey: All eyes are on Syria right now. After seemingly endless years of brutal civil war, there is finally hope once again for a future in which the people in Syria, women and men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, can live together in security. While thousands are dancing in the streets of Damascus, Aleppo and Homs after the mass murderer Assad fled the country, the people of Kobane are holding their breath again after having heaved an initial sigh of relief. They fear fresh violence. This also shows that peace has far from been won. The future of Syria still hangs by a thread. The people there have experienced unbelievable suffering - not only at the hands of the Assad regime, but also at the hands of IS terrorists and other perpetrators of violence. If Syria wants to find peace, there must now be an intraSyrian dialogue process that involves all major groups in society. With our eightpoint plan, we are reaching out to Syria in order to support such a responsible policy in the interest of all Syrians. In Syria, standing up for our values goes hand in hand with pursuing our own foreign policy interests. After all, the civil war has shown in a terrible way that the destabilisation of Syria leads to the destabilisation of an entire region - with impacts felt all the way to Europe. For that reason alone, we have to care about what happens next in Syria. If Syria is to be rebuilt, if people are to return, no one must have to live in fear of being persecuted. This ought to be also in the interest of the Turkish Government since more than three million Syrian refugees live in Turkey. I'm travelling to Turkey today because we can only do our part to help stabilise Syria together as an international community, and we must all pull in the same direction to this end. Syria must neither become a plaything of foreign powers nor an experiment of radical forces. Those who want to bring about peace in the region must not undermine Syria's territorial integrity. Furthermore, we will, of course, also talk about peace in Europe as well as about other security policy issues. FM Spox terms Tehran's withdrawal of advisory forces from Syria as responsible act IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 20, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the decision to withdraw the Iranian advisors from Syria was a responsible action which was done taking into account the conditions prevailing in Syria and the situation in the region. Speaking to IRNA on Friday, Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh said that the presence of Iranian advisers in Syria from the beginning was aimed at helping the Syrian army and to fight terrorism and prevent the spread of insecurity to the surrounding and the entire region. Stressing the the long-term cooperation between Iran and Russia in fighting terrorism in Syria, he said that it is not unusual for the parties involved in the developments in Syria to have their own narratives about the developments and the role of different actors. It seems that some of the issues regarding Iran's advisory role in Syria in the final days leading to the fall of Damascus were not based on accurate information, he added. The Islamic Republic of Iran was present in Syria upon the invitation of the legitimate and established government of Syria, he said adding that Iran and Syria had effective cooperation against terrorism for many years and were successful in preventing the dangerous flow of ISIS from in Syria and Iraq and the spread of terrorism in the region. After the fall of ISIS, Iran's military presence in Syria was limited to help Syria to prevent the revival of ISIS and Takfiri terrorism and also to strengthen its military power against the Zionist regime's adventurism, which was a successful action, he noted. As it was evident, following the withdrawal of Iranian advisors from Syria, the Zionist regime immediately occupied strategic parts of Syria and at the same time destroyed the vital defense infrastructure of that country, Baghaei Hamaneh said. Iran and Russia enjoy important relations in various fields and the interactions between the two countries are underway at different levels, he stressed. We prefer to exchange opinions through official channels, he stated. In response to a question about the number of Iranian nationals transferred from Syria, he said that these people included the families of diplomats and employees of Iran's diplomatic and cultural missions in Syria, Iranian pilgrims and a number of non-Iranian pilgrims and people who had gone to Syria to help the Lebanese refugees. All these people were transported to Iran by Iranian planes and through Khmeimim Air Base, he added. Bashar al-Assad government fell on December 8, in the day after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered the capital Damascus and took control of the city. That happened less than two weeks after the groups launched an offensive from their stronghold in the western province of Idlib, advancing towards other areas of Syria. They first took control of the second largest city Aleppo within several days, and then the major cities of Hama and Homs before reaching Damascus. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Developments in Syria must be accompanied by protecting country's territorial integrity: Pezeshkian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 20, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that any developments in Syria must be accompanied by maintaining the territorial integrity of that country, and the slightest damage to the territorial integrity of Syria is not acceptable in any way. On the sidelines of the 11th summit of the D-8 organization, in the meeting with Erdogan, he emphasized the immediate stop of the aggression of the Zionist regime in the region. Recalling the responsibility of all Islamic countries in this context, he stated that the Islamic countries must act responsibly in confronting the crimes and aggression of the Zionist regime in the region, and if there had been unity and integrity among the Islamic Ummah, this regime wouldn't have dared to take such actions. Referring to the good relations between the two countries and the recent meeting of the joint commission for economic cooperation between Iran and Turkey, he voiced Iran's readiness of to host the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Council of Strategic Relations between the two countries. "We are waiting for the implementation of the agreements and the realization of the ceilings set for exchanges between Iran and Turkiye," President Pezeshkian added. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria: Experts advocate for sovereignty, democratic reconstruction and respect for human rights Press releases Special Procedures 20 December 2024 GENEVA -- A group of independent human rights experts* today called for unified support for Syria in its critical transition following the fall of the Assad regime. "This represents a watershed moment in the region's history, offering an opportunity for lasting peace, justice and reconciliation, democratic governance and the restoration of Syria's sovereignty," the experts said. They called for full respect of Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasising that the lawlessness, violence, and persistent violations of international law, in particular international human rights and humanitarian law, must come to an end. "The international community must work together for the rehabilitation of the country, based on democratic, inclusive principles that respect human rights of all people in Syria, with specific attention to minorities and discriminated or marginalised groups, women, people who are particularly vulnerable due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, persons with disabilities, children, internally displaced persons and returning refugees," the experts said. They emphasised that justice for the victims of atrocities, including torture, sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances unlawful killings and trafficking in persons is paramount. They urged the release of all persons arbitrarily detained across the country and called for safeguarding all evidence of gross human rights and international humanitarian law violations. "Justice should be pursued for all crimes committed, regardless of the perpetrator, through a credible judicial system focused on accountability, reparations, reconciliation and not revenge. It is vital that such processes conform fully with international human rights standards and remain free from any form of revanchism. The involvement of civil society and human rights defenders in a just transition is crucially important for the process to be credible," the experts said. Syria has endured major foreign interventions, transforming the country into the site of an extensive proxy war, involving also private actors. The continuing military interventions, like the recent unprovoked, illegal attacks by Israel, its occupation of more Syrian territory in the Golan Heights and other air-attacks and incursions into north-east and central Syria, put grave obstacles to the rehabilitation process and destabilize the region. "While international support and cooperation for Syria's rebuilding is essential, the rehabilitation process must remain free of foreign interference or aggression" the experts said. "The political transition must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. It must be inclusive, non-sectarian, and considerate of the interests of all components of Syrian society." They called for the formation of a fully representative Government conducted through a transparent process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The conflict has devastated Syria's environment and civilian infrastructure, including widespread destruction of housing that could amount to potential domicide, the experts said, calling for substantial international resources to be directed towards humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts. Reconstruction and rehabilitation should address the environmental impacts of the conflict, including rendering harmless any toxic or other hazardous remnants of war. "Priority must be given to rebuilding in a human rights-based manner, ensuring the safe and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons who wish to return home," the experts said. "However, States should not forcibly return Syrian nationals or former residents of Syria, including Palestinian refugees to the country," they added. The experts called for participation and leadership of women in the peacebuilding and transitional process, recognition of gender equality and full protection of their rights. "We express our support for the people of Syria and their journey towards a democratic future and inclusive development they rightly deserve" the experts said. "All foreign occupying military forces should leave Syria, and all territorial incursions and attacks should cease without delay." "We also call on all States concerned to repatriate their nationals and provide effective protection, in particular women and children, who are arbitrarily detained by de facto authorities in north-east Syria, since the collapse of the Islamic State in the Levant in 2019." The experts called for the immediate lifting of sanctions and urged all parties and relevant organisations to prioritise the humanitarian needs of the Syrian population. *The experts: George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Astrid Puentes Riano, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development; Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on Minority issues; Graeme Reid, Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities; Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights; Beatriz Miranda-Galarza, Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen's disease) and their family members; Mama Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstic, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Michelle Small, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andres Macias Tolosa Working Group on the use of mercenaries; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Bina D'Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Elizabeth Salmon, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Ms Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top security official: Iran doesn't regret spending in Syria Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 11:24 AM Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian says Iran does not regret spending on the fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria, as its expenditure achieved the goal of ensuring the Islamic Republic's security. He made the remarks in an interview with Khamenei.ir, the official website of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on Thursday, days after foreign-backed militants announced the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, where Iranian military advisors were present. He was asked about propaganda launched by anti-Iran media over Tehran's military advisory role in Syria over the past years. "We do not regret the cost we incurred... because our presence and expenditure were for our own security and we achieved what we expected," he said. "If Daesh had not been eliminated in Syria and Iraq, today we would have to fight it at home at a cost ten times more." Ahmadian also noted that the elimination of Daesh completely thwarted the United States' plots and rendered their multi-year investment fruitless. The Americans built an army or a government against the Islamic Revolution, but Iran disrupted their plan, and this achievement is enough to pay for the country's presence in Syria, he emphasized. In 2014, Daesh captured large swathes of land in Iraq and Syria in lightning attacks, declaring the areas it controlled as "caliphate." However, Iraqi and Syrian forces, with the help of Iran, managed to reverse Daesh's gains and ultimately liberate their countries from the US-sponsored terror outfit some three years later. On December 8, the militants, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced the fall of Assad's government following a rapid two-week onslaught. Elsewhere in his interview, the top security official said Iran eventually managed to strengthen and equip Palestine and Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance group and make them self-reliant. "Today, Hezbollah is a completely independent and self-reliant group. In Gaza, for example, they (resistance fighters) are producing rockets and missiles for themselves inside tunnels," he added. Ahmadian further highlighted the power of Hezbollah, along with that of Yemen's Ansarullah and the Palestinian resistance groups of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. "No one can eliminate Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and Ansarullah. They have become part of the people, who are equipped and mature while having the knowledge and technology to manufacture the items needed to defend themselves," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior US delegation in Syria for talks with HTS 'terrorists' Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 6:44 AM A senior delegation of US diplomats has arrived in Syria to speak directly to the representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which is designated a terrorist group by Washington. A State Department spokesperson said the US officials will speak with HTS rulers about "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them". The delegation includes top State Department official for West Asia Barbara Leaf and Daniel Rubinstein, who is being put in charge of engagement on Syria. The trip comes a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had been in direct contact with HTS. "It's important to have direct communication," Blinken told Bloomberg. "It's important to speak as clearly as possible, to listen, to make sure that we understand as best we can where they're going and where they want to go. So we'll be looking at pursuing that in the coming days." This is the first formal US diplomatic mission to Damascus since 2011 when Takfiri terrorists from around the world trickled into Syria and unleashed a brutal war on the country. The period saw the US intensify its sanctions on Syria which culminated in the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad this month. The US closed its own embassy in Damascus in February 2012, with the Czech Republic representing US interests in the country. In a statement issued last week, the US said it would be prepared to recognize Syria's new government if certain conditions were met. Much has been made of Jolani's position - or lack thereof - on Israel, which has bombed more than 500 targets in Syria since the ousting of Assad. Israel has also made new land grab inside Syria including what it calls its "buffer zone" in the Golan Heights, which the regime illegally occupies under international law. Throughout the intensified Israeli aggression, HTS and other Takfiri groups have stood by and watched. Observers say the fact that Jolani told the UK newspaper The Times that Syria would not threaten Israel may very well be a bid to secure recognition from the West, especially the US, leading to the decisions being made in Washington now. HTS has roots in al-Qaeda. The US has also set a $10 million bounty on HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani who is now presented by his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sharaa on Monday met with the UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, and a day later with a German delegation. French diplomats returned to their embassy in Damascus, raising the tricolor flag for the first time since 2012. In 2020, the EU accused HTS of unlawfully detaining, torturing and murdering civilians living in areas under the group's control and said this may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. US doubles troops in Syria Meanwhile, the Pentagon has disclosed it secretly doubled the number of US troops in northeast Syria from 900 to 2,000 soldiers before militants began their swift takeover of the country. The figures were revealed on Thursday due to "sensitivity from a diplomatic and operational security standpoint", Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder explained during a briefing. The US military has for long stationed its forces and equipment in northeastern Syria, with the Pentagon claiming that the deployment is aimed at preventing the oilfields in the area from falling into the hands of Daesh terrorists. The United States regularly conducts airstrikes in Syria under the pretext of fighting terrorism. The former Damascus government maintained that the deployment was meant to plunder the country's natural resources. Former US president and current president-elect Donald Trump admitted on several occasions that American forces were in the Arab country for its oil wealth. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN chief: Israel's attacks violate Syria's sovereignty Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 3:19 AM UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel's attacks on Syria as a violation of the country's territorial integrity and demanded an immediate halt to all the aggressions against the country. Guterres on Thursday warned against the presence of Israeli troops in the demilitarized zone between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights, emphasizing that "no military forces other than UN peacekeepers should be in the area." He also called on the Israeli regime to uphold the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement with Syria. Guterres noted that the conflict in Syria is far from over, with civilians continuing to face death, injury, and displacement. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to facilitating an "inclusive, credible, and peaceful" political transition in Syria, stressing that the country's future must be determined by its people. He called on the international community to support efforts toward achieving a peaceful transition of power in Syria. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News / National by Staff reporter More than 500 people have died on South African roads since the start of the festive season.This weekend, as holidaymakers head to holiday destinations, officers are ensuring commuters are safe.Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa is urging road users to practice caution and obey the rules. Assistant Secretary Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy Carstens, and Senior Advisor Rubinstein's Travel to Syria US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson December 20, 2024 Assistant Secretary Barbara A. Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein travelled to Damascus, Syria to engage with the Syrian people, including members of civil society, humanitarians, and others regarding their vision for the future of Syria and how the United States can support them. They also met with representatives of HTS to discuss transition principles shared by the United States and regional partners. In their meetings, they stressed the immense importance of finding missing U.S. citizens, including Austin Tice, and bringing them home. Assistant Secretary Leaf reaffirmed the United States' full support for an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition and a process that leads to credible, inclusive, representative, and non-sectarian governance that meets international standards of transparency and accountability in the spirit of United Nations Security Council resolution 2254. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria transition may fail if support lifeline is delayed, says IOM chief 20 December 2024 - The head of the UN migration agency stressed on Friday that Syria is in no position to take back millions of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, while there is an urgent need to "re-evaluate" sanctions impacting the war-ravaged country. "We are not promoting large-scale returns; the communities frankly are just not ready to absorb the people who are displaced and would come home...it will overwhelm the country," said Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Many have returned to find their find their homes reduced to rubble," she noted. Speaking in Geneva shortly after returning from Damascus where she held talks with representatives of the caretaker authorities, Ms. Pope described how 14 years of war had destroyed "hospitals, schools, community centres" and much else. "Rebuilding homes is just one part of the solution, but [Syrians] also need access to healthcare and essential services to feel secure and lay the foundations for recovery." More than half of Syria's population has been displaced, some 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance and well over six million Syrian refugees have sought shelter abroad. 'Enormous' need for funds "The needs for funding - both financial resources, political resources - are going to be enormous," Ms. Pope continued, confirming that IOM "will be part of any effort to help address the situation there", including potentially at an upcoming Syria reconstruction conference planned by the French Government in January. And yet the task of rebuilding and investing in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime by Hayat-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters and others, remains complicated by sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, following the violent repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011 that escalated into civil war. On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for international solidarity with Syrians "until conditions are met for all sanctions to be removed" by the Member States that imposed them, while also insisting on the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid and support efforts to rebuild the economy. Echoing that appeal, IOM's Ms. Pope described the impact of sanctions in Syria, where "people do not have access to cash...they do not have access to credit". Goods are exchanged rather than purchased and salaries "are extremely low and often insufficient to meet their most basic of needs...So, to rebuild the situation, there will be a need to re-evaluate those sanctions." Human rights must be paramount Also briefing in Geneva, UN human rights office (OHCHR) spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan insisted that "whoever is in power, the obligations of the States remain the same, and that is protection of all human rights for all Syrians. When it comes to sanctions, it is important that any sanctions imposed by any party take into consideration the importance of humanitarian aid for the civilians. This should not be affected in any way." Providing insight into her high-level meetings in Damascus, Ms. Pope described a "sense of openness" to the international community and a willingness to engage with it - a message that was "echoed throughout by all members of the caretaker government to all parties, whether they were other members of the diplomatic corps or other members of the UN family". Mass poverty IOM has been unable to operate in Syria since 2018. Today, more than 90 per cent of Syrians live below the poverty line and 800,000 people have been newly displaced in recent weeks, presenting a massive new humanitarian emergency. "Frankly, across the board we've had some pretty serious challenges meeting those humanitarian needs, largely because of the barriers put in place by the Assad government, but also because of the ongoing conflict," Ms. Pope explained, in reference to ongoing clashes across Syria. Important as immediate relief aid is for Syria, the IOM chief said that it should be accompanied by a "stabilizing" of the situation in Syria. This would need to involve "justice, reparation and inclusivity", she said, but also housing, land and property rights that are "key and at the heart of community stabilization in the context of the returns that we anticipate". Healthcare in peril Meanwhile, echoing deep concerns over the scale of needs and "tremendous hardships" that Syrians still face, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) launched an appeal on Friday to raise $56.4 million over the next six months. Displaced communities continue to live in overcrowded conditions in formal camps and shelters, with too little to eat and succumbing to respiratory infections and other communicable diseases including diarrhoea and scabies, warned Dr. Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria. Speaking from Damascus, Dr. Bethke described one WHO assessment team's mission to Idlib in the northwest of the country. They spoke to "dedicated surgeons who have worked tirelessly during this escalation over the last three weeks, often under attack and in order to save lives. One surgeon shared the words of these patients, saying, 'We finally sleep at night, no longer worrying about being bombarded.'" Funding for WHO's appeal will sustain critical health services during the transition period, including 141 health facilities in northwest Syria that are at risk of "imminent closure in the coming weeks", owing to a lack of resources. "The health infrastructure is severely strained and we saw in just three weeks during this escalation 36 attacks on health care have been reported and over half the country's hospitals are non-functional," Dr. Bethke said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Observer Force in Golan for Six Months through Resolution 2766 (2024), Amid Reports of Israel Incursion Meetings Coverage Security Council 9826th Meeting (PM) SC/15951 20 December 2024 The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan for six months until 30 June 2025 and requested the Secretary-General to ensure that the Force has the required capacity and resources to fulfil its mandate "in a safe and secure way". UNDOF was established immediately following the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, with a mandate to maintain the ceasefire and supervise the area of separation a demilitarized buffer zone as well as the area of limitation where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted in the Golan. Today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2766 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2766(2024)) follows reports of Israeli troops entering the demilitarized zone after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. Speaking after the adoption, Algeria's delegate highlighted that the collaborative efforts of the Russian Federation and the United States in drafting the text "has enabled us to unanimously renew the mandate of UNDOF, which comes at a critical juncture for Syria and the whole region". He said the resolution underscores that there should be no military forces, equipment or personnel in the area of separation other than those of UNDOF. "The actual presence of Israeli forces in the area is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions," he warned. Drawing attention to a protest in the Dara'a Governorate in Syria earlier today during which Israeli soldiers opened fire, injuring a young man, he said: "To those who still doubt that we are witnessing the occupation of new territories in Syria, I would ask: What is your stance on this?" The mandate of UNDOF has been extended every six months, last renewed on 27 June. (See Press Release SC/15748.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan gets first batch of 'world's most advanced' tanks from US But some experts say M1A2T tanks might be constrained on the island. By Alan Lu for RFA 2024.12.20 -- TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan has received 38 M1A2T tanks from the United States, the first U.S. tanks for the island in 23 years, and the first batch of an expected 122 due to arrive over the next two years. While many defense experts rate the M1A2T as the world's most advanced main battle tank, some also question whether it is suitable for Taiwan's relatively confined, built-up spaces and its mountainous terrain. Eric Gomez, senior fellow of Defense and Foreign Policy at Cato Institute, said in a news release that in the event of an invasion by China, its amphibious assault brigade may have light amphibious armored vehicles to help in the attack but it would not be supported by main tanks. "The main task of the Abrams tanks in the Taiwanese army is to fight for those landing points and rely on strong firepower and armor to resist the landing troops," said Gomez. The M1A2 Abrams, a variant of the M1 Abrams produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, is considered one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. It is armed with 120-millimeter smoothbore guns capable of piercing armor up to 850 millimeters thick. It can withstand shells fired by most other battle tanks and is faster than Taiwan's existing tanks, U.S.-made M60A3s and indigenously developed CM11 tanks. The M1A2T tank also features a "hunter-killer" capability, allowing it to track one target while simultaneously engaging another. Lin Ying-yu, an assistant professor at Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, told Taiwan's Central News Agency that Taiwan's M60A3s and CM11s tanks have been in use for 30 years and are unlikely to withstand China's advanced anti-armor weapons. Lin said the M1A2Ts would significantly enhance the island's defensive capabilities but some experts have questioned the suitability of the M1A2T in Taiwan's built-up and mountainous terrain. 'Highly constrained' Michael Hunzeker, associate director of the Center for Security Policy Studies at George Mason University, told Radio Free Asia that although the M1A2 is highly capable, its weight and size made it more suited to open terrain. "Taiwan is highly urbanized, mountainous, and or covered in small roads and small bridges," he said. "Thus, M1s are highly constrained in where they can go, which limits their utility and works against one of their main advantages: mobility and speed." The tanks also require extensive logistical support for fuel to keep its jet turbine engine running, and for maintenance, Hunzeker said. "In essence, it's not that the M1 is 'bad' per se," said Hunzeker. "It's that the M1 is a suboptimal allocation of Taiwan's scarce defense dollars." Gomez added that the fuel consumption and maintenance issues were real but not insurmountable. "The bigger danger related to the Abrams logistics requirements is the vulnerability of support facilities," he said, adding that maintenance facilities and fuel may be vulnerable to China's long-range strikes. Ukraine, which has a variant of the Abrams, has more space to disperse its support facilities and reduce its exposure to Russian attacks, unlike Taiwan, Gomez said. "Taiwan's smaller size makes it harder to disperse its logistics facilities, though it could try hardening the facilities to make them more difficult to destroy," he said. "Tanks can still be effective, but they need to be supported by other forces that can protect them against things like helicopters and drones," Gomez added. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked about the arrival of the U.S. tanks on the island that China claims as its territory, reaffirmed its opposition to U.S.-Taiwan military ties. "The Taiwan authorities' attempts to achieve independence through military reliance on external forces are doomed to fail. China will resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity," said Lin Jian, a Chinese ministry spokesperson, on Monday. The tanks delivered on Sunday are from a batch of 108 tanks and other items announced for Taiwan by then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense records, the island's military is set to receive two more shipments of Abrams tanks, each consisting of 42 units, over the next two years. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 20, 2024 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov today to discuss battlefield dynamics and U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. They also discussed planning for the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting early in the new year. The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4015017/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement from the Tallinn Mechanism Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20.12.2024 Donors accumulate 200 million euros for Ukraine's resilience in cyberspace Ukraine has withstood Russia's brutal full-scale invasion for over 1000 days. This war does not only take place in the trenches but also in cyberspace; it confirms that cyberattacks are an integral part of 21st century conflict and warfare, and cybersecurity is a crucial dimension of the overall resilience of society. Thanks to Ukraine's own resilience coupled with the international assistance it has received, Ukraine has persisted despite these attacks and has kept its digital ecosystem functioning throughout the war. The recent targeting of Ukrainian state registries underscores the importance of supporting Ukraines digital infrastructure in a comprehensive and timely manner. In order to jointly coordinate and facilitate our support related to civilian cybersecurity in Ukraine, partners publicly announced the Tallinn Mechanism one year ago. The mechanism consists of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union and NATO support the mechanism and have been observers since its creation. The Tallinn Mechanism is using world class cyber and digital expertise, from both the private and public sector, to protect critical national infrastructure and vital services through bolstered cyber defense capabilities to Ukraine, enabling them to detect and disable the malware targeted at them. This support ranges from frontline hardware and software to prevent malicious cyber activities, endpoint detection and incident response, and training of cybersecurity officials. The Tallinn Mechanism is also supporting the ongoing critical need for satellite communication terminals in Ukraine. All the requirements of Ukraine are validated by the Ukrainian government through its governmental working group. Since establishment, the Tallinn Mechanism has accumulated over 200 million euros in foreign assistance that strengthens Ukraine's ability to address Russia's malicious behavior in cyberspace and will continue to seek new avenues for supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. With its engagement, the Tallinn Mechanism sends a clear message: Ukraine has full support of like-minded nations and partner countries that will continue to assist Ukraine in protecting its civilian critical infrastructure against Russian malicious cyber activity. Russian activity has aimed to destroy Ukraine's digital ecosystem and cyber capabilities, as well as attempt to destabilize Ukraine's allies in the cyber domain. Russia's activities demonstrate that it is a persistently reckless, aggressive, and irresponsible actor in cyberspace, in contravention of the consensus on UN framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The Tallinn Mechanism countries remain committed to continuing assisting Ukraine now, during the war of aggression, as well as in the long term. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tallinn Mechanism raises 200 million to support Ukraine's resilience in cyberspace Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20.12.2024 Today 20 December marks one year since the launch of the Tallinn Mechanism, a cyber support platform for Ukraine established by Estonia and Ukraine's allies. Over one year, donors worked together to accumulate 200 million to support Ukraine's resilience in cyberspace. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said it was an important achievement in helping Ukraine, and all countries should continue their support. "Yesterday's cyberattack against Ukraine's state registers is another testament to Russia's malign cyber activities, and our goal is to do everything we can to contribute to Ukraine's cyber resilience," Tsahkna emphasised. The foreign minister added that the work of the member states and observers of the Tallinn Mechanism served as an excellent example of how we can achieve more by working together. The Foreign Ministry's Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy Tanel Sepp added that the Tallinn Mechanism demonstrated how we have built a system through which partners in Ukraine have clearly defined their state-wide needs and donors will provide their capabilities to meet these needs. "We are helping Ukraine with practical technical assistance, world-class threat response software, expertise, and tools for ensuring internet connections during war. Estonia's contribution in 2024 stood at 500 000, which was used to organise the cyber exercise Cyber Shield from 9 to 11 December in cooperation with ESTDEV, e-Governance Academy and Cybexer, and we hope to develop this into a broader cyber exercise programme. This way, Estonia uses its strengths and include Estonian companies and other parties to participate in our assistance," Sepp said. On 23 December 2023, Estonia with Ukraine, the Netherlands, Canada, Poland, Germany, Denmark, United States, and the United Kingdom launched a system aimed at amplifying the cyber support of donors to Ukraine in the civilian domain. The system was named the Tallinn Mechanism after the location of its initial meeting. NATO and the European Union are observer members in the Tallinn Mechanism. The Mechanism has an Estonian front office in Kyiv, a Polish back office in Warsaw and a coordination group that unites representatives of Ukraine and all donors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway contributes to international support package for Ukraine Government of Norway News story | Date: 20/12/2024 Norway is contributing to a 186 million package to support Ukraine (approx. NOK 2.6 billion). The funding will provide much-needed military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine. The package includes: 92 million for equipment to bolster Ukraine's navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones. This support is part of the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway. 68 million for air defence equipment, including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems. 26 million to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine. 'The war in Ukraine continues, and the need for military equipment remains critical. Through this fund, we can help ensure that Ukraine receives the weapons and equipment it needs to fight against the Russian invasion,' said Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjrn Arild Gram. The International Fund for Ukraine is a funding mechanism that uses financial contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military equipment for Ukraine. Norway has provided a total of NOK 1.8 billion to IFU since 2022. This package is part of that contribution. 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, and New Zealand, have pledged more than 1.3 billion to date. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Budrys visits Kyiv Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2024-12-20 Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, together with members of the Government, will visit Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday. Budrys will meet with Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The Lithuanian and Ukrainian diplomatic leaders will discuss the situation on the frontline, the need for assistance to Ukraine, the process of Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO, and the implementation of Ukraine's Victory Plan. "This visit to Ukraine by the 19th Government sends a message of our strong and unwavering support. Peace in Ukraine is a matter of both regional and Lithuania's national security, and we must all work together to bring about Ukraine's victory as soon as possible. I hope that this visit will also give a boost to the development of our bilateral cooperation," said Minister Budrys. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with other members of the Government, will meet with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, and will participate in a joint meeting of the Heads of Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Governments they lead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Peace without power is impossible, says D. Sakaliene in Kyiv Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-12-20 International cooperation | Minister's news | Security and defense policy This Friday Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene has joined other members of the Government on a visit to Kyiv. Minister took part in the intergovernmental consultations at the Government of Ukraine and met with Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov to discuss assistance to Ukraine and implementation of Ukraine's Victory Plan. Minister D. Sakaliene emphasized that Ukraine needed assistance more than ever and that peace was not possible without strength. "Freezing the conflict would be just an illusion of peace. The only long-term security guarantee that is realistic is a positive solution to Ukraine's need of NATO membership. We will support Ukraine with weapons, finance and in the political field," said Minister D. Sakaliene in an address to the Government of Ukraine. Earlier this week Lithuania has transferred EUR 10 million to support Ukraine's defence industry through strengthening Ukraine's long-range capability. The Demining Capability Coalition led by Lithuania and Iceland has scurried EUR 46 million already so that it is able to full equip seven Ukraine's mine countermeasures battalions next year. Since the start of the war Lithuania has rendered over EUR 736 million worth of military assistance to Ukraine, while the long-term assistance in general has already exceeded a billion and a half. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News / National by Staff reporter Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has hinted at a significant political resurgence in 2025, promising a transformative "new beginning" for Zimbabwe. Speaking at an end-of-year charity dinner in Harare on Saturday, Chamisa urged his supporters to remain patient, assuring them that his plans will be unveiled at the right time.The event, held to raise funds for the underprivileged ahead of Christmas, attracted a diverse audience including top lawyers, pastors, civic society leaders, and a few Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators. Tickets for the dinner started at US$50.Chamisa, who has been politically sidelined after losing control of the CCC to interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu in a contentious power struggle, refrained from sharing detailed plans. However, he hinted at a political strategy set to launch in the new year."Next year there are a lot of things that are coming, but we are going to announce them through appropriate channels and times," said Chamisa. "This is a charity dinner, so I am restraining myself from laying out the plan."The former leader of the MDC Alliance, who led the party to the 2018 elections before being ousted, remains politically influential despite his current lack of formal party affiliation. Chamisa vowed to learn from past setbacks and return with renewed vigor."We are national and cannot be displaced by small things. If you think you can dislodge us, then you don't know us," Chamisa declared. "We study where you have come from and taken advantage of us, and then we come back with vigor."He urged his supporters to remain steadfast, emphasizing that their challenges were preparing them for the next chapter. "What we are going through is part of the distillation in the furnace to make sure you are ready for what is supposed to be done," he said.Chamisa painted a vision of a transformed Zimbabwe, addressing the current economic and social struggles under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership. He criticized Mnangagwa for plunging Zimbabwe into poverty, citing that 49% of the population lives in abject poverty."Zimbabweans are in trouble. Even professors, engineers, doctors, and businesspeople are struggling because of our circumstances," Chamisa said. He hinted at a "citizen programme" in a "new Zimbabwe" aimed at improving the lives of all citizens.Chamisa assured his followers that change was imminent, characterizing it as both a political and prophetic shift. "Hold your horses, be patient. The new is coming, and it is big for this country," he said.While Chamisa refrained from disclosing specifics, his statements suggest a reinvigorated effort to challenge the status quo and position himself as a central figure in Zimbabwe's political landscape in 2025. Ukraine to cede territory despite US support: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 20 December 2024 6:37 PM Ukraine will eventually be forced to make territorial concessions to settle the conflict with Russia, a new report by an American news outlet says. Citing officials, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine expects a "bitter settlement," which implies dropping territorial claims and NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees. That will take place regardless of the aid Kiev will receive by the administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden in his final weeks in office, according to the report. Representatives of the US authorities have repeatedly underscored that the Biden administration plans to continue providing Ukraine with military aid until the end of its term in office. The official cited by Bloomberg said the terms for ending the conflict would be the result of decisions that Biden "took, or failed to take, over the past two years." Meanwhile, the report said, the paradox of the situation is that its outcome for the Ukrainian authorities will be the same, regardless of whether a settlement agreement is reached under the current or future US administration. During his annual televised question and answer session and end-of-year press conference on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his country's readiness to hold negotiations on Ukraine that take into account the current situation on the ground. In February 2022, Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow. The Western countries have been fueling the flames of the war with their unchecked delivery of weapons to Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly warned that such a flow of weapons to Kiev will only prolong the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine military drops leaflets urging North Korean troops to surrender The soldiers are also provided with fake Russian IDs to hide their nationality. By Lee Sangmin and Cho Jin Woo for RFA Korean 2024.12.20 -- The Ukrainian military is dropping Korean-language leaflets urging North Korean troops fighting on Russia's side of the war to "Surrender today and join South Korea tomorrow," Radio Free Asia has learned. The leaflets appear in a video shared on the Telegram social media website by InformNapalm, an organization that has been reporting on the situation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian website evocation.info also published on Telegram evidence that North Korean soldiers are provided with Russian ID, likely to hide their nationality in the event they are killed. The two social media posts are among many reports of North Korean participation in the war, which Pyongyang and Moscow have not outwardly confirmed. InformNapalm's leaflet video shows a drone with a camera flying the leaflets over a wooded area. A caption in Ukrainian says, "Leaflets are dropped into the woods where North Korean soldiers are hiding." RFA previously reported that a similar type of drone engaged North Korean troops in a battle in the Kursk region, killing 50 of them. But this time it was just leaflets. In addition to the "surrender" leaflet, there's another that says "You've been sold!" South Korean intelligence reported that Russia is paying every North Korean soldier about US$2,000 per month, but observers believe that just like North Korea's dispatched workers, most of the money is likely sent to the cash-strapped North Korean government. RFA has not independently verified the authenticity of the video. According to InformNapalm, once North Korean soldiers surrender or are captured, their identities are protected and they are provided with support to go to South Korea to start a new life, but it acknowledged that it is still too early to tell how effective the leaflet campaign will be. This fourth one appears as an HTML with a "Be careful!" message - Meanwhile, a Russian military ID with a bullet hole and blood stains on it was found on a dead North Korean soldier in the Kursk region, the photo published by evocation.io purports to show. The ID card is legible in the photo. It says the deceased soldier is Kim Kan-Bolat Albertovich, a native of Russia's Tuva Republic, in southern Siberia, born on April 13, 1997. RFA cannot independently verify the authenticity of the photo. According to the ID, Pvt. Kim was allegedly born in the village of Bayan-Tala, graduated secondary school in 2016, worked as a roofer, and then entered military service in the Tuvan 55th Mountain Infantry Brigade. But a person with that name and birthdate does not exist in Russian records, the evocation.io reported. The soldier's Korean signature also appears on the first page, suggesting his real name is Ri Dae Hyok. The document has more inconsistencies. It lacks photos, order numbers and official seals. Additionally, "Kim" has allegedly been a soldier since 2016, but he first received a weapon on Oct. 10, 2024, and a personal tag (AB-175311) a day later. If legitimate, this photo would confirm what South Korean intelligence revealed in October, that North Korean troops sent to Russia were issued fake Russian identification cards that said they were residents of southern Siberia, which is home to a people who are racially similar to East Asians. It is difficult to tell if the photo is legitimate or if it is propaganda, David Maxwell, vice president at the U.S.-based Center for Asia Pacific Strategy, told RFA. "If Russia or North Korea is attempting to hide their soldiers' identities, it makes no sense. They'll inevitably be exposed," Maxwell said. "It's another foolish move by the Russians and North Koreans because when these soldiers are captured or killed, their identities will be revealed." He said it is already well known that North Korea is supporting Russia, so efforts to pass North Koreans off as a different Russian ethnic group was pointless. "Maybe it makes them feel better, but I don't find this very important or credible." Translated by Claire S. Lee and Jay Park. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyiv Hits Kursk After Massive Wave Of Deadly Russian Strikes On Ukraine By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 20, 2024 Ukraine launched a deadly missile attack on the Russian region of Kursk on December 20, just hours after Russia carried out a massive air assault on Kyiv during rush hour that killed one person and damaged a historic cathedral and other buildings in the capital, including six embassies. Russia's Investigative Committee said an unspecified number of people were killed in the attack on Kursk involving U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets on the town of Rylsk. According to Mash Telegram channel, at least five people have been killed, and 26 others injured. The attack has destroyed several critical pieces of social infrastructure, including a pedagogical college, a cultural center, and a school. The attack came shortly after Russian launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other regions around Ukraine. The whole of Ukraine was under a general air-raid alert for several hours as Russia launched eight missiles -- including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles -- on Kyiv alone, Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, reported. Ukrainian cities and infrastructure continue to sustain regular Russian drone and missile strikes while outgunned and outmanned Ukrainian forces are facing difficulties in staving off Russia's increasingly rapid advance in the east. One person was killed by a strike in Kyiv's Holosiyiv district, while eyewitnesses reported several blasts in the city. The U.S. State Department condemned the missile attack, which damaged a building hosting several diplomatic missions. "Any attack against diplomats or diplomatic facilities anywhere is unacceptable," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on X. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko separately reported that falling debris from downed Russian drones fell on four of the capital's districts -- Holosiyiv, Solomyansk, Shevchenkivsk, and Dniprovsk -- wounding at least two people. Kyiv restaurateur Nadir Ahundov voiced his outrage at the Russian strike that completely destroyed his restaurant. "These subhuman [Russians], to drop such bombs on residential buildings," Ahundov told RFE/RL. "I put my heart, my soul into [creating] this," he said, pointing to the trees outside the restaurnat. "These trees were small when I planted them. Look at them now -- those monsters knocked them down." In Kherson, a 60-year-old man was killed in a Russian strike and two others, including an 86-year-old man, were wounded, regional Governor Roman Mrochko reported on Telegram. Late on December 19, a Russian missile struck and badly damaged a two-story apartment building in the southeastern city of Kryviy Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown, wounding five people, including two pulled alive from under the rubble, officials said. The attack also crippled the power supply in parts of the city of 600,000 and damaged a hospital, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said. In a statement on Telegram, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the strikes on December 20 were "in response" to Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets using Western-supplied weapons. The latest wave of attacks from both sides came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested at his highly choreographed annual press conference a "high-tech duel" over Kyiv to prove that Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik, cannot be shot down by Western-supplied air defenses. "It would be interesting for us.... Let's conduct this experiment, this technological duel, and see the results. I think it would be useful for both us and the Americans," Putin said. In reaction, Zelenskiy posted a message on X calling Putin a "dumbass." "People are dying, and he thinks it's 'interesting'... Dumbass," Zelenskiy wrote. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian- strikes-kyiv-ukraine-/33246699.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (20 December 2024) 20.12.2024 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 one heavy mechanised brigade, five mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and four territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Gornal, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Mirny, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Yuzhny. Four counter-attacks of the enemy's assault detachments were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Guyevo, Maryevka, Mikhaylovka, Nikolskoye, Novaya Sorochina, Rubanshchina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Obody, and Khoten in Sumy region. The AFU losses were more than 340 troops, three tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 42,440 troops, 248 tanks, 187 infantry fighting vehicles, 128 armoured personnel carriers, 1,301 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,158 motor vehicles, 323 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, 76 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, six armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President Met with the Lithuanian Prime Minister and His Government in Its Entirety President of Ukraine 20 December 2024 - 20:47 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Lithuania Gintautas Paluckas and his Government, which, following approval by the Seimas, made the first visit to Ukraine in the history of Ukrainian-Lithuanian relations in its entirety. "This is a true manifestation of solidarity and commitment to our shared values," the Head of State said. The President thanked Lithuania for its consistency in providing unwavering support and comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, and highlighted the annual allocation of 0.25% of Lithuania's GDP to support our state's defense and security needs. "Your help is a vital contribution to our struggle for a just and lasting peace. We are grateful to you and to all Lithuanians for your support. You are like brothers and sisters to us. We can truly rely on you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. During the meeting, the parties discussed military cooperation, particularly the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense to protect energy facilities. The Head of State emphasized that procuring weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers and developing new opportunities for cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and Lithuania significantly contribute to achieving a just peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy additionally thanked Lithuania for supporting Ukraine's NATO membership, which is an effective guarantee of our country's long-term security, as well as for Lithuania's assistance in the EU accession negotiations. The Lithuanian delegation reaffirmed its willingness to continue providing assistance to Ukraine and to play a significant role in projects focused on reconstruction and restoration of energy infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Everyday Terror Deserves Ever-Increasing Pressure on the Terrorist: Russia Must Be Held Accountable - Address by the President President of Ukraine 20 December 2024 - 19:54 Dear Ukrainians! I want to thank all leaders, each of our partners who have expressed their support to Ukraine today after another missile strike: ballistic missiles hit Kyiv, people were injured, sadly, a man was killed. My condolences. Some houses were damaged, including St. Nicholas Cathedral. Diplomatic missions have also sustained damage - all of them are located in the same office building. Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, Montenegro. Clearly, this Russia's madness must not be perceived by the world as something routine - everyday terror deserves ever-increasing pressure on the terrorist. Russia must be held accountable, and even if they are led by a completely inadequate person, the pressure on them must make the Russian state feel what reality is and how reality can punish international criminals. More sanctions against Russia are necessary. I also want to thank all the partners of our state who are responding to this and other Russian shellings by being ready to provide more air defense systems, more weapons that can protect against terrorists. We have now returned from Brussels with new agreements on air defense systems. Germany has also already transferred an additional IRIS-T system - thank you. We will respond to Russia's attacks on all our other cities as well - today the Russians carried out another barbaric shelling of Kherson. In general, we see the occupier intensifying their activities in the Kherson direction. I would like to thank our units who are defending these positions. They have repelled the attempts of the Russian movements there. Also today, the Commander-in-Chief briefed me on other frontline directions - the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia direction. Special attention was paid to the combat actions in the Kursk region: more and more North Korean soldiers are being eliminated there. And this is telling that Russia is trying to pass off these North Korean soldiers as representatives of national communities living within Russia itself. This is a complete disrespect from Moscow to the indigenous peoples and even to the Koreans themselves. And one more thing. Today, several important meetings were held here in Kyiv. A meeting of the Governments of Ukraine and Lithuania took place. The new Lithuanian Government is in Ukraine for the first time in its entirety, immediately after being appointed, and this is a clear Lithuanian priority for the alliance between our countries; we in Ukraine deeply value this. I also spoke today with the President of the Czech Republic, particularly about how to increase the supply of shells and the production of weapons for our defense. And today, together with our diplomatic team, we finalized the list of new Ukrainian ambassadors. I approved more than 30 decisions. Among them are Nariman Dzhelyal to Turkiye, Alyona Getmanchuk as Ukraine's representative to NATO, Andrii Melnyk as Ukraine's representative to the UN, and others. These and other decrees will soon be formalized in accordance with diplomatic procedures. I thank everyone who is working for Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Training Ukrainian Brigades and Strengthening Air Defense: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Had a Video Conversation with Petr Pavel President of Ukraine 20 December 2024 - 16:52 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a video conversation with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel. The Ukrainian leader spoke about his participation in the European Council Summit and negotiations with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala in Brussels; he also thanked the Czech leaders and people for their unity in supporting Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided an update on the situation in various directions of the front. The Presidents thoroughly discussed the capabilities of allies to train Ukrainian brigades, following the examples of France and the United States. The President of Ukraine stressed that the brigades should be trained with the weapons and equipment they will use after their return to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also described the consequences of this morning's Russian shelling of Kyiv and voiced Ukraine's defense needs for various types of air defense systems and armored vehicles. The leaders also addressed the implementation of the Czech initiative to supply artillery shells this year and agreed to work with partners on ensuring uninterrupted funding in 2025. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for the Czech Republic's active involvement in all efforts that strengthen Ukraine and bring a just peace closer. In addition, the parties discussed the possibility of opening a representative office for the newly established Ministry of National Unity in the Czech Republic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian ballistic missiles damage diplomatic missions in Kyiv attack By VOA News December 20, 2024 Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says an early morning Russian ballistic missile attack Friday on the capital of Kyiv killed at least one person and damaged six foreign embassies and a university in the city's center. On its Telegram social media account, Ukraine's air force said it intercepted five Iskander short-range ballistic missiles fired at the city, but falling missile debris caused damage and sparked fires in three districts. City officials reported damage to multiple residential buildings, medical facilities and schools. Air force officials urged citizens to immediately respond to reports of ballistic attack threats because they provide very little time to find shelter. At a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhyi said the missile attack did significant damage to a building that houses the embassies of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal and Montenegro. He shared pictures of the damage to the buildings. No injuries were reported in those attacks. The Kyiv National Linguistics University said on its Instagram account that its building also had been hit and shared a picture of two large windows that blown out near an entrance. Russia has said it launched the attack in retaliation for Kyiv firing into Russian with U.S.-made weapons. Regional authorities in the southern port city Kherson also reported coming under attack Friday. In a video statement, Kherson Regional Military Administration chief Oleksandr Prokudin said Russian shelling targeted "residential areas, critical and social infrastructure," with two houses and two medical institutions sustaining damage. Prokudin said at least one person was killed and seven injured during the attack. Meanwhile, Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and minister of justice, reported Friday that Russia had launched a cyberattack on state registers, resulting in a shutdown. Stefanishyna made the initial report from her Facebook page, where she said it was clear the attack was orchestrated by Russia to "sow panic among citizens of Ukraine and abroad." She held a briefing later Friday in Kyiv along with Ukraine's acting head of the Cybersecurity Department of the security service, Volodymyr Karastelov. She told reporters that while it appeared no data was lost or stolen, the ministry suspended the activities of all state registers to avoid further deployment of threats. The affected registries include civil acts such as marriages, wills, births, car registrations, and Stefanishyna said they are working to restore them. The Cybersecurity Department said their main line of investigation was that a hacker group affiliated with Russian military intelligence was behind the attack. Russia has yet to comment on the attack. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine strike kills 6 in Russia's Kursk region By VOA News December 20, 2024 Ukraine attacked a town in Russia's Kursk region Friday, killing six people, including a child, a senior local official said. Ten others were hospitalized in the town of Rylsk after the attack with U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets, Kursk acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein said. The attack, Ukrainian officials said, followed an earlier Russian missile attack on Kyiv. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said an early Friday morning Russian ballistic missile attack on the capital killed at least one person, wounded 13 and damaged six foreign embassies and a university in the city's center. On its Telegram social media account, Ukraine's air force said it intercepted five Iskander short-range ballistic missiles fired at the city, but falling missile debris caused damage and sparked fires in three districts. City officials reported damage to multiple residential buildings, medical facilities and schools. Air force officials urged citizens to immediately respond to reports of ballistic attack threats because they provide very little time to find shelter. At a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhyi said the missile attack did significant damage to a building that houses the embassies of Albania, Argentina, the Palestinians, North Macedonia, Portugal and Montenegro. He shared pictures of the damage to the buildings. No injuries were reported in those attacks. The Kyiv National Linguistics University said on its Instagram account that its building also had been hit, and it shared a picture of an area near an entrance where two large windows had been blown out. Russia has said it launched the attack in retaliation for Kyiv's firing U.S.-made weapons into Russia. Russia's attacks on Kyiv came one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin's year-end press conference. Putin has been talking about negotiations to end the war "for quite some time, but the bombing has continued," said Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. President-elect Donald Trump has talked about the possibility of talks with the Russian and Ukrainian presidents to end the war. He has said he could broker a deal to end the war in 24 hours. Kupchan said Trump is "naive" to think he could get the two countries to come to an agreement so swiftly. Trump "cannot afford a deal that effectively subjugates Ukraine and leaves it a ward of Russia," Kupchan said. Ukraine must be defensible, he said, and "not left in a geopolitical limbo that invites Russia to simply pick up the war where it left off six months from now ... or a year later." Meanwhile, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and minister of justice, reported Friday that Russia had launched a cyberattack on state registers, resulting in a shutdown. Stefanishyna made the initial report from her Facebook page, where she said it was clear the attack was orchestrated by Russia to "sow panic among citizens of Ukraine and abroad." She held a briefing later Friday in Kyiv along with Ukraine's acting head of the Cybersecurity Department of the security service, Volodymyr Karastelov. She told reporters that while it appeared no data were lost or stolen, the ministry suspended the activities of all state registers to avoid further deployment of threats. The affected registries include civil acts such as marriages, wills, births and car registrations, and Stefanishyna said they were working to restore them. The Cybersecurity Department said its main line of investigation was that a hacker group affiliated with Russian military intelligence was behind the attack. Russia has yet to comment on the attack. VOA's Kim Lewis contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Irvine, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Irvine, California, December 20, 2024 UnitedAg is proud to announce its recognition as a Top Workplaces 2024 winner by the Orange County Register. This esteemed award is based on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, LLC, a leading employee engagement technology partner. The survey evaluated key facets of workplace culture, including feeling Respected & Supported, being Enabled to Grow, and feeling Empowered to Execute. Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees, said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. In todays market, its vital for leaders to listen to and amplify employee voices. Top Workplaces do this exceptionally well, and it pays dividends. UnitedAg's survey results placed it among the industrys best: Top 9% for having staff that believes in the organization's values and goals. for having staff that believes in the organization's values and goals. Top 1% for providing exceptional benefits. for providing exceptional benefits. Top 2% for encouraging new ideas and innovation. for encouraging new ideas and innovation. Top 12% for upholding and demonstrating strong core values. At UnitedAg, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, shared Chana Hauben, Vice President of Human Resources. This recognition underscores the passion and dedication of our entire team. We are honored to be named a Top Workplace. UnitedAgs workplace culture thrives on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. By emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and respect, UnitedAg ensures its employees are not only supported but also equipped to make a lasting impact on its members and the agricultural community. Through open communication, a can-do attitude, and continuous improvement, UnitedAg is proud to champion a culture of empowerment, adaptation, and purposeful leadership. For more information about UnitedAg and its innovative solutions for the agricultural community, visit www.unitedag.org. ### About UnitedAg: UnitedAg is a member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing comprehensive health benefits, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders, and advocating for members interest with lawmakers. Our mission is to support the sustainability and success of our members and the agricultural sector through tailored health benefits, leadership development, and legislative advocacy. Attachment Visa-free policy, direct flights boost Hungarians' interest in China travel Xinhua) 11:36, December 21, 2024 BUDAPEST, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian travel agencies are experiencing a surge in demand for trips to China, driven by the introduction of visa-free travel for Hungarian citizens and an increasing number of direct flights connecting Budapest with major Chinese cities. According to OTP Travel, one of Hungary's leading tour operators, interest in China has grown significantly. "The visa-free policy and the increase in direct flights from Budapest had an extremely positive impact on travel to China in 2024," Katalin Abrany, assistant manager at OTP Travel, told Xinhua. China's visa-free initiative, launched in March 2024, allows Hungarian citizens to travel without a visa for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits. Initially set to expire on Nov. 30, the program has been extended to the end of 2025, with the permitted stay increased to 30 days. OTP Travel organized 14 group tours to China this year, with strong interest already evident for 2025. "Several tours for next year are already fully booked," Abrany noted. The growing accessibility of China has also played a key role. Budapest now connects to seven major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with 21 weekly direct flights, providing travelers with more convenient options to explore China's cultural and natural attractions. Another Hungarian travel agency, 1000 Utazas (One Thousand Travels), highlighted the practical and financial benefits of the visa-free policy. "The program not only simplifies the administration of such a voyage but also cuts travel expenses, as a visa previously cost around 40,000 Hungarian forints (100 U.S. dollars)," said Nora Szilagy, responsible for personal visas at 1000 Utazas. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Geza and Marta, who visited China in September, described their trip as a "cultural and gastronomic journey," commending the unique experiences and rich history they encountered. Zsuzsanna T., who joined a "Beijing to Macao" tour, expressed similar satisfaction, saying, "The trip far exceeded our expectations in terms of organization, services, and programs. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) News / National by Staff reporter In a deeply disturbing case of alleged sexual abuse and witchcraft, Margaret Muchuro, a 34-year-old disabled woman from Chimanimani, accused her uncle, Chrispen Muchuro, of demanding sexual favours as a condition for assisting her with her immobility. The shocking allegations were presented before Chief Saurombe's community court last week, as tensions within the Muchuro family escalated over accusations of wizardry, witchcraft, and spiritual torment.Margaret, who is wheelchair-bound due to her disability, claimed that Chrispen caused her immobility and used a snake to sexually abuse her while she slept. She further alleged that he demanded sexual intimacy as a precondition for helping her consult traditional healers to regain the function of her legs."At one point, he told me that he wanted to sleep with me. This was after a traditional healer told me that he had mubobobo, and when I confronted him, he admitted it," Margaret told the court. "He then said he was done spiritually abusing me and now wanted physical intimacy. He made it clear that he would only help me consult healers if I complied with his demand. How could I sleep with my father? It is absurd."Margaret also described recurring visions of a snake, which she believes to be her uncle's spiritual form, responsible for her immobility. "I see the snake in the spirit world. It stays at our homestead and uses me as its spiritual wife. This is why I cannot walk," Margaret explained.As the allegations continued, Margaret accused her mother, Irene Muchuro, of conspiring with Chrispen to paralyze and trap her in a wheelchair. She claimed that both her uncle and mother were responsible for her condition, alleging that they had used witchcraft to make her legs immobile."We consulted traditional healers, and they told us that my uncle and mother bewitched me. My legs had once been treated, and I was able to walk again, but now I am back in a wheelchair because of their sorcery," Margaret said.In a passionate defense, Chrispen Muchuro denied the allegations, accusing Margaret of fabricating stories to cover up her own actions. He argued that Margaret's immobility was a result of a failed suicide attempt while she was in South Africa, not witchcraft. "The traditional healers told us that her legs were paralyzed because she took poison and didn't seek medical help in time. That is the truth, and she knows it," Chrispen said. "I have never asked for sexual favours from her. These allegations are baseless."Chrispen further criticized Margaret's claims of witchcraft, accusing her of making false accusations to divert attention from her own mistakes. He also mentioned that Margaret had spent four months in a South African hospital following the suicide attempt.Irene Muchuro, Margaret's mother, vehemently denied the witchcraft accusations and accused her daughter of placing blame on family members. Irene explained that Margaret's legs were deformed at birth but had been medically treated. She also accused Margaret of bringing goblins from South Africa, which she believed contributed to her misfortunes."When I gave birth to her, her legs were not normal, and they had to be straightened. After she took poison, she stayed in a hospital for four months. Traditional healers have also told us that Margaret brought goblins from South Africa, and that is the cause of her problems," Irene said.Irene also expressed her frustration at Margaret's accusations, questioning how she could be accused of witchcraft while caring for Margaret and her five children. "I am the one who looks after her and her children. I feed them, help her use the toilet, and yet I am accused of being a witch," Irene wept. "How can my child treat me like this when I am doing everything for her and her children?"Irene expressed her frustration further, stating that she no longer wished to care for Margaret's children, as she felt unappreciated for her sacrifices. "I am at my age, and I am looking after Margaret and her children. I no longer want to take care of her children. She should take them to their different fathers," she said.In his ruling, Chief Saurombe urged the Muchuro family to seek further guidance from trusted traditional healers and community elders to resolve the conflict. "These are serious allegations that need proper investigation. Witchcraft accusations can tear families apart, and it is crucial that the truth comes out," Chief Saurombe said. "You must all seek a solution that brings peace and healing to the family."The case has been adjourned to a later date for further investigation and resolution, as tensions within the Muchuro family continue to mount. DENVER, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Denver Hospice, in collaboration with dedicated staff, provided 76 meals to patients and their families facing hardship during the holiday season. Over 347 people will enjoy a festive dinner as a result of the nonprofits healthcare organizations holiday initiative. At this time of the year, it can be especially hard for people to admit that they need help, stated Susan Finke, director of clinical services at The Denver Hospice. I want to thank everyone who helped deliver dinners today as we are caring for more people than just our patients. Hundreds will now have the opportunity to gather next week and enjoy being with their loved ones. Patients were given the choice between a turkey, turkey breast, ham, or lasagna four course holiday dinner. This is an annual event held by The Denver Hospice in support of their hospice and palliative care patients. Working in tandem with social workers, clinical and administrative staff, the nonprofit identifies and supports vulnerable patients across the Denver metropolitan area. The holiday season can be an especially difficult time of year for those facing life-limiting illnesses. This program is a continuation of The Denver Hospices Thanksgiving meal program. In November, The Denver Hospice hosted a similar event in which 82 meals were delivered to the Colorado community. As part of those efforts, 401 people were able to enjoy a full Thanksgiving dinner. About the Denver Hospice: The Denver Hospice is the regions leading, largest and most trusted not-for-profit provider of life-enhancing hospice and palliative care. The Denver Hospice can offer more expertise, more resources and a more complete continuum of compassionate care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life transition. The Denver Hospice is an affiliate of the Care Synergy network and can be reached at (303) 321-2828. For more information, visit thedenverhospice.org. About Care Synergy: Care Synergy provides mission-support services for not-for-profit, community-based home healthcare, hospice, and palliative care providers serving the Front Range of Colorado including the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, The Denver Hospice, Pathways and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, and in the future, Colorado PACE. Care Synergy Affiliate organizations operate as distinct organizations while sharing best practices to help more Coloradans. For more information, visit caresynergynetwork.org. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE: MEC, OTC: MECPF, FRA:92T) (the Company or Mustang) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Spur Project, located just south of the Athabasca Basin in northern, Saskatchewan. The Spur Project was acquired through low-cost staking and consists of nine dispositions, or mineral claims, totaling 17,929 hectares, further enhancing Mustangs growing portfolio. The project is situated in an area with potential for uranium and rare earth element (REE) exploration. Project Highlights: Large Land Package: The Spur Project spans 17,929 hectares across nine mineral claims. The Spur Project spans 17,929 hectares across nine mineral claims. Proximity to infrastructure: Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Camecos Key Lake Mill. Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Camecos Key Lake Mill. Adjacent to High-grade Uranium Occurrences: Notable results from adjacent areas (see figure 1) include: 4.4% UO from Trench Lake area C (Rath, 1969 sample R69-10) 1 ; 8.0% UO and 2.00% ThO from sample (R69-17) containing uraninite at North Pipe Lake (SMDI 1005) 5 ; and 2.01% UO from Vee Lake trench (SMDI 1003). 3 Notable results from adjacent areas (see figure 1) include: Underexplored Potential: The propertys geology suggests potential for basement-hosted uranium and REE mineralization but remains underexplored. The propertys geology suggests potential for basement-hosted uranium and REE mineralization but remains underexplored. Geological Favourability: 20 kilometers southwest of Skyharbour Resources/Terra Clean Energys Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit (2015 NI 43-101 inferred resource: 6.96 million lbs UO @ 0.03% and 5.34 million lbs ThO @ 0.023%). 8 Diverse Mineralization: In addition to potential basement-hosted uranium deposits, the region features uraniferous granitic pegmatites that exhibit Rossing-type mineralization.2 Figure 1: Mustang Energy's newly acquired claim Spur Project We are excited to announce the expansion of our project portfolio with the acquisition of the 100%-owned Spur Property, situated in a premier uranium district just 40 km from Camecos Key Lake Mine, said Nick Luksha, CEO of Mustang Energy. This project further strengthens our position in key uranium regions while providing additional opportunities for REE exploration. We look forward to advancing our exploration efforts and unlocking the potential of this exciting asset. Project Geology and Mineralization The Spur Project lies within the Wollaston Domain, just south of the Athabasca Basin, a region globally recognized for its uranium deposits. The property is underlain by Proterozoic basement rocks, comprising Wollaston Group metasedimentary gneisses, predominantly psammitic to meta-arkosic, with folded lenses of pelitic to psammopelitic gneisses. This geological setting provides a conduit for both pegmatite-related and basement-hosted uranium, thorium, and REE mineralization. Uranium and thorium mineralization within the region is frequently associated with highly anomalous concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), base metals, and other pathfinder elements. This mineralization style aligns with Rossing-type deposits, named after the iconic Rossing Mine in Namibia, one of the largest and longest-operating open-pit uranium mines globally.2 Geophysical surveys in the area indicate EM conductor trends associated with graphitic pelitic gneisses and uraniferous granitic pegmatites, suggesting a fertile system and highlighting the potential for basement-hosted uranium deposits. These features are analogous to high-grade uranium deposits, including Eagle Point, Millennium, and Key Lake, all of which have significant resources derived from Wollaston Group basement lithologies. Next Steps Mustang Energy is committed to advancing exploration at the Spur Project through a systematic approach: Re-Processing Geophysical Data: Existing airborne EM datasets are being reinterpreted to better refine exploration targets. Existing airborne EM datasets are being reinterpreted to better refine exploration targets. High-Resolution VTEM Survey: An in-fill airborne EM survey will further enhance conductor mapping and prioritize targets. An in-fill airborne EM survey will further enhance conductor mapping and prioritize targets. Ground-Based Exploration: Detailed sampling and prospecting will follow to validate anomalies and refine drill targets. Detailed sampling and prospecting will follow to validate anomalies and refine drill targets. Drill Targeting: A maiden drill program will target coincident geophysical and geochemical anomalies, focusing on high-grade uranium, thorium, and REE potential. Strategic Importance The acquisition of the Spur Project aligns with Mustang Energys vision of building a robust portfolio of uranium and REE assets in the Athabasca Basin, a region known for its high-grade uranium deposits. As global energy markets shift toward low-carbon solutions, nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of sustainable power generation, driving demand for uranium resources. Mustang Energy remains committed to executing its exploration strategy responsibly, contributing positively to local communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability in all its operations. References Rath, U. (1969). Geological Report on Davidson Permit No. 2. Submitted by Great Plains Development Co. Ltd., Saskatchewan Industry and Resources. Assessment Report AR 74A-14-0011. Rossing Uranium Limited. (n.d.). Press Bulletin 64. Retrieved from https://www.rossing.com/bullet/bulletpress64.htm Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1003). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1003 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1004). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1004 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Foster Lake (Deposit ID: 1005). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1005 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1008). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1008 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Bay (Deposit ID: 5219). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/5219 Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (n.d.). South Falcon East Project. Retrieved from https://skyharbourltd.com/projects/partner-projects/south-falcon-east/#:~:text=The%20near%2Dsurface%20Fraser%20Lakes,0.01%25%20U3O8. Qualifying Statement The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Adjacent Property Disclaimer: This news release includes references with respect to high-grade uranium occurrences in the Trench Lake area, North Pipe Lake, Vee Lake trench, Millennium, and Key Lake as well as references to geological favourability at Skyharbour Resources/Terra Clean Energys Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit and the Eagle Point Uranium Mine (collectively, the Adjacent Properties), which are located near the Spur Project. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Spur Project, or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Spur Project, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. About Mustang Energy Corp.: Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 77,318 hectares in and around the Athabasca Basin. Mustang's flagship property, Ford Lake, covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares in the Wollaston Domain. Mustang has also established its footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares). For further information, please contact: Mustang Energy Corp. Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends, believes or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forwardlooking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the future potential of the minerals claims held by the Company, including the Spur Project, and the completion of future work on the Spur Project, including re-processing geophysical data, conducting a high-resolution VTEM Survey, conducting sampling and prospecting to validate anomalies and refine drill targets, and conducting a drill program. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to continue exploring its properties given various environmental and economic factors outside of its control. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28027964-3615-435a-8c50-04c5d2d1c313 KELLOGG, Idaho and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (Bunker Hill or the Company) (TSXV:BNKR | OTCQB:BHLL) announces that it has elected to issue an aggregate of 7,392,859 shares of common stock of the Company (the Interest Shares) to certain holders of 7.5% convertible debentures (the Series 1 Convertible Debentures) and 10.5% convertible debentures (the Series 2 Convertible Debentures and, together with the Series 1 Convertible Debentures, the Convertible Debentures) in full satisfaction of the interest payable thereunder as of December 31, 2024 in the aggregate amount of USD$517,500.00 (the Interest Payment). The Convertible Debentures mature on March 31, 2028 & March 31, 2029, respectively. In accordance with the terms of the Convertible Debentures, the Company will issue the Interest Shares at a price of USD$0.07 per Interest Share based on 90% of the 10-day volume weighted average trading price of the shares of common stock of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) on the trading days beginning on December 9, 2024 and ending on December 20, 2024 (the Pricing Period). In connection with the Interest Payment, the Company will issue an aggregate of 7,392,859 Interest Shares to certain managed accounts of Sprott Private Resource Streaming and Royalty Corp. (Sprott) and, accordingly, the issuance of such Interest Shares to Sprott will constitute a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Shareholder Approval (MI 61-101). The Company will rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the Interest Shares to be issued to Sprott, nor the consideration received for such Interest Shares, will exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days prior to the election to issue the Interest Shares as the Pricing Period only ended yesterday on December 20, 2024. The issuance of the Interest Shares is subject to the terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures as well as the receipt of all regulatory approvals, including, without limitation, the approval of the TSX-V. Once issued, the Interest Shares will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Additional details regarding the Convertible Debentures can be found in the Companys news releases dated December 20, 2021, January 31, 2022, June 20, 2022, June 26, 2023, and August 8, 2024 all of which are available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Financing Cooperation fee The Cooperation Agreement provides for, among other things, the Service Provider and its affiliates providing certain collateral security in order for the Company and Silver Valley to obtain certain surety bonds with respect to the Bunker Hill Mine (the Collateral Security). In consideration for the Collateral Security, the Company is required to pay the Service Provider a financing cooperation fee of US$20,000 per month, payable quarterly in Common Shares and/or cash at the Companys election, during the term of the Cooperation Agreement. The Service Provider is arms length to the Company, its affiliates and associates. The Company has elected to issue 509,480 Common Shares (each, a Q3 Share) at a deemed issue price of C$0.16 per Q3 Share to the Service Provider in full satisfaction of the aggregate US$60,000 financing cooperation fee owing to the Service Provider for the three (3) month period ending on September 30, 2024 (the Q3 Cooperation Fee). Further to its news release dated September 5, 2024, the Company also intends to issue 543,855 Common Shares (each, a Q2 Share and, together with the Q3 Shares, the Settlement Shares) at a deemed issue price of C$0.15 per Q2 Share, instead of 506,775 Common Shares at a deemed issue price of C$0.16 as previously disclosed, in full satisfaction of the US$60,000 financing cooperation fee owing to the Service Provider for the three (3) month period ending on June 30, 2024. The Company and the Service Provider repriced the Q2 Shares based on the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) for the trading days beginning on April 1, 2024 and ending on June 30, 2024. The Company intends to issue the Settlement Shares in lieu of paying cash to preserve its cash for the potential restart and ongoing development of the Bunker Hill Mine. These transactions remain subject to the receipt of all regulatory and stock exchange approvals. Once issued, the Settlement Shares will be subject to a four (4) month and one (1) day hold period from the applicable date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Settlement Shares 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 without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or in compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP. Under Idaho-based leadership, Bunker Hill intends to sustainably restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine as the first step in consolidating and then optimizing a number of mining assets into a high-value portfolio of operations, centered initially in North America. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases. On behalf of Bunker Hill Sam Ash President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For additional information, please contact: Brenda Dayton Vice President, Investor Relations T: 604.417.7952 E: brenda.dayton@bunkerhillmining.com Cautionary Statements Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase forward-looking information in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, plan or variations of such words and phrases. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, including the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine; the achievement of future short-term, medium-term and long-term operational strategies; and the terms and completion of the financing cooperation fee share transactions described herein, including the number and deemed pricing of the Settlement Shares issuable in connection therewith, and the Company receiving all regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: Bunker Hills ability to complete the transaction on the terms described herein or at all; Bunker Hills ability to receive sufficient project financing for the restart and ongoing development of the Bunker Hill Mine on acceptable terms or at all; the future price of metals; and the stability of the financial and capital markets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties identified in public filings made by Bunker Hill with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and the following: the Companys inability to raise additional capital for project activities, including through equity financings, concentrate offtake financings or otherwise; capital market conditions; restrictions on labor and its effects on international travel and supply chains; failure to identify mineral resources; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the Companys ability to restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine and the risks of not basing a production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, resulting in increased uncertainty due to multiple technical and economic risks of failure which are associated with this production decision including, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study, such as applying economic analysis to resources and reserves, more detailed metallurgy and a number of specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental and community impacts and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit, with no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved; failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations; failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; political risks; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inability of the Company to budget and manage its liquidity in light of the failure to obtain additional financing, including the ability of the Company to complete the payments pursuant to the terms of the agreement to acquire the Bunker Hill Mine complex; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; and capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements or information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all, including as to whether or when the Company will achieve its project finance initiatives, or as to the actual size or terms of those financing initiatives. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Companys operations or financial results are included in the Companys annual report and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or through EDGAR on the SEC website (www.sec.gov). TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immutable Holdings Inc. (NEO:HOLD) (Immutable Holdings or the Corporation), a publicly-traded blockchain holding company, is pleased to announce the voting results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that was held on December 20, 2024 (the Meeting). Election of Directors Each of the nominees for election as directors listed in the Corporations management information circular dated November 12, 2024 (the Circular) were elected as directors of the Corporation for the ensuing year or until their successors are elected or appointed. Reappointment of Auditors At the Meeting, shareholders also approved the reappointment of Richter LLP as auditors of the Corporation for the ensuing year, as well as the authorization of the directors of the Corporation to fix the auditors remuneration and the terms of their engagement. For further details regarding the matters considered at the Meeting, please refer to the Circular, which can be found under Immutables profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . About Immutable Holdings Inc. Immutable Holdings is a collection of businesses within the digital assets ecosystem on a mission to build businesses and products that increase the awareness, access, and adoption of digital assets. Founded by Jordan Fried, a founding team member of multibillion dollar Hedera Hashgraph network, Immutable Holdings already boasts tens of millions under management and a portfolio of businesses and brands built on the blockchain ecosystem, including NFT.com, Coffee and Crypto, Immutable Asset Management, and 1-800-Bitcoin. For further information regarding Immutable Holdings, visit https://immutableholdings.com/ and see the Corporations disclosure documents on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . For media inquiries and further information, contact: Jordan Fried, Founder & CEO Email: info@immutableholdings.com Melyssa Charlton, CFO Email: info@immutableholdings.com Billy Baxter, Head of Corporate Development & Operations Email: info@immutableholdings.com CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Corporations control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes to applicable laws or the regulatory sphere in which the Corporation operates, general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility and the other risks disclosed in the Corporations annual information form dated March 28, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Corporations profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of factors that may affect the Corporations forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation and/or not specifically referenced herein could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Photo courtesy of Exotic Snack Guys CHICAGO, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christmas is just around the corner, and gift-givers everywhere are starting to search for the perfect gift for their friends and loved ones. While traditional gifts like electronics, clothing, and gift cards come to mind, many are seeking something different this year. For those looking for something new to give this holiday season, the snack company Exotic Snack Guys offers the perfect gift idea: its Mystery Gift Box. With a mission to let customers "travel the world without stepping on a plane, the Exotic Snack Guys offers international flavors in one mystery box, keeping the spirit of home alive this holiday season. A World of Flavor in Every Box The Exotic Snack Guys has elevated the concept of gift boxes to new heights, becoming a sensation with over 100,000 boxes sold since its launch and being mentioned by numerous international publications. The Exotic Snack Guys Mystery Boxes are perfect for those who can't decide what gift to give and want a variety. Its approach focuses on creating themed collections containing treats from particular countries or assortments of rare snacks and beverages from across 40 countries outside the U.S. From the most famous candy to a rare snack, a must-taste soda, or an all-time favorite noodle brand; everything is carefully chosen in one beautifully packed box. Starting at an accessible $25, these mystery boxes are packed with an exciting array of international treats, from unique potato chips to exotic sodas one will not find at their local store. Each box is a culinary passport, introducing customers to unexpected delights like crystal grape Oreos from China, banana caramel Kit Kat bars, and South African Peri Peri Pringles. The magic of Exotic Snack Guys' mystery boxes lies in their unpredictability and variety. The carefully curated selections ensure that whether customers are craving something savory like Mayhem Kebab Doritos from Australia or sweet like specialty chocolate bars from Japan, each box delivers a surprise assortment that caters to every taste bud. This is perfect for those who want to add fun and a variety of surprises to their gifts. Bringing the Taste of Home Aside from the element of surprise in every box, Exotic Snack Guys Mystery Boxes also take on special significance this holiday season as they serve as care packages that bridge the distance between loved ones and their native countries. For those spending the holidays away from their families, the mystery boxes serve as a reminder of home. Whether seeing a beloved childhood treat or discovering a new international snack, each Mystery Box brings the comfort, warmth, and joy of home to their doorstep. With its goal of creating meaningful connections through food, Exotic Snack Guys continues to grow while staying true to its mission of bringing the world's flavors to curious snackers across the U.S. The company's expansion plans include expanding to 100 stores within the next two years and expanding its product line to curate more boxes from other countries. The coming of Exotic Snack Guys' Mystery Boxes came to shake up the gift-giving game. Packed with delicious surprises from 40 different countries, these boxes are a unique gift that brings the flavors of home (or somewhere new and exciting!) this holiday season. Please visit the Exotic Snack Guys website to see its complete catalog of gift ideas. Contact Details: Contact: Zohaib Naman Company: Exotic Snack Guys Email: contact@exoticsnackguys.com Website: https://www.exoticsnackguys.com/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74fe3712-9d35-4f15-91b7-ebe28ae6f56d SIGNING OF THE SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS BY BNP PARIBAS CARDIF Press release Paris 21 December 2024 After entering into exclusive negotiations on August 1st, AXA and BNP Paribas Cardif announce the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement for AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM). This signing follows the completion of the information-consultation procedure on strategic issues with the relevant employee representative bodies of both AXA and BNP Paribas groups. This signing marks an important step in the acquisition process of AXA IM and our long-term partnership with AXA. In anticipation of the closing process, all teams are now working to welcome AXA IM's employees and customers into the BNP Paribas Cardif Group said Renaud Dumora, Chairman of BNP Paribas Cardif, Deputy COO of BNP Paribas. As previously communicated, the agreed price for the acquisition and the long-term partnership is 5.1 billion, with the closing expected mid-2025 and an anticipated impact on BNP Paribas Group's CET1 ratio of 25 bps subject to agreements with the relevant authorities. Press contacts Sandrine ROMANO sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com - +33 (0)6 71 18 23 05 Thomas ALEXANDRE thomas.alexandre@bnpparibas.com - +33 (0)6 02 19 48 69 About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is the European Unions leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Groups commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability. Attachment NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines information technology infrastructure impacting Southwest Airlines business, operations, and stock price. If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firms website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10716 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at case@rosenlegal.com. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, President Joe Biden signed the American Relief Act, 2025 into law, providing funding for the U.S. Small Business Administrations Disaster Loan Program. With this funding, which required Congressional approval, the SBA can resume processing urgently needed financial relief today to those impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and other natural disasters across the nation. The SBAs disaster loan program plays a vital role in helping communities recover by filling market gaps and providing the resources survivors need to rebuild stronger, said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. Thanks to the American Relief Act signed into law by President Biden, the SBA is ready to provide critical support to the thousands of families and businesses that have been waiting for relief to rebuild, reopen, and move forward. SBAs Disaster Loan Program offers direct, low-interest, long-term loans to assist survivors of federally declared disasters with recovering and rebuilding. Within the next 48 hours, over 21,000 individuals and businesses affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and more than 200 other declared disasters waiting in a backlog caused by the lack of funding can expect to receive the details of their loan offer. The SBA will continue to process disaster loan applications and send out additional offers in the coming days. As of Oct. 15, 2024, the program had exhausted its funding, preventing the SBA from issuing new loan offers. Despite the funding lapse, the SBA continued to accept and process disaster loan applications, queuing approved applications for funding once additional resources became available. Applications continue to remain open for recently declared disasters and the SBA encourages those impacted to learn more about what is available in their community and apply today for disaster loans at lending.sba.gov. This rapid response underscores SBAs commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters and the agency will continue working to ensure financial resources reach those in need. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. VANCOUVER, Dec. 20, 2024 - Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR, OTCQB:AXREF) announces that that it has entered into Third Loan Amendment Agreement dated November 25, 2024 (the "Amendment Agreement") with a lender who is a director and significant shareholder of the Company. Pursuant to the Amendment Agreement, the repayment date of the $1,000,000 loan (the "Loan") thereunder was extended from November 26, 2024 to November 26, 2025. The other terms of the Loan remain unchanged. About Amarc Resources Ltd. Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of southern, central and northern BC, respectively. Each district represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts is located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of Directors of Amarc Resources Ltd. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and 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. SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. News / National by Staff reporter A daring theft involving a 30-tonne haulage truck has left a local employer grappling with the loss of valuable property after his driver allegedly stole the vehicle last month. The truck, valued at US$47,795, is yet to be recovered, and police are continuing their search for the suspect.Shepherd Kambarami, 40, from Murambinda Growth Point, was employed by Mr. Itai Madondo, a businessman based in Fairbridge Park, Mutare. Kambarami had been tasked with collecting timber from Nyanga Pine Estate in Mutasa on November 29, 2024, but instead of carrying out his duties, he drove away with the truck, a white Volvo 30-tonne vehicle with registration number ABN 2748 and trailer AFQ 2804.According to Acting Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, Kambarami had arrived at the estate, but after seeing a long queue of other haulage trucks, he abruptly left the premises without notifying anyone or loading the timber."On December 7, 2024, Mr. Madondo received a call from Wattle Company management, asking about the truck's whereabouts. However, the truck was neither on the loading bay nor anywhere on the premises. Attempts to reach Kambarami were unsuccessful, leading Mr. Madondo to report the matter to Mutasa Police Station," Assistant Inspector Chinyoka explained.The haulage truck's value was confirmed at US$47,795, and despite extensive efforts by authorities, the truck has not been recovered.Kambarami now faces charges of theft of trust property and remains at large.Meanwhile, police in Nyanga are investigating a separate armed robbery incident that occurred on December 6, in which five robbers brutally attacked a local businessman, stealing US$5,000, a vehicle, and several valuable household items. The victim, Mr. Edward Tsarwe, is currently recovering in stable condition at Nyanga District Hospital after sustaining head injuries during the attack.According to Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, Mr. Tsarwe and his son, Shelton, were returning home from Sedze Business Centre when they were ambushed by five armed robbers. One robber, wielding a pistol, demanded cash from Shelton, while another tied him up. The robbers then forced their way into the house and, holding Mr. Tsarwe's wife at gunpoint, stole US$5,000 in cash, along with a 48-inch plasma television, two iPhones, and seven blankets. The robbers also made off with a Nissan X-trail vehicle.The total value of the stolen items was estimated at US$10,000, and nothing has been recovered. Mr. Tsarwe's injuries, which included cuts to his head, were inflicted during the robbery.Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact ZRP Nyanga or their nearest police station.Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the community to assist in both investigations to help bring the criminals to justice and prevent further incidents. VANCOUVER, Dec. 20, 2024 - Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE: MEC, OTC: MECPF, FRA:92T) (the "Company" or "Mustang") is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Spur Project, located just south of the Athabasca Basin in northern, Saskatchewan. The Spur Project was acquired through low-cost staking and consists of nine dispositions, or mineral claims, totaling 17,929 hectares, further enhancing Mustang's growing portfolio. The project is situated in an area with potential for uranium and rare earth element (REE) exploration. Project Highlights: Large Land Package: The Spur Project spans 17,929 hectares across nine mineral claims. Proximity to infrastructure: Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Cameco's Key Lake Mill. Adjacent to High-grade Uranium Occurrences: Notable results from adjacent areas (see figure 1) include: 4.4% U?O? from Trench Lake area "C" (Rath, 1969 - sample R69-10) 1 ; 8.0% U?O? and 2.00% ThO? from sample (R69-17) containing uraninite at North Pipe Lake (SMDI 1005) 5 ; and 2.01% U?O? from Vee Lake trench (SMDI 1003). 3 Underexplored Potential: The property's geology suggests potential for basement-hosted uranium and REE mineralization but remains underexplored. Geological Favourability: 20 kilometers southwest of Skyharbour Resources/Terra Clean Energy's Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit (2015 NI 43-101 inferred resource: 6.96 million lbs U?O? @ 0.03% and 5.34 million lbs ThO? @ 0.023%). 8 Diverse Mineralization: In addition to potential basement-hosted uranium deposits, the region features uraniferous granitic pegmatites that exhibit Rossing-type mineralization.2 Figure 1: Mustang Energy's newly acquired claim Spur Project "We are excited to announce the expansion of our project portfolio with the acquisition of the 100%-owned Spur Property, situated in a premier uranium district just 40 km from Cameco's Key Lake Mine," said Nick Luksha, CEO of Mustang Energy. "This project further strengthens our position in key uranium regions while providing additional opportunities for REE exploration. We look forward to advancing our exploration efforts and unlocking the potential of this exciting asset." Project Geology and Mineralization The Spur Project lies within the Wollaston Domain, just south of the Athabasca Basin, a region globally recognized for its uranium deposits. The property is underlain by Proterozoic basement rocks, comprising Wollaston Group metasedimentary gneisses, predominantly psammitic to meta-arkosic, with folded lenses of pelitic to psammopelitic gneisses. This geological setting provides a conduit for both pegmatite-related and basement-hosted uranium, thorium, and REE mineralization. Uranium and thorium mineralization within the region is frequently associated with highly anomalous concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), base metals, and other pathfinder elements. This mineralization style aligns with "Rossing-type" deposits, named after the iconic Rossing Mine in Namibia, one of the largest and longest-operating open-pit uranium mines globally.2 Geophysical surveys in the area indicate EM conductor trends associated with graphitic pelitic gneisses and uraniferous granitic pegmatites, suggesting a fertile system and highlighting the potential for basement-hosted uranium deposits. These features are analogous to high-grade uranium deposits, including Eagle Point, Millennium, and Key Lake, all of which have significant resources derived from Wollaston Group basement lithologies. Next Steps Mustang Energy is committed to advancing exploration at the Spur Project through a systematic approach: Re-Processing Geophysical Data: Existing airborne EM datasets are being reinterpreted to better refine exploration targets. High-Resolution VTEM Survey: An in-fill airborne EM survey will further enhance conductor mapping and prioritize targets. Ground-Based Exploration: Detailed sampling and prospecting will follow to validate anomalies and refine drill targets. Drill Targeting: A maiden drill program will target coincident geophysical and geochemical anomalies, focusing on high-grade uranium, thorium, and REE potential. Strategic Importance The acquisition of the Spur Project aligns with Mustang Energy's vision of building a robust portfolio of uranium and REE assets in the Athabasca Basin, a region known for its high-grade uranium deposits. As global energy markets shift toward low-carbon solutions, nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of sustainable power generation, driving demand for uranium resources. Mustang Energy remains committed to executing its exploration strategy responsibly, contributing positively to local communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability in all its operations. References Rath, U. (1969). Geological Report on Davidson Permit No. 2. Submitted by Great Plains Development Co. Ltd., Saskatchewan Industry and Resources. Assessment Report AR 74A-14-0011. Rossing Uranium Limited. (n.d.). Press Bulletin 64. Retrieved from https://www.rossing.com/bullet/bulletpress64.htm Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1003). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1003 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1004). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1004 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Foster Lake (Deposit ID: 1005). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1005 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Lake (Deposit ID: 1008). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1008 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. (n.d.). Davidson Bay (Deposit ID: 5219). Retrieved from https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/5219 Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (n.d.). South Falcon East Project. Retrieved from https://skyharbourltd.com/projects/partner-projects/south-falcon-east/#:~:text=The%20near%2Dsurface%20Fraser%20Lakes,0.01%25%20U3O8. Qualifying Statement The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Adjacent Property Disclaimer: This news release includes references with respect to high-grade uranium occurrences in the Trench Lake area, North Pipe Lake, Vee Lake trench, Millennium, and Key Lake as well as references to geological favourability at Skyharbour Resources/Terra Clean Energy's Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit and the Eagle Point Uranium Mine (collectively, the "Adjacent Properties"), which are located near the Spur Project. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Spur Project, or the Company's ability to commercially exploit the Spur Project, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. About Mustang Energy Corp.: Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 77,318 hectares in and around the Athabasca Basin. Mustang's flagship property, Ford Lake, covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares in the Wollaston Domain. Mustang has also established its footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares). For further information, please contact: Mustang Energy Corp. Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "believes" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the future potential of the minerals claims held by the Company, including the Spur Project, and the completion of future work on the Spur Project, including re-processing geophysical data, conducting a high-resolution VTEM Survey, conducting sampling and prospecting to validate anomalies and refine drill targets, and conducting a drill program. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to continue exploring its properties given various environmental and economic factors outside of its control. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28027964-3615-435a-8c50-04c5d2d1c313 News / National by Staff reporter A Chipinge family is facing a series of disturbing and unexplained events they believe are linked to the ghosts of two deceased traditional healers. According to the family, these healers' services were never paid for by their late patriarch before his death in 2019, and the unresolved debts have led to a series of supernatural occurrences and family conflict.Sekuru Zondai Mtetwa, a member of the family, explained that their father, who passed away several years ago, had a reputation for practicing witchcraft and possessing goblins, which he acquired from the two traditional healers. The family believes that these debts, left unpaid upon their father's death, are now manifesting in the form of hauntings and misfortune.The family's ordeal includes mysterious nightly fires that appear and disappear without explanation, as well as a mental breakdown suffered by Sekuru Zondai's daughter. The situation has escalated to the point where the case is now being addressed in Chief Musikavanhu's community court, though a resolution remains elusive."Our father had made a pact with these healers, but after his death, no one could fulfill his obligations," Sekuru Zondai explained. "We were directed by the traditional leadership to seek spiritual healing, and it was revealed to us that the suffering we are experiencing is due to the ghosts of the two healers, who are angry over the unpaid debts."Sekuru Zondai shared that for months, a strange fire has appeared at their homestead every night, burning until dawn and vanishing by morning. "It was terrifying," he said. "We sought help from a healer as instructed by the Chief, but we remain fearful that the fires could return at any time."The family's emotional strain was further compounded when Sekuru Zondai's daughter, a college student, began experiencing mental health issues shortly after her marriage. A traditional healer reportedly told the family that her condition was linked to the wizardry practices of her late grandfather. "The healer told us that my father and his sister were responsible for killing my daughter's husband, and that when her avenging spirit began to manifest, things spiraled out of control," he explained.In an effort to undo the harm caused by his father's unresolved pact, Sekuru Zondai had to return his daughter's bride price to her son-in-law.Complicating matters further, Sekuru Zondai's elder brother, Donald, who lives in Harare, has refused to cooperate in seeking traditional help. Despite multiple summons from Chief Musikavanhu's court, Donald, who is opposed to consulting traditional healers, believes such practices contradict his personal beliefs. This refusal has led to a police report and Sekuru Zondai's brief arrest for allegedly calling his brother a wizard.When contacted for comment, Donald denied any knowledge of the family's situation. "I know nothing of that sort. I have never heard of any family matter before the chief's court," he stated.Lovemore Manesa, an aide to Chief Musikavanhu, confirmed that the case remains unresolved, pending Donald's cooperation. "We have summoned him many times, but he has reported the matter to the police, which led to his brother's arrest," Manesa explained. "We have tried reasoning with him, but his refusal to attend the court has stopped any progress."Frustrated by the lack of resolution, Sekuru Zondai has appealed for outside assistance. "Anyone who can help is welcome," he pleaded, expressing his hope that the community or spiritual leaders will be able to bring an end to the family's suffering.As the family's troubles persist, the case highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional practices, modern beliefs, and unresolved family disputes, leaving emotional and psychological scars in their wake. 99 percent of Ferrari's 2025 car is new says Vasseur Frederic Vasseur says Ferrari's car for the 2025 season will be "completely new". Charles Leclerc, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 Ferrari It's a surprising statement, given the Maranello based team's end-of-season competitiveness and the fact that 2025 is the final year of the existing regulations before the all-new chassis and engine rules for 2026. Christian Horner, for instance, was asked whether Red Bull's 2025 car will be evolutionary or revolutionary, and he admitted: "It will be a bit of both. There will be developments in different areas of the car and major changes in others, he said, noting that it will be the first Red Bull that Adrian Newey did not design. The team has to rise to the challenge and I'm confident they will. We'll see what the RB21 looks like when it's unveiled at the end of January. However, Horner's counterpart at Ferrari says the Italian team has a very different approach to 2025. We are in the fourth year of applying these regulations and we know our previous project very well, said Vasseur. That is why the 2025 car will be completely new. He added that the 2025 Ferrari will share less than 1 percent with the red single seater that was raced by Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc this season. Spanish broadcaster DAZN believes the changes include a cockpit position change, as per Lewis Hamilton's request, which also means changes to the engine mounting and a shorter gearbox. Additionally, a move to McLaren-style pull-rod front suspension is expected, as well as Mercedes-like brake cooling. But although Vasseur seems to have been receptive to Hamilton's cockpit position request, the Frenchman says the seven time world champion will not be bringing any engineers with him from Mercedes. No, he insisted, "because we have no intention of replicating Mercedes here at Ferrari. We have our guys and the right resources to win, so let's work to create an original. I don't want a copy. He will bring his own experiences and background, but that doesn't mean we have to change our approach. I think Lewis will understand that perfectly, Vasseur added. I know Lewis very well, but we must not copy and paste from Mercedes. The working environment there was very good at the beginning and less good at the end. They are not the champions. We must do something different. (GMM) F1 owner Liberty investigated over MotoGP deal A probe that could stall F1 owner Liberty Media's plans to also acquire MotoGP has now been officially launched. Start, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 McLaren When Liberty made its announcement in April, the American company said it expected the 4.2 billion euro deal would be completed by the end of 2024 - pending regulatory approvals. We are making progress with the European Commission, departing Liberty CEO Greg Maffei said a month ago, which is the only remaining jurisdictional regulatory hurdle. Bloomberg, however, reported a few days ago that Europe is indeed planning a full-blooded investigation, as confirmed by two anonymous sources. That has now been officially confirmed by the European Commission's brand new 'commissioner for competition', Teresa Ribera Rodriguez. By acquiring Dorna Sports, Liberty Media would have the commercial rights to two of Europe's most popular motorsports - Formula 1 and MotoGP, she is quoted as saying by Spanish wire agencies. We need to look in more detail at whether this acquisition could negatively impact broadcasters, for example in terms of increased licence fees, and ultimately consumers and fans through higher prices, she added. The argument is that by owning both F1 and MotoGP, competition between Liberty Media and MotoGP's current owner Dorna Sports, especially in the granting of broadcasting rights, would be diminished. Ribera Rodriguez admitted she has serious concerns in particular about the interests of broadcasters in small national markets, as it seems that F1 and MotoGP closely compete . The investigation will run until mid May, 2025, with Liberty's owner John Malone in the spotlight as he has decisive influence over both companies . Ribera also said Brussels will consider any corroborated statements by the parties on the possible benefits that the acquisition could bring to fans, the industry and consumers . (GMM) Featured Ebi Bright and Baba Sadiq out after re-collation of parliamentary results today Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Dec - 21 - 2024 , 15:19 2 minutes read Two creatives, Baba Sadiq and actress, Ebi Bright may not make it to parliament next year after falling to win majority of the votes in their respective constituencies after re-collation of results by the Electoral Commission on Saturday. Baba Sadiq, who had earlier being declared winner of Okaikwei Central with 15,383 votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent MP, Patrick Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who secured 14,949 votes failed to retain the lead position after re-collation. Todays results has Mr. Patrick Yaw Boamah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, been declared the winner with 21,099 votes, retaining his seat in Parliament with Baba Sadiq securing 19,368 votes. ( Related article: Patrick Yaw Boamah retains Okaikwei Central seat after re-collation ) The same fate happened to actress Ebi Bright who had earlier being declared winner for Tema Central seat defeating Charles Forson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by a narrow margin of 118 votes. Bright secured 18,539 votes, while Forson garnered 18,421 votes with previous declaration. Advertisement However, the story has changed today with NPPs Charles Forson securing 18,870 votes, while Ebi Bright of the National Democratic Congress, who was previously declared the winner, getting 18,815 votes. Independent candidate Fredrick Aniagyei earned 229 votes. (Read also: Charles Forson of the NPP wins Tema Central seat after re-collation) Baba Sadiq has accused the EC of fraudulent acts to favour the incumbent MP. The Electoral Commission (EC) commenced the re-collation and declaration of results for nine disputed constituencies in compliance with a court order. (Read Meet the six Ghana entertainers going to Parliament) The affected constituencies include Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region), Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, and Obuasi East (Ashanti Region), Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central (Greater Accra Region), as well as Techiman South (Bono East Region). The Accra High Court directed the EC to complete the collation process and declare the winners in accordance with electoral laws. It also instructed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at the collation centres. Featured NDC's triumph over sabotage: Mental, cardiovascular health impacts Francis Appiah Features Dec - 21 - 2024 , 06:50 3 minutes read The 2024 Ghanaian general election brought to the forefront the destructive effects of intense political criticism and sabotage, which can have far-reaching consequences for the mental and physical health of citizens. This environment not only undermines the health and resilience of individuals and communities but also has severe consequences for citizens' mental and physical well-being. Notably, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious despite being ridiculed, criticised and sabotaged by opposing parties, marking a triumphant journey from sabotage to salvation and victory. As a nation, we must acknowledge the devastating impact of political criticism and sabotage on our collective well-being. Advertisement This article delves into the profound impact of political criticism and sabotage on mental and cardiovascular health, exploring the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying this relationship. Psychological toll of sabotage, critics The emotional distress caused by sabotage and criticism can lead to anxiety, fear, anger and frustration among individuals. Chronic stress can exacerbate mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), decreased self-esteem, and increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviours (McEwen, 2007). Furthermore, research has shown that chronic stress can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, contributing to the development of mental health disorders (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). Cardiovascular risks, chronic stress The link between chronic stress and cardiovascular disease is well-established. Chronic stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising blood pressure, heart rate and cardiovascular resistance (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). In Ghana, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is high, with a pooled prevalence of 10.34 per cent (Ghana Health Service, 2020). Individuals who experience chronic stress due to political criticism and sabotage may be at increased risk of developing CVD. Case studies, experiences As an Ashanti, I personally faced insults and criticism from friends due to my support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This led to emotional distress, anxiety and decreased self-esteem. Even in public, I was confronted by an NPP supporter and asked to leave a public space for discussing my political affiliation. A 45-year-old NDC supporter experienced anxiety, depression and social isolation after facing criticism from NPP supporters for being an NDC member. A 30-year-old NDC supporter reported decreased self-esteem and confidence due to rejection by family and friends who support the New Patriotic Party (NPP). A 28-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience of being ostracised by her community for supporting the NDC. She reported feeling isolated, anxious and depressed. A 35-year-old NPP supporter, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience of facing harassment and intimidation from NDC supporters. She reported feeling anxious and fearful. Conclusion This 2024 Ghanaian General Election served as a prime example of how political criticism and sabotage can have devastating effects on mental and cardiovascular health. However, the NDCs ultimate victory also demonstrates that even in the face of intense opposition, salvation and triumph are possible. To reduce mental health problems and cardiovascular disease triggered by political sabotage and criticism, it's essential to avoid sabotage and criticism, allowing individuals to make their preferred political choices and respecting each other's political affiliations. By promoting a culture of respect and tolerance, we can ultimately pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious political landscape. Congratulations President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. The writer is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D. Candidate), Medical Journalist, Integrative Health Expert, & Medical Laboratory Technologist. E-mail: kofiappiah803@gmail.com Featured Post-Election Reflections Focus on Political Parties Dr John Osae-Kwapong Features Dec - 21 - 2024 , 07:12 4 minutes read Political parties are a central part of Ghanas democratic architecture. With the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections over, I draw on data from the most recent Afrobarometer (Round 10, 2024) to highlight Ghanaian attitudes towards political parties. I also make comparisons to previous rounds of the survey and note changes, positive or negative, in those attitudes. Political Parties First, Ghanaian attachments to political parties continue to loosen. In 2024, when asked Do you feel close to any particular political party 47 per cent answered Yes. This is a significant decline of twenty percentage points compared to 1999 (Round 1) when 67 per cent answered yes. The decline cuts across all major demographic groups. Advertisement For example, among Ghanaians living in urban areas, the percentage who say they feel close to a political party has dropped from 66 per cent to 44 per cent while among those living in rural areas, it has dropped from 67 per cent to 52 per cent. Among 1825-year-olds, those who say they feel close to political parties have dropped from 66 per cent to 36 per cent. Second, Ghanaians continue to strongly reject one-party rule. Those who say they strongly disapprove/disapprove of only one political party being allowed to stand for election and hold office in 2024 stands at 84 per cent, which is a six-percentage point increase from 1999. Turnerover Third, Ghanaians support political party turnover. In 2024, 61 per cent supported the idea that in a democracy, it is better if power sometimes changes hands in elections from one political party to another compared to 38 per cent who supported the idea that in a democracy, as long as a government is elected by the people in a free and fair election, it doesnt matter if one party always wins and continuously governs the country. When the question was first asked in 2022, Ghanaians were split 69 per cent (support for party turnover) to 30 per cent (support for no party turnover). It is interesting to note the increase in support for no party over. Fourth, our tolerance for fellow citizens from different political persuasions appears to be changing. In 2024, 12 per cent of Ghanaians say they will dislike/strongly dislike people who support a different political party as neighbours compared to 6 per cent when the question was first asked in 2022. Among partisans, the increase is from 7 per cent (2022) to 11 per cent (2024). Among non-partisans, the increase is from 6 per cent (2022) to 13 per cent (2024). Fifth, political party officials are still not points of contact for Ghanaians in their civic engagements. When asked During the past year, how often have you contacted any of the following persons for help to solve a problem or to give them your views: A political party official? as many as eight out of ten Ghanaians (80 per cent) answered never in 2024. This is not very different from 2002 (83 per cent) when the question was first asked. Declining trust Sixth, there is a declining trust in political parties. In 2024, 12 per cent expressed a lot of trust in ruling political parties, significantly down from 35 per cent when the question was first asked in 2002. What makes this noteworthy is that there was a point in time (2008) when 43 per cent had a lot of trust in the ruling party. In addition, trust in the ruling party has declined from 34 per cent (2017) to 12 per cent (2024). The sentiments are no different for opposition political parties. In 2024, only 11 per cent expressed a lot of trust in them, representing a decline from 23 per cent in 2002. Seventh, Ghanaians want more cooperation with opposition political parties in dealing with the government. In 2024, 64 per cent agreed that opposition parties should concentrate on cooperating with the government and helping it develop the country compared to 57 per cent in 2008. Among those who agree that after losing an election, opposition parties should monitor and criticise the government to hold it accountable there has been a drop from 41 per cent (2008) to 35 per cent (2024). This must not be misconstrued as a lack of desire for accountability by Ghanaians. Those who agree that parliament should ensure that the president explains to it regularly how the government spends taxpayers money have increased from 66 per cent in 2008 to 79 per cent in 2024. Future of Political Parties Political parties will continue to be important. In 2024, 82 per cent expressed support for choosing leaders through regular, open, and honest elections. Even among those who say, It does not matter what kind of government is in place, 67 per cent support elections. Political parties are here to stay and will continue to play a central role in democracy and good governance in Ghana. However, there are some challenges to be addressed, mainly trust. Political parties must take active steps to rebuild a lot of the lost trust in them. Perhaps, the goal should be to regain the 2008 trust levels or even higher. The writer is the Project Director, Democracy Project. Previous article: Resetting Ghana together: Call to unity of purpose for nation Featured Rebuilding Trust: Mahamas roadmap for economic recovery, combatting corruption Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa Features Dec - 21 - 2024 , 07:20 4 minutes read The recent electoral triumph of President-elect John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) marks a significant shift in Ghana's political landscape. This landslide victory has caught both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by surprise, particularly due to the unexpected margin of seats gained/lost in Parliament and the substantial vote difference in the presidential race against Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Analysts attribute Mahama's win to widespread public dissatisfaction rooted in economic hardship and perceived governmental corruption. Many Ghanaians voiced their frustrations by casting their votes against the ruling NPP, driven by anger over the nation's recent economic struggles. Advertisement Government officials have attributed this economic decline to factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts. However, this explanation has not been accepted by many Ghanaians. Conditions The currency crisis exacerbated these issues, with the Ghanaian Cedi experiencing sharp depreciation. For instance, the exchange rate with the US dollar soared from approximately GH 6.15 in January 2022 to over GH 16.00 by December 2024. This volatility has severely impacted the cost of living, especially for families. Ghanas over-reliance on imported staple foods, which account for over 50 per cent of consumption, despite Ghana's arable land potential, has exacerbated the problem. In spite of the worsened exchange rates, salaries virtually remained the same. As a result, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, reflecting a growing sense of hunger and economic distress. This context created fertile ground for the NDCs campaign, as voters sought a change in leadership to alleviate their current hardships. Moreover, the NPP's perceived failures in combating corruption significantly influenced voter sentiment. During Nana Akufo-Addo's presidency, the perception of corruption became especially pronounced, leading many Ghanaians to view the administration as incompetent. The Finance Minister's reluctance to resign and the Presidents failure to fire him, despite increasing calls for accountability from within the party, further damaged the NPP's credibility. Public dissatisfaction was further heightened by environmental concerns related to illegal mining activities (galamsey), which have led to devastating effects on water bodies and public health, implicating some government and ruling officials in these operations. The low voter turnout of approximately 61 per cent, which the NPP attributed to their supporters apathy, indicates a disillusionment within the party's base, suggesting that many chose to express their dissatisfaction by abstaining from the elections. Restoring public trust Given the impact of hunger and anger on the 2024 electoral outcome, stemming from perceptions of corruption and ongoing economic hardships, the incoming government must prioritise the urgent addressing of these economic challenges and corruption. As the NDC prepares to take power, it will be critical for them to tackle these pressing issues and work towards restoring public trust. To secure widespread support and foster a new era of stability and prosperity, the government must commit to mitigating the effects of corruption while improving living standards for all Ghanaians. One promising initiative is the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Team by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, which is a positive step forward. The formation of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, which includes notable figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, signals the incoming government's firm stance against corruption. It is also reassuring that the President-elect has clarified that the ORAL initiative is not aimed at 'witch-hunting'. For it to be truly effective, however, their efforts should extend beyond the tenure of Nana Akufo-Addo, encompassing previous administrations and the new government's own activities. To facilitate this, the government should work with the judiciary to establish Special Courts specifically designed to handle corruption cases. This would not only accelerate prosecutions but also ensure that justice is delivered promptly. Such swift action will be crucial in restoring faith in public institutions. Fiscal reforms Addressing Ghanas economic challenges is equally paramount. The new government should implement robust fiscal governance and undertake comprehensive fiscal reforms aimed at resuscitating the economy. Innovative financing models, such as infrastructure bonds, public-private partnerships and diaspora bonds, could be invaluable in bridging the funding gap for essential projects. Additionally, the government should enhance revenue mobilisation strategies while also reconsidering the reintroduction of certain taxes that the NDC pledged to abolish during the election campaign. To achieve sustainable growth, it would be wise to implement expenditure-cutting strategies, including a move towards a leaner government structure with fewer than 60 ministerial appointments envisioned by Mahama. Moreover, the government should explore intelligent ways to implement the 24-Hour Economy policy, which can significantly optimise energy use, reduce operational inefficiencies and drive long-term development. In conclusion, the path ahead for the incoming government is fraught with challenges but also full of opportunities. By taking decisive action against corruption and focusing on sound economic policies, they can pave the way for a brighter future for all Ghanaians. The writer is a political scientist. Previous article: APSU @ 90: Living with the scar of our 1980 Golden Jubilee Featured Resetting Ghana together: Call to unity of purpose for nation Alhaji Seidu Agongo Features Dec - 21 - 2024 , 07:36 6 minutes read On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a president and 276 Members of Parliament. Touted as a high-stakes election, the occasion was preceded by numerous calls for a peaceful, fair and transparent process to solidify Ghanas position as a beacon of democracy. Despite a few skirmishes and isolated acts of lawlessness that must be addressed with the full force of the law, the process unfolded largely as the world and all Ghanaians had hoped: a testament to Ghanas stability and democratic maturity. With the elections over, we must now face reality. Undoubtedly, the challenges facing Ghana are monumental, requiring an unprecedented collective effort to overcome. Advertisement They require us to rally around the new leader and his vision of resetting Ghana to initiate and implement bold solutions that will lift our citizens out of poverty, address the yawning gaps in education and give many people access to quality and affordable health care. These and the general task ahead demand not just action but unity, clarity of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the national interest. Landslide victory It is heartwarming that Ghanaians, recognising the scale of the moment, delivered a clear mandate to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Dramani Mahama (JM). This electoral verdict, characterised by a comfortable majority in Parliament and an unprecedented presidential lead, signals a call for bold, productive decisions that transcend partisanship and pave the way for a better future. Having known JM for this long, I am convinced he is aware that this mandate is not a licence for complacency or self-serving governance. The evidence and consequences of that attitude are glaring. Instead, the landslide victory for the NDC is a call to actiona solemn trust to make choices that advance the common good. It is imperative that the NDC government steers clear of the pitfalls of over-bloated administrations, clandestine suppression of businesses and stifling of dissent, especially in the press. Instead, this moment must be seized to lay down the building blocks for a collaborative and inclusive national agenda, fostering dialogue and deepening democracy in ways that will stand the test of time and reestablish JM and the NDC as the party that lays the critical foundations for Ghanas prosperity and growth. Arrest poverty levels The electorates overwhelming endorsement of the NDC and JM was rooted in clear promises of transformation. Central to these promises was a commitment to improve lives, particularly for the most vulnerable in society. Social democracy, the ideological cornerstone of the NDC, places people at the heart of development. It prioritises equity, inclusiveness and the eradication of poverty. This philosophy must now guide every policy, decision and initiative undertaken by the government. It is instructive to note that poverty levels rose significantly over the past eight years, according to World Bank data. The bank said 6.9 million Ghanaians were living under extreme poverty in 2024, up from 2.99 million people in 2023. The World Bank predicted that poverty levels will deteriorate to 31.5 per cent next year, the highest since 2000. These are the consequences of lopsided policies that hurt the economy and the citizens over the period and now require deliberate efforts to stop the trend and make lives better for all, not just a few. A government that prioritises the poor is not only morally sound but also economically astute. Addressing issues such as access to education, water, health care and sustainable livelihoods for the marginalised will not only reduce inequalities but also unleash the full potential of millions, driving economic growth up and fostering national cohesion. As Ghana stands at a crossroads, the path forward must reflect these values, ensuring that power is decentralised and resources are equitably distributed. Ensuring accountability With the mandate also comes accountability, a cornerstone of effective governance. The people of Ghana have placed their faith in the NDC to deliver on its promises. To engender and sustain this trust, the government must establish a culture of transparency and responsibility. Accountability is not just a tool for good governance; it is a means of empowering the electorate, restoring confidence in public institutions and fostering a sense of collective ownership of national progress. Every Ghanaian deserves to know how public resources are being utilised, how decisions are made and how those in authority are held to account. Mechanisms for open governance, including regular briefings, independent audits and robust parliamentary oversight, must be prioritised. This will not only reinforce public trust but also inspire a new standard of leadership across all levels of governance. The challenges facing Ghana cannot be solved by the government alone. They require the collective effort of all stakeholders, including civil society, private enterprises, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens. This is a time for bridging divides, be it political, ethnic or ideological, to build consensus on national priorities. President-elect Mahama and the NDC must lead this charge, fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration that transcends partisan interests. Clamping down on dissent or sidelining opposing voices would only deepen divisions and stifle progress as we have witnessed in recent times, partly contributing to the electoral revolt delivered on December 7. Instead, the government must embrace criticism and alternative perspectives as opportunities for growth and refinement. Constructive engagement with all segments of society is the hallmark of a mature democracy, and Ghanas democracy must be deepened, not diminished. Big expectations The people of Ghana are looking to the NDC government to deliver a better life. This expectation is not abstractit is a yearning for tangible improvements in daily living. Affordable housing, reliable energy, accessible health care, quality education and decent jobs are not just campaign promises but fundamental rights that every Ghanaian aspires to enjoy. Meeting these expectations will require bold, innovative and often tough decisions. Tackling corruption, enhancing revenue generation, improving public sector efficiency and ensuring value for money in government projects are critical areas that demand urgent attention. The electorate has given the government the political capital to make these tough choices. That capital must be used wisely, with a focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term gains. As the NDC and JM embark on this journey, they have a unique opportunity to leave a legacy of hope and progress. This is a defining moment not only for the party but for the nation. The decisions made today will shape Ghanas trajectory for generations to come and I am confident that President-elect Mahama will deliver. By staying true to the principles of social democracy, prioritising the needs of the poor, fostering collaboration and upholding accountability, the government can build a Ghana that works for everyone. While at it, President-elect Mahama, his Vice-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and the entire NDC will require the unalloyed support of all Ghanaians. Now is the time to drop partisanship and rally behind the red, gold and green flag to brighten the Black Star of Africa and bring enduring prosperity to all. Let us join hands to reset Ghana into a nation that delivers for all of us, not a few. The writer is a philanthropist/collapsed Heritage Bank Ghana Limited. Next article: Trump-backed bill to keep US government running fails to pass Featured Shift Focus: Address Sudans neglected crisis amid Middle East turmoil Dr Richmond Acheampong International News Dec - 21 - 2024 , 06:34 5 minutes read As rebels advance on Damascus, Syrias civil war dominates global headlines, raising urgent questions about the fate of President Bashar al-Assads regime and the intentions of opposition forces. This crisis, with its regional and international implications, rightly commands attention. However, in stark contrast, Sudans devastating civil war, marked by horrific humanitarian consequences, continues to unfold largely unnoticed. This disproportionate focus exposes a troubling hierarchy in international responses to global crises, where geopolitical interests overshadow human suffering. Advertisement The Sudanese civil war has brought unspeakable misery: millions displaced, widespread famine, rampant sexual violence and the collapse of vital infrastructure. The situation demands urgent action, yet international efforts to mediate peace between Sudans warring factions remain woefully inadequate. This neglect is not only a moral failure but also a strategic blunder, as Sudan's instability threatens to destabilise the entire region. Global spotlight on Syria Syrias civil war, entering its second decade, has been marked by unparalleled destruction and human suffering. The conflict has displaced millions, killed hundreds of thousands, and drawn in numerous state and non-state actors, including global powers such as the United States and Russia. For many, Syria represents a geopolitical chessboard where rivalries and interests converge, elevating its status in international discussions. The fall of Damascus to rebel forces would symbolise a seismic shift in the Middle East, with consequences for Iran, Hezbollah, Israel and the broader Sunni-Shia divide. This geopolitical weight explains the extensive media coverage and diplomatic engagement. Yet, while Syria undoubtedly warrants attention, the singular focus on its crisis risks overshadowing equally dire situations elsewhere, particularly in Africa. Sudans overlooked catastrophe Sudans ongoing civil war is as complex as Syrias and arguably more catastrophic in its human toll. Triggered by power struggles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the conflict has plunged the country into chaos. Cities lie in ruins, basic services are non-existent, and millions face acute food shortages. Refugees flood into neighbouring countries, spreading the crisis across borders. Unlike Syria, Sudan lacks the same geopolitical pull. It is not a battleground for superpowers, nor does it host oil fields critical to global markets. Consequently, international media coverage is sparse, and diplomatic initiatives are half-hearted. The African Union (AU) has struggled to lead mediation efforts, while global powers have shown limited commitment beyond rhetorical condemnations. This neglect reveals an uncomfortable truth: the international community often prioritises crises based on strategic interests rather than the scale of human suffering. Sudans plight is reduced to an African problem, sidelined in the broader discourse of global responsibility. Equal attention To address this imbalance, the world must confront its selective activism. The suffering of a child in Khartoum is no less harrowing than that of a child in Aleppo. Human dignity should not be contingent on geography or strategic relevance. The international community has a moral obligation to address all crises with equal vigour. For Sudan, this means increasing diplomatic pressure on the SAF and RSF to negotiate a ceasefire, while providing robust support to humanitarian agencies working on the ground. The AU, backed by the United Nations (UN) and global powers, must lead a coordinated effort to mediate peace. Financial and logistical support for these initiatives is crucial, as is ensuring accountability for atrocities committed during the conflict. Syria for Sudan Syria offers sobering lessons for Sudan. The international communitys initial hesitance to intervene decisively in Syria allowed the conflict to spiral, creating a breeding ground for extremism and regional instability. Sudan faces a similar risk. The longer the world delays action, the more entrenched the conflict becomes, increasing the likelihood of warlordism, extremism and protracted instability. Proactive measures are essential. International actors must engage Sudans neighbours to prevent the spillover of violence. Humanitarian corridors must be established to ensure aid reaches those in need. Additionally, targeted sanctions against leaders of the SAF and RSF could pressure them into negotiations. While addressing Sudans crisis, the world must also prevent Syria from descending further into chaos. The likely fall of Damascus poses both risks and opportunities. Without coordinated international action, Syria could fragment further, creating vacuums exploited by extremists. A multilateral approach is necessary to stabilise Syria post-Assad. This includes rebuilding institutions, supporting moderate opposition groups, and ensuring that regional actors refrain from using Syria as a proxy battlefield. Humanitarian aid must be prioritised, alongside efforts to facilitate the return of refugees and rebuild communities destroyed by war. Path Forward Both Sudan and Syria highlight the urgent need for a more equitable global response to crises. The international community must recognise that selective intervention undermines its credibility and exacerbates global instability. Sudans crisis demands the same level of attention, resources and urgency as Syrias. The UN must take a leading role in orchestrating a dual-track approach. For Sudan, this involves mobilising international support for peace negotiations and humanitarian aid. For Syria, it requires planning for a post-Assad future while addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the war. Regional organisations also have a role to play. The AU must step up its efforts in Sudan, while the Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council should contribute to Syrias stabilisation. Collaboration between these bodies and global powers is essential to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response. Challenge The disparity in global attention to Syria and Sudan is a stark reminder of the biases that shape international responses to crises. It challenges us to rethink our priorities and commitments as a global community. Human suffering should never be overshadowed by political calculus. The people of Sudan and Syria deserve the worlds unwavering support. Only through decisive and equitable action can we hope to alleviate their suffering and build a foundation for lasting peace. In addressing these crises, the international community has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of human dignity and justice. Let us not squander it. Featured Armed Forces Staff College graduates 76 officers from Course 82 Joshua Bediako Koomson Dec - 21 - 2024 , 15:11 2 minutes read The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has graduated 76 officers from its Course 82 programme after 19 weeks of intensive training. The course, which featured 61 officers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and 15 military personnel from allied countries, was to equip officers with the expertise required for managing internal security and insurgency operations in support of civil authorities. The allied participants included three officers from the Botswana Defence Forces, one from the Gambian Armed Forces, one from the Armed Forces of Liberia, seven from the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, two from the Sierra Leone Armed Forces and one from the Armed Forces of Cameroon. The course provided them with vital skills and knowledge to address contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, ethnic disputes and environmental disasters. Advertisement It also included a two-week internal security and frontline insurgency training package conducted in collaboration with sister security services. Awards and recognition The graduation ceremony, which took place in Accra yesterday, also honoured some of the participants for their outstanding performances during the course. Capt. D. C. Kludze emerged as the Overall Best Student; Capt. A. Abdul-Madjeed and Maj. M. Tijani, were awarded Second and Third Best Students respectively, with the latter also receiving the Best Assistant Commandants Paper. Maj. M. S. Bah from The Gambia was recognised as the Best Allied Student, while Maj. B. C. Kaisara from Botswana won the Second Best Assistant Commandants Paper. Commendation Speaking at the ceremony, a former Commandant of GAFCSC, Maj. Gen. Nii Carl Coleman (retd), commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience throughout the rigorous course. He emphasised the importance of the training, which combined seminars and lectures with experiential studies, to broaden the officers professional and general outlook on both national and international issues. This ceremony marks the end of 19 weeks of hard work and sleepless nights. It is undoubtedly a significant milestone in your professional development, he said. Maj. Gen. Coleman urged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course effectively in their respective roles, especially in addressing multidimensional challenges such as terrorism, ethnic disputes and environmental and human-induced disasters. The former Commandant of GAFCSC also highlighted the role of the training in fostering collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the need for integration and collective efforts to address security challenges across the continent. He also expressed his gratitude to the allied nations for their participation, noting that the collaborative efforts contributed to the colleges success in preparing officers for future challenges. Maj. Gen. Coleman expressed optimism that the graduates stay in Ghana had been rewarding and that they would return home with fond memories. News / National by Staff reporter The long-anticipated appointment of Stephen Mutamba as the new Police Commissioner-General has finally come to fruition, solidifying what many have regarded as an open secret since 2018. Mutamba, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, officially takes over the helm of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, replacing Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, who has served in the role since December 2017.Matanga, who has led the force since the post-coup restructuring that followed the removal of Augustine Chihuri, will remain in his position until 31 December 2024. Despite the transitional period, Mutamba's appointment marks the culmination of years of speculation about his eventual rise to the top post.Mutamba's close ties with President Mnangagwa have been well-documented, and it was widely believed within political circles that he had been groomed for the role long before his formal appointment. His rise through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has seen him assume various high-profile positions, most notably in the Crime and Operations departments, where he has held significant influence. In 2019, he was reassigned from his role in Crime to Operations, and in 2021, he replaced Matanga in overseeing administration.Mutamba's appointment, however, is not without controversy. In 2022, the United States imposed sanctions on him for his involvement in actions that were seen as undermining Zimbabwe's democratic processes and institutions. The U.S. government accused him of supporting the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu PF)-aligned security services in their actions to intimidate opposition figures and suppress dissent, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mutamba's role in curbing opposition activities and limiting international observation of the 2023 elections further intensified concerns regarding his commitment to democratic principles.Despite the sanctions, Mutamba's rise to the top of the police force has been seen as a strategic move by President Mnangagwa to ensure loyalty and maintain control over the security apparatus in the country. With the new appointment, Mutamba's influence within Zimbabwe's law enforcement will only continue to grow, as he takes on the challenge of overseeing the country's police operations amidst a tense political climate.As Matanga prepares to step down in 2024, the political and security landscape in Zimbabwe remains under close scrutiny, with Mutamba's leadership expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future law enforcement strategy. Featured Christmas shopping resumes in Kumasi after elections Emmanuel Baah Dec - 21 - 2024 , 15:41 4 minutes read Pre-Christmas shopping, as has always been the case, usually starts in October. However, this year's was different, as many residents in Kumasi held on with their shopping before Christmas, in anticipation of the outcome of the December 7 elections. Many people felt jittery and uncertain as to how peaceful the elections would be, and typical of Ghanaians, people were rather interested in buying food items to stock their kitchens rather than buying Christmas stuff. According to traders, two weeks before the elections, many people who came to town to shop were all interested in buying food items such as gari, beans and bags of rice, and they all believed in stocking their homes with food to keep themselves and their families fortified for any post-election violence and a possible 'lockdown'. Indeed, the cost of these long-shelf-life food items shot up prior to the elections because of the high demand for them. An olonka (measure) of gari and beans, which was then sold at GH25 and GH45 respectively, shot up, and in most cases, the prices of these food items doubled. Advertisement In some instances, there was a shortage of these food items, especially gari, a most sought-after meal by predominantly senior high school boarders and preferred 'backup' food items for people to stock their kitchen at a time when the country was at the crossroads. Christmas shopping Howbeit, soon after the elections, it was as if someone had blown a whistle for all to go to the central business district in the Kumasi Metropolis to shop ahead of Christmas, as the demand of shoppers abruptly changed from food items to Christmas stuff such as clothes, shoes and Christmas paraphernalia. "Now the demand for gari, as compared to last month, has completely changed. I barely sell a bag of gari a day, as compared to the average 10 bags I used to sell last two months," Maame Ama Asabea, a gari seller who operates from the 'Borla ho' Market, told this reporter. "Market has been good until the outcome of this election. Now people don't troop in here to buy like they used to," she said, adding that their only hope left was for senior high schools to reopen for them (traders) to cash in on the boarders. For traders who sell Christmas items, the market seems to be going in their favour, as Kwame Peprah, a shop owner in the new Kejetia Market (Dubai), gladly told this reporter. "In fact, business is good. Now elections are over and people are coming out in their numbers to buy Christmas clothes and shoes," he said, supplying further that their sales had completely dwindled in recent months. "Last two months, I used to sell an average of five pairs of shoes every day. As you can see, it is just midday and I can count not less than 100 pairs of shoes that I have sold, Mr Peprah emphasised, adding that, the demand for Christmas dresses was also encouraging. Traffic congestion The regional capital has been known for its vibrant commercial activities and the erstwhile Kumasi Central Market, which was pulled down to kick start the phase two Redevelopment of the Kejetia/Central Market Project, remains one of the reasons for the enormous gridlock in the CBD. The hundreds of traders evacuated from the Central Market, as well as those evacuated from some satellite markets - Krofrom, Abinkyi, and Race Course markets - have worsened the situation. Due to its central location, the city attracts lots of visitors daily and serves as the transit point between the Northern and the Southern, as well as the Western and Eastern parts of the country, thereby worsening the already 'choked' CBD. As a result of the high vehicular and human traffic that passes through the city daily, coupled with the behaviour of some traders within the business district, city managers have had difficulty managing the congestion in the city over the years. Especially before the nation went to polls, city authorities treated traders with kids' gloves, perhaps because they needed them (potential voters) to cast their ballots in favour of the ruling NPP administration. The situation has created high patronage for head porters, popularly known in Kumasi as 'Paa o Paa', as they are the most sought means to get ones groceries from the commercial area because the enclave is now a no-go area for vehicles. Pickpockets have also taken advantage of the gridlock situation within the enclave and are stealing from shoppers at the least opportunity. Featured Court orders EC to re-collate 6 constituencies...NDC goes to Supreme Court to stop EC Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Dec - 21 - 2024 , 07:03 4 minutes read The Accra High Court has ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to bring finality to the election in six constituencies by collating the results and declaring the winners in tandem with the electoral laws of the country. The six constituencies are Tema Central, Nsawam-Adoagyir, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South and Okaikwei Central. Apart from the order to collate the results and declare the winners, the court, presided over by Justice Rev. Fr Joseph Adu Owusu Agyemang, further ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide the EC with adequate security at the collation centres to enable the commission to discharge its duties. The court gave the orders yesterday after it upheld different mandamus applications filed by the respective New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates (PCs) for the six constituencies. Advertisement The applicants are Patrick Yaw Boamah, Okakwei Central; Martin Kweku Adjei-Mensa; Techiman South, Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh, Ahafo Ano North; Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, Ablekuma North. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, and Charles Forson, Tema Central. Mandamus is a form of judicial review that gives a court the power to order public bodies to perform their duties as required by law. Applications It was the case of the applicants that the collation of results of the said constituencies were marred by violence, leading the EC to truncate the process. They further averred that in spite of their respective petitions to the EC to discharge its constitutional duties to collate the results, the electoral management body had still failed to do so. That even though the demand letter was served on the respondent on the same 13th December, 2024 and acknowledged receipt of same, respondent has failed or refused to collate and declare the results and winner of the parliamentary elections at the Tema Central Constituency. That it is very clear that the respondent has failed or refused to perform its duty as required of it by law despite demand on them to do so, the applicant stated. NDC dismissed Meanwhile, the same court also dismissed an application by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) seeking an order for judicial review to quash the ECs decision to re-collate the results in five constituencies. The NDC, in its application, also wanted the court to prohibit the EC from re-collating the results in the five constituencies. In a press conference last Thursday, the EC rejected the collation of nine constituencies. Speaking at the news conference at the Commissions headquarters in Accra, the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, explained that the collation of results in those constituencies were disrupted by supporters of some political parties, rendering the process incomplete. 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," Mrs Mensa said. The affected constituencies are Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South. The NDC, however, wanted the court to quash the decision in respect of Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Obuasi East constituencies, arguing that the EC was acting above its powers and in contravention of the electoral laws of the country. However, the court dismissed the application on the basis that it could uphold an illegality, paving way for the EC to re-collate the results from the five constituencies. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has gone to the Supreme Court to quash the Accra High Courts decision to order the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate and re-collate the results in six constituencies. The NDC filed the application for certiorari, together with its parliamentary candidates for the six constituencies yesterday, barely four hours after the High Court ordered the EC to conduct the re-collation in tandem with the law. The constituencies in question are Tema Central, Nsawam-Adoagyir, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North, Techiman South and Okaikwei Central. Certiorari application In its application before the Supreme Court, the NDC was of the contention that the High Court failed to give its parliamentary candidates for the six constituencies hearing before granting the mandamus orders for the EC to conduct the collation. The NDC is also seeking an order of stay of execution suspending the High Courts decision pending the final determination of its application. Again, the NDC is asking the Supreme Court for an order of prohibition, stopping the EC from going ahead with the collation or any re-collation. The certiorari application was filed by Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, who is the Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC. The application averred that the High Court committed a non-jurisdictional error of law by failing to exercise its powers under Order 55 rule 5(2) of C.l 47 to direct the second to sixth interested parties to serve the mandamus applications on the applicants who had interests in the subject of dispute. The application is also citing an apparent error of law on the face of the record which occasioned a substantial miscarriage of justice. The High Court, presided over by Justice Rev. Fr Joseph Adu Owusu Agyemang, gave the mandamus orders after it upheld different mandamus applications filed by the respective New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates for the six constituencies. Writers email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh Featured Fire cases increase by 6.43% this year GNFS Joshua Bediako Koomson Dec - 21 - 2024 , 08:34 3 minutes read The country recorded a 6.43 per cent rise in fire incidents from January to November, this year, compared to the same period last year. The fire cases increased from 5,258 last year to 5,596 this year. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) which released the figures, said the increase in fire incidents was partly due to harsh harmattan conditions earlier this year, with incidents peaking at 917 in February after starting at 802 in January per month. However, the numbers dropped significantly to 594 in March and reached a low of 322 in July. Advertisement Unfortunately, the trend reversed, with cases rising to 519 in November, largely due to public non-compliance with fire safety measures. While this is a concern, it is encouraging to note that 30 per cent of these fire incidents were extinguished by members of the public, this underscores the effectiveness of the services public education campaigns, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Julius A. Kuunuor, stated. The event Mr Kuunuor was addressing this years GNFS Nine Lessons, Carols and Annual Thanksgiving Service at its headquarters in Accra last Thursday. The event, which brought together officers, directors, members of the Fire Service Council, clergy, and other dignitaries, was an opportunity to reflect on the years achievements and challenges while celebrating the festive season. It featured carol singing, scripture readings and thanksgiving to highlight the services efforts in ensuring public safety. Traffic accident Mr Kuunuor also touched on the services broader operations, stating that GNFS responded to 524 traffic accidents between January and November this year. Those incidents, he said, resulted in 248 deaths and 2,141 injuries. Additionally, he said, the service performed 156 rescue operations, including incidents involving drowning, bee invasions and people trapped in elevators or manholes, leading to 33 fatalities and 93 injuries. Looking ahead, CFO Kuunuor assured Ghanaians of the GNFSs commitment to handle emergencies during the festive season. We remain committed to ensuring that our equipment is well-maintained and our personnel are adequately trained to respond to emergencies. The safety of Ghanaians depends on our readiness and I assure you we are prepared, he said. Commendation The Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of the Migration Unit at the Ministry of the Interior, Dominic Afriyie Agyemang, commended the service for its unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property in the country. He stated that this year had been a demanding year for the GNFS due to a surge in fire incidents earlier in the year. In spite of the challenges, Mr Quartey said the service rose to the occasion, saving lives, protecting properties and engaging communities through fire safety education campaigns. He further urged the GNFS to deepen its engagement with the public to promote fire prevention, adding that public education remained a critical tool in reducing fire incidents. Mr Quartey assured the service of the governments continued support, announcing plans to equip it with modern tools and training to meet the growing demands of their work. Next article: Police to determine gender of accused before deciding whether to place them in male or female cell PwC celebrates Christmas with two orphanages, promotes environmental awareness Kwame Larweh Dec - 21 - 2024 , 15:04 2 minutes read PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Ghana has donated items and equipment valued at over GH120,000 to two orphanages in the Greater Accra Region in celebration of this years Christmas season. The two beneficiary orphanages, Chosen Childrens Home at Darkuman in Accra and Newlife Childrens Home at Nungua, received bags of rice, cooking oil, bunk beds, mattresses, and assorted drinks. The donations, funded through contributions from PwC staff, were presented last Friday with festive celebrations and a focus on teaching the orphans about environmental sustainability. This staff-led initiative was designed to spread warmth and joy during the holiday season while promoting sustainability and raising awareness about climate-related issues. It saw staff members coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of the less privileged. Advertisement Commitment to society According to the PwC Ghana, Partner, Tax Reporting and Strategy, Dzidzedze Fiadjoe the initiative is part of the firm's commitment to giving back to society and promoting sustainability. "As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the importance of contributing to the well-being of our communities; our season of smiles event is a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, he stated. He added that the initiative also highlights the firm's commitment to promoting sustainability and raising awareness about climate-related issues. "As a global organization, we recognize the importance of sustainability and the need to promote environmentally friendly practices; our Season of Smiles event is just one example of our commitment to sustainability, " he said. The management and staff of the two orphanages were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as they received the items. They expressed their heartfelt appreciation to PwC Ghana for the kind gesture, which they said would go a long way in supporting the care and well-being of the children. Green and sustainability Some staff members took time to teach some orphans on the good usuage of recycled products and how to implement greening in their environment and the school. Mr Hayfron Aboagye, who is in charge of Human Capital Leader at PwC, emphasised the importance of giving back and fostering community spirit. "The PwC Season of Smiles embodies the holiday season's essence spreading joy, making an impact, and creating lasting memories; it is incredible to see our staff come together to support these amazing children and champion sustainability in such meaningful ways, " he stated. Featured EC re-collates disputed constituencies amidst tight security Samuel Duodu Politics Dec - 21 - 2024 , 11:04 2 minutes read The Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced the re-collation and declaration of results for nine disputed constituencies, in compliance with a court order. The constituencies include Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region), Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, and Obuasi East (Ashanti Region), Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central (Greater Accra Region), as well as Techiman South (Bono East Region). The Accra High Court instructed the EC to complete the collation process and declare winners in accordance with electoral laws. Additionally, the court directed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at the collation centres. The re-collation exercise is currently underway at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC under heavy police and military presence. Advertisement While New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates for the affected constituencies are in attendance, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its absence. The NDC has also filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court's directive. EC Chairperson Jean Mensa reiterated the Commissions dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, cautioning against unlawful collations and declarations. Upholding such unlawful collations and declarations will set a bad precedent for our country and take us back to the dark days, she stated. During a media briefing, the ECs Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bio, noted that both the NPP and NDC had been invited to participate in the process. He further clarified that the EC had not received any court order to halt the exercise, stressing that the absence of a political party does not invalidate the recollation process. Next article: EC collation: These are the winners of the 9 outstanding parliamentary seats so far Featured NDC rejects re-collated election results, accuses EC of manipulation Beatrice Laryea Politics Dec - 21 - 2024 , 19:26 1 minute read The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the re-collated election results, accusing the Electoral Commission (EC) of manipulating the process. The party claims that the results were declared under dubious and unlawful circumstances, describing them as a "blatant assault" on Ghanas democratic principles and a betrayal of the peoples sovereign will. A statement signed by the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, accused the Electoral Commission (EC), led by Jean Adukwei Mensa, of actions that undermine the integrity of Ghanas electoral process. Related Article: NDC rejects re-collated results in disputed constituencies Advertisement The NDC further alleged that the EC's conduct has eroded its mandate and worsened public distrust in the institution. The statement also expressed concerns over an alleged "unholy alliance" between the EC, the police, and the military, which the party claimed enabled the manipulation of election results to favor the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC further criticized the EC for ignoring a court-issued Stay of Execution order, describing it as a clear violation of the rule of law. The NDC will continue to mobilize its supporters and rally Ghanaians to resist any attempt to overturn the peoples mandate. Together, we will protect the principles of democracy and secure a brighter future for our nation, the statement added. Read the full statement below. Previous article: Why the EC could not collate results for Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North parliamentary polls today Featured NDC rejects re-collated results in disputed constituencies Samuel Duodu Politics Dec - 21 - 2024 , 13:53 2 minutes read The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly rejected the ongoing re-collation of results in the nine disputed constituencies. Dr Tanko Rashid Computer, the party's Deputy Director of Elections and IT, declared that they would not accept any outcomes from the process. "We are not going to accept it," Dr Computer, who stormed the re-collation centre at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC, emphasised. "We won't accept every bit of things that is going to happen here. That's the position of the party," he told journalists at the centre. Advertisement The NDC's rejection comes as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has won five out of the nine constituencies declared so far, including Obuasi East, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano North, Tema Central, and Okaikwei Central. Dr. Computer asserted that the NDC would overturn any results deemed unlawful, adding that electoral officers responsible for discrepancies would be held accountable. "Anything that they have done here, we will overturn it," he said. "And officers will answer questions," he added. Background The Electoral Commission (EC) commenced the re-collation and declaration of results for nine disputed constituencies in compliance with a court order. The affected constituencies include Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region), Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, and Obuasi East (Ashanti Region), Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central (Greater Accra Region), as well as Techiman South (Bono East Region). The Accra High Court directed the EC to complete the collation process and declare the winners in accordance with electoral laws. It also instructed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at the collation centres. The re-collation exercise is ongoing at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC under tight police and military security. Next article: Why the EC could not collate results for Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North parliamentary polls today Previous article: EC collation: These are the winners of the 9 outstanding parliamentary seats so far Featured This is how the 9th Parliament is shaping up: See the Independents, NDC and NPP split Kweku Zurek Politics Dec - 21 - 2024 , 17:04 2 minutes read As Ghanas ninth Parliament prepares to convene on January 7, 2025, the latest developments from the Electoral Commission (EC) have further defined the composition of the legislature. Today's truncated re-collation exercise and declarations have added clarity to the balance of power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which already had an unassailable majority ahead of todays excercise. Seat breakdown as it stands Out of a total of 276 seats in the House: NPP: 89 seats (including seven newly declared today). NDC: 181 seats. Independents: 4 seats. Outstanding: 2 constituencies (Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North). New additions for the NPP The seven constituencies declared today were all won by the NPP, boosting its numbers from the initial 82 seats to 89. The constituencies include: 1. Obuasi East (Ashanti Region): Patrick Boakye-Yiadom retained his seat. 2. Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region): Frank Annoh-Dompreh emerged victorious. 3. Tema Central (Greater Accra Region): Charles Forson narrowly won. 4. Ahafo Ano South West: Elvis Osei Dapaah secured the seat. 5. Ahafo Ano North (Ashanti Region): Nana Agyemang Prempeh triumphed. 6. Okaikwei Central (Greater Accra Region): Patrick Yaw Boamah retained his position. 7. Techiman South (Bono East Region): Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah won. Advertisement Challenges in outstanding constituencies The re-collation process in Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains unresolved: - Dome Kwabenya: Missing pink sheets for three polling stations have stalled proceedings, with both major parties unable to provide hard copies of the documents. The NPP blames disruptions during the initial collation for the loss of critical records. - Ablekuma North: A shortfall of 31 pink sheets has made re-collation impossible, forcing the EC to defer the process. The EC is set to decide on a course of action for the outstanding constituencies. Meanwhile, NPPs Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for unity and urged the NDC to accept the outcome of todays exercise in the interest of democracy. Previous article: This is how the 9th Parliament is shaping up: See the Independents, NDC and NPP split Featured Why the EC could not collate results for Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North parliamentary polls today Kweku Zurek Politics Dec - 21 - 2024 , 16:40 2 minutes read The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the suspension of the re-collation exercise for the Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North parliamentary constituencies. This decision was prompted by challenges, including missing pink sheets and unresolved disputes over essential election documentation. Dome Kwabenya: Missing pink sheets and documentation gaps For Dome Kwabenya, the process stalled due to the absence of pink sheets for three polling stations. These documents are reportedly available only in soft copy, and efforts to reproduce them in hard copy form have been unsuccessful. Both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been unable to provide the necessary records, exacerbating the situation. The NPP attributes the missing pink sheets to violent disruptions during the initial collation process. Party representatives claim their agents were assaulted, and critical documents were either snatched or destroyed in the chaos. Advertisement Ablekuma North: Mountain of missing pink sheets The situation in Ablekuma North is even more complex. The returning officer disclosed that 31 pink sheets, out of the expected 62, are unaccounted for, rendering the re-collation exercise incomplete. Without these critical documents, the EC cannot verify or validate the results, leading to a deadlock. EC Management to decide the way forward In light of these challenges, the EC has deferred further action on these constituencies. Senior management is expected to convene to determine the next steps for resolving these electoral disputes. Seven constituencies declared so far While Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remain unresolved, the EC has successfully declared results for seven other constituencies which were all won by the NPP. These include: - Obuasi East (Ashanti Region): NPPs Patrick Boakye-Yiadom retained his seat. - Nsawam-Adoagyiri (Eastern Region): NPPs Frank Annoh-Dompreh emerged victorious. - Tema Central (Greater Accra Region): NPPs Charles Forson narrowly won. - Ahafo Ano South West Constituency: Elvis Osei Dapaah - Ahafo Ano North Constituency (Ashanti Region): Nana Agyemang Prempeh of the NPP - Okaikwei Central (Greater Accra Region): NPPs Patrick Yaw Boamah retained his seat. - Techiman South (Bono East Region): NPPs Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah was declared the winner. Background The truncated re-collation exercise follows a directive from the Accra High Court, which mandated the EC to resolve disputes in nine constituencies. The process, conducted under heavy police and military security, aimed to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral laws. Attorney General Douglas Moylan on Friday filed a lawsuit against Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority alleging unlawful spending of federal funds to build a hospital in Mangilao. Moylan filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief in the District Court of Guam after the governor and GHURA both disagreed with his legal opinions that they violated the law by moving forward in getting land for a new medical complex in Mangilao. Last week, Moylan issued legal opinions which found GHURA violated the law when it accepted $12.5 million to pay for the land from the governor, and when it moved forward with condemnation proceedings. The AGs office is asking the court for a writ of mandamus and request for injunctive stay to prohibit the governor and GHURA from spending any additional American Recovery Plan Act funding. The AGs office is also asking the court to void any actions taken by GHURA for the Mangilao hospital including invalidating the loans it got from the governor. It is also asking the court to prohibit GHURA from using or transferring the land it has purchased to date until authorized by the Legislature or unless consistent with its purposes. Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin on Friday night said the office was just seeing the suit and wouldnt be able to comment until it was reviewed. The governor has allocated $100 million in ARP money to install infrastructure at the Mangilao hospital site. On May 28, GHURA accepted a loan from the governor for up to $10 million for community development projects and on Nov. 26 it accepted an additional loan of $2.5 million, the lawsuit states. The federal lawsuit comes after GHURA started legal proceedings in the Superior Court of Guam to condemn 42 acres of Mangilao land meant for a new hospital. A legal battle is expected, with at least one of the landowners involved planning to fight the use of eminent domain by GHURA. GHURA filed a complaint to take the land in the Superior Court of Guam Wednesday afternoon, court records show. The land will be used as a site for a new hospital and medical complex, and community development projects, documents state. Included in the condemnation are five parcels of land owned by construction company Hong Yi Tian, Inc., and two owned by veterinarian Dr. Joel Joseph. Condemnations were all approved in November by the GHURA board of commissioners. Joseph on Thursday vowed that he would fight the condemnation. Moylan on Thursday said his office would be taking the appropriate action but declined to comment on whether they would bring any civil or criminal action related to the condemnations. The suit filed on Friday details arguments on why the governor and GHURA should not be able to proceed. Unlawfully spend The suit alleges the governor will continue to unlawfully spend funds, in violation of the Organic Act of Guam, unless the court orders her not to use ARP money for the purpose of obtaining land without legislative authorization. The AGs office argues that the suit will determine which branch of government, the Executive or Legislative, has the authority to appropriate over a billion dollars in public money. Plaintiffs ask the court to rebalance the scales of power, impose the separation of powers required by Congress in the Organic Act, and protect the Legislatures important yet fragile power over the purse-strings of Guams government, the suit states. Additionally, neither the governors office nor GHURA have produced any documentation showing that Adelup will monitor GHURAs use of ARP money, in violation of federal rules for the funds, the suit states. It also alleges that no written contract has been produced to account for the loan. The loan contracts between the governor and GHURA as oral contracts are void, and violate requirements in Guam law that the AG review any contract, it states. The suit repeats findings from the AGs opinions last week: that GHURA didnt comply with Guam law in the acquisition of land via condemnation, and failed to notify the public ahead of time that it would be taking a loan to buy land for the hospital. Moylans opinion said GHURA proceeded in clear violation of Guam law as it moved to condemn the Mangilao lands. GHURA did not have the power to condemn the undeveloped land in Mangilao without developing an urban renewal plan and getting approval from the governor and lawmakers, Moylans opinion found. The governors office disagreed with Moylan and said he completely sidestepped GHURAs substantial power to develop housing projects on Guam, which are separate from urban renewal projects, and broadly defined to include health facilities. Moylan and the governor have disagreed on legal matters in the past, to include the AGs temporary withdrawal of legal services from government agencies under investigation earlier this year, and on the question of whether Guams 1990 abortion ban could be enforced. The Supreme Court of Guam sided with Leon Guerrero in both instances, though the abortion ban is now the subject of an appeal in federal court. Haiti - Cuba : Towards a strengthening of cooperation in health matters On Friday, December 20, 2024, Dr. Duckenson Lorthe Blema, Minister of Public Health, met with Carlos Moya Ramos, Cuban Ambassador to Haiti, as part of an in-depth discussion on cooperation between the two Nations in the field of health. This meeting, which is part of a context of strengthening bilateral ties, provided an opportunity to review Cuba's various initiatives and contributions to improving health services in Haiti. Among the points discussed, the significant contribution of the Cuban medical brigade, which has played an important role in responding to health crises, providing medical care in often neglected regions. The Cuban Medical Brigade in Haiti, which celebrated its 26th anniversary in Haiti on December 5, has carried out more than 36 million consultations, 200,827 deliveries, including 22,582 by cesarean section, and 72,593 surgical interventions during this period. 249,318 elderly people and 210,100 patients were rehabilitated in the physiotherapy services. With Operation Miracle, to improve the vision of Haitians, 73,404 people were operated on by Cuban ophthalmologists. Regarding laboratory tests, 1,270,416 were performed, 39,034 x-rays, 745,651 ultrasounds, 114,996 endoscopies, 115,309 electrocardiograms for a total of 77,391 lives saved. Another important topic discussed concerned the increase in the number of scholarships awarded to Haitian students, especially for the scarcest medical specialties in the country. This initiative aims to train a new generation of qualified health professionals who will be able to meet the growing needs of the Haitian health system. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : Evaluation of the Kenscoff Communal Market As part of the assessment of the socio-economic infrastructure of Kenscoff, a delegation from the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) visited the Kenscoff Municipal Market to assess the general condition of the market, its level of functionality and accessibility. It should be remembered that the Kenscoff Municipal Market was built thanks to a donation from Mexican cooperation between 2013 and 2014, under the administration of former mayor Francois Jean Paul. Currently, the market is under the administrative authority of the Kenscoff town hall. The delegation noted several points concerning the state of the place and the needs : 1. General condition of the market : - The market remains functional despite challenges related to maintenance and management; - Part of the infrastructure is degraded, limiting the reception capacity. 2. Accessibility : The intersection between the main road and the Villier road remains strategic but could benefit from improvements; 3. Identified problems : - Lack of a solar system for lighting; - Lack of an underground reservoir for water storage; - Inadequate sanitation facilities; - Roofs in poor condition requiring reconstruction; - Barriers and peripheral structures requiring repairs. Urgent Priority needs : To improve the functioning and accessibility of the market, the following needs are priorities: 1) Installation of a solar system to ensure constant lighting; 2) Construction of an underground reservoir to meet water needs; 3) Renovation of sanitary blocks to ensure adequate hygiene conditions; 4) Repair or replacement of damaged roofs; 5) Rehabilitation of barriers and other peripheral structures. Recommendations : - Collaboration between the town hall, the FAES and other partners (such as international cooperation) is necessary to meet these needs; - The establishment of a periodic maintenance plan will prevent future deterioration of the infrastructure; - Discussions with traders and the local population could help prioritize interventions and ensure sustainable management of the market. Conclusion : The Kenscoff Communal Market is a vital asset for the local population. However, current challenges call for urgent investments to ensure its sustainability and functionality. The FAES could play a crucial role in mobilizing the resources needed for this work. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : PM met with representatives of Haiti's major religious denominations In a spirit of dialogue and national unity, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime held, on December 19 and 20, 2024, essential meetings with representatives of the major religious denominations of Haiti. On Thursday, December 19, the Head of Government met with the Representatives of the Episcopal Conference and on Friday, December 20, he met with those of the Protestant Federation of Haiti. These meetings are part of an approach aimed at engaging in in-depth and constructive discussions with key sectors of the Nation. Faced with the immense challenges facing Haiti, the Government has reiterated its commitment to building bridges between all components of Haitian society. "This path towards the harmonization of wills is essential to revive hope, consolidate Peace and restore trust between the actors of national life," stressed the Prime Minister. Alix Didier Fils-Aime will continue these consultations, aware that only a collective mobilization around the national cause can open a path to the future. Through these meetings, he calls on each citizen, each institution and each organization to rise above divisions and embrace, together, the historical responsibility that falls to us : that of preserving and rebuilding our beloved Haiti. "In these crucial hours, the Government remains convinced that the strength of our people lies in its unity, its courage and its faith in a better future." HL/ HaitiLibre Duke Endowment announces $14.4 million in Helene relief The Duke Endowment announced today that it has expended nearly all of the $15 million its Board of Trustees earmarked in October to support Hurricane Helene relief. Related Stories Endowment officials said they have disbursed $14.4 million to relief agencies in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. As planned, much of the money has gone to two organizations: the Community Foundation of Western North Carolinas Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, which serves 18 western N.C. counties through local nonprofits, and the Central Carolina Community Foundations One SC Fund, which works with nonprofit organizations to provide food, housing and other relief in South Carolina. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina received $5 million, while the One SC Fund received $3 million. Other grantees receiving funding include: Feeding the Carolinas $2 million to support emergency food distribution in North Carolina and South Carolina through MANNA Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Golden Harvest Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. AMY Wellness Foundation $1 million to support emergency shelter, food, water, mental health counseling and home assessment and repair in Avery, Mitchell and Yancy counties. Wine to Water $1 million to provide clean drinking water in western N.C. American Red Cross $1 million to support food and shelter needs in North Carolina and South Carolina. Other grantees include the United Way of Greenville County, S.C. ($500,000), the Spartanburg County Foundation ($250,000), the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce ($250,000), the NC Counts Coalition ($125,000) and the N.C. Network of Grantmakers ($25,000). We stand with our neighbors in western North Carolina, said Robb Webb, director of the Endowments Rural Church program area and its internal disaster relief response committee. Our hearts have been broken with theirs. We want them to know that all of us down the mountain are working diligently to help fill gaps where we can. Endowment leaders have said they expect to provide additional support as the regions needs evolve from handling immediate relief response to addressing long-term recovery and rebuilding. We understand that relief is only a part of the equation, said Charles C. Lucas III, chair of the Endowments Board of Trustees. In the future, well engage in the work of recovery and rebuilding as well. ### FORMER Henley MP John Howell is optimistic that he will walk again following a stroke last year. Mr Howell, 69, is back home in Benson following almost eight months of rehabilitation to help him recover his speech and restore some mobility. He said: Im encouraged that I can stand and move my feet, which is the first stage of walking, and thats what I want to do get my mobility back. Ive got my brains back and I talk okay, so Im halfway there. Its important to keep an idea of what progress you have made because otherwise youre just in the middle of nothing. You have to keep it in mind as you go along and see how your achievements are building up. Having been ill, you really get to assess what is important to you as a person and I certainly have done that. A year ago, I was having speech therapy to overcome the difficulties that I was having with speaking but you cant tell now. Mr Howell, who won four elections for the Conservatives between 2008 and 2024, was at his London flat on November 1 last year when he collapsed. He spent 16 hours unconscious on the floor and was discovered by police who broke in after his partner Gloria Martin raised the alarm. Paramedics rushed him to the University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology in central London, where he regained consciousness but was left partially immobile. Mr Howell was then moved to St Thomass Hospital in Westminster, where he contracted pneumonia and was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He recovered after a month and in late February was moved to the Frank Cooksey Rehabilitation Ward in Orpington, Kent, for several months. Mr Howell then moved to VIM Healthcare in Sussex, a private facility specialising in neurological and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. He returned home in October where he is visited at home four times a day by carers who assist him with daily tasks and has had his home fitted with equipment designed to assist him in his recovery. A wall has been fitted with a horizontal bar which he uses to support himself during exercises to aid him being able to walk again. He leans on it to put his weight on his right leg, allowing him to lift his left foot. It has taken two months to do that, Mr Howell said. I have a physiotherapist come in twice a week from ARNI, which is a stroke organisation set up by Dr Tom Balchin. She looks after me really well. He also has a Sara Stedy which he is now able to use independently to hoist himself up and maintain his balance while holding on to its handlebar. Once in this position, a carer can then push the apparatus to assist him in getting around the house. Mr Howell said: The other thing I have is a lift so, if Im feeling tired, it can pull me up. Its a lot of equipment but what Im looking forward to is being able to be mobile again, being able to walk from where I sit to the bed. I just cant do that yet but the fact that Im using the Sara Stedy is a very good indication that that will happen. It took a long time to get used to using it and keep my balance while it was being moved. I still havent been out at all because of the difficulty of getting the wheelchair over the step at the door. It would be nice to go out and I look forward to getting back outside, even if it is just getting out to the Co-op and doing a bit of shopping. One of the specialist machines he was able to access at his care facility was a Lyra, a robotic gait trainer which suspends the user upright in a harness. Their feet are then held in place in mobile foot plates which move to replicate natural walking patterns. The machine is worth 180,000 and is hard to come by because of its cost. Mr Howell said: It was at a new gym outside of Brighton near to the nursing home in which I was staying. Everyone there was very kind and looked after me. They put me in what is called a Lyra which recreates the movements of walking and gets your mind back to remembering what walking was like, so your feet and your legs get used to it and it re-establishes the paths to the brain. There were other machines that I would use as well before getting on to the Lyra for about three hours. It was very exciting and it made a big difference to my feeling and my remembering of what it was like to walk. Sadly, I dont think there are many Lyras around in the UK, I think they are only available at private facilities. Its not difficult to use at all, its just a question of getting used to it. I probably did about 1,000 steps at a time. It would still be useful to have one nearby, but theyre expensive so theyre hard to come by, the government should be paying for some more around the country. After spending just short of a year in hospitals and care facilities Mr Howell said that he felt ready to return home, although he does miss the social interaction he enjoyed with other patients. He said: To be honest, I havent been contacted by too many people and Im not sure how many people know that Ive been very ill. If people want to get in contact with me, I encourage them to do so, I will respond, I have my computer with me. I dont hear from many constituents and thats a great shame as I served them for 16 years as the MP. They should now be able to contact me about more general things and Im happy to talk about anything, what the Government is doing, or not doing. Mr Howell, who succeeded former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as MP in 2008 when he became the Mayor of London, has kept an active interest in the issues being debated in Parliament. He said: I spend a lot of my time researching the background to issues that the government has put up. I wouldnt have voted for the Assisted Dying Bill, I realise the difficulties that there are for certain people but I think that the risks in it are too great, the risks of it sliding down and becoming more and more all-embracing are too great for it just to be accepted. Mr Howell said it didnt surprise him when Liberal Democrat Freddie van Mierlo became the first non-Conservative MP for the constituency for 140 years. He said: I didnt expect we would win the election but I think the fact that the constituency had been Conservative for so long meant that many people felt that it was time for a change. The national picture didnt contradict them, it put the Conservatives in the worst possible light and that was a great shame but there will be future elections. I thoroughly approve of the new leadership I think Kemi Badenoch has all the potential to be a very good leader but so did Rishi Sunak and Im sorry that he has moved on. I had a lot of liking for Rishi Sunak and a lot in common with him. I think Labour has been doing abysmally, it doesn't know what it is or what its doing. The way that it has messed up the farmers is quite a disgrace and will impact what is quite a rural constituency. Farmers dont want to have to sell off the farm which they expected to pass on to their children. Mr Howell said he is pleased to be home for Christmas this year having been in hospital last year and hopes that, in time, he can play an active part in the festivities locally again. He said: I have a piano in my conservatory and I would like to be able to play the piano again. The difficulty is that I cant get my left hand to work in the same way as I used to, so its difficult to play complex pieces on it. I used to play the organ at various churches around, Swyncombe, Watlington, Pyrton. It will be very sad to go back to Christmas and not play the organ but it will take a little while to get back to that. He is now looking forward to spending some quiet time with his partner and friends and joked: I dont think they realise yet that they will have to cook for me and look after me. A PONY took part in the 19th annual Fawley railway nativity, which took place on Sunday. The animal, a Shetland pony called William, played the part of the donkey in the otherwise traditional adaptation of the Christmas story. The event, which was first held in 2004, heralds the start of the Hambleden Valley Group of churches Christmas celebrations. It had been set to take place in the station at the Fawley Hill estate, the home of Lady McAlpine, two weeks ago but was cancelled due to the effects of Storm Darragh. So the organisers decided to reschedule the performance to take place in St Marys Church in Dobsons Lane instead and to incorporate it with the churchs carol service, led by Rev Andy Storch. The performance began with the lighting of the third candle on the churchs Advent wreath, which was lit by Enya Michelin, who played Mary. Rev Storch said: After last weekends abysmal weather, we had to cancel the railway nativity but to stay true to that spirit, we are here to give an excuse for the children to dress up, and also myself, I am the station master the fat controller. The railway nativity is of course based on the little-known fifth gospel according to St Thomas, better known as Thomas the Tank Engine. We are here at the church because the trains couldnt make it here so we will have to improvise. Rev Storch then told the congregation that they would have to make the sound of trains to pretend as if they were still at the station. They then made the sound as the Archangel Gabriel, played by Coralie Eccles, appeared to Mary and told her that she would have a baby named Jesus. O Little Town of Bethlehem was then sung which was accompanied by organ playing from Dr Lisa Silver. Rev Storch continued the story, he said: The emperor Caesar Augustus thought of a clever way to raise money, he invented taxes. To collect them he decreed that everyone should return to their home town and register. Joseph had been born in the town of Bethlehem and married Mary, so now with a baby about to be born, they had to travel from Galilee to Bethlehem. Mary was expecting her baby very soon but unfortunately they couldnt afford the train tickets so they had to walk at least most of the journey. Mary and Joseph went from inn to inn trying to find a place to stay, ending at the Last Chance Saloon and finding a space in a stable. She then gave birth a little too quickly, prompting Rev Storch to joke: It is that easy. Rev Storch continued: Meanwhile up in the hills there were shepherds watching their sheep. The shepherds then pointed out the unusual star which Archangel Gabriel said meant that a saviour would be born, this prompted the shepherds to go visit the baby Jesus taking their sheep with them. Rev Storch said: When the shepherds arrived at the stable they were astonished to see the baby. And without knowing why they knelt and gave to him, one offered a lamb, which Joseph took thanking the boy. The carol Away in a Manger was sung and the congregation then made the sound of the train to usher in the arrival of the three wise men. Rev Storch said: We have three wise men and they are coming by express train, they have seen something very important in this star in the east that seems to be moving, and they decided to follow it. Luckily, they had interrail tickets so they could cross any country with no problems. As they travelled, they saw it came to rest over a small town called Bethlehem so were very curious. The kings then found the stable with the baby Jesus and knelt with TV presenter Ben Fogles son, Ludo, gifting the baby Jesus gold and the other wise men giving gifts of frankincense and myrrh. Rev Storch said: And so our story is complete. Jesus is born, recognised by some but un-noticed by the rest of the world. The story of Jesuss arrival is only the beginning look out for the sequel that is Easter, the stories of Jesus, birth, life, death and resurrection are now told by the world. Wilbur Lait then read The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson and then musician Mike Hurst sang Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley, and White Christmas by Bing Crosby with the congregation joining in. Jingle Bells were then sung before members of Fawley Poetry Circle read extracts at the front of the church. Rev Storch then jokingly referred to the pony, which had relieved itself a couple of times during the performance. He said: We are going to stand to sing to cover up the fact that we need to clean another pile of poo here. The congregation then sang O Come All Ye Faithful and Lady McAlpine read A Very Special Place, which she wrote about the village. Lady McAlpine, said: Twenty years ago a nervous bride moved to her new husbands home. She was an object of considerable curiosity as she and the new husband had been subjected to a lot of very nasty press generated by the lies of a few sad people. The bride knew from her own childhood that in every small village, neighbours know each others business and generally look after each other. One adverse judgment and a whole village can reject an in-comer. So villagers called to inspect this newcomer, invitations were issued, doors were opened. She found herself surrounded by smiling, gentle people. No-one asked questions about the horrid press stories. No one said No smoke without fire. Just come for coffee... or Champagne. That new bride is now an old lady and for 20 years she has known that if Mary and Joseph had come to Fawley looking for a bed, they would have been given someones best bedroom, a slap-up breakfast and a few dogs to cuddle. This is a very special place. Happy Fawley Christmas. The congregation then sang Good King Wenceslas while the collection was taken. Sophia Heczkova-Pringle performed a solo singing Silent Night. Wilf Oseman then read Snowball by Shel Silverstein and the congregation sang Hark The Herald Angels Sing. The service ended with a blessing from Rev Storch. He said: The joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph and the peace of the Christ child. Be yours this Christmas and forever, and the blessing of God Almighty the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among and remain with you always, Amen. Villagers then had mulled wine in the church before going to Fawley Hill for a reception hosted by Lady McAlpine. Lady McAlpine said: The carol was just so wonderful. We had to cancel last week and we lost three kings and two innkeepers who couldnt come this week. So the kids who stood in didnt know what they were doing but they were brilliant. They didnt get any practice in the new venue, they just arrived. I must admit the Shetland with diarrhoea wasnt great. I have been saying for ages we ought to do it at the church but, of course, it has become known as the railway nativity. It used to be known as the Hambleden Valley Nativity, and they used to do it in a barn at the far end of Fawley. The full cast list was: Rev Andy Storch (narrator); Coralie Eccles (Archangel Gabriel); Sophia Pringle (Joseph); Enya Michelin (Mary); William Oseman (donkey); Barney Oseman (handler); Amelia Craney, Henry Hoyle and Edie Wilkinson (innkeepers); William Ingram (head shepherd); Darcey Eccles, Tillie Lait, Molly Swinglehurst, Archie Hoyle, Alby Wilkinson, Iona Fogle and Isla Phillimore (shepherds); Jago Michelin, Wilbur Lait and Ludo Fogle (kings); Ariadne Lait, Alice Craney, Amelie Phillimore and Kaia Michelin (angels); Hugo Jenn (sheep) and Rufus Lait (reindeer). Muffin Hurst (stage management) and Dr Lisa Silver (music). Indonesia, China collaborates in cultivating future skilled workers Xinhua) 11:53, December 21, 2024 JAKARTA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and China have collaborated to establish a community that integrates education and industry sectors to cultivate more competent Indonesian skilled workers for industrial sectors. The China-Indonesia Industry-Education Integration Community, launched on Wednesday, gathers 40 Chinese vocational colleges and 35 Indonesian universities, as well as 55 Chinese enterprises. It was jointly initiated by the State University of Jakarta (UNJ), Wuxi Institute of Technology and the China-Indonesia Cultural and Educational Exchange Association. Under the program, the Chinese education institutions will help Indonesian students, through vocational education, to improve and adopt skills that are required by the industries, particularly by the Chinese industries investing in Indonesia. Indonesian Minister of Labor Yassierli, who attended the launch ceremony, said that the collaboration was an opportunity for Indonesia to produce skilled human resources with competence that was in line with the current industries needed. He said one of the challenges that Indonesia is currently facing in terms of providing skilled workers was a mismatch. "Many times, the high-level education institutions prepare human resources with skills that are not in line with what the industries need. There should be communication between the universities and the industries," Yassierli said in an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday. Data from the Ministry of Labor showed that as of June, the employment situation in Indonesia tended to improve, with the unemployment rate slightly decreased by 0.63 percent year-on-year. With a population of nearly 300 million population, Indonesia has around 3 to 3.5 million new workers each year. "Today's launch is just a starting step. From the Indonesian government, we hope that [the priority sectors] would be in line with our three national priority programs. First is food self-sufficiency. Second is related to energy resilience. The last is downstreaming. I see the biggest opportunity in the third sector," he said. Rector of the UNJ, Komarudin, said in the launch ceremony that the collaboration was a good momentum for universities in Indonesia to cooperate with vocational schools in China. "Under this collaboration, we will conduct training to Indonesian students, to make them ready to work in the industries, particularly Chinese companies," Komarudin said. He believes that the joint program would bring benefits to both Indonesia and China, especially when it came to improving the welfare and economy in the Southeast Asia region. Wu Huiyuan, vice president of the Wuxi Institute of Technology, said that the integration of industry and education would be the best way for cultivating high-quality technical and skilled talents. "The collaboration will play an important role in further promoting the universities in China and Indonesia, providing what corporations need, producing high-quality employment, and optimizing the development of vocational education," she said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump. The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland following disagreement with her boss over Trump's threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. Her exit, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, marked the first open dissent against the prime minister from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics. Since then, Trudeau has hunkered down with advisors as he reportedly contemplates his own political future amid calls for him to step down ahead of elections scheduled for October 2025 but expected much sooner. In Friday's reset, eight new ministers were appointed to replace those in the 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek reelection, and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government. Four current ministers were also given new responsibilities. Freeland, who also quit her role as finance minister, has said she would seek reelection next year. Trudeau's childhood friend and ally Dominic LeBlanc was already sworn in as the new finance minister hours after Freeland quit. He also took over the reins from her on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration. Several cabinet recruits, as they headed into the swearing-in ceremony Friday, declared their confidence in Trudeau. But part of his caucus has urged him to resign, worried that voter fatigue with his leadership will hamstring the Liberals in the next election. Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more ballot box victories in 2019 and 2021. But he now trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, in public opinion polls. And his Liberals lost four by-elections this year. Compounding those woes, Trudeau faces the possibility that Trump in January will slap 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, accusing both of allowing the United States to be flooded with illicit drugs, namely fentanyl, and undocumented migrants. More than 75 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States and nearly two million Canadian jobs depend on trade. In her resignation letter, Freeland warned this could lead to a "tariff war" with the United States and urged Ottawa to keep its "fiscal powder dry" while rebuking Trudeau's spendthrift policies. Trudeau last month traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in a bid to head off a trade war. Trump called the talks over dinner "very productive." But since then the president-elect has also landed humiliating blows against Trudeau on social media, repeatedly calling him "governor" of Canada and declaring that the United States' northern neighbor becoming the 51st US state is a "great idea." Political analysts and officials have said the taunts appeared aimed at putting Trudeau on the back foot in bilateral negotiations. Sam Hou Fai sworn in as Macao's sixth-term chief executive Xinhua) 11:56, December 21, 2024 MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sam Hou Fai was sworn in on Friday as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). In his inaugural address, Sam pledged to lead the new-term Macao SAR government to stand united with people from all walks of life and, with collective efforts, to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, maintain constitutional order in the SAR as stipulated in China's Constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and faithfully implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao." Born in Zhongshan, south China's Guangdong Province, in 1962, Sam graduated from Peking University as a law major. He moved to Macao in 1986 and joined the first group of Macao's judicial auditors in 1995. On Dec. 20, 1999, the day Macao SAR was established, Sam was appointed president of the SAR's Court of Final Appeal. After serving for almost 25 years as the head of the top court, Sam resigned in August this year before announcing his bid for the chief executive election. On Sept. 20, Macao's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election confirmed Sam as the accepted candidate for the election. On Sept. 28, Sam presented his political platform, which highlighted enhancing public governance capabilities, accelerating appropriate economic diversification, better integration into the national development, improving educational systems, and improving people's livelihoods. Sam was elected as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR on Oct. 13, securing 394 votes from the 400-member election committee. On Oct. 25, China's State Council appointed Sam as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR. On Nov. 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sam in Beijing. Witnessed by Xi, Premier Li Qiang presented Sam with a decree of the State Council appointing the latter. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) In the age of digital content, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their audience and stand out from the crowd. Enter ReelCraft an all-in-one creator studio that aims to revolutionize the way content is produced. With a focus on storytelling and user-friendly features, ReelCraft is designed to cater to the needs of diverse businesses looking to create compelling video content without the hassle of traditional animation studios. Features Content Creators, Educators, and Marketers, ReelCraft has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to turn your ideas into captivating animated stories, add an extra dimension to your teaching, or supercharge your brand storytelling, ReelCraft offers a range of tools and features to bring your vision to life. AI-Powered Scriptwriting: Input your ideas and let ReelCrafts intelligent algorithms craft compelling scripts tailored to your vision. 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Basic plan at $29/month, Pro plan at $59/month, and Enterprise plan at $99/month, each offering more features and credits suitable for different needs. Visit reelcraft.ai for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. At McCann the grant will provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants At Taconic, the grant will provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire. "We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires." In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc. "Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy." The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. "Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state." The CTI program is an initiative of the Governor's Workforce Skills Cabinet (WSC), chaired by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), in collaboration with the Executive Offices of Education, Economic Development, and Health and Human Services. Since 2020, more than $45 million in funding has been awarded through CTI grants. The CTI Program is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public state agency under EOLWD that administers its state funding in partnership with workforce organizations, academia, and industry. Each CTI proposal is required to include a minimum of three Massachusetts based employer partners that would potentially employ the target occupation and commit to interview and hire graduates. The announced grantees represent an extension to the ninth set of programs funded by CTI and announced earlier this year. MassDOT: South County Construction Operations STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing various construction operations on I-90 eastbound and westbound for guardrail and bridge repair work, as well as tree trimming. The work will take place from Monday, Dec.23, through Friday, Dec.27, during the following scheduled hours: West Stockbridge/Stockbridge Guardrail repair work will be conducted on I-90 westbound from mile marker 4.0 to 7.0, utilizing lane closures, during overnight hours on Monday, Dec.23, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Guardrail repair work will be conducted on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 0.8 to 7.0, utilizing lane closures, during overnight hours on Monday, Dec.23, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. West Stockbridge Bridge repair work will be conducted on I-90 eastbound from mile marker 0.8 to 3.0, utilizing lane closures, during overnight hours on Monday, Dec.23, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Guardrail repair work will be conducted on I-90 westbound at mile marker 3.0, utilizing lane closures, during overnight hours on Sunday, Dec.22, and Monday, Dec.23, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., the following morning, with all work concluding by 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec.24, Guardrail repair work will take place on I-90 westbound at mile marker 3.0 at the exit 3 off-ramp, with shoulder closure and narrowed ramp conditions, but the ramp will remain open on Monday, Dec.23, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Stockbridge Guardrail repair work will be conducted on I-90 westbound at mile marker 4.5, utilizing lane closures, on Sunday, Dec.22, and Monday, Dec.23, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., the following morning, with all work concluding by 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec.24, Otis Guardrail repair work will be conducted on I-90 westbound at mile marker 19.4, utilizing lane closures, on Sunday, Dec.22, and Monday, Dec.23, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., the following morning, with all work concluding by 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec.24, West Stockbridge/Stockbridge/Lee iciHaiti - Health : Presentation of the 2023 health statistics report On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the presentation of the 2023 health statistics report took place in the presence of Dr. Duckenson Lorthe Blema, Minister of Public Health, Dr. Gabriel Thimothe, Director General of the Ministry, the Deputy Representative of the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in Haiti, Dr. Symplice Mbolla Mbassi, several technical and financial partners of the Ministry as well as several Central Directors and executives. Dr. Jean Patrick Alfred, Director of the Study and Programming Unit (UEP) and Dr. Etzer Denis, from the Directorate of Epidemiology of Laboratories and Research (DELR), jointly presented the 2023 health statistics report. During his speech, the Minister of Health expressed his appreciation for the excellent work carried out by the UEP and the DELR in collecting and analyzing the 2023 health statistics data. The Minister emphasized that this report constitutes a compass to guide future actions, by identifying health needs, priority strategies and the financing necessary to improve the health status of the population. Download the presentation of the Report (95 pages PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Presentation-Annuaire-Statistique-2023-final-191224-12.pdf IH/ iciHaiti Paetongtarn Shinawatra leader of the Pheu Thai Party, waves before a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 15, 2024. Photo by AP Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been ranked 29th on Forbes' 2024 list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, acknowledging her global influence. Forbes, a leading business and finance publication, also named her the third most influential woman in Asia. The recognition highlights her contributions as Thailand's youngest female prime minister and her dedication to tackling national challenges since taking office. Prime Ministers Office Minister Jiraporn Sinthuprai commended Paetongtarn's achievements, citing her decisive leadership during widespread flooding across several provinces and her rapid response to the tragic school bus fire incident. Her administration has introduced impactful policies, including a three-year debt suspension for farmers, visa-free entry to boost tourism, and the 10,000-baht economic revival program. Additional successes include the passage of marriage equality legislation, expanded Universal Healthcare coverage, and efforts to address statelessness among ethnic communities. Initiatives such as free HPV vaccinations demonstrate her commitment to public health and gender equity. Jiraporn also mentioned Paetongtarns previous recognition by Time magazine as one of the 100 Next Most Influential People in the World in the Leaders category, affirming the Thai prime ministers growing global presence. Domestically, the premier remains widely admired, with Suan Dusit Poll naming her Thailands most popular and outstanding politician. These accolades solidify Paetongtarns status as a dynamic and progressive leader. Her administration continues to garner attention both at home and abroad, enhancing Thailands global profile while addressing the aspirations of its people. Saturday 21 December 2024, 08:24 - Last updated: 22 December, 11:34 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Sara Battaglia, the story of a nightmare: the violence of her ex, the beatings, and finally the courage to say enough. Battaglia is a designer and entrepreneur. She collaborates with Ferragamo and comes from a family of artists, gallery owners, and set designers. She is committed to an anti-violence project: a white 'Red Collar' shirt with a red collar made in a workshop where women who have been victims of abuse work. She explains that the most insidious aspect of the issue is 'the psychological violence, making you feel wrong.' Sara Battaglia, the violence and the report 'When I met Dr. Alessandra Kustermann from the Policlinico of Milan, an exceptional person who helped me a lot, she and the heroic lawyers who work with her pro bono, she listened to me and simply said "it's not right" - she told Corriere della Sera. I realized that the mechanism I was trapped in is always the same, with some variations. The relationship starts, then the erosion of self-esteem kicks in, and there come the insults, increasingly cruel, designed to make your certainties crumble. From there, reaching physical abuse, increasingly severe, is just a matter of time. Why don't women immediately say enough? Because it's a bad spell: they convince you that you deserve the beatings, and indeed that you haven't received enough (as I was told). In my case, there were initially six months of a so-called normal relationship, followed by four and a half years of nightmare,' says Battaglia. THE THERAPEUTIC PATH According to the designer, the most important thing is 'awareness. That is fundamental. Awareness of what really happened, when you finally manage to see the situation as it is, with the eyes of someone outside and not of those who are inside. Some report it I did and some don't. Everyone must choose their own path in freedom. Reporting is not easy, in any case.' On Tuesday, December 17, the judge rejected the plea bargain request from her ex's lawyers. They had proposed a sentence of 1 year and 10 months with a suspended sentence, 10,000 euros in compensation in installments, and the commitment to follow a therapeutic path. 'The court process continues, and that is one thing; today, however, it is even more important for me to convey the message that we must not wait for a woman to die to act, nor should it be the mothers or sisters who speak for the victims. I survived: the more we talk about it, the more we break this taboo, and women will be less afraid to report. Or to escape from a violent relationship,' says Battaglia again. Her rebirth happens one day at a time: 'Ups and downs, sometimes very happy and sometimes sad. My refuge was drawing, my imaginary room where I was, at least there, free. Little by little, I am taking back my life, a bit at a time. I used to go to sleep and pray not to wake up. I never dreamed. Absolutely nothing, for years. Now I can also start dreaming again.' Friday 20 December 2024, 10:38 - Last updated: 21 December, 06:33 In the apartment on Via Poma in Rome where Simonetta Cesaroni was murdered on August 7, 1990, there were confidential documents from the secret services. Investigators and public prosecutors were not supposed to lay their hands on those papers. This is the thesis of magistrate Giulia Arcieri, who rejected the request for closure by the Rome prosecutor's office, giving very precise instructions on how to proceed: great attention to the intervention of "powerful forces" in the old tainted investigations. Repubblica writes this. From the Former Police Chief to the Ex-007, Who Needs to Be Reheard In particular, the judge asks the prosecutors to fully shed light on the secret agents, the past investigations, and also on the famous heist by Massimo Carminati at the judicial citadel's vault in 1999. Many people will need to be heard by the prosecutor's office, both old protagonists and individuals never heard before. Among them are Carmine Belfiore, former police chief of Rome and deputy police chief, and Sergio Costa, former secret agent and son-in-law of the then police chief Vincenzo Parisi. Mistakenly swapped by the investigating judge with the current vice president of the Chamber: "A case of mistaken identity," he says. "The agent mentioned by the judge is not me." Who Was Francesco Caracciolo The judge starts with the controversial figure of lawyer Francesco Caracciolo di Sarno, the late president of the Hostels who lived a stone's throw from Via Poma. Never touched by the investigations, Caracciolo in 1992 was the subject of a Digos note, signed by Belfiore, which questioned the alibi he provided and reported some rumors about his personality and the "repeated harassment inflicted on young girls." Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Stephen King has delivered a warning to his fans about Elon Musk and the influence that the billionaire has over the president-elect, Donald Trump. The United States is bracing itself for a second Trump presidency, with his inauguration date set for 20 January. However, unlike his previous tenure from 2017 until 2021, Trump is now joined, virtually hand-in-hand, with the increasingly controversial Musk. Republicans have also called for South African-born Musk to be the new speaker of the House amid contentious negotiations over a spending deal to avoid a government shutdown. Now Stephen King has sent a warning to his fans on Threads, about Musk, explaining why the 53-year-old can never become president but is clearly having a major impact on the future of the country. King wrote: You cant call Elon Musk the President-elect, because he wasnt elected. In fact, having been born in Pretoria, he is ineligible to become president. Nonetheless, he is running the show. You know that, but it bears repeating. open image in gallery Stephen King on Threads ( Threads ) In response to his post, his readers have expressed their horror at Kings statement, calling it scarier than any of his novels. One person wrote: This real life is eminently scarier than any of the books of yours that Ive read. I hate it. Can I just try to first fight Pennywise or Cujo? You could write a book about Elon called maximum over-fried. A second fan said: This is definitely one horror story that needs a good Stephen King finish! A third person added: Scary s*** this. And as a South African Im a tad embarrassed. open image in gallery US Stephen King Radio Stations ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) This is hardly the first time that The Shining and It author has voiced his criticism of Musk. The day before Novembers election, Musk shared a video of Kamala Harris supporting mandatory gun confiscation with the caption: She wants to break the Constitution. King replied: Thats ridiculous. As usual, and followed up his post with: Last tweet from me (probably not from the Musk-Man) before Election Day: IF YOU LOVE DEMOCRACY, PLEASE VOTE FOR KAMALA HARRIS. Earlier that month, King addressed a rumour that Musk had banned him from his X/Twitter platform. It was claimed that King had made a jibe that angered Musk, so much that he blocked the Salems Lot author from posting on the website. According to the rumour, King had jokingly referred to Musk as Trumps first lady. I see theres a rumour going around that I called the Musk-man Trumps new first lady, King wrote, adding: I didnt, but only because I didnt think of it. King continued: Theres also a rumour going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Blake Lively is suing her It Ends with Us co star Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment months after rumours of a an on-set feud between the pair percolated online. The Gossip Girl actor, 37, starred as Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoovers bestselling 2016 romance, who becomes involved with an abusive man, Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni. In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lively claims Baldoni, who also directed It Ends with Us, exhibited behaviour that caused her severe emotional distress. The lawsuit states there was a meeting attended by individuals including Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni and their lawyers, to address The Age of Adeline stars claims, per TMZ. Lively had a number requirements in order for her to work on the film that according to the lawsuit cited by the outlet included no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction, no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crews genitalia, no more inquiries about Blakes weight, and no further mention of Blakes dead father. Additionally, no more adding of sex scenes, oral sex or on camera climaxing by BL outside the scope of the script BL approved when signing onto the project, were other requirements included in the lawsuit, according to TMZ. Per the outlet, the lawsuit says that the distributors of the film, Sony Pictures, approved Livelys requests. However, the actor claims in the filing that Baldoni then began a campaign to destroy her reputation in response. open image in gallery Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment ( Getty Images ) Baldonis lawyer, Bryan Freeman, told TMZ that Livelys lawsuit had been filed in order to fix her negative reputation. He added to the outlet that the A Simple Favour stars allegations are false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The lawyer added that Lively had caused issues on the film set by threatening to not [show] up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release. The Independent has contacted Baldoni and Livelys representation for comment. open image in gallery Lively and Baldoni as Lily and Ryle in It Ends with Us ( Sony Pictures ) During the press tour for It Ends With Us, Lively was criticised for her tone-deaf approach of promoting the movie, which focuses on domestic violence and abuse. Amid the ongoing drama, one journalist shared her nightmare interview with the Gossip Girl star recorded in 2016, stating that the interaction deemed incredibly rude by fans made her want to quit her job. Lively did not directly address the criticism. However, a source told People Magazine that she initially felt very vulnerable and upset and thought the drama was out of control. During the It Ends With Us press tour, fans speculated that Baldoni had been shunned by Lively and her husband over creative differences. open image in gallery Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds at the It Ends With Us premiere ( Getty Images ) On TikTok, a user pointed out that Lively and Baldoni did not take a picture together at the films August premiere. Meanwhile, others noted that neither Lively nor Reynolds follow Baldoni back on Instagram. Despite the pervasive feud rumours, Baldoni praised Lively during an appearance on the Today show, calling the star a dynamic creative. I think shes best known as an actress, and, of course, shes a fashion icon, but she is so much more than that, he said. She is a dynamic creative. She had her hands in every part of this production, and everything she touched [was] made better. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kate Winslet has intensified fan speculation that there could be a sequel to the 2006 Nancy Myers Christmas classic The Holiday. The Oscar-winner, 49, starred in the festive film alongside Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz, which follows two love-troubled women who swap homes in London and Los Angeles for the holidays. Winslet claimed that despite the films ambiguous ending about the outcome of the two womens love lives the prospect of a sequel had never come up with the cast or crew. Speaking to Deadline, Winslet said: Honestly, its never come up. I promise you. The Lee star did admit, however, that a sequel to tie up what happened between Iris (Winslet) and Miles (Black) and Amanda (Diaz) and Graham (Law) after the credits stopped rolling could be a good idea. Actually, I suppose, Ive been quite surprised that it never came up, she reflected. Because its the kind of film that probably would lend itself quite well to a sequel, but it has honestly never come up. It comes days after Jude Law triggered sequel speculation by recreating an iconic scene from The Holiday while having lunch with Myers. open image in gallery Kate Winslet and Jack Black as Iris and Miles in The Holiday ( AP ) In a video shared on Meyerss Instagram, the 75-year-old writer and director told the star that she hasnt seen him since they wrapped production on The Holiday, 18 years ago. She then asked him: Speaking of which, Ive seen you interviewed a lot, and they keep asking you, Is there gonna be a sequel? What do you think? In response, Law sighed and pondered Is there gonna be a sequel? He then proceeds to drape a napkin on his head and a pair of glasses, imitating the Mr Napkin head scene from the film. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Law previously told ComicBook.com that he would only return for a follow-up if Meyers was on board. That all lands in Nancy Meyers lap, he said. So she would only do it if it was a really robust idea and then it would be whether the four of us would come back. open image in gallery Cameron Diaz and Jude Law as Amanda and Graham in The Holiday ( Zade Rosenthal/Columbia Pictures ) I would be curious to see what theyre all doing, he added. In 2022, Meyers and Winslet both debunked claims that a sequel to the film had been given the green light. However, fans now suspect both the actor and director would be keen for a follow up. Way back in 2014, Law was asked by Glamour magazine whether hed be keen for a sequel to the popular film. Thats a good idea, absolutely, he said. The girls [his character Grahams adorable daughters] will be grown up. Oh my goodness, theyll be like teenagers! Miffy [Englefield] was such a sweet little girl. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 16 security personnel were killed and eight injured in an early morning attack by suspected Islamist militants in Pakistans northwest region, police said. The attack on a security post in the South Waziristan region began at around 2am and involved light and heavy weapons, according to police deputy superintendent Hidayat Ullah. A search operation is under way in the area, he said. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack, reporting a significantly higher death toll of 35 security personnel and 15 injured in a statement shared on a WhatsApp channel. The group did not disclose whether any of its fighters were killed. An umbrella group of Sunni Islamist militant factions, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, seeks to overthrow the Pakistani government and establish strict Islamic rule. It has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent months. Although separate from the Afghan Taliban, the group pledges allegiance to the Islamist rulers of Afghanistan, who took power after forcing Western forces led by the US to leave the country in 2021. Foreign tourists pose for photos on Hai Van Gate in central Vietnam, Aug. 1, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong Vietnam aims to welcome 2223 million international visitors next year, a 28% increase compared to this year's figure, and the tourism sector is expected to directly contribute 68% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Pham Van Thuy, deputy director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said the country's tourism industry has significantly contributed to GDP growth, created numerous jobs and improved the quality of life for people. By 2025, the sector aims to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels, achieving an annual domestic visitor growth rate of 89%. In 2023, tourism accounted for 7% of GDP while figures for 2024 have not yet been released. Vietnam is expected to welcome 1717.5 million foreign tourists this year. As of November, the country had recorded 15.8 million international arrivals and earned VND758 trillion (US$29 billion) in tourism revenues. The 11-month figure reached 88% of this year's target of 18 million arrivals, marking a 41% year-on-year increase. Looking ahead to 2030, Vietnams tourism industry aims to become a spearhead economic sector, targeting 35 million international visitors and 160 million domestic tourists. The sector aims to contribute 1013% to GDP, creating over 10 million jobs. Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said the sector achieved unprecedented growth during the 20172019 period, contributing 9.2% to GDP. However, he acknowledged that tourism has yet to become a key economic sector due to unresolved weaknesses. Nguyen Quoc Ky, chairman of leading tour operator Vietravel, said Vietnams tourism GDP contribution remains below the global average of 10.3%. Ky compared Vietnams tourism GDP contribution in 2023 to other countries in the region: Thailand (23%), the Philippines (22.5%), and Cambodia (25.8%). Experts emphasized the need for Vietnam to reassess its competitiveness and policy framework to address challenges faced by businesses in the sector. Five people have now died after a car ploughed into a busy Christmas market in eastern Germany on Friday, with a further 200 people injured, authorities have confirmed. Among the dead is a nine-year-old child, who was confirmed to have been killed on Friday following the attack at around 7pm. According to German media, 41 people have been critically injured, 90 seriously injured and a further 80 are suffering minor injuries. Speaking at the scene in Magdeburg on Saturday, German chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters: What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor identified by local media as Taleb A, who had lived in Germany since 2006 and reportedly sympathised with Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party. The suspect surrendered to police at the scene and is being investigated for five counts of suspected murder and 205 counts of suspected attempted murder, authorities have confirmed. The attack sparked global condemnation from world leaders, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said he was horrified by the atrocious attack. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy One influencer decided to show up to her Thanksgiving dinner in the most extravagant, over-the-top outfit she could find, and now shes planning to do the same for Christmas. Though the dress code for Brigette Pheloungs holiday celebration with her family is always casual, the 27-year-old content creator, known as Acquired Style on social media, loves to outstage everyone in designer garb suitable for a winter wedding. This past November, the fashion aficionado arrived at her familys New Jersey home in a $8,800 cable-knit sweater dress by Parker Zinn while everyone else wore gap jeans and sweaters. The Merino wool gown came in two parts: the fabric overlay and the crinoline. She accessorized the billowing dress with a fur headband and white opera gloves. Zinn, a recent graduate from Parsons School of Design, lent Pheloung the lofty dress to wear for the special occasion. open image in gallery Influencer Brigette Pheloung dressed in a $8,800 cable-knit dress for her familys Thanksgiving in New Jersey ( TikTok/@acquiredstyle ) This outfit is giving Barbie on top of the cake meets Christian girl fall, she told her 1.3 million followers. When I saw this, I was like, Yeah, Thanksgiving. Pheloungs Get Ready With Me video and her highly-anticipated Thanksgiving arrival post from November 28 boast over 19.1 million views on TikTok. The style mogul, whos sat in the front row at several fashion shows, including Tory Burch and Prabal Gurung, started this hilarious tradition in 2021. I did this for two reasons. One, because l love to dress up and its just a good excuse, but two, my familys reaction is priceless, Pheloung explained in a November 27 TikTok, which has amassed over 13.9 million views, going through her outfits of years past. According to Pheloung, several of her followers have compared her outfit reveals to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whats more, the content creator said she gained 40,000 followers in just 24 hours after posting the round-up of all her previous looks. Videos on her page from the last three years reveal the raw reactions of her family members, exposing their amusement and the reality of what its like to traipse around the house all day in the lavish look. In a post from this past Thanksgiving, Pheloung is filmed sitting on the couch in her knit dress when her young cousin approaches to ask if he could have some of the blanket. Oh honey, thats not a blanket, thats my dress, Pheloung says before swiftly walking out of the room. Pheloungs worn everything from a bridal gown for Thanksgiving in 2022 to a glamourous velvet furry two-piece set with a long train for last years Christmas. As for whats on deck for this coming Christmas, the influencer told People to expect another iconic, doll-inspired moment. Its being custom-made. Think Holiday Barbie, she said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The son of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has pleaded for her release from prison amid fears for the 79-year-olds health in the countrys terrible prisons. Kim Aris told The Independent his mother had already been held for too long, and her health was now ailing. Maymay is frail and in bad health which is why I once again make this heartfelt plea for her to be released, he said. Her father died bringing freedom to his country. She has sacrificed so much of her life to give people fundamental human rights. Mr Ariss plea comes as three former UK foreign secretaries united to demand Ms Suu Kyis release, saying she was being held in terrible conditions on trumped-up charges and deserved the chance to lead her country in a democracy. In 2015, the figurehead of Myanmars democratic movement and Nobel laureate won a remarkable election but after a few years of an uneasy civil and military government alliance, she was arrested in early 2021 during a coup and is believed to have been held in solitary confinement ever since. Watch: Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi Documentary on Independent TV She has dedicated her life to the cause of freedom and fighting tyranny in her country. For too long she has been held without fair trial but in all her years of captivity, her endeavour to make Myanmar free and democratic has never wavered, Mr Aris said. By her 80th birthday next year, she will have spent a quarter of her life under military detention. I pray for her release as well as her wellbeing. She is a mother to me and my brother as well as to our country. open image in gallery Three former British foreign secretaries have called for Aung San Suu Kyis release ( Getty ) May she live to breathe the air of freedom and share that in the name of democracy. Mr Aris said he was grateful for The Independents new documentary on Suu Kyi for highlighting her current plight in prison, adding: I have been heartened by the response of three former UK foreign secretaries and other voices at Westminster who have also called for her release. The documentary, Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, charts her political emergence in the 1980s, her tumultuous time as Myanmars leader, and her subsequent arrest and imprisonment. open image in gallery Kim Aris is urging Myanmars military to release his mother Aung San Suu Kyi from prison, as her health is deteriorating ( The Independent ) Australian economist Sean Turnell was Suu Kyis economics adviser and was also imprisoned shortly after the coup. Mr Turnell saw her every Thursday during their joint year-long trial, and he said she was incredibly strong and maintained an immense sense of humour throughout the ordeal. How I ended up a political prisoner in Myanmar However, he said conditions inside the Myanmar prisons were dire: there was no protection from the extreme heat or monsoonal deluges, the food quality was terrible, and disease was rife. Due to the poor conditions, Turnell said deaths in prison were also common. The prison cells that political prisoners are held in Myanmar are rudimentary, if not just plain terrible, he said. Mr Turnell, who was released from prison in November 2022, said life for Ms Suu Kyi must now be incredibly difficult. She has a number of underlying health conditions that she has to deal with. The conditions that shes being held under are quite awful, he said. Mr Turnell said he witnessed the Myanmar military construct a separate, special cell for Ms Suu Kyi during their trial, and he watched her being taken to and from the cell in terrible conditions he did not believe had improved much in the time since. I worry about her. I think all of those people who know and love her worry terribly about her, he said. When I last saw her, which is, I guess, getting on for a year and a half ago now, she was incredibly resilient and all that, but the conditions were certainly not good. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy People joining the Christmas getaway this weekend are being warned of heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph that are likely to cause travel disruption. Millions of journeys are expected to be made across the country by car, in what the RAC breakdown service said could be a pretty exhausting experience for travellers due to the wet and windy conditions. And it did not start well for many on Friday with hold-ups on many of the countrys main routes. They included motorists on the M5 who were stuck in 90-minute queues after hay bales on the back of a lorry caught fire near Exeter. The incident closed two of four southbound lanes between J30 for Exeter and J31 for Shillingford Abbot and came at the same time there were queues caused by a crash on the M4 near Bristol and congestion around Dartford Bridge on the M25. open image in gallery Manchester Airport expects a record number of passengers on 25 December, handling 25,000 passengers ( (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) ) Drivers are being warned to avoid travelling on major routes for six hours on Saturday to avoid the worst Christmas getaway traffic. The RAC and transport analytics company Inrix said roads are likely to be busiest between 1pm and 7pm on those days. It comes ahead of expected weather disruption to travel with a yellow warning issued by the Met Office for wind in the North West and the North East, Scotland and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland from 7am on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday. open image in gallery The yellow weather warning for win on Sunday ( PA Wire ) Westerly winds are forecast to pick up over Saturday with 50-60mph gusts expected, with a small chance of some reaching 80mph. The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, meteorologists said, but the weather will be exceptionally mild by Christmas Day. The winds have already forced the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge between England and Wales this weekend. The Met Office said: The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80mph in coastal districts including Orkney. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations. Showers could turn to several centimetres of snow on the hills in the north-west of Scotland from Saturday evening into Sunday. Some sleet, snow and hail may fall at lower levels and produce icy conditions by Sunday morning. The RAC has predicted the hotspots for traffic this weekend will be on both directions of the M1 to Gatwick via M25 and M23; Liverpool to Chester on the M53; Oxford to the south coast via the A34 and M3; the M25 to the south coast along the M3; and at the Taunton to Almondsbury Interchange in Bristol heading down the M5. open image in gallery Traffic on the M3 motorway near Basingstoke during wet weather ( PA Wire ) RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis urged caution, saying: With the weekend bringing a mix of strong winds along with heavy, and in some places wintry, showers, its going to make many of the estimated seven million getaway trips by car a pretty exhausting experience. Winds are expected to ease by Monday but cloud and rain are expected to move in with increased temperatures. As a result, crisp blue skies and snow on the ground are decidedly unlikely over Christmas, the Met Office said. The UKs biggest airports are also expecting record-breaking passenger numbers over the festive season. The Independent predicts these will be the busiest days: Heathrow: Friday 20 December (outbound); Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3/4/5 January (inbound). Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted: Saturday and Sunday 21/22 December (outbound); Saturday and Sunday 4/5 January (inbound). The intermediate weekend, 28/29 December, will be very busy. Luton: Friday 20 December (outbound); Fridays 27 December and 3 January (inbound). Christmas Day will be busier than ever at major UK airports. Manchester Airport expects a record number of passengers on 25 December, handling 25,000 passengers. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The father of a Lockerbie bombing victim has urged Sir Keir Starmer to publish everything the UK knows about the tragedy. Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora died on the plane after it exploded over the Scottish town, claimed it was fishy so much information had not been released about the disaster. It comes exactly 36 years since the attack which claimed the lives of 270 people four days before Christmas on 21 December 1988. Here we are, 36 years down the road, and we know a lot of material has been kept out of public view, Dr Swire told BBC News. 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. In 2001, former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was convicted of the murders of 270 people by the introduction of an explosive device onto a civilian aircraft. However, prosecutors have always maintained that Megrahi acted with others in carrying out the attack. open image in gallery Jim Swire (pictured in 2007) has urged Keir Starmer to publish everything the UK knows about the tragedy ( Getty ) Libyan national Abu Agila Masud, who is alleged to have helped make the bomb, is due to go on trial in the US in May 2025 facing three charges, which he denies. Here, The Independent has put together a timeline of the tragedy, its aftermath and what is known about the atrocity. 21 December 1988: Pan Am Flight 103 from London to New York explodes 31,000 feet over Lockerbie, 38 minutes after take-off from London. The 259 people on board the Boeing 747 are killed, along with 11 people on the ground. 13 November 1991: US and British investigators indict Libyans Abdelbaset al-Megrahi and Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah on 270 counts of murder, conspiracy to murder and violating Britains 1982 Aviation Security Act. The men were accused of being Libyan intelligence agents. open image in gallery Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only person to have been convicted in connection with the Lockerbie bombing ( PA Media ) 15 April 1992: The UN Security Council imposes sanctions on air travel and arms sales over Libyas refusal to hand the suspects over for trial in a Scottish court. August 1998: Britain and the United States propose trying the suspects in the Netherlands under Scottish law. 5 April 1999: The suspects are taken into Dutch custody after flying from Tripoli to an airbase near The Hague and are formally charged with the bombing. UN sanctions against Libya are suspended as agreed. open image in gallery The Boeing 747 exploded 38 minutes after taking off from London Heathrow ( Getty ) 3 May 2000: The trial of Megrahi, 48, and Mr Fhimah, 44, opens at Camp Zeist, a specially convened Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands. Both of the accused deny murder, external. 31 January 2001: Megrahi is found guilty of murder after the historic trial under Scottish law in the Netherlands. Megrahis co-accused, Mr Fhimah, is found not guilty and told he is free to return home. 14 August 2003: Lawyers acting for families of the Lockerbie bombing victims say they have reached agreement with Libya on the payment of compensation, external. open image in gallery The bombing claimed 270 lives, including 11 on the ground in Lockerbie ( PA Archive ) The deal to set up a $2.7bn (1.7bn) fund was struck with Libyan officials after negotiations in London. 31 October 2008: Dr Swire reiterates his call for Megrahi to be released after the killer was diagnosed with cancer. 20 August 2009: The Scottish government releases Megrahi on compassionate grounds. He returns home to Libya on board a jet belonging to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. 20 May 2012: Megrahi dies at his home in Tripoli, aged 60. 22 December 2020: On the 32nd anniversary of the atrocity, the US announces it has filed charges against a Libyan suspected of making the bomb. 11 December 2022: It emerges that Abu Agila Mohammad Masud is in United States custody. 9 December 2024: Part of the Pan Am Flight 103 is transported to the US in preparation for the trial of Masud. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy When Sarahs* ex-boyfriend kicked down her front door and grabbed her by the neck, she was laid off from her job the very next week. She had climbed the corporate ladder, working as a part of a senior management team for a leadership development organisation, jetting round the world delivering keynote speeches and hosting educational workshops But, like thousands of other victims of abuse, her high-flying career was ripped from her. The ongoing effects of the abuse including emotional trauma and now a gap in her CV means that even with a host of experience, she has been unable to secure employment in her field. Be a brick, buy a brick and donate here or text BRICK to 70560 to donate 15 After ending her relationship earlier this year, her ex-partner forced entry into her home and grabbed her by the neck before pinning her down and bashing her face against the metal sofa leg. She informed her employer about the attack and explained that she would be taking some days off as she navigated the legal system while dealing with emotional trauma. open image in gallery Sarah is calling for changes in the working world to better accommodate domestic abuse survivors ( PA ) However, four days later she was laid off as her employers said they could not support her after the attack. My face was still bruised from the attack when I was laid off, she said. They said they would pay me for the rest of the month as a goodwill gesture, but would have to terminate my contract because they couldnt support me in the meantime. As she had been employed for just six months, her dismissal was legal. But she said the impact of the abuse and her treatment at work have stagnated her career. It absolutely shattered my confidence. I gave my heart and soul to that job and dedicated all my time to it. I felt insignificant, isolated and like I had lost purpose, she said. I wasnt in the headspace to go and find a new job. Job-hunting is tricky at the best of times, never mind when youre going through something like this. Alongside campaign group Riverlight, Sarah is calling for changes in the working world to better accommodate domestic abuse survivors. Riverlight founder Roda Hassan said she began the campaign, Project: Thrive, after seeing the sheer number of survivors who have had their careers impacted by abuse. My face was still bruised from the attack when I was laid off Sarah The campaign hopes to secure employment partnerships to implement policies designed to support victims through disruptive periods such as when they might need time off to attend court. It will also help survivors gain employment, by educating companies on why people have employment gaps, and offer trauma-informed onboarding. Ms Hassan said: By opening up new pathways, this will help survivors go from surviving to thriving. There is a lot of focus on the initial emergency support which is vital but survivors need to know that there is nothing wrong with wanting more. One place those escaping abuse can initially go is a refuge. The Independent has partnered with charity Refuge to raise money to create two safe homes for survivors, including women, their children and any pets. Each 15 donation buys a brick to build the houses, with more than 520,000 being given so far comfortably surpassing the initial 300,000 target. open image in gallery Each 15 donation buys a brick to build safe homes that offer refuge to those escaping abuse ( Brick by Brick ) Riverlights campaign also calls for academic institutions to put policies in place to support survivors such as holding their place if they are forced to drop out due to abuse, or creating a pathway for victims to share their circumstances. A lot of people drop out as they experience domestic abuse, but when they want to come back and try to explain, there is no pathway or policy in place, Ms Hassan said. Universities have given no thought to that and it puts survivors off. The proposed measures are designed to help women such as Georgia* who had dreamed of working in academia before her abusive relationship tore it from her. When her then partner sabotaged interviews and imposed his traditional view of marriage onto her, Georgia was unable to get a job or obtain a place on a PhD course. She now feels she will never be able to work in academia as she was shut off from working during crucial years of her life. She told The Independent: It completely disrupted my plans to go into academia. The whole PhD route was shut off to me because I was in an abusive relationship at such a pivotal point. open image in gallery The tuition fee cap at Welsh universities is set to rise in September ( PA ) The 29-year-old had met her former partner when she was just 19 and at university. She added: Over the course of three years, I became more and more isolated to the point he was the only person I ever really saw. Then the physical abuse started creeping in. The pair got engaged in their final year and she soon fell pregnant. During her pregnancy, Georgia was subjected to horrific violence including being shoved against a shower door and strangled. Though she wasnt ready to settle down, Georgias husband discouraged her from work or further education. He was very much into women should be in the home and the red pill movement, she says. All of that dominated the whole view of the marriage, and though I wanted a career, everything was put on hold. The red pill refers to the online movement dominated by the far-right to promote anti-feminist ideas. Eventually, Georgia was able to leave the relationship and briefly returned to university. However, the lack of support forced her to drop out. The whole PhD route was shut off to me because I was in an abusive relationship at such a pivotal point Georgia I went back to university for a bit but I burnt out because it was too much to deal with. Abuse made it so hard to focus on education. My self-esteem was completely shot and when I left I thought I would never get a job. It was drummed into me that I wasnt good enough. Georgia is calling for more support within educational institutions to help victims, adding: Having more support would have been really helpful. When I went back to uni they had no idea and there was no avenue for me to put it out there. I didnt think it would be appropriate but it may have made a difference to my outcome. You can find out more about Project: Thrive here. Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign to help raise another 300,000 to build a second safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse, rebuild their lives and make a new future. Text BRICK to 70560 to donate 15. The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated mens advice line on 0808 8010 327. *Names have been changed to protect the identity of the women Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump gave permission to his former campaign coordinator to publicly insult Keir Starmers choice for the UKs new ambassador to the US, according to sources close to the president-elect. The revelation came with a warning that Sir Keir has turned the special relationship toxic as sources suggested the prime minister had ignored demands by the Trump transition team that Peter Mandelson not be appointed. The anger is such that one source said Mr Trump may use his veto to block the choice, though this is seen as unlikely. It is understood that the Trump team stopped answering calls from UK representatives after the news broke. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson has been appointed British ambassador to the US ( PA Archive ) The Independent revealed yesterday the Trump teams rage at the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson nicknamed the Prince of Darkness as the ambassador in Washington. Soon after the announcement, Mr Trumps recent campaign coordinator, Chris LaCivita, posted on X late on Friday that Lord Mandelson is a moron. He wrote: This UK government is special. Replace a professional universally respected ambassador with an absolute moron he should stay home! SAD! Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and little short of a white nationalist. Now it has emerged that he was given permission to insult Lord Mandelson by the president-elect himself, according to insiders. open image in gallery Donald Trump is reportedly unhappy with UK ambassador to US pick ( AFP/Getty ) Trump gave permission for Chris La Civita to put out that tweet, a source close to the president-elect told The Independent. Earlier, another insider had described it as a horrible, arrogant choice and said it meant the UK would be locked out of key discussions with the Trump administration. Since then, sources have told The Independent that the Labour government had approached the Trump transition team about the intention to appoint Lord Mandelson, a former spin doctor, cabinet minister and EU commissioner. A well-placed individual said: The Trump transition team previously told them they did not want Mandelson, and they appointed him anyway! They added: The UK-US relationship is no longer special. It is now toxic, and His Majestys Government can blame themselves. open image in gallery Mandelson, nicknamed the Prince of Darkness, is a former spin doctor, cabinet minister and EU commissioner ( PA Wire ) There had previously been anger at Labours sending 100 volunteers to help Kamala Harris during the presidential election. The revelation emerged shortly after a dinner aimed at burying the hatchet with Mr Trump, Sir Keir and foreign secretary David Lammy in New York and was seen as a betrayal. It added to concerns over the way that Mr Lammy had previously attacked Mr Trump on Twitter describing him as a tyrant and a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath comments which he has since defended. Foreign minister Stephen Doughty, responsible for the US brief, also organised a 2017 petition to stop Mr Trump from addressing a joint sitting of parliament. Lord Mandelson the third person chosen to deal with the crucial US relationship has also been embroiled in a row over his past comments about Mr Trump. The Labour peer attacked Mr Trump as a bully and little short of a white nationalist and racist. There are question marks over whether Sir Keir will have an invite to the inauguration next month, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage will be hosting one of the main parties ahead of the event in Washington. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian PM Viktor Orban are already guests of honour at the inauguration itself. Announcing the ambassador decision, Sir Keir said: The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength. Lord Mandelson said: It is a great honour to serve the country in this way. We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nations security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The King and the Prince of Wales are to be front and centre of a charm offensive on Donald Trump as Sir Keir Starmer attempts to bypass Nigel Farage and repair the damaged relationship with the president-elect and his team. A diplomat has told The Independent that Mr Trumps love for the royal family is seen as the way to his heart as the fallout from the US election continues to overshadow the UK-US special relationship. Speaking to The Independent, Sir Keir said that the UK-US connection is a special relationship forged in extremely difficult circumstances because of the war in Ukraine and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. open image in gallery Trump called William very handsome after their meeting in Paris ( PA Wire ) But with question marks over how to resolve difficulties between a Trump White House and a Labour UK government, it is understood that part of the calculation in sending Prince William alone to the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this month was to enable him to start building a relationship with Mr Trump. It is thought putting in a proper operator as ambassador, with Lord Peter Mandelson heading to Washington, is only part of a complex plan to try to get the relationship back on track. While one source close to foreign secretary David Lammy insists that normal government business continues, there have been question marks over rows with Mr Trumps ally Elon Musk, who has publicly criticised Sir Keir and voiced anger over Labour helping Kamala Harris in the US election. Sources in the Trump team have confirmed they are furious about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. A former chief of staff branded the Labour peer a moron and others inside the camp described Sir Keirs choice as a horrible, arrogant choice. Added to the problems, Reform UKs Nigel Farage has just become the first UK party leader invited to Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago home since the election. A diplomat told The Independent: Labour is deliberately using Britains soft power with Prince William and King Charles front and centre as a bridge to create a good relationship with Trump. He loves the royal family and it is the best way to his heart. All this also recognising that Starmer cant and wont use Farage. The Trump adviser confirmed: He really does love the royal family. He revered the late Queen [Elizabeth II]. open image in gallery JD Vance met up with Kemi Badenoch ( JD Vance X ) Sources close to Kemi Badenoch, who is trying to ingratiate herself with team Trump through her friendship with vice-president-elect JD Vance, said: Trump loves Boris Johnson and the royal family more than Farage. The move to charm Mr Trump comes as the fallout over Labour sending 100 volunteers to help his Democrat rival Ms Harris remains a major problem between the new White House and Downing Street. An adviser to Mr Trump told The Independent: They [Sir Keir, Mr Lammy and Mr Trump] had dinner in New York, it did go well and there was a genuine optimism from it. But then, almost immediately after, we found out about the 100 Labour activists sent to the election election interference. There was a deeply held sense of betrayal. I can tell you that if he could get away with it, President Trump would happily not exchange a single word with Starmer over the next four years. Obviously, he will have to but it will only be because of necessity. It is still not certain whether Sir Keir will even get an invite to the inauguration on 20 January as others favoured by the incoming administration such as Hungarys Viktor Orban and Italys Giorgia Meloni already have. open image in gallery Nigel Farage is close to Trump ( Getty ) While it is understood Mr Lammy and Mr Trump particularly hit it off at the dinner in New York in September, his son Donald Jr and others around him are still angry about the foreign secretarys previous tweets about the president-elect. These included calling Mr Trump a tyrant and a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath. Already they think he will be replaced with trade minister Douglas Alexander, who spent a lot of time in New York after losing his seat as an MP in 2015. The Trump adviser suggested: We expect there will be some sort of reshuffle by Starmer and Lammy will be out, probably for Douglas Alexander. We know Douglas and respect him. It will be bringing an adult into the room. A source close to Mr Alexander told The Independent the speculation was news to him. But Sir Keir is looking for a means of connecting with the soon-to-be leader of the free world while ignoring the offer from Nigel Farage to be an unofficial go-between. The prime minister, like other European leaders, is focused on persuading Mr Trump not to abandon Ukraine in the war against Russia, with the incoming president and his inner circle apparently set on pulling the plug on financial aid and forcing some sort of deal. open image in gallery Foreign secretary David Lammy and prime minister Keir Starmer ( PA Wire ) There are also ongoing tensions over Sir Keirs attempts to hand over the strategically crucial Chagos Islands to Mauritius which the incoming president wants to veto because of the jointly owned airbase on Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, The Independent has learnt Mr Trumps appointment of ambassador to the UK, businessman Warren Stephens, is partly inspired because of concerns Sir Keir is going soft on Israel. A senior Republican source told The Independent: Warren Stephens was a big donor to pro-Israel causes. Hes coming over to make sure Starmer stays on side supporting Israel. The Trump team was said to be unhappy about Sir Keir allowing a small arms embargo against Israel and does not think he has been as fulsome in his support as he should be. Sir Keir told The Independent: Im not sending messages to President-elect Trump but what I am doing is having an ongoing discussion with him. I went to see him, as you know, in New York in September where we had a couple of hours over dinner together. Ive spoken to him on the phone a couple of times as well, as have other world leaders and prime ministers across Europe. Starting from the UK point of view, this is a special relationship forged in extremely difficult circumstances, which has lasted a very long time and is as important today as its ever been. So that is an unbreakable relationship between our two countries. When it comes to discussions about Ukraine, obviously we act as Nato allies. That again is really important. So I think that as we all work towards what needs to happen next in Ukraine it is important and right that we are all having discussions amongst ourselves and with President-elect Trump. Mr Farage is still close to Mr Trump and has already been invited to the inauguration. But his hopes of landing an official role in dealing with him have already been ruled out. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Six families have launched a legal challenge against the governments plan to impose VAT on private schools, claiming it is discriminatory against certain pupils. The families, supported by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), have filed a High Court judicial review claim arguing the tax could price them out of private education and into the state sector where their needs cannot be met. The legal challenge claims the policy is discriminatory because it causes unnecessary harm to certain categories of children. The families are therefore seeking a declaration of incompatibility under section 4 of the Human Rights Act, saying the new tax is incompatible with ECHR rights. The defendant of the claim is the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as the minister responsible for the Treasury ( PA Wire ) The ISC argues children with special educational needs or disabilities (Send) are facing real uncertainty; families of vulnerable girls in single-sex schools are confronting painful choices; minority Jewish and Muslim families fear they cannot provide an education for their children that respects their faith; and foreign nationals following the curriculum of their home country have few, if any, alternatives. Julie Robinson, the lobby groups CEO, said: Throughout the debate over charging VAT on education, we have consistently said that the diversity within independent schools has been ignored by policymakers. As a result of the governments blanket approach, the impact is likely to be felt immediately by many families and children, many of whom have chosen an independent school for reasons including faith, Send support, dual-language learning or single-sex education. It is to protect the rights of these families, who are having their choice removed from them by this policy, that we are seeking a declaration of incompatibility. Sophie Kemp, head of public law at Kingsley Napley, representing the claimants, accused the government of undue haste in its actions. The families are asking for careful and swift scrutiny of the impact of VAT on their lives which they feel has been ignored by the government as it seeks to rush its policy through, she said. The defendant of the claim is the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as the minister responsible for the Treasury. She has 14 days to submit a defence, with the ISC hoping a judicial review could take place in the first quarter of 2025. While the legal challenge will not be able to halt the VAT policy in its tracks or reverse it even if successful, it would pile pressure on the government to consider further exemptions. The government has estimated the tax raid would raise 460m next year, rising to 1.7bn by 2029-30, money which ministers said would be used to fund 6,500 new teachers for state schools. On average, the Treasury expects private school fees to increase by around 10 per cent as a result of the introduction of VAT, while it predicts that 35,000 pupils will move into UK state schools in the long-term steady state. A further 2,000 children will leave private schools, consisting of international pupils who do not move into the UK state system or domestic pupils who move into homeschooling. A government spokesperson said: We do not comment on potential litigation matters. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The health secretary has been warned that a recent conviction over the use of abortion pills to poison a woman could be the tip of the iceberg unless safeguards are brought into place. Former Tory minister Sir John Hayes has written to Wes Streeting in the wake of Stuart Worbys conviction earlier this month at Norwich Crown Court. Worby, 40, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for obtaining pills by post to spike his then partners orange juice. It was fed to the victim who cannot be named for legal reasons while she was blindfolded under the guise of kinky sex. Sir John claimed that the crime was enabled by a lack of safeguards in obtaining the abortion pill known as mifepristone. His victim is now unable to conceive. open image in gallery Stuart Worby has been found guilty of sexual assault and poisoning ( Norfolk Police ) Worby obtained the pills by getting a friend to pose as a woman who wanted an abortion and had the pills sent from a distributor through the post. The Tory MP described it as a grotesque crime adding: One of my principal concerns is that this tragic case may just be the tip of the iceberg. This should be of the upmost concern regardless of ones views on abortion. He asked six questions including lessons the Department for Health has drawn from the case in ensuring it is not repeated. Sir John also asked Mr Streeting whether data is being collected of medical problems caused by the pill; if he was aware of similar cases; and whether the number of women taken in for emergency treatment after having the medication had been recorded? open image in gallery John Hayes is urging the government to take action ( PA ) Sir John also pressed on what steps are being taken to ensure the case is not repeated. Pills by post for home abortions were liberalised during lockdown when it was more difficult for women to get appointments. It is supposed to be available for the first 10 weeks of a pregnancy but not after. The law was changed in 2022 to make the arrangement permanent. But a freedom of information request in 2023 revealed that the changes in lockdown had led to significant increases in the number 999 calls related to taking the pills. Compared to 2018, in London, there was a 26 per cent rise, while in East Anglia, calls also increased with a 59 per cent rise in ambulances attending. In Wales, there has been a doubling in calls while in the south-central region, it is up 25 per cent and in northwest of England up 15 per cent. The southwest region has reported a 30 per cent rise. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon has won the latest stage of its attempt to take back claimed ancestral rainforests. The Puerto Franco community of the Kichwa tribe say their territory was stolen to form the Cordillera Azul National Park in 2001. Companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies spent tens of millions of dollars on carbon credits in the park to counter emissions from their fossil fuel operations. The Kichwas got next to nothing and were left in hunger, despite a 2022 Associated Press investigation finding that it was almost certainly their ancestral territory, by the terms of a convention Peru signed decades ago. The community celebrated a dramatic legal victory last year, when provincial Judge Simona del Socorro Torres Sanchez ruled that creating the park without their consent had violated their rights. Authorities were ordered to grant them legal ownership and proceeds from the carbon credit sales. But that was quickly overturned by an appeals court in a move that some legal experts called questionable. Judge Sanchez has now ruled once again in the Kichwas favor, however, making a new order that the Kichwas should get their land back and benefit from the carbon credit sales. She found the Kichwas were Indigenous, and their territorial rights counted for more than the amount of time thats passed. The Peruvian government and a nonprofit which runs the park, CIMA, have argued that too much time has passed for the Kichwas to make a claim, and that they are not truly Indigenous people. Peruvian authorities have also argued in legal filings that the community didnt object to the parks creation in 2001. Kichwa leader Inocente Sangama said he was outraged at the claim they were not Indigenous people. Who said an Indigenous person cannot wear clothes? The justice system has proved us right, he said. We feel pride and happiness. The AP emailed the Peruvian government but did not immediately receive a reply. Jorge Aliaga Arauco, a director at CIMA, said by email that they would appeal the decision and were on solid evidential ground. The nonprofit says proceeds from the carbon credit project help protect the ancient rainforest, one of Perus most pristine and biodiverse environments. The case may be moving towards a conclusion. Juan Carlos Diaz, a constitutional lawyer at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, told the AP that the ruling could be appealed before a superior court. If the Kichwas win there, the decision would be final, he said. Should the Kichwas lose, they would have one last right of appeal, to a Constitutional Court in Lima, but the government doesn't have that last recourse. - 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The quaint town of Grapevine is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas a place that is transformed each year into a festive winter wonderland known for its holiday extravaganza. A family had just finished unwrapping presents on Christmas morning 2011 at a home in the Dallas suburb, when one of their own, dressed in a Santa Claus suit, opened fire in a brutal murder-suicide rampage. Police arrived on the scene to find seven bodies among scattered wrapping paper. Aziz Yazdanpanah, 56, an Iranian-born father of two, had killed his estranged wife, their two teenage children, his wifes sister, his brother-in-law and his niece at the gathering. open image in gallery Police line tape surrounds an apartment building where seven people were found dead at Lincoln Vineyard Apartment Homes on December 25, 2011 in Grapevine, Texas ( Getty Images ) Just minutes earlier, his niece, 22-year-old Sara Fatemeh Zarei, texted her boyfriend when they arrived at the apartment that morning. Soo were here. We just got here and my uncle is here too. Dressed as Santa. Awesome, she said in one text just before 11 a.m. She texted again at 11:15 a.m., saying: Now he wants to be all fatherly and win father of the year. Within 20 minutes, six family members had been fatally gunned down. The man in the red and white Santa suit called 911 to report the murders and then turned the gun on himself. A Christmas morning massacre Police arrived at the horrific scene at the Lincoln-Vineyards Apartments three minutes after Yazdanpanah made the 911 call. open image in gallery The Zarei family - Hossein Zarei, Zohreh Rahmaty and Sahra Zarei were also shot by Aziz on Christmas morning ( WFAA - TV ) Grapevine police Sgt. Robert Eberling said police kicked in the door and found seven bodies among the opened gifts and scattered wrapping paper in the living room. A television was on and one of the victims was wearing pajamas, according to reports at the time. Yazdanpanah had shot and killed his estranged wife, Fatemeh Rahmati, 55, their 14-year-old son, Ali, and their 19-year-old daughter, Nona. He also killed his wifes sister, Zohreh Rahmaty, 58, her husband, Mohamad Hossein Zarei, 59, and their daughter, Sahra, 22. Yazdanpanahs wife was shot once in the head and his brother-in-law was shot multiple times in the head, chest and stomach, a medical examiners report later revealed. His son, daughter, niece and sister-in-law were shot multiple times in the head. Two handguns were found at the scene: a 9 mm that was purchased in 1996 and registered to Yazdanpanah, and a .40 caliber, police said. I have been with this police department for 12 years, and this is probably one of the most tragic things that Ive certainly been involved with, Eberling said. Santa shooter tried to be all fatherly One of the victims texted her boyfriend about her uncle just minutes before she and her family were gunned down at the apartment where his wife and children had been staying. open image in gallery Pictured are the Yazdanpanah children, Ali and Nona (far right), and their cousin, Sahra. ( Supplied ) Sahra Fatemeh Zarei appeared to be annoyed that her uncle was at the gathering and that he was dressed as Santa Claus and trying to be all fatherly. Now he wants to be all fatherly and win father of the year because he [messed] up before, her final text said, according to police. The dislike among family members and the fact that Yazdanpanah was apparently told he wasnt welcome to the gathering may have been the final breaking point, family friend Marc Beglari told police, according to records obtained by The Dallas Morning News. Beglari, who is also from Iran, told police that he spoke to Yazdanpanah on Christmas Eve, and that Yazdanpanah had told him that his sister-in-law had control over his wife and children and they would listen to her when she called him evil. But despite this, Yazdanpanah was planning to attend the Christmas morning gathering that was being hosted by his estranged wifes sister despite feeling unwelcome. They denied him his pride, Beglari said. They took his family away. I am shooting people A recording of a 911 call captured the chilling last words of the gunman who admitted to the dispatcher that he was shooting people. After slaughtering six people, Yazdanpanah made the call at 11:34 a.m. where he was heard saying help twice and then I am shooting people, followed by heavy breathing before the line went dead and he shot himself. Police believe that before Yazdanpanah killed himself, he tried to stage the scene by placing one of the two guns used in the hand of his slain brother-in-law, Mohamad Zarei. But investigators determined that Zarei had been shot with both weapons and that Yazdanpanah was the only one to fire the guns. Eberling said police believe he was overwhelmed and decided to take his life instead. Santas motive open image in gallery Nasrin Rahmaty, centre, was also murdered by her estranged husband on Christmas day ( News 8 ) Eberling has said that detectives believe Yazdanpanahs marital and financial troubles led him to kill his family, but have also said his exact thought process may never be known. Yazdanpanah was a former real estate professional who was out of work at the time of the killings. In 1996, he was placed on three years probation after pleading guilty to one count of subscribing to a false income tax return, according to federal court records. He was fined $1,000 and required to pay $30,119 in restitution. In August 2010, Yazdanpanah and his wife filed jointly for bankruptcy. Mashy Modjdehi, a friend of Yazdanpanahs wife, said Yazdanpanah had always forbidden his wife to work. But once he was unemployed and their familys financial troubles intensified, he changed his mind. Rahmati, who had a state cosmetology license, held down jobs at two spas as she continued to raise their children, the friend said. In April 2011, just months before the shooting, Rahmati moved out of the familys home in Colleyville, and into the apartment complex two miles away. Yazdanpanah remained in the Colleyville home, which was often without electricity as he continued to struggle financially. The massacre remains the deadliest crime in the history of Grapevine. "We never really have encountered a situation with this many victims that were shot and killed," Eberling said at the time. This is the worst homicide weve ever had." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Authorities in Guatemala rescued at least 160 children from a Jewish sect following allegations of abuse and human trafficking. Police raided the premises of the sect called Lev Tahor in Oratorio city, 78km southeast of the capital Guatemala City, on Friday after receiving complaints of widespread abuse of children, including rape, human trafficking and forced marriage, prosecutors said. They took at least 160 minors and 40 women into protective custody. The operation in the Santa Rosa region involved around 480 police personnel, soldiers, prosecutors, and psychologists who also seized electronic devices and searched for evidence of child pornography. Regional prosecutor Dimas Jimenez y Jimenez said they were considering charges of human trafficking, mistreatment of minors, and rape. We suspect these crimes were committed by a member of the community, he said. open image in gallery Police take part in a child rescue operation at a farm in the municipality of Oratorio, Guatemala ( Guatemalan Attorney General ) Nancy Lorena Paiz Garcia, a prosecutor in the Office Against Human Trafficking, said that police found bodies suspected to be of minors buried on the premises. We have no information that the sect has used the local cemeteries, she said, but we must investigate these possible deaths of minors. The operation was set in motion by the escape from the Jewish sect of four non-Guatemalan children in November who alerted authorities to the abuses. Based on the statements of the complainants, the evidence obtained and the medical examinations, it was possible to establish that there are forms of human trafficking against these minors, like forced marriages, abuse, and related crimes, Ms Garcia said. Lev Tahor, Pure Heart in Hebrew, was founded in Israel in 1988 and practices a strict interpretation of Jewish law. It has drawn international scrutiny over the years for alleged sexual abuses, kidnapping, child marriage, and physical violence. open image in gallery A Lev Tahor member waits outside the Guatemala Attorney Generals Office after authorities rescued over 100 children and adolescents from the Jewish community following allegations of child abuse ( Reuters ) The sect shifted its base to Mexico and Guatemala between 2014 and 2017 after facing mounting legal pressure elsewhere. In 2022, Mexican authorities rescued children from a Lev Tahor camp near the Guatemalan border and detained its members suspected of abusing minors. The operation in Oratorio adds to the sects troubled history. Prosecutors allege that minors in the sect were subjected to forced marriages and systematic abuse, often under the guise of religious doctrine. The children are under government protection while investigations continue. The Jewish Community of Guatemala distanced itself from Lev Tahor, saying the sect was foreign to its organisation. It expressed support for authorities and called on governments and diplomats to collaborate in protecting vulnerable individuals linked to Lev Tahor. The government and diplomatic corps of countries from whose nationalities make up members of Lev Tahor should join forces to protect those whose rights may be violated, the organisation said in a statement. Guatemalan authorities said they would continue their investigation into the sects activities and potential human rights violations. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Social media star and podcaster Haliey Welch, who rose to viral fame in June for her raunchy Hawk Tuah catchphrase, has spoken out for the first time in weeks, after the multimillion-dollar collapse of a Hawk Tuah-themed cryptocurrency memecoin. I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community, Welch wrote in a statement on X. I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter, she added, directing followers to a law firm currently suing over the coin. Welch last addressed the public in a late-night X Spaces audio stream on the day of the December 4 launch of the $HAWK coin on the Solana blockchain, which reportedly soared to a $490 million market capitalization then fell 95 percent within minutes. That day, she defended herself from allegations of insider trading, writing on X, her team hasnt sold one token. Critics alleged that snipers entities that snap up large amounts of a token supply at launch caused the price-drop and held nearly all of the coins supply. A single wallet managed to buy nearly 20 percent of $HAWKs supply and flip it for a $1.3 million profit two hours later, according to Cointelegraph. On Thursday, investors in the coin hit $HAWKs creators with a lawsuit in New York federal court, seeking over $150,000 in damages and alleging theyd lost thousands on the coin, which they claimed was an illegal unregistered security. Welch has denied wrongdoing and offered support to victims of losses on coin ( YouTube ) The suit accuses the coin of leveraging Welchs extensive social media following to market the Token as a groundbreaking cryptocurrency project, while attempting to skirt the American securities laws and making no serious attempt to restrict purchasers to buyers outside the U.S., creating a speculative frenzy. The suit names overHere Ltd., a Web3 crypto launchpad platform that helped facilitate the sale; Clinton So, the companys founder; the Tuah the Moon Foundation, an entity that allegedly sold an allocation of coins; and Alex Larson Schultz, a musician and crypto promoter. Welch herself is not a named defendant, but she promoted the coin offering heavily on social media and discussed it on her podcast during an episode with billionaire investor Mark Cuban. Cuban has defended Welch in recent days. It wasnt something she fully understood, he said during a podcast with tech journalist Jules Terpak. But she trusted the people around her. Both overHere and So have denied wrongdoing, and have defended Welch. We have been extremely transparent about the limited scope and extent of our involvement in the Hawk Tuah token project. We are confident that we have done nothing wrong, a spokesperson for overHere toldThe Daily Mail on Thursday. Halieys Team has sold absolutely no tokens whatsoever, the company wrote on X on December 4. Halieys Team has 10% allocation which is locked for 1 year and vested over 3 years. The company has also said it took zero fees and zero profit during the launch. The suit alleges that overHere created the Tuah the Moon Foundation, its name a play on Welchs fame and the crypto slang of an increasing asset going to the moon. According to the suit, overHere constructed the foundation to sell a 17 percent allocation of the $HAWK tokens. The suit also alleges the foundation controlled a wallet collecting fees on token transactions, raking in roughly $3 million. overHere has blamed Schultz, who uses the moniker Doc Hollywood, claiming in a tweet he controlled all token decisions, fees, treasury and that Docs team vanished when things got hard. The Independent has contacted Schultz for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The New York Police Departments chief of department abruptly retired after a bombshell report claimed that he had preyed upon one of his employees, allowing her overtime opportunities in exchange for sexual favors. Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, 53, stepped down Friday, shortly after Lt. Quathisha Epps publicly accused him of demanding sexual favors from her, the New York Post first reported. He wanted to have anal sex, vaginal sex, oral sex, Epps told the outlet. He was always asking me to kiss his penis. Epps, who has been working at the agency since 2005 and recently had an administrative job in the chief of departments office, was NYPDs highest-paid employee in fiscal year 2024, making upward of $400,000, publicly available records show. While the 51-year-old was making a base salary of $172,000, she earned $204,000 in overtime pay as well as an additional $26,000. Meanwhile, her boss, Maddrey the agencys top uniformed officer, made $292,000 in base pay this year, records show. Maddreys sexual demands began in June 2023 when he became chief of department, Epps told the outlet. open image in gallery NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey speaks during NYPD press conference after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, in New York City on December 4. He abruptly resigned after allegations surfaced about demanding sexual favors from his inferior in exchange for overtime pay ( REUTERS ) Maddrey, who is married, was allegedly sitting at his desk wearing just a white undershirt and unzipped uniform pants when he told her he dreamed about f***ing me in my a**, Epps claimed. She recalled responding: I said, But Chief, youre the Chief of Department. He rubbed his chest. . . His work pants were open. He was like: But Im still a n***** and you look good. He then asked her to go to the back of his office where he had a couch, she claimed. He bent me over the arm of the couch and when I tried to back away but he was telling me Just let me put it in a little bit, she told the outlet through tears. He then grabbed K-Y Jelly from a locker near the couch and rubbed it on himself before he forced himself into her despite her pleas for him to stop, Epps said. He inserted himself, and he kept forcing it and forcing it, she alleged. And I kept asking him, Can you please stop? Then I stopped asking him to stop, and I asked him to just slow down. Can you please just slow down? Youre hurting me! Youre hurting me! She recalled him saying: Im not trying to hurt you, baby. Im not trying to hurt you. The pair had sexual intercourse about 10 times after that, she told the outlet. Sometimes the top uniformed officer texted Epps three letters: DAP. It stood for dat aint pussy, meaning he wanted anal sex, she said. Other times, she recalled he would enter her office and ask me to kiss it, referring to his penis. Maddrey had a wish and a command, meaning Epps would have to comply with what he wanted, she told the outlet. He asked her to strip in her office, to pay for a trip for Maddrey and his wife to Miami, and to give her Lower East Side apartment to his girlfriend despite it being in Epps childrens names. She tried to break free from Maddrey but feared she wouldnt be believed. I think hes a predator, Epps told the Post. Hed say, Were going to save your house. Like hes rescuing me. When hes really just f***ing me. open image in gallery Lt. Quathisha Epps reportedly received thousands in overtime pay after her boss demanded sexual favors ( LinkedIn ) After trying to distance herself from Maddrey, she was retaliated against and exposed to be a high overtime earner, her lawyer Eric Sanders told the Post. She was suspended for 30 days and is being probed over the exorbitant overtime pay, sources told the outlet. The magnanimous overtime pay began years earlier, though, when Epps had told Maddrey then chief of patrol that she was struggling financially. I told him I was about to lose my home, she told the outlet. He told me I could do whatever overtime I needed. He told me I was like his sister. But he also told her she could help him with favors outside of the office like helping out his girlfriend, who was another NYPD employee, she said. Part of the overtime was to take care of his girlfriend, which included apartment hunting with her and buying household items for her, Epps said. Epps intends to file a notice of claim with the city comptrollers office Saturday, Sanders told the Post. Sources previously told the outlet that she submitted paperwork for retirement this month. The Independent has reached out to Sanders office for comment. What a convenient time to accuse somebody of misconduct after shes caught stealing time, Maddreys lawyer Lambros Lambrou told the Post. Shes obviously drowning and in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver. She wants to take down as many people as she can. This is completely meritless, and we deny every aspect of it. The Independent has reached out to Lambrous office for comment. This isnt the first time Maddrey has been accused of sexual misconduct. Tabatha Foster, a retired officer who used to work under Maddrey, filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2016 in federal court. That suit was dismissed and was brought to New York Supreme Court. She claimed that while they had engaged in a consensual relationship, she felt that she had no choice but to acquiesce because of Maddreys position of authority over her, filings say. On one occasion, after she retired, Maddrey began slapping, punching, and pushing her to the ground with his knee pressed to her back to the point where she could not breathe, the complaint says. He also pointed his gun at her. A judge ultimately dismissed the suit. The NYPD confirmed to The Independent that Maddrey had resigned and that the department will investigate Epps claims. Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter, a NYPD spokesperson said in a statement. Chief of Patrol John Chell will serve as interim chief of department, Pix11 reported. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to travelers flying home for the holidays about a hidden danger that may be lurking in their luggage. Data from the FAA shows that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries on U.S. flights have risen by 388 percent since 2015, and now occur as often as twice a week. The rechargeable batteries found in everyday devices like laptops, phones, tablets and even electric toothbrushes can catch fire if they overheat or are damaged. Since 2006, there have been 504 verified incidents on flights involving lithium batteries causing smoke, fire or extreme heat, with 32 incidents occurring so far in 2024, the FAAs data shows. Most of these, have come from a chargeable battery pack (206 occurrences), while 104 relate to vapes and e-cigarettes. Some 68 incidents have been linked to phones. open image in gallery Data from the FAA has shown that fires caused by lithium-ion batteries on U.S. flights have risen by 388 per cent since 2015, and now occur as often as twice a week ( Getty Images ) A survey of more than 800 flight attendants, conducted by UL Standards and Engagement, a safety research organization, found that 87 percent are concerned about lithium battery risks on airplanes, and more than a third believe airlines should do more to ensure passenger safety. "Any fire at 30,000 feet is unacceptable," David Wroth of UL, told CBS. While the FAA requires airlines to include general safety information in preflight announcements, those warnings often dont address the specific risk of battery fires. The UL survey also found that one in four passengers admitted to packing lithium batteries in their checked bags, which could result in a fire in the planes cargo hold. "Its a balance we probably need to do a better job striking with the airlines," said Ben Supko, who oversees hazardous materials safety for the FAA. "Passengers dont fully understand how serious the risk is." open image in gallery In November over 100 passengers were evacuated from a parked Southwest plane after a travellers phone caught fire, causing a seat to also go up in flames ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Supko told CBS that passengers need to monitor devices during a flight and immediately notify the crew if a device becomes warm, discolors, or bulges. It comes after over 100 passengers were evacuated from a parked Southwest plane in November, after a travelers phone caught fire, causing a seat to also go up in flames. Southwest Airlines Flight 3316 was parked at the gate at Denver International Airport and was getting ready to depart when the incident occurred. The airline had already boarded 108 passengers onto the Boeing 737-700 when a passengers cell phone battery caught on fire. This lead to one of the planes seats also catching alight, the airline said in a statement to The Independent. In response to the incident the FAA wrote on X, Lithium ion-powered devices, like cell phones and power banks, are safest with you inside the aircraft cabin as crew are trained to quickly address events of smoke and fire. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Starbucks workers in several major US cities are planning to strike until Christmas Eve, according to the Starbucks Workers United union. The union announced on Friday that workers in three cities Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago will strike beginning on Fridayand continuing until Christmas Eve. The strike is reportedly a response to Starbucks corporate's "failure to bring viable economic proposals to the bargaining table," and to "resolve hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges," according to the union. NBC News reports that the union claims to represent 525 stores and more than 10,500 workers. Starbucks has nearly 10,000 stores across the country, according to the Associated Press. Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year but theyve yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal, the union wrote on X. This week, less than two weeks before their end-of-year deadline, Starbucks proposed no immediate wage increase for union baristas, and a guarantee of only 1.5% wage increases in future years. Starbucks workers at locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle will strike until Christmas Eve ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Union representatives said the strikes would escalate over the next five days, and potentially prompt similar labor action at other stores across the US. They said the strikes will continue until Christmas Eve "unless Starbucks honors our commitment to work towards a foundational framework." Starbucks has at least publicly shrugged off the strike, telling NBC News that the work stoppage has had "no significant impact" on its operations. We are aware of disruption at a small handful of stores, but the overwhelming majority of our US stores remain open and serving customers as normal, the company said. A bargaining delegate for the union and Philadelphia barista, Silvia Baldwin, said he was making $16.50 an hour, while the company's CEO, Brian Niccol, is making $57,000 an hour. The company just announced Im only getting a 2.5% raise next year, $0.40 an hour, which is hardly anything. Its one Starbucks drink per week. Starbucks needs to invest in the baristas who make Starbucks run, she said in a statement. Starbucks has insisted that the company offers a "competitive average pay of over $18 per hour, and best-in-class benefits" that include health insurance, college tuition assistance, paid family leave, and company stock grants. The coffee behemoth argued that the workers asking for raises would make the company's operation "not sustainable." Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year year contract. This is not sustainable," Starbucks said in a statement, adding that the company was willing to continue negotiations. The strike comes a day after Amazon workers in several warehouses across the country launched their own strike. Striking workers in Queens were arrested by police after they picketed outside their New York warehouse. The strike, led by the Teamsters, is the largest strike against Amazon in the US to date. Their strike comes at the height of the holiday shipping rush as Americans order last-minute Christmas gifts and other products from the online mega-retailer. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Seven Chinese citizens have been arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally enter Guam, a US territory, while the military was conducting a key missile defence test, authorities said. The incident, which occurred on 10-11 December, has raised concerns about potential espionage as four of those detained were found in the vicinity of a military installation, Guams Customs and Quarantine Agency said. The arrests came as the US Missile Defense Agency conducted an interception test involving advanced radar systems at Andersen Air Force Base on 10 December. Conducting espionage against US military facilities, especially those with missile launch capabilities, could provide the PRC with potentially valuable intelligence, US think tank Institute for the Study of War said in a report on Friday, using the formal name of the Peoples Republic of China. The arrested individuals reportedly arrived on the island by boat from Saipan. Guamanian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, but there has been no immediate response from Chinas foreign ministry to the arrests or the allegations. The US is ramping up its missile defence presence in Guam, aiming to create a network spanning 16 sites on the island. The $10 billion plan is designed to deter missile attacks by complicating potential offensives against the strategically vital US territory in the Indo-Pacific region. The integration of advanced radar and defence systems forms a crucial part of the effort to counter emerging threats, including those from China. The missile interception test on 10 December was deemed successful, with the Missile Defene Agency confirming a plan to carry out two such tests annually. A series of recent arrests have heightened concerns about Chinese espionage activities targeting US military installations. Earlier this month, a Chinese citizen was arrested for allegedly flying a drone and taking photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The arrest was part of a series of similar incidents involving unauthorised drone activity near sensitive military sites. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Biden administration is using its waning days in office to make a final mark ahead of the incoming Trump White House. It announced Friday it would forgive another $4.28 billion in student debt for 54,900 borrowers who pursued careers in public service, bringing Bidens total to some $180 billion of forgiveness overall, the largest sum of debt forgiveness from any president in U.S. history. At the same time, the administration said it would scrap further forgiveness proposals from the U.S. Department of Education, noting uncertainty around the implementation given Trumps impending inauguration. The Department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping at-risk borrowers return to repayment successfully, Education Secretary Migual Cardona wrote in official notices. The Education Department also announced it would give up on a proposed rule from 2023 that would punish schools which prevented transgender athletes from competing in womens sports. Twenty-three states have such policies in place, and the Biden administration has already faced legal challenges over discrimination policy, after declaring the Title IX ban on sex discrimination at federally funded educational institutions includes differential treatment based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy and related conditions. open image in gallery Biden may commute death sentences to life sentences for up to 40 inmates ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Despite these cancellations, Biden is also reportedly mulling a few final, high-profile moves on campaign priorities. The president, the first to openly oppose capital punishment, is reportedly considering commuting the sentences of most or all 40 people on federal death row into life sentences. Attorney General Merrick Garland has reportedly recommended such a move for most detainees, other than for those involved in terror and hate attacks, including Boston Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, according to The Wall Street Journal. Rep. Ayanna Pressley told The Independent theres absolutely a chance Biden will follow through on the commutations. We remain in ongoing communication with the White House and well be pushing to the very end, she said. The Biden administration paused federal executions, and the Department of Justice commenced a review of capital punishment policies, but the DOJ and military has continued seeking death sentences in some cases, including for the 9/11 plotters at Guantanamo. The Trump administration is expected to restart federal killings. open image in gallery Administration announced further student loan forgiveness ( Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. ) The previous Trump term saw 13 executions, more than four times as many federal executions than occured over the previous 50 years. Biden is also considering extending Temporary Protect Status protections for migrants in the U.S. from unstable countries, including Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. There are currently an estimated 1 million TPS beneficiaries in the U.S. form 17 nations. The program became a target of the Trump-Vance campaign, which latched onto unfounded, racist rumors that Haitian migrants in Ohio, many of them who had TPS, were eating neighborhood pets. At the same time as Biden may increase some migrant protections, new data shows the Biden deported more migrants in fiscal year 2024 than at any time since 2014, when he was serving in the Obama administration. Eric Garcia contributed reporting to this story. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For three days, Democratic members of Congress have flurried about Capitol Hill scrambling to work on a Republican-thwarted spending bill to prevent the government from being shut down all while President Joe Biden goes about his business. The president has reportedly taken a bit of a backseat role in confronting the chaos started by billionaire political advisor Elon Musk who, on Wednesday, demanded House Republicans vote against the bipartisan spending bill. Biden spent Wednesday and much of Thursday at his home in Delaware, in part to mark the anniversary of his first wife and daughters death. Meanwhile, Congress spiraled into chaos as the government lurches toward a shutdown just before the holidays. President Joe Biden returned to the White House on Thursday evening after spending roughly two days in Delaware ( Getty Images ) I havent gotten any message from President Biden, or heard of anything that hes saying, California Representative Mark Takano told Politico on Thursday. Elons the shot-caller, its pretty clear to me. Connecticut Rep Rosa DeLauro, the Democrats top appropriator, echoed that statement. White House aides reportedly sprung into action, trying to handle the fallout ignited by Musk and pushed forward by Donald Trump. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gave a short statement on the matter, blaming Republicans for backing out and creating instability. Even after returning to the White House on Thursday evening, Biden remained tight-lipped on the matter. Biden allies told Politico the presidents silence was a strategic move, designed to push the blame to Trump, Musk and other Republicans as the party prepares to take over the White House and Congress. Despite not getting involved in the matter for two days, Trump still attested the government shutdown would be a Biden problem to solve. However, it was Trump and his allies who caused the current chaos, by demanding Republicans oppose the bipartisan spending bill that would have kept the government running until mid-March. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson even endorsed the original spending bill. Trump demanded lawmakers include a provision to eliminate the debt ceiling which caps the amount of money the federal government can borrow. However, Democrats are likely to oppose any spending bill that includes that. Lawmakers scrambled to get to work on Friday hours before the deadline to pass the bill or risk the government shutting down. Meanwhile, the president went about his day, largely remaining out of the situation. Jean-Pierre said the president did speak with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday afternoon. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The House of Representatives approved a government spending bill with only a few hours left to spare before a crucial midnight deadline that would have shut down the government before Christmas. The Senate followed suit about 40 minutes past midnight. The House voted 366-34. One member voted present. All 34 no votes were Republicans. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, voted 85-11. The vote sent the measure to president Joe Biden, who was expected to sign it into law. A bill to fund the government through mid-March marked a third attempt within two days to avert a shutdown, after Donald Trump and Elon Musk commanded Congress to ditch the original bipartisan framework and left congressional Democrats and even some Republicans exhausted with the growing political influence of the worlds wealthiest person. The funding battle glimpsed how Democrats are approaching the incoming Trump-Musk administration and how they will navigate Trumps agenda with an extremely slim Republican majority. Here, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries forced Republicans to fight among themselves. Republicans were openly calling for a shutdown, then whipped to accept a new deal under House Speaker Mike Johnson, while leaving out Trumps central demand to abolish the debt ceiling. Johnson told reporters Friday he was in constant contact with Trump and spoke with Musk an hour before the vote. He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country, he said of his conversations with Trump. open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson worked with Democrats to pass a third attempt at a short-term spending bill to avert a shutdown December 20 ( REUTERS ) A government shutdown would have stalled paychecks for US military service members, forced federal agencies to close, furloughed workers just before Christmas, and threatened critical services and benefits. The standoff shows just how much Republicans in the House and the Senate, where they will take the majority next year, will have to cater to Trump and Musks will. But there were few signs that Johnson could face a credible challenger for the gavel in a few weeks. Speaker Johnson's shown tremendous leadership this week through very difficult times, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who could challenge Johnson, told The Independent. Look, both through a narrow majority that we have, but also just the difficulties of keeping government running when you have a lot of different factions on our side and you still have to deal with a Democrat Senate, a Democrat White House. The president-elect had also hoped to include an agreement that would scrap the debt ceiling in an effort to grease the wheels for major items on his agenda, including massive tax cuts that would explode the deficit and a mass deportation operation that could cost billions of dollars and deal an enormous blow to the economy. We have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy, and hurting working-class Americans, Jeffries told reporters after Fridays vote. House Democrats stopped the billionaire boys club, said Jeffries, calling the stop-gap measure a victory for the American people. A relatively slim 118-page bill covers a bulk of government funding, disaster relief and payments to farmers but the bill removed measures supporting pediatric cancer research, funding for community health centers, and prescription drug reform, among other measures. The bill also removes restrictions on investments in China. Democratic congresswoman Rose DeLauro the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee warned congressional leadership that removing the provision calls into question Musks extensive investments in China while hes working closely with the incoming administration. Musk spent Friday making fun of her appearance to his millions of followers on X, comparing her to a skeksis from The Dark Crystal franchise, and inspiring a flood of harassing messages and AI-generated memes about the 81-year-old congresswoman. open image in gallery White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters December 20 that Speaker Johnson and Republicans created a mess with Trump and Musk over the spending bill chaos ( Getty Images ) At the behest of the worlds richest man who no one voted for, the Congress has been thrown into pandemonium, DeLauro said in remarks on the House floor. It leads you to the question of, who is in charge? I thought that there was a Republican majority in this body. Not a President Musk majority. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said a government shutdown heading into the holiday week would mean service members and air traffic controllers go to work without pay, essential government services for hardworking Americans would be paused, and economic disruption would occur. Following an order by President-elect Trump Republicans walked away from a bipartisan deal and threatened to shut down the government at the 11th hour in order to pave the way to provide tax breaks for billionaires. This revised legislation does not do that, she said. Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna of Florida told reporters she supported the latest measure to bring home funding to my district for hurricane relief victims. It was still better than the 1,500-page monstrosity that was initially thrusted onto the entire chamber, she said. Republican Senator Thom Tillis told The Independent that whoever advised Trump that a debt ceiling deal would even be possible needs to better understand how this place works. Republicans had zero leverage to get that provision passed in the Democratically-controlled Senate, he said. And I wish that President Trump had been advised ... that it was never in the cards, he said. Democratic congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was the sole Democrat to vote present during Fridays vote. I think that we are walking into unprecedented times, so I dont know whats to come, she told reporters. I never anticipated that this will go down this way, and so well just see, but hopefully we will continue to stand following tonight. Eric Garcia reported from Washington, D.C. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fox News host Emily Compagno asserted that First Lady Jill Biden voted for President-elect Donald Trump this past election because of her animosity over Kamala Harris replacing her husband on the Democratic ticket. To hammer home her point that President Joe Bidens spouse cast a ballot for the Republican nominee, Compagno decked out in a blue dress pointed out that the first lady has been seen wearing red several times in recent weeks. During Fridays broadcast of Fox News midday roundtable show Outnumbered, the panel discussed reporting that a vengeful Mrs. Biden sought to settle scores with prominent Democrats during her last few weeks in the White House. Between organizing this years White House Christmas decorations, staff holiday parties and a string of final goodbyes, the president and First Lady Jill Biden have been quietly sharpening the metaphorical carving knives, with their sights set firmly on the one-time allies they perceive as having wronged them, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday. The story also stated the presidents shocking pardon of his son Hunter, after saying for months he would not offer up any clemency, was part of this effort to infuriate Democrats. Now, sources say, the first lady has been egging her husband on to further inflame fury among his colleagues, the article added. Fox News host Emily Compagno claims that First Lady Jill Biden voted for Trump because shes been wearing red lately. ( Fox News ) Compagno, meanwhile, stated that theyve been hearing since before this president was president that Jill Biden had a massive issue with Kamala Harris, adding the first lady has carried a chip on her shoulder over how she perceived her husband had been mistreated by the party. She also referenced the Lady Macbeth narrative about the first lady that conservative media ran wild with before the election, saying Jill. Biden was the gas behind the vehicle of having the president run for office again. I dont think he would have declared for a second term, she added. And I think, given the volume and energy from her side, it was clear that the gas was coming from her. In other words, according to Compagno, it was a certainty which candidate the first lady marked on her ballot last month. We saw all the wearing red. I do think she voted for Trump, the Fox host proclaimed. And I think she is gleeful that Kamala didnt win, as is her husband. In recent weeks, it has been taken as the gospel truth within MAGA media circles that Jill Biden is a secret Trump fan and has been signaling her support with her sartorial choices. Specifically, right-wing commentators have pointed out that the first lady wore a red dress the official color of the Republican Party when she went to the voting booth on election day. I know Jill Biden voted for Trump, Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro exclaimed at a conservative gathering this week. Jill Biden voted for Trump! Its a fact, Newsmax host Chris Plante posted to Facebook earlier this month, Compagno isnt the only Fox News personality who has insisted that the president-elect pulled in the Biden vote this past election. Fox Business host Larry Kudlow declared earlier this month that she voted for Trump, citing not just the first ladys recent red outfits but also the friendly encounter she had with the incoming president at the Notre Dame reopening ceremony. That was almost heavy-duty petting at the G7 level, Kudlow stated, prompting Compagno to excitedly react to her colleagues suggestion. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose two trips which hadnt been publicly reported paid for by a billionaire Republican donor, a new Congressional report reveals. In the wake of ProPublicas explosive 2023 report into Thomas failures to disclose his ties to wealthy donor Harlan Crow, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a 20-month investigation into the ethics challenges at the Supreme Court. The report spanning 97 pages plus 824 pages of supporting documents was released Saturday, detailing two additional trips paid for by Crow that Thomas hadnt previously disclosed. More broadly, the report also captured an array of conflicts of interest and undisclosed gifts by justices, prompting the panel to recommend the nations highest court establish an enforceable code of conduct. Both 2021 trips had not been reported publicly before. In July, Crow flew Thomas from Omaha, Nebraska, to Saranac, New York, on his private jet and hosted him at Camp Topridge, Crows 105-acre property in the Adirondacks. The second occurred months later in October, when Crow flew Thomas roundtrip from Washington, D.C. to New Jersey for the dedication of a statue. The conservative justice stayed with the billionaire in New York on his yacht, the report says. These trips were revealed in a letter from Crow to the committee. open image in gallery Justice Clarence Thomas sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. A Judiciary Committee report by Democratic staff accuses him of failing to disclose two additional trips paid for by billionaire Harlan Crow ( Getty Images ) The additional trips fell in a long list of other luxury gifts, accommodations and modes of travel from 1992 through 2023 that Thomas had received from Crow and others had been previously made public. The value of these gifts is difficult to calculate, particularly because the majority of luxury travel Justice Thomas has accepted over the last two decades remains undisclosed, but some estimates place the value over $4.75 million, the report states. Beyond Thomas, the report also dove into the 258 trips that late Justice Antonin Scalia took without reporting them in financial disclosures in contravention of federal law. The late conservative justice established the practice of accepting lavish gifts without disclosing them and took more subsidized trips than any other justice, the Democratic staff members said. Justice Samuel Alito also didnt disclose a fishing trip he took to Alaska in 2008, the report said. This trip, which had previously been reported by ProPublica in 2023, included flying roundtrip on a private jet and lodging, the committee said. Before ProPublica publicized its article, Alito penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal denying any wrongdoing. While the Judiciary Committee report lists questionable conduct regarding gifts and use of office by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch as well as former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the awards or gifts they accepted were at least partially disclosed, the report says, placing Alito, Thomas, and Scalia in a different category. open image in gallery In this handout provided by the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, (L-R) Associate Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan pose at a courtesy visit in the Justices Conference Room September 30, 2022 in Washington, DC. ( Supreme Court of the United States ) Scrutiny of partially or fully gifted trips taken by any justice allows for a proper accounting of whether those entrusted with immense power have conflicts of interest or other forms of bias, the Democratic staff members wrote. This is why the gifts Justices Alito, Scalia, and Thomas have chosen not to disclose are a distinct problem; they are hiding this conduct and consequently their potential conflicts of interest and biases from proper scrutiny. The committee renewed lawmakers call for an enforceable code of ethics. Whether failing to disclose lavish gifts or failing to recuse from cases with apparent conflicts of interest, its clear that the justices are losing the trust of the American people at the hands of a gaggle of fawning billionaires, Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin said in a statement following the reports release. The highest court in the land cant have the lowest ethical standards. So long as Chief Justice Roberts and the Judicial Conference refuse to act, we must push for a legislative solution to this crisis to restore trust in the highest court, the Illinois Democrat continued. In November 2023, months after ProPublica investigation, the Supreme Court released a code of conduct detailing the rules that justices should adhere to but made no mention of how the code would be enforced or the consequences for violating the code. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ahmed Moor thinks about his family in Gaza every day. His uncle has been seeking shelter from the relentless Israeli airstrikes for more than a year, and finding none. He has lost cousins and extended family to sniper fire and bombing. Now, the Palestinian-American father of three is suing Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the State Department for their role in the carnage, accusing them of violating U.S. law by providing the weapons and support for Israels devastating onslaught. Moor joined a group of Palestinians and their families in filing the lawsuit against the State Department for failing to adhere to a 1997 law. The Leahy Law prohibits U.S. assistance to foreign security forces that are credibly implicated in gross human rights violations. I think the lawsuit represents one of the few ways that we can seek to directly hold our government to account for this mass atrocity, which is being perpetrated in Gaza through the active participation of the U.S., Moor tells The Independent. The legal action, which is being supported by rights groups Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), argues that the State Department created a set of unique, insurmountable processes to evade the Leahy Law requirement to sanction abusive Israeli units, despite overwhelming evidence of their human rights violations. The lawsuit represents the first time victims have alleged the governments calculated failure to follow the Leahy Law. Moor, a writer, was born in Rafah and moved to the U.S. as a child. He has been an active campaigner for Palestinian rights for most of his adult life, and today writes on Palestinian issues from his home in Philadelphia. open image in gallery A Palestinian man and his children sit in a destroyed room following the targeting or a residential building by an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 22, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group. ( AFP via Getty Images ) But much of his extended family still lives in Gaza and faces a daily battle for survival. His uncle was living in Gaza City when the war started in October last year; he has been displaced with his family seven times since. First they moved to a relatives house in Khan Younis, until that was bombed. Today they are all living in a camp. His cousins son was killed by a sniper a few weeks ago in Rafah. Another cousin was killed along with his wife and daughter, buried alive in a bombing. Its hard to describe the conditions that people are living in, Moor says. Imagine living in a tent. Imagine not having a future, where the struggle for life really is about the next half day or so can you secure enough to eat? Can you survive the human crush, the indignities of all that? His familys story is common across Gaza. Much of the territory has been reduced to rubble and Israeli jets regularly target so-called safe zones, often killing large numbers of civilians in single strikes. But despite clear and credible evidence of mass human rights violations by Israel in carrying out the war, the U.S. has continued to send weapons and aid without interruption. The Biden administration has sent more than $17bn in military aid to Israel since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack in southern Israel that killed hundreds of Israelis. A United Nations commission found in June that Israel was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. It said Israeli authorities are responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or wilful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, forcible transfer, sexual violence, torture and inhuman or cruel treatment, arbitrary detention and outrages upon personal dignity. The lawsuit argues that evidence of Israeli abuses in Gaza were routinely ignored, or worked around by the State Department, which put its ideological commitment to Israel above its obligations under the law. The Independents own reporting, based on leaked documents from the U.S. Agency for International Development and testimony from former State Department officials, found that the U.S. governments own investigations into possible war crimes committed by Israel were being hamstrung by the Biden administrations political desire for the support to continue unabated. open image in gallery Palestinians watch smoke billowing as they wait for a food portion at a distribution centre south of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on December 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Theres no incentive to investigate if the president and the White House themselves have announced that aid is unconditional, Brian Finucane, who worked for a decade in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the State Department advising on arms transfers and the laws of war, told The Independent in April. That means they dont want to hear inconvenient legal conclusions, he added. Moor says he is not under any illusions that the lawsuit will end the war in Gaza, but he does believe it could force future administrations to follow the law. The U.S. is a nation of laws. The question of whether we obey the law doesnt come down to the secretarys prerogative or the presidents prerogative you follow the law, he said. Beyond that, Moor hopes that it may provide a record of precisely how key figures in the Biden administration worked to shield Israel from U.S. law in order for it to contin carry out the widescale atrocities. Im hopeful that its going to contribute to this record of who did what and who participated in what, he says. Im not naive enough to think that theres going to be kind of a war crimes commission, but I do think that the people whove worked hard to destroy Gaza thats Joe Biden and Blinken, [White House national security advisor] Jake Sullivan, Brett McGurk theyve earned this brand, this Scarlett Letter, this genocide, and I hope they carry it for the rest of their lives. Often you hear this word complicity, but I think complicity is the wrong descriptor here, he adds. I think the United States, the State Department, the Biden administration has actively participated as a matter of policy and the extermination of Palestinian life in Gaza. An investigation from The Independent earlier this year revealed that the Biden administration rejected or ignored pleas to use its leverage to persuade Israel which has received billions of dollars in U.S. military support to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza to prevent famine. Administration officials provided diplomatic cover for Israel to create the conditions for famine by blocking international aid efforts and attempts to alleviate the crisis, making the delivery of aid almost impossible, The Independent found. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria in Australia has prompted warnings from the countrys chief health officer as it spreads through suburban Melbourne. Professor Ben Cowie warned the region of Victoria that cases of Buruli ulcer remained high across the state, with a recent increase in infections linked to the suburb of Ascot Vale. Lesions typically present as a slowly enlarging painless lump or wound which can initially be mistaken for an insect bite, he said. Thought to be spread through mosquitoes, he said the lump then develops into a destructive skin ulcer. While he warned everyone is susceptible to infection, it more commonly occurs in people aged over 60. In a health advisory, he said the disease was spreading geographically and was no longer restricted to specific coastal locations, with health officials being notified of 344 cases as of 17 December. How to prevent Buruli ulcer Prof Cowie advised people to cover up with loose, light clothing, avoid mosquito-prone areas and use personal insect repellent. Prompt treatment can significantly reduce skin loss and tissue damage, and avoid the need for more intensive treatment, he added. The incubation period varies from four weeks to nine months. The lesion of Buruli ulcer may occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on exposed areas of the limbs. The disease has become endemic in the New South Wales town of Batemans Bay, with scientists analysing samples of possum. It is understood that possums are known to develop the ulcers, with mosquitoes playing a role in transmitting it to humans. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk has sparked outrage after describing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as the countrys saviour, with figures in Berlin urging the US billionaire to stay out of their politics. In a post on X, Mr Musks social media platform, the mogul wrote that only the AfD can save Germany. His message topped a video, which he retweeted, of a German right-wing influencer, Naomi Seibt, known for her closeness to the AfD and for denying human-caused climate change. German health minister Karl Lauterbach, called Mr Musks intervention - which came just weeks before a snap election - undignified and highly problematic. Mr Lauterbach accused the tech billionaire of election interference and called for authorities to keep a close eye on the goings-on on X. It is very disturbing, the way in which the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk, he said. Europes leading power is expected to vote on 23 February after the centre-left coalition government led by chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed. Asked about Mr Musks comment at a news conference with his Estonian counterpart, Mr Scholz said: We have freedom of opinion it also goes for multibillionaires, but freedom of opinion also means that you can say things that arent right and dont contain good political advice. I say emphatically that the democratic parties in Germany all see it differently, he added. Meanwhile, former German MEP Elmar Brok dismissed Musks comment as the world domination fantasies of the American tech kings. The AfD is running second in opinion polls and may be able to thwart either a centre-right or centre-left majority, but Germanys mainstream, more centrist parties have vowed to shun support from the AfD at a national level. The German government said it had taken note of Mr Musks post but declined to give any further comment at its regular press conference. Matthias Miersch, secretary-general of Mr Scholzs Social Democrats, told the media outlet T-online that Germany did not need foreign influences or Trumpism, adding: Stay out, Elon. Earlier on Friday, the German government was asked whether Mr Musks comment would have any consequences for its own presence on X. Spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann noted that the German government has expressed concern about how X has developed since Mr Musk took over the social media site formerly known as Twitter, but has concluded time and again that it will stay because it is an important medium to reach and inform people and it brings significant disadvantages if the government, or the chancellor, is not represented on relevant social media. In the video shared by the tech billionaire, Ms Seibt criticised Friedrich Merz, chancellor candidate for the conservatives, who are comfortably ahead in the polls. Mr Musk, the worlds richest person and a major ally of Donald Trump, has already expressed support for other anti-immigration parties across Europe, including Nigel Farages Reform in the UK. Mr Farage posted a photo of himself and Reforms treasurer meeting Musk at Mr Trumps Florida residence, and said he was in talks with Mr Musk about financial support. Reports suggest that Mr Musk is considering donating as much as $100 million (80m). He would not be able to support the AfD in the same way, because non-EU foreigners are only allowed to donate up to a maximum of 1,000, according to German law. open image in gallery Elon Musk has repeatedly shared misinformation about UK politics on his social media platform X ( Getty ) Reacting to Mr Musks endorsement, Alice Weidel, the AfDs chancellor candidate, posted on X: Yes! You are perfectly right! Ms Weidel then plugged a recent interview she gave on, as she put it, how socialist [Angela] Merkel ruined our country and how the Soviet European Union was destroying Germany. Her video was later reposted on Tommy Robinsons X account alongside the message: Make Europe Great Again. open image in gallery Musk calls himself Donald Trumps First Buddy ( Getty ) Mr Musk had already voiced support for the AfD last year, when he attacked the German governments handling of illegal migration. Why is there such a negative reaction from some about AfD? the tech billionaire wrote on X in June. They keep saying far right, but the policies of AfD that Ive read about dont sound extremist. Maybe Im missing something. Last month, Mr Musk called for the sacking of Italian judges who had questioned the legality of government measures to prevent irregular immigration. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police have arrested a 50-year-old man after a car ploughed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others. At least five people - including a nine-year-old boy and four women - were killed in the attack as the suspect is remanded in custody. Footage showed the vehicle breaking through barriers before speeding 400 metres through the crammed fairytale-like Magdeburg market. Here is everything we know about the suspect so far. Who is the suspect? open image in gallery A smashed up car allegedly belonging to the suspect behind a police cordon ( AFP via Getty Images ) The suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, named by German media as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. On Saturday evening, he was remanded into custody after appearing in court. The judge ordered pre-trial detention for five counts of murder, multiple attempted murder and multiple counts of dangerous bodily harm, its statement said. Authorities confirmed that he first came to Germany in 2006 and later gained refugee status in 2016. Local media reported that he had shown support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), with a Saudi source telling Reuters that the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. A German security source told the news agency that tips sent by the Saudi authorities in 2023 and 2024 had been passed on to the relevant authorities. Newspaper Die Welt cited security sources as saying that a risk assessment conducted by state and federal investigators concluded that the man posed no specific danger. Interior minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday: At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamophobic we can confirm that. Everything else is a matter for further investigation and we have to wait. open image in gallery Far-right demonstrators take part in a protest on Saturday after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany ( Reuters ) In the days since his arrest, an interview the suspect gave to the BBC in 2019 has resurfaced. In the video, he is seen speaking about a website he designed to help former Muslims flee the Gulf region. He worked as a psychiatric doctor in the nearby town of Bernburg, with his workplace issuing a statement describing their shock at the attack. Posting on Instagram, the Salus-Fachklinikum Bernburg clinic said it was shocked to learn that the alleged perpetrator worked as a specialist doctor in our enforcement in Bernburg. It added that the suspect had been employed there as a psychiatric specialist since March 2020, but he had not been working since October due to illness and holiday. open image in gallery A policeman is seen at the Christmas market where an incident happened in Magdeburg ( AP ) German public broadcaster MDR previously reported that police suspected there could be explosives in the suspects car, but police later confirmed none were found after closer inspection. Follow our live coverage of the incident here How many people have died? At least five people were killed in the shocking incident, authorities confirmed. One of those killed was a nine-year-old child. Authorities confirmed on Saturday that 200 people have been injured, including 40 very seriously. German chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern about the condition of those injured. He told reporters: Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. Mr Haseloff told reporters earlier that additional deaths could not be ruled out due to the number of people injured. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A driver rammed a car into a crowd of shoppers at a busy German Christmas market on Friday evening, killing at least five people and injuring 200. An extensive police operation is underway following the attack at the market in the German city of Magdeburg that happened at around 7pm local time on Friday. Four women and a nine-year-old boy have been killed, with 41 people thought to still be critically injured. A 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia was arrested on Friday following the attack and has been remanded in custody. Identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, he has been in the country since 2006 and according to local media outlets, he reportedly sympathised with the countrys far-right Alternative for Germany party. How many people have died or injured? open image in gallery Debris litters the floor of the Christmas market following the attack ( AP ) At least five people were killed in the shocking incident, Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff confirmed on Saturday. He told reporters at the scene that 200 people were injured. According to German media, 41 of these are in critical condition, 90 are seriously injured and a further 80 suffered minor injuries. Magdeburg police confirmed that a nine-year-old boy was among the dead, and that the other victims were four women, aged 45, 52, 67 and 75. Mr Haseloff spoke alongside German chancellor Olaf Scholz, who expressed concern about the condition of those injured. Scholz told reporters. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. Earlier, Mr Haseloff told reporters earlier that additional deaths could not be ruled out due to the number of people injured. Who is the suspect? open image in gallery The black smashed up BMW pictured at the scene following the attack ( AFP via Getty Images ) The suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, named by German media as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. On Saturday evening, he was remanded into custody after appearing in a court, police said. The judge ordered pre-trial detention for five counts of murder, multiple attempted murder and multiple counts of dangerous bodily harm, its statement said. Authorities confirmed that he first came to Germany in 2006 and later gained refugee status in 2016. Local media reported that he had shown support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), with a Saudi source telling Reuters that the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. A German security source told the news agency that tips sent by the Saudi authorities in 2023 and 2024 had been passed on to the relevant authorities. Newspaper Die Welt cited security sources as saying that a risk assessment conducted by state and federal investigators concluded that the man posed no specific danger. Interior minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday: At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamophobic we can confirm that. Everything else is a matter for further investigation and we have to wait. He worked as a psychiatric doctor in the nearby town of Bernburg, with his workplace issuing a statement describing their shock at the attack. Posting on Instagram, the Salus-Fachklinikum Bernburg clinic said it was shocked to learn that the alleged perpetrator worked as a specialist doctor in our enforcement in Bernburg. It added that the suspect had been employed there as a psychiatric specialist since March 2020, but he had not been working since October due to illness and holiday. Fairytale market turns into war-like scenes open image in gallery Police officers guard at a cordoned-off area near the Christmas Market ( AP ) A witness told German newspaperMitteldeutsche Zeitung that she and her children jumped out of the path of the careering vehicle as it drove into the crowd. The anonymous witness described the area as a fairytale before the attack. A man who runs a burger stand told the newspaper that the driver sped past his stall and described the aftermath as war-like. Another witness told Bild that her boyfriend was hit and she is frantically trying to locate him. The woman, named Nadine, 32, told the newspaper that she had her arm around him when the car came hurtling towards them. He was hit and pulled away from my side. He was terrible. Nobody even screamed. You couldnt even hear the car. She said her boyfriend sustained head and leg injuries and she doesnt know where he is. We dont know which hospital he went to, she said. The uncertainty is unbearable. Where is the Christmas market? The Christmas market is in the city of Magdeburg, which is west of Berlin. It is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has a population of 240,000. The large market was bustling on the last Friday before Christmas and was packed with shoppers. It was evacuated immediately after the attack and organisers have urged the public to stay away from the area. Footage from the scene of a cordoned-off part of the market showed debris from festive stalls on the ground. Just yesterday, a service marking the eighth anniversary of an attack on a Christmas market in Berlin took place. In 2016, an attack carried out by Anis Amri killed 13 people and injured dozens more when he drove into a crowd. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The German city of Magdeburg is in a state of mourning following an attack on a busy Christmas market which killed at least five people and left hundreds more injured. Tributes piled up on Saturday as state leaders visited the site of the attack where a driver rammed a car into crowds at around 7pm on Friday. As a clearer picture of what happened emerged, Germanys chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to use the full strength of the law as he called for unity across the country. The official death toll rose throughout the day, with five people including a nine-year-old child confirmed dead and a further 200 injured. Mr Scholz expressed his concern for 40 of the injured, who are believed to be in a critical condition. open image in gallery Tributes piled up as state leaders visited the site of the attack where a driver ploughed a car into crowds at around 7pm on Friday ( Reuters ) open image in gallery The official death toll rose throughout the day, with five people including a child confirmed dead and a further 200 injured ( AFP via Getty Images ) Minutes after the attack, the suspect was apprehended as he surrendered in the middle of the road before lying on the ground as he was taken into custody. His motives have not yet been confirmed but he is known to be a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, who moved to Germany in 2006 and later gained refugee status in 2016. He has been named by German media as Taleb A and has reportedly shown support for the countrys far-right Alternative for Germany party, though the party said he did not hold membership. A Saudi source told Reuters the kingdom had warned German authorities about the suspect, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. A German security source told the news agency that tips sent by the Saudi authorities in 2023 and 2024 had been passed on to the relevant authorities. Newspaper Die Welt cited security sources as saying that a risk assessment conducted by state and federal investigators concluded that the man posed no specific danger. Interior minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday: At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamophobic we can confirm that. Everything else is a matter for further investigation and we have to wait. open image in gallery The Christmas market in Magdeburg has remained closed since the attack ( DPA/Zentralbild ) open image in gallery The street where the suspect is believed to have lived in Bernburg, south of Magdeburg ( Reuters ) He worked as a psychiatric doctor in the nearby town of Bernburg, with his workplace issuing a statement describing their shock at the attack. Posting on Instagram, the Salus-Fachklinikum Bernburg clinic said it was shocked to learn that the alleged perpetrator worked as a specialist doctor in our enforcement in Bernburg. It added that the suspect had been employed there as a psychiatric specialist since March 2020, but he had not been working since October due to illness and holiday. Members of the Magdeburg community gathered to pay tribute to the victims at a nearby church on Saturday, with locals and politicians laying flowers, lighting candles and leaving teddy bears. open image in gallery Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff who addressed reporters together at the market on Saturday morning ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery A memorial service will be held in the city on Saturday night at 7pm local time ( AP ) A memorial service was held in the citys cathedral on Saturday night, with Mr Scholz and Germanys president Frank-Walter Steinmeier joining hundreds of people who gathered to express their grief alongside tributes of candles, flowers and teddy bears. Addressing reporters alongside Mr Scholz at the market on Saturday morning, Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff said it was astonishing and unimaginable that something like this could happen in Germany, as he thanked emergency services workers. Mr Scholz went on to pledge government support for those who needed it as he condemned the attack as barbaric. Calling for unity, he added: We should not allow those who wish to sow hate to do so. Amid concerns that the incident could be exploited by the far right ahead of Februarys national elections, the scene of a memorial in Magdeburg was reported to have become more politically charged as the day progressed on Saturday. By the time AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla arrived at the memorial, the crowd was filled with young people who had responded from all around east Germany to calls by the far-right partys youth wing on social media to attend a vigil, Reuters reported. Andrea Reis, who had been at the market on Friday, returned on Saturday with her daughter Julia to place a candle by the church overlooking the site. She said that had it not been for a matter of moments, they may have been in the cars path. I said, Lets go and get a sausage, but my daughter said, No lets keep walking around. If wed stayed where we were wed have been in the cars path, she said. Tears ran down her face as she described the scene. Children screaming, crying for mama. You cant forget that, she said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The youngest victim of the attack on a Christmas market in Germany has been named by his family. In a heartbreaking social media post, the mother of nine-year-old Andre Gleissner paid tribute to her little teddy bear following the incident on Friday night. He was one of five people who were killed when a BMW rammed into a bustling Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg at around 7pm. open image in gallery Andre Gleissner was the youngest victim of the Christmas market attack in Germany ( Facebook ) Desiree Gleissner wrote on Facebook: Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again. Andre didnt do anything to anybody. He was only with us on earth for nine years. Why you? Just why? She added: You will always live on in our hearts I promise you that. The fire department in Schoppenstedt, around an hours drive from the city, said Andre was a member of the childrens fire brigade in Warle. Saying he left us much too soon, the brigade added: Our thoughts are with Andres relatives, who we also want to support during this difficult time. A fundraiser has been set up on behalf of his mother to support his family as they move through the journey of grief at their own pace. open image in gallery Tributes to the victims are seen outside the Johanniskirche in the eastern German city of Magdeburg ( AFP via Getty ) It described Andre as having a joy for life and really looking forward to Christmas before his visit to the market ended in unbelievable tragedy. Almost 50,000 (41,000) has been raised so far, with the friend who set up the GoFundMe page saying the family was overwhelmed by the support. More than 200 others were injured in the attack, 41 severely, while another four women were killed. open image in gallery The Christmas market where the attack took place now lies empty ( AP ) In the days since the attack, anger has grown over security concerns and warnings given to authorities about the suspect. Local media reported he had shown support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party, with a Saudi source telling Reuters that he had posted extremist views on his personal X account and the kingdom had warned German authorities about him. A German security source told Reuters that tips sent by the Saudi authorities in 2023 and 2024 had been passed on to the relevant authorities. Newspaper Die Welt cited security sources as saying that a risk assessment conducted by state and federal investigators concluded the man posed no specific danger. German chancellor Olaf Scholz was heckled by angry members of the public when he arrived at the scene on Saturday. Mr Scholz went on to pledge government support for those who needed it as he condemned the attack as barbaric. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pope Francis used his annual Christmas greetings to tell Vatican bureaucrats on Saturday to stop speaking ill of one another, warning that gossip is an evil. A wheezing and congested-sounding Francis, who just turned 88, urged the prelates instead to speak well of one another and undertake a humble examination of their consciences in the Christmas holiday season. A church community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the life of humility, renouncing evil thinking and speaking ill of others, Francis said. Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens peoples hearts and leads to nothing. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero. Beware of this, he added. By now Franciss annual address to the priests, bishops and cardinals who work in the Vatican Curia has become a lesson in humility and humiliation as Francis offers a public dressing down of some of the sins in the workplace at the headquarters of the Catholic Church. open image in gallery Pope Francis in the Vatican ( AP ) In the most biting edition, in 2014, Francis listed the 15 ailments of the Curia, in which he accused the prelates of using their Vatican careers to grab power and wealth. He accused them of living hypocritical double lives and forgetting due to spiritual Alzheimers that theyre supposed to be joyful men of God. In 2022, Francis warned them that the devil lurks among them, saying it is an elegant demon that works in people who have a rigid, holier-than-thou way of living the Catholic faith. This year, Francis revisited a theme he has often warned about: gossiping and speaking ill of people behind their backs. It was a reference to the sometimes toxic atmosphere in closed environments such as the Vatican or workplaces where office gossip and criticism circulate. Francis has long welcomed frank and open debates and even has welcomed criticism of his own work. But he has urged critics to tell it to his face, and not behind his back. The annual appointment kicks off Franciss busy Christmas schedule, this year made even more strenuous because of the start of the Vaticans Holy Year on Christmas Eve. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It was only when the stench seeping out of the ground became unbearable that Ahmed* realised the full horror of what he was being made to dig each day. In a remote location, around 25 miles (40 kilometres) northeast of the Syrian capital Damascus, regime officials had ordered the excavator to dig trenches 100 metres long, four metres wide, and three metres deep. It was 2012 just one year after the start of the revolution in Syria against the regime of Bashar al-Assad and the start of what would become a decade-long bloody civil war. Ahmed, now 47, who worked the morning shift, was told it was military work no questions could be asked. The ground was hard, and the diggers strained against the rocky earth. I only discovered what was happening here after I had dug about four trenches. Then I realised it was a mass grave, he tells The Independent at the site in Qutayfah, now walled off but still untouched after the fall of the Assad regime just a week beforehand. Four armoured vehicles, mounted with satellites and containing what appear to be Russian manuals and belongings, are stationed at each corner. A few objects, that look like bones, are scattered on the ground of the otherwise empty, scrubby patch of land. After digging the fourth trench, Ahmed says he noticed that the holes he had dug were being inexplicably covered up by a different team who clearly worked the later shift. Then the smell started. One month in, the workers could only toil with scarves around their noses and mouths. The smell coming from the ground was so bad we realised it must be from bodies. Every day I dug I realised that a different bulldozer would come later to cover it, Ahmed says, a little dazed. Horrified, he tried to quit, but was threatened by regime soldiers who insisted he continue the work. I feared I would end up in the trench like the other bodies, he continues. open image in gallery A drone view shows the site of the mass grave in a remote location around 25 miles northeast of the Syrian capital Damascus ( Reuters ) That terror only worsened when his own brother, a soldier conscripted into the military, was arrested in 2013 on unknown charges in the city of Al-Tall which sits in the countryside of Damascus province. A brother who, more than a decade later, is still missing. I keep thinking, what if my brother was among the bodies they were burying? I was affected so badly I couldnt eat, Ahmed says. Rights groups, foreign governments and Syrian citizens have long accused Assad and his father Hafez, who ruled for five decades between them, of widespread enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and extrajudicial killings including mass executions within the countrys notorious prison system. Assad has repeatedly denied that his government committed human rights violations, painting his detractors as extremists. But since Assads shock overthrow by rebels, and hasty flight out of the country last week, people have been able for the first time access sites like this one revealing the scale of the killings. The International Commission on Missing Persons, in The Hague, said it had received data indicating there may be as many as 66, as yet unverified, mass grave sites in Syria. open image in gallery Alaa, who lives locally, says he was detained for over a year after taking photos of a dog dragging what he thought was a human leg out of the site ( Bel Trew ) Qutayfah was first identified by the team at the US-based advocacy group Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), after gravediggers who had managed to escape and seek asylum in Western countries came forward with their chilling stories. The SETF matched their testimonies to satellite imagery showing excavation work over the course of several years. Mouaz Moustafa, the founder of SETF, whose own uncle was disappeared by the regime, joins The Independent at the site. He says this was just one of at least six possible mass graves they had identified, holding potentially hundreds of thousands of people who had been disappeared by the regime. From their investigations, the SETF believe that as many as 800 bodies arrived per week from 2013 to 2017 to Qutayfah. They believe it was chosen as a location because it was a closed military zone, and because an earlier mass grave in Najha, around 40 kilometres south, had filled up. The SETF believes Qutayfah ceased to be operational when it too filled up in 2017 and, at some point, walls were built around it to shield it from the prying eyes of the outside world. We went back in the timeline and you could see the trenches on site. Anyone can do it. Go to Google Earth, put in this location, and go back in the timeline. You see excavators digging. You see trucks, giant trailer trucks full of human beings. You can see the scale of it, Mr Moustafa says. You have a state which has conducted a machinery of death and state terror against its own people Ambassador Stephen J Rapp, war crimes prosecutor Stephen J Rapp a top international war crimes prosecutor and former US ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues, who is working with the SETF to document the mass graves and identify officials implicated in war crimes also visits the site. He tells The Independent that the mass grave was part of the machinery of death and state terror that the Assad regime used against its own people for decades. He has also said that, given the scale of the mass graves, it was more than likely that tens of thousands of people were tortured to death something we really havent seen since the Nazis. What makes Syria unique in the 21st century is the intense documentation of the sites by the Assad government itself. Its a regime that was document mad, Mr Rapp continues, adding that he identified nearly 100 centres, from military intelligence branches to prisons, containing substantial amounts of evidence of the crimes. A bureaucracy so detailed and damning it was almost stupid. He says that such vital evidence urgently needs to be secured across the country, with desperate family members looking for missing relatives having combed mass grave sites, prisons, morgues and hospitals, looking for any evidence of their missing relatives. At the moment, there is no real security, and people are coming in and trying to find information on their families and taking files away, Mr Rapp says. Its going to take a real commitment on the part of the transitional authorities to provide that security. open image in gallery The gates to the mass grave in Qutayfah which were erected at some point after 2016 ( Bel Trew ) At Qutayfah which has so far remained untouched because it is so remote residents who live locally shed more light on the horror here. Alaa, 33, tells The Independent the local community began noticing the site in 2013 but dared not ask about it. All they knew was that trucks came in the middle of the night to deliver something. That changed in 2016, as he was riding his motorcycle past, and he saw a dog dragging out what looked like a human leg. I stopped to take pictures, and the soldier arrested me at the guard point and took me to the nearby town. Then I was imprisoned for a year and a half in the security branches, he says, explaining how he was held in the notorious cells of the military investigations branches 293 and 227 which have underground dungeon cells that The Independent has visited. The regime accused him of taking photos to hand to the opposition. After I was released, I saw they had put this wall up, Alaa adds. Facing the possibility of jail and torture himself on the same charges, Ahmed the gravedigger says he was too terrified to quit his job. He also panicked, fearing his own brother was among the dead, and started secretly sharing his brothers photos with the other workers in case they spotted him. open image in gallery What looks like a bone on the ground at Al-Qutayfah mass grave site ( Bel Trew ) Imagine 11 trenches how many bodies can they fit into that? They put them in randomly, he says. I was so terrified of leaving the job in case they put me in these trenches and accused me of speaking about what happened. In desperation, he and his fellow workers decided to deliberately work slowly. The plan worked: they were eventually sacked for inefficiency. Before that it was a nightmare, like a double-edged sword. If I left, there would be a problem; if I stayed, there would be a problem. Eventually they let us go. The SETFs Mr Moustafa says Syria needs the international community to come to the country to help find the tens if not hundreds of thousands of missing people, the vast majority of whom are now believed to be dead in mass graves like Qutayfah. This story is mine. And its everyones. Its every human being who has a heart, its everyones story, he says from the grave site, crumbling into tears. Because if we let things like this happen, its not just about Syria, Mr Moustafa says. It means you can be a dictator and use chemical weapons and cluster bombs and torture to death in order to hold on to power, and the world will normalise [it] and let it happen. *Names have been changed Eyewitness footage from a nearby building shows police swarming an individual and arresting them, after a car was driven into a busy Christmas market in eastern Germany. At least four have died, including a toddler, following the attack around 7PM on Friday (20 September). Local reports now put the number of injured to at least 200. Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, identified by German media as Taleb A. World leaders have condemned the attack, with prime minister Keir Starmer saying he was horrified by the incident. Christmas without Guinness how Guinfluencers and celebrity fans have caused a UK shortage of the black stuff Irish bars in Britain feeling the loss at a key time of year for sales Kim Kardashian shared photos of her trip to a pub in London where she drank Guinness with friends Maeve McTaggart Sat 21 Dec 2024 at 03:30 Many pubs in the UK are facing into a Christmas without Guinness as its growing popularity has led to a shortage, with publicans saying some customers are going from pub to pub in search of a pint of the popular stout. Concerns raised about the temperament of hothead witness as plans lined up for protection programme Former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall will celebrate his last Christmas behind bars at Limerick Prison, as plans for his relocation overseas under the Witness Security Programme (WSP) ramp up. Dowdall (45) is due for release from jail in October, it is understood. It can be revealed that the convicted torturer has asked gardai to set him up with a new life in America, after he was formally accepted into the highly secretive programme following psychological and other assessments. Sophie Toscan du Plantiers family appeal to those concealing the truth in murder case to come forward Loved ones seek closure 28 years after murder and now that prime suspect Ian Bailey is dead Sophie Toscan du Plantier with her arm in a sling after breaking her wrist on her first day in Ireland, with Trish McKiernan of the host family in Dublin Senan Molony Mon 23 Dec 2024 at 03:30 The son, brother and uncle of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier have taken out a newspaper advert asking those who know the truth about her murder to come forward. Mum-of-one Paula was found dead in her home in Gorey, Co Wexford in the early hours of Thursday morning. Funeral details have been announced for Paula Lawlor who was found dead in her home in Gorey, Co Wexford in the early hours of Thursday morning. The 32-year-old was originally from Tallaght but had lived in Gorey for most of her life, attending the local secondary school in the town. Gardai initially suspected she had died as a result of strangulation and a man was arrested later that morning. However, he has now been released without charge after a post-mortem indicated the young womans death was not the result of being strangled. Paulas funeral details have now been announced as her family and friends continue to pay tribute to her. Paula Lawlor She will be laid to rest on Sunday, December 28, following a funeral mass in St Marks Church, Springfield in Dublin at 10am followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium at 12pm. Her death notice reads: Beloved daughter of the late Sheila and Brendan and adored granddaughter of the late Eamon and Kathleen. "Paula will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her heartbroken family especially her adored daughter Layla Rose, all her aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and wide circle of friends. Paulas body was discovered after gardai were called to her home at around 3am on Thursday morning. Gardai initially feared foul play was involved and arrested a man known to Paula. However, it is believed a post-mortem has now determined that it is likely she did not die as the result of strangulation. The late Paula Lawlor. Gardai are now awaiting the results of a toxicology report to fully determine Ms Lawlors exact cause of death. Last night, tributes continued to flow in for the tragic young mum. One local woman wrote: You were in my daughters year in school and much loved by your parents whom I knew. I am so sad for your beautiful daughter and I will pray she has a beautiful life as beautiful as you darling girl RIP Paula xxx While another said: Sincere condolences to Layla on the passing of your dear mammy and all the family. "I knew her since she was a young girl, she grew into a beautiful, kind young lady. She was taken way too soon, fly high Paula and protect your daughter as you did when you were here. Your with your mammy and daddy now, may you rest in peace. Another local woman described Paula as having a heart of gold, writing: Paula, in the few years I knew you, you never failed to show the true you. A beautiful woman with a heart of gold. "You done your best for everybody you loved and cared for. Even the toughest times you were the strongest woman to stand. Tributes have been pouring in for a pensioner who tragically lost his life in a house fire in county Cavan on Thursday evening. Charlie Morgan, who was in his 80s, died in a blaze that broke out at his home at Drumina, Virginia, Co Cavan at around 10pm. Gardai and emergency services raced to the scene, but were unable to save the retired former forestry worker. His body was later removed to a mortuary at Cavan General Hospital for the purposes of a post mortem examination which took place yesterday afternoon. The scene itself was cordoned off for a number of hours to allow for a technical examination to get underway in a bid to determine how the fire broke out. From those initial inquiries, foul play has all but been ruled out. At approximately 10pm, gardai were alerted to a house fire and the body of a male (aged in his 80s) was discovered, a garda spokesperson said. Investigating gardai have preserved the scene as they work towards establishing the cause of the fire. The body was removed to Cavan Mortuary and a post mortem examination will be conducted in due course. Results of the post mortem and a technical examination of the scene will determine the course of the Garda investigation. In the interim, tributes to the much loved and well respected Charlie have been flooding in, many of which paid testament to Mr Morgans likeable persona and insatiable zest for life. Virginia will be all the poorer because of the loss of another of its legendary characters, said one local couple. Charlies smiling and friendly greeting, accompanied by his witty humour, enriched the lives of those who were lucky enough to have known him. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten by his many good neighbours and friends." Other tributes singled out the indelible mark Mr Morgan had left on the wider Virginia area where he worked as a local forestry worker for many years. He worked with my late father in the forest many years ago and many a great story l heard, wrote one local woman, describing Mr Morgan as one of lifes true characters and a gentleman. They were sentiments another local couple gave further weight to as they remembered a man who enriched the lives of a community that is still very much in mourning. Charlie was one of the greatest characters around Virginia, they said. Everyone will have had funny moments with him. He was also one of lifes gentlemen. A death notice on RIP.ie said Mr Morgan, who was a single man and lived alone, had passed unexpectedly at his home. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Ellen, his brothers Owen and Philip, his sister Sr Aloysius (Mary) and his nephew Gary, it read. Deeply regretted by his sister-in-law Josie, his nephews Philip, Killian and Dylan, his wonderful kind neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Local Cllr TP OReilly said locals were still trying to come to terms with the news and the loss of one of its most amiable and unique of personalities. It is very sad and unfortunate, he said. He was a great character who lived in a wee cottage on his own about two miles outside of Virginia. Follow Independent Cavan on Facebook He was well known in and around the town and was what you would call a good soul. People are in shock of course, but hopefully he didnt suffer. The late Mr Morgan will lie in repose at Matthews Funeral Home, Bailieborough Road, Virginia this evening from 5pm to 8pm ahead of hie removal and Funeral Mass to St. Patricks Church, Lurgan, Co Cavan tomorrow arriving at 2pm. A man has been hospitalised after a shooting in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 last night. The man was injured after shots were fired at a house. The man in his 20s was rushed to hospital to receive medical treatment. His injuries have been described as not life-threatening. Gardai responded to reports of a discharge of a firearm that occurred at a residence in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 at approximately 9.15pm on Friday, December 20, a Garda spokesperson said. A man (20s) was subsequently taken to hospital to receive medical treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. The spokesperson added that scene was examined by local Scenes of Crime during the night. No arrests have been made at this time, gardai added. Investigations are ongoing. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid speaks of peoples despair, but says Irish friendship gives a sense of hope A wounded Palestinian child receives treatment at a hospital in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike. Photo: Reuters President Michael D Higgins with Palestinian ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid and her family, including son Mohammed, husband Rami and daughters Sara and Mona at Aras an Uachtarain. Photo: Collins Halla Sourani answers the door of the Palestinian embassy with a gentle smile. Inside, she speaks softly, offering coffee and explaining that the ambassador will be ready in just a few minutes. Small talk reveals she has been in Ireland only a few months. She came here from Gaza, she says her and her daughter. Halla, ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid later explains, is just one example of the ends Palestinian women will go to in order to protect their children. She came to Ireland seeking asylum after her husband and a child were killed while the family tried to escape heavy bombardment in Gaza. Halla made it to Egypt with her surviving daughter and later came to Ireland, where she has a sister. She cycles nearly 10km every day to the embassy, where she volunteers. She keeps her head down and works hard, never complaining and always smiling. I want to cook for the children. Do I have water? Do I have the food? Do I have the bread to feed them? Behind it all, she is a 34-year-old widow who lost a child. She didnt have time to grieve, Dr Abdalmajid said. This is the way in Gaza. You havent got time to think about it. You are trying to survive, so you have to pick yourself up and get on with it. You just focus on survival. Every day, mothers in Gaza are trying to go about daily life under the threat of being killed, of their children being killed. They are waking up in tents, thinking, I need to protect my children. I want to go to take a shower. I want to cook for the children. Do I have water? Do I have the food? Do I have the bread to feed them? What will I do? How can I do this? This week, Dr Abdalmajid made history when she became the first Palestinian ambassador to Ireland. Since 2020, she has held the position of ambassador-head of mission for the Palestinian Authority. Her appointment as ambassador follows the establishment in September of formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Ireland and the state of Palestine. This upgrade in status means her diplomatic mission will enjoy the full range of privileges and immunities applicable under the Vienna Convention. Ireland is also due to have its presence in Ramallah in the West Bank upgraded from a representative office to a full embassy. Timing, they say, is everything. President Michael D Higgins with Palestinian ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid and her family, including son Mohammed, husband Rami and daughters Sara and Mona at Aras an Uachtarain. Photo: Collins The day before Dr Abdalmajid presented letters of credentials to President Michael D Higgins, Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin. Earlier this year, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, was recalled over Irelands decision to recognise the state of Palestine. On the departure of her Israeli counterpart, the ambassador declined to comment. She also declined to comment on the announcement about the permanent closure of the Israeli embassy. Ireland is supporting international law, she said. Ireland was consistent and clear in its position towards international law. Israel is the country that is acting with impunity, breaching international law. These are the countries that should be asked about their position, not the countries that abide by international law. Ireland is supporting human rights and humanitarian law. Despite holding the position of head of mission, Dr Abdalmajid said she has always been treated like an ambassador by Irish officials. However, her ambassador status will give her more clout. Recognition will have a huge impact on the international stage, particularly with other EU countries. The ambassador will have a four-year term in her current role. This is a huge moment for us, she said. I consider that this recognition not only comes from the Government or certain parties, it comes from the nation, from the people of Ireland. The Irish Government supports the two-state solution, for Israel and Palestine to live in peace In other countries, its about political parties. When the political parties change, the decision changes. Thats why I consider the recognition of Ireland as stronger because the Government has reflected the will of the people. The Irish Government supports the two-state solution, that is for Israel and Palestine to live in peace. After more than a year of bombing and homelessness, Gazans are looking to a new administration in Washington for help in finding a path to that peace. Donald Trumps election victory has raised hopes and fears among the five million residents of the Palestinian territories the war-torn Gaza strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The ambassador said Mr Trumps track record did not bode well for the people of Gaza, noting his decision to relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and his assertion that the occupied Golan Heights are part of Israel. Our previous experience with him was really very negative, she said. Even with the appointments for his administration, it gives us an indication that it will not be an easy period. We need to work hard, not by ourselves, but with the Arab League and the Islamic countries. We need to draw up a strategy on how to approach the new American administration and we need to know that what strengths we have and how we can influence this. A wounded Palestinian child receives treatment at a hospital in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike. Photo: Reuters On a personal level, Dr Abdalmajid is dealing with her own loss as a result of the conflict. At the beginning of the war, five of my direct cousins were killed with family, she said. It was 11 people. I was counting because I know them. After that, we lost some others from my mothers side as well. Then the numbers grew and now we are talking about dozens. Survival is not easy and there is so much uncertainty. You are under threat of being killed every day. Life for the Palestinian people is a daily struggle, the ambassador said. There is sadness and grief, but there is hope that Gaza can be rebuilt. It is not lost on me that there is a special understanding. I have been all over Ireland and people have shown their support Every day is a struggle, she said. Only 6pc of total aid is coming to Gaza. Thats around 60 trucks a day, which used to be 500 or 600 daily. People have nothing. They dont work. They live in the tents. It is a struggle for everyone, in particular women and girls there is no privacy. The most vulnerable people are the women and children. I always say that I never expected to be talking about starvation, about people dying from malnutrition. I used to see these images of starving children from areas around the world, but I never expected one day to see an image of a Palestinian child in that situation. I know that now life is not easy and it will not be easy for the next few years. Certain reports say it could take 10 to 15 years, but I also know that if it stopped today, people will start working to rebuild Gaza from tomorrow. In what was a momentous week, the ambassador acknowledged the unique affinity the Irish people have with the people of Palestine. It is not lost on me that there is a special understanding, she said. I have been all over Ireland and people have shown their support. They asked me what can they do to help. I say, Continue to talk about Gaza. This is the most important thing. I dont want the people just to stop talking about it. We need to talk and remind ourselves about what is going on there. Boy died of a cardiac arrest hours after admission The heartbroken parents of a six-year-old boy who died of a cardiac arrest less than 24 hours after he attended an emergency department last summer say they are desperate for answers about his hospital care. Logan Murphy from Macroom, Co Cork, died in Cork University Hospital (CUH) on August 13 with his parents by his bedside. The previously-healthy youngster had been admitted with abdominal pain. Logans mother, Lei Murphy, said: His last words were I cannot take it anymore. He had deteriorated before our eyes. Logan was in pain and could not say where it was coming from. We cannot believe he is dead and not with us. Ms Murphy was convinced they had taken every necessary precaution by bringing him to a GP after he complained of symptoms, before then taking him to hospital. Logans medical records state he complained of chest pain and had a continuously high heart rate of 127 beats per minute after being admitted to CUH. The differential diagnosis, or list of possible conditions, was either mesenteric adenitis a relatively common form of stomach pain in children or acute appendicitis. The hospital has set up an external review into his care. Meanwhile, Logans family are still waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination. The incident review will examine all aspects of Logans care over August 12 and 13 to ascertain if there is any aspect of the care delivered that could or should have been provided differently. It will try to establish the factual circumstances leading up to his death and identify any findings that contributed to it. Recommendations will be made, as appropriate, with the intention of reducing the risk of a similar tragedy happening again. When they asked him to rate his pain out of 10, he said nine Ms Murphy recalled how Logan complained of stomach pain and was throwing up on the afternoon of August 12. He was brought to their GP by her husband, Patrick. He was still happy out at that stage, walking but complaining that his leg was feeling numb, she said. The GP referred him to the emergency department and marked Logans case urgent. They arrived at about 5.30pm. Ms Murphy joined them after Logan was triaged. She recalls how they waited for two to three hours before her son was seen and tests were carried out. We got a room at around 3am, she said. He was exhausted and tired. When they asked him to rate his pain out of 10, he said nine. Cork University Hospital, where six-year-old Logan Murphy died He was admitted to the Puffin Ward for children and his parents were at his bedside through the night. An ultrasound was carried out in the morning and another scan was scheduled, but they were informed he needed to fast. I told Logan he was in good hands and safe in hospital, said Ms Murphy. However, they became increasingly concerned as his condition appeared to deteriorate and he turned an unusual colour. We expect this review to be conducted in a thorough, timely and transparent manner Logan said he needed to go to the toilet but could not go, his mother added. I tried to reassure him. I said Mummy loves you and he said I love you too. The childs condition worsened and he suffered a cardiac arrest which resulted in his death. His parents recall the terror of finding out their little boy was dead. He was looking forward to going into first class and loved to play with his friends, said Ms Murphy. He loved all his friends and they miss him so much. The family, including Logans sister Asia (10), are broken-hearted by his loss and want to find out if there were any missed opportunities in his care. Logan had been planning his seventh birthday in October. His family marked the day in sadness and grief. His parents will also relive his final hours as an inquest is expected to be held to determine the cause of death. A spokesman for CUH said it cannot comment on individual cases. Barrister Esther Earley and solicitor Niamh OBrien, who represent the family, said: We welcome the review into the tragic death of Logan in Cork University Hospital in August 2024. We await the findings in due course in respect of the care afforded to this child. Questions need to be answered in relation to how a healthy six-year-old boy can die of a cardiac arrest while he was under the care of the hospital. We expect this review to be conducted in a thorough, timely and transparent manner. If any deficiencies in his care are identified by this review process, they need to be acted upon without delay, to prevent a similar tragedy occurring at this hospital. The review team includes Prof Fiachra Cooke, consultant colorectal surgeon in University Hospital Waterford, and Prof Michael ONeill, a consultant paediatrician from Mayo University Hospital. This article was amended on December 21, 2024 to reflect that Logan Murphy died of cardiac arrest, and not of a heart attack. The woman was brought to Cork University Hospital shortly after 6pm A female pedestrian has been badly injured following an incident involving a car at the junction of Countess Road and Rookery Road, in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday evening. The woman, who is aged in her 60s, was brought to Cork University Hospital just after 6pm where her condition has been described as critical. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are examining the scene today Meanwhile, gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area between 5.15pm and 6.15pm are asked to make it available to investigating gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on (064) 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Cork University Hospital Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 21st Six friends aged in their 60s, 70s and 80s drove from Kerry to Mongolia in small, second-hand cars. Paddy Barry tells the story of their 15,000km journey Tim Luffingham emailed his idea to his old friend Mike Alexander. Mike suggested it to me. I passed the plan on to Kerryman Breanndan O Beaglaoich. And we were off in the summer of 2024, we were going to drive from Ireland to Mongolia, in three cars, two of us in each. Sarah Grace: Irish sexual assault survivors like me should no longer be denied the same brave choice that Gisele Pelicot made The Frenchwomans right to waive her anonymity from the outset of the trial was incredibly empowering, as it allowed her to step out of the shadows and into the light Gisele Pelicot speaks to the press as she leaves the courtroom in Avignon, France. Photo: Lewis Joly Sarah Grace Sat 21 Dec 2024 at 03:30 Gisele Pelicot, the picture of courage and defiance. Photos of the feminist icon have been shared around the world multiple times over her poise and elegant face, framed by a silky square haircut, now widely recognisable. With Christmas nearing, ferry disruptions between Ireland and the UK have raised concerns for Irish lorry drivers, with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) warning that many may be stranded in the UK. The crisis, caused by a combination of severe weather, technical issues, and the prolonged closure of Holyhead port, is putting immense pressure on supply chains and leaving many drivers unable to get home for Christmas. Ger Hyland, President of the IRHA, has called for urgent action from both ferry companies and UK authorities to resolve the backlog and prevent further delays. We also need to put pressure on the shipping companies to work on Christmas Day as we will have at least 50 Irish drivers sitting on the side of the road somewhere in the UK when they should be with their families, he said. The UK Government, its ports and the shipping companies themselves could do a lot more to alleviate this crisis. The Irish Government also need to increase the pressure on their counterparts in the UK to increase the productivity on the other side of the Irish Sea because, for example, we know that at least one port like Pembroke has a lot more capacity and could step into the breach far more strongly here, he added. The disruption began earlier this month when Storm Darragh severely damaged the Port of Holyhead in North Wales, a key ferry terminal for routes between Ireland and Great Britain. Holyhead is expected to remain closed until at least January 15, adding to the already strained transportation network. In response to the closure, ferry companies have been rerouting traffic, but these measures have not been enough to avoid significant delays and cancellations. Irish Ferries, one of the primary operators on the Irish Sea, has also faced challenges. On the evening of December 20, a technical issue with a ferry operating from Fishguard in Wales to Dublin caused delays, with the company apologising to passengers. However, for lorry drivers, the delays are more than an inconveniencethey represent missed opportunities to get home for Christmas, with potential financial and personal consequences. The IRHA has been vocal in its criticism of both the UK Government and the ferry operators for not doing enough to address the ongoing disruption. Hauliers have warned that the longer the delays continue, the more severe the impact will be, with rising costs for businesses and delays in delivering goods. The situation is particularly tense as the Christmas holiday period is one of the busiest for the transport sector, with both businesses and families relying on timely deliveries and services. In response to the crisis, the Irish Government has been in contact with Welsh authorities, and Taoiseach Mr Harris has discussed the issue with First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan. Both leaders have acknowledged the significant impact on people and traders, with Harris stressing the importance of ensuring sufficient capacity at alternative ports. "We discussed the need for workable alternatives while Holyhead remains closed," Harris said. "It is crucial for both Ireland and Wales to find solutions that support the movement of people and goods. This is particularly important as we approach Christmas." Despite these discussions, many Irish lorry drivers are concerned that the current measures are not enough to alleviate the backlog in time for Christmas. With weather conditions worsening and additional storms like Storm Eowyn expected in the coming days, the potential for further disruptions remains high. The IRHA is calling for both governments to increase pressure on ferry companies to operate at full capacity and to consider special provisions for lorry drivers to help clear the backlog. A Wexford councillor has vowed to join the picket line if the residents of Talbot Green decide to protest in the new year. With the traffic problems in the area showing no signs of abating and Wexford County Council (WCC) suggesting it could be March, at the earliest, before any resolution is found, Councillor Tom Forde has said he will be left with no choice but to support those impacted by the daily influx of school buses. The magical gift-giver who has been leaving little pieces of stone art around the public spaces of Shankill, bringing a moment of light into the lives of those who have found them, said he does it because it costs him nothing yet it means something to those who find them. Deliveries of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine from the Drone Coalition will commence in January 2025, British Deputy Defense Secretary Luke Pollard announced during a speech in the House of Commons, as reported by European Pravda. Pollard revealed that the initiative includes drones of various types, with plans to deliver tens of thousands of UAVs. He emphasized the UKs ongoing collaboration within the Ramstein format and with coalition partners such as Norway and Latvia. A significant change is coming in January we will start delivering tens of thousands of drones through the maritime and unmanned systems coalitions led by the UK in partnership with Norway and Latvia, Pollard stated. He further noted the UK's efforts to accelerate arms supplies to Ukraine and raise the cost of war for russia. However, Pollard did not provide additional details on the initiative. In 2024, the Drone Coalition allocated 1.8 billion to support Ukraine. This international group comprises 17 nations: Australia, the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Ukraine. The Coalition's mission is to scale up drone production and expand the drone industry to create an asymmetric technological advantage for Ukraine on the battlefield, tailored to its military needs. People hold a photo of the history teacher Samuel Paty , who was beheaded, during a memorial march in 2020 in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, northwest of Paris. Photo: AP Photo/Lewis Joly/ File Frances anti-terrorism court last night convicted eight people of involvement in the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty four years ago. Mr Paty was killed outside his school near Paris on October 16 2020, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed during a debate on free expression. The assailant, an 18-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, was shot to death by police. Blake Lively has accused her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to destroy her reputation in a legal complaint. The complaint obtained by The Associated Press, which The New York Times reported was filed Friday with the California Civil Rights Department, precedes a lawsuit. It names Baldoni, the studio behind It Ends With Us and Baldoni's publicists among the defendants. The final season of the American animated anthology series What If...? is coming soon on OTT. Season 3 of the show will be available on the platform Disney+ Hotstar starting December 22. As the upcoming season is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on December 22, each of its eight episodes will be released daily until December 29. The show will be a part of Phase Five of the MCU. Below is the trailer for the upcoming show: Plot The show is based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name that revolves around alternate timelines in the multiverse that show what would happen if major moments from the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) occurred differently. Cast and crew The upcoming season has been produced by Marvel Studios Animation. Matthew Chauncey has worked on the show as the head writer. The show has been directed by Bryan Andrews and Stephan Franck. The show has Jeffrey Wright, who plays the Watcher and narrates the story to the audiences. Season 3 has numerous MCU film actors reprising their roles. The show's development began in July 2022, with Chauncey replacing previous head writer A. C. Bradley for season 3 by December last year, but Andrews and Franck continued to direct the show. Music for the upcoming season has been composed by Laura Karpman, who has also worked on the show's previous seasons as well. Excited about the third and the final season of What If...? Stay tuned for more updates on the show. Arjun Kapoor just dropped some serious truth bombs, and the internet cant keep calm. The Bollywood heartthrob got candid on the podcast Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, dishing out on relationships, emotional baggage, and why he thinks his love life is a rollercoaster of feelings. From supporting Malaika Arora after her fathers passing to battling his "fear of loss," Arjun opened up like never before. #MalaikaArora & #ArjunKapoor enjoying their Honeymoon in Austria . Full on Romance going on in Winter . pic.twitter.com/b8WpzLe940 Umair Sandhu (@UmairSandu) April 18, 2023 Arjun Kapoor on going public with his personal life Talking about relationships, Arjun emphasized the importance of going public with your love life. The actor revealed that Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, and Varun Dhawan nudged him to hop on the social media bandwagon after 2 States. He said that keeping things private might give people room to spin their own spicy tales, making relationships look cheap. But things took an emotional turn when Arjun spoke about being there for his ex-girlfriend, Malaika Arora, after her father Anil Mehtas death in September. The actor explained how he follows his instincts when it comes to people hes emotionally bonded with, saying that if he forms a connection, he sticks around in both good times and bad. He hinted at his impulse-driven loyalty, sharing that his support for Malaika wasnt just for show but stemmed from a deeper emotional place. Arjun Kapoor thinks his relationships often fail because of THIS reason Arjun also gave fans a glimpse into his vulnerable side, admitting that his relationships often fail due to his fear of loss. He confessed that this isnt about commitment phobia but rather a subconscious fear rooted in his childhood experiences. Losing his mother and witnessing his fathers decisions left him feeling that everyone he lets in will eventually leave. He shared that this fear has held him back from giving some relationships a fair shot. Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Aroras relationship The actors love story with Malaika began in 2018, but they kept things relatively low-key, sharing glimpses of their romance through Instagram posts and birthday wishes. However, in October, Arjun shocked fans when he publicly declared himself single at a Mumbai event, shutting down speculations about their relationship status. Arjuns revelations have fans buzzing about his raw honesty, proving that behind the charm and humor lies a deeply emotional person navigating love, loss, and life with a vulnerability thats all too relatable. What started as a swoon-worthy romance on Bigg Boss 14 ended with a storm of rumors and allegations for Eijaz Khan and Pavitra Punia. Their breakup in September last year left fans heartbroken and the rumor mill churning. While the couple once lit up social media with their love-filled posts, their parting seems to have set off a chain reaction of drama and controversy. Pavitra Punia finally talks about her relationship Pavitra recently spilled the tea on her relationship with Eijaz, and its as spicy as it gets. Speaking to Telly Masala, she shared how the relationship struggled under the weight of personality clashes and emotional strain. According to her, Eijazs narcissistic tendencies played a significant role. She believed he exhibited an overwhelming sense of masculinity, which made things unbearable. Pavitra expressed that the duo repeatedly tried to mend their differences but couldnt bridge the gap. The actress highlighted how traditional gender roles factored into their relationship. Pavitra shared her opinion on societal expectations, saying that submissiveness in women is often praised, but such dynamics led to her feeling suppressed. She urged women to stand up for themselves and recognize when their partners behavior crosses into narcissism, warning that staying silent only worsens the situation. Pavitra Punias statement on religion sparked controversies While their breakup was public knowledge, it was Pavitras comments about religion that fueled fresh controversy. She clarified that religion was never an issue in their relationship. Pavitras extended family had been supportive, and she had made it clear to Eijaz that she wouldnt convert to Islam. She criticized the idea of religious conversion in relationships, stating that loyalty begins with being true to ones roots. Despite her clarification, the narrative spiraled out of control. Media outlets sensationalized Pavitras remarks, falsely attributing their split to religious differences. The buzz grew so loud that Eijazs spokesperson had to intervene, slamming the media for distorting her words. The spokesperson emphasized that Pavitras statements about conversion had been misrepresented. They revealed that Eijaz actively participated in Hindu traditions while living with Pavitra, celebrating Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi with enthusiasm. Eijaz Khans family is hurt The spokesperson added that Eijazs family was hurt by the baseless accusations. Calls began pouring in, questioning if Eijaz had ever asked Pavitra to convert. The spokesperson dismissed these claims as unfounded, reiterating that religion was never a factor in the couples relationship. In a heartfelt defense, the spokesperson pointed out Eijazs visits to Hindu temples like Tirupati Balaji and Siddhivinayak, especially during his career milestones. They urged people to stop jumping to conclusions based on half-baked stories and remember the real-life repercussions of false narratives. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Eijaz and Pavitras love story may have ended, but the drama surrounding their breakup is far from over. For now, both seem focused on moving forward, albeit under the glaring spotlight of public scrutiny. World's richest man Elon Musk, who by this point has made his dictates for liberal politics and politicians around the world inevitably clear, has now gone one step further and endorsed a pro-Nazi opposition party in Germany. "Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk wrote on X while reposting a video criticising Friedrich Merz, the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats who is widely expected to become the next German chancellor. There you have it. Elon Musk enthusiastically supports the neo-Nazi party in Germany, which also happens to be the most pro-Russian political party in Europe. pic.twitter.com/1SHaIJKakw Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) December 20, 2024 What is Alternative for Germany Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a right-wing German political party founded in 2013 that has been under the scanner for its pro-Nazi stance. CREDIT: REUTERS Though it was founded by former members of the CDU, AfD, which advocates German nationalism, soon started echoing many claims that the Nazis made in the past. Some members have attended neo-Nazi events and even defended Nazi-era atrocities committed against Jews. AfD's pro-Nazi push Earlier this year, AfD leader Maximilian Krah claimed that not all members of the SS, or Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary group accused of crimes against humanity and a leading role in the Holocaust, were criminals. Due to their controversial nature, there have been several calls to ban AfD, which in recent years has made significant electoral gains, riding on the anti-immigrant wave in Germany. CREDIT: REUTERS Reaction to Musk in Germany Musk's endorsement of AfD has been met with criticism and disbelief in Germany, across party lines. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach described Musks involvement as "undignified and highly problematic," accusing him of interfering in Germanys political discourse ahead of February's snap elections. Christian Lindner, leader of the pro-business Free Democrats, reminded Musk that AfD stands against freedom and business and that it is a far-right extremist party. Many on social media also raised alarm bells over Musk's latest political endorsement, and some even wondered if US President-elect Donald Trump would want to have a pro-Nazi in his government. Now that President Musk has taken over the US, he has turned his attention to Europe - he's reportedly planning to fund Nigel Farage's Reform UK with 'the biggest donation in British political history' and promoting Germany's pro-Kremlin AfD party. pic.twitter.com/4QuBVo8Fg3 Pekka Kallioniemi (@P_Kallioniemi) December 20, 2024 Nothing to see here. Just the worlds richest man, owner of this platform, and senior member of the incoming Trump administration endorsing Germanys far-right party. https://t.co/ZBgmGlA5M3 Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) December 20, 2024 It should be noted that in the past, too, Musk has voiced his support for the far-right, including the UKs Nigel Farage and Italys Giorgia Meloni, while lambasting the likes of Justin Trudeau and Keir Starmer. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. A Saudi Arabian national has been arrested by the authorities in Germany for a car attack at a Christmas market that left at least two people dead and over sixty others injured on Friday. The incident happened in Halle, near Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt. CREDIT: REUTERS Christmas market car attack Those killed in the attack are an adult and a toddler, while 68 people have been hurt, with at least 15 of them suffering serious injuries. According to the police, the car drove "at least 400 metres across the Christmas market," leaving behind a trail of bloodied casualties at the city's central town hall square. What we know about the suspect The suspect was apprehended, and authorities believe he acted alone. While the suspect has not been officially named, he has been identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor. Authorities said the suspect had been living in Germany since 2006 and had "a permanent residence permit." He was practising medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometres south of Magdeburg. CREDIT: REUTERS The motive behind the attack is yet unclear, and authorities said no explosives have been found in the rented car used by the suspect to carry out the crime. Saudi Arabia response Condemning the attack, Saudi Arabias foreign ministry said it stands with the German people and the families of the victims. #Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the incident that took place in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany in which a car plowed into crowds, resulting in the death and injury of a number of pic.twitter.com/Ozc85f0GpZ Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) December 21, 2024 The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Federal Republic of Germany, government and people, with its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured, the ministry said in a statement. CREDI: REUTERS 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack This is not the first time Germany has seen vehicles being used to carry out attacks on Christmas markets. In 2016, the Islamic State carried out a truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, leaving 12 people dead. The perpetrator, Anis Amri, a failed asylum seeker from Tunisia, was shot dead by police near Milan, Italy, four days later. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has nominated 30 individuals for lifetime peerage in the House of Lords, the upper house of Parliament. Among them is Krish Raval, an Indian-origin man who is also the chair of the Labour Party's diaspora group, Labour Indians. Who is Krish Raval? Raval is the founder of Faith in Leadership, a University of Oxford-based organisation working towards fostering inter-faith relations. He was born in Ethiopia to Hindu parents of Indian origin and was raised in London. Congratulations to my friend Krish Raval OBE, also Chair of Labour Indians, on his appointment to the House of Lords! A true leader in fostering community cohesion and championing diversity. @KrishRaval pic.twitter.com/ont6tIhIwZ Hajira Piranie (@HajiraPiranie) December 20, 2024 Work on inter-faith relations Raval says he believes we can better address humanitys greatest problems and improve societal cohesion by amplifying intelligent faith in the public square. According to Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Raval heads a number of leadership interventions and is particularly committed to building the capacity of faith communities and young people. A message from our Chair, Krish Raval OBE, whom was named in todays list of peerage nominations: pic.twitter.com/nFgsEmiL2G LabourIndians (@LabourIndians) December 20, 2024 Raval was the first director of the Churchill Leadership Fellows, the United Kingdoms main leadership fellowship for outstanding 19- to 25-year-olds, now run in partnership with the Mller Centre at Churchill College. A lawyer by background, Raval had a training contract at a prominent Los Angeles law firm before a deep interest in people led him to work with undergraduates and high school students in the fields of addictions, eating disorders, group therapy, and eventually leadership development. Awarded OBE by Queen Elizabeth Raval was awarded an OBE in 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Leadership Education and Inter-faith Cohesion. CREDIT: IOFC His nomination to the House of Lords, among others, will now go through a thorough vetting by the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC), followed by formal recommendations to the monarch. Once approved by King Charles III, Raval will become a member of the UK's House of Lords, also known as a Peer, for a lifetime, and this status can only be revoked under exceptional circumstances. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. German authorities have arrested a Saudi-born man in connection with the Christmas market car attack in the Saxony-Anhalt city of Magdeburg on Friday. The suspect is a 50-year-old who has been practising medicine in Germany for nearly two decades. Who is Taleb Al Abdulmohsen? According to reports, the suspect is Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, who is a permanent resident of Germany. Taleb first came to Germany in 2006 and worked as a doctor in a small town 25 miles south of Magdeburg. A self-described atheist and ex-Muslim, Taleb was granted asylum in Germany. Taleb al AbdulMohsen The alleged suspect in Magdeburg Christmas Market attack is PRO-ISRAEL He is ANTI-MUSLIM He supports the AFD party. BREAKING: The individual who ran into crowd with a car at Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany has been allegedly identified as Talib pic.twitter.com/tG1TLyTtLr Sir Chilliebean (@Chilliebeanz) December 20, 2024 While the motive behind his Christmas market attack is unclear, Taleb's social media activities showed his recent dissatisfaction with how Germany has failed to protect critics of Islam like him. In some of his recent videos, Taleb also spoke about his past as an asylum seeker and working for an asylum seeker NGO. Interesting. The BBC once ran a puff piece on Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, the migrant terrorist who killed at least two and injured many more at the Christmas market in Germany today. The video, from 2019, featured his refugee resettlement website. pic.twitter.com/V3z5sKMDLX The Ninth Crusade (@The9thCrusade_) December 21, 2024 Taleb Al Abdulmohsen's social media activity under scanner He has also reposted far-right conspiracies and believes that Germany wants to "Islamise Europe". Taleb also seems to be a fan of the German pro-Nazi party AfD, which was recently endorsed by Elon Musk as the only party that can save the country. Daisley (@brucedaisley) said that Elon Musk (@elonmusk) should be arrested and Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) censored, citing Germany as a shining example of media censorship! My experience in Germany leaves no doubtthey actually censor victims. Watch evidence in the video pic.twitter.com/PGo4i8yYTS Taleb Al Abdulmohsen (@DrTalebJawad) August 16, 2024 On his X bio, Taleb describes himself as: "Saudi Military Opposition, Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives, Germany wants to Islamize Europe." Could the attack have been prevented Many on social media claimed that the attack could have been avoided if German authorities had acted on a Saudi warning. A Saudi source told Reuters the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. Two people were killed and more than 60 were injured after Taleb drove his car into the crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. A recent viral Reddit post by a British Indian tourist has sparked widespread debate on social media. After traveling across India for three years, the tourist described the country as an "overpriced dump," criticising its infrastructure and facilities as worse than those in some poorer countries. This has led to numerous discussions about India's current status as a travel destination, with many even sharing old videos of Javed Akhtar's views on the matter. In a now-deleted viral Reddit post, a user shared their three-year journey across India, which began during the peak of the Covid pandemic. They described their experience by saying, "The roads suck, the infrastructure is crumbling, every other corner is riddled with filth, and there is no such thing as civic sense out there the poverty gap is astounding, and it's becoming more expensive to live." Many online users echoed the same sentiments, agreeing with the post's harsh critique. Anand Sarkar, a social entrepreneur who works in the tourism industry, reposted the account on X, stating, "We have become an overpriced dump of a destination." I am part of the tourism industry and have been vociferously saying this for the last 2+ years - we have become an overpriced dump of a destination. Every single agent/partner of ours in the UK, EU, Australia & USA has the following questions - air quality, general hygiene & pic.twitter.com/C1B6mZYuUL Anand Sankar (@kalapian_) December 19, 2024 'Haven't seen the reputation of India in tourism as low as this' According to Sarkar, every partner and agent from countries like the UK, EU, Australia, and the USA is raising the same troubling questions: "Air quality, general hygiene & cleanliness, women's safety & incoherent chaotic internal logistics." He explains that much of the time spent with potential tourists is consumed by trying to answer these issues, rather than promoting India as a destination. Sarkar expressed that, in his experience, the reputation of India in the global tourism market has never been lower. "There is no optimism and mystique anymore every potential inbound visitor is seeing the news and reading on social media," he noted, emphasising how these negative perceptions are affecting tourism. He further revealed the impact of these issues on domestic tourism, explaining that Indians themselves are opting for overseas trips, leaving only the luxury segment of the market somewhat stable. "Majorly middle & upper middle class domestic tourists are put off by high domestic airfares and expensive local logistics," he remarked, adding that businesses catering to tourists spending under Rs 10k daily have seen their clientele disappear over the last three years. Sarkar also voiced his frustration with policymakers, stating, "I am at a loss why this crisis is not being taken seriously." He highlighted that inbound tourism numbers have yet to surpass pre-pandemic levels, noting the ongoing reputation and price issues the country faces. Country could become wealthy just from tourism, says Javed Akhtar An older clip of Javed Akhtar discussing India's potential as a tourist destination has also gone viral. Javed Akhtar was so right about Indian tourism last year on lallantop interview. We can make a huge industry out of tourism pic.twitter.com/q2Y9xeR2PL Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) December 20, 2024 In the video, he shares how India has the Taj Mahal, the palaces of Rajasthan, the temples of South India, Ajanta Ellora, Khajuraho, and many other treasures: "Aisi aisi cheeze hai yahan - toote hue. Hume apne dharohar ki izzat nahi hai." (There are such things here broken. We don't respect our heritage.) The 79-year-old screenwriter and lyricist further reflected, "Humare paas agar proper infrastructure ho tourism ke liye, toh yeh mulk sirf tourism pe ameer ho jaaye." (If we had proper infrastructure for tourism, this country could become wealthy just from tourism.) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Ukraine continues to introduce innovations in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and assembled a prototype of the first FPV drone, made exclusively from components produced in Ukraine, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on December 20. "A Ukrainian drone company reported that it recently assembled a prototype of the first FPV drone made exclusively from components manufactured in Ukraine," reads the report. "Ukraine also continues to innovate aerial drone production. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian officials completed tests of a drone attached to fiber optic cables that will be more resistant to electronic warfare (EW) interference. Russian forces have recently fielded such drones in Kursk region and Ukraine," it says. Abhinav Arora, famously known as child 'guru' is no stranger to the limelight, but the 10-year-old Delhi-based spiritual YouTuber has found himself in the center of a fiery online controversy. Facing relentless trolling and even alleged death threats, Abhinav has turned to the judiciary to combat the wave of negativity directed at him. Abhinav Aroras controversial video The saga began after a video emerged from an event in Vrindavan last year. In the clip, spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya was seen reprimanding the young YouTuber on stage. However, Abhinav clarified that despite the scolding, he received blessings from Rambhadracharya later. The videos viral circulation, however, turned the tide against him, sparking a storm of hate comments and threats from several social media users. Abhinav Arora filed complaints against YouTubers On October 30, Abhinav filed an application through his lawyer, Pankaj Arya, requesting legal action against the YouTubers accused of orchestrating the trolling campaign. Named individuals include prominent creators like Ankit Patel, Shwetaabh Gangwar, Rakesh Kumar, Anurag Joshi, Abhijeet Vaishnav, Nitan, Devansh Kanabar, and unidentified others. During the court proceedings on Friday, Arya highlighted that the trolling wasnt just targeted at Abhinav but was also an attack on Sanatana Dharma. He assured that the legal team was ready to escalate the matter to the High Court or even the Supreme Court if necessary. The lawyer further demanded that an FIR be filed against the accused YouTubers. The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Gaurav Utsav Rajs court has now requested a report from the cyber cell to investigate the accusations. The next hearing is slated for January 3. Abhinav Arora on getting trolled Abhinav, in his statements, expressed dismay over the trolling and revealed that it had taken a severe toll on his mental well-being. Despite his young age, hes showing remarkable resilience, vowing to stand firm against those who attempt to tarnish his reputation. The court case has sparked a larger debate around the ethics of social media trolling, especially when it targets minors. With his legal battle ongoing, Abhinav has become a symbol of resilience, taking a stand not just for himself but also for the values he represents. Picture this: a dream wedding turned into a nightmare so dramatic it could be the plot of a thriller. A Chinese man, identified as Shin from Hubei province, thought hed found love when he met Shaoyu through a wedding planning service. Little did he know, the romance was just the opening act of a meticulously crafted scam. The couples love story started online The duos love story began online, blooming through daily chats and phone calls. Shaoyu, claiming to follow "traditional customs," soon started making financial demands. First, it was Rs 22 lakh as a bride price, followed by additional amounts for gifts and her mothers medical expenses. Over the span of a year, Shin shelled out a jaw-dropping Rs 55 lakh, convinced by her reassurances, filtered photos, and occasional sweet words. The girl catfished him But things began to unravel when the families finally met in person. Shin was startled to see Shaoyu in the flesh, looking nothing like the pictures shed sent. Her excuse? Filters, she said. Suspicious but still invested in his dream wedding, Shin continued to fund the relationship. The drama before the D-day The real drama kicked in when Shin spotted suspicious messages on Shaoyus phone. Confronted, she played the "hacked phone" card, dodging his questions. Then, the plot thickened. Shaoyus supposed sister contacted Shin, suggesting they end the relationship. By now, Shins red flags had turned neon. In a twist straight out of a Bollywood drama, Shin launched his own investigation and discovered the ugly truth: the so-called sister and Shaoyu were the same person. But that wasnt even the worst of it. Shaoyus entire family was in on the scam, a criminal ring operating with hired actors posing as relatives. To add insult to injury, Shaoyu herself was already married with a child. The groom was just another target for the bride Realizing he was just another target in their elaborate con, Shin reported the scam to local authorities. Police confirmed the involvement of a well-organized criminal network exploiting people searching for love and marriage. For Shin, this wedding wasnt just costlyit was a masterclass in deception that left him emotionally and financially drained. Let his story serve as a warning: when love seems too good to be true, it just might be. Tensions flared once again between Greece and Turkey over jurisdictional claims in the Aegean Sea, following a shipwreck near Rhodes. Greece issued a NAVTEX to coordinate search and rescue (SAR) efforts in its Flight Information Region (FIR) Athens, specifically within five nautical miles of the sitefirmly within Greek territorial waters. Turkey responded with a NOTAM contesting Greeces SAR jurisdiction, asserting that the area partially falls within Turkey's declared SAR Region (SRR) as recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Turkey maintained that SAR operations in its SRR must be overseen by Turkish authorities. Greece vehemently rejected Turkeys claims through a follow-up NOTAM. Athens underscored that its SAR responsibilities align with its FIR Athens boundaries, which were established during international aeronautical conferences in Istanbul (1950), Paris (1952), and Geneva (1958). These agreements were ratified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and endorsed by all participating states, including Turkey. Greek authorities further emphasized that the specified area lies entirely within Greek territorial waters, airspace, and sovereign land under international law. In its rebuttal, Greece affirmed that the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Piraeus remains the sole authorized body to manage SAR efforts in the Greek SRR. It accused Turkey of misinterpreting international agreements and warned that such actions could undermine the effectiveness of rescue missions, jeopardizing lives in critical situations. The dispute highlights the broader, long-standing friction between Greece and Turkey over maritime and airspace boundaries, raising concerns about the impact on regional stability and cooperation. iefimerida.gr The cause of death of popular British TV doctor and presenter Michael Mosley remains "unascertained" following an inquest in the UK. Mosley, 67, was found dead on the Greek island of Symi in June after a four-day search. Crispin Butler, the senior coroner for Buckinghamshire, concluded that Mosley's death was "unascertained" but likely due to heatstroke or an unrecognized medical condition. Mosley was found in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach on Symi. "There were high temperatures during this period," Butler stated. "Michael's death was not found to be homicide, suicide, or an injury-related accident."4 Mosley, known for presenting health programs on the BBC, was on holiday in Greece when he went missing. His sudden death shocked fans and colleagues, who remembered him for his contributions to health education and his engaging presenting style. The coroner's findings, while inconclusive, suggest that natural causes were likely responsible for Mosley's death. Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur in hot environments, particularly among older individuals. It is possible that an underlying medical condition may have also contributed to his passing. The investigation has now concluded, leaving Mosley's loved ones and fans to cherish his memory and legacy as a respected figure in the world of health and television. iefimerida.gr Ten members of the former Greek royal family have been granted Greek citizenship, according to an announcement in the Government Gazette. The decision, made by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, follows a formal request by the family and their acceptance of Greece's republican constitution. The reinstated citizens include the five children of the late King Constantine and the five children of his eldest son , Pavlos. They will now be able to register in the Citizen Registry and obtain Greek identification cards and passports. This move marks a significant step in formally restoring their legal ties to Greece after decades of exile. The family was stripped of their Greek citizenship in 1994 following a dispute with the government over property and their refusal to renounce claims to the throne. The decision to grant them citizenship reflects a move towards reconciliation and closure on a contentious chapter in Greek history. It allows the former royal family to fully re-engage with their ancestral homeland as private citizens, while acknowledging and respecting Greece's republican system of government. iefimerida.gr Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominated to be the next US ambassador to Greece, has praised the country's strategic importance and economic resilience. In an interview with Ertnews, Guilfoyle described Greece as "a pillar of stability and security" and commended its strong economic recovery. "Greece is building a strong economy, rooted in the strength and determination of its people," she remarked, highlighting the country's position as one of Europe's fastest-growing economies. If her nomination is confirmed, Guilfoyle pledged to further strengthen the relationship between the US and Greece. She emphasized the significance of her nomination, stating, "It is an honor to accept this nomination and I look forward to securing the Senate committees support." Guilfoyle expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Greek government to deepen ties in areas such as defense, economic cooperation, and regional security. Her nomination comes at a time when both countries are seeking to reinforce their strategic partnership and address shared challenges in the region. iefimerida.gr At least 10 persons have been killed following in a stampede that occurred during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Saturday. In a statement by the Federal Capital Territory Police Commands Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that the incident took place around 6:30 AM. She added that security agents had successfully evacuated the scene and restored order. Advertisement The statement reads: This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries. Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care. The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand. The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time. All organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. READ MORE: Hardship: Many Killed, Others Severely Injured In Anambra Stampede This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence. Recall that similar incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a childrens funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured. Meanwhile, another related development happened on Saturday in Anambra where some yet to be ascertain persons lost that lives. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to pay N15 million in damages for sending unsolicited messages and caller tunes to a customer who did not subscribe to the services. Justice Okon Abang made the pronouncement while delivering judgment in an appeal brought by a public interest lawyer, Ezugwu Anene, on Friday. Anene had claimed that MTN bombarded his phone number with 88 unsolicited calls at odd hours, causing him embarrassment, inconvenience, distraction, and anxiety, thereby breaching his right to privacy. Advertisement He asked the court to award N200 million against MTN in general damages. READ ALSO: FG To Investigate GTB, MTN, Air Peace Over Alleged Poor Customer Service The Court of Appeal agreed that the unsolicited text messages caused Anene anxiety, adding that MTN was likely profiting substantially from this practice. Justice Abang stated that If MTN had sent unsolicited messages to 10 million phones at the time, owned by innocent Nigerians, it would have unlawfully enriched itself to over a trillion naira. The court set aside the N300,000 general damages imposed by the High Court and awarded N15 million against MTN. The judgment was a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal. An Edo State High Court in Benin has reinstated the 18 Local Government chairmen and vice chairmen suspended by the State House of Assembly. The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, granted the order on Friday following a suit filed by the affected officials. Justice Ikponmwonba directed Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to restore the chairmen and vice chairmen to their respective positions. Advertisement READ ALSO: AGF Declares Suspension Of Edo LGA Chairmen Illegal The court also restrained the state government from acting on the suspension resolution pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on December 12, 2024. The Court orders a mandatory injunction compelling the defendant by themselves, their privies, servants, agents, howsoever named or described, to restore the chairmen and vice chairmen of the of their respective Local government councils, the judge said. The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for hearing, with a hearing notice to be issued and served on the defendants. The Federal Government has allocated 9.36 billion for domestic and international travels, as well as refreshments, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2025. This information is contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Sighted by newsmen on Friday, Tinubu will spend 7.44 billion on travel and refreshments, while Vice President Shettima will allocate 1.9 billion for similar expenses. Advertisement READ ALSO: Proposed Tinubus 2025 Budget ll Plunge Nigeria Into More Challenges PDP The Presidents international travel is expected to cost 6.14 billion, with local trips amounting to 873.9 million. Additionally, 431.6 million is designated for the Presidents refreshments, meals, and catering supplies. The Office of the President has also proposed a budget of 4,760,035,960 for vehicles, including 3,661,566,123 for operational vehicles for the State House and 1 billion for replacing Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Furthermore, 5,938,883,548 is proposed for honorarium, construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, and fuel for generators. Growing demand for Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes China-Zimbabwe cooperation Xinhua) 12:37, December 21, 2024 HARARE, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Demand for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is growing in Zimbabwe as more people seek to benefit from this medical system. Onias Ndoro, director of traditional medicines in the Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe, said more health personnel are expected to be trained in TCM following the establishment of a TCM Center in 2020 at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) in the capital, Harare. "We also intend to open another clinic in the southern region, probably next year if resources permit," Ndoro told Xinhua on Friday. To meet the growing demand for TCM in the country, in 2022, a group of 10 medical workers graduated from a TCM personnel training course at the TCM Center at PGH, becoming Zimbabwe's first medical workers to complete such training. "We included the training component for locals so that at least there is an element of sustainability and also to ensure that we can expand the scope of traditional Chinese medicine regarding the services we are offering at the clinic," said Ndoro. Earlier this month, Ndoro attended the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine in Beijing, where he participated in sharing experiences and ideas on traditional medicine. The conference provided an opportunity to understand the global landscape of traditional medicine, he said. "The key takeaways were the need for collaboration, integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, and continuing research to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicines," he said. Ndoro added that incorporating Zimbabwean traditional medicine into the national healthcare system would ensure accessibility to healthcare services, especially in remote areas. "People can then choose which modality to apply under given circumstances," he said. To enhance public knowledge of TCM, a TCM exhibition and emergency room was established at the TCM Center at PGH in June, with technical and financial support from the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. Hu Sha, director of the TCM Center at PGH, has organized several visits to the exhibition and emergency rooms to introduce the culture and techniques of TCM to the local people and strengthen cooperation between China and Zimbabwe in traditional medicine. "When I arrived in Zimbabwe in March last year, I noticed that acupuncture had gained some popularity, but local people's understanding of TCM was limited to acupuncture and a few traditional Chinese medicines," Hu said. "However, TCM encompasses extensive and profound techniques and cultures, as well as many simple and effective first-aid methods. Therefore, I proposed the idea of building a TCM exhibition room and emergency room to showcase more TCM culture and techniques to the Zimbabwean people," Hu added. "This display center will help educate both practitioners and the public about TCM. We hope the exhibition will complement our training efforts and raise awareness of TCM," Ndoro said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during a telephone conversation discussed battlefield dynamics and U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder reported. "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov today to discuss battlefield dynamics and U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. They also discussed planning for the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting early in the new year," reads a report on the website of U.S Department of Defense. A fire incident in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of Ibadan, Oyo State, has resulted in the deaths of a husband, his wife, and their grandson. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the tragedy, which affected a storey building, occurred in the early hours of Friday. Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan. Advertisement He stated that the agency received a distress call about the incident from one Hassan at 3:46 a.m. on Friday and quickly dispatched staff to the location. On arrival, we found the upper floor of a six-room residential storey building engulfed in flames. We swiftly swung into action, and the fire was completely extinguished, Akinyinka said. Akinyinka revealed that three individuals died in the fire, including a husband, his wife, and their grandson, while five others were rescued alive from the premises. READ MORE: Man Collapses, Dies At Lagos Workplace In Ogun Hospital He further stated that the ground floor and nearby properties were spared from the inferno. From our investigation, we discovered that in their attempt to keep their house warm due to the cold weather, they resorted to using a naked flame, which led to the fire disaster after they had fallen asleep, he explained. The general manager also mentioned that a team of policemen, under the leadership of CSP Olaniyan Jibola from Mapo Division, and Amotekun operatives, led by Gbenga Akinyemi from the North West Division, were at the scene to ensure law and order were upheld. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has personally taken over the investigation into the Ibadan funfair stampede that killed 35 children. The stampede happened as participants hurried to enter the venue of the event, which was reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat. In addition to the 35 children who died in the stampede, six others were injured and taken to hospitals. Advertisement The event, originally planned for 5,000 children, reportedly attracted over 7,500, escalating the tense situation. Naomi, who was taken into police custody, is said to have collapsed on Friday. The information was shared by well-known Ibadan broadcaster Seun Aribikola in a Facebook post. He stated that she was promptly taken to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for medical treatment. According to the broadcast journalist, the former queen was rushed to the hospital alongside Agidigbo FMs Chairman, Hamzat. READ MORE: Some People Derive Joy From Hatred Eucharia Anunobi It is confirmed. But she is responding to treatment, he told Saturday PUNCH. A senior staff member at the police hospital also confirmed the incident to PUNCH. Both of them are currently at the hospital. They brought them in today. But I cant give you further details because it is a sensitive matter and the police have barricaded the whole hospital, the hospital worker said. Adewale Osifeso, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, stated in a press release that eight individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident. However, a senior police source claimed on Friday that the investigation has been taken over by the IG. The source said, The IG is now in charge of the case. Anything you want, I think you should call Abuja. When reached for comment, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, declined to provide a statement. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into the recent stampede incidents in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. Egbetokun, in a statement on Saturday, warned event organizers that negligence on their part is a criminal offense. The IGP stated that the lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has led to chaos and unnecessary confrontations. Advertisement He directed Commissioners of Police in the affected States to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and consider further legal actions. Egbetokun emphasized the need for a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives, calling on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to collaborate towards this goal. READ ALSO: Man Returns 5m Mistakenly Sent To His Account, Reports To Police The IGP also warned groups and event organizers to ensure the involvement of security agencies, as negligence on their part would not be overlooked. He encouraged the public to prioritize their safety during such events to avoid unforeseen calamities. In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the statement reads. The stampede incidents occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where over 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives; in Anambra, where over 20 people died; and in Abuja, where 10 people were confirmed dead. Anambra State Government has arrested one suspected human trafficker, identified as Angela Okechukwu. It was gathered that Angela, a resident of Umuzumbala, Umuzu Otolo Nnewi Local Government, was apprehended on Friday for allegedly operating human trafficking cartel. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the operation was carried out by the states Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade. Advertisement READ MORE: Anambra Police Launch Manhunt As Gunmen Allegedly Kill UNIZIK Official Speaking on the incident, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, disclosed that the development led to the rescue of 13 children from the suspect. Mr. Anere added that the childrens health conditions as deeply troubling, reiterating the governments commitment to stamping out criminal activities in the state. He said: The poor health condition of these children, aged between two and 12, is a great concern. The state government will continue to crack down on all forms of illegality. We warn all criminal-minded individuals to relocate from the state or face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, a resident of the area, identified as Ikechukwu Nnabuike, commended the governments swift intervention. She said: This swift action by the government is commendable. Its a significant step toward eradicating child trafficking in our community. The Oyo State Fire Service personnel averted a potential disaster on Friday after a gas truck caught fire along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near the Agidigbo area in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, the agencys General Manager, confirmed the occurrence in a statement to Punch. CFM Adisa Kazeem reported the incident to the agency promptly at 12:10pm. Advertisement Upon receiving the alert, the firefighting team, headed by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adediji, was swiftly deployed to the scene. When the team arrived, they discovered that a truck carrying domestic gas had caught fire, posing a significant risk of explosion. READ MORE: Man Collapses, Dies At Lagos Workplace In Ogun Hospital However, the teams quick response contained the blaze, preventing it from escalating into a full-fledged explosion. The statement read, Oyo State Fire Service agency curtailed has truck on fire from Explosion along Ibadan/Lagos Expressway Agidigbo Area, Ibadan. The fire incident was reported to the Agency at exactly 12:10hrs of Friday 20th December, 2024 through GSM and CFM Adisa Kazeem of a gas tanker on fire at the above address. The personnel of the agency led by ACFS Adediji promptly deployed to the scene of Incident and arrived on time. On their arrival, it was discovered that a truck carrying domestic gas was involved in the inferno that might have led to an explosion. Prompt response of the agency curtailed and prevented it from leading to explosion. It was subdued and put under total control. Furthermore, the agencys personnel are still on standby to forestall any form of distress. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of Dr. Oluwatoyin Madeins tenure as Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) until March 7, 2025. This move comes after Tinubu had initially appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation following Madeins pre-retirement leave. However, in a surprising turn of events, the President reassigned Ogunjimi to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts. Advertisement The letter authorizing Madeins continuation was issued by the Head of Service of the Federation and confirmed on Thursday. According to Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Madeins reinstatement allows her to oversee treasury operations until her retirement. READ ALSO: FG, States, LGAs Share N1.41trn FAAC Allocation For October 2024 Mokwa noted that embarking on terminal leave is optional under civil service regulations, leaving staff uncertain about whether Madeins reinstatement invalidates Ogunjimis prior appointment as Acting AGF. Madeins return has been met with enthusiasm from her supporters, who highlighted her commitment to completing key projects and reforms initiated during her tenure. By the first week of January 2025, we will start commissioning the projects she began. She felt it was important to see them through and not let another person take the credit for her efforts, a supporter told The Nation on Friday l. The reinstatement also aims to restore stability within the OAGF. Mokwa assured that Madein will be signing documents and checks on behalf of the AGF. She has returned, so no more rancor within the treasury. This 2017 photo by Battledore Ltd., of Kingston, N.Y., shows the first commercially produced Christmas card dated December 1843. The card is a hand-colored lithograph designed in England by John Callcott Horsley. Read more Its a common seasonal refrain: Christmas just isnt like it used to be. This is not a new complaint. History shows that Christmas traditions are just as subject to change as any other aspect of human societies, and when customs change, there are always some who wish they could turn back the clock. Advertisement In the 1830s, the English solicitor William Sandys compiled a host of examples of Britons bemoaning the transformation of Christmas customs from earlier eras. Sandys himself was especially concerned about the decline of public caroling, noting the practice appeared to get more neglected every year. He worried that this neglect was indicative of a wider British tendency to observe Christmas with less hospitality and innocent revelry in the 19th century than in the past. Yet the 19th century also produced new holiday customs. In fact, many of the new Christmas practices in Sandys time went on to become established traditions themselves and are now the subject of nostalgia and fretted over by those who fear their decline. Take, for example, the humble Christmas card. My research shows that these printed seasonal greetings borrowed from the customs of the past to move Christmas into a new age. A British tradition Annual sales and circulation of Christmas cards have been in decline since the 1990s. Laments over the potential death of the Christmas card have been especially vocal in the United Kingdom, where the mailing of Christmas greetings to family and friends via printed cards was long considered to be an essential element of a British Christmas. Indeed, historians Martin Johnes and Mark Connelly both argue that throughout the 20th century the Christmas card was viewed as just as essential a part of Britains distinctive blend of holiday traditions as children hanging stockings at the end of their beds, Christmas pantomimes, and the eating of turkey and Brussels sprouts. Yet, as these same historians are quick to note, at one time Britons did none of these things at Christmas. Each of these traditions became an element of the customary British Christmas only during the second half of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th. This makes them all relatively new additions to the countrys holiday customs, especially when viewed in light of Christmas more than 2,000-year history. Industrial revolution and Christmas cards The custom of mailing printed Christmas cards began in the middle decades of the 19th century and was a product of the industrial revolution. It was made affordable by new innovations in printing and papermaking and more efficient modes of transportation such as the railway. The development of this new tradition was also facilitated by Parliaments introduction of the Penny Post in 1840, which allowed Britons to mail letters to any address in the United Kingdom for the small price of a penny stamp. Most historians date the Christmas cards arrival to 1843, the same year in which Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol. In that year, the inventor and civil servant Henry Cole commissioned the artist John Callcott Horsley to design a card to help Cole handle his Christmas correspondence more efficiently. Printed versions of Coles card were also made available for sale, but the high price of one shilling apiece left them outside the bounds of affordability for most of the Victorian population. Coles experiment, however, inspired other printers to produce similar but more affordable Christmas cards. The use of these cheaper cards began to spread in the 1850s and had established itself as a holiday tradition by the final decades of the century. A Victorian invention? While the Christmas card may have seemed like an entirely new invention to Victorian senders and receivers, the first Christmas cards design was actually influenced by other, older British holiday traditions. As historians Timothy Larsen and the late Neil Armstrong have demonstrated, Christmas status as an established holiday meant that new Christmas customs developed during the 19th century needed to connect with, supplement, or replace already existing traditions. The Christmas card was no exception to this recorded pattern. In 1843, many Britons bemoaned the disappearance of a variety of Old English Christmas customs. Foremost among these were traditions of Christmas hospitality, including Christmas and New Years visiting, when family, friends, and neighbors went to each others homes to drink toasts and offer best wishes for the holiday and the coming year. Scholars argue popular belief in these traditions depended on a mixture of recalled reality and constructed fictions. Foremost among the latter were the popular stories depicting old English hospitality at Christmas by the American writer Washington Irving, published in the 1820s. In fact, Britons regularly invoked Irvings accounts of Christmas at the fictional country house Bracebridge Hall when debating the changing character of their nations Christmas observances. Regardless of these old customs historical reality, they nevertheless came to feature prominently in discussions regarding the supposed disappearance of a range of community-level Christmas observances, including feasting, caroling, and public acts of charity. All of these, it was believed, were endangered in an increasingly urban Britain characterized by class tensions, heightened population mobility, and mass anonymity. A union of the old and the new While it is unclear whether these ongoing debates inspired Coles decision to commission his 1843 Christmas card, the illustration Horsley designed for him alluded to them directly. The card features a family framed by trestles adorned with holly and mistletoe, accompanied on either side by charitable scenes involving the feeding and clothing of the poor. The center of the card and the symbolic center of Horsleys Christmas vision however, is the family of three clearly defined generations enjoying a collective feast, including the classic English Christmas pudding. They face the viewer, their glasses raised in a toast, directly above a banner wishing them a A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The central visual imagery of the card as a paper visitor to the home of the recipient replicates the social act of toasting associated with the older custom of holiday visits. In fact, Horsleys design invoked many of the same elements featured in Irvings stories. This is not surprising, given that in later life Horsley recalled the impact of reading Irvings depictions of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall as a boy, and how he and his sister Fanny had been determined to do our best to keep Christmas in such a notable fashion. Refashioning old English hospitality Early Christmas cards favored similar imagery associated with the Old English Christmas of carolers, acts of charity, the playing of country sports, games such as blindmans bluff, copious greenery, feasting, and the toasting of Christmas and the New Year. These Christmas cards were thus novel, industrial products adorned with the imagery of British Christmases past. The development, and ultimate triumph, of the Christmas card in Victorian Britain demonstrates how nostalgia was channeled into invention. The Christmas card did not revitalize the traditions of Christmas and New Years visiting; it offered a paper replacement for them. Industrial production and transportation transformed the physical visitor into a paper proxy, allowing more people to visit many more of the homes of others during the holiday season than they ever would have been able to in person. The desire to hold on to one element of an older, supposedly declining Christmas tradition thus proved instrumental in helping to create a new holiday tradition in the midst of unprecedented changes in the character of communications and social relations. Today, a similar context of social and technological changes has caused some to predict the death of the Christmas card. The history of the 19th century suggests, however, that should the tradition die, whatever replaces it will thrive by drawing selectively on the Christmas customs of the past. Christopher Ferguson is associate professor of history at Auburn University. This article is republished from The Conversation. Read the original article at theconversation.com/us. Justine Haring and Jenna Pellicori-Curry (right), employees of Nemours Children's Health, in Deptford, N.J., were involved in spearheading the effort to get fertility benefits added to their workplace health benefits. Read more Jenna Pellicori-Curry spent around $40,000 out-of-pocket on medical treatments to conceive her first child, who is now 3 years old. She had struggled for three years with infertility, and experienced ectopic pregnancy a dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus, often staying in the fallopian tube. Advertisement Like many people, Pellicori-Curry at the time did not have fertility coverage through her employers health benefits package. There were times throughout that journey that I didnt even think we would be able to keep going just because of the financial constraints, and the physical and mental anguish that just accompanies the process, said Pellicori-Curry, a pediatric audiologist at Nemours Childrens Health in Deptford. Nemours patient service representative Justine Haring and her husband went through two years of fertility treatments before she got pregnant. She bonded with Pellicori-Curry through the infertility process, which is at times very lonely and isolating, Haring said. We work with children too, so its in our face every day and its so hard and its something that you want so badly, Haring said. And then you have this huge financial burden if you dont have the coverage through an employers health insurance offering. Moved by their own experiences, and the knowledge that infertility affects roughly one-sixth of people according to the World Health Organization, Pellicori-Curry and Haring approached leadership at Nemours with an argument for providing fertility benefits to the companys workforce. The companys then-chief human resources officer, Peter Adebi made a point of coming to their office in Deptford for an in-person meeting. In that first meeting he gave them an answer: no. I really do genuinely remember seeing the heartbreak on his face when he had to relay that news to us, Pellicori-Curry said, recalling that Adebi encouraged the pair to continue raising the issue. I said, Im gonna reach out year after year until theres a change. But she didnt have to. One year later, as Pellicori-Curry was preparing to contact Adebi and make the case again, the company announced plans to begin offering infertility coverage in 2022. Numerous Nemours employees had expressed a desire for the benefit, so human resources found a third-party benefits provider to navigate the offering. Over the next 2 years, 65 babies were conceived by couples using Nemours fertility benefits, according to the company. One of them was Pellicori-Currys second daughter. The number of large companies offering this coverage seems to be increasing, and workers are increasingly seeking out these benefits when considering a job change. Still, experts say, employers may not be touting these benefits in the recruiting process, and transparency around using them is often lacking. IVF coverage isnt a mainstream benefit yet In a report examining 100 large U.S. employers, the nonprofit organization Reproductive & Maternal Health Compass found that the majority offer some family-formation benefits, which could include fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption. Fourteen of them cover at least $40,000 of family-formation expenses. But only 41 of the 100 expressly cover in vitro fertilization or IVF a series of procedures in which mature eggs are collected and fertilized by sperm in a lab, then inserted into the uterus to implant and develop. IVF accounts for 99% of assisted reproductive technology procedures, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2021, more than 3,100 babies in Pennsylvania were conceived using assisted reproductive technologies, accounting for 2.4% of infants conceived in the state. More than 5,100 in New Jersey were conceived using these technologies, accounting for 5% of infants conceived, according to HHS. The RMH Compass report also identified common pitfalls for employers in providing these benefits. Top among them: lack of transparency. Employees dont know what is available to them. Providing fertility coverage is a growing trend that began in large companies and has begun to trickle down to smaller workplaces, said Theresa Stenger, a benefits consulting practice leader at Marsh McLennan in Conshohocken. Historically, she said, employer benefit plans would cover diagnosis of infertility but nothing beyond that. In the past eight years or so, thats changed, Stenger said. Were seeing significant interest from an attraction and retention standpoint to say we have fertility benefits, Stenger said. Its hard to put the recruiting and retention impact into numbers, she said, but its a topic that comes up in satisfaction surveys and exit interviews. Its also a financial wellness consideration, said Tyler Zalucki, a benefits consultant at Marsh McLennan, noting that financial assistance with expensive fertility treatments may become more common as employers look to alleviate financial stress that commonly distracts people from their work. Nemours ultimately invested in fertility coverage because of associate feedback, said Lisa Meddock, a member of Nemours benefits team. About 50% of the companys workforce was at a stage where family-forming was top-of-mind, she said. Her team researched the options available for coverage and aimed to create an inclusive policy, ultimately picking one that would cover 21 different methods of treatment. Through third-party benefits provider Progyny, Nemours covers a predetermined amount of treatment, which includes all services and tests, so users dont have to track the cost and coverage of each step dollar by dollar. Finding a job with fertility benefits While fertility benefits are becoming more prevalent among employers, and more in-demand among workers, its not a benefit local employers are commonly listing outright in their job postings. Were not seeing companies using it so much as a tool to attract talent, said Christine Endres, a senior regional director at staffing firm Robert Half. But it could be a huge way to attract certain talent, to retain certain talent. Endres said some recruiters on her team have seen an uptick in job candidates inquiring about fertility coverage. Jobseekers should feel empowered to ask these questions during the interview process, she said, as they seek information about a companys entire benefits package. If youre asking these things early on in the interview process, a company should be proud to discuss with you what they offer, Endres said. Its not just about money [thats] a big part of it. But your career growth and well-being are equally important to the longevity youll spend at an organization. For Haring, becoming a parent has also given her a stronger connection to her job at Nemours, helping pediatric patients coordinate their care, she said. I just want to support our families as best as I possibly can. Pellicori-Curry was, at one time, one of those people on the job market hoping a new employer might help cover her fertility treatments. She ended up staying at Nemours, eventually seeing that hope come to life there. I just always would encourage people to honestly, it sounds a little cliche but to never give up, and to fight for the things you believe in and advocate for yourself, Pellicori-Curry said. I didnt think my voice would honestly hold much power but here we are. Sang Kee Peking Duck House has reopened, a week after it was closed by the city because its electrical panel was threatened by a mysterious stream of steam pouring into its basement. Owner Henry Chow said Saturday a temporary solution made it possible for the restaurant to reopen at 11 a.m. Advertisement Were not sure what will happen next, but we are thankful for the love and support from the city, Chow said Saturday. We really felt like everybody was behind us this week. In an email to The Inquirer Sunday, a spokesperson for Vicinity Energy, the company that provides heat to Center City buildings through an underground high-pressure steam-pipe system, identified the cause of the problem that forced the shutdown of Sang Kee to water from a nearby business service line coming into contact with the surface of Vicinitys underground steam pipes. To clarify, there was no leak in our steam pipes, said Sara DeMille, the spokesperson. In this case, a continuous flow of water from the service line onto the surface of our hot steam pipes generated steady vapor production. This vapor was then drawn into the restaurant, most likely through a conduit or another pathway, which caused the visible steam inside the basement. The water service line was repaired Saturday, DeMille said, citing conversations with Philadelphia Water Department. It is a joyful turn in a battle that one of the oldest restaurants in Chinatown has been grappling with for over a year. When its closure was announced, Chow told The Inquirer steam generated by a long-standing water leak was threatening Sang Kees electrical panel, which also governs its fire alarm. Contractors came in and out but no one could identify and repair the leak. As they continued to look for answers, officials feared that the electrical panel would be damaged by steam. The fire department has been out multiple times, and every utility company has been out multiple times, Henry Chows father, Michael, told The Inquirer after the restaurant was ordered closed. They all refer a different team and a different inspector and it gets nowhere. A Department of Licenses and Inspections notification appeared on Sang Kee Peking Duck House s door on Dec. 13 stating cease operations in black bold letters spread across a white paper crossed with red lines, alleging electrical and fire violations. This is a nightmare, the Chows posted on the restaurants Instagram account last week, announcing the indefinite shutdown to the mournful comments of longtime customers asking how they could help. On Dec. 14, Vicinity workers created a temporary vent by making a hole in the ground, turning it into a chimneylike system to release part of the steam, Henry Chow said in an interview Saturday. This temporary solution helped the Chows reopen the restaurant, the owner said, by reducing the amount of steam enough to prevent the electrical and fire panels from being at risk. Chow said he is grateful to be back in business. This is not just a Chinese restaurant in Philadelphias Chinatown, its what people consider a Philadelphia institution, Chow said. To be part of the fabric of the city is really meaningful. Editors note: This article was updated Sunday to include comments from a spokesperson for Vicinity Energy citing the cause of the restaurants closure and stating the problem was repaired Saturday. Rebecca Kenton found that in her 30s she began questioning her identity. And while she had plenty of straight friends, it sent her on a search for her lesbian community. I came out later in life. I was in heterosexual marriage with two young children, and I wanted to explore this side of myself, said Kenton. Advertisement What she found was not the easygoing acceptance she had imagined, but a cliquish community that she said made connecting difficult. So, after four years of dissatisfying online and real-life attempts at connection, she decided to build what she sought: mixers that were safe, fun, and encouraged meaningful interaction for the queer community. In 2017, Kenton was given the opportunity to take over a small Facebook group of about 100 lesbian women and unveiled Sip City Mixer, which hosts special events throughout the area catering to LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary folks. I wanted to create a space that was intentionally welcoming, not just space to go and stand around with other lesbians, said Kenton. Combating social disconnection Social disconnection has become a growing dilemma throughout the country. About half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults, according to an advisory report released last year by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. This loneliness epidemic is more widespread than diabetes or obesity and is as dangerous to your physical health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. It is also detrimental to a persons mental well being as well as community cohesiveness. [T]he harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished, Murthy wrote. READ MORE: Are you lonely? These Philadelphians are too. The report also promised to show Americans how to build more connected lives and a more connected society. But Kenton said she already knows what is needed: the return of face-to-face interactions. I think people are looking for something real, and social media is just not satisfying, she said. Apps are fun for a minute. Its the difference between junk food and a nourishing meal. Social media is junk food and space filler. Sip City Mixer has grown in popularity Over the years, Sip City Mixer has grown not according to a business plan but to Kentons gut instinct. She described it as a traveling queer bar. We go all over the city to welcoming businesses, bringing them revenue and us a place to gather. There are anywhere from 100-1,000 attendees, depending what the theme of the gathering is. Sip City Mixers main Instagram account has over 13,500 followers. With increased popularity and more events, Kenton decided to turn her hobby into an entrepreneurial moment. It got popular very quickly, and I was feeding off other peoples excitement, she said. The daughter of New England educators who believed in community service and fought for civil rights, Kenton also felt pulled to ensure Sip City Mixer was inclusive and diverse. The original Facebook group she inherited was primarily white women. Philadelphia is known as a segregated city. By my experiences, New York, D.C., and Atlanta are much more racially integrated than Philadelphia, Kenton, said adding, I wanted to make it more inclusive. I wanted people of color, trans people, and others to feel welcomed. I wanted it to be more queer than strictly lesbian. From her main group, she started several Sip City subgroups, including one for outdoor enthusiasts and another for introverts or the more quiet. She also started a subgroup for queer people of color (QPoC), Melamixin, which she has passed onto others to run. Melamixins name will change but will also now be 100% run by QPoC leaders Its always been my goal to transition Melamixin to a 100% POC run and hosted group, Kenton explained in a recent Instagram post. Sip City Mixers inclusive events have also expanded to the suburbs and South Jersey. In light of the recent presidential election, Kenton said, there is an even greater need for queer community members to have safe and nurturing places to gather. READ MORE: LGBTQ rights in Pa. must be protected before the Trump presidency Next up for Sip City Mixer Almost eight years in, and interest is still high. Sapphic Sparkles, the groups first New Years Eve event, is Dec. 31 at Rosys Taco Bar East. In January, Kenton is hosting her first speed-dating event for 30-somethings. I have over 100 four-page applications for 20 spaces, she said, noting that shell likely add speed-dating events in February and March to keep up with demand. Kenton is also considering opening a lesbian bar, given the citys lack of one. Philadelphias last lesbian bar, Toasted Walnut, closed in January 2021. READ MORE: As Philly gathers in bars to watch the Super Bowl, another reminder for the LGBTQ community of the lack of lesbian bars Developing her personal community took a lot of persistence, but ultimately it happened. Now, Kenton explained, she wants to make that journey less difficult for others. I built it for myself, she said. Sip City Mixer builds it for other people. Serhiy Kyslytsia has been dismissed from the post of Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, as well as from the posts of Ambassador of Ukraine to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, which he held concurrently. According to the website of the president of Ukraine, Yevheniia Filipenko has also been dismissed from the post of Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva. Corresponding decrees No. 869/2024 and No. 870/2024 of December 21 were published on the website of the head of state on Saturday. In addition, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the cancellation of the decree on the appointment of Emine Dzhaparova as Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the international organizations in Vienna as unimplemented. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivers the "State of the City" address at Temples Performing Arts Center Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Friday took the Broad Street Line from City Hall to Temple Universitys Performing Arts Center to cap off her first year in office by delivering Philadelphias first State of the City address. Its easy to see why the mayor is taking a victory lap. Crime is down. The city has launched new, highly visible programs aimed at improving public cleanliness. And on Thursday, Parker secured a major legislative victory when City Council approved the 76ers proposal to build a new arena in Center City. Advertisement My message here on today is one about the progress that weve made in the Parker administration during year one, the mayor said to a crowd of several hundred, most of whom were city officials. We are literally starting to show results for the people of Philadelphia. READ MORE: The Parker administrations drug treatment facility will open early next year, mayor says Still, some of the most challenging issues Parker has promised to tackle, especially ending the open-air drug market in Kensington, remain unresolved. In her speech, Parker announced that the first phase of the Riverview Wellness Village drug treatment center a high-profile part of the administrations plan for housing people using drugs in Kensington would open early in the new year. Parker said she plans to hold her first cabinet meeting of 2025 at the facility, which sits next to the citys State Road jail complex. During the address, Parker paused several times to recognize people working on initiatives she was highlighting: two correctional officers who were part of a recent cadet class the mayor hopes will help stabilize the scandal-plagued and understaffed jails; two students at City College of Municipal Employment, a training program Parker launched with Community College of Philadelphia to train prospective city employees; and two people involved in Taking Care of Business, a commercial corridor cleaning program championed by the mayor. Here are three takeaways from Parkers speech and her trip to North Philly. Just like the average citizen Parker said she took SEPTA to the event so we get a chance to do what Philadelphians do every day, not forget about what its like to traverse the city just like the average citizen. On the subway, Parker sat next to a retired teacher who Parker said took the opportunity to lobby the mayor on more arts and culture funding. She said, Dont forget that the arts are a way to teach [creative thinking]. People in the arts and culture and the creative economy they dont mind taking risk, Parker recounted. Parker asked the woman if she noticed any changes since the mayor took office in January. She said, Yeah, weve see some positive improvements. I said, OK, like what? Parker said. And she says, The city is definitely cleaner. Public safety still top priority During her historic mayoral campaign, Parker assumed a tough-on-crime message. As it happened, gun violence started falling before she took office, as the pandemic crime wave began to abate. On Friday, Parker noted that while gun violence has fallen in big cities across the country, one study found that it has fallen most quickly in Philadelphia. Still, she said, public safety remains the administrations top priority. Homicides are down 37% compared with one year ago, and shootings are down 36%, Parker said. But let me be clear. ... It is not enough. The numbers dont mean a damn thing if you are a friend or a relative of someone who has been immediately impacted by violence. Parker credited her administrations PIE strategy prevention, intervention, enforcement and Councils community-based antiviolence organizations with Phillys success in fighting crime. Campaign promise status check Parkers campaign slogan that she will make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest big city with access to economic opportunity for all has become her administrations mission statement, and the mayor repeats it in nearly every public appearance. READ MORE: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker launches a new website to show the citys progress on her campaign promises So it was fitting that the phrase was projected onto a large screen behind the mayor as she began a speech in which she provided status updates on many of her campaign promises, some of which include: 300 community policing officers: On the campaign trail, Parker proposed hiring 300 officers to focus on community policing and building relationships in the neighborhoods they patrol. On Friday, she said the city so far had deployed 200 officers walking the beat, riding bikes, getting to know the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. 30,000 new units of affordable housing: Parker last year said that, if elected, she would create 30,000 affordable housing units, which would have been an extraordinary feat. Earlier this year, city planning officials watered down that goal by saying the administration will count not just affordable units, but market-rate homes as well. It will also include homes saved by emergency repair programs that aid low-income homeowners, not just newly constructed units. But details remain scarce about Parkers plan. The mayor had planned to release a comprehensive housing plan this fall. On Friday, she said it would come out in the first quarter of 2025. Year-round schooling: Parkers campaign promise of creating a system of year-round schooling came into focus in the fall when she and Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. launched a pilot program for an extended day, extended year program at 25 schools. She said Friday that the pilot was already providing a free city-sponsored program offering services before school starts, and after-school care that provides programs ranging from and this is my favorite the coding to computer sciences to girls rugby. Staff writer Anna Orso contributed to this article. 1. The Whistler Irish Cream Liqueur To be crowned Best Irish Cream Liqueur is quite something yet the four 2024 Irish Whiskey Awards gold medals awarded to the Cooney familys Boann Distillery in Drogheda, included that very title (overall category win) for their Whistler Irish Cream Liqueur. The Whistler Cream Liqueur. But, with the highest cream and whiskey content of any Irish cream liqueur on the market, perhaps its success should be no surprise. If you like that, try this Within its cute packaging a clip-top milk churn bottle Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur lays claim to be the worlds first farm-to-table Irish cream liqueur, combining single batch cream from five Co Cork farms, and Irish whiskey from the county. Highly rated and widely available. James Whelan Finest Beef Drippings 2. James Whelan Finest Beef Dripping James Whelan Beef Dripping took the food world by storm when it beat 10,000 competing products to be awarded Supreme Champion at the Great Taste Awards in 2015 an astonishing achievement for a very traditional and humble ingredient. But its the quality of basic ingredients that really counts to get the best flavour and texture from your cooking, including roast potatoes for the Christmas table, which premium beef dripping can transform into a special experience. If you like that, try this Fancy some game over the festive season pheasant or wild Irish venison from Tipperary perhaps? Try Ranelagh specialist The Village Butcher or SuperValu stores. 3. Bon Chocolatiers Christmas Collection (pictured at top) What is it with Ireland and premium chocolate production? Whatever the answer, its amazing and we have superb new brands arriving all the time. Take chefs Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan, who started their small business Bon Chocolatiers during the pandemic. Current offerings include a gorgeous Festive Treats box and their large filled Rockin Robin. After online orders close, their chocolates are available from Daniels familys cafe Beans & Leaves in Athlone, and some lines are also sold at Dublins Fallon & Byrne. If you like that, try this Bean to bar craft chocolate makers NearyNogs offers small batch chocolates, events and tours on the scenic Mourne Coast. Also available from specialist outlets nationwide, including English Market favourite The Chocolate Shop in Cork. Hadji Beys treat pack 4. Hadji Beys Turkish Delight Irelands love affair with chocolate is extraordinary, but For many people Christmas wouldnt be Christmas without some Hadji Beys Turkish Delight. Its story as an Irish treat dates back to 1902 when a young Armenian confectioner made his mark at the Great Cork International Exhibition and the rest is history. Available in Original Rose and Rahat Lokoum (rose, orange and lemon flavours) with newer varieties (and Madagascar Vanilla Fudge) added later, the iconic boxes include an article on Hadji Beys Turkish Delight first published in The Guardian in 1964, and the little gift bags also make cute stocking fillers. If you like that, try this Look out for the nostalgic Nic & Alis range, made in Dublin and available from specialist outlets including BT and Avoca. O'Neill's Irish Atlantic sea salt 5. ONeills Irish Atlantic Sea Salt Just as chefs advise investment in good knives, they will recommend seeking out the best seasonings and what could be better than pure Atlantic Ocean sea salt? Although were lucky to have some excellent brands to choose from, Michael and Aileen ONeills Irish Atlantic Sea Salt from the Beara Peninsula was the first natural sea salt to be commercially produced in Ireland (2009) and its purity and high salinity remain unique. As well as the original, theres a newer flavoured range including: Oak Smoked, Chilli & Paprika, Lemon & Pepper, Aromatic Garlic and Aran Dillisk (seaweed from the Aran Islands). If you like that, try this Cider vinegar with living culture unpasteurised cider vinegar from the Traas familys Tipperary gem The Apple Farm. Simply superb. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Trilogy 6. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Trilogy Mini Gift Pack Today, at Drumshanbos old Methodist Church (now reimagined for the community), PJ Rigneys The Shed Distillery celebrates a decade in business exactly 10 years since Connachts first distillation in over a century took place. If only every town in Ireland had a visionary entrepreneur like PJ Rigney, our rural landscape could be transformed hence our naming The Shed (and its Jackalope Cafe) as GCGuides Visitor Attraction of the Year 2024. And their drinks are outstanding too of course. If you like that, try this The Bushmills Miniature Gift Pack has three mini Irish whiskeys from the worlds oldest licensed distillery (1608), including Black Bush. David hears knocking and for a lovely second it is part of his dream, and then it is gone and he is awake. He sits up, looking at his mother half in, half out of the room. I left you for as long as I could, come on down, people will be arriving soon. The half of her disappears and the door closes with a little soft sound, like a slipper on tiles. David picks at his eyes, trying to remember the dream. There was a secret, an expectation, something he wanted terribly and was about to get, and the knocking was the sound of this incredible unnamed thing announcing itself. It is difficult waking into a reality that only reflects a darker, distorted version of the dream. He gets out of bed, puts on his pants, opens the curtains. It is Christmas Day. It seems silly, celebrating. He wonders wholl be coming, how theyll fit into the small, awkward spaces the house creates; the awkward, uncomfortable spaces that they themselves create. Katie probably woke up early and ran to the tree. Its her last year believing, Davids mother said, dont you go spoiling it. It is already ruined; his mother just hasnt realized it yet. Downstairs, he can already hear The Pogues playing and, when he opens the door to the sitting room, his mother is on the sofa with Katie and Cian, their feet hidden by ripped wrapping paper, smiles on their faces. David cant understand it. Come on over, Santas been. Just gonna get something to eat. He opens the cupboard and takes down the cheap, fake Coco Pops. Even the name irritates him Choco Rice. He sits at the counter with his back to his family and fills a bowl. He can feel movement behind him but hunches over and scoops the spoon to his mouth. Cian sits next to him. David feels a hand resting on his shoulder and is uncomfortable. I know things are fucked man, but like, can you not just try? For Katies sake. For mum as well, shes wrecked. David crunches on more cereal, nodding. He looks at Cians face slouched in the palm of his hand. David hopes to grow into his looks, that one day he will resemble Cian, a fuller mouth, a dark beard. Youre not the only one feeling like shit, Cian whispers as he walks away. *** David slurps the remaining milk. Somebody gets up and skips back a song on the CD player and The Pogues are again filling that new silence the house creates. David walks over and sits next to Katie. He puts an arm around her, and she squeezes him. She shuffles free from his grip, her tiny feet in red Santa tights skip to the Christmas tree. She bends down and picks up a present, turning to David, smirking and biting her lower lip. It is as if she floats back to him. Open it, come on. You help me. Her hand takes one edge of the wrapping paper, his the other, and they pull in opposing directions, revealing the new boxset of Buffy. Can I watch it with you? You cannot! His mother standing over him, kissing him on the head. Merry Christmas my handsome man. Merry Christmas, Mum. His mother walks over to the kitchen. He can see the sadness in her back. In the way her feet are heavy, the slight slide of the slippers along the tiles. There is a breath of time in between each of her movements the putting the wrapper in the bin, the opening of a cupboard, the vacant stare on her face lit up by the fluorescent fridge light. Here, hold this, he gives the boxset to Katie and whispers, Course you can watch it with me! He walks quietly to his mother; afraid any sudden movement might startle her. She turns and hugs him tightly. He can smell countless memories from her skin and wants to cry and doesnt want to cry in equal measure. It is impossible to figure out how to fit back into himself, how they can continue to be who they once were, how any of what came before means anything or makes any sense. He can feel his body intensely, his breath is a thick tarry substance; his feet are clumpy sand. Lets just get through today, she says, holding him by the shoulder. Her hand cups his face. Do they know when the body will be back? Soon, its just there is paperwork, and loads of boring stuff you dont need to worry about. Does he just go in with the suitcases like? Jesus, David. What? Does he? I think so but its not something you should be worrying about. Im just going to shower. Ok, dont be long, theyll be arriving soon enough. Theres not even enough space in this shithole for us, not alone the rest of them. He cannot curtail the anger. It slithers out of him, pooling at his feet as he walks away. He just about stops himself from slamming the door. Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God its our last. He was a good man. Deep down. Just troubled but he was good. I hope you know that. And he loved you something fierce. I know. Its just so weird. His grandfather hands back the photo. *** Theyll all be over, trying to find words to fit the size of their sadness. He is angry at his aunt, at his friends, and especially his cousins. He envies their lovely, detached grief that can be turned on and off. Envies the distance, the staring coming over to see the poor old souls, and then talking about it afterwards in the car, or over coffee. Did you see the dark circles under her eyes, theyll say, and David, he was always trouble, God knows what will happen him now. He has a sudden urge to never speak again, to give up on the uselessness of words once and for all. In his room, he sits at the keyboard. His fingers caress the blacks, the whites, slowly pushing down but not enough to create sound. He wants to speak aloud his language of flats and minors, for them to be understood. He starts playing the melody that has lived in his head for days now. A low, inky bass rhythm from his left hand; a splaying of flat, slow notes from his right. A short murky return that repeats, with the slightest change each time the real sound of grief. He closes his eyes, and that stillness comes, a capacious opening he wants to share with the world. If this were the only language we knew, he thinks, but the doorbell a sharp, hoax of a sound rings through the house. Again, he is flesh and limbs and bones, and a gunky taste clogs the back of his tongue. He walks back downstairs and into the living room and his aunt Carol is there. A chubbier version of his mother. His aunt is always hugging for too long and speaking loudly so everyone knows she is there. She is standing by the flimsy, pathetic Christmas tree talking to Cian. When she sees David, she waddles to him and hugs him. She is wearing too much perfume and her make-up leaves an orangey print on Davids favourite T-shirt. Ya poor crater, how are you holding up? She squeezes his arm. Grand yeah. Fine like. David forces a jammy smile and walks over to his cousin, Catriona, who is a year older but goes to a private school in town. Shes wearing bootcut jeans with little stuck-on diamonds at the curve of the pockets and a tight green T-shirt. Sorry about Mam, shes painful. Its grand. Theyre all the same. *** You doing ok? Not really, but like, its grand. Any news on the funeral? They have naturally huddled into the utility room. Nothing. Have to wait for the body to come back. Was it in Brazil he was found? Yeah, so weird. I heard it was Venezuela Thailand Cambodia! This fucking village and the rumours. David laughs a little and imagines all the voices talking about him and his family. It feels oddly satisfying. Come on, Catriona says, pulling him by the arm, lets get a drink. He follows her out and she takes a glass of the prosecco, and he goes to the fridge and gets a bottle of beer. Back at the counter, he opens the bottle and, as he is about to take the first swig, his mothers hand pulls it from him. I dont think so! Seriously, Mum, are you actually serious? His aunt has come over. He is about to turn on her when she puts her hand on the bottle and gives it back to him. Its only the one, Angie, leave him off. David takes it before she has a chance to argue. He sits down on the sofa next to Cian. Big man with your beer! Oh, fuck off. Im joking man, chill. Cian lifts his bottle of beer clinking it against Davids. To Dad, the fucker that he was. To Dad, David whispers, feeling that familiar swollen knot at his throat. The beer has to fight its way down. *** Has Granddad arrived yet? Havent seen him. Right, another. Cian gets up and shakes the empty bottle and walks over to the kitchen. David sits with his beer. Christmas songs sour the room. Neighbours walk past their house in groups of hats and scarves. Kids skip. He wonders if his dad is in a coffin yet. If his body will have any remnants of him at all when it finally lands in Cork. David knows by the stretched silences and unfinished conversations what happened. He just doesnt know how. Drinking himself into a stupor and then a lash of prescription drugs? A rope? Stones in pockets, and a slow walk to the sea? Dave notices his grandfather come in the side door, his eyes meet Davids, his head motions towards the door. He stands up, leaving his bottle on the ground and walks over to the side door. They hug a little awkwardly. David is taller than him now and feels the curve in his grandfathers upper back, which wasnt there before. He looks very old and very tired. David wonders which is worse, to lose a father or a son. How are you doing my boy? Not bad, could do without this like. Yes, well. Life goes on. Fancy a stroll? Yeah, yeah, let me just get my coat. Good man. Ill wait outside. Dont you wanna see Mum or anything? Time enough for all that. David watches his grandfather walk back out the side door he looks like a man who has turned up at the wrong place at the wrong time. David runs upstairs, throws on a jacket and grabs a hat. He can feel the photo in the jacket pocket. Downstairs, he keeps his head down and hears his name being called but walks out, leaving the rising voices and the dwindling music behind. He walks next to his grandfather, who links his arm, and they stroll past the council houses and down onto the main road in silence. Only as they near the crossroads and go towards the fort does his grandfather speak. Come on, well get up there and sit on the wall. See if there are any cruise ships heading off. They sit down. There is a little shelter from the fort. David remembers his head tucked in tight under his fathers arm. How his heart beat out that mad melody, the very same as his own. He remembers thinking, This is important, his heart beats the same as mine. How are you holding up? His grandfather has shifted so hes almost facing David. His skin is tight, eyes sunken in his head. Not great actually. Like, nobody is really talking, you know. I suppose nobody knows what to say. David takes out the photo from his jacket pocket. In it, he is eleven, maybe twelve, and his dads arm is around his neck, pulling him in playfully. They are both laughing. David has no memory of it. He hands over the photo. Do you know when this was taken, or like, where we were? His grandfathers thumb rubs the photo quickly, as if fixing his sons hair. He had the best laugh, your dad. Even as a boy. Yeah. Id hear it at the school gates. He was always talking to someone. He was a good man. Deep down. Just troubled but he was good. I hope you know that. And he loved you something fierce. I know. Its just so weird. His grandfather hands back the photo. No idea where it was taken, sorry. Lovely picture, though. Remember him like that. Patrick Holloway, author of this year's Examiner Christmas short story *** David adds this day, this moment, to all the other things that will never be answered. I wanted to ask you, and say no now if its too much, but I thought you might want to play something at the funeral. Youre so talented. I hadnt thought about it. I could. I have something that Ive been working on. But I dont want people to see me. Oh, youll be upstairs. Have you forgotten what the church looks like? His grandfather laughs a little. The wind picks up. It whines a little whistle. David plays with the sounds in his mind, extending them out to a refrain. There are no cruise ships, no boats out on the sea, just the rough waves ceasing and becoming, over and over, the spume like fallen clouds. David thinks, This is the time: just ask him. Hell tell you. But he cannot find the words, is unsure the words even exist. Maybe they are learnt, much later. Maybe when he himself is a father, he will have the syntax, the intonation, the order of it all to ask the question, but not now. He thinks of his own future as a leggy arachnid thing with half a heartbeat, always in the shadows, always scuttering out of sight. How is everything else at home? Home, thats not home. I know, its not ideal. I wish there was more I could do. Its not your fault. Its his, really. Pissing away all our money. I hate him for that like. How could he do that to us? He was sick, Dave. He was a very sick man. It just wasnt there on show all the time. A lot of it is my fault. I didnt do well by him early on. I was afraid. Blame me. I tried when it was too late. I feel like I didnt know him at all. Of course you did. And dont hate him, he acted the only way he knew how. The main thing is he loved ye all. You especially. He never stopped talking about you, the talent you have. Said you were going to blow everyone away, wide open, he said. David can feel his eyes sting. That horrible, laboured stutter of breath going into him. He wipes at his face with his sleeve and gets up from the wall. He walks closer to the cliffs edge and spits over. Then he screams. As loud as he can for as long as he can and the wind takes it, swings and stretches it across the sky. They walk back together talking about ordinary things because the world is still ordinary, he thinks, cars still pass by and presents are opened and too much gravy is spilled onto a plate, and someone somewhere has forgotten the stuffing. And something he never thought about before, something nobody in this village has ever even contemplated is now all he can picture. Dead bodies are stowed away just like suitcases. Goods being sent, being returned. Leftovers of wherever it is they come from; whatever it is they have done. At the door, Crosby croons where the love light gleams, I'll be home for Christmas. David opens the door, and his mother is in the hall. *** Her hair has fallen loose and strands are stuck to the sweat at her temple. One hand holds a glass of prosecco, the other jackets, which she loops over the bannister. I was wondering where ye had ran off to. She moves to them and hugs his grandfather, then releases him and squeezes his shoulder with her free hand. Its good to see you. You too, Angie. Merry Christmas. I have presents in the car, Ill bring them in. Oh, dont be silly. Go in there and get yourself a glass of something. His grandfather moves past them and opens the door to the sitting room the noise escapes, voices, laughter, a general whoosh of life. And then it closes, and all the sound is muffled. His mother sits on the bottom stairs and taps the empty space next to her. David sits down. She rests her head on his shoulder and places a hand on his thigh. I have another present for you upstairs, its under my bed. Its something from your dad. What? Like he sent it? No, they belonged to him. He always said how he wanted you to have them. Open it in your own time, no rush. Ok, thanks. One other thing. What now? She laughs and pushes his leg away. You wouldnt ever bring down the keyboard, liven the place up a bit? I will yeah, if I can have a few beers. She stands and pulls him up by the arm. Just dont let me see you. Grand so. He walks up the stairs. In his mothers room, he lies on the ground and reaches under the bed. He pulls out a box, unwrapped. It is Nike and probably once held his fathers new shoes. It has weight to it. In his room, he sits with it, playing with the edges of the lid, opening them slightly to close them again. Hearing the cardboard grain against itself. Noises travel from downstairs, from outside. It is everywhere life. Nothing can be contained, not really. It all has a way of escaping, of stretching beyond the limits of itself and spilling over. Days themselves. Air. Its impossible to be free of it. He puts it under his bed, leaving whatever it is guarded for now. He takes the keyboard in both hands and swings it under one arm, thinking of the melody he will set free to the world. Developer Michael OFlynn has called for a radical rethink of how housing is delivered if a new government is to have any hope of addressing the housing deficit. Writing today in the 'Irish Examiner', the chairman and CEO of the OFlynn Group, says certain proposed legislative changes would act as an impediment rather than a stimulus to housing delivery. He says this includes the Land (Zoning Value Sharing) Bill where the State would secure 25% of the uplift in value of land, following its zoning for residential use. The new Bill is a prime example of policymakers lacking understanding of the impact of their proposals, the developer said. It ignores the fact that currently 33% is already captured through capital gains tax, as well as the 20% captured by means of Part V Social and Affordable housing provisions. Taken together with development contributions, Vat paid on serviced land and Vat paid on new homes, Mr OFlynn says the tax take by the State from new housing far exceeds 100% of the uplift in the value of the underlying land. The upshot of the new tax would be to add to the cost of homes, he warns. The more the State takes in taxes from the process from zoning land to housing delivery, the more it adds to the cost of the houses ultimately delivered. He says the proposed tax is causing turmoil in the market and is currently driving up the value of land with planning permission and reducing the incentive to sell or buy zoned land. It is adversely impacting investor appetite for housing in Ireland. It beggars belief that our policy makers do not understand the seriousness of the damage they are causing by this proposal, Mr OFlynn says. Mr OFlynn is critical of the Residential Zoned Land Tax on land zoned for housing but not built on which will be charged from February 1, 2025. Introduced in the mistaken belief that there are thousands of acres of zoned land that were deliberately not being built on, all it has done is to scare away investment and make houses more expensive, he says. The new Planning and Development Act comes under fire too. "We were promised that the new act would bring about radical and meaningful changes in our planning system," he says. The consensus in the industry is that there is very little in it that will make a positive difference and some provisions take us a step backwards, adding that this tolerance of bureaucratic failure must stop. Mr OFlynn says the incoming government could do worse than urgently consider the proposals of the Housing Commission, of which he was a member, and which delivered its report earlier this year. The question now is, will the new government take a bold approach or continue down the same path which simply cannot deliver, Mr OFlynn says. Ireland's first male interfaith minister was among those leading winter solstice festivities at Newgrange on Saturday. Enda Donnellan, who lives close to the area and was ordained as Irelands first male interfaith minister in 2012, brought people together from all over Ireland for a meditation circle with a difference. He describes the practice as solstice ritual preparation to celebrate the winter solstice in Newgrange. The spectacle occurs on December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year. For the nearly 2,500 other people who joined hands around a heartbeat of drummers at the UNESCO heritage site on Saturday, the collective experience was one of euphoria, friendship and renewal as winters darkness dissolved into light. Picture: Chani Anderson It sees the prehistoric 5,000-year-old monuments passage tomb align with the rising sun for a breathtakingly unique sight. Such events have become commonplace for Enda Donnellan who has a sharp focus on spiritual and nature-based events. I think what happened with religion was that we confined God to a building. Thats not to take away from the power of the church. However, all it did was make people feel like this was the only place to go to find God. Nature is my church and that includes the whole universe. He described the form his Winter Solstice events take. Theres a mens circle and a womens circle. The flag we used this year was a swan flag to represent the children of Lir and the children being freed. "We all want to fly like swans. The Whooper migrates to the Boyne Valley each year and the aerial view from Newgrange reflects the Cygnus constellation which derives its name from the Latinised Greek word for swan. For the nearly 2,500 other people who joined hands around a heartbeat of drummers at the UNESCO heritage site on Saturday, the collective experience was one of euphoria, friendship and renewal as winters darkness dissolved into light. Picture: Chani Anderson In recent years, the interfaith minister has shied away from traditional events. Ive made the decision to stop doing weddings because I felt that for so many people it was a bondage. "When you look at the history of marriage a lot of it is based on security. The focus is more on commodities and assets. As an interfaith minister my job is not to administer the assets of two people so they can feel secure in the world. As far as Im concerned thats the Governments job. Ill be marrying my oldest friend in the new year but that will be my last wedding. For the nearly 2,500 other people who joined hands around a heartbeat of drummers at the UNESCO heritage site on Saturday, the collective experience was one of euphoria, friendship and renewal as winters darkness dissolved into light. Picture: Chani Anderson His events aim to bring people back to basics. There can be a lot of pageantry in Newgrange. Thats not to take away from what other people are doing but for us its more about showing up as you are in your normal clothes and without any masks of any spiritual hierarchy. "Everyone in the circle is equal and wants to create the energy together. Nobody is placed on a pedestal. The old model was the man preaching from the pulpit and the misconception that one person is closer to God than the rest of us. We now know that this was all about control and power. "We do have some rules and always stress that this an alcohol-free event. You wouldnt go into a church drunk and this is just as sacred. CHRISTMAS would be perfect if life didnt get in its way. Its taken me the best part of 50 years to realise that; but if life teaches us another lesson, its that cynicism kills possibility. If you dont believe me, look at the magic in a childs eyes on Christmas morning. As we grow older, we become more cynical, which is sad. Cynicism is not healthy, but, thankfully, strange things happen at Christmas that are beyond our control; at times beyond our conscious understanding. These are fleeting moments that stop us dead in our tracks; moments that leave even the most cynical speechless. Call them the magic of Christmas. One such moment happened to me on the train back to Cork last week. Since it was almost Christmas, and I was feeling sorry for myself, because of a heavy cold that had been hanging over me for a fortnight, I decided to spoil myself and pay the extra 20 for a seat in first class. Its about as luxurious as public transport gets: A wide Pullman-style seat, a free coffee, and a quaint lamp by the window on the table in front of me. I counted 11 others who had availed of the swank as I also watched out my window at the hundreds of passengers piling into the lowlier carriages, where you would usually find me. But not today. 'Ghost' of Christmas past And then it happened. I was settling in to the journey, when in what felt like a movie in slow motion I noticed my father sitting two rows ahead of me, facing in my direction on the other side of the carriage. He was reading a magazine, wearing one of his familiar cosy pullovers, occasionally inching his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose; just as he would do when we would sit in my parents kitchen drinking tea and chatting. It was one of those heart-missed-a-beat moments that left me speechless, if only because my father passed away six years ago; a huge loss that impacted me deeply, and still does, especially at this time of the year. In that second, the likeness to my father was uncanny his nose, his jawline, his hair; such was the overall resemblance whoever this stranger was. He looked up towards me and nodded, as though he knew me from somewhere. Suddenly, he looked different. While this man was my fathers living doppelganger, he wasnt my father. For the remainder of the journey, I couldnt help stealing a glance at him every chance I got. He left the train at Thurles. It was an experience that has stayed with me since, although it wasnt the first time it occurred. It seems to happen around Christmas each year, when I least expect it. The first sighting of my father was on the Christmas Eve of the year he died: It shook me to the core, possibly because I hadnt experienced anything so otherworldly in decades. Years ago, when I was much younger, I had similar ethereal experiences after my grandmother passed away. I was 20 when she died, and had been very close to her. Similar to my experience last week, on the train, her likeness would appear in the most unexpected places, including one morning, years later, while I was driving to work. I had stopped at a red-light pedestrian crossing, and, suddenly, there she was crossing the street in front of my windscreen. She looked me in the eyes and shot me the briefest of smiles. My heart melted. It was her; except, of course, it wasnt. As I looked more closely at her, I realised her face was not the face of my grandmother, but a strangers. Cynicism could have ensured that my curiosity didnt run away with itself. But some things in life mute cynicism, such as experiences like these that go beyond even the deeply personal, to a place within that twins the sheer happiness of childhood memories with the nagging pain of lasting grief. Grief Grief never goes away. The price of real love is that it cant be exchanged for any other experience except grief; the latter being the inevitable outcome of the former. During my childhood Christmases, we spent a lot of time in my grandparents house. My favourite place was kneeling up on a chair in the kitchen by my grandmothers side, while she baked scones and kneaded the dough for brown bread. I would set out the baking trays and the mince-pie tins, while she made the trifle sponges. Her Christmas cakes and puddings were the stuff of legend recipes handed down from her own mother on what were now tanned pages of neat handwriting, instructions and measurements and incidental side notes. I would see her in the most random places for years after she passed away. They were comforting reassurances that while she was no longer here in the physical sense, she was still watching out for me; as though they were a reminder that life goes on after death in a way that can often be too overwhelming for those grieving the loss of a loved-one to understand. Asymmetrical encounters I LATER found out that these often bewildering sightings are called asymmetrical encounters, and they happen to everyone and not just to people we think are clairvoyant. It all happens in an unexpected, split second, when the grieving person catches sight of the face of their much-loved deceased parent or child in a stranger they encounter; but when the stranger looks back, all they see is the unfamiliar face of someone they dont know. A profoundly deep recognition suddenly becomes a sharply felt, one-sided case of mis-identity, and it can be shattering to a grieving person. Its almost as if those earliest moments of raw grief flare up and swallow you all over again. Grief is like stepping off a familiar path in a dark forest, and this asymmetrical encounter can feel cruel, because it can shake up the submerged pain of grief and the profoundly lonely sense of loss. Many people who have experienced such encounters often say they felt cheated, while others cherish them, those briefest of moments when they relive the joy of seeing a loved one brought to life in the features of a stranger. Grief plumbs the human condition to a cellular level of emotional hurt, one where there are no words to describe its pain. Any respite from griefs private journey is a welcome relief. I havent been able to locate much research into this phenomenon, which others might simply pass off as a trick of the light, or a form of daydream. Nick Cave However, musician and writer Nick Cave, whose 15-year-old son, Arthur, died in 2015 (another son, Jethro, died in 2022) acknowledges these somewhat lonely, yet mystical, encounters in the Red Hand Files, his online journal. There, he answers questions from fans on topics he describes as a strange exercise in communal vulnerability and transparency. Often, while grieving, many of us are gripped by a form of madness, and start to believe, against our better judgements, all manner of lunacies and magical thinking, he writes. We believe our loved ones visit us in our dreams, we see them across crowded rooms, we think we hear their voices, we believe they inhabit other forms, we feel their ghost-hands in our own, we experience their presence all around. Caves advice to us is to quietly, covertly, embrace the mystery that presents itself. It is yours alone. May you feel the joy of love from those you love this Christmas. When I think of Christmas as a kid, the most recurring memory I have is not of Santa or watching Indiana Jones on Christmas day with my family, but of an ad from about 1988. Scored by Dusty Springfields Game of Life, it followed the journey of a college kid returning home for the holidays, picked up by his dad from a bus and driven across the bog road to his childhood home, where his mother was diligently preparing the house for him, readying his bedroom, cooking, and baking. It being an ad for the ESB, it took artistic licence by depicting an Irish home with every electrical appliance on full blast all at once, immersion, tumble dryer, electric blankets. For those of us who lived through that decade, we can appreciate this was a wild fiction. No house ever had a dryer and an electric blanket on simultaneously, but even in its fantasy it nailed the essence of something so many long for, and that longing only amplifies at Christmas. The longing for home. The strange thing is, I remember that ad affecting me as a kid even though Id never left home. I was experiencing a kind of dyslexic nostalgia for something that was years away from happening for me. I was an eight-year-old, what did I know about coming home from college? Nothing, obviously, but I guess I understood the significance of the ritual of a father and son in a car together driving home in a content silence. Of bread being baked and broken together. Of the warm embrace of a happy home. I think of that ad every Christmas, but its memory arrived earlier this year when I spoke to a friend of mine, I knew in Beirut who suddenly and unexpectedly is experiencing his own sort of homecoming this Christmas, albeit one far more profound. Asser Khattab was one of over a million Syrians in Lebanon, displaced by a brutality of a civil war and the despotic Basher Al Assad regime. Asser would sit at his perch in Aaliyas Books two floors below my apartment in Gemayzee and diligently work as a journalist every day. We had mutual friends and interests. Supremely calm and quietly spoken, he spoke little of his personal circumstances, only he doubted he would ever see his home again. I spent two Christmas in Beirut and loved every minute of both. The difference between Asser and I was, my exile was by choice. His was not. The other side of the bar from where he worked was Ali and Jihad, brothers who worked in Aaliyas for years. Like Asser, they too were from Syria, and like Asser, home to them was someplace they doubted theyd ever see again. Their good nature belied the cruelness of their circumstances. They were invested in the business and were proudly Syrian in a city Beirut that was often unwelcoming to its guests. Asser moved to France before I left Lebanon as an asylum seeker. Last week, he wrote poignantly in the Financial Times about breaking up with Syria in his heart since he reached Paris, leaving social media, drifting from old friends to such an extent that they started to see him as as he put it someone, having achieved a luxurious European life, forgot who I am and where I came from. Knowing him, I understand he forgot neither, but it was clear from the words he wrote that there was much guilt woven into the relief the distance from his Aleppo home afforded him. That all changed two weeks ago, as Assad fled, and Damascus was freed. Whatever scepticism I ignorantly felt about the immediate future of Syria evaporated with hearing Assers voice. Pure joy. A kind my privileged ears had not heard before. Eight years in exile, he can go home again. So can Jihad and Ali. So can millions more. The eight years of Assers exile coincided with the eight years of life for the aforementioned Aaliyas books in Beirut. For every single day of its existence, it gave cultural refuge to thousands of Lebanese, Syrians, Irish, Americans. Everybody. The most unpretentious establishment I ever set foot in, and a second home to so many of us who were lucky enough live in that beautiful, broken city. Great books, better wine, terrible jazz, it was a place unlike any other. It has closed its doors for the very last time, and with typical magnanimity, it chose not to wallow in the self-pity of its demise, but rather celebrate the sudden potential of so many of the Syrian people like Asser, Ali and Jihad, who had sat either side of its beautiful bar, and dreamt of returning home. This Christmas, they can. Like the college kid in the ESB ad, it will be a homecoming unlike any other. Three civilians in Kherson region were killed and 13 were wounded as a result of shelling by Russian occupiers on Saturday morning, the website of the National Police of Ukraine reported on Saturday. "In the morning, the occupiers carried out a massive combined shelling of Kherson and coastal areas from barrel artillery and multiple launch rocket systems. Explosions were heard for about an hour in all districts of Kherson. As a result of the attack by the Russians, a 53-year-old and a 75-year-old man were killed, another 11 civilians were injured - seven men aged 42 to 86 and four women aged 45 to 69. They were taken to medical facilities with mine-explosive injuries, shrapnel wounds and concussions," the report says. In Antonivka, as a result of another attack by Russians from an unmanned aerial vehicle, a 52-year-old local resident was killed. "The Russian army also fired artillery at Bilozerka. As a result of the explosions, a 58-year-old woman received a blast injury and a concussion, and an 82-year-old man received a concussion and a fragment wound to the back of the head. The victims were taken to the hospital," the National Police report says. The enemy dropped 10 guided bombs on Sadove and Antonivka from aircraft, two guided bombs hit the premises of an oncology hospital. Subsequently, Russian troops dropped two more bombs on Novooleksandrivka in Beryslav district, destroying the premises of a kindergarten, and damaging a school. Information about the victims and damage is being clarified. In Kherson, two police vehicles were damaged as a result of shelling and a drone strike, but no law enforcement officers were injured. Micheal Martin may have returned Fianna Fail as the largest party of the 34th Dail, but he should know he still has to watch his back. Politics is a perilous profession, even for a man who is now poised to re-enter the office of an Taoiseach in the new year. The fact that a not-inconsiderable rump of his own party was willing to go against Martins instruction on the ceann comhairle vote this week shows that there are still soldiers within the ranks who are willing to defect. The election of Independent TD Verona Murphy has paved the way for the formation of a coalition between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the group of nine non-party TDs who are members of the regional group. However, Martin must ensure that the mild unhappiness over the vote a move that effectively saw the position sewn up into a deal that will be done with Independents in the new year is not allowed to fester. Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail had hoped that the introduction of a secret ballot in 2016 would allow members to vote in a truly independent manner, as the unsuccessful Sinn Fein candidate Aongus O Snodaigh put it: As a parliamentarian, you are being asked to choose the person you think best suited to hold this high office, which is not in the gift of the Taoiseach of the day. While the Wexford TD was elected through a secret ballot, her 76 first-preference votes point to an assumption that at least 20 of the 48 Fianna Fail TDs did not follow Martins recommendation to back her. Verona Murphy's 76 first-preference votes point to an assumption that at least 20 of the 48 Fianna Fail TDs did not follow Martins recommendation to back her. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photo It can be assumed that all of her fellow regional Independents gave Murphy their first preference, as did the majority of Fine Gael members, the four members of Independent Ireland, and another handful of Independents who are not aligned to the regional group. In the immediate aftermath of this weeks vote, there was much joking and speculation about who may have deserted the ranks, with one senior member even discreetly showing some journalists a picture of his ballot paper to prove he had given a first preference to Murphy in line with party wishes. Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne stopped short of openly declaring he had voted for a candidate that wasnt Murphy, but did state that he agreed with a number of colleagues that the ceann comhairle should be an independent and fair chair. His comments came after Murphy told her local radio station that she would continue to advocate for the people of Wexford from the ceann comhairles chair. In an ideal world we would have preferred a Fianna Fail nominee for the post of ceann comhairle, Byrne told RTE radio, when asked if he had voted for another candidate. Riding high on electoral success, with 10 more seats than Fine Gael, the Fianna Fail leader is under no immediate threat. He has brought his party from a low ebb in 2011 when Fianna Fail returned just 20 seats, having lost 57 TDs; he directed them through the hammering that his members took during the recession, and out the other side into confidence and supply and now a second term in power. However, Martin faces further difficulties in appointing cabinet members and junior ministers in the new year, which will inevitably leave some feeling disappointed and hard done-by. Outspoken TD John McGuinness, who defied his party leader by putting himself forward for the ceann comhairle position this week, would understandably feel that returning three TDs in his Carlow-Kilkenny constituency should be acknowledged. However, Jennifer Murnane OConnor will also be stressing the work she put in to deliver that third seat for Fianna Fail. Then there is the return of big names, such as Pat the Cope Gallagher, and the promotion of senators including Catherine Ardagh and Erin McGreehan, not to mention those who were appointed to positions in the last coalition. The disillusionment and lack of belief in Martin that grew into what almost amounted to a heave just over three years ago could easily be rekindled. Ahead of the now infamous think-in in the Slieve Russell Hotel, it had been speculated that a list of 15 TDs was primed to back a motion of no confidence in his leadership. The direction of the party, which was seen as being solely decided upon by Martin and a small cohort of unelected advisers, was cited by many TDs and senators as the reason for the rapid decline in popularity. In making his pitch for the ceann comhairle position this week, McGuinness made a point that many of the disaffected were stressing across the summer and autumn of 2021. 'The Dail Chamber can often be sidelined,' said John McGuinness. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photo Through my years of public service I have seen where the Dail Chamber can often be sidelined, and I have seen where members can often be sidelined, he said. When members are in government parties they are often referred to as being in government and part of the government but actually there are times when the government can be just the cabinet and times when the government can be just the leaders of the groups in that coalition. Because of that I believe that this House has to exercise its strength and its caution around all of the changes that have occurred in politics over that time, he told the Dail. Martin now has 48 TDs, some of whom are new to Leinster House and will require mentoring and support. Others are long-serving politicians who will be anticipating promotion to a limited number of cabinet seats. Being leader is not without its challenges. New Government needs a serious reset on its approach to housing. With government formation talks well underway, it seems we will need to wait only a short time more before a new coalition is appointed and gets down to the serious work of addressing the countrys key challenges. That new administration was elected following a campaign that focussed predominantly on one major issue. That issue was housing. The reality is people are very unhappy, indeed angry, with the current situation on housing. Voters have put their faith in the two large parties to deliver - but have also given them a clear message on the doorsteps that when it comes to building more homes, a radical improvement is needed. Put simply, more of the same is not acceptable. This is not to say for a moment that we have not made progress. More homes are undoubtedly being delivered, compared to say, ten years ago. But that progress is coming from a very low base, if you consider that back then almost no new housing supply was being produced. What is more, the targets we had set ourselves were simply too low to meet the levels of demand in the market and did not even begin to deal with the deficit of housing that we needed to address. Ballinglanna, Glanmire, where more than 500 O'Flynn Group homes are built and occupied There is now, albeit very belatedly, a recognition that the new target should be between 50,000 and 60,000 homes per annum. However, under the current approach we have only delivered in excess of 30,000 homes each year and this despite the fact that we have been dealing with the low hanging fruit or those that are easily delivered. So, it must be blindingly obvious to the political system that delivering almost double what we have achieved to-date is going to be a mammoth task which will require a totally different approach in how we go about it. We need a complete reset in our approach. The question is, will the new Government recognise this and act on it. If they dont, they are guaranteed to fail. We need new structures to deliver more houses. If the existing structures and planning policies have failed to deliver to-date, we cannot continue with them and expect them to suddenly start to deliver the volume of housing now required. We were promised that the new Planning and Development Act would bring about radical and meaningful changes in our planning system. The consensus in the industry is that there is very little in it that will make a positive difference and some new provisions take us a step backwards. For example, a provision which deemed a local authority to have agreed with compliance submissions if they failed to respond within the statutory time frame has been reversed so that they are now deemed to have disagreed, leaving the developer with a planning permission which they are unable to implement because of delays in the local authority and having to bear the cost of an appeal to an Bord Pleanala. Nothing has been done to address the 18,000+ homes applied for under the SHD process which have been held up in the planning system, some for over 2 years and now face the prospect of being adjudicated under different planning laws and different Development Plans. This tolerance of bureaucratic failure must stop. No provision in the new Act comes into effect until a Commencement Order is made. There are rumours that it is already accepted that some sections will never be commenced. The new Planning Act is definitely no silver bullet. An immediate requirement of the new Government is to move to zone significant tracts of land and move away from the policy of recent years of actually dezoning land already targeted for housing. We only have to look across the water to see the determined and brave moves being made by the new British Government in their efforts to tackle their housing crisis. In an act of immense political bravery, the Labour Government has committed to doing things the previous Government failed to do. They are radically transforming the planning laws in the UK so that they begin to deliver housing, rather than acting as an impediment to delivery. This includes overruling local authorities and MPs who seek to block new development. This is the kind of thinking and action we need if we are serious about drastically increasing supply. Change wont happen without change. A recent appearance of officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage before the Oireachtas Committee on housing disclosed a lack of understanding on their part on how housing deficit should be calculated. Drakes Point in Crosshaven, also an O'Flynn development Other examples of policies based on poor understanding of the real issues include bizarre policy decisions that have increased the cost of housing delivery and disincentivised housing investment. Incredibly, in the midst of a housing crisis, when the focus should be on simplifying the delivery of land and homes, recent decisions have made it more complex. No greater an example of this was the introduction of the Residential Zoned Land Tax, or RZLT. Introduced in the mistaken belief that there were thousands of acres of zoned land that were deliberately not being built on, all it has done is to scare away investment and make houses more expensive. The concept of a tax on land hoarding is a good one but not when it becomes a tax on development this adds to the cost of housing. There is no shortage of demand for zoned land, and no shortage of ambition to develop it. However, the proposed new Land (Zoning Value Sharing) Bill is a prime example of policy makers lacking understanding of the impact of their proposals. Heralded as a tax to capture 25% of the uplift in value from zoning of land, it ignores the fact that currently 33% is already captured through CGT, as well as the 20% captured by means of Part V Social and Affordable housing provisions. When you add all of those to development contributions paid, over 85% of the uplift is already taken by the State. VAT paid on serviced land and the VAT paid on new houses result in the tax take by the State from new housing far exceeding 100% of the uplift in the value of the underlying land. The more the State takes in taxes from the process from zoning land to housing delivery, the more it adds to the cost of the houses ultimately delivered. Zoned land will not be developed until it has planning. Planning applications for housing developments are costly and complex and require input from the party proposing to develop the housing. Land will not be sold if the State insists on taking almost all of the value of any uplift arising from zoning. If it is not sold, it will not be developed. The proposed new tax is causing turmoil in the market and is currently driving up the value of land with planning permission and reducing the incentive to sell or buy zoned land. It is adversely impacting investor appetite for housing in Ireland. It beggars belief that our policy makers do not understand the seriousness of the damage they are causing by this proposal. So, lets get real. We have a deficit of 300,000 homes. That means there is a deficit of over 30,000 homes in Cork alone. We need to tackle this deficit by streamlining planning decision making and building quicker. On top of this, we need at least 60,000 homes at a national level per year for the rest of the decade to meet current and future demand. Against this somewhat gloomy backdrop, however, there is a blueprint for progress. Earlier this year, the Housing Commission, of which I was a member, made its recommendations to Government. The incoming administration could do worse than to urgently consider what we proposed. A key recommendation was to establish a group, with legislative powers, to tackle the barriers to housing supply in Ireland. The group, known as the Housing Delivery Oversight Executive, would exist for five years and be empowered to clear the blockages that prevent the timely delivery of new homes. One of the benefits of the Housing Commission in terms of assessing housing was that the Commission membership and membership of working groups included people actually involved in the front line of public and private housing delivery: people who have a proper understanding of the issues and real experience of how they impact. The Housing Delivery Oversight Executive would include such people and unless such people are given teeth in terms of steering housing policy, there will be no meaningful improvement in the delivery of public or private housing. The Commission made other recommendations that the new Government should also act on as a matter of urgency. One proposal to base housing policy on an assessment of the housing required for a well-functioning society, and that this should not be conflated with market demand or construction sector capacity - seems like a no-brainer. So too does the alignment of housing provision and economic development in the National Planning Framework to ensure sufficient housing supply to meet the needs of the population in all parts of the country. Crucially, Recommendation No. 10 to assess all policy measures and interventions against their impact on housing supply is vital. So, whilst the crisis is severe, there are solutions. And as the new Government takes over, and hopefully takes on these ideas, we in the sector will play our part. OFlynn Group will have built 350 new homes in 2024 and is looking forward to delivering in excess of 450 next year. The question now is, will the new Government take a bold approach or continue down the same path which simply cannot deliver. By taking on a new approach early in the life of this new Government there is a good chance of success. In my view the electorate will deliver a damning verdict if the crisis in housing is not resolved during the lifetime of the new administration. It is time to act and be ambitious in our decisions and policy making. A rocket fired from Yemen has hit an area of Tel Aviv overnight, leaving 16 people slightly injured by shattered glass from nearby windows. A further 14 people sustained minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens sounded before the projectile hit just before 4am on Saturday, the Israeli military said. The Houthis later issued a statement on their Telegram channel saying they had aimed at a military target, which they did not identify, with a hypersonic ballistic missile. The attack comes less than two days after a series of Israeli air strikes on Yemens Houthi rebel-held capital Sanaa and port city of Hodeida killed at least nine people. The Israeli strikes were in response to a Houthi attack in which a long-range missile hit an Israeli school building. The Houthis also claimed a drone strike targeting an unspecified military target in central Israel on Thursday. An officer from the home front command military unit examines the damage after a large piece of shrapnel from a Houthi missile hit a school building in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv (Ariel Schalit/AP) The Israeli military says the Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden attacks they say will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli strikes on Thursday caused considerable damage to the Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports that will lead to the immediate and significant reduction in port capacity, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The port at Hodeida has been key for food shipments into Yemen during its decade-long civil war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said both sides attacks risk further escalation in the region and undermine UN mediation efforts. In the Gaza Strip on Saturday, mourners held the funerals of 19 people 12 of them children killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight. One strike on Friday afternoon hit a residential building in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least seven Palestinians, including five children and one woman, and injuring 16 others, health officials said. Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip earlier this month (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) In Gaza City, an Israeli strike on a house overnight killed 12 people, including seven children and two women, according to Ahli hospital where the bodies were taken. Mourners gathered at the hospital in Gaza City on Saturday morning. Women comforted each other as they wept over the bodies before they were carried out of the hospital. One man, stony-faced, cradled a tiny shroud-wrapped body in his arms as he carried it along the funeral procession. In the Aqsa hospital of Deir al Balah, white body bags containing those killed in Nuseirat were taken from the hospital morgue and loaded onto the back of an open truck to be taken for burial. Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian casualties in Gaza and questions about whether it has done enough to prevent them. Israel says it only strikes militants and blames the Hamas militant group for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas. More than 45,200 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, when a Hamas attack in Israel killed about 1,200 people and triggered the devastating 14-month war in Gaza. Local health officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants but have said more than half of the fatalities are women and children. A nine-year-old was among the five people killed in the Christmas market attack in the German city of Magdeburg, an official has said. City official Ronni Krug said he did not have further information on the adults who were killed. He said there were a total of 205 victims, including the five dead. He said that 41 people were seriously or very seriously injured. Prosecutor Horst Nopens said the suspect, a Saudi doctor, is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm. He is currently being questioned. Authorities identified the suspect as a 50-year-old who has been living in Germany for nearly two decades and practising medicine there. He was arrested on Friday evening at the site of the attack as medical officials tended to the injured, and was taken into custody for questioning. Several German media outlets identified the man as Taleb A, withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. There were still no answers on Saturday as to what caused him to drive into a crowd in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. Describing himself as a former Muslim, he shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticising the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the Islamism of Europe. Some described him as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Recently, he seemed focused on his theory that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers. Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann said he had yet to come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar, Mr Neumann, the director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence at Kings College London, wrote on X. The violence shocked the country and the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that is part of a centuries-old German tradition. The cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg (Heiko Rebsch/dpa via AP) Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market on Saturday. Several people stopped and cried. A Berlin church choir whose members witnessed a previous Christmas market attack in 2016 sang Amazing Grace, a hymn about Gods mercy, offering their prayers and solidarity with the victims. It prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser were due to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday and a memorial service is to take place in the city cathedral in the evening. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives, Mr Scholz wrote on X. We stand beside them and beside the people of Magdeburg. Magdeburg is a city of about 240,000 people, west of Berlin, that serves as Saxony-Anhalts capital. Fridays attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspects arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone, his head arched up slightly. Other officers soon arrived and took the man into custody. As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city, Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff told reporters. Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many. Authorities identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006 and who had been practising medicine in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. A police officer guards a cordoned-off area of the market in Magdeburg (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Saudi Arabias foreign ministry condemned the attack on X but did not mention the suspects connection to the kingdom. Christmas markets are a German holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages, now successfully exported to much of the Western world. Hours after Fridays tragedy, the wail of sirens clashed with the markets festive ornaments, stars and leafy garlands. Magdeburg resident Dorin Steffen told dpa that she was at a concert in a nearby church when she heard the sirens. The cacophony was so loud you had to assume that something terrible had happened, she said. She called the attack a dark day for the city. We are shaking, Ms Steffen said. Full of sympathy for the relatives, also in the hope that nothing has happened to our relatives, friends and acquaintances. The attack reverberated far beyond Magdeburg, with Mr Haseloff calling it a catastrophe for the city, state and country. He said flags would be lowered to half-staff in Saxony-Anhalt and that the federal government planned to do the same. It is really one of the worst things one can imagine, particularly in connection with what a Christmas market should bring, the governor said. President's Office discusses with Austrian diplomat continuation of aid to Ukraine, steps to bring fair peace closer Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva discussed with Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria Nikolaus Marschik the expansion of support for Ukraine from Austria in continuation of the negotiations between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer in Paris. As the Presidential Office reported on Saturday, Zhovkva thanked Austria for the humanitarian and financial assistance provided to Ukraine and for the temporary shelter for our people, and also spoke about the activities of the newly created Ministry of National Unity. Zhovkva also emphasized the importance of coordinating the common position of European countries on ways to achieve a fair and lasting peace for Ukraine. The interlocutors also discussed continued assistance in humanitarian demining and the participation of Austrian companies in restoration projects. The Austrian diplomat assured of continued support for Ukraine and expressed his readiness to facilitate Ukraine's rapid progress in negotiations on EU membership. Zhovkva noted the decision of the Austrian OMV to terminate the contract with Gazprom for the supply of Russian gas to Austria. Zhovkva also invited Austria to join the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and to consider the possibility of concluding a bilateral agreement. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. A fresh cohort of previously internally displaced individuals (49 families or 191 individuals) has successfully transitioned this morning, arriving in the vibrant city of Shusha in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The group is comprised of households temporarily residing in dynamic environments such as dormitories, sanatoriums, pioneer camps, and administrative facilities across diverse regions of Azerbaijan. The return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Shusha continues in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. To date, about 30,000 people are currently living in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, along with former internally displaced persons who resettled there, working on the implementation of projects in the region, as well as performing official duties in local subdivisions of certain state institutions, working in resumed health care, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions. Malaysia to Reignite Search for Flight MH370 a Decade After Its Disappearance Malaysia has announced its decision to restart the search for the wreckage of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, according to the countrys transport minister, more than a decade after the aircraft vanished in one of aviations most enduring mysteries. Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 227 passengers and 12 crew members aboard, disappeared on 8 March 2014 while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Our duty and commitment lie with the next of kin, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated during a press conference. We are hopeful that this time we will have a positive outcome, enabling us to find the wreckage and provide closure for the families. Jiang Hui, whose mother was among the MH370 passengers, expressed gratitude for the decision to recommence the search, but noted that the journey to this point had been protracted and would benefit from more participants being involved. The last transmission from MH370 occurred approximately 40 minutes after takeoff from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The pilots signed off as the aircraft entered Vietnamese airspace over the Gulf of Thailand, after which its transponder ceased to operate. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke (C) inspects a wing flap discovered on Pemba Island, Tanzania, which was identified in 2019 as a missing part of MH370. Military radar data indicated that the airplane deviated from its planned route, flying back over northern Malaysia before heading into the Andaman Sea, then turning southward at which point all communication was lost. Since then, debris, some of which has been confirmed and some believed to be from the aircraft, has been found along the African coast and on islands in the Indian Ocean. Mr. Loke mentioned that the suggestion to resume the search in the southern Indian Ocean was made by exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted the last search for the plane that concluded in 2018. A contract is set to be finalized for an 18-month duration, with the firm to receive $70 million if substantial wreckage is discovered, he added, noting that the search will take place on the seabed of a new area encompassing 15,000 square kilometers. No specific details about the new search location have been disclosed. More than 150 Chinese passengers were aboard the flight, alongside 50 Malaysians and citizens from countries including France, Australia, Indonesia, India, the United States, Ukraine, and Canada. Families of the victims have sought compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, and the Allianz insurance group, among others. Mr. Loke indicated that Malaysia has reviewed new information on potential wreckage locations from various experts, and Ocean Infinity is optimistic about the likelihood of locating the debris. All the data has been presented. Our team has reviewed it and considers it credible, he stated. In 2018, Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity to conduct a search in the southern Indian Ocean; however, both attempts were unsuccessful. This effort followed an underwater search by Malaysia, Australia, and China across a 120,000 square kilometer area of the southern Indian Ocean, utilizing data from automatic connections between an Inmarsat satellite and the aircraft. The new agreement will operate under a no-find-no-fee structure, meaning Malaysia will only be required to pay Ocean Infinity if adequate wreckage is located and verified. When questioned about the chances of finding the entire plane, Mr. Loke emphasized that it would be unrealistic to expect a definitive assurance. At this stage, nobody knows for certain. It has been over 10 years, he remarked. A 495-page report on the disappearance, published in 2018, suggested that the controls of the Boeing 777 had likely been intentionally manipulated to alter its course, but investigators could not ascertain who was responsible and refrained from drawing conclusions about the incident, stating that finding the wreckage is key to understanding what happened. Investigators have reported that there were no suspicious activities related to the backgrounds, financial situations, training, or mental health of either the captain or co-pilot. German authorities apprehended a man following a deadly vehicle ramming incident at a Christmas market, where a car plowed through a crowd of festive revelers at high speed, resulting in a scene of bloody chaos. Rescue services in the eastern city of Magdeburg, approximately 130 km southwest of Berlin, reported that at least two individuals lost their lives, and over 60 sustained injuries. The suspect, who remains unnamed, has been residing in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to regional premier Reiner Haseloff, who spoke at the cordoned-off scene secured by police commandos. We have detained the individual responsible, a man who has been living in Germany since 2006, he informed reporters, describing the incident as a catastrophe for both the city and the nation. We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences Authorities indicated that the vehicle traveled at least 400 meters across the Christmas market, leaving behind a bloody scene at the citys central town hall square. Ambulances and fire trucks quickly arrived at the chaotic scene, illuminated by blue emergency lights and filled with the sound of sirens, as severely injured individuals were treated on the ground or rushed to hospitals. Screams and cries echoed as roughly 100 police officers, medics, and firefighters attended to the litter-strewn market adorned with Christmas trees and festive lights. The images are horrific, commented city spokesman Michael Reif. Mr. Haseloff mentioned that the suspect had driven a rented vehicle with Munich license plates into the Christmas market. The Magdeburg city administration shared on Facebook that 15 individuals were critically injured, with 37 suffering serious injuries and 16 experiencing minor injuries. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concern on X, stating, The reports from Magdeburg evoke the worst fears. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with them and support the people of Magdeburg. I extend my gratitude to the dedicated rescue workers during these distressing hours, Mr. Scholz added. According to the state premier, Mr. Scholz is expected to visit the city tomorrow. Series of attacks The devastating incident brought to mind a 2016 jihadist assault in which a Tunisian man drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 peopleGermanys deadliest attack of that nature. A 13th victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser recently urged vigilance at Christmas markets, although she noted that authorities had not received specific threats. The domestic security agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, had previously warned that Christmas markets are considered an ideologically suitable target for Islamist-motivated individuals. Germany has witnessed several suspected Islamist-motivated knife attacks recently. Live updates on the German Christmas market attack In August, three people were killed, and eight were injured in a stabbing spree at a street festival in the western city of Solingen. A Syrian suspect was arrested in connection with the attack, which was claimed by IS. In June, a policeman was fatally stabbed in Mannheim, with an Afghan national identified as the primary suspect. Rescuers embrace beside the Christmas market German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier remarked that the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was abruptly shattered, but he cautioned that the motives behind this dreadful act are still unclear. The leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, known for emphasizing jihadist attacks in her anti-immigrant campaign, questioned on X, When will this madness end? Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the situation as shocking and despicable. Thinking of and praying for the victims and their families and all those involved in responding to the situation, Mr. Harris posted on X. A shocking & despicable situation in Magdeburg in Germany. Thinking of and praying for the victims and their families and all those involved in responding to the situation. Families and friends spending time today this Christmas season at markets when this brutal act took place Meanwhile, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin expressed that he is shocked and appalled by the loss of life in Magdeburg and urged Irish citizens in the vicinity to heed local authorities advice. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, emergency services, and the German people, he stated. French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed that he was profoundly shocked by the attack and that he shares the pain of the German people. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed being deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd, adding: Violence must have no place in our democracies. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his shock at the terrible attack. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier following the tragic incident at the Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, We were deeply saddened by the news of the tragic incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, which claimed lives and caused injuries. In the face of the tragedy, I extend my deep condolences to you, the bereaved families, their loved ones, and all the people of Germany on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan. I also wish a swift recovery to those injured," the letter reads. A concealed passageway constructed 500 years ago to facilitate the Medici familys unhindered travel through Florence is set to reopen to the public following a 10 million restoration. The Vasari Corridor, which stretches over 700 meters and runs above the iconic Ponte Vecchio, has been closed for the past eight years. Commissioned by Duke Cosimo I in 1565 to commemorate his sons wedding, the corridor was designed by Giorgio Vasari and begins at what is now the Uffizi Galleries, ending at the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno river. It boasts 73 windows that provide unmatched views of the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which will soon be open to all visitors. The Grotta Buontalenti where the Vasari Corridor begins Now returned to its original simplicity, the corridor presents itself to visitors as a straightforward aerial tunnel, stated the Uffizi in an announcement. It traverses above the citys core, just as it was when the Florentine rulers utilized it for quick, secure, and uninterrupted passage between their residence and the center of governance. The restoration, which commenced in 2022, includes enhancements such as new wheelchair access, emergency exits, restrooms, energy-efficient LED lighting, and video surveillance. After an eight-year wait, the reopening of the Vasari Corridor brings a masterpiece back to Florence and Italy, expressed Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. Two Dead as Suspect Detained Following Christmas Market Car Attack A driver crashed a car into a large crowd at a Christmas market in central Germany yesterday evening, resulting in at least two fatalities and over 60 injuries before being apprehended, according to authorities. Among the deceased was a young child, as reported by Reiner Haseloff, premier of Saxony-Anhalt. The incident occurred in Magdeburg, the capital of the state, located 150km west of Berlin. This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state, and for Germany as a whole, Mr. Haseloff stated, indicating that the death toll might increase due to the serious nature of some injuries. Mr. Haseloff identified the suspect as a 50-year-old male doctor from Saudi Arabia who held permanent residency in Germany, where he had resided for nearly two decades. This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state, and for Germany as a whole, said Reiner Haseloff, premier of Saxony-Anhalt. Saudi Arabias foreign ministry has condemned the attack. After the incident, police evacuated an area around the vehicle to search for a potential explosive device, according to local broadcaster MDR. They later reported that no such device was discovered. A police operation was also ongoing in Bernburg, south of Magdeburg, where the suspect is believed to have lived, according to local newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. Law enforcement officials were not immediately available to comment on the reports of a suspicious item or the operation in Bernburg. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to those affected in a post on social media platform X and is expected to visit the scene later today alongside Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. As news of the attack spread, Elon Musk, the billionaire allied with US President-elect Donald Trump, criticized Mr. Scholz and called for his resignation. Following the incident, police cleared an area surrounding the vehicle to investigate a possible explosive device. A video circulating on social media from an overhead vantage point shows a car speeding through a crowd walking between two rows of market stalls, with individuals being knocked to the ground and fleeing in panic. Reuters confirmed the location, noting that the trees, outline, and architectural design of the buildings correspond with satellite imagery of the area. Footage from a local broadcaster depicted people wrapped in blankets on the ground receiving medical care in the aftermath of the attack. Bild newspaper quoted a witness named Nadine, who recounted walking arm-in-arm with her boyfriend Marco when the car charged toward them. He was hit and pulled away from my side, she told Bild, explaining that he sustained injuries to his leg and head and was taken to the hospital, but she did not know where to locate him. The uncertainty is unbearable, she expressed to Bild. Late last month, Ms. Faeser urged vigilance at Christmas markets, which have been a specific concern for security services as potential targets for extremist activities. Eight years ago, Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist ties, drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 and injuring dozens. Offers of condolences have poured in. Taoiseach Simon Harris referred to the incident as shocking and despicable. Thinking of and praying for the victims and their families and all those involved in responding to the crisis, Mr. Harris said on X. Footage from a local broadcaster displayed individuals wrapped in blankets on the ground receiving aid after the attack. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin expressed he is shocked and appalled by the loss of life in Magdeburg, urging Irish citizens in the vicinity to heed local authorities advice. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, emergency services, and the German people, he stated. The United States, in a statement from the State Department, expressed it is shocked and saddened by the attack. The United States is shocked and saddened by the tragic news from Magdeburg, stated spokesman Matthew Miller. We are prepared to offer assistance as recovery efforts proceed and authorities investigate this horrible event. French President Emmanuel Macron said he was profoundly shocked by the incident, sharing in the pain of the German people. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed she was deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd, adding: Violence has no place in our democracies. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez conveyed he was shocked by the terrible attack. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated he is horrified by the assault on the Christmas market. In a statement, he mentioned, My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany, he added. Vigils Erupt Across Germany in Memory of Five Lives Lost in Market Attack Vigils and memorials have taken place in the German city of Magdeburg and beyond following a car-ramming incident at a Christmas market that resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a nine-year-old child. A makeshift memorial was established by grieving families and local residents at a church that overlooks Magdeburgs Christmas market, the site of the tragic event. As the day progressed, political figures, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited to lay flowers at the memorial created in response to the attack. Over 200 individuals suffered injuries, with 41 people experiencing either serious or critical conditions. It is a horrific act to inflict such injuries and fatalities upon so many innocent people, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked when addressing the media at the market. We now understand that over 200 individuals have been hurt, he continued. Almost 40 are in such a critical state that we must be deeply concerned for their well-being. Mr. Scholz assured that the state would address the attack with the full force of the law. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in a prayer ceremony at the Magdeburg Dom church. Nonetheless, he emphasized the need for unity, as Germany finds itself embroiled in intense discussions on immigration and security in the lead-up to February elections. It is crucial that we stand together, that we link arms, and that hatred does not dictate our coexistence, but rather our community striving for a shared future, he stated. The chancellor traveled to Magdeburg to express his condolences and support to the victims of the tragic event. Authorities have identified Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi doctor known for his anti-Islam rhetoric, as the suspected driver in the incident. The Friday evening assault on crowds gathered to celebrate the Christmas season could intensify an already heated debate in Germany regarding security and immigration, particularly with upcoming national elections in February, where polls suggest strong support for the far-right. Authorities have indicated that the motive remains uncertain. We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We utilize rte-player to manage additional content that may set cookies on your device and gather data regarding your activities. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences However, Magdeburg prosecutor Horst Nopens suggested that one potential factor could be the suspects discontent with Germanys treatment of Saudi refugees. The suspect, a 50-year-old psychiatrist residing in Germany for nearly two decades, was apprehended at the scene after the three-minute assault that stunned the nation. According to a city police official, the driver utilized emergency exit points to gradually maneuver the vehicle toward the market, before accelerating and crashing into the crowd. A video shared on social media from an elevated position above the market depicts a car speeding through a crowd situated between two rows of market stalls. Onlookers can be seen thrown to the ground and fleeing in panic. Reuters confirmed the location, noting that the trees, boundaries, and architectural details matched archived and satellite images of the area. Footage from a local news station captured individuals wrapped in blankets on the ground receiving medical assistance in the aftermath of the attack. A source from Saudi Arabia informed Reuters that the kingdom had alerted German authorities about the attacker after he expressed extremist sentiments on his personal X account that threatened public safety. Posts on the suspects X account, corroborated by Reuters, indicated his alignment with anti-Islam and far-right parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), alongside criticism of Germanys management of Saudi refugees. In an unpublished interview with AFP in 2022 for an unrelated article, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen described himself as a Saudi atheist. Flowers are laid at a makeshift memorial near the closed Christmas market the day after the terrorist attack that resulted in five fatalities in Magdeburg, Germany. Minister highlights visible Islamophobia of the suspect German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser noted that the suspects Islamophobia was evident, though she refrained from commenting on the motive. Germanys FAZ newspaper reported having interviewed the suspect in 2019, characterizing him as an anti-Islam activist. Individuals like me, who have an Islamic background but no longer practice, encounter neither understanding nor tolerance from Muslims here, he was quoted as saying. I am historys most fervent critic of Islam. If you doubt it, ask the Arabs. Andrea Reis, who was present at the market during the incident, returned the next day with her daughter Julia to light a candle by the church overlooking the scene. She expressed that had it not been for a fleeting moment, they could have been in the cars trajectory. I suggested, Lets go get a sausage, but my daughter insisted that we keep walking around. If we had stayed put, we would have been in the cars path, she recounted. Tears streamed down her face as she described the chaos. Children were screaming, crying for their mothers. Its something you can never forget, she reflected. Read more: Torn from my side horror of German Christmas market attack. As it happened: German market attack We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and gather data about your activities. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences The German Chancellor visited the attack site, accompanied by numerous national and regional officials. They paid their respects by laying flowers outside the main church. Mr. Scholzs Social Democrats are trailing behind both the far-right AfD and the leading conservative opposition in opinion polls ahead of the snap elections scheduled for February 23. The AfD has been vocal in calling for stricter immigration policies. Its chancellor candidate Alice Weidel and co-leader Tino Chrupalla released a statement condemning the assault. The shocking attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg during this peaceful pre-holiday period has left us shaken, they stated. We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences (Watch: Police examine Magdeburg Christmas market following the attack) Expressions of sympathy Taoiseach Simon Harris called the event shocking and despicable. Thinking of and praying for the victims, their families, and all those involved in the response, Mr. Harris shared on X. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin expressed that he is shocked and appalled by the loss of life in Magdeburg, urging Irish citizens in the vicinity to heed local authorities guidance. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, emergency services, and the German populace, he stated. US President Joe Biden joined other global leaders in extending condolences to the people of Germany mourning the horrific attack. No community and no family should have to endure such a heinous event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace, he remarked. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed that he was profoundly shocked by the attack and that he shares the pain of the German public. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he is horrified by the assault on the Christmas market. In a statement, he remarked, My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all affected. We stand in solidarity with the people of Germany, he added. By Amin Saikal, Australian National University (The Conversation) 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. In this Corner . . . Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024 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 US$30 billion (A$47 billion) 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, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. May I never see in the patient anything but a fellow creature in pain. (Oath of Maimonides) Orono, Maine (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Empathy will never be exhausted as gaza schools and hospitals are torn asunder by pilots in fighter jets, their grievances transposed from another time and place into strafing refugee villages with clinical precision; All good gained from sufferings of times long past, all dissipated by the voracious bombing of innocents as tens of thousands of women and children are slain with impunity in a violence that rains down upon terrified heads; A puzzled drone operator in Gaza asked when will the Israeli public wake up to the conflagration that has been taking place in their name while turning Gaza into rubblewhat is it with these kippah-wearing part-time soldiers with their comments: Nova was their Nakba I see children crawling out from under rubble looking for remnants and yet we keep bombing; Is there no answer to this happening? Israeli strike kills grandfather of soul of my soul his grand-daughter Reem having been killed by an earlier air strikeTen more killed in one family in Gaza airstrikes on Dec 17 Israeli strike In Deir al-Balah in the central Strip killed 10 people, including the citys mayor, Diab Al-Jaru (Haaretz) Palestinians have had a millennium of agriculture and olive groves and goat herds with multiple generations of shared Values, but eighty years ago dispossession of six million acres took place with 700,000 forced into becoming refugees; The vacuously cruel insistence that Gazans are human animals, such phrases resonating among a leadership destitute of empathy for what they are perpetrating, an inversion of reality allowing victimizers to victimize the unprotected while ignoring the bestial state of mind that justifies the lethality of bombing. smothering truth with unfeeling biblical hair-splitting ; According the Oxford Handbook of Genocide Studies, and The Cambridge World History of Genocide, colonial policies included the deliberate genocide of indigenous peoples in North AmericaGenocide intent includes spreading of disease via the reduction of [natives] to densely crowded and unhygienic settlementspopulation removals to barren reservationsdeliberate starvation and famine, exacerbated by destruction and occupation of the native land base and food resourcesEconomics should never be above moral issues and human rights issues (Eitay Mack, Israeli lawyer & activist)) but soon a time comes when they are unable to relieve themselves of guilt and shame nor can they continue to manufacture counterfeit glee, excusing themselves from the barbarism of murdering children; thus do the perpetrators of afflictions extend their excuses into the moral complexities of trauma, while split-personalities are rife with vengeful zealotry, a moral decay that cannot be atoned for multiple generations; This holocaust we are witnessing puts to rest never again by leaders who project evils upon their adversaries, while their own annihilating contentiousness is blindingly obvious to the discerning; Will they have recourse to the wailing wall to absolve themselves, or will they continue to resort to biblical self-praising while conflating 45,000 massacred civilians, including 16,000 children with 1500 Israelis killed or taken hostage; War crimes become genocide when demonizing permits normalizing the daily erasure of a people by punishing them with gross afflictions; Yet zealots possess a moral schizophrenia Gazas Afflictions, Digital, Midjourney / Clip2Comic, 2024 and an ethical decay that will infuse generations, even though they are genetically entwined and historically linked: Ill tell you what should have been done already yesterday, and many months ago: to shout out for a cease-fire, not only to obtain a hostage deal but also to protect the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank We need to protect the Palestinians in the name of a shared future .. Israeli philosopher Omri Boehm Americas leaders have wrought upon their childrens heads a blame that cannot be erased with well-groomed words; Essential thinking is necessary to awaken to conciliation and healing; Did not the Sermon on the Mount preach selflessness and love which reflected hillels golden rule that what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow [man]; that is the whole torah; One hundred peace groups in israel acknowledge the golden rule but only one member in a recent session of the Knesset supported the genocide case against Israel, and he was suspended, indicating that some minds can be elevated above the cruel thoughtlessness of militant leaders; Did not Freud say that Yahweh is one-half volcano god? Was not Christ born a Hebrew in Palestine? Are we not all haunted by the Law of Unintended Consequences? Its like a Ponzi Scheme that collapses when you stop making a profit. Netanyahu is a believer in magical thinking. He supports a war against Iran, but such a war would be a disaster for Israel. These leaders around him are resorting to biblical thinking., no longer acting rationallyIts an eschatological end-times thinking which they want to believe.(Alistair Crooke) Consequences take place in the deep recesses of consciousness, where the majority, in their indifference, gnaw upon a mountain of platitudes: tectonic plates move slowly but when they erupt in volcanic action the sudden conflagration can change the nature of the world, killing not only the innocent but also the guilty in the holy land; The scales of justice are finely balanced between vice and virtue but out of the traumas will come a reckoning; The deadly weapons of mass destruction result in the intense trauma suffered by civilians while ten thousand childrens limbs are torn apart by lethal weapons, to float in ghostly parables and nightmarish dreams as the rabbinic zealots of upside down thinking confront truth-telling; The renowned Rabbi Yakoov Shapiro noted: Zionism is poison for the Jews; it is a suicidal ideologyand a liability to the Jews; it does not represent Judaism, it is mythological nationalism; Israel is no longer a safe place but a foreign country and not the promised land. Israel is deeply divided, it is on the brink of an institutional collapse as the law a wall between the kingdom of Judah and Israel all over againRadical rabbis rely on oral Talmud that they maintain is the true Talmud.the clash is profound.all based on magical thinkingArmageddon with Iran means to attack the head of the octopus, while in Gaza the aim is ethnic cleansing so as to plant 50 settlements.(Alaisdair Crooke) No matter if the greater good is called upon to justify horrors, there is nothing holy in massacring human life, since holiness is a quality to strive for, not a volcano to feed, while attempting to ignore finely balanced scales of justice; When the golden rule is so blatantly flaunted there is always and everywhere a reckoning for gross misdeeds and vast atrocities; The pain and suffering and the taking of land rightly belonging to others, shouts out for deep remorse and moral atonement. ( Human Rights Watch ) (Jerusalem) Israeli authorities have intentionally deprived Palestinian civilians in Gaza of adequate access to water since October 2023, most likely resulting in thousands of deaths and thus committing the crime against humanity of extermination and acts of genocide, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. In the 179-page report, Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water, Human Rights Watch found that Israeli authorities have intentionally deprived Palestinians in Gaza of access to safe water for drinking and sanitation needed for basic human survival. Israeli authorities and forces cut off and later restricted piped water to Gaza; rendered most of Gazas water and sanitation infrastructure useless by cutting electricity and restricting fuel; deliberately destroyed and damaged water and sanitation infrastructure and water repair materials; and blocked the entry of critical water supplies. Click below for Report: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water Water is essential for human life, yet for over a year the Israeli government has deliberately denied Palestinians in Gaza the bare minimum they need to survive, said Tirana Hassan, executive director at Human Rights Watch. 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. Human Rights Watch interviewed 66 Palestinians from Gaza, 4 employees of Gazas Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU), 31 healthcare professionals, and 15 people working with United Nations agencies and international aid organizations in Gaza. Human Rights Watch also analyzed satellite imagery, photographs, and videos captured between the beginning of the hostilities in October 2023 and September 2024, as well as data collected and estimates produced by doctors, epidemiologists, humanitarian aid organizations, and water and sanitation experts. Human Rights Watch concluded that Israeli authorities have intentionally created conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza in whole or in part. This policy, inflicted as part of a mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, means Israeli authorities have committed the crime against humanity of extermination, which is ongoing. This policy also amounts to one of the five acts of genocide under the Genocide Convention of 1948. Genocidal intent may also be inferred from this policy, coupled with statements suggesting some Israeli officials wished to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, and therefore the policy may amount to the crime of genocide. Immediately after the attacks in southern Israel by Hamas-led Palestinian armed groups in Gaza on October 7, 2023, which Human Rights Watch has found amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity, Israeli authorities cut all electricity and fuel to the Gaza Strip. On October 9, then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a complete siege of Gaza, stating: There will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel, everything is closed. Digital image added by Informed Comment Thirst, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Crop2Comic, 2024 That same day, and for weeks thereafter, Israeli authorities cut off all water and blocked fuel, food, and humanitarian aid from entering the strip. Israeli authorities continue to restrict the entry of water, fuel, food, and aid into Gaza and to cut Gazas electricity, which is required to operate life-sustaining infrastructure. This continued even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued provisional measures in January, March, and May 2024 ordering Israeli authorities to protect Palestinians in Gaza from genocide and, in so doing, provide humanitarian aid, specifying in March that this includes water, food, electricity, and fuel. Israeli authorities have also barred nearly all water-related aid from entering Gaza, including water filtration systems, water tanks, and materials needed to repair water infrastructure. Between October 2023 and August 2024, the Gaza Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, the UN, and other sources reported that people in Gaza did not have access to the minimum amount of water needed for survival in long-term emergency situations. In northern Gaza, the UN reported that people did not have access to potable water for over five months, between November 2023 and April 2024. While a study of water access in August showed that peoples access to water had increased, most people still did not have adequate water needed for drinking and cooking. Human Rights Watch found that Israeli forces have deliberately attacked and damaged or destroyed several major water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. In several cases, Human Rights Watch found evidence that Israeli ground forces were in control of the areas at the time, indicating that the destruction was deliberate. The decimation of Gazas healthcare system, including healthcare tracking, has meant that confirmed cases of disease, illnesses, and deaths possibly linked to water-borne disease, dehydration, and starvation are not being systematically tracked or reported. However, based on interviews with healthcare professionals and epidemiologists, it is likely that thousands of people have died as a result of the Israeli authorities actions. The deaths are in addition to the more than 44,000 people directly killed in the hostilities, as recorded by Gazas Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have also contracted diseases and health conditions to which the lack of access to safe and sufficient water has likely caused or contributed, including diarrhea, hepatitis A, skin diseases, and upper respiratory infections. Water deprivation is particularly harmful to infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities. The crime of genocide requires committing acts of genocide with genocidal intent. The ICJ has said that to infer such intent from a pattern of conduct by the state, it needs to be the only reasonable inference to be drawn from the acts in question. Human Rights Watchs findings, and statements from Israeli officials suggesting that they wished to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza, may indicate such intent. Human Rights Watch also found that some statements from senior Israeli officials calling for cutting water, fuel, and aid, in tandem with their actions, have amounted to direct and public incitement to genocide. The Israeli governments continuing blockade of Gaza, as well as its more than 17-year closure of the strip, also amounts to collective punishment of the civilian population, a war crime. The closure also constitutes part of the continuing crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution that Israeli authorities have been committing against Palestinians. Several governments have undermined accountability efforts and continue to provide the Israeli government with arms despite the clear risk of complicity in serious violations of international humanitarian law. Governments should not contribute to the grave crimes that Israeli officials are committing in Gaza, including crimes against humanity and genocidal acts, and should take all steps possible to prevent further harm, Hassan said. Governments arming Israel should 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. Read the entire Report BEDFORD, NS / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2024 / Silver Spruce Resources Inc. (TSXV:SSE) ("Silver Spruce" or the "Company") along with our partner Colibri Resource Corp. ("Colibri" and together with Silver Spruce, the "Companies"), jointly announce the completion of core drilling operations at four polymetallic targets during our second drilling program at the Diamante project ("Diamante or the "Property"). The 7-hole, 800-metre program tested extensions to two 2022 drilling sections and two new priority target areas resulting from the 2022 through 2024 exploration programs (Tables 1 and 2, Figure 1). The discovery of mineralization following up on a ground resistivity survey at El Pillado South, which includes an intercept of 94.80 g/t Ag, 0.08 g/t Au, 2.89% Pb, and 1.12 % Zn over an intersection length of 2.50 metres ("m"), was a highlight of the drilling program. Greg Davison, Silver Spruce Vice-President Exploration and Director stated, "We were pleased to identify Ag-Pb-ZnAu vein-controlled mineralization within extensions to the previously drilled areas at La Prieta and El Pillado and two new opportunities for widening the target testing at El Pillado South and Mezquite-Raizudo based on the geological and geophysical interpretations and look forward to expanding future ground exploration of other known anomalous areas." Ian McGavney, President & CEO of Colibri commented, "We encountered considerable difficulties with core quality and recovery in this year's drill program at Diamante. However, we are very pleased with the result from our El Pillado South drilling which targeted a large colour anomaly extending south of the Pillado zone. Both holes drilled at El Pillado South intersected longer intercepts of highly anomalous mineralization and a higher grade intercept of 94.80 ppm Ag, 2.89% Pb, and 1.12% Zn over a core length of 2.50 m. These results expand the scope of our exploration model and targeting which we believe significantly enhances the discovery potential at Diamante." The drill-ready 1,057-ha Diamante gold-silver (Au-Ag) property is located 8 km northwest of the town of Tepoca, and 160 km southeast of the capital city of Hermosillo, eastern Sonora, Mexico (Figure 1). Diamante offers strong precious metal tenor with a polymetallic endowment, multiple quality targets, styles of mineralization, limited artisanal mining and small-scale production, of particular significance for our exploration moving forward, only one phase of reverse circulation drilling prior to the Companies' 2024 program. Table 1. Planned 2024 Diamante core drilling program 2024 Drilling Program Two holes were drilled at each of El Pillado and La Prieta zones to follow up on previous positive drill results. Two holes were drilled to test the results of an electrical (resistivity) survey covering part of an extensive color anomaly located immediately south of El Pillado zone. One hole was drilled to explore Mezquite-Raizudo target area located approximately 2.3 km south-southwest of El Pillado. Figure 1. Diamante 1 and 2 Concessions, north and south, respectively, showing current targets for 2024 program. Regional location shown in southeastern Sonora State, Mexico. Eight principal drill target areas with 17 permitted pads and requisite access routes (DIA 1 (north block) - La Prieta, El Pillado-El Caso-La Cruz, El Chon-El Chon Ouest, DIA 2 (south block)- Mezquite Raizudo, Calton, Anomalia Sur) are shown on shaded topography (GMCA report, January 2024). El Pillado El Pillado zone is located at the northwestern end of the southeasterly trending, 17-hectare colour anomaly (defined by argillic and iron oxide response by hyperspectral analysis) measuring approximately 550 m x 350 m (see Figure 2). Colibri and Silver Spruce have completed geological mapping and sampling at El Pillado and in 2022 completed 1,065 m in nine (9) reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes. Highlights of the 2022 drilling include: 0.18 g/t Au, 145 g/t Ag, 1.35% Zn and 1.01 % Pb over an intersection length of 12.0 m 0.21 g/t Au, 42 g/t Ag, 2,14 % Zn, and 0.68% Pb over an intersection length of 16.5 m 0.04 g/t Au, 6.27 g/t Ag, 0.78 % Zn, and 0.12 % Pb over an intersection length of 10.5 m The 2024 drilling at El Pillado was planned to intersect a northeasterly trend of mineralization evident in the 2022 drilling. Both holes drilled in the 2024 program intersected multiple mineralized intervals indicated by the occurrence of fault rocks hosting vein quartz with or without galena, sphalerite, or pyrite and sericite alteration. Significant intercepts from 2024 El Pillado, El Pillado South and Mezquite-Raizudo areas drilling are contained in Table 2. AgEq is calculated using the following metal prices: US$2654 per ounce Au, US$30.61 per ounce Ag, US$0.92 per pound Pb, and US$1.40 per pound Zn. No metallurgical recoveries have been applied. Table 2. Significant assay highlights from 2024 Diamante diamond drilling program El Pillado South During 2024, Colibri and Silver Spruce completed 2 lines of electrical exploration (resistivity) located approximately 125 m southeast of the historical Pillado mine workings. Two holes were planned to test a domain characterized by sharp, moderately north dipping (apparent), resistivity gradients (see Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5). Both holes intersected significant lengths of anomalous mineralization, 22.5 m in hole DIA24-03 and 8.2 m in hole DIA24-04. Hole DIA24-03 included an intercept of 0.08 g/t Au, 94.80 g/t Ag, 2,89 % Pb, and 1.12 % Zn. Figure 2. El Pillado and El Pillado South drilling target areas showing colour anomaly (see Figure3 below), resistivity survey lines and preliminary ENE-trending structure interpretation. Figure 3. El Pillado south target showing distinct colour anomaly (argillic and iron oxide hyperspectral response from LANDSAT 8 OLI interpretation) and collar location for DDH DIA24-004 at apex of ridge along western resistivity survey line. Figure 4. El Pillado and El Pillado South drilling target areas showing drill collars, AgEq values for core intervals, resistivity survey lines and preliminary ENE-trending structure interpretation. Figure 5. El Pillado South drilling target area showing drill collars, AgEq values for core intervals, resistivity section and preliminary ENE-trending structure interpretation. Inset map on photomosaic from LiDAR survey. La Prieta La Prieta target consists of a southwest-striking, steeply northwest-dipping vein and vein splay structure. Colibri and Silver Spruce completed 941 m in nine (10) reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes. Highlights of the previous drilling include: 2.48 g/t Au and 56.7 g/t Ag over an intersection length of 9.0 m 1.76% Zn, 38.5 g/t Ag and 0.56 g/t Au over an intersection length of 13.5 m 1.61% Zn, 38.5 g/t Ag and 0.63 g/t Au over an intersection length of 10.5 m During the 2024 program, two holes were drilled to test down dip and along trend to the northeast of previously intersected mineralization (Figure 6. Mineralized intervals consisting of vein quartz in altered and highly fractured andesite was intersected. However, core quality and recovery in the mineralized zones was poor and grades were anomalous. Figure 6. La Prieta drilling target areas showing drill collars and AgEq values for core intervals. Inset map on high resolution LIDAR base. Diamante - Recent Exploration The Diamante property hosts numerous historical artisanal and small-scale mining sites and combined with mineralization on the nearby Jackie property exhibit the geological characteristics of epithermal low to intermediate sulfidation Ag-Au (Pb-Zn), high sulfidation Au-Cu, and potential transition zones within and peripheral to porphyry style Au-Cu mineralization. Sporadic surface exploration since 2011 has resulted in several surface showings comprised of epithermal precious and base metal mineralization (Au-Ag+/-Cu, Pb, Zn). Colibri and Silver Spruce commenced geochemical and geological exploration activities on Diamante during 2021. The 2022 exploration plans included a 2,000 metre reverse circulation drill program on Diamante 1 and 2 to evaluate four to seven of the principal targets exhibiting high grades of polymetallic Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization with coincident alteration, shearing and veining. Mineralization was reported visually as pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, argentiferous galena, argentite, hematite and probable metal oxides, carbonates and sulphates, including copper carbonate (malachite), copper sulphates and plumbojarosite. Colibri (operator) and Silver Spruce completed the first-ever drill program on Diamante at the El Pillado and La Prieta targets located on Diamante 1. Results from the 2022 drilling include 2.48 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au and 56.7 g/t Ag over an intersection length of 9.0 metres ("m") from La Prieta and 0.26 g/t Au and 184.5 g/t Ag over an intersection length of 6.0 m from El Pillado. Drilling at both targets intersected highly anomalous base metals in highlighted drill assay intervals. Through the fall of 2023, Colibri and Silver Spruce completed a program of geological mapping, rock sampling and stream sediment sampling on Diamante resulting in the discovery of two new surface showings (see Colibri press release January 9, 2024). The prioritization of targets and drill plan for the 2024 program at Diamante was based on this work combined with comprehensive compilation and interpretation of historical exploration information. The targets under consideration for current and future drilling include Aguaje, El Chon-El Chon Oeste, La Olla-La Cruz, El Caso, Calton, El Cumbro and additional Mezquite-Raizudo targets (see Silver Spruce press releases of April 26, 2021, January 24, 2022, and April 10, 2024, and Colibri press release January 9, 2024). Disseminated and stockwork mineralization at Anomalia Sur and El Puerto offer two known bulk tonnage targets for subsequent drilling programs. Project Background Silver Spruce can acquire up to 50% interest in the Diamante concessions with a cumulative land position of 1,057 hectares (see Press Release of April 29, 2021). The Diamante property consists of the Diamante 1 and Diamante 2 concessions located adjacent to the Jackie property which covers 1,113 hectares providing Silver Spruce with a total of 2,170 hectares of exploration ground. The Property is very well situated in terms of resource and logistics for exploration and is easily accessible from Sonora state Highway 16 which transects Diamante 1 and on several ranch trails and dry river beds to Diamante 2. The Property is located within the west-central portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental Volcanic Complex within the northwest-trending "Sonora Gold Belt" of northern Mexico. Mining and exploration in the surrounding area is very active with adjacent and nearby properties held by Alamos Gold, Argonaut, Agnico Eagle, Evrim, Newmont, Garibaldi, Kootenay Silver and Penoles among others. Diamante is located approximately 12 km northwest of Minera Alamos' Santana Au development project which is nearing commercial production. Geochemical Analysis, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Drilling samples ( splits of sawn core) were delivered by the Project Geologist from the Property to the ALS sample preparation facility in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The remaining splits were transported to Colibri's storage facilities in Suaqui Grande, south of Tecoripa, Sonora, Mexico. Sample shipments comprising a total of 368 samples in four shipments, including 37 QA/QC insertions, to ALS Global in Hermosillo were delivered on a regular basis during the program. The samples were crushed to 70% passing 2mm (PREP-31) and a split of up to 250 grams pulverized to 85% passing 75 micrometres (-200 mesh). The sample pulps and crushed splits were transferred internally to ALS Global's North Vancouver, Canada or Lima, Peru analytical facility for gold and multi-element analysis. Pulps (50gram split) were submitted for Au analysis by Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption finish (Au-AA24). The retained pulps also were processed by Four Acid Digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) multi-element analyses (ME-ICP61). Over-limit Au and Ag samples were analyzed by Fire Assay with Gravimetric Finish Ore Grade (Au-GRA21 or Au-GRA22, Ag-GRA21). Overlimit base metals are analyzed by Four Acid Digestion followed by Ore Grade Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for Cu, Pb and Zn (Cu-OG62, Pb-OG62, Zn-OG62). High grade samples above the range of the Ore Grade OG62 analysis are digested, as above, and analyzed using Titration (e.g., Pb-Vol70). Local chain of custody was monitored and maintained by the Project Geologist under the general direction of the QP. In-house quality control samples were inserted into the sample set by the Project Geologist. ALS Global conducts its own internal QA/QC program of blanks, standards and duplicates, and the results are provided with the Company sample certificates. The results of the internal and ALS control samples will be reviewed by the Company's QP and evaluated for acceptable tolerances prior to disclosure. All sample and pulp rejects will be stored at ALS Global pending full review of the analytical data, and future selection of pulps for independent third-party check analyses, as requisite. ALS Global in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a facility certified as ISO 9001:2008 and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 from the Standards Council of Canada. Difficult drilling conditions were encountered on the 2024 program at Diamante. In general, core quality, as measured by RQD, was poor. This was especially evident in mineralized or potentially mineralized intervals characterized by alteration, veining and micro veining, and oxidized and partially oxidized fractures. Similarly, core recovery in the mineralized intervals was less than 100% and locally was less than 40%. The core provides for the recognition of rock types and the recognition of alteration, vein quartz, and sulphide minerals comprising mineralization. However, the core quality precludes detailed evaluation, including quantitative structural analysis, and limits interpretation integrating previous drilling and geological mapping and sampling. The sampling and assaying provide a clear indication of the presence of mineralization consistent with the visual recognition. However, given the poor recovery, particularly in the anticipated mineralized intercepts in La Prieta, the drill core assays are not considered representative of in-situ grades. Additional metal values disclosed herein by the Companies are reported from representative splits of drill chip samples whereas those reported from grab and channel samples from earlier programs may not be representative of the metal grades. The Company's Qualified Person believes that the sampling documentation, analytical protocols and quantitative data will withstand scrutiny for inclusion. Qualified Persons Greg Davison, PGeo, Silver Spruce VP Exploration and Director, is the Company's internal Qualified Person for the Diamante Project and is responsible for approval of the technical content of this press release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), under TSX guidelines. Jamie Lavigne, P. Geo. and a Director for Colibri is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. About Silver Spruce Resources Inc. Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company holding 100% of the Melchett Lake Zn-Au-Ag project in northern Ontario and has signed Definitive Agreements to acquire 100% interest in the Mystery Au project in the Exploits Gold Belt, Newfoundland and Labrador, 100% interest in the Pino de Plata Ag project located 15 kilometres west of Coeur Mining's Palmarejo Mine in western Chihuahua, Mexico and 25% interest in BIMCOL Minera's Diamante Au-Ag project located northwest from Minera Alamos' Nicho deposit in Sonora, Mexico. Silver Spruce also has a 50:50 joint venture agreement with Colibri on the nearby Jackie Au project. Silver Spruce Resources Inc. continues to investigate opportunities that Management has identified or that have been presented to the Company for consideration. Contact: Silver Spruce Resources Inc. Greg Davison, PGeo, Vice-President Exploration and Director (250) 521-0444 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Michael Kinley, CEO (902) 402-0388 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.silverspruceresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements," Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, statements regarding the private placement. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) ("Orla" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a management information circular and related materials (the "Meeting Materials") for its special meeting of shareholders of the Company ("Shareholders") to be held on January 21, 2025 (the "Meeting") in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Musselwhite Mine from Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") announced on November 18, 2024 (the "Transaction"). Along with the Meeting Materials, the Company has also filed an independent technical report on the Musselwhite Mine (the "Technical Report"), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Access to Materials The Meeting Materials and Technical Report are available on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively, as well as the Company's website at www.orlamining.com/investors/musselwhite-special-meeting. The Meeting The Meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on January 21, 2025, at Suite 3500 1133 Melville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4E5. Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will have an opportunity to attend, vote and ask questions during the Meeting by following the instructions set out in the Meeting Materials. Beneficial Shareholders may vote or appoint a proxy using the voting instruction form provided to such holders. Shareholders should closely review the Meeting Materials to ensure that they are able to cast their vote at the Meeting. Meeting Resolutions At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked approve ordinary resolutions approving: (i) the Transaction; and (ii) a concurrent private placement of convertible notes and common share purchase warrants to Pierre Lassonde and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax"), both of whom are "insiders" of the Company, the net proceeds of which will fund a portion of the purchase price of the Transaction (the "Concurrent Private Placement"). In accordance with Multinational Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and sections 501(c) and 604(a)(ii) of the TSX Company Manual, the votes attached to the common shares of the Company (the "Shares") held by Newmont, Mr. Lassonde and Fairfax will be excluded from voting on the Transaction and Concurrent Private Placement. Shareholder approval of both the Transaction and the Concurrent Private Placement is a condition precedent to the completion of the Transaction. Full details of the Transaction are included in the Meeting Materials. Closing of the Transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2025, subject to satisfaction of the conditions to closing. Support Agreements The Directors and Officers of the Company, along with certain key shareholders, (collectively, the "Supporting Shareholders"), have entered into voting support agreements with Orla and Newmont and have agreed to vote in favour of the Transaction and the Concurrent Private Placement. While Mr. Lassonde, Fairfax and Newmont are in support of the Transaction and the Concurrent Private Placement, the votes attached to the Shares held by such Shareholders will be excluded from voting under MI 61-101 and the TSX Company Manual. As such, the Supporting Shareholders represent approximately 19% of the Shares eligible to vote on the Transaction and the Concurrent Private Placement. Shareholder Questions and Voting Assistance For any questions or assistance with voting, shareholders can contact the Company's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 (toll-free in North America), 1-416-304-0211 (calls outside North America) or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . About Orla Mining Ltd. Orla's corporate strategy is to acquire, develop, and operate mineral properties where the Company's expertise can substantially increase stakeholder value. The Company has two material gold projects: (1) Camino Rojo, located in Zacatecas State, Mexico and (2) South Railroad, located in Nevada, United States. Orla is operating the Camino Rojo Oxide Gold Mine, a gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine. The property is 100% owned by Orla and covers over 139,000 hectares which contains a large oxide and sulphide mineral resource. Orla is also developing the South Railroad Project, a feasibility-stage, open pit, heap leach gold project located on the Carlin trend in Nevada. Orla has also entered into a definitive agreement with a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation to acquire the Musselwhite Mine, located in Ontario, Canada. This transaction is subject to certain conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. The technical reports for the Company's material projects are available on Orla's website at www.orlamining.com, and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the closing of the Transaction, including receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: completion of the Transaction, including receipt of required shareholder approvals, the future price of gold and silver; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development, and mining activities; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; decommissioning and reclamation estimates; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services remaining as estimated; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property agreements, including the layback agreement with Fresnillo plc; that all conditions of the Company's credit facility will be met; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the obtaining of a subsequent agreement with Fresnillo to access the sulphide mineral resource at the Camino Rojo Project and develop the entire Camino Rojo Project mineral resources estimate; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, including those approvals and permits required for successful project permitting, construction, and operation of projects; the timing of cash flows; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company, its properties or Musselwhite. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain shareholder approvals in connection with the Transaction; uncertainty and variations in the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; the Company's dependence on the Camino Rojo oxide mine; risks related to the Company's indebtedness; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; foreign country and political risks, including risks relating to foreign operations; risks related to the Cerro Quema Project; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; delays in or failures to enter into a subsequent agreement with Fresnillo with respect to accessing certain additional portions of the mineral resource at the Camino Rojo Project and to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals related thereto; the mineral resource estimations for the Camino Rojo Project being only estimates and relying on certain assumptions; loss of, delays in, or failure to get access from surface rights owners; uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; water rights; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; financing risks and access to additional capital; risks related to guidance estimates and uncertainties inherent in the preparation of feasibility studies; uncertainty in estimates of production, capital, and operating costs and potential production and cost overruns; the fluctuating price of gold and silver; unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; assessments by taxation authorities in multiple jurisdictions; foreign currency fluctuations; the Company's limited operating history; litigation risks; the Company's ability to identify, complete, and successfully integrate acquisitions; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; risks related to historical data; the Company not having paid a dividend; risks related to the Company's foreign subsidiaries; risks related to the Company's accounting policies and internal controls; the Company's ability to satisfy the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; enforcement of civil liabilities; the Company's status as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes; information and cyber security; the Company's significant shareholders; gold industry concentration; shareholder activism; other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies; as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 19, 2024, which are available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2024) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") announces that, further to its press release dated December 19, 2024, the Company, Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. ("Sumitomo") and Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra"), have completed the exercise of Sumitomo's and Centerra's 'top-up right' to retain its 10.1% and 9.9% interest in the Company, respectively, as granted within the investor rights agreements dated November 5, 2021 and May 28, 2024. An aggregate of 63,453 common shares were issued at a price of $1.0492 per share for aggregate consideration of $66,574.89. The common shares issuable in the private placement are subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the rules and policies of the TSXV expiring on April 21, 2025. As Sumitomo is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of Kenorland's outstanding shares, it is a "related party" to the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). As such, the transaction constituted a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101. The Company has relied upon on exemptions from formal valuation and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 found in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of either transaction does not constitute more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Kenorland Minerals Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Zach Flood President, CEO & Director Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Armenian separatist Ruben Vardanyan's son, businessman David Vardanyan co-sponsored anti-Azerbaijani campaign during COP29, Trend reports via the report titled "Hybrid attacks against COP29: Our society must not become a victim of hybrid threats!" by Azerbaijani Parliament's Commission against Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats. According to the publication, One of the reasons for the acceleration of the negative campaign against COP29 was the involvement of companies with experience in the field of PR and the formation of a negative image by wealthy businessmen. As a result of the research, it became clear that wealthy businessmen such as David Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan are organizing hybrid attacks with the maximum use of financial resources and personal connections in a campaign against Azerbaijan, the report said. Furthermore, the report pointed out that the tactics of the Vardanyan-Afeyan tandem in the anti-Azerbaijani campaign are based on involving well-known PR companies, Hollywood stars, wealthy American businessmen, influential families, and government officials in certain projects. By abusing people's trust, they carry out their nefarious activities under the guise of charitable events through the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation and the Aurora Prize they established. Recently, they welcomed Chelsea Clinton, a member of the Clinton family, into the Aurora Prize Selection Committee. Additionally, several members of the selection committee are engaged in activities against COP29 and Azerbaijan. At the same time, the Vardanyan family involved the PR company Edelman, which has been involved in a number of scandals, and the law firm Perseus Strategies. Edelman is conducting a campaign on social networks under the hashtags #FreeRubenVardanyan and #FreeArmenianPrisoners, the report reads. Besides, the publication highlighted that their goal is to organize mass attacks on Azerbaijan by gaining support on a global scale, exerting pressure through petitions and letters, and involving various officials, private organizations, and media outlets. On their website, www.freearmenianprisoners.com, they create the illusion that Ruben Vardanyan's campaign is allegedly supported by 109 countries, including Azerbaijan, in an attempt to add credibility to their claims. "In the appeal titled 'Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian leaders: the anniversary as political prisoners in Azerbaijan', it's clear which states and organizations are working with the "Edelman" company. French PR company Havas also provides particular support to the Vardanyan family on this matter. Interestingly, Edelman, which has been involved in several scandals, provided services to companies denying climate change and global warming 10 years ago, as revealed in a study by The Guardian. As for Perseus Strategies and its head, Jared Genzer, besides his anti-Azerbaijani activities as a legal advisor to the Vardanyan family, he is also running a broad campaign against Azerbaijan through his created international 'human rights' NGO, Freedom Now," the report also said. The report mentioned that Freedom Now, in collaboration with other "well-known" NGOs, continuously engages in activities against COP and Azerbaijan, and this supported by photographic evidence. Another interesting fact is related to the Argentine Luis Moreno Ocampo, who was the first prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. He is a member of the International Legal Advisory Council of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. The head of Perseus Strategies, Jared Genzer, is the chairman of the Organization of the Americas. Meanwhile, Eduardo Ernekian, an Armenian-born billionaire from Argentina known as "El Armenio," is the chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg International Foundation. Aside from the similarity in the names of both organizations, there are also close connections between the leadership figures. The fact that Ocampo is a compatriot of Ernekian only raises further doubts. In the past month alone, Ocampo has made over 120 biased publications against Azerbaijan and COP29 on his social media page, as the report states. At the same time, it is emphasized that a coordinated campaign was conducted through social media using a range of hashtags, primarily #COP29, #COPOUT29, #cop29exposed, #COP29Exposed, #BoycottCOP29, #ProtestCOP29. Analyzing the hashtags #FreeRubenVardanyan, #FreeArmenianPrisoners, #FreeArmenianHostages, #Enthegagrule, #greenwashing, #stopgreenwashgenocide, #stopwhitewashgenocide, and others shows that the campaign is being conducted from a single center, particularly through profiles associated with individuals of Armenian descent, the report emphasized. The report, as well, noted that there were observed facts of coordinated and massive use of fake accounts in most profiles. Fake profiles manipulate content through bot systems, while simultaneously publishing automated replies with the same content to posts made regarding COP29, and thus take actions aimed at misleading public opinion, the report added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Another man has killed his girlfriend and their son before committing suicide in KwaZulu-Natal south coast, South Africa. This is coming a few days after another ZwaZulu-Natal south coast man killed his 25-year-old girlfriend before taking his own life. Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed his 22-year-old girlfriend and their three-year-old son to d3ath before taking his own life. The incident took place in the Danganya area in Umgababa on Thursday night, December 19, 2024. The bodies were recovered on Friday morning with the incident suspected to have happened late on Thursday night or in the early hours of Friday," Netshiunda said. He said when police arrived at the scene, the bodies of the woman and her child were lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. The suspect was found hanging from the roof inside the house. Their identity documents were found placed on top of the bed." He said Umkomaas SA Police Service (SAPS) were investigating two counts of murder and an inquest. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly criticized Jeff Bezos for dining with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago while Amazon workers went on strike across multiple U.S. locations Thursday, December 19. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanders condemned Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sanchez, for their Wednesday night double date with Trump and Melania, accusing the Amazon founder of illegal union-busting. Sanders also called on Amazon to comply with labor laws and negotiate a fair contract with the Teamsters union. The strike involved delivery drivers at seven Amazon facilities in New York, California, Illinois, and Georgia. Backed by the Teamsters, workers hit the picket lines after Amazon failed to meet a Sunday deadline to begin contract negotiations. According to The New York Times, the National Labor Relations Board has previously accused Amazon of refusing to bargain with its employees in at least one investigation. The striking workers are pushing for a labor agreement that ensures fair wages and protections, as tensions between the e-commerce giant and organized labor continue to escalate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Six million ballot papers will be printed for the municipal elections in Azerbaijan set for January 29, 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Rovzat Gasimov said at a meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC) today, Trend reports. Ten days prior to the elections, he said, ballots will be printed. To note, the forthcoming municipal electoral process in the Republic of Azerbaijan is slated for January 29, 2025. This marks the sixth iteration of the republican electoral process for municipal governance in Azerbaijan. The electoral process will be conducted on a majoritarian framework, wherein only municipal representatives will be selected by the electorate. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Saturday, December 21, 2024 It is a sigh of relief for comrades after the High Court declared President William Rutos new university funding model as illegal and unconstitutional. In his ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the fund introduced in May last year is unlawful due to its lack of legal foundation, discriminatory nature, and failure to involve public participation. "It should have been subjected to the public so that the public comments before its implementation," Justice Mwita noted. According to the judge, the changes that are the flagship of President William Ruto did not adhere to the necessary legal provisions when creating the model. As a result, Mwita directed Rutos government not to implement the new university funding model. Mwita made the directions in the case filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) last year. The Higher Education Funding Model according to the government was intended to address financial challenges in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The model shifts from the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system, which provided block funding to institutions, to a student-centered approach that allocates financial support based on individual student needs. In its court filing, KHRC asserted that the model was unconstitutional since it failed to cater to needy students. The petitioners mentioned that the new model created confusion in selecting TVET courses as students face delays due to a lack of clear instructions from KUCCPS. Judge Mwita condemned the government's move to shift the responsibility to parents, saying that it's the government's responsibility to fund public universities. The implementation of the funding model caused university students to protest, with most of them rejecting it. The model has led to some students missing spots in university due to lack of funding. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has strongly refuted claims made by a local media outlet regarding her relationship with former Ghanaian President John Kufuor, demanding an immediate public apology and retraction of the article. The controversial Senator decried the media's infringement on her privacy and the disrespectful way her personal life had been handled. "For the better part of my career, I have faced various forms of violence, both verbal and physical, and I have always stood up against patriarchal systems. "However, this unwarranted invasion of my private life, particularly regarding a supposed affair with H.E. John Kufuor, is deeply disappointing," she said. The media outlet had claimed that Orwoba confirmed in a phone interview that she is dating the 86-year-old former head of state who lost his wife last year. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Former International Monetary Fund chief Rodrigo Rato was on Friday, Dec. 20, sentenced to more than four years in prison by a Madrid court for tax crimes, money laundering and corruption. Judges found Rato, who was also a former economy minister in Spain, guilty of three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering and one offence of corruption between individuals, the court announced in a statement. Rato, who had already spent two years in prison over a separate embezzlement case during his tenure as chairman of Spanish lender Bankia, has denied any wrongdoing throughout the nine-year probe. Following a year-long trial, the court convicted Rato on three counts of offences against Spanish tax authorities, as well as corruption involving individuals outside the public sector, and money laundering. It sentenced him to four years, nine months and a day in prison. Since the decision can be challenged on appeal before the Supreme Court, Rato will not have to serve any prison time for now until there is a final ruling, a court spokesperson said. Rato, 75, who chaired the IMF from 2004 to 2007 and Bankia between 2010 and 2012, previously spent two years in prison after being convicted in 2017 over the misuse of Bankia credit cards to buy jewels, holidays and expensive clothes. In the more recent corruption case, prosecutors had requested a total jail sentence of 63 years for the 11 charges against him. Last year, Rato's lawyer Maria Masso, from law firm Baker McKenzie, had asked the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that Rato's rights had been violated during a 2015 search of his home, so evidence obtained in the raid should be annulled. Baker McKenzie declined to comment on Friday on Masso's behalf following a request from Reuters. The court also ordered Rato to pay fines worth more than two million euros ($2.08 million), as well as 568,413 euros to tax authorities. Rato, who served as deputy prime minister in the conservative People's Party (PP) government between 1996 and 2004, was acquitted in a separate fraud trial over the listing of Bankia in 2012. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again hinted at teaming up with Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. In a statement, Gachagua challenged the Wiper party leader to double the votes in the Ukambani voting bloc to qualify for the support of the Mount Kenya region. The former deputy president urged Kalonzo to spearhead voter registration in the Ukambani region to enable their anticipated coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. Leadership and politics is about numbers. You need to register as voters. I want to challenge you to know if you want us to be together in government, you have to register all your youth to vote. Do not wait until the last minute. Register enough votes. We have done the maths, for you to win the presidency, you must get fifty plus one. You, the people of Ukambani, must now increase your votes in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta and other areas to between 3.5 to 4 million,'' Gachagua said. According to Gachagua, the Mt. Kenya region will deliver 10 million votes, which he said will be enough to form the next government. "Once you get to that number, look for me; in our region, we want to have 10 million; you must get to four million, and if you want us to form the government together, you must ensure that the young people register as voters," he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Richard Allen, the man convicted in the 2017 killings of two teenage girls who disappeared in Delphi, Indiana, has been sentenced to 130 years in prison. Allen was sentenced to 65 years for each death, totaling 130 years in prison. His 760 days served since his arrest will count towards his sentence. An Indiana jury in November convicted Allen in the murders of 14-year-old Liberty "Libby" German and 13-year-old Abigail "Abby" Williams, who had vanished during a hike in Delphi in 2017. The jury of seven women and five men spent about 19 hours deliberating over the course of three days before finding Allen, 52, guilty of all counts. The families of Libby and Abigail addressed the public and thanked the jurors for delivering a verdict of the maximum sentence. Mike Patty, Libby's grandfather, thanked the community for supporting his family and the investigative team for working towards justice for almost eight years. "I want to send out my appreciation that justice has been serviced for the girls," Patty said. "I'll always be grateful." Investigators reflected on the work behind the case. "A form of justice was serviced, but it does not bring Abby and Libby back," Sheriff Tony Liggett said. "They did not deserve this." Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter thanked the families of the victims as well as Delphi residents. He said this verdict starts a new chapter for the community. "Let's heal," Carter said. On Feb. 13, 2017, Abby and Libby were dropped off at a hiking trail on the Monon High Bridge in Delphi When they failed to meet Libby's father later in the day, they were reported missing. They were found dead about a mile from where they were last seen with cuts to the throat, according to prosecutors. Police investigated thousands of leads, and released multiple composite sketches of the suspect based on eyewitness accounts. Audio evidence from Libby's cell phone revealed an unknown man had told the girls to go "down the hill." Libby also recorded a short Snapchat video of a man who police believed was the k!ller. Although police circulated the photo and audio just days after the killings, the case ran cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022. Allen lived in Delphi and worked at a local CVS pharmacy until a clerk related to the investigation in September 2022 noticed he had placed himself at the scene of the killings. Just days after the bodies were discovered, Allen told police he had been on that trail around the time the girls were thought to have been killed. He told them he had been walking in the area and seen three "females" near a bridge but hadn't spoken to them. On Oct. 13, 2022, Allen was interviewed again after police searched through former suspects. Allen was arrested after police matched an unspent cartridge found between the girls' bodies to a pistol recovered from his home during a police search. Allen was arrested on Oct. 26, 2022, and was charged with two counts of murdr while committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping five days later. Prosecutors later amended the charges to include two additional counts of murder. Allen pleaded not guilty to the charges. Over the course of the trial, the prosecution highlighted Allen's dozens of confessions while incarcerated: He confessed to the crime more than 60 times, prosecutors say, including to his wife, his mother, the psychologist who treated him, the warden, and other prison employees and inmates. They played audio recordings of some of the confessions for the jury. The defense doubted the confessions and said they were made involuntarily and that he was suffering from mental illness at the time. Monica Wala, the former lead psychologist at Westville Correctional Facility where Allen was housed, testified he initially told her he was innocent but began confessing to the crimes in April 2023, around the time he was placed back on suicide watch. According to WTHR, Wala testified that Allen had told her, "I killed Abby and Libby. I'm sorry," and that he originally planned to s3xually assault the victims but ran away when he saw a van nearby and that he had cut the girls' throats and covered their bodies with sticks, she testified. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - King Charless cancer treatment will continue into the New Year after almost a years battle with the disease, according to reports. Palace sources told Sky News; his treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year. The source further said there is a sense of optimism, which can be seen in the Kings desire to keep up a busy schedule of public engagements, including during the festive period. Charless cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace in February, although it is not clear what type of cancer he is fighting. It is also unclear what type of treatment he has specifically had, but he has regularly been in London for private appointments. Charles, 76, spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer, not affecting his prostate was discovered. After the major health development was announced on February 6, the King postponed all public-facing engagements for a period. He spent around three months out of the public eye and returned in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Malaysias government has agreed in principle to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the worlds greatest aviation mysteries, the countrys transport minister announced. MH370, a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposal to search a new area in the southern Indian Ocean came from exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which had also conducted the last search for the plane that ended in 2018. The firm will receive $70 million if wreckage found is substantive, Loke told a press conference. Our responsibility and obligation and commitment is to the next of kin, he said. We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families. Malaysian investigators initially did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately taken off course. Debris, some confirmed and some believed to be from the aircraft, has washed up along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean. More than 150 Chinese passengers were on the flight, with relatives demanding compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and the Allianz insurance group among others. Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 to search in the southern Indian Ocean, offering to pay up to $70 million if it found the plane, but it failed on two attempts. That followed an underwater search by Malaysia, Australia and China in a 120,000 square kilometre (46,332 sq mile) area of the southern Indian Ocean, based on data from automatic connections between an Inmarsat satellite and the plane. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Kenyans on social media are calling for the arrest of Salome Wanjiru, who reportedly stabbed her boyfriend 27 times last Sunday. Salome is said to have locked the house and fatally stabbed her boyfriend before attempting to take her own life. However, she was rescued by police officers after they broke into the house and was taken to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital. Reports indicate that the murder suspect is related to a prominent Kiambu politician. The influential politician is allegedly attempting a cover-up after his niece was linked to the brutal murder. See more of her photos below. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - An ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has criticized President William Ruto for appointing too many members of the Kikuyu community to his government In his Cabinet reshuffle, President Ruto appointed three individuals from the Mt. Kenya region to his Cabinet, giving the region the highest representation Homa Bay Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma, who was among those excited when the President onboarded ODM officials into the Cabinet in July, noted that the President allegedly favors the Mt. Kenya region over Raila Odinga's backyard. Kaluma claimed that whenever the president considers Mt Kenya, he dishes out wholesome Cabinet posts as a whole package to the region's natives, as opposed to regions like Western Kenya and Nyanza, where the slots are shared. "Ruto gave Gachagua 6 Cabinet Secretary slots, he appointed all from Mt. Kenya. "Ruto gives Uhuru slots in government, he appoints all from Mt. Kenya. "Whatever ODM gets, it is shared across the Nation. I hope a time will come in my lifetime when all of us will live under Article 10 of the Constitution and see Kenya beyond their home regions, like Baba," he said. In the July appointments, the positions were distributed across various ODM strongholds rather than a single community. Five posts were allocated to leaders from Coast (Hassan Joho), Western Kenya (Wycliffe Oparanya), Turkana (Beatrice Askul), and Nyanza (Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi)." In the latest nominations, Ruto picked the members entirely from the Mt Kenya region. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, December 21, 2024 - President William Ruto has tapped three of former Prime Minister Raila Odingas advisers into his council of advisors. Ruto named Prof. Adam Oloo, Joe Ager, and Dr. Silvester Kasuku as members of his advisory team. The appointments within the Executive Office of the President seek to augment the complement of personnel supporting the Head of State and Government in fulfilling the profound mandate vested in the nation's foremost office," read the statement in part. In addition, President Ruto named former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth and former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria to senior positions. Kenneth, a former Gatanga MP, will serve as chairperson of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) National Standards Council. Wa-Iria takes over as chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board, while Noor Yaror Gabow is appointed Consular General for the yet-to-be-established Consulate in Haiti. The Kenyan DAILY POST BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. On December 21, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visited Nairobi Secondary School in Nairobi, one of the oldest educational institutions in Kenya, Trend reports. A fully equipped laboratory and computer room were opened at the school as part of the Foundation's project "Development of Education and Culture in African Countries". Leyla Aliyeva then arrived at the Kangemi Medical Center in Nairobi and toured the neonatal department. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation presented the Medical Center with incubators and New Year gifts for mothers. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - A family is seeking justice after their kin was reportedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend last Sunday. Reports indicate that the lady, who is related to a prominent Kiambu politician, locked the house and stabbed her boyfriend 27 times, before attempting to take her own life. However, she was rescued by cops after they broke into the house and taken to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital. Her uncle, who is an influential politician, is reportedly trying to do a cover-up. X users have started a hashtag to seek justice for the slain young man. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - A 42-year-old South African woman, Nonhlanhla Cynthia Mbele, has been sentenced for killing her sister, brother-in-law and church member for insurance payouts. The Durban High Court on Friday, December 20, 2024, sentenced Mbele and her accomplice, Mthofi Cyril Msipho (53) to three terms of life and 45 years imprisonment each, following their conviction on three counts of m8rder and three counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Mbele was sentenced to a further 45 years imprisonment for three counts of defrauding Capitec Bank/Centriq Life Insurance of over R300 000. Before the incidents, Mbele devised a plan to enrich herself through fraudulent claims from funeral policies. Between June 2019 and September 2020, she obtained funeral cover plans through Capitec Bank Limited/ Centriq Life Insurance Company Limited (Capitec), insuring several members of her immediate family as well as people known to her. Mbele made herself the policyholder and the beneficiary of these policies. She persuaded her son to do the same, and he also obtained various funeral plans where he insured members of his extended family. He was the nominated beneficiary on these policies, at his mother's behest. According to the policy, Capitec undertook to pay out double the cover amount if the assured person died due to an accident or unnatural causes. Between 15 July 2019 and 26 June 2020, Mbele colluded with Msipho, who in turn sought the assistance of others to have Suzan Xolo (her biological sister), Thamsanqa Mthembu (someone she knew from church, and Thulani Mdlalose (her brother-in-law) killed. Following their deaths, Mbele lodged a claim with the insurer and was paid out. Thereafter, she paid Msipho for his assistance. The complainants in the conspiracy to commit murder charges were also insured by Mbele but they managed to escape, as Mbeles plans to have them killed did not materialise. They were arrested after someone privy to Mbele's scheme notified two of the complainants in a conspiracy to commit murder charges that their lives were in danger. In court, Advocate Nadira Moosa led the evidence of Mbele's son, a Sction 204 witness, as well as some of the deceased's family members. Mbele's son said that while he obtained the insurance policies, it was on the instruction of his mother (Mbele) who further controlled the bank accounts and the cards. The family members of the deceased testified that they were not aware of the life insurance policies taken out by Mbele, nor did they benefit from the payouts. The Section 204 witness explained how he had warned the complainants of Mbele's plans to kill them. In addition, the state submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by Mbele's mother and sister and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng. In her statement, Mbele's mother said that the incident has left her traumatised and devastated. She said that she would never understand how Mbele could have arranged for the murder of her sister. She said Mbele's actions were brutal and selfish. Mbele's sister said that she feels stressed and frustrated. She said that Mbele had brought misery and poverty to their family. Msipho and Mbele were sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment for the murders and 15 years imprisonment each on each count of conspiracy to commit murder. Mbele was sentenced to a further 15 years imprisonment on each count of fraud. Their sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence, and we commend the work done by the prosecution and other stakeholders. Together with our partners in the crime prevention cluster, we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of the victims of crime. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning to the European Union, threatening tariffs if its member countries do not increase their purchases of American oil and gas. I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas. Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!, Trump declared on Truth Social. The United States, currently the worlds largest crude oil producer and leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has already seen interest from buyers like the EU and Vietnam in securing more American energy resources to potentially avoid the imposition of tariffs. EU officials and member states have been bracing for a potential trade conflict following Trumps recent election victory. The bloc previously faced tariffs on steel and aluminum during Trumps earlier presidency, prompting a reevaluation of its trade strategies and the expansion of its countermeasures against coercive trade practices. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking after a G7 meeting in Italy last month, addressed the possible challenges under the new administration. If the new US administration pursues a United States first policy in the sectors of climate or trade, then our response will be Europe united, she said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested that US LNG could replace Russian imports, especially as the EU seeks to reduce its reliance on Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. We still get a whole lot of LNG via Russia, from Russia. And why not replace it with American LNG, which is cheaper, and brings down our energy prices, von der Leyen said after a conversation with Trump. While the US is already Europes largest LNG supplier, Russia remains a significant source of imports. EU officials are exploring measures to reduce Moscows influence, but stringent restrictions on Russian energy remain challenging. To prepare for potential trade disputes with Washington, the EU has bolstered its defenses through measures like the anti-coercion instrument, which allows the bloc to impose tariffs or punitive measures in response to politically motivated trade restrictions. Additionally, the EUs foreign subsidies regulation enables action against foreign companies benefiting from unfair state subsidies. Trump has frequently criticized the EU over issues ranging from defense spending to the trade deficit. He has targeted countries with trade imbalances, including Canada, China, and the EU. Europe, a major destination for US LNG and crude oil exports, is already central to American energy trade, with more than half of US LNG deliveries going to the continent last year. As the EU continues to prepare for possible trade confrontations, Trumps aggressive trade stance highlights the challenges ahead for transatlantic relations under his administration. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - The accused killer of UnitedHealthcare's CEO is being held in a Brooklyn jail, where Sean "Diddy" Combs is being jailed. Luigi Mangione, 26, is locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He appeared in federal court in Manhattan Thursday after waiving extradition in Pennsylvania. He's accused of traveling from Georgia to allegedly stalk and kill 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." 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 alowed me to learn more about (acronym for Company-1)." The entry also said that "the target is insurance" because "it checks every box," the complaint said. 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. Mangione made his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court Thursday afternoon, hours after the unsealing of the criminal complaint. He stepped into a packed federal courtroom for an appearance before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker. He answered "yes" to several questions from Judge Parker, but mainly kept his head down reading along as she summarized the charges in the complaint. He did not enter a plea. Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said Mangione would not initially contest pretrial detention. He was taken into custody. "We're going to respectfully decline to make any comment at this time, but Mr. Mangione appreciates everyone's support. Thank you so much," Agnifilio said. The next court date is January 18, 2025 unless an indictment is secured beforehand. The prosecutor noted the Manhattan DA's office has a parallel case. "That case is proceeding and our office is in consultation with them," Gentile said. Agnifilo said Mangione was prepared to appear in state court and complained the federal charges were sprung on her client. "This is a highly unusual situation we find ourselves in," Agnifilo said. "I have never seen anything like that." 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. Mangione agreed to return to New York after a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week after five days on the run. "This is in his best interest, and we're moving forward," Mangione's Pennsylvania defense attorney Thomas Dickey said. 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 medical insurance company 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 while eating breakfast on Dec. 9 at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. When Mangione was apprehended, he had a 9 mm handgun with a 3D-printed receiver, a homemade silencer, two ammunition magazines and live cartridges, prosecutors said. Saturday, December 21, 2024 - United States Senator representing the state of Kentucky, Rand Paul, has endorsed Elon Musk as the next Speaker of the House. Senator Paul made this known in a statement on his official X account on Thursday December 19,saying the speaker of the House does not need to be a Congress member 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), he said. Rands comment comes amid House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing backlash from his party, the Republican party for his handling of an end-of-the-year spending deal. A Tuesday measure compiled by the Democrats but backed by Speaker Johnson would have funded the government through March 14, featuring over $100 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers. The bill also included health care reforms and methods to address transparency in live event ticketing but President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance condemned the plan in a joint statement Wednesday, saying the most foolish and inept thing ever done by Republicans in Congress was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. On his part, Elon Musk, who will co-lead Trumps incoming administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also slammed the proposed spending bill. Musk wrote on X Wednesday that any lawmaker in support of the outrageous bill should be voted out in 2 years. This bill should not pass, Musk wrote in a separate post. Following the rebuttal from Musk, Speaker Johnsons team is now discussing a backup spending plan that will be acceptable to Trumps MAGA Fan base ahead of Fridays deadline to prevent a government shutdown. Saturday, December 21, 2024 Adani whistleblower Nelson Amenya has narrated how he blew open the Sh338 billion Adani scandal that had the country talking for months. Speaking during an interview with BBC Africa, Amenya disclosed that he received documents about the multi-billion deal from credible sources within government departments. The 30-year-old who currently studies in France narrated that at first, he failed to recognise the impact the deal would have on Kenyans but after a thorough scrutiny of the documents, he learnt the ripple effects of the privately initiated agreement. The first feeling I had when I was passed the documents was that it was just another government deal. I did not understand the magnitude or the seriousness of it," Amenya told BBC journalists. "The people who were giving me these documents were from very legitimate departments of government and it was going to hurt the Kenyan economy," he added. The whistleblower explained that the deal would have been unfair to Kenyans as it would have consumed much of taxpayers money without substantial returns. Amenya revealed that the deal would further force Kenya to spend even more money if the Indian conglomerate failed to recoup its investments in the country. "This was a great breach of trust of the people by the leadership of the president, the Kenya Airports Authority, and the minister, they all betrayed the people," Amenya said. According to him, aside from the unusual terms and lack of transparency in the deal, another cause for concern was the blatant disregard for the law in the implementation of the agreement. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, December 21, 2024 ODM Leader Raila Odinga is now under pressure to decide whether he is with Kenyans or with the 'oppressor' In a statement, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Raila to clarify whether his party is aligned with the government or the opposition. He challenged Baba to ensure the orange party takes a definitive stand before the start of the New Year, 2025. "We also want ODM to tell us before the New Year 2025: Are you in the opposition or in government? You have to have a clear stand," Kalonzo remarked. The former vice president's remarks come after some members of the ODM party previously joined President William Ruto's government. In October, Raila maintained that ODM had not joined the government, affirming that the party was firmly in the opposition. The ODM leader claimed that the party only allowed some of its members to join the government and that the party did not have any signed agreement with the government. Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister, who is now eyeing the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson seat, has received immense support from the government ahead of the elections in February 2025. The Kenyan DAILY POST Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. The potential for collaboration between Azerbaijan and Rwanda in social services, economics, trade, and humanitarian sectors has been deliberated, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy. The discussions were held during a meeting between First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev and Deputy CEO of Rwanda Development Council Juliana Muganza. According to the information, at the meeting information was presented on Azerbaijan's successful experience in the field of social services, reforms carried out in this sphere, and the importance of expanding the legal and contractual base to support the development of ties. The information notes that the sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in economic, trade, and humanitarian spheres. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Designer takes pride in designing stamps to mark 25th anniversary of Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao People's Daily Online) 13:43, December 21, 2024 Wilson Chi-Ian Lam, a renowned Macao designer, expressed pride in designing commemorative stamps to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison stationed in Macao, and their release on Dec. 20. He used bright colors and a realistic approach to capture scenes of the PLA garrison safeguarding Macao and serving the local people. The philatelic products for the 25th anniversary of the Chinese PLA garrison in Macao comprise six stamps and a souvenir sheet, capturing various scenes of the PLA garrison conducting training, safeguarding Macao and serving local people. On the same day, stamps were also issued to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). According to Lau Wai Meng, director of the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, the philatelic products to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the MSAR include a set of 12 themed stamps and two souvenir sheets, with the lotus flower as the theme. The lotus flower, as the floral emblem of the MSAR, symbolizes harmony, stability and prosperity in the region since its return to the motherland. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Photo: Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 21. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed the Minister of National Economy of the country, Trend reports. "By the decree of the Head of Country, Baybazarov Nurlan Serikovich is relieved of his duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan," reads the official telegram channel of the President of Kazakhstan. To note, no further details on the decision have been provided yet. Baybazarov had been appointed Minister of the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan in February 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AT least 13 Kildare companies are to at Showcase Irelands International Creative Expo, which returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 19 January to Tuesday, 21 January. Luxury candlemakers A Little Bit of Scents, hand-crafted furniture makers Sam agus Nessa from Athy, and Deerpark Knitwear from Monasterevin are just three of the specialized exhibitors who will have their wares on display. Almost 400 exhibitors and more than 3,500 visitors from Ireland and overseas expected to attend. Marking a significant milestone this year, Showcase, will celebrate 50 years of bringing together the best in Irish craftsmanship and design for a memorable celebration of creativity and innovation. Showcase was established in 1975 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair. Over the past 50 years, Showcase has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show not only for buyers in Ireland, but for buyers from over 20 countries. It has taken place in the RDS Dublin each year, originally in the Industries Hall and now taking up the four major halls of the RDS, and it continues to evolve and attract buyers from all over the world, introducing them to talented Irish exhibitors. Last years Showcase welcomed almost 400 exhibitors, a significant incline from the 50 exhibitors that took part in the launch almost 50 years ago. In 2024, Showcase welcomed more than 3,000 buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia and mainland Europe. Independent research shows that the orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18 per cent year on year, and the analysis from Showcase 2024 estimated that the purchasing plans, as reported by visitors to the event, exceeded 20.5m. These figures also indicate the increase in the quality of the buyer now regularly attending the event. In 2025, Showcase expects 3,500 visitors, including many who return to meet their valued clients year on year. Almost 90 brands will exhibit for the first time, and in celebration of 50 years, some brands will be returning to the show. The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, health & wellbeing, jewellery, home and giftware. Showcase 2025 will see a continuation of successful features including the Inspiration Stage, which will play host to industry talks and panel discussions from experts including Ken Hughes, leading consumer behaviouralist and Sara Davis, Dragons Den panellist and entrepreneur, The Edit, a curated selection of exquisite products exhibited at the show, and the annual Showcase Awards which will take place on Sunday 19 January. Showcases digital offering ShowcaseIreland.com and Showcase Connect app provide invaluable resources in the lead up to and during the tradeshow, enabling buyers to browse, connect and book meetings with exhibitors online or at the show. A wide range of stories make the front pages of Saturdays papers. The Irish Times reports that Fine Gael leader Simon Harris will likely not be taoiseach when the next government is formed, with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin taking the first turn in the office as part of a coalition deal. Gardai have received more than 61,000 calls about domestic violence this year, according to the Irish Examiner. The Irish Independent reveals that an external review will examine the care given to a young boy who died less than 24 hours after attending Cork University Hospital. The Irish Daily Mail reports on the weather warnings in place this weekend as many people travel home for Christmas. The Herald and Irish Daily Mirror cover the case of a violent criminal who assassinated a grandfather by emptying the contents of a pistol into him when he answered the front door. A judge has ordered a warring couple to stop arguing over the immersion heater switch in their home, according to the Irish Daily Star. Michelle O'Neill has been accused of having "two faces" after attending an IRA memorial event, the Belfast Telegraph reports. The Echo reveals that an injured player had to wait lying on the wet ground for three hours for an ambulance. An attack on a Christmas market in Germany features among the leading stories in the British papers. The Daily Mail reports at least two people are dead after a car ploughed into a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg. The Daily Express says Britain's King Charles is feeling positive ahead of a return to full duty next year. The Sun also carries royal news, reporting that Prince Andrew is refusing to walk Queen Elizabeths corgis. The Guardian leads with British finance minister Rachel Reeves insisting she will not gaslight working people over her plans to turn around the economy. Half a million Britons are taking weight-loss injections bought online, according to The Times. The Daily Mirror says England's health secretary has vowed more patients will be able to see the same doctor each visit under plans to improve the NHS. The Daily Telegraph reports IVF inventor Patrick Steptoe secretly impregnated women with sperm from a senior lab scientist without consent. Saturdays Daily TELEGRAPH: The IVF pioneer, secret sperm donors and families torn apart #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/8thdHBDNjn Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 20, 2024 The nations 10 worst rail companies cancel 800 services daily, according to the iweekend. i Weekend: UKs worst rail firms cancelling 800 trains a day, ahead of travel getaway turmoil and storms #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/yBFpGZPaGP Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 20, 2024 The FTWeekend reports European officials have been told US president-elect Donald Trump expects Nato members to raise their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP. And the Daily Star says the UKs new ambassador to the US previously called Mr Trump a danger to the world. Vincent Laudescher and Natalie Tournadre were seeking a better quality of life when they decided to move from France to Ireland last year. After travelling around the country the couple discovered the quaint village of Kilmoganny in South Kilkenny and took over the lease of the pub there, Dunphys. We wanted to break the routine, I had been working as a bus driver and Natalie was in embalment and we decided that we wanted to go at a slower pace and have a better quality of life. We wanted more family time and we felt that it was a good time for a change. We said if we dont do it now we never will so we went on this adventure, explained Vincent. The couple took a four-year lease on Dunphys pub in the heart of the village and are putting their own stamp on the premises. We wanted to have a new experience of life outside of France, we very much liked Ireland when we visited here before and the Irish people so we decided to make the move, he added. The pair had previously spent time in Ireland in 2018 and they visited twice last year in seek of a place to call their new home. Last summer we rented a small campervan and we went up to Drogheda and Dundalk and looked at a number of places close to Dublin, including Portlaoise, Carlow and Naas. Then we went down around the coast and visited Wicklow, Waterford, Cork and even arrived in Kilkenny via Cahir. We spent a week touring around and then we went back to France and from there we stated to look online for a pub to rent. We found five pubs that were available and we thought might be options for us. One pub was in Dublin but there was no live-in accommodation with it and to rent somewhere would be very expensive. There was another one in Cork which was in a bad state and if there was a big rain the river would enter the pub! There was a good pub in Co Carlow but it was too big for us and would have been too much work. We want to work as a family unit and not have staff. We checked out a number of different regions and we had a good feeling about the place, said Vincent who added that when found Dunphys in Kilmoganny it was a perfect match for what they were looking for. The couple along with their 14-year son, Hans, live above the pub, while their older son Calixte (24) is living in France. Dunphys had been closed since August 2023 and the locals have missed the social outlet which is the beating heart of the small village. People living in the village are over the moon to welcome the couple and embrace them into the local community and are delighted to have the opportunity to taste craft beers from France as well as wines that are bought directly from small French producers. Vincent and Natalie have settled in well to village life which is no surprise as they used to live in the small village of Sanilhec, close to Nimes in the South of France. I think that the way of life here is very similiar to the village that we lived in in France, it goes at a slow pace and this is the way we like it. We feel a good ambiance here, added the couple. Vincent also works as a craft brewer producing La Calade beers in France and travels back every six weeks to keep a watchful eye on the brewing process. The name of the micro brewery, La Calade comes from the name of the small paved roads in Provence in France. The La Calade micro brewery is another labour of love for Vincent and Nathalie and Vincents mother, Danielle is also on hand on the ground in France to make sure all is going to plan. Danielle is also involved in the brewing and checks on the temperatures and pressure of the beers as it is being brewed. We have a range of four recipes - lager, pale ale, Amber IPA and stout and they are all inspired by the style Irelandais and are available in Dunphys along with some French wines that we have brought over from our winemaking friends in France and we have brought over a cask of whiskey, he said. We have great plans for Dunphys and we are delighted that we are the only bar in the village. We have the traditional bar and then the lounge area and we hope to put our own stamp on it, he added. Dunphys on Chapel Street in Kilmoganny is open from Thursday to Mondays and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pub opens at 5.30pm and closes at 11pm on Sundays and Mondays, 11.30pm on Thursdays and 12.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The CBC reports: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the House of Commons should be recalled now that NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is vowing to bring forward a motion of non-confidence to take down the Liberal government. The Liberals dont deserve another chance, Singh wrote in an open letter on Friday. Thats why the NDP will vote to bring this government down. This is a survival tactic for the NDP who dont want to be associated with the Liberals anymore. The timing of the next confidence vote is unclear, but likely to be in the first quarter of 2025 which will lead to an election in the first half of 2025. The only real uncertainty is whether Trudeau remains Liberal Leader to fight the election. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Greg Presland writes: She was recently at the Northern Club in Auckland, heard Winston Peters say something and responded by questioning the veracity of what he said. Greg is trying to defend the Judge, but is making it worse. Because the Judge is now claiming: I did not realise that it was the deputy prime minister who was speaking when I made these comments, or that the event was a NZ First function, she wrote. So Gregs version of events is one that the Judge is now denying. But you have to give him marks for trying. The language being used against them is somewhat overblown and overdramatic. Gatecrashed is apparently having a look into a neighbouring room. You enter a room you are not invited into, and yell out that the person speaking is lying. How is that not gatecrashing? If it was reversed and a NZ First MP went into the judges function and called them names, Im sure Greg would call that gatecrashing. Requiring them to never express a political opinion even when within the hallowed confines of the Northern Club is a bit much. After all I thought there was an unwritten rule that what happens in the Northern Club stays in the Northern Club. Oh Greg is trying so hard here. There is of course a big difference between expressing an opinion quietly to a colleague at a function, and yelling out loudly that the Deputy PM is a liar. Not even Greg could possibly believe what he is saying. And I hate to breach the secrecy surrounding the law profession but many lawyers hold very strong political views. My first job was in a very conservative downtown lawfirm. I can recall clearly how the conveyancers and commercial lawyers were all deep blue National supporters. But amongst the court lawyers, those who took the administration of justice very seriously, were a number with progressive political views. Greg once again shoots and misses. Of course lawyers have political views, as do teachers and accountants and engineers. So what. Were talking about a judge, not a lawyer. And we are not talking about their private views, but their public behaviour in shouting their views out loud. And as for judges I know a few who quietly seethe at what this Government is doing and what previous National Governments have done. This is no surprise. One of the top donors to the Labour Party is a former High Court Judge. Does Greg know what former means? Did he donate large amounts while on the bench? No. Others also hold strong views. I can recall as an example one Judge getting his clerk to pass me a note in a busy list court asking for contact details so that he could make a private donation to the Labour Party. Astonishing. Greg doesnt even realise what he is revealing that a Judge while sitting in court got his clerk to arrange a donation to the Labour Party for him. Suggesting that people at the top of their game who have invested a lifetime in pursuing justice should have no political views is absurd. Again Greg is either very stupid or missing the point on purpose. Judges are allowed political views. They are not allowed to shout out that they think the Deputy PM is a liar. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 21. Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan Marco Alberti has completed his diplomatic mission, Trend reports. Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Ambassador Marco Alberti on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission. During the meeting, Vassilenko expressed sincere appreciation to the Italian diplomat for his efforts in strengthening Kazakhstan-Italy strategic cooperation, highlighting his significant contribution to the organization of the official visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Italy in January this year, as well as the activation of trade and economic relations. In turn, the Italian ambassador thanked the Kazakh side for its constant support, warm reception, and expressed hope for the continued strengthening of Kazakhstan-Italy strategic cooperation. At the end of the meeting, Vassilenko wished the ambassador success and new achievements in his future endeavors. Marco Alberti began his diplomatic career in 2000 as Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He was appointed ambassador to Kazakhstan in September 2021. Matt Nippert reports: Charity regulators have moved to deregister high-profile social services provider Waipareira, concluding a long-running investigation into its funding of chief executive John Tamiheres political campaigns. The decision follows a four-year investigation by Charities Services into Waipareira that has seen settlements reached and breached, accusations of racism, and Charities Services staff complain about bullying behaviour from Waipareiras lawyers. News of looming deregistration and the loss of its tax-free status broke in Waipareiras own financial statements filed this week to the Charities Register, which end with a note stating: On 23 September 2024, the trust received a formal notification from the Charities Registration Board (CRB) of its intention to make a decision to deregister the charitable entity Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust. No other decision was realistically possible. Waipareira effectively made hundreds of thousands of dollars of donations to TPMs 2020 election campaign and Tamiheres own tilt for the Auckland mayoralty in 2019. You cand do this, and be a charity. They knew this, but did it anyway. The DIA statement said deregistration would see Waipareira revert to its previous status as a charitable trust, which faced no restrictions on political activity but came with tax consequences. The trust would also be able to continue its association with or support for political parties and candidates free from restrictions and obligations arising under the act. It may have tax implications for the trust, however this is a matter for Inland Revenue, the statement said. Charitable trusts face an income tax of 28%. Charities law stipulates that deregistered charities need to distribute their assets to organisations that are registered or face a tax levied across accumulated assets. Based on Waipareiras reported financial position, this one-off tax could amount to $30m. It is a shame as historically Waipareira has done many good things for the communities they serve. But to use money given to them by taxpayers for charitable purposes, and channel it to political campaigns was just wrong. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr 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. && Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. An agreement on cooperation to develop transit cargo transportation along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) has been signed between the governments of Azerbaijan and Russia, Trend reports via the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan. During his visit to Russia, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev held meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Vitaly Savelyev, and the country's Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt. The meeting discussed issues related to the INSTC development, following which the above agreement was signed. The agreement, outlining cooperation on the development of railway infrastructure and transit transport, aims to enhance the efficiency of transport links and increase the potential of the INSCTC's western route. This agreement will stimulate the growth of cargo transportation by rail and ensure a balance between the growth of transportation volumes and the development of railway infrastructure, according to the ministry's statement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NewJeans' 'contract termination claim' raises visa concerns: What lies ahead for Hanni? By KTimes K-pop girl group NewJeans faces a fresh hurdle as member Hanni, an Australian-Vietnamese dual citizen, confronts E-6 visa renewal challenges following the groups contract termination with Ador. Foreign entertainers in South Korea must obtain an E-6 visa, which is contingent on having an exclusive contract with a registered agency. This visa also requires a guarantee letter from the agency's representative and an employment recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador during a press conference on Nov. 28 and have since been operating independently. However, since the E-6 visa is tied to a specific employer, terminating their contract effectively nullified the visa issued through Ador, which will expire early next year. Hanni could renew her E-6 visa by signing with another agency, but immigration law requires the previous employer's approval for such transfers. With Ador disputing the terminations validity and pursuing legal action, it appears unlikely that the agency will provide this consent. South Koreas immigration law also mandates that individuals must apply for a visa status change or secure a new employment contract within 15 days of contract termination. This deadline, which started on Nov. 29, has already passed. One remaining option for Hanni is to leave South Korea and apply for a new E-6 visa abroad. This route does not require Adors consent but involves complex documentation and can take up to three months to process, potentially delaying her ability to resume activities in South Korea. Despite the challenges, Hanni is unlikely to be considered an undocumented immigrant at this stage. Immigration authorities may still view her as employed by Ador due to the ongoing legal dispute. Until a final ruling confirms the contract termination, her visa issued through Ador is likely to remain valid. An Ador official said, Since the exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid, we are preparing the necessary documents for Hannis visa extension in accordance with the procedure. E-6 visas are typically issued for one year and require annual renewal by the sponsoring agency. NewJeans, produced by Ador's ex-CEO Min Hee-jin, launched a new Instagram account (@jeanzforfree) on Dec. 15, fueling speculation of rebranding as "NewJeanz" amid a legal battle with Ador over their disputed contract termination. This article, based on a piece from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. By Park Jin-hai Prepare to be immersed in the world of "Cinema Paradiso" (1988). The Cinema Paradiso Immersive Special Exhibition To. Toto, a unique immersive tribute to the iconic Italian film, premiered at Galleria Foret in Seouls Seongdong District on Friday. Organized in collaboration with Soop International, Crossmedia Group, and Sangwha, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory journey through the beloved story, commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy. The 1988 masterpiece by Giuseppe Tornatore, widely regarded as one of the most cherished Italian films ever made, tells a heartwarming story of friendship and youth. Set in a small Sicilian town, it follows the bond between a young boy, nicknamed Toto, and an elderly projectionist, Alfredo, at the local cinema. Toto, the mischievous and intelligent eight-year-old son of a war widow, dreams of crafting his own cinematic worlds. Inspired by Alfredo, who introduced him to the magic of film, these formative experiences spark a passion that ultimately propels Toto to become a celebrated filmmaker. The exhibition, designed as a recreation of the story, encapsulates the films most pivotal moments. The entrance faithfully mirrors the movie theater from the film, and as visitors move through the space, they journey through rooms dedicated to the most iconic scenes. These immersive experiences evoke the same childlike wonder seen on young Totos face as he watches the screen, capturing the tenderness of friendship, the innocence of first love, and the deep passion for cinema that the story so beautifully portrays. The Originality section features props from the film, such as a bicycle and a movie projector, both loaned from the Museo Nuovo Cinema Paradiso in Sicily. Visitors can also enjoy documentaries and interviews with Tornatore, the director, and composer Ennio Morricone, offering deeper insights into the creative process behind the iconic film. The Overwhelming Zone offers a truly immersive experience. has been recreated using real wheat, complemented by a digital sky. In Ennios Music Room, visitors can immerse themselves in a surround sound experience of Morricone's legendary soundtrack. Morricone, a renowned figure in film music, is also celebrated for his scores in films such as "Once Upon a Time in America," "The Untouchables," "The Mission," and "Love Affair." Soop International CEO Yang Jun-bo, who initiated this project from his deep admiration for Morricone's musical achievement, said it took nearly three years from floating the idea to actually making it happen. His company, which holds the intellectual property rights for the exhibition, plans to bring it to other countries, aiming to share this immersive experience with a broader global audience. Yang's motivation for the exhibition was driven by a desire to challenge the status quo of Korea being primarily a destination for international exhibitions. Instead, he sought to create a model where Korea could produce its own exhibitions and share them with a global audience, offering unique content and cultural experiences on the world stage. "Our company has been involved in the exhibition industry for some time now and we've always pondered why Korea couldn't create its own world-class exhibitions that could tour globally. With the rise of Korean culture on the international stage, we believe there was a significant opportunity for Korea to become a leader in exhibition planning. However, we were puzzled by the lack of such initiatives," he said during a press conference at Galleria Foret in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul, Thursday, a day prior to its official opening. Federico Dalgas Pandolfini, CEO of Crossmedia Group, who was involved in the collaborative project to design and obtain rights from the families of the filmmaker and music composer, said he was astonished when he first received the phone call from Yang. This unexpected call marked the beginning of their partnership, which ultimately brought the immersive "Cinema Paradiso" exhibition to life in Seoul. "I couldn't believe it when Yang told me that 'Cinema Paradiso' is also an icon in Korea," he said, expressing his surprise at the interest from such a distant country. Citing it as an innovative kind of exhibition one that integrates videos, music, and various forms of storytelling not typically seen in other exhibitions Pandolfini noted that it could serve as a valuable reference for younger generations who may not be familiar with Italy's cultural and economic landscape during the 1950s and '60s, before the countrys post-war economic boom. "The social life changed a lot in the last 40 or 50 years so very quickly. This film shows the human relations between guys, between women and men and between the priest and the people that are lost today. It is something that the young generation has to understand," he said, describing the film as "the soul of that we've lost." Yang, who heads Soop International, a company renowned for its successful botanical art exhibitions, expressed his hope that visitors to the exhibition will be moved by the deeper meanings and messages from both the film and the immersive experience, rather than simply focusing on taking aesthetically pleasing photos for social media. "My goal with every exhibition is to evoke a sense of pure, unadulterated childhood innocence. I hope that this exhibition will allow visitors to reconnect with their inner child, imagining themselves as Toto or as a protagonist in the film. We want to remind people of that simpler time and tap into those emotions," he said. The immersive exhibition, runs until March 30, 2025. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for the country to step up development of its industrial production in regions outside Pyongyang to strengthen rural economies, state media KCNA said Saturday. Kim called for the modernisation of regional manufacturing facilities, improvements in agriculture, and "to come up with clear results every year, regardless of conditions." Kim was speaking Friday at a ceremony for new production facilities in Songchon County, northeast of Pyongyang, in which he participated in ribbon-cutting and toured manufacturing rooms for products such as soy sauce and bean paste, the KCNA said. Last year, North Korea's nominal GDP stood at 40.2 trillion won ($27.86 billion), or just 1.7 percent that of South Korea's 2,401.2 trillion won, South Korea's statistics agency said Friday. North Korea's GDP had shrunk for three straight years since 2020 during the pandemic when the country shut its borders, and only rebounded last year, the agency said. (Reuters) North Korea lambasted a recent trilateral meeting between South Korea, the United States and Japan that discussed peace in the Indo-Pacific region, deriding the talks as an "insult" to peace Saturday. The Rodong Sinmun, the North's state-owned newspaper, criticized the trilateral Indo-Pacific Dialogue that took place in Tokyo, Dec. 11, accusing Washington of being a "gangster-like" country destroying peace, and its Asian allies of being accomplices. "The United States' history itself is one of war all around the world and its foreign policy is consistent with the evil of invading other countries and bringing destruction to peace and safety," it said. The paper rejected Japan as a country that seeks peace, citing its guidelines for defense cooperation with the U.S. and its security law that allows collective self-defense. It also labeled South Korea as being the "vanguard of U.S. policies of invasion and war." "The United States is an empire of evil and a gangster-like country destroying peace," it said. "Japan and puppet South Korea are accomplices no less guilty." During this month's talks, the three countries acknowledged the need to explore ways to collectively contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. The meeting marked the second of its kind after its inaugural session in January. The talks took place as South Korea, the U.S. and Japan seek to deepen trilateral security cooperation amid evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. (Yonhap) The top diplomats of Korea and the United States spoke by phone Saturday and agreed to coordinate their schedules to hold an in-person meeting "at an early date," the foreign ministry said, as the two countries seek to ensure their alliance remains strong despite the political turmoil in Seoul. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached the agreement amid concerns that the political turmoil in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration and his subsequent impeachment could affect the allies' coordination over security and other issues. "The two sides agreed to coordinate their schedules to hold an in-person meeting at an early date," the ministry said in a release. Cho called for efforts to maintain and develop the bilateral alliance without wavering under Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo, citing phone talks between Han and U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this week. The minister also underscored the need for joint efforts to ensure that progress in cooperation between Seoul and Washington and between the allies and Tokyo will continue under the incoming U.S. administration, set to be launched Jan. 20. Blinken agreed with Cho and expressed confidence in Han and Korea's democracy and its resilience, according to the ministry. In a separate readout, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Blinken conveyed to Cho the U.S.' "unwavering" support for the Korean people while emphasizing the importance both nations place on democratic institutions and the rule of law. Blinken also reiterated the United States' commitment to the Korea-U.S. alliance remains "ironclad" and highlighted the "enduring nature of the alliance, which is rooted in shared values and mutual interests." "Secretary Blinken expressed the intent of the United States to work alongside acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to pursue the alliance's shared goals, including regional security, prosperity and the promotion of democratic principles," Miller said. On Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters the U.S. is planning on having high-level in-person engagement with the administration led by Han and that the Biden administration "fully" supports Han's interim role. Cho and Blinken previously held phone talks Dec. 6 to discuss Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3 and to reaffirm the bilateral alliance. (Yonhap) BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Spanish GROINN agricultural producer aims to implement its cutting-edge technologies in Kazakhstan, a source at the company told Trend. "GROINN is committed to introducing its advanced technology in Kazakhstan to revolutionize agricultural performance, reduce operational costs for farmers, and boost agricultural exports. This initiative not only empowers local producers by optimizing resource use but also strengthens Kazakhstans national economy, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture, " the company noted. According to the source, GROINN is currently exploring the possibility of integrating local components such as cables and solar panels into its business in Kazakhstan. "We are confident that Kazakhstan can become a key partner in our production chain, serving as the headquarters for our operations in Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and the Caspian region," the source added. The company also emphasized that prioritizing environmental sustainability will allow Kazakhstan to scale up the analysis and optimization of its agricultural lands, strengthening the economy and becoming one of the first countries to implement comprehensive technological innovations at the national level. "Kazakhstan's cooperation with our company represents a mutually beneficial opportunity: for GROINN, it is access to a strategically important market; for Kazakhstan, it is the development of a strong, modern agricultural economy. Such growth is expected to attract investments from both local and international companies interested in participating in Kazakhstan's transformational process," the source explained. The company also emphasized that, while its initial focus is on the digitalization and optimization of agriculture, future initiatives may include the development of agricultural and livestock farms. "Our current priority is to provide every Kazakh farmer with the tools needed to enhance their lands productivity and economic potential," the GROINN rep concluded. Meanwhile, the governor of Kazakhstans Kyzylorda region recently visited Barcelona, Spain, where he held meetings with several prominent Spanish companies. During the visit, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Spanish GROINN and Kazakhstans "Abzal and K" to begin the phased localization of sensors aimed at optimizing the management of agricultural and forestry operations, using components from domestic Kazakh producers. South Korea's third homegrown military spy satellite, launched Saturday from a U.S. space center on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, has successfully entered orbit, the defense ministry said. The Falcon 9 normally lifted off at 8:34 p.m. (Korean time) from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as planned and sent the reconnaissance satellite into orbit at 9:24 p.m., according to the ministry. "We plan to confirm whether (the satellite) normally operates through communication with a ground station," it added. It is the third military satellite launched under South Korea's plan to acquire five spy satellites by 2025 to better monitor North Korea with an independent military satellite network. South Korea launched its first spy satellite equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors to capture detailed images of the Earth's surface in December last year from the California space base. In April, the country placed its second spy satellite fitted with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors that capture data using microwaves and are capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions from John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. Like the third satellite equipped with SAR sensors, the remaining two satellites will also be equipped with such sensors. South Korea's defense authorities expected the launch to further enhance the military's three-pronged deterrence program against the North's nuclear and missile threats. Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Seok Jong-gun, who is overseeing the third launch, said the grouped operation of satellites will enable the military to better identify signs of North Korea's provocations. The latest launch comes as North Korea has also been ramping up efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities. Pyongyang successfully launched its first military spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, in November 2023 and has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year. But North Korea has yet to launch a satellite since a rocket carrying a satellite exploded shortly following takeoff in May. (Yonhap) Gen. Xavier Brunson took office as the new commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), Friday, vowing a continued commitment to upholding the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which he called a "beacon of stability and strength in an ever-changing world." Brunson replaced Gen. Paul LaCamera to lead the 28,500-strong American troops in South Korea in a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, attended by top officials from both nations, including acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo. As USFK commander, Brunson also serves as commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) and the U.N. Command (UNC). The former U.S. First Corps commander underscored the importance of "realistic" joint and combined exercises "to respond to any threat." "Words alone will not serve as a deterrent," Brunson said during the livestreamed ceremony. "Our actions through tough and complex, bilateral and multilateral training on this peninsula is absolutely essential in our ability to maintain peace, readiness, deter aggression and strengthen our alliance." As UNC commander, Brunson also vowed to reinforce the command's role as well as cooperation with multinational partners to uphold the values of collective security and a rules-based international order. "This first reflects the strength of our alliance, the solidarity of our trilateral partnerships and the resilience of our multinational coalition. United, we are stronger and more capable of meeting any challenge," he said, citing a Bible verse that goes: "One may be overpowered. Two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." LaCamera, who is retiring after nearly 44 years of service, noted how South Korea, a nation that stands as a "beacon of freedom and prosperity" holds a "special place" in his heart. Thanking the CFC over its efforts for readiness during his more than three years of service in South Korea, LaCamera urged the command to maintain such commitment under Brunson's leadership. "Readiness is perishable ... Continue training daily. Remain vigilant and make sure that 'fight tonight' are not just hollow words," he said, referring to the command's slogan touting combined readiness posture. Paparo echoed the call, noting that Brunson is the "right leader" to take the command to the "next level" at a sensitive time in terms of security. "Given this dangerous security environment with North Korea's increasingly aggressive behavior and our adversaries, transactional symbiosis with the PRC, with Russia, North Korea, the troops have got to be ready to fight tonight," he said referring to China by its formal name. "You're the right leader for this challenging assignment," he said, stressing that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is "steadfast." Kim, Seoul's acting defense chief, thanked LaCamera for his efforts to enhance the allies' combined defense posture and implementing the Washington Declaration through military measures. He expressed hope that the alliance, which has survived challenges over the past seven decades, will continue to strengthen during Brunson's leadership. "The ROK-U.S. alliance founded on unwavering trust will not sway in the face of any obstacles," Kim said. "I'm confident that the spirit of 'We go together' will continue to thrive not only between our nations but also through Gen. Brunson." (Yonhap) A fire broke out at a hall of the National Assembly in western Seoul on Saturday, forcing nearly 500 people to evacuate, authorities said. The fire began at 11:52 a.m. at the reception hall of the National Assembly compound in Yeouido, which houses a pressroom and a wedding hall, and around 480 people, including reporters and wedding guests, were evacuated, according to fire authorities. Of them, six received treatment after inhaling smoke, though no serious injuries were reported, they added. The blaze was completely under control at around 1 p.m., and an investigation is under way into the exact cause of the incident. (Yonhap) Prosecutors were questioning Land Minister Park Sang-woo, Saturday, as part of a widening investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration earlier this month, officials said. The special prosecution team handling the matter called Park in for questioning over his alleged involvement in the short-lived martial law imposition Dec. 3. Park has said that he failed to attend a Cabinet meeting convened by Yoon right before declaring martial law in a surprise late-night televised address, due to traffic issues. The meeting was attended by Yoon and around 10 Cabinet members. But Park attended another Cabinet meeting held hours later meant to lift the martial law imposition after the National Assembly voted to reject it. Prosecutors have brought in Cabinet members for questioning about their knowledge and alleged involvement in the martial law imposition. Last Saturday, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon amid strong protests against him, while Yoon has claimed that it was an act of governing and he will fight to the end. (Yonhap) An American helicopter repair soldier stationed in Korea died earlier this week in a "flight-related" accident at a major U.S. military base, a U.S. Army unit said Saturday. Pfc. Edwin Thomas, 20, was pronounced dead Thursday at a military hospital inside Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, about 65 kilometers south of Seoul, after an accident took place there earlier in the day, according to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division. The unit did not offer details of the accident, noting that it remains under investigation. "Edwin was a valued member of the Nightmare Battalion family. ... We will honor our time with him as he left an indelible mark on our battalion and his company," Lt. Col. Anthony Snipes, commander of Thomas' battalion, said in a release. Thomas, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter repairer, joined the U.S. Army in August 2023 and had been assigned to a company under the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade since April 2024. (Yonhap) Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho vowed Saturday to make efforts to ensure the return of South Koreans detained in North Korea amid uncertainty over their fate after years of detention. Kim made the pledge in an end-of-year gathering of the Christian Council of North Korea in western Seoul, as six South Koreans, including three missionaries, remain detained in North Korea for eight to 11 years. "The government will continue to make efforts to confirm whether those detained are living and for them to return home under the firm principle of protecting our citizens," he said. Kim also said the government is carrying out efforts to ensure North Korean defectors can comfortably settle in South Korea, calling it a task to be jointly tackled by religious groups, companies and society in general. (Yonhap) Massive rallies took place in downtown Seoul on Saturday either calling for the swift ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, or opposing it, over his martial law declaration. A civic group demanding Yoon's immediate resignation held a rally near Gwanghwamun Square, which brought together at least 300,000 people, a count claimed by the group. Holding K-pop light sticks, the protesters urged the authorities to immediately arrest Yoon for his shocking, albeit short-lived, declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which led to the National Assembly's vote to impeach him last Saturday. Yoon's presidential powers were suspended, but he remains in office pending a decision by the Constitutional Court. Some 1 kilometer away from the protest venue, conservative groups launched a separate massive rally in support of Yoon. Waving the South Korean and American flags, hundreds of thousands of the participants called for his reinstatement. No clashes have been reported between the two sides, according to police officers. Braving the cold, many across the country also took to the streets in protest of Yoon. In the southwestern city of Gwangju, an association of 175 civic groups held a large-scale protest calling for Yoon's impeachment and the dismantlement of the ruling People Power Party. (Yonhap) By Han Song-mi When I was growing up in North Korea, I didnt know about a country called India. The reason is that I was busy just surviving in the countryside of North Korea. Our family lived in extreme poverty, so we didnt even have a TV at home. Because of the difficult life circumstances, I had no opportunities to access information about the outside world. In my two trips to India this year, I saw that the wealthy lived extremely well while the poor were homeless on the streets, begging with their children. Some of them would even approach our car and tap on the window trying to get our attention. Seeing this reminded me of my own experience being homeless in North Korea. The stark divide between the rich and poor seemed very similar to what I experienced in North Korea. However, I thought India still could not be compared to North Korea. In India, families are not forcibly separated and made to live apart. People are not brainwashed with false information or face severe consequences for not following orders. In India, although many are poor, they all live in freedom, which is unimaginable for those living in North Korea. Compared to people living in North Korea, especially those in rural areas, people in India despite their hardships seemed to be in a better situation because they live freely without being subjected to fear and submission. In North Korea, especially those living in central regions, people are not only deprived of their freedom but also unaware that it has been taken away from them. They live as if they are blindly devoted to the Kim family as if they were gods. Compared to that, I think life in India is a hundred times better. I have now been to India twice, once in July and the second in December. In July, I gave speeches, had book signing events, and met with Indian college students, opinion leaders, reporters and influencers. This time, from Dec. 9 to 11, I went to India as a representative of Freedom Speakers International (FSI) receiving a Global Peace Award from the All India Council on Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice. I had the chance to stand on such an honorable stage. For me, attending an international award ceremony felt like a dream I didnt know about, that had come true. I was just grateful to even attend an international award ceremony. When I went up on stage to help accept the award, I was so nervous. Even now, as I write this, my heart is trembling and I feel a bit shaky. I want to thank Dr. Anthony Raju of the All India Council on Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice for giving the award to FSI, to FSI co-founder Lee Eun-koo for everything she does for North Korean refugees, and the South Korean team based in India for making both trips so enjoyable. I also got to visit Indian landmarks such as the Red Fort and Taj Mahal. If I were still in North Korea, I would have never had the chance to meet such lovely people, to visit India, and to learn about its history. I believe all of this was possible because I met Casey Lartigue, FSIs co-founder. I also believe it was by Gods grace that I was able to meet Casey. So, I first want to offer my gratitude to God, and next, I want to thank Casey for everything. Han Song-mi is a North Korean Refugee Author Fellow with Freedom Speakers International and co-author with Casey Lartigue Jr. of her memoir, Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughters Search for Her Mother and Herself. Incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team has told European officials that he will demand North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states raise their defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the Financial Times reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Trump's closest foreign policy aides shared his intentions in discussions with senior European officials this month, the newspaper said, amid expectations that he could call on Korea and other allies to increase their defense spending and take greater responsibilities for their security. Currently, NATO has a guideline calling for its member states to commit 2 percent of their GDP to defense spending. The guideline was agreed upon by leaders of the NATO members in 2014. Seoul and other U.S. allies have been bracing for the possibility that when he returns to office next month, Trump could reorient America's foreign policy based on his America First credo that is expected to see Washington curtail costly overseas military involvement and call for allies to do more to address shared challenges. Some observers have said that Trump could call for renegotiation of a new defense cost-sharing deal with Korea, called the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). In October, Seoul and Washington struck the 12th SMA to determine Seoul's share of the cost for the stationing of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Under the deal that will last through 2030, Seoul is to pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.04 billion) in 2026, up from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. After the conclusion of SMA negotiations, Trump said in a campaign speech that Korea would be paying "$10 billion a year" for the stationing of USFK if he was in the White House. He also described the Asian ally as a "money machine." (Yonhap) Germans on Saturday mourned both the victims and their shaken sense of security after a Saudi doctor intentionally drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing at least five people, including a small child, and wounding at least 200 others. Authorities arrested a 50-year-old man at the site of the attack in Magdeburg, Friday evening, and took him into custody for questioning. He has lived in Germany since 2006, practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Magdeburg, officials said. The state governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters that the death toll rose to five from a previous figure of two and that more than 200 people in total were injured. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that nearly 40 of them "are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. Several German media outlets identified the suspect as Taleb A., withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market on the cold and gloomy day. Several people stopped and cried. A Berlin church choir whose members witnessed a previous Christmas market attack in 2016 sang Amazing Grace, a hymn about God's mercy, offering their prayers and solidarity with the victims. There were still no answers Saturday as to what motivated the man to drive his black BMW into a crowd in the eastern German city. Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the Islamism of Europe. Some described him as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Haseloff said Friday that authorities believed the man acted alone. The violence shocked Germany and the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event thats part of a centuries-old German tradition. It prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Berlin kept its markets open but has increased its police presence at them. Germany has suffered a string of extremist attacks in recent years, including a knife attack that killed three people and wounded eight at a festival in the western city of Solingen in August. Magdeburg is a city of about 240,000 people, west of Berlin, that serves as Saxony-Anhalts capital. Fridays attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Chancellor Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser traveled to Magdeburg, Saturday, and a memorial service is to take place in the city cathedral in the evening. Faeser ordered flags lowered to half-staff at federal buildings across the country. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspects arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone, his head arched up slightly. Other officers swarmed around the suspect and took him into custody. Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a 34-year-old manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is located in a mall across from the Christmas market, was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs and thought at first they were fireworks. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed and a child was thrown into the air by the car. Shaking as she described the horror of what she witnessed, she recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. The number of injured people was overwhelming. My husband and I helped them for two hours. He ran back home and grabbed as many blankets as he could find because they didnt have enough to cover the injured people. And it was so cold," she said. The market itself was still cordoned off Saturday with red-and-white tape and police vans every 50 meters (yards). Police with machine pistols guarded every entry to the market. Some thermal security blankets still lay on the street. Christmas markets are a German holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages, now successfully exported to much of the Western world. (AP) Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. On December 20, the Grammy Awards released its "Top 10 Most Electrifying Songs in 2024" list, spotlighting standout K-pop releases. Surprisingly, the music industry's highest honor didn't only select title tracks but also picked B-sides. Listed by order of release dates, the Top 10 list mentioned some of TikTok's trending songs, such as aespa's "Supernova," which also secured the No. 1 seat in South Korean major music charts like MelOn's Top 100. KISS OF LIFE's "Igloo," a B-side off their third mini-album, Lose Yourself, also drew attention for its enticing trap beats. "It's the kind of song that requires a specific 'cool girl'-ness to work," noted the GRAMMY Awards. READ ALSO: aespa's 'Supernova' Tops NME's Top 10 SOTY, Dominates List of Best K-pop Releases in 2024 On top of the aforementioned, more girl group songs, such as LE SSERAFIM's "Crazy" and Kep1er's "Shooting Star," topped the list. Rescene, a girl group who debuted in 2024 and is considered "nugu" (a group that is underrated or lesser known), amazingly made it onto the GRAMMYs' best pick as well, with their track "Love Attack." "This is the most K-poppiest song that has ever K-popped in a while and I just wish they would get more recognition for it," wrote a netizen as highlighted by the GRAMMYs. In addition, some of the biggest fifth-gen boy groups made the cut, such as RIIZE's "Impossible" and ZEROBASEONE's "Good So Bad." Both tracks invoke nostalgia and timeless classic sounds that push to the forefront hope and eagerness. BOYNEXTDOOR's "Dangerous" was also chosen, a song that, like its title, suggests rebelliousness and features the members' charisma. Two of the biggest soloists' tracks in the music scene reigned, including SHINee Taemin's B-side, "Crush," a release encapsulating Taemin's power. Lastly, EXO Baekhyun's single, "Pineapple Slice" solidified its spot in the Top 10. The song flexed the soloist's masterful dexterity in belting R&B melodies was just one of the factors that landed it on the list. Here Are Grammys' Top 10 Picks: (listed in no particular order) aespa's "Supernova" KISS OF LIFE's "Igloo" LE SSERAFIM's "Crazy" Kep1er's "Shooting Star" RESCENE's "Love Attack" RIIZE's "Impossible" ZEROBASEONE's "Good So Bad" BOYNEXTDOOR's "Dangerous" Taemin's "Crush'" Baekhyun's "Pineapple Slice" RELATED ARTICLE: Taemin, Baekhyun, VIVIZ, More Join Forces for ONE HUNDRED's 1st Christmas Carol Album Jang Wonyoung made headlines for her mature appearance at the 2024 KBS Gayo Daechukje, a contrast to her established cute and innocent image. The 2024 KBS Gayo Daechukje, also known as the KBS Song Festival, held its Korean leg on December 20. Earlier on December 14 and 15, the music fest was pre-recorded in Japan, and the performances were uploaded on December 19. On the 20th, the festival invited its star-studded lineup, and fans were more than delighted to partake in exciting group, solo, duet, and collaboration stages. Included in the lineup was IVE, who impressed the audience with their performances of "Blue Heart" and "HEYA." Apart from the group's performance, Wonyoung also stunned everyone in her collaboration stage with hip hop duo Jinusean in "Tell Me." Shortly after, the performance became a hot topic in a forum on December 20, titled, "Jang Wonyoung's Adult Woman Vibes Were Crazy Today." The author captioned, "She looks like a movie actress and she's getting more mature with time, so she looks prettier." The photos showed Wonyoung in an A-line, strappy black minidress. The outfit was also accompanied by complementing accessories, a pair of black gloves and a matching choker. "She's so captivating," one fan commented. "I had the same feeling as when I saw TWICE's Sana during the 3rd gen." "It's giving vixen, siren, and Medusa all at once. Well, I'm certainly enchanted," a second fan remarked. A third one joined, "She's been giving woman lately y'all." BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. A program co-developed and implemented by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will create a bridge between startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central Asia and investors, said Jonathan Wong, Chief of the Innovation, Enterprise, and Investment Section at ESCAP, in an interview with Trend. He emphasized that the program is being carried out in partnership with Gobi Partners (one of the largest pan-Asian venture capital firms) and GUIDE (an organization supporting entrepreneurship development). "The program will not only support startups and SMEs in their investor readiness (from pitches to business model refinement), investor identification (VC, Angel) and target market identification and access; it will also provide participating companies with concrete opportunities to pitch to investors at prominent international pitching platforms to attract investment," Wong noted. He claims that the program will open doors for participants, giving them a leg up with exclusive support, mentoring, and investment networks in Asia. "The program will be creating a concrete bridge between startups and SMEs in Central Asia and investors with a strong focus on Southeast and East Asia and is thus a prime opportunity for companies looking to expand and export to these markets to engage with leading investors and partners from target markets," he added. Wong emphasized that the program offers comprehensive training for companies to improve their investment attraction strategies and provides tangible opportunities for international market access beyond the Central Asia region, aiming to boost digital exports from the region. "The program focuses on countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; therefore, startups from these countries will be eligible. Companies should be focusing on the digital economy and looking to boost their international exports. They should be in the growth stage and be able to demonstrate traction in their business models. Additionally, startups will have to evidence tangible contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a core part of their business models, the ESCAP representative said. He also added that the call for applications will begin in the first quarter of 2025, with the program running for 68 months. ESCAP, the preeminent intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region, endeavors to promote collaboration among its 53 member states and 9 associate members. The Commission prioritizes tackling sustainable development issues and fostering regional cooperation. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 21. The Kyrgyzstan Cabinet of Ministers and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company have signed the investment agreement, Trend reports. The agreement was signed by Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Transport and Communications, Absattar Syrgabaev, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company, Zhong Shengui. Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of the Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing, Bakyt Torobayev, said that by signing this investment agreement for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the long and challenging negotiation process has transitioned into the practical phase of implementing such a large-scale infrastructure project of regional and international significance. "I want to congratulate everyone on successfully completing the joint work to finalize the investment agreement we are signing today. This progress would not have been possible without the support and determination of our countries' leaders. Only with their full backing do we have the opportunity to sign one of the cornerstone documents of this project," Torobayev said. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad, 486 kilometers long, will connect the following points: Kashgar-Torugart-Makmal-Jalal-Abad-Andijan. This new rail network will be of immense importance to the entire region and will provide a wider range of opportunities for the global trading system by providing reliable and safe infrastructure. The construction originates from an agreement among China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, signed on June 6 of this year, to facilitate the railway project and address financing concerns. On July 26, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company came into existence. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad now has a design capacity of 1012 million tons of cargo annually. The construction of the railway is expected to begin on December 27, 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Eva Osborne and Cate McCurry, PA Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will meet again in early January to resume talks on the programme for government. In a statement on Friday evening, Fine Gael said the two parties had met again and had made "progress on various issues". The party said engagement will also continue with the Social Democrats and Independents in January. Discussions between the two main coalition partners in the last government got under way in recent weeks. They are expected to re-enter government together and replace the Greens with a group of independents as junior partners. This gained momentum when 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. The Labour party has ruled itself out of government formation talks with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, 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. Party leader Ivana Bacik said: 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. 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. New Delhi, December 21: Aam Aadmi Party leaders in Delhi, including Chief Minister Atishi, on Saturday rejected claims that Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged excise policy scam. While no formal reaction was immediately available from the lieutenant governor's (LG) office on the issue, sources in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said it is yet to receive the sanction to prosecute Kejriwal in the excise policy case linked to money laundering. "Reports of ED getting prosecution sanction (against Kejriwal) are false. Had the LG granted prosecution sanction, why isn't the ED showing its copy," senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who was also an accused in the excise policy case, asked in a statement. This is nothing but an attempt to divert attention from the "disrespect" shown by the BJP to Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sisodia alleged. Delhi LG VK Saxena Gives Nod to ED to Prosecute Arvind Kejriwal in Excise Policy Scam Ahead of Assembly Polls. Atishi claimed reports about LG granting prosecution sanction are being spread solely to "mislead people and divert attention from real issues". Stating that the BJP should stop such "conspiracies", the chief minister said in a post on X, "If the LG has granted prosecution sanction against Arvind Kejriwal, why does the ED have a problem in making its copy public?" Sanjay Singh, AAP Rajya Sabha MP and also an accused in the excise policy case, claimed "LG V K Saxena has not granted any prosecution sanction", adding that the ED should make public if it has received any letter on this. Meanwhile, BJP MP from New Delhi, Bansuri Swaraj, hit back at AAP claiming its leaders were "panicked" with the thought of Kejriwal's prosecution. "If the lieutenant governor grants permission to prosecute Kejriwal, corruption in the AAP government will become the main political issue, which 'Team Kejriwal' does not want before the (Assembly) elections," she said in a statement. "The truth is that cases against Kejriwal are already registered, and 'Team Kejriwal' is aware that this approval could expedite the ongoing cases against him, possibly leading to jail term for him in the near future," she claimed. Arvind Kejriwal Writes to Home Minister Amit Shah on Law and Order in Delhi, Seeks Urgent Meeting. In March this year, the ED arrested then Chief Minister Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy (2021-22). He was released from prison on September 13 after the Supreme Court granted him bail. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated a new residential complex for border security force (BSF) personnel at Agartala Land Port, marking a significant milestone for the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and other security forces operating in the region. The inauguration was done virtually from Siliguri, as part of the 61st Foundation Day celebrations of the SSB. Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Passes Prisons Bill 2024; High-Security Prison for Terrorists, Other Convicts To Be Built in Mumbai. Addressing the gathering in Siliguri, Amit Shah praised the SSB for its outstanding service to the nation over the past six decades. Since its formation in 1963, the SSB has been instrumental in securing India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan, covering a vast 2,450-kilometer stretch. The Home Minister highlighted the force's key role in preventing border crimes, smuggling, and human trafficking, and combating the Naxalite insurgency, particularly in the Northeast region. Also Read | Jaipur Fire: Death Toll in Major Blaze Following LPG Tanker Blast Rises to 12; Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Orders Probe. "SSB personnel, along with local police and other central paramilitary forces, have played a crucial role in eradicating Naxalite influence from areas in Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Northeast," Amit Shah said, expressing gratitude to the force for its dedication and tireless efforts. In addition to the inauguration of the residential complex at Agartala Land Port, the Home Minister virtually launched eight housing projects across various states, worth approximately 200 crore rupees. The Agartala complex, built on 2 acres of land with an investment of Rs 25 crore, features an officer block, a women's block, a subordinate officer block, and a jawan block, providing better living conditions for the personnel stationed at the border. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Colonel GS Sandhu, Project Director of Land Port Authority of India, IG AK Sharma of BSF Tripura Frontier, and other senior officials from the BSF, Land Port Authority, and local government. "To build this residential complex, our Jawan's help will be invaluable, and it will provide them with many conveniences in their work, boosting their morale. It is our good fortune that this project has been initiated through our Home Minister of the Government of India. Through this project, he has inaugurated the residential complex, demonstrating how important this place is to him, which further enhances our morale to work even better," IG BSF Ashwani Kumar Sharma said. "I would urge the Jawans to take full advantage of the amenities provided and perform their duties efficiently and promptly. I also request them to collaborate with other agencies like Immigration, Customs, and others to improve work efficiency. Once again, I would like to thank everyone involved in this project. Today will be a special day for all of us, and we will remember it for years to come," Sharma said. The inauguration marks another significant step in strengthening the infrastructure and morale of security personnel deployed in sensitive border areas. (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 21 (ANI): Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday morning said that he would make an important announcement about Dr BR Ambedkar amid chaos over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, said that he will announce in honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar in a presser at 1:00 PM today. Also Read | Ujjain: Woman Dies After Scarf Stuck in Potato Peeling Machine in Madhya Pradesh (Watch Video). "Amit Shah Ji and BJP insulted and mocked Baba Saheb in the Parliament. In response to this, today I am going to make a big announcement in honour of Babasaheb. Press conference at 1 pm," Kejriwal posted on X. Earlier, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday adjourned sine die shortly after it began proceedings for the day after a massive Parliament scuffle over the Ambedkar remark with ruling and opposition camps clashing with each other, leaving two BJP MPs injured and resulting in an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Weather Update: At Minus 8.5 Degrees Celsius, Srinagar Records Lowest Minimum Temperature in 24 Years (Watch Video). This comes after Amit Shah, in his address in the Rajya Sabha at the conclusion of a two-day discussion in Rajya Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution on Tuesday, 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 7 lives," he said. Following this, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside the parliament on Thursday morning. 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 in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Leaders from both sides alleged pushing and shoving by each other, while two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured. Both the MPs were rushed and admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Earlier, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Rahul Gandhi 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. Meanwhile, Congress chief 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 a 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 the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha, alleged that Amit Shah interacted with the media yesterday without looking at facts about his remarks pertaining to Ambedkar. With both the BJP and the Congress registering counter complaints in the case of alleged assault during the chaos outside Parliament on Thursday, the Delhi Police on Friday transferred both cases to the Crime Branch. While the Police have registered an FIR against Lok Sabha LoP in the case of the complaint filed by the BJP it is yet to register an FIR based on the complaint of Women MPs of the Congress. The winter session of the Parliament concluded today. Both Houses were adjourned Sine Die after uproarious scenes. (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 21 (ANI): Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Friday interacted with over 500 principals/ teachers representing over 5,000 private schools in the national capital that cater to lakhs of students. The LG discussed with the teachers, the issues like the challenges in implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mental health of students, teacher training, government apathy, transportation and infrastructure constraints. Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Passes Prisons Bill 2024; High-Security Prison for Terrorists, Other Convicts To Be Built in Mumbai. "In the series of #Samvaad@RajNiwas today, had the privilege of engaging & interacting with over 500 principals/ teachers representating over 5000 private schools of Delhi that cater to lakhs of students. We discussed pressing issues like the challenges in implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mental health of students, teacher training, government apathy, transportation & infrastructure constraints," VK Saxena said in a post on X. "Was glad to share with the audience that steps have already been initiated to address the FAR issue for additional classrooms," he added. Also Read | Jaipur Fire: Death Toll in Major Blaze Following LPG Tanker Blast Rises to 12; Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Orders Probe. VK Saxena said that during the interaction, the teachers raised concerns about recent bomb threats and cybercrimes. They also appreciated the role of the police in handling these situations seamlessly and expeditiously. "While concerns about recent bomb threats and cybercrimes were raised by the teachers, at the same time they also appreciated the role of the police in handling these situations seamlessly and expeditiously. The idea of early-stage R&D for students as suggested by the teachers is intriguing and worth exploring," he said. The LG said that it is time to be vigilant and vocal for the rights of our students, teachers and the entire education fraternity. "We must guard against societal segmentation in education and ensure that interests of all segments of society are addressed. It is time to be vigilant and vocal for the rights of our students, teachers & the entire education fraternity," he said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], December 21 (ANI): The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued an order to identify illegal Bangladeshi migrant children in schools and to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi migrants are issued birth certificate. An order has also been issued for all zones to take appropriate action to remove encroachment made by illegal Bangladeshi migrants. Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Passes Prisons Bill 2024; High-Security Prison for Terrorists, Other Convicts To Be Built in Mumbai. A VC meeting was held under the chairmanship of Principle Secretary Home, GNCTD on December 12 wherein, Addl. Commissioner (HQ) and DC (HQ) represented the Commissioner, MCD. Accordingly, as discussed during the VC meeting, respective concerned Head of Departments and Zonal Authorities of MCD were requested to take certain preventive measures. Also Read | Jaipur Fire: Death Toll in Major Blaze Following LPG Tanker Blast Rises to 12; Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Orders Probe. "Education Department to take appropriate preventive measures to identify illegal Bangladeshi Migrants while giving admission in Municipal Schools. It is also requested that proper identification & verification drive may also be undertaken to identify the illegal Bangladeshi migrant children in schools," B P Bhardwaj Deputy Commissioner (HQ) MCD said. "Public Health Department is requested to take all precautionary preventive measures while doing Birth Registration & issuing Birth certificates and shall ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi migrants are issued birth certificate. In addition to this, they will also undertake identification/verification drive to identify the registrants of Birth Certificate issued to illegal Bangladeshi Migrants," MCD added. MCD directed that Action Taken Report be submitted to Dy. Commissioner (HQ) for onward forwarding to concerned authorities by every Friday 3:30 pm without fail. All the Head of Schools have been directed to submit a report by December 31. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 21 (ANI): BJP leader CT Ravi on Saturday claimed that the defamation case against him was a "conspiracy" to intimidate him and alleged that he was arrested without the permission of the Assembly Speaker. Speaking to ANI, Ravi claimed that for 15 hours, he was moved from one place to another across four districts. Also Read | Raja Rani Betting App Scam: Madhur Jain, Mastermind of Raja Rani Satta Matka Gang, Arrested in Chhattisgarh As Police Seize 1,000 SIM Cards and Freeze Hundreds of Bank Accounts. "I feel very sad. I have been working for the past 20 years...I was arrested with false allegations against me...Without the permission of the Assembly speaker, a case was registered against me and I was arrested without any prior notice...For almost 15 hours I was shifted from one place to another in four districts... why was this done...I doubt that there is some hidden agenda...Some of the isolated places were also there where I was taken to...If they can't give security to an MLA then how will they provide security to the common man? I complained also but no FIR has been registered yet. Why was my FIR not registered? The law is equal for everyone," Ravi said. "I think this is a conspiracy to scare me... A planning was made for this," the BJP leader added. Also Read | Former Supreme Court Judge Madan B Lokur Appointed Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council. The case against Ravi was filed by Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who alleged that he used derogatory language against her in the Legislative Council. The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order for the BJP leader's release. CT Ravi's son, Swarthak Surya called it a "big relief" and affirmed his faith in the judiciary. He further said that he had unwavering faith in his father's innocence in the case and he would never use such language for anyone, especially women. "I was shocked when I heard the allegations. I know my father, he would never use such abusive language for anyone, especially women. He treats everyone with respect, whether young or old. I never doubted my father for a moment," Surya told ANI. Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar addressed the alleged derogatory remarks made by CT Ravi during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session. Speaking to reporters at her residence in Belagavi, she expressed distress over the incident. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], December 21 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a good detention centre would be built in Mumbai to keep illegal Bangladeshi migrants as they could not be held in jails directly. CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "In recent times we have seen that in drug cases, illegal entry cases, illegal Bangladeshis, they are all foreign nationals and they cannot be kept directly in our jails. They have to be kept in detention camps, so BMC has given us land to build detention camps. But that land does not conform to the norms of detention camps. So we have asked BMC for another land. So, a good detention centre will be built in Mumbai" Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Passes Prisons Bill 2024; High-Security Prison for Terrorists, Other Convicts To Be Built in Mumbai. Earlier Thane police's anti-human trafficking cell arrested a Bangladeshi couple living illegally in Kalyan, officials said on Friday. According to Thane police, the couple, identified as Sabuj Sanowar Shaikh and Bishti Sabuj Sheikh, crossed the Indo-Bangladesh border illegally. They were arrested during a raid by police in the area on Thursday. Also Read | Jaipur Fire: Death Toll in Major Blaze Following LPG Tanker Blast Rises to 12; Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Orders Probe. Police said that the couple has been booked under various sections of the Passport Act and Foreigners Act by the Thane police's crime branch. A case has also been registered against the landlord of the house, identified as Mustafa Munshi, who rented them his house despite being aware that both husband and wife had entered India illegally, the police added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram/Jaisalmer, Dec 21 (PTI) The 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, made key decisions aimed at supporting the small-scale sector and preventing market monopolisation, the Kerala Finance Minister's office said here. The council also introduced measures expected to boost the business sector, a significant step taken during the meeting, according to an official release. Also Read | GST Council Meet: Goods and Services Tax on Rice Kernels Slashed To Help Poor, No Hike in Tax for Salted Popcorn, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Kerala has been demanding for a long time to ensure accuracy in the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST). One of the key decisions was to mandate that bills for online services clearly specify the state where the service is provided, it added. Also Read | Chennai Shocker: Drunk Cop Dies After Iron Grill Penetrates 30 cm Into Anus While Trying To Escape House Through Balcony After Quarrel. Currently, many inter-state transactions lack proper documentation of the service's location, resulting in the state of consumption not receiving the applicable tax. This change is expected to address the issue and ensure more accurate tax distribution, the release said. In the previous GST Council meeting, it was decided that if unregistered individuals rent out buildings to businesses, the tenant would be required to pay GST on the rent under the reverse charge mechanism. However, this created an additional burden for traders under the composition scheme, as they are not eligible to claim input tax credit for such payments. To address this, the GST Council meeting has decided to exempt traders registered under the composition scheme from the reverse charge tax liability on rent, the release added. The Council meeting also intervened in key issues such as the tax rate on food in hotels with premium room rents, taxes on medicines for specific cancer treatments, and the imposition of late fees on GST returns. In response to Kerala's demand for accurate IGST settlement, the GST Council has formed a committee of officials to examine various aspects of the IGST process. This committee is tasked with providing recommendations to improve the accuracy of settlements. The release stated that these effort will further continue to ensure accuracy in this area and will strengthen the state treasury. During discussions on including aviation turbine fuel in the GST framework, Kerala firmly opposed any move that could undermine the limited taxing powers of the states post-GST implementation, the release added. Additionally, while Kerala was granted permission to collect a flood cess after the 2018 floods, Andhra Pradesh has also sought approval from the Council to levy a cess. Kerala not only supported this demand but also called for state governments which are better attuned to local issues to be allowed in mobilising the necessary resources, the release added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 21 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister and senior leader Om Prakash Chautala. "He had been battling prolonged illness for a considerable period," as per a statement from CM's office. Also Read | Maharashtra Assembly Passes Prisons Bill 2024; High-Security Prison for Terrorists, Other Convicts To Be Built in Mumbai. Governor Shukla said that Chautala was a committed leader whose dedication to public welfare and tireless efforts for progress left an enduring legacy. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace for the departed soul, it added. Also Read | Jaipur Fire: Death Toll in Major Blaze Following LPG Tanker Blast Rises to 12; Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Orders Probe. CM Sukhu in his condolence message said that Chautala's passing was an immense loss for the political and social spheres of the country. He emphasized the former leader's lifelong commitment to serving the people and his influence in shaping the development of Haryana. He prayed for the peace of the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss, the statement added. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has declared a three-day state mourning following the demise of the former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala. The INLD leader had passed away on Friday at his residence in Gurugram, Haryana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described INLD leader Prakash Chautala as a visionary leader and stated that he will always be remembered for his contribution to the politics of the state. Paying his tribute, CM Saini said, "I express my deep condolences on the demise of senior leader Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala ji. With his demise, a chapter of Haryana politics has come to an end. His contribution to Haryana politics will always be remembered. Chautala ji's personality was a symbol of simplicity and struggle." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai, Dec 21 (PTI) IndiGo has launched daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang in Malaysia on Saturday, becoming the 37th international destination for the private airliner. The new route caters to the growing demand for travel between the two cities, offering both business and leisure travellers a convenient and affordable option, IndiGo said in a statement on Saturday. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Woman Claims Husband and In-Laws Singed Her, Put Chilli Powder in Private Parts; 5 Booked. "We are extremely pleased to further expand our network into Malaysia with the launch of direct flights from Chennai to Penang, our third destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. With the inclusion of these flights to Penang, IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights to Malaysia from 2 cities in India" IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said in a statement. At the inaugural ceremony, Chennai Airport director C V Deepak handed over the boarding pass to the first passenger on Saturday. Also Read | Why Is ECI Afraid of Transparency: Congress Hits Out at Election Commission for Tweaking Election Rule To Prevent Public Inspection of Electronic Records. "Your gateway to Malaysia's crown jewel! The inaugural flight (6E1045) of IndiGo from Chennai to Penang was marked by a traditional lamp-lighting and cake-cutting ceremony led by Chennai Airport Director C V Deepak along with senior Airports Authority of India officials and airline representatives. Fly non-stop daily from Chennai to Penang with IndiGo, starting today," the Chennai Airport said in a social media post. According to IndiGo, with direct flights between Chennai and Penang, travellers are offered a faster, more convenient option thereby reducing travel time. Chennai also serves as a gateway for travellers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai heading to Penang. (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 21 (PTI) ISKCON Kolkata on Saturday condemned the 'murder' of a Hindu priest allegedly by Bangladeshi extremists at a cremation ground temple in Natore and accused the neighbouring country's interim government of failing to protect religious minorities, who continue to face "unabated torture and killings" following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das posted a video on X and said, "Shocked to hear about the attack on the temple located in #Natore's Kashimpur Central Shmashana in Bangladesh. Valuables were looted, and the temple's shebait, Tarun Chandra Das, was brutally murdered. His lifeless body was discovered with his hands and feet tied. Even Hindu crematoriums are not safe." Also Read | Pithoragarh Landslide Video: Major Landslide Occurs on Dharchula-Tawaghat-Lipulekh Road in Uttarakhand; No Casualty Reported. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, but the viral footage allegedly showed the body of the middle-aged priest, found with his hands and feet tied. According to Das, the priest was likely tortured before being killed, as his hands and feet were tied. "Miscreants also looted the temple," he said, adding that Bangladesh police termed the incident a case of robbery. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Woman Claims Husband and In-Laws Singed Her, Put Chilli Powder in Private Parts; 5 Booked. Questioning police's claim of dacoity, Das asked, "How is it that incidents of robbery and violence are disproportionately targeting Hindus?" Another monk, condemning the priest's 'killing', said, "Dialogue alone is not enough, as the situation continues to deteriorate." He said, "According to an Indian government report, 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh have been reported this year up to December 8. This number is likely understated, as many incidents go unreported." Meanwhile, a social media post on the 'Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus' page showed a temple where idols of Hindu deities were vandalised. The post alleged that members of the Jamaat had attacked a Hindu temple in Jharbari village, Birganj Upazila, and smashed idols inside. Monks tracking developments in Bangladesh noted that Hindus are facing relentless attacks and persecution. "Homes are being vandalised, property are being seized, and attacks on temples show no signs of abating," they observed. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, Dec 21 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said there was no proposal or discussion in the GST council to increase tax on Pashmina shawls, and the speculation over it was "ill-informed commentary." "Contrary to media speculation & some ill informed commentary there was no proposal or discussion to increase VAT on Pashmina shawls to 28%. We had gone to Jaisalmer fully prepared to defend the interests of our shawl weavers & handicrafts persons but the defence was not necessary," Abdullah said in a post on X. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Hails Diaspora in Kuwait, Says India Has Potential to Become Skill Capital of World. Earlier in the day, he attended the council's meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer. His comments came amid criticism from PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who alleged there was a proposal to hike the tax on shawls which would "finish" the Kashmir valley's famed craft. Also Read | 'Girlfriend Swapping' Racket Busted in Bengaluru: 2 Arrested For Blackmailing Victims With Intimate Photos and Videos After Woman Alleges Coercion. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar, Dec 21 (PTI) Odisha deputy chief minister Pravati Parida on Saturday said over 20 lakh women are likely to receive the first installment of the Subhadra Yojana in January 2025. The state government had earlier postponed the release of the fourth phase of the first installment of the yojana, scheduled on December 25. Also Read | Haryana Shocker: Woman Plots Husband's Murder With Lover, Aides in Faridabad; 1 Held. Under the scheme, each beneficiary will receive Rs 50,000 over five years, with Rs 10,000 disbursed in two installments annually. Parida explained that the delay in disbursement is due to the ongoing verification process, which has been hindered by issues like land disputes. Also Read | GST Council Meet: Goods and Services Tax on Rice Kernels Slashed To Help Poor, No Hike in Tax for Salted Popcorn, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government has set a deadline of December 30 to complete the verification process, after which the funds will be released in January if all is in order, she said. During her visit to the Bonda hills in Malkangiri district, Parida mentioned that over 12,000 women from the PVTG community had applied for the scheme, and 9,000 had already received the first installment, with 3,000 still waiting. The third phase of the scheme saw the disbursement of funds to 20 lakh women on November 24. By the end of the third phase, 80 lakh women had benefited from the Subhadra Yojana, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, September 17, 2023. The scheme is designed to provide eligible women aged 21 to 60 years with Rs 50,000 over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. (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 21 (ANI): The temperature in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj dropped to eight degrees Celsius, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temperatures in Kanpur dropped to seven degrees Celsius. People were seen sitting by a bonfire in both cities to keep themselves warm. Meanwhile, people also took refuge in night shelter homes as the temperature dips in Ayodhya. Also Read | Ujjain: Woman Dies After Scarf Stuck in Potato Peeling Machine in Madhya Pradesh (Watch Video). In Jaipur, cold winds continued with the areas in the city engulfed in light fog. The normal life was affected due to the drop in temperature. As of December 21 at 9:30 AM, the temperature in Jaipur was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius with winds blowing in the east-northeasterly direction at the speed of 7.4 kilometers per hour. As the cold wave grips parts of north India, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the coldest night in the last 24 years with minimum temperatures dropping to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to IMD. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Weather Update: At Minus 8.5 Degrees Celsius, Srinagar Records Lowest Minimum Temperature in 24 Years (Watch Video). As per IMD, the maximum temperature in Srinagar on December 20 was 6.7 degrees Celsius. The IMD forecast for the maximum temperature in Srinagar is expected to be seven degrees Celsius while the number is expected to rise to minus six degrees Celsius today, as compared to yesterday. A tourist says, "...It is an amazing place. I have visited Jammu and Kashmir for the first time. The temperature here is freezing. Snowfall has started in Sonmarg..." The surface of Dal Lake froze as intensifying cold waves gripped the Kashmir Valley. The 40-day winter period 'Chillai Kalan' begins in the Valley from today. The people of Delhi woke up to a thick layer of fog on Saturday morning. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 8 degrees Celsius near New Delhi's Safdarjung while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 23 degrees Celsius on Saturday at 8:00 AM. The minimum temperature recorded at 8:30 AM today at Safdarjung was 7.6 degrees Celsius while Palam recorded 8.7 degrees Celsius. As of December 21, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital has been recorded at 398, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), keeping close to the 'severe' category. The Air Quality Index in Delhi's Anand Vihar was recorded at 414 while the number reached 413 in Dwarka Sector 8. The north campus of Delhi University recorded AQI at 376 while the number at Lodhi Road was 362. The AQI at Delhi's Rohini was recorded at 425 while the number decreased to 398 in Najafgarh, but remains close to the 'severe' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe. Moreover, the Republic Day parade rehearsals were underway at Kartavya Path as cold waves and dense fog engulfed the national capital. Meanwhile, IMD predicts severe cold wave conditions for Himachal Pradesh and remote areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It also predicted cold wave conditions in isolated Punjab and Rajasthan. Dense fog at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and east Rajasthan. (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 21 (ANI): Accusing the Congress of "torturing" Bharat Ratna Baba Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his party should not carry a photo of Ambedkar as it doesn't suit their party. "There is no one in the Congress who has the courage to make Rahul Gandhi understood. People should tell Rahul Gandhi that the picture of BR Ambedkar and the copies of the Constitution do not look good in his hands. Since the time of Pandit Nehru and till date - Congress has disrespected the Constitution. They tortured BR Ambedkar. Babasaheb ko bhaga bhaga kr haraya hai. I told this thing in Maharashtra to everyone that in 1951 when Babasaheb resigned as law minister, he wanted to fight the Lok Sabha elections and wanted to be re-elected as an MP but Congress was on mission mode to defeat Babasaheb Ambedkar in Elections and again in byelections Congress party conspired and used all its power to defeat Baba Saheb. Why did they do this? After all this, they did not even give Bharat Ratna to Babasaheb. I said this in Parliament, Nehru ji himself gave Bharat Ratan to him but they did not give Bharat Ratna to Babasaheb. In 1990 Babasaheb get the Bharat Ratna. Rahul Gandhi and Congress' thinking does not match with that of Ambedkar ji. They should not carry photos of Ambedkar. I request with folded hands that Rahul Gandhi should not carry a photo of Ambedkar in his hands. It doesn't suit them. Nakli kaam mat karo," Rijiju told ANI. Also Read | Kannauj: 32-Year-Old Shivangi Goes Gender Reassignment Surgery, Marries Girlfriend Jyoti in Sarai Devin Tola Area. The Union Minister also said that the Government wanted co-operation from the opposition to run the house properly. "We are very open to all the discussions we have already asked and appealed to the opposition parties to join and run the house because it is the collective effort. The government puts up the bills and business and the timeline and everything to run the House. But the cooperation of the opposition party is necessary. Congress parties should realize that the people of India have voted for the members to perform in the Parliament not to display their physical strength and cause injury to other MPs. Good sense should prevail to Congress party. I have asked apology from the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi for insulting the Constitution, for damaging the legacy of BR Ambedkar and for causing injury to the MPs for many thing," he said. Also Read | Pratapgarh Horror: Woman, 3 Children Found Hanging Under Suspicious Circumstances in UP Village; Husband Absconding. Earlier on Saturday, the Congress party announced organising nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on BR Ambedkar. All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences on December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah's comments. The march will start with garlanding of a statue of Ambedkar and will continue till a memorandum is submitted to respect District Magistrates (DM). During the Parliament winter session, which concluded yesterday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a 'fashion' 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 had said. Congress further lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar. During the protests in Parliament, the BJP took out parallel protests to Congress, in turn accusing the BJP of insulting the legacy of India's first Law Minister. During the protests of both sides, a face-off occurred at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too. (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 21 (PTI) The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking review of an order granting bail to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also dismissed a prayer for conducting open hearing on the review petition. Also Read | Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2? Stampede Incident: Telangana Government Bans Benefit Shows and Actors' Visits to Theatres. "Application seeking oral hearing of the review petition is rejected. The review petition seeks review of judgment and order dated September 26, 2024. Having gone through the review petition and the connected papers, we do not find any ground to review the order sought to be reviewed. There is no error apparent on the face of the record," the bench said in its order passed on December 17, and uploaded on the apex court website on Saturday. The bench noted that an application for recall of the same order is pending and is being heard by the court. Also Read | Sohana Building Collapse: Multistorey Building Collapses in Punjab's Mohali, Several Feared Trapped (Watch Videos). The review petition was filed by one of the complainants in the case. On Friday, while hearing a petition for the recall of the September 26 order, the bench observed it was "terribly wrong" to appoint Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government days after he was granted bail in the case. It had said a large number of witnesses were public officials and sought response of the state government on the pending cases against Balaji. "It can't be axiomatic that the moment a person is released he becomes a minister, there is something terribly wrong. Because there maybe cases and cases where somebody is being framed. In the facts of the case we will have to consider," the bench had remarked. On September 26, the top court granted bail to DMK strongman Balaji, in the money laundering case after over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future. Balaji, 48, was sworn-in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios -- electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise -- that he held previously in the Chief Minister M K Stalin cabinet. The ED had arrested Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023, in the case, when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015. On February 13, the TN Governor accepted Balaji's resignation from the council of ministers. The top court reprieve on September 26, ended his 471-day incarceration. On September 2, the top court refused to appoint a special public prosecutor for the trial of the case involving Balaji. The top court had further underscored the prosecutors dealing with cases of MPs and MLAs were aware of the nature of their responsibilities as these cases were being monitored by the top court. The Enforcement Directorate had filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved of the alleged scam. The agency's chargesheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a "corrupt chiefdom", and the scam was executed under his authority. Being a public servant, Balaji "misused" his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime that were generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged. PTI MNL (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Dec 21 (PTI) The stepbrother of two minor boys, whose bodies were found in Assam's Udalguri district on Saturday after being missing for a day, has been arrested on murder charges, police said. Bodoland Territorial Region IGP Vivek Raj Singh said Neeraj Sharma (18) has been arrested for the double murder, with the murder weapon and a motorbike used in the crime seized. Also Read | Atul Subhash-Like Case in Madhya Pradesh: Man Dies After Consuming Poisonous Substance in Khandwa, Leaves Video Blaming Wife, Another Person. "The two victims, Gaurav (10) and Kaushik (11), were reported missing since Friday after they left home for school. Their bodies were discovered this morning by a local resident, who alerted police," Singh said. "Evidence was collected from the crime scene, and suspects were questioned. During the course of the investigation, we learned that their stepbrother Neeraj was involved in the murders," he added. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Hails Diaspora in Kuwait, Says India Has Potential to Become Skill Capital of World. According to Singh, Neeraj had taken the boys on his motorbike to school and committed the crime in an isolated location along the way. "There is no evidence of the involvement of anyone else in the crime so far," he confirmed. Asked about the motive behind the murders, Singh said, "Neeraj was feeling neglected and aggrieved towards their father for the lack of attention. It seems he was depressed, but we have not found any evidence of drug addiction." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, Dec 21 (PTI) The Army on Saturday celebrated the International Pheran Day near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir by distributing the traditional cloak among underprivileged families to battle the coldest period of the year. Pherans were distributed to people in far flung villages of the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar-based PRO Defence said here. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for December 21, 2024 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. "In a heart-warming initiative to provide relief to impoverished and needy populace during the coldest period of winters, the iconic pherans, a symbol of Kashmiri identity and resilience, brought much-needed warmth and comfort as 'Chillai-Kalan' set in, with sub-zero temperatures recorded in the valley," the PRO Defence said. The International Pheran Day celebrated on December 21 highlights the cultural and emotional significance of this timeless attire, he said. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, December 21, 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. The pheran, deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture, has become a unifying symbol during Chillai-Kalan, embodying warmth, resilience and tradition. Since 2021, International Pheran Day is celebrated across Kashmir, with locals and tourists gathering at Srinagar's historic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) in Lal Chowk and Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) to showcase the traditional attire, the PRO Defence said. The event featured fashion shows, including one at SKICC, with eminent personalities and specially-abled persons, aiming to promote Kashmir's cultural heritage, he said. The distribution drive also saw the participation of local volunteers who helped identify families in need, ensuring that the pherans reached the most deserving persons, he said. The smiles on the faces of elders and children alike captured the spirit of giving that defined this initiative, he said. The distribution drive stands as a testament to the Army's commitment for this noble cause and supporting the welfare of communities during the most challenging time of the year, he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mudhumalai (Tamil Nadu), Dec 21 (PTI) The Forest department has ordered a probe into the death of a female tiger, which was found dead in the Mudhumalai forest in Nilgiris district, officials said. The cause of the feline's death will be ascertained only after a post mortem is conducted, they said. Also Read | Ladki Bahin Yojana December Installment Date: When Will Woman Beneficiaries Get INR 1,500 in Maharashtra? CM Devendra Fadnavis Gives Update. The big cat was found dead by forest department's field personnel while on a patrol, following which higher officials were alerted. Also Read | What Is ChatGPT WhatsApp Number? How Does It Work? Know More About OpenAIs New Experimental Feature, Step-by-Step Guidelines To Use It. Subsequently, a probe was ordered and an autopsy will be carried out in the presence of an expert team to ascertain the tiger's cause of death, they added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu, Dec 21 (PTI) University of Jammu has achieved a milestone by securing the coveted A++ grade in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation, attaining an impressive cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.72 on a four-point scale, officials said. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the vice-chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars, and students of the university for this remarkable achievement. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for December 21, 2024 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. "This is a significant improvement from the last accreditation cycle (Cycle III), where the university secured an A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.51. It reflects the institution's dedication to quality sustenance and enhancement," Vice-Chancellor Umesh Rai said, expressing immense pride in the accomplishment. Attributing the success to the collective efforts of the university community, Rai said, "The A++ grade is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our faculty, officers, staff, scholars, students, and alumni. It embodies our shared vision of transforming the University of Jammu into a global hub for academic and research excellence." Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, December 21, 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. He also highlighted several transformative initiatives, including promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening academic frameworks, and adopting best practices. "This recognition by NAAC is not just a milestone but a motivation to further our commitment to quality, innovation, inclusivity, and societal impact," Rai added, emphasising that this achievement marks the beginning of new aspirations for the university to set higher benchmarks in higher education. In a post on X, Lieutenant Governor Sinha lauded the university's accomplishment. "The University of Jammu has achieved the prestigious A++ grade with a CGPA of 3.72 on a four-point scale by NAAC. Heartiest congratulations to the vice-chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars, and students for this outstanding accomplishment. You have made J-K proud," the post said. The LG also praised the university's reform-driven vision, which highlights its dedication to fostering academic excellence, goal-oriented research, innovation, and holistic development of students. "My best wishes to all for success in your mission," he said. The achievement underscores the university's commitment to quality and its aspirations to become a leader in higher education, the LG added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, December 21: A multi-agency operation was underway to rescue five people feared trapped under the debris of a four-storey building that collapsed in the Sohana village of Punjab's Mohali district on Saturday, officials said. A woman was pulled out of the debris, though her condition was not yet known. Several excavators have been pressed into service as part of the operation. The officials said a National Disaster Response Team (NDRF) team reached the spot and the fire brigade was also participating in the operation. Medical teams, along with an ambulance, have also been deployed. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, "Sad news has been received that a multistorey building near Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) has collapsed. The entire administration and other rescue teams have been deployed at the spot. I am in constant touch with the administration." "We pray that there is no loss of life, we will also take action against the culprits. Appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration," he added in his post on X. Tragedy in Mohali: Multi-Storey Building Collapses in Sohana, Rescue Operations Ongoing (Watch Video). Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, who reached the spot, said a multi-agency rescue effort was underway. Army, NDRF, district administration and the police are involved in the operation, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police (Mohali) Deepak Pareek said the rescue operation was underway in full swing. "Our teams are working. Efforts are underway to clear the debris as soon as possible. Lighting arrangements have been made for the operation," he said. A local resident said a loud noise was heard when the building collapsed. Preliminary information suggests that the building collapsed due to digging on an adjacent plot. It also suggested that the building housed a gym frequented by youngsters. Sohana Building Collapse: Multistorey Building Collapses in Punjabs Mohali, Several Feared Trapped (Watch Videos). A gym member said she escaped the collapse after skipping the session on Saturday as she had work. Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, among others, reached the spot to oversee the rescue work. Singh said, "It is an unfortunate incident. Rescue operation is in full swing." New Delhi, December 21: Namo Bharat train commuters can avail a 10 per cent discount on tickets purchased through the RRTS Connect mobile application as part of the "loyalty points program" launched by NCRTC, an official statement said. National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) Managing Director Shalabh Goel launched the initiative at the Sahibabad Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) station on Saturday and also unveiled the first edition of Namo Bharat Times, a bi-monthly commuter newsletter. Under the loyalty points program, passengers will earn one point for every rupee spent on Namo Bharat train tickets. Each loyalty point is valued at Rs 0.10 (10 paise) and will be credited to the passenger's account. These points can be redeemed for ticket purchases, the statement added. This initiative will not only benefit passengers monetarily but also encourage the use of digital QR tickets through the RRTS Connect' app, simplifying travel through paperless ticketing, the statement said. Free Travel During Mahakumbh Mela 2025? Heres What Indian Railways Said. "Every new user will receive Rs 50, which is equivalent to 500 loyalty points, upon downloading the app. They can earn an additional 500 loyalty points by referring the RRTS Connect app to other users. Both the referrer and the referee will receive Rs 50, equivalent to 500 loyalty points each, which will be credited to their respective accounts," the statement said. All accrued loyalty points will remain valid for one year from the date of credit, encouraging frequent, sustainable travel and ongoing app engagement. The RRTS Connect' app is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, it added. Namo Bharat Times will be freely available for download on all digital platforms of NCRTC, such as ncrtc.in, rrts.co.in, and the 'RRTS Connect' app, the statement said. The newsletter will keep Namo Bharat commuters informed about new initiatives and recent developments, enhancing their connection with the service and providing valuable updates. Indian Railways' Engineering Marvel, Country's First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge 'Pamban Bridge' is Completed. The newsletter serves as a comprehensive source of information, highlighting commuter-focused activities, travel needs, available station facilities, and stories that celebrate the individuals who make the RRTS system thrive. It also provides opportunities for commuters of all ages to be featured and recognizes their participation in various events organized by NCRTC, it said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Magdeburg, December 21: At least two people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, CNN reported. The attack occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to local public broadcaster MDR, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the two victims included an adult and a toddler. Germany Mass Stabbing Incident: Suspect in Solingen Knife Attack That Killed 3 Arrested After Islamic State Claims Responsibility Car Drives Into Christmas Market in Magdeburg (Trigger Warning) The religion of peace and love strikes again in Germany. https://t.co/CVA8EW1uOx pic.twitter.com/3FbLGmaoDU RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) December 20, 2024 Suspected Car Attack at Magdeburg Christmas Market GERMANY: MULTIPLE INJURIES AS TWO VEHICLES CRASH INTO MAGDEBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET Panic erupted at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany after 2 vehicles crashed into a crowd. Emergency services are on site, and the extent of the injuries is still being confirmed. Source: https://t.co/Wtv7vtXRiG pic.twitter.com/m8tUf5nyqW Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 20, 2024 The tragic incident, which unfolded in the heart of the popular holiday market, left 68 people injured. Of these, 15 sustained serious injuries, with 37 others moderately injured and 16 suffering from minor injuries. Emergency response teams, including around 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals. Local authorities have been working swiftly to manage the crisis and prevent further harm. Germany: 17-Year-Old German-Turk Arrested for Allegedly Plotting Islamist Truck Attack on Christmas Market. In the aftermath of the suspected attack, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her shock and sorrow over the devastating event, reported CNN. "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families," Faeser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. She also assured the public that security authorities were investigating the incident to clarify the details surrounding the attack. According to German Prime Minister Haseloff, the suspected driver of the car involved in the attack has been apprehended. Haseloff stated that preliminary information suggests the driver acted alone, and authorities were in the process of compiling further data and conducting an interrogation. "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him," Haseloff said in a televised statement on Friday night. Security forces have been working tirelessly to investigate the motive behind the attack, with authorities stressing that there is no indication of further threats. The local community has been left shaken by the tragic loss of life and the chaos that unfolded in the festive environment of the Christmas market, CNN reported. As police continue their investigation, both local officials and citizens are grieving the loss of life and supporting the injured in this difficult time. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai, Dec 21 (PTI) Indian businessman Dr Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain's prestigious national honour, the Medal of Efficiency, in recognition of his significant contributions to the progress and development of the kingdom, making him the only foreign national to receive the title. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain, awarded the prestigious national honour to Pillai, chairman of RP Group, on December 16, a press release said here. Also Read | PM Modi in Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Country, Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Gulf Nation in 43 Years (See Pics). This esteemed award reflects His Majesty's deep appreciation for Dr Pillai's outstanding contributions to the Kingdom, particularly in the fields of refinery operations, local community development, and the strengthening of Bahrain's global position, the Royal Order said. We appreciate Dr Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honored to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude, the king said in the royal proclamation. Also Read | PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wins Hearts by Agreeing To Meet Retired Indian Foreign Service Officer Mangal Sain Handa. With a turnover of USD 12 billion, his business is the largest employer of Indians outside India, the release said, adding, with 1,26,000 employees, his group is one of the largest remitters of foreign currency to India. Pillai is also one of the largest investors in India, where he has six five star hotels, two hospitals and three shopping malls and plans to invest USD 2 billion in the next two years in India. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Pillai said, This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, the support of the people of Bahrain, and the unwavering trust of the Kingdom. I dedicate this award to all the hardworking employees who supported me all these years. He also added that he dedicates the honour to all the Indians, especially the expats in the Gulf, whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of the region. PTI (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, Dec 22 (AP) A rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv overnight, leaving 16 people injured by shattered glass, the Israeli military said on Saturday, days after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi rebels who have been launching missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Another 14 people had minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens sounded before dawn, the military said. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Hails Diaspora in Kuwait, Says India Has Potential to Become Skill Capital of World. The Houthis in a statement on Telegram said they had aimed a hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target that they did not identify. Israel's military said it was investigating, adding that "we emphasise that aerial defence is not hermetic". "A flash of light, a blow and we fell to the ground. Big mess, broken glasses all over the place," said Bar Katz, a resident of a damaged building. Also Read | PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lauds Arabic Translator, Publisher of Ramayana, Mahabharata (See Pics). The Houthis' media office later reported airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. US forces conducted airstrikes against a missile-storage facility and a command facility operated by the Houthis, the US Central Command said in a statement on X. The attack on Tel Aviv came after Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida killed at least nine people on Thursday. The strikes came hours after a missile from Yemen hit a school building in central Israel. The Houthis also claimed a drone strike targeting an unspecified military target in central Israel that day. Israel's military says the Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the 14-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and say they will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli strikes on Thursday caused "considerable damage" to the Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Hodeida port has been key for food shipments into Yemen in its decade-long civil war. Israeli strikes in Gaza kill a dozen children Mourners in Gaza held funerals for 19 Palestinians -- 12 of them children -- killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight. One strike hit a residential building in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least seven, including five children and one woman, and injuring 16 others, health officials said. In Gaza City, a strike on a house killed 12, including seven children and two women, according to Al-Ahli Hospital where the bodies were taken. One man cradled a tiny shroud-wrapped body as mourners gathered. Later on Saturday, al-Awda Hospital said an airstrike hit a house in Nuseirat and killed four people including two children, with 14 other people wounded. Israel's military said it was checking the report. And Saturday night, large explosions could be seen on the Gaza skyline. Five bodies arrived soon afterward at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. More than 45,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, when a Hamas attack in Israel killed about 1,200 people and triggered the war. Gaza's Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian deaths in Gaza. It says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas. Northern Gaza hospital says it is told to evacuate The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in largely isolated northern Gaza said in an online message late on Saturday that Israel's military had told the facility to evacuate. Dr Husam Abu Safiyeh asserted that the intensive care unit, maternity ward and other departments were being targeted, and said evacuating would mean transferring 66 patients. Israel's military in response to questions said it was "not aware of any strikes in the area of the hospital at this time". There was no immediate response to questions about the reported evacuation order. Gaza's Health Ministry earlier reported continuous gunfire and Israeli shelling near the hospital, and it issued an urgent appeal for medical and food supplies to be delivered to the facility as Israel's military pressed its latest offensive. Safiyeh has said the facility faced "severe shortages" including of food and asserted that requests for essential medical supplies and ways to maintain oxygen, water and electricity systems "have largely gone unmet". Aid groups have said Israeli military operations and armed gangs have hindered their ability to distribute aid. The Israeli military organisation dealing with humanitarian affairs for Gaza said on Saturday it had led an operation delivering thousands of food packages, flour and water to the Beit Hanoun area in the north. A killing in Syria Iran on Saturday said unknown gunmen killed a local staffer of the Iranian Embassy in Syria in Damascus last Sunday, the official IRNA news agency said. Its report quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying "terrorists" opened fire on Davood Bitaraf's car. It did not say what he did with the embassy. The shooting happened the day that opposition fighters took Damascus and ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Baghaei said Iran considers Syria's interim government responsible for finding and prosecuting those behind the killing. Iran had been a key Assad ally. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Colombo, Dec 21 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday announced plans for an official tour to China in mid-January, following his recent visit to India. Dissanayake's announcement came days after he and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with Qin Boyong, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) here on Tuesday and Wednesday, and reaffirmed the island nation's commitment to advancing high-quality development under China's multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Also Read | PM Modi in Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Country, Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Gulf Nation in 43 Years (See Pics). I will be going to China in mid-January, Dissanayake told reporters in Kandy, a central district town. Dissanayake's visit to India last week marked his first overseas trip since assuming the presidency on September 21. Also Read | PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wins Hearts by Agreeing To Meet Retired Indian Foreign Service Officer Mangal Sain Handa. Upon his return to Colombo, a senior Chinese official met with President Dissanayake, confirming that preparations for his upcoming visit to Beijing were underway. China has expressed its continued support for Sri Lanka. Dissanayake has expressed gratitude to China for its support to restructure its international debt. BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe. India is opposed to BRI, a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping to further the global influence of China with investments to build infrastructure projects. New Delhi has protested against Beijing for building the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stated to be the flagship project of the BRI, through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in violation of its sovereignty. India is also vocal about its criticism of BRI projects stating they should be based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, and the rule of law and follow principles of openness, transparency and financial sustainability. India, the US and several other countries raised concerns over the BRI as China doled out huge loans to smaller countries for infrastructure projects without taking into consideration their ability to pay back the money. BRI has raised concerns after China acquired Sri Lanka's Hambantota port for a 99-year lease as a debt swap. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhopal, December 21: A shocking incident of harassment has come to light from Madhya Pradesh, where a 32-year-old married woman was allegedly tortured by her husband and in-laws. Police officials said that the accused family members allegedly stripped the woman naked and burnt her thighs with an iron rod. It is also learned that the accused rubbed chilli powder on the victim's private parts. The alleged occurred on December 13 in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh. According to a report in FPJ, the victim's in-laws punished her brutally after her sister-in-law saw their neighbour trying to harass her. Instead of questioning the accused neighbour, the victim's husband and sister-in-law blamed her for bringing shame to the family. After the incident came to light, the police booked the victim's husband and his family. In her complaint, the 32-year-old ASHA worker said that her ordeal began when her neighbour entered their residence asking for a steam machine on December 13 night. Madhya Pradesh Shocker: Youth Dies 6 Days After Injuring Neck While Trying Somersault in Neemuch, Disturbing Video Surfaces. Neighbour Tried to Sexually Harass Woman It is reported that the accused neighbour allegedly followed the woman and tried to sexually harass her when she entered her room to get the said machine. At the time, the victim's sister-in-law intervened and stopped the accused from doing anything. However, the incident did not go well with the victim's in-laws, who started name-calling her for allegedly dishonouring the family. They also suspected the victim to be in a relationship with the neighbour. Married Woman Subjected to Abuse and Torture Based on this suspicion, the woman's in-laws subjected her to intense physical abuse, which continued till the next day morning. As per the complaint, the abuse came to an end when the victim's in-laws allegedly stripped her naked before throwing her into the courtyard. The victim claimed that her father-in-law rubbed red chilli powder on her private parts while her mother-in-law burnt the inner parts of her thighs with a hot iron rod. Madhya Pradesh Shocker: Woman Marries 2 Men Through Court Marriage During 2-Month Period in Balaghat, Later Decides To Stay With Second Husband. After throwing her in the backyard, the accused husband and father-in-law made the victim sit on a bike and abandoned her at the Gopisagar Dam in Guna. The incident came to light when a passerby saw the victim and immediately alerted the police, who rushed the victim to a local hospital. The police have booked the victim's husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, and the neighbour, too. Women and Child Helpline Numbers: Childline India 1098; Missing Child and Women 1094; Womens Helpline 181; National Commission for Women Helpline 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline 1091/1291. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2024 03:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Chennai, December 21: In two separate incidents, fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked by Sri Lankan pirates in the sea. Fishermen leaders said that a group of three fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked and robbed by Sri Lankan pirates while fishing near Vedaranyam on Saturday. According to reports, Rajkumar, Rajendran, and Nagalingam from Nagapattinam were fishing in their fibre boats when six Sri Lankan pirates in two boats ambushed them. The pirates attacked the fishermen with sticks and knives, leaving them injured. The pirates looted fishing equipment worth Rs 3 lakh, including fish, fishing nets, and GPS devices, before fleeing, fishermen leaders said. Coastal police confirmed that the three fishermen sustained injuries in their heads and hands and also suffered internal injuries. When the injured fishermen returned to shore, they were rushed to the Vedaranyam government hospital for treatment by other members of the fishing community. Stalin Lauds Sri Lankan President Dissanayake's Talks with PM Modi, Urges Release of Fishermen. In a separate incident, three other fishermen -- Kumar, Lakshmanan, and Jagan from Perumalpet -- were also attacked by Sri Lankan pirates while fishing near Kodiyakarai. The pirates robbed them of fishing equipment worth Rs 1 lakh. These fishermen also returned to shore to seek medical assistance and reported the incident to their community. Fishermen association leaders from Nagapattinam highlighted that the fishermen had only recently resumed work after staying ashore for nearly a week due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and heavy rainfall warnings. They expressed concern over the growing threats faced by the fishing community. It is worth noting that Tamil Nadu fishermen have been regularly arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 costly mechanised boats. Many of these fishermen remain detained in Sri Lankan jails, sparking widespread protests and calls for government intervention. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently raised the issue of these arrests with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake during his visit to India. The minister urged the Sri Lankan government to take measures to prevent further detentions and boat seizures. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasised the dire situation faced by fishermen and their families. The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families relying on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing out to sea, he said. India Urges Lanka to Release Fishermen. Thajudhin also expressed concern over the Sri Lankan governments decision to nationalise seized mechanised fishing boats. This decision will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings, he explained. Fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu are planning large-scale protests in coastal districts. They have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end mid-sea arrests and the seizure of mechanised boats, which are critical to the livelihood of the fishing community. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2024 07:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. From a technical perspective, the installation of solar power plants with a capacity exceeding 30,000 megawatts of electricity is feasible in Iran, the Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi told reporters, Trend reports. He stated that Iran's Energy Ministry is presently endeavoring to harness the capabilities of solar power facilities in collaboration with the private sector. The Energy Ministry is striving to develop attractive proposals and a more accessible market for investors. Aliabadi articulated that by the forthcoming Iranian fiscal year (March 20, 2025), the capacity for electricity generation within Iran's solar facilities is projected to escalate to a range of 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts. The Iranian minister pointed out that the country has the capacity to churn out around 350 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. To note, Iran's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization estimates the current capacity of the country's renewable energy power plants at 1,317 megawatts. The current production potential of solar power plants in Iran is 608 megawatts. This represents 60 percent of the country's potential for electricity production by renewable energy power plants. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Raipur, December 21: A couple from Chhattisgarh's Kapu village has made headlines with their unconventional wedding, choosing to take an oath on the Indian Constitution instead of following traditional rituals. Their decision, rooted in greater faith in constitutional principles over customary practices, has drawn widespread attention and praise, including from members of their community. The couple tied the knot on December 18, forgoing rituals like Sath pheras and Band Baaja, showcasing their unique commitment to progressive values. According to a report by News18, Pratima Lahre and Eman Lahre, a couple from Chhattisgarhs Kapu village, chose to forgo traditional wedding customs, opting instead to marry without the customary 'sindoor' rites or the 'mangal sutra' ceremony. Chhattisgarh Shocker: Differently-Abled Man Arrested for Raping 10-Year-Old Girl Residing in His Neighbourhood. Opting for a unique approach, the couple decided to take an oath inspired by the Indian Constitution, committing to support each other for life. They made this vow in front of a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. Following this, they exchanged garlands and circled the statue of Dr. Ambedkar, symbolizing their union. Chhattisgarh Shocker: 14-Year-Old Girl Kills Elder Brother With Axe After Getting Scolded for Talking to Boys on Mobile Phone. Eman Lahore, the groom, explained that the decision to take an oath on the Constitution was to minimize extravagant wedding costs. This approach cuts down on unnecessary expenses. We chose to marry with our families' consent and without lavish rituals, Lahre told the Times of India. The wedding has sparked conversations in the state, with many praising it as a "meaningful approach to marriage" and suggesting it could inspire others. Both the couples families and community members have congratulated them, offering their blessings for the new union. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2024 05:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Lucknow, December 21: Uttar Pradesh Police has enlisted social media influencers and college students as "digital warriors" to strengthen its fight against cybercrime and combat fake news, an officer said on Saturday. "The digital warriors (a network of social media influencers and college students) will raise awareness about cybercrime, counter misleading news, train ordinary citizens as cyber trainers, and publicise the commendable work and campaigns of the police," said Uttar Pradesh's Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar. Kumar cited a pilot project run by the UP Police ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela to combat fake news. This month-long project, which involved influencers and college students, was successful and has now been expanded statewide, he said. "The Uttar Pradesh Police launched the Digital Warriors' initiative in 2018, which became active on WhatsApp. People from different sections of society were added as digital volunteers," Kumar explained. 'sarvashikshaabhiyan.com' Website Offers Job Opportunities Claiming To Be Official Website of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, PIB Fact Check Reveals Truth. "In 2023, 'WhatsApp Community Groups' were created, adding all UP Police personnel, enabling them to refute fake news and publicise the commendable work of the police." He added that currently, about 10 lakh people are connected as digital volunteers, and around 2 lakh policemen are linked through community groups. "Owing to the limited access of these digital volunteers to WhatsApp and their limited activity on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), Facebook, YouTube, etc., there was a need to engage the younger generation of social media influencers and college/university students with the UP Police by making them 'digital warriors,'" Kumar said. Focusing on the benefits of training the younger generation, the UP DGP said, "By training college/university students, we can develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze and verify information. These students will become digital warriors for UP Police and help report cybercrime and fake news." He added that these students will also be able to raise awareness about fake news and cybercrime within their families and social circles. Workshops will be organised in colleges, schools, or collectively at the Police Lines. Fake News Increased During Imran Khan's Party Protest March Towards Islamabad: Report. The workshops will feature cybercrime experts, fact-checkers, cyber trainers, and district cyber police station cells, who will share technical knowledge and practical experience. Cyber Clubs will be established in schools and universities, with a teacher from each institution serving as the nodal officer. Workshops and creative sessions, such as poster-making, slogan/short-story writing, and social media content creation, will be conducted through the cyber clubs, Kumar said. A 40-year-old government school teacher has been arrested for allegedly molesting a girl student in Ramgarh district, police said on Saturday. South Korea will launch its third homegrown military spy satellite from a US space centre on Saturday in an effort to bolster its surveillance capabilities on North Korea. The satellite is scheduled to lift off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 3:34 a.m. (local time) on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, Yonhap news agency said. Zambian police have arrested Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a 42-year-old Mozambican national, and Leonard Phiri, a 43-year-old village chief, for allegedly attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The two were caught in Lusaka with assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and charged under Zambias Witchcraft Act for possession of charms, professing knowledge of witchcraft, and cruelty to wild animals. Police revealed that Nelson Banda, brother of MP Emmanuel Banda, allegedly hired the suspects, promising over two million Zambian kwacha ($73,000). Nelson Banda, currently facing robbery charges in Zimbabwe, escaped custody earlier this year. The suspects remain in police custody and will face court proceedings soon. Witchcraft fears are common in Zambia, and the case has drawn significant public attention. No official date for their court appearance has been announced. Cholera in Zambia: India Sends Humanitarian Aid to African Country Following Deadly Outbreak. Zambian Police Arrest 2 for Alleged Witchcraft Plot Against President Hichilema Two men have been arrested in Zambia on allegations of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The suspects, who reportedly possessed charms and a live chameleon, were promised over 2 million Zambian kwacha for their mission. Police say the alleged African News Network (@africannewsnet) December 21, 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.) Chinese scientists pioneer climate-smart crop breeding to combat global warming China Daily) 15:44, December 21, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- As the cultivation of crops capable of adapting to climate change is becoming increasingly important, Chinese scientists have identified, in a breakthrough study, a novel approach that markedly enhances crop productivity in the face of high-temperature adversity. A 2-degree-Celsius increase in global temperatures is projected to significantly amplify average crop losses by 3 to 13 percent, highlighting the urgent need for more heat-resistant varieties to address future food security challenges. The researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have employed an innovative gene-editing tool to insert a heat-shock element into a tomato gene called LIN5. This modification enhances the gene's expression under heat stress and reduces sugar deficiency in fruits at high temperatures. Tests across different seasons and locations, including greenhouses and open fields, have revealed that the strategy boosted tomato yields by 14 to 47 percent in normal conditions and 26 to 33 percent under heat stress, preventing 56 to 100 percent of heat-induced yield losses, according to the study published recently in the journal Cell. Furthermore, the team's experiment on rice indicated that this genetic engineering method can boost rice production by 7 to 13 percent under normal conditions, and by 25 percent under heat stress, mitigating 41 percent of the yield losses due to high temperatures. These experiments have effectively boosted crop climate resilience and ushered in a new era of climate-smart high-yield and stable crop design, according to the researchers. The Paris Agreement released in 2015 has set temperature targets limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Iran's current government has approved more than 180 projects approved by previous governments and requested their consideration by parliament, Iran's Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Shahram Dabiri told local media, Trend reports. Commenting on reports in Iranian local media about the re-submission of the bill on the denomination of the Iranian currency to the parliament, Dabiri said that the said bill was submitted to the Iranian parliament in 2019 and there is no new information on this bill. Dabiri said that after coming to power, the Iranian government approved the continuation of parliamentary examination of projects left over from previous governments, and the project under consideration is one of such projects. "Currently, the project of currency denomination and change of the name of the national currency (from rial to tumen) is being considered by the Economic Committee of the Iranian Parliament," he noted. The Iranian parliament adopted the draft of the national currency denomination in 2020 (removal of four zeros) and the draft of the change of the name of the national currency in the first reading. However, the Expert Council returned the draft to the parliament due to the elimination of shortcomings in the draft. A holiday party catering to the needs of some of the areas most in-need is being made possible through a community effort. The chefs at The Shop, a pop-up kitchen operated by Chef Meals LLC in Phillipsburg, have been busy toiling over boiling pots throughout the week in early preparation of serving 40 families suffering from or at risk of suffering from being unhoused. A community call-to-action in November prompted some residents to pool their resources to help. The initiative met its goal in December. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, Chef Joe Stout, owner of Chef Meals LLC, said about the response from his neighbors in Phillipsburg. One anonymous donor contributed 95% of the proceeds needed to feed the 40 families. She made the donation in memory of her father. This was actually my Christmas gift to myself, she said. My father always did something for someone during Christmas time. I think about him around the holidays. Joe seems to be a very nice man. I didnt know anything about him and I looked him up and found out that on top of everything he does hes trying to take care of other people. I think thats marvelous, the donor told a reporter for lehighvalleylive.com. All donations are being accepted now to keep the giving train running in Warren Countys railroad town and to benefit the attendees of the all-day holiday brunch and dinner on Dec. 23. Many of the individuals and families are being served the towns LEAD program. LEAD is a Prevention is Key, non-profit, intervention program of response and care for people who live with unmanaged behavioral health needs, deep experiences of complex trauma, cognitive disabilities, persistent poverty and marginalization in Warren County. The LEAD offices opened in Phillipsburg in 2023. The program provides services to roughly 40 individuals. Further donations will allow attendees to take a plate of food and a stocking stuffer home after the event. Donations of towels, washcloths and toiletries will also allow the attendees to bathe on site. Good deeds will always be welcome here, Stout said. No Strangers Allowed, owner says Two weeks ago, Stout walked up to the stoop in front of his shop at 60 S. Main St. and there were six customers waiting outside in the morning cold. They werent waiting for him. They were loitering because they had no place else to go, he said, so he invited them inside the store where it was warmer and he fed some of them. Sometimes thats how it happens. Not everybodys like me. Some people dont want to see them in front of their stores because it might upset some people. But our vibe here is welcoming. Come as you are. Theres no excuse for passing by The Shop with an empty stomach when Chef Joes in the kitchen, if he can help it. Now, at 42, hes made it his business to make sure people have been fed for the past 25 years. This is the first year Ive been able to pay myself. Its only a little bit, but Im beginning to see that all the late nights and second and third jobs were worth it, he told a reporter for lehighvalleylive.com. Hes worked in kitchens performing all sorts of jobs, meal-prepped for customers all across New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, fed summer camps and fraternity houses of 100 people and more, plus his own three children. Delivering newspapers overnight for The Express Times and other odd jobs helped keep the bills paid. He operated Fat Joes Sub Shop in Downtown Easton for a short time in 2021, and relocated his business Chef Meals from Hellertown to Phillipsburg this year. While his mission, model and brand have been reinvented often since the COVID-19 pandemic, hes always tried to help others. His restaurant has a Blessing Wall with a couple of receipts and inspirational messages the width of a cork board (so far). The wall documents times customers have paid a good deed forward and serves as a constant reminder to others to be charitable. If I could make that wall the size of this shop, that would be the blessing, said Chef Joe Stout. Its just in me to give. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today. Old Moores Almanac is 261 years old in 2025 and it's one of the oldest almanacs in the world and still has the same green cover it has had for decades. It is the first and original, and Irish. Some editions over 250 years old still sit in the Long Room Library in Trinity, next to the Bibles! There is more information about its fascinating Irish history here. Old Moores Almanac has been a stocking filler since its inception. It is most famous for its predictions of future events both Irish and global. These predictions have been getting great domestic and international news coverage for their accuracy. For example, before it happened, Old Moore said that Kate Middleton already had a baby on board (before it was announced) and that the babys name would be Charlotte. In previous years, Old Moore predicted that Kanye would have mental health problems and that Trump would run for president again. He also predicted the rise of Bitcoin over 10 years ago. And of course, he predicted the pandemic, a year before it happened. In 2023, he predicted that there would be a submarine drama (there was), aliens for real (according to the US government) and that the dark side of the moon would be in the news (India landed a craft on it), and that 2023 would be the year of AI, and Meghan and Harry would have marriage and money problems, among other predictions. 2024 predictions In 2024, the predictions said that Biden would step down before the election, Trump would suffer assassination attempts, and that the USA would swing conservative with its voting preferences. It also predicted that many European countries would swing conservative. The Almanac also said that there would be a space drama, and of course, some poor astronauts are stuck in space. Would someone please get them down! There are more predictions that came true here here. The magazine holds on to its position of having the highest circulation of any of the indigenous magazines in the country with sales hovering around 60,000 copies. It has enjoyed a revival in recent years due to its accurate predictions and its love of futurism. As well as the world-famous predictions, the 2025 edition includes our usual ground-breaking features. Some Predictions for 2025 Assassination attempt Elon Musk More than one plane crash Robots in our houses 2025 will not be remembered fondly at all in economic terms Fall of the US dollar Bitcoin becomes part of multiple federal reserves. XRP is one to watch. Euro is in danger of collapse The BRICS will thrive Mexico, Canada and USA will form an economic union, with no financial borders, like the EU New Umero currency from Canada, USA and Mexico There will be another attempt on Trumps life Trump may not see out his term Change of Pope Return to traditional values/ religion / family life Swifty baby Throne goes to Prince William Facebook: facebook.com/OldMooresAlmanac Web: www.oldmooresalmanac.com X: @TOldMooresAlmana Leitrim County Council is asking for your views on the future use of the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Hall building on Bridge Street in the heart of the town centre. In the Summer of 2023, Leitrim County Council approved the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Centre First Plan. This action-oriented strategy for the town was produced as part of the Irish Governments Town Centre First initiative. This programme aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community. The Carrick-on-Shannon Town Centre First Plan identified a wide range of potential improvements to the town centre under three key themes improving connections with the river, improving the arrival experience and promoting town centre vitality and activity. The Carrick-on-Shannon Town Hall Building is perfectly situated to contribute to the Town Centre First Plan objectives. This underused historic building enjoys a prominent location on Bridge Street with good access to the river front and Peoples Park. THRIVE is a national funding program that supports the renewal of urban centres through the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. The program is co-funded by the Irish Government & the European Union and is intended to help revitalize local towns and villages. The funding regime requires local authorities to promote the values of the New European Bauhaus in their projects. This includes making projects sustainable, accessible, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing. Supported by a comprehensive programme of community outreach and engagement, Leitrim County Council is keen to promote the refurbishment and reuse of the Town Hall building for a community-oriented use that would help to bring people into the centre and provide people and communities in the town centre with a community resource for everyone to enjoy (subject to funding availability). Please come along and tell us what you think at our pop up consultation at the Farmers Market at the Carrick-on-Shannon Market Yard on Thursday 19th December 2024 between 10am and 2pm. You can also tell us your thoughts via our online survey which will be open from 9am Thursday 19th December 2024 until 5pm on Friday 10th January 2025. The survey can be found by visiting this website: https://giveyourviews.typeform.com/CarrickTownHall Your views will help us to determine a new and exciting future for this amazing building (subject to funding availability). NiCAN Announces Settlement of Debt for Shares TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - NiCAN Limited ("NiCAN" or the "Company") (TSXV: NICN) (OTCQB: NILTF) (FRA: W8Y) is pleased to announce that it has negotiated the settlement of $269,799 related to drilling services provided to the Company in 2023 in consideration for the issuance of 300,000 common shares of the Company. The debt settlement is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The common shares issued pursuant to the debt settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period which will expire four months and one day from the date of closing of the debt settlement. About NiCAN NiCAN Limited is a mineral exploration company, trading under the symbol "NICN" on the TSX-V, "NILTF" on the OTCQB and "W8Y" on the FRA. The Company is actively exploring two nickel projects, both located in well-established mining jurisdictions in Manitoba, Canada. www.nicanltd.com To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the NiCAN website at www.nicanltd.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains certain "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws concerning the proposed financing, business, operations and financial performance and condition of NiCAN Limited. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the size and timing of the drill program, results of the drill program, interpretations of the various surveys, NiCAN's ability to identify mineralization similar to that found in prior drill holes, the benefits and the potential of the properties of the Company; future commodity prices (including in relation to NiEq calculations); drilling and other exploration potential; costs; and permitting. Forward-looking information may be characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking information includes changes in market conditions, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses and permitting disputes and/or delays. 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 anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Nican Ltd. 20 december 2024 at 17:00 News published onand distributed by: GARDAI are investigating a serious incident in County Limerick this Saturday. According to gardai, a young woman - in her early 20s - has been rushed to hospital and is in a critical condition following an incident in Rathkeale. "Gardai are currently at the scene of a serious incident involving a vehicle that occurred at the entrance of a private property in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick at approximately 12:15pm this afternoon," said a garda spokesperson. "A female pedestrian, aged in her 20s, was injured in the incident and has been conveyed to University Hospital Limerick, where she is currently in a critical condition," they added. "The vehicle, a silver Ford Transit van failed to remain at the scene." Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. READ NEXT: 'They both stretched out my leg and Daragh swung at me with the wrench just below the kneecap - Read full victim impact statement in Hayes brothers' case Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area between 11:30am and 1:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rathkeale Garda Station on 069 63222, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Eight Palestinian children have arrived in Ireland for treatment as part of a multi-agency effort. Ireland is to take in 30 children following an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to address the urgent health needs of people in Gaza. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the first group of Palestinian children arrived in Dublin on Thursday evening, along with eight carers and 11 siblings. READ NEXT: Irish father leaves baby in car for eight hours before rushing to Garda station The group travelled on a plane provided by the Slovakian government for the medical evacuation and were accompanied by three medical doctors from Irelands health service as well as a translator. Several politicians welcomed them to Ireland including the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, and Slovakian ambassador Andrej Droba. The group will travel to hospital for a full medical assessment on Friday before settling into their accommodation over the weekend. The Irish Government approved the initiative in September. The Department of Health said Ireland will opt-in on a case-by-case basis for each child requiring treatment based on its capacity. The WHO has coordinated the evacuation of 2,300 patients through Egypt since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which has put pressure on the countrys health system. The patients travelling to Ireland are part of the group that was in Egypt. Ireland is estimated to be receiving up to 30 paediatric patients in total from Gaza. Their health needs are categorised under cancer, haemodialysis and other severe medical conditions, with the exception of orthopaedics. Micheal Martin, Irelands deputy premier and Foreign Affairs Minister, said: The long-term impact of the physical and mental scars being inflicted on children in Gaza is unconscionable. Ireland has continued to work with our international partners, most notably UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), to provide urgent assistance to people in Gaza. The medical evacuation of children to Ireland is part of our consistent support for the people of Palestine. I am conscious that many other critically ill patients remain in Gaza, and their requests for medical evacuation are being delayed or denied by Israeli authorities. This denial of medical care is unacceptable and must stop. Since the beginning of this conflict, Ireland has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a massive surge of humanitarian aid, including urgent medical care for critically ill children trapped in Gaza. This must happen. Children in Gaza cannot go into the New Year facing more serious injury and trauma. Earlier this year, broking firm Angel One Ltd launched its own content platform just as Indias markets regulator was tightening the screws on financial influencers. Finfluencers, as they are known, have been instrumental in spreading financial literacy among Indias young demographic but have also been hauled up for misleading investors. As the Securities and Exchange Board of India tightened its regulations on associations with financial influencers, some of the countrys biggest trading platforms including Angel One and Motital Oswal Financial Services have increased focus on building their in-house content teams. Angel Ones platform, called Fin One, is run by a 30-member content team targeting a young audience. On Instagram, Fin One, which has a tagline reading From Paisa to Punchlinesmaking finance fun and is loaded with humorous financial memes, has nearly 14,000 followers. Fin One allows Angel One to engage directly with a young, and even older, demographic just beginning to familiarise itself with financial concepts such as equity and options trading, mutual funds and other complex investments, and more efficient savings options. The in-house content model provides greater control over compliance and messaging, which is particularly important given the evolving regulatory landscape," a spokesperson for Angel One said in an emailed response to Mints queries. Angel One's spokesperson highlighted that when Sebi introduced guidelines for financial influencers inJune, its content arm Fin One ensured seamless marketing continuity without relying heavily on external influencers. By producing content internally, we mitigate risks associated with misinformation or opinionated advice, focusing instead on educational, informational, and regulation-compliant content," the spokesperson said. Angel One also underscored that while its Fin One members had a flair for content creation, the focus was on their ability to understand user needs for financial literacy. Unlike selecting external influencers, who may be chosen based on their following and existing content style, in-house team members are trained to create content that aligns with our brand voice and goals. The in-house team brings a high level of user empathy, tailoring content that connects with the audience in Hindi," the spokesperson said. Also read | Meet the new YouTube finfluencers - teenagers trading options making 36-40% Sustainable RoIs In-house content teams became integral to financial companies particularly after Sebi in October barred regulated entities from associating with unregistered content creators. It gave these entities three months to terminate their contracts with unregistered financial advisers. Earlier this month, Sebi clarified that the rules apply to all entities it regulates, including asset management companies, investment managers of alternative investment funds, infrastructure investment trusts, real estate investment trusts, stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and registered depositories. These decisions came after Sebi cracked down on financial influencers earlier this year, taking down more than 15,000 content sites as part of its efforts to protect investors. Apart from the compliance necessity, financial companies are finding in-house content teams to cost-efficient as well as better in terms of return on investment (RoI). Firms like Zerodha Broking Ltd and Groww have been operating in-house financial education content teams for nearly a decade. Also read | Why Sharan Hegdes financial advisory business is a test for Sebi's rules regulating ads by advisers and finfluencers Typical influencers may charge between a few thousand to a few lakh rupees for one piece of content, but they most often handle the shoot, editing, and show-packaging themselves. In the case of internal employees, we need to invest in all these aspects. However, it still works out cheaper to do it internally, provided you have scale," said Sandeep Walunj, group chief marketing officer, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Also, external influencers work on a pay-as-you-go" model, which requires financial companies to consciously manage RoI. Having an in-house team of content creators shifts that model to grow-as-you-go"the employees become a part of the companys overall growth, said Walunj. Thus, while influencers may offer a short-term boost in reach and engagement, an in-house content model ensures a steady flow of tailored content, and the long-term association ensures better and more sustainable RoI, he added. No substitute for mass promotions Financial influences dont agree with that assessment, insisting that in-house content will not be suitable in the long run. While organisations are creating content in-house, it is no substitute for mass-scale launch, promotional or branding or lead-generation campaigns thats done with multiple influencers at once," said Pranjal Kamra, an influencer and founder of fintech startup Finology Ventures. (In-house content) is more for retention, retaining attention, and hoping to create word-of-mouth." Also read | Experts divided on Sebi rules barring finfluencers from giving investment advice Kamra, however, added that it was hard to predict if the in-house content creation model would become a successful template in the long run. Whether its hurting influencers now? No, too early to say so," he added. Ayush Guha, business head at talent management company HYPP, said while business for financial influencers would be affected they would be able to find other ways to monetize their content in the long run". Guha and other industry experts, however, conceded that Sebis guard rails are crucial for protecting investors. As financial platforms venture into sharing exclusive information and content with users on social media bypassing the influencer marketing route, financial content presented to consumers seems to get safer," said a partner at one of the big four audit firms, speaking on condition of anonymity. Earlier influencers would share information without disclosing sponsorships in affiliate links, but now users would know that the information is coming from the brand, clearly cutting down on the confusion and misinformation, thanks to the guidelines," he added. In the decade of the 1980s, a shooting star suddenly appeared on the Indian business horizon. Rajan Pillai, born in Keralas backwaters town of Kollam, died when he was just 47 years old. However, by then, he had built and lost a multi-million dollar global empire across businesses ranging from snack foods to plantations. In its obituary, The New York Times called him one of Asias most flamboyant businessmen". This referred to his lavish lifestyle, which included homes on the sea in Mumbai and in Londons Holland Park, where he entertained politicians and other influential figures. He also had a fondness for Rolex and Dom Perignon. The early start Like many other ambitious young entrepreneurs, the cashew trader's son was an early starter. Barely in his 20s, he invested in a hotel in Goa, where he made his first pile of money. Soon after, reckoning that India's notorious licence permit raj, at its peak in the 1970s, wasn't conducive to the fast-paced growth he aspired to achieve, he shifted base to Singapore. In collaboration with a Canadian businessman, Frederick Ross Johnson who then headed US multinational Standard Brands, he set up 20th Century Foods to sell packaged potato chips and peanuts. The startup didnt earn him much money, but it endeared him to Johnson, a man who would be a key figure in the infamous management takeover battle for Nabisco, captured in the gripping 1990 book Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar. Impressed with Pillais derring-do and deal-making abilities, Johnson placed him in charge of Nabisco Commodities, a unit of Standard Brands. He did a good enough job and was asked to head the operations of the Asian subsidiaries of British biscuit company Huntley & Palmers. It proved to be a springboard for his Indian tryst since the British firm had a controlling interest in Britannia India. Pillai, who bought a stake in the company, was now on a roll. Over the next few years, he partnered with French food company BSN, which later became Danone S.A., to buy into half a dozen firms across Asia, earning the title of Biscuit King. The India entry also included an aborted and much-heralded deal with The Coca-Cola Company for its relaunch in India. Eventually, the American fizz giant called off the talks, preferring to come in solo. One reason could have been that Pillais growing empire, fuelled by mounting debt, was teetering on the edge. By 1993, the financial situation had turned dire, forcing him to start selling off some of his companies. The challenger Thats where he crossed swords with Nusli Wadia, another corporate warrior and the survivor of many a bloody takeover battle. Pillais seemingly unstoppable force met Wadias immovable object, and it was the former that had to give way. Through a series of manoeuvres, Wadia acquired a stake in Britannia equal to that of Danone, and the two together ousted Pillai from its board. Pillais claims to company control were weak since Wadia and Danone controlled 51% of it. The ouster came at a huge cost for Pillai, with his former mentor Johnson now demanding the money he had given to bankroll his initial moves back. Strapped for cash and unable to meet his debt obligations, Pillai was hauled into court by Singapore's commercial affairs department on multiple charges, including breach of trust and fraud and running up a debt of $17.2 million. However, he was too slippery a customer to be caught so easily. He fled the country for India on the very morning of his sentencing. Back home, he earned an initial reprieve when a Kerala court granted him bail but he was subsequently arrested from Delhis Meridien Hotel by the CBI in July 1995. The downfall Pillai now saw the other side of fame and fortune. His erstwhile friends and social acquaintances dropped him like a hot potato. As a disciple of Chandraswami who exercised great influence in the corridors of power, he hoped for some help from the self-styled godman. None came. Suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, he died in July 1995, just four days into his incarceration, apparently for the lack of medical treatment. Nina Gopika Nair, his feisty wife, alleged that his death was part of a conspiracy, though later in court, she refused to name the alleged conspirators. However, a commission headed by Justice Leila Seth did explore the allegation. Though it didn't find any evidence of the conspiracy, it recommended major reforms to the prison system that had allowed a sick man to die without recourse to treatment. Pillai was certainly no angel when it came to dodgy business practices, as the charges against him proved. But he did have the fire in the belly and the chutzpah needed to be successful in global business. Overambition, which led him to overload on debt and a tendency to take on too many powerful adversaries, at the same time proved his undoing. But for his efforts, he deserved better than a painful and lonely death in a prison cell. A Wasted Death, his brother Rajmohan Pillai's book on him, sums up his life succinctly. With products ranging from body massagers to performance supplements, sexual wellness startups such as Bold Care and MyMuse are attracting rising interest from carefree young consumers as the topic of sexual wellness has come a long way from being a taboo subject in India. Startups in the space now report repeat-purchase patterns like never before. At Bold Care, a Mumbai-based startup co-owned by actor Ranveer Singh, a majority of customers are making frequent repurchases, a first for the company since its inception in 2020, co-founder Rajat Jadhav told Mint. Our market share has gone up to 20% from just about 3-4% nearly 18 months ago. This cant happen from just new customers but is an indication that our retention rate is very strong," Jadhav said. Bold Care has grown 250% in the past 12 months from the previous year. MyMuse, another Mumbai-based company selling massagers, supplements, and bedroom accessories for men and women, noted that half of its customers are loyal and come back to make another purchase, thanks to its brand positioning around approachability and trust, according to co-founder Anushka Gupta. Once touted as private and hush-hush, topics like pleasurable experiences for consenting adults and common bedroom problems like erectile dysfunction are now openly discussed on social media, resulting in a major shift in cultural norms and encouraging more people to seek help. When MyMuse launched, there was far less awareness compared to other categories, making it a true-blue ocean industry. Navigating this required us to build awareness from the ground up. In essence, we had to figure out how to sell sex toys in a country afraid to say the word sex," Gupta told Mint. Massive opportunity The global sexual wellness market is currently valued at $31.5 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region standing out as a significant contributor, according to a report by market intelligence firm Astute Analytica in July. India is an emerging market potentially worth $1.2 billion, with annual sales of 9 million units, driven by a burgeoning middle class and wider online retail availability, the report added. Young companies see a massive opportunity in the growing space. Earlier this week, content creator and actor Bhuvan Bam launched a wellness startup called Peppy with co-founders Devansh Agarwal and Shyamal Gupta, aiming to break the taboo around physical intimacy. Investors are closely observing the new trend. Intimacy brand Leezus raised pre-seed capital from unidentified investors in September, while MyMuse bagged $2.7 million from Saama Capital, Trifecta Capital and Cred founder Kunal Shah in January. Bold Care is said to have secured almost $3.5 million from Audacity Capital and Caratlane co-founders Mithun and Siddhartha Sacheti last month. There is an increased awareness about sexual wellness. As awareness increases, there is a higher demand for sexual wellness products," said Ash Lilani, managing partner at Saama Capital. The sexual wellness industry in India is projected to hit $2.09 billion by 2030. There couldnt be a better time for MyMuse to be a leader in this otherwise disorganised sector. Were sure it will be a household name in the coming years." Category creation To keep the conversations going, these startups are looking at high-impact marketing techniques as key differentiators. Earlier this year, Bold Care rolled out an ad campaign with actor Ranveer Singh and adult film performer Johnny Sins, making waves across social media platforms. At least 90-odd million men in the country face problems like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. The biggest hurdle is lack of awareness. The marketing campaign allowed us to create a burst of awareness to tell people that our brand exists in the sexual wellness category and they can seek help," Bold Cares Jadhav said. The campaign resulted in over 300 million impressions at the time, he added. Impressions are the number of times a piece of social media content is displayed to audiences. However, high marketing expenditure is often a major cost centre for direct-to-consumer companies, often weighing on their bottom line. Creating a category requires investment. This campaign was a big bet for the company. Brands need to take the risk. Once a brand reaches a leadership position, it will see a big influx in organic revenue," Jadhav said. MyMuses marketing expenditure in FY24 was strategic and tied closely to demand, according to co-founder Gupta. While we dont disclose specifics, our investments are dynamic, ensuring we allocate resources to the channels that drive growth, visibility, and education most effectively." The company will continue to prioritise marketing efforts that not only spur growth but also challenge taboos, build trust, and normalise conversations around the category, Gupta added. Quick commerce effect Another major boost for the category comes from quick commerce platforms such as Zomato-owned Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto. Demand for MyMuses massagers on Blinkit alone has grown 10-fold in recent months, reiterating the nature of the brand defined by speed, convenience and discretion, Gupta noted. A recent report by e-commerce-focused technology provider 1digitalstack.ai analysing Blinkit trends found that Bold Care and Manforce were the among the top three brands by value in the sexual wellness category in November 2024. MyMuse and Azah led the massager toys and games segment with a 27% share by revenue during the period. Today, we serve over 450 pin codes across more than 15 cities via quick commerce channels. Notably, during Singles Day, MyMuse became the first-ever sexual wellness brand to feature on Blinkits homepage, marking a major step forward in mainstream visibility for the category," Gupta noted. MyMuse foresees immense potential for quick commerce to account for a significant share of its growth in 2025. The company plans to deepen its partnerships and expand to more cities, Gupta added. I am yet to meet a kid who doesnt love blueberries. Ive documented my sons love for them even as a toddler in a 2013 blog post where he illustrated a recipe for lemon blueberry muffins at the age of 5. Even today, blueberries are his top pick. It helps that theyre no longer as wildly expensive as they used to be, and large packets of frozen blueberries are easy to find, making them perfect for smoothies, baked goods and pancakes. In my book, Everyday Superfoods (2021), I did a nutritional face-off between amla (Indian gooseberries) and blueberries. Yes, its a bit like comparing apples and oranges because you cant convince a kid that amla is tastier than berries. Amla has 50 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Yet, every superfood list on the web ranks blueberries as No.1clearly, this fruit has global appeal and availability. This got me thinking about the reasons behind the popularity of blueberries. Blue foods are rare in nature so we naturally gravitate toward them. Foods like blue corn and blue potatoes are not regularly available around the world. Theres also the Bangalore Blue variety of grapes, which is available from March to May in Bengaluru and has a deep purplish-blue hue. However, being a seeded variety, it is not commonly eaten as a table grape. Also read: Warm winter menus to make your heart sing Jamun, or java plum, is dark purple, almost black. The butterfly blue pea flower (shankhapushpa), while not exactly a food, is an edible flower that is gaining popularity for naturally colouring foods and drinks blue, and the herbal tea made from these petals is also in demand. But try convincing a child that the blue pea flower would make an interesting addition to muffins or pancakes. That leaves us with blueberries, which add a pop of colour to dishes, making them visually appealing. The convenience factor is unbeatable. No peeling or pitting required. Its not even necessary to break them off a bunch like grapes. Compared to other berries, they have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them a reliable fruit. Frozen blueberries are even more convenient for smoothies or quick compotes, costing much less than fresh blueberries and are available year-round. Speaking of popularity, we cant overlook the taste. Blueberries have the perfect sweet-tart balance. Their mild taste makes them less polarising compared to intensely flavoured tropical fruits like mango or papaya. Blueberries are also versatileshining in sweet recipes like pies, pancakes and muffins, yet holding their own in savoury salads. As nutritional powerhouses, they make a great addition to breakfast recipes like smoothies and oatmeal. Widely marketed as a low-calorie, high nutrient superfood, their appeal only grows. In India, small farming trials to grow blueberries are underway in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, using climate-controlled polyhouses or hydroponics, though yields remain limited. The high demand is still met by imports from countries like the US, Canada and Chile. Here are two festive blueberry recipes. CHRISTMASSY WREATH SALAD Serves 2-4 Ingredients 1 cup cooked quinoa (lightly salted) 2 cups mixed salad greens 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp lemon juice 1 small beetroot (cooked, peeled and diced) 1 red apple, diced Quarter cup fresh blueberries 2 tbsp chopped walnuts 50 g feta cheese (or blue cheese) Dressing 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp of blueberry compote (recipe below) 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and black pepper Method Chop the salad greens into bite-sized pieces. Toss the cooked quinoa and salad greens in olive oil and lemon juice. Arrange the quinoa on a large platter in the shape of a wreath. You can do this by keeping a bowl or plate upturned in the centre and scattering quinoa around it. Scatter the diced beet, apple, blueberries and feta cubes all over the wreath carefully to make it look pretty with alternating colours. In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients for the dressing until thick and creamy. Spoon the dressing all around the wreath. Serve immediately. Note: Blueberry compote can be substituted by honey or any other fruit preserve. You can also toss all the salad ingredients (except feta) along with the dressing in a large bowl and top with feta cheese cubes to make a quick salad. FROZEN BLUEBERRY COMPOTE Makes around half a cup Ingredients 1 cup frozen blueberries (no need to thaw) 1-2 tbsp sugar Juice of half lemon Zest of one lemon Quarter tsp ground cinnamon (optional) Method In a small saucepan, add the frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and around 2 tablespoons of water (if you want it thinner). Place on medium heat. Stir occasionally as the blueberries begin to release their juices. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 810 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. For a chunkier compote, leave the blueberries whole. For a smoother compote, mash some of the blueberries with the back of a spoon while cooking. Stir in the ground cinnamon (if using) during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat and let it cool. The compote will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to a clean jar or container and refrigerate for up to one week. Serving ideas: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or oatmeal; use as a topping for cheesecake or ice cream; swirl into yogurt or smoothie bowls; spread on toast or scones; stir into a cocktail or mocktail. Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyers latest book is The Great Indian ThaliSeasonal Vegetarian Wholesomeness. She posts @saffrontrail. Also read: Add a splash of dark rum to your caramel sauce In the 17th century Visvagunadarsana by Venkatadhvari, two celestial beings go on a tour of India. Flying from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, they review the lands many towns and holy sites, with one gandharva noticing only bad, the other more good. Much is discussed: Islamic rule in the country, Brahmins preferring worldly attractions to the Vedas, the beauty of Gujarati women, and so on. The gandharvas conduct an aerial survey of British-ruled Madras too. The first of them is furious: the villainy of the white man, to him, is inexpressible at the end of the tongue". The other, though, is more circumspect: Europeans also had virtues. They imported curious" articles and did not extort" unjustly. They had an impressive sense of justice too. There was good and bad both about these white-faced foreigners, that is, and the gandharvas departed without arriving at a categorical conclusion. It might have interested these divine commentators that white men too had complicated feelings about India. To begin with, they were foreign Christians in a land of idolaters"they struggled to understand Hindu culture and its customs. Shrewdly, they erred on the side of pragmatism. As interlopers in another country, they needed the cooperation of natives", opting, therefore, to operate on Indian terms. In Madras, thus, white officials arbitrated caste disputes, minted coins featuring Hindu gods, and even found brown spouses. Their Indian aides grew wealthy, pumping funds into the construction of grand temples, into the halls of courtesans, and sponsoring poets. In a roundabout way, white rulegiven that the British were mimicking Indianscatalysed a flowering of Hindu culture. Of course, they still remained aliens, but there was a concord that allowed the native" and foreigner to pull on to mutual advantage. Even as British power grew more aggressive, many East India Company officials hoped to retain brown mens loyalties. Or as was written in 1815, by participating with natives of rank and influence" and avoiding interference in cultural practices, the British could soften" the disgruntlement provoked by a government of strangers". Particular attention was paid to religious sentiments: when in 1803 Orissa was seized from the Marathas, the incoming regime took care to show respect for the Jagannath temple at Puri. It did not matter that they personally venerated the Bible; to reconcile Orissas people to their rule, the British needed to preserve the temples sanctity, indeed even exceed the Marathas in patronage. And evidently, it worked: Jagannaths priests despatched to the governor-general a grandiloquent Sanskrit letter, praising him. Why, they expressed hope that Puri would remain under Company protection for ever". Of course, both sides were being practical, but several colonial voices did genuinely feel this was the right thing to do. Thomas Munro, governor of Madras, for instance, was asked once whether India would benefit from exposure to the Western civilisation. In response he argued that while the country was backward in science and government, in agriculture, manufacturing skill", in the fact of schools established in every village", and so on, India was superior. Indeed, if civilization is to become an article of trade between the two countries, I am convinced," he added, that this country (Britain) would gain by the import cargo." Sure, it could be claimed that the Company had delivered peace to India. But it was a double-edged sword for Indians: security came at the cost of sacrifice of independenceor national characterand whatever renders a people respectable". Foreign rule, Munro warned, would debase" its subjects. Though there was no suggestion that the Britishas political victorsshould pack up and go home, yet for this generation it was clear that the Company Raj must be a sympathetic one. When Pune, for example, fell to the British from the Peshwas, Mountstuart Elphinstonefuture governor of the areafelt no great joy. The absence of the Hindoo Government," he diarised, created a void that alters the effect of everything. Our respect for the place is gone, and the change is melancholy. How must the natives feel this, when even we feel it!" His plan, then, was to retain a traditional system of government to the extent possible. Under good rulers, he wrote, this had been sufficient to keep the country in a very high state of prosperity". Company men had only to emulate such good native" kings and hope to produce permanent happiness to our subjects". That way foreign rule could pretend to look somewhat less foreignand hopefully prevail. That said, it was obvious that too much concern for native" feelings carried risks. For instance, Elphinstone favoured supplying modern education to Indians, despite potential danger. For there is no doubt that when the natives get more extended notions they will expect first a share of their own Government & then the whole". And yet he stuck to the idea, seeing in it a duty"; it will be better for us to lose the country by the effects of our liberality than to keep it" on terms of naked self-interest. Like several peers, in religion too he was for the status quo. When Christian missionaries sought access to these provinces, he was hostile. Personally, he thought Hinduism absurd". But as governor, he felt obliged to defend local sensibilities. Presciently, he also suspected that if someone were to unite a plan for the reformation of Hinduism" someday with one for the deliverance of the country from foreigners", British power could not stand one moment". It is one of those strange ironies of history that the first impulse of colonialism was not gloating triumphalism as much as caution and nervousness. Perhaps the optimistic gandharva would have approved, since it maintained room to preserve much of what natives" cherished. Yes, the British were foreigners, but they desired to rule according to local conventions. And yet, the next generation of white sahibs in India entertained radically different views. Under themas white power looked more and more securepowerful segments of the British establishment would grow contemptuous of local culture, support conversion, cut off natives" from positions of influence, and rule India with arrogance. Where once foreign officials smashed coconuts at temples, made public offerings, and participated in festivals, they now withdrew. And the story of colonialism took a very different turn. So, in the end, it was the pessimistic gandharva who was proved rightwhite men could not be trusted with the destinies of the brown. Manu S. Pillai is a historian and author, most recently, of Gods, Guns and Missionaries. Whats the common thread between Diors cannage stitching, Sabyasachis old Kolkata-inspired prints, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khoslas maximalist silhouettes and Amit Aggarwals sculptural patterns? The colours, motifs, silhouettes, and presence and absence of adornments each act as a recognisable design philosophy, unique to the brand. They are called house codes and define a brand aesthetically, becoming a logo without a logo. In a crowded fashion landscape with brands battling for space in the attention economy, codes cut through a lot of distractions," says anthropologist Phyllida Jay, author of Inspired by India: How India Transformed Global Design. They are also linked to signaling identity, belonging and status. We have become hyper-vigilant about house codes in the past couple of decades with the corporatisation of luxury, the musical chairs of designers at big-name fashion houses and the range of products a brand will offer." Compared to the rest of the world, the Indian fashion industry is young and its focus on turning design codes into a brand language is relatively new. This year, however, some Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Payal Singhal displayed strong intentions to publicly communicate their house codes, be it through runway shows, accessories, diffusion lines or Instagram Reels. With retail expansion, big investments and a growing market weve seen a huge shift in how top Indian designer brands operate," says Jay. Designers who began in the late 1980s are now consolidating some 40 years of work. Some have been pro-active, and more so in the past 10-15 years when weve seen them turn their house codes into brand universes. Tarun Tahiliani is a stand-out example of a couturier expanding into ready-to-wear, menswear and interior design, also thinking about the communication and continuity of the house codes through formal archiving and publishing books," she explains. Whats interesting, Jay adds, is that younger designers like Lovebirds are displaying strong strategic thinking about their codes and how they translate them into brand language. Its an indication of how Indian talent is confident enough to look beyond bridalwear and expand their range beyond clothes. As 2024 draws to an end, we track the journey of four design houses to understand what it takes to establish house codes and how they help a brand stay relevant. TARUN TAHILIANI: FLUID STRUCTURE View Full Image Tarun Tahiliani, one of the architects of Indian fashion, has been archiving and establishing his house codes for more than three decades Beige, structured draping, tone-on-tone chikankari, a certain proportion of fluidity, the jewel T-shirtthese are some of the design codes synonymous with Tarun Tahiliani. Tahiliani, one of the architects of Indian fashion, has been archiving and establishing his house codes for more than three decades. He took time to establish his house codes, from the draping style to the jewel shirt. When we started, you know, we were dependent on masterjis (craftsmen). After three-four years, I decided to learn with my own hands. It takes years to develop your own thumbprint. And then people from the outside (fashion journalists, critics, consumers) begin to understand and see it and say that its a recurring thing. And then we feed off each other. Its always a give and take, but you have to reach a certain level of your own expertise to be able to even express it and to reinforce it," says Tahiliani. He is currently working on launching his pret label OTT. OTT is another attempt to return to our codes, of taking India and making it modern," says Tahiliani. Thats the brand philosophy as well." Also read: The making of Tarun Tahiliani When a brand expands in several directions like Tahilianis, design codes become an anchor to help stay focused. And they also help you become better," adds Tahiliani. The more you do something, the more control and power you have. Codes are important pillars, more so now because AI is trying to take away your fingerprint," he says. There have been instances when people involved in the business have asked Tahiliani to change things around to suit customer wants. We do a fashion week. About 20 merchandisers of different stores will be there and later theyll say, Can you do bright colours? If Id listened to them, as I used to in the past, it would lead to things that would stray off point. And it would stray off house code. But the thing is that once you make it successful, then you have much more conviction." PAYAL SINGHAL: BOHO VIBES View Full Image Payal Singhal marked 25 years of her brand in 2024 This year marks 25 years since Payal Singhal launched her label, which channels easy-to-wear bohemian-esque occasionwear, full of tassels, bright colours and intricate embroidery. She is clear about her brands identity: fusion festive pieces that are fun yet timeless and elegant enough to become heirlooms. Her journey began in 1992, when, at the age of 15, she won the Shoppers Stop Designer of the Year Award. The recognition encouraged her to pursue fashion design, leading her to study at Mumbais SNDT Womens University and later at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design in New York. Back in 1999, I wanted to start a label for young women who wanted to wear traditional clothes in a modern way that resonated with global lifestyles," says Singhal. Her first-ever bridal collection debuted during her graduation show at SNDT, featuring all-black pieces. It was my intent to break barriers around festive dressing in this country," she recalls. While our techniques and craft have evolved with time, our design language has remained constant. House codes are the markers of a brand. Without identifiable markers, youre not really a brand or a design houseits what makes people invest in your brand." Whether it was her Lakme Fashion Week debut collection in 2007, or her 25th anniversary line, Tahzib, Singhals designs consistently fuse Indian craftsmanshiplike mukaish, nakshiwith an eclectic, gypsy-inspired aesthetic. Another standout moment was when her close friend Shibani Dandekar married Farhan Akhtar in 2022. For her mehendi, Dandekar wore a multi-coloured choli paired with 70s-inspired sharara trousers, complementing the Mexican fiesta meets mehendi mela" theme of the celebration. View Full Image For her 'mehendi', Shibani Dandekar wore a Payal Singhal ensemble Were not making lehngas for the brides pheras. We make clothes for her mehendi, sangeet and for her guests. Its a unique space, and weve stuck to it." One of the first Indian designers to embrace kaftan silhouettes for wedding wear, Singhal emphasises staying ahead of trends rather than following them. Shes has partnered with over 20 brands across beauty, footwear, even phone chargers. Evolution is important," she says. My advice to designers today is to have your own point of view and work with blinkers on." DHRUV KAPOOR: COLOUR THEORY View Full Image Dhruv Kapoor has created a global name as an India-inspired streetwear brand that prefers to make womenswear stronger and menswear softer Among the pieces that Dhruv Kapoor will present at the Milan Fashion Week next month are dhoti-inspired sweatpants. When I started the brand 10 years ago, the idea was to give the world access to traditional crafts and silhouettes, and translate them to dress more people," says Kapoor. This intention has become one of our house codes. There were no fixed codes when I started; you start seeing them only after a few seasons." Kapoor has created a global name as an India-inspired streetwear brand that prefers to make womenswear stronger and menswear softer. For instance, he has given blouses pointed shoulders, and added removable embroidered pockets. Bright colours and clashing prints are also part of the Dhruv Kapoor design code. View Full Image The iconic Dhruv Kapoor shirt His other code is stitched into the back of the garmenta piece of cloth to align with the wearers chakras. A shirt, for instance, might have a blue swatch around the neck to help the person communicate better". Im obsessed with Vedic science, colour theory," says Kapoor, who worked at Italian brand Etro for about a year in 2013. Design codes are not restrictive but keep evolving, he believes. Kapoor, for instance, started his journey with blacks, greys and neutrals, but now hes included pinks and reds, making a play of bright colours an integral part of his style. Its important not to be swayed by public opinion. When I started I was told to get into bridal, but thats not me. I would like to make oversized jackets using a discarded Sabyasachi lehnga but I dont think I will do bridalwear. Thats not my house code." ANITA DONGRE: HERITAGE FIRST View Full Image Nature is a core inspiration for the brand, says Anita Dongre Over the past three decades, Anita Dongre has grown from a single label to a fashion house whose clothing includes traditional gota-embellished garments and colours and motifs inspired by nature, the Mughal era and Rajasthani architecture. My design philosophy has always leaned towards the contemporary," says Dongre, who is behind the labels AND, Global Desi, Grassroot by Anita Dongre, and the eponymous Anita Dongre. Nature is a core inspiration for the brand. We use wildlife motifs in our designs, and always depict animals free in nature, as theyre meant to be," she says. View Full Image Many of Anita Dongres creations are inspired by Rajasthan Staying authentic is key to maintaining house codes, believes Dongre, who keeps three words in mind while designing: conscious, classic, craft. House codes are the essence of who you are and what you stand for. They are also the foundation for building a community of like-minded individuals." Dongre believes that fashion can address environmental as well as social and cultural issues. For instance, in 2015, she introduced Grassroot, a label that places sustainability at its core. This year, she collaborated with Mattel to create a Diwali Barbie doll, a project that celebrated the power of representation". For crafts to thrive, they must be woven into modern, wearable silhouettes that connect with todays youth," she says. Its all about making heritage relevant and desirable." Dongre, who has a a flagship store in New York and two Dubai stores, cites Stella McCartney as an inspiration for a designer who has mastered the art of blending house codes with eco-consciousness. She acknowledges the need to evolve and learn from mistakes. When we began, our logo featured an elephant and a Rajasthani arch, a nod to my love for animals and Rajasthan. Over time, I realised the design was being misinterpreted as a domesticated elephant used in weddings. I stand against using animals in captivity. So, we changed our logo," says Dongre. Sujata Assomull is a journalist, author and mindful fashion advocate. Eight years ago China lost a legal battle over its fantastical territorial claims in the South China Sea. An international tribunal ruled they had no basis. China responded by continuing to occupy and fortify reefs and rocks and sometimes preventing fishing and energy development by other countries. Now the confrontation is heating up as Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia challenge Chinas claims and aggression in different ways. Broadly speaking, this pushback is welcome. However, it should not be reckless. America should ensure that its ally, the Philippines, treads carefully. The encounters can be dramatic. On June 17th Chinese coastguards wielded axes as they confronted Philippine sailors resupplying a beached warship that marks the Philippines legitimate claim on Second Thomas Shoal. Two weeks ago China rammed a Philippine coastguard cutter on another shoal, tearing a gap in its hull. Such confrontations often go viral on social media, with images of Chinese bullies with water cannons. They also feature in Sino-American diplomatic meetings, suggesting that both sides fear they could escalate out of control. The resistance by South-East Asian countries has been years in the making and comes in different forms. Vietnam has mimicked Chinese tactics by building up its own outposts on reclaimed land in the Spratly Islands. Malaysias government is generally a walkover: it allows China to patrol its fishing grounds and trade oil that is under sanctions in its waters. Still, even it is now exploring for gas off Borneo inside the nine-dash line" which China says marks its claims. The Philippines has been the most assertive of all. Since 2023 the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos has pivoted the country away from China. It has agreed to give America access to some military bases, in return for an upgrade of them. And it has taken a tougher line on trying to enforce its maritime borders with patrols and public statements. All this is fair enough. But the danger for America is that encounters at sea escalate too far, and that if a military skirmish erupted, it might be obliged to defend the Philippines under their mutual-defence treaty. There is already confusion. In May Mr Marcos said that the death of a Philippine citizen in any skirmish would be close to an act of war", and predicted that America would hold the same standard". But Lloyd Austin, Americas secretary of defence, declined to endorse Mr Marcoss declaration. It is an invidious choice for America. It does not want to risk a wider war. Yet if it failed to back an important ally, American deterrence would suffer in Asia and elsewhere and Chinas illegal claims in the South China Sea would become more entrenched. What to do? The first step is calibration and co-ordination by America and its allies, especially the Philippines. Under their treaty, America is bound to meet the common danger" in the event of an armed attack on a Philippine public vessel. Yet that does not mean the Philippines has a licence to escalate of its own accord and expect Uncle Sam always to back it up. This year the Philippines raised tensions by deploying a vessel to Sabina Shoal. And then, as different Philippine officials competed for influence, its navy took action near Second Thomas Shoal without informing America or Mr Marcos. That was foolhardy. Some hawkish members of Americas Congress also play an unhelpful role, urging the Philippines to take unnecessary risks on the water, without the power to back them up. Better to have careful co-ordination of where in contested waters Philippine vessels sail, public communication of this and clear American backing in advance. A second priority is transparency. The more the world sees of Chinas claims and the ugly way it tries to enforce them, the less legitimate they will seem. Most countries used to suffer in silence. Now the Philippines has led the way by publicising maritime incidents. Other victims of aggression should follow suit. That is likely to draw a broader group of states to criticise China. Several European countries now condemn its actions in the South China Sea. Next should be the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Some of its members who are chummy with China, including Cambodia and Laos, have blocked it from criticising Chinese activity. Other ASEAN members should speak out anyway. It is strongly in their interest to uphold international maritime law. The South China Sea has become a riskier place. But a more predictable policy of deterrence by America and its allies, and more exposure of Chinese misbehaviour, are the best approach to try to keep the peace. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com KYIVWhen the director of Russias largest film studio met President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin last month, he made sure to highlight how he had supported the war effortby handing over dozens of tanks and armored vehicles dating back to the 1950s. The company, Mosfilm, had used armored vehicles from the Soviet era as props for decades. Now, with the Ukraine war chewing through stockpiles, Mosfilm is turning them over. I was told they were needed, so I reached out to the Defense Ministry," Karen Shakhnazarov, Mosfilms director general, told Putin. The donation of around 50 vehicles was a drop in the bucket for Russias militarybut an indication of how deep the deficit of armor has become for one of the worlds most powerful armies. Two-and-a-half years of intense warfare along a 600-mile front has taken its toll, while sanctions have cut off access to Western parts. Russia has lost more than 11,000 armored combat vehicles in the war, including some 3,600 tanks, according to the estimates of Western officials and analystsequivalent to almost 15 years of Russian tank production at prewar levels. Analysts say Russia has around 2,600 tanks left in reserve. New tank deliveries to the front are largely older models plucked from storage, which depletes stockpiles and degrades the overall quality of Russias force. The vehicles have to be sent for refurbishment, then for maintenance and finally, prepared for combat duty," said a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. All of this takes time." Russia has shown an ability throughout the war to adapt to fierce resistance from Ukraine and pressure from Western sanctions, and it is doing so again now to preserve its supplies of armored vehicles. It has shifted its fighting tactics, stepped up efforts to refurbish old equipment and increased military spending. Most analysts estimate, at the current rate of production, Russia has enough tanks to last another two years. Moscows existing stocks are a legacy of the late Soviet period, when it ramped up defense production in anticipation of a potential war with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. By 1991, the crumbling U.S.S.R. had tens of thousands of tanks in reserve, and as many armored vehicles as the rest of the world put together. In subsequent years, many of them stood idle in fields, exposed to the elements. Thousands were shipped off for export. A small number were melted down for the production of other hardware. A large portion of what is available today dates from the 1960s and 1970s and requires weeks of work to become operative. The vehicles handed over by Mosfilm, a titan of Soviet and Russian film production, were given to the studio by the Soviet Defense Ministry in the 1960s. The company is now returning what it had effectively borrowed, including six armored personnel carriers and 36 tanks dating back to the period just after World War II. Losses cant be replenished very quickly," said Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Moscow-based defense think tank Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies. Since you constantly need more, you prioritize quantity over quality." In the first months of its invasion in 2022, Russia expected a swift thrust toward Kyiv. It deployed large parts of its arsenal to Ukraine, including some of its most modern equipment. Kyivs forces had remarkable success picking off Russian armored vehicles using drones and antitank missiles in spectacular displays of firepower that went viral online. By the end of the year, ordinary Ukrainians could stroll among captured Russian tanks at open-air displays that popped up in several cities. The parts Russia traditionally sourced from the West, such as precision components and tank optics, had become inaccessible. By the spring of 2023, footage of decades-old Russian tanks being transported on train cars toward Ukraine was prompting Russian television pundits to quip that Moscow could soon start removing from the commemorative plinths the T-34 tanks that had seen service in World War II. If Kyiv kept getting allied military aid, Western and Ukrainian officials suggested, Russia would run out of the means to keep prosecuting its invasion. They have nothing left," Ukraines military-intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said in August 2023. Theyve exhausted their reserves." Budanov underestimated the sheer size of Russias Soviet-legacy stocksas well as its ability to adapt. To skirt sanctions, Russia soon began sourcing components such as Western microchips and telecommunications equipment via third countries. It deepened ties with North Korea, which has sent millions of artillery shells and other military hardware, and more than 10,000 troops to shore up Russias defenses. And it pumped money into its arms industry. Russias military industrial complex scaled up, reorienting the countrys economy around the exigencies of war. Military spending has hit a post-Soviet high, and is planned to rise to more than $120 billion next year, making up over 30% of total spending. Almost half a million new jobs have been created by the defense industry. Uralvagonzavod, Russias largest tank factory, has launched a recruitment drive to find crane operators, welders and electricians. Some workers are doing 12-hour shifts. State TV has shown footage of Orthodox priests in cassocks throwing holy water on T-90M tanksRussias newest modelbeing ferried west. Michael Gjerstad, who tracks the Russian military at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, estimates that Russia is now producing new and refurbished tanks at the same rate it is losing them on the battlefieldmore than 100 a month. Yes, theres a shortage, but its not as clear as most people think," he said. Russias reconstitution has actually been way better than I would have imagined." Russia has also changed battlefield tactics to stem vehicle losses. When it launched a large-scale assault on the city of Avdiivka in October 2023, dozens of its tanks and armored troop carriers quickly fell prey to mines, artillery and drones. The Russians adapted, Ukrainian and Western intelligence officials say: sending waves of infantry forward in small groups, and often keeping tanks concealed in tree lines to fire on the enemy from a distance. They began paying a far greater price in lives than armor. As Russia now assaults the town of Pokrovsk, west of Avdiivka, Ukrainian drone operator Oleksandr Solonko says Russian vehicles are camouflaged and hidden away. They drive out to the position, fire on us, and retreat," Solonko said. The new strategy of giving priority to infantry assaults has significantly raised the human cost, with Western officials estimating Russian casualties in Ukraine at almost 1,000 a day on average this fall, compared with fewer than 300 throughout most of 2022. It has also made it far harder for Russia to attempt encirclements or major operational breakthroughs in much of Ukraines east. But it has helped Russia preserve its dwindling stock of armored vehicles, while grinding forward inch-by-inch in Ukraines east. Russia cant keep up this intensity of offensive operations for ever, but it is adapting in order to extend that timeline," said Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment who regularly visits Ukrainian front-line units. The Ukrainians dont have time to wait for the Russians to run out of equipment." Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com The promising medical tourism sector in India is facing significant challenges. The ouster of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh and the formation of the interim government in August this year have impacted the flow of medical tourists into India. The immediate impact was caused by the closure of borders between the two countries and the halting of passenger movements. The Indian government also shut down its visa centres in Bangladesh. Sporadic violence in the neighbouring country continues to affect India's medical tourism sector. Market research agency CareEdge estimated that while medical tourist inflow dropped by about 80% in August 2024, there would be a 10-15% decline for the entire year compared to 2023. The latest figures from the Indian tourism ministry highlight the impact of this adverse development on the industry. During January-August, foreign tourist arrivals from Bangladesh accounted for 20.77% of the overall tourists in India. However, when the Bangladesh crisis started in August, the figure dropped to 15.59%. Similarly, medical tourists accounted for 7.72% of the overall tourism inflow pie during January-August, but the share fell to 6.85% in August. Bangladesh has been the leading country in foreign tourist arrivals in the last few years, and any decline in the number of Bangladeshi tourists in the country will have a broader effect on the overall tourism industry. Apart from Bangladesh, medical tourists have come from Yemen, Iraq, Oman, the Maldives, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Myanmar in recent years. Nations like Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, and Myanmar have seen escalating internal and regional armed conflicts. Additionally, relations between the Maldives and India have not been their best since Mohamed Muizzu took over as its president in November 2023. This situation contrasts with what was anticipated for the medical tourism sector just a year ago. The outlook had been very promising, with a significant number of medical tourists visiting hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Max Healthcare in the national capital, CMC Vellore in the south and other hospitals in Chennai and West Bengal. An India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) analysis in May suggested that medical tourism, which typically contributed about 10-12% to the overall revenue of these hospitals, was expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 25%. The driving factors for medical tourism in India have been international-standard infrastructure, superior service compared to the home countries, and relatively affordable healthcare. For example, a bypass surgery that could cost up to $100,000 in the US is available in India for around $5,000. A growing number of medical tourists also come for alternative medical therapies like ayurveda, homeopathy, unani, yoga and siddha. High-profile visitors like King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who made a four-day private visit last month to the Bengaluru-based Soukya International Holistic Health Centre, exemplified this trend. India had attracted an estimated 6.1 million medical tourists in calendar year 2023, as per Crisil. Also Read: Govt discussing a 5-year plan to develop Indias tourism potential Rethink. diversify The current challenges necessitate a rethink of Indias medical tourism strategies and the National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism, which the tourism ministry formulated in 2022. So, what could be the potential measures to revive the sector? India needs to diversify its source countries from the current less-developed economies to developed countries, which accounted for a mere 1.4% of medical tourists in 2022. Countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland have long wait lists for medical care through their public healthcare systems. A focused and robust marketing campaign by the Indian government and hospitals in these countries will help diversify our source countries and attract higher-paying medical tourists. Also Read: Anonymized medical data should be given an additional privacy shield The issue of e-visas also needs a relook. Although India offers e-visas to 170 countries, this facility is not available in five countries in the current top ten list of source countries, per a November 2024 paper from economic think-tank ICRIER. These nations include Iraq, Yemen, Maldives, Sudan and Nigeria. The facility, even for Bangladesh, was formalised only as late as June 2024. While broad-basing the source countries would be a medium-term plan, approving e-visas for the above countries would greatly help bring some immediate relief to the sector. Many unregistered agents in the sector act as a bridge between hospitals and patients, short-changing patients. Strengthening oversight and regulation of these agents is essential to protecting patients and upholding the industrys reputation. Implementing these strategies can help the industry get its mojo back. Also Read: Incredible Indias tourism target of 100 million visitors is credible if we try hard BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 21. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced his intention to hold a meeting with the new administration in Damascus, the minister said in an interview with a local French television channel, Trend reports. Fidan noted the importance of the recent meeting of the American delegation with representatives of the new administration in Damascus. "Before the visit of the US representatives, delegations from some European countries and international organizations had already arrived in Damascus. We are witnessing the process of establishing contacts with the new Syrian administration, which is a significant event," the minister said. After the dean of students at Pittsfield High School was charged with conspiring to sell and distribute large amounts of cocaine in the city, numerous other accusations have been brought forward. The allegations include accusations of staff members sharing inappropriate photos with students and having improper relationships with students, according to The Berkshire Eagle. Lavante Wiggins, 30 and Theodore Warren, 42, were charged on Dec. 11 with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Additional reports of misconduct were made about Pittsfield High Schools staff including the announcement by Superintendent Joseph Curtis about a staff member being placed on administrative leave on Dec. 13, as a result of an investigation spearheaded by the Department of Children and Families, according to The Berkshire Eagle. Curtis notified the parents on Monday afternoon. The staff member was not identified by name or title in Curtis' notice, the newspaper said and did not say what the investigation was about. However, a day after Curtis' email went out, Pittsfield native Angel Breault, 27, made allegations against Wiggins, who she claims to have known since 2014, for misconduct, and other current and former staff members at the school in a Facebook livestream, the Boston Globe reported. Wiggins has been under investigation by the FBIs Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force since March, the newspaper said. An affidavit obtained by the Berkshire Eagle accuses Wiggins of selling around 446 grams of cocaine to a confidential witness on four different occasions between September and December. Breault accused current Pittsfield High School Vice Principal Alison Shepard and former Pittsfield High School employee Taverick Tank Roberson of inappropriate conduct with minors. Roberson was placed on leave from his job at the Berkshire Family YMCA due to a state investigation concerning alleged inappropriate conduct with one or more students while working at the high school, the Berkshire Eagle article reads. From the video, Breault received hundreds of messages and screenshots from people who said theyve dealt with similar experiences with those staff members, the Globe reported. Breault accused Shepard of sending inappropriate images to students and said that Roberson and Wiggins had inappropriate relationships with minors. The Berkshire Eagle then reported that a 17-year-old Pittsfield High School student is suing Pittsfield Public Schools and her former English teacher, Robert Barsanti, 59, who she claims sexually harassed her in class when she was 16. Barsanti retired in June. During a school committee meeting on Wednesday, Pittsfield residents shared their concerns about the allegations. It is clear that something has happened that has violated the safety of our students and our schools and [there] has been a complete breakdown in protecting our youth and our students from apparent predators, Paul Gregory said during Wednesdays school committee meeting. The question to ask is, who didnt know? Not, who knew?... We have public leaders expressing shock, being blindsided and comparisons to a death in the family. These are expressions that are very, very troubling because they lead you to believe that the person expressing these comments didnt know. Teachers and educational administrators are mandated to report incidents of abuse or neglect according to Massachusetts law. Pittsfield Public School Committee Chair William Cameron echoed this during the meeting. Im deeply troubled by the allegations that are made here and that have been made elsewhere that everyone knew what was going on, he said during the meeting. Every member of the Pittsfield teachers union and every member of the staff of the schools is a mandated reporter. If this has been going on for years and its been known to staff members and no mandated reports were filed, weve got more problems than youre describing. A 32-year-old man from New York pleaded guilty to a series of housebreaks in Massachusetts, that targeted Asian or South Asian families, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryans office announced on Friday. The robberies occurred in homes across Newton, Wellesley, Andover and Quincy. Juan Castano, 32, of New York, pleaded guilty to 21 indictments and was sentenced by Justice Patrick Haggan to 4 to 5 years in state prison as a common and notorious thief, the district attorney said in a release. The sentence will run consecutively with a 5 1/2 to 11-year sentence he is currently serving in New York for similar conduct. Castano was additionally sentenced to a three-year term of probation on an additional 20 counts charging unarmed burglary, breaking and entering, larcenies in buildings, larceny of a firearm and attempted breaking and entering. The probation will start when Castano completes his incarceration in New York, and then in Massachusetts. He was brought back to Massachusetts to answer on these indictments under the Interstate Agreement on Detainers while serving his New York sentence, the district attorney said. The 10 robberies happened between June and July 2021 when four homes in Newton were targeted in addition to, four places in Quincy, one in Wellesley and one in Andover, the statement reads. During these break-ins, around $200K worth of property was stolen including money, designer watches, jewelry and a handgun. An investigation revealed that Castano found these residences by carrying a clipboard and approaching the front door. Perpetrators would then break windows or glass doors to enter the homes, ransack the space and leave with the familys valuables. A perpetrator was interrupted during a house burglary in Quincy when he attempted to climb through the window at night and the family, including a child, was at home, Ryans office said. Juan Castano chose homes to break into based specifically on the ethnicity of the residents. He specifically came to Massachusetts from the New York area to commit these crimes. His plan not only violated the victims sense of safety, but, in one instance, he created a physical threat for the family, including children, who were at home during the break, Ryan said in the release. This case is an example of a frightening trend of targeted breaks. However, it also illustrates that we are committed to working collaboratively across agencies and multiple counties, if necessary, to hold those accountable who are organizing these complex criminal schemes. Geolocation and cell tower data obtained through a search warrant found that the same Google account owner and phone subscriber appeared at the same location of these break-ins. The data showed that Castano made trips to Massachusetts with the help of another person who officials identified as Wendy Reyes, to rob homes. Reyes is scheduled for trial on Apr. 14, 2025, the release said. Info/News: Renouvellement du permis doperation pour les pharmacies priveesLes prochaines rencontres de football de la MFAMeteo du 6 janvier 2025Modoki La Nina dans le PacifiqueZone pluvio-orageuse au Nord-Nord Ouest de MauriceTrois Jumbo Express ferment leurs portesDeces de Lady Nancy Ah-ChuenSpace42s Thuraya 4 Satellite successfully launched into orbit[Video news] Baby John au Sirsa[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 janvier 2025Sanjiv Ranjan is the new Secretary-General of the IORA SecretariatLettre ouverte au Premier ministre du PakistanLettre ouverte a lAmbassadeur des Etats Unis a MauriceIPLOOK Networks 2024 RecapThe Best-Performing CEOs in Africa in 2024iHerb Debuts Digital Wellness HubHinen to showcase advanced energy storage technologyContribution decisive des Nouveaux Democrates dans la victoire du 10 Novembre 2024DTOS Group lance une initiative innovante pour renforcer les relations intergenerationnelles en entreprise[Video News] La 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It is noted that after almost a year of the monarch's fight against cancer, positive changes can be noted. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by NBC News, citing sources close to His Highness. However, despite the king's good health, he will have to continue therapy next year. According to an insider at Buckingham Palace, the 76-year-old monarch's treatment process is "moving in a positive direction." Charles III's condition remains absolutely "manageable," but all the necessary procedures to overcome cancer will have to continue in 2025. As a reminder, His Highness's cancer became known in early February 2024. The monarch decided not to disclose what type of cancer it was. It is only known that it was detected during a surgical intervention that the king underwent due to an enlarged prostate gland. Charles III deliberately decided to inform the public about his health to prevent speculation. For a short period, His Highness suspended his duties to begin the process of treatment. However, the King of Great Britain is now in good health, so he does not avoid official meetings and has returned to work. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Olha Sumska's husband, Vitalii Borysiuk, has revealed why his scandalous daughter, actress Antonina Paperna, is not returning to Ukraine from Russia, where she lives with her husband, Russian actor Vladimir Yaglych, and continues to build her career there. According to him, leaving Russia is not as easy as it seems. ADVERTISIMENT He pointed out that society demands impossible actions from the celebrity couple to return their daughter to their homeland while millions of Ukrainians still live in a foreign country and earn bloody rubles. His indignation was expressed in an interview with the "Tour of the Stars" program. "Those who write about this, if they really scanned this situation and realized that you can't just go somewhere with two children when you have a home when you have spent your whole life there. How can she leave with them? They simply won't let them out. And let's talk about how many millions of Ukrainians have remained there, still working! No one says how much we have raised, how many we have helped!" said Vitalii Borysiuk. ADVERTISIMENT He also added that he is concerned about his adopted daughter, and he also gets hate mail because of her life in Russia. "Tonia is like my own child to me, because I have been with her since she was six months old. Tonia is a full-fledged second child for me, so I am just as concerned and worried about everything that happens. I also care about hate, not just Olia," explained Borysiuk, adding that he keeps in touch with Paperna. Olha Sumska told OBOZ.UA the same thing. She said that she has not seen her daughter and grandchildren in person for a long time, but she communicates with them regularly via video. "I haven't seen my daughter and grandchildren since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," says Olha Sumska, "We are in touch by phone every day. I am not alone in this situation millions of people dream of hugging their loved ones. I watch my grandchildren grow up via video. They are growing up insanely fast they are already seven and four years old. What can I say, I really want to meet them. I hope to God that peace will come to Ukraine so that I can hug my children." The actress also talked about what her younger daughter does and why she is shocked by her mother's work. Sumska said that she dreams of her daughter finding herself in the profession. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! by Danielle Oster , December 20, 2024 As travelers prepare for a busy holiday travel season, there are some things theyre not looking forward to about visiting family. Last week, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched a Stay Close, campaign centered around such misgivings, suggesting a nearby hotel can help keep everyone sane this holiday season. Stay Close includes a series of 6 and 15-second ads running on digital video and connected TV on YouTube, paid social media on Metas Instagram and Facebook, along with email marketing initiatives. Each of the spots explores various aspects of the campaigns theme -- from uncomfortable couches to the annoying Aunt-Arazzi, and gifts from dad that arrive alongside criticism. A voiceover then delivers the line Stay close by staying at a hotel by Wyndham instead, suggesting the time apart can also help preserve family relationships. advertisement advertisement Wyndhams appeal to holiday travelers also includes a rewards points promotional offer to further convince travelers the comforts of a hotel stay are well worth the extra expense this holiday season, which runs a bit longer. The offer gives travelers the chance to earn an extra 7,500 Wyndham Rewards points for staying two nights at a Wyndham location through Jan. 20. "The holidays can be a magical time with family and friends, but lets face it, a little personal space and a real bed go a long way, Marissa Yoss, vice president of media and brand marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said in a statement. No matter where your travels may take you across the U.S. this holiday season, chances are theres a Hotel by Wyndham just 10 minutes away. With the Stay Close campaign Wyndham hopes it can capitalize on a particularly promising holiday travel season. The American Automobile Association predicted a record holiday travel season for 2024, anticipating that around 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more. In a call with investors discussing its Q3 earnings report, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts CFO Michele Allen alluded to the favorable holiday calendar built into the companys Q4 outlook, which includes two extra leisure travel days over the Christmas holiday period this year, Anticipating the increased leisure demand would benefit the brand over competitors more reliant on business travel. The promotional component of the campaign appears to be part of the brands strategy to focus on driving the Wyndham Rewards program. During a recent investors call, Allen said the companys rewards credit card program has been the largest contributor to Wyndhams ancillary fee growth in 2024, and predicted it would remain so for 2025. Fluoride exposure in kids can lead to dental fluorosis, affecting teeth development and appearance. Trusted Source Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Cognitive Neurodevelopment: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study Go to source Trusted Source Early Fluoride Exposure and Adult Intelligence Early childhood #fluoride exposure may not impact #cognitive development. #fluorosis Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Cognitive Neurodevelopment: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study - (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220345241299352) The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) have announced the release of a new study that explores how early fluoride exposure impacts cognitive development in young children ).It is important to maintain confidence in the risk and benefit balance of major caries-preventive programs using fluoride. The ongoing debate about potential effects of early life exposures to fluoride on cognitive neurodevelopment requires high quality scientific evidence. The new study by Loc Do, The University of Queensland Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Dentistry, Brisbane, Australia, et al. aimed to investigate potential effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment assessed with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition (WAIS-IV) in an Australian population-based sample.Theover the decades, and to public health more generally, said AADOCR President Effie Ioannidou. It is crucial that a wealth of scientific evidence always be available should the public ever need reminding of this fact.The sample was selected from the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012-14. NCOHS collected data on socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and residential history to estimate percent lifetime exposure to fluoridated water during the first five years of life (%LEFW). NCOHS children were also examined by trained and calibrated examiners to assess(a reliable and valid individual biomarker of total fluoride intake during early childhood). The sample was followed up in 2022-23 to collect data on cognitive neurodevelopment ( intelligence quotient (IQ)) using the WAIS-IV, which was administered by trained and calibrated qualified psychologists.Multivariable regression models were generated to investigate associations between the two exposure measurements (%LEFW and dental fluorosis) with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) scores, controlling for important confounding effects. Hypotheses of noninferiority were also tested contrasting different levels of exposure to fluoride. Some 357 participants aged 16-26 years completed WAIS-IV, with a mean FSIQ score of 109.2 (95%CI: 107.8-110.5). The multivariable regression models estimates demonstrated slightly higher the FSIQ scores among the exposed than the non-exposed. Adjusted of 100%LEFW vs. 0%LEFW was 1.07 (95%CI: -2.86, 5.01), and of having dental fluorosis vs. no fluorosis was 0.28 (95%CI: -3.00, 3.57).The hypothesis of non-inferiority tests found that the FSIQ scores of those exposed and non-exposed to fluoride were equivalent.Source-Eurekalert A new study reveals how gut protozoa influence lung health, shaping immune responses with both protective and harmful effects. Trusted Source A gut commensal protozoan determines respiratory disease outcomes by shaping pulmonary immunity Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? There are 10x the number of microbial cells in the human gut than in the whole human body, totaling roughly 100 trillion microbes representing as many as 5,000 different species and weighing approximately 2 kilograms. #medindia #microbes #gut There are 10x the number of microbial cells in the human gut than in the whole human body, totaling roughly 100 trillion microbes representing as many as 5,000 different species and weighing approximately 2 kilograms. #medindia #microbes #gut Advertisement The Role of Gut Microbes in Immune System Regulation Advertisement Exploring Protozoa: The Less-Known Microbes in Our Gut Advertisement Gut Microbes Influence Lung Immunity Gut Microbes Dual Impact on Lung Health T. mus Complex Role in Health and Disease Potential Protozoa Link to Severe Asthma The Gut Microbiomes Impact on Other Organs A gut commensal protozoan determines respiratory disease outcomes by shaping pulmonary immunity - (https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(24)01336-9) A research team from the University of Toronto has identified aTheir findings reveal how a lesser-known gut microbiome member alters the lung immune environment, producing both positive and negative 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 Ts 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.For their study, the researchers looked at a protozoan calledor 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 thesewhere 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 studys key findings was that-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 ofcolonized 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 ofon 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.Source-Eurekalert Troop pay is no longer in jeopardy after Congress approved legislation early Saturday to keep the government funded through mid-March and prevent a holiday season government shutdown. Passage of the bill in the Senate came right up to the precipice of a shutdown heightening anxiety that service members could miss paychecks due to them at the end of the month at a time when financial stressors could be adding up because of the holidays. With the stopgap spending measure approved by the Senate shortly after midnight, technically occurring right after government funding expired but before any shutdown could be put into effect, troops' paychecks scheduled for Dec. 31 will be uninterrupted. Read Next: Ospreys Cleared to Fly Again, But Problematic Gearbox Gets More Scrutiny House Republicans spent the last few days scrambling to come up with an alternative plan to extend federal funding and keep the government open after President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a close ally of Trump's, trashed a previous bipartisan deal on a stopgap spending measure. By Thursday afternoon, House Republicans came up with a plan that Trump and Musk supported. But almost all Democrats and 38 Republicans voted against that plan, sending GOP House leaders back to the drawing board. Amid the political back-and-forth, the Pentagon warned of serious consequences to the military during a shutdown, including the fact that troops would have to continue working while facing the possibility that the paycheck scheduled to go out at the end of the month would be delayed. "Objectively speaking, a lapse in funding will cause serious disruptions across the Defense Department," Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a news conference Thursday as he said the department was urging lawmakers to come to an agreement. Other major effects of a government shutdown on the military would have included restricting travel unless it's essential for national security, shuttering some on-base day care centers unless they are "required for readiness," limiting elective medical care, and canceling some recreational activities during the holiday season. The bill that was ultimately approved was essentially the same as the one voted down on Thursday, minus an extension of U.S. borrowing authority that Trump had demanded. It is also very similar to the original bipartisan agreement that Musk and Trump trashed, minus some policy provisions that they took issue with. Under the bill, the government will be funded through March 14 at the same levels it currently is. One major difference between that passed and what was originally proposed earlier this week is that the final bill does not include a provision to transfer a fighter jet squadron to the Maryland National Guard. Related: Troop Pay Could Be Delayed Under Elon Musk-Inspired Government Shutdown A tragic incident occurred in the Odesa Zoo a leopard attacked a worker who was cleaning the enclosure. The injured man is currently in the hospital. ADVERTISIMENT The incident was reported by the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa Oblast. At about 10 a.m., the zoo director called the police after one of the zoo workers entered the enclosure to clean it and was attacked by a leopard. At the scene, the police found the injured employee and another employee who tried to help his colleague but found himself in a dangerous situation, unable to leave the enclosure. To avoid further casualties, law enforcement officers used their weapons and neutralized the predator. The wounded man was immediately hospitalized. An investigation is currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the incident. A legal assessment of the incident will be provided after the investigation is completed. ADVERTISIMENT The Odesa Zoo commented on the incident with the leopard attacking a worker, noting that the reason was a mistake in compliance with safety rules. Zoo director Ihor Belyakov explained that law enforcement officers were forced to shoot the animal because it was outside the enclosure and posed a threat to others. Previous attempts had been made to tranquilize the leopard, but they were unsuccessful. According to the director, the leopard, whose name was Casanova, was young. At the same time, Belyakov emphasized that in this situation "there was no other way out." Earlier it was reported that in Ivano-Frankivsk region, a bear with cubs attacked a man who was picking mushrooms. The victim was seriously injured and is now in a hospital in Kalush. The incident occurred near the village of Kuzminets. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SAGINAW TWP, MI Ensuring consistently great food and customer service all goes back to the numbers. The amount of time it takes to make the cooked-to-order dishes, the measurements that go into the homemade recipes and the cost of running a business. Thats the mindset of Pate Hollis III, who owns MakeEm Say Sumthin, located inside Saginaw Countys Fashion Square Mall. After sampling several chicken sandwich recipes from friends and family, Hollis created his own. I guess I always had the recipe and didnt know it because I was always in and out the kitchen, Hollis said. Every time someone bite into them, they saying something thats where the name came from. While the premium chicken sandwich is the dish MakeEm Say Sumthin is best known for, the Twin Box that comes with chicken tenders, chicken wings, a chicken sandwich and French fries, and the chicken and waffle are also top sellers. The chicken can be flavored with garlic parmesan, barbecue, or buffalo sauce, but comes plain with sauce on the side if not coated in it. Theres so many layers and steps. You miss one step, its not MakeEm Say Sumthin, Hollis said. The restaurant also offers Polish sausage, hot dogs and a poke sandwich. When COVID-19 came in 2020, Hollis began to think seriously about turning his beloved chicken sandwich into a real business. Having worked for Michigan Sugar for 10 years, he was already familiar with food safety requirements, which helped a lot, he said. Basically, (going) straight from a home kitchen to a business, thats not easy, Hollis said. I want to start from my city, then the next thing is the state, then the United States, and then to the world. Hollis was born and raised in Saginaw, and he said it feels awesome to be able to serve his hometown. Since opening his business in 2022, Hollis said he has continued to build and strengthen those community relationships. How can I be a help to others? Theres more enjoyment out of that, just doing good business and being a help to others, Hollis said. Even though many storefronts in the Fashion Square Mall are empty, Hollis said it was the perfect fit for his business and hes happy to be there. He gets to see people from many different cultures come in and try his food since the mall is centrally located, he said. Everything happened organically, and a lot of stuff picked me, Hollis said of being at the mall. Im striving for something, for me and for others. MakeEm Say Sumthin delivers with DoorDash and Grubhub. Customers can also call 989-401-3939 to place a pick-up order. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Follow MakeEm Say Sumthin on Facebook here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com. Protestors hold a banner reading "shelter now" outside Ypsilanti City Hall on Oct. 2. Dozens crowded an Ypsilanti City Council meeting over a proposed resolution directing the City Manager to address significant safety concerns downtown with all appropriate resources, including police. Some dually expressed outrage over another measure pushing to reject a ballot initiative proposing public control of the police budget.Sophia Kalakailo DETROIT The University of Michigan, President Santa Ono and the U-M Board of Regents are among those named in a federal lawsuit filed Friday, Dec. 20, claiming violations of free speech, due process and equal protection rights relating to students protesting the ongoing war in Gaza. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, was filed on behalf of several U-M students and alumni, including Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), a Palestinian solidarity student group. The Defendants acted against the Plaintiffs because of their advocacy for the human rights of Palestinians and for their calls for the University of Michigan to divest from Israel to help stop the genocide against the Palestinian people, the lawsuit reads. But for their viewpoint on this issue, Plaintiffs would not have had their Free Speech/Petition/Assembly, Due Process, and Equal Protection rights violated. Read more: University of Michigan regents home vandalized with mason jars, pro-Palestine slogan The Israel-Hamas war has sparked protests around the world. It began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Gazas Health Ministry says Israels offensive has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Associated Press. Protests at U-M arent uncommon. Social issues, global concerns and wars have often been the focus on such demonstrations, with students, staff and faculty previously exercising their rights to free speech by protesting for or against the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement and other events. However, since the most recent war in Gaza has begun, those protesting in support of Palestine claim theyve been unfairly targeted. According to the lawsuit, students were subject to disciplinary proceedings for speech-related conduct that it has not subjected any other students or student groups to. It also alleges restraints on the speech of the only recognized undergraduate student group advocating for the plaintiffs viewpoints. In September, 11 pro-Palestine protesters were charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. ANN ARBOR, MI - Downtown Ann Arbor will soon have a spot to get a fresh, warm plate of Pad Thai from lunch until dawn. A new restaurant called Eat Thai is planning to open at 332 S. Main St., which was KouZina Greek Street Foods former building before it closed in December 2023. The business will be run by Chef Teerawat Apple Pho-On with the help of General Manager Jay Armani. Construction is already underway to remodel the building, Pho-On said. He anticipates it will be open in the next few months. Related: KouZina Greek Street Food shutters while facing eviction in Ann Arbor Pho-On operates a few other Thai restaurants across Michigan, including Tuptim Thai Cuisine near Ypsilanti. He has other restaurants in Troy, Oxford and will soon open another in Bingham Farms. He said hes been looking for years for a chance to bring his cooking to Ann Arbor. Pho-On is from Thailand and will bring authentic recipes, Armani said. The new restaurant will have more appetizers on the menu compared to Pho-Ons other Thai restaurants and will feature fresh, made-to-order dishes which allow customers to customize meals easier. All the recipes that he has are his own recipes that hes developed over time, Armani said. The restaurant will offer a late-night spot, Armani said, adding it plans to be open from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. every day and serve alcohol. His plan is to offer a better choice as far as Thai food and something thats open late, Armani said. He wanted to do something different. Armani currently works for his Florida-based company AMC Advisors and has been helping Pho-On for years. He plans to move to Michigan. He has a vision, but its just about bringing that vision to life so thats what I help him with, he said. (I do) all the behind-the-scenes stuff with the city, things with development and finding the right partners to get things open. Beyond this location, Pho-On has plans to open even more locations in Michigan in the future, including another restaurant in the city. As the building gets ready, Armani said the new restaurant has already received a lot of support from the city and people within Ann Arbor. This space worked out, so were looking to take it to the next level and just make it a place where people can go and get something good to eat at different times of the day and give back a little to the community as well, he said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A heartwarming holiday tradition in the Grand Rapids area is returning this weekend for its 18th year. Tuba Christmas kicks off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, on Sunday, Dec. 22, with hundreds of tuba players, from preteens to the elderly, taking center stage. For the past five decades, musicians nationwide have gathered to celebrate the rich heritage of brass instruments like tubas, euphoniums, baritone horns and sousaphones. These low brass instruments dont often get to take center stage, but Michigan has 12 of these events, including in Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor and Houghton. There are tuba Christmas performances all across the country; every state has a number of them, said Rob Schuitema, director of public programs at GRPM. Were excited. Its such a festive and joyful experience hearing everyone sing along with the music. The annual West Michigan event was initially hosted at the Fountain Street Church several years ago. The number of participating musicians began to outgrow the space, so organizers moved it to GRPM three years ago. Tuba Christmas began nationwide in 1974 with musician Harvey Phillips. He started the event to honor and celebrate his teacher and mentor, William Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the national program and the 18th year for Grand Rapids. The rehearsal and performance occur on the same day. At noon on Sunday, each low brass player meets for the first time during registration. Rehearsal begins at 1 p.m. in the museum theater, next to the classroom and the display of musical instruments. At 3 p.m., its showtime. Its this experience you both listen to and feel, Schuitema said. This low and rich sound reverberates through the entire museum, and the galleria fills up to almost standing room only, surrounded by the audience on all three floors. Attendees can expect to hear holiday tunes from the book Carols for a Merry Tuba Christmas published by the Harvey Phillips Foundation, including Oh, Christmas Tree, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The 45 minutes of music will be complemented by a sea of musicians in festive attire, their instruments decorated with colorful lights and Santa hats. Schuitema told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that the event has always been picturesque. It is hosted on the first-floor galleria underneath Finny, the whale skeleton. Weve had positive feedback about it being in the museum because its under the whale, and people get a chance to go and see the rest of the museum, he said. Many people have responded well because they can make a day out of it. They can come any time during the day to see our exhibits and then stick around for the performance. Whether youre a seasoned musician, in a community band, or want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, Tuba Christmas is open to all. This year, nearly 200 musicians are expected to show up and pay the $10 participation fee. Guests who pay for general admission to the museum will see the free concert at 3 p.m., but it can be loud for museumgoers. As a result, sensory kits with noise-canceling headphones will be available for patrons to use. Schuitema said the annual events goal has always been the kickoff to the holiday season. The hope is when attendees leave, they can go out and enjoy caroling or playing instruments at family parties, he said. Its a way to collectively come together through music and have this shared experience thats positive, festive and joyous, and then walk away with a smile on their face. To learn more about the sing-a-long for brass players, visit gr-tuba-xmas.com. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. KALAMAZOO, MI For over six years, while most of the city was fast asleep, Cathy Balik was on call, ready to be there for a victim of sexual assault, trafficking or domestic violence in a moment of need. Five days a week, from midnight to 8 a.m., she never missed a call, said Sherry Brockway, YWCA Kalamazoo Director of Emergency Response Services. Whether listening to the parents of a victim in a hospital waiting room, or quietly holding the hand of a someone during a nurses exam, or visiting the home of a domestic violence survivor, Balik was there. From October 2017, until she stopped volunteering in December 2023, she spent over 15,000 hours on call. At times, she went three weeks without a call. Other times, she would receive three calls in a weekend. Weve never had a volunteer like her, Brockway said. Cathy has been so instrumental to us, allowing us to provide our services 24 hours a day. ... For the victims, to know that you had someone there that cared enough to support you all the way through, it just means so much. Baliks commitment led to Brockway nominating her for a 2024 Governors Service Award. And on Nov. 14, at the Detroit Opera House, Balik was one of five people honored as the older adult volunteer of the year. The honor was the first ever bestowed on a YWCA Kalamazoo volunteer, Brockway said. Balik was not the first to receive a governors award in her family. Her mother, Esther Behrens-Rausch, was honored in 1991, with the Iowa Governors Award for her own volunteer work in the community. Cathy Balik, left, poses for a portrait with YWCA Kalamazoo Director of Emergency Services Sherry Brockway on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at the YWCA in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Balik, 81, volunteered with the YWCA's domestic violence and sexual assault response teams from 2017 through 2023. Brockway was recognized in November with a Governor's Award for her volunteer service. She became the first YWCA Kalmazoo volunteer honored.Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com In her time as a volunteer with the YWCA, Balik made it a habit to provide comfort and assistance to survivors in their moments of greatest need. She would also mentor peers and buy meals for trainees. She didnt do it to get noticed though. No one, with the exception of her husband, even knew she was volunteering, she said. In part, Balik didnt want to advertise how bad of an issue domestic violence and sexual assault were in the community. She herself had no clue how bad it was until she began volunteering. She knows Kalamazoo is not unique, however, and sees that these issues persist everywhere. For Balik, sitting with someone after they had been assaulted, was never easy. Its not something that is for the thin-skinned, she said. Baliks built-in compassion, however, consistently made it easier for the victims as they navigated some of the worst nights of their life, Brockway said. Phrases such as: Its not your fault. I believe you. You dont have to endure this. You may leave. You are allowed, all became part of Baliks comforting skillset. Those phrases would also help her assist loved ones in getting out of abusive relationships, she said. Ive never experienced (sexual assault or domestic violence) myself, but Ive seen the results, Balik said. I look back and think, I was very fortunate. I was with good guys. After her husband of 30 years passed, she wound up back together with her high school sweetheart, who happens to be a professor at Western Michigan. Along with Brockways recruiting, it was Baliks own teaching background in Toledo and Allegan County, which led to her becoming a volunteer. Part of the curriculum (for home economics) in Allegan County was (teaching) healthy relationships, she said. I saw this as a bit of a continuation of that. When I was teaching, I worked with young people and let them know that they didnt have to endure inappropriate behavior, bullying, all that stuff that goes on. Here, I see it in homes, with college students, and its only getting worse. Balik often wonders what happened to some of the victims, shes sat with. She hopes each have found their way to healthier relationships. And that they know, if those relationships arent healthy, they can leave. If anyone is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, or knows someone who is, they are encouraged to call 911 if they are in immediate danger. The Kalamazoo YWCA also offers a 24-hour confidential crisis line at 269-385-3587. Callers can remain anonymous. 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. SPRING LAKE TWP., MI - The Spring Lake Township Board decided this month to place more restrictions on short-term rentals. The Ottawa County township on the shores of Lake Michigan sees a high amount of traffic and tourism during the summer months. There are currently more than two dozen short-term rental properties. RELATED: Spring Lake Township restricts short-term rentals On Dec. 9, the township board voted 5-2 to change the zoning for short-term rentals, limiting them to only one district. The decision came after residents, board members and township staff raised concerns about having too many short-term rentals and the fabric of the community changing. Nearby lakeshore communities like Park Township and Muskegon have also been grappling with the issue. The popularity of Airbnb and VRBO has brought more tourists to Michigan beach towns. RELATED: Whats the future of short-term rentals in Muskegon? City sets rules Below are the three main takeaways from the Spring Lake Township Boards recent short-term rental action. Where short-term rentals are now allowed Any new short-term rentals are now only allowed in the Medium Density Residential - Cottage (R-3) zoning districts. City officials say this area of the township is predominantly a cottage community called Strawberry Pointe. The board removed short-term rentals from Agricultural (AG), Rural Residential (RR) and High-Density Residential (R-4) zoning districts. Only one short-term rental is impacted There are currently 25 short-term rentals in the township. Under the new restrictions, only one of the 25 would be affected by the zoning change, but will be grandfathered in, officials said. Spring Lake Township Trustee Molly Ziegler, one of the two votes against the change, expressed concerns with hurting a resident operating a small business on their own. Other rentals still allowed Limited short-term rentals - not exceeding 14 days and two rental periods in a calendar year - and long-term rentals of 28 days or more are still allowed everywhere in the township. Township trustees were concerned with the regulation of short-term rentals after Township Manager Gordon Gallagher said there could be 125 short-term rentals operating illegally in the township, according to data from software company Graticus. We dont know that for sure, Gallagher said. The argument could be made, well if you dont know (theyre there), maybe theyre doing an OK job. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. On the biblical Mount Zion, archaeologists found a 500-year-old porcelain bowl fragment with an inscription in Chinese letters. It read: "We will forever guard the eternal spring." ADVERTISIMENT According to MailOnline, according to scientists, this is the first archaeological evidence of economic and political ties between the early Ottoman Empire, the Holy Land of Israel, and imperial China. However, the meaning of the text remains unclear. "We were all very excited about this rare find because it was unexpected," said archaeologist Michael Chernin of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Although authorities have been working at the Mount Zion excavation site for the past three years with the Protestant Institute of Archaeology in Germany, neither team could speak with certainty about the significance of the exquisite bowl's centuries-old message. The researchers have suggested that the cryptic inscription may indicate the reverent awe with which the Ottomans regarded Chinese porcelain, known worldwide for its superior clay quality. ADVERTISIMENT Archaeologists are currently continuing a more specific analysis of the artifact. It is now known to date from between 1520 and 1570 and probably arrived via the Chinese trading colonies that existed in Beirut, Tripoli, and Jerusalem at the time. "This poetic message in Chinese, found in such an unexpected place, adds a beautiful new chapter to the history of Jerusalem. It is a tangible reminder of how interconnected the world was even a few centuries ago," said IAA Director Eli Escudo. While ancient Chinese porcelain has been found in the Holy Land before, the Mount Zion find is the first known discovery to bear an authentic inscription. The Mount Zion excavation site spans a vast chronology of ancient history across different periods and empires, with the new discovery being made near the remains of an ancient Christian church called Aya Zion. Built by Emperor Constantine, the Church of Hagia Zion was once called the "Mother of All Churches" until it was destroyed by the Persians in 614 AD. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On December 21, Russia complained of an air attack. In the Sochi region of the Krasnodar Territory, local residents heard up to a dozen powerful explosions, which "shook the windows and set off the car alarms." ADVERTISIMENT The Tuapse region, where, among other things, an oil refinery is located, was also affected. This was reported by Russian propaganda channels. "A series of explosions thundered in Sochi. According to preliminary data, the air defense system was triggered," one of them informed its audience of more than 1.2 million subscribers. Residents of Sochi and the surrounding area, according to the propagandists, heard a series of powerful explosions early in the morning. "Local residents said that starting at 5:50 a.m., they heard 7 to 10 explosions in the Lazarevskoye district, which caused the windows to shake and car alarms to go off. Residents of Tuapse also reported loud detonations," the channel claims. The propagandists also added that Russian air defense was allegedly targeting drones in the waters. ADVERTISIMENT "There is currently no official information about the destruction and casualties," the post reads. Tuapse, among other things, is home to the Tuapse Refinery, part of Rosneft. According to open sources, 90% of its products are exported. In May and July of this year, Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has already hit the enterprise with drones. In their comments on the report of the explosions, the Russians suggested that it is the port that could have been the target. To recap, on the night of December 21, Russians also complained about a massive attack on Rylsk in the Kursk region with ATACMS missiles. The strike reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries, and the city was left without power. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! One of the biggest mysteries of the iconic monument of England, Stonehenge, is its purpose. Scientists have finally figured out why the peculiar monument was built about 5,000 years ago. ADVERTISIMENT According to a new study, the famous circle in Wiltshire was built as a symbol of the unification of three different parts of the UK. And that is why the stones for its construction were brought from different regions, writes DailyMail. Stonehenge's rocky slabs are known to have been transported far from southwestern Wales and northeastern Scotland. Therefore, scientists from University College London and Aberystwyth University suggest that the Scots and Welsh brought their local stones to Wiltshire as a friendly contribution to the construction of the structure. Scholars emphasize that in this sense, Stonehenge represented a powerful - and very early - symbol of British unity. The builders of the monumental structure were trying to establish "political unification and shared identity across much or even all of Britain," the researchers say. ADVERTISIMENT "Bringing together these extraordinary and alien rocks... symbolised and embodied far and distant communities within a complex material. [Stonehenge was a] monumental expression of unity between people, land, ancestors and the heavens," the authors of the study add. "The fact that all of its stones originated from distant regions, making it unique among over 900 stone circles in Britain, suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose," said lead author Professor Mike Parker Pearson of the UCL Institute of Archaeology. Despite the fact that England, Scotland and Wales did not exist as concepts when Stonehenge was built more than 5,000 years ago, scientists say that this structure truly represents all three countries. ADVERTISIMENT Stonehenge is known for its large slabs of sandstone known as sarsens, which were sourced locally - probably brought from the West Woods in Wiltshire. In addition to the tall boulders, Stonehenge's characteristic appearance is created by about 80 "bluestones". Experts agree that they come from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales. However, the Altar Stone, the largest six-ton bluestone in the center of Stonehenge, actually came from northern Scotland - 1,000 km away, as scientists discovered earlier this year. The team of scientists says that the Altar Stone was brought by the inhabitants of northern Neolithic Scotland as a contribution or gift to the southerners. ADVERTISIMENT "[This was] perhaps to cement an alliance or to take part in the extraordinary long-distance collaboration that building Stonehenge represented and embodied," the experts say. Similarly, the blue stones may have been transported by people from the Preseli hills in southwest Wales as their own contribution-illustrating "a political unification or a sacred peace." The new study now defines the construction of Stonehenge "as a monument of island-wide unification, embodied in part through the distant and diverse origins of its stones." "The similarities in architecture and material culture between the Stonehenge area and northern Scotland now make more sense. Its helped to solve the puzzle of why these distant places had more in common than we might have once thought," said Professor Pearson. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Every year, new fascinating places are added to the must-visit list. When choosing where to go, travelers are guided by various factors: the desire to relax on the beach, learn about new cultures, engage in outdoor activities, or plunge into ancient history. ADVERTISIMENT Tourists have named the top 5 destinations that impressed them in 2024. From the natural wonders of a national park in Ireland to crazy surfing in a Portuguese town, everyone will find an option to their liking. Ericeira, Portugal 50 kilometers north of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast is the wonderful town of Ericeira, famous for its beaches and perfect waves. Ericeira has become a real Mecca for surfers from all over the world. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, enjoy fresh seafood in local taverns, and admire the colorful fishing boats. In addition to surfing, the beaches offer many other water sports, such as kitesurfing, sailing, and diving. The surroundings of Ericeira are rich in picturesque landscapes. You can go hiking along the coastal trails, visit nature reserves, or simply enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature. You should definitely try ourico, a unique local pastry. ADVERTISIMENT London Loop route The London Loop is a walking route that passes through various parts of London, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the city from a different perspective. It is a kind of "green belt" of the capital, which passes through parks, forests, fields, and historical sites. The route is divided into several sections, which are marked with special signs, making it easier to navigate. The 240-kilometer London Loop route consists of 24 sections (all with maps and instructions) that combine magnificent historic buildings and beautiful open spaces. The most popular spot is the promenade, surrounded by colorful flora and fauna, next to the Heathrow fence. The combination of the serene natural world and roaring airplanes a few meters above your head is an absolutely amazing experience. ADVERTISIMENT Damme near Bruges Bruges has a lot to offer, but experts advise starting your trip to Belgium from the picturesque village of Damme. To get to Damme, you should drive 5 km along the canal from Bruges, or in the summer months, take a boat from Bruges to Damme called Lamme Goedzak. Damme boasts amazing Gothic architecture, including the town hall and the church. If you are looking for peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of the big city, Damme is the perfect place for you. Damme is famous for its canals. You can take a boat trip or just enjoy the views from the shore. The surroundings of Damme are rich in scenic views. Go for a bike ride through the countryside, visit local farms, or simply relax by the river. ADVERTISIMENT Ait Benhaddou Often referred to as the "Hollywood desert", this UNESCO World Heritage Site is seen in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ait Benhaddou is a true marvel of Moroccan architecture and one of the most famous ksars (fortified cities) in the world. Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, it has been attracting travelers for more than a century with its unique atmosphere and beauty. Ksar was an important point on the caravan routes connecting the Sahara with the Atlantic Ocean. Its clay walls and towers served as a defense against attackers. The houses in Ait Benhaddou are built of clay, which gives them a natural red-brown color. They are closely pressed together, forming a maze of narrow streets and passages. The nearest large city to Ait Benhaddou is Ouarzazate. From here you can get to the Ksar by taxi or organized tour. ADVERTISIMENT Connemara A short drive northwest of Galway, Connemara offers many hikes that offer views of the mountains and the Atlantic coast. Connemara impresses with its unspoiled nature, picturesque landscapes, and rich history. This region is a real paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for authentic Ireland. Connemara is famous for its endless bogs, mountains, lakes, and sandy beaches. A large part of the territory is part of the Connemara National Park, which offers many hiking trails. The region is known for its excellent fishing, especially for salmon and trout. Connemara has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Here you can see the ruins of ancient forts, monasteries, and other historical monuments. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Netflix has compiled a rating of the most watched TV series in Ukraine this week. The list showed that Ukrainian viewers are attracted to a wide variety of genres. ADVERTISIMENT From historical dramas to crime thrillers, Ukrainians chose different genres. The top ten shows include both new releases and Netflix hits. What series did Ukrainians choose to watch on Netflix this week? Black Doves This is a British spy series that was released on the platform in 2024. The series immediately gained the attention of viewers thanks to its intriguing plot, vivid characters, and high quality filming. The story revolves around Helen Webb, a talented spy who works for the Black Doves secret organization. For many years, she has been passing secrets of her husband, a politician, to this organization. However, when he is murdered, Helen's life changes dramatically. She finds herself in the center of a dangerous intrigue and must uncover the truth about her husband's death and stop a deadly conspiracy. ADVERTISIMENT La Palma The series tells the story of a Norwegian family stranded on the Spanish island of La Palma during the threat of a volcanic eruption. The series combines a drama about family relationships with an intense thriller about the struggle for survival in extraordinary conditions. The characters, looking for an escape from everyday life, find themselves in the face of an imminent catastrophe. They have to make difficult decisions, overcome fears and unite to survive. At the same time, the series raises important questions about human nature, the power of family ties and the value of life. La Palma is a dramatic story about people who find themselves at the limit of their abilities and are forced to fight for their lives. Thanks to its vivid characters, exciting plot and realistic filming, the series keeps viewers in suspense to the last minute. ADVERTISIMENT No Good Deed An edgy American comedy from Netflix that reveals the darker side of the search for the perfect home. Three different families dream of buying a chic 1920s-style villa, believing that it will solve all their problems. However, as often happens, the beautiful facade hides unpleasant surprises. The series is full of satirical elements that ridicule modern family values and the American dream of the perfect life. Each family has its own skeletons in the closet, and the villa becomes a place where these secrets gradually come to the surface. Border Guards ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian TV series that tells the story of the life and work of Ukrainian border guards. It is based on real events and reflects the complex challenges faced by border guards in protecting the state border. The series combines elements of drama, thriller and action. It shows not only the heroic deeds of border guards but also their personal problems, family relationships and internal conflicts. The Madness An American thriller that debuted on Netflix in 2024. The series tells the story of a media expert who, while on vacation in the Pocono Forest, witnesses the murder of a well-known white supremacist. ADVERTISIMENT This unexpected turn of events throws the protagonist into a whirlwind of events, where he finds himself under suspicion of murder. The series explores the themes of racism, political correctness and social disorder. It also raises questions about the nature of truth and justice in the modern world. The Empress It tells the story of the life and reign of Sisi, the legendary empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The series captivates viewers with lavish costumes, luxurious sets and an intriguing plot. In addition, the series explores Sisi's complex family and romantic relationships, as well as political intrigues that influenced the fate of the empire. The story is presented through the prism of the protagonist's personal experiences, which allows the viewer to better understand her inner world and motivations. ADVERTISIMENT Senna The biographical story of the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. The series describes in detail Senna's journey from his early years behind the wheel of a go-kart to the top of motorsport. The series is centered on Senna's fierce rivalry with French driver Alain Prost. It also showcased the tragic death of Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Before 30 Bucket List A Ukrainian comedy series that premiered on TET TV channel in the fall of 2023. The plot tells the story of three friends ( actors Daria Petrozhytska, Anna Koshmal, and Anastasia Ostreinova) who meet in Kyiv on their 29th birthday. They take this event as a sign of fate and decide to radically change their lives one year before their anniversary. The series convinces us that turning thirty is not a limitation but an inspiration for new achievements. ADVERTISIMENT The first season gained wide popularity, and in August 2024, it was announced that the second season was being filmed and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. The show also premiered on Netflix, which expanded its audience. The series features a bright cast, including Artur Lohai, Taras Tsymbaliuk and others. Thanks to the talented team of director Viktor Medvedskyi and producer Oleksiy Zarzhytskyi, Before 30 Bucket List has become a real hit on Ukrainian television. A Man on the Inside This is a comedy detective series from Netflix that tells the story of an unexpected adventure of a retired professor. After the death of his wife, he decides to change his life and goes undercover in a nursing home. There, he has to uncover a secret that is hidden behind the facade of the residents' quiet life. This series combines elements of humor, intrigue and drama to create a fascinating story of new beginnings and unexpected twists of fate, with famous actor Ted Danson in the lead. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Experienced traveler Sarvakhgyan Santhaunam shared a useful life hack online, advising taking pictures of your luggage before handing it over to airport employees. This will help to find things faster if they get lost during the flight. ADVERTISIMENT His words are reported by The Sun. The author emphasizes that the suitcase does not necessarily have to disappear, but in case it does, passengers will be able to help the airline. Sarvakhgyan advises taking photos of your luggage from 4 sides in advance, as sometimes details are forgotten. In case of loss of personal belongings, airport employees ask to describe their appearance. If a traveler has lost, for example, a black suitcase, the search circle becomes extremely large. With a photo of the lost bag, it is significantly narrowed and the search is accelerated. The man claims that when tourists are confused, they can often fail to mention important details, and this significantly reduces the chances of finding their luggage. The same life hack can be used if you are planning a trip with children. Kids can easily get lost in a crowd, and a photo taken in advance will help you find them. You can show a picture with a child to foreign tourists or employees with whom there is a language barrier. Detective stories are one of the best genres to distract and relax from everyday worries. Fascinating stories and unexpected plot twists keep you in suspense to the very end. ADVERTISIMENT In winter, you especially want coziness and comfort. OBOZ.UA publishes a selection of the best winter detectives for evening viewing. Fargo Year: 1996. Director: Joel Cohen, Ethan Coen. Cast: Francis McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, Harvey Presnell. Jerry, who works as an ordinary salesman in his father-in-law's car dealership, is going through hard times. To cope with his financial problems, he tries various schemes and decides to pull off a risky scam: organize the kidnapping of his pregnant wife. The situation gets out of hand. Jerry covers his tracks after the unexpected bloodshed, and meanwhile, detective Marge Gunderson begins to investigate the crime. The film won two Oscars, as well as awards for directing from the British Academy and the Cannes Film Festival. ADVERTISIMENT Whiteout Year: 2009. Directed by Dominique Sena. "Whiteout" is a detective thriller adapted from the comic book of the same name by Gregory "Greg" Rucka and Steve Lieber. Carrie has to investigate a strange murder at a station above the Arctic Circle. She has only three days to catch the first serial killer in the history of Antarctica. The situation is complicated by the approaching polar night. The plot is tied to an incident that allegedly took place 50 years ago at the Soviet Vostok base, from where an airplane with an important cargo took off. Wind River ADVERTISIMENT Year: 2017. Director: Taylor Sheridan. Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Jon Bernthal, Martin Sensmeier, Julia Jones, Kelsey Asbill, Graham Greene. Wyoming, USA. The events take place on the Wind River Indian Reservation, among the forests and snowy expanses. Corey Lambert: works as a game warden. He has to catch a cougar that is killing the livestock of the locals. But while wandering in the wilderness, Cory finds not a predator, but the corpse of a teenage girl. FBI agent Jane Benner is convinced that it is a murder. Corey agrees to help with the investigation, but he thinks the girl just got lost and died of cold. Soon it becomes clear that Jane was right, because another body is found on the reservation... The snowman ADVERTISIMENT The year: 2017. Director: Thomas Alfredson. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jonas Karlsson, Michael Yates. This is an adaptation of Yu Nesbgh's novel about detective Harry Gole. 2004. The most famous detective in Norway, Harry Gole, together with his new colleague Catherine Brett, begins to investigate the disappearance of a woman. It turns out that women disappear too often in Oslo. Gole suspects that the first serial killer in the history of Norway is operating in the city. Each of his crimes has two characteristic features: all the victims are married women, and a snowman always remains at the crime scene... Murder on the Orient Express Year: 2017 Director: Kenneth Branagh. Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe. The film adaptation of Agatha Christie's cult novel tells the story of a winter trip on the Orient Express, which follows the legendary route from Istanbul to Paris. Hercule Poirot is approached by Samuel Ratchett with a request for protection and offers a lot of money. Poirot refuses him. The next morning Ratchett is found dead with twelve stab wounds. Everyone is suspected, and the train itself is trapped in the snow. Poirot realizes that he has never encountered a more interesting story... Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin showed certain signals during his annual "direct line" that were intended sabotage groups, political and other agents in the government, and Ukrainian and Western society. However, the Kremlin leader also pursued another goal: to "feed" Russians with the narratives he needed before the winter holidays so that people would spend this time discussing them. ADVERTISIMENT The dictator did not say anything about solving the problems of ordinary Russian citizens, so he tried to divert their attention to other topics. This was stated by Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi on the OBOZ.UA channel. "It was like taking people into another world and manipulating them in this world he had created. This is not the world of an ordinary person living in Russia. This is his world, his bunker, his isolated system of scarce information, nothing more and nothing less," he said. Will peacekeepers appear in Ukraine? Commenting on the possibility of foreign peacekeepers appearing in Ukraine, Bezsmertnyi noted that although this issue is currently being discussed, it is unlikely to happen in the near future. Also, in his opinion, as of now, negotiations and signing of any peace agreement with Russia are only 1.5-2% realistic. ADVERTISIMENT The diplomat believes that behind the facade of these talks about the so-called peacekeeping contingent, there is actually a discussion of the formation of not just a military-political bloc, but of a defense industry complex, and the issue of providing armored vehicles, drones, shells, air defense systems and missile defense systems. "Most likely, the topic of peacekeepers is a kind of continuation of the conversation that took place back in February 2024 at the Elysee Palace, where Emmanuel Macron asked the question quite clearly: to what extent are European states ready to help Ukraine with personnel? Today, the situation has reached a point where it is possible to discuss this topic. The problem of guarantees has emerged, and it can be solved by allowing European and NATO troops to enter the territory of Ukraine," he says. ADVERTISIMENT However, this option is ruined by one simple question - what happens if Russia strikes Ukraine at the moment of guarantee fulfillment? Western troops will quickly gather and return because they are not fit for combat. "They are suitable for being targets," the politician noted. "And from my point of view, most of the conversations you just asked about consisted of two parts: closed and open. This indicates that along with the discussion of an issue that is unlikely to be effective today, let's put it mildly, other important problems are being resolved as well," Bezsmertnyi said. Now Europe and NATO are saying: Ukraine needs to be provided with maximum assistance so that it can seize the strategic and tactical initiative, and then we can talk about some negotiations and signing of any documents. ADVERTISIMENT "And from my point of view, what has been happening these days, starting with Warsaw, Lviv, and then Brussels, is essentially preparing Europeans for a dialogue with Donald Trump. It is not obvious whether it will take place at the time of the inauguration or after that, but it is clear that the Europeans will force Trump to make a decision: will you provide assistance to Ukraine or not? Stay low then, and we will work together with Ukraine. This is what we believe in," the diplomat summarized. As previously reported, former Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States and Austria and former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko said that there are only two ways to deploy European troops in Ukraine. These are either the creation of a new UN peacekeeping mission or of a coalition of those who is willing to do it. Meanwhile, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko said that US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to deploy foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine is not something that can be implemented. At the moment, this is only a hypothetical option. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Numerology Predictions 2025: Read yearly forecast for numbers 1 to 9 based on date of birth Chirag Daruwalla is an astrologer with more than 18 years of experience advising clients on career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage related queries, and on all kinds of life and work problems. Visit chiragdaruwalla.com, call/Whatsapp +91 8141566266 or email info@chiragdaruwalla.com Neha Mewari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept ICAI CA Final November 2024 Result to be Declared on Dec 26, Check Notice Here Archisha Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept One thousand thirty-first day of the large-scale war waged by Russia against Ukraine is over. Our troops continued to steadfastly hold the line. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a summary on December 20 as of 22:00. It is noted that 191 combat engagements have taken place at the front since the beginning of the day. Russian shelling The enemy launched three nine missiles, 59 guided bombs, and more than 730 kamikaze strike drones at Ukraine. Russia also fired at the positions of our troops and settlements using various types of weapons more than 4,000 times. The situation at the front In the Kharkiv sector, there was one combat engagement with Russian invaders near Vovchansk. In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy tried to force our units out of their positions near Kucherivka, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Zahryzove and Lozova 11 times. ADVERTISIMENT One fight continues in the Lyman sector. The enemy attacked fourteen times, trying to advance in the areas of Yampolivka, Terny, Novoserhiivka, Zelenyi Hai, Ivanivka, Torske, Hryhorivka and Serebrianskyi forest. Two other fights are still ongoing. In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 6 enemy attempts to advance near Chasiv Yar. ADVERTISIMENT In the Toretsk sector, the enemy tried tobreak through our defense 11 times. Since the beginning of the day, the occupants near Toretsk and Leonidivka have been fiercely stopped by our defenders ten times. One attack is still ongoing. In the Pokrovsk sector, the enemy continues to intensify its attacks. The aggressor attempted 41 assaults here during the day. Russian occupants are most active in the areas of Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelene, Novyi Trud, Dachanske, Vovkove, Pishchane, Novovasylivka, Novoielyzavetivka, Novooleksiyivka and Ukrainka. Thirty-five attacks have already been repelled by Ukrainian defenders, and 6 more engagements are ongoing. At the same time, the enemy shelled the localities of Oleksandropil, Sukhyi Yar and Pokrovsk, dropping a total of three guided bombs. ADVERTISIMENT Our soldiers are making efforts to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into Ukrainian territory. According to the information currently available, the aggressor's losses in this sector amounted to 370 people, 171 of whom were seriously wounded. One armored personnel carrier and nine vehicles were destroyed. In addition, a mortar and a vehicle were damaged. In the Kurakhove sector, there were 20 combat engagements over the day.The invaders remain highly active, trying to advance in the areas of Sontsivka, Stari Terny, Andriivka, Kurakhove, Dachne, Dalne, Kostiantynopolske and Kostiantynopil. Defense Forcesunits repelled 17 enemy attacks, three are still ongoing. The settlements of Kostiantynopil and Andriivka were shelled with guided bombs. At the same time, the Defense Forces neutralized 86 occupants in this area, 34 of them suffered serious wounds. In addition, one vehicle was destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT There were 25 fights in the Vremivsk sector. Twenty-two enemy assaults have already been stopped by our defenders in the areas of Uspenivka, Dalne, Yantarne, Rozlyv, Bohatyr, Velyka Novosilka, Makarivka, Novosilka, Novopil and Novodarivka. Fierce fighting continues to this day. The enemy also used aviation force in the area of Velyka Novosilka, dropping four guided bombs. In the Orikhiv sector, our soldiers successfully repelled one enemy attempt to advance in the area of Mala Tokmachka. ADVERTISIMENT In the Prydniprovskyi sector, our defenders repelled the attacks of the Russian invaders 4 times. The enemy used attack aircraft in the area of Ivanivka, using 8 unguided bombs. There were 50 combat engagements in the Kursk sector. In addition, the enemy launched one missile attack and used artillery force 377 times. The enemy has not been active in the Siverskyi and Huliaipole sectors since the beginning of the day. As reported, Ukrainian defenders eliminated about 2,200 occupants at the front yesterday, which was a record figure. They also destroyed 275 units of their military equipment and weapons. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Rana Daggubati thanked Rishab Shetty for giving him a tour of his hood, says, "Truly a special experience!" M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ahead of Delhi Assembly polls, ED gets Lt Governors sanction to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy case Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Swati Das is an independent journalist covering Tamil Nadu politics, and is based in Chennai. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Kutch awaits you all': PM Modi invites tourists to experience the magic of Rann Utsav Chandrima Sanyal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Ukraine continues to integrate technological innovations into its ground warfare. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers conducted a ground attack using only unmanned robotic systems for the first time. ADVERTISIMENT It took place in the Kharkiv sector near the village of Lyptsi, where the systems, armed with machine guns, were used to mine and destroy enemy positions. Details of the battle were disclosed by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The first successful attack using exclusively robotic systems (unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and first-person view (FPV) drones) was reported by the 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, which is holding the line in the Kharkiv sector. They did not specify when the attack was carried out, but noted that it took place near Lyptsi. The operation was successful, and the Russian positions were destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT The attack involved ground drones equipped with machine guns and kamikaze drones, the task of which is to approach an obstacle or enemy cover and destroy it. Drones were also used to mine/de-mine certain areas of the frontline. "These are large multi-rotor drones that can carry a large munition, such as an anti-tank mine. And FPV drones. All this is supported and controlled by a number of observation drones. In other words, we are talking about dozens of units of robotic and unmanned equipment working simultaneously in a small section of the frontline," added Volodymyr Dehtiariov, a representative of the public relations service of the Khartiia Brigade. ISW analysts emphasized that officials of the military and political authorities of Ukraine constantly emphasize that the state is aimed at using technological innovations at the front and creating asymmetric strike capabilities. After all, this is the only way to preserve limited manpower. Especially with "Russia's willingness to accept unsustainable casualty rates for marginal territorial gains." ADVERTISIMENT "Ukraine also continues to innovate aerial drone production. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian officials completed tests of a drone attached to fiber optic cables that will be more resistant to electronic warfare (EW) interference. Russian forces have recently fielded such drones in Kursk Oblast and Ukraine. A Ukrainian drone company reported that it recently assembled a prototype of the first FPV drone made exclusively from components manufactured in Ukraine.," ISW added. As a reminder, the day before, ISW said that the Russian occupiers had advanced in the Kupiansk sector, while the Armed Forces of Ukraine had regained positions in Chasiv Yar. Meanwhile, in the Kursk region, Russian troops also advanced, while Ukrainian troops counterattacked. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Shiv Sena (UBT) might go solo for BMC polls, says Raut 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Veteran banker KV Kamath learns by watching an hour of YouTube everyday. His current favourite show is... Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Russia reaffirms support to India's bid to become permanent member of UNSC 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In the evening of December 20, explosions occurred in Kharkiv, with hits recorded in Saltivskyi and Kyivskyi districts. The total number of victims was at least eight. ADVERTISIMENT Saltivka At 21:40, an enemy Shahed-136 hit a nine-story residential building in Saltivka, destroying the first two floors. Six civilians, including a child, were injured. The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said that a fire broke out at the site. "All services are working to eliminate the consequences," he assured on his Telegram channel around 22:00. As of 22:30, four victims were reported. A 12-year-old girl suffered a light shrapnel wound on her leg. Three people had an acute stress reaction. At that time, firefighters were extinguishing the fire on the first and second floors (the fire area reached 30 square meters). "The building is being inspected and people are being interviewed about resettlement," Syniehubov wrote. By 23:30, the number of victims had increased to six (five of them with acute stress reactions). ADVERTISIMENT The National Police of Ukraine noted that an investigative team, explosives experts, forensic experts, dog handlers, rescuers and medics were working at the scene. A criminal proceeding was opened over the violation of the laws and customs of war under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Kyivskyi district At approximately 23:40, another attack took place in the Kyivskyi district of the city. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that a fire broke out in a private house there. There were people in the house. As of 00:10 on Saturday, Terekhov reported two victims."People from the burning house were rescued," he wrote. Solonitsynivka community Even before midnight, residents of the Solonitsynivka community heard an explosion caused by a Russian drone strike. "There is a fire in a non-residential building. No casualties," Syniehubov wrote at 23:50. As reported, on the morning of December 20, Russia launched a combined attack on Kyiv using Kinzhal air defense missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. 12 people were injured and one civilian was killed. One of the fires in Kyiv region took almost 15 hours to extinguish. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported a "successful strike" on the Ukrainian capital. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept On the night of December 21, the Russian terrorist army launched more than 110 kamikaze drones across Ukraine. Some of them traditionally flew into the territory of Belarus. ADVERTISIMENT Due to the attack of Russian drones, Belarusians raised their aviation. This is reported by the Telegram channel "Belaruski Gayun." During the night, at least 5 incursions of Russian Shahed-type kamikaze drones into Belarus were recorded. All of these UAVs, which were used by the Russians to attack Ukraine, entered from the territory of Chernihiv region. The first entry of a group of two kamikaze drones was at 23:28. One drone flew to Bragin, and the other flew to Horodnya, heading for Cheretianka and then Gomel. After that, the drones flew into the territory of Belarus at 23:34, 00:06, and 01:29. It is worth noting that the UAV that flew at 00:06 from Slavutych to Belarus made several circles in the border area, constantly flying in circles from Komarin to Chernihiv. At 2:40 a.m., the Belarusian Air Force launched fighter jets. According to preliminary reports, the Belarusian military did not shoot down the Russian drones. As a reminder, in the morning of December 21, the city of Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) was attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles. The Russians claim that one of the UAVs allegedly hit the Azure Skies residential complex. A fire broke out at the scene. Earlier it was reported that the UAVs were targeting the Gorbunov Aviation Plant. As a result of electronic warfare and air defense, some of the drones hit high-rise buildings. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the terrorist attack in Magdeburg, Germany. The Head of State said that violence should never win anywhere. ADVERTISIMENT The President also emphasized that it is very important to establish all the circumstances and motives of the attacker. Zelenskyy said this on the social network X. The Ukrainian president noted that doctors in Germany are fighting for the lives of the victims after the horrific attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The President said that all prayers are aimed at ensuring that doctors manage to save the lives of seriously injured people. "It is very important to establish all the circumstances and motives of the attacker. We support the people of Magdeburg and all Germans on this difficult day. Hold on, dear German friends," the President said. As a reminder, in Magdeburg, Germany, a car drove at breakneck speed into a crowd at a Christmas market. As of 10 p.m. Kyiv time on December 20, at least 11 people were reported dead, and 60 to 80 people were injured. Earlier it was reported that the Security Service of Ukraine called on Ukrainians to help counteract attempts by Russian special services to recruit our compatriots to commit sabotage and terrorist attacks on the territory of the state. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! NYC Mayor Eric Adams right-hand woman Ingrid Lewis-Martin resigns Ingrid Lewis-Martin, long-time confidant and chief adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, has suddenly resigned from her position. Her resignation coincides with Adams facing federal indictment and preparing for re-election, amid growing legal troubles and investigations. Lewis-Martin's departure is seen as a significant blow to the mayor's inner circle, given her years of support and loyalty to Adams. There are doubts about whether the resignation is a strategic move to avoid indictment, following a raid on her return from Japan and the pending grand jury evidence. The fallout from Lewis-Martin's departure could significantly affect Adams' political future and the overall administration, as the investigations continue and political speculations intensify. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the fiercely loyal and longtime confidant of New York Mayor Eric Adams, has abruptly resigned from her post as chief adviser. Her departure, effective immediately, comes at a time when Adams is already facing a series of legal troubles, including a high-profile federal indictment, and is gearing up for re-election next year. For years, Lewis-Martin has been Adams' go-to, a trusted ally who helped shepherd him from police captain to the mayor's office. Her departure is not just a personal blow to Adams, but a significant loss to his inner circle as the city grapples with mounting scandal. "Ingrid has not been just a friend, a confidant and trusted adviser, but also a sister," Adams said in a rare show of vulnerability. Yet, behind the facade of gratitude, one can't help but wonder if this sudden resignation results from an internal schism or a calculated move to save face amidst the swirling storm of investigations. News of Lewis-Martin's resignation broke just as Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg's office prepared to present evidence to a grand jury, potentially resulting in an indictment against her. This move by the DA's office is a stark reminder of the precarious position Adams and his administration find themselves in, as local law enforcement turns its attention closer and closer to the mayor's inner circle. Resignation or strategic retreat? The timing of Lewis-Martin's departure is beyond coincidental; critics argue it's a strategic retreat from the battlefield. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, declined to comment on the state of the investigations, leaving the public and political analysts to speculate on the potential charges that may be levied against her. The pattern of raids and investigations targeting Adams' closest aides has created an air of paranoia and suspicion within City Hall. (Related: NYC Mayor Adams INDICTED in federal corruption probe.) One of the most telling aspects of this story is the trail of breadcrumbs left by investigators. When Lewis-Martin returned from a vacation in Japan, officials from the Manhattan DA's office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were waiting for her at JFK Airport. She was promptly served a subpoena and had her phones seized. This was a clear sign that she was under close scrutiny, and her abrupt departure only added fuel to the fire. Ingrid Lewis-Martin's loyalty to Adams has been well-documented, cementing her place as a pivotal figure in the mayor's political rise. Her tireless dedication over the years has been a double-edged sword. While she has been credited with securing crucial deals and smoothing over political rough patches, she has also faced allegations of bending the rules to protect Adams and his team. One particularly eyebrow-raising incident involved Lewis-Martin's alleged mishandling of Winnie Greco, a top aide who was later the subject of a federal investigation. Sources claim that Lewis-Martin fought to keep Greco on the team, even when warnings were issued about mixing personal and professional interests. This tactical loyalty to her friends and colleagues, however, may have been the very thing that now threatens to bring down the entire administration. As New Yorkers watch this political soap opera unfold, the question remains: Can Eric Adams survive this latest blow? Or will the unraveling of his inner circle mark the beginning of the end of his tenure as mayor? Only time will tell. Lewis-Martin thanked Adams for his support and pledged to remain a faithful supporter from the sidelines. But her words, though heartfelt, ring hollow in the wake of the investigations and the revelations that have come to light. For now, Ingrid Lewis-Martin is taking a step back, but the fallout from her departure is only just beginning. The political landscape of New York City is about to change and the repercussions of this decision will be felt for months, if not years, to come. Find more related stories at BigGovernment.news. Watch the video below that talks about Adams' indictment. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: New York State Supreme Court blocks Mayor Eric Adams' attempt to stop Texas from busing illegal migrants to NYC. Prosecutors: NYC Mayor Eric Adams could face MORE CHARGES after his indictment. New York City to stop providing illegal immigrants with prepaid debit cards. Mayor Adams delivers statement to New Yorkers about his alleged criminal activity, claiming charges are "completely false and founded on lies." Sources include: Politico.com NYTimes.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Israel shuts down embassy in Ireland over anti-Israel policies Israel decided to close its embassy in Ireland as a response to Dublin's criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the Irish government of crossing "red lines" with its "extreme" policies and "anti-Semitic rhetoric," claiming Ireland engages in "delegitimization and demonization" of Israel. Ireland has backed South Africa's bid at the International Criminal Court to file a genocide case against Israel, pointing out the "collective punishment" of Palestinians through Israeli military actions. The Prime Minister of Ireland, Simon Harris, expressed regret over the closure and acknowledged the diplomatic fallout, while the Jewish community in Ireland faces practical disadvantages due to the embassy's closure. Analysts suggest that engagement, dialogue and a commitment to human rights and international law are necessary for resolving the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for Israel to address the impact of its actions through meaningful dialogue. Israel has decided to shutter its embassy in Ireland, a move that is seen as a direct response to Dublin's vocal stance against Israeli operations in Gaza. This decision comes at a time when the world is grappling with the devastating fallout from the war in Gaza, where the Palestinian death toll has climbed to staggering heights. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a statement, laid the blame squarely on the doorstep of the Irish government, accusing it of "crossing every red line" with its "extreme" policies and "anti-Semitic rhetoric" towards the Jewish state. The minister, Gideon Saar, minced no words in his condemnation of Dublin, accusing Ireland of engaging in "delegitimization and demonization" of Israel, while also pointing fingers at "double standards" that seem to be prevalent in the international community. But let's be clear: Israel's actions in Gaza are the real affront to international law here. The very accusation of genocide, though vehemently denied by Israel, is not baseless. As the Irish government rightly pointed out in their statement, "There has been a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced." (Related: EU states considering SANCTIONS against Israel for defiance against ICJ ceasefire order.) This is not just rhetorical posturing, critics argue. The fact cannot be ignored. Ireland: Israel's move is "deeply regrettable" Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed his dismay at Israel's decision, calling it "deeply regrettable." But even as Harris sought to downplay Ireland's stance, the truth remains that Dublin has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's actions in Gaza. It's no coincidence that Ireland has backed South Africa's bid at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to file a genocide case against Israel. "We want a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security," Harris insisted. The decision to close the embassy has profound implications for Irish-Israeli relations. Maurice Cohen, the chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, acknowledged the impact this will have on the Jewish community in the country. "The closure of the embassy represents not only a symbolic blow but also a practical disadvantage" for Jewish residents in Ireland who rely on consular services. The irony of Israel's decision to open a new embassy in Moldova, a country that has previously aligned itself closely with Israel, is not lost on critics. This move, according to Saar, is about "strengthening ties" with countries that share Israel's values and attitudes. As the dust settles on this latest diplomatic upheaval, the real question that hangs in the air is: Will this move by Israel actually lead to a more nuanced dialogue, or will it simply push Ireland and others further away from the negotiating table? The path forward is clear engagement, dialogue and a commitment to human rights and international law must be at the heart of any solution to the crisis in Gaza, analysts suggest. Israel's actions thus far have made that path more difficult, but they have not made it impossible. The road to peace and reconciliation is rarely straightforward, but running away from criticism and closing embassies is not the answer. For observers, it's time for Israel to look inward, recognize the impact of its actions and engage in meaningful dialogue that respects the rights and humanity of all parties involved. Until then, the cycle of violence and diplomatic fallout will continue to claim victims from both sides. This is more than just a diplomatic spat; it's a stark reminder of the deep divisions in the region and the urgent need for meaningful change. Israel's decision to close its embassy in Ireland is a dramatic step that will have far-reaching consequences. IsraelCollapse.com has more stories related to this. Watch the video below where White House Security Communications Advisor John Kirby declares continued support to Israel as they defend themselves. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EU states considering SANCTIONS against Israel for defiance against ICJ ceasefire order. Full list of 124 countries that must arrest Netanyahu for the ICC. Spain cancels $6.48M arms deal with Israeli defense company amid ongoing IDF violence inflicted upon Gazans. Sources include: RT.com TimesOfIsrael.com Brighteon.com Elon Musk seeks to turn SpaceXs Starbase into a Texas city SpaceX has formally requested to incorporate its South Texas launch site, Starbase, as a new city in the Rio Grande Valley. The move aims to streamline processes for building amenities and supporting the growing workforce necessary for the company's ambitious projects. SpaceX's general manager emphasized the need for community development to support essential services like roads, utilities, and medical care. The proposal comes amid significant growth for SpaceX, including plans to relocate headquarters to Texas and launch over 400 Starship rockets in the next four years. While the incorporation could bring benefits, it has also raised concerns among locals and environmental advocates about its potential impact on the region Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX has taken a monumental step toward transforming its South Texas launch site, known as Starbase, into an incorporated city. In a development that has drawn significant attention, SpaceX sent a formal letter to local officials last week, requesting an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley. The proposed transformation of the remote Boca Chica Beach site, located at the southernmost tip of Texas near the Mexican border, comes after a petition was submitted by residents of the area. SpaceX's move aims to streamline the processes required to build necessary amenities and support the growing workforce essential for the space company's ambitious projects. The letter, written by Kathryn Lueders, the general manager of Starbase, emphasized the need for increased community development to support the rapid growth of SpaceX's operations. "To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community," Lueders wrote, adding that the incorporation would facilitate the management of essential services such as roads, utilities, schooling and medical care. (Related: Elon Musk to deepen Texas ties with proposal for City of Starbase in Cameron County.) Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. confirmed that while the idea of incorporating Starbase was discussed in 2021, this marks the first time a formal petition has been filed. "Our legal and elections administration will review the petition, see whether or not it complied with all of the statutory requirements and then we'll go from there," he said. SpaceX plans to relocate its HQ from California to Texas The plan to incorporate Starbase comes amid a backdrop of significant growth for SpaceX. Earlier this year, the company announced its intention to relocate the headquarters of SpaceX and Musk's social media company X from California to Texas. This relocation is expected to further fuel the expansion of the Starbase site, which already employs over 3,400 full-time SpaceX employees and contractors. However, the rapid expansion has not been without controversy. In a development that highlights the growing concerns, a local group called Save RGV filed a lawsuit against SpaceX in July, alleging environmental violations and dumping polluted water into the nearby bay. SpaceX dismissed the claims, calling the lawsuit "frivolous" and citing a state review that found no environmental risks. The incorporation of Starbase would not only affect the local workforce but could also have significant implications for the broader community. The transformation of a remote beach area into a full-fledged city will require careful planning and implementation to ensure that the needs of both the current residents and the projected influx of new workers are adequately addressed. As the petition is reviewed and the future of Starbase becomes clearer, all eyes will be on this unique and ambitious development, which could redefine the landscape of space exploration and community development in the region. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of SpaceX and its role in the global quest to advance space technology. Follow ElonMuskWatch.com for more news about Elon Musk and SpaceX. Watch this clip of Elon Musk giving updates about his company's plans to colonize Mars at the SpaceX Starbase. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: SpaceX working with U.S. intelligence agency on massive satellite network that captures ultra-high-resolution videos of entire cities in real time. Elon Musk planning to build own town in Texas for SpaceX and The Boring Company employees. SpaceX and xAI expected to soar in value and make Elon Musk the worlds first trillionaire. Sources include: Newsweek.com ZeroHedge.com APNews.com Brighteon.com Texas AG Ken Paxtons lawsuit targets NY doctor who prescribed abortion-inducing drugs via telemedicine Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a prominent physician and founder of the pro-abortion group Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine (ACT), for providing abortion-inducing drugs via telemedicine. The lawsuit centers on an alleged incident where Carpenter prescribed mifepristone and misoprostol to a Texas resident without required in-person consultations, leading to severe hemorrhaging and a "medical abortion" allegedly in violation of Texas law. The case highlights the growing debate over telemedicine and abortion, potentially challenging "shield laws" in blue states that protect doctors offering abortion services from out-of-state legal challenges. The lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, possibly deterring out-of-state doctors from mailing abortion drugs to Texas and affecting federal and state regulations on reproductive health. This case reflects the ongoing debate between pro-life and pro-choice ideologies, representing a significant challenge to the balance between the right to reproductive choice and the protection of life. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a prominent New York physician and founder of the pro-abortion group Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine (ACT). The lawsuit, which stakes out a definitive stance against the practice of prescribing abortion-inducing drugs via telemedicine, highlights the dramatic and often life-threatening consequences of what Paxton views as illegal and dangerous activities. The case centers on an alleged incident where Carpenter prescribed abortion drugs to a 20-year-old resident of Collin County, Texas. According to the lawsuit, the woman became pregnant in May of this year and, in a secretive move, turned to ACT's telemedicine services, bypassing the required in-person consultations stipulated by Texas law. Carpenter then prescribed her the commonly used abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. Paxton's suit is not merely a legal challenge but a clarion call to arms against those who seek to undermine what he sees as fundamental protections for unborn lives. "Before a physician provides an abortion-inducing drug, the physician must examine the pregnant woman in person," Paxton emphasized. "And that physician must ensure that such drugs are not provided if the pregnancy exceeds 49 days of gestational age." The plaintiff's claims are not without cause. In July, just months after the woman allegedly sought treatment from Dr. Carpenter, she reportedly began experiencing severe hemorrhaging. This led to what Paxton describes as a "medical abortion," a critical moment that the lawsuit argues was both avoidable and illegal under Texas law. Risks of unregulated telemedicine services Texas, a red state with stringent anti-abortion laws, has positioned itself at the forefront of the battle against what it views as the scourge of abortion. (Related: Abortions drop to ALMOST ZERO in Texas after state's near-total ban on infanticide.) In contrast, New York, a blue state, has moved to shield physicians who provide abortion services from out-of-state legal challenges. These "shield laws," as they are called, offer a degree of protection to doctors like Carpenter, ensuring they can continue to offer their services without fear of prosecution. "This suit is not just about one incident," Paxton said. "It's about protecting the health and lives of our mothers and unborn children. Out-of-state doctors must understand the legal and ethical boundaries that exist in the United States." As this case unfolds, it is likely to reignite the national debate over abortion and telemedicine. Dr. Mary Ruth Ziegler, a University of California law professor, has noted that challenges to these shield laws could effectively stop mail-order abortion drugs from crossing state lines. "Will doctors be more afraid to mail pills into Texas, even if they might be protected by shield laws because they don't know if they're protected?" she asked. However, the implications of the lawsuit go beyond the legal and medical realms. It touches upon the very core of what it means to be pro-life or pro-choice. The case highlights the complex interplay between federal rights, state laws and the realities of reproductive healthcare in the United States. The case highlights the potential risks associated with unregulated telemedicine services. Making decisions about one's reproductive health should not come at the cost of potentially severe health complications or, in extreme cases, the loss of a life. This case represents more than just a clash of medical and legal principles. It is a reflection of the deep-seated cultural and ethical divides that continue to shape the national conversation on abortion. The outcome of this case could set a precedent, not just for Texas, but for the country at large, as it seeks to balance the right to reproductive choice with the protection of life. In the eyes of those like Paxton, the stakes could not be higher. As he stated, "In Texas, we treasure the health and lives of mothers and babies." With this lawsuit, he is sending a powerful message about the lengths to which the state will go to protect that belief. Head over to Abortions.news for stories related to government measures that push killing of the unborn children. Watch the video below that talks about abortion being a million-dollar business. This video is from the Kla.TV - English channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. Supreme Court rebuffs Biden administration's appeal challenging Texas abortion law. Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Biden HHS over proposed rule that would hide abortion info from criminal investigations. Dallas church with link to Planned Parenthood faces backlash after opening pro-abortion pregnancy resource center. Planned Parenthood caught admitting it performs SECRET ABORTIONS on young teens "so the parents won't find out." Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov Brighteon.com Chinese premier urges new achievements in high-quality development Xinhua) 10:10, December 21, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center of Advanced Textile Technology in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 19, 2024. Li made an inspection tour of Zhejiang Province from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) HANGZHOU, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed that efforts should be made to fully implement the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference and strive to create new achievements in high-quality development. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour of Zhejiang Province that ran from Wednesday to Friday. He urged efforts to vigorously carry out basic research and research on key generic technologies, move faster to plan and build new infrastructure such as computing power, and produce more original and leading innovations. It is imperative to support enterprises to increase investment in research and development, promote the large-scale application of new technologies, new products and new scenarios, expand emerging industries and future industries, and foster new growth drivers, Li noted. The premier underscored efforts to empower traditional industries through advanced technologies such as digital and green ones to promote the smooth transition from traditional drivers to new ones. More work should be done to speed up the construction of an international logistics service system and improve international transportation capacity, to strongly support the development of foreign trade and high-standard opening up, said Li. China attaches great importance to the development of foreign-invested enterprises in China, and will steadily expand the opening up of more sectors, strengthen services, and support domestic and foreign enterprises in fair competition on an equal footing, Li noted, adding that he hopes that more foreign enterprises will take root in the Chinese market and share development opportunities. Governments at all levels should continue to optimize the business environment, implement beneficial and supportive policies for enterprises, actively help address their demands, and support the better development of enterprises, said Li. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Zhejiang Lab in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 18, 2024. Li made an inspection tour of Zhejiang Province from Wednesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Between the end of Roman rule in Britain and the Norman conquest of England, many things occurred. Among them was the emergence of England itself a turbulent birth amid a wall of shields (the characteristic military formation of those warlike times) kingdoms at odds with each other, Vikings, and fascinating characters enveloped in the aura of legends from wild and bloody times, from which we hear the echo of the continuous clash of swords. The renowned and media-savvy British medievalist Marc Morris, 51, dedicates his latest book, The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England (2021), to telling this complex yet fascinating story of the ethnogenesis of the English. In the story he narrates, brutal warlords with a Tolkienian flavor pass through with their rings, swords, and helmets. Theres King Rdwald of East Anglia, who was buried on the Sutton Hoo ship, and Penda of Mercia. There are also self-sacrificing religious men and saints, as well as ambitious and corrupt bishops, like Winfrid. There are great kings like thelbald of Wessex, Offer of Mercia (who is associated with the defensive wall known as Offas Dyke), or Alfred the Great. The latter unleashed Alfredmania on the field of medieval studies yet Morris points out (with very British humor) that the king suffered from hemorrhoids and that the oldest monument in Wessex dedicated to the monarch is a pub, which was built in 1763. The book also has Vikings and lots of them. They turned the Anglo-Saxon world upside down. Had they prevailed (although some would argue that they did, via their Norman relatives), they would have aborted the England we know today. Among these Vikings was Ivar the Boneless the son of the legendary Ragnar Lodbrok, well known today thanks to the Vikings TV series and Halfdan, who settled in Northumbria; Guthrum, who was baptized by Alfred himself, alongside his warrior chiefs; Svein Splitbeard and his son, Canute, who became king of England after defeating Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun (1016); or Harald Hardrade the Thunderbolt of the North who had to be content with six feet of English soil after being killed in the battle of Stamford Bridge. His warriors lost for having declined to wear chain mail because of the heat. Morriss story with each chapter focusing more or less on a particular character begins with the legions of the northernmost provinces of the Roman Empire. The military forces of Roman Britain abandoned it in 383 AD, to march in support of their general, whom they had proclaimed emperor, Magnus Maximus. It was the beginning of dark times in Britain, when Roman civilization vanished. The year 410 AD marked the definitive end of Roman rule on the island, when Emperor Honorius answered the desperate plea for help from the Roman Britons in the face of Germanic invasions, mainly from the Angles and the Saxons, led by the legendary Hengist and Horsa (although Morris points out that its as unlikely that these barbarian brothers existed as that Romulus and Remus did). Honorius told them that they would have to fend for themselves, since he was already bogged down with Alaric, the Visigoth leader. The author of Anglo-Saxons describes how Roman civilization disappeared: Towns and cities crumbled and fell into ruin, coins ceased to be minted and the most basic products disappeared. Britain went into a tailspin and society collapsed. Morris traces the arc of his narrative between that desperate moment and another cataclysm: the Norman invasion by William the Conquerors army and the defeat at Hastings (1066) of his rival, Harold II Godwinsson, the cursed king. According to legends as the Bayeux Tapestry seems to show Godwinsson was killed when an arrow hit him in the eye. While Morris disputes this, the defeat marked the twilight of the Anglo-Saxon elite that built the first England. Harold, the last crowned Anglo-Saxon English king, swears fealty to the Duke of Normandy in 1064, in a painting by James William Edmund Doyle. Heritage Images (Getty Images) Seven centuries later, we see the rise of a galaxy of small Saxon kingdoms, whose unification gave rise to England, Morris writes. His book details the fratricidal struggle between these kingdoms, mainly Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia. At the same time, from 793 AD onwards, they faced the continuous threat of the Vikings. When one kingdom managed to impose itself, such as King Alfreds Wessex, a large invading Viking army upset the whole game once again. It seemed that the Saxons were going to follow the fate of the Britons, until Alfred returning triumphant from the marshes of Somerset managed to reverse the situation. Later, with the reign of Canute the Great of Denmark another Viking England became part of a Scandinavian empire. And it seemed that it would remain that way. Canute whose conquest [of England] in 1016 was brutal died in 1035, at the age of 40. Had he lived longer, there would have been no Edward the Confessor, nor a Norman invasion, Morris notes. In his journey, Morris debunks various cliches, including the existence of King Arthur the supposed nemesis of the Anglo-Saxons the nickname of Harold Harefoot (actually a misreading), or that Edward the Confessor (undoubtedly pious) was a pacifist or a coward. He praises King Alfred as brave, resolute and [a man with vision], but stresses that, in reality, although hes commonly regarded as the founder of England and promoter of the English language (and founder of the Royal Navy), he expanded his kingdom in a modest way and was perhaps not so great, nor literary. He also suffered poor health, which perhaps also included Crohns disease, and anxiety something that made sense, given his turbulent situation. There seemed nothing inevitable about an eventual triumph of the Anglo-Saxons over the reactionary Danish warlords. The historian points out that Athelstan, Alfreds son and successor, was the first to be crowned king of the English, only in 925 AD. Morris shows a certain soft spot for Bishop Winfrid, who while certainly iconic was a pain in the ass for many people. One thing that the author doesnt consider to be a cliche is the Dark Ages. The term must be used with knowledge but its undeniable that, from the 5th century onwards, there was a destruction, an acculturation and a degree of violence that justifies [the term]. Everything collapsed. Regarding the constant warfare of the era, he reflects that there are few detailed descriptions regarding how battles were fought in practice, unlike the sources we have access to from Roman or late-medieval warfare. You have to turn to the archeology of weapons, or to some literary source such as Beowulf. [Although its] a fictional poem, it shows us that world of warlords. [And it isnt] surprising that it sounds so much like Tolkien to us, given that he was a professor of Anglo-Saxon (Old English). We have, he recalls, a source for the bloody Battle of Brunanburh (937 AD), the great clash in which Athelstan destroyed a huge Viking army led by the king of Dublin: the warriors faced each other while cleaving the shield wall, [slipping through the boards] with hammered steel swords. The historian and author of 'Anglo-Saxons' (2021), Marc Morris. Photo without author provided by the publisher Desperta Ferro Ediciones. The Vikings first as raiders and then as colonizers (settled in the Danelaw, a region of England that was very politically divided) appear again and again in this Cainite process of all against all. Their impact was violent and profound: they were catalysts for the transformation of England into a single state. They helped to create it although, at the same time, they destroyed a lot. Was the Norman invasion the final and definitive Viking invasion? Their name northmen reflects their origins, but the Normans had been settled in France for some time, in what was called Normandy by them. [They] had absorbed its culture. Just as when they settled in England, they became English. When they arrived in England, they were already Franks, not Scandinavians, although they had their own characteristics. They had lost Viking seamanship and were more concerned with land warfare and cavalry tactics. The Gilling sword, dating from the 9th or 10th century, was found in a stream at Gilling, Yorkshire. Among those praising Anglo-Saxons is none other than Bernard Cornwell, the novelist who wrote The Saxon Stories, an extremely popular series of 13 novels about the unification of England. They were brought to the screen by Netflix in The Last Kingdom. Morris appreciates Cornwells fascination with the Anglo-Saxons, but he hasnt read the novels, nor does he give them much thought. I dont read historical fiction, or watch movies, or [consume] any fiction at all, Morris notes. I dont disapprove of this as a concept, Im just not a reader or viewer of that genre. Although I recognize that its beneficial in developing an interest in history. Hes also aware that much of what ordinary people know about Englands Dark Ages and their aftermath comes largely from works of fiction, such as the novels by Cornwell or the Vikings series, as well as old films, such as Alfred the Great (1969), which stars David Hemmings (Alfred), Michael York (Guthrum the Viking), and Ian McKellen. To steer the reader onto the path of historical orthodoxy, Morris tries to be entertaining, although he remains strictly in the realm of fact. When it comes to the Anglo-Saxons, he uses subtle humor to highlight things such as King Eadreds bad table manners which turned the stomachs of fellow diners or that thelred the Unready (who reigned for 38 years) interrupted his baptism by going to the bathroom. I try to entertain the reader you have to tell [them] a lot [of information] and the material is sometimes very difficult but when you [tap into] the sources, theres room to use a sense of humor, in moderation. That doesnt mean Im aiming for a second career as a comedian its just about helping [the reader] get through the great human tragedy of that period. Unexpectedly, theres a lot of sex in The Anglo-Saxons. Take the case of King Eadwig, described by sources as having been addicted to debauchery. He allegedly had a threesome with the noblewoman thelgifu and her daughter. On the day of his coronation, Archbishop Oda noticed that the king had disappeared and was found in flagrante delicto with the two women. In defence of the Anglo-Saxons and of myself I have to say that this seems to be a rare case, Morris cautions. An image from 'Alfred the Great,' a 1969 film about the king. Morris regrets that the Anglo-Saxons appear so little in British school curricula today, when they were so appreciated in other times, such as the Victorian era. He acknowledges that the torrent of dates and events, the complexity of the sources, and the difficulty of the names make this a particularly complex period for a layman. He encourages non-Brits by emphasizing that the names of the Saxon kings are as difficult for British readers as for foreign ones. Theyre also unfamiliar to us, he laments. Regarding the controversy over the use of the term Anglo-Saxon as its understood today as a synonym for white and to praise supposed racial superiority he stresses that this may be the case in the United States, but not in [the UK]. He emphasizes that the historical term doesnt have the supremacist undertone. In fact, King Alfred himself used it: he called himself king of the Anglo-Saxons. We must avoid its perverse use, but in certain historical contexts, its essential to use it. Its like the word crusade. In George W. Bushs mouth, it meant something else entirely. A fragment of the Bayeux Tapestry. AGE FOTOSTOCK Morris has been criticized for the fact that there are relatively few women in his book. There are some very strong female characters and I speak of several but we have few biographical sources for women in this period, 95% of which are just short anecdotes about them. In any case, in the book, I highlight some very interesting ones, such as Cynethryth, King Offas wife; Ethelfleda, Alfreds eldest daughter, or the Lady of the Mercians, who fought against the Vikings; Emma, the only one who married two kings (thelred the Unready and, when she was widowed, Canute), or Edith the Fair (or Edith Swanneck), who after Harolds death at Hastings, given the intimacy they had (she was his concubine) was called to identify the corpse and did so by the marks on his private parts. This implies that the fallen king could not be recognized by his face, because of how battered he was, Morris points out. Edith Swanneck examining the body of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, in a painting by Horace Vernet (1828). In addition to another book on the Norman conquest of England, Morris has also written brilliant biographies of John Lackland whom he compares to the Anglo-Saxon thelred and Edward I. Regarding the latter, the villain in the film Braveheart, he says that he was more important than the much-popularized William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson), who, in the end, died quickly. Quickly? Well, the historian laughs, not really. Its true that his death he was executed for high treason was deliberately very slow and tortuous. But Edward I is a very interesting king, who [took part in] the Crusades, built great castles, conquered Wales, faced dynastic problems and was poor by the standards of the monarchies of the time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Antony Blinken: U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid since 2022 The U.S. has provided approximately $100 billion in military assistance and non-security financial aid to Ukraine since February 2022, with around $61.4 billion of that specifically earmarked for military aid. U.S. allies have provided an additional $150 billion in aid to Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claims much of the foreign aid spending for Ukraine was used to support U.S. defense manufacturing, leading to more jobs and giving the domestic defense industry a much-needed boost. Russia asserts that no amount of external military aid to Ukraine will affect the outcome of the conflict. The United States has provided approximately $100 billion in financial aid and military assistance to Ukraine since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Speaking at a forum organized by the think tank the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 18, Blinken said the bulk of this funding was allocated to defense manufacturing within the U.S. that he suggested ended up creating jobs and boosting the domestic defense industry. "We've spent a lot of money on Ukraine and defending Ukraine, about $100 billion. Our allies and partners, they've spent about $150 billion doing it," said Blinken. "You talk about burden sharing; this is the best example of burden sharing I've ever seen," he added. "By the way, it's important to explain to people the money that we've spent defending Ukraine, most of that was spent here in the United States in our own defense industrial base manufacturing, building stuff that Ukrainians need to defend themselves. Good American jobs have been a result of that." The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden has been working to allocate all funds approved by Congress before leaving office in January. In recent weeks, the administration has pledged a "massive surge" in arms deliveries and aid to Ukraine. Last week, Biden authorized a new $500 million weapons package for Ukraine, marking the 72nd such package he has authorized since February 2022. This latest delivery included additional air defense systems, artillery, drones and armored vehicles. The authorization followed another security package worth $988 million approved just a week prior through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. These actions reflect the Biden administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine, despite uncertainty over future U.S. commitments under President-elect Donald Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently stated that he does not expect "any Ukraine funding to come up now." U.S. has provided $61.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine since 2022 Official data provided by the Department of State claims that the U.S. has provided approximately $61.4 billion in military assistance since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The total military aid provided to Ukraine rises to $64.1 billion when taking into consideration all aid provided since the initial conflict with Russia in 2014. This does not include non-military financial aid provided to Ukraine. (Related: Biden approves $20B loan to Ukraine right before Trump takes office.) The Department of Defense has provided military assistance to Ukraine using the emergency Presidential Drawdown Authority 55 times since August 2021 to supply Ukraine with military assistance totaling approximately $31.733 billion worth of armaments from the Pentagon's military stockpiles. Ukraine has been a key regional strategic partner for the U.S., with significant efforts made to modernize its military and enhance interoperability with North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The U.S. reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters. Russia, however, has consistently warned that no amount of Western aid will alter the outcome of the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has asserted that Biden's administration is leaving behind "a difficult legacy" of heightened tensions with Russia. Moscow maintains that its military operation in Ukraine will achieve its objectives, regardless of external support. Watch this Fox Business clip discussing House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) recent decision to reject any additional requests from the White House for aid for Ukraine. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: National Defense Authorization Act sails through Congress with $895 billion for war and terror. America's weapons stocks: A national security crisis in the making? Ukraine's front lines COLLAPSING as Russia gains ground; U.S. desperately sending "massive surge" of arms, cash to Kyiv. WAR RACKET: Polish politician accuses corrupt Ukrainians of embezzling and diverting half of American aid. Report: Ukraine could construct plutonium-made "nuclear bombs" within months if Trump halts military aid. Sources include: RT.com State.gov 1 State.gov 2 Brighteon.com Canadian living in China sentenced to 24 months in prison for stealing battery technology from Tesla Klaus Pflugbeil, a Canadian citizen living in China, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for selling trade secrets stolen from Tesla. Pflugbeil stole advanced battery manufacturing technology from Hibar System Ltd., a Canadian company acquired by Tesla in 2019. Following his departure from Hibar, Pflugbeil, along with co-conspirator Yilong Shao, exploited the stolen information to start their own business and sell false products. They advertised these products on various platforms, including YouTube, LinkedIn and Google, making over $1.3 million. The Department of Justice has described Pflugbeil's actions as a threat to a critical U.S. industry with national security implications. Klaus Pflugbeil, a Canadian citizen living in China, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for selling trade secrets stolen from Tesla. The Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington announced the sentencing of Pflugbeil on Dec. 16, following a guilty plea in June 2024 in a federal court in New York. Pflugbeil, along with his co-conspirator, Yilong Shao, who remains at large, exploited their positions at Hibar System Ltd., a Canadian electric vehicle battery manufacturer, to steal trade secrets from Tesla. (Related: EVs are killing the automobile industry: Mercedes, Porsche, Tesla and Ford all seeing profits "free fall.") Trade secrets are pieces of proprietary information that give a company a competitive edge. They can be formulas, patterns, devices or compilations of information that are not generally known or readily ascertainable. In Pflugbeils case, the stolen trade secrets related to Tesla's cutting-edge battery manufacturing technology. Tesla acquired Hibar System in 2019, where Pflugbeil and Shao had been working from 1995 to 2019. During their tenure in Hibar System, Pflugbeil and Shao were able to gain intimidate knowledge of the company's operations and private intellectual properties. In 2020, Pflugbeil left Hibar and joined Shao in China to start their own business that was meant to produce and sell the same type of equipment previously manufactured by their original employer. The DOJ's investigation, led by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, revealed that Pflugbeil had gone to great lengths to market and sell stolen Tesla trade secrets. He advertised his false products through various platforms, including YouTube, LinkedIn and Google. These ads were seen tens of thousands of times per week, and Pflugbeil made over $1.3 million from the illicit sales. Pflugbeil's theft of trade secrets benefited Communist China Federal authorities have warned of the serious national security implications of Pflugbeil's theft of trade secrets. Olsen noted that Pflugbeil's actions "stood to benefit the PRC [People's Republic of China] in a critical industry with national security implications." The timing of Pflugbeil's actions and subsequent investigation also coincides with growing concerns about the global domination of Chinese automakers in the electric vehicle market. In September 2024, the White House proposed a ban on Chinese vehicle software and hardware based on national security concerns, noting that all new cars are connected vehicles capable of capturing and transmitting sensitive data. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the bold nature of Pflugbeils actions, stating, "His actions were bold he even advertised that he was selling the victim's products because he thought, incorrectly, that he was outside the reach of U.S. prosecutors," said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, who led the prosecution against Pflugbeil. The Biden administration has not taken a full throttle approach to confront China. Watch this video. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. experts sound the alarm: China's cyber espionage threat grows as Salt Typhoon breaches U.S. telecom giants. Your private call and text data was just stolen by China because it hacked U.S. government's illegal surveillance tool that spies on us all. Chinese auto executive donated to Biden, Harris campaigns after White House awarded subsidy to her EV firm. Chinese electric vehicles could be "weaponized" by Beijing, report warns. Can China remotely control and detonate electric vehicles? Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com Profit.PakistaniToday.com.pk Brighteon.com El Salvador to continue purchasing Bitcoin despite agreement with IMF to scale back crypto policy El Salvador plans to continue increasing its strategic reserve of Bitcoin despite an agreement with the IMF. El Salvador agreed to reduce its exposure to cryptocurrency in exchange for a $1.4 billion loan from the IMF, subject to other conditions like limited public sector Bitcoin involvement and enhancing financial regulations. Bitcoin remains legal tender in El Salvador, with the government holding nearly 6,000 Bitcoins worth approximately $560 million as a strategic reserve. Bitcoin was adopted as legal tender in 2021, but its use among the general population of El Salvador remains very limited. El Salvador has announced it will continue purchasing Bitcoin, potentially at an accelerated pace, despite reaching a financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that calls for scaling back the country's exposure to the cryptocurrency. The announcement comes as part of a broader $1.4 billion loan deal for El Salvador that the IMF agreed to finance on the condition that the government of President Nayib Bukele implement certain provisions aimed at reducing the risks associated with the country's official adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in the country. El Salvadorian National Bitcoin Office Director Stacy Herbert confirmed on social media platform X that Bitcoin would remain legal tender in the country and that the government would continue to add to its strategic reserves. (Related: Russia considering developing a strategic Bitcoin reserve.) El Salvador currently holds 5,968 Bitcoins. As of press time, with one Bitcoin valued at around $94,000, El Salvador's strategic Bitcoin reserve is currently worth around $560 million. The IMF agreement will see the agency provide a $1.4 billion loan to El Salvador. Additional funding from the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and several other regional development banks are expected to bring the total amount of funding provided to El Salvador rise to $3.5 billion. This agreement is subject to approval by the IMF's executive board. The agreement stipulates that Bitcoin acceptance by the private sector will be voluntary, and the public sector's involvement in Bitcoin-related activities will be limited. Additionally, the government's use of the Chivo Wallet, a cryptocurrency e-wallet that was launched as part of the country's Bitcoin rollout in 2021, will either be shut down or sold to the private sector. The agreement also emphasizes the need for enhanced transparency, regulation and supervision of digital assets to safeguard financial stability, consumer protection and financial integrity. The IMF deal also includes provisions aimed at reducing the country's public debt-to-GDP ratio, strengthening fiscal transparency and governance, and enhancing fiscal and financial sector resilience. The deal is expected to be considered by the IMF executive board in early February. Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador still limited despite government efforts El Salvadors decision to continue purchasing Bitcoin has been interpreted by some analysts as a strategic move to counter potential negative perceptions of the cryptocurrency's role in the country following the IMF agreement. Eugene Epstein, head of trading and structured products for North America at Moneycorp, suggested that the government's announcement might be aimed at mitigating any blowback from the perceived diminished status of Bitcoin in El Salvador. "Given the size and likely the terms of the IMF deal, it was probably worth for [Bukele] to do that," Epstein said. The country's Bitcoin strategy has been a contentious issue since its inception. In September 2021, El Salvador became the first nation in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender alongside the U.S. dollar. The move was met with skepticism from the IMF, which warned of financial and legal risks associated with the decision. However, the IMF recently stated that these risks "have not materialized." Bukele has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, promoting El Salvador as a hub for digital currency trading. The country has hosted events such as the "Adopting Bitcoin" conference and is home to "Bitcoin Beach," a tourist destination where businesses have embraced Bitcoin as a form of payment. Despite these efforts, Bitcoin adoption has been limited among the general population of El Salvador. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, most residents who received $30 in Bitcoin through the Chivo Wallet used it to purchase groceries or exchange it for dollars rather than holding onto the cryptocurrency. Watch this episode of "X22 Report" discussing the IMF's Bitcoin deal with El Salvador. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Why Trump must end capital gains taxes on Bitcoin. Plunder capitalism: Is the Bitcoin strategic reserve trial balloon the next step in the great American land grab? NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden warns that Bitcoin transactions aren't as anonymous as people think. Sources include: ThePrint.in PYMNTS.com CoinDesk.com Brighteon.com JUSTICE: Fani Willis FINALLY removed from Trump Georgia election case Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was removed from the high-profile Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump by the Georgia Court of Appeals, citing concerns over her alleged conflict of interest and ethical improprieties. The case was transferred to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, which will appoint a new prosecutor, raising questions about the future of the prosecution and its viability given the extensive work done by Willis office. Willis removal was partly due to her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, which included shared vacations and financial transactions, undermining public confidence in the legal process. The ruling is a significant victory for Trump and his supporters, who view it as ending a politically motivated prosecution. Trumps attorney praised the decision as well-reasoned and just, while Trump himself used the controversy to rally his base. The ruling underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in the legal system, sending a message that corruption and bias will not be tolerated, and affirming the resilience of the American legal system. In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the legal and political worlds, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been removed from the high-profile Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump. The Georgia Court of Appeals delivered the decisive ruling on Thursday, marking a monumental victory for justice and fairness in the American legal system. For months, the case against Trump and his co-defendants has been mired in controversy, with accusations of political bias and ethical improprieties swirling around Willis. The decision to remove her from the case is a clear acknowledgment that the integrity of the legal process must be upheld, regardless of political pressures. The ruling does not dismiss the indictment outright but transfers responsibility for the case to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, which must now appoint a new prosecutor. This development raises critical questions about the future of the prosecution, particularly given the extensive legal and procedural groundwork laid by Willis office. Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the viability of the case moving forward, especially in light of the Georgia Supreme Courts July 1 ruling on presidential immunity, which provides broad protection for Trump while he remains in office. As Trump has comfortably won the 2024 presidential election, the likelihood of this case proceeding in its current form appears increasingly slim. The removal of Willis from the case is a direct result of her alleged conflict of interest with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed to the case. Revelations about their romantic relationship, including shared vacations and financial transactions, cast a dark shadow over the prosecutions credibility. The courts ruling emphasized that Willis actions undermined public confidence in the legal system, stating, 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. Finally, a logical, fair decision This decision is a resounding victory for Trump and his supporters, who have long decried the politically motivated nature of the prosecution. Trumps attorney, Steve Sadow, praised the Court of Appeals ruling as well-reasoned and just, adding that it puts an end to a politically motivated persecution of the next President of the United States. The timeline of events leading up to Willis removal is a dramatic tale of hubris and ethical failure. From her high-profile indictment of Trump in August 2023 to the subsequent guilty pleas of key co-defendants like Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, Willis appeared to be on a trajectory of triumph. However, the bombshell allegations of her relationship with Wade, coupled with her combative and unprofessional behavior during court proceedings, ultimately led to her downfall. Trump himself seized on the controversy, using it to rally his base during campaign rallies. At a rally in Rome, Georgia, he mocked Willis, saying, So corrupt Fani Willis hired her lover, Nathan Wade, so they could fraudulently make money together. His supporters responded with cheers and laughter, emboldened by the growing sense that justice was finally being served. The implications of this ruling extend far beyond the immediate case. It sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, not even those who wield the power of prosecution. The removal of Willis is a testament to the resilience of the American legal system and its ability to correct itself in the face of corruption and bias. For Trump, this development is a significant boost as he prepares to assume the presidency once again. The dismissal of the federal criminal case related to the 2020 election and now the removal of Willis from the Georgia case underscore the broader narrative of political persecution that has defined his legal battles. As the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia takes over the case, the future remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the removal of Fani Willis from the Trump Georgia election case is a victory for justice, fairness, and the rule of law. It is a moment that conservatives and Trump supporters have long awaited, and it serves as a stark reminder that truth and integrity will ultimately prevail. In the words of Trumps spokesperson, Steven Cheung, 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. The fight for justice continues, but for now, the scales have tipped in favor of fairness, and the American people can take heart in knowing that the legal system, when properly applied, can deliver the justice it so desperately seeks. Sources include: YourNews.com Newsweek.com NBCNews.com Mike Adams Sermon 66: God will DESTROY ISRAEL for its wickedness The Health Ranger Mike Adams expounded on how God will destroy Israel for its wickedness in his 66th sermon for the Church of Natural Abundance The Bible nutrition educator based his sermon on a passage in the book of the Prophet Ezekiel. According to Adams, Israel is currently engaged in ongoing bombing campaigns of three Middle East countries in order to push through with their Greater Israel plan in the region. He pointed out that the people of Israel, especially its leaders today, have shown horrific qualities that are similar to the Antichrist mentioned in the Bible. Israel believes it has the God-given right to exercise ethnic supremacy by slaughtering other people in the region and stealing their land, water and resources. These actions indeed oppose the teachings of Jesus Christ, but the Jews do not believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. (Related: Israels FINAL SOLUTION for Gaza is genocide followed by annexation into Greater Israel.) Worse, many Christian churches in America and other countries have supported the Zionist actions of Israel and have openly advocated for the genocide of the Palestinian people. Some of these preachers and pastors have even invited guests who have ties to Mossad and advocate mass genocide. These Christian Zionist church leaders all falsely proclaim that God is going to save Israel and He will allow Israel to do anything. "They claim God gave Israel the unique right to carry out such acts, and therefore Israel can do no wrong," Adams said. "It's as if they've never read the Bible because God judges Israel over and over and over again." According to the Bible nutrition educator, God had unleashed His wrath against the ancient Israelites repeatedly during their journey to the Promised Land and He punished them for their sins when they broke the covenant with God. In the same manner, God will use the forces of nature to unleash judgment the cities, nations or kingdoms that have turned against Him. Today's State of Israel is mostly secular Adams continued that the modern-day State of Israel is mostly secular, noting that the city of Tel Aviv is deemed the "Sin City" of the Middle East due to it being a center of LGBT activity in the region. "Most Israelites today would be considered atheists," he continued, adding that most of Israel's population don't believe in God and Jesus and "are ungodly in their activities." Given this, the Prophet Ezekiel does not describe God saving Israel in his passage, but the destruction coming upon it. Most of Israel's inhabitants will be killed alongside their enemies, with the survivors spending seven months burying the dead and burning the weapons for fuel. According to Adams, this "Mad Max" survival scenario will happen after the sixth trumpet or comet slams into the Middle East. God's disappointment with Israel will cause Him to unleash total wrath against the Earth. The wickedness of Israel, particularly that of the Zionists, will prompt the Father to unleash a collective punishment against mankind. Follow Prophecy.news for more stories about the prophecies concerning Israel. Listen to the 66th sermon of the Health Ranger Mike Adams for the Church of Natural Abundance about Israel's impending destruction for its wickedness. This video is from the Abundance Church channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Sermon 31: Mike Adams discusses Jesus END TIMES PROPHECY. Mike Adams Sermon 40: How a nation falls into DESTRUCTION. ZIONIST FAIL: Israel finally admits they CANNOT DESTROY HAMAS while attempting to blame the United States for their half-year of relentless genocidal bombings of civilians. Christian churches that advocate for Israel's mass killing of Palestinian civilians are serving SATAN, not Christ. Sermon 20: Mike Adams calls out the HYPOCRISY of churches supporting GENOCIDE. Sources include: Brighteon.com BibleGateway.com White House aides knew Biden was mentally and physically unfit to be president from the very beginning White House aides reportedly knew of President Joe Biden's declining mental fitness since the beginning of his presidency. Staffers managed Biden's schedule, limited interactions and controlled public appearances to hide his cognitive decline, with adjustments made for his "good days and bad days." Biden's interactions remained limited even after the pandemic, with even cabinet members having infrequent meetings with him. During his 2024 campaign, staffers choreographed Biden's appearances and withheld critical information to prevent stress or confusion, but his debate performance raised further concerns. Despite denials from the Biden administration, persistent concerns about his mental fitness led to his decision to abandon his reelection bid in July 2024. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that most aides to outgoing President Joe Biden knew of his declining mental and physical fitness from the very beginning of his presidency. The Wall Street Journal report, based on interviews with nearly 50 individuals familiar with White House operations, went into detail how staffers and advisers adjusted Biden's schedule, limited his interactions and carefully managed his public appearances to prevent the public from perceiving the true extent of the decline in his cognitive abilities. Concerns about Biden's mental state emerged as early as the spring of 2021, just months after he took office. A national security official reportedly rescheduled a meeting, stating that Biden was having a "bad day." Staffers noted that the president experienced "good days and bad days," leading to adjustments in his schedule to accommodate his energy levels and cognitive clarity. The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic further provided White House staffers with the perfect cover to isolate Biden, with aides limiting his in-person interactions to reduce the risk of infection. This isolation persisted even after the pandemic, with Biden's inner circle remaining small and interactions with cabinet members becoming increasingly rare. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly had very infrequent access to the president. One cabinet member claimed to have met Biden only twice in his first year in office, while another stopped requesting calls, believing such requests were unwelcome. Meetings with Biden were often scheduled later in the day, as staffers believed he was not "at his best" in the mornings. If Biden was having an "off day," meetings were canceled altogether. During his term, Biden held just nine full cabinet meetings, compared to the 25 held by President-elect Donald Trump and 19 by former President Barack Obama during their first terms. (Related: Biden cognitively engaged for only a couple hours each day, aides confirm.) Staffers intensely choreographed Biden's appearances during 2024 campaign During his short-lived 2024 presidential campaign, Biden's public appearances were managed with increased scrutiny. Staffers provided him with basic instructions, such as where to enter or exit the stage, and adjusted his schedule to avoid situations where he might appear fatigued or confused. White House and campaign staffers aware of the plot to control Biden's public appearances also used their access to the president to withhold critical information from him, including opinion polling, to avoid potential stress or confusion that could exacerbate his condition. Biden's performance in the June 27 presidential debate with Trump drew significant criticism. During the debate, Biden appeared forgetful and spoke in rambling fragments, leading to heightened scrutiny of his mental fitness. Despite repeated denials from the Biden administration, concerns persisted, culminating in Biden's decision to abandon his re-election bid in July 2024. White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates has denied claims of Biden's decline, stating that the president "earned the most accomplished record of any modern commander in chief" and that his administration's focus on policy details has benefited millions of lives. Bates also argued that it is the responsibility of senior White House staff to manage high-level meetings and that Biden engages with cabinet members and other officials regularly. Watch this opinion piece from Sky News Australia discussing how Biden's cognitive decline gaslit the nation. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump and Vance call for investigation of Biden's doctors and invocation of 25th Amendment. House Oversight Committee subpoenas three top Biden aides for concealing president's declining health. "I've never seen someone murder a corpse, but that's happening right now on my TV" Sky News Australia absolutely rips Dementia Joe in debate analysis. White House calls on tech giants to censor all video clips of Joe Biden behaving like a dementia patient, claiming such videos are "fakes." LOST IN TRANSLATION: Dementia sets in deeper as Dark Brandon asks permission to speak, even though he is supposedly the president. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com ABC3340.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Yale study finds spike proteins from COVID jabs persist for TWO YEARS: Are mRNA vaccines rewriting human DNA? Yale scientists find COVID spike protein in vaccinated individuals up to two years post-vaccination. Study suggests mRNA genetic material may integrate with human DNA, activating protein-making structures. Renowned scientist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, who initially supported mRNA vaccines, now leads the study. Vaccine skeptics warn of DNA contamination risks, citing evidence of self-replicating mRNA and reverse transcription. Research reveals mRNA vaccines may induce chronic inflammation, blood clotting, and neurological damage. Findings challenge claims of temporary, localized mRNA effects, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. Evidence suggests vaccinated individuals may become "super spreaders" of spike proteins, potentially endangering public health. Researchers find spike proteins in vaccinated individuals TWO YEARS after inoculation Scientists are raising alarms about the long-term consequences of these experimental COVID-19 injections. New findings from Yale University suggest that the genetic material in mRNA vaccines may not only persist in the human body but could also integrate with human DNA, fundamentally altering our genetic code. This disturbing discovery has profound implications for the health of billions of people worldwide and raises urgent questions about the ethics and safety of mRNA vaccine technology. Yale researchers have identified COVID spike proteins in the blood of vaccinated individuals up to two years after they received their shots. Crucially, these individuals were never infected with the virus, as confirmed by antibody tests. The immune system typically destroys newly produced spike proteins, but the persistence of these proteins suggests that some vaccinated individuals may be producing them independently. A plausible explanation is that the genetic material delivered by the vaccines has integrated with human genes, activating protein-making structures within cells. If confirmed, this would mark a seismic shift in our understanding of mRNA vaccine safety. The implications of this discovery are staggering. More than a billion people worldwide have received mRNA COVID vaccines, and the possibility that these vaccines are altering human DNA is a game-changer. The consequences could extend far beyond the immediate health risks of Covid-19, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and long-term organ damage. The spike proteins produced by these vaccines are not benign; they are known to cause blood clotting, neurological inflammation, and even prion-like formations in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimers disease. The lead researcher on this groundbreaking study is Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, a renowned immunologist and former president of the American Association of Immunologists. Dr. Iwasaki was once a vocal advocate for mRNA vaccines, dismissing concerns about their safety as absurd. However, her teams findings now suggest that those concerns may have been valid all along. The study, known as LISTEN, began in 2022 and has enrolled approximately 3,000 participants who reported post-vaccine injuries. The researchers have found spike proteins in participants blood samples more than 700 days after their last mRNA shot, a finding that challenges the narrative of temporary, localized mRNA effects. Welcome to the dark side of transhumanism The possibility of genetic integration is not a new concern among vaccine skeptics. Some researchers have long warned that the mRNA vaccines could contaminate human DNA, a process known as transfection. The manufacturing process of mRNA vaccines involves the use of DNA plasmids, which can lead to small amounts of DNA contamination in the final product. While federal standards limit allowable DNA contamination to 10 nano grams per dose, the lipid nanoparticles used to protect the mRNA may also shield the DNA contaminants, potentially allowing them to integrate into human genes. Recent research by Kevin McKernan and others has provided further evidence of DNA contamination in vaccine vials, raising questions about the adequacy of current regulatory standards. Dr. Richard M. Fleming, a nuclear cardiologist, has also warned that mRNA vaccines are self-replicating and may turn individuals into never-ending spike protein factories. His research suggests that the genetic sequence for SARS-CoV-2 is designed to self-assemble and self-amplify, integrating into human DNA through reverse transcription. This process could hijack healthy genetic expression, leading to chronic inflammation and organ damage for years to come. The consequences of these findings are nothing short of alarming. Vaccinated individuals may not only suffer long-term health consequences but could also become super spreaders of spike proteins, potentially endangering public health for generations. The idea that mRNA vaccines could rewrite human DNA and turn individuals into perpetual bioweapon vectors is a chilling prospect, one that aligns with the emerging field of transhumanism. As genetic updates become the norm, the line between human and machine blurs, raising ethical questions about autonomy, consent, and the future of humanity. Sources include: AlexBerensen.substack.com Medicine.Yale.edu NaturalNews.com 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. The Greenland Ice Sheet is shrinking faster than ever, causing rising sea levels and disruptions to global weather patterns, according to groundbreaking satellite data. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, reveal that between 2010 and 2023, the ice sheet thinned by an average of four feet, with some areas losing up to 250 feet in thickness. CryoSat and ICESat-2 Combine Forces to Monitor Greenland's Melting Ice Scientists have pinpointed the alarming rate of ice loss using advanced measurements from ESA's CryoSat and NASA's ICESat-2 satellites, Earth.com said. By combining radar and laser technologies, the missions provide an unprecedented view of the ice sheet's changes. Researchers from the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM) confirmed that these tools offer a reliable and detailed understanding of the melting ice, agreeing on data within a 3% margin. CryoSat uses radar to measure ice through clouds, while ICESat-2 relies on lasers to map the ice's surface. Together, they capture a more comprehensive picture than ever possible with a single mission. These advancements allow scientists to monitor snow depth, ice volume, and thinning trends with extraordinary precision. The ice sheet's rapid decline is concentrated in its ablation zone, where summer melting outpaces winter snowfall. The worst losses occurred at Jakobshavn Glacier in the west and Zachariae Isstrm in the northeast, where thinning reached up to 220 and 250 feet, respectively. In total, the ice sheet lost over 7,700 cubic feet of volume during the 13-year periodan amount comparable to Africa's Lake Victoria. Greenland Ice Melt Threatens Global Sea Levels and Ecosystems According to ESA, Melting ice in Greenland has profound consequences for the planet. As glaciers break apart and flow into the ocean, sea levels rise, threatening coastal communities worldwide. Freshwater from the melting ice also disrupts ocean currents, altering weather systems and ecosystems globally. Local wildlife, including polar bears and seals, struggles to adapt as ice-dependent habitats shrink. For Greenland's people, melting glaciers disrupt traditional fishing and hunting practices, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the ice sheet's transformation. The collaboration between CryoSat and ICESat-2 demonstrates the importance of international partnerships in addressing climate challenges. Their synchronized data offers critical insights for policymakers and scientists, enabling better planning for coastal infrastructure and global climate adaptation. The study underscores the urgent need for action, emphasizing that accurate data on ice loss is vital for preparing for climate change's effects. With continued monitoring, ESA and NASA aim to provide the tools necessary to safeguard communities and ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. By the end of the 1990s, then-Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari had successfully concluded the renegotiation of the foreign debt and already had his sights set on his next goal: signing a free trade agreement with the United States to boost the countrys economic growth. With a postgraduate degree from Harvard, Salinas de Gortari considered this a chance to boost Mexicos economic conditions. As the 1990s dawned, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), was born. The Mexican media at the time reported on the promises of growth that the agreement between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada held in terms of tax revenue, investment and exports. It would even curb migration, given the promise of more jobs in the three signatory countries. After nearly four years of negotiations, lobbying and drafting, the ambitious initiative passed both houses of the U.S. Congress in November 1993, as well as the Mexican Congress. Despite opposition from many sectors, especially from trade unions, NAFTA now repurposed as USMCA was declared a triumph, and was finally given the green light on January 1, 1994, with the elimination of 5,900 tariff items in Mexico and the modification of some 20 articles of the Constitution. Thirty years later, the trade agreement has its pros and cons for Mexico. Experts agree that, over this period, Mexico has positioned itself as an assembler and exporter to North America but has fallen short in other areas such as innovation and growth. Adolfo Laborde, an expert in international trade, explains that the agreement was reached at a time of economic liberalization in Mexico, which kicked off in 1986 with Mexicos entry into the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) and which continued with more privatizations and non-nationalizations. The intention was to give ourselves a boost economically, through the installation of a large number of maquilas factories to assemble manufactured goods, basically products from China, Japan and later from Korea and the United States, he said. Laborde adds that while Mexican exports tripled, several sectors were also damaged. In his view, the industrial policy disappeared and with it a large number of Mexican manufactured products. With the 2020 renegotiation things have evolved; it is another type of treaty, but the spirit of free trade is still intact. The treaty meant the introduction of a growth model led by investments and exports, and there was particular focus on attracting foreign investment. According to official statistics, foreign investment in Mexico amounted to just $4.9 billion in 1993. By 2023, the figure for direct foreign investment exceeded $36 billion. One of the sectors that has benefited the most in Mexico has been the auto industry. In 1993, there were 10 vehicle and engine manufacturing plants, represented by five brands; three decades later there are more than 37 plants operating in Mexico, with an installed capacity to produce more than 5 million vehicles per year. Trade figures show annual exports of more than 3.2 million vehicles, of which more than 80% go to the U.S. Despite this years elections in Mexico and the US, trade between the countries has strengthened. Mexico remained the U.S. main trading partner, surpassing Canada and China with exports from January to October totaling more than $424 billion, which represents more than 80% of U.S. imports. Besides finished vehicles and auto parts, Mexican-based companies supply the U.S. with mechanical equipment, medical equipment, soft drinks, spirits, vinegar and fruit. It is also its second largest supplier of electrical appliances and their parts, mineral fuels and furniture. But the panorama of growth and consolidation has been less certain since November 5, when Republican Donald Trump won the presidential elections. Trump has threatened tariffs and a tougher review of the USMCA if he considers it no longer benefits the U.S.. Given the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Trump will not hesitate to put the North American blocs strategic agreement at risk. Although Trump has not yet taken office, Claudia Sheinbaums government in Mexico has already jumped to the defense of the USMCA. A few weeks ago, Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente met important U.S. investors in New York to discuss the future of the agreement, and stressed that Mexico and the U.S. are partners, friends and neighbors. This stance has been reinforced by the Mexican Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard. The Mexican business communitys Francisco Cervantes Diaz, president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) has described the USMCA as the best deal for the North American economies. We are going to come out well, he said. We have had 30 years of the Free Trade Agreement and we have always shown the capacity for understanding, he said. Although there is a united defense of the USMCA in Mexico, the outlook is not altogether promising. The agreement is at risk; Trump can make drastic decisions and affect the entire production process, which is why the Mexican government is so concerned about sending the right signals to avoid Trump using drug trafficking, organized crime and migration as a pretext to affect the issue of free trade, says Laborde. Meanwhile, Mexico has already positioned itself with respect to China by announcing its intention to disengage and produce what has been imported from there. Given this scenario, we are heading towards a period of uncertainty. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Ankara, Dec 20 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that his country would support Syria's transition process, and contribute to the country's recovery and stability. "We are supporting the Syrian people in managing the transition process smoothly, without any setbacks along the way," the state-run TRT broadcaster quoted Erdogan as saying. "Drafting a constitution is one critical step in rebuilding the state," Erdogan told journalists on his return flight from Cairo, where he attended the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation. "For this, we have initiated communication with key figures in Syria's new administration." Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Syria soon to discuss creating a "collaborative framework" for Syria's future, he said, adding, "If Syria establishes a truly stable structure with this new formation, in my view, it will hold a very strong position in the Islamic world." He noted that Turkey and Syria would collaborate on multiple sectors, including defence, education, and energy, Xinhua news agency reported. "Currently, Syria is facing serious challenges in energy, but we aim to resolve these issues swiftly," Erdogan said. With years of conflict devastating Syria's infrastructure and cities, Erdogan underscored the importance of reconstruction. "To mend the wounds, it is essential to rebuild cities and create sustainable livelihoods," he said, pointing to plans for new housing, energy facilities, and initiatives in agriculture and livestock as priorities. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had 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 armoured vehicles, were said to be massing along Syria's northern border. The SDF emphasised its support for recent US-led de-escalation efforts and the positive stance adopted at the Aqaba meeting, which was held on December 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, Xinhua news agency reported. 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 Turkey. Mumbai, Dec 20 : Actor Shah Rukh Khan once shared that he never visited Kashmir because his late father had asked him not to go there without him. An old video of SRK making this heartfelt confession has resurfaced online. In an earlier appearance on Amitabh Bachchan's game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, Khan revealed the reason he had never visited Kashmir. In the video, the actor could be heard saying, "My father's mother was Kashmiri. My father told me that in life, make sure you visit Istanbul, Rome, and Kashmir at least once, whether I'm here or not. However, you can visit the other two without me, but don't go to Kashmir without me." Shah Rukh added, "So he died very early. I have been all over the world lekin main Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Bohot saare mauke bhi mile, doston ne bohot bulaya, ghar wale chutti pe bhi gaye, par main Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Kyunki mere father ne kaha tha ki Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna, Kashmir main dikhaaunga," (I had many opportunities to visit Kashmir--my friends invited me, and even my family went on a holiday there. However, I never went because my father told me not to go without him, as he wanted to take me himself.") SRK's father, Mir Taj Mohammed Khan, passed away from cancer when he was just a teenager, and his mother, Lateef Fatima Khan, died a decade later, when he was only 24. Shah Rukh Khan made his first-ever visit to Kashmir in 2012, during the shoot of his film "Jab Tak Hai Jaan." Before landing in Kashmir, Khan had tweeted, "Dark clouds...wet roads...too early for even life to feel alive...but I am on way to make movies. A cigarette and coffee as co travellers." Reports suggest that Shah Rukh Khan also filmed scenes for his movie "Dunki" in Kashmir. New Delhi, Dec 21 : As the 55th meeting of the GST Council was set to begin in Jaisalmer on Saturday, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the proposed rate cut on health insurance premiums and the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under the GST ambit would be among the key focus areas. The GST Council is also set to deliberate on revising the rates of nearly 150 items during the meeting which is likely to help the Centre generate additional revenue of nearly Rs 22,000 crore. A significant agenda for the GST Council is the proposed rate cut on term health and life insurance premiums. The GST exemption/reduction on life and health insurance is a long-pending demand of the industry, as the move would alleviate the tax burden on both insurers and policyholders. While most of the panel members of the Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, pitched for "full exemption" on health and life policy premiums, a few panel members suggested reducing the rate to 5 per cent from the current 18 per cent. Additionally, insurance policies offering coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh may also receive GST relief. Another key agenda is to decide whether the 5 per cent GST on delivery charges by food delivery platforms will be applied retrospectively from 2022. Currently, food delivery companies do not pay GST on delivery charges. Also, the GST Council is likely to take up the issue of bringing aviation turbine fuel under the GST ambit. At present, the central excise duty of 11 per cent is levied on ATF. It also has a concession of 2 percent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. Moreover, there is a recent proposal from the GoM to introduce a 'Sin Tax' on demerit goods such as tobacco and aerated drinks. Currently, there is no specific 'sin goods' category under the GST structure. The creation of such a category would send a strong message that India prioritises the well-being of its people over the profits of industries that thrive on unhealthy habits, according to industry experts. Additionally, a new slab of 35 per cent is likely to be introduced targeting sin goods. Mumbai, Dec 21 : Actress Hina Khan, who is currently battling stage three breast cancer, is celebrating December in complete panache. Hina took to Instagram, where she shared a gamut of pictures from her getaway. In the slew of images, the actress looks every inch gorgeous in a blue and white striped dress with floral detailing. She completed her look with curled hair, white sneakers and a black luxurious handbag. She also shared pictures of what she gorged on and the Christmas decor in the hotel she is staying. Hello December, she wrote as the caption. Earlier this month, the actress was named in the top most searched actors list in 2024 and she said that because of her health-related hardships it is not an achievement or something to be proud of. Taking to Instagram Stories, Hina re-shared a post, where her photo showed alongside names such as Pawan Kalyan and Nimrat Kaur along with the caption: Google's 2024 global trends These Indian actors are among top 10 most searched actors in the world. She penned down her thoughts: I see a lot of people putting up stories and congratulating me on this new development but honestly For me it's neither an Achievement nor something to be Proud of (sic). I wish n pray that No one should be Googled because of their diagnosis or any health related hardships. Hina stressed that she would rather be known for her work. I have always appreciated people's genuine regard n respect for my journey in these testing times but I would rather be googled or known or acknowledged for my Work and my Accomplishments. just like I have been before and during my diagnosis.(sic), she added. Hina had also shared photos from the hospital following her chemotherapy. The actress took to her Instagram handle to drop photos where she is seen facing away from the camera, holding a pouch bag that is attached to bottles. In the images, Hina is seen wearing a hospital gown as she walks toward a door, with her back turned to the camera. United Nations, Dec 21 : Eighteen minutes of tranquility descended on the world organisations headquarters consumed by global turmoil as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led a meditation session as a path to peace at the United Nations. At that very moment on Friday, the Security Council down the corridor was grappling with threats to international peace and security in a bitter debate, having earlier in the day disposed of topics like children in armed conflicts, the tensions in the Middle East and Africa, and the Ukraine War. In the oasis of peace at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, Ravi Shankar presided over the Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony on the eve of World Meditation Day newly minted by the General Assembly this month. He noted that there are a lot of discussions about peace and security at the UN, and meditation can bring inner security and inner peace to make the world a much better place. I urge all the nations here to put a little more attention in peace education. Let us educate our young people, how to relax, how to get rid of tensions on a daily basis, how to manage their negative emotions, and be centered, said Ravi Shankar, who founded the Art of Living Foundation. The General Assembly adopted by acclamation on December 6 the resolution moved by a core group of India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, and joined by many others to declare the Winter Solstice Day the World Meditation Day. It bookends with the International Day of Yoga on Summer Solstice Day, which was also declared by the General Assembly at Indias initiative. General Assembly President Philemon Yang said, Meditation transcends borders, faiths, traditions, and time, offering each of us the opportunity to pause, to listen, and to connect with our inner selves. In its silence, meditation speaks a universal truth: That we are all human, all seeking balance, and all striving for a better understanding of our inner self and the world in which we live, he said. Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare said that the UN peacekeepers are tasked with protecting civilians against physical violence, and are often themselves exposed to atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is critical that their mental health is taken care of and for this the UN introduced an app in 16 languages that includes meditation to help them. Indias Permanent Representative P. Harish said, The ancient Indian practice of Dhyana, or meditation, goes back thousands of years to yogic traditions and holds the key to achieve inner calm and attain harmony between mind and body, thought and action, humanity and the external world. The winter solstice in the Indian tradition, is the beginning of uttarayana, an auspicious time of the year, especially for inner reflection, he said. India's leadership in overall human well-being stems from our civilisational dictum of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam or the whole world is one family, he added. Ukraines allies are deploying different formulas to end the war on the carpets of palaces thousands of miles from the front. In Donetsk, in muddy and frozen towns like Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Velyka Novolsika or Chasiv Yar, where Russia is harassing Ukrainian troops in the fiercest battles of this years end, neither civilians nor soldiers see an end to the conflict. Terrified and exhausted, both want it all to end now, but they deeply distrust Moscow. Any ceasefire, they warn, will allow the enemy to recover, rearm, and return with greater strength to its goal of taking over the entire country. The situation is critical at these points on the eastern front, where Russia is advancing at its fastest pace since the start of the invasion in February 2022. The Kremlins forces are just a few miles from Pokrovsk, a key logistics center for the Ukrainian army in Donetsk. The heaviest fighting of recent months is taking place there, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said last week. He reported that the Russians are sustaining about 400 casualties a day, including dead and wounded, but did not give details about Ukrainian losses. There are still about 11,000 people left in Pokrovsk, of the 60,000 inhabitants who lived there before the war. Marina Volodimira, 28, was evacuated last Wednesday after spending several days without electricity, water, or gas. A day later, with terror and cold still in her body, she describes the constant attacks, the windows of her house smashed, the city without supplies, and the rockets flying over her head if she dared to leave the house. Sitting on a bed in a theater room converted into a communal dormitory at a transit center for evacuees, wearing a hat and coat, she warns of the speed of the Russian advance. They move very fast. They can get anywhere, she says fearfully, despite being in Pavlograd, in the Dnipro region some 70 miles from her home, in a place run by NGOs and organizations such as the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Marina Volodimira, evacuated from Pokrovsk, on December 12 at the transit center for evacuees in Pavlograd. Gloria Rodriguez-Pina The Ukrainian army has replaced commander Olexandr Lutsenko, who was in charge of operations in Donetsk, with Olexandr Tarnavskyi, after several major defeats, according to the Ukrainian press. The fall of Pokrovsk a crossroads that also includes a mine essential for the steel industry that has had to partially suspend its operations would facilitate the Russian campaign to take Chasiv Yar. Sergeant Anatoli Yakimets, 57, has just emerged from a 22-day hell in a frontline infantry position in the Chasiv Yar sector. He has lost 13 kilos. The logistics of such basic items as food and water were almost impossible, but the hunger disappeared with the stress and adrenaline. I slept when there was shelling, because when everything was quiet I was worried that the Russians were preparing something, he said on Saturday, some 40 miles from the front, in a place where he could rest and do his thing: repair weapons. Sergeant Anatoli Yakimets, on December 14. Gloria Rodriguez-Pina In his sector of the front, the war has not let up and there is no end in sight. On the contrary, the intensity of the attacks with drones, mortars, artillery, and machine guns is such that Yakimets lost his mind and had a psychotic episode in which he believed that his comrades were enemies. Luckily, I didnt shoot them, he recalls. The sergeant wants the war, in which his two sons are also fighting, to end as soon as possible, but he is wary of politicians. There are not as many people motivated to fight as there were at the beginning, because the war is killing us, and there are fewer and fewer good fighters; this has to end now, he says. In the trenches, there is no talk of negotiations or the end of the war, and no news from outside reaches them. There are only Russian troops there. They have many more people, and it seems that they have unlimited ammunition. They push, push and push. Yakimets serves in the 33rd Mechanized Brigade, which is fighting alongside the 79th Airborne Assault Brigade and the 46th Airborne Brigade in the Kurakhove sector. Russian troops are besieging the town, which is barely holding out, and trapping Ukrainian troops in the south of the locality. The situation is very difficult, but we are still holding out, says 33rd Brigade spokesman Nazar Voiterkov. The Russians are superior in terms of troops, weapons, and machine guns, he explains in the same village where Yakimets is recovering with a few men. We are short of personnel, he adds, saying that for every Ukrainian soldier there are 10 Russians. Volodymyr Kozatski, 55, lived in Kurakhove until November 27, when he and a neighbor saw the opportunity to take their bikes to the next village, from where they were evacuated. There are few people left in the town. About 3,000, according to the AP news agency, out of the 18,000 who lived there before the war. Mostly elderly people, who cannot move, says Kozatski at the transit center for evacuees where several NGOs and organizations such as UNHCR collaborate. It is impossible to stay there, the bombing is constant. As is harassment by Russian drones, which makes it impossible to leave the house. Volodymyr Kozatski at the Pavlograd transit center for evacuees on 12 December. Gloria Rodriguez-Pina Kozatski, who worked in maintenance for a gas company, declines to comment on the negotiations. Im not a politician, he says. But he does add with certainty: The war is not going to end soon. People in this eastern Ukrainian region, which together with Luhansk is part of Donbas, remember well that the conflict with Russia over its territory has been going on for 10 years. Since August 1, 139,725 people have fled Donetsk, including 28,546 from areas on the front, according to the regional administration. Some 318,000 people live in Ukrainian-controlled areas, 54,677 of them in areas with active fronts, according to data collected by UNHCR and updated to December 6. Junior Sergeant Voiterkov also does not want to talk about politics, but he does not believe in negotiations. Russia is a terrorist state. You cannot keep peace with them. They will take advantage of the opportunity to recharge their batteries and come back, because their plan is to capture all of Ukraine. They can freeze the war for a few years, but it will start again, and it will be worse, he says, while artillery fire from his own side can be heard in the background. Another officer, who prefers to remain anonymous, warns: The Europeans will have to face the consequences of the peace they are pressuring Ukraine with, because after the pause [in the conflict] there will be World War III. In Iskra, the first village in Donetsk off the Zaporizhzhia highway, less than 20 miles from the front, soldiers are approaching the post office to collect parcels and buy some basic necessities. A 28-year-old military medic, code-named Hungry, pauses before loading a box into her car and admits that the situation on the battlefield is dire: We are losing a lot of people and the Russians are advancing very fast. They seem unstoppable. At the front, she confirms, there is no talk of negotiations. She is hopeful that the war will end soon we have had enough, she says but she too does not trust the politicians. A serviceman codenamed Citroen on December 14 in the village of Iskra, in Donetsk. Gloria Rodriguez-Pina A 33-year-old soldier, whose military codename is Citroen, is one of those who opposes negotiations with Russia, because he also believes that Moscow will not give up its efforts to occupy the entire country. The enemy will get stronger and will attack again and again, village by village. Citroen is a sapper on the Velyka Novosilka front. He says that his brigade continues to hold its position, but the enemy continues to attack there too, with a ratio of forces of one to 10. His colleagues smoke next to their car, an old, battered Lada parked in front of the shop in Iskra, without anti-drone equipment. On their cell phones, they show a photo of an armored vehicle they had, in front of which a comrade killed by a Russian attack, is posing. They do not want to talk about the intentions of the U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump, to end the war even before returning to the White House on 20 January. Nor about the possibility of making territorial concessions to Russia to agree a ceasefire. Citroen does: If it were up to me, I would say no. I dont support the negotiations. What was all this for, all these lives lost, this high price? We want to rest, but we do not forget our friends and comrades who have died, he concludes while finishing a cigarette. And that is why we will continue to fight. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Dec 21 : Indian missions across the globe celebrated the inaugural World Meditation Day on Saturday, emphasising the transformative power of meditation for mental and physical well-being. At the United Nations, India hosted the 'Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony' at the UN Trusteeship Council. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, highlighted the ancient Indian practice of Dhyana (meditation), describing it as a tool for achieving inner calm and harmony. Expressing pride in the global recognition of meditation, Harish noted, "Happy that UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare, Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and many PR colleagues joined us to celebrate this auspicious event." The General Assembly had adopted the resolution on December 6, spearheaded by a core group of countries, including India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, to commemorate the Winter Solstice as World Meditation Day. In Vientiane, the Indian Embassy in Laos marked the occasion in collaboration with Art of Living Laos and Holiday Inn Vientiane. Highlighting Indias role in the United Nations' adoption of December 21 as World Meditation Day, the Embassy said in a post on X, "The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, with India as a core group member." Indian Ambassador to Laos, Prashant Agrawal, encouraged attendees to adopt meditation for peace, harmony, and personal well-being. Participants also practised simple meditation techniques during the event. The Nepal Mission to the United Nations celebrated the day, underscoring Nepal's spiritual heritage. In a post on X, the mission wrote, "Many saints and sages travelled to Nepal in their quest for truth, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment." At a celebration hosted by India at the UN, Nepal's Permanent Representative Lok Thapa referred to Nepal as Tapobhumi and emphasised meditation's potential to unite people, foster harmony, and build bridges between communities. The Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo held a meditation session at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), where Consul General Hansraj Singh Verma discussed meditation's importance, and Dr. Luisa Gondim from Art of Living guided a short practice. In Johannesburg, the Indian Embassy invited everyone to embrace mindfulness. "Even a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference. Find your inner peace on World Meditation Day!" it posted on social media. In Hong Kong, the Consulate General of India extended wishes and encouraged the global community to cultivate inner peace and spread harmony through meditation. High Commission of India in Sri Lanka also celebrated the World Meditation Day at Mayurapathy Meditation Hall, Colombo. "HCI in Sri Lanka and ICCR's Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) organised a morning meditation session celebrating the UN declaration of World Meditation Day on December 21. A serene and transformative session joined by enthusiasts across age groups," it posted. The Consulate General of India in Bhutan also celebrated World Meditation Day and posted, "Marking the first World Meditation Day, CGI Phuentsholing & Art of Living (Bhutan Chapter) hosted a guided meditation at Phuentsholing Central Park. 140+ participants, including Bhutanese dignitaries & the Indian community, joined to promote peace & harmony." Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Argentina announced plans to celebrate World Meditation Day with a blend of yoga, gastronomy, and Indian culture. "Join us for a day together with the Embassy of India and Escobar Municipio," the Embassy invited in a post. Meanwhile, reflecting on the significance of the Winter Solstice at the UN, Harish explained, "In Indian tradition, it marks the beginning of uttarayana, an auspicious time for inner reflection." He added, "India's leadership in human well-being stems from our civilisational dictum of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the whole world is one family." The celebrations underscored the universal appeal of meditation as a pathway to peace, well-being, and global harmony. Mumbai, Dec 21 : Veteran actress and talk show host Simi Garewal recently took to social media to share her bittersweet experience of attending the 100th birth anniversary celebration of legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. The event, held at Infinity Mall in Mumbai, brought together numerous industry stalwarts to honour the legacy of the iconic showman. On Saturday, Simi shared a video from the event on her Instagram handle, reflecting on her efforts to be part of the occasion despite the challenges. She wrote, So... I DID attend the RK100. It took 3 hours in the crazy traffic to get from Malabar Hill to Infinity Mall!! And by then, it was kinda over. But I tried... Goodbye Infinity Mall... never again. In the clip, Garewal, dressed in a white outfit, can be seen posing for the media. She also added the popular track Ek Hasina Thi Ek Diwana Tha to the video. Reacting to her post, choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan commented, Hahahahahahaha, now u know how v feel bout cming to town. Simi Garewals association with Raj Kapoor dates back decades, as she worked with him in the classic film Mera Naam Joker. Over the years, she has often spoken about her admiration for his cinematic genius and their shared love of storytelling. Ahead of the late actor Raj Kapoors 100th birth anniversary, Zeenat Aman had earlier shared an anecdote from her career, recalling how Raj Kapoor cast her "countless times" for the role of Rupa in Satyam Shivam Sundaram. The actress posted a monochrome photo of herself with the late actor and penned a lengthy note that read: In December, we will mark the 100th birth anniversary of the extraordinary Raj Kapoor. I have rehashed the story of how he came to cast me as Rupa in Satyam Shivam Sundaram countless times, but here it is for Instagrama defining anecdote from my career. The RK100 event marked a significant milestone in Bollywood, celebrating Raj Kapoors immense contributions to Indian cinema. Raj Kapoor's family, including his children and grandchildrenactors Randhir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor came together with Bollywood luminaries like Rekha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali to honour the legacy of the legendary Hindi cinema showman at a grand event in Mumbai. Kuwait City, Dec 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers during his visit to a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, his first official programme after arriving in the West Asian nation on a historic visit, earlier in the day. The labour camp has a workforce of around 1500 Indian nationals hailing from different states of India. During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi enquired about the well-being of Indian workers and discussed various welfare schemes initiated by the Indian government over the past 10 years. "The visit to the labour camp is symbolic of the importance attached by the Prime Minister to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. In the last few years, the government has undertaken several technology-based initiatives such as E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal and upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the welfare of Indian workers abroad," said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) after the visit. The government led by PM Modi remains at the forefront in providing unwavering support to its nationals at times of their need and PM's visit to the camp on Saturday assumes significance, especially after the fire tragedy at a labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait City in June this year which resulted in deaths of dozens of Indian workers. Within hours of assuming charge, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh was sent to Kuwait on the direction of Prime Minister Modi who was himself keeping track of rescue efforts on June 12 despite major political developments at home, including swearing-in ceremonies of governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been working in a mission mode since the tragic incident, constantly checking safety measures at the labour camps and places where Indian workers are staying. This is, however, not the first instance of the PM meeting interacting with Indian workers abroad. In 2016, PM Modi visited L&T workers' residential complex and the All Women IT and ITES Centre of Tata Consultancy Services in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh. In the same year, PM Modi also visited the Indian workers' camp in Doha, Qatar. Earlier in 2015, PM Modi visited a labour camp in Abu Dhabi where he highlighted India's concern for the welfare of its migrant workers. He interacted with Indian workers at their camps to know the problems they face and discussed ways the Indian government can help them. At the same time, the government led by PM Modi has also been continuously working towards ensuring safe and legal migration. Launched in 2014, the e-Migrate project facilitates emigration of Indians for employment purposes and mitigates the scope of malpractices. It also helps to conduct recruitment processes in a hassle-free and transparent manner besides providing a comprehensive online database of Indian emigrants to all stakeholders, making the whole emigration cycle fast, transparent and efficient. The e-Migrate system has been integrated with other services like Passport Seva Project for online validation of passport details and also with insurance agencies providing Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna. DG Shipping system has also been integrated with the eMigrate system through which data about seafarers submitted to DG Shipping is sent through eMigrate to the Bureau of Immigration for processing emigration at Immigration Check Posts and airports, thus streamlining the emigration process. The Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants Division has also been strengthened, thus streamlining the process of emigration for individuals having ECR (Emigration Clearance Required category) passports going abroad for employment. As many as 16 offices of Protector General of Emigrants have been opened across India to facilitate the same. The Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra, which helps disseminate information about emigration and receive and redress complaints and grievances of migrant workers, has also been strengthened by the government while five regional centres have also been set up at Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, Patna and Kochi assisting emigrants requiring face-to-face interaction for redressal of their grievances and queries. PM Modi has simultaneously been working towards improving the condition of Indian workers abroad. In his visit to UAE earlier this year, PM Modi had announced that UAE has given a piece of land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers. Quite significantly, India and Kuwait signed an agreement in 2021 which marked a pivotal step in ensuring the welfare and rights of Indian domestic workers in Kuwait. The agreement established a fair and balanced relationship between workers and employers, focusing on the protection of workers' rights and compliance with local laws. Kuwait City, Dec 21 : India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait and continues to be so in contemporary times and people-to-people linkages over centuries have fostered a special bond of friendship between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (Kuna), PM Modi said that trade and commerce have been important pillars of bilateral relationship between Kuwait and India, with the two-way trade increasing. "Trade and commerce have been important pillars of our bilateral relationship. Our bilateral trade has been on an upswing. Our energy partnership adds a unique value to our bilateral trade," the Prime Minister told Kuna Director General Fatma Al-Salem. PM Modi on Saturday afternoon arrived in Kuwait, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years. Kuwait is a critical partner for India, ranking as the sixth-largest supplier of crude oil and meeting 3 per cent of India's energy needs. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $10.47 billion in 2023-24, with Indian exports growing 34.7 per cent (year-on-year). Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund, the Kuwait Investment Authority, has invested more than $10 billion in India, reinforcing the financial ties between the nations. The Indian Prime minister also mentioned that Kuwait Investment Authority has made substantial investments in India and there is a growing interest in investing in India now. Meanwhile, India's trade with GCC countries stood at a robust $184.46 billion in 2022-23. PM Modi told Kuna news agency that "we are happy to see 'Made in India' products, particularly in automobile, electrical and mechanical machinery, and telecom segments making new inroads in Kuwait". "India today is manufacturing world-class products at the most affordable cost. Diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade," PM Modi was quoted as saying. With Kuwait currently chairing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), PM Modi's visit is expected to bolster India's engagement with the influential bloc, comprising Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Facing a government shutdown deadline, the Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect Donald Trumps demands for a debt limit increase into the new year. President Joe Biden, who has played a less public role in the process throughout a turbulent week, was expected to sign the measure into law Saturday. House Speaker Mike Johnson had insisted Congress would meet our obligations and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the days outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures start now. The House approved Johnsons new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34. The Senate worked into the night to pass it, 85-11, just after the deadline. At midnight, the White House said it had ceased shutdown preparations. This is a good outcome for the country, Johnson said after the House vote, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect was certainly happy about this outcome, as well. There will be no government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. The final product was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally Elon Musk, who called the legislative plays from afar. Trumps last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldnt be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republican deficit hawks prefer to slash the federal government and certainly wouldnt allow more debt. Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing. So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill? scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote. The drastically slimmed-down 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March 14 and add $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers. Gone is Trumps demand to lift the debt ceiling, which GOP leaders told lawmakers would be debated as part of their tax and border packages in the new year. Republicans made a so-called handshake agreement to raise the debt limit at that time while also cutting $2.5 trillion in spending over 10 years. Its essentially the same deal that flopped the night before in a spectacular setback opposed by most Democrats and some of the most conservative Republicans minus Trumps debt ceiling demand. But its far smaller than the original bipartisan accord Johnson struck with Democratic and Republican leaders a 1,500-page bill that Trump and Musk rejected, forcing him to start over. It was stuffed with a long list of other bills including much-derided pay raises for lawmakers but also other measures with broad bipartisan support that now have a tougher path to becoming law. House Democrats were cool to the latest effort after Johnson reneged on the hard-fought bipartisan compromise. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said it looked like Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, was calling the shots for Trump and Republicans. Who is in charge? she asked during the debate. Still, the House Democrats put up more votes than Republicans for the bills passage. Almost three dozen conservative House Republicans voted against it. The House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy and hurting working-class Americans all across the nation, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, referring to Trumps Make America Great Again slogan. In the Senate, almost all the opposition came from the Republicans except independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who said Musks interference was not democracy, thats oligarchy. Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power but also the limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago alongside Musk, who is heading up the new Department of Government Efficiency. The incoming Trump administration vows to slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees and is counting on Republicans for a big tax package. And Trumps not fearful of shutdowns the way lawmakers are, having sparked the longest government shutdown in history in his first term at the White House. If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, Trump posted early in the morning on social media. More important for the president-elect was his demand for pushing the thorny debt ceiling debate off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesnt want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nations borrowing capacity. Now Johnson will be on the hook to deliver. Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling, Trump posted increasing his demand for a new five-year debt limit increase. Without this, we should never make a deal. Government workers had already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown that would send millions of employees and members of the military into the holiday season without paychecks. Biden has been in discussions with Jeffries and Schumer, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this. As the day dragged on, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stepped in to remind colleagues how harmful it is to shut the government down, and how foolish it is to bet your own side wont take the blame for it. At one point, Johnson asked House Republicans at a lunchtime meeting for a show of hands as they tried to choose the path forward. It wasnt just the shutdown, but the speakers job on the line. The speakers election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and some Trump allies have floated Musk for speaker. Johnson said he spoke to Musk ahead of the vote Friday and they talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job. 2,982 Posts For Teachers, Ministerial Staff Lying Vacant In Himachal Schools: Minister Published By : PTI Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:07 IST The process to fill 700 posts of school lecturers and 985 posts of Lecturer (School New) in Computer Science is underway. 252 posts of Assistant Librarians have been declared as a dying cadre. (Representational/ File Photo) A total of 2,982 posts for teachers and ministerial staff are vacant in Government Senior Secondary, High, Middle and Primary schools in Himachal Pradesh, the Vidhan Sabha was informed on Friday. The process to fill 700 posts of school lecturers and 985 posts of Lecturer (School New) in Computer Science is underway, with requisitions for filling these posts already submitted to recruiting agencies, Education Minister Rohit Thakur said in a written reply during the winter session of the state assembly. related stories A total of 1,095 posts of Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) in Arts, Non-medical, and Medical streams have been filled, and notifications to fill 1,485 posts of TGTs in these streams, as per recruitment and promotion rules, have been issued, Thakur said in response to a question from BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal. He also mentioned that out of 1,023 posts of Assistant Librarians, 771 vacant posts have been converted to Junior Office Assistant (JOA) Library, and the remaining 252 posts of Assistant Librarians have been declared as a dying cadre. In response to a question by BJP legislators Deep Raj and Satpal Singh Satti, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said free test facilities for 133 tests in IGMC and 42 tests in the associated Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla are available for patients. With the inclusion of 56 free tests by the previous BJP government, the total number of free tests has increased to 175, Sukhu added. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the state assembly that the Himachal Government has constituted a Water Commission to recover the water cess, but no revenue has been collected from central government undertakings, as the matter is pending in court. Replying to a question from Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the Deputy CM said that so far, Rs 34.75 crore has been collected in water cess from private hydro-power developers. The government has paid Rs 34.10 lakh to defend the case in the High Court and Rs 31 lakh in the Supreme Court. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also informed the assembly that in the past year, a total of 12 cases related to the cryptocurrency scam and 2,779 cases under NDPS were registered by the police in Himachal. A total of 5,805 accused individuals, including 78 in the cryptocurrency scam and 5,717 in NDPS cases, were arrested, he added in response to a question from Kewal Singh Pathania (Congress). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, immovable property worth Rs 35.29 crore and movable property worth Rs 1.70 crore have been seized in cryptocurrency cases in Mandi, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, Solan districts and Mohali in Punjab. The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha commenced on Wednesday at the Tapovan campus in Dharamshala. First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:07 IST MBOSE SSLC, HSSLC Exam 2025 Schedule Revised Due To Polls, Check Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 16:40 IST MBOSE SSLC, HSSLC Exam 2025 for February 21 and February 24, 2025 have been rescheduled due to elections. Megalaya 10th board exam 2025 for Mathematics is rescheduled to February 25, 2025. (Representative/PTI File) MBOSE SSLC, HSSLC Exam 2025: The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) has released the revised schedule for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations. The MBOSE SSLC, HSSLC Board Exams 2025 have been rescheduled for a few subjects because of the upcoming elections in the state. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections are scheduled to be held on February 21 and the counting of votes will be held on February 24. related stories According to the official notification, the examinations scheduled on the above dates have been rescheduled. In view of the State Governments announcement to hold the elections to Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (JHADC), on 21/2/2025 and counting on 24/2/2025, the SSLC and the HSSLC Examination, 2025 fallling on these dates have been re-scheduled," reads the official notification. The Meghalaya SSLC (Class 10) Board exams were initially set to take place from February 10 to February 21, 2025. However, the exam originally scheduled for February 21 has been postponed to February 25, 2025. Meanwhile, the HSSLC (Class 12) exams will be held from February 18 to March 17, 2025. Additionally, the HSSLC exams scheduled for February 21 and 24 have also been rescheduled. Meghalaya Board Exam Date 2025 Revised top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Examinations Subject Old Exam Date Revised Exam Date SSLC Mathematics/Special Mathematics Feb 21, 2025 Feb 25, 2025 HSSLC Physics Feb 24, 2025 March 6, 2025 Sociology Feb 24, 2025 March 18, 2025 Vocational Subjects/Poultry Farming-IV/ Computer Technique-IV. Feb 24, 2025 March 19, 2025 First Published: December 21, 2024, 16:40 IST RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 Exam Districts Details Releasing Today, Admit Cards On Dec 25 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:49 IST RPSC Senior Teacher Admit Card 2024: Written exams are scheduled to be held on December 28, 29, 30, and December 31, 2024. RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam district details will be released on the official website - rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in. RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 Admit Cards: Rajasthan Public Service Commission will release the exam district information for the RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam today, December 21, 2024. Once released, candidates who have applied for the RPSC Sr. Teacher (Sanskrit Edu.) Comp. Exam 2024 can check the exam district details on the official website of RPSC at rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in. According to the official notification, RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 admit cards are scheduled to be released on December 25, 2024 on the official website. Candidates should download their admit card by visiting the Admit Card link using the application number and date of birth. How To Check RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 Exam District Details? related stories Step 1: Visit the official website of RPSC rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in. Step 2: On the homepage click on the RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam district details link Step 3: Enter your login details on the newly opened page Step 4: Click on the submit button and your RPSC Senior Teacher Exam District details will appear on the screen Step 5: Check the details and download the page. RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 Exam Dates top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Senior Teacher written examination is scheduled for December 28, 29, 30, and 31, 2024. The exam will be conducted in two shifts: the first shift from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and the second shift from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The Social Science and Hindi papers will be held on December 28, General Knowledge, Educational Psychology, and Science on December 29, Mathematics and Sanskrit on December 30, and English on December 31, 2024. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging into https://sso.rajasthan.gov.in and selecting the Recruitment portal link in Citizen Apps (G2C). It is mandatory for candidates to bring the updated original Aadhaar card (in colored print) for identification at the exam centre. First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:49 IST In Panic Mode, Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Kids Into Sea, Rescuers Stepped In Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 09:03 IST Fourteen people lost their lives when a Navy boat collided with the tourist ferry, Neel Kamal, which was en route to Elephanta Island from Mumbai's Gateway of India. Passengers being rescued after a ferry capsized off Mumbai coast when a Navy craft crashed into it in Mumbai. (PTI) Panic-stricken parents aboard a sinking tourist ferry off the coast of Mumbai were contemplating throwing their children into the sea as a last-ditch effort to save them. However, a team of CISF marine commandos intervened, assuring them that everyone would be rescued. CISF constable Amol Savant (36) and two of his colleagues were the first responders after the December 18 disaster. Their patrol boat arrived at the scene around 4 pm, just minutes after the accident. They swiftly focused on rescuing the most vulnerable, particularly children, during the crucial golden hour." related stories Fourteen people lost their lives when a Navy boat collided with the tourist ferry, Neel Kamal, which was en route to Elephanta Island from Mumbais Gateway of India. What Did CISF Personnel Say? We were on a routine patrol when we received a distress call about the sinking ferry," Savant said. I told the pilot to speed up, and we reached the scene in just a few minutes." Upon arriving, Savant was taken aback by the chaos but quickly took charge, realizing that the parents were about to throw their children into the water in panic. He stopped them, assuring them not to panic and that help was on the way. Despite his initial shock, Savant and his colleagues managed to rescue 6-7 children first, followed by other passengers. There were countless people reaching out to us, some crying out, others simply pleading for help. In total, we managed to rescue about 50-60 people," Savant added. CISF Personnel Who Saved Woman Sub Inspector Kheioka Sema (38), who was in a second patrol boat, recalled rescuing a woman in a life jacket who had raised her hands for help. We calmly told her to lower her hands so she wouldnt slip out of the jacket and drown. We were able to save her," Sema said. Sema, who joined the CISF in 2018, along with Savant and their colleagues, administered CPR to around 10-12 people and helped drain water from their lungs. A foreign couple onboard the ferry also assisted by performing CPR on several victims. We spread out to scan a 300-meter radius looking for survivors. We also recovered belongings such as bags and life jackets from the water," Sema explained. Both CISF officers are trained in marine operations, amphibious survival, and combat techniques. CISF personnel who guard seaports are equipped with special training in marine commando tactics, and the force plans to recommend Savant and his colleagues for the Jeevan Raksha Padak, a prestigious life-saving award. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Though the accident occurred beyond the designated area for their patrols at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, their professionalism and dedication in rescuing countless lives have been widely praised. (With PTI inputs) First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:02 IST 'Horrific': MEA Condemns Germany Christmas Market Attack, Sources Say 7 Indians Injured Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 22, 2024, 00:01 IST A Saudi doctor rammed his vehicle into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday, killing five people, including a young child. A nine-year-old was among the five killed in the Christmas market attack in Germany on Friday. (AP) India on Saturday condemned the horrific and senseless" attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany that killed five people, including a nine-year-old boy, and injured over 200 people. The attack took place at a Christmas market in Magdeburg when a Saudi doctor intentionally drove a black BMW into the crowded market on Friday. The driver of the car identified as 50-year-old doctor named Tayeb A was arrested. related stories We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance," said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. Press release: India condemns attack in Magdeburg, Germanyhttps://t.co/3nA9nNmPVm pic.twitter.com/8ZIW0GHnCm Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 21, 2024 At least seven Indian nationals were among those injured in the Christmas attack, according to sources. Three have been discharged from the hospital. The Indian mission is in touch with all Indian nationals injured in the attack. The attack on crowds of market visitors gathered to celebrate the pre-Christmas season comes amid a fierce debate over security and migration during an election campaign in Germany, where the far right is polling strongly. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in the central city as he laid a white rose in honour of the victims. We have now learned that over 200 people have been injured. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them." Saudi Arabias Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack. The statement said, The Kingdom expresses its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Germany, wishing the injured a speedy recovery." Who Was The Attacker? The interior minister for the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Tamara Zieschang, said that the suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who moved to Germany around two decades back, in 2006. The suspect has been practising medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometres south of Magdeburg. As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city," said Haseloff, adding, Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a tragedy and one human life too many." Taleb is a former Muslim who is now a staunch critic of Islam. He supports Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party in Germany, which takes an anti-immigration stance. Taleb is also on the wanted list in Saudi Arabia on grave charges such as terrorism and smuggling of girls from the Middle East to European nations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The attack comes eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. (with agency inputs) First Published: December 21, 2024, 22:49 IST Potential Disaster: Kerala HC Denies Nod To Sunburn Festival In Landslide-Hit Wayanad Curated By : Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 11:51 IST Sunburn festival organisers have been criticized by local residents who have alleged illegal constructions at the event venue. Kerala High Court said that Sunburn festival could not proceed as it rejected claims that the District Tourism Promotion Council had authorised the event. The Kerala High Court ordered cancellation of the Sunburn music festival which was set to be held in landslide-hit Wayanad on New Years Eve. The order came after residents of the area filed a case citing illegal construction at Boche 1000 Acres in Meppadi, Wayanad. What Kerala High Court said on Sunburn festival related stories The court said that Sunburn festival could not proceed as it rejected claims that the District Tourism Promotion Council had authorised the event. Such permission did not cover events of this magnitude and legal permissions were still needed, the court said. Kerala High Court termed Sunburn festival as a potential disaster Earlier the court had voiced serious concerns over the Sunburn music festival labeling it a potential disaster in the making" as it said that there were risks involved in hosting the event in the fragile region, Bar and Bench reported. The court noted that hosting the festival in Wayanad which is barely out of one disaster" will result in plunging into another disaster." Why is Sunburn festival caught in legal battle The Sunburn festival is being organized by Boche Bhumiputra Private Limited which is owned by businessman Boby Chemmanur. The organisers have been criticized by local residents who have alleged illegal constructions at the event venue. Concerns were also been raised over parking of vehicles and catering of the festival which was expected to be attended by 20,000 people. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location : Kerala, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 11:46 IST Kerala Lottery Results 21.12.2024: Karunya KR-685 Winners Announced; Full List Here! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 25, 2024, 09:07 IST Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Karunya KR-685 lucky draw for Saturday, December 21. Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-685 Results: The first prize winner of Karunya KR-685 will get Rs 80 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA KR-685 RESULT ON SATURDAY, 21.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya KR-685 lucky draw for Saturday, December 21. This popular weekly lottery provides significant cash prizes, including a top reward of Rs 80 lakh. The second and third prizes are valued at Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results 25.12.2024: Fifty Fifty FF-122 Winners; First Prize Rs 1 Crore! related stories KARUNYA KR-684 LOTTERY: WINNING NUMBERS WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE KN 829857 KO 829857 KP 829857 KR 829857 KS 829857 KT 829857 KU 829857 KW 829857 KX 829857 KY 829857 KZ 829857 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKH IS KV 829857 (VADAKARA) Agent Name: A P THOMAS Agency No.: D 4120 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS KW 948415 (THIRUR) Agent Name: SHAJI K Agency No.: M 3607 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE KN 945606 (THIRUR) KO 322540 (PUNALUR) KP 593182 (THRISSUR) KR 720541 (KANHANGAD) KS 503309 (ERNAKULAM) KT 275016 (CHITTUR) KU 613871 (WAYANADU) KV 743878 (KAYAMKULAM) KW 879908 (PUNALUR) KX 146265 (KOLLAM) KY 425661 (THRISSUR) KZ 764391 (VADAKARA) WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE 0992 1885 2404 2999 4205 4287 4292 6016 6441 7535 7691 8372 8533 9022 9024 9114 9142 9219 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE 0590 1220 1954 2700 3389 4160 5731 6254 7189 7904 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE 0288 1542 1757 2021 2566 3078 5287 6259 6308 7372 7896 7949 8033 8076 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE 0299 0429 0665 0668 0703 0820 0862 0896 0940 0973 1023 1184 1229 1241 1256 1417 1506 1547 1588 1601 1613 1633 1645 1658 1818 2345 2378 2535 2544 2892 2944 3047 3140 3264 3331 3775 3998 4008 4439 4464 4937 5120 5205 5238 5249 5292 5448 5808 5858 5919 5967 6126 6269 6288 6319 6361 6443 6470 6498 6731 7085 7155 7159 7201 7410 7416 7736 7948 8104 8147 8151 8224 8491 8649 8808 9100 9296 9414 9790 9959 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE 0044 0183 0281 0290 0319 0320 0396 0546 0644 0676 0774 0797 0987 1083 1118 1184 1268 1269 1393 1400 1432 1459 1597 1619 1951 1952 2007 2118 2429 2438 2513 2631 2667 2686 2696 2824 2828 2854 2888 2941 3012 3095 3214 3309 3364 3568 3811 3843 3862 3940 3949 4016 4071 4221 4325 4409 4461 4498 4531 4554 4611 4808 4928 4986 5211 5282 5391 5549 5658 5775 5815 5833 5910 5927 5989 6011 6017 6116 6176 6226 6246 6250 6325 6334 6546 6622 6813 6849 6852 6853 7097 7238 7333 7526 7533 7677 7715 7797 7824 8037 8092 8192 8246 8265 8379 8472 8606 8651 8715 8804 8823 8830 8837 8947 9262 9280 9479 9522 9555 9675 9713 9794 9858 9911 9958 HOW TO VERIFY KERALA KARUNYA KR-685 LOTTERY RESULTS? Visit the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department, keralalottery.info, to check the results of the Kerala Karunya KR-685 Lottery. The list of winning numbers is also available at the Kerala Government Gazette office. Reliable and precise lottery results are provided through official channels. HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? Compare the numbers on your ticket with the official list published in the Kerala Government Gazette. Your ticket number must perfectly align with the winning numbers to be eligible for a prize. Prize collection requires a visit to the Kerala Lottery headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Winners have 30 days from the draw date to present their winning ticket. Bring the winning ticket along with valid identification when claiming your prize. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY A photocopy of the winning ticket, signed on both sides by the winner for self-authentication. Passport-sized photographs endorsed by an official from the Gazette. A signed copy of the participants PAN card. Fill out the online prize claim form, attach a revenue stamp, and submit it. Identity proof documents like voter ID, ration card, PAN card, or Aadhaar card. HOW DO I DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Go to the official websites of the Kerala Lottery Department: keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net. Select the link to view the Karunya KR-685 results. The winning numbers will appear on the screen. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Locate and select the provided download option. Open the link to access the lottery results in PDF format. Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:00 IST 2 Dead, Many Trapped After Multi-Storey Building Collapses In Punjab's Mohali, Owners Booked Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 22, 2024, 12:06 IST The district authorities launched a rescue operation. Two excavators were pressed into service as part of the operation. Police personnel and others during a rescue operation after a multistorey building collapsed at Sohana village. (PTI) A 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh died after being pulled from the debris of a collapsed four-storey building in Punjabs Mohali, on Saturday, officials reported. Drishti Verma, a resident of Theog, was rescued in critical condition and rushed to Sohana Hospital, according to Viraj S Tidke, the officiating deputy commissioner. Unfortunately, Verma later succumbed to her injuries. related stories As rescue operations entered Day 2 on Sunday, another body was recovered from the site. #WATCH | Punjab: Another body recovered from the site where a multi-storey under-construction building collapsed yesterday in Mohali.Death toll in the incident rises to 2. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mfKreXB18t ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2024 The building collapsed on Saturday evening, leaving at least five people trapped. The district authorities launched a rescue operation. Two excavators were pressed into service as part of the operation. A fire brigade team was also present. A National Disaster Response Team (NDRF) team, too, reached the spot. The fire brigade also participated in the operation, officials said. Punjab: NDRF teams have accelerated rescue efforts following the Sohana building collapse in Mohali. Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is monitoring the situation via the district administration. As per his directives, an Army Column from the Western Command has been deployed to pic.twitter.com/X8GPXB16VZ IANS (@ians_india) December 21, 2024 Several excavators were pressed into service as part of the rescue operation. Medical teams, along with an ambulance, were deployed. Tidke said anyone with apprehension that their family members may be the ones trapped in the debris can dial district control room number 0172-2219506. Prompt Action By Indian Army Indian Army responded swiftly to rescue persons trapped in the tragic collapse of the four-storey building at Mohali. An Engineer Task Force of 80 Army personnel along with earthmoving equipment have been working overnight and are continuing efforts to look for survivors. #MohaliBuildingCollapse :Swift Action & Relentless EffortsIndian Army responded swiftly to rescue persons trapped in the tragic collapse of a four storey building at Mohali. An Engineer Task Force of 80 Army personnel alongwith earthmoving equipment have been working overnight https://t.co/w9WBSNCEwE ADG PI INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 22, 2024 He said all major hospitals in the city, such as Civil Hospital (attached within Medical College), Fortis, Max, and Sohana, have been put on alert to cater to the wounded. He said that required equipment and machinery had been made available to the rescuers, in addition to those brought by the NDRF and army. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, Sad news has been received that a multistorey building near Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) has collapsed. The entire administration and other rescue teams have been deployed at the spot. I am in constant touch with the administration." We pray that there is no loss of life, we will also take action against the culprits. Appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration," he added in his post on X. Senior Superintendent of Police (Mohali) Deepak Pareek, who took stock of the situation, said a case was registered against building owners Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh. There is yet no figure whether someone is (trapped) inside or not. Our teams are working. Efforts are on to clear the debris as soon as possible. Lighting arrangements have been made for the rescue operation," he said. A local resident said a loud noise was heard when the building collapsed. Preliminary information suggests that the building collapsed after a basement was dug in a nearby area. Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, among others, also reached the spot. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Singh said, It is an unfortunate incident. Rescue operation is in full swing." (With inputs from PTI) Location : Punjab, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 20:39 IST It should never have happened, but those who harbored a vision of it made sure it did. The separation of migrant families during Donald Trumps first presidency was one of the biggest scandals of a turbulent administration. The images of hundreds of children, including infants, crammed into literal cages after being torn from their mothers and fathers proved impossible for the public to digest and the then-president eventually signed an executive order to end the policy. It is one of the few occasions that Trump rescinded. The documentary Separated, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Errol Morris and based on a book by NBC journalist Jacob Soboroff, delves into the sequence of events and decisions that co-opted the institutions and shaped a policy described as cruel and deliberate. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in late August, but has been in few theaters since, although it did air exclusively last Saturday on the US channel MSNBC. This week, the documentary was screened for the first time below the southern border, in Mexico City an important moment for the filmmakers given the subject matter. The hour-and-a-half-long documentary which combines interviews with officials who fought against the separations and fictional scenes that depict the journey of a mother and son from Guatemala to their eventual separation after crossing the border acts as a warning and a chilling roadmap for the president-elect. Keeping what happened alive in peoples memories was Soboroffs main aim, he said after the films screening. Too many people were too quick to forget those harrowing images. But now, with Trumps win and his promise to carry out the largest deportation in history, the exercise has morphed into a very relevant warning. Deportation is family separation by another name, and its not separating children from their parents at the border, its taking parents away from their children inside the country, in their schools, in their jobs, in their homes. And were not talking about 5,500 this time [the highest estimate of children separated from their parents in Trumps first term]. Were talking about 20 million people living with an undocumented family member in their home, explains Soboroff, who remains hopeful that documenting how this operation was orchestrated will serve to prepare those determined to fight a further, even crueler, round. The film is forensic in its presentation of the facts. Combining news clips with internal emails from numerous U.S. government agencies and interviews with crucial actors some against their will the documentary gives the impression of sitting in on a trial. And the star witness is Jonathan White, who was working for the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the time. After an expose showing how the separation of families was secretly planned from the beginning of Trumps presidency in 2017 with the express goal of deterring migrants, White explains: It happened months before there was an express policy. And it was happening while my own bosses were saying no. Jonathan White, an official with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, interviewed in 'Separated.' CEDIDA Central to the whole scandal was the transparent cruelty of the practice, which prompted figures such as the Pope to speak out against it. When Trump backtracked, he admitted he didnt like how the separations looked and felt, Soboroff recalls, though he didnt say he was morally opposed to the separations. The moment when Trump put an end to family separations is shown in the documentary, and its hard not to see a president signing a document against his will. Throughout the film, it is made clear that this cruelty was premeditated, as White puts it. The logic being, without cruelty there is no deterrence. Amid this banal cruelty in the midst of officials and policemen who obey orders and those who give them but keep their hands clean emerge a few voices of hope. One is that of White, indignant at being forced to go against his conscience in providing care for unprotected children, which he considered his ultimate responsibility. Another is that of Jallyn Sualog, who worked for the same entity. According to the documentary, Sualog was the first to realize what was happening because her office started receiving more and more children who were too young to be crossing the border unaccompanied. The only conclusion to be reached was that they were being separated from their families and turned over to her agency in a deliberately opaque process. She began to make a detailed list which would end up being the determining factor in reuniting families, though data wasnt easy to come by since, as she points out, when you ask a three-year-old what their mommys name is, they say, mommy. To date, there are around 1,400 orphans in the U.S. created by the state. In some cases, the parents have been lost; in others, they have been deported. There may even be some who are together, Soboroff says, but are afraid to say so in case they are expelled from the country. No one wants to go through that kind of trauma again. And yet, a repeat of this separation is looking increasingly inevitable. The architects of the original operation are back with a thirst for revenge and will occupy important positions within the future Trump administration. These include anti-immigration hawk Stephen Miller, appointed White House deputy chief of staff for policy, and Tom Homan, the new border czar. Eight years on, the protagonists of U.S. immigration policy are the same, only now they are more experienced and have more power than ever after the Republicans secured majorities in both houses, not to mention a sympathetic Supreme Court. Once again, Whites words sum it up, sending a chill down the spine. If you believe that immigrants are an existential threat to the American way of life, and I do believe thats how some of these people think, then when youve applied all the ordinary things that the law allows, all thats left is to do something extraordinarily cruel. And thats what happened here. The hope is that in Trumps second term, even though his power and experience has increased, many more individuals like White and Sualog will step forward and there will be more heroes than torturers. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mumbai Ferry Accident: Missing 7-Year-Old Boy's Body Found Off City Coast; Death Toll Rises To 15 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 15:16 IST The Navy officials had been searching for the missing body since the accident which occurred after a Navy speedboat crashed into a ferry on Wednesday. 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) The body of a seven-year-old boy who went missing after a ferry capsized off the Mumbai coast was found on Saturday after a three-day-long search operation, an official said. The Navy and Coast Guard officials had been searching for the missing body since the accident which occurred after a Navy speedboat crashed into a ferry on December 18. related stories After consistent search operations, Navy officials found the body of Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, taking the toll in the Mumbai ferry tragedy to 15, said officials. The Navy has launched a probe into one of the deadliest crashes in the citys coastal area. A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed to search for the missing passengers as part of the SAR operation, the official said. Of the 113 people on board both the vessels, 15 have died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six people on board the Navy craft, of which two survived, the official said. How Did The Tragedy Occur? The tragedy struck when the speeding Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, off the Mumbai coast. The ferry, with more than 100 passengers, was on its way from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction which has a collection of ancient caves. According to the documents issued by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the boat had permission to carry 84 passengers and six crew members, but it was overloaded, reported news agency PTI. The MMB, which is conducting an investigation into the accident, has cancelled the licence of the ferry as the vessel was overloaded, thus violating the Inland Vessel Act. The ferry had a capacity of 90 people, an official said. A case was registered against the Navy craft driver at the Colaba police station, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (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. The accident-affected craft is in the custody of the Navy, and police will demand it whenever needed for investigation, the official said. First Published: December 21, 2024, 13:57 IST PM Modi Visits Labour Camp In Kuwait: A Look At His Past Interactions With Indian Workers Abroad Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 21:32 IST PM Modi visited the Gulf Spic labour camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait during his two-day visit, 90% of which is inhabited by Indian workers. PM Modi interacting with Indian workers at the Gulf Spic labour camp. (News18) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited a labour camp in Kuwait, a visit described by the External Affairs Ministry as symbolic of the importance he attached to the welfare of Indian workers abroad during his historic two-day visit to the Gulf nation. As the first programme of his visit to Kuwait, Modi visited the Gulf Spic labour camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait with a workforce of around 1,500 Indian nationals. He interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers from different states of India, enquired about their well-being, also sat at a table with some of them at the Gulf Spic Labour Camp when snacks served. related stories On Modis planned visit to the labour camp, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier said that the idea was to express the amount of importance the government of India attaches to our workers. That is the prime purpose." Modis visit comes months after over 45 Indians were killed in a devastating fire in a building housing foreign workers in southern Kuwaits Mangaf locality in June. The visit to the labour camp is symbolic of the importance attached by the Prime Minister to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. In the last few years, the government has undertaken several technology-based initiatives such as e-Migrate portal, MADAD portal and upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the welfare of Indian workers abroad," an MEA statement said. Modi interacted with Indian workers & enquired about their well-being. PMs first engagement of the day signifies the importance India attaches to the welfare of Indian workers abroad," the MEA posted on X along with the photos from the event. PM @narendramodi started his program by visiting a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait. He interacted with Indian workers & enquired about their well-being.PMs first engagement of the day signifies the importance attaches to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. pic.twitter.com/stY9J9BFTe Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 21, 2024 ALSO READ: India Will Be Worlds Growth Engine: PM Addresses Hala Modi Event In Kuwait PM Modis Previous Interactions With Indian Workers Notably, there have been several instances where Prime Minister Modi has interacted with Indian workers abroad. In 2016, PM Modi visited L&T workers residential complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the same year, he also visited the workers camp in Doha, Qatar. Prior to that, PM Modi visited a labour camp in Abu Dhabi in 2015 where he highlighted Indias concern for the welfare of its migrant workers. He interacted with Indian workers at their camps to know the problems they faced and discussed ways the Indian government could help them. PM Modi has also been continuously working towards ensuring safe and legal migration. A key effort in this regard has been the e-Migrate project which was launched in 2014 to facilitate emigration of Indians for employment purposes and mitigate the scope of malpractices. It helps to conduct recruitment process in a hassle-free and transparent manner. The Modi government has also strengthened the Overseas Employment & Protector General of Emigrants Division, which helps streamline the process of emigration for individuals having ECR (Emigration Clearance Required category) passports going abroad for employment. At least 16 offices of Protector General of Emigrants have been opened across India to facilitate the same. PM Modis Historic Visit To Kuwait Modi arrived in Kuwait for a historic two-day visit in Kuwait to a resounding welcome from the Indian diaspora, as his visit marked the first trip to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister in the last 43 years. The trip comes at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. Ahead of his departure to the Gulf nation, PM Modi said, I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region." As PM Modi arrived at a hotel in Kuwait, where he would stay for the next two days, members of the Indian diaspora eagerly gathered to interact with him. The Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and enjoyed a cultural performance by Indian artists at the hotel, showcasing folk acts from Kerala and other states of India. He also addressed an Indian community event titled Hala Modi in Kuwait. During his address, PM Modi said he was happy to see the diversity of people from India in the Middle East nation and called it a mini-India". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its work-force (approx 9 lakh). Indian workers top the private sector as well as the domestic sector (DSW) work force list, according to Indian Embassy in Kuwait. The Gulf nation is among Indias top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is Indias sixth largest crude supplier, meeting three per cent of the countrys energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached $2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed $10 billion. Location : Kuwait City, Kuwait First Published: December 21, 2024, 21:28 IST PM Narendra Modi Pitches For Kutchs Rann Utsav: Awaits You All Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 11:14 IST Urging everyone to visit Kutch, PM Modi tweeted, The festival, which goes on till March 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family. PM Narendra Modi urged everyone to experience the ongoing Rann Utsav in Gujarats Kutch. Promoting the Rann Utsav in Gujarats Kutch, PM Narendra Modi urged everyone to experience the ongoing festival. PM Modi tweeted, Kutch awaits you all! Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture and warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav." Urging everyone to visit Kutch, the PM wrote, The festival, which goes on till March 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family." Kutch awaits you all!Come, discover the pristine White Rann, the spectacular culture and warm hospitality of Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav. The festival, which goes on till March 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family. pic.twitter.com/Yp8cSUXEFO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024 related stories Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that the Rann Utsav of Kutch will serve as a guide in creating a developed Gujarat for a developed India. He said, The Kutch Rann Utsav has not only provided a significant boost to Gujarats tourism industry but has also driven economic and social development for many communities." Planning to visit Kutch? Some details on the Rann Utsav This year, direct Volvo bus services have been introduced from Ahmedabad airport to Dhordo which provide a direct route to the Rann Utsav. Owing to this, visitors can reach the White Rann from the airport. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location : Gujarat, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 11:12 IST 'India Will Be World's Growth Engine': PM Addresses 'Hala Modi' Event In Kuwait Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 21:04 IST PM Modi, the first Indian leader to visit Kuwait in 43 years, sought to highlight India's achievements in several fields like space and startup ecosystem during the 'Hala Modi' event. PM Modi addressing the 'Hala Modi' event in Kuwait. (Photo: MEA) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Hala Modi" event in Kuwait on Saturday, where he said that a mini India" resided in the Gulf nation. During his address to the Indian community, the Prime Minister pitched for greater cooperation between the two countries and highlighted Indias achievements in space, startup ecosystem, fintech and technology. In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, After 43 years, more than four decades, a PM of India has come to Kuwait. For you all, coming to India takes four hours, but for the PM, it took four decades." related stories The warmth and affection of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait is extraordinary. Addressing a community programme. https://t.co/XzQDP6seLL Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024 Just 22.5 hours ago, I arrived in Kuwait, and ever since setting foot here, I have felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and warmth all around. You all have come from various states of India, but seeing you here feels like a Mini Hindustan has gathered before me," he added. PM Modi Lauds Indian Diaspora In Kuwait Prime Minister Modi heaped praises on the Indian community in the country, saying they have added an Indian touch to the Kuwaiti society. You have filled Kuwaits canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed essence of Indias talent, technology and tradition," he said. He also highlighted how Indian doctors and paramedics have strengthened Kuwaits medical infrastructure and how Indian teachers are shaping up the future generations of the country. Whenever I speak to Kuwaits leadership, they always praise the Indian community," he further said. ALSO READ: When PM Modi Fulfilled A Special Request From 101-Year-Old IFS Officers Kin In Kuwait The citizens of Kuwait hold great respect for you Indians because of your hard work, honesty, and skills. Today, India leads the world in remittances, and a significant part of this credit goes to all of you hardworking companions. The people of India also honour your contributions," he said at the event. PM Modi On India-Kuwait Relations The Prime Minister described the relations between India and Kuwait as one of civilisations, sea, affection, trade and commerce". India and Kuwait are located on two opposite shores of the Arabian sea, but it is not diplomacy that has connected us, but the bonds of the heart," he mentioned. Modi recalled Kuwaits support in providing liquid oxygen when India needed it the most, lauding Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah for taking responsibility for the task himself. In return, Modi expressed satisfaction that India sent vaccines and medical teams to Kuwait when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. He also lauded Kuwaits help when 46 Indians were killed in a devastating fire in a building housing foreign workers in southern Kuwaits Mangaf locality in June. Asserting that India and Kuwait are linked by the present and their past, PM Modi pitched for greater cooperation between the two countries, asserting that India has the manpower, skills and technology needed by New Kuwait". While people of Kuwait are dedicated to building New Kuwait, people of India are striving to create developed India by 2047," he added. From startups, FinTech, smart technology to green technology, India can develop cutting-edge solutions for Kuwaits needs." The PM also highlighted that India was one of the first countries to recognise Kuwaits independence. I know you people are excited for the Arabian Gulf Cup to start and to cheer for Kuwait, I have been invited as a guest of honour, it shows that the Royal Family, the govt of Kuwait respects India," he added. India Will Be Growth Engine Of World: PM Modi Highlighting Indias accomplishments in recent years, Prime Minister Modi said the day is not far when India will become the hub of global development and the growth engine of the world. He exemplified this by saying that smart digital systems are no longer a luxury, but an integral part of the everyday life of a common man. Which Indian would not feel proud about the success of the Mangalyaan mission? Which Indian would not feel happy about the Chandrayaan probe landing on the Moon? Todays India is moving forward with fresh vigour. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy. It has the worlds number 1 fintech system. It has the worlds third-largest startup ecosystem and the second-largest mobile infrastructure," Modi said. The Prime Minister said India in the future will become a global hub for green energy, pharma, electronics, automobiles, semiconductors, legal insurance and contractual commerce. He emphasised that countries are already opening the doors to Indias skilled manpower and India is already signing agreements for the welfare of Indians working abroad. India is moving forward as a Vishwa Bandhu with a vision of global prosperity and the world respects this vision Last year, during the G-20 summit, the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor was announced. This corridor is going to give a new direction to the world," he added while inviting everyone to join Indias Viksit Bharat initiative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Modi arrived in Kuwait for a historic two-day visit in Kuwait to a resounding welcome from the Indian diaspora, as his visit marked the first trip to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister in the last 43 years. The trip comes at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership. He further expressed his confidence that this visit will strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait." Location : Kuwait City, Kuwait First Published: December 21, 2024, 19:42 IST Siliguri Corridor Was On Busted Sleeper Cells Target, Reveals Probe Into Pan-India Operation Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:08 IST Chickens Neck, also known as Siliguri Corridor, is a narrow stretch of land around the city of Siliguri in Bengal that connects the north-eastern states to India and shares International Border with Bangladesh and Nepal The sleeper cell was operating in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. (Photo By Special Arrangement) A joint team of Assam Police and West Bengal Police arrested eight people, including a Bangaldeshi national, in pan-India raids, thwarting an attempt to spread terror in the country. Sources told News18 that Sad Radi, who has been arrested from Kerala, is the mastermind of the sleeper cell and owes allegiance to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). related stories After the regime change in Bangladesh, ABT chief Jasimuddin was released from prison. Sources say it was on his instructions that Radi entered India via the Murshidabad border and conducted a few meetings in Bengals Jalpaiguri and Falakata to recruit cadres for his plans. On Friday, the Bengal Special Task Force (STF) had revealed that the Siliguri Corridor also known as Chickens Neck was one of the main targets of the terrorists. Of the eight arrested, two are from Bengals Murshidabad district and one was earlier in jail for a POCSO case. The sleeper cell was operating in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. A 16 GB pen drive and other suspicious documents have been recovered from the residences of the accused, the STF said. Sources said given the sensitivity of the Siliguri Corridor, the arrests are crucial and timely. Whats Chickens Neck? Chickens Neck, also known as Siliguri Corridor, is a stretch of land around the city of Siliguri in Bengal. This narrowest section of 20-22 km connects the north-eastern states to India and shares the International Border with Bangladesh and Nepal, making it a strategic and sensitive area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Skirmishes with China, apart from political upheavals in Bangladesh, make the corridor geo-politically crucial. The Indian Army has a heavy presence in the corridor and the unearthing of the sleeper cell, sources say, have put authorities on high alert. IG STF Gaurav Sharma said the cell targeted Siliguri corridor with the motive of recruitment and collecting arms. This is a very well-coordinated operation and we are in touch with Assam police," he added. First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:08 IST Uttarakhand Sees Highest Number Of Forest Fires, Alarming Spike In Cases Since Last Season Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 15:07 IST The state also tragically lost six of its forest department personnel this year while trying to contain a massive fire that broke out in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora, in June --- the warmest June on record since 1901 Nearly 11.34 per cent area of forest cover and scrub in India is categorised under extremely to very highly fire prone zone, which also includes Uttarakhand. (PTI) The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand has recorded an alarming increase in forest fire counts this season, jumping from its 13th place last season to becoming the top most-affected state this season. Satellites detected 21,033 fire counts this season compared to 5,351 last season, according to the latest India State of Forest Report 2023 released in Dehradun on Saturday. The forest fires also caused extensive damage in the neighbouring Himachal Pradesh where over 10,136 fire counts were detected as compared to just 704 in the previous season. The detections using SNPP-VIIRS sensors cover the period from November 2023 to June 2024, which corresponds to the forest fire season in India, with a peak occurring from February 8, 2024, to June 30, 2024. related stories Five districts of Uttarakhand Nainital, Gharwal, Almora, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and one in Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) were among the top 20 most-affected districts. As many as 2,800-3,300 cases were detected each in Nainital, Garhwal and Almora this season compared to just 500-900 cases in each district last season. The number of cases spiked from 199 to 1,823 in Shimla as well. The destruction was so extensive that the state also tragically lost six of its forest department personnel, with two severely burnt trying to contain a massive fire in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora in June the hottest June for India since 1901. Forest fires are one of the biggest challenges confronting us today. All the forest departments must worry over these incidents," said Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. WHAT POSSIBLY CAUSED THIS ALARMING INCREASE? Nearly 11.34 per cent area of forest cover and scrub in India is categorised under extremely to very highly fire prone zone, which also includes Uttarakhand. But, unprecedented temperatures and dry weather due to climate change, along with large-scale land conversion for agriculture, have become major drivers behind the increase in forest fires. Delayed monsoons have further exacerbated the damage. This comes as 2024 remains on track to be the hottest year on record globally. Globally, experts highlight that most forest fires intentional or accidental are caused by human activities. In India, while large forest areas are prone to forest fires, most incidents are surface fires, confined to the forest floor, but their intensity and frequency varies. This season too, nearly 93 per cent of the fires in India were observed as surface fires and classified as low-burnt areas. At the same time, a closer analysis of the data showed that as many as 11,928 of the total detections were Large Forest Fire Events detected by FSI which caused widespread destruction. The forest departments were able to extinguish/contain at least 67 per cent of them within 24 hours, while 31.3 per cent of them remained active for one to five days. According to the report, 1.4 per cent such fires raged for six to ten days, and only 10 were so intense that they continued to burn for eleven to fifteen days. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ACROSS STATES Overall, as many as 2.03 lakh forest fire counts were recorded this season from November 2023 to June 2024, compared to 2.12 lakh in the previous season from November 2022 to June 2023. The number of detections does not necessarily reflect the number of individual fires. Sometimes, a single fire incident may result in multiple detections as fire occurrences are reported on successive days for the same fire due to the satellites repeatability. Every time the satellite passes, it sends one detection. So, the total fires may be lesser in number," said Anoop Singh, Director General, FSI. Odisha, the most-affected last season with 33,461 counts, saw a decline to 20,973 this time, ranking second. It is followed by Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh both showing a marginal decline, but still remaining among the top five alongwith Maharashtra. Amongst districts, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra (7,042) recorded the highest fire counts, followed by Alluri Sitharama Raju in Andhra Pradesh (6,399), and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh (5,018). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a first, the Forest Survey of India also analysed the data for 705 Protected Areas (Pas), and found 19,436 forest fire incidents in Sanctuaries, 6,046 in National Parks, 306 in Conservation Reserves and 5 in Community Reserves this season. Papikonda National Park in Andhra Pradesh (1,113) and Indravati National Park in Chhattisgarh (1,038) were the most-affected. This is also for the first time that the burnt area assessment has been done at the national level. It showed that the maximum fire-affected area was recorded in Andhra Pradesh (5,286.76 km2) followed by Maharashtra (4,095.04 km2) and Telangana (3,983.28 km2). Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India First Published: December 21, 2024, 15:07 IST Rashmika Mandanna Reveals The Qualities She Seeks In A Man Amid Dating Rumours With Vijay Deverakonda Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 15:12 IST Amid dating rumours with Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna reveals that her partner provides her the most comfort during tough times. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are rumoured to be dating. Rashmika Mandanna is dazzling in Pushpa 2: The Rule alongside Allu Arjun, solidifying her status as a national crush. While fans are eagerly speculating about who has captured her heart, the actress remains tight-lipped about her love life. Amid dating rumours with Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika opened up about the key qualities she desires in a partner, leaving everyone wondering if the mystery man is already in her life. In a recent interview, Rashmika Mandanna kept her phones wallpaper a secret, calling it too personal, but opened up about the qualities she seeks in a partner. The Animal actress highlighted the importance of having a supportive partner during tough times. When asked what or who brings her the most comfort during challenging moments, she shared with Cosmopolitan India that it is her partner," adding, I need my partner in every phase of my life. I need that comfort, security, and empathy." related stories During the same conversation, Rashmika was asked about the special qualities she hopes to find in her ideal partner. Explaining the important personality traits, the actress said, My most important thing in a relationship is definitely kindness, but also respect. When you mutually respect one another, genuinely care, and are responsible for one another it all adds up. Being loving, empathetic, caring, having a good heart, and being truly genuine are the other traits I need because this is what comes naturally to me. I want to be with someone who has similar qualities, and if my partner doesnt have the same attachment style, we just wont get along." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further, Rashmika Mandanna explained what love means. She said, Being in love to me means partnership and companionship. You need a companion in your life. After all, if you dont have them, then whats the point of having this life? You need someone to witness all of your highs and lows and someone to stand by your side and celebrate life with." The buzz around Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakondas relationship began with their on-screen chemistry in films like Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, released back-to-back in consecutive years. Since then, the two have often been spotted enjoying each others company, with reports of lunch and dinner outings, as well as vacations together. While neither has officially confirmed or denied the rumours, fans have eagerly connected the dots, interpreting their social media posts as hints that the two might be dating. First Published: December 21, 2024, 15:12 IST Sobhita Dhulipalas Amazing Haircare Secrets Revealed; Know All About It Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 14:59 IST Sobhita revealed that oiling her hair is a self-care ritual rather than a beauty trend. She mentioned that oiling helped manage her hairs length and texture, making braiding easier. Sobhita Dhulipala is frequently spotted at events with her striking jet-black hair, styled gracefully to complement her outfits. For her wedding, she chose simple braided hairstyles that captured hearts online with their understated beauty. In a past interview with Tweak India and an article in Hindustan Times, she shared the secret to her gorgeous haira time-honoured ritual that many of us have followed since childhood. Sobhita shared that one of her traditional beauty practices is occasionally oiling her hair. She explained that this habit is rooted more in self-care than beauty. Reflecting on her past, she mentioned having very long hair, which she later cut after moving to Mumbai. She revealed that oiling her hair was a way to manage its length and texture, making it easier to braid. For her, this ritual is more about maintaining a personal care routine than pursuing beauty standards. related stories Benefits of oiling hair: Strengthens Hair Roots: Oiling delivers essential nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids directly to the hair roots, fortifying them and reducing hair fall. Regular oiling strengthens the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage and damage. Oiling delivers essential nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids directly to the hair roots, fortifying them and reducing hair fall. Regular oiling strengthens the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage and damage. Improves Hair Texture: Oils help lock in moisture, smoothing the hair cuticles and making your hair softer and shinier. Over time, this improves overall hair manageability and reduces frizz. Oils help lock in moisture, smoothing the hair cuticles and making your hair softer and shinier. Over time, this improves overall hair manageability and reduces frizz. Prevents Dryness and Dandruff: Massaging oil into the scalp hydrates it, reducing dryness that often leads to dandruff. It also soothes itchiness and creates a healthy environment for the scalp. Massaging oil into the scalp hydrates it, reducing dryness that often leads to dandruff. It also soothes itchiness and creates a healthy environment for the scalp. Protects Against Environmental Damage: Oiling forms a protective barrier on your hair, shielding it from pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. This prevents split ends and keeps your hair looking healthier. Oiling forms a protective barrier on your hair, shielding it from pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. This prevents split ends and keeps your hair looking healthier. Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep: A gentle head massage with oil relaxes the mind by relieving stress and tension. This promotes better sleep, which is crucial for overall hair health. A gentle head massage with oil relaxes the mind by relieving stress and tension. This promotes better sleep, which is crucial for overall hair health. Stimulates Blood Circulation: Massaging oil onto the scalp enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This encourages faster hair growth and reduces thinning over time. Sobhitas hairstyles for her wedding with Naga Chaitanya. Before her wedding to Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita showcased her hair in a relaxed, centre-parted style while attending events with the actor. For the pre-wedding ceremonies, she chose elegant yet understated hairstyles, including a loose braid adorned with a gajra, a sleek centre-parted ponytail, and a twisted, tousled bun. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sobhita (@sobhitad) For the wedding, Sobhita styled her gorgeous hair in a sleek centre-parted bun, adorned with a braided parandi. She enhanced her elegant look with fresh flower gajras and traditional gold temple jewellery, including a Nethi Chutti (matha patti) and Billas, which were beautifully placed on her forehead and along her braid. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sobhita (@sobhitad) Sobhita and Naga Chaitanya got married earlier this month in a traditional Telugu ceremony. The wedding took place at the renowned Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. First Published: December 21, 2024, 14:59 IST Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment and Smear Campaign Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 21:40 IST Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends With Us, accusing him of sexual harassment. Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in 'It Ends With Us'. Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends With Us, accusing him of sexual harassment. She also claims Baldoni tried to orchestrate a smear campaign against her, causing significant emotional distress to her family. In response, Baldonis team has denied the allegations, calling them categorically false." The lawsuit, accessed by TMZ, revealed that a meeting was held during the films production to address Livelys concerns, which reportedly included her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. According to reports, excerpts from the demands included no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction, and no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crews genitalia, no more inquiries about Blakes weight, and no further mention of Blakes dead father." related stories Blake Livelys lawsuit against Justin Baldoni includes demands that no last-minute changes be made to intimate or sexual scenes unless previously approved by her. These conditions were reportedly approved by the films distributor, Sony Pictures. Lively has also accuses Baldoni of social manipulation" and claimed he attempted to damage her reputation through a smear campaign. Meanwhile, in a statement to Variety, Baldonis team has said, It is shameful that Ms Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions." Blake Livelys film It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoovers novel, delves into sensitive themes of domestic violence. During its promotional tour, Lively faced criticism for her light-hearted approach, which some fans felt was insensitive to the films serious subject matter. That apart, her promotion of personal business ventures during the press tour drew further scrutiny. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: December 21, 2024, 21:40 IST Nana Patekar Defends Akshay Kumar, Cites Marlon Brandos Example: 'So What If He Reads Off A Board?' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 15:11 IST Nana Patekar defends Akshay Kumars unique style of reading lines off a board, comparing it to Marlon Brandos iconic method. Nana Patekar defends Akshay Kumars unconventional acting method of reading lines off a board, comparing it to Marlon Brandos technique. Nana Patekar and Akshay Kumar are two of Bollywoods most celebrated stars, each known for their unique styles. While Nanas naturalistic acting has earned him critical acclaim, Akshays versatility shines in both high-octane stunts and comedy. The duo collaborated in the beloved Welcome franchise, which debuted in 2007, followed by its sequel in 2015. Recently, Nana shared his perspective on working with Akshay and defended his co-stars unconventional process of reading lines from a board. In an interview with The Lallantop, Nana addressed Akshays approach with admiration, stating, Everybody has their own style and preferences. For me, I dont look at the screen; for him, he needs a board to read. But, how is it a problem? At the end of the day, it is difficult to read and emote at the same time. It is something I cant do, and he is a great actor." related stories To underscore his point, Nana drew a parallel with legendary Hollywood actor Marlon Brando. He explained, In the film Last Tango in Paris, Marlon Brando was shooting for an intimate scene, for which he couldnt remember his lines. What he did was, he wrote his lines on the back of his co-star and read it aloud. Today, it is regarded as one of the best scenes of all time. People say, What chemistry he had, the way he was looking into his co-stars eyes In reality, he was only reading. Its all about ones style and preference." Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar is currently shooting for the third installment of Welcome, which does not feature Nana. The star-studded cast includes Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, Suniel Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Paresh Rawal, Johny Lever, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rahul Dev, and Rajpal Yadav. When asked about not being part of the upcoming Welcome film, Nana told SCREEN, I am not a part of it, maybe they think hum bohot puraane ho gaye hai (I have become dated)." Currently, Nana Patekar is promoting his film Vanvaas, directed by Anil Sharma of Gadar fame. Co-starring Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur, the film offers an emotional exploration of family, honor, and self-acceptance, delivering a narrative that redefines the meaning of familial bonds. First Published: December 21, 2024, 15:11 IST KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2024 - 22:54 | All, Japan Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. will consider launching a manufacturing partnership in which they will build vehicles at each other's plants, sources close to the matter said Saturday. Japan's second- and third-largest car manufacturers are expected to announce Monday that they are beginning talks on a merger that would create the world's third-biggest automaker group by volume, the sources said. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is also considering joining the merger talks in early 2025, after the two bigger companies start negotiations to form a business alliance, the sources said. The two larger automakers, meanwhile, will study the possibility of producing hybrid vehicles for sale in North America where there is solid demand for gasoline-electric vehicles. The two carmakers are also exploring the possibility of establishing a holding company amid fierce global competition in electric vehicles dominated by overseas rivals, the sources said. The firms are prepared to work together in a wide range of areas, but Honda is asking Nissan to achieve a V-shaped recovery in its performance as a condition for the merger, while bolstering cooperation in the EV field, the sources said. In another development, Taiwan's electronics giant Foxconn is in talks with Renault SA, the largest shareholder of Nissan, to acquire the French car manufacturer's stake in the Japanese automaker, the sources said. Foxconn's move may affect the course of the talks between Honda and Nissan, some analysts said. The electronics maker based in Taiwan, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., has been aiming to strengthen its EV business. Honda and Nissan have positioned improving production efficiency as an urgent issue, the sources said. Given that Honda only has engine and motorcycle plants in Europe, the carmaker is likely to utilize Nissan's four-wheeled vehicle production facility in Britain. Nissan now predicts an operating profit of 150 billion yen ($958.7 million) for fiscal 2024, down more than 70 percent from the previous forecast in July. Demand for EVs, one of the key segments for Nissan, has been stagnating due in part to a lack of charging stations in the world's biggest economy, the analysts said. Related coverage: FOCUS: Honda-Nissan merger could zero in on EV development Honda, Nissan in merger talks to form world's 3rd-biggest auto group Shreyas Talpade 'Happy' As Emergency Gets CBFC Nod, Says 'Kangana Made It With A Lot Of Passion' Published By : PTI Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 09:18 IST Shreyas Talpade plays the role of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Emergency, which will now be released in theatres on January 17. Emergency is a political drama which is directed by Kangana Ranaut. Shreyas Talpade says Emergency" by actor-filmmaker Kangana Ranaut is a fantastic film and he is happy that the movie has been cleared for release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The political drama, written, directed, and co-produced by Ranaut, was earlier scheduled to be released on September 6 but missed the date as it failed to get a clearance from the CBFC. It was also caught up in controversy after Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, accused the film of misrepresenting the community and getting facts wrong. related stories Im very happy for Emergency that finally we got clearance because its a good film being made on a good subject. Kangana has made the film with a lot of hard work and passion and the film should come out," Talpade told PTI in an interview. Its difficult for the producers to think, Forget all that has happened because they faced financial loss. Im passionately looking forward to the film getting released and watching it because it is a fantastic film," he added. Also starring Ranaut as former prime minister Indira Gandhi, Emergency" delves into the emergency that was imposed by her for 21 months from 1975 to 1977 and its aftermath. Talpade plays the role of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the film, which will now be released in theatres on January 17. For the actor, Emergency" turned out to be a rare opportunity where he got to showcase his versatility. He recalled being stereotyped by the industry during the earlier years of his career. I was launched with a film like Iqbal and when the era of comedy and multi-starrer films started at that time, I was not cast in them. I was told, Youve a serious image because of Iqbal, so we are not sure if people will accept you in comedy roles or will you be able to do it or not. Luckily, Golmaal happened and things changed for me. Today, after a spate of comedy films people are like, Will I be able to do a serious role or not," said Talpade, who has also been part of movies like Dor", Om Shanti Om", Welcome to Sajjanpur", Housefull 2", and Chandu Champion". Talpades latest work is the animated film Mufasa: The Lion King". The actor has lent his voice to the fan-favourite character of Timon for the Hindi-version of the movie. The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, serves as both a prequel and sequel to the The Lion King", the 2019 remake of the 1994 animated movie. It explores the journey of Mufasa from an orphaned cub to becoming a king. What is most important is what we are teaching kids through this film. Like, a story like this will always stay relevant, the story of the triumph of the underdog, so all the kids will feel, Even I can achieve whatever I want despite all the obstacles," he said. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has voiced the title role of Mufasa in the Hindi version along with his son Aryan Khan lending his voice as Simba and youngest son AbRam Khan as Mufasa (cub). Mufasa: The Lion King" be released in theatres on Friday. First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:18 IST Sonakshi Sinhas Sun-kissed Picture Will Make You Stop And Stare Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 18:59 IST Sonakshi Sinha has been vacationing in Australia with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal. Sonakshi Sinha got married to Zaheer Iqbal in June 2024. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Sonakshi Sinha has packed her bags and jetted off to Australia with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal. The couple, who got married in June this year, has been on their never-ending honeymoon. After the Philippines, the US and Italy, the two have been enjoying their vacation amid nature in the Oceania country. Recently, Sonakshi on Instagram shared an oh-so-gorgeous picture of herself from the trip. On December 21, the 37-year-old actress delighted her fans by sharing a sun-kissed" picture of herself from the vacation on Instagram Stories. In the photo, Sonakshi wore a spaghetti top and chose golden hoop earrings to complement her look. She left her hair down, cascading over her face, which beautifully accentuated her features. Sonakshi shared the picture sans any caption, just with a Sunkissed" sticker. related stories Just days ago, Sonakshi shared a series of pictures from her epic dive day" with her husband at the Great Barrier Reef. In the first few pictures, the couple was seen carefully understanding the instructions given by their dive guide. Other snippets from their scuba diving diaries include the two gearing up for the adventure and enjoying their time underwater surrounded by marine life. After their adventurous dive, Sonakshi and Zaheer clicked some mushy selfies. In the caption, Sonakshi wrote, EPIC Dive day at the Great Barrier Reef! Thank you to our amazing dive guide Chris @quicksilverdive who showed us the best spots, helped us find Nemo and made sure we had the best time! @australia @queensland @quicksilvercruises #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #hosted #sonazahtraveltales." Sonakshi and Zaheer kept their relationship under wraps for seven years. But ever since they tied the knot, they have made sure to express their love out loud in public and never shy away from packing on PDAs. One of the forms of affection between the two is teasing one another. In one reel shared by Sonakshi on Instagram, Zaheer points the camera at the actress and says, My talented wife," while she tries her hands at a hanging rope drill. Sonakshi couldnt get hold of the rope in her first attempt. This prompted Zaheer to say, I told you that you cant do it." He further asked er to try. In the next attempt when the actress was finally able to hang to the ropes, Zaheer started tickling her. In the caption of the post, Sonakshi wrote, Only upto monkey business. Always." On June 23, Sonakshi and Zaheer exchanged vows in a civil ceremony under the Special Marriage Act. Their low-key, intimate wedding at the actress home in Mumbai was followed by a lavish reception at a posh restaurant in Mumbai. First Published: December 21, 2024, 18:59 IST Opinion | Indias Middle East Strategy: What Kuwait Brings To The Table Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:14 IST Kuwait, despite its small size, is a heavyweight, boasting some of the world's largest oil reserves and a substantial sovereign wealth fund Recent commendations of PM Modi as 'one of the wisest leaders in the world' by Kuwait's Foreign Minister indicate a genuine desire for closer cooperation and a recognition of India's growing global stature. (X/@narendramodi) Forget the tales of yesteryear; Indias standing in the Gulf is no longer a pipe dream; its a reality. Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on strengthening ties with this strategically vital region has paid dividends, transforming India from a somewhat hesitant partner into a key player. Its a fascinating narrative, fuelled by economic pragmatism, shared security concerns, and recognition on both sides of the immense potential for collaboration. The Gulf, once primarily viewed as a source of energy and a place for Indian expats to toil, is now firmly embedded in Indias extended neighbourhood", and frankly, its about bloody time. related stories Saudi Arabia And UAE Lead The Charge Indias relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE have undergone nothing short of a revolution. Earlier, the whole conversation was mostly about oil prices and the welfare of Indian workers. Those elements remain, of course, but theyre now part of a much richer rolodex. The sheer number of high-level visits speaks volumes. PM Modis travels, particularly to the UAE, are almost becoming routine, a far cry from the past. The data backs this up: his recent UAE visit was his seventh to the Gulf nation. The economic angle is undeniable. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pledged massive investments in India a staggering $100 billion and $75 billion respectively. These arent small change figures; but investments that will reshape industries and create opportunities. Trade figures paint a similar picture. The UAE has consistently been Indias principal trading partner within the Gulf and its third-largest globally. Saudi Arabia isnt far behind, sitting in fourth place. In FY2022-23, trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprised a whopping 15.8 per cent of Indias total trade, dwarfing the 11.6 per cent with the European Union. Its clear as day: the economic axis is shifting, and India is firmly positioned at the heart of it. This economic blossoming is built on a foundation of shared interests, a desire for diversification on the Gulfs part, and Indias booming economy proving an irresistible lure. Kuwait: The Missing Piece Finally Falls Into Place For too long, despite its economic significance and the substantial Indian diaspora residing there, Kuwait has felt like a somewhat underdeveloped aspect of Indias regional strategy. Consider the policy inertia of 1990, when Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait saw Delhis initial response hamstrung by prior ties with Baghdad fall short of unequivocal condemnation. This hesitancy understandably cast a shadow over bilateral relations for years. But the upcoming visit by Modi, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, signals a significant shift. This isnt just about ticking a box on the list of countries to visit in West Asia; its about solidifying Indias presence across the entire region. Kuwait, despite its small size, is a heavyweight, boasting some of the worlds largest oil reserves and a substantial sovereign wealth fund. The timing is particularly astute, given the shifting geopolitical landscape of West Asia. Kuwaits Foreign Ministers recent commendations of Modi as one of the wisest leaders in the world" indicate a genuine desire for closer cooperation and recognition of Indias growing global stature. The sheer number of Indian expats in Kuwait, over a million strong and comprising a hefty 21 per cent of the population, underscores the deep people-to-people links. Theyre the backbone of many Kuwaiti industries, and their remittances contribute significantly to Indias economy. In 2023 alone, Indian expats in Kuwait sent back approximately 2.1 billion Kuwaiti dinars, around 6.3 billion dollars, representing nearly 5 per cent of the total remittances to India. The economic ties are already significant, with bilateral trade clocking in at over $10 billion in 2023-24. Indian exports are hitting new highs, and Kuwaits investments in India exceed $10 billion. But the potential for growth is immense. With India pushing for energy diversification, Kuwait, currently its sixth-largest crude oil supplier, can play an even more crucial role, particularly in exploring collaborations in renewable energy and green technologies. Kuwaits Role In Indias Energy Diversification While the Gulf has traditionally been Indias primary energy provider, India is wisely seeking to diversify its supply lines. Kuwait, alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE, can be a key partner in this endeavour. While oil will remain crucial for the foreseeable futurethe Gulf still accounts for over 50 per cent of Indias crude oil importsthe future lies in cleaner energy sources. Kuwait, recognising this global shift, is embarking on its own energy diversification strategy, investing heavily in solar projects and exploring other renewables. This presents a golden opportunity for collaboration. India, with its ambitious renewable energy targets and growing technological expertise, can partner with Kuwait, sharing knowledge and potentially investing in joint ventures. Kuwaits sovereign wealth fund, one of the worlds largest, is already investing in India, and renewable energy is a prime sector for further growth. From Hesitant Partner To Regional Powerhouse Looking back just ten years, the difference in Indias standing in the Gulf is like night and day. Under PM Modi, India has adopted a far more proactive and assertive foreign policy. The focus has shifted from a primarily transactional relationship to one built on strategic partnerships, encompassing defence, security, and technology, in addition to the traditional pillars of energy and trade. Indias participation in groupings like the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US) and the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) demonstrates its growing influence and its willingness to play a significant role in shaping the regions future. Why Is There Sudden Interest From The Gulf Countries? Firstly, Indias undeniable economic ascent is a key driver. It represents a vast and expanding market, a significant consumer of energy resources, and an increasingly attractive destination for investment. Gulf nations, acutely aware of the need to diversify their economies beyond hydrocarbons, view India as a crucial partner in realising their long-term strategic visions, such as Saudi Arabias ambitious Vision 2030. Secondly, Indias growing geopolitical stature commands attention. Its demonstrated foreign policy independence, its adept navigation of complex international scenarios (witness its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict), and its expanding military capabilities position it as a consequential actor on the global stage. This makes India a valuable partner in a region grappling with instability. Thirdly, and crucially, Pakistans influence within the Gulf has demonstrably waned. Economic vulnerabilities and periods of strained diplomatic relations have diminished its standing. Conversely, Arab monarchies now prioritise their engagement with India, recognising its burgeoning global influence and economic potential. Indias firm stance against terrorism, a shared concern within the Gulf, further strengthens this alignment. Finally, Prime Minister Modis proactive and personalised approach to diplomacy has been a significant catalyst. His ability to forge personal connections with Gulf leaders has cultivated trust and fostered goodwill. The frequent high-level exchanges and a focus on strengthening cultural links have solidified the bonds between India and the Gulf states, exemplified by the symbolic inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The relationship between India and the Gulf has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. Moving beyond a primarily transactional dynamic focused on energy and labour, it has evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership encompassing trade, investment, security, and cultural understanding. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Gulf nations, recognising Indias growing significance and converging strategic interests, are demonstrably keen to cultivate even stronger alliances. This strengthened partnership is not only advantageous for India but also promises to reshape the geopolitical contours of the Middle East, with India poised to play an increasingly pivotal role. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:14 IST Opinion | One Nation, One Election: A Bold Idea, But Will It Work? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:39 IST For ONOE to be implemented effectively, there needs to be careful consideration of the diverse political landscape in India, as well as the constitutional and logistical hurdles that must be overcome The proposal of One Nation, One Election refers to the idea of conducting the Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections at the same time across India. (Representational image/PTI) The proposal of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) refers to the idea of conducting the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and state legislative assembly elections at the same time across India. Though this issue has been discussed for many years, it has gained considerable attention in recent years, with animated debates about its potential advantages and drawbacks emerging. The stated goal of this proposal is to streamline the electoral process, save costs, and improve governance. However, there are also several concerns and challenges related to implementing ONOE. Advantages of ONOE related stories Cost Efficiency: Conducting elections simultaneously across the country would save significant amounts of money that is typically spent on organising separate elections. The expenses involved in the election process are enormous, including the cost of security, transportation, voting materials, and payment to those performing election duties. Reduced Election Frequency: In the current system, India sees elections every few months, which means that the government machinery always remains in election mode and this causes delays in administrative decisions and policy implementation due to the invocation of the Model Code of Conduct prior to every election. With ONOE, elections would be held less frequently, allowing governments to focus more on governance rather than constantly preparing for elections. Less Disruption in Governance: Elections disrupt daily life as government officials, security forces, and other resources are diverted towards election-related activities. This often leads to a slowdown in public administration and development projects. Holding elections together would minimise these disruptions, ensuring continuous governance and development activities. Better Use of Resources: Organising elections requires significant manpower and resources drawn from various government organisations. Holding elections simultaneously across the country can optimise the use of electoral machinery, including the deployment of polling officers, security forces, and other logistics, thereby increasing efficiency. Stronger Mandate for the Government: Simultaneous elections could lead to a stronger political mandate for the ruling party or coalition. Winning both state and national elections at the same time may enhance the legitimacy of the ruling partys governance, as they would be seen to have a broader national and state-level support base. Encouraging National Focus in Elections: Currently, elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are often conducted in isolation, with little national perspective. ONOE could lead to a more holistic focus on national issues, as well as a uniform and coordinated electoral strategy that emphasises the broad vision for the country. Political Stability: Simultaneous elections can potentially lead to greater political stability, as it may encourage long-term planning and reduce political fragmentation. With elections occurring less frequently, governments may focus on long-term goals rather than short-term populist measures. Disadvantages of One Nation, One Election Complexity in Execution: Implementing ONOE requires significant legal and constitutional changes. The timing of elections would need to be synchronised between the national and state levels, which can be a logistical and constitutional challenge. States where elections are due might have to delay or prepone the same, creating an added layer of complexity. Voter Fatigue: Simultaneous elections might lead to voter fatigue, especially since voters would be required to cast their votes for a range of candidates and parties at both the state and national levels. This could result in voter confusion, reduced participation, or low voter turnout, particularly among those who are not well-versed in the specifics of both state and national issues. Impact on Regional Parties: Regional parties may find it difficult to compete effectively in a nationwide election where national parties dominate the landscape. National parties often have greater resources and visibility, which could marginalise smaller, regional voices. This might lead to the weakening of Indias federal structure, as regional issues may take a backseat to national concerns. Increased Centralisation of Power: There is a risk that ONOE could lead to the centralisation of political power. If the national government wins in simultaneous elections, it could overshadow regional governments, potentially weakening the federal structure. This could diminish the autonomy of state governments and undermine regional political representation. Disruption of Electoral Cycle: In the current system, state and national elections are staggered, which means that some governments are always in the election cycle, thus providing voters with periodic opportunities for accountability. With ONOE, this could lead to extended periods without any electoral accountability for state governments, particularly when state elections coincide with a strong national wave. Constitutional and Legal Challenges: The Indian Constitution has provisions that make the concept of ONOE difficult to implement. For example, if a state government falls mid-term, there could be complications in synchronising its elections with the Lok Sabha elections. Amendments would however be required to ensure that mid-term elections and any dissolution of state assemblies align with ONOE principles, which could be politically contentious. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: India is a vast country with diverse cultures, languages, and regional issues. Conducting simultaneous elections could result in the overshadowing of regional issues, as national issues tend to dominate the narrative in such a setting. In a federal system like Indias, a balance between national and state issues is crucial, and ONOE could disrupt this balance. Impact on Voter Behaviour: The simultaneous election of multiple political representatives could lead to strategic voting, where voters may not vote for their preferred candidate but for one that suits their broader electoral preferences. This might dilute the focus on issues of local importance, as national parties may have a greater chance of gaining dominance over regional parties. Conclusion The One Nation, One Election idea is a subject of heated debate in India. While it offers several potential benefits like cost savings, political stability, and less frequent election disruptions, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of complexity, legal hurdles, and the potential marginalisation of regional voices. For ONOE to be implemented effectively, there needs to be careful consideration of the diverse political landscape in India, as well as the constitutional and logistical hurdles that must be overcome. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ultimately, the success of this initiative depends on finding a balance that allows for political efficiency while maintaining Indias federal structure and democratic values. The author is Editor Brighter Kashmir, Author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:39 IST Did Delhi L-G Allow ED To Prosecute Arvind Kejriwal? Row Erupts Over Excise Policy Case Ahead Of Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 14:12 IST According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to the licence holders. File photo of Lt Governor VK Saxena with Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal. (PTI) Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case related to a now-scrapped excise policy, according to multiple media outlets on Saturday. Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), however, dismissed the reports as fake news", in a fresh row that broke out in the run-up to assembly elections in the national capital. The ED allegedly found a huge level of corruption in framing and implementation" of the excise policy, and hence, reached out to Saxena earlier this month for his nod to prosecute Kejriwal. related stories The probe agencys appeal was mentioned in prosecution complaint no. 7 filed in the Rouse Avenue court on May 17 this year. The court took cognisance of the complaint on July 9. Meanwhile, AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Priyanka Kakkar, Atishi and Manish Sisodia claimed that ED is spreading fake news". They said that a copy of the permission should be given to them if such an order has been passed. LG , ED ? ED Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 21, 2024 , ED ? , Atishi (@AtishiAAP) December 21, 2024 The money laundering case stems from a CBI case lodged after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a probe into the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to the licence holders. The Delhi government implemented the policy on November 17, 2021, and scrapped it by the end of September 2022 amid allegations of corruption. First Published: December 21, 2024, 11:55 IST Despite Sandeshkhali And RG Kar Hospital Hiccups, TMC & Mamata End 2024 On A High; What Awaits In 2025? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 09:05 IST Observers say Mamata Banerjee will gear up for the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls from the very first day of 2025 West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (File pic/PTI) This was a big embarrassment for Bengals ruling TMC. The party was facing serious questions as Shahjahan and his close associates were all part of TMC. The local womens protest became huge and soon turned into a national issue. In the April-June Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party made a woman from Sandeshkhali, Rekha Patra (who claimed that she was tortured), a candidate for the areas constituency of Basirhat. related stories Sandeshkhali made national headlines for all the wrong reasons. Central teams, the Womens Commission, and the SC/ST Commission all arrived. Finally, the case was handed over to the CBI under court direction. Naturally, the big question was, would it have an effect on the Bengal Lok Sabha polls? Apparently not. The BJPs tally in the state, in fact, went down, and Mamata Banerjees haul shot up to 29 in the Lok Sabha polls. The TMC won the Basirhat constituency by more than 300,000 votes. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee stated that Sandeshkhali had given an answer to the vicious campaign" that was going on against Trinamool. After the election results, the TMC saw that it had not done well in urban areas. The party was trying to organise and go for a major revamp. Then the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital in August came as a massive jolt. The incident at a government medical college in the state capital became a huge embarrassment for the TMC and its government. Police handling of the case received flak and resulted in nationwide protests. The Supreme Court took suo moto cognisance of the case and handed it over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Stories of health syndicates and a culture of threat began to emerge. The CBI was handed over the corruption case too. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of the medical college and hospital, was arrested on corruption charges. Then a case of conspiracy pertaining to the rape and murder was also slapped on him. The station house officer (SHO) of Tala Thana was also arrested by the CBI, stating that he was part of a larger conspiracy. Bengal saw protests from Cooch Behar to Kakdwip. On August 14, the RG Kar Hospital building was vandalised, with the government again receiving flak. Medical students continued to cease work and then went on a hunger strike. The movement also gained traction nationwide. Mamata removed the commissioner of police from his post. She went to the doctors and tried to win them over. The CM also said that she was ready to resign in this situation. After much deliberation, the students sat with her in her home. Most of their demands were accepted. Observers said that for the first time in her life, Mamata took one step back. The firebrand leader tried to pacify the doctors in every way. She removed health department officials and other important functionaries. Experts stated that the medical students took out a leaf from Mamatas playbook and pushed her government on the back foot. After all this, the students ended their hunger strike. There was speculation that six bypolls were to be held and the RG Kar Hospital case might have an impact. While most of the seats were in villages, Naihati, an urban area, was also to have polls. However, the TMC won all the seats with big margins. Mamata as INDIA bloc boss? The Congress saw electoral losses in Haryana and Maharashtra, while even after two big hiccups, Mamatas popularity remained the same, and she won the poll battles. This led TMC leaders to question the Congresss leadership in the opposition INDIA bloc and they started proposing Mamatas name as the convener. Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee said Mamata should be the leader of INDIA and others followed. Amid all this, Mamata Banerjee in an interview with News18 stated that the INDIA bloc was her idea and she could look after it from Bengal. There were ripples in the opposition camp. Veterans like Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad Yadav said Didi" could lead the alliance. So Mamata looks set to end 2024 on a high. And, observers say, she will gear up for the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls from the very first day of 2025. Mamata magic or oppositions failure? Kunal Ghosh, general secretary of TMC, told News18, We have a connection with the public always, and thats what matters at the end of the day. So Mamata Banerjee is for the people, by the people, and of the people. There have been deliberate attempts to defame TMC and the government in every way, but truth prevails." While the TMC has the peoples mandate, many believe that the opposition should have been more active. Dilip Ghosh, former BJP state president, told News18, Opposition activity could not reach the common people; thats true; they are not relying on us. Opposition political parties are failing to do their duties; thats the reason why apolitical movements gained more momentum; this is concerning for us. Even our old party workers are now not ready to take risks. Mamata has tactfully handled things; thats why people had no other alternative but to vote for her. We have to really work on this. This everything is good is not going on in Bengal." BJP leader Agnimitra Paul has a different take. Speaking to News18, she said, We cannot say Sandeshkhali, RG Kar did not have any effect. In Sandeshkhali, we won the assembly seat, though we lost the Lok Sabha seat, so finally, it was a defeat. But we have taken a lead in the main place. Moreover, in by-elections, people always vote for the ruler. See, here people are living in fear; polls do not take place. We are going for a membership drive; there too, we are seeing people are afraid. We hope that people will understand, come out of fear, and vote out Mamata in 2026." The Left and Congress also failed to put up any fight in front of the TMC. That too is a concern for the opposition. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political analyst Sambit Pal, associate professor at MIT ADT University in Pune, said, Mamata Banerjee has no electoral opposition on par with her in Bengal as of now. There have been multiple allegations of corruption, atrocities, misgovernance, and malpractices by her government and the party. Nothing has cost her electorally. Yes, the peoples spontaneous protest during the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident indeed pushed her to the brink. She had to step back. But the by-election results showed she is unparalleled in electoral politics. Rather, she has to set her house in order with an apparent parallel source of power in TMC originating from Abhishek Banerjee. It is confusing for her party workers and leaders. Having said that, she has realised that before the 2026 assembly elections, she needs another image makeover as a leader, and she will be working on that in 2025. Bidding for the leadership of INDIA is just an act towards it." 2025, therefore, is going to be a very significant year for Mamata as the 2026 Bengal assembly polls will be closer. She is trying to prepare already. When TMC goes for votes in 2026, it will be facing 15 years of anti-incumbency, which is no mean challenge. Experts also say that its not that everything is fine with the Bengal government and TMC. Rather, there is a constant tussle between seniors and juniors. But one thing is clear: its Didi who still triumphs on Dadagiri" in Bengal. First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:05 IST 'One Congress Leader Forcing Oppn MPs To Toe Negative Line': Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 21:10 IST Rijiju also said that eyewitness accounts to BJP floor leaders have clearly blamed Rahul Gandhi for the incident at Parliament's Makar Dwar this week BJP leader and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju. (File photo: PTI) Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed hope that next years budget session may not be as stormy as the recent winter session. Rijiju also slammed Rahul Gandhi for what happened at Parliaments Makar Dwar on the penultimate day of the winter session this week and said even well-meaning MPs of the Congress were being forced by the Lok Sabhas leader of the opposition to toe a negative line". Let me be very honest. Even the opposition parties feel their responsibilities (towards Parliament), but one leader of the Congress probably forces them to act in such a manner. Otherwise, you dont come to Parliament for a physical fight. You are there to show your vocal power, not your physical power," Rijiju told CNN-News18 in an exclusive conversation on Saturday. related stories Asked if there was any scope for a better working relationship between the government and the opposition in the budget session, Rijiju expressed hope. This time the opposition parties were misguided by their leaders. Good sense will prevail. I am very hopeful that next time they will not create this kind of situation in the budget session," Rijiju said. The parliamentary affairs minister also indicated that the government was open to carrying forward legislative business even without the opposition if the situation demanded. We have the numbers, and we have to run the governmentWe have to fulfil the obligations that are there in the Constitution for serving the nation. There are certain things that we have to do. Even if opposition parties disturb the house, we are bound to carry out the business," Rijiju said. In the winter session, we did not have that kind of bills or budget that had to be mandatorily passed by Parliament. So we did not push for bills to be passed in the din. But if the opposition continues (this way), then we will be forced to get the bills passed in the din. We dont want to show that we disregard the opposition. We respect them. But they have to cooperate." On Makar Dwar incident Rijiju said that eyewitness accounts to BJP floor leaders have clearly blamed Rahul Gandhi for the incident at Makar Dwar. Everyone who was there witnessed (what happened). Because Makar Dwar is the main gate for the MPs to enter. I, the Prime Minister and some of the other ministers, the speakerwe enter from another gate. I am a minister, so I cant be part of the protest, but others saw what happened. The Congress party and some of their allies have been holding placards and protesting on the stairs leading to the Makar Dwar to go inside the house (for the last few days)," the minister said. So when the Congress party continuously tried to block that particular gate and started to demonstrate in the stair area, the BJP MPs and NDA MPs also thought that it was befitting to stand there and protest against the Congress partys misdeeds and all the past insults on Ambedkar and other unconstitutional actions of the Congress. So, when our party MPs were there, it seemed Rahul Gandhi and his people forcibly tried to enter inside. So there Rahul Gandhi caused injury to two of our MPs. I dont know why Rahul Gandhi has acted in this particular manner." He added that the decision to hand over CCTV footage to police will be taken by the speaker. Rijiju also said that the privilege notices against Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are alive and the speaker will decide on them. On the One Nation, One Election bill top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Riju exuded confidence about the One Nation, One Election bill. The opposition has alleged that the BJP lacks the numbers for the passage of the bill. Rijiju said he is confident that all opposition parties will come out in support of the bill. The sentiment in the country right now is to stop wasteful expenditure. In the first 17 years after independence, it was one nation and one election. Does the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi mean that everything that was done by governments then, till 1967, including governments led by Jawaharlal Nehru, was unconstitutional? Because assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held at the same time. I am sure that they will ultimately have to bow down to the pressure and the wishes of the people," Rijiju said. First Published: December 21, 2024, 21:10 IST Colombian MP Caught Vaping In Parliament Amid Healthcare Debate, Apologises After Backlash Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 17:42 IST After being found vaping during a parliamentary session on healthcare reforms, Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao issued an apology. Cathy Juvinao is a Green Alliance Party member and Bogota lawmaker. (Photo Credits: X) During a parliamentary meeting on healthcare reforms, Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao was captured vaping on camera. The act has caused a great deal of controversy and criticism on social media. Juvinao, a Green Alliance Party member and Bogota lawmaker was caught using a vape pen at a meeting of the countrys House of Representatives on December 17. Her actions were even more startling because, ironically, the discussion was about improvements to Colombias health policies. As Juvinao gets ready to speak to the legislative body, she is seen vaping in the video, which has caused a great deal of uproar. She seemed to notice the camera, sucked out the vapour fast and hid the gadget, but not before her actions were caught on camera. related stories ?? In Colombia, Congresswoman Cathy Juvinao was caught secretly vaping during a parliamentary session discussing healthcare reform. pic.twitter.com/NRmrFBQB9b Update NEWS (@UpdateNews724) December 19, 2024 As soon as the video went viral, she released an apology on social media, admitting her mistake and promising not to do it again. I apologize to the citizens for what happened yesterday in the plenary session. I will not join the bad example that is currently dominating public discourse and it will not be repeated. Rest assured that today I will continue to fight from the House with the same arguments and rigor as always," her post read. Me disculpo con la ciudadania por lo que paso ayer en plenaria, no me sumare al mal ejemplo que por estos dias embriaga el discurso publico y no se repetira. Tengan la certeza de que hoy seguire dando la batalla desde la Camara con los argumentos y la rigurosidad de siempre. Cathy Juvinao ??? (@CathyJuvinao) December 18, 2024 In an effort to impose stringent regulations on the industry, the country recently established legislation governing the use of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes. In Colombia, it is reportedly prohibited to smoke or vape in any government building, including the parliamentary chambers. This incident occurs months after President Gustavo Petro passed laws to control the sale and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in an effort to reduce their widespread use in the nation. The publics response to the Colombian politicians actions has been divided. Although some have criticised the protocol violation, others have praised her prompt recognition and remorse. A user said, During a discussion about healthcare reform is savage." during a discussion about healthcare reform is savage Puppeteer (@GorillaPodcast1) December 19, 2024 Another commented, They should make her resign or whatever. Smoking in parliament is crazy and disrespectful." They should make her resign or whatever. Smoking in parlament is crazy and disrespectful. Cosmos (@CosmosWl) December 19, 2024 Looks like she was trying to add some smoke and mirrors to the healthcare debate," a user on X wrote. Looks like she was trying to add some 'smoke and mirrors' to the healthcare debate. ? Boss Baby (@fidel_beckie) December 19, 2024 Seriously, she could not wait for a bathroom break? Even the cokeheads have that much self-control," another remarked. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Seriously, she could not wait for a bathroom break?Even the cokeheads have that much self control. LusciousMuffins (@LuciousMuffins) December 19, 2024 What is your opinion on this video? Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 17:38 IST Tamil Nadu Family Turns Funeral Into Celebration To Honour Womans Final Wish Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:03 IST The woman had stated she would prefer her burial to be filled with singing and dancing rather than sadness and melancholy. She was survived by four daughters, two sons and 78 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (Photo Credits: X) When a loved one dies, the burden of sadness might be too much to bear during lifes most trying times. Amid this grief, a sacred duty to respect the deceaseds last desires often arises. Interestingly, a family in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu made a special gesture by transforming a womans funeral into a joyous celebration to grant her final wish. The widow of temple priest Paramathadevar, Nagammal, 96, of Usilampatti, recently died of age-related health problems. Before passing away, Nagammal stated that she hoped her burial would be filled with songs and dancing rather than sadness and grieving. She left behind three generations of grandkids and great-grandchildren, including two sons, four daughters and 78 grandchildren. related stories When Nagammal was near death, she stated that she wanted her funeral to be lavish and feature a variety of musical and dancing performances by her relatives. She wanted her loved ones to say goodbye to her with joy. As per her request, her family organised a lively and colourful farewell party that included traditional folk arts, music and dance performances by the villages children and grandkids. In addition, Tamil Nadus popular traditional dance, the Kummi, was performed by women. The familys youngest members even performed a variety of shows to display their talent. What had begun as a funeral service quickly evolved into a joyous event resembling every years village fair. As Nagammal requested, family members, including grandkids and great-grandchildren, bid her farewell. In the end, the customary songs of sadness were also performed. Everyone in the community commended the family for their sincere efforts to grant Nagammals final desire. Nagammals family turned a depressing and emotional occasion into a celebration of her long and happy life, setting an encouraging example in a place noted for its traditional rituals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On social media, images and videos of funeral celebrations have gone viral and people are talking about how natural deaths should be honoured because they are unavoidable. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:03 IST US Woman Sentenced To 4 Years For Leaving Deceased Newborn In Texas Gas Station Restroom Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 16:05 IST CCTV footage from the petrol station showed Zavala Lopez entering the restroom that morning. . The woman abandoned the newborn in the toilet before leaving. A 27-year-old woman in the United States has been sentenced to four years in prison after leaving her deceased newborn in the restroom of a Houston petrol station. According to a report by KTUL, the woman, Diana Guadalupe Zavala Lopez, pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence involving a human corpse. The incident occurred on April 2, 2023, at a petrol station in Houston, Texas. CCTV footage from the petrol station showed Zavala Lopez entering the restroom that morning. As per the report, she gave birth inside and abandoned the newborn in the toilet before leaving. Hours later, a customer discovered the lifeless infant and immediately contacted the authorities. Paramedics who arrived at the scene confirmed that the baby had been dead for several hours by the time it was found. related stories Further investigation and evidence from the scene indicated an unknown Hispanic female entered the gas station bathroom and left about 15 minutes later. Hours later, a customer went to use the restroom, found an infant in the bathroom and called 9-1-1," police said. NEW: Migrant who left her dead baby in a gas station restroom has been sentenced to four years in jailMexican migrant Diana Guadalupe Zavala Lopez pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence Surveillance footage shows Lopez entering a Shell gas station bathroom in Houston on pic.twitter.com/qz3h8eR2CQ Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) December 17, 2024 Investigators stated that Zavala Lopez claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy. Reportedly, she had been returning from a party when she stopped at the petrol station after experiencing sudden pain. According to the report, Zavala Lopez described feeling the baby being delivered and noticed it face down in the toilet. Investigators alleged that she attempted to flush the infant down the toilet before cleaning herself and the restroom. She reportedly used a mop from outside the petrol station to wipe away the blood. Court documents cited in the report revealed that she neither checked if the infant was alive nor attempted CPR or removed the baby from the toilet. Zavala Lopez then left the petrol station and drove home. The Houston Police Department launched an investigation but could not identify the woman for months. In July 2023, authorities released surveillance footage to the public, showing Zavala Lopez exiting a white Cadillac before entering the restroom. With assistance from the public, the police were able to identify her. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In August 2023, Zavala Lopez was arrested at a bus station in Brownsville, Texas, as she attempted to flee the country. She was detained by US Customs and Border Protection agents, extradited to Harris County, and charged. The court sentenced Zavala Lopez to four years in prison. She had already served 489 days in custody. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 21, 2024, 16:05 IST KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2024 - 09:17 | All, Japan About a quarter of Japanese firms are positive about reskilling their workers -- seen as essential for improving labor productivity -- but only a small percentage are actively taking steps toward that goal, a research institute survey found. The government of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba views increased investment in human resource development as critical for Japan, expecting that as more people acquire new skills, their wages will rise. According to Teikoku Databank Ltd., which surveyed around 11,000 firms in October, a combined 26.1 percent expressed a positive view on reskilling their workforce, with 8.9 percent having already started and 17.2 percent expressing willingness to do so in the future. Many companies already supporting employee reskilling provide e-learning courses and assist workers in obtaining new qualifications. While labor shortages are more acute in some sectors than others, reskilling workers is expected to help alleviate the issue in a nation known for its rigid corporate culture and low labor mobility. Still, nearly half of the respondents in the latest survey, or 46.1 percent, are not taking any initiatives. Additionally, 9.5 percent said they do not know what "reskilling" means and 10.1 percent said they have never heard the term. Small firms struggling with severe labor shortages find it more challenging than larger companies to offer reskilling opportunities due to limited time and resources. The institute noted concerns from some responding firms that reskilling workers might encourage job-hopping across companies and sectors, highlighting why many firms remain reluctant, according to the survey. Companies "need to pay attention to the risk of not getting involved in reskilling," it said, adding that boosting labor productivity by training workers to adapt to digital transformation and new technologies will be crucial for the future of Japan Inc. Related coverage: Japan gov't to raise tax break cap for offspring's income to 1.5 mil. yen Japan average pay hike tops 10,000 yen for 1st time amid inflation Assassination Threat To Elon Musk? Netizens Call Out Cryptic Viral Post Against X CEO Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 07:54 IST A recent post on social media platform X suggesting an assassination attempt on Elon Musk has gone viral, triggering controversy online. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk | File Image A recent post on social media platform X suggesting an assassination attempt on billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has gone viral, triggering controversy online. A post from a user named Bill Shea on the platform X quickly caught attention, prompting accusations that the social media user suggested harm to Musk. related stories Bill Shea shared a screenshot from the X page, Republicans against Trump, which contained a statement comparing Elon Musk to George Soros. Elon Musk is everything MAGA Republicans accused George Soros of doing," it reads. While reposting it, Shea added a comment, Folks, please do not forget Musk is a CEO of several companies. I say again, hes a CEO. Do with that information as you will." Sheas tweet, which many interpreted as a call for Musks assassination, was shared widely on the platform. Subsequently, Sheas account was shut down, likely in response to the massive negative attention the post attracted. This incident follows the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly committed by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Baltimore family. Mangiones actions have sparked heated debate, with some online communities hailing him as a protest symbol against the perceived flaws in the US healthcare system. The case has also fueled discussions about the influence of CEOs on public policy, further dividing opinions. The issue escalated further when former Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz caused a stir on Bluesky. She shared an image with the caption CEO DOWN" and criticised the role of insurance executives in causing harm. While Lorenz clarified that she opposed violence, she defended the right to call out systemic problems and those responsible for them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While Lorenz clarified that she does not condone violence, she emphasised the importance of holding those responsible for systemic injustices accountable for their actions. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: December 21, 2024, 07:54 IST Video Shows Horrific Moment When Car Crashed Into Crowd At Christmas Market In Germany Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 08:47 IST German Christmas Market Car Attack Footage: The incident, which has been called a deliberate "attack" by the local authorities, occurred at 7:04 PM near the Town Hall. German Christmas Market Car Attack CCTV Footage German Christmas Market Car Attack Footage: A CCTV footage showed the dramatic moment when a speeding car ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Germanys Magdeburg, leaving at least two dead and over 60 injured. The incident, which has been called a deliberate attack" by the local authorities, occurred at 7:04 PM at the Magdeburg Christmas market, located in the Old Market area near the Town Hall, close to the River Elbe. related stories The video showed a dark luxury vehicle speeding into a densely packed area, leaving numerous victims sprawled on the ground as bystanders scrambled for safety and turning the festive market into chaos. One of the victims who died in the Christmas market crash was a child, now close to 70 confirmed injuries MDRThe death toll expected to rise.#Germany pic.twitter.com/bJyN0Kjgfx Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) December 20, 2024 The police said that the vehicle drove at least 400 metres across the Christmas market" leaving behind a trail of bloodied casualties at the citys central town hall square. Visuals from the scene showed ambulances and fire engines rushing to the chaotic site, which was doused in blue emergency lights with sirens wailing. Premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt Reiner Haseloff said that one of the victims was a young child. It is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," Haseloff added. He noted that the death toll could rise given the severity of some of the injuries. Haseloff further described the attacker as a 50-year-old male doctor from Saudi Arabia with permanent residency in Germany, where he had lived for almost two decades. Something Bad About To Happen German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who sent his thoughts to those affected in a post on social media platform X, said that the Magdeburg incident suggests that something bad is about to happen." Scholz, who is expected to visit the scene on Saturday with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, said, My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." Reacting to the incident, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, allied with US President-elect Donald Trump, criticised Scholz and called on him to resign, according to a report by Reuters. The local media reports claimed that a police investigation has been launched in the town of Bernburg, south of Magdeburg, where the suspect is believed to have lived. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location : Germany First Published: December 21, 2024, 08:33 IST Who Is Taleb? Ex-Muslim, Atheist And Staunch Islam Critic Led Germany's Christmas Market Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 11:45 IST Germany Attack: Two people were killed while 60 others were injured as a car rammed into crowd at Christmas market. Authorities called it a deliberate attack and arrested Saudi national. Germany attack: Car that rammed into Magdeburg Christmas market (Reuters Image) Germany Christmas Market Attack: Nearly 8 years after 13 people were killed in the German capital city of Berlin due to a truck attack on a crowd in 2016, a similar incident has jolted the country as a car drove into a large group of people at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening, leaving at least 2 dead and dozens of others injured. A toddler was among the two confirmed dead while the authorities have not ruled out more fatalities as around 15 people are seriously injured. They called the incident a deliberate attack on the German population. related stories Chaos spread in the market as the speeding car rammed into the people who were knocked down to the ground and others were seen running for shelter to save their lives. Heres the horrible CCTV video of the terrorist attack in Germany. A lorry driver rammed into the market to hurt people. pic.twitter.com/BjLuCNCCJM Olu (@empror24) December 21, 2024 A driver, a Saudi national, was arrested in connection with the attack that took place at around 7 pm when the market was buzzing with holiday shoppers. Video shows Germany police detaining suspect at gun point after suspected terrorist attack.Authorities in the German city of #Magdeburg say at least two people were killed and dozens were injured after a car plowed into a busy Christmas market.#Germany pic.twitter.com/D8R85t5ek3 Kapadia CP (@Ckant72) December 21, 2024 The incident was on the lines of an attack in 2016 in Berlin where a driver rammed a truck into the people, in which 13 people were killed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Who Was The Suspect Of Christmas Market Attack? According to the officials, the attacker is a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, identified as Taleb A who practices medicine in Bernburg, nearly 25 miles south of Magdeburg. He is a consultant in psychiatry and psychotherapy, The Guardian reported. He started living in Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status in 2016. Taleb is a former Muslim who is now a staunch critic of Islam. He supports Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party in Germany, which takes an anti-immigration stance. The attacker was born in Hofuf city in Saudi Arabia in 1974. However, he was not allowed to express his atheist views in the country where Islam is the only religion, BBC reported. He then moved to Germany where he opened a website to aid ex-Muslims fleeing Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, BBC reported. Taleb is also on the wanted list in Saudi Arabia on grave charges such as terrorism and smuggling of girls from the Middle East to European nations. However, Germany has not allowed his extradition to Saudi so far, according to reports. He got a permanent residence permit, according to interior minister Tamara Zieschang. He had rented a BMW car just before the attack and did not have known Islamist ties, The Guardian reported. According to the reports, the police believe to have recovered explosives from his car. As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know, there is no further danger to the city," Saxony-Anhalts governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters, AP reported. The motive of the driver behind the attack is yet not clear. Saudi Arabias foreign ministry issued a statement, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the German population. It affirmed its rejection of violence", however, did not mention anything about the arrested man, a Saudi national. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the reports from Magdeburg suggest that something bad is about to happen". Location : Berlin, Germany First Published: December 21, 2024, 08:12 IST Incompetent Fool: Elon Musk Asks German Chancellor To Quit Over Christmas Market Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 09:50 IST Elon Musk asked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign, describing him as an "incompetent fool" after the deadly attack in Christmas market that killed two and left dozens injured. Germany Christmas Market Attack: Elon Musk and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (AP Image) Germany Christmas Market Attack: Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is all set to be a part of US President-elect Donald Trumps upcoming administration, on Friday (local time) labelled German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an incompetent fool" and said that he should resign in response to a deadly attack at a German Christmas market. Two people, including a toddler, were killed while over 60 others were injured as a car rammed into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The driver, identified as Taleb A, who is a Saudi national, was arrested on the spot." related stories Elon Musk Wants Scholz To Resign Scholz should resign immediately," Musk posted on X, adding, Incompetent fool." His response came in an X thread about reports of the deadly attack in Germany. Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2024 He had, earlier in the day, stepped into the midst of Germanys election campaign and called the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) the nations saviour. Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk said on his social media platform, X. Elon Musk Backs Germanys AfD He had already extended support to the AfD last year while attacking the German governments handling of the illegal immigration into the country. The AfD is currently placed at the second spot in the opinion polls and could potentially keep either the center-right or center-left blocs at bay from the majority. However, Germanys mainstream centrist parties have firmly pledged to exclude the AfD from any support at the national level. Germany is expected to go to polls on February 23 following the collapse of Scholz-led centre-left coalition government. Musk, the worlds richest person, has already expressed support for other parties having anti-immigration stances across Europe. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The German government said that it had taken note of Musks comments, however, did not make any comments at its regular press briefing. (With Reuters inputs) Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:48 IST 'Came To Celebrate Achievements Of Indian Diaspora,' Says PM During 'Hala Modi' Event In Kuwait Curated By : & News18.com Last Updated: December 22, 2024, 00:01 IST PM Modi on Saturday afternoon arrived in Kuwait for a two-day visit to the Gulf nation at the invitation of the Amir of the State of Kuwait. PM Modi addresses Hala Modi event in Kuwait. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he was happy to see the diversity of people from India in the Middle East nation and called it a mini-India". While addressing the Hala Modi" event at the Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in Kuwait City, he said, Just 22.5 hours ago, I arrived in Kuwait, and ever since setting foot here, I have felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and warmth all around. You all have come from various states of India, but seeing you here feels like a Mini Hindustan has gathered before me." related stories Modi also spoke about Indias digital forward movement and stated that India had become digitally smart and this was only the beginning. Even for a cup of tea at a small stall, a person uses UPI in India. We have become digitally smart, and this is just the start," he said. He also talked about the strong relationship between the two countries, touching on the support of Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember that Kuwait sent us liquid oxygen supply when we were going through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are very grateful," he said. He arrived today afternoon arrived in Kuwait for a historic two-day visit, which he described as an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and the gulf nation. Significantly, PM Modis visit to Kuwait marked the first trip to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister in the last 43 years. The trip comes at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. Ahead of his departure to the Gulf nation, PM Modi said, I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region." Thank you Kuwait. Im delighted by the wonderful welcome. pic.twitter.com/sz2FF40vrM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024 He emphasised strong trade and energy partnership between both nations and said, We also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region." During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership. I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," said PM Modi in an X post. He further expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait for the special gesture of inviting him to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a premier sporting event in the Gulf region. I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity," said the prime minister. PM Modi further expressed his confidence that this visit will strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait." Today and tomorrow, I will be visiting Kuwait. This visit will deepen Indias historical linkages with Kuwait. I look forward to meeting His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait.This evening, I will be interacting with the Indian community and Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024 PM Modi Gets Rousing Welcome As PM Modi arrived at a hotel in Kuwait, where he would stay for the next two days, members of the Indian diaspora eagerly gathered to interact with him. The Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and enjoyed a cultural performance by Indian artists at the hotel, showcasing folk acts from Kerala and other states of India. #WATCH | Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a performance by the artists, in Kuwait CityPM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime pic.twitter.com/udJtBr8MuP ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 He also met Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef. Abdulla Al Baroun has translated both Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic, while Abdul Lateef Al Nesef has published the Arabic versions of both the holy scriptures. PM Visits Labour Camp As the first program of his visit to Kuwait, Modi visited a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait with a workforce of around 1500 Indian nationals. He interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers from different states of India and enquired about their well-being. Visit To Open New Chapter Of Ties: MEA A day ahead of the prime ministers trip, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said discussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact. At a media briefing, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime ministers visit. The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations," he said. It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a more stronger and dynamic partnership for the future," he added. Chatterjee said the visit is also expected to boost the ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC is an influential grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. On Modis planned visit to a labour camp in Kuwait, Chatterjee said the government of India attaches considerable importance to the welfare of all the Indian workers abroad. The idea of the visit of the prime minister to the labour camp is to express the amount of importance the government of India attaches to our workers. That is the prime purpose," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over 45 Indians were killed in a devastating fire in a building housing foreign workers in southern Kuwaits Mangaf locality in June. Location : Kuwait First Published: December 21, 2024, 09:53 IST When PM Modi Fulfilled A Special Request From 101-Year-Old IFS Officers Kin In Kuwait Reported By : & News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 19:44 IST Mangal Sain Handa served in multiple countries like Iraq, Kuwait, China, Argentina, UK and Cambodia in his long career as an Indian Foreign Service Officer and was seen laughing and clapping as he met the prime minister PM Modi met Mangal Sain Handa in Kuwait. It was an emotional moment for 101-year-old IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him in Kuwait after a request from his family. The prime minister had responded to the family over social media earlier on Saturday, promising to meet the former officer. Handa has served in multiple countries like Iraq, Kuwait, China, Argentina, UK and Cambodia in his long career as an Indian Foreign Service Officer. His grand-daughter, Shreya Juneja, reached out to the Prime Ministers Office with a request that Handa wished to meet the PM during Modis interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait on Saturday. He is a great admirer of yours," Juneja said, tagging the PM and the Indian Foreign Ministers office. related stories Within hours of the post on Friday, the PM replied to her on X, saying he would meet Handa in Kuwait and looked forward to it. Juneja then thanked the PM for the response and said: Youve won our hearts once againMangal Sain Handa is overjoyed, and his smile means the world to us. Were deeply grateful for this kind gesture." This showed PMs connect with the common man over social media, which he has exhibited many a time. The visuals from the Indian diaspora event showed PM warmly meeting Handa and having an interaction with him, while shaking his hand. Handa was seen enthusiastically clapping and meeting the prime minister with a smile. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking to CNN-News18, Pradeep Handa, son of the former IFS officer, said: It was a big moment for us. My father keeps talking about Indian politics and PM Modi is his idol. The embassy conveyed to us that the PM would be meeting him. The prime minister enquired about his health and asked him who the foreign secretary was during his tenure." It is moments like these that show Modis usage of social media to reach out to common people and develop a bond with them. Among the most followed leaders in the world on social media, the PM has over 104.2 million followers on the platform X and has responded to common people many a time on the platform. Location : Kuwait First Published: December 21, 2024, 15:20 IST 'High Attendance Despite Holidays Shows Recognition Of Meditation': Sri Sri Ravi Shankar At UN Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 11:26 IST The United Nations is hosting the inaugural World Meditation Day event, following the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution designating December 21 as World Meditation Day. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at UN (Photo: X/Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday (local time) addressed the launch of the first World Meditation Day at the United Nations Headquarters and said that all member states came together to acknowledge the power of meditation". He said that the enthusiasm of the attendees of the event during the holiday season" was a testimony of the recognition of meditation in the modern world. related stories The spiritual guru delivered the keynote address in the presence of UN GA President Philemon Yang, USG Atul Khare, senior UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. What Did Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Say? With the efforts of the Permanent Missions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Liechtenstein and Andorra, all 193 member states came together to acknowledge the power of meditation in bringing health and harmony to all of humanity. #WorldMeditationDay," he posted on X. The enthusiasm of the large number of diplomats and decision-makers attending on a Friday evening during the holiday season shows the recognition of meditation and its relevance in the modern world," the spiritual leader added. Gave the keynote address at the launch of the 1st World Meditation Day at @UN Headquarters, facilitated by Permanent Representative of India @AmbHarishP in the presence of @UN_PGA H.E. Philemon Yang, USG Atul Khare @UN_OpSupport, senior UN officials, PRs, members of the pic.twitter.com/brwyMBzWXd Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@Gurudev) December 21, 2024 World Meditation Day The United Nations is hosting the inaugural World Meditation Day event, following the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution designating December 21 as World Meditation Day. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This historic resolution establishes an annual global observance, celebrating meditations profound impact on mental and physical well-being and its ability to promote peace and unity, according to an official release by the Art of Living on Wednesday. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York will commemorate this landmark occasion with a special event at the UN headquarters on December 20. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: December 21, 2024, 11:26 IST WhatsApp Wins Lawsuit Against Pegasus Maker As US Judge Finds NSO Guilty In Spyware Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 21, 2024, 12:47 IST WhatsApp had filed a lawsuit in the US against NSO Group which makes Pegasus spyware. The US judge ruled in favour of WhatsApp. WhatsApp wins lawsuit against NSO Group (AFP Image) WhatsApp has claimed a legal victory against Israeli company NSO Group which is behind the Pegasus spyware, The Guardian reported. The Metas messaging app had filed a lawsuit against NSO, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1,400 people using Pegasus in May 2019. A US judge, Phyllis Hamilton, ruled that the Israeli company violated US hacking laws and WhatsApps terms of service. related stories NSO will face a jury trial in March next year when it will be decided how much the company owes WhatsApp in damages. WhatsApp said that it was pleased with the courts verdict and stressed that spyware companies must be held accountable for targeting journalists, human rights activists, and civil society groups. In a summary judgment, the judge found NSO Group violated the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Tech giant Apple had filed a similar suit earlier against the Israeli company but dropped it in September. The US judge also criticised NSO for its non-cooperation during the case. NSO did not provide the spywares source code, which was in violation of the courts order, which led to sanctions against the Israeli company as requested by WhatsApp, according to the report. The lawsuit was filed in California. The NSO Group made its source code available only to be viewed by an Israeli citizen, which according to the judge was simply impractical". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NSO Group has claimed that its government clients use Pegasus, however, evidence showed that the company was directly involved in the operation of spyware to collect data such as photos, emails, and messages from hacked devices. Government officials, journalists, human rights activists, and diplomats were among the victims of the spyware software, The Guardian reported. The US government has blacklisted NSO in 2021 and banned its agencies from using the companys products. Location : California, USA First Published: December 21, 2024, 12:41 IST KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2024 - 18:45 | All, Japan Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force will gradually resume operations of its 17 U.S.-made V-22 Ospreys, the Defense Ministry said Saturday, after they were suspended earlier this month due to safety concerns. The suspension of flights came after U.S. forces grounded their Ospreys -- a tilt-rotor military transport and cargo aircraft -- following a recent precautionary landing. This followed a fatal crash in late 2023 in Japan that killed all eight U.S. personnel aboard. The Japanese ministry said it had received an explanation from the United States regarding the strengthening of safety measures for the aircraft. According to the ministry, the GSDF will restart its Osprey flights after taking additional steps to ensure the safety of the gearbox, which was linked to the crash off southwestern Japan. The specific schedule and number of aircraft have not been disclosed. The United States said that operations of Ospreys with such gearboxes under a certain number of flight hours will continue to be controlled, while those meeting or surpassing a predetermined flight-hour threshold will resume flights. Related coverage: U.S. Ospreys resume flights in Japan after halt over safety concerns U.S. temporarily halts Osprey flights again due to safety concerns U.S. Navy apparently begins Osprey deployment in western Japan It's not so much a whodunnit as a where-is-it, the "it" being a lost masterpiece of Vincent van Gogh. As the New York Times explains, the mystery revolves around The Portrait of Dr. Gachet, which van Gogh painted in 1890, just weeks before taking his own life. The portrait of a real-life doctor hung in two public museumsthe Stadel in Germany and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New Yorkthroughout most of the 20th century before being sold at auction in 1990 to a Japanese buyer. It hasn't been seen in public since. The story tracks the efforts of art sleuths who specialize in just this kind of discreet detective work and presents a best-guess scenario: The painting is likely in Switzerland, in the hands of a very rich and very private family. After being bought in 1990, the painting is believed to have ended up in the hands of an Austrian financier who sold it privately in 1998 to an unknown buyer. Four experts tell the newspaper they think the Invernizzi family of Italy now owns the painting and likely keeps it at their villa on Switzerland's Lake Lugano. A Sotheby's official who brokered the 1998 sale would not confirm, and a spokesperson for the Invernizzis, who made a fortune in cheese, would not comment. The full story details the detective work involved, the history of the painting itself, and a question central to it all: "Do collecting families have any responsibility to share iconic works of art with the broader public?" Read it here. (More Vincent Van Gogh stories.) Elon Musk, already busy with US politics , stepped into Germany's on Friday, drawing the attention of millions of X users and leaders who don't share his support of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. "Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk wrote in response to a far-right video influencer, the New York Times reports, referring to the anti-immigrant party with connections to neo-Nazis. The AfD's candidate for chancellor welcomed the endorsement an hour later. "Yes! You are perfectly right," Alice Weidel posted. Musk's post had more than 25 million views in the first 10 hours or so. Germany is headed for an election in February after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition. Scholz acknowledged Musk's post Friday without directly attacking it, noting that free speech rights apply even to the wealthy. "Freedom of speech also means that you're able to say things that aren't right and do not contain good political advice," he said. A German former member of the European Parliament mocked Musk's post as one of "the world domination fantasies of the American tech kings," per the Guardian. The AfD, which promotes populist and anti-immigrant "Germany first" policies, is riding an increase in popularity. It's been accused of returning to Nazi-era ideology and slogans, per CNN, and a judge ruled this spring that the nation's domestic intelligence agency can keep it under surveillance over concerns it's a threat to democracy. After the deaths Friday at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg, Musk returned to German politics. In response to a post showing the chancellor speaking about the attack, the billionaire wrote: "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool." (More Elon Musk stories.) UPDATE Dec 20, 2024 11:43 PM CST The Senate passed a spending measure in the early hours of Saturdaytechnically missing a midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown, but by so little a margin that the disruption will be minimal, reports CNN. The vote was 85-11. President Biden is expected to quickly sign it. Passage came hours after the House passed its version on a third try, following days of political drama that centered on Elon Musk flexing his political clout. The White House had said no agencies would shut down despite the missed deadline because the Senate was on track to clear the measure, per the New York Times. Dec 20, 2024 5:40 PM CST The House on Friday evening approved the third spending bill brought by Republicans, hours before the government shutdown deadline. The measure still needs the approval of the Senate and President Biden's signature before 12:01am Saturday to keep the government funded for three months. The stripped-down bill cleared the House on a vote of 366 to 34, the Washington Post reports. The measure allocates more than $100 billion in relief to farmers and natural disaster victims, and extends the agriculture policy and anti-poverty law known as the farm bill. The biggest change from the bill defeated Thursday was the removal of the provision to suspend the debt ceiling for two years that President-elect Donald Trump wanted. "What needed to come out of the bill has come out of the bill," Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said earlier in the day, referring to the debt limit provision. UPDATE Jan 7, 2025 1:30 AM CST A sixth person has died more than two weeks after a car attack on a Christmas market in Germany last month. The 52-year-old woman had been critically injured in the Dec. 20 attack, DW reports. Authorities say at least 299 people were injured after the suspect plowed into the crowd with a BMW, the BBC reports. He was arrested at the scene and ordered into pre-trial detention, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and dangerous bodily harm. Dec 21, 2024 7:00 AM CST German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to investigate "in depth" an attack Friday at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, in which a car that plowed into the crowds there left five dead, including a child, and injured more than 200. Appearing at a Saturday presser with Saxony-Anhalt Gov. Reiner Haseloff, the German leader called it a "dreadful tragedy," while Haseloff said it was "astonishing" and "unimaginable that something like this could happen in Germany," per the BBC. The British broadcaster also has footage of when the suspect, a Saudi national, was arrested. KYODO NEWS - Dec 21, 2024 - 10:54 | All, Japan A Japanese sake brewery will attempt to make the world's first outer space sake, creating just one bottle and donating the 100 million yen ($640,000) proceeds from its sale to domestic space development companies. Asahi Shuzo Co. in Yamaguchi Prefecture recently said it plans to ferment rice and other raw materials used in sake making on the International Space Station. It aims to send the ingredients into orbit in late 2025. The idea is to create sake on the premise that there will be demand for alcohol if humans begin living on the Moon in the 2040s, according to Asahi Shuzo. The brewery, known for its "Dassai" sake brand, was approached by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in 2022 about making sake in space. It has been collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy and the Aichi Center for Industry and Science Technology since. They have been working on manufacturing a brewing apparatus to send to the Kibo experiment module developed by Japan for the ISS. The experiment will utilize the equipment on Kibo, recreating the gravity of the Moon's surface, approximately one-sixth of that on Earth, with the brewery slated to monitor the fermentation process from Earth. Around 520 grams of the unrefined sake fermented in space will be brought back down to Earth, before being refined and decanted into a single 100-milliliter bottle as the "Dassai Moon -- Uchujozo," translated as "Dassai Moon -- space brew," according to the brewery based in the western Japan prefecture. "We hope to someday brew Dassai on the surface of the Moon using rice, and the water that is said to be there," the company said in a press release. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe This undated photo shows books on the study of bamboo slips from the Warring State Period (475 BC-221 BC) housed by Tsinghua University. (Tsinghua University/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Scholars from China's Tsinghua University have released three documents after sorting and deciphering bamboo slips dating back over 2,000 years, according to a press conference held in Beijing on Friday. These documents reflect the governance ideology of rulers in the early Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) and ancient legends and political thoughts in the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC). They offer valuable insights into the study of ancient history and political ideology, said Shi Xiaoli, an associate professor at the Research and Conservation Center for Unearthed Texts of Tsinghua University. For example, one document advocates that policies should not be implemented too urgently or too slowly, but rather at an appropriate pace and scale, ensuring that people are not confused and can follow them, Shi explained. Tsinghua houses nearly 2,500 precious bamboo slips from the Warring State Period (475-221 BC). The university's research team has collated and studied the ancient documents since 2008. Since 2011, Tsinghua scholars have released their research findings annually, publishing 14 volumes of reports that cover a wide range of topics, including classics, history, politics, astronomy and mathematics. The latest outcomes on the translation of the original bamboo slip texts into modern Chinese and English were also released at the conference, with the aim of making them more accessible to readers and promoting their international dissemination and research. This undated photo shows the newly published books on the study of bamboo slips from the Warring State Period (475 BC-221 BC) housed by Tsinghua University. (Tsinghua University/Handout via Xinhua) Plans for a nearly $1 billion expansion of the Morristown Medical Center will be revised after residents and town officials expressed concern about the projects impact on traffic, noise, and overall quality of life. Atlantic Health Systems proposed expansion of its flagship medical facility was first announced in October during a series of town hall-style meetings. The project includes plans for a new 11-story, 483,000-square-foot building to accommodate 108 private rooms, a specialty medical building, a parking garage, and an expansion of the Goryeb Childrens Hospital, according to a presentation shared by Atlantic Health. Hospital officials say the expansion will create hundreds of jobs, boost the local economy, and improve access to services. But residents and town officials say theres more that needs to be done to address their concerns about the massive, five-year construction project. Nothing about this is a done deal, said Business Administrator Jillian Barrick during a Dec. 10 council meeting. While the hospital and Atlantic Health have their vision, and they would certainly love if we would all just rubber stamp what they want, that is certainly not what Morristown does and thats not what were going to do in this case. In a statement on behalf of the town, Morristown officials said: Our residents remain concerned about the impact of the expansion proposal on the surrounding neighborhoods. Specifically, the three major concerns we have heard are about increases in traffic, the height and impact of the proposed parking garage adjacent to Randolph Drive, and the height of the proposed patient care pavilion near I-287. Officials added that Atlantic Health is working on responding to resident concerns and they expect follow-up meetings to be scheduled early next year. Atlantic Health System is working collaboratively with town leaders to review all the constructive feedback we received to date. We will continue to engage in conversations with our neighbors and others and are committed to sharing updates in a timely manner, said Luke Margolis, director of corporate communications for Atlantic Health System, in a statement to NJ Advance Media. Morristown Medical Center has one of the largest emergency departments in the state, treating more than 100,000 patients per year, according to Atlantic Health.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for Morristown Medical Center, the largest medical facility in the Atlantic Health System, is known for its Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News and World Report for 2024-25. It also has one of the largest emergency departments in the state, treating 100,000 patients per year, according to hospital data. Atlantic Health said it needs to expand the Morristown facility to meet growing demand, increase capacity, and reduce wait times. As currently proposed, the expansion of Morristown Medical Center is expected to cost in the high nine-figure range, said Margolis. However, given the project is still in preliminary stages, cost estimates are likely to change, he said. The proposed project would not expand the hospitals current footprint, Margolis said. As currently proposed, it would increase usable space for patient care by 700,000 square feet on the hospitals existing campus. But the endeavor has faced setbacks from the start. The hospitals first public meeting with Morristown residents was postponed when while working to vet their proposal, it became clear that more time was needed before we could comfortably agree to bring this project to the public as many questions remain unanswered, Mayor Timothy Dougherty wrote in an Oct. 23rd letter to residents. For example, Dougherty said, the 200-page traffic study was received by the town only this morning. We believe it would be irresponsible to move forward with the public engagement process without ensuring that all information has been reviewed by our professionals and available to the public to ensure that they have a complete picture. Despite these concerns, Atlantic Health did not add to or alter their plans before presenting the project again in subsequent town hall-style meetings, town officials said. I saw the same presentation three times, said Morristown Council President Nathan Umbriac at a council meeting last week. So, there were no amendments, there were no changes, there was no listening to the feedback or modifying the plan whatsoever. I would hope that if they were going to come before the public again that they would take into consideration a lot of concerns that have been shared amongst the neighborhood, said Umbriac. Morristown officials said theyve received dozens of calls, emails, letters, and public comments from residents regarding the project. Many residents reiterate the same concerns about traffic congestion, tax impact, and noise. Officials said they have shared all concerns with Atlantic Health. I think they know that a lot more has to be done on this project before this council would consider it, said Councilman Robert Iannaccone during last weeks council meeting. Atlantic Health wants to build a specialty medical building on the campus of Morristown Medical Center to serve as a new home for state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment.Courtesy of Atlantic Health System Morristown residents have expressed concern about the height and impact of a new parking structure included in the Morristown Medical Center expansion plans. Courtesy of Atlantic Health System Margolis, director of corporate communications, said Atlantic Health has consulted numerous experts throughout this process, including traffic and environmental engineers, civic planners, architects, and design professionals. If approved, the project will begin construction early next year and wrap in 2030, according to tentative plans. The project will be built in three phases, beginning with a new parking garage and an adjacent specialty medical building, which will serve as the new home for state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, according Atlantic Health. The second phase of the expansion is dedicated to constructing a new 11-story West Pavilion building with 180 intensive care unit-capable inpatient beds to accommodate complex and extended care, potential pandemics, mass casualties, according to Atlantic Health. Plans show the building will also include 20 new operating rooms, enhanced family waiting areas, an imaging suite and a modernized, relocated helipad on the roof. The last and final phase of the expansion project calls for a two-floor expansion of Goryeb Childrens Hospital to accommodate 25 new inpatient beds, satisfy the requirement for private inpatient beds, and meet growing demand for pediatric services. The project should provide more than 1,500 union construction jobs and add 500 permanent jobs to the area, under the currently proposed plans. However, no matter how good the project sounds, officials said they need consensus to move forward. The public has to buy in, the hospital has to buy in, and the administration and the council has to buy in. So its tri-fold, said Dougherty. The revised project will be presented to the community and administration again before it goes before the council and local zoning board for approval. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. A woman died of her injuries following a head-on collision in Mercer County on Friday night, police said. A 45-year-old Waterford resident was driving an SUV eastbound on South Broad Street near the intersection of Hempstead Road in Hamilton at 10:05 p.m. when they collided head-on with a midsize sedan that was heading westbound, according to township police. Another car, driven by a 43-year-old from Trenton, then hit the back of the sedan after the initial crash, police said. The midsize sedan driver, a 62-year-old woman from Lawrenceville, was taken to Capital Health Regional Trauma Center in Trenton, where she died Saturday of her injuries, police said. Her name is being withheld pending family notification. The two other motorists involved in the crash were taken to area hospitals. Police did not elaborate on their conditions. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, police said there was inclement weather at the time of the incident. New Jersey experienced a wintry mix of precipitation on Friday, which turned into an overnight storm that dropped more than 5 inches in multiple towns. Anyone with information related to the collision is asked to contact Hamilton Township Police Department at 609-581-4000. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran. Q. A state appeals court ruled Wednesday that Attorney General Matt Platkin exceeded his authority when he ordered a state takeover of the Paterson police department in 2023, as crime was soaring, corruption was flourishing, and police brutality went mostly unchecked. Under state control, conditions have improved across the board, but Mayor Andre Sayegh said Platkins overreach shows that hes a rogue attorney general who was persecuting his city for political gain. The case now heads to the state Supreme Court. Thoughts? Mike: Mayor Sayegh is not the first Democrat to make this allegation about the Attorney General. We are seeing high-ranking members of Platkins own party unafraid to criticize the attorney general. Unlike many states, New Jerseys attorneys general are appointed not elected, in hopes that there is some independence from politics. While many recent AGs have moved on to positions of prominence in public life (Grewal to the SEC, Hoffman to the Supreme Court, Chiesa to the US Senate, Porrino to all-star lawyer), none has run for higher office since 1989 when Cary Edwards ran for governor. Unlike most states, the NJ AG position has been uniquely non-political, simply focused on doing the job. With suspicion that the job is being used as a launching pad, we see pushback from his own party even more than the other party. Maybe Platkins attempt to weaken the county lines and hurt Tammy Murphys Senate run has something to do with it, too. We are deeply disappointed with todays ruling regarding Paterson, and we will be appealing immediately to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Full statement here. pic.twitter.com/hEUjpiwF2X Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) December 18, 2024 Julie: I agree with everything Mike said except the last part. Matt didnt weaken the county line; he virtue-signaled from the cheap seats, for which a federal judge slammed him. If he really wanted to weaken the county line, he would have had the courage to intervene in Andy Kims case. As a general matter, an attorney general has to follow the law, not engage in politics unless he wants to be the Democratic Bill Barr. Matt has spent less than a decade in the upper echelons of both politics and law, so he may not be aware that you win elections by addition, not subtraction, and that statutes must be followed, even when they conflict with your political agenda. The problem is that like lots of Millennials, he might confuse social media with real life. Just because you have a few dozen people on Twitter applauding your decision to go after The Man whether it is Mayor Sayegh or others whom he has selectively persecuted does not mean that judges (and voters) will feel the same way. Platkin goes rogue, opposes the line, am told the Gov is furious.. Without the line, @FirstLadyNJ loses without doubt to @AndyKimNJ ... #thelineiscorrupthttps://t.co/fgUoNeQGOo tom moran (@tomamoran) March 19, 2024 Q. Sen. Jon Bramnick, a GOP candidate for governor, is again pushing a bill that would restrict the right of insurers to deny coverage for procedures recommended by a doctor, in the wake of the recent murder of the CEO of United Healthcare, and the horrifying case of Brad Schnure, a GOP staffer in Trenton who was denied coverage for lung cancer tests that he says might have saved his life, and joined Bramnick at a presser this week. Do you expect to see state legislation to change these rules? Would that risk driving up costs for everyone? Mike: Its fair to ask about costs whenever government takes action, but governments first role is to protect life and liberty. To hear that Brads prognosis would have been so much better if not for this insurance denial, one cant help but question how those decisions get made. No one wants their doctors medical decisions overturned by an insurance company bureaucrat sitting in a cubicle somewhere, or worse, through artificial intelligence systems. Bramnick has long fought insurance companies, and this is no different. Julie: I am throwing massive across-the-aisle support to Senator Bramnick for this. Each of us has horrific insurance stories. I was stuck with an astronomical bill after an emergency c-section because it turned out the anesthesiologist was out-of-network. (After 35 hours of labor and as I was being rushed into the operating room, should I have inquired of every doctor who appeared whether he or she was in-network?) But the greatest tragedy is what Brad Schnure is facing and what people like him face every day because insurance companies are in the business of saving money, not saving lives. Good coverage by @SusanKLivio from @njdotcom on my experience with health care denials and the effort by Senator @JonBramnick to eliminate pre-approval requirements completely.https://t.co/eeUSSMCq9Q Brad Schnure (@schnure) December 17, 2024 Q. Jack Ciattarelli, a former legislator and another GOP candidate for governor, endorsed Donald Trumps nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI. Patel is an election denier and Trump loyalist who promises to use the FBI to go after the press and investigate Trumps political enemies. How is Ciattarelli going to satisfy the MAGA base to win the nomination, while remaining viable in the general election? Mike: Ciattarelli enters the race in a formidable position, having won the nomination four years ago. And Jack is not the only candidate who must wrestle with past statements negative toward Trump with a change of heart over time. On Patel, most Trump voters and GOP primary voters will agree with Jack. They elected Trump to shake up the system and will trust his judgment. Patel will certainly try to do that. Most voters dont know Patel or his past statements. Simply, if hes good enough for Trump, hes good enough for them. If Trump turns on Patel, they will, too. Julie: Ciattarelli played it pretty well four years ago and almost won, despite moving closer to Trump. The calculus is tough for any Republican running in New Jersey: they have to get through a primary in a party that increasingly brooks no dissent from MAGA and then run in a state where Democrats have almost a million-vote plurality. If I were advising any of them, I would tell them to stick to state issues and stop commenting on what happens in Washington. That will save them a lot of heartache and show voters that they are laser-focused on issues like taxes and affordability. President-elect Donald Trump has announced he plans to name Kash Patel as FBI director, a Trump loyalist who has vowed to dismantle the FBI and go after Trump's political enemies. Trump also named Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as the next pic.twitter.com/wGqmXsRoUZ Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 1, 2024 Q. Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, saying the papers decision to publish a poll showing Trump losing the election amounted to brazen election interference. This came after ABC News paid Trump $15 million to settle a defamation suit after George Stephanopoulos said Trump had been found liable for rape in a New York civil trial. The jury had actually found him liable for sexual abuse, for forcibly penetrating Jean Carroll digitally. Question: How serious is the threat to press freedom in the next Trump term? Mike: The press is no victim in all of this. The credibility of the press was tanking on the right long before Trump came along. FOX News was created more than 25 years ago, and became a massive commercial success, because many center-right and conservative voters thought the mainstream media was biased. Conservative talk radio shot up a decade earlier for the same reason. And when ABC news is settling the lawsuit for an 8-figure amount, it doesnt sound like they were a victim. I dont think suing a pollster for an incorrect poll will pass muster, but sympathy for the press is at an all-time low. We need to maintain freedom of the press, but as the Star-Ledger and others shut down, we all must realize thats going to look different than it did in the 20th century. Julie: Legacy media is dying but it will really be pushed off the cliff by Trump, who will sue it into oblivion. He will go after advertisers who run ads in outlets that he does not like, until he either bankrupts those outlets or forces them to bend the knee. To the extent that the mainstream media exists, it is totally dominated by pro-Trump content. The number one cable news network is Rupert Murdochs Fox News. The number one newspaper by circulation is Murdochs Wall Street Journal. The number one talk radio show is Hannity and most, if not all, of the top 30 talk radio shows skew right-wing. The number one podcast is the Joe Rogan Experience. Elon Musk owns Twitter. Donald Trump owns Truth Social. Most importantly, pro-Trump content dominates TikTok, which one-third of all American adults use. More than 40% of those users say they get their news from the social media site. The real pushback to this is from content creators, not from legacy media, so I invite readers here to follow me on Substack, which is really the future of independent investigative and opinion journalism. President-elect Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Monday night against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its highly respected former pollster, adding to his ongoing legal attacks against news media companies. https://t.co/Rni46PjSd4 The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 17, 2024 Q. And now, affirmative action for the wealthy: A lawsuit against 17 elite universities, including MIT, Cornell, and U Penn, charges that rich kids are getting unfair preference, in violation of pledges to make admission need blind. What do you make of that? How should it fit into our national debate about affirmative action? Mike: Democratic strategist Van Jones said, If progressives have a politics that says all white people are racist, all men are toxic, and all billionaires are evil, its kind of hard to keep them on your side. Theres been a backlash in US politics to shaming those who have privilege (through no fault of their own), as if they forfeit some rights or are inherently less worthy. No one is inherently better or worse than you because they are richer or poorer, or a different color, or a different religion. We all should be judged on the content of our character and the actions we take. Some people get more opportunities in life. Many squander those opportunities. The great and worthy ones take advantage of them and make the world a better place. Rejecting anyone on the basis of demographics or circumstance rather than results and character is itself now being rejected. Julie: Lets be clear that many of us are recipients of affirmative action. Some of us have parents who worked backbreaking jobs so we could go to college, whereas others could not afford to go, despite having better scores and grades. Others have a dad who donated millions to Harvard so his kid could go there despite being less qualified. Others have parents who paid for their kids to play a sport like squash or fencing or crew, which got them into an elite school through the back door. Still others could afford private tutors so they could do well on their SATs. Some have parents who went to a good school, so they are legacy admissions. Some get their kids into elite private schools that are pipelines to elite colleges. Lets not pretend that now that affirmative action as we knew it is dead, there is suddenly some massive meritocracy when it comes to college admissions. Q. Finally, a report from Acting Comptroller Kevin Walsh finds that State Police are giving a pass to motorists who show courtesy cards or say they have relatives who are police officers, which it found 27 percent of drivers do when stopped. No surprise, I guess, but perhaps eliminate courtesy cards? Mike: Is this news? We ask police officers to use judgment all the time in many difficult circumstances. I am certain there are times when those with courtesy cards get tickets, and those without them get off with a warning. Being a police officer requires great judgment as to when someone should be given the benefit of the doubt. Was a driver putting other motorists or pedestrians in danger or not? I trust the officers to make those judgments, and I am certain we have bigger issues than wanting to give out more tickets. I hope no one is advocating for more tickets. Julie: Did you just wake up to the fact that there is a two-tiered system in New Jersey: one for people who are connected and one for people who are not? NEW: My office released a report finding that the New Jersey State Police gave a free pass to motorists with courtesy cards or ties to policeeven when the motorists were suspected of dangerous driving offenses. Read the report. https://t.co/UCPt9t6lJG 1/2 Kevin Walsh (@NJComptroller) December 18, 2024 A note to readers: Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global, has worked for Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and President George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy. We will disclose specific connections only when readers might otherwise be misled. Today marks Asm. @herbconaway's final voting session after 25+ years in the NJ Assembly. His contributions to NJ have been immeasurable. We wish him all the best as he moves on to represent NJ's 3rd Congressional District in the US House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/4UUmDJcQdK NJ Assembly Democrats (@njassemblydems) December 19, 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Officials are revving up their sales pitch aimed at converting E-ZPass holdouts on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The cash toll rate for passenger vehicles is rising from $5 to $6 starting April 1, but the already-lower E-ZPass toll rate in the same category is staying at $4.75, the Delaware River and Bay Authority announced Dec. 13. Commercial vehicles will pay an additional $1 per axle, the authority said. It is the first of a two-phase toll increase approved last month by commissioners for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which owns and operates the bridge. The second phase will not take effect before 2027 and will apply to both cash and E-ZPass tolls, officials said. The goal of this initial phase is to encourage Delaware Memorial Bridge users to transition to E-ZPass, said the authoritys executive director, Thomas Cook. The Delaware River and Bay Authority also oversees the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which marked its 60th anniversary in July and also serves as a key travel link between New Jersey and Delaware. Cook had said previously that, in addition to raising funds for infrastructure improvements, getting more drivers to give up on cash tolls is a priority. Cashless tolling is a growing priority, in New Jersey and elsewhere. The Atlantic City Expressway is on track to be the first state toll highway to switch to cashless tolling, in May 2025. Our first goal is to increase E-ZPass penetration among Delaware Memorial Bridge customers at or greater than 90%, with the second objective of setting toll rates sufficient to fund an aggressive capital improvement program for our crossing facilities in subsequent years, Cook said last week. Significant investment in our infrastructure, which is dictated by its age, condition, operating environment and heavy volume of usage, continues to be our top priority, Cook said. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a dual-span suspension bridge with eight lanes overall and connects Pennsville with New Castle, Delaware. The first opened in 1951, the second in 1973. More than 100,000 vehicles cross the bridge per day, according to the authority. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- More than 150 participants from China and the United States, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended a forum on China-U.S. relations in Beijing on Friday. The 2024 Kuliang Forum included important topics such as striving for steady and sustained China-U.S. friendly exchanges and exploring correct ways for developing China-U.S. relations. The participants agreed to carry the Kuliang spirit forward to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. They also witnessed the launch of the official website of Kuliang Forum, release of the initiative for friendly exchanges among Chinese and American youth, and the initiation of the collection of stories of China-U.S. friendship and cooperation. The forum, themed "Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust", was co-hosted by People's Daily Digital Communication and Global Times. Kuliang is a hillside resort in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, capital city of east China's Fujian Province. Since the 1880s, foreign expatriates residing in Fuzhou have built summer villas there, blending cultures and sentiment with local residents. Today, Kuliang continues to tell tales of friendship that has lasted for a century. In the United States, descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang founded the group "Kuliang Friends" to extend the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft of the country's first basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector. The law will be conducive to creating a law-based environment that is favorable to the growth of all economic sectors, including the private sector, said He Rong, minister of justice, while explaining the draft on Saturday during the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature. The draft private sector promotion law covers areas such as fair competition, investment and financing environments, scientific and technological innovation, regulatory guidance, service support, rights and interests protection and legal liabilities. Lawmakers agreed that 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. The draft has incorporated suggestions solicited from representatives of the private sector, experts, scholars and the general public, He said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. GENEVA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The global public health risk of influenza A (H5N1) viruses is currently low, with infection risks for occupationally exposed groups ranging from low to moderate, according to a joint assessment released here Friday. The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), released the updated assessment. The assessment, based on data through Dec. 18, highlights that human infections primarily result from contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Despite an increase in cases, the total number remains low, with no significant impact on global public health. However, animal-to-animal transmission persists, particularly in regions lacking effective preventive measures, which places farm workers and others in contact with infected animals at variable risk, depending on local conditions and control efforts. During a Dec. 17 press briefing in Geneva, WHO, FAO, and WOAH experts detailed the global H5N1 situation and warned about the virus's potential evolution. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's expert on emerging diseases, reported that as of 2024, 76 human cases of H5N1 infection had been documented, including 61 in the United States, predominantly among farm workers. While H5N1 remains primarily a poultry virus without evidence of human-to-human transmission, Dr. Van Kerkhove cautioned that the virus could adapt rapidly. In addition to human infections, the United States has reported widespread H5N1 outbreaks in wildlife and poultry, as well as recent infections in dairy cattle across 15 states. Madhur Dhingra, Senior Animal Health Officer at FAO, emphasized the significant economic impact on global poultry industries, threatening food and nutrition security in affected regions. Beyond poultry, the virus has infected over 500 bird species and 70 mammalian species, including endangered animals such as California condors and polar bears, underscoring the broader ecological consequences. Although human infections remain rare and the public health risk low, experts warn that ongoing animal-to-animal transmission continues to pose a threat. In response, WHO, FAO, and WOAH are calling for continued vigilance and collaboration to monitor and mitigate the virus's impact. Shoppers in North Devon have shown their generosity by donating 4,462 meals worth of long-life food items at Tescos Winter Food Collection, held from November 25 to 30. Collections took place at stores in Barnstaple, Braunton, and Ilfracombe. The donations will benefit local charities FareShare and Trussell, which work to provide food to those in need. Trussell uses the collected items to distribute emergency food parcels to individuals and families facing economic hardship, while FareShare supports frontline organisations that provide meals to vulnerable groups. This winter, with increased living costs adding pressure to local communities, both charities are seeing a rise in demand for their services. To meet this increased need, Tesco provided an extra 500,000 in funding to FareShare and Trussell. In addition to the food donations, customers raised more than 340,000 by rounding up their bills at the till or making online donations. Tescos Community Food Connection programme has also contributed significantly, with unsold food donated to FareShare throughout the year. Overall, Tesco and its customers have given the equivalent of more than 39 million meals to the charities in 2024. Kristopher Gibbon-Walsh, CEO at FareShare, said: Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection, and this year is no exception. Thank you to every single person that volunteered in store, donated an item of food, topped up their shopping bill, or made a donation to FareShare. Your kind support will ensure we can continue getting food out into the community, bringing people together and strengthening communities this winter. Emma Revie, CEO of Trussell, added: We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting food banks to get through this season by organising this years Winter Food Collection. Thank you to Tesco customers for coming out in support of your local food bank, to ensure they can continue helping everyone in your local community who is facing hunger and hardship this winter. Thanks to your efforts, we have collected 1.8 million meals to support people who need a food bank this winter. Thank you for your generosity together we can end hunger for good. Food banks in the Trussell community are a last resort for people whove been left facing hunger and hardship. Theyre a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. But with so many people unable to afford the essentials right now, food banks continue to provide exceptionally high levels of emergency food, with many telling us they are at breaking point. Just over 1.4 million emergency food parcels were provided across the UK by food banks in our community, between April and September this year. Donations can still be made at permanent collection points in Tesco stores or online at FareShares donation page until February 2025. A PAROCHIAL house and over 12.5 acres of land fetched a whopping 735,000 when it went up for auction in the Tullamore Court Hotel this week. The unidentified bidder, believed to be a local man, paid 360,000 for the Rahan parochial house and 2.6 acres at Killina and then had a successful bid of a whopping 375,000 for an adjoining ten acres of land. The auction in the Tullamore Court Hotel was conducted by Padraic Murtagh of James L. Murtagh Auctioneers, Mullingar and Dublin. Both the local Killina Secondary School and Shamrocks GAA Club were interested in getting the ten acres and made a number of joint bids before reaching their ceiling. The parochial house has been the home of the parish priest in Rahan parish for several decades and is a period type residence, full of character in a beautiful rural setting just six miles from Tullamore with the Grand Canal running just behind it. It has been vacant for the past couple of years, when the current parish priest, Fr Michael Whittaker opted against taking up residence there. At one stage the land had been part of the Sherlock Estate but was given to the Church on a long term lease back in the 1800s. The land was put up for sale by the St Finian's Diocesan Trust and there has been some local disquiet that they didn't strike a deal with the school and the GAA Club, prior to putting it up for auction. The parish also has a house in Mucklagh, beside the Church there. Killina Secondary School is right beside the auctioned land. A growing school, they have constructed an impressive extension recently and them and Shamrocks GAA Club held recent discussions about combining forces to get the land and develop it jointly. The Secondary School has developed a field for GAA matches down past the Parochial House on Wood Lane while Shamrocks GAA Club own a field a few metres further down. Shamrocks have pitches in Rahan and Mucklagh and have been actively seeking additional land to develop in recent times - there were ambitious plans for the land if they were able to get it. The school is also in need of land there with traffic very busy at school start and finish times and parking an issue. Killina would have been a perfect solution for them as it is between their traditional Rahan and Mucklagh strongholds. Wood Lane is a narrow road leading down to the Grand Canal with the secondary school and parish church up near the top of it and there is access issues with Shamrocks GAA Club transforming their land at Killina into their playing headquarters. As a result, they targeted the parish land, where access could be created up near the school, and they were very keen to get this. It quickly became clear at Tuesday's auction, however, that they had a job on their hand. The property was initially offered with options of three lots: 1 the parochial house and 2.6 acres of land; 2 10 acres of land; 3 the first two lots combined. A bid of 635,000 was made on the combined lots but after consulting with the vendors, Padraic Murtagh announced that it would be sold in two lots to the highest bidder. The house and land went up first and the large attendance knew that there was extraordinary interest in it as it went up above 300,000 and was sold for 360,000. The two bidders then went head to head for the 10 acres of land and there were gasps as it eventually went for 375,000 after the unsuccessful bidder pulled out at 370,000. An artisan makes a pottery at a workshop at the village of Gris, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) MENOUFIA, Egypt, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- In the village of Gris, located in Egypt's Menoufia Governorate, just north of Cairo, 60-year-old Hassan Naser worked diligently at his potter's wheel, crafting a pigeon nest in a small workshop crowned with a large, traditional muddy oven. Naser shared with Xinhua that the craft of pottery had been passed down through generations in his family for over 150 years. The majority of Gris's residents, whose primary sources of income are pottery-making and agriculture, have been engaged in this time-honored tradition for generations, striving to keep their ancestral craft alive. On sunny days, as the villagers air-dried their creations, the narrow alleys of Gris were filled with an assortment of pottery products displayed in basements, backyards, and even on rooftops. The village is known for producing a variety of pottery items, including water jars, cooking pots, pigeon nests, and plant pots, all crafted in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The industry relies heavily on local raw materials, such as clay soil and agricultural byproducts from cotton and corn. Naser explained that the process begins with purchasing clay, which is sifted to remove impurities before being kneaded with water to create a dough-like consistency. "I work for four hours a day and earn 6,000 pounds (around 118 U.S. dollars) per month," he said, handing a completed piece to his wife for the drying process. Pottery-making, for Naser and his neighbors, is a family affair. Hanaa Abdel Aziz, a woman in her fifties, sat in a narrow path outside her home, waiting for her husband to call her to transfer a water vessel -- another type of clay product -- into an oven heated by sawdust. Despite her exhaustion, with a red, sweat-drenched face, Abdel Aziz spoke with pride about the joy she felt when seeing the final product. "It's a moment of happiness," she said. She added that their workshop produces up to 5,000 water jars a month, noting that summer is their peak season as rain can ruin their work. Most families in Gris sell their products to wholesalers who visit weekly with large trucks to collect their goods. However, one individual, 70-year-old Fawzy Ghoneim has taken a different approach. He believes his products are unique and prefers to market them himself, avoiding the exploitation of regular merchants. Ghoneim has adapted to modern changes in the industry to protect it from decline. Unlike other potters, he sources red clay from the southern Egyptian province of Aswan to create colorful, healthy porcelain cooking pots. Ghoneim is both the potter and the designer, while his son adds intricate drawings that reflect the beauty of village life. "I can make any product based on a client's request," he said. "My son shows me online videos to help improve my work." Despite the fast-paced, technology-driven world around him, Ghoneim finds solace in the slow, methodical nature of pottery-making. "Forming clay is an art of simple pleasure," he remarked. "A day without the smell of clay is not a day for me." However, as modern influences take root, the younger generation has grown increasingly reluctant to continue the demanding labor of pottery-making. Ghoneim recalled that, 20 years ago, nearly 75 percent of the village's families worked in pottery. Today, that number has dwindled, largely due to rising costs of raw materials and increasing transportation fees driven by higher fuel prices. "We need more platforms to showcase our work," he said, stressing the importance of preserving Gris's pottery legacy for future generations. An artisan colors a pottery at a workshop at the village of Gris, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, on Dec. 7, 2024.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An artisan makes a pottery at a workshop at the village of Gris, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) An artisan makes a pottery at a workshop at the village of Gris, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) BARRY Cowen MEP has been appointed as a shadow rapporteur on agriculture for the Renew Group in the European Parliament. The appointment was made at the parliament when it had a plenary sitting in Strasbourg this week and when Renew Group (of which Fianna Fail is part) members had two meetings, including one for members of the agriculture committee. At the agriculture meeting I was delighted to be appointed as the group's shadow rapporteur on a crucial file concerning CAP and the future of agriculture. It's such a privilege to take on such an important role so early in my term as an MEP and over the coming weeks I'll be engaging extensively with farmers, foresters, agri-innovators and representative bodies as I prepare a position paper on the future of agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy as part of that file, said Mr Cowen. During three days in Strasbourg Mr Cowen also met with representatives from Danone to discuss how large agri-food companies are managing the transition to more sustainable, resilient food systems. That night I spoke in the chamber about sustainable tourism, emphasising the need to balance growth ambitions with environmental responsibilities while supporting small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector through this transition, said Mr Cowen. It's a vital industry in my constituency and across Europe. And like the rest of society the sector knows it must play its part in tackling climate change. On Wednesday the Offaly man spoke in the chamber again. I also spoke in the chamber about the importance of mental health in agriculture and the need for stronger commitments in this area. Later I met with the Minister Counsellor with responsibility for Parliamentary Affairs from China's mission to the EU. As global economic conditions shift, and they are shifting, it's vital for Ireland to have plans in place for existing and indeed future trade relationships. Before returning home, Mr Cowen, former TD for Laois-Offaly who was elected to the European Parliament in June, wished everyone a happy Christmas. by Ikenna Emewu The need for improved financial integration between African countries and China to power the global economy is one of the key objectives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Back in 2018, the Nigerian central bank said that about 35 percent of requests for foreign exchange it processes for international businesses were made by Nigerians doing business with China. Based on the robust need, the bank and the People's Bank of China (PBOC) signed a currency swap agreement worth 15 billion Chinese yuan (2.5 billion U.S. dollars) in April that year. The deal was made to enable Nigerian businesses trading with China to exchange their naira directly with the yuan, bypassing the circuitous process of an intermediary or third-party currency. Today, a minimum of 20 percent of Africa's exports go to China and about 16 percent of Africa's imports come from China, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The two grossed a record 282 billion dollars in total trade volume in 2023. Meanwhile, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa has increased significantly over the last two decades to 49.1 billion dollars in 2019, up by 100-fold from the year 2000 when the FOCAC was founded. Under frameworks of FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has aligned its engagement with Africa with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to promote the economic transformation of the continent within a 50-year strategic plan. Notably, African banks have been increasing their presence in China. In October, Access Bank UK, a subsidiary of Nigeria's Access Bank, opened a branch in Hong Kong to strengthen economic ties between Asia and Africa. It came a few months after South Africa's Absa Bank Group opened its new non-banking subsidiary in Beijing. At the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Abuja in November, I met a Chinese representative of First Bank of Nigeria. The business card he gave me indicated that the oldest bank of Nigeria operates an office in Beijing. Before these Nigerian and South African banks' presence in China, the Moroccan Bank of Africa and the National Bank of Egypt already have branches in Shanghai. The good news is that this is not a lopsided development, as Chinese banks are also sprouting up in African countries, such as the Bank of China, which sets up shop in countries including Angola, Zambia and South Africa. In addition, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, holding some 20 percent of shares of Standard Bank of South Africa, has established partnership with the Johannesburg-based bank group. With China's leading presence in infrastructure contracting, business transactions, growing trade volumes and manufacturing on the continent, these banks from both ends will facilitate access to credit facilities as well as seamless financial transfers and exchanges. They will also ensure that African countries do not rely on a monopolistic use of the U.S. dollar for international business deals. That will help firm up the value of the currencies of African countries weighed down by the U.S. dollar. Their operations will open up the international transaction space and reduce the bullying of the U.S. sanctions. Moreover, as the RMB has become an international transaction currency since the IMF adopted it into the special drawing rights basket in 2016, its use in international circles will increase and shore up its general value. This point in the FOCAC financial integration journey was strengthened by China's announcement at the September summit of new financial support to Africa in the next three years. There are good signals of an emerging stronger economic bond between the two and ongoing evolution of FOCAC, which is approaching its 25th anniversary. Editor's note: Ikenna Emewu is editor-in-chief of Africa China Economy Magazine in Nigeria. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying a test satellite for communication technology blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 20, 2024. (Photo by Ma Yongtao/Xinhua) XICHANG, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- China successfully sent a test satellite for communication technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province on Friday. The satellite was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 11:12 p.m. (Beijing Time) and has entered the planned orbit. This satellite will be used for satellite communications, radio and television, data transmission, and other services. It will also carry out tests and verification of related technologies. This launch marked the 554th mission of Long March series carrier rockets. A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying a test satellite for communication technology blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 20, 2024. (Photo by Ma Yongtao/Xinhua) A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying a test satellite for communication technology blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 20, 2024. (Photo by Ma Yongtao/Xinhua) MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has left a lasting impression on Carlos Munoz, president of Uruguay's National Audiovisual Communication Service and director of Canal 5, following his recent visit to the region. In October, Munoz attended the 6th World Media Summit held in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and was deeply impressed with the region's rich cultural heritage and rapid development, which he depicted as a "unique integration of diverse traditions." "What fascinated me most was the connection between the region's historical roots and its transformative development over the past two decades. This development reflects cultural, economic, and environmental values, as well as ethnic integration and substantial investments in human development," he told Xinhua. "I was truly amazed by many aspects of the region, including its urban development, stunning landscapes, cutting-edge energy and technology initiatives, and the evident innovation applied across industries," he said, highlighting the role of technological advances in fostering cultural integration. Speaking about the Belt and Road Initiative, Munoz described it as a remarkable achievement of human history, not least in fostering cultural exchange, connection, and trade for centuries. And there is a need to strengthen commercial ties and institutional partnerships between Latin America, notably Uruguay, and Xinjiang for future collaboration, he added. He encouraged Uruguayans to "experience firsthand the value of a development process like Xinjiang's" and suggested pursuing targeted agreements in cultural, tourism, and agro-industrial sectors. "There can be no meaningful economic or commercial development without simultaneous progress in culture, tourism, urban planning, architecture, and design," he said. ABU DHABI/BAGHDAD/CAIRO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, and Egypt on Saturday strongly condemned the car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg, which resulted in hundreds of casualties. In a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE "expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence against innocent people and aimed at undermining security and stability." The ministry extended condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Germany, as well as to the families of the victims, adding it wishes for a swift recovery for those injured in the attack. A statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry expressed its "full solidarity with the friendly government and people of Germany in the face of this tragic incident," stressing "Iraq's firm rejection of violence and extremism in all forms." The ministry offered sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "Egypt confirms solidarity with Germany and its condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism." It offered its sincerest condolences to the government and people of Germany and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. In a separate statement, Egypt's Al-Azhar top Islamic institution denounced the accident as "a heinous crime and a deviation from all religious teachings and human and moral values," calling for concerted international efforts to eliminate extremism. A car plowed through a Christmas market in Magdeburg, capital of the German state Saxony-Anhalt, on Friday evening, leading to at least five deaths and over 200 injuries, with many of them being "serious and severe," German news agency dpa reported, citing the state premier. German authorities identified a potential suspect as a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who has been living in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town. Police searched his home overnight. New Delhi: The Crime Branch will investigate the case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with the Parliament scuffle on December 19, which left two BJP MPs injured, reported PTI. A case was registered against him on the same day of the scuffle at the Parliament Street Police following the complaint of BJP MPs, accusing him of physical assault and incitement. A First Information Report (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. ADVERTISEMENT "We have transferred the case from local police to the Crime Branch," a senior officer said, adding that police are likely to record the statements of MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput and may also call Rahul Gandhi for questioning. Meanwhile, police have sought legal advice on registering a separate FIR in response to a complaint filed by the Congress, accusing BJP MPs of misbehaving with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on the Parliament premises. "We are taking legal opinion if the Congress leaders' complaint can be converted into the FIR," another police officer said, adding that a decision on this will be taken soon. ADVERTISEMENT Talking about the investigation in the case against Gandhi, the officer said police would seek access to CCTV footage of the area where the incident occurred and also reach out to media houses to inquire about any video evidence they may have. Police will also recreate the scene of the crime if required during the investigation, the source said. After political protests turned ugly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla banned demonstrations by MPs and political parties at any of the gates of Parliament, sources said. "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," parliament sources said. Magdeburg: A driver rammed a car into a large crowd of revellers at a Christmas market in central Germany on Friday evening, killing at least two people and injuring more than 60 before he was arrested, authorities said. One of the dead was a young child, said Reiner Haseloff, premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The incident took place in Magdeburg, the state capital, which is 150 kilometres (93 miles) west of Berlin. "It is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," Haseloff said, adding that the death toll could rise given the severity of some of the injuries. Haseloff described the attacker as a 50-year-old male doctor from Saudi Arabia with permanent residency in Germany, where he had lived for almost two decades. ADVERTISEMENT "As things stand at the moment, we are talking about a lone offender, which means that there is no further danger to the city because we were able to arrest him, he added. The motive was unclear. The suspect was not known to German authorities as an Islamist, according to local broadcaster MDR. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the attack. Following the incident, police cleared an area surrounding the vehicle to investigate a possible explosive device, local broadcaster MDR reported. It later cited police as saying that no such device had been found. A police operation was also under way in the town of Bernburg, south of Magdeburg, where the suspect is believed to have lived, local newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung reported. ADVERTISEMENT Police were not immediately available to comment on the reports of a suspicious item or the operation in Bernburg.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who sent his thoughts to those affected in a post on social media platform X, is expected to visit the scene on Saturday together with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. As news of the attack broke, Elon Musk, the billionaire allied with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, criticized Scholz and called on him to resign. A video posted on social media from a position above the market shows a car driving at speed through a crowd walking between two rows of market stalls. People can be seen knocked to the ground and running away. Reuters was able to verify the location, with the trees, outline and design of the buildings matching file and satellite imagery of the area. Footage from a local broadcaster showed people wrapped in blankets on the ground receiving care in the wake of the attack. Bild newspaper quoted a witness named only as Nadine saying she had been walking arm-in-arm with her boyfriend, Marco, when the car came hurtling towards them. ADVERTISEMENT "He was hit and ripped away from my side," Bild cited her as saying, adding that he had been injured on his leg and head and taken to hospital but she did not know where to find him. "The uncertainty is unbearable," she told Bild. Late last month, Minister Faeser advised people to be vigilant at Christmas markets, which have been a particular focus of security services as a potential target for extremist attacks. Eight years ago, Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist links, rammed a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring dozens of others. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Black Angels remind us of centuries of injustices plaguing the TB response SHOBHA SHUKLA, BOBBY RAMAKANT - CNS Centuries of inequities and injustices plague the TB response (Image by CNS) Details DMCA "Death from TB is caused by human choice. It is caused by human-built systems. And so that is terrifying and horrifying and deeply upsetting. It means we are not doing a good job of assigning equal value to every human life," had said the famous American author John Green at a panel discussion during United Nations General Assembly last year. This is so very true. What else will explain 10.8 million people suffering with TB disease last year when we had the tools and evidence to prevent every single case of TB transmission? What will explain 1.1 million people dying of TB last year when we have the best of tools to diagnose, treat and care for those with TB? TB is a sad but real story of inequity and injustice. We conveniently refer to it as a 'disease of the poor' but shy away from saying the truth- that those who enjoy privileges, rights, entitlements and live a life free from hunger, poverty, homelessness and other forms of discriminations, are much less vulnerable to TB. It is the inequity that puts people at risk of TB. It is the social injustices that deny them timely and accurate diagnosis, deny them the best of treatments, deny them social support and security that puts them at heightened risk of TB and even TB death (along with a range of other human rights abuses and violations). These injustices have been existing since times immemorial and have played a big role in damping the TB response. Ela Gandhi, a South African peace activist who fought against apartheid with Nelson Mandela and others and was a Member of Parliament of South Africa from 1994 to2004 (she is also the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi), said that while she was reading about the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacterium that causes TB) in 1882, she realised it mentions that TB killed one out of every seven people living in the USA and Europe in those days. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 'I will be ready': Putin says he will meet Trump as he delivers annual news conference | ITV News Vladimir Putin said that he had not spoken to US President-elect Donald Trump in over four years, but was .ready. for potential ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: ITV News) Details DMCA Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he hasn't heard from Trump but is ready to meet him. Could detente, a relaxing of tensions with our adversaries, i.e. Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua et al be possible under the new Trump administration? It could and here's why. To begin with the Dems have made themselves irrelevant. With Trump along with the Senate and House under the Repubs umbrella and with a conservative Supreme Court Trump has the government in his pocket. Trump has made it known he wants to end the Ukraine war. With Russian President Vladimir Putin also open to ending that war a summit with the new American president is possible early on. It could happen rather quickly. Trump who has been critical of President Biden authorizing current Ukraine leader Vladimir Zelensky firing missiles deep into Russian territory. That should cease once Trump is in power. Though Trump has said he'd end the Ukraine war in 24 hours that's unlikely to happen. Russia is winning the war in Ukraine and holds the key negotiating cards to ending it. There has to be recognition that Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, and the Kherson and Zaporiszhzhia regions of Ukraine have all voted in popular referendums to join the Russian Federation. So for Russia these areas are off the table of them rejoining Ukraine. Russia doesn't recognize Zelensky as the legal president of Ukraine as he cancelled new elections last May and continues to reign while the country remains under Martial Law. Trump could end sending all US weaponry and monetary support to Ukraine and ask the Ukrainian people to demand new elections. Zelensky would be history if that happens. Though he could run again it's highly unlikely he could win. Russia has demanded Ukraine never be part of NATO. With the US being the main cog in the organization that Russian requirement should be accepted as an integral part of the negotiations. The current Ukraine regime is laced with neo-Nazis. This too is completely unacceptable to Russia. They must be purged from being part of any new Ukrainian government. Finally Russia will demand Ukraine be a neutral country. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Nearly a fifth of office space across the country sits empty, a record high vacancy rate thats expected to keep growing. Seeking both to boost their economies and ease their housing shortages, cities are taking steps to encourage the conversion of unused office space into much-needed housing. They include reductions in approval times, exemptions from affordable housing rules and changes in building code requirements. Some cities and states also are providing tax incentives or subsidies to developers. Cities need to focus on making conversions feasible by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, said Alex Horowitz, project director of the Housing Policy Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts. The U.S. is short millions of homes, and office vacancy rates are at record highs. It makes all the sense in the world to convert underused commercial space into housing, but the cost per square foot is just too high. Purchasing and converting an office building for residential use costs an average of $685 per square foot. Buying a completed multifamily property costs an average of $600 per square foot, while building a new multifamily development costs about $588 per square foot. Regulatory hurdles such as outdated building codes, minimum unit sizes and natural light requirements push up costs. Cities are trying a variety of ways to overcome these obstacles. From coast to coast In September, Minneapolis peeled away several regulations in an effort to encourage conversions, including removing public hearing requirements, requiring less intensive traffic studies, and exempting converted buildings from the typical requirement that 20% to 30% of units be rented at below-market rates. San Francisco has waived certain planning and building code requirements as well as real estate transfer taxes for downtown conversions that are approved before 2030. Seattle in July approved exemptions for commercial-to-residential conversions from certain design development standards and from housing affordability requirements. New York Citys Office Conversion Accelerator program provides a single point of contact for office building owners to streamline conversions, from zoning questions to permitting. And Denver last year launched an adaptive reuse pilot program to make it easier and faster to get conversions approved by the city. Jon Gambrill, managing director of global architecture firm Genslers Denver office, said that converting the top 16 buildings identified by the firm and city leaders into housing could add more than 5,000 units to the downtown area. Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle stand to benefit the most from converting underused offices to housing, according to a June Urban Institute analysis. Still, conversions have made little dent in the housing crisis so far. Between 2016 and April 2024, office-to-multifamily conversion projects created more than 22,000 apartments, according to CBRE, a commercial real estate services and investment firm. The 169 projects planned or underway are estimated to produce another 31,000 apartments over the next several years. Despite the growth, that total is less than a half-percent of total U.S. apartment inventory. During a June presentation by Seattles Office of Planning and Community Development, city leaders estimated that they expect fewer than a dozen conversion projects to result in 1,000 to 2,000 new housing units over seven years. Money matters Cities and states also are trying to promote conversions by offering incentives and funding. New York Citys 2025 budget included a new incentive for conversion of commercial properties to rental housing, offering up to a 90% tax exemption for projects with at least 25% affordable units. Chicago has committed $151 million for developers to transform four office buildings into 1,000 apartments, about a third of which would have affordable rental rates. Washington, D.C., provides 20-year tax abatements for commercial-to-residential conversions through its Housing in Downtown initiative. The District of Columbia led the nation in adaptive reuse from 2021 to 2024, creating 5,820 new housing units from office properties, followed by New York (5,215 units) and Dallas (3,163 units), according to RentCafe, an apartment search website. California in 2022 approved $400 million for office-to-residential projects. Commercial-to-residential legislation has hit some hurdles. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in October vetoed legislation that would have provided financial incentives for developers, including the option for local governments to allocate up to 30 years of property tax revenue to support affordable housing conversions. It also would have fast-tracked the approval process for conversion of office buildings into residential or mixed-use developments. Newsom objected to changes in labor practices including the issuance of stop-work orders for violations and procedures for contesting violations. And in Colorado, a bill that would have offered refundable tax credits up to $3 million per commercial-to-housing project starting in 2026 failed in the legislature earlier this year. Still, experts expect housing conversion efforts to increase across the country. All Americans, particularly underserved communities, need homes they can afford, said Pews Horowitz. But outdated rules make it harder to create deeply affordable housing. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy. 2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind ChatGPT and later said he believed those practices violated copyright law, has died, according to his parents and San Francisco officials. He was 26. Balaji worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before quitting in August. He was well-regarded by colleagues at the San Francisco company, where a co-founder this week called him one of OpenAIs strongest contributors who was essential to developing some of its products. We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news and our hearts go out to Suchirs loved ones during this difficult time, said a statement from OpenAI. This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on Nov. 26 in what police said appeared to be a suicide. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation. The citys chief medical examiners office confirmed the manner of death to be suicide. His parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy said they are still seeking answers, describing their son as a happy, smart and brave young man who loved to hike and recently returned from a trip with friends. Balaji grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and first arrived at the fledgling AI research lab for a 2018 summer internship while studying computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. He returned a few years later to work at OpenAI, where one of his first projects, called WebGPT, helped pave the way for ChatGPT. Suchirs contributions to this project were essential, and it wouldnt have succeeded without him, said OpenAI co-founder John Schulman in a social media post memorializing Balaji. Schulman, who recruited Balaji to his team, said what made him such an exceptional engineer and scientist was his attention to detail and ability to notice subtle bugs or logical errors. He had a knack for finding simple solutions and writing elegant code that worked, Schulman wrote. Hed think through the details of things carefully and rigorously. Balaji later shifted to organizing the huge datasets of online writings and other media used to train GPT-4, the fourth generation of OpenAIs flagship large language model and a basis for the companys famous chatbot. It was that work that eventually caused Balaji to question the technology he helped build, especially after newspapers, novelists and others began suing OpenAI and other AI companies for copyright infringement. He first raised his concerns with The New York Times, which reported them in an October profile of Balaji. He later told The Associated Press he would try to testify in the strongest copyright infringement cases and considered a lawsuit brought by The New York Times last year to be the most serious. Times lawyers named him in a Nov. 18 court filing as someone who might have unique and relevant documents supporting allegations of OpenAIs willful copyright infringement. His records were also sought by lawyers in a separate case brought by book authors including the comedian Sarah Silverman, according to a court filing. It doesnt feel right to be training on peoples data and then competing with them in the marketplace, Balaji told the AP in late October. I dont think you should be able to do that. I dont think you are able to do that legally. He told the AP that he gradually grew more disillusioned with OpenAI, especially after the internal turmoil that led its board of directors to fire and then rehire CEO Sam Altman last year. Balaji said he was broadly concerned about how its commercial products were rolling out, including their propensity for spouting false information known as hallucinations. But of the bag of issues he was concerned about, he said he was focusing on copyright as the one it was actually possible to do something about. He acknowledged that it was an unpopular opinion within the AI research community, which is accustomed to pulling data from the internet, but said they will have to change and its a matter of time. He had not been deposed and its unclear to what extent his revelations will be admitted as evidence in any legal cases after his death. He also published a personal blog post with his opinions about the topic. Schulman, who resigned from OpenAI in August, said he and Balaji coincidentally left on the same day and celebrated with fellow colleagues that night with dinner and drinks at a San Francisco bar. Another of Balajis mentors, co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, had left OpenAI several months earlier, which Balaji saw as another impetus to leave. Schulman said Balaji had told him earlier this year of his plans to leave OpenAI and that Balaji didnt think that better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence was right around the corner, like the rest of the company seemed to believe. The younger engineer expressed interest in getting a doctorate and exploring some more off-the-beaten path ideas about how to build intelligence, Schulman said. Balajis family said a memorial is being planned for later this month at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California, not far from his hometown of Cupertino. -- The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the APs text archives. Albany is trying to incentivize the construction of affordable housing, but some residents arent so impressed with the possible solutions. With more than a quarter of Albany renters spending half of their income on rent, city staff and leaders are mulling how they can address gaps in affordable housing. Theyve got several ideas, including a tax residential developers would pay to help fund future affordable housing projects. But over the course of two city-hosted public hearings, residents have voiced their displeasure. The residents of 2,000 Albany households are considered severely rent-burdened, spending over half of their income on rent, according to the city. About 4,800 households cant afford a studio apartment at $940. As housing demand has increased, both home prices and rents have continued to rise, but incomes havent kept up, city Planner Beth Freelander said at a previous public outreach meeting. We dont really have incentives to attract affordable housing to Albany, comprehensive planning manager Anne Catlin said at the Wednesday, Dec. 11 meeting. The city is considering several policy and code changes that would incentivize building affordable housing. They are: Construction excise tax: This is a one-time fee developers pay on construction projects which can be used to fund other housing programs, such as affordable housing in Albany. The tax would translate to no more than 1% of the fair market value of a new residential development and 1.5% of nonresidential development. Projects with a permit value of $50,000 would be subject to the tax. Tax exemptions: The city is also considering a 20-year property tax exemption for new rental housing that targets households earning 60% or less the average median income. The intent is to lower operating costs in the early years of a housing development. The cost of construction is high, and the thought is this tool could eliminate barriers to ensure more affordable housing is built. This also would be following Corvallis example, which adopted a multi-unit property tax exemption last year. The city estimates such a program could bring in $750,000 and $800,000 a year, Catlin said in a previous meeting. Surplus land: Another tool Albany is looking to utilize is a policy that would make surplus city-owned property available to those looking to develop affordable housing if other city priorities havent been identified. The city would first consider proposals from affordable housing developers before other types of project proposals. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Albany City Council held a public hearing regarding the policy changes. Everyone who came to voice their opinion spoke against the changes, most of them eyeing the excise tax. Its a Robin Hood tax, John Robinson said. He believes adding a cost to one type of construction to help fund another type of construction isnt fair. By increasing the cost to develop market-rate projects, the expense would be shifted to the buyer or renter of the property, former city Councilor Rich Kellum said. Matthew Fitchett, owner of Albany-based 3 Lifestyle Homes, said while hes not against affordable housing, a construction excise tax is another in a long list of costs that have to be paid to live and work in the community. All these things add up, Fitchett said. Others argued that the move was anti-growth because it would slow the rate of market-rate housing. The more I have learned about these three options the more I have learned that I cannot in any way support them, outgoing Councilor Matilda Novak said. Novak worries how the city would bridge the financial gap created by a tax exemption. While the policies may be well-intended, they dont come without consequences, she said. Councilor Jackie Montague wanted to recognize that although they heard from people against the policy changes, the people for whom the policies would help face barriers such as working full time and having children at home that may have kept them from attending the public hearings. I want us to appreciate the people we are trying to help with these policies are probably facing more challenges. They probably arent well represented in these meetings, Montague said. In the end, the council approved a motion to adopt a surplus land policy with one no vote from Councilor Novak. The two other policy changes, the excise tax and the property tax exemption did not immediately get approved. The second reading of the ordinance needed unanimous approval and outgoing councilor Novak voted against the two ordinances. That means the policy changes will be revisited at the Jan. 8, meeting, when two new city councilors are expected to take the dais. Meanwhile, the city is also considering several code amendments to remove barriers for needed housing, according to outreach materials from the city. The amendments include removing barriers for small houses to be built, encouraging cottage cluster housing, reserving higher density zones for higher density development only and requiring open space or pocket parks in residential subdivisions. Some of the amendments involve reducing the required space between the front of the street to the house while increasing rear yard setbacks to enable more usable backyards. On Monday, Dec. 16, the Albany Planning Commission heard about the possible code amendments and from those who shared their concerns. Some worried about the impacts to infrastructure, transportation and public safety response as development increases. Audrey Eldridge, who came representing the North Albany Neighborhood Association, was concerned about what the changes might mean for traffic and the character of the neighborhoods. She asked that the public hearing be delayed until after the holidays, especially because she believed the city hasnt communicated enough about the potential changes. She also asked if it were possible to create a requirement that would ensure a bus stop be built next to added development to alleviate traffic. Catlin said a bus stop in North Albany saw such low ridership it was eliminated but it could be reinstated if needs change. As for communication, the city sent out 2,700 notifications. The city is not required to personally notify all properties within the city limits, just the ones that may experience a negative impact. In this instance, the city notified owners of properties larger than a half-acre and residents within medium density zones, Catlin said after the meeting. Catlin said she was available to meet with the public still, if they wished. In the end, the Planning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend the City Council adopt the code changes. The decision is scheduled to be in front of the City Council Jan. 22. --By SHAYLA ESCUDERO. Corvallis Gazette-Times ___ (c)2024 Corvallis Gazette-Times, Ore. Visit Corvallis Gazette-Times, Ore. at www.gazettetimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking help from the public as it investigates the killing last month of a federally listed endangered gray wolf in Morrow County. On November 8, a radio-collared male gray wolf known as OR 159 was found dead on private land about 20 miles south of Heppner, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife press release. The agency noted that Morrow County is located west of Highway 395, where gray wolves are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. The agency is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest, criminal conviction or civil penalty assessment in the killing of the wolf. The Oregon State Police are assisting with the investigation. Anyone with information about the case can call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services at (503) 682-6131 or Oregon State Police dispatch at (800) 452-7888 or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. According to the federal agency, people who reach out to those tip lines may remain anonymous. Hillary Borrud is an investigative reporter. Reach her at 503-294 4034 or hborrud@oregonian.com. Update: Authorities said Saturday they had arrested a suspect in the shooting. A teenage boy was reportedly shot and wounded Friday afternoon in the parking lot at Clackamas Town Center in front of the Barnes & Noble store as the area was packed with holiday shoppers. The teen was in a car trying to leave when at least one shooter opened fire, a relative told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The teen was able to jump out of the car and run across the parking lot where he was picked up and taken to a hospital, the relative said. The teens condition is unknown. The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office later said an injured person was taken to a hospital following an isolated incident in the parking lot at the Happy Valley mall and that investigators had detained a person of interest. The mall and nearby businesses remained open, the sheriffs office said. At least four bullet casings were found in the parking lot near the shooting scene, witnesses reported. The shooter or shooters ran toward a nearby TriMet station., they said. A spokesperson for the malls owner, Brookfield Properties, declined to comment. Shortly after the shooting, Oregon City police and Clackamas County Sheriffs Office units were on scene and police had blocked off parts of the mall parking lot with crime scene tape. TriMet wrote in a social media post that its MAX Green Line was briefly suspended in the area due to the police activity. Earlier this year, in April, gunfire erupted outside the Cheesecake Factory at Clackamas Town Center, leaving bullet casings lying around the parking lot. One person was injured. Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake. -- Laura Gunderson and Fedor Zarkhin of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report. SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out at a building of South Korea's National Assembly in Seoul at noontime on Saturday, with hundreds evacuated from the scene, Yonhap news agency reported, citing local authorities. The fire broke out at 11:52 a.m. local time at the reception hall of the parliament compound which houses a press room and a wedding hall, as around 480 people, including reporters and wedding guests, were evacuated. Six of them received medical treatment for smoke inhalation, according to the report. Sixteen fire engines and 55 fire personnel were dispatched to the scene before the fire was completely under control around 1 p.m. local time, the report said. An investigation by the fire authorities into the exact cause of the accident is underway, Yonhap said. More than 25 years after a womans skeletal remains were discovered in Clatsop County, the Oregon State Police has released a facial illustration in the hopes of jogging someones memory. On Nov. 3, 1999, mushroom pickers reported finding human skeleton remains in a wooded area off of U.S. 26 near milepost 29. An initial forensic examination revealed that the remains belonged to a woman between 16 and 30 years of age, about 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing between 108 and 117 pounds. Forensic anthropologists believed the woman had given birth some time prior. For decades, all law enforcement had to work with was a pencil drawing of what they believed the woman looked like. But a recent collaboration between Parabon NanoLabs and Oregon State Police forensic anthropologist Nici Vance highlighted the ability to use the individuals genetic phenotype to construct the new illustration. This has been a case that weve been working on since 1999, and its very near and dear to my heart, because I was actually out there in Astoria and I helped recover her, Vance said. Over the years, Vance and her colleagues had been applying various innovative DNA techniques to the remains. They uploaded the remains to the national DNA database to try and find any genetic association with reported missing persons, which yielded no results. In 2019, when we partnered with Parabon NanoLabs, they performed investigative genetic genealogy on the remains, which is, you know, this great technique now that can find family members as well as the family trees of some of our unidentified decedents, she said. Again, there were no leads. But the collaboration was not entirely fruitless. Oregon State Police asked the lab to create the new illustration based on her genetics, drawing renewed interest in the case through a recent alert sent out with the image attached. And so the picture you see that was added to the alert from Oregon State Police this afternoon is what her genetics predict her facial features would look like, Vance said. And so those features are defaulted to the age right around 25, so we think she was between the ages of 20 and 35 when she died. So we think this is probably a pretty accurate way of what she looked like when she was alive. Using the technology, Parabon NanoLabs and Oregon State Police have collaborated to identify over 30 previously unidentified individuals found in Oregon. They continue to track cold cases, some as old or older than this one, for several reasons. She deserves a name, Vance said. And also, we assume someone is looking for her, someone is missing her. Shes probably someones mother or sister. Shes definitely someones daughter Every case is different, but these are some of the reasons why we continue to look for the names and identities of these unknown people that weve had at our medical examiner facility for decades. There is also the hope that the new rendering of the womans face will spark a memory for someone. Vance said that while its not quite a shot in the dark, it is a long shot, given that its been over 25 years. But to her, its still worth a try. Maybe these very accurate facial predictions might jog someones memory, she said. Maybe they saw her in a convenience store in Clatsop County. Maybe theyre reminded of, you know, a college roommate that they havent heard from for years and years. Or maybe someone recognizes them in, you know, any suspicious context a girlfriend who had a boyfriend who wasnt very nice to her. Any kind of context that might jog someones memory in regards to seeing her or knowing her will help facilitate investigative leads, will help our cold case detectives follow up on potential avenues that might lead to her identification. Its all valuable. ___ (c)2024 The Daily Astorian, Ore. Visit The Daily Astorian, Ore. at www.dailyastorian.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An effort to protect nearly 1 million acres of eastern Oregons Owyhee Canyonlands passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent Friday night, Sen. Ron Wyden announced. The matter now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Wyden has worked with Oregon Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz on a companion bill. Earlier this month, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek had asked President Joe Biden to preserve the area, known as Oregons Grand Canyon, if legislative efforts failed. Biden could create an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument using the Antiquities Act. Wyden and Bentz pushed for congressional action, rather than a national monument. The legislation passed by the Senate includes meaningful grazing reforms for ranchers in the Owyhee, Wyden said. Located along the 280-mile-long Owyhee River on the far eastern side of Oregon, the Owyhee Canyonlands contains stunning rock formations with dramatic cliffs and lava flows. The remote area of the high desert is sparsely populated but used for cattle grazing by ranchers. The holiday celebrations can start a few days early with tonights historic and huge victory for the Eastern Oregon ranchers, Tribal leaders, conservationists and recreation lovers who worked with me to design this landmark legislation for one of Americas most spectacular landscapes, Wyden said in a news release. Rod Cross and his wife were checking their mailbox early in December when they found a mysterious letter addressed to him. The mayor of Toledo opened the letter and began to read and I just stopped right there, Cross told The Oregonian/OregonLive. I could not believe it. And the more I read the more sickened and angry I became. The letter, titled THE BROWN ROUND-UP PART 1, instructed residents of the Lincoln County community to take part in the largest round-up of brown illegals in our history beginning near the end of January 2025 apparently referring to an expected immigration crackdown by the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on a plan to deport millions of people from the U.S. He will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. Start identifying those folks who you suspect are here in our country on an illegal basis, the letter to Cross reads. Shortly after the 21st of January, Homeland Security will create a hotline to which you can send your information. The letter recommended that people stake out churches and stores and work sites, and if you see brown folks record the plate #. Cross isnt the only person to receive the anonymously-penned letter. He said three Toledo city council members, as well as city council members in Coos Bay and North Bend, received copies. Susan Wahlke, mayor of Lincoln City, about 30 miles from Toledo, told The Oregonian/OregonLive she also received the letter in her personal mailbox. State and federal officials have taken notice. Attempts to intimidate our communities and their leaders through racist letter writing campaigns has no place in Oregon, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said on Friday in response to the letter. It is time to rise above these despicable tactics and demonstrate the true spirit of inclusivity and compassion that defines the Oregon way. The FBI said in a statement late Friday afternoon that the bureau was aware of the letter, and that extrajudicial actions such as the ones recommended in the letter infringe on everyones rights and law enforcements collective ability to keep people safe, regardless of their race. Reyna Lopez, executive director of the Woodburn-based immigrant-rights advocacy group PCUN, also learned of the letter this week and said it shocked her. Both of my parents immigrated from Mexico in 1985 to do farm work, she said. Weve been taken aback, its not been our experience here as a family that has come from Mexico and who have established roots here. Some of Toledos 3,500 inhabitants have said the letter is an ugly reminder of the Toledo Incident of 1925, when a group of white residents broke into the homes of Japanese, Filipino and Korean immigrants, forced them into waiting cars and drove them out of town. At a Toledo city council meeting on Wednesday, local political leaders discussed taking an official stand against the views in the letter, combined with an acknowledgment of the 1925 incident. It comes at a terrible time of remembrance for us, said Toledo City Councilor Tracy Mix, who also received a copy of the letter. We dont want to repeat that ever again. The letter references a better-known event that took place in Oregon and other states during World War II, a generation after the Toledo Incident: the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans. When the brown folks are rounded up, their properties will be confiscated just like the properties belonging to the Japanese in California were during World War II, the letter says. Within a short term, there will be a whole lot of homes on the market for us white folks to purchase and with the inventory so high the prices will (be) very low and affordable. Mix said she knows people whose parents were taken to the camps in the 1940s and lost not just their freedom during the war but also their property and possessions. Those parts of the letter, I mean, it hits very hard because they lived it, she said. Cross, whos lived in Toledo for 28 years, said the letter hit close to home for him as well. Im Native American, and I just dont understand it, he said. Its not something that has ever been an issue here. He described Toledo as a politically purple town where neighbors come together to help each other out, a place where people can disagree with each others opinions and still remain friends. We are not going to do this, Cross said, referring to the actions recommended in the letter. We are here to support all of our residents in our town. 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. By Danny Westneat, The Seattle Times The struggles of Seattles downtown to recover after the pandemic have rightly been blamed on some key factors, such as the inability of the city to get control of public safety there. But new data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows just how much the change in how we work has affected Seattle more so than any other city in America. Seattle has led the nation in remote work among the 20 largest cities, for the five-year period from 2019 through 2023, new census figures show. The gap between Seattle and many other cities is surprisingly wide. The share of Seattleites working from home for their predominant commuting method is twice as high as it is in New York City, the data from the bureaus American Community Survey shows. In Seattle, 31.3% of the workforce has been working mainly from home more than 140,000 employees. Thats up from just 7.2% in the five-year period before the pandemic dislocated everything. Its nearly as many as the 170,000 Seattle workers who still commute the old-fashioned way, solo by car. Seattle is the capital of remote work New census data shows that Seattle has had the largest share of its workforce working remotely among the 20 biggest cities from 2019 through 2023. The Census Bureaus five-year data includes one year before the pandemic, then the pandemic itself and also the two years after it had begun to subside. It gives the most complete picture to date of what happened with the workforce in various cities. The bureau also releases one-year surveys that give a more up-to-date picture. In that data, through the end of 2023, Seattle ranks second for remote work among big cities, at 28.5%, behind only banking-dominated Charlotte, N.C., at 29.7%. Workers have been returning to offices, slowly, pretty much everywhere. But inside Seattle city limits, remote work remains high despite Amazons push to get its entire workforce back, starting three days per week in May 2023, and due to head to all five days starting Jan. 2. After Seattle, the next highest cities for work from home were Austin, Texas, (27.5%), San Francisco (27.5%), Charlotte (25.5%) and Denver (24.4%), the five-year data shows. (One year data for 2023 put Portlands percentage at 25.7%.) The data comes from asking workers ages 16 and up how they got to work in the previous week drive alone, take public transit, walk, work from home, and so on. People were asked to select what they did on most days, so someone working from home might still also go into the office at times and vice versa. Researchers have also begun teasing out the impact a big switch to remote work is having on cities. One study from MIT found that remote work did lead to an easing in traffic. It wasnt as much as expected, though, because remote workers tend to run errands throughout the day in their cars. Most strikingly, they found the remote work trend came mostly at the expense of public transit. Ridership on buses and trains declined more than twice as fast as car travel in response to remote work. The new census figures show this for Seattle. As remote work more than quadrupled here since prepandemic, the share of workers who commute alone in cars has dropped about 21%. But those taking public transit plummeted 36%. The researchers concluded that transit agencies need to adapt to have more noncommuting trips that are less peak-focused, mirroring the all-day flexibility of the new work environment. If remote work starts to increase again, it may call into question the planned expansion of expensive, fixed-guideway transit systems such as light rail. In Seattle, the lack of safety downtown and on transit may also be propping up remote work. Its a tougher sell for bosses to argue you must commute back to the office when the city cant keep the bus stops open in Little Saigon, or the Metro drivers safe from attack. Researchers at Stanford University found that working from home is hugely popular but is also exacerbating the siloing of society. Its for the well-off and highly educated (hello, Seattle). Lower-paid, less-educated workers often dont even get the option. The Great Work-from-Home Divide, they called it. Further sorting and segmentation is likely to further erode productive social cohesion, one researcher depressingly predicted. While most of the focus is on whats happening to workers and companies, in Sacramento, Calif., they hired a team of consultants to assess the economic impact on the city itself. The findings, the team wrote, were astounding, far outweighing the initial projections of loss to Sacramento through the downtown core alone. The real estate losses alone were projected in the billions. Theres also the lost spending of all those workers who used to be downtown. The study concluded that downtown Sacramento which has a remote work rate only about half of Seattles is facing at least $4.4 billion in economic losses due to work from home. Seattle hasnt done such a study it should. We could at least then face the new reality head on. As it is, the Downtown Seattle Association says there are still more than 500 vacant storefronts in the downtown core. Some of those might come back if public safety improves. But as the Sacramento study showed, a lot of the customer base is simply hanging out in other neighborhoods now. The massive loan defaults of top downtown developer Marty Selig on some of his Seattle office buildings may be a signal of whats to come. Stanford economics researcher Nicholas Bloom predicts the return-to-office movement, currently being pushed by Amazon and other companies, is going to stall out. Remote work has dipped and plateaued postpandemic, but it will inevitably rise again in the future, driven by ever-improving technologies. For cities, this will mean increasingly moving from a place of work to a place of leisure and consumption, he writes. The key to that, he says, is good public infrastructure, and improved services like education and police. To attract residents, shoppers, and diners, cities must provide appealing services and control crime. Seattle is trying on those fronts, though not all that consistently or effectively. Much more is needed. Maybe Amazons drive back to the office will rejuvenate things. But one idea is to forget about attracting new big employers or mall-like retail outlets for now, and instead go small. Mark Hinshaw, a former Seattle Times architecture writer who now lives in Italy, says in Europe the government sometimes jump-starts the street by stepping in to take over the leases of distressed buildings, then renting out spots to small businesses. Its often why streets in Italy and cities like Vancouver, B.C., are lined with small, quirky businesses rather than large chains or services like banks, he writes. The government has incentivized the little guys to come in. Building owners need to get over the idea theyre going to get a big bank (or) a large national brand clothing store, he wrote earlier this year on Post Alley. Its going to take marketing these spaces to small locally owned businesses and at significantly lower rents. Were now nearly five years on since the pandemic first hit, and downtown still is pocked with hundreds of vacant storefronts. Some targeted effort like this is desperately needed. Or the downtown of Americas remote work capital may itself feel pretty remote for years to come. ___ (c)2024 The Seattle Times Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: The Portland metro area is expected to see rain and cool temperatures for the last weekend of holiday shopping before Christmas Day. The National Weather Service predicts Saturday, the first day of winter, will see widespread precipitation throughout northwest Oregon, as well as gusty winds on the Oregon coast and in the Columbia RIver Gorge. Gusts may reach 65 mph. The steady rain is expected to break up into showers by Saturday afternoon. The high temperature is expected to be in the low 50s. Sunset will be at 4:30 p.m., the shortest day of daylight for the year. Saturday is the winter solstice, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year to the Northern Hemisphere. The good news for those who like more sunshine is that starting Sunday, days will get a little bit longer every single day until late June. --Tribune News Service contributed by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon faces multiple crises as 2024 draws to a close, grappling with the aftermath of a destructive conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, a prolonged financial collapse since 2019, and ongoing political paralysis marked by the failure to elect a new president. The war, which erupted on Oct. 8, 2023, after Hezbollah opened a support front for Gaza following Hamas's large-scale attacks on Israel, escalated dangerously over the past year. The conflict left more than 4,000 people dead and over 16,600 injured, and caused the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. The violence has also compounded Lebanon's economic woes. Already reeling from a financial crisis that has devalued its currency by over 90 percent since 2019, the country now has nearly 44 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. However, signs of optimism have emerged as Lebanon prepares to enter 2025. A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon's government and Israel, also agreed by Hezbollah, is set to implement UN Resolution 1701. Under the agreement, Hezbollah will retreat behind the Litani River, the Lebanese army will deploy in the south, and Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanese towns and villages within 60 days. In another development, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a session for Jan. 9, 2025, to elect a new president. The move is seen as a potentially significant step forward, bolstered by international pressure to select a leader capable of overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire deal. HEZBOLLAH-ISRAEL CONFLICT The conflict has dramatically altered Lebanon's political landscape, with Israeli airstrikes leaving widespread destruction across southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburb of Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold. While Hezbollah officials insist the group remains robust after 14 months of fighting, Israeli authorities report substantial damage to the organization, widely regarded as one of the region's most powerful non-state military and political force. Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claimed more than 80 percent of Hezbollah's rocket capabilities had been destroyed. "A year later, it is not the same Hezbollah," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a public address explaining his cabinet's decision to agree to a ceasefire in early December. "We have set them back decades." Moreover, the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader, along with several senior commanders, has dealt a significant blow to the Lebanese armed group and other regional actors opposing Israel. Nasrallah's death also raises questions about Hezbollah's future role in Lebanon, even as it remains a formidable force. Lebanese political researcher and consultant Refaat Badawi told Xinhua that while Hezbollah may be weakened, it "has not surrendered." He noted the Shiite party still holds 15 of the 128 seats in Lebanon's parliament and command vast assets across the country. However, Badawi also noted that Hezbollah could face challenges maintaining some parliamentary alliances due to its diminishing strength. Lebanese political analyst Youssef Diab described Nasrallah's assassination as a pivotal moment in the conflict with Israel. "This is a critical test for Hezbollah," Diab said. "Nasrallah was a key figure managing all aspects of the organization -- political, military, and religious. His unique ability to rally fighters and supporters through his persuasive rhetoric is irreplaceable." LINGERING FINANCIAL CRISIS Lebanon is grappling with one of the worst crises in its modern history, as an economic and financial collapse that began in 2019 has been compounded by the conflict. A recent World Bank report estimates that the conflict has caused 8.5 billion U.S. dollars in combined physical damage and economic losses. Of this, 3.4 billion dollars accounts for infrastructure damages, while economic losses stand at 5.1 billion. The report predicts Lebanon's real GDP growth will shrink by at least 6.6 percent in 2024. Key sectors such as tourism and agriculture have suffered substantial setbacks. Nassib Ghobril, economist and head of economic research at Lebanon's Byblos Bank, said the decline in tourism would significantly impact revenue, with tourism receipts projected to fall from 5.4 billion dollars in 2023 to less than half that amount in 2024. The retail sector has also suffered as consumers prioritize essential goods, and the destruction of manufacturing facilities in the south and Nabatieh governorates has further disrupted the economy. Agriculture has been similarly devastated. Ibrahim Tarshishi, head of the farmers' association in the Bekaa region, reported that around 50 percent of agricultural lands have been partially or entirely disrupted by the conflict. SIGNS OF HOPE FOR ENDING POLITICAL DEADLOCK Lebanon remained without a president throughout 2024 as parliament repeatedly failed to elect a successor to Michel Aoun, who left office in October 2022 at the end of his term, due to political deadlock. This presidential vacuum has coincided with a caretaker government led by Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, who has been unable to form a new government, creating an unprecedented dual executive vacuum. The political gridlock has hampered efforts to implement structural reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to unlock much-needed financial assistance. Parliament is scheduled to convene on Jan. 9 to attempt another presidential election, raising hopes of restoring the functioning of public institutions and reviving legislative activity. "The presence of a president elected with the consensus of all parties in Lebanon is very critical as it brings hope to political life in Lebanon with the functioning of public institutions," said Badawi. Additionally, the ceasefire reached between Lebanon and Israel in late November presents a potential pathway to stability and economic recovery for Lebanon. There is hope among the Lebanese that this newfound stability could pave the way for the resurgence of tourism, a key pillar of the country's economy, along with the revival of other economic activities. "This is expected to deliver a positive boost to the economy. With reconstruction efforts, a revival in tourism, and the normalization of economic activities, 2025 is likely to outperform 2024 -- provided the conflict does not reignite," said Nassib Ghobril. Natalie Rupnow, the 15-year-old teen who opened fire at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, may have been plotting separate attacks with a man in California. FBI agents who were parsing through Rupnow's social media profiles and documents to identify her motive found that she was in contact with 20-year-old Alexander Charles Paffendorf, a man in Carlsbad, California. He was allegedly plotting a separate mass shooting event targeting a government building. Specifically, the man told Rupnow that he would "arm himself with explosives and a gun" to attack an unspecified government building, per the New York Times. The man has been detained and questioned by federal agents on Tuesday. His court hearing is scheduled for January 3, per CBS News, citing a court order. Are There More Details About the School Shooting? As of writing, police have yet to say what Rupnow's motive was in the Madison shooting but noted that a "combination of factors" led to the incident. Authorities are still investigating whether Rupnow was targeting anyone in the attack or if she had planned it in advance. "I do not know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior," Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. "To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. And so we don't know what the premeditation is." A Madison city website that provided details about the school shooting noted that police officers found two guns at the scene, but Rupnow used only one. The gun she used was a 9mm pistol. Not much information was shared about the other gun found at the scene. What About the Victims of the Shooting? The Madison school shooting led to the deaths of three people: 42-year-old substitute teacher coordinator Erin M. West, 14-year-old freshman Rubi P. Vergara, and Rupnow herself. Vergara's funeral will be held beginning Saturday at City Church. Her obituary noted that Vergara was an "avid reader" and played keyboard in the family worship band. West's funeral was set for Monday at Doxa Church. West is survived by her three daughters, according to her obituary. Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation to keep itself from shutting down. The original package was supposed to contain a sizable number of healthcare policies, including increasing the pay for doctors. However, the new package has been stripped down and excluded important funding, including those for pediatric cancer measures. The bipartisan plan negotiated between House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, and Democrats in both chambers was 1,500 pages. Elon Musk, Donald Trump's "first buddy" and the government's "efficiency" adviser, rejected the funding proposal, putting the government at risk of defaulting and shutting down. As a result, the GOP has put forth a new, smaller proposal that would cut funding from important initiatives, including $190 million for the Gabriella Miller Kids First child cancer research program. What Is the Cancer Research Program All About? The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act was named after a 10-year-old girl in Virginia who passed away due to an inoperable brain tumor. The initiative was established under the Obama administration with the aim of uncovering the causes of childhood cancers and structural congenital anomalies, as well as exploring whether there is a shared genetic pathway between pediatric cancers and structural birth defects. The GOP's funding bill does not include any funding for the program, which would have received $170 million in the original package. The new language also abandoned the reauthorization of the program for another seven years. Read Also: Republicans Quietly Remove Child Cancer Research Funds from Budget After Elon Push to Kill Government Spending Bill What Other Pediatric Health Care Measures Were Cut? In addition to cutting funding for the Gabriella Miller program, the GOP bill also dropped: On Thursday evening, my wife and I were privileged to participate in a dinner at the Relief Society Building in Salt Lake City. It was an interesting group to be with. Elder Matthew Holland of the Seventy conducted the event. Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency of the Church, spoke briefly, as did Sister Lesa Stevenson and her husband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Several officials of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis were there they were interesting to talk with as was Governor Michael Parson of Missouri. And it was fun to run into Elder Ahmad Corbitt yet again; I first met him many years ago in New York City, and I was absolutely unsurprised when he was called to the Seventy in April 2023. A high point for me was to chat briefly with Rev. Amos Brown and his wife. Afterwards, we all headed over across the street to the Conference Center for the first of the three 2024 Christmas concerts performed by theTabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square. The special guests were Ruthie Ann Miles and Dennis Haysbert (plus a special surprise guest who is connected with the featured story told by Mr. Haysbert). The first performance of the annual Christmas concert series can sometimes be just a tiny bit rough, and Thursday evenings illustrated that with a few slightly muffed lines and an incorrect (but swiftly corrected) musical entrance. I imagine that all of it was worked out for the Friday night performance and that it will be fine for tonights. I was delighted that the Choir performed the Nigerian Christmas carol Betelehemu, by Via Olatunji and Wendell Whalum. It has become one of my very favorite Christmas songs, and it is my Christmas musical piece for this post. I first heard it performed by the BYU Mens Chorus, so Ive included here a link to their recording of it. But that recording doesnt provide video, so Im also giving you a link to an earlier Tabernacle Choir performance of the carol that I dont like quite as much, but that is still fun to watch. And here are the lyrics, in the original Yoruba, with a pronunciation guide (in all caps) and a translation: Betelehemu, Betelehemu BEH-TEH-LEH-HEH-MUH, BEH-TEH-LEH-HEH-MUH Bethlehem, Bethlehem Awa yi o ri Baba gbojule AH-WAH EE-OH, REE BAH-BAH, BO JOO-LEH We are glad that we have a Father to trust Awa yi o ri Baba fehenti AH-WAH EE-OH, REE BAH-BAH FEH-HIN-TEE We are glad that we have a Father to rely on Nibo labi Jesu? NEE-BO LAH-BEE, JEH-SOO Where was Jesus born? Nibo labi bii? NEE-BO LAH-BEE, BEE-EE Where was he born? Betelehemu ilu ara BEH-TEH-LEH-HEH-MUH, EE-LOO AH-RAH Bethehem, the city of wonder Nibe labi Baba o daju NEE-BAY LAH-BEE, BAH-BAH OH DAH-JOO That is where the Father was born, for sure Iyin, iyin, iyin nifuno EEE-YIN, EEE-YIN, EEYIN NEE-FOO-NOH Praise, praise, praise be to him Adupe fun o, Adupe fun o AH-DOO-PWEH FOO-NOH, AH-DOO-PWEH FOO-NOH We thank thee, we thank thee Adupe fun o jooni, Baba oloreo AH-DOO-PWEH FOO-NOH, JO-OH-NEE, BAH-BAH O-LOH-RAY-OH We thank thee for this day, Gracious Father Iyin fun o Baba anu, Baba toda wasi EEE-YIN FOO-NOH BAH-BAH AH-NOO, BAH-BAH TOH-DAH WAH-SEE Praise be to thee, Merciful Father I often disagree with Jana Riess, but this article of hers is worth a look: What the new LDS hymns say about Mormon theology: Memo from the newest LDS hymns: Were Christians, were Christians, were Christians. In passing, she shares an important insight regarding one of the very valuable roles played by the hymns of the Church and its childrens music. (I judge it to be important not only because I agree with it but because I have thought the same thing for years. From The Devils Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce: Admiration, n. Our polite recognition of anothers resemblance to ourselves.) Heres Sister Riess: Many years ago, I was called to be my wards Primary chorister. Soon after, the Primary president took me aside and told me I had just been given the most important job in the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was rather stunning. We are not accustomed to thinking of the chorister job as a very important position. Basically, your role is to help the children learn the songs for their annual Primary program. It also helps if you can keep them from killing each other when they get bored. (This was particularly important back at that time, when we still had three hours of church, which meant nearly two hours of Primary.) Her reasoning, the Primary president explained, was that these kids would likely forget almost every talk or sermon they heard growing up in the church but the songs they learned by heart would stay with them for the rest of their lives. I realized she was completely correct about this. I didnt grow up in religion, but the Girl Scout songs, McDonalds advertisements and pop music of my childhood are likely the only things I will remember verbatim when Im in a nursing home and Ive forgotten the names of all my beloved family members. That wise Primary president recognized something we dont tend to discuss in the church much: Hymns and childrens songs are the best teachers of theology. They have a liturgical function; we have repeated them so often that they become available to us in our hours of need anytime, anywhere. Once we learn them, they lodge in our hearts and minds as the scaffolding of our future faith. On Friday night, my wife and I sat in the seats of the Provo High School auditorium for a full rehearsal by the Intermountain Choral Artists and Symphony Orchestra. (A friend has been deeply involved with them.). At 7 PM on Saturday night, 21 December, and only on Saturday night, they will be putting on a program of Christmas music titled Wondrous Love. My wife and I wont be able to attend the concert because of a conflicting obligation (or opportunity), but I think that some of you might enjoy it, especially if you were unable to land tickets to Saturdays Tabernacle Choir concert. (To me, Intermountain Choral Artists performance of Morten Lauridsens O magnum mysterium which was my first selection here for this years Christmas music back on 1 December was an absolute highlight of the program.) Tickets for Wondrous Love are available if theyre still available (which I dont actually know) here. The Interpreter Foundations annual Christmas message for 2024 appeared today in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Ring in the Christ that Is to Be: Fulfilling the Pattern of His Life, written by Don Bradley Abstract: The story of Christ, and of Christmas, is the story of Christ the Lord God Omnipotent incarnating in a tabernacle of clay (Mosiah 3:5). Christ took upon himself flesh so that he might also take upon himself burdens that he did not naturally have to bearour burdensin order to relieve us of those burdens. Christ, according to the scriptures, voluntarily takes upon him our pains, our sicknesses, death, our infirmities, and our sins (Alma 7:713). Unlike Christ, ordinary human beings do not take upon them death and bodily infirmity, but are, like king Benjamin, subject to them (Mosiah 2:11). In voluntarily taking upon himself our burdens, Christ brought redemption to us, and provided a pattern for us to live by. When we choose to bear burdens that we do not by nature or by necessity have to bear, we emulate him. Paul referred to following this pattern as living by the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), and, as Almas teachings at the Waters of Mormon indicate, we covenant at baptism that we will live this pattern with one anotherto bear one anothers burdens, that they may be light (Mosiah 18:810). In so doing, we live as part of the body of Christ, measurably living out and incarnating our heavenly King in this world. As Ive observed on several prior occasions, the Hale Centre Theatre is one of the best things (and there are many good things) about living along the Wasatch Front. We took a five-year-old granddaughter there this afternoon for her very first live theatrical play. It was Beauty and the Beast, and the word spectacular is perfectly appropriate for it. The production was superbly done, the casting was excellent, and the staging was phenomenal. Afterwards, as we were about to head to a nearby Chinese restaurant for a late lunch, our granddaughter pronounced today the best day ever! To her grandparents ears, that was very gratifying praise. Last year, a reader here named Leo D. Brown kindly shared the following with me and gave me permission to share it with you. Im going to exploit that kindness of his and share it here yet again: Christmas in Bethlehem 2023 This year there will be only muted celebrations of Christmas in Bethlehem. Previously installed Christmas decorations have been removed in sympathy with innocent victims, especially children, living and dying in the horror and chaos of war. Streets, normally lit with festive lights, will be dark. There will be only local worship services, touched with sadness from these still unfolding events, and no throngs of pilgrims from around the world. Gaspar, Balthazar, Melchior! Where are your offerings now? What greetings to the Prince of War, His darkly branded brow? The ancient altars smoke afresh, The ancient idols stir; Faint in the reek of burning flesh Sink frankincense and myrrh. [1] Yet Christmas is still joyously and beautifully celebrated around the world. Dickens Ghost of Christmas Present showed Scrooge a scene in a humble hut at Christmas: a cheerful company assembled round a glowing fire. An old, old man and woman, with their children and their childrens children, and another generation beyond that, all decked out gaily in their holiday attire. The old man, in a voice that seldom rose above the howling of the wind upon the barren waste, was singing them a Christmas songit had been a very old song when he was a boy and from time to time they all joined in the chorus. [2] And then a scene from a ship at sea: They stood beside the helmsman at the wheel, the look-out in the bow, the officers who had the watch; dark, ghostly figures in their several stations; but every man among them hummed a Christmas tune, or had a Christmas thought, or spoke below his breath to his companion of some bygone Christmas Day, with homeward hopes belonging to it. And every man on board, waking or sleeping, good or bad, had had a kinder word for another on that day than on any day in the year; and had shared to some extent in its festivities; and had remembered those he cared for at a distance, and had known that they delighted to remember him. [2] There are still kind thoughts in Bethlehem this year, but also a creche display where the infant Jesus is surrounded by broken stones and rubble. And yet, and yet, in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light. God Rest Ye, Innocents! [1] A Carol for Children, Ogden Nash [2] A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens Finally, in expiation for the sin of having omitted a musical offering in yesterdays post, I offer two pieces of Christmas music today, both of them from Messiah, by George Frederick Handel: First, here is a recording of For unto us a child is born, performed by Tenebrae, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Sir Colin Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc Second, you certainly cant have expected to go through this season without hearing Handels great Hallelujah chorus. Certainly you shouldnt. And you wont miss it if you managed to obtain tickets for this years Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert: Its on the program. But heres a performance by the Tabernacle Choir from a decade ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBZ7AfZR9xs And, while Im on the topic of Handel, have you seen the 2014 film Handels Messiah? I highly recommend it, especially at this season of the year. It was directed by the distinguished Latter-day Saint filmmaker Lee Groberg. Mark Goodman, who directed the Interpreter Foundation films Witnesses and Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and who both wrote and directed Interpreters Six Days in August, was its producer, editor, and cinematographer. Mitch Davis, who wrote the initial screenplay for Witnesses, was its writer. Sam Cardon did its music, as he also did for Witnesses and Six Days in August. James G. Jordan, who, with Mark Goodman and Russ Richins, is one of the Interpreter Foundations core filmmaking trio, was its first assistant cameraman. It is a very great story. As immigration is under much discussion and review in our country, I share with you a summary of the three basic principles of Catholic social teaching regarding this topic from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration and the Movement of Peoples): People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families. A country has the right to regulate its borders and control immigration. A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy. In a special way today, I bring the following contemporary concerns to your attention and ask for your reflection and prayers: Many who are living in our ninety-county Diocese of Savannah have come from other countries. Some may be here without proper documentation and have been here for years. Seeking a better life and opportunities for their children and future generations, they have made their homes here: raising families, attending schools, and working in our local areas. Many of the immigrants who have come to south Georgia are faithful: supportive of our parishes and missions, seeking to answer Gods call to discipleship, and living good moral values. For many years, the immigration system for those seeking to make a home in the United States has been plagued by complicated paperwork, expense, and bureaucracy. While this has, sadly, become a divisive political issue, let us not forget that it has a human face blessed with God-given dignity. As we look to the future, I hope that in utilizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit our government leaders will work together to develop solutions for our broken system while respecting the tenets of our faith and the vision and values upon which our country has been founded, sustained, and expanded. I ask that we pray for those who are suffering extreme anxiety about their future and the future of their families. May we have the grace to accompany our brothers and sisters in Christ as witnesses of faith and hope. Our Diocese of Savannah is considered a mission diocese, relying on the assistance of Priests from other countries to serve the spiritual needs of our local Church. In April 2023, a backlog developed for those applying for renewal of Religious Worker Visas. This backlog has resulted in a delay of approved renewals of the visas for some Priests serving in our diocese, as well as (arch)dioceses across the United States. In working with legal counsel, all reasonable possibilities have been explored and exhausted. I have worked closely with the Bishops of the home dioceses of those Priests affected and am grateful for their advice and direction. However, the Priests affected may need to return to their home country for a period of time. I ask for your prayers for them and for your patience and support as we provide for the spiritual needs of all in our mission diocese. In just a few days we will celebrate the Birth of our Saviour. Let us recall the journey of the Holy Family into Egypt, when Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus fled to another land immigrants in search of a life of peace and hope. With their plight in mind, I share with you the words of Pope Francis from his Christmas Eve homily in 2017, Christmas is a time for turning the power of fear into the power of charity, into power for a new imagination of charity. The charity that does not grow accustomed to injustice, as if it were something natural, but that has the courage, amid tensions and conflicts, to make itself a house of bread, a land of hospitality. May we meet each day in our prayers as disciples who journey together free of fear, rich in charity, committed to hospitality, and strong in hope. (A Dharma talk republished here with permission by Roshi Edward Sanshin Oberholtzer, resident priest and guiding teacher at both the Joseph Priestley Zen Zangha and at Empty Moon Zen. First shared at our Empty Moon Zen zoom gathering at the end of November.) The air here in central Pennsylvania is clear and crisp this afternoon. The corn has finally been harvested and replaced with a freshly plowed field ready to be planted with winter wheat. There had been a scattering of snowflakes as we drove up from Washington on Friday but it hasnt yet left a visible trace on the ground. The birds on the back patio have let me know that they are annoyed that I havent yet refilled their feeder. And still, by some miracle, a few roses are blooming on the bushes out front. Life, if I try not to speculate about the near future, life is good. As I was making the morning oatmeal and nursing a mug steaming with hot coffee, I remembered a poem by Jane Kenyon. It goes: I got out of bed on two strong legs. It might have been otherwise. I ate cereal, sweet milk, ripe, flawless peach. It might have been otherwise. I took the dog uphill to the birch wood. All morning I did the work I love. At noon I lay down with my mate. It might have been otherwise. We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks. It might have been otherwise. I slept in a bed in a room with paintings on the walls, and planned another day just like this day. But one day, I know, it will be otherwise. This is the last day of November. Winter, wrapped in dark clouds, is creeping towards us just over the hills to the west. The snow blower needs to be tuned up for the storms to come. My wife has placed snow markers out at the end of the driveway hoping to ward off the county snow plows. The sourdough starter needs tending in anticipation of a winters worth of bread loaves all waiting for the apple butter sitting in jars that have been put away in the basement along with cases of beans and boxes of kleenex. Yet all of this preparation feels like an evasion, a denial of the political storms to come, of the effects theyll have on family and friends, friends and relatives already fearful of what is looming there together with those winter storm clouds. And for all those things that, in a different world, might have been well but will be otherwise, that day is upon us. So where do we turn? When I lived out west in Oakland I would walk up to our local grocery store on a Sunday morning past a Samoan church that, weather permitting, held its services with the doors and windows wide open. A Samoan choir is a beutiful thing to be blessed by on a morning walk, a kind of sanctuary in what was a crime-ridden neighborhood. Im occasionally now in Washington, DC on a Sunday morning and, passing the local AME church get to hear Rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham sung out by the congregation. Some people know instinctually where to turn for refuge. Some years ago, late at night in a room lit only by candlelight and after a long day of sitting in the zendo at Green Gulch Farm, we would chant: Buddham saranam gacchami Dhammam saranam gacchami Sangham saranam gacchami Dutiyampi buddham saranam gacchami Dutiyampi dhammam saranam gacchami Dutiyampi sangham saranam gacchami Tatiyampi buddham saranam gacchami Tatiyampi dhammam saranam gacchami Tatiyampi sangham saranam gacchami I take refuge in Buddha; I take refuge in Dharma; I take refuge in Sangha. Once..twice.three times.. But what do we mean by refuge? Perhaps we can find some meaning in one of those short pointers found in the Miscellaneous koans: Hide yourself in a pillar. Better yet, rock your soul in the bosom of Abraham. Without becoming too obvious about that pillar, the three refuges do not call upon us to conceal ourselves, to blend in, to become invisible any more than that congregation down in DC looks to hide in the bosom of Abraham, any more than Rosa Parks hid in that seat in the front of that Birmingham bus, any more than John Lewis hid on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. When we take refuge in the Buddha, when we take refuge in the Dharma, when we take refuge in the Sangha, we are the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. We wrap ourselves in the Buddhas teachings. We sit together, we chant together. We are in this whole mess together, and our ancestor Dongshan had a few words to say about this togetherness, perhaps a clue as to how to stand in that pillar, how to rock your soul in the bosom of Abraham, how to take refuge in the righteousness of justice. Dongshan, that wiley 9th century monk, the founder of our feast, as Bob Cratchett would say, the Dong in the Caodong that our Japanese brethern have rendered as Soto, naming our school of Zen practice; It was Dongshan who, in setting out his Five Ranks, gave us a roadmap to consider our relationship to the relative and the absolute, a roadmap that points the way to being upright while hiding, no, while being in that pillar, to taking refuge in the three treasures, to find, perhaps, a way through the torn and tattered path that lies ahead of us by seeing that we are that torn and tattered path. For Dongshan saw that the two truths of the relative and the absolute, of form and emptiness, of samsara and nirvana, are, as Nagarjuna ahead of him pointed out, really one truth. As Hakuin pointed out, This earth where we stand is the pure lotus land, and this very body, the body of Buddha. Dongshans Five Ranks echo that much beloved and often confounding line from the Heart Sutra, spoken by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form. Form itself is emptiness, emptiness itself form and it rings the changes with those two terms: form within emptiness, emptiness within form, arriving within emptiness, approaching from form, and form and emptiness in concurrance, those five which are, in the end, one. The lovely center of Dongshans examination of form and emptiness is the collection of verses accompanying the interplay of the essential and the contingent, verses that take us from the darkest night before the third watch through mirrors at daybreak, from the clean swept paths of emptiness and the particularity of a skilled hand, all leading to what we might have suspected all along, the identity of form and emptiness, an identity which brings us, just as the monk Hotai in the ten oxherding pictures entering the market place with bliss bestowing hands, to that quiet, simple place beside the hearth, nirvana and samsara one, fugitive and pillar one, each of us one with Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. His final gift the verse: Not following into being or nonbeing who can be in accord with this? All people surpass the ordinary current, And becoming one with circumstances, want to return to the hearth and sit. Dongshan offers us a kind of refuge, a hearth to turn to, to be one with, a bit of heaven in the midst of turmoil. Ill think of that as winter comes on, as the fire crackles in the fireplace, a woolen blanket lays across my legs and a book of verse lies open on my lap, the poet Yeats reminding me that, however much the storm outside rages, however conflict arises, however powerless the pundits and politicians may be, there is still that quiet peace we might find returning to the hearth and sitting, sitting with Yeats and with this: On being asked for a War Poem I think it better that in times like these A poets mouth be silent, for in truth We have no gift to set a statesman right; He has had enough of meddling who can please A young girl in the indolence of her youth, Or an old man upon a winters night. A refuge, a pillar to stand with, here in Central Pennsylvania. TL;DR: Protect 15 devices with a lifetime subscription to FasestVPN, on sale for $32.97 (reg. $600) until December 22. 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As a bonus, the Pro Plan includes a free year of password management to keep all your logins secure and organized. Its security, speed, and simplicity all rolled into one. Dont miss your chance to get a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN Pro on sale for $32.97 (reg. $600). Sale ends December 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) $32.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. A 50-year-old Cumberland County man will spend more than two years in federal prison for assaulting a police officer during the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell sentenced Joseph Pastucci, of New Cumberland, to 26 months in prison and three years supervised release after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. during the attack on the Capitol, according to court documents. Tirriddis is a relatively new member of the Washington state wine scene and how it came about is as interesting as its growing product line. It recently opened a tasting room in Prosser, Washington, which is about a three-hour drive from Seattle and Portland, Oregon, in the Yakima Valley. The tasting room is open every day but Tuesday: reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Its a producer of traditional method sparkling wine with a unique backstory. Andrew Gerow, Gabriel Crowell, and Matthew Doutney, three graduates of Washington State Universitys viticulture & enology program, founded the winery in 2021 as they searched for options in the wake of the pandemic. As for the name Tirriddis, it comes from t ir age, r id dle, and d is gorge the three steps used to produce sparkling wines naturally. From that focus on traditional method sparkling wine, the trio has implemented ground-breaking and non-traditional styles to build its unique portfolio. One of the West Coast writers I follow, Sean Sullivan, recently posted about the first of the producers Grand Rendition (top-of-the-line) wines. Sullivan is the author of the Northwest Wine Report, a comprehensive subscription-based monthly report on wines and wineries from that part of the country. He wrote that Grand Rendition 01 96% Chardonnay and 4% Pinot Gris, with 28 months en tirage was the best Tirriddis wine he has sampled. Wines from Tirriddis can be purchased on its website and shipped anywhere in the U.S. It offers three levels of wine clubs: All are quarterly shipments. PennLive sent several questions to two of the founders/owners and got back these responses. Q, Why only sparkling? What led to that decision? A, Andrew Gerow: It was an easy decision for us not fueled by business or financial implications but by sheer passion, determination, and excitement. Our affinity for sparkling wine has always been a big binder in our relationship, from celebrating big events like finishing finals to more casual enjoying time off, we would almost exclusively celebrate with fried chicken and champagne. We also shared an intense [desire] to understand and challenge ourselves against the sheer difficulty and complications that the traditional method presents. Ultimately, defining a wine style is something most people in the wine industry never even get the chance to attempt, so the prospect of defining what sparkling wine is in Washington is really an incredible opportunity. There was a mutual understanding of the complications and opportunities of traditional method sparkling in a new world region, so to avoid any distractions we committed to devoting Tirriddis to it. The name Tirriddis comes from tirage, riddle, and disgorge the three steps used to produce sparkling wines naturally.Tirriddis Sparkling Wines A, Gabriel Crowell: Challenging to answer as it is a weave between personal and professional goals. Nevertheless, wine always was at the center of my decision-making process. Let me start with Why Washington. I started in wine at a fine wine importer Bottled & Bottles LTD in Limassol, Cyprus. I started there as anyone would start a first job, hungry, naive, and ambitious. I was also only 15 years old at the time [and] I wanted to learn about everything wine. I spoke with salespeople, members of hospitality, wine brokers, and more than anybody collectors. WSET was king during that time in Europe. I chased it as far as I could while attending the school in London. I took this opportunity as a sort of pilgrimage to the city which determined so much about the product I had fallen in love with. When back in Cyprus I wanted to know what would be next. What are the things to learn? There are so many areas I was attracted to: sales, organization, logistics, winemaking, vine growing, the lot. Nevertheless, the analogy that ran through my head during that year before beginning my winemaking studies at Washington State University was always the same. Just as in live sciences the root of understanding the field always comes to mathematics. I saw this same vein of truth in becoming a supplier- winemaker/grower. Why Washington becomes a simple calculation. Where can one attain a high-quality education, be afforded the space and industry primed to grow, and a home to classify among the many European wines I already had become familiar with? Why sparkling and why now are instantly more pragmatic. Sparkling came to me as a form or focus not as a passion but as a directive. How do I challenge myself to learn more about wine? At the time I was deep in my last year of winemaking school and the chemistry was my mental tattoo. Sparkling was encapsulated by challenging to control one of the most ethereal elements of winemaking, yeast. I will also coyly admit my new friends at the time greatly influenced me with their gusto for Champagne pageantry. I got to explore, use new tools, and make something challenging and highly technical. It was fun for us. An evening shot of Tirriddis in Prosser, Washington.Tirriddis Why now is from a great understanding brought with me from Europe as well. However, the ideal is truly American: pragmatism. We wanted to start now because when else would you? To build and shape a world where we can expect people to know Washington wine let alone wine in general, we need to start speaking about it now. I was always in a rush to get back to my roots in proving the best wines are not only sold but consumed, which happens now. Q, What are the nontraditional styles you mention on your site? That question probably ties into the next one. A, Andrew Gerow: Our ambition is not only to produce Champagne styles in Washington but to produce an original and authentic style of sparkling for Washington state to stand next to Champagne ... not stand behind it as a New World rendition of it. Not only are many of the grape varietals that we use non-traditional, but our tirage and post-disgorgement bottle aging programs are nontraditional as well. We utilize a little bit of Chardonnay, but it grows well in our area. A big portion of our program is Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Riesling. Then after tirage bottling, most of our wines spend between 12-18 months on lees. Speaking in absolutes with wine is always difficult, but the varietal composition of our wines is definitely unique. The expression of our wines is typically brighter, more textural, and focused on a riper fruit/mineral-driven profile rather than an autolytic profile. A, Gabriel Crowell: We love to speak about our non-traditional styles such as the following: Blanc de Gris This is all about how Pinot Gris can grain great complexity with age, oak/malo integrations, and floral expressions. Washington Blend Again here we look past what might be classic to assemble a wine thats special to the state of Washington and Washington wine. We use over eight different grapes 30% Pinot Gris, 16% Chardonnay, 16% Syrah, 14% Riesling, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Albarino to create a classic style of sparkling extra-dry. Here we aim for fruit and a hint of color. The three founders of Tirriddis in Washington state: from left, Andrew Gerow, Gabriel Crowell and Matthew Doutney.Tirriddis Sparkling Wines Q, What sets your sparklings apart? A, Gabriel Crowell: Ha! This is challenging to answer unbiasedly. When it comes to what sets Tirriddis apart from others there are many facets to choose from. We are a young and hungry company, open to new ideas, and focus on being creative but thoughtful. The wines in themselves are well made but more on top of that they take risks and challenge what to be expected. We really are taking the advice from the best in sparkling. We work all the way from finding the best fruit to tasting endless amounts of dosage trials. All of this supports really great wines for people to drink but most of all [or at least to me] what sets us apart is that we are planning to make our wines for lifetimes to come. We want the program to push beyond our creativity and set a stage for something special to happen here in Washington. Q, Was there a story written on how you three got together to start this to give me some background, or can you provide that? And what has it been like launching this idea and working together?A, Andrew Gerow: After hailing from Michigan, New York, and the island of Cyprus, the three of us met at Washington State University Tri-Cities for their Viticulture & Enology program. None of us came from families involved in the wine industry nor had any real connection to it before moving out for school. Throughout our education, we would study and spend time together. Then about a year before graduating the COVID pandemic came around, throwing a wrench in our career plans. In searching for silver linings during the pandemic, we decided it could be the perfect opportunity to start our own wine label test our education, ambition, and passion while learning and making connections through trial by fire. After committing, we ultimately decided to devote ourselves to traditional method sparkling in Washington state to really test and express ourselves in the most authentic way possible. It has been a precious journey, starting Tirriddis and working together. It really is a special opportunity being able to work with your best friends, share your sparkling wines with so many, and be able to test ourselves not just with the winemaking, but developing a legacy business, and curating and defining what Washington sparkling is. A, Gabriel Crowell: answer included in response to the first question Tirriddis is a Washington State traditional method sparkling wine winery located in Prosser, Washington.Tirriddis Sparkling Wines Q, Anything I can include beyond whats on the home page? Are there any states that consumers couldnt get these? A, Andrew Gerow: As our ambition is to define Washington sparkling, it is important to us that we work to make our sparkling wines accessible outside of Washington state as a sort of vacation in a bottle for people to experience what makes Washington sparkling so special. In addition to great wine club discounts and perks, something we are extremely proud to offer is free shipping on all orders to our wine club members. We always encourage people to reach out if they have any questions. A, Gabriel Crowell: We ship everywhere! But not only that, we now have free shipping for all members no matter the order size! Beyond what our club offers in terms of price we have some really special club-only wines which make it all worth it. For example, we release both a single vineyard Pinot Blanc as well as a honey-fermented sparkling to our club with great success. Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is escorted by police, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in New York.AP Photo/Pamela Smith NEW YORK The man accused of gunning down United Healthcares CEO outside a Manhattan hotel is now jailed in New York, awaiting arraignment Monday on a state murder indictment after he was returned to the city in dramatic fashion to face charges in multiple courts. Shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was escorted Thursday by heavily armed police officers and whisked by air from Pennsylvania to Manhattan, where he appeared in a packed courtroom on federal charges that could bring the death penalty. The Ivy League graduate, who prosecutors say inveighed against the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in his writings, was not required to enter a plea to federal charges of murder, stalking and firearms charges in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson. The state indictment charges Mangione with murder as a terrorist act. Heres whats next in the cases: Jailed in Brooklyn Mangione is being held without bail at Metropolitan Detention Center, the same federal jail where hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried are currently detained. The notorious Brooklyn facility, the only federal lockup in the city, has been variously described as hell on earth and an ongoing tragedy because of deplorable conditions, rampant violence, dysfunction and multiple deaths. The federal Bureau of Prisons has said it is increasing staffing to make up for staggering shortfalls, but conditions have been so stark at the jail, which houses about 1,100 inmates, that some judges have refused to send people there. State charges pending Besides the federal charges filed Thursday, Mangione must still answer to a state murder indictment. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office charged Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. He is also charged with state weapons offenses and possession of a fake ID. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. Mangiones lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued in court Thursday that the terrorism allegations in the state case and stalking charges in the federal complaint appear to be at odds. Those are two completely different theories, she said. These seem like different cases. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 upheld a longstanding constitutional rule allowing state and federal governments to prosecute someone for the same crime. Next court appearance Mangione is set to be arraigned Monday in Manhattan on the state indictment, according to Braggs office. The University of Pennsylvania alum, who hailed from a prominent Maryland family and had also lived in Hawaii, had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on the state charges before the federal charges preempted that appearance. In the federal case, Mangione could next return to court for a bail hearing or for a preliminary hearing if prosecutors dont obtain a grand jury indictment by mid-January. Death penalty looms New York effectively effectively abolished its death penalty by 2007 and the last execution in the state was in 1963. But the federal death penalty remains in effect. The federal complaint filed against Mangione includes a count of murder by firearm, which carries the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted. Federal prosecutors have not said if they will seek the death penalty. That decision will be made in coming months by Justice Department officials in Washington, likely after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20. President Joe Bidens administration put a moratorium on federal executions soon after he took office in 2021, but that hasnt stopped federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. In contrast, Trumps administration carried out 13 executions in the last six months of his first term. Pennsylvania charges on standby Mangione also faces forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania stemming from his arrest last week, but those will likely not be addressed until the New York charges are resolved. He initially fought attempts to be returned to New York, but ultimately waived extradition and a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges on Thursday. He is now in their custody, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said after Mangione was extradited to 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. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pro-government forces stormed an al-Qaeda hideout in Yemen's southern province of Abyan early Saturday, killing at least three militants and arresting some others, a local security official told Xinhua. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Yemeni government forces and Southern Transitional Council (STC) units carried out a joint operation targeting a mountainous area in Jabal al Maraqishah of Abyan. "After several hours of fierce clashes with militants, the joint forces gained full control of the area and expelled the militants," the official added, noting, "At least three militants were killed and some others were captured during the raid." This raid is part of a wider counter-terrorism campaign initiated in late 2022 by the Yemeni government and STC to dismantle al-Qaeda strongholds across Abyan province. Al-Qaeda factions have been exploiting Yemen's protracted civil war and fragile security environment to consolidate their presence, particularly in the south. Yemen has been mired in a devastating civil war since late 2014, with the Houthis battling the internationally recognized government. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form This photo shows a street cordoned off near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced.(Xinhua/Du Zheyu) BERLIN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on social media platform X. Speaking to broadcaster ARD, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier said that the suspected perpetrator is a doctor from Saudi Arabia who has been living in Germany since 2006 and working in Saxony-Anhalt. He noted that 15 of the injured are in serious condition, warning that the death toll could rise. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested, according to dpa, which added that the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement as an Islamist. The car, identified as a black BMW by Spiegel, reportedly drove into the crowd at approximately 7:04 p.m. Witnesses described the driver's movements as a "zigzag course across the entire market area," according to the local newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. Police said that the vehicle traveled "at least 400 meters across the Christmas market." The Christmas market, located near Magdeburg's city hall, was immediately closed following the incident. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire personnel, responded in large numbers to assist the injured. Magdeburg, a city of approximately 237,000 residents, is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 km west of Berlin. The incident echoes a tragic attack nearly eight years ago, on Dec. 19, 2016, when an Islamist terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police. This photo shows rescuers near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows a street cordoned off near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows a street cordoned off near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows police vehicles near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows police officers on duty near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows a police vehicle near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo shows a street cordoned off near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. A car plowed through a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people - an adult and a small child - and injuring over 60, Saxony-Anhalt's state premier announced. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) YEMASSEE An undisclosed number of monkeys died in an enclosure on the Alpha Genesis breeding and research campus over the Thanksgiving holiday, company President Greg Westergaard confirmed to The Post and Courier though he declined to fault any equipment failure as the cause. The deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning remain under investigation, including the possibility that extremists caused the incident, he said. A Yemassee Police Department spokesperson said this was the first she heard about this potential issue. The widespread casualties were first reported by People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals, or PETA, an animal activist group that sent a complaint to federal regulators from an apparent whistleblower alleging 20 monkeys died of carbon monoxide poisoning in November. A representative with the U.S. Department of Agriculture previously said the agency was reviewing the claims. Westergaard on Dec. 20 confirmed the deaths in an email to The Post and Courier, though he declined to answer subsequent questions about how many monkeys died. Post-mortem examination suggests that the animals which perished died from a cause consistent with carbon monoxide exposure, he wrote. The deaths are a dark turn for the monkey farm that drew worldwide attention after 43 primates escaped through a series of gates, over a fence and into the Lowcountry wilderness in early November. Four still have not returned. According to Westergaard, staff were called into the facility at night after workers found monkeys down in their enclosure. His team removed and replaced the heater in what he called a precautionary measure. He said the staffs efforts saved 32 animals. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese United Nations (UN) envoy on Friday called on the United States to stop its senseless blame game and provoking confrontation on the Ukraine issue. "The crisis in Ukraine continues to drag on, and the fighting has shown no signs of abatement," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the UN Security Council. Stressing that weapons may help win the war, but cannot bring about lasting peace, he called on the parties to the conflict to start peace talks at an early date, and on the international community to actively create conditions to this end. Since the conflict started, China has been calling on the parties to realize a ceasefire, start negotiations, and restore peace as soon as possible, Geng said. "Russia, Ukraine, countries of the Global South and many European countries have all welcomed China's role and contribution to the resolution of the Ukraine crisis," he said. He further said that the United States is the only country that has chosen to turn a blind eye to China's efforts and continued to spread false information. "China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the crisis," the ambassador said. "The United States cannot, on the one hand, hope that China will play a greater role in ending the war, while on the other hand, keeps discrediting China's efforts for peace and continues to slander and put pressure on China." "We hope that the U.S. will stop its senseless blame game and its provocation of antagonism and confrontation," he added. Geng urged the United States to work with the countries concerned, including China, to build solidarity and consensus, and create conditions and an atmosphere conducive to the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are due in Magdeburg on Saturday, hours after at least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 were injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market. The attack in the central German city occurred on Friday evening. The suspect, 50, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, according to state premier Reiner Haseloff. He said the suspect drove a rental car into the crowd at the Christmas market. Emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburgs cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT). The suspect, who remains in police custody, is originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency, Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister 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 Many questions remain unanswered, primarily the motive for the alleged attack on the Christmas market. We still dont know the background to the crime, we are considering everything, a police spokeswoman said. The authorities still assume that it was a lone perpetrator. At the moment we have no evidence of accomplices, said a spokeswoman. The police are carrying out searches, including in Bernburg. The car went some 400 metres, according to Bild newspaper, citing the police. Security sources told dpa on Friday that the suspect had not been on law enforcements radar as a known Islamist. However, the suspect is reportedly known for his criticism of Islam. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: My advice: dont ask for asylum in Germany. A cell phone video is said to show the arrest. In the clip, a police officer points his gun at the suspect and tells him to lie down: Hands behind your back! and Stay down! The man lies down on the ground next to a black car, which is visibly damaged and follows the instructions. It then shows reinforcements arriving, with several police officers jumping from a patrol car and surrounding the suspect on the ground. The officer instructs his colleagues not to get too close. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Police in other cities with Christmas markets are also on high alert. In Stuttgart, a police spokesperson said that police forces on the ground had been made aware of the situation. In Berlin, a spokesperson said that officers are on higher alert at Christmas markets. The chaotic scenes recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years ago in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. SOURCE: dpa German News Service Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abubakar Sanis blank face masked his mood and made it difficult to decipher the stories his eyes had to tell. From Gwashi, a village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, where he resides, he had watched the evolution of the bandits terrorising the Northwestern part of Nigeria. At first, he said, the attackers didnt kill. They just shot in the air and looted stores and shops. Weeks later, they would return, he told PREMIUM TIMES in September. The bandits also stole livestock whenever they attacked. At one point, they began to kidnap people and demand ransom. Gradually, they instilled fear in Gwashi and adjoining communities, altering the usual order of activities. One of the alterations was in the only primary school in the village, which Mr Sani heads. Four of the seven teachers who live in the local government headquarters in Bukkuyum stopped showing up at school over fear of attacks. Less than a year later in 2021, the school was shut. When they kidnapped some students in Kebbi (another state in the region), we started getting scared, so we decided to shut the school down for things to cool off before we resumed, he said. The school was still shut in September when PREMIUM TIMES interviewed him in Anka LGA of the state. 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 Similar stories abound in rural Zamfara communities affected by banditry, PREMIUM TIMES found through interviews and research covering several local government areas and spanning weeks between September and October. Speaking to residents, teachers, principals and headmasters, PREMIUM TIMES also compiled a list of more than 60 schools like that of Gwashi currently shut due to the fear of bandit attacks in six LGAs. In Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru, Shinkafi, Zurmi and Tsafe LGAs, the situation has robbed thousands of children of their first opportunity at education. Zamfara State already has a fractured basic education system, possessed one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria and was considered an educationally less developed state. (But) the banditry activities have compounded the already existing limited access and poor quality of teaching and learning in rural areas, two researchers at the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, noted in a study of the effect of banditry on educational development. Many parents are afraid to enrol their children in secondary schools, especially in the rural areas affected by the incidences of frequent attacks and kidnapping of secondary school students. S/N Anka LGA Bukkuyum LGA Maru LGA Tsafe LGA Zurmi LGA 1 Makakari primary school Adafka primary school Dangulbi primary school Kucire Gdss Jabanda primary school 2 Gobirawa primary school Dangurumfa primary school Dankurmi primary school Model primary school kucire GSS moriki 3 Galadi, Tarinjaya, primary school Gana primary school Bingi primary school Yandoto primary school Ggss moriki 4 Jarkuka Primary School Gando primary school Kanoma primary school Bilbis primary school Magarya primary school 5 Bawar daji primary school GGDSS Bukkuyum Kuyambana primary school GSS Bilbis Sarkin Zamfara primary zurmi 6 Abare primary school Government science secondary school Bukkuyum Sarkin kudu primary school Dansadau Tazame primary school. Yammayaka primary school 7 Kawaye primary school Gurusu primary school Tungar Ardo primary school Dauran primary school 8 Government Secondary School Waramu Gwashi primary school Dan ma,aji primary school Mashema primary school 9 Sunke primary school Mallamawa primary school Matunji primary school Birnin tsaba primary school. 10 Dawon jiya primary school Nasarawa primary school Gsss Dansadau 11 Tungar Gwarno primary school Zarummai primary school Gdss Dangulbi 12 Tungar Mai Rakumma primary school Zugu primary school 13 Barikushe primary school 14 Dan hayin Bawa primary school 15 Gadar manya primary school 16 Gargam primary school 17 Government Secondary School Barayar zaki 18 Government Secondary School Wuya 19 Kadaddaba primary school 20 Kirsa primary school 21 Matseri primary school 22 Tungar dutsi primary school 23 Tungar liman primary school 24 Yarmatankari primary school 25 Zaga primary school Perpetual casualty of conflicts In Northwest Nigeria, where Zamfara is situated, bandits have terrorised communities by raiding and carting away residents belongings, kidnapping for ransom, using people for forced labour and killing those who resisted. This has been on for over a decade as the authorities struggle to contain the situation. Banditry has altered daily life and every social and economic development aspect in the communities. Education, a perpetual casualty of conflicts, has also suffered, with more children of school age outside of the classroom. With their schools shut, they are losing their first chance at education. Teachers, most of whom live outside of rural communities, cannot show up at schools for fear of attacks, those interviewed told this newspaper. Between 2020 and 2021, the bandits abducted over 1,700 students and teachers in a wave of over 20 attacks, according to data compiled by SBM Intelligence. The situation is believed to have contributed to the countrys number of out-of-school children, now over 20 million, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) making it one of the highest in the world. Decreasing enrolment Nafisa Isa has a widely different schedule nowadays. She and her three school-age children Aliyu, 8; Isa, 7, and Farida, 5 now sleep longer. They no longer have to wake up early for school. In Abare, a village in Anka LGA where she lives, children no longer have to. Mrs Isa teaches at the only primary school in the village. But persistent bandit attacks heightened fear in the minds of parents and teachers, gradually crippling basic education in the town. Fearing for their lives, parents stopped sending their children and wards to school, and teachers stopped returning to school. Its been a year and three months since the school was forced to shut down, she told PREMIUM TIMES in September, explaining that it happened almost organically. Aliyu, her first son, is now enrolled at a carpentry shop where he learns how to make furniture. His siblings spend their day playing with other kids in the area. Theres nothing like going to school, she said. About a dozen other teachers and school heads interviewed for this story corroborated Mrs Isas decreasing enrolment accounts. For instance, Mr Sani said the population in his school steadily decreased as insecurity rose. He said the population once hovered above 250 but declined rapidly to 119 in 2021, the same year it was shut. Muhammad Abdullahi, a lecturer and researcher at Federal University Gusau, said the unfolding situation has a multifaceted disadvantage for Zamfara state. Mr Abdullahi, one of the researchers in a study of the effect of banditry on school enrolment, said the communities are not only suffering at the moment, but their future is also bleak. He noted that the development of any society is championed by the young and educated, and he said these communities need to be improved as the growing population has been made redundant at home. One of the facets of development is to have a youthful population, he said in a telephone interview. Now banditry is making the future youth redundant at home. So it has a multifaceted effect on the state. He said the younger population may endanger the state again because instead of doing something that will assist in development, they may be engaging in what will retrograde the state. Attacks on schools Banditry, which Mr Abdullahi said was also an effect of lack of education, didnt start affecting education until the bandits started drawing inspiration from Boko Haram, the Islamist terrorists active in the countrys North-east. In 2014, Boko Haram shot itself into global notoriety when it abducted over 200 school girls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State an action unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. Borrowing a leaf from the Boko Haram tactics, the bandits staged the first mass abduction of pupils in Kankara in neighbouring Katsina State in December 2020. Riding on motorcycles, they took more than 300 students from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara. The students spent at least seven days with the bandits in the forest before the government negotiated their release. It didnt take long before other bandit groups tried similar abduction. In February 2021, for instance, bandits raided two schools within 10 days. On 17 February 2021, they abducted 41 pupils and teachers from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State. On 26 February 2021, they raided the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State and abducted over 300 schoolgirls. The shutting of schools in volatile communities became a norm in the region. The state government shut down over 70 schools in 2021 after several attacks on schools. However, many more schools were shut due to fear of attacks, some school heads told PREMIUM TIMES. Back to school? No Hadiza Adamu is still haunted by the experience of having a child kidnapped. Her daughter, Hafsat, now 19, was one of the school girls kidnapped from their dormitories in Jangebe in February 2021. It was a harrowing experience, she said, describing the two weeks the students were away with the bandits. I cried so much. I was so scared. I thought about many things that could go wrong. But Im happy they came back. The government tried in that aspect. Hafsat has now re-enrolled at the Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Kwatarkwashi. I didnt want her to go back to boarding school, but I was convinced to allow her to go, she added. However, some of her schoolmates did not return to school. For instance, Raliya Abbas, 20, is already in the third year of her marriage. She quit school after the abduction. I didnt want to experience that again, so I got married, she said. However, she would love to go back to school again because her community needs nurses and midwives. Its simply because of childbirth, she said. We dont have skilled midwives. Thats why I wish to go back to school. Safe School Declaration The fear of bandits forced the Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Gwashi in Bukkuyum LGA, to shut down and reopen four times in the last three years. In the last week of September, two weeks after schools across the country resumed for a new session, Garba Bukkuyum, the principal, was unsure whether his school would resume. Sometimes we would be in the classrooms and hear gunshots and many motorcycles zooming past us, Mr Bukkuyum said. Theres no way you wont be scared. Meanwhile, Bello Ahmad, the Principal of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Lugga, Maru LGA, has resigned to fate. When PREMIUM TIMES approached him one Tuesday afternoon in October, he said it was the first time anyone was asking him about the closure of the school he heads in more than three years. The school was shut in 2021 after the security situation deteriorated. The truth is, the situation is getting better around here, he said. But theres no date for resumption, as conversations about reopening the school have yet to begin. In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Safe Schools Declaration an expression of commitment to protecting students, teachers, and schools from attacks. Two years later, in 2021, the Nigerian government developed the National Policy on Safe Schools and Violence-Free Schools (NPSSVFS). The policy outlines guidelines to keep schools safe for students. However, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) noted in a report monitoring the implementation progress in 10 states, including Zamfara, a significant gap between the policy and its execution. The report assesses the states based on the six areas of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS): strong school systems, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure. According to the report, more than 70 per cent of schools in Zamfara State do not meet the minimum safety standards for schools in the safe school policy. It added that Zamfara is the only state scoring below 50 per cent across all six result areas. The report noted an increase in school infrastructure between mid- and end 2023, notably in making schools and learning centres more child-friendly. It, however, added that despite these gains, scores remain critically low across all areas, especially in Conflict, Everyday Hazards, and Safe School Infrastructure, signalling an urgent need for comprehensive interventions in Zamfara. Holding unto the last shred in bandits depot Elsewhere in Barayar Zaki, Abdulrazak Musa is one of those holding on to the last shred of the education fabric at the Government Day Secondary School (GSS) Barayar Zaki. During this interview, which lasted more than 30 minutes in September, Mr Musa had more to say than time permitted. He had seen and had so much to tell. We are usually the first to know when the bandits arrive, he began telling the story of Barayar Zaki, a community he said is also known as bandits depot. He said the bandits frequently travel by canoe to Barayar Zaki from where they access communities in neighbouring Kaduna, Niger and Sokoto states. A lot has changed since he started working there in 2015. When he joined, there were more than 15 teachers and over 600 students. There are less than 200 students now, he said. Only five teachers still show up. In 2017, the school principal died. (His death is not related to banditry). Mr Musa said another principal was posted to the school, but he didnt show up because of insecurity. Thats why I am acting principal, he said. As you can see, I am young. Mr Musa has been heading the only secondary school in the community for five years. He believes that is his contribution to salvaging the failing education system. Education here is falling apart, but we are trying to hold it together, he said. This story was produced with support from the Tiger Eye Foundation under the On Nigeria programme, funded by the MacArthur Foundation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the 13th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Saturday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including law drafts and reports. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 13th session. Lawmakers reviewed a draft value-added tax law, a draft national park law, a draft law on the publicity and education regarding the rule of law, a draft private sector promotion law, and a draft hazardous chemicals safety law. They deliberated a draft amendment to the law on people's congress deputies, a draft amendment to the supervision law, a draft revision to science and technology popularization law, a draft revision to the anti-unfair competition law, and a draft revision to the fisheries law. Lawmakers also reviewed a draft decision on convening the third session of the 14th NPC, reports on the handling of the suggestions, criticisms and comments submitted by lawmakers at the second session of the 14th NPC, a deputy qualification report, and personnel-related bills, among others. The Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), a group of journalists across print, broadcast and online platforms reporting education, has reelected the Head of the Development Desk at PREMIUM TIMES, Mojeed Alabi, as its chairman for another three-year term. The election was conducted on Thursday during the associations annual general meeting (AGM) at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos. Other new executive members of the association committee include Iyabo Lawal, Education Editor of Guardian Newspaper, as vice chairperson; Funmi Ogundare of ThisDay Newspaper as secretary; and Christiana Alabi-Akande, Managing Editor of DevReporting, as assistant secretary. Other members are Tayo Olorunyomi, Saidat Alausa, and Oyeniran Apata. The electoral process was supervised by a committee chaired by Sam Nzeh, an editor with Daily Times Newspapers. The committee also comprised Adegunle Olugbamila, a former education editor at The Nation Newspaper, and Medinat Kanabe of the Voice of Naija news platform, who served as secretary. Alabi speaks In his acceptance speech, Mr Alabi expressed gratitude to the immediate past executive committee and the associations members for entrusting him with another term. He acknowledged that the decision to reelect him reflects the associations confidence in his leadership. Mr Alabi emphasised the associations commitment to impactful interventions in the education sector. He reaffirmed the importance of quality reporting and advocacy in driving change. It is often said that the reward for hard work is more work. I believe this aptly captures the decision of our esteemed editors and members who have returned us to the ring for another three years of service. It is both an honour and a challenge that we wholeheartedly embrace, Mr Alabi stated. 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 further emphasised the associations need to focus on impactful interventions in the nations education sector. He reaffirmed the new executive committees commitment to upholding quality reporting and prioritising advocacy as a tool for driving change in the education sector. This new term offers us the opportunity to advance the goals of this noble organisation. Beyond reporting, advocacy remains a critical tool, and we reaffirm our commitment to rededicate ourselves to the progress of this great association. With your continued support, we are confident that EWAN will achieve new milestones and create lasting impacts, he said. About Alabi Mr Alabi is an award-winning development and investigative journalist, currently serving as the Head of the Development Desk at PREMIUM TIMES, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and a Masters certificate in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. In his career, Mr Alabi has received numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding work in journalism. He was awarded the Ibrahim Shekarau Prize for Education Reporter of the Year at the Nigerian Media Merit Awards in 2012 and 2017. He also won the Human Rights Reporter of the Year at the Nigerian Media Merit Award in 2018. Additionally, he received the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting in the print category in 2016 and 2018. He was also honoured with the Golden Pen Report of the Year by the Nigerian Breweries Plc in 2017 and 2018. Mr Mojeed Alabi has participated in several international conferences and fellowships. He was a recipient of the WHO Fellowship to the Road Safety Conference in Brazil in 2015. He also attended the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in South Africa in 2017 and in Sweden in 2023. In 2022, he participated in the Global Partnership for Change by Nigerian and European universities in Germany, and he also attended media and researchers collaboration conferences in Tanzania and Kenya in 2023. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has proposed a total expenditure of N540.3 billion in the 2025 appropriation bill he presented to 6th the state House of Assembly on Friday. The budget proposal focuses on completing ongoing projects and social protection for the people of the state. According to Mr AbdulRazaq, capital expenditure constitutes 62.1 per cent of the fiscal plan, while recurrent gets 37.9 per cent. The governor said his administration planned to complete its major infrastructural projects and fund new ones. The budget of economic stability and sustained prosperity funds the completion of ongoing projects like the international conference centre, innovation hub, Patigi Motel, Kwara Hotel, and several roads across the state. Construction will begin on the multi-storey court house and access roads for Smart City project, alongside the development of 250 mass housing units statewide, road construction and the reconstruction of Lafiagi and Offa stadia are also prioritised. Further, we are committed to workers welfare, social protection for the poor, and strengthening mechanised agriculture with the procurement of modern equipment. The social sector gets 32.5 per cent of the plan, while education and health are allotted 16.2 per cent and 10.56 per cent, respectively, with a focus on getting the new University of Education off the ground and strengthening existing institutions across the state. 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 Ministry of Works and Transport gets 17.51 per cent to continue the massive construction and maintenance of roadsacross the state. The governor said the budget proposal reflects our commitment to delivering on promises as resources permit. He added, In 2024, we supported 171,649 farmers, invested in irrigation systems, and provided N2.2 billion worth of farm inputs. We also funded education for 66,000 entrance exam candidates, 58,420 BECE candidates, 28,500 WAEC candidates, and 27,000 NECO candidates. Over 70,000 vulnerable people received social protection, including those impacted by the urban renewal programme. Additionally, 15,000 indigent Kwarans benefited from free medical interventions. The urban renewal programme has transformed the capital city, improving its infrastructure significantly, restoring law and order, and projecting Ilorin as a modern city. While the year recorded unprecedented investment in physical infrastructure and social welfare, we similarly reduced the debt burden of the state to N58.87 billion in the third quarter, down from N109.16bn in December 2023, he said. Governor Abdulrazaq said the budget stands on projected oil prices of $75 per barrel daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and 6.4 per cent GDP growth. READ ALSO: Governor Lawal signs N546b Zamfara 2025 budget into law The funding windows are FAAC receipts, which constitute 48.1 per cent; and opening balance (N62bn), IGR, and other capital receipts that form the balance of 51.9 per cent. The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who commended the governor and assured him of speedy consideration of the fiscal proposal. He said the states investment in the payment of counterpart funds to development partners has bolstered its standing in education, health, and agricultural sectors. On our part as legislators, we will immediately swing into action by looking at the document, and interact with heads of ministries, departments, and agencies at the defence sessions that will be underway shortly. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Rivers State have announced the arrest of Nwile Bete, 30, a suspected kidnap kingpin, during an operation in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The operation also led to the rescue of a 10-year-old boy allegedly abducted by the suspect, according to Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in the state. Mrs Iringe-Koko disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday. She said that Mr Bete allegedly kidnapped the boy on 25 November and demanded a ransom of N5 million for his release. After the minor was abducted, his mother reported the incident to the police, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take swift action, Mrs Iringe-Koko, a superintended of police, said. She explained that officers, acting on credible intelligence, tracked Mr Bete to Rumuekeni School Road in Rumuekeni Town, Port Harcourt, where he was apprehended. While in custody, Bete confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to Sogho village in Khana area, where the boy was rescued unharmed. 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 victim has since been debriefed and reunited with his family, while the suspect remains in custody, she added. Mrs Iringe-Koko confirmed that investigation was ongoing to apprehend other members of Betes gang who are currently at large. She said the suspect would face charges in court at the conclusion of the investigation. This arrest is a significant breakthrough and part of the police commands broader strategy to tackle crime and criminal activities in Rivers state, she said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Saturday said that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational. The NNPC Ltd, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, its chief corporate communications officer on Saturday, made this known in reaction to reports alleging that the refinery had been shut down, just two months after it resumed operations. In its statement, the NNPC said the reports are totally false, noting that the preparations for the days loading operations are currently underway. The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down. We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC. Preparation for the days loading operation is currently ongoing, Mr Soneye said. The NNPC urged members of the public to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip-off Nigerians. Last month, the NNPC Ltd said the Port Harcourt refinery had commenced production after a long period of rehabilitation. 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: NNPC stakeholders sensitisation exercise makes great stop in Taraba The NNPC Ltd said the refinery began truck loading of petroleum products on Tuesday, 26 November. Despite the NNPC Ltds repeated assurance of the refinerys operational status, some have expressed scepticism about its functionality. The Port Harcourt Refineries comprise two units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Cross River State, on Friday, paraded Idongesit Akpan and his wife, Angela, over alleged child theft and trafficking. The police also paraded other suspects over alleged involvement in various kinds of crime in the state. The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogon Grimah, said the couple lured their Facebook friend, Blessing Godday, who lives in Obubara, to Akamkpa with the pretext of giving her a job. Following the promise of a job, she travelled to Akamkpa with her two sons, aged five and three. Upon arrival at Akamkpa on 6 December, they took her and the two children to Aba in Abia State, where she was separated from her children. When Godday could not see her children again, she returned to Akamkpa, traced the suspects home and brought in the police, he said. Mr Grimah said that during an investigation, it was discovered that the suspects had been involved in child theft and trafficking. 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 They had earlier sold a six-year-old child for N800,000. They have concluded plans to sell Goddays children for N2.4 million, he said. The police commissioner described child theft and trafficking as crimes against humanity which should not be condoned in any society. He said that during the year, the command charged 399 cases to court, conclusively prosecuted 19 and got 15 convictions. Four of the cases were discharged but not acquitted, two are on appeal, 376 are awaiting trial, and 48 have been transmitted to the director of public prosecution for advice, he said. Speaking to reports, Mr Akpan admitted luring Ms Godday to Akamkpa with the intention to sell her children, and added, But this is our first time to indulge in child stealing We do not even know how much we would have been given for the sale of the children, we truly regret our actions now, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairperson of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Bashiru Dawodu, has said persons with disabilities can access several offices within the National Assembly complex without experiencing any difficulties. Mr Dawodu, who represents the Oshodi/Isolo constituency of Lagos State, specifically said PWDs access his office located on the first floor of the House of Representatives wing without stress. The lawmaker stated this on Thursday while presenting an award of recognition on behalf of his committee to the management of the United Bank of Africa (UBA). The award is in recognition of its friendly banking services for persons with disabilities. The National Assembly is conducive for persons with disabilities to access. You can see them in my office, and they got here without stress, Mr Dawodu said. He said his committee is committed to ensuring a stress-free environment for the community of persons with disabilities. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the design of the two chambers of the National Assembly is not disability-friendly despite the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. 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 law was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. Section 4 of the Act requires all public buildings to be accessible to PWDs. However, the National Assembly had been violating the Act probably because the authorities did not consider the over 25 million people living with disabilities in the country when designing the chambers 27 years ago. The award On the award, Mr Dawodu said his committee recognised UBA for its friendly banking services to the PWDs, especially the visually impaired. He explained that the committee requested nominations from members of the public, and the majority voted in support of the UBA for its efforts to ensure friendly services to the PWDs. The United Bank of Africa is specifically recognised for its outstanding performance in disability affairs, especially for the visually impaired. This committee is a one-stop shop for the community of persons with disabilities. So, when we were requesting nominations for organisations or agencies that have been great to persons with disabilities, UBA was nominated. Those who sent their nominations to the National Assembly specifically preferred the UBA for their efforts towards the visually impaired in banking. So, that is why UBA is being recognised today specifically for that particular effort, he added. In his response, the Executive Director (North) of the UBA, Alex Alozie, emphasised that the bank is committed to making persons with disabilities comfortable. Mr Alozie said many corporate organisations in the country have excluded PWDs from services, but the UBA management believes they should be given attention to ensure a fair environment. The issue of disability is an aspect most corporate organisations are omitting. Being a socially responsible organisation and a bank, we feel that we need to pay back to society, and we feel that this is one area thats neglected by everybody. That is why UBA comes to lend a helping hand. It will touch a lot of people, and that was the reason UBA decided to pay attention to that, Mr Alozie said. The director also said the visually impaired have a special account with the bank. READ ALSO: Minister urges National Assembly to pass law treating drug addiction as health issue We printed an account opening form for the visually impaired, which was not an easy thing. We distributed them and we have a lot of people that have actually opened an account in UBA across all states in Nigeria, he added. He appreciated the committee for the recognition of the banks efforts to ensure friendly banking services to the PWDs and also assured that the management would continue to prioritise them. I say thank you to the House of Representatives for this honour. I also want to promise that UBA will move on. We have not gotten to the Promised Land, but the most important thing is that we know where we are going, and well get to the Promised Land, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 114,102 children have been vaccinated in Imo State due to an immunisation campaign sponsored by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The states immunisation officer, Chibuzor Okoroama, disclosed this in Owerri on Thursday while briefing reporters on the success of UNICEFs CatchUp Immunisation campaign. The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the programmes implementation in four out of 16 selected council areas, reports that the locals widely accepted it. The four council areas monitored were Njaba, Mbaitoli, Ngor-Okpala, and Owerri North. Ms Okoroama, a family physician, explained that the 16 council areas covered by the programme represented 65 per cent of the targeted coverage as directed by UNICEF. She said the additional council areas include Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, Ideato South, Orsu, Oru East, Nkwerre, and Ohaji-Egbema. According to her, immunisation is the quickest and most effective way to protect children from deadly diseases. 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 She urged parents to ensure their children were promptly vaccinated. She explained that during the immunisation process, the team identified zero-dose and under-immunised children, as well as those who had never been vaccinated. Ms Okoroama highlighted the high cost of vaccines and encouraged parents to take advantage of the free immunisation provided by UNICEF to boost their childrens immunity against diseases. She expressed satisfaction with the campaigns success, despite operational challenges. We conducted micro-planning and implementation training at the state, LGA, and ward levels, beginning on 10 December, right after receiving funding for the project on 9 December. We also used the Open Data Kit for real-time transmission of information about supervision, and we are pleased to confirm that we achieved the expected 65 per cent coverage, Ms Okoroama said. She thanked local vigilante groups in rural communities and security agencies in the state for providing security to public health officers, especially in troubled areas. Ms Okoroama also thanked UNICEF for the programme and reiterated the state governments commitment to provide basic healthcare to Imo residents. Ojiugo Mbamara, whose twin babies were immunised, thanked UNICEF for the initiative and urged the Imo State Government to continue its people-friendly partnerships. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government, in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, has subsidised inputs for 500 farmers to produce 500 metric tonnes of wheat in the Obudu Local Government Area of the state. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the input distribution to the farmers in Obudu on Saturday. Mr Kyari said that both governments decided to subsidise the inputs by paying 75 and 25 per cent, respectively, to spare the farmers the pain of sourcing funds. Represented by Jessem Ubi, the chief administrative officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, the minister said that the wheat cultivation was under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme. According to him, while the government committed N167 million for the 500 wheat farmers in Obudu, the Cross River State Government paid N56 million, representing 75 and 25 per cent, respectively. This payment also includes footing the bill for land preparation for the wheat farmers, and the farmers are expected to cultivate a hectare each, he explained. In his remarks on behalf of the Cross River State Government, the Special Adviser on Agriculture to Governor Bassey Otu, John Shiyam, said that the 500 hectares cultivated by the 500 farmers will be harvested between 85 to 90 days from now. 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 further said that a lot of effort was put into harrowing and irrigation of the 500 hectares of land. Many farmers could not afford to pay the 25 per cent requirement, hence the reason for the state government intervention. We have concluded plans to cultivate 3,000 hectares by July during the rainy season; the 500 hectares are for the dry season, and we are doing this through irrigation. We already have a flour mill in Calabar that went as far as Kano and other northern states for wheat. There is also the Nigeria Brewery, Mr Shiyam said. On his part, the state chapter Chairperson of the Wheat Farmers Association, Alina Peters, stated that the federal government has given each of their members two bags of fertiliser and improved seeds for cultivation. Mr Peters added that the state governor also assisted his members in ploughing and harrowing the land. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that each of the 500 farmers received input, including fertilisers, seeds, and agro chemicals. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dangote Refinery on Saturday said it signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre. The companys Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. On Thursday, Dangote Refinery announced a price reduction from N970 per litre to N899.50 per litre for marketers. The company said the reduction was designed to ease transport costs during the festive period. To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday, Aliko Dangote, founder and president/chief executive of the Dangote Group, was quoted as saying in a statement on Saturday. He called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers to work with them to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices. The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets, 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 Mr Dangote commended President Bola Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which he said, has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country. He thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry. In October, Mr Dangote said his refinery has more than 500 million litres of petrol in stock, but marketers have not been picking up the product. Earlier in November, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) called on Dangote Refinery to engage stakeholders and review its pricing strategy, saying the refinery prices are higher than other suppliers, making it difficult for independent marketers to sell products. IPMAN recently reached an arrangement with Dangote Refinery to directly lift petroleum products for distribution to its members depots and retail outlets nationwide. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, the presidents office said. The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured. PREMIUM TIMES reported the stampede at an Abuja church that claimed many lives. The exact number of victims is yet to be ascertained as of the time of this report. The stampede occured at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama District of Abuja on Saturday morning It occurred during a palliative distribution event organised by the church to support poor residents of the Nigerian capital. One of the events the president pulled out of was the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta organised by the Lagos government. 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 Nigerian leader is in Lagos, his home state, to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays. Mr Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga wrote in a statement on Saturday. Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies. Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately, Mr Onanuga wrote. He said the president noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week. PREMIUM TIMES reported the Ibadan stampede at a childrens funfair that led to the death of 35 minors. Mr Onanuga quoted the president as saying local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities. While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured. He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety, the spokesperson wrote. In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them, President Tinubu was quoted as saying. The president wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life, a successful and hitch-free festival. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is outraged by the killing of World Food Programme (WFP) staff members in an aerial bombardment in Sudan, and calls for a thorough investigation, his spokesperson said Friday. Three WFP personnel were killed when their office in Yabus, Blue Nile State was hit by airstrikes on Thursday, the agency confirmed on social media, and said they are gathering more information. In a statement, Guterres sent his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and their colleagues. The UN chief condemned all attacks on UN and aid personnel and facilities, and called for a thorough investigation. "Yesterday's incident underscores the devastating toll that Sudan's brutal conflict is having on millions of people in need and the humanitarians trying to reach them with life-saving assistance," he said. Guterres called on the parties to adhere to their obligations to protect civilians, including aid personnel, as well as humanitarian premises and supplies. The UN chief once again urged the need for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan after more than 20 months of conflict. "The United Nations will continue to back international mediation efforts and work with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war," he said. "Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unconscionable. Humanitarians are not, and must never be, a target," WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said Friday, demanding a thorough investigation and "for the perpetrators to be held accountable." The year 2024 is the deadliest on record for aid workers in Sudan, according to the United Nations. The Nigerian government has denied any involvement in the recent attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline. The attack is believed to have been launched by Lakurawa, a terrorist group operating in the border communities between Nigeria and Niger. In a statement issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the government expressed its condolences to the Nigerien government over the incident but dismissed the accusation it played any role in it. The ministry said the terrorist group did not receive any support from the Nigerian government or its security forces to attack the oil pipeline located in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger. The government informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups, the ministry said. The ministry reaffirmed the countrys commitment to combating terrorism and made it clear that it does not condone or support the actions of terrorist groups. The ministry also dismissed allegations of French military presence in northern Nigeria aimed at destabilising the Nigerien government. It described these allegations as unfounded and urged the public to disregard them entirely. 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 relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, characterised by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each others internal affairs, the ministry said. It also said, Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Nigeria and its northern neighbour following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigeria led ECOWAS to impose sanctions on Niger following the coup and requested that the putschists release Mr Bazoum. ECOWAS threatened military invasion if its demands were not met but later walked back on its threat. Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, subsequently announced its exit from ECOWAS. ECOWAS has since stopped its sanctions and appealed to the three countries not to leave the regional body. Niger-Benin oil pipeline The Niger-Benin oil pipeline is set to become the largest oil pipeline in Africa. Spanning nearly 2,000 km long 1,250 km of which lies within Niger the pipeline connects the Agadem oil fields in eastern Niger, a region frequently targeted by deadly jihadist attacks, to the Beninese port of Seme. With a modest production of 20,000 barrels per day, Niger, one of the poorest states in the world, became an oil producer in 2011. Construction of the oil pipeline began in 2019 and was supposed to be completed in 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it. The pipeline has suffered violent attacks, with the most recent attack occurring on Tuesday. According to reports in Nigerien media, the Niger-Benin pipeline was bombed between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region. Previously, during a meeting with the charge daffaires at the Nigerian embassy in Niger, the Niger Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Sangare, said there are reports alleging Nigerias security forces were involved in the attack. READ ALSO: Edo election tribunal adjourns sitting According to the minister, there are allegations of collaboration between Nigerian security forces and exiled Nigerien dignitaries accused of subversive activities. He also raised the alleged establishment of Nigerian military camps in Gigani and Gidan Kata, near the Niger border. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed concerns about the deaths recorded in the last few days at events where palliatives and relief items were being distributed in the country. Mr Egbetokun, therefore, warned organisers of such events to, henceforth, involve the police. This is contained in a statement by the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday. On 18 December, 35 minors died, while six others were critically injured during a funfair at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. Also, an undisclosed number of people also died on Saturday during another stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigerias southeast. The same day, 10 persons died when a Catholic church in Abuja was distributing relief materials to the vulnerable. Mr Egbetokun said the trend is worrisome and called for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of the country, especially the vulnerable youth and the elderly. 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 IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. He said the lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance. In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities, Mr Adejobi wrote. Read the full police statement below. IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS. As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period. This trend is worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly. This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general. It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a childrens fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured. In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured. A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment. The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance. In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities. The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless. The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery. ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. 21ST DECEMBER, 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Obijackson Foundation has expressed deep sorrow over the fatal stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. Obijackson Foundation is founded by a renowned entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that many people were killed during the stampede in the community on Saturday. Residents had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by Mr Obiejesi through the foundation when the incident happened. The number of casualties is not yet certain. Heartbreak In a statement on Saturday, the Foundation said it was painful that an exercise aimed at supporting the less privileged during the Yuletide season, turned into a tragedy which claimed lives and left several families grieving. This tragedy breaks our hearts, the Foundation stated. 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 annual rice-sharing event is a labour of love, aimed at bringing joy and relief to those in need. That it resulted in such sorrow is devastating beyond words. The Foundation commiserated with the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, the bereaved families, and the Okija Community over the loss of lives in the incident. Praise for security operatives The Foundation hailed security operatives and rescue workers for their swift response which helped mitigate the impact of the incident. As the community mourns, the Foundation reiterated its commitment to supporting those affected and continuing its charitable endeavors in more controlled and secure ways. The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is usually a joyous season in Okija, but the Obijackson Foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to serve the less privileged, the Foundation stated. Continuing, it added: The incident, though heartbreaking, further strengthens the profound love and dedication the Obijackson Foundation has for the people of Okija. Through this challenging moment, the Foundation has reaffirmed its resolve to serve the people, while ensuring its legacy of kindness and compassion do not waver. Investigation The Foundation announced that it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy thoroughly to implement enhanced safety measures for future events. We humbly seek the understanding of our community as we reflect on this painful moment. This setback will not deter us from our mission to serve the vulnerable and uplift those in need, the statement read. We will learn from this experience and strive to do better. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued new guidelines requiring individuals and organisations planning public events, charity activities, or large gatherings in Abuja to notify it in advance. The Spokesperson for the Command, Josephine Adeh, announced the measures in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. The guidelines come in the wake of a deadly stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja earlier on Saturday, claiming 10 lives and leaving several injured during a food distribution at the churchs Car Park. Similar tragic incidents occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State and Okija in Anambra State this week, claiming many lives, including children. Ms Adeh emphasised the need for organisers to prioritise safety by ensuring adequate security arrangements before embarking on an event that would bring many people. To prevent such unfortunate incidents, the Command hereby directs that all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the police command in advance. This will allow for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety, she said. She warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in organisers being held liable for any loss of life or other consequences. 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 PRESS RELEASE TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN MAITAMA: FCT POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR STRICT ADHERENCE TO EVENT NOTIFICATION The FCT Police Command expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care. The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand. The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu psc, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time. To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence. The FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234. SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The highlight of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Authority of Heads of State and Government Summit of 15 December, was the formalisation of its break up. Three of the 15-Member countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic which are now ruled by military regimes, had given notice of withdrawal. Some of us had hoped that while ECOWAS would acknowledge the three countries notice, it would stall for a political solution. It should be a very serious issue for even one country to leave, not to talk of three which is one fifth of the entire membership. Unfortunately, the Heads of State went technical and formalised the withdrawal. They ruled that in accordance with Article 91 of ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993: The three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29th January 2025. The fact that only seven of the 15 Heads of State attended the summit, did not dissuade it. Apart from the three, Guinea, another country ruled by the military, did not attend, Sierra Leone was represented by its Vice President, Togo and Benin sent Ministers, while Cape Verde sent its ambassador in host country, Nigeria. To concretise the break up, the summit directed the ECOWAS President to launch the withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January It then directed the ECOWAS Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both the separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso. 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 After taking these definitive and far- reaching decisions, the Heads of State added an interesting resolution: The Authority decides to set the period from 29th January 2025 to 29th July 2025 as a transitional period and keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries. So why shut the windows and doors in the first place? Why didnt the Presidents delay their decision to formalise the break up by this six-month period? Is this decision an indication of confusion, a revelation of internal contradictions or a tacit admission of guilt by ECOWAS for pushing these countries to the exit door by making the military invasion of Niger its first option rather than dialogue? The reality is that the decision of the three countries to exit the ECOWAS is primarily due to its gross mismanagement of the 26 July, 2023 coup in Niger Republic. Rather than dialogue with the coup plotters, ECOWAS, buoyed by Western powers, immediately declared war. At its extra ordinary summit on 30 July, 2023, that is four days after the coup, ECOWAS Heads of State read the riot act to the new leaders in Niger. They ordered the immediate surrender of power and reinstatement of former President Mohammed Bazoum, closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger; institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger; suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. They also ordered a freeze of utility services, assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and commercial banks, and suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions. The ECOWAS leaders gave Niger one week within which to comply or they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force. They then ordered the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to restore constitutional order in Niger. Four days later, the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs met to work out invasion plans which they approved at their August 17, 2023 meeting in Accra, Ghana. Western powers openly revealed that they were behind the planned invasion. The German Foreign Ministry in a statement declared: Our goal is to restore the constitutional order. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna also gave Niger an order to either handover power or face invasion by ECOWAS. However, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso rejected the invasion plans. The last two on 18 August 18, 2023 issued a statement that: Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali. The groundswell of opposition, including by the Nigerian people which shares borders with Niger and whose government was leading the invasion plan, led to its abortion. The three countries mainly out of protest, then gave notice of their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Given this background, ECOWAS was this week, too quick to formalise the separation. This is more so when behind the powdered face it displayed at its summit, the regional body is all battered. Apart from the three that are leaving, another member, Guinea, also run by the military, is clearly in bed with them. This may have been responsible for its absence at the ECOWAS Summit. Three of the remaining eleven- member countries are run by civilian coup plotters who have subverted the constitutions of their countries and are running authoritarian regimes no different from military regimes except that they wear suits rather than military fatigue. In Guinea Bissau, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a retired General, in May 2022 carried out a coup and dissolved parliament. In new parliamentary elections on June 4, 2023, he again lost. So, on 4 December, 2023 he executed a second coup, dissolving parliament and subordinating the judiciary to his rule. This remains the situation. President Alssane Dramane Ouattara of Cote dIvoire after exhausting his two terms in office, illegally awarded himself an unconstitutional third term. Ivoriens who protested this illegality were murdered on the streets. President Faure Gnassingbe organised his first coup in 2005 after his father, Eyadema, a veteran coup plotter, died. After serving three terms in office, he got the Togolese constitution changed in order to have two extra terms in office which would end in 2030 by which time he would have been Togolese President for 25 years. Who knows, he may yet try to equal his fathers record who imposed himself as president for 38 years. So, today, seven of the 15 ECOWAS Heads of State, are coup plotters. Therefore, a primary task of ECOWAS is not to decide which coup plotters are acceptable and which are not. Rather, it needs a general restructuring in favour of democracy and a people-oriented regional body. ECOWAS also needs to align itself with the basic principles of sovereignty. It should know that its endorsement of the West African Gas Pipeline Project otherwise called the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, is criminally illegal as the pipeline passes through Western Sahara without the consent of that country which is a brother country of the African Union, AU. At 49, ECOWAS is no longer a baby. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama District of Abuja on Saturday morning left 10 people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event organised by the church to support poor residents of the Nigerian capital amidst Nigerias worst cost-of-living crisis. The National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Mike Umoh, confirmed the incident to journalists but did not disclose the number of people who died. Yes, its true, but the details are sketchy, he said in a brief statement. Police speak The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that 10 persons, including four children, died in the tragic incident while eight others were injured. The police also said four of those injured had been treated and discharged. 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 This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 a.m., led to a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries. Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care, the statement read. Ms Adeh said that organisations organising charitable events or large gatherings should notify the police to forestall such incidents in the future. To prevent such unfortunate incidents, the Command hereby directs that all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the police Command in advance. This will allow for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety, she said. The police warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in organisers being held liable for any loss of life or other consequences. It also commiserated with the families of the victims of the incident. FEMD confirms The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), in a statement by its spokesperson, Nkechi Isa, also confirmed that the stampede claimed 10 lives, including four children, It, however, said 10 persons were injured while nine of them have been discharged from the hospital. The stampede occurred while the church was distributing palliatives to the less privileged members of the society. The unfortunate incident occurred at 6.30 a.m. today. Nine of the injured persons who were taken to Maitama District Hospital have been discharged, the statement said. Ms Isa said the agencys Director General, Abdulrahman Mohammed, commiserated with the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja, and family members of the stampede victims. She said Mr Mohammed has appealed to organisations that intend to give food items to the less privileged and to involve security agencies or FEMD. According to her, the DG also advised such organisations to use coupons and divide the prospective beneficiaries into groups to avoid stampedes. He further appealed to residents to use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any disaster. How it happened When PREMIUM TIMES visited the church, the shoes and clothes of some of the victims of the stampede were noticed littering the expansive car park. One of the survivors, who asked not to be named, told this newspaper on the churchs premises that chaos started at about 6 a.m. when thousands of residents scrambled to receive relief items. We came in the morning to collect rice and clothes at the parish car park, but people started forcing their way instead of queuing. One of the parishs security personnel said over 3,000 people, including children, mainly from nearby settlements such as Mpape and Gishiri Village, had gathered for the event. He said many scrambled to get the items when the unfortunate incident occurred. He said the injured victims were taken to the hospital. Like Ibadan, like Okija The latest incident comes days after 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, south-west Nigeria. Also on Saturday, many people were killed during a stampede in Okija in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, while taking part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by an entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2024 Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has adjourned until 13 January to hear a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Monday Okpebholos victory. The petitioners, Asue Ighodalo and the PDP, are challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)s declaration of Mr Okpebholo as the winner of the 21 September poll. According to INEC, Mr Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 291,667 votes against Mr Ighodalo, who got 247,274 votes. Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the chairperson of the tribunal, adjourned for hearing following the adoption of the pre-hearing report. In a pre-hearing report adopted on Saturday, the parties agreed to call a total of 290 witnesses. The report outlined the timeframe for examining witnesses, with 40 minutes allocated for the examination-in-chief for each star witness, 30 minutes for cross-examination by petitioners, and 20 minutes for cross-examination by each respondent. Other agreements reached by the parties include allocating 10 minutes for re-examination of each star witness and 25 minutes for examination-in-chief for other ordinary witnesses. 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 petitioners are expected to call their witnesses within 21 days or less, while respondents will have 10 days each to call their witnesses. READ ALSO: Edo govt lifts suspension on state security corps According to the report, the tribunal would sit daily from 10 a.m., except on Sundays and other public holidays gazetted by law. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen have killed two police operatives in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, south-east Nigeria. The attack occurred at about 6 a.m. on Thursday at Umuluole Junction along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. The attackers, said to be 25 in number, opened fire on the police operatives who were on patrol, killing two of them at the spot. The hoodlums also razed a pickup truck belonging to the police operatives during the attack. Sources said the gunmen also snatched three AK-47 rifles from the operatives. The slain operatives including an inspector have been identified but PREMIUM TIMES is withholding their names until their families are notified. Police speak The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and killings in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday night. 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 Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the commands tactical unit and operational assets to track down the attackers. The commissioner of police emphasised that the command is fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice and restoring security to the area, he said. The spokesperson said the police commissioner has also visited the scene of the attack and also assured residents of the area of their safety during this festive season. He said the Chairperson of Okigwe Local Government Area, Nkechi Mbonu, was part of the delegation during the visit. Mrs Mbonu, according to the statement, reaffirmed support for the security agencies and assured that the state government will continue to assist with the needed logistics to safeguard the area. On his part, the Sariki Hausawa of Gariki Market in the area, Muhazu Mohammed, promised that he will continue to support security agencies with information that will assist in ensuring the safety of residents of the area. Increased attack Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. The Nigerian government has accused separatist group IPOB of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks. IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of the south-south Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Many people were killed on Saturday during a stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. Witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that the victims had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by a renowned entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. Video clips, recorded shortly after the incident, have gone viral on social media. In one of the clips, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, several persons, mainly women, were lying lifeless on the ground. One of the witnesses and an indigene of the community, Nduka Eze, told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred at about 6 a.m. on Saturday. Mr Eze explained that some residents had circled at the gate of Mr Obiejesis residence since Friday ahead of the proposed sharing of the rice on Saturday. He said while the residents were at the gate, some other residents arrived which resulted in the people pushing one another in order to enter the compound. 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 Mr Eze stressed that the sharing of the rice was slated to take place at 8 a.m. but the stampede happened at the gate around 6 a.m. It was an unfortunate situation, he said. Mr Eze said as of 12 noon, 19 people had been confirmed dead while many others were unconscious. Some corpses were taken to Our Ladys Hospital, Okija. I went there too, he said. Police speak The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday afternoon. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said although some people were killed during the incident, the details were still sketchy. The spokesperson said police operatives have been deployed in the area for proper investigation. Like Ibadan, like Okija The latest development occurred days after 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigerias South-west. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print SANAA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Saturday claimed responsibility for a fresh "ballistic missile attack" on central Tel Aviv, which reportedly resulted in casualties among Israelis. "In support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen, we targeted a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied Jaffa area (Tel Aviv) with a hypersonic ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "The missile hit the target accurately after the Israeli defense systems failed to intercept it," he said. "We salute the Mujahideen (Hamas fighters) in the Gaza Strip and their ongoing heroic operations against the Israeli enemy and confirm that we will continue to support you until the (Israeli) aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted," the Houthi military spokesperson added. Hours earlier, the Israeli media reported that at least 14 people were injured in the Houthi missile attack. "Sirens sounding across central Israel due to a missile fired from Yemen," the Israel Defense Forces said on X, formerly Twitter, in the early hours on Saturday. The Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv came two days after the Israeli airstrikes bombed power stations and fuel storage facilities in Houthi-held areas in northern Yemen, killing nine Yemenis. The Houthi group has been controlling much of northern Yemen since late 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been carrying out rocket and drone attacks against Israeli cities and "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea, to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. BEIJING, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From exquisite craftsmanship to traditional Chinese medicine, from solemn rituals to vibrant folk art, intangible cultural heritage weaves the tapestry of Chinese identity. For centuries, the essential elements of intangible cultural heritage have been passed down from master to apprentice, and from generation to generation. In this series, the Global Times culture desk will walk readers through China's most renowned traditions. Decorated with patterns like the butterfly that symbolize the maternal love and vitality, Miao embroidery is not only China's Intangible Culture Heritage (ICH) embroidery style, but a distinct art dubbed as the "wordless epic" of China's Miao ethnic minority group. The Miao ethnic minority group boasts a rich history but lacks a systematic written language. In lieu of writing, generations of the Miao people developed a tradition of stitching patterns on cloth to document their daily lives, migration stories and cultural beliefs. This tradition not only marks the origin of Miao embroidery, but also elevates it beyond mere craftsmanship. It serves as an artful expression of the Miao people's chronicles that continues to resonate in the modern era. More than stitches Miao communities are mainly distributed in Southwest China's Guizhou Province, and Miao embroidery originated in various areas across the province, including its southeastern counties of Leishan and Jianhe, and Kaili city. Taking the Leishan Miao embroidery as an example, it is known for creating multi-dimensional designs through intricate stitching techniques known as "lock embroidery" and "braid embroidery." By braiding colored silk threads, the embroidery exhibits relief-like aesthetics and features layered compositions. "Although 3D design is also used in Chaoshan [in east Guangdong Province] embroidery, its presence in Miao art is tied to more mythical and folklore-related aesthetics," Qiu Xiaoyan, an embroidery expert, shared with the Global Times. The cultural symbolism behind the Leishan Miao embroidery is what earned its recognition as a national-level ICH item in 2006. A key motif in the Leishan Miao embroidery is the combination of "butterfly, gourd, bird and petal," which depicts a legendary Miao tale in which birds rescue a child who has fallen into a gourd. Nowadays, this particular motif can still be seen on children's clothing, representing blessings of health and prosperity. In addition to the Leishan branch, Miao embroidery, based on different villages' indigenous tales, has developed more than 100 niche styles characterized by diverse patterns. In the eastern part of the province, Miao people use animal patterns such as phoenix and Chinese dragon to convey the meaning of happiness. Other patterns, like the centipede-shaped dragon, the "yin and yang fish" and the sun, reveal China's Miao people's reverence for nature as well as their longing for harmony. Unlike some embroidery traditions that focus on realism, Miao embroidery is characterized by a combination of abstract imagery and familiar motifs. Taking the "yin and yang fish" as an example, the fish is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. But the two fish symbolizing male and female in Miao embroidery denote wishes for a happy marriage. Therefore, this pattern often appears on Miao wedding dress, and is often embroidered by the bride. There exists a wealth of Miao embroidery patterns, but they all aim to "depict the evolving cultural narratives of the Miao ethnic group," Niu Hongjuan, an expert of Chinese fashion history, told the Global Times. Following the Miao people's historical migration, the embroidery embodying ethnic cultural narrative has been spread to other places such as South China's Hainan Province. The province is home to China's Li ethnic minority. Through the integration of the two ethnic cultures, seaside plants and ethnic Li people fairytales started to emerge among the themes represented in traditional Miao embroidery. "Miao embroidery exemplifies how diverse Chinese ethnic cultures take inspiration from each other through exchanges," Qiu told the Global Times. Looking to the future Considered as a kind of handicraft, the Miao embroidery has been treated as a practical daily necessity to be passed down through generations. By noting the Miao embroidery is traditionally practiced by women, Yang Chunlin, a young inheritor of Miao Embroidery, told the Global Times that a girl's embroidery journey in his village often starts at the age of 7 or 8, and then it will continue throughout her lifetime. "It is like a cycle, but each generation of Miao embroiderers have their own personal preferences, and will add some new elements to the tradition," Yang emphasized. It is because of such consistent inherence of the Miao embroidery that the ICH is then able to reach more people, including overseas visitors, Yang told the Global Times. Apart from being an ICH inheritor, Yang has also established his own Miao embroidery brand. As the Miao embroidery's trendsetter, he gathered old embroidery pieces from a flea market in his hometown, Kaili to launch an "old embroidery rejuvenation" program that promotes sustainable Miao fashion. In September, a total of 40 Chinese Miao embroidery artists, including Yang and his mother, were invited to the London Fashion Week in the UK. The team brought a Miao embroidery piece inspired by patterns of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) glazed tile, which was put on display at the show. Commenting on the event, Yang told the Global Times that he considers embroidery as a window for people to see the depth of traditional Chinese culture." "The ethnic embroidery serves as an excellent entry point to showcase Chinese culture to the world," Niu told the Global Times, adding that there is a "definite trend" for more Chinese ethnic ICH items to be staged on the global fashion stage in the future. SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily: Construction of a new campus of the University of Macau is underway in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Covering approximately 375,600 square meters, it is expected to open in 2028, accommodating faculties such as medicine, information technology, design and engineering. Over the past three years, Hengqin has endeavored to aid in Macaos moderately diversified industrial development while constructing a livable and workable space for its residents The new campus will also house institutes for interdisciplinary and advanced research, as well as the UM's Hengqin center for higher education, in cooperation with industry, academia and research. Speaking at the Dec 9 groundbreaking ceremony, Ho Iat-seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, said the new campus "signifies a new milestone in the collaborative development and deep cooperation between Macao and Hengqin, and will further promote Macao's faster integration into the national development framework". Construction of UM's new campus in the Hengqin cooperation zone is spurred by its vision to promote the high-quality development, as well as helping it achieve the strategic alignment of its "four new" sectors: sci-tech research and high-end manufacturing; traditional Chinese medicine; cultural tourism, convention and exhibition; and modern finance. Hengqin and Macao are close neighbors. In September 2021, the central government issued a general plan for building a Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, leading to the establishment of an administration staffed by both mainland and Macao officials at all levels. Over the past three years, Hengqin has endeavored to aid in Macao's moderately diversified industrial development while constructing a livable and workable space for its residents. To this end, the integration of Hengqin and Macao is setting the course for a new era of close collaboration between the two regions. In terms of industrial planning, Hengqin's "four new" sectors blend with Macao's "1+4" industry diversification strategy, which involves promoting the growth of one key sector tourism and leisure alongside the advancement of the big health, modern finance and high-tech industries, as well as conventions, exhibitions, culture and sports. According to official data, as of the end of October, there were 6,521 Macao-funded businesses in the cooperation zone. In the first three quarters of this year, the added value of Macao-funded industries reached 2.63 billion yuan ($360.32 million), representing a year-on-year increase of 111.2 percent. As of the end of November, the number of "four new" industry enterprises had grown to 31,506, up 6.3 percent from the end of 2021. As well, in the first three quarters, the added value of "four new" industries reached 21.6 billion yuan, accounting for 57.8 percent of the cooperation zone's GDP. In addition, Macao's economic diversification efforts have yielded notable results. In 2023, the added value of key sectors such as TCM and modern financial services surged to 39.05 billion Macao patacas, marking a 6.9 percent increase from 2019. Meanwhile, the gaming industry's contribution to the local GDP saw a significant 14-percentage-point decline compared to 2019. Hengqin has been steadfast in its commitment to establishing a destination that enhances the quality of life and employment opportunities for Macao residents. In a groundbreaking collaboration between the governments of Guangdong and Macao, the Macau New Neighborhood project was officially introduced in 2023 to satisfy the needs of Macao residents many of whom have since relocated to Hengqin, benefiting from essential amenities such as Macao-centric schools, community services, and household assistance. As a result, the cooperation zone is progressively evolving into a distinctive enclave, embodying the essence of a fresh beginning for Macao residents. On March 1, the cooperation zone announced implementation of a policy of "opening up the first line and controlling the second line" under the close-loop customs arrangements, marking a pivotal stride toward an integrated and open framework in sync with Macao. The boundary between Hengqin and Macao was designated as the "first line", while the boundary between Hengqin and other parts of the mainland was designated the "second line". "This move directly benefits the advancement of technology R&D, TCM and other Macao-branded industries, as well as advanced manufacturing companies in the cooperation zone," said a business operator, noting that the concerted efforts of a series of policies are expected to drive Hengqin and Macao to accelerate formation of a complete industry chain system and cultivate more productive forces. Since the implementation of the management policy, the daily average inbound and outbound person times at the "first line" port stands at around 62,000, with approximately 6,700 vehicle trips, while the daily average number of vehicle trips leaving the island through the various channels of the "second line" is about 53,000. The number of inbound and outbound passengers passing through Hengqin Port has exceeded 20 million since the start of 2024, setting a new record. In addition, the Macao light rail Hengqin line opened on Dec 2, further enhancing cross-boundary travel for residents. "It is more convenient to conduct business and entrepreneurship between Hengqin and Macao," said Leong Ka-seng, a Macao entrepreneur who has operated tea restaurants in Hengqin for nearly 10 years. "The integration of regulations and systems between Hengqin and Macao is constantly deepening, and Hengqin is a vibrant and energetic place for doing business," he said. SOURCE China Daily Mid-inclination orbit provides more SAR-imaging opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe for ICEYE customers. HELSINKI, Finland, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, announced today that it has launched two new satellites to its constellation of SAR satellites. Both satellites expand the availability of ICEYE's latest imaging technology to deliver additional 25 cm imaging capacity. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched as part of the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. Both satellites have established communication, and early routine operations are underway. With today's launch, ICEYE has successfully launched 40 satellites into orbit since 2018, with nine satellites launched in 2024 alone. ICEYE expands its Earth Observation capabilities with launch of two SAR satellites for mid-inclination orbit on the Bandwagon-2 mission with SpaceX. The new SAR satellites were launched into mid-inclination orbits; compared to a polar orbit, these mid-inclination orbits provide more than twice the collection opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe. ICEYE customers have many areas of interest in these middle latitudes (+/- 45 degrees), and these customers will benefit from increased persistence over these regions. Customers with imaging interests outside these middle latitudes will continue to benefit from the frequent revisit enabled by ICEYE's dozens of satellites in polar orbits. ICEYE's unique mix of mid-inclination and polar orbits provides its customers with deep revisit capabilities for targets all around the globe. The new satellites will serve ICEYE's commercial missions as part of the world's largest SAR satellite constellation owned and operated by ICEYE. Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE said: "This launch marks another significant milestone in ICEYE's ability to provide our customers with a rich diversity of collection opportunities. We bolster our industry-leading SAR constellation and expand our customers' collection opportunities in the areas most important to them." Today's launch is another step forward in ICEYE's steady drumbeat of innovative breakthroughs in Earth Observation. This year alone, ICEYE has, for example, introduced Dwell Precise, a new 25 cm imaging mode that offers its customers the highest-fidelity 25cm imaging capability, and adds advanced capability to ICEYE's line of Dwell products; launched an API that allows customers to directly task its SAR satellite constellation; and launched ICEYE Ocean Vision to provide actionable intelligence for maritime domain awareness. About ICEYE ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before. Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable high-quality data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, UAE, Greece, and the US. We have more than 700 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. Media contact: [email protected] Visit www.iceye.com and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights. SOURCE ICEYE FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is representing families in wrongful death claims resulting from fatal slip and fall accidents throughout Florida. These incidents, often caused by hazardous conditions in businesses, apartment complexes, and public areas, can leave families devastated and seeking justice. "Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe," said Jason Turchin, Esq. "When negligence leads to a tragic loss, families deserve answers and accountability." Common Causes of Fatal Slip and Falls: Wet or slippery floors without proper warnings Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks or flooring Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways Neglected spills or debris in public spaces Steps for Families After a Fatal Slip and Fall: Preserve Evidence: Document the scene, gather witness information, and request accident reports. Seek Legal Advice: Consult an attorney experienced in wrongful death and premises liability claims. Understand Your Rights: Families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases, advocating for families to hold negligent property owners accountable and secure compensation for their losses. The firm also handles wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of families who lost a loved one in a car accident in Florida. Causes of a Fatal Car Accident in Florida Negligent Drivers: When a driver fails to use reasonable care and causes a fatal car accident in Florida , the driver and vehicle owner may be liable for wrongful death. When a driver fails to use reasonable care and causes a fatal car accident in , the driver and vehicle owner may be liable for wrongful death. Construction Road Hazards: Road construction can contribute to an accident. Road construction can contribute to an accident. Dram Shop: Bars who serve alcoholics or underage drivers could be liable for crashes due to intoxication. "Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive legal representation for grieving families," added Turchin. For more information or to schedule 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 wrongful death and personal injury cases nationwide. Jason Turchin, Esq. has been featured in media outlets such as CBS Evening News, Forbes, and Rolling Stone. Contact: Jason Turchin (800) 337-7755 [email protected] SOURCE Law Offices of Jason Turchin NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI). On March 7, 2024, the Company announced its financial results for 3Q2024, disclosing that its Automotive Segment generated only $139.7 million in net sales for the quarter and suffered an $11 million loss from operations, and that it was withdrawing its prior guidance due in substantial part to the "operational challenges" at its Monterrey facility and that its prior statements regarding the guidance should no longer be relied upon. Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws, which remains ongoing. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Methode's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Methode shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-833-938-0905 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-mei/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner [email protected] 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200 New Orleans, LA 70163 SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC San Bernardino Workers Put Pressure on $2 Trillion Corporation to Recognize Union SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday at 12 p.m. PST, Amazon Teamsters at the KSBD air hub in San Bernardino joined their co-workers on strike against the corporation's relentless greed. Thousands of Teamsters are striking at DBK4 and JFK8 in New York City; DGT8 in Atlanta; DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California; DCK6 in San Francisco; and DIL7 in Skokie, Ill., in addition to picketing at hundreds of Amazon facilities across the country. Amazon forced its workers to strike by illegally refusing to negotiate for a labor agreement. The corporation has ignored repeated demands to bargain for a contract. "These workers have the courage to face down a giant and the conviction to demand what they've rightfully earned. No matter how hard Amazon tries to hold them down, our members' spirits are strong and will never be broken," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. The Teamsters Union represents nearly 10,000 Amazon workers at 10 warehouses and delivery stations. Even though Amazon is worth $2 trillion, workers are forced to work for low wages in unsafe working conditions. "We don't want to be on the picket line this close to the holidays, but Amazon left us no other option," said Ayden Huett, a worker at KSBD. "Amazon has shown time and again that they will not improve how they treat us unless we fight. And that's exactly what we're doing." KSBD is Amazon's largest air hub on the West Coast. Over 1,000 workers from the facility have unionized with the Teamsters. "We know how vital KSBD is to Amazon," said Tobias Cheng, a worker at the air hub. "For how much we do for this company, we deserve higher pay, better benefits, and safer work conditions." 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: [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters One Lucky Couple will Win an Unforgettable "I Do" at a One-of-a-Kind Whataburger Wedding on the Las Vegas Strip SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Say "I do" with a Whataburger in hand and love in the air! This Valentine's Day, Whataburger is making heartsand taste budsswoon by giving one lucky couple the ultimate prize: a Whataburger wedding at its Las Vegas location on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. From the ceremony to the reception, and a few surprise touches along the way, Whataburger will cover the details. You just bring the love! Tell us your story for a chance to have your dream Whatawedding To enter for a chance to win this unforgettable Whatawedding, eligible fans are invited to submit a 30-to 45-second video sharing their unique love story and how Whataburger became part of it. Did you meet your soulmate in the drive-thru? Fall head over heels during a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit date? Or maybe Whataburger was there for your late-night snack runs? Whatever your story, Whataburger wants to hear it. Fans can submit their videos here from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30. The winner is expected to be announced before Jan. 14just in time to plan the Whatawedding of their dreams. For more information about Whatawedding, how to enter, and official contest rules, visit http://stories.whataburger.com/whataburger-2025-whatawedding-contest/ . No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. About Whataburger Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7. Our original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and we pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That's what's led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we've stayed close to our roots while building systemwide revenue of more than $4 billion annually across our 16-state footprint and over 1,070 restaurants. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That's why we're among QSR Magazine's Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023. Want to become part of our orange spirit? Apply to become a Family Member (what we call our employees) at whataburger.com/careers . Just hungry for a great meal? Download our app on iOS or Android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger-branded merchandise and selected sauces, including our famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup, at WhataStore.com . Find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores . See our press kit for a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information. Press Contact Bryan Gonzales | [email protected] | 512-797-8579 | [email protected] SOURCE Whataburger MT. STERLING, Ohio, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WillowWood, a global leader in prosthetic solutions, is proud to announce its receipt of the prestigious Gold Anthem Award Honor in the Product and Innovation category for its 2024 rebrand. The award recognizes the transformative collaboration with DD.NYC that has redefined WillowWood's visual identity, emphasizing its mission to improve mobility, push the forefront of the prosthetic industry, and enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide. DD.NYC's WillowWood Rebrand wins Gold in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, recognizing work across five areas of impact including Awareness, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service, and Team & Internal Initiatives, for seven causes: Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. With over 2,300 submissions from 44 countries around the world, 10,000+ reviews from jurors, and over 33,000 supporters in the Anthem Community Voice, the 4th Annual Anthem Award Winners were announced on November 19, 2024. WillowWood's rebrand stood out among this global competition, showcasing an unwavering commitment to empowering prosthetic users through advanced technology and compassionate care. "This recognition is a testament to the heart and soul of WillowWood's mission and DD.NYC's commitment to reimagining brands in a way that stays true to that heart and soul," said Mahesh Mansukhani, CEO of WillowWood. "Our partnership with Digital Design NYC allowed us to craft a brand identity that not only honors our legacy but also propels us into the future. The rebrand reflects our promise to provide innovative prosthetic solutions that enhance mobility and transform lives." The creative process was a seamless collaboration between WillowWood and DD.NYC. Together, the teams developed a rebrand strategy that blends contemporary design elements with an innovation-centered focus. Key features include a revitalized logo, a cohesive color palette inspired by movement and vitality, and a redesigned website offering an intuitive user experience for clinicians and prosthetic users alike. "From the outset, we sought to encapsulate the essence of WillowWood's dedication to improving lives through innovation," said Anjelika Kour, Creative Director at DD.NYC. "The resulting rebrand is both striking and meaningful, capturing the spirit of mobility and resilience that defines WillowWood." The Gold Anthem Award underscores the significant impact of WillowWood's reimagined brand, resonating with both the prosthetics community and broader audiences. As a leader in the industry, WillowWood continues to champion inclusivity, innovation, and hope. To explore the award-winning rebrand and learn more about WillowWood's mission and products, visit willowwood.com. To learn more about the many industry-changing projects and services of DD.NYC, visit dd.nyc. About WillowWood: Based in Mount Sterling, Ohio, WillowWood Global is an industry leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of prosthetic products, including liners, feet, vacuum systems and components. Recognized for its products' superior innovation, quality, and patient outcomes, WillowWood's portfolio includes the Alpha family of liners, including the first myoelectric Alpha Control Liner, the META family of feet, the LimbLogic vacuum system, and now the XtremityTT socket system. For over 117 years, WillowWood's prosthetic products have helped individuals with limb loss find comfort and functionality, remain active and live life to the fullest. About DD.NYC: DD.NYC is an award-winning Manhattan-based creative agency specializing in branding, web design, packaging, and video storytelling. Since its founding in 2015, the agency has been recognized for its innovative approach and adaptability across industries, with a strong focus on the medical and healthcare sectors. About The Anthem Awards: Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we're defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. This season's partners include Ms. Magazine, The Female Quotient, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. About The Webby Awards: Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising; Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Podcasts; Games and AI, Metaverse & Virtual. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include WP Engine, LinkedIn, Meltwater, NAACP, KPMG, Wall Street Journal, Vox Media, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, The Hustle, Morning Brew, Passionfruit, Embedded, Link in Bio, Creator Economy NYC, Creator Spotlight, AIGA, Vote Save America, and The Publish Press. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE WillowWood Global In a recent interview, an Indonesian expert expressed confidence in China's current economic trajectory, highlighting key areas driving its growth and transformation. #GLOBALink Sanaa, Dec 21 : Yemen's Houthi group said they launched joint drone attacks with the Iraqi Resistance against "military and vital targets" in Israel. "We will respond to any Israeli-US escalation against Yemen with a similar escalation and will not hesitate to target the vital facilities of the Israeli enemy as well as the military actions of the US enemy," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Friday at a rally of the Houthi supporters in the capital Sanaa. He said the attacks against Israel would not stop until "aggression on Gaza stops." Israel has made no comment yet on the Houthi claim, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Thursday that Israeli forces conducted air raids on Yemen's Houthi targets, killing nine. "The sites included ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Houthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military action," Hagari said. Earlier Yemen's Houthi group said it launched 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 on Thursday. The Houthi group has been controlling much of northern Yemen since late 2014, forcing the internationally recognised 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. Bangkok, Dec 21 : Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attended an informal consultation in the Thai capital of Bangkok to discuss the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on the situation in Myanmar. The extended informal consultation meeting held on Friday, hosted by Thailand in support of Laos' ASEAN chairmanship, reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains the primary reference point for the bloc's efforts to address Myanmar's current political crisis, said Thai Foreign Ministry official Bolbongse Vangphaen. In a post-meeting briefing, Bolbongse emphasised the need to step up efforts to find approaches consistent with the Five-Point Consensus and the ASEAN leaders' decision to pursue a peaceful solution to the Myanmar situation. The meeting highlighted the importance of tackling the escalating transnational crimes and cross-border issues resulting from Myanmar's instability, Xinhua news agency reported. "They also all agree that a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar is in the best interests of the entire region," Bolbongse said. Bolbongse noted that the meeting has been a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition of ASEAN's chairmanship to Malaysia as the bloc stands ready to support Malaysia in its efforts to effectively implement the Five-Point Consensus in the coming year. Foreign ministers from Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand participated in the extended informal consultation dialogue, along with high-level representatives from the other four ASEAN countries. As agreed upon during the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in 2021, the Five-Point Consensus was established to address the political crisis in Myanmar and promote regional peace and stability. Myanmar has been in a state of political turmoil since the military toppled the democratically elected government in February 2021. The coup sparked mass protests, which evolved into a major anti-junta uprising, particularly in regions dominated by ethnic minorities. Those opposing the military regime have formed alliances comprising ethnic groups and civilian-led defence forces. This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a building damaged during a missile attack launched from Yemen, in Tel Aviv, Israel. A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. The strike caused a crater in the playground and damage to the residential building, video footage released by the MDA, the army, and Israeli media showed. Following the missile launch, sirens were activated across large areas of central Israel. The IDF said it identified the projectile but failed to intercept it. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows an interior view of a building damaged during a missile attack launched from Yemen, in Tel Aviv, Israel. A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) A man handles a broken window in a building damaged during a missile attack launched from Yemen, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 21, 2024. A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a building damaged during a missile attack launched from Yemen, in Tel Aviv, Israel. A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua) Members of Israeli security forces work at the site of a missile attack launched from Yemen, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 21, 2024. A missile launched from Yemen early Saturday morning struck a playground and a building in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv, causing minor injuries to 16 people, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service. Earlier in the day, Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was launched "in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and in response to the latest Israeli aggression on Yemen," as announced by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua) Sofia, Dec 21 : Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met in Sofia, emphasising the need for restoring peace in Europe and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Commending Orban for his vision of development for Hungary and Europe, and assessment of geopolitical challenges, Radev said Bulgaria shares the conviction that Europe must prioritise the restoration of peace through diplomacy. "Without peace, security and socio-economic sustainability are unattainable," Radev said on Friday, urging European leaders to prioritise this goal. The two leaders explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in investment, industry, and finance, reaffirming their determination to advance relations for the mutual benefit of both nations and Europe as a whole. "Viktor Orban and I are united in our resolve to ensure that our relations continue to grow successfully and fruitfully," Radev said. They also called for stronger collaboration between the businesses of the two countries. Radev reaffirmed Bulgaria's commitment to being a reliable partner in energy, focusing on diversification and securing resource supplies for Central and Eastern Europe, Xinhua news agency reported. PM Orban also noted Bulgariaas assistance in enabling fuel deliveries to Hungaryas nuclear power plants, a cornerstone of Hungarian energy policy, which otherwise could not have been achieved due to regional instability. The leaders also explored avenues to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, including joint ventures in the energy sector, defence, and infrastructure. PM Orban emphasised the potential for Hungarian investors in Bulgaria, particularly in renewable energy and strategic projects, and extended an open invitation for Bulgarian businesses to expand their footprint in Hungary. Both leaders also discussed the possibility of closer ties through the Green Energy Corridor initiative, with Bulgariaas participation promising new opportunities for both nations in transitioning to sustainable energy solutions. Orban underscored Bulgaria's strategic role in securing gas supplies to Hungary amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He called for revitalised cooperation and increased bilateral investments. "Our goal is to develop strategic industries, not just in energy but across various sectors, by encouraging Hungarian investments in Bulgaria and Bulgarian investments in Hungary," Orban said. Geneva, Dec 21 : The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that the ongoing siege and hostilities in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State in western Sudan, have left at least 782 civilians dead and more than 1,143 injured since May 2024. According to the report, hostilities intensified significantly in June this year, with parties to the conflict engaging in heavy fighting in residential areas. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire as homes were used for military purposes, and markets were attacked and looted. Many civilians lost their lives in their houses, markets, near hospitals, and on the streets, Xinhua news agency reported. Thousands remain besieged in the city without guarantees of safe passage out, and at risk of death or injury from indiscriminate attacks by all parties to the conflict, the report said. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also called for an immediate end to the siege of El Fasher in a statement issued on Friday. Turk urged all parties to the conflict to cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, adhere to international legal obligations, and called for immediate intervention by the international community to prevent further escalation. The Sudanese army under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have been locked in conflict for more than 18 months. The war has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis in which more than 12 million people have been driven from their homes and UN agencies have struggled to deliver relief. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since mid-April 2023, which resulted in more than 28,700 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations. Brussels, Dec 21 : The European Union (EU) is open to discussing trade issues, including energy, with US President-elect Donald Trump, a European Commission spokesperson said. "We are ready to discuss with President-Elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector," spokesperson Olof Gill told a news conference on Friday. His remarks came after Trump took to the social media platform Truth Social, warning the EU of potential tariffs if the bloc does not increase its purchase of US oil and gas. "I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large-scale purchase of our oil and gas. Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!" Trump wrote. The EU appeared to push back, with the spokesperson noting that while the US runs a goods trade deficit with the bloc, it enjoys a surplus in services, Xinhua news agency reported. According to Eurostat data, the US recorded a 155.8 billion euro (162.51 billion USD) trade deficit in goods with the EU last year, alongside a 104 billion euro surplus in services. Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta criticised Trump's threat in an interview with CNBC, urging the EU to prepare for retaliation. He called Trump's stance "transactional" and "asymmetric," accusing him of conflating issues like energy and tariffs. "Considering that the most asymmetric part is the relationship on the financial side, we have to start considering that maybe replying on the financial side could be a solution," Letta said. Trump's comments rattled the European stock markets, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index closing down 0.88 per cent on Friday. Earlier in the session, it had a dip as much as 2 per cent. (1 euro = 1.04 USD) Gaza, Dec 21 : At least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the central and northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources. Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Israeli warplanes targeted an apartment in the multi-story "Yaffa" tower in the al-Nuseirat camp, located in central Gaza. A statement from Al-Awda Hospital in the camp confirmed that eight people were killed and 14 others injured, some seriously, in the attack. In northern Gaza, Israeli shelling struck a house belonging to the "Khilla" family in Jabalia Al-Balad, killing 10 people and injuring several others, according to the Gaza Strip's Civil Defence. The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents, Xinhua news agency reported. Also on Friday, the military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that one of its fighters had carried out a suicide attack targeting an Israeli force of six soldiers in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza. The Israeli army has not issued a comment on this incident. Earlier on Thursday 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. Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken. As of Friday, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 45,206, according to Gaza-based health authorities. New Delhi, Dec 21 : As the 55th meeting of the GST Council was set to begin in Jaisalmer on Saturday, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the proposed rate cut on health insurance premiums and the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under the GST ambit would be among the key focus areas. The GST Council is also set to deliberate on revising the rates of nearly 150 items during the meeting which is likely to help the Centre generate additional revenue of nearly Rs 22,000 crore. A significant agenda for the GST Council is the proposed rate cut on term health and life insurance premiums. The GST exemption/reduction on life and health insurance is a long-pending demand of the industry, as the move would alleviate the tax burden on both insurers and policyholders. While most of the panel members of the Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, pitched for "full exemption" on health and life policy premiums, a few panel members suggested reducing the rate to 5 per cent from the current 18 per cent. Additionally, insurance policies offering coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh may also receive GST relief. Another key agenda is to decide whether the 5 per cent GST on delivery charges by food delivery platforms will be applied retrospectively from 2022. Currently, food delivery companies do not pay GST on delivery charges. Also, the GST Council is likely to take up the issue of bringing aviation turbine fuel under the GST ambit. At present, the central excise duty of 11 per cent is levied on ATF. It also has a concession of 2 percent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. Moreover, there is a recent proposal from the GoM to introduce a 'Sin Tax' on demerit goods such as tobacco and aerated drinks. Currently, there is no specific 'sin goods' category under the GST structure. The creation of such a category would send a strong message that India prioritises the well-being of its people over the profits of industries that thrive on unhealthy habits, according to industry experts. Additionally, a new slab of 35 per cent is likely to be introduced targeting sin goods. a"IANS na/ Lucknow, Dec 21 : Two separate police encounters in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur and Mathura resulted in the arrest of cow smugglers, including one wanted criminal with a reward on his head. Lucknow, Dec 21 (IANS) Two separate police encounters in Uttar Pradeshas Jaunpur and Mathura resulted in the arrest of cow smugglers, including one wanted criminal with a reward on his head. In Jaunpur, the Machhli Shahr and Sujanganj police conducted a joint operation late on Friday night to apprehend the cow smugglers. In the wee hours of Saturday, an encounter occurred in which one smuggler was shot in the leg and captured while his accomplice managed to flee. CO Vivek Kumar stated that the police had been conducting checks when two individuals on a bike tried to evade them. "A chase ensued, and the suspects were cornered. They opened fire on the police, prompting a retaliatory response that injured one of the suspects. The injured smuggler was apprehended and taken to a government hospital for treatment. Police recovered a bike, a pistol, and live cartridges from the scene," he mentioned. Meanwhile, in Mathura, police apprehended a wanted cow smuggler, Tariq, during an encounter in the Dhaurera forest area under the Jait police station on Friday night. Tariq, a resident of Deeg in Rajasthan, had been absconding since 2021 and carried a bounty of Rs 25,000. He was accused of killing cows, an act that had sparked protests by cow protection groups demanding his arrest. During the Mathura operation, Tariq was shot in the leg and apprehended. A police constable was also injured in the exchange of fire and is currently receiving medical treatment along with Tariq. CO Sandeep Singh confirmed that police recovered a pistol, cartridges, and a bike from Tariq. He emphasised that the arrest was a significant development as Tariq had been evading authorities for several years. All injured individuals, including the suspect in Jaunpur, are undergoing treatment, and further investigations are underway in both cases. Aden, Dec 21 : Armed confrontations between pro-government forces and Houthi militants erupted in southwestern Yemen's Taiz province, leaving two soldiers dead and four others injured, a military official said. The local pro-government official, who requested anonymity, said the clashes occurred on the Kalaba front, northeast of Taiz city, as Houthi militants attempted to advance into government-controlled positions during the past hours, Xinhua news agency reported. "The Houthis are mobilising their fighters in several areas of Taiz, fearing on-ground advancement by the government forces," the official added. On Thursday, the Yemeni armed forces loyal to the internationally recognised government declared their readiness to confront the Houthis, describing the group as being in a state of "confusion and weakness." Yemen has been in a state of uneasy calm since October 2, 2022, when the government and the Houthi group failed to renew and expand a UN-brokered truce. Despite years of diplomatic efforts, neither side has shown a willingness to resume negotiations to end the conflict, which the UN estimates has killed hundreds of thousands of people and pushed millions to the brink of famine. Earlier in December, a Houthi drone attack on a popular market in Yemen's Taiz province killed six people and injured eight others. The local pro-government military official, who requested anonymity, said on Sunday that "the Houthi bombing occurred in the Maqbanah district of Taiz during a busy market day when dozens of local residents were present." The attack has drawn strong condemnation from the Yemeni government, which directly blamed the Houthi group for the incident. Muammar al-Eryani, Yemen's information minister, described the bombing as an "extension of brutal and deliberate killings" carried out by Houthi militias against civilians in Taiz. Chennai, Dec 21 : The Tamil Nadu Assembly session is likely to be stormy as the ongoing standoff between Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi and the DMK-led state government over appointments of Vice-Chancellors to the state universities has escalated. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session for 2025 will begin on January 6. The House's Business Advisory Committee will decide the duration of the session. This comes after the monsoon session of the Assembly earlier this year was limited to two days, primarily to pass the First Supplementary Estimates Bill. Notably, during the 2024 Assembly session, Governor Ravi refused to deliver the customary inaugural address prepared by the state government, reading only the first paragraph before walking out. The address had included wishes for "happiness, prosperity, and well-being" in the new year and quoted a couplet from the Tirukkural. The Governor, also the Chancellor of state universities, had asked the Tamil Nadu government to recall its December 9 notification constituting a search committee for the Vice Chancellor's post at Annamalai University. On Friday, Governor Ravi also demanded that similar notifications for Anna University, Bharathidasan University, and Periyar University be withdrawn, citing the absence of University Grants Commission (UGC) nominees on the search panels. In a statement, Raj Bhavan warned that any selection made by a search committee formed without a UGC nominee is bound to be quashed by the courts. The Governor, in a letter to the state government, pointed out that the notification for the Annamalai University Vice Chancellor search violated Supreme Court directives by not including a nominee from the UGC. Responding to the Governor's demands, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan said the government had followed the laws governing state universities. While the state government funds the universities, the Governor, as Chancellor, holds the authority to appoint Vice Chancellors. The tenure of the former Vice Chancellor of Annamalai University, R. M. Kathiresan, ended on November 23. Mumbai, Dec 21 : Actress Hina Khan, who is currently battling stage three breast cancer, is celebrating December in complete panache. Hina took to Instagram, where she shared a gamut of pictures from her getaway. In the slew of images, the actress looks every inch gorgeous in a blue and white striped dress with floral detailing. She completed her look with curled hair, white sneakers and a black luxurious handbag. She also shared pictures of what she gorged on and the Christmas decor in the hotel she is staying. "Hello December," she wrote as the caption. Earlier this month, the actress was named in the top most searched actors list in 2024 and she said that because of her health-related hardships it is not an achievement or something to be proud of. Taking to Instagram Stories, Hina re-shared a post, where her photo showed alongside names such as Pawan Kalyan and Nimrat Kaur along with the caption: "Google's 2024 global trends These Indian actors are among top 10 most searched actors in the world." She penned down her thoughts: "I see a lot of people putting up stories and congratulating me on this new development but honestly For me it's neither an Achievement nor something to be Proud of (sic)." "I wish n pray that No one should be Googled because of their diagnosis or any health related hardships." Hina stressed that she would rather be known for her work. "I have always appreciated people's genuine regard n respect for my journey in these testing times but I would rather be googled or known or acknowledged for my Work and my Accomplishments. just like I have been before and during my diagnosis.(sic)," she added. Hina had also shared photos from the hospital following her chemotherapy. The actress took to her Instagram handle to drop photos where she is seen facing away from the camera, holding a pouch bag that is attached to bottles. In the images, Hina is seen wearing a hospital gown as she walks toward a door, with her back turned to the camera. United Nations, Dec 21 : Eighteen minutes of tranquility descended on the world organisation's headquarters consumed by global turmoil as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led a meditation session as a path to peace at the United Nations. At that very moment on Friday, the Security Council down the corridor was grappling with "threats to international peace and security" in a bitter debate, having earlier in the day disposed of topics like "children in armed conflicts", the tensions in the Middle East and Africa, and the Ukraine War. In the oasis of peace at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, Ravi Shankar presided over the 'Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony' on the eve of World Meditation Day newly minted by the General Assembly this month. He noted that there are a lot of discussions about peace and security at the UN, and meditation can bring inner security and inner peace to make the world a much better place. "I urge all the nations here to put a little more attention in peace education. Let us educate our young people, how to relax, how to get rid of tensions on a daily basis, how to manage their negative emotions, and be centered", said Ravi Shankar, who founded the Art of Living Foundation. The General Assembly adopted by acclamation on December 6 the resolution moved by a core group of India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, and joined by many others to declare the Winter Solstice Day the World Meditation Day. It bookends with the International Day of Yoga on Summer Solstice Day, which was also declared by the General Assembly at India's initiative. General Assembly President Philemon Yang said, "Meditation transcends borders, faiths, traditions, and time, offering each of us the opportunity to pause, to listen, and to connect with our inner selves." "In its silence, meditation speaks a universal truth: That we are all human, all seeking balance, and all striving for a better understanding of our inner self and the world in which we live", he said. Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare said that the UN peacekeepers are "tasked with protecting civilians against physical violence, and are often themselves exposed to atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is critical that their mental health is taken care of and for this the UN introduced an app in 16 languages that includes meditation to help them." India's Permanent Representative P. Harish said, "The ancient Indian practice of 'Dhyana', or meditation, goes back thousands of years to yogic traditions and holds the key to achieve inner calm and attain harmony between mind and body, thought and action, humanity and the external world." The winter solstice in the Indian tradition, "is the beginning of 'uttarayana', an auspicious time of the year, especially for inner reflection", he said. "India's leadership in overall human well-being stems from our civilisational dictum of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam or the whole world is one family", he added. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 20, 2024. (Photo by Pei Xin/Xinhua) TIANJIN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Tianjin on Friday. Noting that China and Serbia are iron-clad friends and the bilateral ties conform to the correct direction of history, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Serbia to create new prospects for bilateral relations. China is constantly improving its high-level opening-up system, which will not only provide impetus for China's development, but also provide new cooperation opportunities for Serbia and other countries in the world, said Wang. Wang said Serbia is welcome to join hands with China to realize their respective modernization, adding that China will continue to firmly support Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will support Serbia's development and growth. Djuric said that deepening cooperation with China has become a cross-party and social consensus in Serbia, adding that Serbia will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and firmly support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Serbia looks forward to working with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for greater development of bilateral relations, said Djuric. He noted that Serbia supports all major initiatives put forward by China, supports the promotion of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and looks forward to close communication and coordination with China to jointly tackle global challenges. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin) United Nations, Dec 21 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is outraged by the killing of World Food Programme (WFP) staff members in an aerial bombardment in Sudan, and calls for a thorough investigation, his spokesperson said. Three WFP personnel were killed when their office in Yabus, Blue Nile State was hit by airstrikes on Thursday, the agency confirmed on social media, and said they are gathering more information, Xinhua news agency reported. In a statement, Guterres sent his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and their colleagues. The UN chief condemned all attacks on the UN and aid personnel and facilities, and called for a thorough investigation. "Yesterday's incident underscores the devastating toll that Sudan's brutal conflict is having on millions of people in need and the humanitarians trying to reach them with life-saving assistance," he said. Guterres called on the parties to adhere to their obligations to protect civilians, including aid personnel, as well as humanitarian premises and supplies. The UN chief once again urged the need for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan after more than 20 months of conflict. "The United Nations will continue to back international mediation efforts and work with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war," he said. "Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unconscionable. Humanitarians are not, and must never be, a target," WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said Friday, demanding a thorough investigation and "for the perpetrators to be held accountable." The year 2024 is the deadliest on record for aid workers in Sudan, according to the United Nations. Sydney, Dec 21 : One man died and two more were injured after a shooting in Melbourne, the capital city of Australia's state of Victoria. Police officers were called to a property in Campbellfield, 15 km north of central Melbourne, at 10:10 p.m. local time on Friday night following reports a man had been shot. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a 60-year-old man suffering from significant and life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died, Xinhua news agency reported. Victoria Police said in a statement on Saturday morning that two men, aged 22 and 20, are under police guard in hospital. The statement said that the two men came to police attention after being dropped off at the hospital with injuries and that they would be interviewed in relation to the shooting. "At this stage, it is believed the incident was targeted and the people involved are known to one another," police said. Detectives from the homicide squad have established a crime scene at the property, as investigation is underway further details are awaited. Earlier on December 12, two Australian teenagers were arrested in a separate incident after police believe they are linked to a crash, car fire and shooting in western Sydney. Police in Australia's state of New South Wales said in a statement on Thursday that officers responded to reports of gunshots fired at a barbershop in Mount Druitt, about 40 kilometres west of central Sydney, at about 2:20 a.m. local time on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency. Upon arrival, police found several bullet holes in the shop's window. The shooting was reported shortly after officers arrested two 17-year-old teens at the site of a crashed vehicle in a neighbouring suburb. Chikkamagaluru, Dec 21 : Karnataka police have booked an FIR against Chikkamagaluru District BJP President Devaraja Shetty and more than 100 workers, who were protesting the arrest of BJP MLC C. T. Ravi over the alleged derogatory remarks against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, sources said on Saturday. Ravi, who was arrested on Thursday, was released the next night after the Karnataka High Court's order. The BJP had called for a state-wide bandh against the move of the Congress-led Karnataka government to arrest Ravi and torture him. Ravi sat over dharna on a public road in the wee hours of Friday and claimed that a conspiracy was hatched to kill him while being in police custody. The BJP workers and party District President from Ravi's native Chikkamagaluru were outraged and staged a protest against the Congress government. As the Congress workers tried to barge inside the residence of Ravi in Chikkamagaluru, the BJP workers were agitated and protested strongly. The police stated that 10 FIRs were booked against BJP workers across the police stations in Chikkamagaluru city police station and Basavanahalli police station. The police said that the BJP workers indulged in disrupting public peace, burning tyres in public places and forcefully shut down the shops and establishments. The police also stated that the move of BJP workers to block the highway is also taken seriously. The police had to resort to the lathi-charge when BJP and Congress workers indulged in heavy arguments and started fighting on Friday. Meanwhile, Ravi thanked BJP party workers who stood by him during difficult hours. "To my fellow workers across the state who protested against the Tughlaq government, your unwavering support has further strengthened my resolve. Your encouragement has empowered me to fight even harder against evil forces," Ravi stated. "As members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, we stand united and will never allow Karnataka to become a "goonda republic," Ravi underlined. Chaos and drama unfolded on Thursday as, during a heated debate session in the Legislative Council, 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, the BJP leader allegedly used an obscene term against the woman minister. Hyderabad, Dec 21 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to summon former Telangana Minister K.T. Rama Rao and two officials next week for questioning in the alleged money laundering case in connection with the Formula-E race even as the Anti-Corruption Bureau continued its probe. The central probe agency on Friday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against K.T. Rama Rao, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, and former Chief Engineer of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) B.L.N. Reddy. They are likely to be issued notices after Monday to appear before the ED officials for questioning in the case. Rama Rao, the working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and two officials were already booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on December 19 under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following allegations of financial irregularities during the Formula E-race held in Hyderabad early last year when BRS was in power. There have been allegations that about Rs 55 crore from HMDA was transferred to London-based Formula E Operations (FEO) without approvals from regulatory authorities. Acting swiftly after ACB registered an FIR, the ED on Friday morning sought a copy of the FIR and other related documents from the anti-graft agency. By evening, an ECIR was registered by the central agency based on the ACBas FIR. The ED is probing the allegations of violations of PMLA and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in transferring money to a foreign entity. The agency is likely to proceed in the case after recording statements of KTR, Arvind Kumar, and B.L.N. Reddy. The ED case will focus on the transfer of money from HMDA to FEO. In October last year, Rs 45.71 crore was transferred to FEO for conducting the Formula-E race. The money was transferred in British Pounds, allegedly without approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The HMDA had not sought a tax exemption on the transfer of money in foreign currency. This reportedly put an additional burden of Rs 8.06 crore on the HMDA. The issue came to light during auditing. The central agency is likely to look into the transaction and find out who was the ultimate beneficiary of the transferred money. Meanwhile, the ACB is continuing its probe into the case. It is likely to record the statement of the then Principal Secretary Dana Kishore. The ACB officials may also question some officials of HMDA and Municipal Administration and Urban Development. The ACB has still not summoned KTR and two other accused for questioning so far. Sources said the notices may be issued next week. The ACB registered the FIR 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 on the direction of the then Industry Minister KTR, the HMDA transferred money to FEO in violation of RBI guidelines. The payment was reportedly made without obtaining approvals from the Cabinet or the Finance Department. The BRS leader has denied the allegations of corruption and accused the Congress government of political vendetta. He claimed that the Formula-E race was hosted to make Telangana the hub of electric vehicles. KTR on Friday filed a quash petition in Telangana High Court. In its interim order on the petition, the High Court barred ACB from arresting KTR till December 30. While granting relief to KTR, the court stated that the investigation in the case may continue. It directed the state government to file its counter by December 23. The court adjourned the hearing to December 27. Chennai, Dec 21 : The student wing of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced statewide protests against the National Testing Agency (NTA) for scheduling the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) on January 15 and 16, which coincide with Pongal, one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu. The UGC-NET schedule includes 17 examinations on January 15, covering subjects like mass communication and journalism, law, electronic science, and environmental sciences. These will be held in two shifts, on the day millions of Tamilians celebrate Pongal. Another 14 examinations are scheduled for January 16, which is also a public holiday observed as Thiruvalluvar Day in the state. The DMK Students' Wing Secretary CVMP Ezhilarasan, MLA, strongly condemned the decision, stating that it disrespects Tamil cultural traditions and sentiments. In a statement, Ezhilarasan urged the NTA and the Government of India to reschedule the exams, asserting that conducting the tests during Pongal undermines the importance of the festival. He warned that the student wing would organise statewide protests if the schedule is not revised. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader and Member of Parliament from Madurai, Su Venkatesan, also criticised the central government, accusing it of consistently targeting Pongal holidays for conducting important examinations. In a post on the social media platform X, Venkatesan questioned why exam dates announced by the Union Government frequently clash with Pongal. "Last month, we had to protest against the CA examination date scheduled for January 14, and it was changed. Now, once again, the UGC-NET exam has been scheduled during Pongal week," he wrote. Venkatesan added that Tamilians have an emotional connection with Pongal, a festival that celebrates farmers, and holding exams on that day would cause inconvenience to students. He confirmed writing to the Union Minister for Education, requesting a change in the examination dates. The UGC-NET is an essential eligibility test for college assistant professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and PhD admissions. It is conducted twice a year and is a significant milestone for aspiring academics and researchers. The current schedule has caused stress and anxiety among candidates from Tamil Nadu, as it clashes with the state's major cultural festival. Kozhikode, Dec 21 : Malayalam literary icon M. T. Vasudevan Nair, undergoing treatment for breathing and cardiac complications at a private hospital here, continues to be critical on Saturday. Nair has started responding to the treatment but continues to be critical, a medical bulletin issued by the private hospital said. The hospital has constituted a medical board and a team of specialists to closely monitor the health of the 91-year-old Jnanpith awardee. A large number of prominent personalities continue to arrive at the hospital to find out about the hugely admired literary personality. Nair, a Padma Bhushan awardee, has left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature and cinema. He has won four National Film Awards for screenplay and directed seven films while scripting about 54 films. His screenplays, now available in book form, are regarded as essential reading for aspiring filmmakers. Over the years, Nair has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and O.N.V. Literary Award. In 2013, he was conferred the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema. In 2022, he received the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Kerala Government. Nair was awarded the Jnanpith, India's highest literary honour, in 1995 for his outstanding contributions to literature. He also served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly for several years. In October this year, Nair made headlines after gold ornaments were stolen from his residence while he and his wife were away. The police later recovered the items, implicating a domestic helper. a"IANS sg/svn Mumbai, Dec 21 : Actor Ishwak Singh, who is known for 'Rocket Boys', 'Paatal Lok' and others, 2024 has opened up on the success of his movie 'Berlin' in which he essays a mute character. Mumbai, Dec 21 (IANS) Actor Ishwak Singh, who is known for 'Rocket Boys', 'Paatal Lok' and others, 2024 has opened up on the success of his movie 'Berlin' in which he essays a mute character. The film has been widely acclaimed for its in-depth, and masterful storytelling, making it a standout success both domestically and globally. 2024 has been a game-changer for the actor as he soared to great heights with 'Berlin'. For him, it's "a very special film". He said, "It's been written and made with a lot of sensitivity, awareness, and skill. Atul Sabharwal is a masterful writer and director, and to collaborate with him was hugely satisfying. He dared to write a very difficult film and a challenging character and I'm glad that we could pull it off. I pulled all the stops to get the performance right". Talking about his preparation for the part, he said, "From learning sign language to interacting with people from the community and believing in the roadmap that Atul laid out". The film also stars Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose and Anupriya Goenka. It is set against the backdrop of 1990s New Delhi, and is an espionage drama. It was recently screened at the ongoing Indian Film festival of Melbourne at Hoyts Cinema. The story revolves around three main characters whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Ishwak Singh essays the role of a deaf-mute young man accused of being a foreign spy. Aparshakti Khurana will be seen as a sign language expert tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in silence. The film is directed by Atul Sabharwal. Earlier, during the film's OTT release announcement, Atul Sabharwal spoke about the chemistry between Aparshakti and Ishwak. He said, "With 'Berlin', we've created a spy thriller that is sure to keep the audiences on the edge of their couches. The on-screen chemistry between Aparshakti and Ishwak is nothing short of electric - it's a treat that I believe viewers will thoroughly enjoy. We've poured our hearts and souls into this project, and I'm optimistic it will strike a chord with viewers. The entire team is excited and eagerly looking forward to the premiere. 'Berlin' is our labour of love that we can't wait to share with the world". Nagpur, Dec 21 : Representing Maharashtra in the pre-Union Budget meeting held in Jaisalmer, Minister Aditi Tatkare on Saturday assured that Maharashtra would play a pivotal role in India's journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. She emphasised the need for special financial assistance to the state in the upcoming Union Budget. Minister Tatkare presented Maharashtra's vision, highlighting its strategic role in realising the Prime Minister's goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Minister Tatkare outlined several critical issues and proposals for inclusion in the Union Budget. She urged the finance minister for central assistance for state Capital Investment by enhancing the allocation under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. She emphasised the need for streamlining fund disbursement timelines to provide qualifying states with a minimum one-year utilisation window. In the wake of rapid urbanisation, Minister Tatkare called for central support to tackle the challenges faced by the state. "Maharashtra, with urbanisation expected to surpass 50 per cent in the upcoming census, faces challenges in resource mobilisation for urban local bodies (ULBs). The state government urges support for ULBs to access long-term loans for planned urban development and infrastructure enhancement," she said. Under the MukhyaMantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0, aimed at solarising agricultural feeders, Minister Tatkare sought increased targets and funding allocations for Maharashtra. She requested expansion of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity from 500 MWh to 9,000 MWh to meet the state's energy storage goals. In order to further boost the modernisation of the home department, Minister Tatkare sought funds on a 60:40 basis, for projects such as digital forensic labs, mobile forensic vans, AMBIS systems, and the Cyber Security Project (Rs 837.86 crore). She highlighted the need for funding major initiatives like Dial 112 emergency services integration and Maharashtra Police Station CCTV projects. She urged financial support for faster case disposal through enhanced infrastructure for the judiciary. She requested funding for constructing the Bombay High Court Complex in Bandra (East), estimated at Rs 3,750 crore. Further, to push the implementation of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) economic master plan, Minister Tatkare proposed a special package. The master plan is aligning with NITI Aayog's vision to transform MMR into a national growth hub by 2030. According to NITI Aayog, the MMR has a potential to increase its GDP to $300 billion by 2030 from the present level of $140 billion. The Centre's public policy think tank has asked the Maharashtra government to concentrate on seven growth drivers and attract investment of $125-135 billion from the private sector to achieve the target. In a bid to push the state government's ambitious plan to make Maharashtra drought-free, the state government has sought central government support to include state-funded river-linking projects like Wainganga-Nalganga and Damanganga-Godavari under the National Interlinking of Rivers Scheme. Further, the state government appealed to the Centre to ease revenue expenditure pressures to create fiscal space for capital projects and establish a 'Kisan Vishesh Sahayata Nidhi' to compensate farmers affected by trade policy interventions. The state government also appealed for the enhancement of funding for ongoing schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission and financial assistance for disaster-affected areas. Minister Tatkare said the comprehensive representation highlighted Maharashtra's ambitions and challenges, ensuring the state's priorities were well-articulated for the Union Budget deliberations. She reiterated Maharashtra's commitment to becoming a cornerstone of India's economic growth and development trajectory. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) Jaipur, Dec 21 : A 16-year-old Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) aspirant was found hanging in the Vigyan Nagar area of Rajasthan's Kota district, police said on Saturday. The boy, hailing from Vaishali district in Bihar, was found hanging in his hostel room on Friday. He had been residing at Welcome Prime Hostel for the past eight months to pursue his studies. As the boy did not respond to the repeated calls from family, hostel staff was alerted, who in turn broke open the door of his room and found him hanging. No suicide note was found at the spot, confirmed officials. According to Vigyan Nagar Police Station Officer Mukesh Meena, the student appeared to have been struggling academically and reportedly had low attendance. Preliminary inquiry suggested that he may have felt burdened by the pressure of his studies. The boy was particularly close to his father and grandfather, with whom he frequently communicated. Additional SP Dilip Saini noted that the fan in the room had an anti-hanging device meant to prevent suicide. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and further insights are expected following discussions with the boy's family, who have since arrived in Kota. The post-mortem process is underway, and investigations are on, he added. "The family members called the hostel operator at 10.30 p.m. as the boy did not respond to their regular calls. When the hostel operator went to the room, he saw the gate was closed," Saini said. The staff broke open the gate, said Saini, adding, "Prima facie, the child considered himself weak in studies. The family members also knew the fact. His attendance was also low. The student used to talk more to his grandfather and father. The situation will become clear only after further investigations." Kolkata, Dec 21 : Vice President and Spokesperson of Kolkata ISKCON, Radharaman Das, has strongly condemned the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh and expressed grave concerns for the safety of all minority communities in the country. Over the past two days, miscreants targeted three Hindu temples in Bangladesh, vandalising eight idols in Mymensingh and Dinajpur districts, according to local reports. Authorities confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect linked to one of the incidents. Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station, stated that miscreants ransacked two idols at the Bonderpara Temple in the Shakuai union of Haluaghat early on Friday. These attacks are part of a troubling pattern of violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. Reacting to the incidents, Radharaman Das said, "When the Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh, we were hopeful of positive outcomes. However, the recent attacks on three temples in just two or three days are deeply unfortunate." Speaking to IANS, he expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such violence, saying, "It is difficult to predict when this will end. Such incidents are deeply concerning and show no signs of abating." Das also pointed to rising fundamentalist threats, including provocative speeches against ISKCON and threats directed at Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. "In this festive season, as Christmas approaches, these attacks have created widespread fear. The Christian community is particularly worried, with Intelligence agencies warning of possible threats. Celebrations are being advised to remain limited, and security arrangements are being made. This atmosphere of terror, where people cannot celebrate their festivals freely, is deeply concerning," he said. Highlighting alarming statistics, Das noted, "Yesterday, the Indian government reported in Parliament that over 2,200 attacks and incidents of violence have been documented against minorities in Bangladesh this year. This number is extremely concerning. Many rural areas witness large-scale violence that goes unreported, which makes the documented cases even more significant." He urged the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect minority communities, stating, "We hope the Bangladeshi authorities will ensure the safety of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minorities." The incidents occurred amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh following the interim government's rise to power on August 5, after Sheikh Hasina was ousted during a student-led uprising. Observers and rights groups have called for swift action from the Bangladeshi government to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence, emphasising the urgent need to ensure the safety and rights of minority communities. BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Braving the chilly winter morning, Guo Changyi, a bus driver for Beijing Public Transport, arrived at the company office before sunrise to inspect and clean the bus and adjust its interior temperature. Precisely on the scheduled time at 6:55 a.m., Guo's bus arrived at a stop on Chaoyang Road in Beijing's Chaoyang District to pick up pupils heading to Hujialou Central Primary School, about six kilometers away. This tailor-made direct bus route offers convenient and efficient transportation for primary and middle school students in the Chinese capital who travel between their communities and campuses without being accompanied by their parents. The service also helps alleviate traffic congestion and parking difficulties around schools during rush hours, often caused by parents driving their children to and from school. Beijing introduced the service in September 2023 to address urban traffic congestion. Through the joint efforts of local authorities, including education and transportation departments, over 300 such bus routes have been launched, transporting 23,000 students and parents daily, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport. The service is also accessible to parents who accompany their young children. The dedicated bus service reflects Beijing's new approach to urban governance. In 2019, Beijing, home to over 20 million residents, launched an innovative "swift response to public complaints" initiative aimed at addressing public concerns promptly and resolving everyday challenges efficiently. The initiative has integrated more than 60 hotline services into a single unified hotline number -- 12345 -- which serves as the primary channel for residents to voice their concerns. Operating 24/7, the hotline is staffed by over 1,700 operators who work in shifts to address calls and handle requests covering nearly every aspect of urban life, including transportation, housing, education, healthcare, employment and business services. According to official data, in the past six years, Beijing has processed approximately 150 million public complaints, with both the resolution and satisfaction rates reaching nearly 97 percent. PEOPLE-CENTERED URBANIZATION "The Beijing 12345 hotline dates back to 1987 with only one telephone and three operators," said Wang Yue, an official of the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center. According to Wang, in the 1980s, dozens of large and medium-sized cities across China set up mayor's hotline services, which were gradually unified into 12345 government hotlines around 2000. "There were hotlines before, why didn't people call more often? Because even if you do call, the problem usually didn't get solved," said Liu Huan, an operator of Beijing's 12345 hotline, adding that the appeal of the hotline service lies in the swiftness in addressing people's concerns. Once a complaint is filed through Beijing's 12345 hotline, it is promptly forwarded to relevant government departments and public service companies for resolution. The outcome is then evaluated by the complainants, ensuring active engagement, assessment and oversight in the city's governance by the public. "The swift response to public complaints has significantly raised the awareness of staff at all levels to better serve the people," said Yao Lei, director of the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center. "In particular, those directly providing services to citizens and the business community have made significant improvements in their work style." As Beijing continues to refine and improve the mechanism, staff at the 12345 hotline, along with local authorities, are shifting from merely reacting to calls to proactively solving problems. Since 2021, Beijing has used big data analysis to identify key concerns of the residents and launched targeted monthly projects, such as installing elevators in old buildings, facilitating property ownership certificate applications, and upgrading traffic lights. Over the past four years, Beijing has addressed more than 60 categories of issues through special governance projects, completing over 1,800 tasks and introducing 400 policies, according to Sun Fang, deputy director of the Beijing municipal bureau of government service and data management. "I want to call 12345 again to thank everyone involved in resolving my issue," said Yang Jiansheng, a resident of Xicheng District. Yang had previously contacted the hotline to complain about failing to obtain his property ownership certificate for a house he purchased over a decade ago. Thanks to concerted efforts by all involved parties, Yang recently received his certificate. "CHINESE SOLUTION" Over the years, "Need help? Dial 12345" has become a catchphrase among Beijing residents. With the increasing popularity of the hotline service, even foreigners choose to turn to it for help. "We often receive phone calls from foreigners in Beijing, mostly consulting about visa extensions and work permits, as well as other aspects of life in the city," said Wang Shuo, an English operator of Beijing's 12345 hotline. According to the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center, the foreign-language services are now available in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Korean. Gleisi Hoffmann, president of Brazil's Workers' Party, praised Beijing's 12345 hotline during a visit to the center in April. She said the platform that integrates resources and strength from all parties embodies the Communist Party of China's philosophy and purpose of putting the people first and serving the people wholeheartedly. "The 12345 is a successful example of meeting people's needs and solving complex problems in modern megacities. You have inspired all of us," Andreas Grammatikogiannis, deputy mayor of Athens, said when addressing the 2024 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, which was held from Wednesday to Thursday. "The Beijing hotline integrates the human touch with the technological component. I think this is part of the wonderful innovation of the Beijing model," said Erik Nilsson, an editor at China Daily, at the forum. An evaluation report on global city hotline services and governance effectiveness, released during the forum, highlights Beijing's unique governance model, characterized by whole-process feedback, comprehensive services and citizen participation. This approach offers a "Chinese solution" to the global urban governance reform centered on city hotline services, the report said. Kolkata, Dec 21 : West Bengal Police, probing the fake passport racket in the state, claimed to have got specific information about its kingpin Samaresh Biswa's network of Bangladeshi agents. Kolkata, Dec 21 (IANS) West Bengal Police, probing the fake passport racket in the state, claimed to have got specific information about its kingpin Samaresh Biswa's network of Bangladeshi agents. Sources said Biswas, who was arrested recently, used to operate with the help of people in different villages adjacent to West Bengal's international borders with Bangladesh and the South Asian country. As per the preliminary investigation, the task of the agent's network operating from Bangladesh was to arrange for a safe but illegal crossover to the Indian territory through the border with West Bengal. Once that process was over, the network from the bordering villages on the West Bengal side took charge with the first task being arranging for safe houses for such infiltrators mainly in the villages adjacent to the international borders, both land and coastal. Thereafter, based on the deals, fixed arrangements were made for their fake Indian identity documents starting with ration cards, followed by EPIC, PAN and AADHAAR cards and finally the passports. In the course of interrogation, sources said, a person recently arrested in connection with such fake passport rackets, has admitted that the entire process involved a cost of Rs 2 lakh-Rs 3 lakh per infiltrator. Five persons have been arrested in West Bengal in connection with the fake passport racket. Of the five arrested, two namely Dipankar Das and Deepak Mondal were contractual staff with Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). Besides a section of POPSK staff, the sources said, several public distribution system (PDS) dealers in the state are also believed to be involved with such rackets, whose main task was to arrange for the fake ration cards for the infiltrators by which other fake identity documents were made. Seoul, Dec 21 : South Korea will launch its third homegrown military spy satellite from a US space centre on Saturday in an effort to bolster its surveillance capabilities on North Korea. The satellite is scheduled to lift off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 3:34 a.m. (local time) on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, Yonhap news agency said. If succeeded, it would mark South Korea's third military spy satellite in orbit under a plan to acquire five medium- to large-sized spy satellites by 2025 to better monitor the North. South Korea launched its first spy satellite -- equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors to capture detailed images of the Earth's surface -- in December last year from the California space base. In April, the country placed its second spy satellite -- fitted with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors that capture data using microwaves and are capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions -- from John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. The third and remaining two satellites will also be equipped with SAR sensors. South Korea's defense authorities expected the upcoming launch to further enhance the military's three-pronged deterrence program against the North's nuclear and missile threats. Defense Acquisition Programme Administration Minister Seok Jong-gun, who is overseeing the third launch, said the grouped operation of satellites will enable the military to better identify signs of North Korea's provocations. The latest launch comes as North Korea has also been ramping up efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities. Pyongyang successfully launched its first military spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, in November 2023 and has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year. But North Korea has yet to launch a satellite since a rocket carrying a satellite exploded shortly following takeoff in May. Kuwait City, Dec 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday afternoon arrived in Kuwait, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years. The PM received a grand welcome upon his arrival as he began his historic two-day visit at the invitation of the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, that is expected to take India's close ties with the Gulf countries to another level. PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, following which he will be holding separate meetings with the Amir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait will be held thereafter during which the Prime Minister will review with the leadership of Kuwait the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including in areas such as the political, trade, investment, energy, culture and people-to-people ties, and the steps that both sides need to take to further enhance them. The Crown Prince will be hosting a banquet in honour of the Indian PM who is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora at a community event besides also visiting a labour camp. During his visit, PM Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Amir of Kuwait. "Today, I am embarking on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement, earlier in the day. "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a road map for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region. I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," the statement added. PM Modi also said that he remains confident that his visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait. Seoul, Dec 21 : North Korea on Saturday lambasted a recent trilateral meeting between South Korea, the US and Japan that discussed peace in the Indo-Pacific region, deriding the talks as an "insult" to peace. North Korea's main newspaper, criticised the trilateral Indo-Pacific Dialogue that took place in Tokyo on December 11, accusing Washington of being a "gangster-like" country destroying peace and its Asian allies of being accomplices. "The United States' history itself is one of war all around the world and its foreign policy is consistent with the evil of invading other countries and bringing destruction to peace and safety," Yonhap news agency reported, quoting the Roddong Sinmun. The paper rejected Japan as a country seeking peace, citing its guidelines for defence cooperation with the US and its security law that allows collective self-defence. It also labelled South Korea as being the "vanguard of US policies of invasion and war." "The United States is an empire of evil and a gangster-like country destroying peace," it said. "Japan and puppet South Korea are accomplices no less guilty." During this month's talks, the three countries acknowledged the need to explore ways to collectively contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. The meeting marked the second of its kind after its inaugural session in January. The talks took place as South Korea, the US and Japan sought to deepen trilateral security cooperation amid evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Patna, Dec 21 : The Central School on the Air Force Station premises in Bihar's Bihta town has been shut indefinitely amid a leopard scare in the area. The wild animal has been spotted multiple times inside the Air Force Station Campus since October 25. The school, catering to around 1,100 children, was closed for an indefinite period to ensure safety. The officials of the Air Force Station, district forest, and Wildlife Department have been making efforts to capture the big cat. Students, particularly those preparing for board exams of Class 10 and 12, are facing significant academic disruption. The reliance on online classes has yielded average results in pre-board exams, raising concerns about their performance in the final board exams. Alongside the leopard, wild boars have been sighted near the school. Wild boars are known for aggressive behaviour, including fatal attacks on villagers, further heightening fear among locals. Parents and residents are increasingly worried about the safety of their children and the academic future of students. Gaurav Ojha, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Patna said: "We have placed cages inside the campus premises to capture the wild animal. A leopard approached the cage but avoided entering it. We are planning to deploy expert wildlife teams with appropriate resources to capture the leopard and safely relocate it." "We are using camera traps and drone surveillance to monitor leopard movements to set up targeted trap areas," he said. The leopard was sighted for the first time during the COVID-19 inside the Air Force Station premises. Despite this, no successful capture has been made. The Air Force Station area spread over 900 acres is a haven for wildlife due to dense vegetation. This has resulted in frequent human-wildlife encounters and heightened risks for both animals and humans. New Delhi, Dec 21 : The US Department of Justice (DoJ) indictment of Adani Group officials is nothing but a "complete American overreach," and the conglomerate will come back stronger once this is over, Erik Solheim, former Minister of Environment of Norway, told IANS on Saturday. New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) The US Department of Justice (DoJ) indictment of Adani Group officials is nothing but a "complete American overreach," and the conglomerate will come back stronger once this is over, Erik Solheim, former Minister of Environment of Norway, told IANS on Saturday. According to the veteran diplomat, if the US has some complaints about the Adani Group, it should first go to the Indian government, bring it to their notice and then it should be part of the Indian judicial system, not the US court. He stressed that such an overreach is also harmful as the Adani Group is an important vehicle for the green transformation of India. "They have enormous plans to establish solar and wind facilities and have large green investments in several Indian states and abroad. The Group has even announced to invest $10 billion in the US for energy security initiatives. All this will be harmed by such indictments," Solheim told IANS. The Adani Group has committed $10 billion investment in US energy security and infrastructure projects, aiming to create up to 15,000 local jobs in the country. Solheim further stated that the US must stop such an authoritative approach and rather look into the consequences of such meaningless actions, adding that "I'm sure that the Adani Group will come back even stronger after this". Solheim, who served as Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, said that the time is over when Western nations like the United States were the arbitrators and judges of the world. "That is a thing of the past. This must stop," he added. Meanwhile, Breon Peace, the US Attorney who presented charges against Adani Group officials, has reportedly announced his decision to step down on January 10 just days away from Donald Trump's inauguration as the next US President on January 20. In November, the DoJ indicted Adani Group officials on allegations ranging from securities fraud to wire fraud. The Group vehemently rejected the allegations as "malicious, mischievous and manipulative selections of publicly available information" to arrive at "predetermined conclusions for personal profiteering with wanton disregard for facts and the law". (Nishant Arora can be reached at nishant.a@ians.in) Kolkata, Dec 21 : A Trinamool Congress leader was found dead at a hotel at the Mandarmani sea resort in West Bengal's East Midnapore district on Saturday morning, triggering tension in the area. Police have detained a woman who came along with the deceased leader, identified as Abul Nasar, 34, an influential leader in the Amdanga area in North 24 Parganas district, to the hotel for interrogation. Whether the death is because of suicide or murder would be known only after the post-mortem report is available, a police official said. However, since the deceased leaderas wife, who is also a Trinamool deputy panchayat chief, has alleged this was a case of murder, Mandarmani Coastal Police Station has started an investigation into the matter. It is learnt that a hotel staffer on Saturday morning detected the hanging body of the Trinamool leader in his room. However, at the time, no one else was in the room and the woman, who accompanied him to the hotel, was also not there. The hotel authorities immediately informed the local police and a police team reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for a post-mortem examination. Later, the woman, who accompanied Abul Nasar to the hotel, was detained by police and taken to the local police station for questioning. The police have filed a case of unnatural death in the matter. "Prima facie it seems that this is a case of suicide. However, we will be certain only after the autopsy report is available," a district police official said. However, the local Trinamool leadership has ruled out any political colour over the death. According to them, Abul Nasar was quite politically active in the area and his death was a loss for the local organisation of the party there. New Delhi, Dec 21 : The BJP on Saturday welcomed reports suggesting that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena has approved the prosecution of AAP convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Reacting to the reports, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "The ED investigation on Arvind Kejriwal is a welcome move. Regardless of how influential someone is, if they commit a crime, they must face justice." "I am confident that Kejriwal will be found guilty in the liquor policy scam, where the money of Delhi's poor was looted. When convicted, he will face due punishment," he added. Speaking to IANS, Tiwari also accused Kejriwal of negligence, saying, "In the past decade, 21,000 lives were lost due to contaminated water in the capital, a direct consequence of his governance." Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva echoed similar sentiments, alleging a "deliberate conspiracy by Kejriwal" to "ruin" Delhi. "The liquor policy scam has left a stain on Delhi, and this was bound to come to light. Kejriwal orchestrated a plan to loot the city through brokerage and commissions in the liquor trade. He must now face the consequences," he told IANS. "Even though Kejriwal and his associates are currently out on bail, they remain accused. The law will hold them accountable, and justice will prevail," Sachdeva added. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia refuted the reports of sanction to prosecute Kejriwal, calling them "false and misleading." In a post on X, he challenged the claims, saying, "If LG Binay Saxena has given permission to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, then why is the ED not showing the copy of that permission? It is clear that this news is false and misleading. Stop making empty claims to divert attention from the issue of insult to Babasaheb. Show where the sanction to prosecute is." The liquor policy scam is one of the most significant corruption allegations levelled against the AAP government by the BJP. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that Kejriwal and Sisodia manipulated the Excise Policy 2021-22 to benefit a 'South lobby' in exchange for a Rs 100 crore bribe. The ED claims Rs 45 crore of this amount was used for AAP's Goa election campaign. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in March for alleged money laundering and released on bail in September. Following his release, he resigned as Chief Minister, pledging to return only after securing a mandate in the 2025 elections. The ED's case against Kejriwal includes accusations of altering policy guidelines to favour specific liquor vendors. While a PMLA case is registered, the trial is yet to commence. The L-G's sanction is reportedly a step toward initiating prosecution under the Supreme Court's directive for approvals in such cases. Meanwhile, Kejriwal has approached the Delhi High Court seeking the cancellation of the chargesheet against him. The court issued a notice to the ED on Friday in response to his plea. The alleged scam has become a focal point in Delhi's political landscape, with the BJP leveraging the issue to target the AAP ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. New Delhi, Dec 21 : The Congress on Saturday announced a nationwide campaign to step up its demand for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks about Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution. "In continuation of our firm protest against the offensive and disrespectful comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the party has decided to escalate our demand for his resignation," Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal said in a press statement. The decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, where it was resolved to strengthen the fight to uphold Dr Ambedkar's legacy. A series of activities have been planned as part of this intensified campaign. "All Congress MPs and CWC members will hold press conferences in their respective constituencies, state headquarters, or district headquarters on December 22 or December 23 to strongly condemn the remarks and demand the resignation of Amit Shah," Venugopal said, as per the statement. As part of the agitation, the party has called for a Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March to be held in every district across India on Tuesday, December 24. The march will begin with the garlanding of Dr Ambedkar's statue, followed by the submission of a memorandum to the President through respective District Collectors (DCs). "Ensure that a large portrait of Dr Ambedkar is prominently displayed at the front of the march. Participants should carry placards featuring Dr Ambedkar's image along with slogans demanding an apology from Amit Shah and his removal from the Union Cabinet," Venugopal emphasised in the statement. "These actions reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the legacy of Dr Ambedkar, who remains a beacon of justice and equality for the nation. We urge all party leaders, workers, and the public to actively participate in these initiatives," he added. Another INDIA bloc member, the Trinamool Congress announced that it will organise block-level and ward-level protest rallies on December 23 condemning the remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr Ambedkar. "This is not just an insult to Babasaheb but an attack on the entire Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, an assault on the legacy of our freedom fighters, and a betrayal of our Dalit and Adivasi brethren," the Trinamool said. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has also announced a nationwide agitation on December 24 to protest against Amit Shah's remarks. In a series of posts shared on X on Saturday, BSP chief Mayawati expressed her party's strong disapproval of the statements made by Amit Shah. "The party has decided to hold a peaceful, nationwide agitation on December 24. On this day, dharnas and demonstrations will be organised at all district headquarters across the country, to demand justice," Mayawati said. Kuwait City, Dec 21 : The Indian community gave a rousing reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived at his hotel in Kuwait City on Saturday afternoon, shortly after he touched down in the Gulf nation, kicking off his historic two-day visit, the first by an Indian PM to the country in 43 years. Among those who met Prime Minister Modi warmly was 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, who now resides in Kuwait and had served in Kuwait, United Kingdom, Iraq, China, Argentina, and Cambodia before retiring about four decades ago. PM Modi not only exchanged greetings with Handa but also posed for photos with his family. On Friday, Handa's granddaughter, Shreya Juneja had posted a message for PM Modi, requesting him to meet her grandfather during his visit to Kuwait. On Saturday, just before he boarded Air India One, Prime Minister Modi, who enjoys a massive following not just in the country but also all over the world and loves to give a personal touch to his engagement with the Indian diaspora during foreign visits, responded to Juneja's social media post. "Absolutely! I look forward to meeting Mangal Sain Handa Ji in Kuwait today," wrote PM Modi. The Prime Minister also received copies of Ramayana and Mahabharata translated in Arabic language by Abdullah Baron and published by Abdullateef Alnesef. The Indian community, the largest expatriate group in Kuwait, continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations. In his departure statement on Saturday, PM Modi had mentioned that his visit would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of people and the region. "I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," said Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora at a community event besides visiting a labour camp during his two-day visit to the West Asian nation. This photo taken on Dec. 1, 2024 shows a train of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line in Lagos, Nigeria. Started in July 2010 and accomplished in December 2022, the first phase of the LRMT Blue Line corridor project contracted by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is the first electrified railroad and cross-sea light rail project in West Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) With China's leading presence in infrastructure contracting, business transactions, growing trade volumes and manufacturing in Africa, these banks from both ends will facilitate access to credit facilities as well as seamless financial transfers and exchanges. by Ikenna Emewu The need for improved financial integration between African countries and China to power the global economy is one of the key objectives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Back in 2018, the Nigerian central bank said that about 35 percent of requests for foreign exchange it processes for international businesses were made by Nigerians doing business with China. Based on the robust need, the bank and the People's Bank of China (PBOC) signed a currency swap agreement worth 15 billion Chinese yuan (2.5 billion U.S. dollars) in April that year. The deal was made to enable Nigerian businesses trading with China to exchange their naira directly with the yuan, bypassing the circuitous process of an intermediary or third-party currency. Today, a minimum of 20 percent of Africa's exports go to China and about 16 percent of Africa's imports come from China, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The two grossed a record 282 billion dollars in total trade volume in 2023. Meanwhile, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa has increased significantly over the last two decades to 49.1 billion dollars in 2019, up by 100-fold from the year 2000 when the FOCAC was founded. Under frameworks of FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has aligned its engagement with Africa with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to promote the economic transformation of the continent within a 50-year strategic plan. Notably, African banks have been increasing their presence in China. In October, Access Bank UK, a subsidiary of Nigeria's Access Bank, opened a branch in Hong Kong to strengthen economic ties between Asia and Africa. It came a few months after South Africa's Absa Bank Group opened its new non-banking subsidiary in Beijing. A driver operates a train of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line in Lagos, Nigeria, on Dec. 1, 2024. Started in July 2010 and accomplished in December 2022, the first phase of the LRMT Blue Line corridor project contracted by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is the first electrified railroad and cross-sea light rail project in West Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) At the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Abuja in November, I met a Chinese representative of First Bank of Nigeria. The business card he gave me indicated that the oldest bank of Nigeria operates an office in Beijing. Before these Nigerian and South African banks' presence in China, the Moroccan Bank of Africa and the National Bank of Egypt already have branches in Shanghai. The good news is that this is not a lopsided development, as Chinese banks are also sprouting up in African countries, such as the Bank of China, which sets up shop in countries including Angola, Zambia and South Africa. In addition, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, holding some 20 percent of shares of Standard Bank of South Africa, has established partnership with the Johannesburg-based bank group. With China's leading presence in infrastructure contracting, business transactions, growing trade volumes and manufacturing on the continent, these banks from both ends will facilitate access to credit facilities as well as seamless financial transfers and exchanges. They will also ensure that African countries do not rely on a monopolistic use of the U.S. dollar for international business deals. That will help firm up the value of the currencies of African countries weighed down by the U.S. dollar. Their operations will open up the international transaction space and reduce the bullying of the U.S. sanctions. Moreover, as the RMB has become an international transaction currency since the IMF adopted it into the special drawing rights basket in 2016, its use in international circles will increase and shore up its general value. This point in the FOCAC financial integration journey was strengthened by China's announcement at the September summit of new financial support to Africa in the next three years. There are good signals of an emerging stronger economic bond between the two and ongoing evolution of FOCAC, which is approaching its 25th anniversary. Editor's note: Ikenna Emewu is editor-in-chief of Africa China Economy Magazine in Nigeria. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. Mumbai, Dec 21 : Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Parbhani on Monday to meet the family of a Dalit youth who died under mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody last week, officials said here on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi will reach Nanded by a special flight on Monday afternoon and from there drive to Parbhani to the home of the youth, Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi and condole his family members. Suryawanshi, 35, hailing from the Wadar community, was arrested in the violent incidents that ensued after the desecration of a statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar near Parbhani Railway Station on December 10, by one 'mentally disturbed' person named Sopan Pawar. After the violence, a tense shutdown was observed in Parbhani, while the local police swooped down and detained/arrested around 300 persons, mostly Dalits, including Suryawanshi on December 12. Barely 72 hours later, he was found dead in judicial custody, sparking a massive furore with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), CPI (Marxist), Republican Party of India (A), Republican Sena, Republican Party of India (K), and many other Dalit groups slamming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party MahaYuti regime for the incident. Following the uproar inside the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur and outside, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation for the bereaved family, ordered a judicial probe and appointed a Special Investigation Team of the police to get to the depth of the matter. Earlier, the Parbhani Police had claimed that Suryawanshi had complained of chest pains and was rushed to hospital for treatment. However, a provisional autopsy report from the Government Medical College, Aurangabad had stated that he succumbed to "shock following multiple injuries", snowballing into a huge political row. The MVA and Dalit leaders had vociferously alleged that he was brutally beaten by the police and had succumbed to grave injuries, as was later confirmed by the provisional post-mortem report of December 16. Chennai, Dec 21 : A 26-year-old youth, who squandered his mother's cancer treatment fund on online rummy game, tragically ended his life. Police identified the youth as Akash, a catering delivery worker who started playing online rummy during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently became addicted to it. He used to live with his mother, a cancer patient, and his brother after the death of their father a few years ago. Recently, Akash's mother found that Rs 30,000, which she had saved for her cancer treatment, was missing. Upon questioning, Akash admitted that he had used the money to play online games. After being scolded by his mother and brother, Akash went missing from their home on Friday evening, taking his mobile phone with him. The family searched for him at the homes of close friends but was unable to locate him. On Saturday morning, his body was found on the terrace of their residence. The Kottupuram Police in Chennai have registered a case and begun an investigation. Over the past four years, 48 people have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu due to addiction to online betting apps and online loan frauds. The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) had earlier announced its intention to take strict action against those promoting online gambling and betting apps in the state. Citizens are encouraged to report online gambling activities or offer suggestions on regulating online games through www.tnonlinegamingauthority.com or via email at tnoga@tn.gov.in. The TNOGA, 2022, prohibits online gambling, betting, and games of chance. Violators face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. Financial institutions and payment gateways are also prohibited from facilitating transactions related to online gambling. Additionally, the TNOGA Act bans advertisements promoting online gambling or games of chance in any form of media within Tamil Nadu. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, have called on the government to take stringent measures against online games like rummy, which are reportedly driving many youths to despair and suicide. Chennai, Dec 21 : The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning to introduce thermal drones for night-time surveillance to track wild elephants and prevent them from entering human settlements. Officials believe this system will enable forest staff to monitor elephant movements from a safe distance and alert residents in advance. According to officials, elephants often leave forests at night and venture into human habitation across the forest ranges, causing conflicts. With the new system, drones will detect elephant movements, and announcements will be made from Forest Department vehicles equipped with Bluetooth-connected speakers. These vehicles will also emit loud noises to scare the animals back into the forest. A senior official said that a few companies have already demonstrated drone operations and the department will soon finalise a vendor. Currently, this system is being implemented in the Hosur Forest Division, where it has shown promising results. The department is also planning to procure AI-enabled cameras to monitor elephant movements, further reducing human-animal conflict. Recent data submitted in the Lok Sabha highlights the urgency of such measures. Over the past five years, 256 people have died due to human-elephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu, including 61 deaths in 2023-24 alone. For instance, on December 17, a man named Chandran, 62, succumbed to injuries sustained during an elephant attack at Gajam Mudi Estate in Valpara. The attack, which occurred on November 10, injured four people, including Chandran. Meanwhile, the wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu has risen to 3,063, as per the latest synchronized census conducted between May 23 and 25, 2024, in coordination with neighbouring states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This marks an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the previous census in 2023. Officials have stated that Tamil Naduas forests can sustain an elephant population of approximately 3,000 to 3,500. Currently, the population is stable and healthy. The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve hosts the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the state. The Forest Department hopes that the combination of thermal drones, AI-enabled cameras, and other measures will reduce negative interactions between humans and elephants, ensuring safety for both. Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Nine people, including two children and three students were killed in separate road accidents reported from Bengaluru Rural and Mandya districts in Karnataka on Saturday. In the first incident, six persons were killed on the spot on the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway-4 near Taalekere village, close to T. Begur near Nelamangala town on the outskirts of Bengaluru. A container truck overturned and crushed their car. All six victims, travelling in the car, were from the same family, including two children. The deceased were identified as Yagappa Gol (48), Gowra Bai (42), Deeksha (12), Jaan (16), Vijayalaxmi (36), and Ayra (6). All were residents of Vijayapura district. The police stated that the family was on a weekend trip when the tragic accident occurred. The incident happened after the truck driver lost control over the vehicle, causing it to overturn and crush the car. The crash also caused a 10-kilometer-long traffic jam on the national highway. The impact was so severe that three cranes were required to move the container and retrieve the bodies trapped underneath. The family had purchased the car just six months ago. Speaking to the media, the truck driver, Arif, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, claimed the accident happened while he was trying to avoid hitting a car ahead of him. "I was driving towards Bengaluru from Dabaspet town. While trying to avoid crashing into the car in front of me, my truck crossed the divider and overturned. The accident happened because of the car ahead. I am deeply pained by the incident. I couldn't remember anything immediately after the accident. When I regained consciousness, the car was under the truck," he explained. In another accident, three students were killed and another was critically injured on National Highway 209 near Bosegowdanadoddi, close to Mandya city, on Saturday. The deceased were identified as Pranav, Akash, and Adarsh, while Pruthvi is in critical condition. The victims were travelling from Bengaluru to the tourist spot Talakadu in Mysuru district. According to police, the accident occurred when their car, after overtaking an RTC bus, collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction. The incident occurred within the Malavalli police station limits. Kolkata, Dec 21 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday refrained from seeking an extension of custody for West Bengal's multi-crore cash-for-school-job case prime accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra. The CBI took custody of Trinamool Congress leader Bhadra on Wednesday morning and the term expired on Saturday following which he was presented at a special court in Kolkata. However, to the surprise of many, the CBI counsel did not seek the extension of his custody and sought that he be taken into judicial custody. The CBI counsel informed the court that since being taken into custody, Bhadra had been refusing to consume food and even medicines prescribed for him. As a result of this, he developed certain medical complications, the central agency counsel informed the court. The counsel of Bhadra moved the bail petition on behalf of his client and also argued on those lines. However, the CBI counsel opposed the bail plea, claiming that if released on bail, he might try to influence important witnesses in the case. The special court subsequently turned down the bail plea and instead sent Bhadra to judicial custody. At the same time, the CBI also informed the court that during the last three days of custody, Bhadra refused to cooperate with the investigating officers and answer their queries on the school job case. Bhadra is supposed to be presented at a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata on Monday when the charge framing in the Enforcement Directorate (ED)-registered case in the same matter is supposed to happen. He is one of 54 named as accused in the charge sheet filed by the ED in the matter and the other important name in that list is the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chatterjee. Rawalpindi, Dec 21 : Military courts in Pakistan have begun punishing 'culprits' behind the May 9, 2023 attacks with as many as 25 civilians found to be involved in violence and riots in protests being sentenced to jail terms ranging between two to 10 years, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan's military establishment, announced Saturday. According to the ISPR, 25 civilians were convicted for their active participation in attacks on important military sites including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan Air Force Base in Mianwali and other important military installations spread across the country. The protests were held against the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, also the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. ISPR, while assuring that convictions are being announced after fulfilment of proper legal procedures, maintained that the sentencing by Field General Court Martial is the first phase and more convictions would be announced in future after thorough review and investigation into evidence. As per available details, at least 14 individuals have been sentenced to 10-year imprisonment, while remaining 11 persons have been handed shorter terms between two to nine years. ISPR stated that last year's May 9 riots were blatant acts of violence that shook Pakistan. "These blatant acts of violence not only shocked the nation but also underscored [the] necessity of checking this unacceptable attempt of political terrorism to impose own perverted will through violence and coercion," the statement added. It noted that on December 13, 2024, a "seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed that the cases pending due to an earlier order of the Supreme Court be finalised and judgements in the cases of those accused found involved in these violent incidents be announced". The latest convictions come as a major setback to PTI and Imran Khan, who have claimed no involvement in the riots and instead accused the military establishment for using the incident to target PTI and its leadership besides having vested political interests. Khan, who is serving jail terms in different cases of corruption, has been demanding a judicial inquiry into last year's incident, claiming that he had nothing to do with the attacks on military installations. His party PTI has also raised questions on the trial of civilians in military courts, accusing the government and the military establishment for using the May 9 incident to crack down on Imran Khan, PTI and its leadership, leading to a complete ban from political gatherings, meetings or even public appearances. On the other hand, the government and the military establishment claims that Imran Khan is the mastermind behind the planned, coordinated and targetted attacks on military installations. Patna, Dec 21 : Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal said on Saturday that the decision regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2025 Assembly elections, will be taken by the party's central leadership. "We are smaller stature leaders who would not decide on it," Jaiswal said while he along with Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were on the way to Delhi for the high-level meeting with the Central leadership of BJP. The discussions in Delhi would be aimed at addressing the current political situation in the state, organisational matters, and strategic planning for the Assembly elections. Jaiswal clarified that the meetings, including the NDA state presidents in Patna on Friday evening, did not involve discussions on any specific Chief Ministerial candidate. "The discussions in the meeting focused on the NDA grassroots efforts, such as organising a workers' conference in every district beginning in Bagaha from January 15, rather than leadership selection," Jaiswal said. Jaiswal emphasised the collaborative nature of the discussions, which included the presidents of all five NDA constituent parties in the state. The state presidents of all constituent parties of the NDA joined together for a high-level meeting at the residence of JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha. During the meeting, Jaiswal, HAM (Secular) state president Anil Kumar, LJP(RV) state president Raju Tiwari and RLSP representative Raju Tiwari, attended the meeting along with notable leaders of the JD-U including Lalan Kumar Sarraf, a legislative councilor and treasurer, Sanjay Kumar Singh, popularly known as Gandhi Ji, legislative councilor, Chandan Kumar Singh, State general secretary and headquarters in-charge. On the other hand, Sanjay Kumar Jha, the Rajya Sabha MP of JD(U) reiterated that the 2025 Bihar Assembly election will be contested on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's face. Nitish Kumar will remain the Chief Minister after 2025 and NDA will win more than 225 seats in the Assembly polls, Jha said. New Delhi, Dec 21 : The SpaDeX mission, expected to launch this year aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, will propel India to the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday. ISRO aims to launch PSLV-C60 on December 30. However, the launch window is open till January 13. The space agency informed that the mission has completed "all tests and clearances". The integration of the SpaDeX spacecraft is complete, and the spacecraft has been moved to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is currently "undergoing preparations for launch". While only a few countries have aced the space docking technology, it is key for India for its impending space missions including the Moon mission, and setting up the Indian space station. "The launch vehicle has been integrated and now moved to the First Launch Pad, for further integration of satellites and launch preparations," ISRO said in a post on X. "ISRO's SpaDeX mission, launching with PSLV-C60, will demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This groundbreaking technology is key to future lunar missions, building Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and more. India aims to join the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities," it added. The PSLV will lift off two small spacecraft -- SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target -- weighing about 220 kg each. The mission will showcase the docking of the two spacecraft in a low-Earth circular orbit. "In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology," ISRO said. It will also demonstrate "the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics -- composite spacecraft control, and payload operations after undocking". ISRO has also developed indigenous technologies to enable this docking mission. This includes a docking mechanism, a suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors, power transfer technology, indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy, inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft, among others. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth, ISRO said. New Delhi, Dec 21 : Cautioning against elements looking to harm the country, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said citizens must "guard against people who have evil designs towards our progress". Presiding over the inaugural session of the 5th Global Alumni Meet 2024 of Panjab University in Chandigarh, Dhankhar, who is ex-officio Chancellor of varsity, said, "As citizens of this country, it is our prime obligation to ensure that we do not allow the disorder to be order of the day. We must guard against people who have inimical instincts, intentions, evil designs towards our progress." "Such forces are powerful because they are fuelled by fiscal power which is very tempting. When people fall prey to it, they forget the nation-first principle for a moment," he said. Asking the alumni of the prestigious university to exploit its resources to nurture the institution, he said, "Countries are known by the institutions they nurture. It is institutions that are crucibles of innovation and research. They catalyse big change, they create concepts. Just imagine the power of the alumni of institutions if they act in a structured manner. If they nurture their alma mater, the results will not be geometrical, they will be incremental!" Vice President Dhankhar also highlighted that the alumni of Panjab University have occupied positions of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the country, Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries and in the armed forces. "They have excelled in journalism, art, culture and sports. But I am here to see their commitment only as alumni of this institution!" he said. "There is a question before all of us: Has the rich resource of alumni of this prestigious university exploited its resources, its talent or potential to nurture this institution? I leave this soul-searching to all of you," he said. "We are at a turning point in our history. We have entered the last quarter of the century of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. It is the right time for the alumni of this prestigious university to take a call," he said. Varanasi, Dec 21 : The United Nations (UN) has declared December 21 as Meditation Day. Reactions from across various sections of society have been pouring in following this announcement. The people of Varanasi have also welcomed this declaration by the United Nations. The people of Varanasi believe that this initiative will not only promote the religious and cultural identity of Varanasi but will also highlight the importance of meditation and mental peace worldwide. This step, honouring Varanasi's traditions and spiritual heritage, is seen as a move in a positive direction. Advocate Anurag Pandey congratulated the United Nations for this initiative, calling it a wonderful step for health, similar to the celebration of Yoga Day. He believes that this announcement will be very beneficial and hopes that more people will be drawn to this practice. Advocate Avnish Rai expressed that this is a moment of great pride for India. He mentioned that India's traditions are being recognised worldwide, which is a matter of pride for the country and its people. He also pointed out the recent shift in people's daily routines, with more individuals adopting yoga and meditation, leading to a broader acceptance of spiritual traditions. Rajeev Rai said this is a very positive step. After yoga, this is another excellent initiative for health. He further stated that declaring December 21 as Meditation Day is a remarkable move by the United Nations. Pawan Singh also praised this declaration, expressing confidence that it will yield positive results in the future. On this announcement by the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on the X: "Today, on World Meditation Day, I call upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives and experience its transformative potential. Meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to oneas life, as well as to our society and planet. In the age of technology, Apps and guided videos can be valuable tools to help incorporate meditation into our routines." TEHRAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that a staff member of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus has been killed by "terrorists." In a statement, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei extended condolences for the "martyrdom" of the embassy's staff member, who was killed on Dec. 15 after "terrorists" fired on his car. The victim was identified as Seyyed Davood Bitaraf, Baghaei said, noting that Bitaraf's body had been "discovered, identified, and repatriated to Iran." The spokesman highlighted the responsibility of Syria's transitional government to identify, prosecute, and punish the perpetrators of the "crime," stressing the Iranian Foreign Ministry was seriously pursuing the matter in an "appropriate" manner through diplomatic and international channels. A militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group waged a major military operation from northern Syria on Nov. 27, sweeping southwards through government-held areas and capturing Damascus within 12 days. On Dec. 8, the Syrian militant groups stormed Iran's embassy in Damascus following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. Baghaei confirmed then that Iranian diplomats had vacated before the attack. Patna, Dec 21 : JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha on Saturday launched a scathing attack on AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying that by writing a letter to the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the Ambedkar row, the latter was trying to divert attention from the "failures" of his party-led government in the national capital. Jha claimed that Kejriwal's letter was in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah "exposing" the Congress, AAP's ally in the opposition INDIA bloc. "The misbehaviour that Congress and its leaders did with Baba Saheb is unpardonable. What Nitish Kumar has done for Dalits and backward communities in Bihar, following Baba Saheb's footsteps, is something you and your alliance cannot even imagine," Jha said mocking Kejriwal and the INDIA bloc. He urged Kejriwal to put aside his prejudices and adopt a more positive attitude toward the country's progress, emphasising that India's Constitution is strong. Stepping up the attack against the AAP convener, Jha said: "People from Bihar and Purvanchal, who were living in Delhi, were dropped at the border by the then Kejriwal government during the difficult times of COVID-19." "People from Bihar had to walk back home and Nitish Kumar kept everyone in camps and even deposited Rs 1,000 into their accounts," Jha said. Questioning Kejriwal, Jha said, "Has he sent any Dalit or people from backward communities to the Rajya Sabha?" "However, when Nitish Kumar had the opportunity, he made Mahadalit Jitan Ram Manjhi the Chief Minister of Bihar," the JD(U) leader pointed out. He also slammed Congress for not conferring the Bharat Ratna on Baba Saheb. In his letter to CM Nitish, Kejriwal expressed concern over Union Minister Shah's remark on Ambedkar. Kannauj : , Dec 21 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday confiscated the hotel of Samajwadi Party leader Nawab Singh Yadav, accused of raping a minor girl and also been charged under the Gangster Act. The property, known as Chandan Hotel and situated near the Government Medical College in Tirwa, was sealed in the presence of a heavy police contingent. Officers publicly announced the confiscation by beating drums, emphasising the crackdown on illegal assets. The hotel is reportedly registered in the name of Yadavas late mother. SP leader Yadav, along with his brother Neelu Yadav and co-accused Pooja Tomar, is currently in jail. The trio faces charges of rape and other offences under the Gangster Act. The case emerged after a 15-year-old minor girl alleged that Yadav stripped her and attempted to assault her. The incident came to light on August 11 when the minor girl dialled 112 to report the crime. The police arrested Yadav at his Chaudhary Chandan Mahavidyalaya in Nasrapur village, where he was found in an objectionable condition with a woman and a teenager. He was sent to jail the next day. Tomar was apprehended on August 21, while Neelu Yadav, accused of tampering with evidence, surrendered on September 3. On September 28, the police initiated action under the Gangster Act against all three individuals and began investigating their assets. CO City Kamlesh Kumar said: "Action was taken under the Gangster Act against Nawab Singh Yadav. He used the illegitimate income to construct Chandan Hotel, which has been confiscated under government rules." Nawab Singh Yadav, once referred to as 'Mini CM' during the Samajwadi Party tenure, was considered close to party chief Akhilesh Yadav. He was a strong contender for a ticket from Kannauj in the 2017 Assembly elections. However, after he was denied a ticket, relations between him and Akhilesh Yadav soured. New Delhi, Dec 21 : Former Congress leader and spiritual guru Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Saturday said that the daily attacks on temples in Bangladesh represent a height of atrocities against the Hindus. He also advised "anarchist" Rahul Gandhi to quit politics and become a gym trainer. "The time for Bhagwan Shri Kalki's incarnation is coming close with the rise in atrocities against Hindus," Krishnam told IANS, criticising the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Pointing to the excesses against Hindus, the chairman of Sambhal-based Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust said, "The Puranas have clearly mentioned that Bhagwan Kalki Narayan will be born on the land with 68 pilgrimages, 19 wells with a Shivlingam in the middle. I am sure these landmarks will be discovered in the ongoing archaeological survey in Sambhal." "The Kalki Dham is being built, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has graced Sambhal with his presence and Sambhal has become famous in the entire world," he said, calling these auspicious indicators of the possible arrival of Bhagwan Kalki Narayan. Talking about the recent scuffle on Parliament premises, the former Congress leader said, "Rahul Gandhi appears to be in politics by mistake. To me, he seems more suitable to be a gym trainer." "Rahul Gandhi's body language, his statements, his actions and image is that of an anarchist, wrestler or a fighter. His image is not that of a mature politician but that of a gym trainer. He wants to turn Parliament into a kabbadi arena," he said. My advice to him is to open a gym and pursue the profession of a trainer as he has failed to become a mature politician even after 20 years in politics, he said. Acharya Pramod Krishnam also slammed Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's statement that Home Minister Amit Shah, who allegedly made anti-B.R. Ambedkar remarks, has been bitten by a rabid dog. "This is the problem with Opposition leaders, they do not indulge in discourse and discussion. They only criticise decisions taken by PM Modi or HM Shah. There can be no justification for the use of such a capable Home Minister Amit Shah who works for the pride of the country and worked hard to remove Article 370 and fight Maoists," he said. Kolkata, Dec 21 : As initiatives have started for another round of meetings for a permanent political solution in the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong in north West Bengal, to be probably held in the next month, there is uncertainty over the presence of Anit Thapa-founded Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) at the talks. On one hand, the BJP's two-time Lok Sabha member from Darjeeling Raju Bista, who is acting as a coordinator for arranging the proposed meeting, is against inviting the BGPM for the meeting. The BGPM has a long-standing political alliance with the ruling Trinamool Congress and is the controlling party of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The BJP is of the opinion that the GTA cannot be a permanent solution for ending the political crisis in the hills. Bista was assigned the task of coordinating the proposed tripartite meeting by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent one-day visit to Siliguri in Darjeeling district this week to attend a programme on the occasion of the 61st Raising Day of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). On the other hand, the Trinamool leadership in Darjeeling, including the Siliguri Municipal Corporation Mayor Gautam Deb, contends that no meeting will have any fruitful outcome without the participation of the party controlling the affairs in the GTA. "This will create larger uncertainties towards achieving any permanent political solution," Deb said. The Trinamool also has objected to the development of Bista getting the assignment for coordinating the proposed meeting. According to the party, such a meeting should be convened by the Union government, where the other two parties will be the state government and the GTA's controlling party. However, the BJP also has its own logic in the matter. According to them, since the BGPM is not a recognised political party as yet, there is no justification for inviting them to the proposed meeting. Chennai, Dec 21 : In two separate incidents, fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked by Sri Lankan pirates in the sea. Fishermen leaders said that a group of three fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked and robbed by Sri Lankan pirates while fishing near Vedaranyam on Saturday. According to reports, Rajkumar, Rajendran, and Nagalingam from Nagapattinam were fishing in their fibre boats when six Sri Lankan pirates in two boats ambushed them. The pirates attacked the fishermen with sticks and knives, leaving them injured. The pirates looted fishing equipment worth Rs 3 lakh, including fish, fishing nets, and GPS devices, before fleeing, fishermen leaders said. Coastal police confirmed that the three fishermen sustained injuries in their heads and hands and also suffered internal injuries. When the injured fishermen returned to shore, they were rushed to the Vedaranyam government hospital for treatment by other members of the fishing community. In a separate incident, three other fishermen -- Kumar, Lakshmanan, and Jagan from Perumalpet -- were also attacked by Sri Lankan pirates while fishing near Kodiyakarai. The pirates robbed them of fishing equipment worth Rs 1 lakh. These fishermen also returned to shore to seek medical assistance and reported the incident to their community. Fishermen association leaders from Nagapattinam highlighted that the fishermen had only recently resumed work after staying ashore for nearly a week due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and heavy rainfall warnings. They expressed concern over the growing threats faced by the fishing community. It is worth noting that Tamil Nadu fishermen have been regularly arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 costly mechanised boats. Many of these fishermen remain detained in Sri Lankan jails, sparking widespread protests and calls for government intervention. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently raised the issue of these arrests with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake during his visit to India. The minister urged the Sri Lankan government to take measures to prevent further detentions and boat seizures. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasised the dire situation faced by fishermen and their families. "The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families relying on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing out to sea," he said. Thajudhin also expressed concern over the Sri Lankan government's decision to nationalise seized mechanised fishing boats. "This decision will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings," he explained. Fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu are planning large-scale protests in coastal districts. They have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end mid-sea arrests and the seizure of mechanised boats, which are critical to the livelihood of the fishing community. Kochi, Dec 21 : A court in Kerala's Ernakulam on Saturday turned down the demand by a popular Kerala actress, who survived a sexual assault in 2017, seeking to conduct the remaining proceedings of the case in open court. The trial is currently in its final stages at the Principal District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam. It was on December 12 that she had moved the court seeking an open trial but with her demand turned down, it remains to be seen what the next move of the actress is going to be. Incidentally, the actress suffered a jolt when the key witness in the case, film director P. Balachandra Kumar passed away at a private hospital on December 13 after being unwell for a while. Kumar has been regularly appearing in the court whenever being asked during the trial. Actor Dileep, a well-known figure in the Malayalam film industry, is one of the accused in the case. He was jailed for nearly three months in 2017 and is currently out on bail. Earlier, the actress sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu, citing a lack of justice from the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court. She raised concerns about the unauthorised access, copying, and transfer of the memory card containing videos of the assault while it was in court custody. Despite her appeals, no action has been taken against those responsible for the breach, she said. The incident dates back to February 17, 2017, when the actress was abducted and assaulted in a moving car while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi after a film shoot. Prime accused Pulsar Suni, a driver at film sets since 2010, recently secured bail from the Supreme Court after spending seven years in jail. According to the police, Suni had ties to Dileep, who is the eighth accused in the case. Investigations revealed that actor Dileep held a grudge against the actress, allegedly because she had informed his former wife about his relationship with another actor. The case involves the brutal assault, orchestrated by Suni and his associates, after abducting the actress in a premeditated act. Mumbai, Dec 21 : The body of a six-year-old boy, who has been missing since the December 18 crash of an Indian Navy speedboat with a crowded passenger ferry, off the Gateway of India, was found after nearly 72 hours, an official said here on Saturday. The rescue teams had traced the body of another missing man from the Arabian Sea waters on Friday, and now the toll in the coastal city's worst maritime disaster has shot up to 15. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Disaster Control and the Indian Navy confirmed the recovery on Saturday. However, the Indian Navy added that a search still continues in the vicinity of the crash a" around 5 km away -- to locate the wreckage of the ferry boat and ascertain that there are no more victims trapped in it. It may be recalled that on Wednesday around 4 p.m., an Indian Navy speedboat out for engine trials developed a snag, lost control and rammed at full speed into the private ferry, "Neelkamal" taking around 110 tourists to the World UNESCO site, Elephanta Islands. The collision saw 13 people getting killed - and another two missing, whose bodies have been recovered now a" including one Indian Navy personnel and 3 OEM representatives. The Mumbai Police have registered a FIR on the mishap, while the Indian Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to ascertain what exactly went wrong. A majority of the tourists were from outside Maharashtra and a few foreigners who were flung into the sea due to the impact of the deadly crash in one of the main shipping channels of the busy Mumbai Harbour, near the tiny Butcher Island oil terminal, en route to the Elephanta Isles. The fatalities comprised 3 minors including a girl, 5 women and 7 males, said the officials, and several of the injured are still undergoing treatment. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, leaders of various political parties and others grieved over the tragedy and loss of lives. New Delhi, Dec 21 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its candidates for all 70 assembly seats for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. This time, the party has replaced several sitting MLAs. Deoli Assembly constituency in South Delhi is also getting attention. The sitting MLA Prakash Jarwal from this seat has been dropped this time. In his place, Prem Kumar Chauhan has been given the ticket from Deoli. IANS spoke with some residents of this constituency to understand the mood of the people regarding the upcoming elections and their experiences with the Delhi government's free 200 units of electricity, water, and other facilities over the last five years, Ram Lal, a resident of Deoli, said that the area faces severe water problems. "While Arvind Kejriwal comes for publicity, he only travels on the main road and not through the narrow lanes of Deoli. The lanes are broken, and Kejriwal has not done anything substantial in the last five years. Had he done something, the water issue in this constituency would have been resolved," he said. Santosh (a woman) pointed out that the area is grappling with water problems, and broken roads are inviting accidents. "For clean water and other household work, people have to buy water from outside. The Kejriwal government in Delhi has been lying for the past 10 years. They make false claims about free electricity, while people receive hefty bills every month. They are also paying a water bill of Rs 70, but water comes intermittently. People are forced to rely on private tankers for water. The promise of Rs 2,100 for women is also a lie, and after the elections, they will go back on their word," she said. Rajjo Devi said that water supply comes only once every 15 days, and after that, there is no water for months. She further stated: "People are forced to buy water from outside. Though government tankers arrive, only those with larger households receive water. Arvind Kejriwal is making false claims about free electricity. During the summer, the electricity bill reaches Rs 5,000, and when they go to the electricity office to get it corrected, they are not heard." Shakuntala said that the constituency is plagued by broken roads. People face extreme difficulty due to the water issue, and cleanliness is also lacking, she stated, adding: "During the rainy season, it becomes difficult to even step outside the house. The MLA visits only to ask for votes." She said in the past five years, they have never seen the MLA. Nasima told IANS that she lives in a rented house, and water comes once every 10-15 days. She survives on her pension of Rs 2,000 but it is not enough to make ends meet. The water problem is a serious issue. Baldev Joshi remarked that the water issue in this constituency is causing a lot of trouble. People are forced to rely on private tankers, purchasing water for drinking as well as for other household purposes. "In the last 10 years, Kejriwal's government and the current MLA have not solved this problem. The roads in Deoli's colony are in terrible condition. Every time a road is laid, it is damaged soon after. The current MLA came here five years ago to seek votes, but since then, he has never been seen," he added. Kuwait City, Dec 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers during his visit to a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, his first official programme after arriving in the West Asian nation on a historic visit, earlier in the day. The labour camp has a workforce of around 1500 Indian nationals hailing from different states of India. During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi enquired about the well-being of Indian workers and discussed various welfare schemes initiated by the Indian government over the past 10 years. "The visit to the labour camp is symbolic of the importance attached by the Prime Minister to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. In the last few years, the government has undertaken several technology-based initiatives such as E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal and upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the welfare of Indian workers abroad," said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) after the visit. The government led by PM Modi remains at the forefront in providing unwavering support to its nationals at times of their need and PM's visit to the camp on Saturday assumes significance, especially after the fire tragedy at a labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait City in June this year which resulted in deaths of dozens of Indian workers. Within hours of assuming charge, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh was sent to Kuwait on the direction of Prime Minister Modi who was himself keeping track of rescue efforts on June 12 despite major political developments at home, including swearing-in ceremonies of governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been working in a mission mode since the tragic incident, constantly checking safety measures at the labour camps and places where Indian workers are staying. Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Kuwait Saturday afternoon, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years. The PM received a grand welcome upon his arrival as he began his historic two-day visit, which is expected to take India's close ties with the Gulf countries to another level, at the invitation of the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Later, as he arrived at the hotel, PM received a rousing welcome by the Indian community. "Received a heartwarming welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Their energy, love and unwavering connection to India are truly inspiring. Grateful for their enthusiasm and proud of their contributions to strengthening ties between our nations," said PM Modi. He also met 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who now resides in Kuwait, besides receiving copies of Ramayana and Mahabharata translated in Arabic language by Abdullah Baron and published by Abdullateef Alnesef. "Happy to see Arabic translations of the Ramayan and Mahabharat. I compliment Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing it. Their initiative highlights the popularity of Indian culture globally," PM Modi posted on X. The Prime Minister will also be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, following which he will be holding separate meetings with the Amir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait will be held thereafter during which the Prime Minister will review with the leadership of Kuwait the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including in areas such as the political, trade, investment, energy, culture and people-to-people ties, and the steps that both sides need to take to further enhance them. The Crown Prince will be hosting a banquet in honour of the Indian PM. During his visit, PM Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Amir of Kuwait. "Today, I am embarking on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement, earlier in the day. "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a road map for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region. I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," the statement added. PM Modi also said that he remains confident that his visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait. WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate passed a government funding bill early Saturday that would head to U.S. President Joe Biden's desk for his signature, averting a government shutdown. The bill, passed 85-11 right after the deadline, would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, pushing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise the debt ceiling into the new year, AP News reported. The White House said at midnight that it had ceased shutdown preparations. "This is a good outcome for the country," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, adding he had spoken with Trump, who "was certainly happy about this outcome, as well." Hours before the vote, Trump threatened that the debt limit increase be included in any deal. Otherwise, he said, let the closures "start now." Trump's last-minute demand was nearly impossible, said AP News, forcing Johnson to find a way to bypass his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. Agartala, Dec 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that any products from northeast India can easily be exported to the rest of the world by using the Chittagong international port in Bangladesh. Addressing the aNorth East Bankers' Conclavea here, he said that the northeastern region is the export gateway of India. "A few years back, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged enclaves with Bangladesh leading to easier waterway communication with the Chittagong seaport of the neighbouring country. Transportation costs would be less if the products of the northeast were exported to other parts of the world using the Chittagong port," the Home Minister pointed out. As per the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) 1974 and Protocol of 2011, 51 erstwhile Bangladeshi enclaves in India and 111 erstwhile Indian enclaves in Bangladesh were physically transferred to the other country with effect from the midnight of July 31, 2015. The Home Minister said that for any kind of funding or providing advance in infrastructure, agriculture, MSME or even personal loan there should be different banking parameters with separate RBI guidelines for the northeast. "There should not be the same banking parameters and RBI guidelines for the northeast region and other parts of the country. There are maximum potentialities in the northeastern region. Banks, financial institutions and others must consider the northeast otherwise for its economic and all-round development," he observed. He said that a robust ecosystem for commerce and industries is being built in the northeast by strengthening the banking sectors. As the Prime Minister has given maximum thrust for the development of the northeast, the PM himself visited the region 65 times and on his advice, Union Ministers visited the region over 700 times during the past 10 years, Amit Shah said. Noting that India has advanced to fifth position in the global economy from earlier 11th place, Shah said that the country is all set to become the third-largest global economy in the near future. DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and his deputy Sukanta Majumdar, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu, top Central government and banking officials were also present at the event. Earlier on Saturday, the Union Home Minister, while addressing the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), said that with the curbing of militancy in the northeastern region, the time has come for a change in the approach of the security force and others to take forward the region and the wellbeing of the people of the region. The Home Minister is the Chairman of the NEC and the DoNER Minister is the Vice-Chairman of the regional planning body. Shah said that after the Narendra Modi-led government came to power at the Centre, 20 accords were signed for the peace and harmony of the northeastern states and 10,574 cadres of various militant outfits surrendered in different states of the region. "Connectivity is no longer a problem in the northeastern region. The Modi government has been spending Rs 81,000 crore for implementing many railway projects and Rs 41,000 crore for road network in the northeastern states," he stated. Shah said that the Modi government is speeding ahead with its 'Act East, Act Fast, and Act First' mantra, transforming the northeast region into a thriving hub of economic growth and cultural exchange. New Delhi, Dec 21 : While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is preparing to fight the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections after announcing its candidates for all 70 assembly seats, residents of one of the constituencies, Ambedkar Nagar, are facing countless problems due to what they call negligence on the part of the AAP government over the last several years. AAP national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has once again trusted the sitting MLA, Ajay Dutt, and given him the ticket for Ambedkar Nagar seat. To understand the mood of the people in this constituency and how much the residents have benefited from the Delhi government's free services, IANS spoke to several residents of this constituency. Girish Bhardwaj said that the colony is facing significant issues with the sewerage system. "Complaints are made, but no one is taking any action. Kejriwal only makes false promises. He can never make Delhi like London or Paris. People stay up all night waiting for water but it doesn't come. Kejriwal lies about free water. Dirty water comes to our homes, and we have complained to the local MLA several times, but the issue remains unresolved," Girish said. Sarita pointed out that the water problem is a huge issue. When water does come, it is dirty. Broken roads are also a big inconvenience, she added. Shalini Gupta told IANS that they receive very dirty water, which makes them sick. "Near Rajiv Park, the sewer often overflows, causing major problems. The local MLA doesn't address the issues. We no longer trust Kejriwal. His promise of Rs 2,100 for women is a lie. During summer, our electricity bills are around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 8,000. For the last six months, the sewerage has not been cleaned in our colony, and local MLA Ajay Dutt has not taken any action," she said. Another resident mentioned that the sewer problem has caused a lot of trouble. They have complained several times to the Khanpur government office, but there has been no solution. Due to the sewer line being underground, the water from the Jal Board also gets dirty. Lata, another resident, said that the sewer issue is a major problem for them. "Water keeps flowing into the homes. One of the family members had surgery, which has made the situation even worse. After complaints, the vehicle comes to clean, but soon the sewer overflows again. Both elderly people and schoolchildren face a lot of difficulties," she complained. Suman Goyal stated that she has been living here for nine years. The government has made some efforts to improve the situation, but the water issue persists. The sewer cleaning is not happening, and the free services should be discontinued as they haven't been effective. Meera said that she does not want any free services. The Delhi government is just fooling the public because, as of today, the government gives nothing for free. New Delhi, Dec 21 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that Arvind Kejriwal's announcement of the "Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship" for Dalit students aiming to study abroad is nothing but a repackaged old scheme. New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that Arvind Kejriwal's announcement of the "Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship" for Dalit students aiming to study abroad is nothing but a repackaged old scheme. Sachdeva pointed out that Kejriwal had similarly announced a scheme for higher education scholarships for Scheduled Caste students before the 2020 elections, and that scheme has remained stagnant ever since. Yet, Kejriwal has now reintroduced it with a new name. He challenged Kejriwal to explain why, under this 2020 scheme, only Rs 25 lakh worth of scholarships had been distributed till date while the government had allegedly spent nearly crores of rupees on its promotion in 2020-21. Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana has also sought an answer regarding student scholarships through an X post. Earlier, BJP MP and former Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari accused AAP leaders Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh of disrespecting the Purvanchal community and questioning their social identity. He alleged that AAP's immediate show of respect for Purvanchalis is merely pretentious. The press conference, moderated by Media Chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor, also highlighted Tiwari's contributions to strengthening the identity of the Purvanchal community in Delhi. Kapoor emphasised that Tiwari played a key role in getting Chhath Puja declared as a public holiday in the city, thus giving due respect to the major festival of Purvanchal. During the event, Tiwari challenged Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh to issue a clear response within 24 hours about whether the votes of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in Delhi should be removed. "We raised this issue in Parliament, advocating for detaining and deporting illegal infiltrators to their respective countries without subjecting them to violence," the BJP MP asserted. Jammu, 21 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Saturday that it has submitted a charge sheet against two accused in a J&K arms/explosives seizure case linked with the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror outfit in the designated court in Jammu. "The charge sheet has been filed before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, against Waheed-ul-Zahoor, the driver of the vehicle from which explosives, arms, ammunition, etc were recovered, and another accused Mubashir Maqbool Mir," the Central anti-terror agency said in a statement. Both the charge sheeted accused were in contact with their Pakistan-based HM handlers. The seizure of the explosives, arms and other incriminating material took place on June 30, 2024, at a aNakaa (checkpoint) set up by security forces at Machipora, Rafiabad in district Baramulla, it said. "The security personnel signalled the vehicle, driven by Waheed, to stop, but the driver tried to flee the spot and was nabbed. A search of his car and his person had then led to the seizure. During the investigation, the driver disclosed his links with HM for whom he was working as an overground worker (OGW). Further searches at Waheedas house in Mujgund, Srinagar, led to the recovery of some more incriminating materials. The probe also led to the identification of Mir as a conspirator in the case and he was also subsequently arrested," the NIA statement said. aIt was further revealed during the investigation that Mir was also providing financial assistance to the accused. Investigations in the case RC-6/2024/NIA/JMU are continuing as part of the NIAas attempts to unveil the entire conspiracy and ascertain the intended destination of the arms and other materials," it added. The NIA has been investigating terror funding cases and cases linked with militancy-related activities involving kidnapping, ransom and murder by terrorists under orders from their Pakistani handlers. New Delhi, Dec 21 : Journalist Mahesh Langa was on Saturday sent to police custody for four days by a Gujarat court in Rajkot in connection with a Rs 60-lakh GST scam involving a company named Parmar Enterprises. Earlier on Friday, the Rajkot Economic Offences Wing brought Langa to the city on transit remand from Sabarmati jail. Langa was lodged in jail in connection with fake GST billing cases. During the court hearing on Saturday, the police sought Langaas custody for 14 days but the judge granted them only four days' remand. The EoW felt the need to grill Langa after questioning five accused arrested as part of the investigation into an earlier fake billing case. During the questioning of the five accused, the name of a company linked to Langa had come to light, according to the police. A few days ago, Rajkot Police raided 14 places simultaneously, in which action was taken in Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Veraval, Kadi, Mahesana, Gandhinagar, Shapar, Rajkot and five people were arrested. The EoW's investigation revealed that the GST scam was executed using a company named "Parmar Enterprises", which facilitated several fraudulent activities linked to GST. It was created using a fake rental agreement to obtain a GST number. Using this fake company, several other companies participated in the GST fraud. The companies involved in this criminal activity include Yash Developers, Ikara Enterprises, Civil Plus Engineering, Dhanshree Metal, DA Enterprises, Aryan Associates, Jyoti Infrastructure, Arham Steel, Riddhi Infrastructure, Ashapura Trading, Shiv Milan Plastics, Globetra Impex, Maa Durga Steel, Maruti Nandan Construction, and Lakhubha Nanbha. These companies engaged in fraudulent billing, forgery, the use of fake documents, and false declarations, leading to millions of rupees in GST fraud through the use of bogus invoices. Parmar Enterprises was involved in GST fraud in cities such as Mehsana, Junagadh, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Gir Somnath, and Jamnagar in Gujarat. Another company aDA Enterprisesa was involved in the majority of the undisclosed transactions in the scam. This is the same company linked to Langa, who has been implicated in several GST fraud cases. Mumbai, Dec 21 : Bollywood actor Govinda, who turned 61 on Saturday, stepped out of his residence to personally greet fans and paparazzi. The 'Hero No. 1' actor was seen distributing sweets to his fans. Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, the actor greeted the fans gathered outside his house and even interacted with them. In a video that surfaced online, Govinda is seen shaking hands with fans standing near the gate of his house. He also waved at them. On his special day, the 'Coolie No. 1' actor received heartwarming birthday wishes from his industry friends. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who has worked with Govinda, shared a heartfelt birthday note for the actor along with a memorable picture of the two. Wishing Govinda, he wrote on Instagram, "Wishing my 1st Hero, @govinda_herono1, a very Happy Birthday! May your birthday be full of love, laughter, and endless blessings. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and great health. Love, #SajidNadiadwala." Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram Stories to share a delightful photo featuring Govinda. The snapshot, taken on the sets of an event they both attended, captured the duo grooving to a song and thoroughly enjoying the moment. Sharing it, Shilpa added a "Happy Birthday" sticker and penned a note, "To everyone's forever HERO #Not @govinda_herono1 Wishing you love, happiness, and great health alwaysssss." Meanwhile, in October, Govinda was rushed to a Mumbai hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The incident reportedly took place early in the morning, between 4:45 and 5:00 AM, while the actor was preparing to travel to Kolkata. At the time, he was alone in his residence. After being discharged, Govinda addressed the media about the mishap, explaining, "I was getting ready to leave for a show in Kolkata. It was around 4:45-5:00 AM when the revolver fell and misfired. I felt a jhatka (shock) and then noticed there was a fountain (of blood)." On the work front, Govinda is known for his roles in films like "Shola Aur Shabnam," "Coolie No. 1," "Hero No. 1," "Saajan Chale Sasural," "Dulhe Raja," and "Haseena Maan Jaayegi." New Delhi, Dec 21 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal of playing regional politics and spreading poison among the public. He was responding to the former Delhi chief minister's allegation that the BJP insulted Purvanchalis. New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal of playing regional politics and spreading poison among the public. He was responding to the former Delhi chief ministeras allegation that the BJP insulted Purvanchalis. Speaking to IANS on this issue, Sachdeva said, "Kejriwal's comments about Purvanchalis are deeply offensive. It was Kejriwal who had once said that Biharis, who come to Delhi with just Rs 500 to travel by bus and train, get free medical treatment worth lakhs and overcrowd Delhias hospitals. This is an insult to the people from Purvanchal. People from all states, including Purvanchal, Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha live in Delhi. But Kejriwal is engaging in regional politics and spreading poison among the public because that is his nature." Sachdeva also welcomed former AAP MLA Sukhbir Singh Dalal and Sardar Balbir Singh, a six-time member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, who recently joined the BJP. He stated, "Both are educators. Sukhbir Singh Dalal has said that despite serving as an MLA for five years, he could not do much for the villages because the Kejriwal government is an enemy of rural areas. Sardar Balbir Singh, a prominent figure in the Sikh community and a member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, is a well-respected social figure. The BJP will benefit from their joining." On the MCD order to check birth certificates to identify Bangladeshi children in Delhi schools, Sachdeva said, "Illegal immigrants entering Delhi pose a security threat. We recently exposed how the Delhi government is creating fake certificates and illegal Aadhaar cards. Itas possible they may also be issuing fake birth certificates. If an investigation is carried out, we will welcome it." Commenting on the Delhi LG granting permission to the ED to file a case against Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, Sachdeva said, "Truth always prevails, and this was bound to happen. The liquor scam is a stain on Delhi, which Kejriwal has brought to the city. He orchestrated a plan to destroy and loot Delhi, taking commission and kickbacks through the liquor scam. He will eventually have to face the consequences and might end up in jail as the investigation progresses. Being out on bail doesnat mean heas innocent." Srinagar, Dec 21 : J&K Cyber Police said on Saturday that it has recovered over Rs 11 lakh taken in online frauds in the UT's Kulgam district. A police statement said that cyber police recovered Rs 11,09,565 taken from common people in online financial frauds in Kulgam. "During the current year, multiple applications and reports were received from the general public in Kulgam about missing/stolen mobile phones by the Cyber Cell of J&K Police. Acting upon these applications and reports, a special and dedicated team of Cyber Cell Kulgam under the supervision of DySP Hqrs Kulgam recovered 30 smartphones so far from different places which were either lost or stolen. All 30 smartphones were handed over to their legal owners after completing legal formalities," a police statement said. Moreover, Cyber Cell Kulgam solved a huge number of online financial fraud cases in which an amount of Rs 11,09,565 was recovered and has been refunded to the victims' account after completing all legal formalities & an amount of Rs 21,88,715 was put on hold on receipt of various complaints, the statement added. The Cyber Cell requested the general public to use their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets with precaution to safeguard themselves from cyber-related frauds and crimes. If anyone becomes a victim of cybercrime/fraud, he/she should immediately register a complaint on the online portal cybercrime.gov.in and report the matter to the Cyber Cell Kulgam immediately. "Moreover, the citizens are requested to adopt precautions to safeguard themselves from cyber-related frauds and crimes. Besides, limit personal information on social media and donat share Aadhaar, PAN card or any other finance-related OTP with anyone," the police statement said. J&K Police has launched an aggressive anti-terrorist campaign targeting terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), sympathisers, drug smugglers/peddlers and people involved in cyber crimes. Hyderabad, Dec 21 : Denying that he visited Sandhya Theatre without permission or conducted a roadshow, Tollywood actor Allu Arjun said on Saturday that he was hurt over his character assassination. He also termed as false a statement attributed to him and the allegation that he did not care for the family of the woman who lost her life and her son who was injured in the December 4 incident during the premier show of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. An emotional Allu Arjun addressed a press conference on Saturday night, hours after Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made a statement in the state Assembly, targeting him for visiting the theatre despite denial of police permission, conducting road show, not leaving the theatre even after informed about the incident and not meeting the affected family. "There is a lot of misinformation, false allegations, lot of communication gap. There are a lot of misquotations. I have not said anything like that. Please don't judge me. Please don't have character assassination on me. I am not that kind of a person," he said Stating that he was feeling extremely humiliated over the character assassination, he said he was not blaming individual, leader or the government. Terming the incident an unfortunate accident, he said no one was at fault. Stating that he has been in the industry for 20 years and enjoys reasonable credibility, he lamented that it was damaged overnight. "I have earned this respect after 21-22 years of work. When it is sabotaged overnight, it really hurts," he said He denied that he visited the theatre without permission. "It is absolutely false information that I visited the theatre without permission. When I visited the theatre, the police were clearing the crowd, so it was clear that everything was sorted. If there was no permission, they could have told us and I would have gone back," said Allu Arjun. Denying that he conducted a road show or procession, the actor said a few yards away from the theatre he waved at the crowd so that they would make way for the car to move forward. "This happens at any event of a celebrity or a leader," he said. He also dismissed as false the claim that he did not leave the theatre despite being informed about the incident. "No policeman came to me. It was one of my managers who told me that the crowd outside is uncontrollable, and it was better to leave," he said. The Chief Minister had told the Assembly that the actor left the theatre only after a Deputy Commissioner of Police warned him that if he did not leave the theatre they would have to arrest him. Allu Arjun claimed that it was only the next day that he came to know about the death of the woman, and he was shocked. The actor said the same day he wanted to meet the family of the deceased and visit the hospital to see the boy. However, as the family had filed a police case against him, his legal team advised him against meeting the family. Allu Arjun said the next day he posted a video to convey his condolences to the family and to assure them that he would do everything possible for them. "It was not just about money," said the actor, who had announced Rs 25 lakh for the family. Allu Arjun said that he was so shocked by the unfortunate incident that he had not yet watched the movie in the theatre and cancelled all the celebrations and events. "This is a very low point," he said. The actor asserted that he put three years into the movie. He said it meant everything to him, and he went to watch the movie in the theatre. Imphal, Dec 21 : Former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Saturday alleged that the BJP government in Manipur has been violating constitutional provisions by not convening the winter session of the state Assembly. Singh, who is also the Congress legislature party leader, said that the state government is violating the provisions of the Constitution in holding the Assembly sessions in the stipulated period. Referring to the Constitutional provisions and other rules, the former Chief Minister (2002-2017) told the media that three Assembly sessions -- budget, autumn and winter -- must be held in a calendar year. However, the state government is yet to summon the winter session even though the calendar year is almost over now, the Congress leader said, adding that they have submitted a memorandum to the governor, the Speaker and the chief minister requesting them to convene the winter session immediately. Singh said that the Congress was compelled to urge the Governor, Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker to call the winter session of the Assembly to maintain that democratic institutions like the legislative Assembly function normally. "As a responsible opposition party, we cannot remain mute spectators if the government does not perform its constitutional duties and responsibilities," the Congress leader stated. State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh strongly criticised the ruling BJP in Manipur for the prolonged delay in conducting elections for the Autonomous District Council (ADC). "Not holding the elections in the ADCs. It is a violation of the constitutional provisions," Singh said during an interaction with the District Congress Committee (DCC) at Limkhu in Chandel district. Highlighting that the ADC elections have been postponed for over four years, the Congress leader expressed concern over the adverse impact of this delay, particularly the withholding of approximately Rs 500 crore allocated by the 15th Finance Commission for hill development. Questioning the rationale behind government initiatives like "Go to Hills" and "Go to Village" in the absence of funds, the state Congress chief stated that such slogans are appealing, but the promised funds have been delayed due to the absence of elections, which is a clear violation of constitutional rights. Manipur has six ADCs for the socio-economic development of the tribals, who constitute 40 per cent of Manipur's around 3.2 million population with Nagas and Kuki-Zo being major tribal communities among the 34 tribes. The last election to ADCs was held in 2015 when the Congress government was in power in the state and the terms of six ADCs ended in 2020. GAZA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army launched fierce attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, Gaza-based health authorities announced in a statement. The assault involved explosives and tank fire, according to the statement. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director, told Xinhua by phone that the Israeli army had ordered the evacuation of staff, "which is extremely difficult due to the intense bombing." Abu Safiya also reported that the Israeli army had deployed explosive robots around the hospital and "there is widespread panic among medical staff and patients." The Israeli army has continued its large-scale military offensive in northern Gaza Strip since Oct. 5, claiming its objective is to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military strength. Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has stated that the obscene remark row case involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar would be handed over to the 'Ethics Committee' and following the report, future action will be initiated. Speaking to reporters in Mandya, Horatti answered a question about claims of a recording available on C.T. Ravi's derogatory comment, stated: "Nothing is over yet. There is an 'Ethics Committee', it is the highest committee. This will look into the matter and they will provide a report and, as per the report, future course of action would be taken up." Horatti said: "We verified the charges by Minister Hebbalkar and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. Once our session is adjourned, the mikes and channels are switched off. A team of Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Additional Secretary and Under Secretary verified the recordings. We couldn't find anything even after the search. "Now, it has been claimed that few channels have aired the recording, and we will verify it. Nothing is over yet. We will verify it and if I am convinced that the charges are true, I know how to take it forward from my side." "Once the session is adjourned, within a second, our mikes will go off. We don't know about other channels. If the recordings are provided, it could be looked into even today. I have called a meeting and, as per the rules, the matter will be sent to the committee," Horatti said. "Whoever is involved, the incident should not have taken place in our council. There are committees to ascertain the matter and the matter will be sent there," he reiterated. According to our law, the intimation of arrest should have been given to me and the police have given intimation on Friday about the arrest of C.T. Ravi and the Sections of law under which he has been booked, Horatti stated. Chaos and drama unfolded on Thursday as, during a heated debate session in the Legislative 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 used an obscene term against the woman minister. Following the complaint by Minister Laxmi, the police had arrested MLC Ravi. Later, on Friday, the High Court granted interim relief to C.T. Ravi by ordering his immediate release. Nagpur, Dec 21, : Finally, the wait is over. Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday approved the portfolio allocation to the ministers as recommended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The list was released after the conclusion of a weeklong winter session. Fadnavis will hold home, energy excluding renewable energy, law and judiciary, general administration, information and publicity and departments/subjects not allowed to any other minister. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold urban development, housing and public works (public enterprises) while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will be in charge of planning and finance and excise. Chandrashekhar Bawankule will hold the revenue department while Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil will be in charge of the water resources department including Godavari and Krishna Valley Development Corporation. Hasan Mushrif will hold medical education, Chandrakant Patil higher and technical education and parliamentary affairs, Girish Mahajan water resources including Vidarbha, Tapi, Konkan Development Corporation and disaster management. Ganesh Naik will hold forest, Gulabrao Patil water supply and sanitation, Dadaji Bhuse school education, Dhananjay Munde food and civil supplies and consumer protection, Mangallrabhat Lodha skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, Uday Samant industries and Marathi Language, Jaykumar Rawal marketing and protocol, Pankaja Munde environment and climate change and animal husbandry and Ashok Uike tribal development. Atul Save will hold OBC welfare, dairy development and renewable energy, Shabhuraj Desai tourism, mining and ex-servicemen welfare, Ashish Shelar information technology and cultural affairs, Dattatray Bharne sports, youths welfare, minorities development and Aukaf, Aditi Tatkare women and child development and Shivendraraje Bhosale public works excluding public enterprises. Manikrao Kokate will be in charge of agriculture, Jaykumar Gore rural development and panchayat raj, Narhari Zirwal food and drug administration and special assistance, Sanjay Savkare textiles, Sanjay Shirsat social justice, Pratap Sarnaik transport and Bharatsheth Gogawale employment guarantee, horticulture, salt pan land development, Makrand Jadhav Patil relief and rehabilitation, Nitesh Rane fisheries and ports, Akash Fundkar labour, Babasaheb Patil cooperation and Prakash Abitkar public health and family welfare. The minister of state Ashish Jaiswal will hold finance and planning, agriculture, relief and rehabilitation, law and judiciary and labour while the minister of state Madhuri Misal urban development, transport, social justice, medical education, minorities development and Aukaf. Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar will hold home (rural), housing, school education, cooperation and mining while Meghna Sakore Bordikar will get public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, energy, women and child development. Minister of State Indranil Naik will hold industries, public works, higher and technical education, tribal development, tourism, soils and water conservation while Yogesh Kadam will hold home (urban), revenue, rural development and panchayat raj, food and civil supplies and consumer protection, food and drug administration. Fadnavis had expanded his cabinet with the induction of 39 ministers on December 15. Even though he had announced that the portfolio allocation would be done in two days, it was delayed due to hard negotiations among the MahaYuti partners. The strength of the Fadnavis-led cabinet is 42 against 43 permissible under the legislative norms. Shinde insisted on allocating home, revenue and housing but BJP has rejected his demand while agreeing to give him housing. Ajit Pawar has retained planning and finance and in addition, got the excise department. Bengaluru, Dec 21 : Karnataka Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Saturday said the Congress-led government yielding to form committees to look into the Waqf row and maternal deaths during the recently concluded winter session is a "victory" for the BJP. Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, Ashoka said that "presenting evidence in the Assembly over the Waqf board encroaching on the properties of Hindus and farmers has led to a significant victory". "The government, pressurised by the BJP's fight, has decided to form a committee. Additionally, the case of maternal deaths has been handed over for judicial investigation," he said. The Belagavi session was initially scheduled for 10 days but reduced to nine days due to the Kannada Literary Festival. The BJP discussed issues like the Waqf row, maternal deaths, funding discrepancies, and North Karnataka-related problems, he said. "I spoke for two hours in the Assembly with detailed evidence about the Waqf Board issue. I explained how the British, starting from their era to the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, systematically used Muslims as a vote bank," Ashoka said. "Instead of hoisting the national flag, a green flag is raised. In Bidar, 560 acres of a village have been marked as Waqf Board property. After presenting all this evidence, the government relented and promised to form a committee under a retired judge," Ashoka underlined, adding: "This is a victory for the BJP's fight. Farmers who have faced injustice can now submit their grievances. We have brought the Waqf Board issue to a logical conclusion." He further said: "The Assembly extensively discussed maternal and neonatal deaths. I submitted evidence regarding expired medicines and demanded the resignation of the health minister. The government has agreed to a judicial inquiry into the matter, which is another victory for the BJP's efforts in the Assembly. "Over 30 BJP MLAs spoke on the issues facing North Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must stop making empty promises. In the previous session, he spoke for over an hour and a half, announcing industrial projects for districts like Bidar, Dharwad, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi." Agartala, Dec 21 : In a major haul, the Assam Rifles in coordination with the other law enforcing agencies on Saturday seized 3.9 lakh methamphetamine tablets valued at around Rs 78 crore and arrested a drug peddler in Tripura, officials said on Saturday. Assam Rifles sources said that in a meticulously planned and flawlessly executed joint operation, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Customs Department and Tripura Police, has dealt a major blow to the drug trafficking nexus in the northeastern region. "Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the security forces intercepted and recovered an astonishing consignment of 3.9 lakh methamphetamine tablets valued Rs 78 crore in the international market from the Gonda Twisa areas in Dhalai district on Friday night," the sources said. The team apprehended Rakesh Miya (33), a resident of Melaghar in Sepahijala district. "This monumental success highlights the unwavering commitment of the security forces to counter the menace of cross-border drug trafficking and safeguard the youth of the region. Methamphetamine tablets (Yaba tablets), infamous for their devastating effects on individuals and communities, are a known favourite of drug syndicates targeting vulnerable populations," an Assam Rifles statement said. It said that with Union Home Minister Amit Shah visiting the state and security forces on high alert, this accomplishment showcases the synergy and vigilance of Assam Rifles, Customs, and Tripura Police in combating organised crime. This successful crackdown reinforces Tripura's position as a fortified barrier against drug syndicates and underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and prosperity in the state. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the network behind this consignment, the statement said. Between November 20 and December 20, various drugs including heroin and methamphetamine tablets valued at around Rs 280 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). Jaipur, Dec 21 : Bird flu has been reported in Rajasthan's Phalodi district, following the confirmation of the virus in a dead demoiselle crane (Kurja) found in the Khichan village. Jaipur, Dec 21 (IANS) Bird flu has been reported in Rajasthanas Phalodi district, following the confirmation of the virus in a dead demoiselle crane (Kurja) found in the Khichan village. The craneas viscera were sent for analysis to the High-Security Animal Disease Lab in Bhopal (MP) on December 19, and the test results, received on December 21, confirmed the presence of the virus. The confirmation of the virus has raised concerns within the local administration and forest department, as the virus could pose a threat to other bird species as well. So far, seven cranes have died in the Khichan area due to the infection. In response to the outbreak, Collector HL Atal instructed all relevant departments to remain vigilant. A joint meeting was convened with representatives from Animal Husbandry, Forest, Police, Industry, and Medical and Health departments, where officials were urged to implement preventive measures, protect the public, and carry out surveys to monitor the spread of the disease. The Animal Husbandry Department has formed a Rapid Response Team, and the Forest Department has deployed monitoring and survey teams. Vigilant surveillance is being conducted in areas where the cranes rest and roam. Local authorities have also appealed to the public to avoid visiting migration areas of the cranes. In accordance with the collectoras orders, a team of forest workers has been stationed at the resting spots of the Kurja birds. Agartala, Dec 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the demographic data of people along the India-Myanmar border, especially in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, should be mapped so that it can help in fencing of the border and infiltration can be stopped. The Home Minister, who chaired the 12th meeting of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society in Agartala, said that there is a need to conduct a comprehensive survey in the border areas. Four northeastern states a" Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km) a" share 1,643-km unfenced border with Myanmar. The Ministry of Home Affairs has planned to fence the entire 1,643 km porous India-Myanmar border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition and narcotics, at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore. HM Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indiaas space sector has taken a giant leap forward in the last 10 years. He said that after 25 years of establishment of NESAC Society, the positive aspects of the work being done by the society are now visible. The Home Minister said that the NESAC Society should further expand the scope of its work in the northeastern states, and, for this, initiatives should also be taken by the state governments. HM Shah urged the NESAC society to take 100 students each with a science background from all the states of the northeast on a visit to the HQ of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) so that they can develop interest in space and related technology. He urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to contribute 60 per cent for this project. HM Shah also requested the state governments of the northeast to start new courses related to space technology in engineering colleges. He said that so far, 20 waterways have been built with the help of NESAC and the Society should explore the possibility of building more waterways. The Home Minister said that there is a need for extensive mapping for mineral, oil, and coal reserves in the northeastern states. The northeastern states would be financially benefited from the royalty received for these minerals. HM Shah said that the NESAC Society should focus on forest area development using space science. He said that for this, necessary steps should be taken by comparing old maps with the latest maps and where there are possibilities, efforts should be made to plant trees in collaboration with the state governments. Similarly, the Home Minister also asked the Society to map floods in the northeastern states. The Home Minister lauded the efforts of NESAC Society for proper and positive use of space technology in administration and emphasized its extensive use in the development of a difficult geographical area like the northeast in the coming times. HM Shah also said that the NESAC Society should also focus on developing its revenue model. DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, his deputy Sukanta Majumdar, Chief Ministers of several northeastern states , union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Secretary, Department of Space Dr. S. Somnath and Director, Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, senior officials of the central and state governments of northeastern states were present in the meeting. The Union Home Minister is the President of the NESAC Society while the ISRO chief is the Chairman of the NESAC Governing Council. Through satellite-based imageries and studies, the NESAC, situated in Meghalaya's Umiam, helped the northeastern states in planning, preparing and monitoring diverse projects ranging from agriculture to various infrastructures. Patna, Dec 21 : Two hardcore Maoist operatives who have been on the run for the last 12 years were finally arrested on Saturday in Bihar's Bodh Gaya, the police said. The arrested individuals have been identified as Kaushal Yadav and Aditya Bhuiyan a.k.a. Kundan. According to Ashish Bharti, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the two were implicated in multiple cases of criminal activities across Gaya and surrounding districts. Kaushal Yadav, also known as Krishna Yadav, was wanted in seven cases, including the murders of three persons in 2013. Kaushal Yadav and his accomplices attacked MCC (Maoist Communist Centre) operative Sanjay Yadav and his two companions while they were returning from the village Ankola in 2013. They had murdered the people whom they targetted, and their weapons were looted. This was a high-profile case where 10 other accused had already been arrested, leaving Kaushal Yadav as one of the main absconders. Aditya Bhuiyan, also referred to as Kundan, had more than six cases registered against him. "We had received intelligence about the movement of the accused in the Bodh Gaya area. A special team was formed, leading to the successful arrest of both fugitives," Bharti said. The arrests of these two Maoist operatives not only resolve pending cases but also underscore the police's commitment to apprehending individuals who evade the law for extended periods. Kaushal Yadav is a resident of Devaniya village, under the jurisdiction of Dhangai police station, Gaya district. He has been implicated in seven criminal cases, including the 2013 attack on MCC operative Sanjay Yadav. Aditya Bhuiyan alias Kundan was involved in an incident in 2012 near Baghpur forest, under the jurisdiction of Dumaria police station. In that incident, he, along with his associates, attacked a police team and looted their belongings and weapons. Some policemen were injured in that attack too. Apart from this case, he was also involved in more than 6 cases as well. "Kaushal Yadav and Aditya Bhuiyan were key figures in multiple violent cases spanning over a decade. These two have extensive criminal records. Their apprehension follows actionable intelligence and a strategic raid in the Bodh Gaya area," Bharti said. Patna, Dec 22 : In a shocking incident, a man was gunned down while another was critically injured in an attack in Patna's Danapur locality on Saturday evening. The deceased, identified as Gorakh Nath died on the spot while Ranjit Rai, also known as Dahi Gop was critically injured and admitted to the Paras Hospital where he is battling for his life. The victims were targeted while returning from a cremation ceremony. The attack occurred as they reached the Pethia Bazar area of Danapur. Danapur SDPO Bhanu Pratap Singh confirmed the incident, stating that the injured person was rushed to Paras Hospital, where his condition is reported to be critical. According to sources, Ranjit Rai was the primary target of the attackers, while Gorakh Nath sustained gunshot injuries after getting caught in the firing range and eventually lost his life. This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The district police are conducting raids to apprehend the assailants. Further investigations are underway to uncover the motive behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. In Muzaffarpur, two separate incidents of firing on Saturday left residents alarmed. Both incidents occurred in different areas, causing a stir in their respective localities. The first attack took place in the Sahibganj police station area, where a youth named Mahesh Paswan was targeted. He was shot at in his mouth. Family members allege that Paswan was attacked by liquor traders in the area. He was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The motive behind the attack is under investigation, and the police are probing the incident. The second incident occurred at Ambara Chaube Tola, under the jurisdiction of Saraiya police station. In this case, Chotan Pathak, recently released from jail in an assault case, allegedly climbed onto the house of a painter, Akhilesh Thakur, and shot at him. Following the incident, Pathak absconded, and police are now conducting raids to apprehend him. -IANS ajk/uk Patna, Dec 22 : The issue of question paper leaks in Bihar has become a significant political flashpoint, with both the ruling party and opposition trading barbs over the matter. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has alleged that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is responsible for the leaks, intensifying the ongoing feud. Sinha said "the RJD is behind the paper leak", holding the Opposition responsible. The controversy erupted after candidates caused a ruckus at an examination centre in Patna during the 70th BPSC examination, highlighting growing dissatisfaction among aspirants about systemic failures in the examination process. In response, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition, launched a scathing attack on Sinha, dismissing him as "not even worthy of being a Deputy CM". Yadav's remarks add to the political tension, as he attempts to shift the blame for the governance lapses onto the ruling coalition. Responding to media queries in Katihar, Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the claims that the RJD was behind the paper leaks and instead pointed fingers at the ruling government. Tejashwi Yadav said: "If RJD people are leaking the papers, then why is Nalanda always connected to these incidents? Every paper leak traces back to Nalanda." This pointed remark is significant as Nalanda is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "If the government genuinely believes RJD is behind this, then why are they sitting idle instead of taking action?" Tejashwi Yadav questioned. The paper leak issues in Bihar's competitive exams, including the 70th BPSC examination, have raised serious concerns about the state's examination system. The Opposition has seized the issue as a key opportunity to criticise the government's failure to ensure fairness and transparency. Political analysts feel that by linking the incidents to Nalanda, Tejashwi Yadav has strategically turned the heat on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, further deepening the political tensions. The development not only highlights the Opposition's aggressive stance but also reflects the growing dissatisfaction among students and the public regarding the state administration's handling of critical processes like examinations. Policemen stand guard at a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) Approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise. BERLIN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A memorial service was held Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to mourn the victims of a tragic attack at a Christmas market on Friday night, where a car rammed into a crowd, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others. The service took place at the city's cathedral and was intended primarily for the victims' relatives, emergency responders, and invited guests, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Outside the cathedral, mourners gathered to lay flowers and light candles in remembrance of the victims. To mark the tragedy, church bells tolled across Magdeburg at 7:04 p.m. (1804 GMT) -- the exact time the attack occurred. This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) VICTIMS INCLUDE 9-YEAR-OLD CHILD A nine-year-old child is among the five people killed, confirmed Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor's office, without disclosing further details about the other four adult victims. He said approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise. According to German media, the attack lasted roughly three minutes. The emergency route used by the perpetrator was not secured with barriers, raising concerns about safety measures. Condemning the act, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as "a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the press during a memorial ceremony in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) DOCTOR FROM SAUDI ARABIA UNDER INVESTIGATION A 50-year-old doctor originated from Saudi Arabia was arrested at the site and taken into custody for questioning. Police searched his home overnight, and authorities assume he acted alone. He has lived in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town. Authorities noted earlier that the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement as an Islamist. His motive remained unclear and police have not yet named the suspect. Nopens said one possible factor could be the suspect's frustration with Germany's handling of Saudi refugees. According to the German news agency dpa, authorities had been alerted about the man approximately a year ago. Scholz and other top officials, including Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, arrived in Magdeburg on Saturday. Faeser ordered Saturday morning that all flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-mast nationwide. This photo shows police vehicles near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) Magdeburg, a city of approximately 237,000 residents, is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 km west of Berlin. The incident echoes a tragic attack on Dec. 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police. Bhopal, Dec 22 : Madhya Pradesh received two Asiatic (Gir) lions -- one male and one female from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Gujarat's Junagadh on Saturday. The lion couple has been kept at Bhopal's Van Vihar. Madhya Pradesh forest department said lions were brought from Junagarh's Zoological Park under the animal exchange programme between two neighbourhood states (MP and Gujarat). The lion and lioness reached Bhopal's Van Vihar National after a travel of over 900 kilometres from Junagarh on Saturday evening, and they have been kept in quarantine for care and medical examination under the monitoring of veterinarians. "The age of both the lions is about three years. They have been kept in quarantine for care and medical examination in Van Vihar. At present, there are two lions and three lionesses in Van Vihar National Park," MP forest department said. After permission was received from the Central Zoo Authority under the exchange scheme, a nine-member team went to Junagadh Zoo with a tiger and tigress from Van Vihar National Park on December 17, official said. Under the exchange of animals programme, Madhya Pradesh has provided two Bengal tigers from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) spread over three districts - Rewa, Shahdol and Umariya in the Vindhya region in the eastern part of the state. "In exchange for the pair of lions, a tiger (Bandhavgarh-2) and tigress (Bandhani), both aged six years, have been given from Van Vihar National Park to Junagarh Zoo," the MP forest department said in a statement. With having more than 785 out of a total 3, of 800 big cats across the country, Madhya Pradesh retained its tag of 'Tiger State' for the last few years, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India (NTCA). Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its six existing tiger reserves: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, and Satpura. The Union Forest Department recently approved two more tiger reserves - Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhopal and Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district. Bhopal, Dec 22 : Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh alleged that the incident occurred near Parliament's gate, leading to a physical altercation between MPs from the ruling and the opposition bloc, was a planned conspiracy by BJP. The Congress veteran, who attended a condolence meeting on the demise of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister, Bharat Singh in Ratlam on Saturday, talking to the media persons said, the opposition has always staged protests at the Parliament premises, but it was the first time when ruling MPs blocked entry of the opposition members. Second-time Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh, who participated in the protest on December 19 at the Parliament premises, said the Opposition has the right to protest against the 'wrongdoing' of the government. "Amit Shah's remarks on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are condemnable and the opposition is demanding an apology from him. He should apologise and resign from the post on moral ground, but he is being shielded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chaos created by BJP MPs there was a planned step to divert attention," he added. Meanwhile, the Congress leader raised questions on the security system at the new Parliament, stating that an ugly altercation at Makar Gate could have been averted, had the security officials taken prompt action. "What the Chief Security Officer was doing," Digvijaya Singh questioned. "I have been in the State Assembly and Parliament for the last 45 years. I have seen opposition protesting on the premises, but I have never seen the ruling party members protesting on the premises," he added. The confrontation occurred as MPs from the NDA and the Opposition bloc staged separate protests outside Parliament over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B. R. Ambedkar. The situation escalated into a physical altercation when members from both sides clashed, resulting in jostling and injuries. BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained a forehead injury during the scuffle and was hospitalised. The BJP alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing them to fall on Sarangi. Congress denied the claim. Mukesh Rajput, another BJP MP, was also injured and later hospitalised. Following the incident, Rahul Gandhi faced legal trouble after BJP leader Hemang Joshi lodged a complaint against him, sources revealed. Joshi accused Gandhi of "physical assault and incitement" during the Parliament scuffle. The case was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 125 (endangering life or safety), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention to commit crime), according to sources. Bengaluru, Dec 22 : Karnataka BJP MLC C.T. Ravi sharing the ordeal surrounding his dramatic arrest and release over alleged derogatory remarks against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar on Saturday questioned if the law is equal for all while questioning the police high-handedness against him. Speaking to the media at the BJP State Office "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru on Saturday, Ravi said: "I filed a complaint about the assault on me on the night of December 19, but the FIR has not been registered. There are visuals to prove an assault on me. The FIR was not registered for my complaint. Isn't the law equal for everyone? "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Constitution guarantees equal opportunities for all. However, the government has shown special privileges to Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, which I strongly criticise," Ravi said. "I was denied water, not even allowed to relieve myself. I used to exchange greetings respectfully with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. I used to address her how are you? What's special today, Lakshmamma? I've often joked lightheartedly like this." He further said: "Regarding the allegations, the Speaker has given a ruling. I've already shared this with the media and won't elaborate further, they explained. Our words are known to our conscience and to the Almighty." Ravi described subsequent incidents, including an assault on his vehicle, threats to his life, and an attempt to isolate him during a dharna. He mentioned that senior BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and others, stood by him during this ordeal. "The BJP legal team in Belagavi and Bengaluru has been working tirelessly to ensure justice. I am grateful to the media for exposing the Congress government's hidden agenda," Ravi said. "To my friends in the media, you stood by me step by step, exposing the hidden agenda of the Congress government and spreading the truth to the people. In doing so, you indirectly protected me. I am grateful to you all," he added. Chaos and drama unfolded on Thursday as, during a heated debate session in the Legislative 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 used an obscene term against the woman minister. Following the complaint by Minister Laxmi, the police arrested MLC Ravi. Later, on Friday, the High Court granted interim relief to C.T. Ravi by ordering his immediate release. The Philippines, strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia, occupies a critical geopolitical position. The current politico-military crisis primarily revolves around the South China Sea, a contested area rich in natural resources and home to one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes. In this context, the country faces an increasingly aggressive China while simultaneously strengthening its historic alliance with the United States. The United States has been a crucial partner for the Philippines for decades, largely due to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. This agreement stipulates that Washington will provide military assistance to Manila in the event of an external attack. Over the years, the alliance has been reinforced through agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows the U.S. to construct new military infrastructure and utilize existing Philippine bases for defensive purposes. Recently, the U.S. administration expanded the scope of EDCA, enhancing its presence in the Philippines with advanced operational capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. regularly participates in joint exercises such as the Balikatan maneuvers, which bolster the operational readiness of the Philippine Armed Forces. For Washington, the Philippines is a cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region. The contested waters of the South China Sea are particularly sensitive, not only due to the Taiwan issue but also because the U.S. has repeatedly emphasized that any attack on Philippine vessels or bases would be interpreted as a direct assault on American interests. China, for its part, claims nearly the entirety of the South China Sea as part of its historical territory, despite international rulings rejecting such assertions. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China's claims had no legal basis. However, Beijing ignored the verdict, continuing to consolidate its presence in the area. Chinas actions include the militarization of artificial islands, such as those in the Spratly and Scarborough Shoal regions, which are near Philippine territory. Beijing has also adopted a strategy of "passive aggression," using its coast guard and fishing fleets to intimidate Philippine vessels. Recent incidents have included the use of water cannons against Philippine ships and naval blockades that prevent the resupply of outposts in contested waters. This escalation has driven Manila to seek international support, engaging regional powers such as Japan and Australia. Beyond geopolitical challenges, the Philippines grapples with complex internal issues that undermine the country's stability. With the election of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in 2022, the son of the controversial former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, unresolved issues have resurfaced in public discourse. Despite Marcos Jr.'s promises to promote unity and economic development, the nation continues to struggle with social inequalities, corruption, and a precarious security situation. A chronic problem is the ongoing conflict with armed groups and Islamist militants in the southern regions of the country. In Mindanao and Sulu, movements such as Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remain constant threats. Although peace agreements have been signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), violence persists, fueled by religious extremism and poverty. Recently, the Manila government has sought to strengthen the implementation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, but the process faces delays and local resistance. The rivalry between the United States and China has turned the South China Sea into a geopolitical battleground. While Washington views this region as crucial for global maritime security, Beijing seeks to consolidate its strategic and economic dominance in the area. The Philippines, thus, finds itself in a precarious position, forced to balance its national sovereignty against the pressures exerted by two global powers. The politico-military crisis in the Philippines reflects a broader struggle that extends beyond the boundaries of its territorial waters, significantly impacting the strategic control of the Indo-Pacific. Manila, caught between two opposing forces and already burdened with a challenging internal situation, strives to maintain a fragile equilibrium by bolstering its defenses with traditional allies and promoting diplomacy to safeguard its sovereignty. However, rising tensions - exacerbated by recent Chinese military exercises around Taiwan - significantly increase the risk of open conflict, with repercussions that could affect the entire world. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate PHNOM PENH, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has been elected as a member of the Organizational Committee of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission for the 2025-2026 term, said a press release from the country's ministry of foreign affairs on Saturday. The election was held during the 54th Plenary Meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on Dec. 19 in New York, the press release said. The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an advisory body to the United Nations assisting countries transitioning from conflict to peace. Bharatiya Janata Party MLC CT Ravi on Friday got a respite from the high court of Karnataka, a day after his arrest, following allegations that he used a derogatory word against minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, which had resulted in a political showdown and slugfest between the saffron party and ruling Congress in the state. IMAGE: BJP MLC CT Ravi. Photograph: ANI Photo The high court ordered immediate release of Ravi in its interim order, observing that police failed to follow the procedures in arresting him. However, the bench of Justice M G Uma asked Ravi to co-operate with the investigation and be available for questioning. Ravi, who is a former minister and ex-BJP national general secretary, was being shifted to Bengaluru by road, on the orders of a Court in Belagavi, when he got information about the HC order. Reacting to the HC order, Ravi, speaking to reporters in Davangere, said, "truth has triumphed", and maintained that allegations against him were false. "In a case that is baseless and that doesn't even come under the ambit of the police station, I was arrested without even serving a notice. There was an attempt to harass me mentally as I was taken around four districts and more than 50 villages overnight. I was attacked physically by the Congress government using the police," he said, as he thanked party workers and leaders for their support. However, Hebbalkar earlier in the day, speaking to reporters in Belagavi, sticking to her allegations, said she was in "great shock and sadness" following the incident. The minister said the derogatory word was used against her repeatedly and humiliated, as she tried to counter the BJP leader for making certain disrespectful comments against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Ravi allegedly used a derogatory word against Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday during an altercation between them, when the House was adjourned for a while. He was arrested on Thursday evening and taken into the police van from the premises of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, where the legislature session was held. Based on the complaint lodged by Hebbalkar, a case was registered against the BJP leader under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Earlier in the day, Ravi accused the police of "violating" human rights, as he alleged that they took him on rounds the entire night to various places, without providing proper food and rest. The BJP leader, who had bandages on his head, even claimed that police were behaving on the directions of someone from the "top", as he hit out at the state government and the administration, calling it "dictatorial". Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, however, ruled out any government interference in the police action and arrest of Ravi. Calling Ravi a "filthy mouth" for his language against Hebbalkar, he claimed that the former even made derogatory comments against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed Ravi's alleged usage of a derogatory word against Hebbalkar as an "offence". He also hit out at the BJP and questioned whether the party supports derogatory comments made against a woman. Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra alleged that the state police were working under pressure from the Congress, and warned CM Siddaramaiah that power is not "permanent", as he criticised the government over the arrest of Ravi. Vijayendra accused the state government of allowing "Congress goons" to attempt an attack on Ravi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, also condemned Ravi's arrest. He accused the Congress government of violating laws and disregarding established etiquette and rules. There were protests by BJP leaders and workers in several parts of the state against Ravi's arrest and treatment meted out to him by the police. Congress too held counter protests at several places targeting the saffron party leader for his derogatory remarks against a woman minister. BJP had given a call for bandh in Ravi's native Chikkamagaluru. According to police, around 100 members and supporters of the BJP gathered at Hanumathappa Circle protesting against Ravi's arrest and tried to obstruct traffic, causing inconvenience to the public. They were taken into preventive custody. At least two people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, CNN reported. IMAGE: Emergency personnel work at a Christmas market after a car drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 20, 2024. Photograph: Axel Schmidt/Reuters The attack occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to local public broadcaster MDR, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the two victims included an adult and a toddler. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the heart of the popular holiday market, left 68 people injured. Of these, 15 sustained serious injuries, with 37 others moderately injured and 16 suffering from minor injuries. Emergency response teams, including around 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals. Local authorities have been working swiftly to manage the crisis and prevent further harm. In the aftermath of the suspected attack, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her shock and sorrow over the devastating event, reported CNN. "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families," Faeser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. She also assured the public that security authorities were investigating the incident to clarify the details surrounding the attack. According to German Prime Minister Haseloff, the suspected driver of the car involved in the attack has been apprehended. Haseloff stated that preliminary information suggests the driver acted alone, and authorities were in the process of compiling further data and conducting an interrogation. "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him," Haseloff said in a televised statement on Friday night. Security forces have been working tirelessly to investigate the motive behind the attack, with authorities stressing that there is no indication of further threats. The local community has been left shaken by the tragic loss of life and the chaos that unfolded in the festive environment of the Christmas market, CNN reported. As police continue their investigation, both local officials and citizens are grieving the loss of life and supporting the injured in this difficult time. The body of a 7-year-old boy missing after the ferry-Navy craft collision off Mumbai coast was found on Saturday morning, taking the death toll in the December 18 tragedy to 15, officials said. IMAGE: Mumbai police conduct search operations after a passenger ferry capsized off Mumbai coast on December 18. Photograph: ANI Photo The search operation, however, would continue till the ferry boat is made upright and it is confirmed that there is no unaccounted body left, said a Navy official. Naval boats found the body of Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan in the Mumbai harbour area after three days of search. The Navy has already launched a probe into the crash, one of the deadliest in the city's harbour area. A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed to look for the missing passengers. Of 113 persons on board both the vessels, 15 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six persons on board the Navy craft, of which two survived. The speeding Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and crashed into passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' on the afternoon of December 18. The ferry, carrying more than 100 passengers, was on its way from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction famous for its cave temples. Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) records showed that the boat had the permission to carry 84 passengers and six crew members, but was overloaded, police said. The MMB, which is conducting its own investigation, cancelled the licence of the ferry as the vessel was overloaded and thus violated the Inland Vessel Act. A case has been registered against the Navy craft's driver at Colaba police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 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'. The accident-affected craft is in the custody of the Navy, and police will demand it whenever needed for investigation, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met two Kuwaiti nationals who translated and published India's two iconic epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana in Arabic. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses with two Kuwaiti nationals who translated and published Mahabharata and Ramayana in Arabic. Photographs: @narendramodi/X The Prime Minister also signed copies of the Arabic versions of the two epics. Modi reached Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit. He is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His visit is the first of any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. "Happy to see Arabic translations of the Ramayan and Mahabharat. I compliment Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing it. Their initiative highlights the popularity of Indian culture globally, Modi said in a post on X along with pictures. During Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address in October, he highlighted their work and said that "this work is not just a translation, but a bridge between two great cultures. It is developing a new understanding of Indian literature in the Arab world." On his arrival, Modi was warmly received by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence & Interior of Kuwait. Modi also met Kuwait-based retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. "Delighted to have met Shri @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait this afternoon. I admire his contribution to India and his passion for India's development," Modi posted on X. On Friday, Handa's granddaughter Shreya Juneja requested Modi to meet her Nanaji to which Modi replied," Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today." "Humble request to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tmrw's interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours. Details have been emailed to your office," Shreya Juneja, granddaughter of Handa posted on X on Friday. After Modi reached Kuwait, he had a heartwarming welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait. "Their energy, love and unwavering connection to India are truly inspiring. Grateful for their enthusiasm and proud of their contributions to strengthening ties between our nations," Modi said. During his visit, he will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here in Kuwait. India is among Kuwait's top trading partners. He would also meet the vibrant Indian diaspora here. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) workforce list, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Kuwait is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billion. India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy. Despite police permission being denied, top Telugu actor Allu Arjun visited the theatre in Hyderabad where 'Pushpa-2' was screened on December 4, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy charged on Saturday. IMAGE: Actor Allu Arjun greets the media at his residence after being released from Chanchalguda Central Jail in Hyderabad on December 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the police to force him out, CM alleged. Responding to the issue after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised it in the Assembly, Reddy, referring to videos in circulation, found fault with Allu Arjun for holding a roadshow and waving to the crowds in spite of the heavy crowd. Reddy further said the theatre management submitted a letter to the police on December 2 seeking security for the visit of top actors and others on December 4. However, the police rejected the application, citing difficulties in crowd management and the fact that the theatre had only one entry and exit. Before entering the theatre and exiting, the actor stood through the sunroof of his car and waved to the crowds in a roadshow leading to thousands of fans jostling to get a glimpse of him, he said. He said thousands of fans gathered when the actor reached as there are several theatres at the locality. The actor's private security pushed aside the fans, which led to a stampede-like situation, he said. Reddy, who narrated the incident, said the theatre management did not initially allow a police official to meet the actor to convey him to leave the place in view of the prevailing situation. However, the official reached the actor and asked him to leave, as the crowd would not go unless he left. The actor did not budge. A senior police official, who then reached the spot, told the actor to leave the place immediately, failing which, he would have to be taken to the police station as the situation was out of control. The senior official forced the actor out of the theatre. Even while leaving, the actor again waved to the crowd. "What type of person (the actor was)", Reddy asked. Even in the stampede, it was found by police that the deceased woman held her son (who lost consciousness) when she died, he said. The actor allegedly did not behave properly with the police when the latter reached his residence to inform him about the case against him, he said. The CM slammed film personalities for making a beeline for Allu Arjun's residence to meet him after his arrest but not showing empathy to visit the boy who is undergoing treatment in hospital and faced a brain dead-like situation after suffering injuries in the incident. "I appeal to the top film personalities that they should not be inhuman," he said. "When he (Allu Arjun) was taken to police station for a day, the high court also accepted lunch motion petition and gave him bail. Our people are saying release him at 12 in the night. Where is the provision (to release at midnight)?," he asked. The CM also said he is continuously monitoring the boy's health condition. The film industry can take incentives, subsidies from the government but there won't be any special privileges when untoward incidents like death in a stampede happen and said the government would not spare those who troubled common people, he said. Reddy attacked BRS working president K T Rama Rao, without naming him, for his criticism against the government when Allu Arjun was arrested. State Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy spoke against allowing 'benefit shows' in the night without permissions. He announced Rs 25 lakh assistance from his side to the family of the deceased, besides the government taking care of the boy's health. Meanwhile, the eight-year-old boy, who is undergoing treatment at a private super-speciality hospital in Hyderabad, is maintaining his vital parameters well on his own without any external support of oxygen or inotropes. "He continues to tolerate nasogastric feeds well. He had recurrence of intermittent fever spikes for which some investigations have been sent. His neurological condition is static," the KIMS Cuddles, said in a release. A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was hospitalised on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when thousands of fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of the blockbuster 'Pushpa 2,'. Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family. Allu Arjun was arrested by the Hyderabad police in connection with the death of the woman on December 13. The Telangana high court granted him a four-week interim bail on the same day and he was released from a prison here on December 14 morning. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday hinted that his party might go solo in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election without exiting the Maha Vikas Aghadi. IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray. Photograph: @OfficeofUT/X Talking to reporters, Raut said party workers were insisting the organisation go solo in the local body polls, as there were more aspirants than for the Lok Sabha or state assembly polls. "Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders (about whether to go solo) for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo," he said. The undivided Shiv Sena controlled the cash-rich BMC for 25 consecutive years from 1997 to 2022. The term of the previous elected representatives of the BMC ended in early March 2022, and fresh polls are due for nearly three years now. Raut said the party's power in Mumbai is undisputed. "If had we got more seats to contest in Mumbai (during the assembly polls), it would have won them," he said, claiming that it was necessary to win Mumbai or else the city would be separated from Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena contested 24 seats in Mumbai and won 10, while the Congress fielded candidates for 10 seats and bagged four, and the NCP (SP) contested two seats unsuccessfully. "Even when the (undivided) Shiv Sena was (in an alliance) with the BJP, we contested the BMC and other civic body polls independently. We are trying to find ways to do it. The MVA will exist in the Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Nashik civic bodies," he said. Last week, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had said the Shiv Sena will contest the BMC polls, likely to be held next year, as part of the ruling Mahayuti. The BMC polls will be contested as Mahayuti (alliance) in all 227 civic wards, said Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena. The BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP are part of the Mahayuti alliance. At least two people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, CNN reported. The attack occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to local public broadcaster MDR, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the two victims included an adult and a toddler. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the heart of the popular holiday market, left 68 people injured. Of these, 15 sustained serious injuries, with 37 others moderately injured and 16 suffering from minor injuries. The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006, Tamara Zieschang, the interior minister for the state of Saxony-Anhalt, said at a news conference. He has been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 40 km south of Magdeburg, she said, AP reported. Emergency response teams, including around 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals. Local authorities have been working swiftly to manage the crisis and prevent further harm. According to Haseloff, the suspected driver of the car involved in the attack has been apprehended. Preliminary information suggests the driver acted alone, Haseloff stated, and authorities were in the process of compiling further data and conducting an interrogation. IMAGE: The car that rammed into a large crowd of shoppers at a Magdeburg Christmas market. All Photographs: Axel Schmidt/Reuters IMAGE: Emergency personnel stand next to the car that drove into a group of people. IMAGE: Emergency personnel at the incident site in Magdeburg, Germany, here and below. IMAGE: Emergency vehicles at the Christmas market. IMAGE: The deserted Christmas market after the incident. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com A team of Central Industrial Security Force marine commandos rescued dozens of passengers from a sinking tourist ferry off the Mumbai coast, preventing panicked parents from throwing their children into the sea. IMAGE: A view of the capsized ferry after a Navy speedboat rammed into it off Mumbai coast, December 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The commandos reached the accident site within minutes and prioritized rescuing children and other vulnerable passengers. They also administered CPR to several victims and helped recover belongings from the water. CISF constable Amol Savant (36) and his two colleagues became the "first responders" after the December 18 accident. Their patrol boat reached the accident site off the Mumbai coast around 4 pm, and they decided to utilise the "golden hour" for first saving the most vulnerable, including the children. Fourteen people were killed after a Navy boat rammed into the tourist ferry -- 'Neel Kamal' -- on way to the Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India in Mumbai late Wednesday afternoon. "We were on routine patrol at some distance off the shore when our walkie talkie crackled to inform us that a passenger ferry was sinking. I asked the pilot (speed boat driver) to go full throttle and we reached the accident site about 3-4 kms away in no time," Savant told PTI. He said he was "astonished to see the accident site. But being a trained soldier, I understood what was to be done and how." "We saw people were ready to throw their children in the ocean water thinking that they would be saved from the sinking ship. I asked them not to panic and not attempt this. We took charge of the situation soon," said the jawan, who is posted with the CISF unit that guards the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Navi Mumbai. Savant said he too was "shaken initially when he reached the site but then when I saw the children hanging dangerously from whatever was left of the sinking ferry and their helpless parents, I and my colleagues just caught hold of the children and brought them in our boat." The jawan says they rescued about 6-7 children in the first go followed by women and men. "There were many hands raised towards us, some screaming, some just requesting to save them. We don't know how many exactly but we were able to help and rescue as many as 50-60 people who were onboard that ill-fated ferry," Savant, who joined the CISF in 2010, said. Sub-inspector Kheioka Sema (38), posted with the CISF unit that provides counterterrorist security cover to the JNPA, was in the second patrol boat that reached the spot. "I saw a lady who was in the water wearing a life jacket but she had raised her hands in anticipation that she would be rescued. We rushed to her and gently asked her to put her hands down else the jacket would slip and she would start drowning," Sema said. She was saved, he said. SI Sema, who joined the paramilitary force in 2018, said they administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maybe 10-12 persons to bring them back to senses and drain out the water they had swallowed. The two CISF personnel, who had come to Delhi for official work, said a foreigner couple onboard the ferry acted as 'Good Samaritans' as they came forward for help and administered CPR to a number of victims. "We fanned out to scan about a 300-metre radius looking for life. Our teams also picked up bags, life jackets and other stuff from the ocean water the passengers of 'Neel Kamal' were carrying," Sema said. The two personnel and their other colleagues have been trained in marine operations, commando tactics and amphibious survival and combat techniques. "Our personnel who are posted to guard sea ports are essentially trained in marine commando operations, combat and survival techniques. They provide an armed security cover to such facilities against any sabotage or terrorist threat," CISF chief spokesperson and deputy inspector general Deepak Verma said. "These men and women are also taken to the Chilika lake in Odisha as part of a special marine training capsule. We are proud of these personnel who were part of the rescue operation in Mumbai," he said. The force, as per officials, will recommend the names of the personnel who were involved in this rescue operation for the 'Jeevan Raksha Padak' (or the life saving medal) apart from granting them the highest recognition in their service records. "The accident site was way beyond the area of responsibility of our two security units deployed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Mumbai Port Trust but the personnel displayed fine professionalism and devotion to duty by being the first responders to the tragedy and saving numerous lives," a senior CISF officer said. SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's third indigenous military spy satellite has been launched from a space center in California of the United States on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday. The rocket lifted off at 8:34 p.m. Seoul time (1134 GMT) on Saturday from the Vandenberg Space Force Base as planned, and the rocket has successfully placed the spy satellite into orbit, Yonhap said, citing the country's defense ministry, It is the third military satellite launched under South Korea's plan to acquire five spy satellites by 2025, the report said. South Korea launched its first spy satellite in December last year, followed by another launch in April, according to Yonhap. KVIV -- An air-raid warning has been declared in all regions of Ukraine due to possible ballistic missile strikes, Ukrainian military authorities said. Russia continued its regular attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure overnight, launching 113 drone attacks, according to the Ukrainian Air Force on December 21. Of those drones, 57 were shot down, and 56 others were unable to reach their targets, the air force said. The Ukrainian Air Force also said Russia had fired one surface-to-air S-400 missile at central Ukraine, but it did not cause any damage or casualties. RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported that in the eastern Ukrainian Zaporizhzhya and Kharkiv regions downed drones damaged apartment buildings, causing casualties. Ukraine was under a general air-raid alert for several hours on December 20 as Russia launched missile and drone attacks against the capital, Kyiv, and several other regions around the country. Russian Advance The latest attacks come as Ukrainian forces are struggling to stop Russia's rapid advance in the east of the country. The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 21 that Russian forces had taken control of the village of Kostyantynopolske in the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region. The claim about the village, called Ostrovsky by Russia, could not be independently confirmed by Reuters. Meanwhile, Reuters quoted Aleksandr Khinshtein, the acting governor of Russia's Kursk region, as saying that six people, including one child, were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on December 20 on the town of Rylsk. Ukraine seized territory in the Kursk region in an incursion in August but has since given up about half its territorial gains. Drones, thought to be from Ukraine, hit high-rise buildings in Kazan, the capital of Russia's republic of Tatarstan, with the attacks causing the city's airport to temporarily suspend flights. No casualties were reported. With reporting by Reuters 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 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Brunei police personnel seized a haul of contraband comprising 75 cartons of cigarettes and 10 cartons of alcohol in a suspicious vehicle, local media reported on Saturday. According to the local daily Borneo Bulletin, the contraband was seized during a crime prevention operation by the local police station on Thursday. Police officers found a suspicious vehicle while patrolling the bush area of a boat landing site in Temburong District in the eastern part of Brunei. The officers checked the vehicle and discovered boxes containing contraband inside, according to the report. Brunei is a Sultanate located in Southeast Asia. The laws in Brunei impose strict regulations on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. BUDAPEST -- Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent reported proposal for NATO members states to increase their defense spending would cripple the Hungarian economy. According to recent reports in Britain's Financial Times and The Telegraph, Trump's team informed European officials that the president-elect was expecting the United States' NATO allies to raise their defense expenditure to 5 percent of national gross domestic product (GDP). Speaking at his year-end press briefing on December 21, Orban said that Hungary has already sweated blood to reach the current 2 percent target, and "if the 2 percent has to be increased, that would shoot the Hungarian economy in the lungs." "We would prefer to not spend even 2 percent of GDP on weaponry...but the world is going in the opposite direction," he said. Orban, who has been accused at home and abroad of democratic backsliding, also said he had not discussed this with Trump, adding that, if the increase is inevitable, then he believes it should be gradual. Hungary budgeted to spend 2.1 percent of GDP in 2024 on defense. Orban is one of Trump's main allies in Europe and, on December 9, he met with the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Throughout the Ukraine war, Orban has maintained friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been critical of EU aid for Ukraine, and has obstructed the bloc's sanctions regime against Moscow. NATO Spending Targets During his time as president between 2016 and 2020, Trump regularly called for NATO members to meet the required 2 percent level of defense spending, goals that most have since met. NATO leadership has also called for member nations to boost spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has triggered the largest war in Europe since World War II. Before leaving office, former Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance's members would "have to be willing to pay the price for peace" and said that the current 2 percent target was "no longer enough to keep us safe." And in Budapest in November, the current NATO secretary-general, Mark Rutte, said at the European Political Community summit that member states would have to pay more. "It will surpass the 2 percent greatly more. I am quite clear about that," Rutte said. The United States contributes around 16 percent to NATO's common-funded budget, which is the joint largest share alongside Germany. The United States will also spend roughly $967 billion on defense in 2024. While that accounts for around two-thirds of what all NATO members will spend on defense combined this year, it represents about 3 percent of GDP. The United States last spent 5 percent of GDP on defense in the late 2000s and early 2010s amid the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the Cold War, the United States spent between 5 and 11 percent of GDP on defense. Experts said that Trump's proposal is likely a starting point for negotiations with NATO members. Spat With Poland The Hungarian prime minister also defended Budapest's decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a Polish lawmaker from the right-wing Law and Justice party, who is wanted for alleged corruption during his tenure in Poland's previous government. Orban said he didn't think the case involving a Polish politician would be the last. He added, however, that he wanted to keep "conflicts with Poland at a manageable level," and would refrain from commenting on the country's rule-of-law situation. The Hungarian prime minister's office made the announcement on December 19, arguing that the Polish government was persecuting its political rivals. Warsaw has called the move a "hostile act" and has summoned Hungary's ambassador to Poland. Deadly sectarian clashes have cut off a mostly Shiite city in northwestern Pakistan from the rest of the Sunni-majority country. Locals in Parachinar say there has been a severe shortage of food, fuel, and medicine since the main road leading in and out of the city was blocked last month. We are living under tremendous stress, said Munawar Hussain, a tribal leader in Parachinar, a city of some 400,000 people. Our children are dying because of a shortage of food and medicine. A doctor and a health-care worker, who both spoke on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL that dozens of children have died because of a lack of medicine. The claim has been rejected by the authorities. Hundreds have been killed and injured in clashes between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in the Kurram district, of which Parachinar is the main city, this year. In November, almost 100 people were killed in a series of ambushes on the main road linking Kurram with the rest of the country. The violence led to the closure of the road, which is manned by armed men from rival communities. The authorities have held weeks of talks between the Sunni and Shiite communities but have failed to broker an end to the hostilities. 'Wave Of Deaths' The blockade of Parachinar has taken a major toll on civilians on both sides of the conflict. Some nearby Sunni villages have been unable to leave their communities for fear of attacks. Meanwhile, in Parachinar, which is surrounded by largely Sunni communities, locals complain that they cannot leave the city and are struggling to obtain everyday essentials. I cannot find any medicine, said Munir Hussain, whose child was admitted to the only state-run hospital in Parachinar. A health-care worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said on December 18 that at least 34 children have died in recent weeks. The worker said there was a shortage of medicine, and added that the main hospital ran out of oxygen supplies weeks ago. A doctor working in the state-run hospital, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said on December 17 that at least 29 children had died because they could not be treated. Temperatures in Parachinar frequently drop to below zero degrees Celsius, which doctors say is contributing to rising cases of pneumonia among children. The health-care worker said they were also bracing for a spike in deaths among the elderly. The workers said many older patients suffering from serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart and kidney ailments have run out of their medicine. 'Critical' Conditions Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which Kurram is part of, said the authorities were investigating the reported deaths. I want to assure you that it didnt happen because of a lack of medicines, he told journalists in the provincial capital, Peshawar, on December 18, adding that deaths among children were routine in the area. Pakistans state broadcaster reported on December 17 that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the provincial authorities to take immediate steps to send medicine to Parachinar. The Edhi Foundation, a private charity, flew medicine to Parachinar on December 18. The plane also evacuated two gravely ill women to Peshawar for treatment. Faisal Edhi, head of the charity, said the conditions in the city were critical and there was a dire need for essential medicine. These minuscule supplies are not enough for such a large population, said Laiq Hussain, an activist in Parachinar. He blamed the government for failing to reopen the road linking Parachinar to the rest of the country. The authorities, he said, were indifferent to our plight. The provincial authorities said they have been unable to reopen the main road leading in and out of Parachinar because of the presence of armed men from both the Sunni and Shiite communities. Kurram, a mountainous district bordering Afghanistan, has long been the scene of sporadic bursts of sectarian violence. The clashes, often over land, have left thousands of people in Kurram dead in recent decades. KARACHI, Pakistan -- Pakistani military courts have sentenced 25 people for their part in attacks on military facilities in May 2023. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan's armed forces, said in a statement on December 21 that 25 defendants were given sentences ranging from two to 10 years. On May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a fraud case, supporters of Khan's party, Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI), attacked and damaged military installations, mosques, and government buildings in cities across Pakistan. Several people were killed and dozens injured in the unrest. In its statement, the military's media wing described the sentences as an "important milestone in dispensation of justice to the nation." It added that May 9, 2023 was a sad day for the country, and it would be officially commemorated every year. In response to the verdicts, PTI wrote on the X social network that the military courts have violated the defendants' constitutional and human rights. Khan's party has said the judicial process is not transparent and about 80 people have been in military custody since the unrest, their fundamental rights violated. Supporters of the imprisoned former prime minister, who is accused of inciting attacks against the armed forces, have expressed concerns that military rather than civilian courts are trying some of the cases. They have staged months of protests to demand Khan's release. PTI says its members and supporters did not attack military or government buildings on May 9, 2023. Last year, Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled that civilians should be tried in civilian courts, not military courts. However, on December 13, the Supreme Court suspended the decision and allowed military courts to hear civilian cases. Others charged over the violence are being tried in anti-terrorism courts. PTI regularly campaigns against corruption and nepotism in Pakistan but has been accused of populism and authoritarian tendencies centered around its charismatic leader Khan. With reporting by Reuters Russia is reducing its military footprint in Syria and shifting some of its assets from the Middle Eastern country to Africa, flight data and satellite imagery analyzed by RFE/RL appear to show. Moscow seems to have withdrawn a significant amount of military equipment from its bases in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad, Russias longtime ally, was ousted from power on December 8. To offset the potential loss of its air base in Hmeimim and naval base in Tartus, Russia looks to be increasing its presence in Libya, Mali, and Sudan. But experts say the African countries are unlikely to be viable alternatives. Still, flight data and satellite imagery suggest Russia is transferring some of its military assets from Syria to its facilities in Africa. Losing its Syrian bases would be a major strategic setback for Russia, which has used the facilities to project its power across the Middle East and Africa. Moscow has said it is still in negotiations with the new government in Damascus over the future of its military bases in Syria. But the significant movement of Russian military equipment suggests it is preparing for a partial or full withdrawal from Syria, experts say. Russia has several bases in Africa, where Moscow has boosted its military footprint in recent years. They include facilities in Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Sudan. Moving a significant amount of military equipment from Russia or Syria to Africa, however, will be costly, experts say. To carry out important operations Russia will have to pay a lot of money. Both for its air and sea fleet, said Roland Marchal of the Paris Institute of Political Studies. It would also be more difficult to fly cargo jets all the way from Russia to Africa loaded down with heavy weaponry, with refueling a major challenge. That also assumes Russia can secure overflight rights from Turkey, a regional rival. Despite the costs, Russia appears to be moving some of its military assets from Syria to bases in Mali and Libya, which is home to an estimated 1,200 Russian mercenaries. Satellite images also show increased activity in Russias naval base in Sudan. Moscow signed a deal to open a base on the African countrys Red Sea coast in 2019. It is unclear if the naval facility is fully operational. Flight analysis shows Moscow sending cargo planes to Libya, with some coming from Syria and others from Russia. There has been heavier than usual traffic in recent weeks between Russia and Libya, although it is unclear what the planes were transporting. A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 jet -- a heavy-lift workhorse cargo plane -- flew from Russia to Libya on December 12, went back to Russia a day later, and immediately flew back to Libya, flight records show. Flight records from December 16 also show an Ilyushin Il-76 jet flying from Russia to Moscows military base in Bamako in Mali. The jet returned to Russia the next day. Cargo planes flying from Russia to Libya used the air space of Turkey, a NATO member. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said on December 12 that Russias logistical challenges in reaching Africa will increase the political leverage that Turkey will hold over Russia. The think tank also mentioned the practical costs of supporting Russian operations in Africa if more cargo planes stop to refuel at other airfields. Mark Krutov of RFE/RLs Russian Service contributed to this report. SYDNEY, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- One man died and two more were injured after a shooting on Friday night in Melbourne, the capital city of Australia's state of Victoria. Police officers were called to a property in Campbellfield, 15 km north of central Melbourne, at 10:10 p.m. local time on Friday night following reports a man had been shot. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a 60-year-old man suffering from significant and life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died. Victoria Police said in a statement on Saturday morning that two men, aged 22 and 20, are under police guard in hospital. The statement said that the two men came to police attention after being dropped off at the hospital with injuries and that they would be interviewed in relation to the shooting. "At this stage, it is believed the incident was targeted and the people involved are known to one another," police said. Detectives from the homicide squad have established a crime scene at the property. Renewed calls for more safety measures in Cloonfad were made at a recent meeting of Roscommon Municipal District. Fianna Fail councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice said there was a need for pedestrian lights and speed reduction ramps given the number of accidents that had taken place in the village. Cllr Fitzmaurice had previously called for these ramps to be rolled out for towns and villages across the county. He said the process of doing this needed to be started, and discussions with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland would be required where regional routes were involved. He said that the village of Cloonfad deserved such safety measures as it had suffered quite a lot with accidents. The Fianna Fail councillor said that people were being encouraged to walk and cycle to school, and ramped crossing points were needed. Highlighting the number of parents and children getting to the local school every morning, Independent Ireland councillor Nigel Dineen described the speed of some traffic going through Cloonfad village as crazy. Cllr Dineen said that a significant amount of money had been spent on road markings a number of years ago but they havent worked. This has been going on too long. Traffic lights are needed. Enough is enough, he said. PM Modi Departs for Two-Day Visit to Kuwait, Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Prime Minister is scheduled to hold discussions with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. New Delhi, December 21, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day official visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This visit underlines the growing significance of India's relationship with the Gulf nation, rooted in historical ties and shared interests. Jagmeet Singh Slams Trudeau Government, Announces No-Confidence Motion "Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful," Singh stated. Jagmeet Singh Slams Justin Trudeau Government, Announces No-Confidence Motion: In a bold move, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has announced his partys decision to table a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government. The announcement comes amid growing criticism of the Liberals handling of key issues such as healthcare, housing affordability, and rising costs of living. In an open letter to Canadians, Singh criticized the Liberals for failing to deliver on their promises, accusing the government of prioritizing political power over the needs of the people. Advertisement "Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful," Singh stated. "He cant fix healthcare. He cant build homes you can afford. He cant lower your bills." Liberals Accused of Neglecting Canadians Singhs letter highlighted what he described as systemic failures by the Trudeau government, including rising healthcare challenges and unaffordable living conditions. "The Trudeau Liberals said a lot of the right things. Then they let people down again and again," Singh wrote, emphasizing that the government has lost the trust of Canadians. Advertisement He also announced that the NDP would push for a motion of no-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons, giving Canadians a chance to elect a government focused on their needs. Achievements and Vision Singh reiterated the NDPs commitment to fighting for policies that benefit everyday Canadians, including dental care, free birth control, and diabetes medication. He contrasted his partys efforts with the inaction of the Trudeau government and warned of the risks posed by a potential Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre. "Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives will give CEOs and big business anything they want and make callous cuts to pay for it. They will cut healthcare, childcare, housing, and peoples pensions," Singh cautioned. Advertisement The NDP leader also underscored his partys vision for a country that creates good jobs and takes better care of its citizens, urging Canadians to stand united in building a fairer future. Call for Trudeaus Resignation Singh did not hold back in calling for Prime Minister Trudeau to step down, stating, "I called for Justin Trudeau to resign, and he should." With the NDPs no-confidence motion on the horizon, Singhs letter signals the beginning of what could be a turbulent period in Canadian politics. If successful, the motion could lead to the fall of the Trudeau government and set the stage for a federal election. Advertisement Singh ended his letter with a rallying call: "Join me in this fight." (For more news apart from Jagmeet Singh Slams Justin Trudeau Government, Announces No-Confidence Motion, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) DHAKA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Bangladeshi marine court has issued arrest warrants for 19 sailors who fled ships docked at foreign ports over the past three years, the Department of Shipping (DoS) said in a statement on Saturday. The fugitives had escaped from 13 vessels, including three Bangladeshi-flagged ships and 10 foreign-flagged ones, according to the DoS. Authorities urged the public to report any information about the fugitives to the nearest police station or the department. Unique on the domestic book market, the Casa Radio Publishing House capitalizes on the largest collection of media content in Romania. Corina Sabau, 21.12.2024, 14:00 Unique on the domestic book market, the Casa Radio Publishing House capitalizes on the largest collection of media content in Romania , whether its the existing sound archive or working towards the creation of a future archive. More than 30 collections and series of books, CDs and books with built-in CD are devoted to the most appreciated radio products in literature and journalism, theatre and music. C ollections such as "Romanian Poetry Library" and "Gold Audio Library / Poetry Show", "Gold Audio Library / Theater", the collections for children "Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!", but also the music collections "Maestro", " Radiolegend s " and "Interpretive profile" are just a few of the brands of the Casa Radio Publishing House that have established themselves on the book market. During the Gaudeamus Book Fair, organised by Radio Romania between December 4-8, a fair that featured hundreds of publishing events and tens of thousands of titles, many of them newly launched, the Casa Radio Publishing House also provided its readers with new products, including two for young listeners, as part of the "Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!" collections. The new releases were accompanied by workshops on the art of comics and diction and communication. Ligia Necula, producer at Casa Radio Publishing House, tells us more: T he audiobook is no longer a new product on the Romanian publishing market, but we at Casa Radio Publishing House are proud to have introduced this product to the local market. Most such products released by the Casa Radio Publishing House contain both illustration and the audio content, namely a CD, containing either radio theater performances or recording s of poets reading from their own work on Radio Romania. All these recordings have been preserved. And it is our joy to be able to bring the voices of these writers to the public. Linked to the two collections dedicated to children, Radio Prichindel and Good night, children!, we also staged special events for children and adults alike. The latest releases in the Radio-Prichindel" and "Good night, children!" collections launched at the Gaudeamus Fair include an audio book, "The Brave Sparrow and Golden Apples", by Petre Ispirescu, and the 19th volume in the Fairy Tales of the World series. Praslea the brave and the golden apples" is a graphic novel, because, in the case of the "Radio Prichindel" collection, we, at the Casa Radio Publishing House, decided to turn the stories into comic strips, especially for children who are now learning to read. And I can say that it is a welcome choice, the illustrations help children in the learning process, so they read more easily and gain courage. This graphic novel bears the signature of Alexandru Ciubotariu, who is also the coordinator of the Radio-Prichindel Collection. Under the title ALGO-RITM, the musician Madalina Pasol brings together on a new album a collection of piano miniatures by famous composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, Ottorino Respighi, Edvard Grieg, Serghei Rachmaninov, Dinu Lipatti and Tudor Dumitrescu. Tiberiu Comandasu, music editor at Casa Radio Publishing House, explains : Through this album, the musician is speaking both to her fans and to those who know less about her teaching activity, because Madalina Pasol is a very popular piano teacher for children. That is why the CD we are talking about is very suitable for a young audience, bringing together very well-known piano miniatures, but also new scores, so me of which have been discovered recently. One such example at an opus by Beethoven is the piece Lustig und Traurig, or a piano page by Wagner or an album page by Brahms. It is a recently discovered work that was noted down by the composer in a guest book in his youth while on a trip. Instead of leaving his signature or a few words, he wrote down this short score which he then developed into the work that is included on this album. December 21, 2024 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 21.12.2024, 13:50 Parliament. The two chambers of the Romanian Parliament have gathered in plenary session to validate the mandates of the newly elected MPS, after they were analyzed by the specially constituted commissions. For the Chamber, all the elected members were validated, but for the Senate, four members renounced their seat, so the next four on the list were validated. Also today, the MPs are electing the new leadership structures of the Senate and of the Chamber. A number of 465 parliamentarians, 331 deputies and 134 senators will be active in the new Legislature. Seven parties have representatives in the two Chambers, four pro-European parties PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR and three sovereign parties AUR, SOS Romania and POT. The 19 national minorities also have representatives in the Parliament. Negotiations. In Bucharest, the leaders of the pro-European parties, PSD, PNL and UDMR, together with the representatives of the national minorities, resumed today negotiations on the future Government, at the end of which they could establish a joint presidential candidate. The spokesperson for the PSD, Lucian Romascanu, has stated that it is premature to talk about an official nomination for prime minister, specifying that this will be done after tomorrows consultations with the head of state, Klaus Iohannis. Depending on the evolution of the discussions in the coalition, the Liberals will determine the mandate with which they will go to the consultations. Liberal sources also said that the structure of the Government would have been established at the coalition meeting on Friday, except for who will lead the new Executive. There will be 16 ministries, five of which run by the PNL. On Monday, an accelerated procedure would begin in the Parliament, with hearings in the specialized commissions and the vote to invest the future cabinet. Commemoration. A ceremony commemorating the freedom fighters who died during the anti-communist Revolution of December 1989 took place in Bucharest today. The demonstrations dedicated to the Revolution will continue, in the capital, this weekend, with several religious and military ceremonies held at the monuments to the heroes of December 89. December 21, 1989 is considered the first day of the anti-communist revolution in Bucharest, after the failed rally called by the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, followed by the erection of barricades in the city center and the bloody repression of the anti-communist demonstrators. Ceausescus speech, full of promises and in which the achievements of communism were evoked, was interrupted by the booing of the participants. The rally, broadcast on radio and television, ended earlier. In the evening, groups of demonstrators gathered, and the repression forces opened fire on them, killing and wounding many of them. Many protesters were arrested. Initiated a week before, in Timisoara (west) and spreading to other large cities, the Revolution culminated in Bucharest, on December 22, with Ceausescus attempt to flee the headquarters of the central committee of the communit party. Captured and tried summarily, Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed on December 25. Romania was the only communist country in Europe where the regime change was done with bloodshed. Over a thousand people were killed in the December 1989 anti-Communist revolution. Solidarity. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has expressed his dismay at the terrorist attack in Magdeburg, stating that Romania stands in solidarity with the German people in these difficult moments. The Romanian Government has also voiced its solidarity with the German people, friend and ally. The Bucharest government sent its condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic attack in the German city of Magdeburg and hopes for a speedy recovery of those injured. Four people died and dozens were injured, many in critical condition, after a man drove a car into the crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The suspect has already been arrested. He is a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia, but who has permanent residency in Germany, where he has lived since 2006. Authorities say it was a terrorist attack, but have not disclosed the motivation of the attacker, who is believed to have acted alone. He had not been listed as an Islamist in the law enforcement records. Education. Romania has received the formal approval of the OECD in the field of educational policies, a step that confirms the end of the evaluation process and the alignment of national policies with the standards promoted by the organization in the field of education and skills, the relevant ministry announced today. The following priority actions were considered: the quality of programs and results, opportunities and equal access to education, as well as governance strengthening. The OECD has thus completed the evaluation of the country in the field of education and training and encourages the adoption by Romania of some future actions to strengthen school leadership, the development of dual education, continuous training, access to quality education and training in rural communities, the recognition of previous learning non-formal and informal, financing or governance. (MI) December 21, 2024 UPDATE A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 21.12.2024, 18:55 Parliament. On Saturday, the two chambers of the Romanian Parliament gathered in plenary session to validate the mandates of the newly elected MPs, after they were analyzed by the specially constituted commissions. For the Chamber, all the elected members were validated, but for the Senate, four members renounced their seats, so the next four on the list were validated. The Chamber of Deputies elected, on Saturday, its vice-presidents, quaestors and secretaries of the Permanent Bureau. The Social Democrat Daniel Suciu was appointed interim President. The Permanent Bureau of the Senate was also voted on, and according to sources, the Liberal Mircea Abrudean will be elected interim Speaker. A number of 465 parliamentarians, 331 deputies and 134 senators, will be active in the new Legislature. Seven parties have representatives in the two Chambers, four pro-European parties PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR and three sovereign parties AUR, SOS Romania and POT. The 19 national minorities also have representatives in Parliament. Negotiations. The head of the Romanian state, Klaus Iohannis, invited, on Sunday, the presidents of the political parties and groups represented in parliament for consultations with a view to appointing the candidate for the position of prime minister. The Presidential Administration says that the series of meetings in Bucharest will begin with the joint delegation of PSD, PNL, UDMR and the parliamentary group of national minorities. Next and separately will be AUR, USR, SOS Romania and the Young Peoples Party (POT). On Saturday, PSD, PNL and UDMR, together with the representatives of the national minorities, resumed discussions on the subject of the future Government and the governing program. The spokesperson for the PSD, Lucian Romascanu, stated that its premature to talk about an official nomination for prime minister, specifying that this will be done after the consultations with Klaus Iohannis. In his opinion, the Social-Democratic leader, Marcel Ciolacu, deserves to remain in this position. According to some political sources, PSD, PNL, UDMR and the group of national minorities have agreed that the future government will have only 16 ministries, compared to the current 18. PSD and UDMR believe that the party that won the largest number of votes in the parliamentary elections should come up with the proposal for prime minister, while in PNL there are leaders who believe that a technocrat at the head of the government would be the best solution. On Monday, an accelerated procedure would begin in the Parliament, with hearings in the specialized committees and the vote to inaugurate the future cabinet. Commemoration. A ceremony commemorating the freedom fighters who died during the anti-communist Revolution of December 1989 took place in Bucharest on Saturday. The demonstrations dedicated to the Revolution will continue, in the capital, this weekend, with several religious and military ceremonies held at the monuments to the heroes of December 89. December 21, 1989 is considered the first day of the anti-communist revolution in Bucharest, after the failed rally called by the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, followed by the erection of barricades in the city center and the bloody repression of the anti-communist demonstrators. Ceausescus speech, full of promises and in which the achievements of communism were evoked, was interrupted by the booing of the participants. The rally, broadcast on radio and television, ended earlier. In the evening, groups of demonstrators gathered, and the repression forces opened fire on them, killing and wounding many of them. Many protesters were arrested. Initiated a week before, in Timisoara (west) and spreading to other large cities, the Revolution culminated in Bucharest, on December 22, with Ceausescus attempt to flee the headquarters of the central committee of the communist party. Captured and tried summarily, Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed on December 25. Romania was the only communist country in Europe where the regime change was done with bloodshed. Over a thousand people were killed in the December 1989 anti-Communist revolution. Solidarity. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis showed, on Saturday, dismay at the terrorist attack that took place in Magdeburg (Germany), stating that Romania stands in solidarity with the German people in these difficult moments. The Romanian Government has also voiced its solidarity with the German people and sent condolences to the families of the victims. The alleged author of the attack is an Islamophobic, stated, on Saturday, the German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, while the number of victims increased to five dead and over 200 injured. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who went to the place on Saturday, called for national cohesion following this crazy attack. In this context, he promised to take measures against those who want to sow hatred. The alleged perpetrator, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who has lived in Germany since 2006, was arrested on Friday shortly after he drove a car into the Christmas market crowd. Education. Romania has received the formal approval of the OECD in the field of educational policies, a step that confirms the end of the evaluation process and the alignment of national policies with the standards promoted by the organization in the field of education and skills, the relevant ministry announced today. The following priority actions were considered: the quality of programs and results, opportunities and equal access to education, as well as governance strengthening. The OECD has thus completed the evaluation of the country in the field of education and training and encourages the adoption by Romania of some future actions to strengthen school leadership, the development of dual education, continuous training, access to quality education and training in rural communities, the recognition of previous learning non-formal and informal, financing or governance. (MI) MD of IAST Software Solutions and Family Killed in Fatal Accident on NH-48 Volvo XC90 was latest model bought in October 2024 In a devastating road accident near Nelamangala on the Bengaluru-Tumakuru highway (NH-48) on Saturday morning, six members of a family, including Chandram Yegapagol, Managing Director of IAST Software Solutions, lost their lives when a container lorry toppled onto their Volvo SUV. The incident occurred at around 11 am near Thippagondanahalli and has sent shockwaves through Chandrams native village and the tech community in Bengaluru. How the Accident Happened The tragic incident unfolded when an Eicher Canter truck was traveling towards Tumakuru from Bengaluru, followed by Chandrams Volvo XC90 SUV. A speeding container lorry heading towards Bengaluru lost control, climbed over the median, and collided with the Canter. The impact caused the container to topple, falling directly onto the Volvo SUV, completely crushing it. All six occupants in the car died on the spot, while the drivers of the Canter and the lorry sustained minor injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in a hospital. The deceased have been identified as: Chandram Yegapagol (48), MD of IAST Software Solutions; Gourabai Yegapagol (42), his wife; Gyan Yegapagol (16), his son; Deeksha Yegapagol (12), his daughter; Arya Yegapagol (6), his daughter; Vijayalakshmi (36), his sister-in-law. The family was traveling from Bengaluru to their hometown of Morabagi village in Jat taluka, Sangli district, Maharashtra, to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Chandrams elderly parents, Eragonda and Jakkavva, who were also en route to their village at the time of the incident, have yet to be informed of the tragedy. Impact and Investigations The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of speeding and the lack of safety infrastructure on Indian highways. The Nelamangala Traffic Police have registered a case and are investigating the sequence of events leading to the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that the container lorrys driver lost control, resulting in the fatal crash. This accident underscores the vulnerability of even high-end vehicles like the Volvo XC90 in extreme situations. Experts point out that no vehicle can withstand the force of a heavy container falling directly on it. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the urgent need for stricter traffic regulations, improved road infrastructure, and preventive measures to avoid such catastrophic accidents. The loss of Chandram Yegapagol and his family is a grim reminder of the unpredictability of road safety and the devastating consequences of negligence on highways. In November 2024, the Indian two-wheeler market presented a mix of growth and challenges among its top 10 bestsellers Splendor maintains lead Hero Splendor led the market with an impressive 2,93,828 units sold, marking a robust 17.16% year-on-year growth. Honda Activa claimed the second spot with 2,06,844 units, achieving a steady 5.50% growth, thanks to its strong appeal among urban commuters. At number three, Honda Shine registered 1,45,530 units but experienced a slight decline of 6.7% compared to November 2023. Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2024 YoY Comparison Bajaj Pulsar, a popular choice in the sporty commuter segment, secured the fourth position with sales of 1,14,467 units, though it saw a decline of 12.22%. TVS Jupiter emerged as a star performer, taking fifth place with 99,710 units sold and an impressive 36.85% growth, fueled by its updated features and increasing demand. In contrast, Hero HF Deluxe struggled in sixth place, witnessing a steep drop of 47.39%, with sales plunging to 61,245 units. Suzuki Access, ranking seventh, continued its steady performance with 54,118 units sold, achieving a moderate 3.06% growth. TVS XL, a popular choice for rural and semi-urban markets, secured the eighth spot with 45,923 units, reflecting a 5.61% increase in sales. Bajaj Platina faced significant challenges, coming in ninth with 44,578 units, a sharp decline of 26.45%. Finally, TVS Apache, ranked tenth, sold 35,610 units but recorded a decline of 13.20%, indicating growing competition in the premium commuter segment. Overall, the total sales of the top 10 two-wheelers stood at 11,01,853,334 units, reflecting a slight decline of 1.63% compared to November 2023. While models like Splendor, Activa, and Jupiter showed strong growth, others like HF Deluxe, Pulsar, and Platina faced notable setbacks, underlining the dynamic and competitive nature of the Indian two-wheeler market. Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2024 MoM Comparison In a stark contrast, the month-on-month (MoM) performance from October 2024 to November 2024 revealed a steep decline in sales. Total sales for the top 10 two-wheelers dropped by 24.88%, with 3,58,230 fewer units sold compared to the festive peak of October. Hero Splendor, despite leading the charts, saw its sales dip by 24.97%, with 97,784 fewer units sold than in October. Honda Activa followed a similar trend, registering a 22.47% drop MoM with 59,962 fewer units sold. Honda Shine faced the steepest decline among the top three, with a 25.86% MoM drop. Bajaj Pulsar stood out as the only model to record growth on a monthly basis, with a 2.35% rise in sales to 1,14,467 units. TVS Jupiter, despite its strong YoY growth, experienced a 9.11% decline MoM. Hero HF Deluxe saw the largest MoM drop, with a staggering 50.75% decline in sales, followed by Suzuki Access, which dropped 27.66%, and Bajaj Platina, which fell 27.74%. TVS XL and Apache also witnessed declines of 12.33% and 28.92% MoM, respectively. The sharp MoM decline can be attributed to post-festive adjustments and seasonal market trends, with consumers having front-loaded their purchases during the festive season in October. While the YoY figures highlight long-term growth for models like Splendor, Activa, and Jupiter, the MoM performance reflects the cyclical nature of the two-wheeler market in India. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen troops were killed and eight others sustained injuries in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the early hours of Saturday, intelligence sources confirmed. The assault began at approximately 02:30 a.m. local time (2130 GMT Friday) in South Waziristan district of the province, where a check post was targeted in a coordinated fire raid that claimed the lives of the soldiers, the sources from the district told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Twelve bodies have been identified, while the identities of four more have yet to be confirmed. The injured were swiftly evacuated to the paramilitary troops' Frontier Corps Training Center for medical treatment, the sources added. In response to the attack, the soldiers retaliated effectively using rocket launchers and other available weapons, the sources added. The Pakistani military has yet to issue an official statement regarding the perpetrators of the attack. BRATISLAVA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Slovak government approved an agreement with the Medical Trade Union Association (LOZ) on Friday to resolve a dispute over doctors' salary increases, local media reported. Under the agreement, the government pledged to ensure that hospital doctors would receive salary increases as originally planned before the Slovak Parliament adopted the so-called consolidation package on Oct. 3. The package, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, threatened to reduce the planned pay hikes, prompting around 3,000 doctors to file resignation notices. The agreement also outlines changes to the financing system for healthcare facilities and introduces measures to increase the number of doctors, nurses, and midwives. Further negotiations on disputed points have also been agreed upon, according to the News Agency of the Slovak Republic. In return, LOZ is expected to ensure that doctors withdraw their resignation notices once the agreement is signed. This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concerns over the tragic incident at the scene, saying that "nearly 40 of the injured are so seriously hurt that we must be very worried about them." (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) BERLIN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. "We have five deaths and over 200 injuries, many of them serious and severe," Haseloff said, noting that the toll was far worse than initially thought when the incident occurred. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concerns over the tragic incident at the scene, saying that "nearly 40 of the injured are so seriously hurt that we must be very worried about them." Condemning the act, Scholz described it as "a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality." He called for social cohesion and also vowed that Germany would respond to the attack "with the full force of the law." German authorities are investigating a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who has been living in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town. He was arrested at the site and taken into custody for questioning. Police searched his home overnight, and authorities assume he acted alone. The motive remained unclear and police have not yet named the suspect. German authorities were alerted about the man about a year ago, dpa reported. The identities of the fatalities have not been revealed. Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT) Saturday night. Scholz and other top officials, including Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, have arrived in Magdeburg on Saturday. Faeser ordered Saturday morning that all flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-mast nationwide. Magdeburg, a city of approximately 237,000 residents, is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 km west of Berlin. The incident echoes a tragic attack eight years ago, on Dec. 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the press during a memorial ceremony in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concerns over the tragic incident at the scene, saying that "nearly 40 of the injured are so seriously hurt that we must be very worried about them." (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) Policemen stand guard at a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concerns over the tragic incident at the scene, saying that "nearly 40 of the injured are so seriously hurt that we must be very worried about them." (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) Horst Loechel, professor of economics and co-chairman of the Sino-German Center at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, speaks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 16, 2024. China's recent stimulus measures came at the right time to boost investor confidence worldwide, the leading German economist said. As two large exporters, both Germany and China have benefited from economic globalization and trade liberalization, and made due contributions, he noted, stressing that joint efforts are still needed to "promote free, open trade and work against protectionism."(Xinhua/Zhang Fan) FRANKFURT, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's recent stimulus measures came at the right time to boost investor confidence worldwide, a leading German economist has said. The stimulus package represents the right policy of the Chinese government to stabilize the overall situation, said Horst Loechel, professor of economics and co-chairman of the Sino-German Center at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. The Chinese economy fared well this year, with a growth rate close to 5 percent in line with Beijing's projection, the expert told Xinhua in a recent interview, calling this "a success." He said he believes the country's private consumption and government investment are likely to rebound, and if that happens, China's growth will register over 5 percent in 2025. China continues to be a preferential investment destination for German companies, as shown by a business confidence survey published by the German Chamber of Commerce in China earlier this month. Up to 92 percent of the survey's respondents confirmed that they would continue to operate in China despite challenges. "The reason is totally clear," Loechel said. China is a predominantly huge market with a growing middle-income class and has become a leading innovator, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, he added. As two large exporters, both Germany and China have benefited from economic globalization and trade liberalization, and made due contributions, he noted, stressing that joint efforts are still needed to "promote free, open trade and work against protectionism." Furthermore, he said bilateral cooperation across the board would bring the two countries closer. "We will see more joint ventures, more cooperation between Germany and China, which we already have in the automotive industry," he said. Chinese companies and their innovations can effectively inspire the German automotive industry, he said, emphasizing that European Union (EU) tariffs on Chinese EVs will impede Europe's green revolution. The overwhelming majority of the European automotive sector strongly opposes such protectionist measures, said the expert, adding that it reflects more of an internal political power struggle within the EU, rather than a rational business decision. "We want to resolve this issue. We are not interested in worsening the business and political relationship with China," he added. The coming week ought to be calm with a slightly positive bias to trading, as most market participants worldwide will be away from their desks during the Christmas holidays and New Year celebrations. In the UK, trading on the London Stock Exchange will be shortened on Tuesday, with the venue closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The New York Stock Exchange will only conduct a half-day of operations on Tuesday and will remain closed on Christmas Day. Against that backdrop, investors will be digesting the last-minute budget deal reached on Capitol Hill. Investors will also be monitoring updates from the main retailers on either side of the Pond in order to gauge consumer spending. In Japan however, Thursday will see the release of a barrage of economic indicators, including readings on Tokyo CPI, industrial production and unemployment. Monday 23 December INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Confidence (US) (15:30) AGMS Virgin Wines UK UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Current Account (07:00) Gross Domestic Product (07:00) FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Avation Tuesday 24 December INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE ASA International Group INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE BT Group, Focusrite, Tavistock Investments, The Global Smaller Companies Trust QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE Duke Capital Limited, Real Estate Investors INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Durable Goods Orders (US) (13:30) New Homes Sales (US) (15:00) SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE British Smaller Companies VCT, British Smaller Companies VCT 2 FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE Aeorema Communications, BP 8% Cum 1st Prf, BP 9% 2nd Prf, JPMorgan Japanese Inv Trust, Lowland Investment Co, Netcall, Schroder Asia Pacific Fund Wednesday 25 December EGMS SDIC Power Holdings Co.,Ltd GDR (Reg S) AGMS Bioventix Thursday 26 December INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Continuing Claims (US) (13:30) Crude Oil Inventories (US) (16:00) Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30) MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (12:00) Friday 27 December QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE Diversified Energy Company INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Wholesales Inventories (US) (13:30) GMS THG AGMS Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas NPV (DI), OPG Power Ventures, SkinBioTherapeutics WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate passed the government funding bill early Saturday that would head to U.S. President Joe Biden for his signature, averting a government shutdown. Cupid Limited, a leading manufacturer and brand in India known for its range of products including water-based personal lubricants, IVD kits, deodorants, perfumes, almond hair oil, body oils, petroleum jelly, and other FMCG items, has expanded its Board with the appointment of four new directors. Smeeta Bhatkal, Santosh Desai, and Akshay Kumar have been appointed as Independent Directors, while Shaina NC joins as a Non-Executive Director. These appointments aim to enhance Cupids focus on maximizing shareholder value by boosting both its international and domestic businesses. The company also seeks to expand into new global markets and accelerate its recent entry into Indias growing B2C FMCG sector. Cupid has synergised its industry expertise, manufacturing prowess and innovative spirit as it seeks to establish itself in the ever growing Indian consumer goods landscape by diversifying its product portfolio to capitalise on opportunities beyond the wellness market with the recent launch of its Eau De Parfums (EDPs) range, almond hair oil, massage oils, skin protecting jelly and Cupi Safe toilet seat sanitizers. Aditya Halwasiya, Managing Director, Cupid Limited said, These four new appointments come at a pivotal time as Cupid is expanding its market presence and bringing in innovation to its product offerings. As we embark on the next phase of growth, we are confident that the collective wisdom of our distinguished directors and their diverse perspectives will play a pivotal role in steering the company towards new and greater milestones. Smeeta Bhatkal is Dean, BFSI at Welingkar Institute of Management. Currently she is also pursuing a Ph. D. at Mumbai University and has 16 years of corporate experience in the investment banking and financial services space and has spent 22 years as an educator and mentor to her students. Santosh Desai is one of India's best-known social commentators and advertising and marketing professionals. He is the Managing Director and CEO of Future Brands Ltd and the Founder of Think9 Consumer Technologies Pvt Ltd. He was also President of McCann-Erickson, one of Indias premier advertising agencies, having been strategically involved in building key brands for a range of local and multinational clients in his 21-year advertising career. An avid columnist, author and public speaker, he enjoys sharing complex ideas through simple everyday references. Akshay Kumar has had a successful corporate career in India and abroad working for global companies such as Unilever, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Bharti Airtel, Millicom across multiple industries like FMCG, Retail Banking, Telecom and Transportation. A MBA graduate from IIM Ahmedabad, he is a process oriented leader with a high market and customer sensitivity having taught International Marketing at IIM Shillong and IIM Bodh Gaya. Shaina NC is a renowned fashion designer, social worker and politician. She has been a frequent participant in debates on television news channels, where she discusses current events, political and social issues. Shaina is also involved in social work through her charity fashion shows and two NGOs, I Love Mumbai and Giants Welfare Foundation. She holds a degree in political science from St Xavier's College, Mumbai and a diploma in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. 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Diaz-Canel condemned the United States for maintaining the terrorist label on Cuba, calling it both "false and immoral." He also accused the United States of training paramilitary groups to target Cuba's infrastructure and slashed the Biden administration for continuing harsh economic measures from the Trump era. Diaz-Canel also denounced the United States for intensifying the blockade, calling it "ruthless." Cubans hold no hostility toward the American people, he said, vowing to stand firm against any attempts to undermine its sovereignty or socialist system. "If the United States persists in its efforts to break our resolve, they will only find rebellion and unwavering determination," he said. The crowd, waving Cuban flags and chanting "Down with the blockade," was a diverse mix of supporters. Among them was Yanquiel Cardoso, wearing a shirt reading "Cuba sponsors peace, love, and unity," marching with his son, who wore a shirt wishing to "grow up without a blockade." Cardoso decried the "cruel and inhumane" blockade, which he said hinders Cuba's development. Many healthcare workers joined the protest, including Colombian medical student Silvia Juliana Casadiego, who praised Cuba's global solidarity and condemned U.S. sanctions. "Despite its limitations, Cuba always extends a helping hand -- not just to Colombia, but all of Latin America," she said. Cuban medical student Kevin Perez highlighted the toll U.S. policies have taken on Cuba's healthcare system. "Healthcare has been one of the most affected sectors, but we will always stand to defend our homeland." This march was the first major protest in years outside the U.S. diplomatic mission to denounce the blockade. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As we look ahead to 2025, there are key dates in the Catholic school calendar that families should have on their calendar. The Archdiocese of New York Superintendent of Schools 2024-2025 calendar for Catholic elementary school students on Staten Island shares important dates for students, including time off for religious and federal holidays. Christmas recess begins Dec. 23. Notably, unlike their public school peers, there is no mid-winter break in February, and the school year usually wraps up in mid-June. This is a generic, systemwide calendar. Check your schools calendar for all school-specific dates. Here is a look at key dates in 2025. January 2025 Jan. 6 Classes resume after Christmas recess Jan. 20 Schools closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 2025 Feb. 17 Schools closed for Presidents Day April 2025 April 19 - Easter recess begins (includes Good Friday and Easter Monday) April 28 - Classes resume after Easter recess May 2025 May 26 Schools closed for Memorial Day June 2025 June 13 Last day of classes (earliest day to end school based on 4 snow days and all holidays listed in the calendar) Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from pre-K through 12th grade in 172 schools across 10 counties and boroughs throughout New York, including Staten Island. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers have 10 chances to become a millionaire just in time for the holidays. The New York Lottery has various $5 scratch-off games with top-prizes ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. As of Thursday, there were 10 tickets across eight different $5 scratch-off games with guaranteed top prizes of $1 million. Here are the $5 scratch-off games with top-prize tickets of $1 million still in circulation as of Thursday, Dec. 19, according to New York Lottery data: MULTIPLIER MONEY Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,082,100 HIT IT BIG Top prizes remaining: 2 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,804,233.33 $1M GOLDEN FORTUNE Top prizes remaining: 2 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,590,025 $1M GRANDE Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,705,900 $1M LUCKY DOG Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,591,250 PINK PANTHER DIAMOND SEVENS Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,021,700 PLATINUM POWER Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,969,166.67 XTREME WINNINGS Top prizes remaining: 1 Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,536,400 MORE INFORMATION For more information about the New York Lotterys scratch-off games, visit the New York Lottery website. The New York Lottery continues to be touted as North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.8 billion in Lottery Aid to Education for fiscal year 2023-2024 to help support education in New York state. New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school districts size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding. New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help by calling the states toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369). You can also contact your regional Problem Gambling Resource Center directly for a referral to treatment services (state-certified or private) in your area, or contact a Recovery Center for a referral to treatment services (state-certified or private) in your area. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The U.S. State Department has reissued its strongest warning a Level 4 warning 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, according to the U.S. State Department. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately, the state department urged in its announcement on Dec. 18. The warning 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, the announcement said. Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarusian authorities may refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals U.S. citizenship, and may deny or delay U.S. consular assistance to detained dual nationals, the State Department said. In early 2022, the State Department ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and suspended operations at its Embassy in Minsk. 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. They also should regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency, the State Department said. Border crossings with neighboring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible. Belarus is among 20 countries classified under Level 4: Do not travel warnings. The others are: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation requiring New York state to create separate demographic collection categories for White, Middle Eastern, and North African groups. The legislation requires all state agencies, boards, departments and commissions that collect demographic data on residents ancestry or ethnic origin to use separate collection categories for the White group in New York state. By improving the way state agencies collect demographic data, New York will have more information on the challenges these groups face and additional information on appropriate policy solutions, proponents say. The legislation marks a significant step forward in the ongoing fight for representation and equity across the state, said New York Immigration Coalition President and CEO Murad Awawdeh. For decades, MENA and Arab-descent communities have been invisible within our government institutions their unique identities, challenges and contributions often remaining unrecognized,' Awawdeh said. By including MENA communities in these crucial conversations, New York affirms their voices can take a role in shaping policies that directly impact their lives and contribute to a more equitable future for all New Yorkers. For too long, these diverse communities have been grouped into categories that obscure their unique experiences, needs and contributions,' said New York State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, of Brooklyn. Accurate data collection is essential for shaping policies that reflect the true diversity of our state, promote equity, and allow us to better serve our constituents,' Simon said. In one of the most diverse cities in the nation, New Yorkers of Middle Eastern and North African descent will no longer be invisible by being lumped into vague categories like white or other, said Arab American Family Support Center Advocacy and Engagement Lead Salma Mohamed. This lack of recognition has limited cultural representation and, more concerningly, masked real challenges and needs of our communities, including access to appropriate healthcare and community funding,' Mohamed said. The collection categories and tabulations include the following North African and Middle Eastern groups: Major North African (NA) groups: Egyptian, Moroccan, Sudanese, Algerian, Tunisian and Libyan Major Middle Eastern (ME) groups: Yemeni, Iranian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Lebanese, Israeli, Jordanian, Syrian, Armenian and Saudi Other Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) groups This is a much-needed and long-awaited step toward ensuring that MENA New Yorkers are counted, seen, and supported,' said Rana Abdelhamid, executive director and founder of Malikah, an organization that fights violence against women. This effort has significant civil rights and equity implications, but we know this is just the beginning. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The boroughs alarming string of pedestrians being struck by vehicles continued when a 68-year-old man was injured after being hit by a car on Arthur Kill Road in Charleston on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred on Arthur Kill in the vicinity of Industrial Loop at around 4 p.m. The driver remained at the scene and the victim was rushed by ambulance to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, according to a spokesman for the NYPD. A white sedan with a shattered front windshield could be seen at the location. The victim, a school bus driver, was conscious at the scene. The police spokesman did not provide further details about the crash. Emergency officials respond to Arthur Kill Road in Charleston for a pedestrian crash on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (Staten Island Advance)Staff shot Pedestrian crashes The incident is the latest in an alarming series of crashes involving pedestrians on Staten Island. The most recent occurred just before 8:50 a.m. on Thursday near the intersection of Winant Avenue and Mason Boulevard in Rossville, where a 51-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after she was hit by a car. The woman was listed in stable condition and her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. However, over the past six weeks, at least six crashes have left pedestrians with critical or fatal injuries on Staten Island. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) joined Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter in a recent White House Christmas photo. Carter posted the photo with Malliotakis, President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Jane Abraham, chair of the American Museum of Womens History Congressional Commission, to her Instagram Thursday. Merry Christmas! What an honor to once again be in the White House. With love, admiration, and friendship, Lynda," Carter captioned the photo. The congresswoman has long expressed her admiration for Carter and the Wonder Woman character. Carter, who starred as Wonder Woman in a 1970s television series, joined the congresswoman in July at a breakfast advocating for a womens history museum. Congress authorized the creation of two new Smithsonian museums in 2020, the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum. Malliotakis said Carter and Abraham were her guests to the White House Christmas dinner as shes been working with them to bring the museum to fruition. The congresswoman also took a dig at the president. She echoed several Instagram commenters on Carters post who noted Bidens particular proximity to the Wonder Woman actress in the photo. Jane and Lynda were my guests to the White House Congressional Holiday Ball as Ive been working closely with them to secure a spot for the Trump-authorized womens history museum, she said. I never thought the president would move in on my guest, but I guess everyone loves Wonder Woman. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Rossville man says he saw a drone drop something mysterious near his home in the early morning hours of Dec. 14, according to a report in the New York Post. John Scotto, 59, told the tabloid a large drone dropped an unknown glowing object in the woods near his home. Based on the size of it, Im sure it was a military drone, Scotto told The Post. It was no toy. He said the incident happened at around 6:15 a.m., when he went out on his front porch for his morning cigarette, according to the Post. Scotto told The Post that he called 911 and police canvassed the area with a series of flyovers, but were unable to identify what had been dropped by the drone. Drone mania has swept Staten Island in recent weeks after first being reported over New Jersey in mid-November. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials issued a ban on drone flights Friday over a number of communities in New York, including Staten Island and the other four boroughs. The restriction, for special security reasons, will last until Jan. 18, 2025, the FAA said. The FAA said the airspace over areas of the West Shore of Staten Island and other areas of New York City, Long Island and upstate New York covered by the new bans, is defined as national defense airspace. The agency in a statement said that the United States government may use deadly force against airborne aircraft if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat. The FAA said that drone pilots who do not adhere to the flight ban may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel. STATEN ISLAND N.Y. Northwell Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) surgeons and physicians yesterday celebrated with Anastasiia Polukhanova, a strong 30-year-old Ukrainian woman who lost her jaw in the crossfire of war, but had her smile returned to her by surgeons at the Ocean Breeze hospital. After a great deal of pain and surgery, she is elated to finally be smiling again, she said. Polukhanova arrived on Staten Island to undergo complex jaw reconstruction surgery following the devastating injury she sustained in the raging war in Ukraine a year and a half ago and several failed surgeries in that country. What began as a normal day at her mother-in-laws house would forever change her life. Polukhanova had been working as an accountant and had just recently been married in 2020. In August 2023, a bomb exploded, taking Polukhanovas jaw off from the debris on impact. A team of doctors and surgeons from SIUH would later come together to help Polukhanova. This was, and is, an indescribable feeling I had a happy life and I had no idea this would impact me so much, Polukhanova said on Friday, surrounded by medical staff from SIUH. These doctors gave me hope that things could get better. Dr. Eugene Holuka, vice president of physician development, and Dr. David Hoffman, the director of Oral and Maxillofacial Dentistry at the Ocean Breeze hospital, orchestrated her travel to the United States. Hoffman had traveled in Debra, Ukraine, where Polukhanova lived, and stayed in communication with the surgeons hed met there. I had met many surgeons there and once the war broke out I stayed in communication with them to figure out what supplies they needed and how I could help them, he said. The doctors had mentioned they had a few patients that were in need of microvascular surgery, where you hook up other parts of your body to the site that needs it most in this case it was taking Anastasiias fibula and making it her new jaw." Though many of the patients were military and refused to leave their country, Anastasiias picture was there, and she said she wanted to come, Hoffman said. After the initial blast, her neighbors helped put her in an ambulance and she was off to the nearest hospital. When Hoffman first saw Polukhanovas picture, her jaw from her molars forward was completely gone, with only a metal plate holding the two parts together, having been put in place doctors there. Condition worsens The severity of Polukhanova condition had worsened, SIUH surgeons found upon her arrival. The skin surrounding the metal plate had become infected and the lower half of her face was slowly becoming deformed, leaving her at risk of losing her teeth. When you have a wound that complex, reconstruction is crucial to provide the necessary support, which is why we needed to get a new bone in place for her new jaw, said Dr. Michael Blasco, the director of head and neck oncology and reconstruction. This is a complex surgery, but it allowed us to reconstruct her complex wounds." Hoffman and Blasco performed surgery using multiple bones from Polukhanovas body to reconstruct her jaw. They then re-contoured it and connected it to facial blood vessels to ensure proper blood flow, the said. Anastasiia Polukhanova's CT scan shows her damaged jaw before surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. (Photo Courtesy of Jillian O'Hara/ Staten Island University Hospital) JIllian Ohara A big group effort After those surgeries were successful, Dr. Lydia Lam, who is a part of the oral and Maxillofacial Dentistry Team, performed a surgery just over a week ago to help Polukhanova restore her teeth. Getting the bone in place first was the most important thing because it served as the foundation we needed to give her new teeth, Lam said. When she first came to us she could not chew or speak, so we also needed to focus on fixing that." Polulhanova was one of the most positive and optimistic patients she had ever seen, and that is a testament to her strength, Lam said. We were then able to give her teeth within 24 hours and it was really special for us to be able to give that to her it was a big group effort, Lam said. The doctors said they are waiting for Polukhanovas scars to heal, hoping she can return to Ukraine by March 2025. Polukanova said she is looking forward to returning. I love it here, but home is home and I want to go back, she said on Friday. I know everything will resolve itself there is no better place then home." From the left, Dr. David Hoffman, Anastasiia Polukhanova, Dr. Michael Blasco, and Dr. Lydia Lam stand together after a press conference at the Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. (Staten Island Advance Kass Garced)Kass Garced On Friday, she sat in a SIUH board room with her mother-in-law, Olha Polukhanova, smiling from ear to ear. She said she looks forward to chewing food properly in the coming weeks. For me, this is an indescribable feeling, she said. Looking back, I used to cry in the mirror, comparing myself to the old me before the incident ... My family and I are so incredibly grateful. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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As speculation grows around his next move, MLS side Charlotte FC have emerged as serious contenders, though there are still multiple factors at play. Decline at Newcastle and MLS Interest Almirons journey at Newcastle has experienced a steep decline after a promising start. Once an essential part of the Magpies squad, his role has dwindled, with just one Premier League start this season in October. Despite his reduced involvement, Almiron remains an appealing figure for clubs, particularly Charlotte FC in MLS. Charlotte FC, who have had previous discussions with Newcastle about signing Almiron, are reportedly still in talks, according to GiveMeSport. The clubs management is keen to secure the wingers services in January, though negotiations have yet to progress significantly. Charlotte remain in talks to sign Almiron from Newcastle after coming close to landing him this past summer, the report reveals. Newcastle, reportedly open to selling Almiron for around 8 million, are keen to offload the player who has struggled to retain a starting spot. This reduced asking price indicates the clubs readiness to part with him, recognising that his future at St. James Park is uncertain. Charlottes MLS Advantage and Almirons Preferences As reported, Charlotte have Almirons MLS discovery rights, which means they are the only MLS club that can officially negotiate to sign him. This exclusive right places Charlotte in a strong position to capture the 30-year-old, especially as they were already in talks during the summer. Though there is ongoing interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab, Almiron reportedly prefers to return to MLS, where he previously thrived with Atlanta United before moving to Newcastle. Almirons MLS return would likely require a hefty wage package, with sources close to the player indicating that he earns around 60,000 per week at Newcastle. For Almiron to leave the Premier League, Charlotte must match or exceed his current wages to make the move feasible. Whats Next for Almiron? Almirons potential departure from Newcastle could mark the end of an era. The winger, who joined the club from Atlanta United in a then-record 20 million deal, has not been able to replicate the form that made him a standout performer in MLS. Now, with both MLS and Saudi Pro League suitors, it seems clear that Almirons next move will be critical for his career. However, Charlottes pursuit of Almiron raises questions about the long-term future of the player. Will he opt for MLS stability or consider the higher wages and growing competition in Saudi Arabia? For now, the answer seems to lean towards returning to MLS, but his contract terms and the negotiations in January will ultimately determine where Almiron plays next. Newcastles Transfer Activity and Rumours As Newcastle look to offload Almiron, other potential transfers are on the horizon. Most notably, reports suggest that Manchester City are monitoring Bruno Guimaraes, with Pep Guardiola reportedly planning a move for the midfielder. Though a move is considered unlikely in January, City could return next summer with an 80 million bid for Guimaraes. Additionally, Newcastle are linked with Tottenhams out-of-favour forward Richarlison. However, with Spurs reportedly demanding 45 million for the Brazilian, it remains to be seen if Newcastle will be willing to meet the asking price. Predicted Impact on Newcastles Squad Newcastles willingness to move Almiron on signals a shift in the squads future direction, with Eddie Howe aiming to rejuvenate his attacking options. If the Paraguayan does leave, it could allow the Magpies to invest in new talent, potentially strengthening key areas. As always, January will be a critical month for Newcastles transfer strategy. Our View EPL Index Analysis The potential departure of Miguel Almiron is both understandable and disappointing. While Almiron was a key player for the Magpies during the early stages of his Premier League career, his decline in form has made his current situation untenable. The winger has failed to impress in recent months, and it seems that Eddie Howe has not seen the necessary consistency from him to justify a regular starting role. With only a handful of Premier League appearances this season, its clear that the writing is on the wall for Almiron at St. James Park. From a financial standpoint, selling Almiron for around 8 million could be a good deal for Newcastle. It would provide funds that could be reinvested in strengthening other areas of the squad. The potential return of Almiron to MLS, where he previously made a name for himself with Atlanta United, could provide him with the fresh start he needs. The pursuit of new talent is crucial for Newcastles continued progression, and moving Almiron on could open up opportunities for the club to recruit players who better fit Howes tactical vision. In terms of the broader picture, Almirons exit could pave the way for reinforcements in both attacking and defensive areas, which will be crucial as Newcastle aims to push for higher finishes in the Premier League. Its a tough but necessary decision for the clubs long-term ambitions. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! The state governments logging arm has admitted to clear-felling nearly 1.5 hectares of long-established national park in the region where the government has promised a Great Koala National Park. The news comes on the heels of NSW Forestry Corporation reporting a $29 million loss in its hardwood division for 2023-24 and a productivity watchdog report that found the industry is economically unviable. Ranger Martin Smith in Bindarri National Park. Credit: Janie Barrett Forestry Corp and the National Parks and Wildlife Service revealed on Friday they had entered into a legally enforceable agreement worth up to $1 million over the illegal clearing of 1.44 hectares of mature gum trees in Bindarri National Park near Coffs Harbour in 2019. The national park, which was created in 1999, adjoins the world heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park, and there are long-held plans to add it to the listing. NPWS is developing a multi-day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk that will go through both national parks. Suddenly, one day, woke was over. From November 6 to 7 this year, in the aftermath of the US presidential election, the pretence disappeared. Of course, there are hold-outs some people cant admit to themselves that they were wrong. But even in the fashion-chasing Hollywood Hills, my sources report hearing the words woke bullshit. The atmosphere has changed, and most people just seem relieved. Im not personally a fan of the word woke, but I admit its evocative. It was originally coined by the Black community in the United States to refer to awareness of social and political issues. Lately, it has become a catch-all for a performatively virtuous type of politics, more often used as a slur. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Donald Trumps second term as US president wasnt the reason woke finally died. It has been crumbling slowly for years, collapsing under the weight of its own humourless hypocrisies. There has been, as British historian Niall Ferguson wrote recently, a vibe shift. Trump is merely a punctuation mark in history. For a while, I have noticed in my day-to-day life that people are turning away from woke. For as long as Ive been writing in these pages, Ive deployed a gag when my perceived philosophical misalignment with the general political leaning of the masthead is raised. I identify myself as the diversity hire. It usually goes down well, makes people laugh and builds a rapport. Those readers dont resile from being left-leaning, and tend to be curious and open-minded types, open to argument. We laugh and then chat amicably about matters on which we diverge. Over the past month, the Herald has heard from more than 1100 women with experiences of what they believe was misogyny in Australias healthcare system. The survey, published yesterday, comes after the nations Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney also sought submissions on the subject, convening a National Womens Health Advisory Council to advise the government on how to acknowledge and address medical misogyny. As the Herald wrote alongside our initial coverage of the issue, earlier this month: medical misogyny condemns half the population to poor treatment. But tackling medical misogyny, the breadth and severity of womens experience revealed in yesterdays survey has revealed, is about more than that. It is about ensuring the wellbeing of a population Australia cannot afford to lose. Take the onset of menopause, a recurring theme in womens stories of medical misogyny. One of the businesses joining the Fair Work Commission application is Luna Park, with the venue saying it wanted to make sure its New Years Eve Party could go ahead. Luna Park Sydney [is] extremely concerned with the timing of the industrial action brought on by the RTBU, the amusement parks chief executive John Hughes said in a statement. We remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon so people can go into Christmas with certainty about their arrangements for New Years Eve. We fully respect the rights of workers and unions to ensure fair standards but believe that the timing of this action and potential impact to Sydneysiders and visitors to the city to be shortsighted. On Saturday, Haylen said nearly 40 per cent of train services were cancelled or delayed by midday, a pattern that continued throughout the day. Today, there will be 360-plus services cancelled, and that means passengers having to wait in some parts of our network up to an hour for a service that they need, she said. Between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, six of 12 city-bound T9 trains from Hornsby were cancelled, a pattern that continued throughout the afternoon. By Saturday afternoon, trains were leaving Richmond on the T5 Cumberland Line every hour or 90 minutes. Other lines were less impacted. Trains ran behind schedule but with minimal cancellations from Bondi Junction, although the Illawarra end of the T4 Line operated as a bus service between Cronulla and Sutherland due to planned track work. Services ceased between Kiama and Bomaderry due to industrial action. Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland urged people to avoid non-essential travel, allow extra travel time, and consider taking a bus, tram or metro instead, as it would be difficult to guarantee arrival times on the train network. Passengers heading to major events face lengthy delays, service gaps and last-minute cancellations. Credit: Edwina Pickles Its one of the busiest days at Sydney Airport today, he said on Saturday. Were doing everything we can to prioritise airport services on the T8 [Airport] line Travel early, or think about another mode of travel to get you to the airport for essential flights. The delays also presented problems for Sydneysiders heading to a host of events on Saturday, including Carols in the Domain, Randwick races, and Big Bash cricket at Sydney Olympic Park. The disruption follows the Federal Courts decision to throw out an interim injunction blocking the unions industrial action, including work stoppages, amid long-running pay negotiations. Loading Haylen urged the rail unions to drop their intolerable industrial action over Christmas and New Years Eve, arguing it was having a very significant impact on people and businesses. We cannot have ongoing industrial action at this time of year. This is a critical time of year when families need to get to see each other, to get on their way to holidays, and to be able to celebrate together safely. On Friday, the state government unsuccessfully sought for the Fair Work Commission to suspend the action due to significant harm to hoteliers and other businesses. That case will now be heard on Christmas Eve, along with the governments separate application for the action to be terminated or suspended on economic harm or public safety grounds. In a statement on Saturday, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW said members rights to take protected industrial action had been affirmed by the Federal Courts decision. It said the industrial action does not include, and never has, cancelling trains on New Years Eve, as safety for both commuters and public transport workers is always our number one priority. Sydney Trains and NSW Trains were provided with ample notice periods for all industrial action to allow for them to make alternative arrangements, yet it is clear by todays delays and cancellations that those arrangements have not been made. The union said track work was also disrupting services over the weekend. The government warned in its filings to the commission that major train delays on New Years Eve caused by industrial action risked causing deadly crowd crushes and antisocial behaviour among large numbers of revellers frustrated by disrupted services. Police Commission Karen Webb warned on Friday she might recommend Sydneys New Years Eve fireworks be cancelled if industrial action continues and the 250,000 people expected to visit the city were unable to get home safely. I havent ruled out that I will recommend to [the] government that we cancel the fireworks; its that serious, she said. RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes says industrial action wont cause a safety risk on New Years Eve. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Responding to Webbs comments on Friday, RTBU state secretary Toby Warnes accused the government of resorting to hysteria and having public servants come out and tell fibs about the effect of industrial action. Peak body Business NSW estimated cancelling the fireworks would cost the economy $98 million. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she would request an urgent meeting with the premier if police formally recommend cancelling fireworks. Our priority is maintaining public safety, and we will follow direction from police, she said. By Kantaro Komiya and Yoshifumi Takemoto TOKYO (Reuters) -Some unions are born of necessity, others from convenience. In the case of Honda and Nissan's potential merger, it is mostly defensive as Chinese rivals take the world by storm. While the challenge from China's seemingly boundless EV expertise looms large for all traditional automakers, for Japan it represents a threat to the vast car-manufacturing supply chain that has been the country's economic engine for years. Honda, Japan's second-largest car company, and Nissan, its third-largest, are in talks to deepen ties, including the possibility of setting up a holding company, two people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The automakers are discussing a potential merger, one of the people said. Like other foreign carmakers, both Honda and Nissan have lost ground in China, the world's biggest auto market, as BYD and other domestic brands win over consumers with EVs and hybrids loaded with innovative software. Honda reported a 15% drop in quarterly profit last month, hit by the decline in China and has been scaling back its workforce there. Nissan - a long-struggling company - plans to cut 9,000 jobs globally and manufacturing capacity by 20% due to slumping sales in China and the United States. Sanshiro Fukao, an executive fellow at the Itochu Research Institute in Tokyo, warns that the speed at which Chinese EV makers have been able to innovate means that Honda and Nissan have "no time" to pursue business as usual. "We're no longer in the age where carmakers would join together, churn out profits through economies of scale and then reinvest them in a five-year restructuring plan." Others note that any steep decline for Japan's auto industry would be particularly painful. It's the strongest sector in the world's fourth-largest economy and Japan's position in other key industries such as consumer electronics and chips has waned over the years. "For Japan, it's ultimately all about cars. If the auto industry doesn't improve, then the whole of Japanese manufacturing will not get better," said Takumi Tsunoda, a senior economist at Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute. THE DIGITAL SHIFT Japan's automotive supply chain totalled around 60,000 companies as of May this year, according to a survey by research firm Teikoku Databank. Total business transactions were estimated at 42 trillion yen ($270 billion), equivalent to 7% of nominal GDP in the 2023 fiscal year. Broadly, the industry employs more than 5 million people, representing 8% of the entire workforce, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. A cable car proposed to ferry visitors from the Mosman waterfront to Taronga Zoo would reach higher than 35 metres, eliciting uproar from residents who say it would be a blight on the harbour foreshore. The Taronga Conservation Society wants to build a new Sky Safari tourist attraction to replace the north Sydney zoos original cable car, which was built in 1987, upgraded in 2000 and retired last year. An artists impression of the lower station for Taronga Zoos proposed Sky Safari cable car. Credit: The $77 million overhaul would include construction of two new stations connected by six pylons that stand up to 36.5 metres. The system would include 20 to 25 cable cars and follow the existing route. Citing the popularity of the much-loved original Sky Safari, which transported 20 million visitors, the zoo said the replacement structure would make the steep headland site more easily accessible. WorkSafe takes allegations of dishonest conduct seriously and uses every power at its disposal to detect and address fraudulent behaviour, including investigating and taking legal action where there is sufficient evidence to do so, the spokeswoman said. The countrys peak body for private health insurers has also asked IBAC to notify it of any alleged fraudulent billing involving privately insured patients treated in the states public hospitals. Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Rachel David. I would encourage anyone with evidence of fraudulent or inappropriate billing of health funds to report it to health funds and IBAC, said Dr Rachel David, chief executive of Private Healthcare Australia. This should include inappropriate billing for assistant surgeons. If this is happening, it is not a victimless crime. When you rip off a health fund, you drive up the cost of health insurance for everybody. David said public hospitals billed health funds millions of dollars a year, pointing to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data that shows about one in 11 patients in Victorian public hospitals are private patients using their health insurance. Loading This equates to 8.8 per cent of patients or 1390 hospital beds per day, David said. Just like TAC funding, this is a significant revenue stream that could be exploited. A spokesperson for the Royal Melbourne Hospital said the health service was not aware of any allegations involving surgeons overbilling WorkSafe or private health insurers. While it is not appropriate to comment on the work of regulators, the hospital regularly engages in continuous improvement initiatives to ensure we deliver the very best care, the spokesperson said. These programs have and will continue to drive important process changes at the RMH. The Sunday Age revealed last week that IBAC was looking into allegations that some surgeons at the Royal Melbourne were billing the TAC for medical procedures that were never carried out on patients, as well as fraudulently claiming assistant surgeon fees. Loading One whistleblower recounted that they had witnessed a surgeon whom this masthead has chosen not to name walking into an operating room, putting on scrubs, chatting to staff for a few minutes and then walking out. The source then noticed the surgeon had put his name down as the assistant on the operation report sent to the TAC. The IBAC investigation comes after an internal hospital probe a few years ago by law firm K&L Gates. Surgeons at the hospital attended a meeting with senior staff on Thursday following the revelations in this masthead. Those present were told that a new committee would develop a consensus on what is considered appropriate billing. This would detail who is considered an assistant surgeon. They talked about billing and how we need to improve the quality of billing, said one hospital source. Another hospital source said there was no definition of who was considered an assistant surgeon, a billing item that attracts 20 per cent of the primary surgeons fees. We are left to our own devices, they said. The alleged fraudulent billing has been taking place for at least a decade. A former surgical registrar at the hospital said they had raised concerns about egregious billing with senior staff a decade ago. Loading I had very grave concerns, the ex-registrar said. They manipulated lists to prioritise TAC patients for personal financial gain. As a result of this complaint, item numbers for patients surgeries were displayed at team meetings. The thinking was that it would improve transparency, they said. The source, now a specialist surgeon, said he was unsure whether this still occurred. The Royal Melbourne spokesperson refused to confirm whether item numbers were still displayed at team meetings. A registrar is a fully qualified doctor pursuing training in a specific field. Coalition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said corruption and rorting appeared to be rife in the public health system. These allegations have been known about for years but were never taken seriously by health executives, bureaucrats and the Labor government, Crozier said. Victorians deserve a health system that is effective, efficient and ethical so that they can get the world-class care they deserve. A spokesperson for the Allan government said all Victorians would expect hospitals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and patient care. We are discussing Isaiah because I mention that one of my favourite biblical promises is a later verse by the prophet, who says of God: You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. From that day to this, there has probably not been a single day when people were not subjecting other people to war, subjugation, persecution and violence. In the eighth century BC, when Isaiah wrote, the Assyrians and Egyptians were the rival powers, and 2700 years later the Middle East is still ablaze. But in this verse Isaiah is speaking of inner peace, the harmony and completeness Kaltmann speaks of which is not shattered by suffering. The Greek Orthodox Blessing of the Waters celebration is held every year at Port Phillip Bay. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Kariatlis, like Kaltmann, says peace is more than the absence of discord and dissension; it is to be in harmony with oneself and with God. The Bible teaches that humanity has lost its way weve wandered from our true destiny, our true purpose. So Christ comes and thats the Christmas message to reorientate us so we can find ourselves in finding him. Kariatlis, the sub-dean at St Andrews Greek Orthodox Theological College, says the Greek word peace comes from a root to join or bind together, so unity is at its heart, and the word for man denotes a creature that is meant to look upwards (to God). Moral philosopher Raimond Gaitas book Justice and Hope. So in the fuller sense, peace is our restoration within ourselves, our restoration with God; its wholeness, integrity, harmony. And because God is the God of peace, he says, we are called to be innately peaceful peacemakers. As Jesus says in the Beatitudes, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Kariatlis says everything God is by nature his people are eventually to become by grace a distinctively Orthodox emphasis, as opposed to Roman Catholic or Protestant. So I suppose the Orthodox religion really stresses the transformation of the person within. And when that happens, then everything else can happen. Although Christmas emphasises a religious understanding of peace of God entering human society as a helpless infant, later to die on the cross and reconcile believers to himself neither Kaltmann nor Kariatlis suggest that only religious people can have peace. To the contrary, the possibility and the desire for shalom fullness are part of being human. Moral philosopher Raimond Gaita suggests this comes through an unconditional love of the world. Loading Gaita, an author, professor emeritus and non-believer, says there is a powerful strand in philosophy dating back to Socrates, with which he does not agree, that says ideally no misfortune you or those you love could suffer could cause you to curse the day you were born. (Similarly some Eastern religious traditions hold that peace is only found in the renunciation of all desire.) But, Gaita says, the only way one could find this inner peace amid the most terrible circumstances would be if there was sufficient detachment from the people one loves, which he finds ethically unsavoury. Peace, like happiness, may be elusive yet can creep up when one is otherwise engaged. Whatever else it is, Gaita says it must be a kind of consent to whatever one has suffered in ones life, and not to curse the universe or ones misfortune, not to say why me? Gaitas unconditional love of the world acknowledges there is good and bad in it, but it enables one to keep loving, to keep fighting for justice, to keep accepting ones own suffering, no matter what afflictions strike. He argues in his latest book, Justice and Hope, that an unconditional love of the world is the deepest form of hope and the truest source of our energies to honour the demands of justice. Its also expressed in the powerful impulse to gratitude many people feel, even for those who dont believe in God as the giver. Professor Louise Newman has worked for years with victims of violence and trauma, including atrocities and genocide. Credit: Penny Stephens An unconditional love of the world is one form of gratitude for the gift of ones humanity. And humanity is not something given in the way that species membership is given but something that one is called upon to rise to. And that call never ends even if one went on to live for a thousand years. One person familiar with the quest for peace in the face of affliction is Louise Newman, consultant psychiatrist at the Albert Road Clinic, who has worked for years with victims of violence and trauma, including atrocities and genocide. For her patients, the opposite of peace is not so much conflict as utter torment. Loading Newman, also professor of psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, says: They might have a clear concept of what inner peace is, of coming to terms with disparate parts of themselves, but they can be very tormented. Its the time it takes to come to terms with what they have seen, the intensity of these experiences, what meaning they can find in these events. The inner turmoil may be life-long. Its an existential problem. All of this is exacerbated, Newman feels, by the fraught times in which we live, the dissolving boundaries between what is real and what is not, between facts and alternative facts. Some people can believe utterly anything, no matter how negative, and that serves for them an emotional function. Were certainly seeing people presenting with anxiety who were previously high-functioning, educated people, and especially young people. Children are particularly vulnerable, Newman says, and the silence surrounding trauma of the magnitude seen in war zones is very damaging. The effects will last generations. It is recurrent, intrusive memories that really damage people. People are plagued with symptoms, she says. And then the psychological work is to re-establish a sense of self and meaning and personal efficacy when things seem to have dissolved, when humanity is gone. Victims may never gain a sense of meaning, but they may find a measure of acceptance. Another destroyer of inner peace can be a bad conscience, particularly if it is never addressed but festers away underneath. As Macbeth tells his wife, in a brilliantly evocative image in Shakespeares play, after killing the king, Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep his guilty conscience has left him in inner turmoil. But conscience can be restored, at least in the Christian account, by remorse, rejection of ones failure, and recompense to the victim. Australians whose flights are cancelled should be entitled to a full refund not vouchers while passengers subject to more than three hours delay should get help to book another option, says the federal governments new charter of rights for airline passengers. Lost luggage should be posted to passengers cost-free, while airlines should acknowledge customer complaints within 24 hours and resolve them within 30 days. It is the first concrete guidance on customer policies given to the aviation sector by an Australian government. For the first time, the document sets expectations for how the industry deals with issues such as delays and lost luggage. Credit: James Alcock Transport Minister Catherine King will release the draft charter on Sunday as millions of Australians embark on holiday travel over the Christmas season. For the first time, the document sets expectations for how airlines and airports deal with their customers such as by outlining what constitutes an unreasonable delay and when refunds are required although penalties are yet to be determined. As a kid, you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So its a huge honour if I do get in [the team]. Big crowd, sellout, different vibe really, for my first opportunity. That move would also allow for the rest of the batting order to remain settled. The inclusion of fellow squad member Josh Inglis, most likely at No.4, would necessitate a major reshuffle, with Marnus Labuschagne opening and Steve Smith moving up to No.3. Tahmid Islam worked with Shane Watson for San Fransisco Unicorns at Major League Cricket this year. Konstas has never even attended the Boxing Day Test as a fan. Now his Test debut looms on one of the biggest stages in the Australian cricket summer. One of the challenges for the selectors was the fact that neither Khawaja nor Labuschagne have been able to take on more proactive roles, meaning they must find a complementary top-order player with more shots at their disposal something Konstas has demonstrated across all formats. The way our top three are playing has been reasonably similar, and wed like the ability to throw something different at India on the back of that, selection chair George Bailey said. I think Sams method and style is different to Nathan [McSweeney]s and just provides a different look in throwing something at India, should we go down that path. If you look more broadly, I dont think the top six has functioned to the level we need in this series as a whole. Youre always looking for your senior players to be the leaders in how you play, specifically to Uz we value the left-hand at the top of the order. There wasnt a great deal of consideration to moving him. Marn as the other part of that top three, hes been on record saying hed like to be scoring more runs, wed love him to be scoring more runs, but post-Perth with Marn it is about the method and intent as much as the outcome. Tahmids association with Konstas has been a fruitful one, gaining momentum when Watson also chimed in to help. We talked through what he wanted to do with his cricket and how he wanted to elevate his game to the next level, Tahmid told this masthead earlier this summer of their early days. I had dinner with Jim, his dad, and worked out a bit of program for him and then it was right into work. Loading I do a lot of technical work with him, and then Shane helps him through the mental side of his game, which is fantastic. Its been a great journey with the three of us. Shane was amazing to him in taking on a mentoring role and helped him a lot in the mental space and technical space too, to be fair. Its been a fantastic journey. Mum was in tears A third-ball duck for Konstas on Saturday night for the Sydney Thunder didnt dent the young batting prodigys confidence. Speaking for the first time since being unveiled in Australias 15-man squad for upcoming Tests against India in Melbourne and Sydney, Konstas said he appreciated receiving a message from dumped opener Nathan McSweeney after his axing from the team. Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats, and he actually congratulated me this morning, Konstas said on the Fox broadcast. Were very close mates and I wish him all the best. Sam Konstas hits out for the Sydney Thunder against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday. Credit: Getty Images I was actually in the nets and I got the call from [head selector] George Bailey. He told me I was in the Test squad. I was so thrilled. I called my parents straight away. They were very emotional. Hopefully, I meet the team tomorrow and go from there. Mum was in tears. I was telling her not to cry, and Dad was super proud. Its been an amazing journey, all the ups and downs, very grateful for their sacrifice. Theyve been great support to me. Itd be a huge honour debuting. A dream come true. I think its a sellout already, so I think family and friends will be there as well. Loading The prospect of batting in front of more than 90,000 fans at the MCG will be a dream come true for Konstas, who could become the youngest batsman to debut for the Australian mens team since 17-year-old Ian Craig in 1953. After a stunning Big Bash debut, in which he smashed 56 off 27 balls against the Adelaide Strikers, Konstas inside-edged a ball onto his stumps for a duck against the Sixers at Sydney Olympic Park in the first innings of a thrilling match that went down to the last ball. It was less than ideal ahead of a potential debut in Melbourne, but it didnt seem to bother Konstas. Ive [been] very excited, Konstas said. I want to be challenged, and Ive got a few plans against those [Indian] bowlers. Feeling like Im moving really nice and hopefully I get that opportunity. Im just going to react to the ball and show a bit of intent and put pressure back on the bowlers. It was a dramatic night at the BBLs Sydney derby, with the Sixers getting a win from the final ball of the match after requiring 15 runs from Chris Greens last over. Before the match, Sixers skipper Moises Henriques sledged the Thunder about being easybeats and that his team always seem to pick up an easy two points against their main rivals. When Henriques edged a ball in the air off spinner Tanveer Sangha, it looked like an easy catch would present itself. In an embarrassing moment, Sangha and wicketkeeper Sam Billings let the ball bounce between them, to the displeasure of their captain David Warner, who clearly thought it was a catch for the man with the gloves. The Sixers, once again, had the last laugh. Loading Jordan Silk (36 not out) steered the Sixers home with the help of some impressive power hitting from Ben Dwarshuis (20 off eight balls). The Sixers required 10 off three balls before two back-to-back wides from Chris Green, a single from Silk and a monster six over mid-wicket from Dwarshuis left the men in magenta needing one off the last ball. Despite Fox commentator Mark Waugh predicting that a Thunder fielder needed to be closer to the bat on the leg side, Dwarshuis delicately hit a ball to that very position and scampered through for a match-winning single in front of a strong crowd of 17,547. The progeny of Wootton Bassett, which had a stud fee of $192,500 in Australia, are quickly generating excitement, and Freedman saw comparisons with champion sire Danehill. Freedman, in partnership with his brothers, prepared four consecutive Golden Slipper winners Bint Marscay, Danzero, Flying Spur and Merlene the last three of which were sired by Danehill. Freedman and his brother, Richard, also won the race with Stay Inside. Ive got a few at home, he said of the Wootton Bassett crop. Terrific constitutions ... with great temperaments. I said to someone earlier in the week, they remind me a lot, back in the day, of the Danehills. They had that really relaxed, laid-back temperament, and I think theres a bit of talk around a few of the other trainers saying the same thing. Berry, who has won three Golden Slippers, including with Stay Inside, was pretty excited by Pallaton. Im tipping Michael didnt tell you about his work on Tuesday morning, but they dont work like that very often, not at two, Berry said. Zac Lloyd, who rode runner-up Chergui, pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge from the race. Richard Freedman and his son, Will, also had a winner on the program, when Ang Pow beat stablemate Elettrica in the benchmark 100 handicap. Cups in Kings sights Qualifying for the Sydney Cup then a Melbourne Cup campaign was on the cards for Ciaron Maher-trained, King Charles-owned Gilded Water after he made light work of his opposition at Randwick. The Fastnet Rock four-year-old, under Irish young gun Dylan Browne McMonagle, raced midfield then cruised past his rivals at the 300m mark on the way to a three-length victory in the benchmark 78 2400m race. The demolition job, believed to be the first win for an English monarch at Royal Randwick, followed a first-up victory in Australia at Kembla Grange over 2000m. Gilded Water racing to an easy win on Saturday at Randwick. Credit: Getty Images King Charles racing manager, John Warren, was thrilled with the efforts in Australia, which came after an injury in Gilded Waters last of four UK runs. Ciaron has done such a lovely job getting him to this point, taking his time and just getting him acclimatised, and we are excited about his prospects. Its really nice for the King, Warren said. So now its up the maestro to see what he can conjure up to give the King and Queen a thrill in this country, which is the objective. I think the King wanted to be connected with Australia and a horse does that job. Loading Maher said a couple of quite prestigious two-mile races were in the plans for the very, very progressive stayer. Where his rating is at, hed nearly have to win his way in [to the Sydney Cup], Maher said. So its one step at a time and theres obviously no pressure with him. It was Browne McMonagles first time wearing the Kings colours and the win gave him a successful send-off to his second stint in Australia. He was returning home on Saturday night. Kid handles the heat Teenage English-based riding sensation Billy Loughnane got on the board in town with victory on John OShea and Tom Charlton-trained Captain Amelia, and hes hoping to get a few more over the festive season. The 18-year-old Irish-born jockey, Britains champion apprentice in 2023, took the $20 shot from second last on the turn to win the benchmark 78 for fillies and mares over 1400m by a quarter of a length. Dubbed Billy The Kid at home, Loughnane started his maiden stint in Australia on December 7 and had wins at Hawkesbury and Newcastle in the past week after a run of misses. Its very hot, the hottest weather Ive ridden in, but Im really enjoying the challenge of riding around these tracks, and Im learning a lot, Loughnane said. Thankfully, Ive managed to get one now at a bigger track, and hopefully we can get a few more. Loughnane plans to stay on in Sydney until the middle of January. Deamer pulls right rein Newcastle trainer Jason Deamer kept his options open with the rare, and perhaps unique, ploy to accept for three races with the one horse on the same program at Randwick on Saturday. In the end, Deamer and Dynamic Syndications chose the easiest option, and Rapt delivered with a swooping run to win the Midway Handicap (1600m) on Saturday by one and a quarter lengths under a well-timed ride from Tim Clark. Shes not overly big, but shes all heart, and shes got a good little motor in there, Deamer said. The next option for Rapt was much simpler. The fouryear-old will head to the Gold Coast to contest the $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave (1800m) at weight-for-age on January 4. Baker in red-hot form Arriving Home led in a quinella and Iowna Merc broke a drought at Randwick as Warwick Farm-trainer Bjorn Baker continued a hot streak for the stable. Former jockey turned trainer Lauri Parker will head to Moruya on Sunday with three strong chances lining up. Parker, who is based at Warwick Farm, will have Missy No Nay in the Built By Thompson Class 1 Handicap (1010m) and Capicella in the Harcourts Batemans Bay Christmas Cup Benchmark 58 Handicap (1425m) with jockey Jean Van Overmeire riding each of them. Racing returns to Moruya on Sunday with an eight-race card. Credit: Getty Missy No Nay has only been to Moruya once and that resulted in a Super Maiden win in April of this year when ridden by Kayla Nisbet. Parker has since given Missy No Nay four runs back from a spell with Van Overmeire being in the saddle in the past three of them. Shes been placed at Gundagai and Canberra at her last two starts. Capicella has had two starts back from a spell and has finished ninth and eighth at Wyong and Newcastle respectively. Capicella is a winner of one of her 10 starts and has had a further two minor placings. Washington: President-elect Donald Trumps billionaire ally Elon Musk played a key role this week in killing a bipartisan funding proposal that would have prevented a government shutdown, railing against the plan in a torrent of more than 100 social media posts that included multiple false claims. The X owner, an unelected figure, used his outsize influence on the platform to help sway Congress, doing so without regard for facts and gave a preview of the role he could play in government over the next four years. Turn right: Some are asking if Elon Musk, right, will be Donald Trumps co-president. Credit: AP Trump has got himself a handful with Musk, John Mark Hansen, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, said in an email. Trumps done this kind of thing before blowing up a bill at the last minute. This time, though, it looks like he was afraid of Musk upstaging him. Now theres a new social media bully in town, pushing the champion social media bully around. Hansen added: Well see what Musks influence is when he runs up against reality like when he proposes cutting off wasteful spending for other people but not NASA contracts for Space-X. BlackRock BlackRock Inc., whose iShares unit is the worlds biggest ETF issuer, has purchased bonds for its municipal bond exchange-traded fund using a blockchain system, the first firm to do so using JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s platform. The BlackRock Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR) bought debt from Quincy, Massachusetts, which issued $10 million in bonds in April. The sale was done through Digital Debt Service, part of JPMorgans Kinexys Digital Assets blockchain platform. The sale was the first municipal bond issuance in the United States to settle on a blockchain-based platform, and according to BlackRocks MEAR page, the firm bought $6.5 million in Quincy debt. BlackRock, which manages $3.04 trillion in 438 exchange-traded funds, is among firms embracing the efficiency and speed touted by blockchain technologies. The New York-based firm has repeated its commitment to so-called tokenization, in which assets like cash and U.S. Treasury bills are rendered as electronic copies and transferred to a blockchain ledger. Earlier this year, the firm, which operates the biggest bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrency ETFs, started the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, which tokenizes cash and treasury bills. The blockchain platform use in the sale was first reported by Bloomberg News, which said that other issuers and underwriters are probing whether or not the muni market has demand for blockchain technology. The use of blockchain throughout the lifecycle of bonds is just one example of the potential for this technology to transform capital markets, Pat Haskell, head of BlackRocks municipal bond group, told Bloomberg. BlackRock had not long ago been a digital skeptic, with CEO Larry Fink at one point saying cryptocurrency was an index of money laundering. The firms iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is the largest crypto ETF, with $57.7 billion in assets and $43.3 billion in inflows since it began trading in January. Its doubled in price since its launch. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strike kills 7 children from one family Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 Gaza's civil defence rescue agency reported that an Israeli air strike killed 10 members of a family on Friday in the northern part of the territory, including seven children. Violence in the Gaza Strip continues to rock the coastal territory more than 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war, even as international mediators work to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants. "There are 10 martyrs ... all targeted by an air strike on their home in Jabalia al-Nazla, southwest of Jabalia. All of the martyrs are from the same family, including seven children, the oldest aged six," civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Bassal said the strike injured 15 other people. The Israeli military told AFP it had struck "several terrorists who were operating in a military structure belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization and posed a threat to IDF troops operating in the area". "According to an initial examination, the reported number of casualties resulting from the strike does not align with the information held by the IDF," it added. "The IDF continues to precisely operate against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law, including taking measures to mitigate harm to uninvolved civilians." Israel in early October began a major military operation in Gaza's north, which it said aimed to prevent Hamas from regrouping there. Amid the ongoing violence, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar are engaged in renewed negotiations to halt the war and secure the release of dozens of hostages still held by militants in Gaza. On Tuesday, the United States expressed "cautious optimism" about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. The war was sparked by an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Hamas militants also took 251 hostages, of whom 96 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 45,206 people, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. US President Biden authorizes $571 million in military aid to Taiwan Washington, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 US President Joe Biden on Friday approved $571.3 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, the White House said, as the Democrat prepares to leave office ahead of the January inauguration of Donald Trump. The United States does not official recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island's strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons. China, which has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for Washington to cease sending arms and assistance to the island, which it claims as part of its territory. Taiwanese officials said China last week held its biggest maritime drills in years, with around 90 ships deployed from near the southern islands of Japan to the South China Sea. Beijing did not confirm the drills. In a brief statement, the White House said Biden had authorized his secretary of state to "direct the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan." The statement did not provide details of the military assistance package, which comes less than three months after a similar package worth $567 million was authorized. Beijing has regularly expressed anger at international support for Taipei and accused Washington of meddling in its affairs. China maintains a near-daily presence of fighter jets, drones and warships around the island. Beijing has said it will never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and has also stepped up rhetoric about "unification" being "inevitable." China has "amplified" its diplomatic, political and military pressure against Taiwan in 2023, a US Pentagon report released this week said. 14 injured after Israel hit by Yemen-launched 'projectile' Jerusalem, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 Israel's military said Saturday it had failed to intercept a "projectile" launched from Yemen that landed near Tel Aviv, with the national medical service saying 14 people were lightly wounded. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel. Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago, most of which have been intercepted. In return, Israel has struck multiple targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy facilities in areas controlled by the Huthis. "A short time ago, reports were received of a weapon falling in one of the settlements within the Tel Aviv district," Israeli police said Saturday. According to Israeli media, the projectile fell in the town of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv. Israel's emergency medical service said 14 people had been injured. "Additional teams are treating several people on-site who were injured while heading to protected areas, as well as those suffering from anxiety," a spokesman said. The Huthi rebels say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and last week pledged 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 US and sometimes British forces. The rebels said Thursday that Israeli air strikes that day killed nine people, after the group fired a missile toward Israel, badly damaging a school. While Israel has previously hit targets in Yemen, 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. 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 they had fired ballistic missiles at "two specific and sensitive military targets... in the occupied Yaffa area", referring to the Jaffa region near Tel Aviv. Pope slams 'cruelty' of strike killing Gaza children Vatican City, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 Pope Francis on Saturday condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as "cruelty", a day after the territory's rescue agency said an Israeli air strike killed seven children from one family. Gaza's civil defence rescue agency reported that an Israeli air strike killed 10 members of a family on Friday in the northern part of the territory, including seven children. "Yesterday they did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised. Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," he told members of the government of the Holy See. "I want to say it because it touches my heart." Violence in the Gaza Strip continues to rock the coastal territory more than 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war, even as international mediators work to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants. The Israeli military told AFP it had struck "several terrorists who were operating in a military structure belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation and posed a threat to IDF troops operating in the area". "According to an initial examination, the reported number of casualties resulting from the strike does not align with the information held by the IDF," it added. Francis, 88, has called for peace since Hamas's unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza. In recent weeks he has hardened his remarks against the Israeli offensive. At the end of November, he said that "the invader's arrogance... prevails over dialogue" in "Palestine", a rare position that contrasts with the tradition of neutrality of the Holy See. In extracts from a forthcoming book published in November, he called for a "careful" study as to whether the situation in Gaza "corresponds to the technical definition" of genocide, an accusation firmly rejected by Israel. The Holy See has recognised the State of Palestine since 2013, with which it maintains diplomatic relations, and it supports the two-state solution. Israel accuses Pope of 'double standards', after Gaza criticism Jerusalem, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 Israel accused Pope Francis of "double standards" Saturday after he condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as "cruelty" following an air strike that killed seven children from one family. "The Pope's remarks are particularly disappointing as they are disconnected from the true and factual context of Israel's fight against jihadist terrorism -- a multi-front war that was forced upon it starting on October 7," an Israeli foreign ministry statement said. "Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people." Gaza's civil defence rescue agency had reported that an Israeli air strike killed 10 members of a family on Friday in the northern part of the Palestinian territory, including seven children. "Yesterday they did not allow the Patriarch (of Jerusalem) into Gaza as promised. Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," he told members of the government of the Holy See. "I want to say it because it touches my heart." The Israeli statement said: "Cruelty is terrorists hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children; cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days, including a baby and children, by terrorists and abusing them," a reference to the Palestinian Hamas militants who attacked Israel and took hostages on October 7, 2023, triggering the Gaza war. "Unfortunately, the Pope has chosen to ignore all of this," the Israeli ministry said. adms/sdu/srm GUANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - Nio unveiled a lower-cost brand named Firefly on Saturday that it touted as a rival to Mercedes' Smart and BMW's Mini in the Chinese electric vehicle maker's latest bid to broaden its customer base and boost sales. CEO William Li announced the new brand at an annual company event in Guangzhou and said pre-sales would start immediately with prices starting at 148,800 yuan ($20,394). He displayed three Firefly cars in lavender, lemon and beige and said the car offered a tight 4.7 metre turning radius and autonomous parking technology. Customers can place orders on the Firefly app, which said the cars would be officially launched in April. "We are building the Firefly car to be smarter than Mini and be more Mini than smart cars," Li said. BMW's pure electric Mini also sells from 148,800 yuan in China while Mercedes' Smart #1 car is priced from 154,900 yuan. Domestic brands Firefly will compete against include BYDs Seal and Xpeng's Mona. Nio, one of China's largest EV players by sales, has been fighting rising price competition in China by launching cheaper models this year, having earlier in May unveiled another it called "Onvo". Nio, which has limited European sales numbering in the hundreds of vehicles per year, had originally planned the Firefly brand to boost its share in Europe, its executives said previously. It would have taken on Renault, Stellantis' Fiat and Peugeot and BMW's Mini in a European small car segment with annual demand for 4 million cars. But the European Commission in October imposed an additional tariff of more than 20% on Nio's cars including Firefly EVs exported from China to the region for the next five years. Analysts said this will largely undermine the brand's price competitiveness. Li did not detail plans for where Firefly would be sold during the event. Nio has targets to double its sales in 2025 and achieve break-even in 2026 but said this month its sales growth was two years behind schedule. Reuters reported in November that Nio was planning to launch its first extended range hybrid model under the Firefly brand in 2026 for sales in overseas markets only. ($1 = 7.2961 Chinese yuan renminbi) ($1 = 7.2961 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; editing by Hugh Lawson and Jason Neely) We know that this news will have come as a terrible shock to students and parents/carers across our community, as it has to all staff, who are finding it incredibly difficult to comprehend that we have lost such a cherished friend and colleague, so suddenly. The decision reveals planning protections are flawed and have failed: the site is designated for housing, and could provide over 200 homes, but there is no housing, despite buildings which lend themselves to conversion; the demolition and development will generate huge amounts of carbon, which is completely unnecessary; the Queens Walk is not designated for tall buildings but will now get one; and a string of buildings of national prominence will not protected from harm. The figure, which comes from April this year so may now be even higher, is an increase from 1.1 billion at the end of 2022, according to a report by Audit Scotland. LONDON (Reuters) - Futures markets have seen a record-breaking run in cocoa prices in 2024, a surge exacerbated by the hedge funds that provide much of their liquidity heading for the exit. Here are some facts on futures markets, including how they operate and the main players. COCOA FUTURES - THEY'RE DIFFERENT TO COCOA BEANS? Cocoa beans are the vital ingredient in chocolate. The world's cocoa harvested from the Theobroma cacao tree, native to the Amazon rainforest - is now mostly produced in West African countries, principally Ghana and Ivory Coast, and in Latin America. Many of the world's cocoa beans are bought by large trade houses like Cargill, Olam and Barry Callebaut, which is also a chocolate maker. In Ghana and Ivory Coast, the top two producers, these trading houses pre-buy beans via government contracts ahead of the growing season, with the crop then delivered during the October-to-September growing season. Some traders also process beans into powder, butter and liquor that is used in products from chocolate bars to face cream, and then sell these to chocolate makers. SO HOW DO FUTURES FIT IN? Futures markets play a central role in determining industry-wide prices of commodities. They allow investors to buy and sell contracts to deliver anything from oil and pork to gold and cocoa, at a specified date and price in the future. The market is also used by buyers of the physical commodity in the case of cocoa that's the traders and food producers - to manage risk. Think of a trader who puts in an order for cocoa beans at a certain price, expecting to sell them or related products at a higher price in the future - a so-called "long" position. They need to protect themselves against the risk that prices drop by the time they receive them and they cannot sell at the price they had expected. Traders balance out their exposure by taking short positions in the futures market, in effect betting that prices will fall. Cocoa futures markets are significant. They dictate the prices of physical beans, in turn influencing the price of chocolate bought by consumers, the revenues of cocoa producing nations, and the income received by farmers. WHO ELSE CAN GET INVOLVED? Speculators like hedge funds also trade futures. They don't typically touch cocoa beans, but instead try to make money off the rising and falling value of the commodity in financial markets. Some hedge funds use intelligence, like weather data, to work out how supply will cause prices of beans to rise and fall, and make bets accordingly. Others use algorithms and trading systems to determine how risky the market is, and how many bets to take. ETF Market Tops $15T on Active Management Boom The global ETF industry accumulated $15.1 trillion in assets and attracted $1.6 trillion in flows during 2024, marking the strongest year on record for inflows, assets, fund launches and institutional ownership, according to a new Bank of America report. The explosive growth reflects both retail and institutional investors increasingly embracing ETFs for their tax efficiency and liquidity advantages, BofA ETF strategists Jared Woodard, John Glascock, and Phoebe Block wrote in the report. These benefits have helped save investors approximately $250 billion versus mutual funds since 2001, the analysis found. Institutional investors in particular are fueling the expansion, with their ownership of ETFs rising 24 percentage points since 2016 to reach an average of 27% per fund, according to BofA data. The shift comes as providers launch more sophisticated products targeting specific themes and sectors rather than broad market exposure, the report shows. Active Management Gains Momentum Active ETF launches surpassed passive ones for the first time in 2024, with 121 mutual funds converting to active ETFs and reversing prior outflows, according to the analysis. Global expansion drove some of the growth, with funds listed outside the U.S. attracting $583 billion in 2024, representing 38% of total inflows, BofA found. For each U.S.-listed ETF, there are now 2.1 funds domiciled elsewhere. Investors also embraced previously illiquid assets once offered in ETF form, particularly in the credit markets. Collateralized loan obligation (CLO) ETFs saw assets surge more than double in 2024. Investors also showed strong appetite for remixed sector funds focused on areas like industrials and defense. Some disconnects emerged in 2024 that BofA expects to resolve this year. While banks, energy companies, and gold posted strong returns, their related ETFs saw outflows, according to the analysis. Looking ahead, BofA predicts these positioning gaps will close as investors adjust to what analysts describe as an ongoing transition from a 2% world to a 5% world. The firm also anticipates continued growth in active strategies and expansion into new asset classes. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved Romania has received the OECD's formal opinion in the field of educational policy, a stage that confirms the completion of the assessment process and the alignment of national policies with the standards promoted by the organization in the field of education and skills, the relevant ministry informs on Saturday. According to a press release of the Ministry of Education, the written procedure for receiving the formal opinion was initiated upon the recommendation of the Education Policy Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), following the assessment session on Romania, held in Paris on November 19, 2024. Within this exercise, there were assessed Romania's capacity and determination to implement the substantial legal instruments of the OECD that fall within the competence of the Education Policy Committee (EDPC), as well as the alignment of policies and practices in the field of education with the standards and good practices of OECD members. The following priority actions were taken into account: the quality of programmes and results, opportunities and equal access to education, as well as strengthening governance. The OECD thus finalized Romania's assessment in the field of education and training, with the letter from the EDPC president encouraging our country to adopt future actions to strengthen school leadership, the development of dual education, continuing education, access to quality education and training in rural communities, the recognition of prior non-formal and informal learning, financing or governance, the aforementioned press release states. The Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, believes that the favourable opinion is a confirmation of the need for the reforms provided for in this legislative package to be implemented. "It was a privilege to be able to contribute to the process of Romania's accession to the OECD as minister of education, especially since this period coincided with stages in the development of the new education laws. This favourable opinion is a confirmation of the need for the reforms provided for in this legislative package to be implemented. I am convinced that belonging to a community of countries that prioritize education as the basis of social and economic development is a huge opportunity for Romania. Together with OECD partners, we will succeed in transforming the education system to meet current and future challenges. The expertise that the OECD offers and the chance to learn from successful education systems will be a real support for the Romanian education system to be more equitable and of quality, as every child deserves," said Ligia Deca, quoted in the press release. AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis on Saturday expressed his shock at the terrorist attack in Magdeburg, stating that Romania stands in solidarity with the German people in these difficult times. "Shocked by the terrorist attack in Magdeburg, where innocent people were killed and injured. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Romania stands in solidarity with the German people in these difficult times," Iohannis wrote on the X platform. Between 60 and 80 people were injured and at least two people died after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas fair in the northern German city of Magdeburg on Friday. The suspect in the attack is currently in police custody. He is a doctor in his 50s who lives and works in Bernburg, a city south of Magdeburg, said the premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff. The suspect is originally from Saudi Arabia, but has been in Germany since 2006 and has permanent residency. AGERPRES Aisha Sultan Columnist and features writer Follow Aisha Sultan Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today In his final acts of mercy, Gov. Mike Parson commuted the sentence of Patty Prewitt, 75, who has served more than 38 years of a 50-year, no-parole sentence for murdering her husband in 1984. I am so grateful to be home with my family for Christmas, Prewitt stated on a post on Facebook. Thank you to Governor Mike Parson and to all the people who have supported me over the years. Prewitt, originally from Holden in western Missouri, has always maintained her innocence and says an intruder who raped her, also murdered her husband, who was in bed next to her. I got to know Prewitt and her family in 2019 when I worked on a documentary about her case. The documentary, 33 and Counting, detailed the botched police investigation and raised questions about the trial and conviction. It featured the voices of formerly incarcerated women who described how Prewitt had changed their lives. She served as a mother figure to many incarcerated women lacking that maternal figure in their lives. George Lombardi, the former head of the Missouri Department of Corrections, who has since died, also stated in the film that Prewitt deserved clemency for the incredible contributions she had made during her decades in prison. Her daughter, Jane Watkins, had made the three-hour drive to visit her mother Friday when the news of the commutation was released. For the first time in 38 years of visits, her mother was able to leave in the car with Jane and head home to her family in time for Christmas. Her lawyer, Brian Reichart, was jubilant and in shock when he heard the news. For over 38 years, Patty Prewitt has been an inspiration to so many within and beyond the prison walls. Being her advocate for the past 14 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life, he said. Thank you to Gov. Parson for showing mercy and doing the right thing for a woman who has done so much for others. Parson granted 16 pardons and approved nine commutations including one for Timothy Prosser, who was serving a life sentence for a conviction on drug charges. Parson denied 23 clemency petitions. The governors office now holds zero pending clemency petitions. When Parson was sworn into office, he inherited a clemency backlog of more than 3,500 and received hundreds more since. He has taken action on nearly 4,000 clemency petitions. Parson prioritized providing individuals an answer, whether approved or denied. Parson, indeed, deserves credit for this remarkable and deserving act of mercy, along with prioritizing the backlog of clemency petitions. People, who had been waiting for years, deserve an answer. While I had longed for this day for Patty, her children and grandchildren, I had nearly given up hope that it was possible. Hearing that she is finally free and will spend Christmas with her family is a testament to her unwavering faith that one day, she would get justice. FILM: Pandemic adds urgency to Missouri grandmother's pleas for clemency Patty Prewitt, a 70-year-old grandmother serving a life sentence in Vandalia, Mo., is recove A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state. Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. But abortions will not yet restart in the state because licensure requirements remain in place. Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and the ACLU of Missouri in a joint statement Friday evening said the states several clinics remain unlicensed. As a result of todays mixed decision, they wrote. Missourians continue to be deprived of time-sensitive, essential, and constitutionally protected health care, despite voting in favor of a constitutional right to abortion. After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional. On Friday afternoon, Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthoods requests and denied others. This means that for the time being at least, some of the states strictest targeted regulation of abortion providers, or TRAP, laws are not enforceable. Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judges order. State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the states current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies. But during a Dec. 4 hearing, Baileys office panned Planned Parenthoods arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary. The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didnt have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction. In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest. She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional: A requirement that physicians providing abortions have admitting privileges at hospitals with obstetric or gynecological care within 30 miles or a 15-minute drive. A mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial abortion consultation and the abortion procedure. The states informed consent requirement, which includes access to the states informed consent booklet. In cases of medication abortions, a requirement that the medication be administered in the presence of the doctor who prescribed it. Planned Parenthood refers to this as a telemedicine ban, which prevents doctors from prescribing a medication in-person but allowing the patient to take the medication at home or in the presence of another medical professional. A requirement that before administering medication abortion, providers must have a complication plan in place, which includes access to an on-call OB-GYN who is available at any time, in the case of a complication. Zhang wrote that this law was not helpful to those traveling from rural Missouri to an urban Planned Parenthood clinic, for example. A law requiring all fetal tissue removed from the uterus during an abortion be sent to a pathologist. Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws: A requirement that patients must first see a doctor for an in-person appointment to confirm gestational age before prescribing the pills used in medication abortions. A law stating that abortions can only be performed by physicians, and not physicians assistants or other advanced practice clinicians. A law allowing the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to place separate regulations and standards that apply to ambulatory surgical centers on abortion clinics, including size requirements for hallways, room and doors. This law also requires clinics to keep a written plan for managing medical emergencies, including a transfer plan for patients to a nearby hospital. Zhang said she was denying the injunction related to these licensure requirements because the statutes pertain to the actual licensure of the facilities rather than the rights of individuals seeking reproductive care. After the court hearing but before Fridays decision, a spokeswoman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the department continued to view the states TRAP laws as constitutional but declined to comment on specific aspects of the lawsuit as the litigation is ongoing. Our regulations remain in place, Sami Jo Freeman, spokeswoman for the department, said on Dec. 11. We believe those regulations are not overly burdensome and establish necessary safety standards for these procedures. We cannot comment on pending litigation at this time. Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement Friday that his organization will be closely monitoring the licensing process of any abortion clinics in Missouri. We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions, Westbrook said. Even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children. On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3, which states, in part, that the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means. The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6. Had all the challenged TRAP laws been struck down, Planned Parenthood clinics said they were prepared to immediately begin offering abortions at some of their locations. It is unacceptable that tomorrow, just like for the past two weeks, Missourians will have a constitutional right that cannot be realized in their home state, Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. Were relieved the court recognized and enjoined many oppressive laws on the books that serve no purpose except to put abortion out of reach. Unfortunately, a key tool weaponized by anti-abortion politicians the licensure process remains in effect, and we are unable to restore care. The plaintiffs in a statement said they are evaluating their legal options. A spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Zhangs order is temporary until a trial litigating the challenged laws takes place. The next case management conference is scheduled for late February in Kansas City. Whats Next, an Amendment 3 accountability group made up organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment with no restrictions on abortion, said the ruling was far from a win. Ending the ban is window dressing as long as restrictions such as facility license requirements designed to keep clinics closed are in effect and access to care is not a reality for abortion seekers and providers, they wrote. This is what we warned about and our fears are unfolding exactly how we predicted. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Police are asking for the public's help as they investigate a fiery fatal crash on North Hanley Road early Saturday morning. Shortly after 4 a.m., county police officers received a call about a vehicle crash at North Hanley and St. Charles Rock Road in North County. They found an overturned vehicle on fire after it had run into a pole, county police said. Inside the vehicle was a man who first responders worked to rescue. Once he was freed, the man was rushed to an area hospital but he died there, county police said. A woman who was able to get out of the vehicle after the crash was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Officials have not released a description of the vehicle or the names of the victims. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact to county police at 636-529-8210 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. By Emma-Victoria Farr and Andres Gonzalez LONDON (Reuters) - Private equity funds in Europe, even though flush with cash, are thinking twice about buying businesses that could be difficult to sell and carefully working through their exit plans before making more acquisitions, bankers and investors said. In one example, Brookfield walked away from making a binding offer for Spanish waste disposal firm Urbaser due to concerns over exit options, one source familiar with its strategy said. One reason was that it could eventually be too big to sell on, the person said. A Brookfield spokesperson declined to comment. Urbaser owner Platinum Equity did not respond to a request for comment. "In the last cycle, funds have done very well on the entry, very well on the execution, but the exit, that has been more difficult," said Nestor Paz-Galindo, UBS head of EMEA global banking and global co-head of M&A. Big transactions will still take place in Europe, Paz-Galindo said, but are likely to be the preserve of fewer funds. Bankers told Reuters they expect 2025 will see private equity funds under pressure to not only deploy record levels of unspent capital, but also to sell assets that they have been owning for longer than they have traditionally. In Europe, the resale of companies from one financial investor to the next is proving difficult, and auctions of private equity-backed companies have seen fewer bidders, bankers and investors said, with sale processes also taking longer. "There is concern that some assets are just simply too big, and we're seeing sponsors consider divesting divisions or stakes to reduce the size," Stephen Pick, Barclays' head of M&A in EMEA, said of how some firms are attempting to secure an exit. Meanwhile, the U.S. private equity market has been more active and is poised to see some larger deals in 2025 as financial sponsors face increasing pressure to return liquidity to their limited partners. A regulatory environment anticipated to be more business-friendly under the second administration of President-elect Donald Trump is also expected to drive a surge in larger transactions, bankers and lawyers said. BACKLOG Total deal values involving financial sponsors in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) so far this year have reached $297 billion, up 23% on 2023 but still far off the peak of $509 billion in 2021, Dealogic data shows. The value of shares sold on the public markets by all investors, including private equity, were only $146 billion so far this year across the region, down from $294 billion in 2021, Dealogic data provided by JP Morgan shows. Coast Guard cutters Hamilton and Munro conduct at-sea training in the Pacific Ocean on March 12, 2024. (Ray Corniel/U.S. Coast Guard) Two separate congressional investigations found retired Adm. Karl Schultz made the decision during his tenure as Coast Guard commandant to conceal an embarrassing internal review of the mishandling of sexual misconduct among cadets at the services academy. Committees in the House and Senate released investigative reports within a week of each other that found Schultz made the decision in fall 2018 and retired Adm. Charles Ray, then his deputy, evaluated the choice in a handwritten pros and cons list. Months later, an email from a Coast Guard budget and programs official to the commandants executive assistant suggested the service take steps to remove all references of the investigation in materials prepared for Congress, according to a report released Friday by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subpanel on investigations. The 65-page report is the subpanels second on the scandal. For more than a year, the Senate subpanel and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee have been investigating the cover-up of the report known as Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal review of sexual assault and harassment cases that occurred between 1990 and 2006 at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. As part of Fouled Anchor, the Coast Guard Investigative Service reviewed 102 reports of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment at the academy and identified 63 potential victims, according to the Senate report. Retired Adm. Karl Schultz, the former commandant of the Coast Guard, shown in June 2021. (Travis Magee/U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guard conducted the Fouled Anchor investigation for six years and issued a final report on Jan. 31, 2020, which found the academy knew of accusations against 30 of 43 people, but only five were reported to criminal investigators. It concluded academy leaders failed to take sufficient action to ensure a safe environment for cadets, yet no one was held accountable. Congress only learned of Fouled Anchor in June 2023 as reporters at CNN learned of its existence and began reporting about it. Schultzs predecessor retired Adm. Paul Zukunft and his deputy retired Adm. Charles Michel told senators that they conducted the internal investigation with the intent of disclosing it to Congress and the public, according to the Senate report. The cover-up of sexual assault in the Coast Guard was deliberate and purposeful and long standing, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman of the investigative subpanel, said Friday in a call with reporters. We think that it was done simply to avoid embarrassment to the Coast Guard. Unfortunately, that embarrassment was only enhanced by the continuing cover-up. The Coast Guard said in a statement that the service is responding to the sexual assault and sexual harassment crisis. The Coast Guard is working proactively to prevent and reduce these devastating crimes, secure justice for survivors and provide the care and support victims need and deserve. Our many actions represent the early stages of enduring change that will not stop until we create a safe and supportive culture for every member of the Coast Guard, the service statement reads. Senators had concluded Schultz made the final call to remove Fouled Anchor from emails obtained from the Coast Guard. However, the House committee interviewed Schultz, who served as commandant from 2018 to 2022, and he told lawmakers that he made the decision, according to the panels nine-page report released Dec. 12. I own that exclusively, not Adm. Ray, not others, Schultz to House lawmakers. He told CNN this week that he made this decision because he wanted to protect victims and accused perpetrators who had since been cleared of wrongdoing. He feared Congress would politicize the information and pointed to Congresss ongoing investigations as proof that he was right. Blumenthal said even with a second report now released on the subpanels investigation, that does not mean the work is over. He and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., the future chairman of the panel, will work together because he said more needs to be done to stop sexual misconduct within the Coast Guard and the rest of the military. Sexual assault and harassment are a continuing challenge and scourge in our military, theres no denying it. We need to be very clear-eyed about it, and our military leaders are very candid and forthright about seeking to act, he said. I believe that survivors are being heard and effective discipline is more common now. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to donors during the Laurier Club Holiday Party at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, on Dec. 16, 2024. (Dave Chan/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) OTTAWA, Canada (Tribune News Service) A key former ally of Justin Trudeaus said he would vote to topple the government, a move that would likely plunge the country into an election early next year unless the prime minister seeks a temporary suspension of parliament. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, said in a public letter that he will put forward a motion of non-confidence in the government at the next parliamentary sitting, which is set to begin Jan. 27. If all other major opposition parties vote with the NDP, Trudeaus government would have to resign, triggering an election campaign in Canada soon after Donald Trump returns to power in Washington. Trudeaus Liberal Party does not have a majority in the House, and until now it has been relying on NDP votes to pass legislation and keep the government going. Singh and Trudeau had a formal agreement to cooperate, which they struck in March 2022. But the NDP leader withdrew from that deal in September. The Liberals dont deserve another chance, Singh said. Thats why the NDP will vote to bring this government down, and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them. Singh issued the letter Friday morning, shortly before Trudeau announced changes to his Cabinet, an effort to restore stability after this weeks shocking resignation of Chrystia Freeland as finance minister. The Liberals are deeply unpopular in polls and the prime minister is facing pressure from within his caucus to step down after Freelands departure. The prime minister is expected to reflect on his future as Liberal leader over the holiday period. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose party appears to be on track to win a large majority if an election is held soon, said Friday that he would ask the governor general to urgently reconvene parliament so lawmakers can take down the government right away. This cannot go on with a U.S. president coming in threatening tariffs next early next year. We cannot have a chaotic clown show running our government into the ground, Poilievre told reporters in Ottawa. What is clear is that Justin Trudeau does not have the confidence of parliament. Governor General Mary Simon is the representative of the monarch in Canada and is responsible for summoning, suspending and dissolving parliament. The governor general usually acts on the advice of the prime minister and it would be very unusual for her to take the sort of action Poilievre is requesting. New Cabinet Trudeau has the option of asking the governor general to prorogue parliament terminating its current session which would extend the time before lawmakers return to Ottawa and thus delay Singhs promised vote of non-confidence. The new Cabinet takes over at a time when the economy is in a state of major uncertainty because of Trumps threat to place 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods. Dominic LeBlanc who joined the prime minister at a dinner meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November was sworn in as finance minister Monday after Freeland quit. David McGuinty, an Ottawa member of parliament since 2004, is taking on LeBlancs former role as minister of public safety, a position that includes responsibility for border security. That has increased in importance ever since Trump tied his tariff threat to concerns about migrants and fentanyl flowing into the United States, and LeBlanc has said Trudeau asked him to continue to take a leadership role on the issue even as finance minister. This week, the government announced a C$1.3 billion ($906 million) border security plan that included expanded surveillance and a pitch for a North American strike force to tackle the fentanyl trade. Anita Anand, a Toronto lawmaker, will keep the transport portfolio while also taking on the new position of internal trade, focused on reducing provincial trade barriers. Ginette Petitpas Taylor will take over Anands previous role as president of the Treasury Board, responsible for managing government departments finances. Nate Erskine-Smith, also representing a Toronto district in parliament, becomes housing minister after Sean Fraser quit earlier this week. Erskine-Smith has a podcast and is viewed as a strong communicator, essential given Canadians continued frustrations about the cost of housing. He had previously said he wouldnt run in the next election, but said Friday that hed changed his mind. Other changes to the Cabinet include: Rachel Bendayan is minister of official languages Elisabeth Briere is minister of national revenue Terry Duguid is minister of sport Darren Fisher is minister of veterans affairs Ruby Sahota is minister of democratic institutions Joanne Thompson is minister of seniors Gary Anandasangaree adds northern affairs to his Indigenous relations portfolio Steven MacKinnon adds employment to his labor portfolio With assistance from Derek Decloet and Thomas Seal. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro smiles as he waits for the arrival of his counterparts during the XXIV ALBA-TCP Summit in Caracas on Dec. 14, 2024. The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) celebrates its 20th anniversary in a regional context where its influence is increasingly diminishing. The summit, originally planned in Havana where the founding document was signed, was moved to the Venezuelan capital at the peak of an economic crisis that is hitting Cuba. (Juan Barrrreto/AFP/Getty Images via TNS) MIAMI (Tribune News Service) In Cuba the population is fighting shortages of food, fuel and medicine while a collapsing electrical grid that resulted in three nationwide blackouts this year continues to leave many people in the dark. In Venezuela, strongman Nicolas Maduro is driving the hemispheres worst migration crisis nearly 6 million people have fled and more are threatening to leave amid economic hardships, human rights abuses and a power grab that has him preparing to inaugurate himself for a third six-year term in January. And in Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and his wife have turned the Central American country into a springboard for fleeing Haitians and other migrants, and the United Nations is scrutinizing government crackdowns against opponents, journalists and human rights defenders. While none of these countries appear to be in any position financially to help a crisis-wrecked Haiti, the head of its U.S.-backed ruling presidential council, Leslie Voltaire, recently appealed for their help. In a video addressed to the left-leaning group known as ALBA the acronym for the Bolivarian Alliance for the People of Our Americas Voltaire, who took over the rotating presidency of the Transitional Presidential Council in October, asked for security and food assistance on behalf of Haiti, where armed gangs have killed more than 5,000 people this year and forced more than 700,000 to flee their homes. We are currently facing a problem of violence from armed gangs who are terrorizing the population, Voltaire, an urban planner who studied in Mexico and in the U.S., said in a video address in Spanish to the trade bloc as it met over the weekend in Caracas. That is why we are asking our ALBA brothers for security and food assistance. Voltaires request to ALBA has caught Haitian and hemispheric observers by surprise, with some questioning if the move is an attempt to raise the stakes with Washington as the U.S. prepares for the Trump administration. Haiti is a mess No doubt Haiti is a mess, said Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and an expert on the region. Ive been calling it a failed state and I believe it to be. But putting the country in the midst of regional political tug-of-war would not be the best way to advance security and prosperity. Farnsworth said Voltaires decision is a bad move and its timing rotten and probably intentional, given the pending U.S. presidential transition. He wouldnt put it past ALBA leaders, he added, to be behind the request in order to embarrass the U.S. and polarize the situation. ALBA has nothing to offer, so their best tried-and-true method is to try to work public opinion against the U.S. and hope to cast attention away from their own failures, Farnsworth said. Lets see what if anything ALBA actually comes up with besides, maybe, a show of support with a planeload of supplies or something that isnt sustained. I doubt that ALBA peacekeepers will be deployed to Haiti any time soon. In addition to the three countries, ALBA members include Bolivia and the eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The island-nations are also members of the 15-member regional bloc known as CARICOM, which on Monday resumed talks with Haitian political leaders over the troubled transition. Founded by Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and Cubas Fidel Castro, ALBA is known for its ongoing confrontations with the United States. Haiti isnt a full member, but has observer status. Former President Michel Martelly in 2012 raised the possibility of Haiti permanently joining the alliance. In his address, Voltaire said six million Haitians are going hungry and he mentioned past assistance from the bloc. After Haitis deadly 2010 earthquake, Chavez announced the cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in debt the country had accrued and pledged additional assistance. Voltaire did not respond to a request for comment from the Miami Herald. His outreach to ALBA has been criticized and dismissed in Haiti. Earlier this week Magali Comeau Denis, a leader in the civic group known as the Montana Accord, mentioned the request during a radio interview on station Magik 9. She criticized the lack of leadership from the ruling council, which has been engulfed in a corruption scandal thats threatening to unravel the transition, which her group pushed. There are concrete measures that can be taken, even regarding food, Denis said, underscoring how gangs control of roads have led to farm products wasting away in parts of the country. If you go to the market in the GrandAnse, there is produce yam, papaya, pineapple, cassava, avocado. The market is full. ALBA has no money After Voltaires request, Maduro called on ALBA to do everything within its power to support Haiti, a nation that has been a victim of aggression, mistreatment, and colonialism in all its forms for centuries. Pedro Burelli, a former director at PDVSA, Venezuelas state-owned oil company who closely follows the bloc, said ALBA has no money whatsoever. The bloc was created back in 2004 when oil prices were above $100 a barrel. Back then Venezuela was governed by Chavez and the South American nation was a huge donor to Haiti, whose close ties with the country dates back to liberator Simon Bolivar. Chavez used its PetroCaribe oil program, which provided cheap oil to Caribbean nations, not as a sensible energy program but as a political influence gambit. At one point, the U.S. and Venezuela held three way meetings with the Haitian government. All that is gone and ALBA is but a shell, Burelli said. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba have all been hit with U.S. economic sanctions and are viewed by Washington as repressive regimes. Each, along with Haiti, presents its own challenges for the incoming Trump administration, which campaigned on deporting massive numbers of undocumented migrants from the U.S. During his first term, Donald Trump took a hard line against Venezuela and was criticized by its supporters within CARICOM. Its unclear this time around what Trumps approach to Venezuela or any countries in the region will be although his nominee for secretary of state, Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, has railed against the hemispheres authoritarian regimes. President Biden has tried to generate political change through sanctions and engagement, without much success. Biden record on Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela In a call with journalists this week on the administrations foreign policy achievements, Tom Sullivan, the counselor to the State Department, was asked about its record on Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti. The U.S. is the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Haiti, he said, while acknowledging that there hasnt been enough progress against gangs by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission. The U.S. supports the U.N.-approved mission and remains its largest funder, with more than $300 million in assistance that will double before Trump takes office. The administration is working on solidifying the progress that has been made by turning the force into a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission, Sullivan said.. That will ensure that it has longer-term funding and support and international contribution, he said. That is actively being worked in New York through the [Security] Council and with the secretary-general, and we are hopeful that that might happen by early next year through the Council issuing that mandate. So that is the focus that we have been on. Sullivan pointed to continuing repression in Cuba and Venezuela. The regime of Cubas Miguel Diaz-Canel, Sullivan said, has shown no signs of taking steps that we would deem necessary for there to be any sort of constructive or meaningful engagement, apart from some limited areas on law enforcement cooperation on a few other specific issues. On Venezuela, the administration has been rallying international support against acknowledging Maduros claim to victory in the presidential elections last July. The Venezuelan people cast their ballots for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez to be their president, Sullivan said. We have recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as the president elect, to maintain the sanctions that we have, while signaling to the regime that if it wants [a] relationship with the United States... its not going to be able to just continue to sort of thwart the will of Venezuelan people and to continue on the current course, he said. El Nuevo Herald reporter Antonio Maria Delgado contributed to this report. 2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ann Collins, of Avila Parking Site, Cappagh Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to four charges, A woman who stole 255 items of clothing from Penneys in Drogheda on the same day has been remanded on continuing bail for a probation report. The value amounted to 2,198.45, and the store was one of three targeted by Ann Collins on April 8 last. The 55-year-old mother also took goods from Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall Shopping Centre and Choice, M1 Retail Park. Ms Collins, of Avila Parking Site, Cappagh Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to four charges, and the court heard that the family was under pressure to pay a drugs debt. All the property was recovered. There were eight previous convictions, including for theft. Judge Stephanie Coggans remarked for that value of clothes from Penneys, You would want to steal a lorry load. Barrister Ronan OCarroll handed in a letter from the defendant. He said that she was a mother of four. A son had amassed a drugs debt, and the family was under pressure to pay it. He was in rehab. No loss occurred. Ms Collins had 300 to offer to charity and could get more. The court was not being asked not to record a conviction. Judge Coggans convicted the defendant and remanded her on continuing bail to February 10, 2025, for a probation report for sentencing. It was alleged that "he threw her on the ground, held her down, putting his hand over over mouth stopping her screaming, she indicated she could not breathe A Dublin man accused of attacking his pregnant partner "threw" her to the ground, held his hand over her mouth and threatened her while holding a hatchet, a court heard. Security guard Eoghan Maughan, 32, formerly of George Reynolds House, Ringsend, Dublin, was charged with assault causing harm to the woman at that address on December 8 last. The father of two claimed it was "blown out of proportion" when he appeared before Judge William Aylmer at Dublin District Court on Saturday and was refused bail. Garda Keith Dervan said the accused's former partner of four years reported the alleged offence on December 11, and the accused was arrested in north Dublin on Friday. Garda Dervan said Mr Maughan made no reply when charged. The officer objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the case. It was claimed the incident happened at the woman's home, where she had been letting the accused stay, and they had a child together. She purportedly told gardai that they had an argument and that he wanted her to get a loan for a car, which she did not need. The court heard he persisted, and she allegedly "snapped" and refused, so he threw a television in her direction. It was alleged that "he threw her on the ground, held her down, putting his hand over over mouth stopping her screaming, she indicated she could not breathe." The contested bail hearing was told he "held up a hatchet" before threatening to kill her, her mother and the males in her family. According to the bail objection pack outlined in court, she went to leave, but he grabbed her phone charger and used it to slap her in the face. When later questioned, the accused admitted the hatchet was in the house, but he gave reason for having it, Garda Dervan said. The Irishtown-based officer maintained the woman was in fear of the accused and had moved out. Gardai conducted a risk assessment, but following questioning from defence counsel Kevin McCrave, it emerged that the document outlining the risk level was not in court. The Garda said Mr Maughan had gone to Belfast, spent two weeks at a Dublin 1 hotel, and planned to go to London. The defence barrister submitted that some prosecution evidence adduced in the bail hearing could be challenged at the trial, and he stressed that the complainant had not come to court to testify. The garda said the woman did not have enough time to make arrangements to be able to attend. The barrister said his client, who has the presumption of innocence, disputed the evidence and claimed he had lunch with the woman since the alleged offence date. Mr Maughan instructed counsel that he would not be going to London but would reside at an address in Ashbourne, Co. Meath offered by his employer, which gardai were not in a position to verify. Pleading for bail, the accused told the court he had a hard childhood but was involved in his family's lives and loved his partner. He denied hitting her, saying there was a big fight which has been "blown out of proportion". Mr Maughan also said that phone messages supported him and that all his property was still at her address. He said that he had left it and went to Belfast for five or six days to clear his head, and he definitely was not a threat to the woman, and they had plans for Christmas. Judge Aylmer remanded him in custody to appear again on December 27. Legal aid was granted. Gardai in a position of strength, but resources are key to keeping it that way Joshua Itseli was shot and fatally injured in Drimnagh, Dublin, in May The Regency Hotel shooting in 2016 led to the outbreak of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which was followed by a spike in gangland murders. Photo: Colin ORiordan Gangland murders have reduced significantly in recent years, but the intervention in a planned assassination in Dublin this week was a reminder of the direct threat to life criminal gangs pose. Irelands deadliest year for gangland killings was 2010, when 23 people were murdered. There was another spike in 2016, due to the outbreak of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, with 16 killings linked to organised crime. However, gangland homicides for the last five years in total do not match that figure, with 12 murders linked to gang violence in Ireland since 2020. The only murder so far this year was that of Joshua Itseli (20), a low-level drug dealer who was killed in Drimnagh, Dublin, last May. Gardai believe he was accidentally shot dead by an associate during a chaotic confrontation with rival criminals. Read more Two dead and more than 60 injured after car driven into crowd at German Christmas market Why the big decrease in gangland murders? Security sources collectively point to the success of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the intelligence services in the wake of the Hutch-Kinahan feud. These gangs, particularly the Kinahan organisation, felt they could operate with a real sense of impunity While the garda organisation was collectively caught asleep at the wheel when a hit team stormed the Regency Hotel in Dublin in 2016, they soon got to grips with the feuding gangs. Up to December 2022, a total of 80 gangland murders had been thwarted since the Regency shooting, 51 of which are directly attributed to the Hutch-Kinahan feud. Gardai also seized about 30m in drugs from the two gangs, while 81 gang affiliates have been convicted of crimes. This has resulted in jail sentences totalling 317 years, along with at least eight life sentences. These gangs, particularly the Kinahan organisation, felt they could operate with a real sense of impunity, a source said. That did appear to be the case for some time, but through a collaborative approach with the GNDOCB and the armed units that carry out these high-risk interventions, it was eventually turned on its head. The last Hutch-Kinahan feud-related murder was in 2018, with the gangs presence effectively dismantled in Ireland. The following year, a number of local crime groups attempted to fill the void, resulting in five murders in north Dublin. Those gangs have also been depleted. Joshua Itseli was shot and fatally injured in Drimnagh, Dublin, in May Since then, organised crime murders have been sporadic and generally carried out by local criminal outfits. Security sources put this down to a combination of factors, including the age-old reality that murder is bad for business. They dont want the gardas resources piled on top of their operation, the source said. The Kinahan crime group went to war, and now look at them. There is also the fact that a lot of groups are making an awful lot of money from the drug market in Ireland. While there are efforts to prevent the sale and supply of drugs, murders bring added attention which they dont need. In 2022, only three threat-to-life interventions were recorded. In that years annual report, gardai noted that the reduction is a considerable achievement for An Garda Siochana and a metric that compares favourably against any other jurisdiction. Many members of organised crime groups continue to operate and direct their criminal enterprise from prison In its recent report on organised crime, the Garda Inspectorate noted the considerable success gardai have had in targeting high-profile gangs. It stated that this should be enhanced through legislation and a national criminal intelligence framework. The oversight body also said that many members of organised crime groups continue to operate and direct their criminal enterprise from prison, a fact highlighted by the search of two cells in Portlaoise Prison this week connected to the foiled hit. Tuesday nights operation has been the only publicised threat-to-life intervention this year involving organised crime at the highest level. Over 300 gardai were involved in the operation and follow-up searches, showing that significant resources are available when needed to prevent imminent threats to life. The planned killing also highlighted that there is no room for complacency, despite a reduction in gangland murders. Other localised feuds in recent years have led to gun attacks and pipe bombings. In several cases, death was narrowly avoided. Ensuring that vital garda units are continually resourced should be a priority, sources said. A retired investigator said: Its about resourcing the organisation properly from the bottom up. That includes paying recruits a good wage to ensure An Garda Siochana is getting the best applicants possible, from local detective units to community policing, right up to the garda national units. They get their numbers from the one resource pool, the core garda unit, and the State needs to make sure it is attracting the best candidates it can to keep those units properly resourced. By Nelson Bocanegra BARRANCABERMEJA, Colombia (Reuters) - Alleged interference by Colombian President Gustavo Petro in majority state-owned Ecopetrol and purges of hundreds of staff to make way for pro-government replacements are fueling fears about the energy company's future profits and contributions to the economy. The worries, according to interviews with workers, ex-employees, a former board member and analysts, come ahead of a March deadline for Ecopetrol to renew - or end - its joint oil venture with Occidental Petroleum in Texas. Petro halted a separate $3.6-billion deal with Occidental to buy 30% of shale producer CrownRock in August, because of his opposition to fracking and fears about the company taking on more debt, according to two former Ecopetrol board members who resigned over the decision. The leftist president has said he wants to increase Colombia's use of renewable energy and lessen its reliance on fossil fuels. Ecopetrol, Colombia's largest company, has let go hundreds of staff since CEO Ricardo Roa took over in April 2023, some of whom were unfairly fired to make way for pro-government replacements, half a dozen workers and former employees said. A former leader of Ecopetrol's technology and innovation section, who was dismissed in August, said about 600 people have been let go across operations, or 3% of the company's workforce. The magnitude of the turnover has not previously been reported. "There are governance problems at Ecopetrol, but the fundamental problem is that 88.5% of the company belongs to the government and President Petro and his ministers don't want oil or gas," Juan Jose Echavarria, one of the former board members, told Reuters. Ecopetrol shares have fallen 28% this year. Banks Citi, Santander, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have cut their target prices on Ecopetrol and American depositary receipts, a security that allows a foreign company's shares to trade in the U.S. JPMorgan, Ecopetrol's second-biggest shareholder, downgraded the stock to "sell" twice - in mid-September and late October. "The top worry is the deterioration of corporate governance," said Citigroup analyst Andres Cardona. Petro's office did not respond to questions. Ecopetrol said Roa had previously answered Reuters questions at press conferences. CEO DENIES ALLEGATIONS Roa has denied accusations of poor management and said Petro does not meddle in company affairs. "They want to discredit me, destabilize me and thereby destabilize the company," he said at a November press conference. This will be our third Christmas without Eoghan. We have been given a life sentence; our lives have changed forever. Alexandre Romero-Arata (28) was shown giving fingers to the camera as she sped through the streets A driver who boasted on video that he wasnt stopping for no red light before he ran over and killed an Irishman in an hit-and-run crash in Canada has been jailed for five years. Alexandre Romero-Arata (28) also gave the fingers to the camera as he sped through the streets of Vancouver before killing 24-year-old Dubliner Eoghan Byrne on June 19, 2022. Romero-Arata had been drinking, ran multiple red lights, and hit speeds of up to 152 kilometres per hour before hitting Mr Byrne, a tech worker from Skerries who was living in Vancouver. Alexandre Romero-Arata (28) was shown giving fingers to the camera as she sped through the streets Mr Byrnes family travelled to Vancouver to give victim impact statements. Speaking to CTV News after the sentence on Friday, Mr Byrnes father Eugene said the family was drowning in grief. This will be our third Christmas without Eoghan. We have been given a life sentence; our lives have changed forever. (Our family) have now to try and return to Ireland devastated, broken-hearted, drowning in grief. Eoghan Byrne While Romero-Aratas lawyer read out an apology letter on his behalf to the family at the sentence hearing, Eugene said he waited 17 months to plead guilty despite the overwhelming evidence against him. The letter of apology at that stage, two and a half years later, fell on deaf ears, he said. In the apology Romero-Arata claimed he was deeply sorry for the loss you suffered as a result of my actions and claimed that he was deeply remorseful and sad. Romero-Arata was sentenced to five years in prison but will be released in two years and six months as he has been in custody for two years and six months. He was handed an eight-year driving ban meaning he will be able to get back behind the wheel five years after he is released. Mr Byrne, from Skerries in north Dublin, and a friend were crossing a street in the city at around 11.30pm that night when he was struck and killed. The court Romero-Aratas friend had been driving the vehicle because she believed he was too intoxicated to drive. However, he insisted that she pull over and got behind the wheel himself. The court heard that Byrnes friend Mike McGovern, who was visiting from Ireland at the time, had been walking home from the pub with the victim when the crash happened. Eoghan Byrne's family are comforted outside court McGovern tried to grab Byrne and pull him out of the way of the speeding vehicle as they crossed West 4th Avenue at Arbutus Street. Eoghan completely disappeared before my eyes. I cried and screamed at the shock and horror of seeing my friends body destroyed. Romero-Arata fled the scene after the crash and then falsely reported his vehicle as stolen in an attempt to escape justice Global News reported that provincial court Judge Reg Harris said there were a number of aggravating factors in the case including Romero-Aratas prolonged reckless behaviour, alcohol consumption, lack of remorse and the fact he fled the scene. Alexandre Romero-Arata He said there were mitigating factors including his difficult upbringing, indigenous heritage and some efforts at rehabilitation. While under the influence of alcohol, he decided to play Russian roulette with the lives of many, the significant difference being the others have no choice, the others did not know they were at risk, Judge Harris said. The pain and suffering endured by the (victims family) is not lost on the court. Please understand that the sentence does not reflect your pain nor is it intended to reflect the value of the precious and loved son that you have lost. To do so would be impossible because even a life sentence would not properly reflect the loss or the pain suffered. At a previous hearing, Mr Byrnes mother Mary said she had been planning to travel to Vancouver to visit him for his birthday, and instead had to come to the city to collect his body. Every day I wake up to the nightmare that Eoghan is no longer with us, she said. Hed literally been ripped out of our lives by the impact of that car. At the same hearing, Eoghans father Eugene addressed Romero-Arata directly, saying he appeared to have a complete and total lack of remorse. Joe has now spent 17 years behind bars for the horrific murder of innocent wife Rachel. Killer Joe OReilly is not one of the 138 inmates who are being given temporary release to spend Christmas with their families this year as, sources say, the hulking brute didnt even apply. It is understood OReilly (48) was very unhappy that details of his application for temporary release ahead of Christmas 2021 were made public in the Sunday World and that he feels, as with that application, any further application would also be refused. In the 2021 application, evil Joe, who has now spent 17 years behind bars for the horrific murder of wife Rachel in 2004, said he hoped to spend the holidays in the company of his family. However, the Sunday World understands that authorities rejected the application after considering all aspects of with his case. Its believed these factors are likely to have included the high-profile nature of his crime, publicity which would have accompanied his potential release, and the impact of such a release on the family of his victim. Rachels dad Jim Callaly, who died earlier this year, said at the time he believed the Irish Prison Service had made the right decision in blocking OReillys efforts to get out for Christmas. He never admitted to killing Rachel so there has been no remorse, he told this newspaper. OReilly is currently serving his life sentence in the Midlands Prison. The 6 ft 5-inch brute bludgeoned Rachel to death with a dumbbell at their Naul home, in Dublin on October 4, 2004, and staged it as a burglary. In a statement issued earlier this week, the Irish Prison Service said many of the 138 prisoners being released this year are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. The periods of release varies from a few hours up to 7 nights. All registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be told in the cases where prisoners receive temporary release. Gardai responded to reports of a discharge of a firearm that occurred at approximately 9.15pm A man has been injured after shots were fired at a house in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 last night. The man in his 20s was rushed to hospital to receive medical treatment. His injuries have been described as not life-threatening. Gardai responded to reports of a discharge of a firearm that occurred at a residence in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 at approximately 9.15pm on Friday, December 20, a Garda spokesperson said. A man (20s) was subsequently taken to hospital to receive medical treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. The spokesperson added that scene was examined by local Scenes of Crime during the night. No arrests have been made at this time, gardai added. Investigations are ongoing. In a follow up statement, gardai issued an appeal for witnesses. Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the discharge of a firearm in Dublin 22 last night, Friday 20th December 2024. Gardai responded to reports of a shot fired in the Shancastle Close/Shancastle Avenue area of Clondalkin at approximately 9.15pm. A man (20s) subsequently presented at Connolly Memorial Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The scene has since been examined by the local Scenes of Crime Unit. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on 01 666 7700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. We can reveal ex-prisoners and veteran UVF men held a meeting on the Shankill last week and emerged to demand Harry Stockmans removal. Veteran loyalist Harmless Harry Stockman is to be stood down as UVF second in command, a source has claimed. Stockman has recently come under pressure because of his close affiliation with the disgraced UVF commander Winston Winkie Irvine. Stockmans alleged position as right-hand man to UVF Chief of Staff John Bunter Grahams seemed unassailable until now. A deeply divisive figure within the organisation, he has been viewed with suspicion by veteran members who regard him as a chocolate soldier someone who never got his hands dirty. Now his career at the top of the paramilitary organisation is coming to an end, according to sources. The Sunday World understands that, under pressure from the membership, Graham is set to replace him with Sam Austin Jnr. According to sources, Graham is also under pressure to order an internal investigation into Irvines conduct during his time as B Company commander on the Shankill specifically in relation to the number of volunteers arrested and charged under his leadership. Austin is a popular figure and his family has close ties with Graham. His father, Sam Pinky Austin, was one of Bunters most trusted commanders. Sources on the Shankill say Stockmans closeness to Irvine, now a convicted UVF gunrunner after his guilty plea to guns charges, is the reason he is being pushed out. Winston Irvine We can reveal ex-prisoners and veteran UVF men held a meeting on the Shankill last week and emerged to demand Stockmans removal. They want Sam Austin to take his place. They are fed up with Stockmans fixation with funding and how he constantly backed Winkie, one source told the Sunday World. A lot of the old ex-prisoners and their ex-prisoners groups are all behind Sam Austin and want him to take over as Battalion Commander. They say Stockman has never done anything and he should be removed along with Winkie. Stockman was never active during the Troubles. He was a shop steward at Shorts and only rose to prominence after he retired from the east Belfast plane-makers in the years after the loyalist ceasefires in 1994. It is hoped that with Stockman and Irvine no longer in positions of influence, a fractured UVF will come together. Irvines successor as commander of B Company in the Woodvale is a veteran in his sixties. He has already mended fences with A Company and, as a former jailbird who faced trial on guns and explosives charges on the word of a loyalist supergrass, he has the support and respect of former prisoners. The trial against him and others collapsed. UVF boss John 'Bunter' Graham Graham is believed to be on board and has endorsed Austins candidature. Austin has long-standing connections with the UVF and Graham personally. His father Sam Pinky Austin was one of the UVF chiefs closest friends. Pinky passed away in 2016. At one time he was UVF commander in the Maze Prison, where he served a jail sentence for explosive offences. He was arrested in 1994 with UVF associates Ian Spud Wilson and Jackie Anderson in a bomb-making factory in Ainsworth Avenue off the Shankill Road, after information was passed to police by a mole within the UVFs B Company. The three men were jailed for 10 years after being caught with explosives, hence the bad blood between A and B Companies. The booby-trap bomb they were manufacturing was supposed to have been handed over to an accomplice who was to bring it to another location. But the switch never took place because the accomplice alerted his police handlers who raided the house on Ainsworth Avenue in which the device was discovered. Pinkys son is regarded as a safe pair of hands. He is vehemently anti-drugs after he suffered personal tragedy in 2018 when his son Dan died of an overdose. Dan was found dead, slumped in a chair at his Shankill home after a drink-and-drug binge. He had fallen off the wagon after his anti-drugs father had paid for him to undergo a stint in rehab. UVF brigade staff member and convicted bomber Sam 'Pinky' Austin It is not clear if Austin has taken the job but it is the end for Stockman. Last week his protege Irvine and fellow accused Robert Workman, having previously pleaded not guilty to a raft of charges, changed their pleas. Standing in the dock, both men entered guilty pleas that they possessed firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate. All of the offences were committed on June 8 2022. Judge Gordon Kerr KC said that, as the offences automatically passed the custody threshold, Irvine and Workman were entitled to have pre-sentence reports prepared on them by the Probation Board NI. Irvine and Workman are due to be sentenced on January 23, when they will likely go to jail. No details were given in court on the circumstances surrounding the offences, further fuelling suspicions that the pair Irvine in particular have struck a deal.- It represents a dramatic fall from grace for the one-time poster boy for loyalism and his mentor Stockman. The pair have been close associates for a number of years, with Stockman championing his younger accomplice as the face of loyalism. Irvines close and cosy connections with the Irish government and British security services ensured a steady stream of grant aid for community projects and initiatives. Stockman holds a publicly funded job, as do close relatives of Bunter. Irvine has held down a number of jobs funded by the Irish government and others, and most recently hosted a conference sponsored by the International Fund for Ireland. It is understood the Irish government covered the costs for Winkie as he studied for a Masters at Maynooth University in Co. Kildare. Stockman is known to have travelled south with him on a number of occasions. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore The suspect (left) is seen on the ground as he is confronted by an armed police officer The Saudi doctor who ploughed his BMW car into a German Christmas market, killing at least five people and wounding hundreds, was a self-described former Muslim, it has emerged. The 50-year-old psychiatry and psychotherapy specialist identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen had been living in Germany for two decades before Fridays deadly attack in Magdeburg. He was arrested at the scene where four adults and a nine-year-old child have been confirmed dead. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen At least 205 people have also been injured during the massacre, when the car rammed into massive crowd of shoppers at around 7pm. An X account linked to al-Abdulmohsen consists of tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion. While also describing himself as a former Muslim, he sharing congratulatory notes to other Muslims who had left the faith. He also criticised German authorities, claimed they had failed to stop the Islamism of Europe. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. While he has been described as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland, he appeared to focus on his theory recently that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers. Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann posted on X that he had yet to come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. Neumann wrote: After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar." The Flying Duck, a music, food and theatre venue situated next to Harvey Nichols, is headed up by actor and restaurateur Gary Whelan. The Flying Duck in Dundrum Town Centre is closing down A restaurant in Dundrum Town Centre is closing its doors with a heavy heart just before Christmas. The Flying Duck, a music, food and theatre venue situated next to Harvey Nichols, is headed up by actor and restaurateur Gary Whelan. The venue opened just over two years ago offering a varied mix of local inspired Irish produce, ranging from modern cuisine in our restaurant to creative small bites served in our stylish bar area. However, The Flying Duck has announced it is shutting due to several challenging circumstances. Read more Two dead and more than 60 injured after car driven into crowd at German Christmas market We are closed. It is with a heavy heart that we announce The Flying Duck is closing its doors, they said. After much thought and reflection, weve made this difficult decision due to several challenging circumstances that have made it unsustainable for us to continue operations. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years, whether you joined us for a meal, celebrated a special occasion, or simply stopped by for a coffee. Your loyalty, kindness, and love have meant the world to us. While this chapter is ending, were excited for whats ahead! Big things are coming with our sister companies, Smash It and The Good Food Store catering, as well as many more exciting opportunities. Please keep following us to stay connected and continue to support our journey. Mum-of-one Paula was found dead in her home in Gorey, Co Wexford in the early hours of Thursday morning. Funeral details have been announced for Paula Lawlor as it has emerged gardai believe the young mum is unlikely to have died as a result of strangulation. Mum-of-one Paula was found dead in her home in Gorey, Co Wexford in the early hours of Thursday morning. The 32-year-old was originally from Tallaght but had lived in Gorey for most of her life attending the local secondary school in the town. Gardai initially suspected she had died as a result of strangulation and a man was arrested later that morning. However, he has now been released without charge after a post-mortem indicated the young womans death was not the result being strangled. Paulas funeral details have now been announced on the website rip.ie where her family and friends continue to pay tribute to her. Paula Lawlor She will be laid to rest on Sunday 28 December following a funeral mass in St Marks Church, Springfield in Dublin at 10am followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium at 12pm. Her death notice reads: Beloved daughter of the late Sheila and Brendan and adored granddaughter of the late Eamon and Kathleen. "Paula will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her heartbroken family especially her adored daughter Layla Rose, all her aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and wide circle of friends. Paulas body was discovered after gardai were called to her home at around 3am on Thursday morning. Gardai initially feared foul play was involved and arrested a man known to Paula. However, it is believed a post-mortem has now determined that it is likely she did not die as the result of strangulation. The late Paula Lawlor. Gardai are now awaiting the results of a toxicology report to fully determine Ms Lawlors exact cause of death. Last night, tributes continued to flow in for the tragic young mum on Rip.ie. One local woman wrote: You were in my daughters year in school and much loved by your parents whom I knew. I am so sad for your beautiful daughter and I will pray she has a beautiful life as beautiful as you darling girl RIP Paula xxx While another said: Sincere condolences to Layla on the passing of your dear mammy and all the family. "I knew her since she was a young girl,she grew into a beautiful, kind young lady. She was taken way too soon,,fly high Paula and protect your daughter as you did when you were here. Your with your mammy and daddy now,may you rest in peace. Another local woman described Paula as having a heart of gold, writing: Paula, in the few years I knew you, you never failed to show the true you. A beautiful woman with a heart of gold. "You done your best for everybody you loved and cared for. Even the toughest times you were the strongest woman to stand. The injured young woman in her 20s is believed to be a young mother from the town A young female pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run road traffic collision in Rathkeale, Co Limerick, today. The injured young woman in her 20s is believed to be a young mother from the town. Sources said that the woman had been positioned behind a set of gates at the entrance to a private yard in the town when a silver Ford Transit van allegedly struck the gates seriously injuring the woman. Gardai were searching for the driver and the vehicle after the van failed to remain at the scene. The woman was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where she was in a critical condition, Gardai said. Gardai cordoned off the scene as a major garda investigation continued into the circumstances of the incident as well as tracing the movements of the van. A Garda spokesman confirmed that Gardai responded at the scene of a serious incident involving a vehicle that occurred at the entrance of a private property in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick at approximately 12:15pm this afternoon. A female pedestrian, aged in her 20s, was injured in the incident and has been conveyed to University Hospital Limerick, where she is currently in a critical condition, the spokesman said. The vehicle, a silver Ford Transit van failed to remain at the scene. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward, he stated. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area between 11:30am and 1:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai, he appealed. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rathkeale Garda Station on 069 63222, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Local Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey said the town was in shock and that the local community was praying for the injured woman. There is a profound sad numbness in the area, and our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman and her family, Cllr Teskey said. A serious incident occurred in our town and our full support is with An Garda Siochana and the emergency services, Cllr Teskey added. Michelle James, 63, mounted habeas corpus proceedings after she was initially detained at Maghaberry Prison over allegations that she declared an intention to stab the man. A transgender woman detained on charges of threatening to kill her neighbour has won a landmark High Court battle to be transferred to Northern Irelands female prison. Michelle James, 63, mounted habeas corpus proceedings after she was initially detained at Maghaberry Prison over allegations that she declared an intention to stab the man. She was moved to the Hydebank Wood detention facilities on Thursday when the Department of Justice conceded the application based on a lack of a policy for transgender individuals held in custody, a judge heard. Details emerged as James, of Main Road in Cloughey, Co Down, was granted bail to return to her home address. Read more Two dead and more than 60 injured after car driven into crowd at German Christmas market The retired chef faces a charge of threats to kill in connection with an incident earlier this month. Prosecuting counsel Stephanie Boyd said James informed police called to the scene that she was planning to use a knife on either herself or a man living nearby due to ongoing issues between them. She said she would stab the neighbour and feel happy about it, Mrs Boyd submitted. When the accused was arrested she allegedly further stated: He will pay. Defence barrister Sean Doherty confirmed that his client is a transgender woman. He told the High Court she moved to her current home in 2018 and initially got on well with the alleged victim. She felt comfortable enough to confide in the complainant and tell him her story, Mr Doherty contended. However, her confidence was betrayed and she was (allegedly) subjected to bullying by the neighbour who referred to her by her birth name, what she calls her dead name. The barrister argued that James phoned police in desperation and at no stage ever issued any threats directly to the man. Mr Doherty disclosed that she was initially remanded in custody at HMP Maghaberry before habeas corpus proceedings were brought earlier this week to secure the prison switch. The Department of Justice relented, they accepted there was no policy in place for transgender prisoners and they consented to the transfer to Hydebank yesterday (THURS). With James seeking permission to return to her home address, Mr Doherty insisted it would be disproportionate to keep her in custody on the charges. Mr Justice Shaw agreed to release her on bail under a strict order not to contact the complainant. Speaking outside court, James solicitor confirmed the outcome in the earlier application for a writ of habeas corpus. Joseph Mulholland said: Our application sought to have her transferred to Hydebank Wood, and the Northern Ireland Prison Service subsequently facilitated this move. This case has highlighted the absence of a clear policy for transgender individuals in custody within Northern Ireland, a gap that has caused unnecessary delays and distress. Mr Mulholland added: It is imperative that this policy vacuum is addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure fair and appropriate treatment for all. Best-selling writer Ekins latest book, The Brutish Empire, dispels the notion that British colonialism and its governing of nations they invaded all over the world was a benign affair Top Irish author Des Ekin says delving into past atrocities of the British Empire for his new book led to him experiencing nightmares. The former Sunday World journalist and Book of the Decade nominee also reveals how several of the generals involved in horrific slaughtering around the globe by the British in colonial times were Irish. Best-selling writer Ekins latest book, The Brutish Empire, dispels the notion that British colonialism and its governing of nations they invaded all over the world was a benign affair. Des Ekin Researching all the different atrocities that were committed in the name of the British Empire was very, very dark and hard-going at times, says Ekin, whose previous critically-acclaimed books include The Stolen Village. In the middle of doing it, that sort of brutality seeped into the subconscious and I was waking up with horrendous dreams. It was tough to confront that, but I knew it was important to carry on. It is important that people know the real, shocking story behind British colonialism. Its not a case of this is all in the past and we should leave it behind, because its not in the past. As somebody once said, the past is never gone, its not even past. The reason for that is people are still suffering from it due to inequality and other issues. Des says: Their method of keeping people in order in the British Empire was something they called frightfulness, which has a different meaning now. It was State terror used to clamp down hard on any perceived sense of disloyalty or rebellion. People lived in absolute fear. Quite a lot of the generals who were involved in a lot of the atrocities were either from Ireland or had strong Irish connections. Herbert Kitchener from Kerry was involved in the concentration camps, which the British introduced during the Boer War in South Africa in 1900. The British won conventionally, but they couldnt consolidate their victory because the Boers were carrying on a guerrilla warfare. So the British burned down the houses of their wives and children, left them homeless and then put them all into concentration camps where the conditions were horrendous. I was shocked to find that 22,000 children alone died in those concentration camps, and 28,000 Boers altogether. Kitchener was the mastermind of that. . Des Ekins book, The Brutish Empire (OBrien Press), is out now. The Waikato has been hit by a horrendous stench today after a giant offal spill on a state highway near Waitomo. Police told the Herald they had received multiple reports of animal remains falling out of a truck on SH3 near Hangatiki at around 4.20pm. Motorists are advised to take care around the area, a spokesperson said. Contractors have been contacted to clean the road. A witness sent the Herald a video showing a small part of the spillage, with a trail of animal parts leading to a large pile of offal sitting behind a truck. The spillage went for about 10km of a light scattering of it, then about 1km of a massive dumping, they said. The smell was horrendous! Another person on a local community page warned it stinks like anything. Witnesses say the stench is "horrendous" after animal remains fell out of a truck on SH3 near Hangatiki, Waikato on December 21, 2024. Image / Supplied A Waitomo local, who lives about 100m up from the scene, said it was a grim sight, and the smell absolutely reeks. Its probably about a 100m stretch of offal, like beautifully spread out along the road Its hooves and intestines and heads, skins. They said there was a bridge followed by a couple of bumps along that stretch of SH3, which they believed may have caused the trucks tailgate to open. Theres people driving past, theyre driving next to it because its just the one lane. It absolutely reeks. The New Zealand Transport Agency has been contacted for comment. -NZ Herald DeWitt, N.Y. The DeWitt Post Office station manager has been charged this week with stealing over $80,000 in stamps, prosecutors said. Emilio Chirico was indicted on charges of wire fraud, misappropriation of postal funds and false entries and reports, according to court papers filed in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York. From January 2021 through March 2023, Chirico used his jobs access and authority to steal $81,554 in stamps, prosecutors said. In his position, Chirico was responsible for stamp stock and retail sales, according to the court documents. During stamp inventory, Chirico was required to have a fellow employee accept and witness the transfer of stamps. However, a witness was not present, prosecutors said. Chirico was able to steal the stamps by falsifying a witness report and submitting sham audits to conceal the amount of stamps the DeWitt Post Office had in stock, they said. The charges filed against Chirico carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. Chirico has been station manager in DeWitt since 2012. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has reached out to the postal service for comment. 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. Syracuse, N.Y. A registered Syracuse sex offender with multiple past convictions now faces up to 40 years in prison for sharing child pornography, prosecutors said. David Hullihen, 41, pleaded guilty Friday on 10 counts of receipt of child pornography, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release. In his plea, Hullihen admitted to sending multiple videos of child sexual abuse material to another person via the app Wire, prosecutors said. Hullihen also had child pornography on his cell phone, they said. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years for the charges. However, prosectors said if a United States district judge accepts an agreed-upon disposition at Hullihens sentencing on April 23, he will serve a prison term of 235 months or 19.5 years. He must also pay a fine of up to $250,000 in restitution to the children whose images he distributed and possessed, prosecutors said. Hullihen was previously convicted in 2017 for promoting a sexual performance by a child less than and 2016 for possessing child pornography, according to the New York sex offender registry. In 2021, he was convicted possessing child pornography, according to state prison records. He served just over 2 years in state prison. 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. Syracuse, N.Y. Central New York can expect a White Christmas Wednesday thanks to spells of lake effect snow and bitterly cold temperatures moving into the area this weekend. Lake effect snow is expected to continue Saturday and another bout is likely to hit the region Monday night into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Saturdays snowfall is fueled by a very cold air mass passing through, according to the weather service. The bands of snow Saturday morning were more robust than originally expected. An additional 2 to 5 inches are expected to fall in parts of the region. A winter weather advisory is in effect in the following counties until late Sunday afternoon: for Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Ontario, Seneca, Tompkins and Wayne counties Saturday and Sunday night, temperatures are expected to fall to single digits with wind chills mostly below 0, according to the weather service. Temperatures should rise back to around 20 degrees on Monday. Monday night is expected to bring another 1 to 3 inches of snowfall to much of the region. On Tuesday, temperatures will top out around 30 degrees which will prevent much melting before Christmas Day. The forecast originally called for temperatures of about 36 degrees with some rain. A White Christmas is almost certain at this point, the weather service said. Christmas is expected to have no additional snow and slightly warmer temperatures, according to the weather service. The high in the Syracuse area is expected to be 34 degrees on Christmas. Heres the latest snow totals forecast through Tuesday: The National Weather Service forecast for snow across the state as of Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024..National Weather Service Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. In brief: Shopping for USB cables typically involves comparing compatibility, speed, power delivery, length, and price. However, Sanwa Supply's new USB-C cable features an interesting gimmick that could make using devices while connected easier. Although the cord isn't extremely fast or long, it is rugged and versatile when you need a quick charge. Sanwa Supply's 500-USB090 USB-C cable is now available on the company's Japanese storefront. The cable's rotating plug aims to make using portable devices less frustrating while charging. Each end of Sanwa's cable rotates 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, enabling users to tuck the cord out of the way in any orientation. Most USB cables dictate a device's position according to how they bend, but Sanwa demonstrates how the 500-USB090 eliminates this problem (below). The cable supports 240W power delivery to swiftly charge phones, tablets, a Nintendo Switch, portable monitors, and MacBooks. Its 240W power rating will likely remain uncommon until USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 become more widely available. Sanwa shows the flexible cable attached to such devices at a bedside, table, and vehicle dashboard. The 500-USB090's main drawback is that it only supports USB 2.0 data transfers at up to 480Mbps, which is likely why the company primarily advertises it as a power cable. Most standard USB cables currently support USB 3.2, which delivers much higher speeds. Once the new USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols are more widely adopted, we'll see bi-directional transfers at 80Gbps or asymmetrical connections at 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other. Charging at 240W is also possible but not universal. Elecom became the first company to introduce a certified USB4 2.0 cable in October, but only one model supports 240W charging while the other is limited to 60W. Meanwhile, newer PCs like Apple's M4 Macs have begun adopting Thunderbolt 5, and older desktops can gain compatibility through PCIe cards. It remains unclear if or when Sanwa plans to sell the 500-USB090 globally, but the cable is already available in Japan for 2,580 (or about $16). The company also recently introduced a quick-release Ethernet cable. Taking inspiration from Apple's MagSafe technology, half of the CAT6 plug easily detaches, simplifying installation and preventing damage if someone trips over the cable. The 10Gbps accessory starts at 4,180 ($27) for the one-meter variant. There is now the so-called "new age of warfare" especially with the use of advanced technologies from each side's top developments, with Ukraine turning their case into advancements for their AI training. The valuable data Ukraine has collected with its ongoing war with Russia is now being utilized for more than military advancements, but also for its artificial intelligence developments. Many AI-powered technologies have been deployed by both sides in this transcontinental war between Ukraine and Russia, and this includes the likes of target identification software, image scanners, and more. Ukraine's 'Food For AI' Uses Collected War Data for AI Training According to the latest report from Reuters, Ukraine is now moving towards using the data they gathered from their war against Russia as a valuable source of information for their AI training feats. Ukraine is on the verge of training its AI models with millions of hours of footage from drones, for a better performance on the battlefield, set to soon bolster its defenses and capabilities against Russia. The non-profit Ukrainian organization called OCHI has worked on centralizing and analyzing video feeds from as many as 15,000 drone crews on Ukraine's frontlines, with Oleksandr Dmitriev revealing that they have over 2 million hours of footage since 2022. According to Dmitriev, this valuable trove of drone footage is "food for AI," and they believe that feeding these data to the artificial intelligence could help it improve significantly and more than enemy detection and other usual feats. The New Age of Warfare: Ukraine and Russia's AI For War Apart from giving drones the capabilities to target enemies and detect humans when flying around, artificial intelligence may power them to bring new combat tactics, better detection capabilities, and improvements to their weapon systems. Both Russia and Ukraine have been known for deploying AI-powered drones on the battlefield since their conflict started, and while Moscow first dominated the scene, Kyiv was able to catch up and effectively rival their enemies in space. Ukraine vs. Russia's War Centers on Advanced Tech Advanced technology has shined throughout the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia as both sides are known for deploying their tech to fight against the other, and it features a massive step above what was previously observed. Russia is best known for its massive advancements on artificial intelligence which was apparent from its previous attacks, including the use of AI-powered drones against their adversaries. That being said, Ukraine had received massive help from various companies hailing from different corners of the globe, offering advanced technologies to bolster the company's defenses and power against the invaders. One of the top companies to offer their tech for Ukraine was the controversial ClearView AI which used its facial recognition tech to help the country identify the dead during the early moments of their conflict. Russia has been crafty with its massive advancements in its war against Ukraine, but with the help of many allies worldwide, Kyiv was able to retaliate using technology to give Moscow a run for its money. Now, Ukraine is taking advantage of the massive data it collected from the war, and these are dedicated to expanding more of their artificial intelligence, with the valuable data helping improve their models significantly. Freed activist Paul Watson vows to 'end whaling worldwide' Paris, Dec 21 (AFP) Dec 21, 2024 Animal rights activist Paul Watson, freed this week from detention in Denmark, vowed on Saturday to end whale hunting worldwide and to stop Japan if it tried to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean. Watson, a 74-year-old Canadian-American, returned to France on Friday after spending five months in detention in the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland due to an extradition demand from Japan. "One way or the other we are going to end whaling worldwide," Watson told reporters in central Paris where several hundred supporters had gathered to greet him. "We need to learn to live on this planet in harmony with all those other species that share this world with us. "If Japan intends to return to the Southern Ocean we will be there," said the founder of the conservation group Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF). "We are not protesting Japanese whaling. We are simply requesting they obey the law." Under international pressure, Japan, one of three countries to conduct commercial whaling along with Iceland and Norway, abandoned these hunts. Since 2019 it has only caught whales in its own waters. But in May, Japan launched the Kangei Maru, a whaling mother ship. Activists believe this means Japan intends to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean, although the company operating the vessel has denied this. "If the Kangei Maru goes to the North Pacific or the Southern Ocean then we will intervene against their illegal operations," said Watson. He also said he would oppose attempts by Iceland to resume whaling in 2025. - 'Enormous campaign' - In the 2000s and 2010s, Sea Shepherd played cat and mouse with Japanese ships that sought to slaughter hundreds of whales every year for "scientific purposes". But in July, Watson was arrested and detained in Greenland on a 2012 Japanese warrant, which accuses him of causing damage to a whaling ship and injuring a whaler. He was released on Tuesday after Denmark refused the Japanese extradition request over the 2010 clash with whalers. Watson told reporters he had turned his incarceration into an "enormous educational campaign". "Every situation provides an opportunity," he said. "And we've had five months to focus attention on Japan's illegal whaling operations and also Denmark's continued killing of pilot whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands." On his release, Watson said he wanted to return to France, where his two young children attend school. He was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family before resuming his campaigns, he said. His detention generated a high-profile campaign in his support that included prominent activists such as British conservationist Jane Goodall. French President Emmanuel Macron was among those who spoke out for him and he also enjoyed massive support from the French public. Lamya Essemlali, president of Sea Shepherd France, said Watson had received more than 4,000 letters while in detention -- more than 3,000 of them from France. "He has received more letters of support from Japanese citizens than from Australians," she added, pointing out that "less than 2 percent of Japanese people eat whale meat". Watson told reporters: "I am absolutely overjoyed with the support that we received from France. "But most importantly, I am so happy that so many people in France care about the ocean." Well, thanks, Keira and Hugh. Youve really killed the Christmas spirit in my house with a little help from Paddington Bear. Its been 21 years since the two of you combined in your only film together along with Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy and Emma Thompson to conjure the most loved Christmas movie of the 21st century. Hugh Grant in the movie Heretic and Keira Knightley in Black Doves. Who can forget Hugh Grant dancing at Number 10 to the Pointer Sisters singing Jump (For My Love)? Or delivering what has been called the best speech ever delivered by a British prime minister to a bullying US president about the special relationship? (Pity it was fictional.) As for Keira Knightley, she claims never to have rewatched the nauseating scene in which the best man at her wedding, played by Andrew Lincoln, declares his love for her in a series of cue cards (To me, you are perfect) but she knows millions of people watch the Richard Curtis movie each December. Wildlife rescue groups have issued desperate calls for recurrent funding from state and federal governments, as animal charities face record demand for their services amid dwindling financial resources and donor fatigue. The only all-species wildlife hospital between Sydney and the Gold Coast says it has been forced to reduce its opening hours over Christmas to protect the mental and physical health of its staff, as it grapples with more than twice as many animal admissions this year compared with 2021. Dr Ken Henry is the chairman of Wildlife Recovery Australia, the parent organisation of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. He said a combination of no government funding, donor fatigue, and an uncertain economic climate as well as chronic veterinary sector shortages had created an untenable situation for the organisation. The Jewish calendar follows the lunar calendar, so this year, during a Jewish leap year, all our festivals fell a little later than usual. Like millions of people around the world, on December 25, Jewish people will celebrate a sacred festival. Unlike the majority of Christians who will be celebrating the birth of a Jewish boy in Bethlehem, Jews will be settling in for eight days and nights of Hanukkah parties and celebrations. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following its defilement during the Greek occupation in the 2nd century BCE. When the Jewish people reclaimed the temple, they sought to rekindle the Menorah, the temples sacred lamp. However, they found only a single vial of consecrated oil enough to last one day. Miraculously, the oil burnt for eight full days and nights, providing light until new oil could be prepared. In modern terms, thats as if your phone on 1 per cent battery kept working for eight days and nights without any recharging. A true miracle! Hanukkah is the time to light the menorah, over eight nights. Credit: fairfax Hanukkah is generally considered one of Judaisms minor festivals. The story of Hanukkah is not recorded in the Torah, and relative to other festivals, the preparations are quite modest. During Hanukkah, we dont have any extra time in the synagogue, or days of extra ritual observance. However, despite its minor festival status, Hanukkah has established itself as a firm family favourite. Hanukkah is great fun for kids and adults alike: we eat fried foods like latkes, crispy potato pancakes that are kind of like hash browns, while kosher bakeries produce the most elaborate doughnuts, to remind us of the miracle of the oil. Hanukkah also has a special game associated with it, called dreidel, in which children use a spinning top to win prizes and chocolate money. Many synagogues will have public menorah lightings every night of Hanukkah, and there will be plenty of celebrations and parties each night of the festival for parents and kids alike. Myki was three years late and $350 million over budget when it was rolled out in 2009 to replace paper Metcards. Even then, it was plagued by technical issues. Former transport minister Lynne Kosky was famously caught on camera failing to use a malfunctioning myki ticket machine. Mykis reputation never recovered. So perhaps its unsurprising this trial was launched without fanfare or even a press release in Victorias north-east, just an hour from the NSW border. But thats not far enough to escape this reporters scrutiny. Last week, I left Melbournes archaic ticketing system behind and headed north, to the future. The 7.07am V/Line from Southern Cross departs on time. Three hours later, Im on Ford Street on the edge of Wangarattas sleepy CBD. I step onto the 403 bus and hover my debit card over the new ticket validation machine. Declan Leask during the trial of the new myki system on Wangarattas bus network. Credit: Jason Robins It responds with an affirmative beep-beep, and I settle in for a tour of the picturesque rural hamlet. Londoners have been travelling this way for over a decade. The system has also been in place in Sydney since 2017, and on parts of Brisbane and Adelaides transport networks since 2022. But for Victorians, its a quantum leap. Loading In Wangaratta (population 29,808), local bus operator Fallons had never even had myki installed travel was a cash-only affair until the new contactless readers arrived on November 25. Over the two hours I spend riding the four local routes, most passengers still pass the driver a few coins as they board. I prefer cash it suits me better, says retiree Pam Neal, who rides the bus a few times a week to go shopping. But a handful of younger passengers touch on with their iPhones instead. Skye, who didnt want her last name published, said it was far easier than scrambling around for coins, and was an improvement on myki too, which she uses when she visits Melbourne. Trial of the new myki system on Wangarattas bus network. Credit: Jason Robins You dont need to find your card and you dont need to top it up, she says. In the rest of Victoria, the only way to avoid carrying a physical myki card is with an Android smartphone and mobile myki, which still needs credit loaded onto it. iPhone owners have never had this option, even though the state government spent $1 million trying to develop that feature five years ago. In Wangaratta, 125 passengers used contactless payments in the first two weeks of the trial, with an almost even split between smartphones and bank cards, the Transport Department says. Loading The government says the trial will take about six months and is an important step to train staff to use the new system and develop the back-office programs used to charge passengers. Everything seems to work fine for my Wangaratta bus trips: I touch on with my bank card on three different buses, and the system recognises the journeys were all within two hours, and so only charges me one $2.80 fare. An important feature missing, for now, is the ability to apply a discount for seniors, students and other concession holders. That will be introduced later when the system is fully operational and account-based ticketing is enabled. An account-based system recognises a passengers travel across various touch-on methods bank cards, smart devices or physical tickets linked to your account and calculates the correct fare. Rheannon McGillivray uses a bank card to pay her fare as part of trial of Victorias new myki-free payment system on Wangarattas bus network Credit: Jason Robins Daniel Bowen, from the Public Transport Users Association, says the contactless system should also apply weekly or monthly discounts automatically based on the passengers travel patterns, rather than passengers needing to pre-purchase a weekly or monthly ticket. Myki Pass is very complicated, and so making those discounts automatic would be a huge plus, he says. Bowen says the current myki system is particularly difficult to use for new or occasional users and tourists. Loading Being able to jump on board just with your bank card will make a huge difference. The Transport Department says physical smart cards will still be available with the new system. It has also flagged single-use tickets and Bluetooth-based tokens, which could be a key chain or a wristband, to make public transport easier for people with disabilities. It will still be called myki. An expanding girls grammar school in Canterbury has sparked a war with its neighbours, who have accused it of parasitically encroaching on their homes, eroding heritage and lowering property values, after the school went to court and overturned a decades-old restrictive covenant near its main campus. The covenant, created by residents anxious to protect their neighbourhood from being dominated by the high-fee school, restricts 10 properties near the school from being used for any educational or religious purposes. Residents of a heritage estate in Canterbury have lost a VCAT case against Strathcona Girls Grammar. Credit: Chris Hopkins Strathcona Girls Grammar School, which has been in Canterbury for 100 years, has bought 10 houses in the neighbouring residential estate, converting some of them to an early learning centre, administration and a uniform shop, and leasing others out as homes. It applied to Boroondara City Council to overturn the restrictive covenant on three homes it owns but was rejected, prompting the school to appeal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A few weeks ago, we took a small tribe of children to see Home Alone at the Sydney Opera House, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing the score live as the movie played on a large screen behind the musicians. I was the only member of our party never to have seen the film before (a cause of much consternation to the others) and I was delighted. Reading is such a simple pleasure. Its my favourite route to inner exile. Credit: Matt Davidson A story of rupture and reconciliation, a romp, a gentle tale about self-reliance and grit, all topped with a cameo from John Candy a film doesnt need anything more than that to be perfect. The experience of being in the sold-out Concert Hall with a full orchestra was transporting, and there was even a live choir singing the Christmassy parts at the end. The audience was encouraged to be vocal in response to the film and the music, and we were. When the lights went up, I didnt want to leave. The communal sensory experience had taken me outside time and place, and I wanted to stay there for a while longer. This is one of the best examples in Victoria of demolition by neglect, said Lachlan Molesworth, barrister and deputy chair of the National Trust, who wants more done to force owners of heritage buildings like it to repair them. The heritage-listed building, constructed in 1850, had to be propped up in 2017 to stop it collapsing. The scaffolding remains in place. Credit: Joe Armao But with no restoration work done to the 174-year-old building since then other than the removal of a 60-year-old English oak tree reports obtained from Melbourne City Council under freedom of information show it is in an increasingly dire state. When property investor Yan Qiu bought the dilapidated shop-and-dwelling on the corner of King and La Trobe streets in 2021, his purchase came with a promise to restore the building. We have this gaping hole in our heritage protection laws, Molesworth said. It would be inconceivable that this would happen in somewhere like the United Kingdom, or Europe, or indeed parts of America. Here, orders might be made but there is very little that happens in terms of consequences if those orders are not followed. In August 2023, the states authority for protecting historic buildings, Heritage Victoria, ordered Qiu to carry out urgent restoration works to prevent further deterioration of the building (which was long known as Russells Old Corner Shop). Four months later, Qiu promised he would carry out the repairs in 2024. The works, meant to start in May this year, failed to materialise, and a statement on Friday by Heritage Victoria said it now expected these works to be done in 2025. The tiny shop-and-dwelling has gradually been dwarfed by towers that have grown around it. Credit: Joe Armao Qiu on Friday said the building had not been fixed because of the level of bureaucracy he faced in trying to repair it. You know how much red tape we [face] there? You have never been through this before, said Qiu, who was once chief executive of Ozford College, a school for international students in Lonsdale Street. Saudi authorities reportedly warned Germany about the man alleged to have carried out Fridays attack on a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg that left five dead and dozens injured, according to German security officials. The officials told the Financial Times that Riyadh warned the German authorities suspected attacker Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi dissident who described himself as an ex-Muslim, had boasted on social media that something big will happen in Germany. It was unclear if police acted upon the warnings. A car was driven through this Christmas market on Friday evening in Magdeburg, Germany. Credit: AP More than 200 were left injured on Friday evening many still critical when the man rammed his BMW into Magdeburgs Christmas market. Al-Abdulmohsen, the suspected attacker, was arrested at the scene. Among the dead was a nine-year-old. Authorities described him as a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who came to Germany in 2006 and had been working as a psychiatrist with criminals suffering from addiction at a correctional facility in Bernburg, just south of Magdeburg. Three generations of the Pascoe family, from left, Pat, Sarah Lynn, Ted and Max Pascoe, embrace following the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerces annual State of the City luncheon on Aug. 17 in downtown Denver. During the luncheon, the chamber bestowed the Monte Pascoe Civic Leadership Award, named for the late community leader, on former First Lady Dottie Lamm.Photo by Ernest Luning/The Colorado Statesman 11 killed in fire after LPG tanker crashes on Jaipur-Ajmer highway JAIPUR AN LPG tanker collided with a truck on Friday, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno in which 11 people were killed and 37 vehicles engulfed in flames. The State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said that nearly half of the injured were very critical. A total of 11 people have died. Five were brought dead to SMS hospital. Five succumbed during treatment. One death was reported from Jaipuria hospital, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, Principal, SMS Medical College, said. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, who was at the crash site, said an outlet nozzle of the LPG tanker was damaged in the collision, leading to a gas leak that caused the blaze. The crash occurred around 5.30 am, when it was still dark, in front of a school, according to authorities. ac(Contd from page 1) Vehicles behind the tanker were engulfed in flames. Other vehicles coming from the opposite directions also caught fire and the vehicles collided, Joseph said. The gas leak spread the fire in a flash, leaving no scope for those in nearby vehicles to come out. People were seen rushing and taking off clothes engulfed in flames. The injured were rushed to the SMS hospital in Jaipur in more than 25 ambulances. Forty-three people were brought to the hospital, seven of whom are on ventilator support, Dr Maheshwawri said. In a post on X, Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Modi also spoke to CM Sharma to enquire about the incident and assured him of all possible support. Former Haryana CM... Tributes for Chautala poured in from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing anguish at his passing and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal describing it as a huge personal loss. The news of the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala is sad. In his decades-long public life, he played an important role in Haryana politics. I offer my condolences to his family and supporters, the official X handle of the Presidents Office quoted President Droupadi Murmu as saying. Modi said on X, He (Chautala) was active in the State politics for many years and strove constantly to advance the work of Devi Lal. Zakir Hussain laid... We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a lovely journey. Please give my pranam to all the masters. Consul General of India in San Francisco Dr K Srikar Reddy also paid tributes to Hussain. The mortal remains of legendary Tabla maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain were laid to rest this afternoon at Fernwood Cemetery, Mill Valley, near San Francisco, Indian Consulate in San Francisco said in a post on X. On behalf of the Government and people of India, Consul General Dr K Srikar Reddy paid tribute by draping the mortal remains of the Ustad Zakir Hussain with the Indian national flag, offered condolences to his wife Antonia Minnecola and his family members, the post read. They also read out the condolence message (tweet) of Honble Prime Minister. Around 300 persons, including his family, friends, musicians (Sivamani and others), music lovers, and diaspora members, paid their last respects, the post read. Hussain, the son of the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, revolutionised the instrument, taking it beyond the limits of classical music to other forms, including jazz and Western classical. The celebrated musician, one of Indias most well-known, received four Grammy Awards in his career spanning six decades, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Hussain received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH Vikku Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown. Sivamani after Hussains death in a Facebook post said he would go to San Francisco to see him for the last time. No Zakir Bhai, you cannot leave us like this. This is just unbelievable... Im on the way to San Francisco. I want to see you..One last time.. I want to hold your hands.... My brother, my Guru..Im devastated.. Life will never be the same again, Sivamani had said. Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Hussains demise spread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music. Grammy winner musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his immense humility, approachable nature. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for... Being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon, Kej had written on X after his demise. Dr Ambedkar issue dominates State Assembly Ruling and Opposition members put photos of Dr Ambedkar on their desks n Staff Reporter The issue of alleged remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar dominated the Maharashtra State Assembly on Friday as both - ruling as well as Opposition - placed the photos of the Mahanayak on their respective desks in the House. Congress leaders alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah insulted the Dalit icon and placed photos of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on their desks. This prompted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to urge Speaker Adv Rahul Narwekar to allow him to put a photo of Dr Ambedkar on his desk. Pawar said Ambedkar belongs to everyone and even the treasury benches should be allowed to display his photographs. Narwekar pointed out, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar never liked hero worship, he believed in work. He asked the Congress leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar, Nitin Raut and Nana Patole, to remove the pictures. Congress' Vijay Wadettiwar raised the vandalism of their party office in Mumbai. How political parties can resort to hooliganism, he asked. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators also had placed photos of Ambedkar on their desks but removed them after the Speakers suggestion. With the Congress leaders not removing the photos in defiance of the Speakers suggestion, the members of the ruling Mahayuti also placed Ambedkars pictures on their desks compeling the Speaker to adjourn the House proceedings for 10 minutes. Leaders of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), also held a protest at the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan against the attack on the Congress office in Mumbai and Shahs alleged remarks against Ambedkar. Congress Bhai Jagtap said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis often appeals to the Opposition to maintain decorum and respect Maharashtras image but the incident has put a question mark on his partys conduct. He also demanded a probe into the incident and Shahs resignation over his comments concerning Ambedkar. Father-son duo slain in Ramteke Nagar (Toli)Father-son duo slain in Ramteke Nagar (Toli) Staff Reporter In A horrific incident a gang of four, including a teenager, brutally murdered a father and son in Ramteke Nagar (Toli) in Ajni on Friday evening. The deceased are identified as Vijay Balram Savarkar (54) and his son Mayur (27). Police suspect a culmination of long-standing animosity between the Savarkar and Kurveti families behind the double murder. Savarkars, residents of Lane No. 4, Toli, owned a furniture shop, while Mayur had a criminal record, including a murder charge from 2015. Tensions had been simmering for years between both the families. The attackers include well-known criminals Sandeep Nade, Badal Ganesh Kurveti, Shubham Ganesh Kurveti, a 17-year-old minor, and unknown accused. Nade is involved in gambling, betting, and murder incidents. About three months ago, a dispute arose between Shubham and Mayur. On Thursday, at 4 pm, Shubham was sitting near Sujata Bouddha Vihar near his house and enagaged in playing game on his mobile phone. Mayur arrived and attacked Shubham on head with an iron rod. Somehow, injured Shubham managed to flee. He reached Ajni Police Station and filed a complaint. The police registered the case but took no concrete action. This emboldened Mayur. On Friday, at around 5.30 pm, Shubhams brother, Badal, was sitting on the other side of the road in front of Savarkar Furniture. Mayur approached him and, due to the ongoing dispute with Shubham, he struck him on the leg with an iron rod. Upon learning of the attack on their brother, Shubham, Sandeep, a minor, and an unknown accused arrived at the scene. Shubham was armed with a sharp-edged weapon. The accused first stabbed Mayurs father, Vijay, in the chest. Then they turned on Mayur. The accused fled the scene after attacking both men with sharp weapons. The father and son were laying injured at the scene for around 20 minutes. Ajni police, led by Sr Police Inspector Nitinchandra Rajkumar, quickly rushed to the spot. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital, but tragically, both Vijay and Mayur succumbed to their wounds. An eye-witness told the police that the accused came with the sharp-weapons hiding in their pockets to eliminate Vijay and Mayur. As Mayur had a criminal record, he was trying to establish his dominance in the area. Police have detained a juvenile suspect and initiated a thorough investigation to arrest the remaining assailants. Just days before she was set to graduate high school, 18-year-old Amelia Larson was killed in a car crash in Fountain Wednesday, leaving her family's world shattered. Local police responded to the crash in the 6900 block of Mesa Ridge Parkway, east of Fountain Mesa Road, at around 10:50 a.m. According to a news release earlier in the week, Larson was taken to an area hospital, where she died. On the fundraising page, her family said Larson was hit by a student driver who ran a red light at an intersection. The Gazette reached out to Fountain Police Department to confirm this, but the specific details are still under investigation, said spokesperson Lisa Schneider. The crash occurred just days before the teen was set to graduate from high school. "In an instant, the future she had worked so hard for was taken away," organizer Brandi Hancock wrote on GoFundMe. Featured Local Savings Hancock also wrote about the "special light" Larson radiated, saying her laugh was infectious, combined with a one-of-a-kind spirit. "Amelias presence could light up any room, no matter where she went, or who she was with," Hancock wrote. "She had this incredible way of making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and valued." Family members of Larson were not immediately available for additional comment outside of what was shared on the GoFundMe. While the family grieves, they are asking for community support as they navigate this loss to cover funeral expenses and medical bills. The GoFundMe to support the family has already raised more than $12,000 by Friday afternoon, doubling the original $6,000 goal. Man dies after falling from stairs in Chhola Mandir Staff Reporte r A 27-year-old man from Bhopals Chhola Mandir area has tragically passed away under suspicious circumstances. Rahul Sen, a resident of Shiv Shakti Nagar, reportedly fell from the stairs at his home, leading to severe injuries. His family informed the hospital, stating that he had slipped and fallen down the stairs. Despite medical efforts, Rahul succumbed to his injuries later in the evening. According to the Chhola Mandir police, the hospital notified them about the incident. Rahul was brought to the facility around noon, and the attending doctor reported that he had slipped while climbing the stairs. After receiving immediate treatment, Rahul passed away around 4 pm. Rahul, who was unmarried, worked in a private job. His mother, Shanti, had recently taken him to Ujjain for a visit to the Mahakal temple, and they had just returned to Bhopal. The family had also recently arranged his marriage. The police have sent the body for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. are investigating the matter. The body has been handed over to his family after the post-mortem.The police are continuing their investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding Abid Khans death. Police seize 170 cartons of illegal liquor worth Rs 11.47L Staff Reporter In a major crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, Bhopal Police seized 170 cartons of Goa whisky and rum, amounting to approximately 1,530 litres of contraband. The total estimated value of the liquor and the vehicle used in its transport is around Rs 21 lakh. Acting on a tip off, the police intercepted a pickup vehicle near Anand Nagar Police Chowki on the night of December 20. The driver, Rahul Gurjar, confirmed that the vehicle contained illegal liquor and failed to produce valid documents for the alcohol. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be carrying 170 khaki-coloured cartons marked Goa, with each carton containing 50 quarters of liquor, each quarter holding 180 ml. The total quantity of illegal liquor was estimated to be worth Rs 11.47 lakh. Following this, the vehicle was seized, and a case under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act was registered against the driver. Rahul Gurjar, a resident of Khajuri Kalan in Bhopal, was arrested, and further investigations are underway to identify the source and destination of the illicit liquor, as well as any other individuals involved in the operation. The police are also gathering information from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) regarding the ownership of the vehicle. Efforts are being made to determine how long this illegal transportation activity has been ongoing. Workshop on Forest Fire Prevention and Management held in Aranya Bhawan Staff Reporter RAIPUR Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh organised a workshop on Forest Fire Prevention and Management at the Dandakarnya Auditorium of Aranya Bhavan, Nava Raipur on Friday. The workshop brought together senior forest officials, security personnel, policymakers, and subject experts to discuss strategies for addressing the challenges of forest fires, which significantly affect biodiversity, forest health, and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Forces V Sreenivasa Rao emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate forest fire risks. He outlined the workshops objective to strengthen preparedness and foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Dr R K Singh highlighted the necessity of a whole-of-government to whole-of-society approach for effective forest fire management. Inspector General of Forests of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India Rajesh S discussed the National Action Plan on Forest Fires and commended the Chhattisgarh Forest Department for its efforts under the State Action Plan on Forest Fire. He stressed the importance of policy frameworks and interdepartmental coordination in addressing forest fire risks. APCCF (Protection) Sunil Kumar Mishra provided an overview of forest fire challenges specific to Chhattisgarh, while APCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar addressed the complexities of managing forest fires in LWE and wildlife areas. Representatives from the police and security forces, including Ajay Singh, DIG, CRPF; Balaji Rao, IPS, DIG, CAF; and J K Singh, BSF, highlighted the importance of coordination between security forces and the Forest Department. They discussed joint strategies to improve response mechanisms and emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in mitigating forest fire risks in sensitive regions. A discussion on strengthening forest fire preparedness and mitigation at the regional level was chaired by Dr R K Singh. The discussion covered advanced firefighting techniques presented by Raju Agasimani, IFS, CCF, Raipur Circle; best practices in forest fire management from Odisha, shared by V Karthick and innovations in fire detection and monitoring tools presented by Vikas Gusain, Senior Technical Assistant, Forest Survey of India. IFS officer Pankaj Rajput conducted the proceedings of the programme. Grishmi Chaand proposed a vote of thanks. Zakir Hussain laid to rest in San Francisco NEW YORK ZAKIR Hussain was laid to rest on Thursday at a San Francisco cemetery as renowned percussionist A Sivamani and other artistes performed on their drums a little distance away in a tribute to the tabla maestro. Hussain, one of the worlds most accomplished percussionists, died at a San Francisco hospital on Monday due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. He was 73. He was laid to rest at the Fernwood cemetery in San Francisco on Thursday. Hundreds of his admirers gathered at Hussains funeral to pay their last respects. Sivamani and several other musicians played drums a little distance away to pay him a tribute. Sivamani told PTI Video, Rhythm is God, that is you Zakir bhai. I learned a lot in our journey from 1982 till now. Every moment you are here with us in the rhythm. Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there. We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a lovely journey. Please give my pranam to all the masters. Consul General of India in San Francisco Dr K Srikar Reddy also paid tributes to Hussain. The mortal remains of legendary Tabla maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain were laid to rest this afternoon at Fernwood Cemetery, Mill Valley, near San Francisco, Indian Consulate in San Francisco said in a post on X. On behalf of the Government and people of India, Consul General Dr K Srikar Reddy paid tribute by draping the mortal remains of the Ustad Zakir Hussain with the Indian national flag, offered condolences to his wife Antonia Minnecola and his family members, the post read. They also read out the condo The home invasion, kidnapping and torture at a troubled apartment complex in Aurora perpetuated, the local police chief said, by a Venezuelan gang at the center of a national firestorm over illegal immigration began with a cellphone video showing two women fighting. That video, the police later said, included a number of other individuals in and around that apartment complex that were involved in criminal activity. The woman who took and shared the video was one of two victims of a kidnapping that happened on Monday night, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain revealed at a news conference on Friday. The suspects wanted the phone so they could delete the video, Chamberlain said. In the process, the police chief said, the suspects robbed and assaulted the victims, entered their apartment and stole valuables. They also forced the victims to give them banking information and other financial details, he said. This was not a one-case scenario, in my opinion, Chamberlain said. This was an incident where these victims have been victimized over and over again. I think its a situation where these suspects have basically victimized people of their own ethnicity based upon the fact that the immigrant population does not want to come forward or be involved in conversations with law enforcement because they feel that theres going to be some retribution. Chamberlain confirmed that some of the people arrested have been identified as Tren de Aragua members. Although he did not say how many of the suspects are alleged TdA members, he has no doubt, the police chief said, that the Venezuelan prison gang was involved in the incident. The trans-national gang has a diverse criminal portfolio that includes drug and human trafficking particularly immigrant women and girls, kidnapping, extortion, and money laundering. The Aurora police had known for about a year that gang members are known to infiltrate migrant caravans headed for the United States, according to an internal, special bulletin distributed to officers on Oct. 5, 2023. Aurora officials also knew, or strongly suspected, for much longer than previously disclosed that the Venezuelan gang operating in their city was much larger than a handful of members at a single apartment complex, according to emails obtained by The Denver Gazette. The emails painted a dire picture showing internal conflicts and worries about the political fallout and a police force fearful of venturing into areas without a solid backup. They cited intelligence reports saying more than 100 TdA members were operating in the Denver area, and that the gang intended to make Denver their headquarters in the U.S. The two kidnapping victims are Venezuelans who Chamberlain said are immigrants unlawfully staying in the U.S. They were kidnapped Monday night from The Edge at Lowry, one of three troubled apartment complexes that the owners have claimed were taken over by the gang. They were then bound, pistol-whipped and tortured for hours before being released, the police said. The city filed a criminal nuisance complaint against the property owners a few weeks ago. The attorneys for the property have until Dec. 30 to answer the complaint and have yet to do so, a city spokesperson said. Chamberlain said the suspects released the victims based upon the (belief) that these victims would not go to the police. The victims called law enforcement, he said. Of the 19 people originally detained on Tuesday, three have been released, while 16 are in ICE custody. While it is difficult for law enforcement to determine who is and is not a gang member, some of them are 100% TdA, Chamberlain said. One of the people apprehended this week was also involved in a TdA incident back in August, Chamberlain said. When he was arrested this week, he had a females wig on and a females hat, the police chief said, speculating that the disguise could be part of the reason he wasnt caught earlier. Others may be gang members or affiliates as well, but Chamberlain said it is especially difficult to determine TdA members due to their unwillingness to self-identify and lack of information about the gang. Chamberlain said he does not assume anyone is part of a gang; nor would he outright believe claims of TdA membership not until he is absolutely certain, he said. Featured Local Savings One thing were not going to do is fall into the arena of moral panic, where we say just because you were there you are now a TdA gang member, he said. It cannot happen that way. He said there are still other TdA members in Aurora, and the department will continue to focus on finding them. The arrests made were not a mass deportation, Chamberlain said, maintaining the individuals who had been arrested were involved in the incident and the police did not come knocking on doors and arresting innocent people. Aurora, a city of roughly 400,000, has found itself at the center of national and international news following reports of TdAs tentacles in three apartment complexes, including where the alleged home invasion occurred. And long before reports of the Venezuelan prison gang infiltrating the apartments, the arrival of hundreds of thousands of immigrants in Americas interior cities brought the illegal immigration crisis beyond the countrys border states. In Colorado, some 43,000 immigrants, who illegally crossed the southern border, arrived in Denver since December 2022. About half have stayed the equivalent of adding roughly 21,500 people, or a city the size of Golden, in less than two years. The vast majority are from South and Central America, particularly Venezuela. During the presidential campaign, President-elect Donald Trump identified the Colorado city as the launching pad for what he dubbed Operation Aurora, the start of what he promised to be the largest mass deportation in American history. When asked if he would cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chamberlain said he would welcome the help of federal agents to take dangerous people into custody, but that his departments focus is keeping people safe not mass deportations. Thats not what the role of municipal law enforcement is to get involved in the immigration process, Chamberlain said. Our role is to serve. If you dont want to have a negative contact with law enforcement, then dont break the law. Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Coffman on Friday said the Trump campaigns claims that Aurora had been taken over by gangs is simply not true. He also said, as he has before, that Denver Mayor Mike Johnston sent immigrants into Aurora without telling him. The city of Aurora is going through the process of an open records request to get more information about that, Coffman said. We have never been a sanctuary city, Coffman said, emphasizing what he described as the negative impact of Johnston moving immigrants into Aurora without the citys consent. Its unfair to us as a city because it compromised our public safety, and its unfair to the people that were moved here because were not a city and a county. Aurora has not had any help from the state on dealing with the gang issues, he added. Chamberlain said the lack of help extends far beyond just the state and the solution needs to come from tighter border patrol. The police chief said he hopes the incident and the subsequent arrests proved to other victims of crime that they can come forward and get help. Everybody that could or might be in that same situation, please use this as an example of what will occur, he said. We will be there for you. We will hold those who victimize you accountable. We do not care about your immigration status. We dont care if youre documented or undocumented. What we care about is your safety. Colorado Springs City Council President Randy Helms announced in a statement Friday morning that he will not seek reelection in April. Helms has represented District 2 on the council for the last four years. He has been the council president for the last two years after spending more than a year as the president pro tem. In an interview Friday, Helms said he had known he would not run for election again for almost a year. Helms, who turned 68 this year, said the full-time demands of the council schedule had reached a point where it had been difficult to spend time with his family. "Now, I want to dedicate more time to my family, especially our grandchildren, and to cherish the moments that this next chapter of life offers me and my family. I have spent my adult life serving our nation and community, but being present for these precious moments in their lives is important to us," Helms said in the statement. Six of the nine seats on the Colorado Springs City Council will be up for election on April 1. Helms' announcement guarantees that at least two of the district seats will be filled by a new representative. Helms is a retired Air Force colonel and graduate of the Air Force Academy who moved back to Colorado Springs in 2015. Helms ran for the council position in 2021 as a conservative candidate focused on supporting and attracting businesses. As the council president for the last two years, Helms said his biggest new responsibility was deciding when issues would come up for a vote with the council. Helms' role as the council president has been especially visible during the debate about Ford Amphitheater, which falls within his district. On Tuesday, Helms and Mayor Yemi Mobolade led a listening session where hundreds of people came out to share issues with the amphitheater. One of Helms' neighbors spoke during the event about the noise from the concerts reaching their area. Featured Local Savings Helms said he stood by the decisions he'd made on council so far and was ready for more big decisions during his final few months in office. "In the military, you're only in these command positions for a few years so you know your time will come and close. Just because it's ending does not affect whatsoever my decision making," Helms said. Helms' statement said he planned to continue being an active member and supporter of the city. When asked if he would run for office again, Helms said he had no desire for it. Council member Yolanda Avila will not be able to run for reelection in District 4 because of the city term limits. The city charter prevents a council member from serving more than two consecutive terms. Dave Donelson, representing District 1, and Nancy Henjum, representing District 5, both confirmed to The Gazette this week that they were planning to run for reelection to the City Council. Council members Michelle Talarico and Mike O'Malley have not publicly stated whether or not they will be seeking a second term. The filing period for candidates running for City Council opens at 8 a.m. on Dec. 31 and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 21. Candidates for office must be United States citizens who are at least 25 years old, have lived in Colorado Springs for at least one year and currently live in the district they would represent. It was just another Tuesday in America, the start of another beautiful, forgettable late summer day in the nations capital, and another morning at work in the Pentagon for 45-year-old Air Force Col. Randy Helms. Helms arrived at his post in the worlds largest office building around 7:30 a.m. and, as usual, turned on the TV to let the news drone on in the background. After a 22-year military career that began at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, spanned the globe and included service in the Gulf War, Helms had found himself back for his second Pentagon tour, this time as the country director for Iraq and Iran in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. On that Tuesday morning 20 years ago, Helms was working on Middle East issues, compiling briefs about operations known as Northern Watch and Southern Watch that were meant to keep the growing threat of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in check. And thats what he was doing when the horrors began. The initial images and breaking news reports flashed across Helms office TV around 8:52 a.m.: The North Tower of the World Trade Center was on fire and billowing smoke. There were few details but eyewitnesses described seeing what looked like a prop plane, possibly a jet, plunge into the iconic Manhattan skyscraper, in what at first was thought to be a tragic accident. Helms experience, and his gut, told him otherwise. People just dont accidentally fly planes into big objects like the Towers. We knew immediately something was wrong, he said. My office phone started ringing off the hook. When a second plane sliced through the South Tower at 9:03 a.m., Helms said any remaining doubts were erased. America was under attack, an attack against which even the nations most secure buildings and hallowed institutions -- The Capitol, The White House, The Pentagon -- didnt stand a chance. We were thinking more than likely were going to get attacked with a truck bomb, Helms said. We had no way of defending against an airplane flying into the Pentagon. That just didnt exist. Helms office in the Pentagons 7th corridor was soon packed with power players. Defense Intelligence Agency and other three-letter agency people . all trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, too, said Helms, who was making phone calls and answering phone calls about, Where is this coming from? Is it happening around the country? We were just working, scrambling .... trying to find out, is this potentially something Iraq had to do with? But we also knew about Osama bin Laden. We knew about al-Qaeda. By then, hijackers affiliated with the radical Afghanistan-based terrorist group had taken control of American Airlines Flight 77 over Ohio and the Boeing 757 was screaming towards D.C. at 530 mph. Flight 77 crashed into the western side of The Pentagon just before 9:38 a.m. The impact was several corridors away from his office, but Helms said the force was so strong it nearly knocked him from his chair. From his window he could see a pillar of smoke rising from the crash site. The acrid, kerosene smell of jet fuel filled the air. Having been a pilot in the Air Force, you know what that smell is, he said. The buildings alarms were blaring, triggering the evacuation of the 20,000-plus employees -- less the 125 Pentagon personnel that had lost their lives in the attack. I grabbed my bag and we all got out of the building, said Helms. He was outside long enough to survey the damage, before that part of the building collapsed, when his beeper went off. Featured Local Savings He and his people were needed back inside. We have to get back into the Pentagon while it is still burning and set up our Crisis Action Team, so thats what I did, Helms said. We started setting up schedules, of when we wanted to send people home .... so we could have a 24-hour (Crisis Action Team) going to try to mitigate whats happened to the Pentagon, and whats happening elsewhere, and around the world. At home in Woodbridge, Va., his wife, Donna, was on pins and needles. Shed turned on the news that morning just after the first tower was hit and was watching as live feeds showed a plane hitting the second tower. Soon after, Randy called. He told me it was not an accident, she said. Then, he told me he had to go and that was the last I heard from him until later that afternoon. A half-hour later, she saw news reports of a plane hitting the Pentagon. Cell phone towers were jammed, and few calls were going through. Donna knew her husbands office wasnt in the part of the building where the plane had crashed, but she also didnt know if hed been his office at the time of the attack. He has always been good about checking in and I knew he would as soon as he could, she said. One of the things I remember the most is hearing from people that we had not been in contact with for years except for Christmas letters. I let everyone know that Randys office was not on the side of the Pentagon that was hit, and I felt pretty sure he was OK, she said. It was hours before she was able to confirm, for herself and family, that her husband was among the survivors. In the early evening, after the breadth of the attack had come more into focus, Helms handed over duties and headed home. The journey, however, presented a new kind of challenge. They wouldnt let us take our cars. The Pentagon was a crime scene and cars parked at the Pentagon parking lot, they wouldnt let us drive them out, Helms said. So I had to find my way home. Like thousands of his colleagues, Helms thumbed his way. I literally hitchhiked in my uniform. People were picking us all up, he said. Helms made it home that night, to talk with his family about what had happened - to them, and their country. It was a chaotic day but we were...were trained to operate in that kind of environment, we really are, he said. As long as you maintain your head about yourself and understand your mission. And he headed back to work the next morning -- to a job, and to a world, forever changed. I was commissioned in 1979 at the (Air Force) Academy during the Cold War. My first 11 years was all about the Soviet Union. Imagine how different that turned out to be for me and my classmates out of the Academy and the other service academies? he said. I didnt have a clue how the end of my active duty service would be based upon 9/11, but it was. And its hard to believe its been 20 years. Randy Helms, 65, retired from the Air Force in 2008 and later settled in the city where he met his wife and that was home to the school that helped inspire his military career. He was sworn in as a Colorado Springs city council member in April of this year. The Colorado Springs man who crashed his car into downtown businesses after being shot during a break-in was sentenced to probation on Friday. Fidencio Meza-Pelayo, 24, appeared in court for his sentencing hearing on Friday afternoon after pleading guilty earlier this year to a kidnapping charge. Meza-Pelayo in February caused a chaotic downtown scene after crashing his car leading to significant damage to the Skirted Heifer restaurant and AT&T Store at the corner of East Bijou and North Tejon streets. According to previous reporting from The Gazette, the trail of destruction started around 1:30 a.m., in the Hillside neighborhood, outside of a house on the 1900 block of South Prospect Street, where Meza-Pelayo was involved in a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend. During the disturbance, his girlfriend ran across the street to get help from a neighbor, and the suspect "temporarily lost sight of her," police said. Meza-Pelayo then ran to his house, came back out, got into a vehicle and backed out of the driveway, hitting a neighbor's parked car. At that point, police said, Meza-Pelayo got out of the car and attempted to break into the neighbor's home, thinking his girlfriend, who was a block away on foot, was hiding inside. Police said the homeowner fired a single shot, hitting the man. Featured Local Savings Meza-Pelayo said during court on Friday that he had to have surgery due to the injuries sustained from the shooting. He appeared to several hearings earlier this year with a walking cane. Wounded, the suspect reportedly got back into his car and sped off, eventually ending up in the downtown area, where he allegedly hit at least one parked car and crashed into several businesses along the 200 block of North Tejon Street, including the AT&T Store and the Skirted Heifer. (The car) just took out everything, said Skirted Heifer owner Kevin Megyeri after the incident. Meza-Pelayo was arrested immediately after the incident and initially faced 10 charges. Court records show that Meza-Pelayo pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping in October. There was no question was Meza-Pelayo's sentence would be entering Friday's hearing as the plea agreement came with a stipulated sentence of four years supervised probation. Judge David Shakes said that the lack of a prison sentence made sense for Meza-Pelayo because he felt it was clear reading the mitigation report that "this was an unusual event for (Meza-Pelayo)." With the guilty plea the remaining nine charges against Meza-Pelayo were dismissed. Colorado Springs UCCS graduated nearly 1,000 students Friday, with close to 500 in attendance for the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies at The Broadmoor World Arena. Commencement Marshal Jennifer Kling, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, President of the University of Colorado system Todd Saliman and 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Speaker, retired Navy Cmdr. John B. Herrington, addressed graduates during the days ceremonies. Graduates on Friday earned 22 doctoral degrees, 107 masters degrees, 71 associate degrees and 687 bachelors degrees. The ceremony included the recognition of 15 Silver Graduates, members of the Class of 1999 who celebrated 25 years since their own graduation. Commencement is a joyful time, but it is also a time for us to reflect on the work we have already accomplished, and the work that is yet to be done, Sobanet said in her address. The challenges of the world are ever-present. In response, we must commit to being outstanding citizens who stand up for what is right and good. In his address, Saliman encouraged graduates to take on the challenges that come their way. Youve learned a lot during your time at CU, including that every path has obstacles, Saliman said. Sometimes youll overcome them and sometimes you wont." Featured Local Savings "If youre like me, youll be bummed when things dont go as youd hoped or planned, for a little while, at least. But in these moments, Ive learned to pause, take a breath and reflect. Ive learned, and you will, too, if you havent already, that sometimes not achieving your goal is actually an amazing opportunity. Alongside the graduates Friday, students who received their associate of general studies degree after the Board of Regents approved the retroactive degree in April 2023 were also celebrated. To close out each of the ceremonies, Regent Frank McNulty delivered the Norlin Charge to graduates, a tradition dating back to CU Boulder President George Norlins delivery of the June 1935 commencement ceremony. Commencement does not mean, as many wrongly think, the breaking of ties and the beginning of life apart, reads the charge. Rather, it marks your initiation in the fullest sense into the fellowship of the university, as bearers of her torch, as centers of her influence, as promoters of her spirit. The university consists of all who come into and go forth from her halls, who are touched by her influence and who carry on her spirit. Wherever you go, the university goes with you. Wherever you are at work, there is the university at work. A devastating fire broke out in a slum near EM Bypass in Topsia today, ahead of Christmas, destroying around 100 shanties. On Friday morning, a massive fire erupted in the slum. Within moments, the fire engulfed a large area. Upon receiving the news, the fire brigade rushed to the spot. Currently, 20 fire engines are working to control the blaze. Additionally, officers from Pragati Maidan police station are present at the scene. The congested area has made it difficult for the fire brigade to bring the fire under control. Local residents reported that the fire broke out suddenly around 12 p.m. Initially, it is suspected that a gas cylinder explosion caused the incident. Advertisement The presence of flammable materials in the slum area caused the fire to spread rapidly. The towering flames also sparked panic in neighboring highrise buildings. Multiple cylinder explosion sounds have been heard from the slum. Many shanties have been reduced to ashes. Twenty fire engines have arrived at the scene, along with the police from Pragati Maidan station. Due to the congested area, it was feared the fire would spread rapidly. It is suspected that many people are still trapped in the slum, and efforts are ongoing by the fire brigade and police to rescue them. According to local sources, the fire started around 12:30 p.m. The sky was soon covered in thick black smoke. The location of the fire is adjacent to a high-rise building. Advertisement The presence of flammable materials in the slum raises concerns about the fire spreading quickly. Loud explosion sounds have been heard from several shanties, believed to be caused by cylinder blasts. At least a hundred shanties have been burned to ashes. Samsul Haque, a resident of the slum, said: The fire spread very quickly, and there were deafening noises everywhere. The flames and smoke could be seen from a great distance. Another resident, Nazia Begum, said: I was lying down with my son when I suddenly heard screams. When I went outside, I saw our roof engulfed in flames. Somehow, I managed to get out with my son. I couldnt take anything important with me. Another resident said: The only thing I saved was the clothes I was wearing. Everything else has been destroyed. Before the fire brigade arrived, local residents started dousing the flames with water from a nearby canal. However, they expressed anger at the delay in the fire brigades arrival. A local resident said: The fire had spread so much that it couldnt be put out with bucketfuls of water. The fire brigade arrived very late. Sudip Patra, Vice President of the Asian Human Rights Society, a city-based civil rights organisation, said that one after another slum is being gutted in the city, and helpless people are losing their shelters. It requires a comprehensive inspection by the KMC and both the fire department and adequate measures to implement fire safety norms in slums, said Mr. Sudip Patra. Calcutta High Court on Friday allowed the Joint Platform of Doctors to hold a sit-in demonstration at Metro Channel, opposite the Metro Cinema shopping plaza at Esplanade, on the incident of the brutal rape and murder of a young woman doctor at the R G Kar Medical College Hospital, until 26 December. While issuing the formal order today, the court imposed several conditions on the JPD for organising its protest programme in the heart of the city. On Thursday, the court had given verbal clearance to the group for the event. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, who passed the formal order today, said: Yesterday, I had given verbal permission for the programme. The state government should not deny permission for the programme at a time when the doctors are mentally prepared to organise the protest show. Justice Ghosh directed the administration to erect a guardrail of seven feet height so that no outsiders can enter the dais. The court has also given several conditions to the effect that Advertisement the dais for the sit-in protest would be made 50 feet away from Dorina Crossing; Advertisement the stage should be a maximum of 40 feet long and 23 feet wide; a maximum of 200-250 people can be allowed on the dais; the organizers would have to discuss with the police administration if the gathering of people increases in number; the programme would be allowed until 26 December; no derogatory statements can be made against anybody from the dais; and that no activities that could disturb the festive mood would be entertained. Yesterday, Justice Ghosh had asked the lawyers representing the JPD and the state to discuss the size of the area to be cordoned off for the protest. The JPD, an umbrella platform of several senior doctors organisations, had moved the court seeking consent to hold the sit-in at Metro Channel after police denied them permission for a sit-in at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade, citing possible traffic congestion during the Christmas-New Year season. During Thursdays hearing, Justice Ghosh told the counsel for the JPD to restrict the assembly to a certain number after the state counsel, Amitesh Banerjee, expressed fear that the sit-in would disrupt traffic. The sit-in site is the same where junior doctors mainly had sat on a hunger strike to press for a charter of 10 demands, triggered by the R G Kar Medical College Hospital incident on 9 August. Kolkata Police informed the JPD on Monday that it could not allow a sit-in at the busy Dorina Crossing. The platform had written to the commissioner of police on Sunday seeking permission to set up a dais at the intersection for the sit-in from 17 to 26 December. The police had in its email to the JPD on Monday said: There is every possibility of traffic congestion and inconvenience to the general public at large because of the said programme. Soon after getting the HC order, JPD members assembled at the protest site at Metro Channel this afternoon to erect the dais there. Senior police officials also visited the spot and measured its length and width as per the HC directives. The JPD will hold the sit-in from this afternoon to press for two demandsthat the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the incident submits a supplementary chargesheet against former R G Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and former Tala police station officer-in-charge Abhijit Mandal in connection with the rape and murder, and that the state government allows the prosecution of Dr Ghosh and former R G Kar house staff Ashis Pandey in a case related to alleged financial irregularities at R G Kar. This (the court order) is a victory for us, said a senior member of the JPD. We will start the demonstration from this afternoon. It has been a remarkable year for Department for Food and Public Distribution with the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) extended for five years with this January 1, cent per cent digitised ration cards under National Food Security Act across India, 99.8 per cent fair price shops (FPSs) automated now using electronic point of sale and One Nation One Ration card enabled across the country covering 80 crore beneficiaries, among others. Under the PMGKAY, the period for distribution for free of cost food grains under the PMGKAY has been extended for five years w.e.f. 1st January, 2024. The scheme would ensure effective and uniform implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Advertisement Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), which is a successful initiative of portability of ration card, any beneficiary can take delivery of food grains from any FPS at uniform NFSA entitlement and price across the country. The free food grains will concurrently ensure uniform implementation of portability under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) across the country and will further strengthen this choice-based platform. Advertisement At present, against the intended coverage of 81.35 crore persons, 80.67 crore persons are receiving food grains free of cost, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs,Food and Public Distribution. The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, in his address on the 75th Independence Day (15th August, 2021) made an announcement providing nutrition by supplying fortified rice throughout the government schemes. Pursuant to the announcement, the the government in order to achieve uniform nutritional impact of fortified rice among the targeted population is supplying fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme and in Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) in all States and Union Territories (UTs). The initiative to supply fortified rice has been successfully implemented by March, 2024, achieving cent per cent lifting. Custom-milled rice has been replaced with fortified rice in every scheme of the Government. Initially funded by the Government of India as part of food subsidy until June 30, 2024, the initiative was reviewed for further continuation and future cost-sharing. The Cabinet during a meeting held on 9th October, 2024 has approved to continue the supply of fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes from July 2024 and upto December 2028. This initiative will continue as a Central Sector Initiative, fully funded by the Government under the existing PMGKAY framework, utilizing the previously approved allocation of Rs. 11,79,859 crore for the PMGKAY scheme. A cent per cent digitized ration cards/beneciaries data under NFSA in all States/UTs. Details of almost 20.54 Crore ration Cards covering around 80 Crore beneficiaries are available on transparency portals of States/UTs. About 99.8 per cent (5.41 Lakh of total 5.43 Lakh) Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country are automated using electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices for transparent and ensured distribution of subsidized food grains to beneficiaries. Under distribution of food grains, more than 97 per cent of the transactions have been recorded biometrically/Aadhaar authenticated by States/UTs. Similarly, starting with inter-State portability in just 4 States in August 2019, so far, the ONORC plan has been enabled in all 36 States/UTs (across the country) covering around 80 Crore NFSA beneciaries, i.e., almost 100% NFSA population in the country. Since its inception, more than 158.8 Crore portability transactions have been recorded under the ONORC plan in the country delivering more than 315.8 LMT food grains, which includes both inter-State and intra-State transactions. During the year 2024, about 30 crore portability transactions were performed in 11 months of 2024 delivering around 66 LMT food grains including inter-state and intra-state portability transactions of NFSA and PMGKAY. Presently, more than 2.5 crore portability transactions are being recorded every month under PMGKAY foodgrain distribution. During 2024 (from January, 2024 to Oct, 2024), 204 containerized rakes moved with approx. freight savings of Rs. 4.40 crore. FCI is also undertaking multi-modal transportation of rice involving coastal shipping and road movement from designated depots of Andhra Pradesh to designated depots in Kerala and A&N and Karnataka to Lakshadweep. During 2024 (i.e. from January, 2024 to Oct, 2024) 0.39 LMTs Food grains stock were moved based on cost economics in comparison to the conventional mode of transportation. Further, FCI has moved a total 10205 rakes of food grains with an approximate quantity of 358.93 LMT loaded from January, 2024 to Oct, 2024, to meet the requirement of NFSA. The total Coarse grain procurement carried out during KMS 2023-24 is 12.55 LMT which is 170 per cent as compared to procured during KMS 2022-23. This is the highest coarse grain procurement in the last 10 years. BJP MP from North-East Delhi and former Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari on Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership of showing only pretentious respect toward the Purvanchal community. He demanded that AAP clarify within 24 hours whether illegal votes of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in Delhi should be removed. Advertisement Addressing a press conference, Tiwari alleged that AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh have consistently disrespected the Purvanchal community and questioned their social identity. He challenged Kejriwal to take a clear stance on the issue. Advertisement We raised this issue in Parliament, advocating for the detention and deportation of illegal infiltrators to their respective countries without resorting to violence, Tiwari said. He also accused Kejriwal of making derogatory remarks against the Purvanchal community. He cited a 2019 statement in which the AAP chief allegedly said that Purvanchal residents travel to Delhi on Rs 500 tickets, avail free treatment worth Rs 5 lakh, and then return to their hometowns. Tiwari criticized Kejriwals handling of the COVID-19 crisis, alleging that the Delhi government forced migrant workers onto buses to leave the city instead of providing them with food and protection. He blamed Kejriwals alleged negligence for numerous COVID-era deaths and said relief was provided only after interventions by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Uttar Pradesh government. He further alleged that the AAP government has failed to improve the living conditions of unauthorized colony residents, 70 per cent of whom belong to Purvanchal and Uttarakhand. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor also spoke during the press conference, highlighting Tiwaris efforts to strengthen the Purvanchal communitys identity in Delhi. Kapoor credited Tiwari with playing a key role in getting Chhath Puja declared a public holiday in the city, recognizing its significance for the Purvanchal community. The December 4 Pushpa 2 stampede and Allu Arjuns subsequent arrest have stirred a heated debate. Now, Telangana CM has slammed the actor. The criticism is for dismissing the warnings and attending the premiere which turned fatal for a fan. At the Legislative Assembly, Revanth Reddy called out Allu Arjun and the film industry in general. For the unversed, a fan met her demise during the December 4 premiere of Pushpa: The Rule in Hyderabad. A 35-year-old woman, Revathi, died in a stampede incident while her eight-year-old son required hospitalisation. The boy, Sri Tej is on ventilator support and is suffering from brain damage. The incident occurred as Allu Arjun attended the premiere with co-star Rashmika Mandanna and his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy. His attendance caused a ruckus among fans, creating a stampede. Advertisement Subsequently, Hyderabad police arrested the actor and the lower court ordered a 14-day remand. However, the High Court granted him bail and the Pushpa 2 star was back home the next day. The developments in the case have been making headlines and have stirred debates. Advertisement During his address, the CM delivered a heated speech. He accused the actor of disregarding police instructions and refraining from leaving the theatre even after learning about the womans death. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi asked Revanth Reddy if reports of Allus insensitive behaviour were true. To this, the CM replied, Aisa bhi log hote hain. He added, There is only one entry and exit. In spite of being informed not to go to the theatre, the hero went there. Not only did he go there, he came out from the sunroof of his vehicle and started waving to the thousands of fans who had gathered there. 50-60 bouncers of his private security team pushed the fans. In the melee, police found the lifeless bodies of the mother who had not let her sons hand go even though she had passed away. Continuing, Revanth Reddy iterated the eight-year-old boys serious condition. That familys income is only Rs 30,000. But as their son is a great fan of Arjun, they coughed Rs 3,000 per ticket, paying Rs 12,000 in total (for the family of four) to fulfil the boys wish to see the movie. That mom is dead and the boy is in hospital. I ask, has the actor or any other actor of the film, any other cine star or director or producer bothered to visit the father or the son at the hospital? I dont understand how inhumane people can be. Moreover, he talked about the outrage over Allu Arjuns arrest in connection to the case. The hero is accused number 11 in the case. Nine days after the incident, when police went to his house and took him to the police station, opposition leaders abused me. He spent a few hours in jail. The next day, everyone goes to his home to greet him as if he lost an arm, a leg, or an eye in an accident. All the big stars and cinema stalwarts visited him but none had the humanity to go visit the boy. Reddy further claimed that even after receiving information of the womans death, Allu Arjun refused to leave the venue. First the theatre management did not allow the ACP and police team to go near Arjun, as per the City Police Commissioner. They stalled the police team for several minutes. With the hero still inside the theatre, there were thousands of fans still outside waiting to catch a glimpse of him. In spite of the DCP telling him to leave at around midnight, Arjun did not want to go. He said that he wants to see the entire movie. Under the circumstances, the DCP told him he would be taken to the police station if he did not comply. He further lambasted Allu for greeting fans through his cars sunroof, being indifferent to the catastrophe that occurred. Also Read: Pushpa 2 sees massive sales jump after Allu Arjuns arrest; is there a connection? He stated, If such inhuman people are taken to the police station because they are accused in the case, even those who have worked as ministers for 10 years are criticising the government. When those responsible for the death are called to the police station, these politicians used very vile language to blame the government. Revanth Reddy further claimed, Our government gave permission for special shows thinking that it wanted to promote the film industry. But this kind of behaviour cannot continue at the cost of human lives. I dont know what the figures in the film industry want but we will not agree to play with lives. Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2 hit theatres on December 5. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in key roles with Sukumar serving as the creator. Mythri Movie Makers backed the title. The film is a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster, Pushpa: The Rise. Rajendra Singh, fondly called Paani Baba (waterman), is an acclaimed water conservationist. He is credited with bringing back water adequacy to villages, apart from fighting against illegal mining and taking up the cause of clean Ganga and Yamuna rivers. This is the outcome of almost half a centurys untiring work of training people on digging up water bodies, rejuvenating dried up ones, and educating them on farm techniques and suitability of crop patterns. Singh and his team, Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS), have toiled hard with locals to create 15,800 water bodies and rejuvenate 23 rivers in various states of the country. Advertisement His water-centric crusades are not restricted to India; his missions for restoration of water adequacy with indigenous knowledge-based revival or building water bodies have already left a mark in over 15 countries. The 65-year-old Magsaysay award winner is now on a two pronged mission working in fields with locals and on campuses with academia for propagating indigenous knowledge systems among the younger generation. Satish Kumar Sharma of The Statesman talks to the versatile environmentalist on his work and persona. Advertisement Q: Tell us about your early life. A: I was born on 6 August 1959 in Daula village of Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh. I came to Rajasthan 46 years ago, and became a follower of Vinoba Bhave and J P Narayan. I joined JPs Tarun Shanti Sena. I did my first social welfare task in Jaipur in 1974, helping 44 families whose huts were burnt in a slum near a university. Q: When did you take up water conservation as your mission? A: Fighting for this cause was born out of the need of the people. Since I am an Ayurvedic graduate, I used to treat villagers in Gopalpura where people were suffering from night blindness and other troubles. However, Maangu Kaka, my guiding soul in water conservation, whom I treated for night blindness, said, Rajendra! We do not need your qualification or medicines, we need water, so give us water then there will be no diseases among us. Then this gentleman, whom I have always regarded as my guru for imparting indigenous knowledge, taught me lessons on geographical and geological characters of the area and composition and types of earth crust, which guided me in selection of site for making water bodies, setting its course-route and deciding shapedesign of dam/johad etc. What he taught me in a typical indigenous method proved to me as good as a PhD in natural engineering and geo-hydro science. Our overall efforts restored water adequacy in 2,500 villages spread over 19 districts, transforming lives for the better in more than 12.5 lakh rural households. Q: Didnt you work for the upliftment of Ganga-Yamuna? A: I have held many rejuvenation programmes for both the rivers. Around 2005-07, land along the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi was being given to companies, we fought against it in the Supreme Court. However, then Union minister Arjun Singh had persuaded then chief minister Sheila Dikshit and the Lt Governor for conceding to our demands. Accordingly, the Delhi government cancelled land deals of 370 companies and imposed a moratorium on allotment of the river land. In 2008, renowned river environmentalist Prof G D Agrawal, former professor of IIT Kanpur, took me in for the cause of a clean and richly flowing Ganga. We led a successful yatra from Gangotri to Uttarkashi in 2008-09. The Centre accepted our demands, declared the Ganga as a national river, stopped all work on three dams along the Bhagirathi, assured of no new dams on this river, declared the stretch from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi as an eco-sensitive zone and inducted me in the National Ganga Basin Authority (2009- 2014). Q: You also worked against illegal mining and for rehabilitated dacoits? A: Yes, we did resist illegal mining. After gaining success in Gopalpura, people from nearby villages approached me to replicate the work in their respective areas. I went there, and dug one johad each in Palpur, Kilwadi and Khilpad villages. However, due to mining, the water from these johads receded down into mining pits. This emerged as a major issue as 478 mines were running in a 200 square km area along Sariska. We moved the Supreme Court for closure of these mines. The court ordered the closure (October 1991). Encouraged by this success, we made efforts for closing stone mines along the Aravali mountain range traversing four states Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In fact, Parliament enacted the Aravali Protection Act 1992. Another notable feature in our journey to success was the return of 3,500 dacoits in Dholpur, Karauli districts, to mainstream society. A woman (Bhagwati) of Chondakiya village, who was bought by dacoit chieftain Jagdish Gujjar alias Nirbhaya Singh for being his wife, very tactfully planned with us not only for rejuvenation of water resources in her husbands native village, but also brought her dacoit husband back home from the Chambal ravines. Bhagwati and I persuaded Nirbhaya to lay down arms. He not just accepted our pleas, but also joined us in spreading the water mission and rehabilitation of fellow dacoits in mainstream life. Q: What do you feel about your work leaving a mark across the globe? A: I am happy my work is not just restricted to India. We have made strides in many other countries like Egypt, Kenya and Somalia. People in many villages in these countries have already adopted and launched, under my teams guidance, our programmes of water harvesting and conservation. From just 50 biotech startups in 2014 in India, the ecosystem has grown to nearly 9,000 in the last decade, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh. At an event held here, he attributed the increase to the remarkable growth in bio-economy in the last ten years from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024. The bio-economy industry is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. Advertisement With the kind of threat of pollution, the climate challenges, etc., being faced, this government has held sustainability at a very high priority. This is quite contrary to the times till about 10-15 years ago when India was not taken very seriously as far as issues like climate or the green concerns because they thought either India was alien to it or maybe we didnt understand the seriousness of it, Dr Singh observed. Advertisement The minister noted that sustainability is of high priority for the government amid the continuing threat of pollution, and the climate change challenges. He also highlighted Indias aim to achieve a net zero emissions target by 2070, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at COP-26 in 2021. Dr Singh said that in the last few years, the government has undertaken several initiatives towards sustainability. This includes the Green Hydrogen mission, the mission for climate change, and the deep sea mission.The governments recently introduced BioE3 Policy is also an important step forward towards sustainable growth in the backdrop of climate change, depleting non-renewable resources and unsustainable waste generation. The rise of biotech startups is pivotal for our future economy. These efforts place India at the forefront of the global bioplastics movement, showing the world how biotechnology can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future, the minister said. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has announced a nationwide agitation on December 24 to protest against Home Minister Amit Shahs controversial remarks about Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar in Parliament, which they claim disrespected the architect of Indias Constitution. In a series of posts shared on the social media platform X on Saturday, BSP chief Mayawati expressed her partys strong disapproval of the statements made by Amit Shah. Advertisement She highlighted the enduring reverence for Dr Ambedkar, describing him as a super-humanistic figure who authored a welfare-oriented Constitution that championed the rights and dignity of Dalits, marginalised groups, and other neglected sections of society. Advertisement Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the creator of the Constitution that upholds self-respect and human rights for Dalits and deprived sections of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Shri Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people, Mayawati wrote. She further added, People from all walks of life across the country are deeply angry and agitated by the remarks made in Parliament regarding such a great personality. The Ambedkarite BSP has demanded an immediate retraction and public repentance from the Home Minister, which has not happened. Mayawati announced that if the demand for taking back of the statement and apology is not met, the BSP will mobilise its supporters nationwide. The party has decided to hold a peaceful, nationwide agitation on December 24. On this day, dharnas and demonstrations will be organised at all district headquarters across the country, to demand justice, she declared. The BSP leader also underlined the historical and social significance of Dr Ambedkar, describing him as the true messiah of Dalits and Bahujans who fought tirelessly for their legal rights and social dignity. In the absence of Babasaheb, who spent his entire life empowering the Dalits and Bahujans to stand with self-respect and secured their legal rights, his legacy must be honoured above all, she stated. Mayawati also trained guns on the BJP and the Congress, accusing them of hypocrisy in their treatment of Dr Ambedkars legacy. If parties like the BJP and Congress cannot genuinely respect Babasaheb, then they should at least refrain from disrespecting him. The day Babasaheb secured legal rights and reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities through the Constitution was akin to them attaining seven lifetimes of blessings, she asserted. Earlier on Thursday, Mayawati at a press conference in Lucknow demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah withdraw his controversial statement about Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The Congress on Saturday announced to hold a nationwide protest over Union Home Minister Amit Shahs recent remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, on 24th December. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Organisation KC Venugopal said the partys agitation demanding Shahs resignation will continue and they will fight to protect Ambedkars legacy against the Manusmriti worshippers. Advertisement Informing that Congress will mark the upcoming week as Ambedkar Samman Saptah, Venugopal in a post on X wrote, All Congress MPs, senior leaders and CWC members will hold press conferences in their constituencies and home districts across the country on 22nd-23rd December. On 24th December, all across the country, we will hold Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Marches and submit a memorandum to the President of India through District Collectors demanding Amit Shahs resignation. Advertisement The senior Congress leader said all the party workers will garland Babsahebs statue, hold his giant portrait at the front of the march and carry huge placards with key demands of the party. On 26th-27th December, we will hold an Extended CWC Session and a mega rally in Belagavi where we will reiterate our commitment to Dr Ambedkar and his ideals, he said. In a circular issued to all the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in this regard, Venugopal wrote, These actions aim to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, who remains a beacon of justice and equality for the nation. We urge you to coordinate these activities effectively and ensure maximum participation from party leaders, workers, and the public. All PCCs are requested to submit a detailed report of the march conducted. It may be mentioned that replying in a debate in the Upper House marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitutions adoption, Shah in an attack on the Congress on Tuesday said, 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. Congress has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of insulting Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar during a debate on the 75th anniversary of the Constitutions adoption in the Upper House on Tuesday. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that Shahs remarks reflect the frustration brewing within the party after failing to achieve their Abki Baar 400 Paar target in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Advertisement A video circulating on social media shows Shah taking a dig at opposition leaders for frequently invoking Dr BR Ambedkars name. Advertisement Shah remarked, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar 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 repeatedly. If they had taken Gods name this many times, they would have secured heaven for seven lifetimes). At a press conference held at the Congress headquarters, Khera announced plans for nationwide protests starting Sunday, condemning Shahs remarks. On December 22 and 23, Congress leaders and party workers will hold press conferences in 150 cities, demanding an apology and Shahs resignation. Khera called Shah the second most powerful man in the country and emphasized the seriousness of his comments. On December 24, Congress will organize a Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March across all districts, led by Members of Parliament, Central Working Committee members, and party workers. The marches will culminate in the garlanding of Dr Ambedkars statues and the submission of a memorandum addressed to the President of India through District Collectors. Khera accused both Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately disrespecting the Constitution and its architect. Their remarks were not accidental. The BJP wants to change the Constitution of our country and insult the man who created it, he said. Khera also addressed the upcoming centenary celebration of the historic 1924 Congress session led by Mahatma Gandhi in Belagavi. He noted that the session would focus on setting the partys short-term and medium-term goals. As compared to assessment of 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes 156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km in tree cover. The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17 per cent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover. Advertisement This is as per the findings of the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) released today at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Advertisement The ISFR is brought out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a biennial basis since 1987. FSI carries out an in-depth assessment of the forest and tree resources of the country based on interpretation of Remote Sensing satellite data and field based National Forest Inventory (NFI), and the results are published in the ISFR. The India State of Forest Report 2023 is 18th such report in the series. Top four states showing maximum increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (684 sq km) followed by Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km) and Rajasthan (394 sq km). Top three states showing maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242 sq km) followed by Gujarat (180 sq km) and Odisha (152 sq km) .Area wise top three states having largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km). The Minister expressed happiness over the fact that as compared to 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country. He also highlighted the near real time fire alerts and forest fire services provided by FSI using advanced technology. The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in Indias forests, instances of forest fire, Agroforestry, etc. To present a detailed picture of forest health at country level, special thematic information on forest cover and important characteristics of forests have been reported in the ISFR. As per the present assessment, the total Forest and Tree cover is 8,27,357sq km, which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country. The Forest Cover has an area of about 7,15,343sq km (21.76%) whereas the Tree Cover has an area of 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%). Area wise top three states having largest forest cover area are Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km). In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 percent). The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have above 33 per cent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 percent. The total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km in the country. According to the report, the total growing stock of Indias forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 6430 million cum, of which 4479 million cum is inside the forests and 1951 million cum outside the forest area. There is an increase of 262 million cum of total growing stock as compared to the previous assessment which includes an increase of 91 million cum inside the forest and 171 million cum outside the forest area.The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670sq km. As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km in bamboo area. The report says the total annual potential production of timber from trees outside forest has been estimated as 91.51 million cum. In the present assessment total carbon stock in the countrys forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes. There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment. Regarding status on achievement of target under NDC related to carbon sequestration, the current assessment shows that Indias carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; which indicates that as compared to the base year of 2005, India has already reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030. The six-day winter session of the Maharashtra assembly concluded in Nagpur on Saturday, but not before the death of a Dalit Ambedkarite activist Somnath Suryawanshi in police custody rocked the house, coinciding with several protests in various places in Maharashtra, against the BJP-dominated Mahayuti governments alleged bias against Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution of India. The Maharashtra legislative assembly was prorogued after an order was issued by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday after the end of the six-day winter session and it has been announced that the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature will begin in Mumbai, on March 3. The Governors order was read out by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Advertisement The six-day winter session witnessed uproar due to Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks about Dr BR Ambedkar and the violence which broke out in Parbhani city in central Maharashtra, after the desecration of a replica of the Constitution near Parbhani railway station. Advertisement On the sixth and final day of the six-day Maharashtra assemblys winter session, Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad raised the issue of the death of a 35-year-old Dalit Ambedkarite political activist in Parbhani called Somnath Suryawanshi in police (judicial) custody, after he protested against disrespect shown to the Constitution. The issue has already flared up and become a political hot potato in Maharashtra, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is all set to visit Parbhani on Monday and meet Somnath Suryawanshis mother, Vijayabai Suryawanshi. Earlier on Saturday, Awhad expressed serious doubts about the death of Somnath Suryawanshi on the last day of the winter session, citing the postmortem report which stated that Suryawanshi died of shock due to multiple injuries in police custody. The truth should have come out but it has not been revealed in the answer given by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. How did Somnath Suryawanshi from Parbhani die? I read his postmortem report. There were many injuries on his body. Where did those injuries come from? He suffered a concussion due to a broken bone. Who will answer for this? Are we changing the post-mortem report to save the criminals, Jitendra Awhad said during the Maharashtra assembly winter session. On Friday, CM Fadnavis had announced Rs 10 lakh assistance to the family of Somnath Suryavanshi in the assembly, but Suryawanshis mother refused to accept the assistance. She said, I do not accept the Chief Ministers words. My son was beaten and killed. I want justice for this. I do not believe in the promises of the minister. I do not want Rs 10 lakh. Keep that Rs 10 lakh in the ministers pocket or feed some policeman. I want my son. Even as the Maharashtra assembly debated the Sudhir Suryawanshi police custodial death, NCP founder president Sharad Pawar met Suryawanshis mother Vijayabai Suryawanshi in Parbhani on Saturday. Somnath Suryawanshis mother Vijayabai told Sharad Pawar that her son never had any sort of disease as reported in a section of the media. Somnaths mother demanded that those who took her sons life should be hanged. Soon after this, Sharad Pawar demanded that the statement of Somnath Suryawanshis family should be investigated and strict action should be taken against the culprits involved in his death in police custody. Just like other common citizens, after the desecration of the Constitution, Somnath Suryawanshi also took to the streets along with everyone. Punishing an innocent Somnath Suryavanshi until he died is a serious matter. Therefore, I have come to Parbhani to get first-hand information. The incident is very serious and action should be taken against the culprits, NCP President and MP Sharad Pawar said in Parbhani on Saturday. The issue made headlines after 35-year-old Somnath Suryawanshi, who was arrested by the police after the violence that took place in Parbhani, a few days ago, died in judicial custody in the Parbhani District Jail. A replica of the Constitution of India was allegedly desecrated outside Parbhani railway station, which triggered off violence in Parbhani. Later, Somnath Suryawanshi was one of the 50 people arrested by the Parbhani police after this incident. After the death of Somnath Suryavanshi in custody, there is an uproar across Maharashtra demanding that he should get justice. Somnaths mother Vijayabai Suryawanshi said that her son Somnath Suryawanshi was a bookworm. His only capital was his books. He had hundreds of books. Somnath wanted us to do at least one percent of the work that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had done, Vijayabai Suryawanshi said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that every woman has the potential to create her own success story. During the inauguration of the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa Milk Producer Organization, run by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), and the opening of seven milk chilling centres in the Gorakhpur division, CM Yogi highlighted the importance of womens self-reliance and the opportunities available for them to thrive through hard work and training. Advertisement Addressing the gathering at Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium, CM Yogi stated, No society can progress by ignoring half of its population. Womens safety, respect, and self-reliance are vital for the development of the nation and society. Advertisement He encouraged women to choose their fields, receive proper training, and move forward with dedication. The Chief Minister lauded womens achievements, particularly those in the National Rural Livelihood Mission, and distributed certificates to several women for their outstanding work. Vidyut Sakhis, BC Sakhis, Lakhpati Didis, Namo Drone Didis, and Bank Sakhis were among those honoured for their contributions to society. In a significant move, CM Yogi transferred Rs 242.30 crore to 7,405 women self-help groups under the National Livelihood Mission. This financial support aims to further empower women and enhance their economic participation. CM Yogi said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of womens safety, respect and self-reliance, has begun. He highlighted schemes like Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Nari Vandan, Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and Matri Vandana Yojana as steps towards womens empowerment. He stated that, for the first time in independent India, women feel that policies have been designed specifically for them, and they are truly reaping the benefits of these initiatives. The Chief Minister also mentioned that toilets constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission symbolize womens dignity, while free LPG connections represent efforts to promote their respect and empowerment. In the program, CM Yogi announced that on December 27, PM Modi will distribute Gharauni certificates to 40 lakh families in Uttar Pradesh under the PM Swamitva Yojana. He also mentioned that before this, Gharauni certificates had already been provided to 60 lakh families in the state. On this occasion, the Chief Minister encouraged the women associated with the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Milk Producer Organization to move forward. He highlighted the success of Bundelkhands Balinee Milk Producer Company as an example, which was started in 2019 by just five women. Today, it has 71,000 shareholders and collects 2.5 lakh litres of milk daily, earning a net profit of Rs 24 crore with a turnover of Rs 1225 crore. The Chief Minister emphasized that Shri Baba Gorakhnath Milk Producer Company, located in Purvanchal, currently has 12,926 shareholders and collects 33,000 litres of milk daily. He encouraged women to increase their shareholders and expand milk collection efforts, aiming for a daily collection of 3 lakh litres. In addition, CM Yogi highlighted the upcoming readymade garment factory in Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA), which will provide self-reliant opportunities for women from self-help groups. He also praised the success of Namo Drone Didis, who are now efficiently completing pesticide spraying in fields using drones, a task that once took a full day. During the program, the Chief Minister flagged off 10 Prerna vehicles (e-rickshaws) that will be operated by women from self-help groups. He also flagged off the milk van for the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa Milk Producer Organization, further encouraging womens participation in business and entrepreneurship. The CM praised the women in self-help groups formed under the Livelihood Mission for their outstanding work in achieving self-reliance. He highlighted the success of Namo Drone Didis, who, after training in drone operation, now complete pesticide spraying in fields in one hour, a task that previously took an entire day. He also informed that in 204 blocks of the state, women have set up take-home ration plants to produce nutritious food. To further support these groups, the CM announced that Rs 1.39 crore has been approved and distributed to 186 village organizations, Rs 3.44 crore in revolving funds to 1,146 groups, Rs 22.95 crore in community investment funds to 1,530 groups, Rs 196 crore in CCL credit linkage to 3,270 groups, Rs 8.34 crore for disaster prevention to 557 village organizations, Rs 30 lakh for six integrated farming clusters, and Rs 8 lakh for Prerna Cafe. Addressing the program, MP Ravi Kishan Shukla said that women have dreams, and those dreams should not be suppressed. He praised CM Yogi for encouraging women and turning their dreams into reality. He further stated that ensuring the safety, respect, and self-reliance of women is a priority for both PM Modi and CM Yogi. He highlighted that women are at the centre of various schemes, including the free housing scheme, toilets in every house, and several self-reliance initiatives. Deepa Ranjan, Director of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi, 96 lakh women in the state are on the path of self-reliance through eight and a half lakh groups in the Livelihood Mission. She highlighted that 40,000 women are serving as BC Sakhis and 24,000 women as Vidyut Sakhis. Additionally, women are running take-home ration plants and operating ration shops successfully. Inspired by the success of the Balinee Milk Producer Company, three other milk companies have been established under CM Yogis instructions. The event was also attended by Mayor Dr Manglesh Shrivastava, MLC Dr Dharmendra Singh, MLA Vipin Singh, Pradeep Shukla, Sarwan Nishad, and Charu Chaudhary, Vice President of the State Womens Commission. CM visited various stalls of groups associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission and State Rural Livelihood Mission at the venue. He inquired about the work and achievements of the women involved and praised their efforts. Yogi Adityanath also encouraged the women present at the stalls, stating that these stalls represent the success stories of women empowerment. On this occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off 10 Prerna vehicles (e-rickshaws) from the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium complex. These vehicles will be operated by women from self-help groups. Additionally, CM Yogi also flagged off the milk van of the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa Milk Producer Organization. During the program, two MoUs were signed in front of Chief Minister by Gorakhpurs womens group, Vanshakti Prernaone with ONDC and the other with Everest Food Court Varanasi. The CM also honoured several women, including Vidyut Sakhi Sunita Devi, Mahima Gupta, Lakhpati Didi Reena Devi, Sangeeta, Sandhya, Manju, Shashi Prabha, Vimala, Namo Drone Didi Babita Paswan, Kunti Devi, and Bank Sakhi Sakshi Mishra, by giving them certificates. Additionally, symbolic cheques were handed over to womens groups from Gorakhpur (Rs 70 crore 44 lakhs), Deoria (Rs 55 crore 80 lakhs), Maharajganj (Rs 69 crore 86 lakhs), and Kushinagar (Rs 40 crore 10 lakhs) under the CCL linkage. The construction of the much-awaited Bhubu Jot Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has got strategic importance clearance. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday that the Ministry of Defence has officially recommended to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that the Bhubu Jot Tunnel, along with the Ghatasani-Shilha-Bhubu Jot-Kullu National Highway, be designated as a project of strategic importance. Advertisement In its communication the Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role this highway and tunnel would play as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas. Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly, he said. Advertisement Sukhu reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project. I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25, 2024 to request prioritization of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the State. he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by over 50 kilometers and will deliver immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region thereby strengthening the economy of the people, he said, adding that the state government was prioritizing tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimize environmental impact. The construction of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyze socio-economic growth in the region, said the Chief Minister. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has categorically dismissed claims surrounding an alleged imaginary map created by certain individuals in Bangladesh, purportedly showing Assam as part of their territory. Addressing the matter, Sarma stated, Some people in Bangladesh are making an imaginary map in which Assam is shown as a part of Bangladesh. But we are actually building semiconductor factories in Assam. Their fantasy does not matter to us. Advertisement The Chief Minister underscored Assams rapid strides in infrastructure and economic development, asserting that such baseless claims have no impact on the states ambitions. Advertisement Does Bangladesh have a semiconductor industry? We are propelling Assam so far ahead that even those in Bangladesh will be astonished when they visit. They will not be able to grasp or compete with our progress, he added. Sarma pointed to the establishment of semiconductor factories as a landmark achievement in Assams industrial journey, positioning the state as a hub for technological innovation and a frontrunner in economic growth. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS), Dr Ajay Shukla, on Saturday informed that injured BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput have been shifted out of ICU. He, however, said that Sarnagi has a swelling over his cheekbone, while Rajput is still feeling dizziness. Sarangi and Rajput sustained injuries during a scuffle between the Congress-led Opposition and the ruling BJP-led NDA at the Parliament entrance on Thursday. They were taken to the RML Hospital and admitted to the ICU. Advertisement Giving updates on the health conditions of the injured parliamentarians, the MS informed the media that the doctors noticed that Sarangi has a swelling over his cheekbone and it has turned bluish. He said an X-ray will be done to see whether it is a minor fracture or because of the injury. Advertisement On Rajputs health condition, the MS said he is still feeling a bit of dizziness and not feeling comfortable. In response to a question whether they would be discharged, Shukla said, We have shifted them to the private room. We will get the X-ray, etc done and then take further decision. The MS on Friday said the injured BJP MPs are in better condition and they are under observation.Now, both of them are in better condition. Their BP is in control. They are in ICU and under observation, he said. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav on Saturday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after its national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced Dr Ambedkar scholarship for the higher education of Dalit students, calling it a gimmick to woo the voters ahead of the forthcoming Assembly polls. Reacting to this, he said that with the Delhi Assembly elections closing in, Kejriwal was getting desperate to influence the voters with various freebies. His latest promise to realise the dream of Dalit children to get foreign education through the Dr Ambedkar scholarship scheme ahead of polls was one such gimmick, he remarked. Advertisement Attacking the former Delhi CM, the Delhi Congress chief said, Kejriwals latest promise to realize the dream of the Dalit children to get foreign education is yet another misleading election stunt. He remembers the poor and the backwards only during election time, otherwise, he does not even acknowledge their existence in miserable living conditions in various slum clusters of the capital, without even basic civic facilities. Advertisement Kejriwal, who came to power invoking the name of Dalits and contested the elections on the jaadu symbol, has totally neglected the Dalits after getting their votes to come to power, he alleged. He claimed that Kejriwals anti-Dalit attitude was exposed as early as 2014 when the AAP government reduced the number of state scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students by more than 75,000. Kejriwal had announced a number of freebies like Ladli Behna, free electricity and water, farm loan waivers, free ration, Delhi Mahila Samman Yojna, laptops etc, but none of these promises were fulfilled. They seemed to have made any impact with the voters of Delhi, who now look at Kejriwal with suspicion and distrust considering his long track record of corruption and unfulfilled promises, he said. Yadav further asserted that Kejriwal should first improve the standard of government schools and education, as the frequent closure of schools due to severe air pollution, and the implementation of online classes, have impacted children from poor families, particularly the Dalit community. The six-day winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly, which ended on Saturday ,has gone down in the annals of Indias and Maharashtras political history as unprecedented as not a single BJP-dominated Mahayuti ministers portfolio was announced even as the session ended. Despite a month after the BJP-led Mahayuti came to power in Maharashtra after a landslide victory declared on November 23, sources said that the internal tug-of-war and slugfest over the ministerial portfolio pie is still on. Advertisement The Opposition was quick to criticise the non-allocation of ministerial portfolios. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, With such a magnificent victory, one would have expected rejoicing, but what has come to the fore is discontent and differences within the Mahayuti. Advertisement Maharashtra State Congress chief Nana Patole said, If everything is fine, then why is it taking so long to form the cabinet and allocate portfolios? Once cabinet ministers take their oaths, portfolios are generally allocated within 24 hours, but in the Mahayutis case, it has been several weeks, he said. It may be recalled that shortly after the swearing-in ceremony on December 15, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself had announced that ministerial portfolio allocation to newly sworn-in ministers would be completed within the next two to three days. Though he has officially maintained, There are absolutely no differences. Everything is decided. And all three parties are working as a team, it is now clear that decision on ministerial portfolio allocation is yet to happen and there is a tussle going on to grab key portfolios like the home ministry, the finance ministry, the revenue ministry, urban development, energy, industries and public works department. Meanwhile, sources said that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is particularly keen on heading the finance ministry, but the BJP is keen on the portfolio as well. As if that was not enough the BJPs decision to drop four sitting ministers, including its senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, has not gone down well with his supporters. Even the decision by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to deny a ministerial post to its senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has stirred controversy. In fact, Bhujbal had publicly expressed his disappointment after being denied a cabinet berth. I stood by the OBCs at a time when there were attacks from all sides. I fought Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who was seeking Maratha reservation in the OBC quota. I think the denial of a ministers post is the reward for my hard work, Bhujbal had stated, expressing his displeasure. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena had dropped its former minister Tanaji Sawant who said, I was promised a Cabinet, a promise which was not kept. Another former minister from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Vijay Shivtare too was dropped and he had said, I am upset at how I have been treated. In fact, Shivtare had even left the legislative session in Nagpur and returned to his constituency. Shivtare had said, I left the winter session of the legislature because what happened in the last two or three days has ruined my mood. Even though I was eligible, I was rejected. Eknath Shinde must have been behind the rejection. I dont know why I was denied the ministerial post. Another disgruntled Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA is Prakash Surve, who had openly expressed his displeasure after being denied a ministerial berth. I was a little sad, Surve said, and he had returned to Mumbai to meet his workers. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday held a meeting with Chief Ministers/LGs and state Health Ministers, requesting their support toward the ongoing 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign. During the meeting convened by Nadda via video conferencing, the CMs/LGs and state Health Ministers were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken, and the role of states/UTs in ensuring the successful implementation of the campaign. Advertisement The Union Health Minister urged the States/UTs to monitor the campaign at the state level and ensure the same is done by the political and administrative leadership at the district levels. He suggested that to ensure a whole-of-government approach, other ministries and departments can be roped in to support campaign activities, similar to the approach taken at the national level. Advertisement Nadda also urged the CMs to involve elected representatives, especially Members of Legislative Assemblies and Councils, as well as Panchayati Raj Institutions, and encourage their active participation to help mobilize communities. He highlighted that the rate of TB decline in India has doubled from 8.3 per cent in 2015 to 17.7 per cent, which is much ahead of the global average. He also informed that deaths due to TB have reduced significantly in India by 21.4 per cent in the last 10 years. Crediting the state ministers for the achievements made towards TB eradication, the Union Health Minister thanked them for their support towards the campaign. He highlighted the importance of test, track and diagnostics for active TB testing, screening and diagnosis of patients and urged them to actively monitor the campaign in the identified districts in their respective states. Underlining the support that state ministers can provide on the TB campaign, Nadda requested them to promote the campaign in their meetings and rallies and also urged them to come forward as Ni-Kshay Mitras to adopt TB patients. The Union Health Minister also informed that states already have nearly two months stock of TB medicines and the Centre is working towards ensuring advance stock of at least six months. Nearly 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities were reported in Bangladesh till December 8, according to Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. The government, he said, has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concern with the Bangladesh government. Mr Singh also told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that 112 cases of violence against minorities were reported in Pakistan. Advertisement 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases were reported till October 2024. Zero cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh, the minister said. Advertisement He said India expected the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of minorities. He added that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation in the neighbouring country. India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same has also been reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely, he informed the lower House. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Dhaka earlier this month and met with Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain. During the talks, he raised the issue of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladesh leaders and officials and reiterated Indias views on the attacks. We had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties, he said. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and senior Congress leader from Uttar Pradesh Pramod Tiwari has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being equally responsible for an insult to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. In a statement released on Saturday, Tiwari alleged that the Prime Minister not only appointed Amit Shah as the Union Home Minister but also supported him despite Shahs derogatory remarks about Dr Ambedkar. According to Tiwari, this support has tarnished the dignity of the Prime Ministers office. Advertisement He further called on Prime Minister Modi to accept moral responsibility for the incident and resign. By endorsing the Home Minister, who made derogatory statements about the creator of the Constitution while taking an oath on it, the PM has demeaned his office, Tiwari stated. Advertisement The Congress leader also declared that his party would raise this issue strongly among the public, emphasizing the importance of preserving the respect for Dr. Ambedkar and the Constitution. Referring to the disruption of parliamentary proceedings during the winter session, Tiwari accused the BJP of undermining parliamentary traditions and decorum. The ruling party has created a black chapter in Indias parliamentary history by its deliberate disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, he said. Tiwari also condemned the FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, describing it as dictatorial and malicious. He claimed that parliamentary footage clearly exonerates Gandhi from any involvement in alleged physical altercations in the House. He further criticized the Modi governments response to atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan, stating that it has been ineffective in addressing the plight of minorities in these countries. Taking a dig at the government, he sarcastically remarked, While Adani provides cheap electricity to Bangladesh, the government fails to act decisively on the oppression of Hindus there. Tiwari concluded by accusing the government of using political stunts to divert public attention from pressing issues, such as minority oppression and internal governance failures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a landmark two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The trip, undertaken at the invitation of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, underscores the deep and growing ties between the two countries. Advertisement The visit will commence with a stop at an Indian labour camp, where PM Modi will meet members of the Indian workforce to express solidarity and appreciation for their contributions to both nations. The gesture highlights the governments commitment to engaging with Indian citizens abroad. Advertisement 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, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said ahead of PM Modis historic visit. Following his arrival, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, the residence of the Emir. During his stay, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the Emir, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. Delegation-level talks will cover key areas, including trade, investment, energy cooperation, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This visit is of considerable significance, as it marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since late Prime Minister Indira Gandhis trip in 1981, noted Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs. Chatterjee highlighted the excellent political relations between India and Kuwait, emphasising the visits potential to further strengthen bilateral ties. India and Kuwait share a robust trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. Kuwait is one of Indias top trading partners, particularly in the energy sector. PM Modi is also expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, further strengthening cultural and economic linkages between the two nations. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy today slammed the Tollywood film industry for failing to show compassion towards the dead woman and the child injured in the stampede during the benefit show of Pushpa 2 and instead, extending their support to Telugu actor Allu Arjun who was arrested by the police in connection with the case. He categorically stated that police had not only refused permission for the event but also narrated how the actor compounded the problem of crowd management by waving towards the people from the sunroof of his vehicle. He then refused to leave the theatres even after being repeatedly requested by the police even after he was informed about the stampede and casualties. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly the CM said, Did Allu Arjun lose his legs or his eyesight? What happened to warrant such attention? The time has come for the industry to act with greater compassion and accountability. Public safety should be prioritized before profit or film stars. The Telugu film industry rallied beside Allu Arjun after he was released from jail following bail. Advertisement The matter was raised in the Assembly by AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi who did not name the actor. He alleged, According to the information I received the hero went in to watch his film in the theatre, he was sitting there and the police came and told him there was a stampede, two children had fallen, a lady had died and then the actor turned and said Then the film will be a hit. While returning, he again waved to the people. Is this true? There is a message going around that the government is being high-handed. Advertisement Reddy said he did not want to comment earlier because it might have influenced the investigation. Narrating the sequence of events on the fateful night, he said Sandhya Theatres were denied permission for the event because several cinema halls and restaurants were in the vicinity and it was impossible to control the crowd. But on 4 December, the hero held an impromptu roadshow, waving at the crowd from the sunroof of his vehicle even though it was a high-density traffic stretch. His bouncers started shoving to make way for him inside the cinema hall and even after he sat down thousands of people went inside or waited outside to catch a glimpse. In the melee, Revathi and her son Sritej got separated from her husband and were crushed in the crowd. When the police cleared the place and rescued them both were unconscious. The mother was holding on to her son in a vice-like grip and the police struggled to remove her hand because she had died by that time, he said. Sritej has now been declared as brain-dead. Reddy also said the police repeatedly tried to get the actor to leave the hall but first, the theatre management resisted and Allu Arjun insisted he would watch the entire film. The DCP threatened to arrest even the actor. He left, waving at fans once again. Announcing Rs 25 lakh as ex gratia he said benefit shows would not be allowed anymore. Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders and workers staged protests across Uttar Pradesh, submitting memorandums to the President through District Magistrates under the leadership of the partys MPs, MLAs, and district heads. The demonstrations were in response to alleged derogatory remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in Parliament. Advertisement The memorandums demanded a public apology from Amit Shah and his resignation. Advertisement In Lucknow, district and city leaders of the SP, along with party workers, gathered at the Collectorate to submit their memorandum. Meanwhile, advocates from the High Courts in Prayagraj and Lucknow also protested, echoing the demand for an apology from the Home Minister. The Samajwadi Advocate Sabha held a silent protest in front of Dr Ambedkars photograph at the Avadh Bar Library Hall in Lucknow and took an oath to uphold the Constitution. Additionally, the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha burned an effigy of Amit Shah at KKC College in Lucknow to express their dissent. The pursuit of professional success has often overshadowed the need for personal well-being. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, a staunch advocate for hard work, recently reignited the debate on work-life balance by expressing skepticism about its feasibility. While his views resonate with those who value dedication, they also raise important questions about the cost of excessive professional commitment. Is employment merely a means to an end, or should it define our lives? The answer lies in understanding the need for balance between work and personal well-being. Murthys journey ~working 14-hour days, six and a half days a week ~ embodies a traditional perspective. His belief that education and opportunities come with a responsibility to work hard echoes the post-war ethos of nations like Germany and Japan. However, in todays digital age, where mental health and productivity are closely linked, this mindset may not align with the realities of the modern workforce. Murthys suggestion of a 70-hour workweek for Indian millennials has sparked mixed reactions: while some see it as a call for a stronger work ethic, others argue it is impractical and harmful to personal well-being. Advertisement The tragic stories of young professionals like Anna Sebastian Perayil, Saurabh Kumar Ladda, Tarun Saxena, and Karthi keyan highlight the devastating impact of work-related stress in India. These cases expose the toxic work environments characterized by unrealistic expectations and the absence of adequate support systems, which push employees to their breaking points. Taruns heartbreaking sui cide note, where he revealed sleepless nights and overwhelming stress, serves as a stark reminder that work should never come at the cost of ones life. Advertisement While countries such as France, Portugal, and Australia have implemented laws to protect employees private time, Indian workers remain vulnerable to the pressures of a hyperconnected, always-on work culture. The lack of robust labour protections exacerbates this crisis, leaving workers exposed to exploitative practices and unable to find relief. The human toll of overwork demands urgent attention and systemic change to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of employees. The relentless pursuit of professional success is taking a significant toll on public health. Chronic stress, long working hours, and inadequate recovery time are leading to an increase in lifestyle diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that the prevalence of diabetes in India has more than doubled in the last two decades, now affecting over 70 million people. Hypertension, another work-related health issue, affects nearly 30 per cent of the adult population in urban areas, with work stress being a key contributing factor. Mental health conditions are also escalating. Anxiety, depression, and burnout have become widespread, with employees facing heig htened pressure to perform in highly competitive environments. According to a 2023 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest rate of depression in the world, with over 56 million people affected. The suicide rate is similarly concerning: the Natio nal Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 171,000 suicides in 2022, with a significant proportion attributed to work-related stress, unemployment, and societal pressures. Youth suicides are particularly alarming, with individuals under 30 making up over 40 per cent of all suicides in India. Professional demands, academic pressures, and the rising cost of living are contributing factors to this tragic trend. Studies show that nearly 25 per cent of young people in India report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, with many citing work-related stress and academic expectations as primary causes. These statistics underline the urgent need to address mental heal th and work-life balance in India to prevent further deterioration of public well-being. Creating sustainable work cultures requires systemic changes that prioritize employee well-being. In India, legislative reforms should ensure the right to disconnect, limit work hours, and mandate paid vacations, allowing workers the time to recharge. Alongside these legal changes, organizations must adopt policies that value employees as individuals, not just productivity units. Offering flexible schedules, mental health resources, and supportive leadership can empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Education is essential in this transformation. Workers need to be informed about their rights and the importance of work-life balance. Training on time management, stress coping strategies, and healthy work habits will equip employees to navigate professional challenges without compromising their well-being. A broader cultural shift is necessary, where success is redefined not just by career achievements but by personal fulfillment, family time, and overall well-being. Moving away from the outdated hustle and grind mentality, modern work is about efficiency, creativity, and strategic thinking. Research shows that overwork harms focus, stifles innovation, and undermines long-term performance. Smarter work strategies, like short in tense work sessions followed by recovery periods, can sustain productivity without burnout. Work should not overshadow lifes broader purpose. It is a tool to achieve happiness, contribute to society, and live fulfilling lives. While Narayana Murthys commitment to hard work is inspiring, it should not set a universal standard. Individuals should have the freedom to define success on their terms, balancing professional ambitions with personal joys. As India progresses, it must learn from global examples that prioritize workforce well-being. Frances right to disconnect law, which allows employees to ignore work communications outside of office hours, and countries like Belgium and Japan that have adopted a fourday workweek, demonstrate that reduced work hours can boost both productivity and satisfaction. Austrias mandatory vacation laws and Belgiums time credit system, which allows employees to take extended leave without jeopardizing job security, further highlight the importance of structured time off for worker rejuvenation. In contrast, Indias average workweek of 46.7 hours far exceeds global norms. Over half of Indian workers work more than 49 hours a week, often at the expense of their health. This highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize employee well-being and sustainable productivity. The WHO reports that work-related stress leads to a global productivity loss of $1 trillion annually, underscoring the need for change. As younger generations increasingly prioritize mental health and flexibility, India has an opportunity to embrace global best practices. By adopting thoughtful reforms, India can foster a compassionate, sustainable work culture that balances professional success with personal fulfillment. Ultimately, happiness is not defined by the hours we work, but by the quality of the lives we lead. (The writer is an author, policy analyst and colum) Think of Lord Curzon, and the first thing that flashes in your mind is the 1905 Bengal Partition. Bengal burnt, and King George V had to personally come to India in 1911 to annul the Partition and transfer the capital to Delhi. However, the Bengal Partition was not the only partition done by Curzons knife. The first one was hugely successfulthe resentment coming from British officers who felt that the feather in their caps was being taken away for the good of India. The second one was hugely unsuccessfulthe resentment coming from Hindus and Muslims who felt that their unity was being interfered with for the good of Britain. Advertisement The British Empires thorn in the flesh was not a bunch of patriots who opened fire at a white man and then smilingly went to the gallows. Managing the turbulent and bloodthirsty Pathan tribes on the North-West frontier was probably a bigger challenge. Not just the British but also the Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs found these mountaineers extremely warlike to subjugate. Advertisement There were two schools of thought to deal with the issue: the forward policy and the close border policy. The forward policy sought to effect the extension of Pax Britannica up to the Durand Line through military presence and campaign. On the other hand, advocates of the close border policy regarded the subjugation of these tribes as desirable, but it was too costly to be carried out. They preferred the money be better spent on the development of districts in remote parts of India. Curzon, till the time he landed in India for the Viceroys job, was all vocal about the forward policy and subjugating the tribes by force. However, once he started examining ground realities, he trashed both the ideas. He found it prudent to withdraw regular troops in advanced positions in the tribal territory and post them upon or near to the Indian border. They were replaced with local tribals trained by British officers. These tribals were to act as militia in defence of their own native valleys and hills. To support these trained tribals were experienced British officers, motivated by an increased pay scale for the difficult posting. In his words, It is a policy of military concentration as against dispersion and of tribal conciliation in place of exasperation. Interestingly, these words were coming from the same man who would, in just four years, partition Bengal and leave a blot, which he sowed the seeds of the Hindu-Muslim divide. Coming back to Punjab, it was a brilliant policy. It ultimately led to the Partition of Punjab and the formation of the North-West Frontier province in February 1901. The turbulent land would be dealt with by people with expert knowledge of the tribes and their sentiments. Punjab lost a minuscule amount of its land, revenue and population. However, the peace it got in return gave it the chance to be one of the most prosperous lands in the country. The only ones to oppose were probably the past and present lieutenant governors of Punjab, as it took away some of their authority. It was strange for Curzon, with enviable lineage, endless knowledge and scholarly abilities, unimaginable wealth, enormous political clout, and love for history and tradition, to want to leave behind a legacy he would be hated for. He would rather do something that would relegate Queen Victoria and King Edward VII to the footnotes of history books. And he was doing exactly that. When rumours were doing the rounds of his resignation in the middle of his term, he had said, I shall regard it as an abnegation of duty to lay it down. Whether the work be worth doing for the sake of the country, it is not for me to say, but I may be permitted to add that to me, at any rate, it appears as the highest and most sacred of trusts. All this was pre-1905. So did this man miscalculate the sentiments when he embarked on the Bengal Partition? Did he miss out on the religious or ethnic lines? Was Bengal truly divided on the logic that it was too big a province and an administrative nightmare to govern? Curzons partition of Bengal was in two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam, with a population of 31 million, and the rest of Bengal, with a population of 54 million, of whom 18 million were Bengalis and 36 million Biharis and Oriyas. Rather than the Hindus and Muslims, were it the Assamese, Biharis and Oriyas who resented being with the newly educated Bengalis patronised by the British and having to obey the Bengalis orders? History still needs time to heal before making a judgement on the decision. However, Jawaharlal Nehru was absolutely vocal about him: After every other viceroy has been forgotten, Curzon will be remembered because he restored all that was beautiful in India. Wonder if Bengal did not protest the Partition and Calcutta was not branded as too troubled a land that could not house the headquarters of the British Empire; what turn would history take? Sources: 1. Lord Curzon in India H Caldwell Lipsett 2. Encyclopedia Britannica The writer is an independent contributor Its been a heck of a few weeks. Everyone seems to have something to say about the allegedly historic election of Donald Trump. Well it IS historic, in the sense that its only the second time in the countrys history that a president has been elected to two nonconsecutive terms in office. The other was Grover Cleveland, elected in 1884 and 1892. The two men have other things in common, as well. Cleveland, like Trump, was once embroiled in a public sex scandalone that even involved a court case against a former mistress. Cleveland was married to a much younger woman, a celebrated beauty, like the former model Mrs Melania Trump. Wait, theres more! By now weve all heard Trumps cringey jokes about how his daughter Ivanka is so beautiful that he would date her if she werent his daughter. Thats also weirdly reminiscent of the Clevelands. You see, Mrs Frances Folsom Cleveland was someone toward whom one might expect Mr Cleveland to have paternal feelings, not romantic ones. He met her as an infant and she grew up basically as his ward after her father, a close friend of Mr Clevelands, passed away when she was a child. He supported her and her mother financially, provided for her education and spent time mentoring her. She even called him uncle! History may not repeat, but it rhymes as they say. As for the kind of history being touted in this election, such as Trump receiving an unprecedented mandate and having won by landslide etc., thats a much flimsier claim. As I anticipated before the election (and pointed out repeatedly since), it was actually very close. The impact of the election is certainly significant, because there is a wholesale power transfer. The Republicansor more accurately, the ascendant, vaguely populist wing of the Republican Partywill have full control of the government. They have the presidency, both houses of Congress and the federal judiciary, due to the timing of retirements and deaths among Supreme Court Justices in recent years (enabling Trump to appoint a full THIRD of the justices of the current Supreme Court during his first term). Trumps announced cabinet picks and policy directions for the second term signal big changes, some worrying and some genuinely refreshing. On that basis, it is certainly important to think about not only whats happening going forward, but also the trends that are driving the changes. However, we must avoid overreading the tea leaves. Advertisement First of all, how large is Trumps victory, really? Lets look at the numbers. The electoral vote count for Harris was 226, only six fewer than the number Trump received in 2020 against Joe Biden. That election was considered decisive but somewhat close. But a difference of 6 electoral votes (the equivalent of one small state) makes this one a landslide? The popular vote this year was approximately 49.9 per cent to 48.4 per cent, a slimmer margin than in 2020, when Biden won against Trump 51.3 per cent to 46.8 per cent. Slimmer even than in 2004, when George W Bush led John Kerry, 50.7 per cent to 48.3 per cent. Advertisement Since the election of George HW. Bush in 1988, in almost every presidential race the popular vote winner had just a plurality of the vote, or an extremely thin majority. The exceptions were the moderately healthy margins in the two Obama elections and Bidens election in 2020 (and that count was bitterly disputed). In two of the elections, the presidency was won, due to the idiosyncrasies of the electoral college (discussed below), by the candidate who actually received fewer popular votes than his opponent. This happened five times in US History (John Quincy Adams, 1824; Rutherford B. Hayes, 1876; Benjamin Harrison, 1888; George W Bush, 2000 and Donald J Trump, 2016). Against this backdrop, winning the popular vote is obviously cause for relief and celebration for a candidate and his supporters. But objectively speaking, its nonsensical to talk about it as some kind of tectonic shift in the political landscape or a grand mandate, as so many seem hellbent on doing. Perhaps its because humans have a need and a knack for endowing eventsespecially big, impactful oneswith meanings and patterns that may or may not be there. A funny example of this is something I saw posted by tech billionaire Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter). He shared a headline about the internet supposedly being Stunned After An Attractive Biological Female Human Of Healthy Weight Wins Miss Universe Pageant. Probably largely a harmless joke on his part, but thousands of people descended on the thread expressing various degrees of joy and relief as though some major corner in human civilisation had been turned. The world is healing and This is the Trump effect were recurring themes. Most of them werent joking. Heres the thing though: whatever you may think about the inclusiveness culture of recent yearsand whether weve gone too far in body positivity or whether transwomen belong in beauty pageants, or whatever the issuethe FACT is that recent Miss Universe winners have NOT veered in any of those unusual directions. There has NEVER been a plus-sized or transgender Miss Universe. This years crown went to a lovely young woman from Denmark, who is in no way a departure from all of the conventionally beautiful young women (with slender but curvy figures, clear skin, symmetrical features, etc.) who have won the title every single year of its existence. The only difference one might notice is that this years winner is the first blonde-haired, northern European-looking winner in some years, unlike the first 30 or 40 years of the pageants history, during which the winners were almost ALL white European-descended, sometimes even white Africans, until becoming more diverse since the 1990s (still including many white or white-Hispanic top-tier placements and winnings). Given that pageant organisations are commercial entities interested primarily in market penetration and given that regional or national representation often aids in that, it is POSSIBLE that Trumps victory is signaling to the market that US policies in the near future might favour western European countries, which makes these countries potentially lucrative market opportunities. It would be absolutely fine with me if someone wrote about that honestly. But painting this as some kind of self-evident healing of an allegedly broken global society, is ludicrous. Winners of presidential elections often make exaggerated claims about their victory that are misleading, even if technically true. For example, Joe Biden and his supporters have repeatedly said, after the 2020 election, that he received more votes than any candidate in history, which is true. But also true, is that, in the same election, his defeated opponent Donald Trump received the second highest votes of any candidate in history up to that point! So, it wasnt so much a huge margin as a huge turnoutfor both candidates. This year, Trump-supporters are making equally indefensible and broad statements (in tones that are alternately solemn or giddy) about how the country has roundly rejected, not just Kamala Harris, but the Democrats and progressive politics generally, and how theyve enthusiastically embraced Trump. Some media personalities have been sharing red-and-blue coded maps of political survey results, showing that most of the country is red (conservative)** with much smaller areas of blue (liberal)** concentrated on the coasts and urban areas. They claim that this shows that America is conservative. Many long threads of social media pontification have been generated based on this. However, this is completely baseless, because it fails to consider where the countrys population centers are. The blue urban areas are much more densely populated than the vast swaths of red rural plains, mountains and deserts. The geographically tiny city of New York (the CITY, not the whole state) has a population of almost 9 million people, more than 10 times the population of the state of Alaska, which has the largest landmass of any American state. So, all of the ink and airtime spilled on this admittedly stunning graphic is utterly meaningless. Elon Musk said, in a reply to renowned biologist Richard Dawkins on social media, that Donald Trump had won the hearts and minds of Americans. This is an astounding overstatement, since almost as many people voted for Kamala Harris as did for Donald Trump. Also, many who voted for Trump did so because they hate him a little less than they hate Harris and the Democrats, not because he won their hearts and minds. The reverse is, of course, true of Harris as well. But the worst of the exaggerated claims, in my opinion, is the myth of the landslide. There is no landslide. The obvious complicating factor in all this is the electoral college system, which dictates the candidate who becomes president is not simply the one who got the most votes; its the one who got the most electoral votes. It was originally devised as an indirect election, in which voters in each state selected a group of electors who would, in turn, cast the votes for president and vice-president. However, even though we technically still have this indirect voting system, every state has updated the system so that the voters choose which presidential and vice-presidential candidate the electors will vote for, not who the electors will be. In the current system, after the general election and vote count are over, the state formally appoints the electors, who are pledged to cast their electoral votes according to the voters choice. In theory, an elector could ignore the states election result and vote according to his/her own choice. This is called a faithless elector. The US Supreme Court has ruled that the federal Constitution does not prohibit faithless voting. But various state laws and political party rules generally deter it. Several electors tried to vote against their states pledged candidate in 2016, resulting in six faithless votes. This included two votes from Texas that were cast for third party candidates in an attempt to prevent the presidency of Donald Trump, whom the electors considered unfit for the office. One elector from Washington State, pledged to Hillary Clinton, voted instead for the activist Faith Spotted Eagle, as a protest against Clintons support of a crude oil drilling project called the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Two oddities Id like to note: (1) Clinton and Spotted Eagle were the first two women in history to have electoral votes cast for them as presidential candidates in a US general election (in 1984, Geraldine Ferraro received 13 electoral votes as a vice-presidential candidate); (2) the faithless elector voted for someone named Faith.) At any rate, the way it currently works is, each state awards a number of electoral votes based on its representatives in the two houses of Congress. Every state has two senators and at least one member of the House of Representatives, giving every state at least three electoral votes. The remaining electoral votes are proportional to population, which is how the number of seats in the House are allocated. In 1929, a federal statute was passed, providing that the House would have a total of no more than 435 seats, some of which would be reallocated as needed to accommodate shifts in the population distribution. But this attempt to stabilise the total number of representatives has led to considerable disparities in how many people each Congressional district represents. This, along with the fact that every stateregardless of populationhas two senators and at least one House member, creates further disparities. Less populous states essentially have a bigger say, per capita, in who becomes president. This is not necessarily bad, as its meant to prevent the bigger states from overwhelming the will of the smaller ones, or the tyranny of the majority as John Adams, Alexis de Tocqueville, and others have called it. But there are downsides as well. Most states have a winner-take-all system, which means they give all of the states electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in the state. Maine and Nebraska use a hybrid approach. They award all but two of their electoral votes proportionally to the number of districts the candidate won, while awarding the other two on a winner-take-all basis. Since these votes all go to the winner regardless of the margin of victory, a very populous state with a large number of electoral votes could have a very low turnout one year, compared to a state with a lower population and fewer electoral votes, leading to the result that a candidate receives more electoral votes based on fewer actual votes cast for him/her. Alternatively, a group of smaller states, with their naturally smaller popular vote counts, could have their already inflated electoral votes add up to be more than a large state with a large popular vote turnout, also resulting in a split between the popular vote and electoral vote. The federal capital district, the District of Columbia (Washington DC), which has no senators and only one non voting delegate in the House, gets to cast three electoral votes, awarded in a winner-take-all fashion. Bottom line is, not every electoral vote carries with it the imprimatur of an equal number of actual voters. This fact distorts the way we view the results. Even in Ronald Reagans famous trouncing of Walter Mondale in 1984, the spread was 58 per cent40 per cent. Thats certainly enormous, but not quite the dramatic humiliation suggested by the electoral vote count (525 to 13) or the number of states won (49 to 1). But at least with margins like that, it made sense to attribute it to a major popular mood, but THIS year? This year was an unremarkable showing of the same phenomenon we have seen for decades: a country locked in an intense, high stress, but essentially deadlocked political contest. Staunch Democrats and Republicans voted the party line, including many who are frustrated enough with their own side to hold their nose and vote for a candidate they dislike, because the other one is almost viscerally unacceptable to them at this point. In recent years, most states have become entrenched red (Republican)** or blue (Democratic).** As such, their support is considered already sewn up and they are either written off or taken for granted by candidates. This leaves the states whose residents dont have a predictable party preference, known as swing states and swing voters. Thats where the candidates lavish most of their attention and campaign efforts. These swing voters effectively decide the election, as they did this year. But even the swing voters were very closely divided. Trump won every swing state, but he won all but one of them by a hairs breadth. Under these circumstances, so much of the shock, the soul-searching, the grandstanding, the broad proclamations, and the incessant, fevered analysis, just seem unwarranted. I am not dismissing all of it, of course. There are good reasons for examining how people voted and why. I have done some of this myself. But the extent and intensity ofnot to mention the tendency to endow it with very deep implicationsprobably ought to be attributed to the medias hunger for hype and/or the human tendency to see deeper patterns and meaning. Election watchers keep falling prey to this tendency. They ignore the real, if somewhat boring, patterns of historyfrom the recent past and the more distant pastand let their own overestimation of the current moments significance blind them to its realities. **Sidenote: the red and blue designations for Republicans and Democrats, respectively, come from the contentious election of 2000, when the electoral mapswhich happened to be coded this way by the news media that yearwere constantly analysed on television news programmes for more than a month, as the historically close vote was counted, recounted and finally decided after the US Supreme Court made a ruling on certain legal issues. This arrangement stuck. It wasnt always this way. The same colours, derived from the red, white and blue American flag, were typically used, but which colour was assigned to which party used to be randomly chosen. In 1980, for example, the news outlets were using blue for Republicans. Ronald Reagan won so overwhelmingly that journalist David Brinkly said the map resembled a swimming pool. The author is a lawyer, writer and editor based in Manhattan, New York Tabla wizard ustad Zakir Hussain (9 March 195115 December 2024) left for his eternal journey at a time when he was supposed to be in Kolkata as a much awaited participant in the Swara Samrat Music Festival. The world of art lovers, film lovers, even tea lovers, is shell shocked by this sudden bolt from the blue. Born to tabla maestro Allarakha Khan, he grew up in a modest Mahim area mostly inhabited by musicians, was educated in a public school, and joined St Xaviers College. Apart from his formal education, he started his stage appearance as a seven-year-old at the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Sammelan in Pune. Advertisement SRAs founder director, Pandit Vijay Kichlu, spotted this bright gem. When the idea of organising pan-Indian classical concerts, Music on Wheels, crystallised, Kichlu requested him to join the group to collaborate with top musicians like Shivkumar Sharma. VG Jog, A Kanan, and several others. The musicians mapped the length and breadth of the subcontinent to promote classical music. Advertisement It was Pandit Ravi Shankar who gave Zakir the real break on the international circuits. By the dint of his sheer talent and terrific hard work, he won the status of one of the most versatile tabla players and shaped him into the most sought-after Hindustani musician. His acting in films and a commercial clip to promote tea brought him to every Indians living room, and he became a household name. An impressive orator, suave, good-looking, humble and a witty performer, he made the best of the limelight but always remained concerned about the talented gen-next and wished them well very sincerely. Such humane artists are counted as rare species today. This universal loss is irreparable. Prestigious soiree The coveted ITC Samman 2024 once again established its credibility by honouring Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, the unanimously respected Musician of musicians. The heartwarming ceremony was held in the presence of all the Gurus of ITC Sangeet Research Academy on the inaugural day of ITC SRA Sangeet Sammelan (29 November1 December) at SRAs sprawling lawns. Later, as the final artist of the same evening, Kashalkar too proved it once againwhat makes him the indisputable master of acchobhe, jod, and rarely heard ragas. Flanked by tabla maestro Yogesh Samsi, harmonium virtuoso Gourab Chatterjee, and disciples Sai Aishwarya Mahashabde and Adwait on the tanpuras, he portrayed a widely neglected Malgunji with such loving precision that the raga, a heady blend of oft-heard Bageshri, Rageshri and Jaijaiwanti, emerged out with its glowing individuality. Moreover, a soulful interpretation of the lyrics of a traditional bandish, Ban mein charawat gaiyan, merged the raagroop with that of Krishna, the cowboy. Simultaneously, Kashalkars exemplary technique of creating dramatic tension before the arrival of Sam and presenting a raga with suitable embellishment was at work, and the result was electric! Encores from informed listeners resulted in a pristine Nat Bihag, followed by several other uncommon ragas. The nightlong session of the Saturday (30th) evening peaked in piety in the wee hours of Sunday. The introspective, lingering, and slowly bending or oscillating notes of raga Bhairav in dhrupad maestro Uday Bhawalkars jawaridar-rich voice created a blissfully peaceful ambience, a cherished virtue of Hindustani classical music that is dwindling now. But his disciples, like Sagar Morankar, promise to keep the lamp burning. As a tanpura and vocal accompanist, he filled the breathing gaps very competently. Pratap Awads pakhawaj very sensitively helped maintain the mood. There was no showmanship for a blissful change even when he sang Narayan Hari tum set to fast shooltal. The closing raga, Bhairavis alap, was a brilliant example of pure raagroop without additional notes. Its deliberate portrayal, studded with the rich lyrics of Saraswati-stuti in teevra, was spiritually charged. Earlier, in the evening, Pandit Ajoy Chakarabarty, presently SRAs sole city-based senior-most guru, adorned the stage along with tabla wizard Yogesh Samsi, harmonium virtuoso Jyotirmoy Banerjee, and disciples Anol Chatterjee and Sudipto Chakraborty for vocal and tanpura support. The Master chose Chandra Kaushiki, a raga invented by Guru Jnan Prakash Ghosh. Only Nikhil Banerjee, also a disciple of Guruji, learnt and played this raga, but since there is no bandish, vocalists didnt sing it. I am offering my self-composed bandishes, he informed the listeners before venturing to delineate this strange ragasporting Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni in equally strange manner. The longish alap seemed confused between dhrupad and khayal. The medium-paced rupak composition had some semblance to soothe the wrought nerves. Subsequently, his good old and sweet friend Bageshri did the rest by casting its spell. The following thumri displayed his interest in Purab Anga Gayaki. Among the senior invitee musicians, sitar maestro Budhaditya Mukherjee was as brilliant as ever. So was the trio of Ojas Adhiya (tabla), Giridhar Udupa (ghatam) and Milind Kulkarni (harmonium). Popular vocalist Shubha Mudgal, violinist Kala Ramnath, and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia were their usual selves. The senior ITC SRA alumni also lived up to its reputation. It included an engaging duet of renowned vocalists Sanjukta Biswas and Sabina Islam Rahaman, a scintillating sitar recital by Ayan Sengupta, and a mellifluous vocal rendition of Brajeshwar Mukherjee. As usual, SRA showcased its promising younger scholars Shreya Chatterjee (vocal), Anagha Bhat (vocal) and Koustav Roy (sarod) as the opening artists of all three days of the Sammelan. Welcome change It is highly commendable that the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture has relaxed the ban on women performing artists, and the celebration of the 157th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita saw a dazzling recital of Kaushiki Chakraborty at Vivekananda Hall on 5 November. Organised by Ramkrishna Sarada Mission and Sister Nivedita Heritage Museum and Knowledge Centre (16 Bosepara Lane, Baghbazar), the evening began with a melodious sarod recital of Abhishek Lahiri. He portrayed a beautiful version of Bhimpalasi, the raga of homecoming after a hard day of work. After evoking the intrinsic peaceful exposition of the raga in the initial alap-jod-jhala, Lahiri, with Debjit Patitundis equally skilful tabla as a perfect match, played two jhaptal gats of different gaits. While the first sported lots of laya-chhandakari, gamak phrases, and mukam-based elaboration, the second, endowed with a mukhra of tisra phrases descending from komal nishad, was a beauty in itself. A few bol-orientated taans were enough to adorn it. The drut teental gat, starting from mandra pancham, highlighted another angle of the raga decked up with fast ekhara taan patterns but chose the cliched extra fast cacophonic end. According to Kaushiki, To do music or to become one is her goal. Like her world-renowned father, she too is open to every genre of music. Surrounded by a team of brilliant musicians like Debjit Patitundi (tabla), Omkar Dalvi (pakhawaj), Murad Ali (sarangi), and Jyotirmoy Banerjee (harmonium), she ventured out to sing dhrupad for the first time. Her alap delineated raha Shree, and with Hari ke charana kamal, a famous composition set to jhaptal, it was well rendered, supported by a simple theka on tabla and pakhawaj. But thereafter she entered her comfort zone of khayal, replete with varied taans leaping up to atitar sa. In comparison, her second choice, a Chautal dhrupad in raga Yaman showcasing jatis and gamaks, was much better. Again, she followed it up with Kinare kinare, a unique khayal bandish set to ekwai and extra fast taans kept running at the cost of sur. Persistent encores led her to sing Aye na balam, and she did it with superb facility. Her last offering was Prabhu mai ghulam in Bhairavi, a favourite bhajan of Swami Vivekananda. The writer is a senior music critic The UN refugee agency along with 48 partners will require 468 million US dollars to support refugees and host communities in South Sudan in 2025, the agency said on Friday. Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in South Sudan Marie-Helene Verney warned that the recent surge in arrivals in South Sudan is overwhelming services in border areas and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient. Advertisement The lack of funding threatens efforts to address this new emergency and to meaningfully support new arrivals and the communities hosting them, Verney said in a statement. Advertisement According to the UNHCR official, nearly one million people have arrived in South Sudan since the start of the Sudan conflict in April 2023. She said despite efforts to support this sudden influx, the humanitarian response remains woefully underfunded, with aid partners in South Sudan having received only 24 percent of what is needed to adequately meet peoples needs this year. Verney said after more than 20 months, the conflict in Sudan shows no sign of slowing down, Xinhua news agency reported. In less than three weeks, over 80,000 people have sought safety in South Sudan following the escalation of fighting in Sudans White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile States more than tripling the average number of daily arrivals compared to previous weeks, Verney said. As part of the response to this new influx, UNHCR and its partners are scaling up protection and assistance, notably as some of the areas receiving new arrivals lack the presence of humanitarian partners. Right now, we are concentrating on providing life-saving assistance, including providing water and basic health care, Verney said. The World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday announced that three of its staff members were killed in an aerial bombardment in Sudan, while the Sudanese government pledged to investigate the incident. The WFP is outraged by the killing of three of its staff members in an aerial bombardment in Sudan on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the UN agency said in a statement on social media platform X. Advertisement A WFP office was hit during the attack. We are gathering more information and will provide update as we learn more, it added. Advertisement For its part, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry vowed to investigate the incident to determine who was responsible, Xinhua news agency reported. The United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinators office in Sudan has reported that the WFP office in Yabus area in Blue Nile State was bombed last night, killing three of the offices staff members, the ministry said in a statement. The Government of Sudan renews its rejection and condemnation of any targeting of UN agencies and all humanitarian workers, it noted. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. Earlier this week, the WFP had said that the escalating fighting in Sudan was preventing humanitarian aid from reaching famine-risk areas. Fighting in Um Rawwaba, North Kordofan, has prevented a convoy from reaching famine risk areas in North and South Kordofan, including Kadugli and Dilling, stated a WFP statement. The trucks were forced to return to a safer location and are waiting to be rerouted to other accessible areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile state as the situation permits, it added. The WFP noted that even the available corridors have become more dangerous in recent weeks as fighting and intense shelling has escalated. The UN organisation noted that in October, it provided food, cash, and nutritional assistance to 2.8 million people nationwide. It is now working to deliver essential food and nutrition support to 14 hunger hotspots, many of which are located in conflict-affected areas across Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Gezira, where the conflict continues to escalate. WFP is supporting community kitchens in areas of Khartoum through local partners, with a goal of distributing up to 100,000 hot meals every month. WFP is also expanding its cash-based assistance, including the roll-out of a self-registration pilot for cash-based assistance for residents of Khartoum. The Sudanese government recently announced that 28.9 million people in the country require humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in mid-April 2023. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. In a bid to remove the financial burden of the poor beneficiaries and to ensure nationwide uniformity, the Government of India announced that it extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)a one-year plan from January 1, 2023to five more years with effect from January 1, 2024. As of now, it effectively extended the PMGAY to four more years, considering January 2025 is just a week away. According to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the allocation of food grains for free under the PMGKAY was done in addition to the regular allocation in view of the impact of COVID. Under the PMGKAY phases, one to four that extended to 28 months, around 1119LMT of food grains were allocated, amounting to around Rs 3.91 lakh crore. Beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which included households and people covered in the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) programme and the Priority Household (PHH) categorisation, come under the PMGKAY. Prior to the free-of-cost grain distribution, food grains were distributed at subsidised rates of Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat, and Rs 1 per kg for coarse grains. Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), which is a successful initiative of portability of ration card, any beneficiary can take delivery of food grains from any FPS at uniform NFSA entitlement and price across the country, read the official statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Currently, the ministry statistics puts beneficiaries at 80.67 crore people, with the intended coverage to be 81.35 crore persons. For fiscal 2024-2025, the total scheme allocation under NFSA alone is 603.8 lakh tonnes, with rice alone making up 397.28 lakh tonnes. According to the ministry, more than 99.8 per cent of Aadhaar seeding of ration cards has been achieved, amounting to at least one member per family. The union governments One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan has delivered more than 315.8 LMT of food grainscounting both inter-state and intra-state transactionssince its inception in August 2019. In an environment where Sensex and Nifty were punished in trading over the week, the Government of India looked to the states for their input and demands on the upcoming budget. These pre-budget consultations chaired by the union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Friday were attended by state ministers as well. In the meeting, Sitharaman said that the Government of India allocated an additional Rs 30,000 crore as "untied funds" under the Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the fiscal 2024-2025. The states could use the funds to lift their spending and create capital assets in any sector, the minister added. In attendance were the chief ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha; deputy chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana; and finance ministers of states, along with union minister of state for finance, Pankaj Chaudhary. Various participants pitched their suggestions to the union finance minister to be included in the union budget for the upcoming fiscal 2025-2026. Tamil Nadu's finance minister, Thangam Thennarasu, urged the centre to add new railway projects for the state and demanded central assistance for relief in areas hit by Cyclone Fengal. Thennarasu also asked for metro rail projects for the cities of Coimbatore and Madurai to be included in the budget. Other major state demands came from Punjab and Kerala, both urging for special packages to limit financial stress, increased flexibility in borrowing, and a bump in funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The union budget for the upcoming fiscal 2025-2026 is set to be presented in the Indian Parliament by Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. With more states demanding increased breathing room regarding borrowings under the SASCI scheme, Sitharaman assured that the centre planned more funds to be dispensed under SASCI for the states affected by severe disasters, as assessed by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). "The states which suffered a natural disaster of severe nature (as assessed by IMCT) in FY 2024-2025 may be eligible for up to 50 per cent of their allocation under Part-1 (untied funds) of the SASCI scheme. This amount will be in addition to the funds provided under the National Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund (NDRMF)," the Ministry of Finance stated, quoting Sitharaman. The states also demanded more allocation for road and rail development projects. In a move that is expected to significantly boost the strike capabilities of the Indian Army in all terrains, the defence ministry inked a contract with Larsen & Toubro Ltd for procurement of K9 Vajra artillery guns at a cost of Rs 7,628 crore. MoD signed a contract with @larsentoubro in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh for procurement of K9 VAJRA-T Self Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns worth Rs 7628.70 cr under Buy (INDIAN) Category, boosting #IndianArmys firepower. These state-of-the-art pic.twitter.com/7Ao4rxWAE6 Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 20, 2024 K9 Vajra artillery guns, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are capable of delivering long-range lethal fires with great accuracy. According to media reports, the ministry is procuring around 100 Vajra guns largely for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as these would be able to operate in sub-zero temperatures in high-altitude areas without any glitches. "The defence ministry signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Ltd for procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 7,628.70 crore," a defence ministry statement said. ALSO READ: Indian Army, Airtel boost connectivity in North Kashmir border villages along LoC The procurement of K9 Vajra-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance overall operational readiness of the Indian Army, it added. "This versatile artillery gun, with its cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strike with precision and its lethal firepower will bolster the capability of artillery in all terrains," the ministry said. According to the ministry, the project will generate an employment of more than nine lakh man-days over a period of four years. "The project will be a proud flag-bearer of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in consonance with the 'Make-in-India' initiative," it added. Even as doubts persist regarding the operational effectiveness of Russia's intermediate-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, another analyst came to the missile's defence, stressing why it cannot be intercepted. A few days ago, Theodore Postol, a US missile technology expert and retired MIT Professor Emeritus of Science, Technology, and National Security Policy, had echoed the claims of Russian President Vladimir Putin who had said there are currently no ways of counteracting Oreshnik. Now, Igor Korotchenko, a military analyst and editor-in-chief of National Defense magazine, made a similar claim saying the launch of Oreshnik is sudden and catches the enemy by surprise as it is undetectable for spy satellites. His remarks come a few days after Putin challenged the West to a missile "duel" with Oreshnik, saying, "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." Korotchenko told news agency TASS, "A distinctive feature of the medium-range missile system Oreshnik is, firstly, a very short boost phase - the moment of launch, when the missile is just gaining velocity and remains most vulnerable to the impact of various means of interception." ALSO READ: Is Oreshnik the end of missile defence as we know it? He said the Oreshnik, which had high mobility, is launched with a mobile ground missile system, and that "there is no chance for satellite reconnaissance to identify its location at any given moment, provided a set of essential secrecy and camouflage measures are taken." Each of the combat units of the missile can carry out the strike independently. Besides, Oreshnik can also perform an anti-missile maneuver. "Each warhead is equipped with its own propulsion system, which leaves no chance for interception means - such as the US strategic missile defense system, which could theoretically try to intercept Oreshnik - to calculate the point of interception and neutralize the warhead. This medium-range system - as Vladimir Putin has said, has a range of operation of 5,500 kilometers: its kill zone will spread first and foremost to NATOs member- countries in Europe," Korotchenko was quoted as saying. A day after a top White House official claimed that Pakistan developing sophisticated missile technology would give it the ability to strike targets well beyond South Asia and added that the country's actions were an emerging threat to the US, India said it is closely following the ballistic missile programme of Pakistan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about the country's stance on Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, said India is following all developments that have a bearing on its security "very closely" and New Delhi "takes action, as appropriate". There have been reports of Pakistan developing increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors. READ MORE: Pakistan flight tests high-precision 'SMASH' SBLM missile. Should India be worried? "As you know, we follow all developments that have a bearing on our security and our interest very closely, and we take these things very seriously, and take action as appropriate," he said. A few days ago, the US slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including state-owned flagship aerospace and defence agencyNational Development Complex (NDC)on charges of contributing to Pakistan's ballistic-missile programme. The others are Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise, all based in Karachi. The US assesses that the NDC is responsible for Pakistan's development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles, the US State Department had said. While Akhtar and Sons Private Limited has worked for the NDC to supply a range of equipment to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme, Affiliates International has facilitated procurement of missile-applicable items for the NDC and others. Rockside Enterprise has worked for the NDC to supply a range of equipment to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme, the State Department said. ALSO READ: Is Pakistan procuring military-grade equipment from China? All these entities "having engaged, or attempted 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 (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items, by Pakistan," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had said. The Congress will hold protest marches and a week-long campaign seeking Union Home Minister Amit Shahs resignation for allegedly insulting B.R. Ambedkar in parliament. The opposition party will mark the upcoming week as Dr Ambedkar Samman Saptah and will hold marches and press conferences to remember the legacy of the Constitution framer. Congress MPs and leaders will hold press conferences at 150 locations across the country on December 22 and 23 and workers will take out protest marches across the country on December 24, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal said in a post on X. "Our agitation demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation will continue! We will fight to protect Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy against the Manusmriti worshippers," he said. The party will submit a memorandum to the President of India through district collectors demanding Amit Shah's resignation. "All INC workers will garland Babsaheb's statue, hold his giant portrait at the front of the march and carry huge placards with our key demands," said Venugopal. The Congress will hold an extended CWC session and a mega rally in Belagavi on December 26-27. Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said both Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained unrepentant after the home ministers attack on Ambedkar. "The attack (against Ambedkar) came from none other than the home minister of India, the second most powerful man in this country, Mr. Amit Shah. He is unrepentant. The prime minister is unrepentant. We have demanded his resignation and this demand will be reiterated in these 150 press conferences across the country," Khera said. Shah, while replying to a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, had taken a swipe at the opposition parties for always using the name of Ambedkar. 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 attained heaven for seven lifetimes, he had said. The opposition alleged that his statements had amounted to an insult to Ambedkar and demanded his resignation from the union cabinet. Shah, meanwhile, accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha. In fresh trouble for Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has sanctioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute the former chief minister in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam. The L-Gs decision, which comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls scheduled early next year, has come as a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party which is seeking a third straight term in the capital state. The party called Saxenas approval for prosecution "false and misleading" and asked the central agency to show a copy of the sanction. Kejriwal was granted an interim bail by the Supreme Court on July 12 in the money laundering case, the apex court released him on bail in the CBI case on September 13. Both the CBI and the ED alleged in their chargesheet that the Delhi government had committed irregularities and extended undue favours to licence holders while modifying the excise policy. On Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, submitted in the Delhi High Court that a sanction had been obtained to prosecute Kejriwal. Kejriwal sought quashing of all proceedings in the case. The court posted the matter on January 30 at the request of Kejriwal's counsel after initially listing it for February 19, 2025. Kejriwals plea contended his prosecution was bad in law as it was without mandatory sanctions under Section 197 CrPC. According to Section 197(1) of the CrPC, a public servant, among others, not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the government, is accused of any offence during the discharge of their official duty, no court shall take cognisance of such offence except with the previous sanction. Did the Belagavi police drive BJP legislator C.T. Ravi in a car all through the night at the behest of a "powerful" Congress leader" after his arrest on Thursday evening? Ravi, who was arrested from Suvarna Soudha for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, stated that the behaviour of the police was very "suspicious", as he was being driven around the district in the night on the pretext of being taken to Bengaluru. The police arrested me without issuing a notice on the grounds for my arrest, or telling me where they were taking me. For nearly four hours from 11.45 pm, they drove me through three districts and made frequent halts on the highway to take orders from some influential leader on the phone, alleged Ravi, who was released on bail after the High Court ordered for his immediate release on Friday, citing procedural lapses during his arrest. READ MORE: CT Ravi granted interim bail, BJP asks how protestors got access to Suvarna Soudha The saffron party leader, who was being brought to Bengaluru from Belagavi, was released midway, at Davangere, following the court order. Addressing a press meet at the BJP office on Saturday, Ravi claimed that the Congress government was behaving like a goonda and did not follow any protocol or procedure while arresting a peoples representative. He also made serious allegations of the Congress hatching a plot to kill him. The hidden agenda of Congress was exposed by the media, which followed my every step. I am grateful to the media, which, in a way, protected me from harm. I shudder to think what would have happened to me if not for the media, my party leaders and partyworkers following my car, said Ravi. Recalling the sequence of events that took place inside the House, Ravi said during the discussion on Amit Shahs remarks on Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the BJP members had narrated how Congress had humiliated Ambedkar, defeated him in the elections, and denied space for his burial in Delhi. ALSO READ: Day after bail, Karnataka Women's Commission demands high-level probe against CT Ravi The House was adjourned and when it resumed, both sides were shouting slogans. I came out to address the media and after the press meet, two reporters told me the Congress was making allegations that I had used derogatory words. The Council chairman has already given a ruling after hearing both sides. All matters are now known to the almighty and ones conscience, said Ravi. Narrating the last 30 hours of his ordeal, Ravi said his car was attacked when he was returning to Suvarna Soudha after lunch. The marshals saved me and took me into the building. That is when I learnt the Congress has made statements before the media. Some persons tried to threaten me and attack me and told me they would pack off my dead body to my hometown. After the marshals detained those persons, I sat on a dharna. Council chairman summoned me, and I explained to him what had transpired. The Chairman told me he had not found any evidence to prove Hebbalkars claims and suggested I give my explanation. Later, around 5.30 pm, the chairman gave a ruling and adjourned the House sine die. But the Congress leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Laxmi Hebbalkar started verbally abusing me in singular, alleged Ravi. The chairman directed the ADGP (Law and Order) to ensure that the BJP legislator reached home safely. I tried to file a complaint against those who attacked me. I even sat on a dharna. But at 6.30 pm, the police took me to Hirebagewadi police station and then to Khanapur police station. When I told him that if they arrested me, they had to give me notice. The local BJP MLA arranged for an advocate but they were not allowed to meet me. Later, when LOPs Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and R. Ashok came to the police station, the advocate was allowed, recalled Ravi. The Hindutva leader, who is the former national general secretary of the party, said he asked the police to lodge a zero FIR against those who attacked him. But they refused. They also sent BJP leaders out of the police station on some pretext and isolated me. I made a video and shared it with my party leaders as I did not feel safe. I sat on a dharna, said Ravi, claiming he was huddled into a Scorpio car. I noticed my head was bleeding. Around 11.45 pm, I noticed the car had moved to Nandgad and when I asked for drinking water as I was feeling nauseated, the police did not respond. They drove towards Kittur and blocked the way by barricading to prevent the media and my personal assistant from following my car. They told me I was being taken to Belagavi city but I saw we were in front of the Dharwad high court. They gripped my hands so tight that it led to a blood clot, recalled Ravi. The party leaders and party workers who wondered about the whereabouts of Ravi were finally relieved as the BJP leader managed to send his live location to his wife in Chikmagalur. My car went through Savadatti, Ramdurg Yadwad and roads that lead to sugarcane fields. There were at least 6-8 policemen with me and their behaviour was suspicious as they stopped the car at random places and made phone calls. It appeared they were taking orders from someone. I was denied water and access to the toilet as we drove through deserted roads. But when the car finally reached a dead end and near a stone quarry, I panicked and demanded to know what their intent was. The reporters had managed to reach the spot on motorbikes and I asked them if they intended to kill me as they were taking me circles for the last four hours. When they tried to snatch my phone, I resisted and threatened them of consequences. I hurt my head in a scuffle that followed. They took me to a PHC near Ankalagi and got my wound dressed. But they did not share the medical report with me, said Ravi, who is also Tamil Nadu election in-charge. Stating that the police behaviour was suspicious, and he feared for his life, Ravi said he was produced before the JMFC court in Belagavi the next morning. I narrated my ordeal before the judge, said Ravi. Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha slammed the congress government for flouting all norms. The Chairman said there was no audio or video recording against Ravi, and asked how can police arrest Ravi from Suvarna Soudha without following due procedure. Last time, when supporters of Rajya Sabha member Nasir Hussains chanted Pakistan zindabad, the ruling Congress defended them and action was initiated only after the FSL report confirmed their offence. If the plight of peoples representatives is so bad, imagine the common mans fate, said Simha. Shivakumar mocked Ravi saying he was a habitual offender and asked BJP to admit that badmouthing women was their culture. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar visited Massajog village in Beed district on Saturday to meet the grieving family of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch brutally murdered on December 9. The veteran leader later addressed a press conference in Nandkheda, Parbhani, after meeting the family of Somnath Suryawanshi, a Dalit law student who died in judicial custody following protests against the desecration of a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Pawars visits are an indicator of what the NCP (SP)s role will look like in the opposition after the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha election results last month. The partys commitment to remain vocal on issues was highlighted by the presence of several senior leaders, including former minister Rajesh Tope, Beed MP Bajrang Sonawane, Beed MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar, Ahilyanagar MP Nilesh Lanke, and Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan. Pawar expressed deep concern over the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, who was killed after intervening in hooliganism and extortion at a wind power plant company. According to local reports, Deshmukh was tortured, his eyes burned, and brutally beaten with iron rods, leading to his death. Speaking in Beed, Pawar said, An atmosphere of fear is being created here. We will all counter this collectively. I assure you that we will not rest until the state and central governments give justice to the family. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a judicial probe and the transfer of Beed Superintendent of Police Avinash Bargal, but Pawar criticized the governments response as insufficient. No amount of compensation can bring back a life or erase the grief of the family. The responsibility for the education of their children is ours. We will ensure they are not alone in this fight for justice, he added. Pawar commended Beed MP Bajrang Sonawane for raising the murder of Santosh Deshmukh in the Lok Sabha, where his speech left the house stunned. Similarly, in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, MLAs Sandeep Kshirsagar and Jitendra Awhad demanded justice for both Deshmukh and Suryawanshi, emphasizing that the fight against injustice must transcend caste and community lines. In the case of Parbhani, unrest began on December 15 when a memorial dedicated to the Constitution of India was vandalized, leading to peaceful protests by Dalits. The protests were met with severe police action, during which Somnath Suryawanshi, a 35-year-old law student, was detained. Suryawanshi later died in custody, sparking outrage across the state. The official autopsy report cited shock due to multiple injuries as the cause of death, contradicting government claims that Suryawanshi suffered from pre-existing health issues. His family alleges he was beaten by over 30 individuals while in custody and had no prior health concerns. This was a peaceful protest. Why was violence used against protestors? I do not find this acceptable, said Pawar while addressing hundreds of activists and citizens gathered at the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Parbhani. The evidence presented by the family will be taken to the Chief Minister and other authorities. Justice for Somnaths death is non-negotiable, he added. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the incident, suspended a police sub-inspector, and placed another officer on leave. However, Pawar stressed that more accountability is needed. Back in the late 1970s, the English department in the Manasagangothri University, Mysore, had a set of very dedicated professors. It was commonly said that if you wanted to learn the language, the apt place would be Bangalore University. But, if you wanted to be fired up with literature, one had to join the Mysore University. P.L. Jothindra In the interviews for the post of a lecturer, those from the Mysore University had an advantage over other universities. This was because there was C.D. Narasimhaiah, who headed the department. He was such a passionate teacher, that he once came straight from the Bangalore airport to the classroom. While teaching a poem involving a rose, one would fall in love with the flower. He was a great admirer of Jawaharlal Nehrus writing. He, it was, who had picked a team of assistants who joined hands with him to make the department an outstanding one. There was Polanki Ramamurthy, known for his love for beauty in everything in life. I, for one, can never forget his reading that portion of Anna Karenina, where Anna stands near the door of a moving train and how the wind played with her skirt. It was as if the wind was making love to her, so sensuous was his reading. There was the very sober B. Damodar Rao, who would do full justice to such a voluminous novel as Moby Dick. He would never compromise on excellence in teaching. There were other dons, tooH.S. Shivanna, H.H. Anniah Gowda, and others. And then we had U.R. Ananthamurthy. He was already famous for his novels and short stories. Some of his works like Samskara and Ghatashraddha had already been made into popular movies. He was the 'rockstar' of them all, so to say. At first, we were totally in awe of him. But, with time, we all got to know him well, and began to appreciate him. I can never forget what he did to bring us boys and girls closer. Our department was the only one which had a round table in the middle,with chairs all around it in the classroom. Being new to the department, we boys used to sit on one side and the girls used to sit in the opposite row. This went on for a couple of weeks. One day, he asked us boys to go out of the room, until we were called. The doors were closed. We stood in the corridor, wondering what was happening inside. A few minutes later, we were called in. We were surprised to see girls sitting all around the table with empty chairs in between them. We were asked to occupy those chairs which were vacant. He told us with a mischievous smile, that we were in the English department and not in any other department. From that day on, we boys and girls got on well together. The bond that it led to, has stayed strong even after all these decades. We had something called the tutorial system going on. Our batch was divided into several groups, each consisting of seven students. Each batch came under a professor. We were supposed to meet them in their chamber once a week. It used to be an hour before the regular classes. We were given a poem to react to. This helped us get to know each other further. I was lucky to be under the tutelage of URA. This was the time when he would be more informal than in the class. I remember, for one assignment, he gave us a statement, Horses sweat, men perspire, women glow, and asked us to react to it. Remember, there was no internet in those days. Each of us sweated over it in the library, in a bid to outdo one another. He was very impressed by our efforts the next week. He had his eccentricities. Sometimes, he would not turn up. He would be found having a chat with his brainy friends in the canteen. He would turn up in blue jeans some days. It was generally agreed that his lectures would not be of any use for the exam. But it helped us in getting to know how we had to appreciate good literature. He was well acquainted with both Kannada and English literature. And this made his lectures all the more interesting. Sometimes, he would surprise us by debunking a poem of Wordsworth by comparing it to a poem of a Kuvempu or a B.M. Srikantaiah. He would make us appreciate good literature, regardless of the language. Having kow-towed with film directors like Girish Karnad and B.V. Karanth and others, he was familiar with the lingo of the film industry, too. He would use this knowledge in the classroom, too. He was best when he was intellectually challenged. This used to happen during literary conferences and seminars, like the annual Nehru Seminar that the late CDN had initiated. I remember the seminar that was held in 1981 was very special. Among the invitees were R.K. Narayan, Raja Rao, Kamala Markandya, Noble Prize winner Chinua Achebe, Khushwant Singh and others. That was an intellectual feast for all of us. On rare occasions, he would bring along some well-known intellectual friends of his into the classroom. We eagerly looked forward to the debate that would surely ensue. Those sessions would be really heady. Those were the moments when we used to feel proud of having such a meritorious don amidst us. It was in those situations when he would dig deep into his brains. But the ideas would flow as smooth as laughing waters. He had his own view on every subject. The way he presented his points would be impressive. That is why he would stand out in a conference or a discussion panel. He also knew how to encourage a merited student to come out of his shell. I remember I had written my own interpretation of a poem of George Herbert in one of the tutorial classes. The next regular class, he surprised me and everyone by inviting me to address the class, saying that he liked the view of mine. No wonder such gestures made him the most popular teacher in the department. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had dons like him. He has influenced all his students, one way or the other. He was a wonderful thinker, an admirable writer, an inspiring teacher, and a very good conversationalist. Above all, he was a wonderful human being. No wonder he was given the Padma Bhushan in 1998, the Jnanpith Award in 1994, He was also nominated for the Booker Prize in 2013. He was the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam, Kerala, was the chairman of National Book Trust in 1992. He was also the president of the Sahitya Academy in 1993. He was a visiting professor in many Indian and foreign universities. Was twice the head of the National Film and Television Institute. He did try getting into politics a couple of times. But where is the place for such intellectuals in politics? So, he went on to being a much sought after adviser to some merited politicians. Being born in 1932, he would have turned 92 today. Surely, teachers like them dont come often. Jothindra worked as a lecturer in several colleges. He worked as an Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies, and retired as the Joint Registrar and Managing Director of KDCC Bank, Madikeri. While addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kuwait said that India has the skill, technology, innovation and manpower that is needed for the "new Kuwait". Modi visited Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Two countries are connected with the bonds of the heart, said Modi at the 'Hala Modi' event in Kuwait. Also read | PM Modi's visit to Kuwait: What is on the agenda #WATCH | Kuwait | PM Modi at the Community Event #HalaModi, says, "The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not pic.twitter.com/UxNRWewD7m ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 "India and Kuwait are located on two shores of the Arabian Sea; it's not just diplomacy that connects us, but also bonds of the heart. Relationship between India and Kuwait is one of civilization, sea, affection, trade, and commerce," he said at the event. #WATCH | Kuwait | PM Modi at the Community Event #HalaModi, says, "India was one of the first countries in the world to recognise Kuwait after its independence. So, visiting a country, a society with which I have so many memories... is very memorable for me. I am very grateful to pic.twitter.com/CMqpwnQGpV ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 "Kuwait, through trade and innovation, wants to be a dynamic economy...India is also focusing on innovation and strengthening its economy," he added. This is the first time an Indian PM is visiting the Gulf nation in 43 years. "Every year, hundreds of Indians come to Kuwait; you have added Indian touch to Kuwaiti society. You have filled Kuwait's canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed with the essence of India's talent, technology and tradition," said Modi. Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day official trip. He praised the Indians in the country for their cooperation in development. "You all have come from different parts of India, but looking at all of you, it feels like a mini India has gathered here," he said. Bolstering defence and security cooperation is the key focus of the visit. The Ministry of External Affairs also said discussions were underway with Kuwait for a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation agreement. Gal Ferenbook, an Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier arrived in Sri Lanka hoping to relax after a tour in Gaza. It is safe to assume that he was shocked when he got a call from his higher-ups back home on Wednesday. He was told to get out of the island nation if he didn't want to go from the cushiness of the beach resort room to the darkness of a prison cell! Gal Ferenbook, in a video that went viral on the internet, was seen being hailed by a colleague as the "Terminator" from the safety of what looked like an IDF facility. He had a broad smile on his face as his colleague zoomed the camera towards a screen in front of them which showed a Palestinian man lying motionless. Ferenbook was being hailed as a "Terminator" for taking down a Palestinian and there was no sign of the victim being armed. The video which was taken as a trophy to celebrate a remorseless act, came back to haunt Gal Ferenbook as Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based pro-Palestine organisation, confirmed his presence in Sri Lanka and raised alarm. It demanded the Sri Lankan authorities detain "war criminal" Ferenbook and tipped off the International Criminal Court, and Interpol, reports said. ALSO READ | Israel-Syria buffer zone explained: Hezbollah media alleges IDF reached outskirts of Damascus Israel, who understood which way things were heading, asked its soldier to cut his vacation short and come back home. OSINT missions against IDF soldiers Israel had warned its soldiers fighting in Gaza against shooting and sharing videos or photos from the frontlines on social media. At a time when the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, it is no safer for the soldiers to avoid posting photos from Gaza online. Such materials available online are being gathered by anti-Israel activists and groups to be used against IDF in war crimes proceedings. Right groups are spending hours online monitoring the social media accounts of IDF personnel to download any such material as soon as they are posted. Later, if these soldiers decide to make an international trip for leisure or other private purposes, their social media activities are again used to pinpoint their location. The activists will file they proceed and complaints against them locally, Israel found out. ALSO READ | How did Captain Omer Neutra die? US-Israeli youth, who chose IDF over New York university life, died fighting Hamas The Times Of Israel identified recent instances of IDF soldiers being forced to leave Cyprus, Slovenia, and the Netherlands under similar circumstances. Dozens of fighters were told to avoid international vacations by Israel in the light of war crimes complaints filed against them, the report said. In Gal Ferenbook's case, the controversial video was posted on August 9 on his Instagram account, Times Of Israel said in a report. "Today, the #HindRajabFoundation has formally sent the ICC complaint against Gal Ferenbook to the governments of #SouthAfrica, #Ireland, and #Spain, urging them to issue arrest warrants and request Interpol Red Notices should he leave #SriLanka freely. Gal Ferenbook, a soldier with blood on his hands, is responsible for the killing of a Palestinian civilian and boasts about his actions in widely documented footage (see video). As a war criminal, he must not be allowed to enjoy impunity. The Hind Rajab Foundation calls on the international community to act decisively and ensure accountability for his crimes," the Belgian group said on X on December 18. Today, the #HindRajabFoundation has formally sent the ICC complaint against Gal Ferenbook to the governments of #SouthAfrica, #Ireland, and #Spain, urging them to issue arrest warrants and request Interpol Red Notices should he leave #SriLanka freely. Gal Ferenbook, a soldier pic.twitter.com/j8WoArM4Mv The Hind Rajab Foundation (@HindRFoundation) December 18, 2024 From the comment section, it seems like the Israeli man made it out of Sri Lanka safely. Can Israel protect its soldiers from arrest in foreign lands? Tel Aviv clarified that it will throw its weight behind its soldiers if anti-Israel groups decide to carry on with this modus operandi. Its diplomatic offices in respective countries will give asylum to any soldier who is arrested or asked to come in for questioning or feels threatened while abroad, the Israeli media. "The IDF does everything it can and uses all available means to protect its service members at home and abroad, the report added. WATCH | IDF soldiers ignore Jewish settlers stealing olives, farming equipment from Palestinian family in West Bank's Hebron Those who are planning to travel outside its borders should not publish social media content that give away their location, the IDF has told its men and women, the report claimed. Saudi doctor who allegedly killed at least four people in the horrific Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany, had posted a chilling message months ago. The attacker was identified as Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, 50, a psychologist who fled Saudi Arabia in 2006 and came to Germany as a refugee. A Saudi source quoted by Reuters identified him as Taleb Abdul Jawad and the media initially identified him as Taleb A. BREAKING: According to reports from UAE and Saudi Arabian users, the perpetrator of the Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany is a fugitive from Saudi Arabia. The German government refused to extradite him despite requests from the Saudi government, citing human https://t.co/w6vZYXEiOY pic.twitter.com/0p5O4IGh3K Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 20, 2024 His social media account bio says, "Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamise Europe." On August 21, Taleb wrote, "Is there a path to justice in Germany without bombing a German embassy or slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately?" #BREAKING: The Christmas Market attacker in Germany is a SAUDI ARABIAN national born in 1974, per BILD This is a video of his arrest. THIS WILL come to America if we dont fix our immigration system NOW! pic.twitter.com/vZQ6NAh71X Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 20, 2024 He went on to add that he had been looking for this peaceful way since January 2019 but could not find it. "If anyone knows it, please guide me," he added. He also reposted disturbing clips that showed a Muslim woman being stoned to death after she allegedly had an extramarital affair. In his tweets, Taleb supported Elon Musk, UK anti-Islamic campaigner Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. He also reposted a tweet that read, "Can you find one positive thing about Islam?" BREAKING: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting the scene of the car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg Latest: https://t.co/phM8D9w1WT Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/uOPp0q9xqZ Sky News (@SkyNews) December 21, 2024 Hours before the attack, the suspect alleged that German authorities were accessing his mail and stealing his USB stick. He said he is holding German citizens are responsible for the persecution he is facing. "...the nation is actively criminally chasing Islam critics," he wrote. Taleb who supports far-right group, Alternative for Germany, reposted right-wing extremist Naomi Seibt's post, which read, "Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave." The 50-year-old Saudi doctor arrested in connection with a deadly car-ramming attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market was "an Islamophobic", said Interior Minister Nancy Faesar. This was clear to see, she added. Meanwhile, the death toll in the Magdeburg Christmas market attack rose to five on Saturday. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, while addressing the media, said understanding the actions and motives behind the attack is important to respond with the criminal law. He ensured that "full force of the law" would be applied. He also added that it was shocking that the attack had taken place on the same day eight years ago when an Islamist terrorist drove a stolen lorry into a Christmas market on Breitscheid Platz in the centre of west Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring many more. "It is not hatred that determines our coexistence, but the fact that we are a community that is working for a common future and that we do not let those who spread hatred get away with it," he said. The police are still investigating the motive behind the attack. The suspect had shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticising the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He had also accused the German authorities of failing to do enough to combat the "Islamism of Europe". He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Among around 200 people who got injured in the attack, at least 15 of them are critical. A major controversy erupted recently when a nativity scene at the Vatican depicted baby Jesus wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity. The display, unveiled in St Peters Square, sparked criticism from various pro-Israel groups, including Proclaiming Justice to The Nations. Laurie Cardoza-Moore, president of the group, called it an affront to Jesus, the Bible and Christians, especially those in Bethlehem. She emphasised that Jesus was a Jewish figure, born in Bethlehem, and not a Palestinian. She told Pope Francis that the nativity scene misrepresented Jesus' Jewish heritage. Whats happening at the Vatican? Pope Francis meets Mahmoud Abbas, a nativity shows baby Jesus on a Palestinian keffiyeh, and now the Palestinian Authority is opening an embassy there. Jesus was Jewishborn, lived, and died as a Jew. pic.twitter.com/On4Mj2vb07 Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) December 12, 2024 The controversy deepened after Israels Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, wrote a strongly-worded letter to Francis. Chikli pointed out that Jesus' birthplace, Bethlehem, was part of Judea, not Palestine, and criticised the nativity scene for aligning with the Palestinian narrative. He explained that Jesus was born to a Jewish mother, lived as a Jew, and died as a Jew, and that the term "Jew" was directly linked to the tribe of Judah. He also traced the term "Palestine" to the Roman Empire's renaming of Judea as "Syria Palaestina" after the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE. Pope Francis unveiled this year's Nativity scene at the Vatican this week. The scene was crafted by Palestinian artists from Bethlehem and features Mary, Joseph and Jesus carved out of olive wood, a tree with deep ties to Palestine. Baby Jesus is in a crib lined with a pic.twitter.com/4XR8swaeZO PBS News (@NewsHour) December 13, 2024 Chikli expressed concern over Francis' remarks on the Gaza War, where the pontiff seemed to suggest that Israel's actions in Gaza might be considered genocide. Chikli called the comments dangerous, trivialising the term "genocide," and potentially fuelling harmful narratives against Israel, such as the "blood libel"an accusation historically used to vilify Jews. He urged Francis to clarify his stance on these issues, given the significant influence the Vatican holds globally. The Vatican eventually removed the nativity scene after backlash, but the incident highlighted tensions over the portrayal of Jesus and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chikli's letter emphasised the need for careful consideration of the implications of such displays and statements, particularly when they appear to endorse divisive political narratives. He also asked Francis to reaffirm his support for Israel and clarify his position on the ongoing conflict. The Saudi man who is suspected to be behind the deadly car attack on a Christmas market in Germany was arrested hours after the horrific incident. #BREAKING: The Christmas Market attacker in Germany is a SAUDI ARABIAN national born in 1974, per BILD This is a video of his arrest. THIS WILL come to America if we dont fix our immigration system NOW! pic.twitter.com/vZQ6NAh71X Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 20, 2024 At lease two people were killed in the attack and 68 others were injured after the dark BMW mowed them down in the eastern German town of Magdeburg. Emergency services said the number of injured might be as high as 80. Who is Taleb Abdul Jawad? The man, identified as Taleb A. aka Taleb Al Abdulmohsen by the authorities, is a doctor and psychotherapist, according to The Guardian. He came to Germany as refugee in 2006 due to Saudi Arabia's Islamic government. He settled in Bernburg, which is south of Magdeburg, after acquiring official refugee status in 2016. It has emerged that Saudi Arabia had informed Germany about the attacker, Taleb Abdul Jawad, who posted extremist views on X, according to a Saudi source quoted as saying by Reuters. He was allegedly a sympathiser of Alternative for Germany, a far-right party in the country. A Saudi source told Reuters the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. Taleb is reportedly an women's rights and anti-Islam activist in the Saudi community in Germany. He even ran websites and social media pages for these causes and warned prospective refugees to avoid coming to Germany because the government tolerates radical Islam. #Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the incident that took place in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany in which a car plowed into crowds, resulting in the death and injury of a number of pic.twitter.com/Ozc85f0GpZ Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) December 21, 2024 Reiner Haseloff, the premier of Saxony-Anhalt where Magdeburg is located, said one of the dead was a young child. Haseloff said the death toll could rise as some of the injuries were severe. The latest attack comes a day after Germany marked the anniversary of the 2016 Berlin Christmas attack, killing 12 people and injuring 56 people. It was deemed as the deadliest terrorist attack on Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was set to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday, said his thoughts are with the victims and their families. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the "background to the terrible deed" was yet to be clarified. Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims. What makes a pioneering filmmaker? Is it talent? Drive? Or perhaps the ability to see the world a little differently? Julia Reicherts Julias Stepping Stones, a 32-minute documentary released on December 18, 2024two years after her passingon Netflix, dives into this very question. Directed and produced by Reichert and her husband, Steven Bognar, this film is a reflection on her own lifewritten and narrated by Julia herself. And yes, it feels like shes talking directly to you. The posthumously-released documentary opens with Julia on the phone, chatting casually with someone we dont know. Well, it turns out its us, the viewers. Thats the tone of this documentarywarm, personal, and conversational. Its as if shes inviting you over for coffee to share her life story. Julia doesnt shy away from addressing the societal norms of her time. In the film, she points out how the top options for womens futures were to become teachers, nurses, or secretariesor to get married. But Julia was determined to carve out her own path. She speaks of her early dream of becoming a journalist because she believed that understanding each other could resolve conflicts, the passion which later evolved into filmmaking. The documentary, true to its title, is built around Julias stepping stonesthose important moments that shaped her journey. From working as a copy boy at The Cleveland Press in a male-dominated office to dropping out of college and working as a waitress, each experience pushed her closer to filmmaking. Then theres her first film, Growing Up Female, which she created as a college project. It explored the lives of women at different ages and stages of life and how they saw themselves. The film was groundbreaking, but when she and her then-partner Jim Klein were offered a contract to sell the rights to it, Julia refused. Why? She wanted the film to reach its intended audience. That decision led her to co-found New Day Films, a large filmmaker-owned cooperative distributor for independent films, as she defines it. Her story is also filled with the social and economic struggles of the post-Civil War era. Through ideologies like socialism, communism, and critiques of capitalism, she redefined herself. Rejecting the imposter identity she once adopted in college, Julia emerges as an advocate for the working class and uses her films to highlight issues of class, race, and gender. One of the most memorable lines in the documentary is: The only way to achieve equality was to actually live it. This belief shaped her work and life. For instance, while making Growing Up Female, she and Jim alternated between shooting and editing, even though Jim preferred editing. Amidst the archival footage and photos, one particular picture stands out: Julia walking across stepping stones in a forest with her grandchildren. She herself acknowledges the symbolismits a representation of her journey, one step leading to the next, each as important as the last. The documentarys biggest strength is its honesty, and the flaws could be said to be its editing, which is choppy, with noticeable jump cuts that can be distracting. And just when youre fully immersed in her journey, the documentary ends abruptly, leaving you craving for more. Its important to note that Julia is no ordinary filmmaker. She is an Oscar-winning documentarian, known for American Factory. While Julias Stepping Stones doesnt explore her Academy success, it does something even more meaningfulit shows us why and how she became the filmmaker she is. So, is it worth watching? Yes, the documentary feels intimate and like a gentle hug that invites you to reflect on your own journey and the factors that shape it. Julia Reichert passed away in December 2022 from urothelial cancer at the age of 76. Film: Julias Stepping Stones Director: Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar Cast: Julia Reichert Rating: 3/5 | The Guatemalan police carried out a massive raid of the Lev Tahor cult at the border between Guatemala and El Salvador on Friday, rescuing 160 children and teens and 40 women after testimonies of severe abuse at the cults compound. The raid, involving over 400 police officers, soldiers, and psychologists, took place following testimonies from four minors who escaped from the cult last month and provided shocking details to the police about serious offenses. A formal complaint was filed to the Guatemalan state prosecutors office, which decided to launch an operation to rescue the minors in the cult. Guatemalan state prosecutor Dimas Jimenez said at a press briefing that the raid was conducted due to alleged forced pregnancy, mistreatment of minors and rape. According to Jimenez, the raid was supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The authorities also found the bones of a child that was buried at the compound. No arrests were made during the raid but computers, phones, and other equipment that could serve as evidence were confiscated. Authorities are considering the possibility of filing charges against the leaders of the cult for human trafficking and other serious offenses. According to reports in the local media, members of the cult were forbidden from eating meat, fish, and poultry. Children were separated from their parents and forced into marriages, and among other things, the community enforced discipline through public floggings. In a statement released by the Jewish community in Guatemala, it was noted that the community is not connected to the Lev Tahor cult and it supports the Guatemalan authorities in carrying out necessary investigations to protect the lives and integrity of minors and other vulnerable groups that may be at risk. The community called on governments and organizations from countries whose members belong to Lev Tahor to cooperate to protect those whose rights may be violated. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) Two days after Israel attacked Houthi targets in Yemen, the terror group launched a ballistic missile at central Israel in the pre-dawn hours of Shabbos morning, causing sirens to wail in numerous cities and sending millions of Israelis to their bomb shelters. Several minutes later, the missile exploded in South Tel Aviv-Yaffo, leaving a crater in a playground between two residential buildings and shattering the windows of several apartments. Sixteen people, including a three-year-old, were lightly injured by shattered glass, 14 people were injured while running to bomb shelters, and seven people suffered from shock. The victims were treated at the scene and evacuated to Woflson Hospital in Holon and Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. The IDF spokesperson said later that their interception attempts failed. On Motzei Shabbos, the IDF issued a statement saying that Following an initial investigation by the Air Force and the Home Front Command on the fall of a missile launched from Yemen in the pre-dawn hours of the morning, the incident is still being thoroughly investigated. Some of the conclusions have already been implemented, both regarding interceptions and warning sirens. It is not possible to provide further details regarding air defense operations and the alarm due to information security considerations. We emphasize that air defense is not airtight, and the public must continue to adhere to the guidelines of the Home Front Command. The incident occurred only two days after a Houthi missile hit a school in Ramat Gan, causing it to collapse. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) Santa has a job on his hands delivering presents across the globe this Christmas Eve as he sets out on his sleigh from the North Pole. But perhaps it's time he switched to something a bit more 21st century, though still with a link to the Arctic Circle or at the very least Scandinavia. How about the new Polestar 4 from the cool Swedish electric car-maker which I've been driving? Polestar is a spin-off from Sweden's Volvo, though both are now owned by Chinese car conglomerate Geely. Priced from 59,990, the big talking point about the four-door five-seater is that it's the world's first car with NO rear window. Instead, the view out the back is from a rear-facing HD 'stay-clean' camera on the roof. Live feed: The Polestar 4 has a rear-facing camera on the roof This sends unobstructed, wide-angle, high-resolution live images to the driver via a digital screen where the rear-view mirror would usually be. The screen can be flipped to become a normal reflective mirror. You get used to using it. However, you are looking at an image on a flat two-dimensional digital screen, whereas in a mirror your eyes are looking farther 'into' a virtual 3D reflection. You can't use it like a traditional mirror to judge distance by moving your head slightly. On the other hand, the absence of a window allows for more rear space and headroom for passengers in the rear who enjoy limousine levels of space and legroom, as well as an extended panoramic glass roof. The roof-mounted camera housing is designed to direct air and rain and keep dirt and grime away from the lenses. Hi-tech: What the driver sees - and the screen can be flipped to become a normal reflective mirror Inside, you can set the interior ambience of mood and lighting. Irritatingly, there are basic functions that can only be set by fiddling around on the central screen such as mirror settings. I drove the Long Range Single Motor rear-wheel drive model with 200kW (268bhp), which accelerates from rest to 62mph in 6.9 seconds up to a top speed of 124mph. It has a range of up to 385 miles so Santa will need to carefully plan his charging. The more powerful all-wheel drive 400kW (536bhp) Long Range Dual Motor accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds with the same top speed but a shorter range of 367 miles and costs from 66,990 (polestar.com). My long-term partner proposed to me a few years ago at Christmas time. Although the relationship didn't last, the ring he proposed with is still in my life. He said I could keep it despite the breakdown in our relationship. I'm wondering how much it's worth. I'm keen to sell it and figure as it's Christmas time maybe now is the best time to flog it. It's a lab-grown 1 carat diamond and the colour is F with VVS1 clarity. I've been told the quality is amazing so I'm hoping it might be worth a decent amount. Ellie, via email. Dan Hatfield, our resident valuaion expert, replies: When it comes to diamonds, I'm an unapologetic magpie. I trained as a diamond grader in Antwerp - the capital of diamonds - studying them in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Even now, as a pawnbroker handling them daily, I never tire of their allure. Each one is as unique as a snowflake and valuing them is as much art as science but valuing them isn't as straightforward as you may think. It all comes down to the famous 'four Cs' which stand for, the cut, clarity, colour, and carat; Lab-grown: My 'diamond' ring is from an engagement that didn't last - is it worth much? 1. Cut This is the one most people misunderstand. It's not the shape (round, oval, pear) but the quality of the cut - how well it's been carved, faceted, and polished. A well-cut diamond bounces light around like a disco ball, giving it that irresistible sparkle. Sadly, you haven't shared this with me so I will have to focus on the other c's. 2. Clarity This measures how 'clean' the diamond is from internal blemishes or inclusions. You've done well here your VVS1 clarity is near the top of the scale, just one step below 'Internally Flawless.' This tells me your diamond is as close to perfect as many of us will ever see. 3. Colour The colour scale runs from D (completely colourless) to Z (a not-so-lovely yellowish hue). Your diamond is an 'F' still firmly in the 'colourless' camp. This is prime real estate in the world of diamonds. 4. Carat A 1-carat weight is the ultimate crowd-pleaser; big, bold and the size most people think of when the dream of an engagement ring. If this was a natural diamond, you'd be right to be popping the champagne right now, but your diamond is lab grown which does affect the price vastly. What is a lab-grown diamond? Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually, identical to a natural diamond. They sparkle just as brightly, and in a display cabinet, even an expert could be fooled, but the market doesn't value them the same way. Natural diamonds are one-of-a-kind wonders born from intense heat and pressure deep within the earth, which can often be 3billion years old. Whereas lab-grown diamonds are created in machines. When lab-grown diamonds first hit the market in 2015, there was buzz about them being 'eco-friendly' and they sold for around 90 per cent of the cost of a natural counterpart. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Meghan Markle were spotted with them, and suddenly, it seemed like lab-grown diamonds were the future. If you bought one back then, you might have felt pretty smug, all the appearance of luxury without the astronomical bill. But fast-forward to 2024, and the bubble has burst. Lab-grown diamonds are everywhere and we now know that they're not as eco-friendly as once thought due to the large amount of power needed to create them. As more producers flood the market, prices are collapsing like a bad souffle. Research from global jewellery analytics firm Tenoris reported a 20 per cent drop in lab-grown prices in 2023 and this continued in 2024. To put it bluntly, lab-grown diamonds are a terrible investment. It's a painful truth I've had to deliver to too many people who thought they were being savvy when they first came onto the market. As we know, your engagement ring has 1 carat diamond with the colour F and a VVS1 clarity which if natural would be a stunning gem but as this is lab-grown, it wont hold much of a resale value. Looking at the current market, I would estimate you could sell your ring for about 600 maybe even up to 1,000 if you could find the right buyer. This may not seem a lot for an entire carat, but it all comes down to supply and demand. Due to the sheer volume of lab-grown diamonds on the market, prices are decreasing fast and they don't have the history, mystique or limited supply that make natural diamonds so valuable. My advice to you would be to sell it now as the market is awash with buyers hunting for gifts and Christmas is often a season full of proposals. Come January, people's focus will be on clearing their credit card bills rather than splashing out on diamond rings, lab-grown or natural. To maximise how much you can make off your ring, I would opt for selling it to online diamond buyers or specialist jewellery resellers. High street stores have overheads which means they will drive down an offer on how much they can buy it for in order to turn a profit. I'm not sure if you had a figure in mind and while not the price a natural diamond of this quality would demand, it's still a lovely little earner in time for a very merry Christmas. I'm about to break to enjoy some festive merriment myself, so I just want to thank all my readers who have joined me for this Modern Treasures column this year. I'll be back with more valuations and money-making advice in 2025, so for now, wishing you all a sparkling Christmas and a bling filled new year. Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk saw its value fall by as much as 82billion yesterday after a weight loss drug trial fell short of expectations. It was one of the Danish pharma giant's worst days on the stock market, as its shares fell by up to 29 per cent. The company later clawed back some of its losses but was still off by 21 per cent at the close and lost its crown as Europe's most valuable company. It represented a sharp setback for the group whose valuation has soared over the past few years due to demand for drugs including Wegovy and Ozempic. The company has become so important to the Danish economy that the krone weakened yesterday as foreign investors sold shares and converted the proceedings into other currencies. Wegovy is taken as a weekly injection and tricks the body into thinking it is full. It is available on the NHS. Sister drug Ozempic, which has the same key ingredient, has taken off in the US. Celebrities who have taken it include actress Amy Schumer and TV host Kelly Osbourne. But investors were yesterday disappointed with the results of a trial for its next weight loss drug a combination of Wegovy and another of its drugs, Saxenda. Novo Nordisk had been hoping the treatment, called CagriSema, would help patients lose an average of 25 per cent of their body weight. But instead, the late-stage trial showed patients only lost an average of 22.7 per cent of their body weight. This has sowed seeds of doubt over Novo Nordisk's ability to reign supreme amid fierce competition in the weight loss market. The drug only slightly beat the other main weight loss drug on the market, Zepbound, which is known as Mounjaro in the UK. Patients taking the rival drug made by Eli Lilly, the world's largest pharmaceutical company lost 22.5 per cent of their weight in a previous trial. But Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk's executive vice-president for development, said: 'We are encouraged by the weight-loss profile of CagriSema.' Some believe the market reaction was overdone. Jakob Westh Christensen, market analyst at eToro, said: 'This is just one study and one potential drug in Novo Nordisk's extensive research and development portfolio.' Gardai in Co Monaghan have charged a man following an incident of dangerous driving and criminal damage to an official Garda vehicle that occurred in the early hours of Friday, December 20. At around 2am, uniformed gardai on patrol at Ballykelly, Co Louth, observed a car travelling at speed towards Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. The vehicle drove at the marked patrol car and gardai had to take evasive action to avoid being deliberately struck. READ NEXT: Irish father leaves baby in car for eight hours before rushing to Garda station A marked Armed Support Unit vehicle on patrol in the area joined the pursuit and was deliberately collided with in Inniskeen. The pursuit continued through a number of townlands to Kilmurray, Culloville, where the car deliberately collided with the ASU vehicle again. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which came to a stop, and two males aged in their 20s were arrested. A third fled on foot. A search of the car resulted in the seizure of a quantity of a controlled substance and cash. One male has been charged. He is due to appear before Monaghan District Court on Monday, January 13. Investigations are ongoing and a file is also being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. No injuries were reported during this incident. All gardai involved are receiving support from their colleagues and other Organisation Supports if required. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the areas from Ballykelly, Co Louth to Ednamo, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan and to Kilmurray, Culloville, between 1.50am to 2.30am are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castleblayney garda station on 042 9747900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Posted just for context and a glimpse at how this Missouri abortion fight will move forward . . . Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang wrote that the states abortion ban is directly at odds with Amendment 3, which voters approved last month, and the statute is therefore presumptively invalid. Zhangs ruling shot down the states attempt to dismiss the case that was brought by Planned Parenthood. She also dismissed restrictions such as the requirement for doctors to be there in person when a patient is taking abortion medication, the 72-hour wait period between the patient checking in with the doctor and getting an abortion procedure and other criminal penalties. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Judge blocks Missouri abortion ban after ballot measure's passage A state circuit court judge blocked some parts of Missouri's near-total abortion ban after an abortion ballot measure's passage in November. But the ruling preserved other restrictions, including t... Missouri judge partially blocks enforcement of state's abortion ban - UPI.com A state judge on Friday ruled Missouri's nearly total abortion ban violates the state's Constitution as amended by voters on Nov. 5 and partially blocked enforcement of the abortion law. A judge says Missouri's abortion ban isn't enforceable, but there's no start date for abortions A judge has ruled that Missouri's near-total abortion ban is unenforceable under a new constitutional amendment. Developing . . . Spoiler alert . . . Probably not. In fact . . . The question reminds us of the kind of news junk that Buzzfeed used to post in order to help destroy the Internets . . . A bit further down in the missive, here's a quote on the topic with more deets: "DeValkenaere was convicted of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the shooting of Lamb, both felonies. "Even after he is freed from prison and off of parole, its unlikely that he will be able to rejoin the police, according to Missouri statewide statutes. "Being convicted of a felony is a nonstarter for many law enforcement careers. State and federal laws prohibit people with felonies from possessing a firearm, usually a requirement of the job. Missouri law also sets certain standards for police officers to remain licensed by the Department of Public Safety, and officers face revocation of their state-issued licenses if they are even suspected of a crime in certain cases. "Section 590.090 states that a director can immediately suspend a police officers license if they were under indictment, charged or convicted of a felony. A recent job posting for KCPD requires that applicants not have any felony convictions." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Eric DeValkenaere's sentence was commuted by Gov. Parson. Can he be a cop in KC again? The former Kansas City police officer was convicted of shooting Cameron Lamb. Now he will be freed from prison. What's it mean for future? Developing . . . A Missouri Friday news drop is mostly intended to evade scrutiny and discussion from the public BUT deserves to be highlighted nevertheless . . . Like it or not . . . FORMER KCPD DETECTIVE FREED AFTER CONVICTION FOR KILLING OF CAMERON LAMB!!! Objectively . . . Local social justice advocates have denounced this expected move in a case that has always been racially charged . . . Meanwhile, pro-police pundits and supporters seemed frustrated that the clemency took so long. We've heard all kinds of speculation about the reaction to this long-awaited move and even MSM newsies claiming people would riot . . . Our theory is that the case is tragic for BOTH SIDES but people typically don't make a big deal about a guy who has been dead for half a decade . . . That's harsh but the reality of this situation. Meanwhile . . . We wanted to highlight the most important passage and share links to how other media are covering the decision . . . Eric DeValkenaere, 46, was serving a six-year prison sentence in connection to the deadly 2019 police shooting of Cameron Lamb. "In Missouri, clemency powers rest exclusively with the Governor," Parson said in a statement. "After careful consideration, Governor Parson today exercised his constitutional authority on a number of final pending clemency petitions." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . KSHB: Missouri Gov. Parson commutes sentence of former KCPD Ofc. Eric DeValkenaere KMBC: Former Kansas City Police Detective Eric DeValkenaere's sentence commuted KCUR: Missouri governor commutes ex-cop Eric DeValkenaere's sentence for killing Black man Fox4: Eric DeValkenaeres sentence commuted in Cameron Lamb killing KC Defender: Missouri Governor Pardons Eric DeValkenaere, the First White Cop in KC History Convicted for Lynching a Black Person Developing . . . For close news watchers we share inspiration from biz lady, model and hottie Candice as we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Holiday Exchange Community Blood Center gifting socks and beanies to donors The Community Blood Center (CBC) is giving back this holiday season to people who are choosing to donate their blood at a time when blood supply is scarce Mayor Q Agenda Going Forward 'I think Kansas City can walk and chew gum': Mayor looks to balance development and affordability in 2025 Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas said the city can "walk and chew gum" as it balances development with affordability in 2025. Hip-Hop Family Biz Debuts Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC's favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon Hassan Khalifah started "with a string," turned it into a string of businesses, then pulled the thread on his most successful venture. His children - now two chefs, an iconic Kansas City rapper, and a popular TikTok influencer - were watching everything. Actually, Most Neighbors Want To Keep The Park Westwood residents split over the sale of Joe D. Dennis Park The holidays are about coming together, but in Westwood, Kansas, there's a crack in the community. You're either team "Save the Park" or team "Build the Park." Golden Ghetto Sends EPIC Gift 'This is Christmas': Overland Park donates farmers' market pavilion to Garnett Construction crews started removing the old pavilion at the site of Overland Park's new farmers' market and gathering space. Show-Me Exit Strategy 'I am finally retiring': Missouri man wins big on lottery ticket purchased in Kansas City A man is $3 million richer after buying a Missouri Lottery scratch-off at a Price Chopper in Clay County, part of Kansas City's Northland. Swift Fashions Game Day Look Taylor Swift cheers on Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in matchup against Texans Pop superstar Taylor Swift is back at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs' final regular-season home game. Angel Juxtaposition Candice Swanepoel Was 'Super Happy' With Her 2024 VS Fashion Show Looks Candice Swanepoel exclusively opened up to Us Weekly about returning to the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show MAGA Hot Mess Awaits?!? Congress avoids a shutdown but leaves 'a big mess' for Trump and Republicans in 2025 Another funding bill. A debt limit extension. Major party-line bills on immigration and taxes. Nominations. Trump tried to push Congress to take the debt ceiling off his plate but failed. Speaker Uncertain Funding saga forecasts future struggles for Speaker Johnson Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) averted a government shutdown, but the days-long rollercoaster as the leaders cycled through multiple plans leaves serious questions about how the Speaker will manage the House GOP under President-elect Trump - and whether he can keep his gavel. The intra-party clashes that were on full display this week will be even... White House Makes It Official Biden signs government funding bill, averting shutdown crisis WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden signed a government funding bill on Saturday, formally averting a shutdown crisis after Congress passed the bill. Bad Company In The Clink Luigi Mangione - now in solitary confinement - could join the same jail unit as Diddy and SBF as soon as Monday He may join Combs and SBF next week. For now, it's "the hole" for Mangione, who is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. New Path After Switcheroo US removes long-standing bounty on Syrian rebel leader | CNN Politics The United States has removed the long-standing $10 million bounty on the de-facto leader of Syria following a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist Friday. Holy Land Under Attack Again Missile fired from Yemen hits Israel, injures 16 - DW - 12/21/2024 A missile fired from Yemen struck an area of Tel Aviv overnight, lightly injuring 16 people. The attack came less than two days after a series of Israeli airstrikes on Yemen. Europe Fight Cont'd Russian airports disrupted after 'massive' overnight drone exchange with Ukraine Two Russian airports were put under flight restrictions early Saturday after authorities alleged an attack by Ukrainian drones, according to state-run news agencies. Hollywood Legal Battle Blake Lively accuses It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment According to complaint, Baldoni retaliated after crisis meeting attending by Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds Influence Behind The Scenes 'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine Last summer, as the release of "It Ends With Us" approached, Justin Baldoni, the director and a star of the Mighty Tech Moves Power Garbage Content First demonstration of quantum teleportation over busy Internet cables Northwestern University engineers are the first to successfully demonstrate quantum teleportation over a fiber optic cable already carrying Internet traffic. Crackdown On Box Store Gear Lawmaker demands adult toys be banned from Target and Walmart A PROPOSED law seeks to ban sex toys from retail stores such as Target and Walmart. One newly-elected legislator wants to introduce the ruling limiting sales to erotic businesses, such as strip clu... Locals Act Out Hollywood Comedy Thriller filmed in KC: "It's Fargo on Steroids" A comedy thriller Boris is Dead is being filmed in Kansas City taking advantage of Missouri's revived film tax credit. Hipsters Try Near Beer Trendsetting Crossroads brewer taps another first: KC's only locally-owned non-alcoholic beer A star on the Kansas City craft beer is setting a new baseline for inclusivity on the local brewing scene, said Eric Martens, introducing the metro's first hometown non-alcoholic beer - a product of months dedication and innovation, he added. Weekend Deadline Awaits Kansas Citians start last-minute shopping push ahead of Super Saturday With fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, shoppers took advantage of the final weekend before the holiday. South Side Carbs Reconsidered Bountiful bagels: Find a taste of New York in Grandview and Belton By Pete Dulin A fresh-baked bagel with a schmear of scallion cream cheese from Luca Bagel conjured a taste of home for owner Luke Salvatore. Since December 2022, Salvatore has boiled and baked doug... Katie's Forecast For Now . . . Game day is sunny but cold Saturday will have high temperatures around 36 degrees; things will warm up starting Sunday, but it will get cloudier during the week. SZA - Drive is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. It's Friday . . . Indulge a TKC theory . . . Anti-pr0n crusades will ultimately FAIL the GOP because taking away people's smut is essentially an unpopular and Un-American move. Fanatics, disgustingly, throw youngsters into the mix to confuse the issue when their real aim is to stop consenting adults from doing some very nasty things that consenting adults often do for fun and on camera. More to the point . . . The genie is out of the bottle and Americans have now seen too much pr0n to just snatch away access. Also, behind the scenes the GOP watches as many dirty movies and engages in just as much sketchy online behavior as anyone else. Example . . . Remember not so long ago there were many fascinating and some satirical stories about Gridr LGBT dating app use during this year's GOP convention. Maybe more importantly . . . There's also the nearly impossible problem of defining obscenity. One man's filth is another's freedom of expression. And just to prove the ubiquity of the pr0n game . . . Just about every TKC reader not only knows the "work" of hottie Angela seen in the fair use top photo but also the company that contracts her many "talents" online. In the end (ouch) all of this might be just another opportunity for the chattering class to moralize without affecting any real change . . . Here's how our friendly KC hipsters view the local connection to the topic: "It shows that this case has national implications. Pornhub.com has geo-blocked Kansas. Missouri is expected to be one of the next GOP-held states to adopt one-sided age verification laws in the upcoming legislative session. There are legitimate freedom of speech concerns." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . | By Emily Bleiweis One year ago this month, Ly Avia Patterson, BSN 24, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. It was a shock for the then-40-year-old mother of two, especially as she was deeply engaged in completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), something shed quit her job to do. Finding out there was a mass in her colon, and that the cancer had spread to her liver, was shocking. But for Patterson, there was only one path forward. Ive been pushing through just persevering. Its all I can do. I have children, I have a husband, I have family that I have to live for, she said, later adding, I dont want sympathy. I want people to recognize that there are going to be challenges in life, you know? There will be adversity that you have to get through, that you just have to push. You have to push through for your goals, for your family, for your own self. This week, Patterson celebrated her success at pushing through as she strode across the stage of the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, officially a graduate of the BSN program. On Dec. 18, more than 250 graduates and their families and friends celebrated success during UMSONs graduation ceremony, during which 194 BSN degrees, 59 masters degrees, three Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, four Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and four certificates were conferred. Just shy of 200 entry-into-nursing students graduated, ready to enter the workforce. We offer our very sincere congratulations to those of you who are receiving your first degree in nursing. You will begin your career at a time when nursing presents unparalleled possibilities, said Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD 11, MS 05, BSN 04, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. No other profession offers such a diverse range of career paths and opportunities for professional development. Moreover, very few professions afford you the privilege of having a significant impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. On behalf of the School of Nursing, I hope you will be as happy and as fulfilled in your nursing career as I have been for the past 37 years. During the ceremony, Renz Mae Carbo, BSN graduate, and Brandi Nicole Ridenour, Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader graduate, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. DAISY awards are given each fall and spring to two graduating entry-into-nursing students who demonstrate outstanding compassion and care to patients and their families. Kristin Bussell, PhD 19, MS 98, BSN 84, CRPN-PMH, assistant professor, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty, which is given to nursing faculty in recognition of their commitment to education and for their inspirational influence on students. Marc Salmo Llacuna, BSN 24, gave the student remarks during the Dec. 18 ceremony. He highlighted the unique path he took to get to nursing school, including earning a degree in engineering and serving for more than a decade in the U.S. military. But after his time in the Army, Llacuna said he didnt know what his purpose in life was anymore. Nursing changed that. Nursing is not only a profession, it is a commitment to compassion, to healing and to patient advocacy, and thats why Im so honored to stand in front of all of these brave men and women who have decided to join me on the front lines of health care and fight against disease and suffering, he said in his address. I used the word brave because remember three to five years ago, everyone here began their journey, and three to five years ago, we were at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and droves of health care workers were leaving the field because they were worried about their health and well-being. They were overworked. But everybody in front of you stood up, rose their hand, and said, Take me. Im ready to serve the American people. So, thank you. Thank you for your commitment. If thats not brave, then I dont know what brave is. That theme of bravery, perseverance, and pushing through especially when life gets hard underscored the entire ceremony, including during the keynote address by Capt. Aisha K. Brooks, DNP, MPH, RN, FADLN, FAAN. Brooks, a senior health policy administrator in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, has spent nearly three decades as a nurse. But it wasnt easy getting there. I became a mother in high school at the age of 15, and with all the knowledge, skills, maturity of a 15-year-old, I became a mom again at the age of 16, she said during her speech. So, you can imagine that there were a number of people who did not believe that my life would amount to much. There were many people who created obstacles for me academically because they were certain that I did not have what it took to complete my education. What held me down, though, is not only a supportive family, but a sense of self and the fortitude to believe that my circumstances absolutely did not define who I was at that moment, nor who I would become. For Patterson, if it werent for her diagnosis and this experience, she would not have known what area of nursing she wanted to go into. Now, shes sure. I knew I wanted to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner and treat patients in the outpatient setting, but after school, I didnt have an idea of what I wanted to do, Patterson said. Its the silver lining that I figured out what I wanted to do I want to focus on oncology. Thats the specialty that I would like to go into. She has a deeper appreciation for what oncology patients are dealing with because of her own experience, Patterson said. She can empathize because she has been there herself. Its going to really change how I treat my patients, she said, adding, I just want to be that person that they can rely on, be that person they can talk to, be that person that is going to advocate for them. Israel, UAE had secret deal to keep Bashar al Assad in power: Report Israel and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) had a secret deal to keep Bashar Assad in power, the Middle East Eye reported citing security sources Saturday December 21, 2024 9:19 PM , ummid.com News Network [President of UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bashad al Assad in a file photo] London: Israel and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) had a secret deal to keep Bashar Assad in power, the Middle East Eye reported citing security sources. In its exclusive report the London based digital publication said, Israel had planned to divide Syria into three blocks, with Bashar al Assads control limited only to capital Damascus. The overthrow of Bashar al-Assads government on December 08, 2024 thwarted the Israeli plan, the Middle East Eye reported. Israel planned to establish military and strategic ties with the Kurds in the northeast and the Druze in the south, leaving Assad in power in Damascus under Emirati funding and control, David Hearst wrote while reporting for the Middle East Eye. Removed from the power, Bashar al Assad is in Moscow, Russia along with his family . The latest revelation by the security sources came amid the report that Bashar al Assad, who is a doctor, intends to relocate himself to somewhere in the UAE and establish a hospital. The UAE and Israel came closer to each other during the first term of U.S. President Elect Donald Trump, and even signed bilateral deal leading to to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2020. The Middle East Eye in its report said, the Israel-UAE plan was hinted at in a speech by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar a month ago in which he said Israel needed to reach out to the Kurds and the Druze in Syria and Lebanon, adding that there were political and security aspects that needed to be considered. We must look at developments in this context and understand that in a region where we will always be a minority we can have natural alliances with other minorities, Saar said in a direct reference to the Alawites - a minority religious sect in Syria, of which al Assad is part of. But the plan was overtaken by events when forces loyal to Assad crumbled in Homs and Hama, leaving the road to Damascus open . Rebels by then had already smashed through frontlines and captured Aleppo, Syrias largest city, without a fight, transforming the balance of power in the countrys 13-year civil war. Role of Jordan In the early hours of Sunday December 08, 2024, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the Syrian Prime Minister, appeared on video saying he was willing to hand over power peacefully. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the HTS leader better known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani , swiftly replied that he was ready to keep Jalili in power until a transition was organised. But even as HTS was approaching the capital, the Emirati and Jordanian ambassadors in Syria were making desperate attempts to stop HTS from gaining control of Damascus, security sources revealed, according to Middle East Eye. Jordan encouraged the Free Syrian Army and allied groups from the south to get to Damascus before HTS, the publication said in the report. Before Jolani arrived, the two ambassadors arranged for fighters from the Free Syrian Army to pick the Syrian Prime Minister up from his home and take him to the Four Seasons Hotel where they were to officially hand over the state institutions to the armed groups from the south, security sources told the Middle East Eye, speaking on condition of anonymity. Jalali was filmed being escorted to the hotel by soldiers from the Hauran region in southern Syria belonging to the Fifth Corps, a military force made up of former rebels who had previously reconciled with the Syrian government. Jalali stalled and phoned Jolani. Jolani told him: Dont do it and Jalali heeded that advice, a source said. Why Israel bombed Syria When Israel realised it could not thwart HTSs takeover of the country it began destroying Syrias military assets , including sinking its fleet in Latakia and occupying territory including Mount Hermon, Syria's highest mountain near the border with Lebanon and the occupied Golan Heights, the Middle East Eye said. These weapons were safe under Assad. That is how much Israel was invested in keeping him in control. But they became unsafe in the hands of the rebels, a source said. Officials in both Jordan and the UAE expressed alarm at the HTS takeover, and the prospects of an Islamist-led government in Syria, even if, as has been promised by Sharaa, all factions and religions are represented, the Middle East Eye reported . Since the eruption of the Arab Spring revolutions in 2011, the Emiratis have been at the forefront of anti-democratic counter-revolutionary efforts in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen. Jordan has over one million Syrian refugees and shares a long desert border with Syria which is straddled by tribes who live on both sides of the frontier. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Pakistan, Bangladesh Relation and Memories of 1971 War After decades of hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan have made a major step toward a new era of regional cooperation in South Asia, riddled with suspicion, distrust, disrespect, and lack of neighbourliness among the eight countries Sunday December 22, 2024 0:17 AM , Saleem Samad [Dr Muhammad Yunus and Shehbaz Sharif at D8 Summit in Egypt] After decades of hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan have made a major step toward a new era of regional cooperation in South Asia, riddled with suspicion, distrust, disrespect, and lack of neighbourliness among the eight countries. When Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh embraced Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with grins on their faces decided to put the bilateral relations at a new height. Yunus and Sharif met on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit, which was held by developing nations in Cairo, Egypt. Shehbaz Sharif called for a strategic relationship between Dhaka and Islamabad and said, "We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with our brother-in-country Bangladesh." Dr Yunus expressed his keenness to reactivate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as "a top priority." "I am a big fan of the idea of SAARC. I keep harping on the issue. I want a summit of SAARC leaders even if it is only for a photo session because that will carry a strong message," the French news agency AFP quoted Yunus as telling Shehbaz. The moribund eight-nation SAARC (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) was largely stalled due to strained relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi. Bangladesh and Pakistan are two wings of India, and are physically connected by land, rivers, and blue mountains. The two leaders expressed their desire to resolve outstanding grievances from the brutal birth of Bangladesh in 1971. December is an emotional month for Bangladesh. The 16th of the month is observed with due solemnity to respect the millions of martyrs at the gigantic National Martyrs Memorial on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka. All organizations, professional bodies, and political parties assemble at dawn to pay homage at the site, except for the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which allegedly were henchmen and armed militia groups, which rampaged and pillaged thousands of villages during the nine months of liberation war. On the historic day, Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, Commander of Eastern Command, Pakistan Army and Indian Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora of the Eastern Command, Indian Army flanked by a dozen Mukti Bahini commanders signed the historic 'instrument of surrender' in accordance to Geneva Convention. An estimated 93,000 members of Pakistan's armed forces, other auxiliary forces, civil officers, and their families surrendered on 16 December after a humiliating defeat, which created an independent Bangladesh. It was the world's largest surrender in terms of number of personnel since World War II. The prisoners of war (POWs) were repatriated under the Tripartite Agreement signed in April 1974 by Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India in New Delhi. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Lahore, Pakistan in February 1974 helped resolve the issue of Bangladesh's recognition intervened by Egypt and Algeria. According to textbook history, the eastern province of Pakistan (known as East Pakistan) plunged into a bloody civil war after the military junta refused to accept the people's mandate of the first-ever general elections in 1970. The martial law government based in Rawalpindi launched a crackdown codenamed 'Operation Searchlight' in March 1971 after denying handing down political power to the elected representatives. In hours the Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was detained and the party banned. When Mujib was picked up by the military in Dhaka, nearly 1,500 political and student leaders, intellectuals, acclaimed poets, senior lawyers, journalists and others were arrested from (western) Pakistan. Relations between the two countries experienced hiccups during the last five decades. The three military dictators - General Ziaur Rahman, General H.M. Ershad and General Moeen U Ahmed, went ahead to thaw the bilateral relations with their counterpart military junta in Pakistan, which were never sustainable in the see-saw diplomatic maneuver by the autocratic regimes in both countries. During the democratic era, the two Begums failed to build up the relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Pakistani newspaper The Dawn writes: In the years since the split (independence), Dhaka's leaders especially the recently ousted regime of Sheikh Hasina, stayed firmly in the Indian camp, preferring to maintain close ties with New Delhi and keeping Islamabad at arm's length. However, the newspaper wrote that ties between the two capitals have thawed ever since a popular uprising toppled Hasina's government in August, with trade and bilateral relations seeing a marked improvement. They also agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasized the need to align efforts to achieve mutually beneficial development objectives. "The issues (of 1971) have kept coming again and again. Let's settle those issues for us to move forward", Yunus told AFP. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges including enhanced exchange of artists, sportspersons, academics, students, etc. Political historian Mohiuddin Ahmad said he does not see how the relationship would defrost the relationship which has deepened scars of the brutal independence war. It is no denying that in Clause 13 of the Tripartite Agreement, Pakistan agreed to put 195 senior military officers on trial for war crimes, crimes against humanity and rape as a weapon of war. Unfortunately, lack of a guarantee clause in the agreement, the military dictator and also President, General Ziaul Huq instead pardoned the accused, which was a serious breach of the Delhi agreement, said the Mukti Bahini veteran Mohiuddin Ahmad. Sharif said the 1974 Tripartite Agreement involving Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India settled things, "but if there are other outstanding issues," he would be happy to look into it. Yunus said it would indeed be nice to resolve things "once and for all for the future generations." Former Ambassador Humayun Kabir, who is also a liberation war veteran, said it would be not easy for the millions of people who joined the guerrillas (Mukti Bahini), those became war refugees, the genocide survivors and the rape victims would be able to forget the nightmare and pardon the perpetrators, who were unfortunately not punished for committing crimes in 1971. When military usurper General Pervez Musharraf visited Bangladesh in July 2002, he was greeted by a general strike. Dhaka University students fought a pitched battle with riot police in the capital demanding Pakistan should seek an apology for what military troops had committed. He (Musharraf) regretted the excesses committed during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence but called for burying the past in the spirit of friendship. Well, his statement was short of apology for the crimes committed during the war and said, "Your brothers and sisters in Pakistan share the pains of the events of 1971." Perhaps stating only one-word "apology" in public for crimes committed by the Pakistan military during 1971 would melt the ice once and for all, remarks Ambassador Kabir. [The writer, Saleem Samad, is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. A media rights defender with the Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_inter). Recipient of Ashoka Fellowship and Hellman-Hammett Award. He could be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com; Twitter (X): @saleemsamad. The above article is first published in the Stratheia Policy Journal, Islamabad, Pakistan, 21 December 2024.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. A freshman student, enrolled at George Mason University, was detained by the FBI for alleged plotting to commit a terrorist attack on the Israeli consulate in New York City. The Egyptian student, Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, had instructed an undercover FBI informant to commit the attack. According to the criminal complaint reported by The Times of Israel, he gave the informant step-by-step bomb-making instructions as well as advice on escaping to ISIS territory after committing the attack. Hassan further encouraged the informant, pretending to be interested in joining ISIS, to produce a "martyrdom video" and livestream the attack. Hassan ran several social media accounts calling for extremist ideologies, such as support for ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Hamas. After being informed about one of these accounts, the local authorities notified the FBI. The FBI established communication with Hassan through an informant on social media and messaging applications that led to discussions in which Hassan provided jihadist propaganda and discussed several attack strategies. He recommended attacking Jewish facilities and eventually settled on the Israeli consulate, where he advised on surveillance and armament preparation. How a Freshman Student Wants to Attack an Israeli Consulate in NY The complaint disclosed that Hassan directed the informant to make the bomb more lethal by adding aluminum ball bearings as shrapnel. NY Post revealed that he also suggested using an assault rifle as a substitute weapon and made it clear that he wanted the attack to be broadcast live to maximize its effect. On December 17, the freshman student was arrested and charged with offenses related to the distribution of information about explosives and weapons of mass destruction. In response, the Israeli Consul-General Ofir Akunis sent their thanks to US security services for thwarting the attack. Akunis described it as a seriously damaging blow to Israel's sovereignty, especially if it ended up being successful, and a reminder of the struggle against terrorism worldwide. To date, the US Justice Department has not commented on the case. This year's ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting award goes to Illinois State University. The award, from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, honors colleges and universities that lead in nonpartisan efforts to increase student voter participation. This year, 471 institutions throughout the country were designated an ALL IN Most Engaged Campus, indicating a strong commitment to civic engagement and community involvement. According to Illinois State, ISU President Aondover Tarhule acknowledged that voter engagement was at the core of what ISU represented. He credits the Center for Civic Engagement and other campus units that helped to create an action plan leading to record turnout. More than 3,500 people voted early in McLean County at ISU's Bone Student Center. On Election Day, 3,233 did likewise. These figures indicate the highest ever turnout since the opening of the polling station, with all registered voters being accommodated. Leading initiatives by the CCE and Associate Director Paige Buschman, ISU's work includes voter registration support, ballot education, and programs raising awareness about the vote process. The university uses TurboVote, a straightforward tool to register to vote, engaging nearly 1,400 students from July to November. This shared work also earned ISU its Highly Established Action Plan Seal as part of ALL IN campuses across the year so far. Dr. Katy Strzepek, the CCE director, expressed appreciation to the Voter Engagement Coalition and many volunteers for their commitment to educating students. Their efforts made ISU a leader in nonpartisan democratic engagement. Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, said that institutions like ISU set the bar for developing student voter participation around the country. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge engages over 1,075 colleges and universities to collectively enroll 10.8 million students across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. ISU still continues to intentionally engage more students to be active players in democracy. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) About 777 planes could land at Faisalabad International Airport after the expansion of its runway and a state-of-the-art cargo complex would also be established after completing due formalities and permission, said Airport Manager Ms. Tasneem Akhtar Jameel. Addressing the business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), she requested exporters to provide the data of cargo load so that the process could be expedited. She said that many airlines had suspended their operation from Faisalabad but hopefully, they would return very soon. She said that all new airlines would be allotted slots according to their demand as there was no hurdle to its allotment. "Contrary to Lahore, 100% baggage of passengers is being scanned at Faisalabad," she added. She also claimed that Faisalabad had been declared the most secured and safe airport of the country. Earlier, President FCCI Mr. Rehan Naseem Bharara said that Faisalabad had emerged on the global map of aviation when international flights started from this city in 2014-15 due to the efforts of the FCCI. At that time there were 120 weekly flights which reduced to 80 during Covid-19, he said and added that now there were only 32 domestic and international flights. He requested former executive member FCCI Kashif Zia to prepare a comprehensive report on available cargo load in Faisalabad so that the issue could be resolved without further delay. Former President FCCI Mian Javed Iqbal said that CAA should contact the managements of Fly Dubai, Fly Jinnah, Air Blue, Air Sial and other airlines to start their operation from Faisalabad to capitalize on its huge untapped potential. He said that currently local cargo was being routed through Lahore and Sialkot airports as they had no scanner at Faisalabad. "There are two options for us. First to fully exploit the potential of the existing airport and secondly to start spade work on the new airport. We must prepare a commercial feasibility so that efforts could be made in the right direction," he added. He also requested the airport manager to work on the possibility of launching a flying club at Faisalabad airport. He said that the FCCI should also request officers concerned of the customs, FIA and ANF to visit the FCCI to resolve issues of the business community. Later, President Rehan Naseem Bharara along with Mian Javed Iqbal and Nadeem Iqbal presented an FCCI shield to Airport Manager Ms. Tasneem Akhtar Jameel. She also reciprocated and presented a memento of CAA to President FCCI Mr. Rehan Naseem Bharara. Senior Vice President (SVP) FCCI Mr. Qaisar Shams Guccha, former presidents Muzammil Sultan, Mian Aftab and Shabbir Hussain Chawala were also present in the meeting in addition to the Executive Member FCCI Muhammad Ali, Hamid Gillani and Naveed Gulzar. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has accomplished a target of Rs 600 billion in fresh bonds and achieved 36.36 percent of the annual target for the current fiscal year, from July 1 to December 20th. The CDNS has set an annual target of Rs 1650 billion for the current Fiscal Year, 2024-25, which will promote the saving culture in the country, the senior official of CDNS told APP on Saturday. Similarly, the CDNS has set a target of Rs 170 billion in investment in Islamic finance for the Current Fiscal Year, which will lead to the growth of the Islamic economy in the country. Replying to a question, he said that the CDNS has realized a target of Rs1.742 trillion in fresh bonds and exceeded 100 percent of the annual target in the last fiscal year 2023-24, from July 1 to June 30. National Savings has set an annual target of Rs 1.7 trillion for the year 2023-24; it is encouraging that this year, We surpassed the 100 percent of the annual target. The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the previous fiscal year 2022-23, he said. He said it was an Rs 200 billion additional annual target than the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021-22. The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the financial year (2021-22) which will promote a savings culture in the country, he said, adding that given the current market trend in the country, the ambitious target had been set to further improve the savings culture. The official said that work was being done on institutional reforms in CDNS and new reforms and innovations were being introduced. At this time Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has also been introduced in CDNS which will provide enough facilities to the users, he added. The official said that the directorate had set a target of Rs 75 billion for the new financial year 2023-24 for Islamic finance bonds. Replying to a question; he said the CDNS aimed to introduce new dimensions in the Islamic finance sector. Islamic finance has a very important role in the global financial sector at this time and a large part of the economy of many major countries currently includes Islamic finance, he added. (@FahadShabbir) TUNIS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 21st Dec, 2024) Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the city of Carthage in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, recently hosted the launch of the ninth edition of the Kairouan Festival for Arabic Poetry. This event, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Tunisia, spans three days and features a vibrant participation of Tunisian poets, intellectuals, and critics, alongside fellow artists from Libya and Algeria. The opening ceremony took place at the House of Wisdom in Carthage, attended by several notable figures including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Dr. Khaled Kashir, Director-General of the National library and representative of the Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs, Amina Srarfi, was also present. Hala Al Wartani, Director of the House of Wisdom, along with a gathering of writers, academics, and poetry enthusiasts, enriched the event, which was covered by local and Arab media. The ceremony kicked off with the unveiling of an exhibition that featured a variety of publications from the Department of Culture in Sharjah along with the House of Poetry in Kairouan. Among the showcased works were the Sharjah Cultural Magazine, Al Rafid Magazine, Al Qawafi Magazine, and Al Masrah Magazine, as well as a selection of poetry publications by Tunisian poets. The festival activities began with a speech by Mohammed Al Qaseer, who stated, Kairouan brings us together today for the poetic word. This meeting reflects the ongoing cultural initiatives of Sharjah and highlights the strong relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Tunisian Republic. Al Qaseer congratulated the House of Poetry on reaching its tenth year, and expressed his thanks to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for its fruitful cooperation in making the House of Poetry festivals and activities in Kairouan a success. Khaled Al-Kasher presented the speech on behalf of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. He stated, As time progresses, the tradition of poetry remains intact, reminiscent of the Muallaqat and the regular convening of the Ukaziyat. We acknowledge His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for supporting the preservation of a long-standing cultural practice in the Arab world. In Kairouan, the structure of poetic verses has been established through precise rhythmic patterns. The Arab nation is committed to maintaining its foundational means of expression, which continues to hold significance despite the rise of modern communication technologies. Al-Kashir highlighted the importance of the festival, stating, The consistent organisation of this event as planned reflects the commitment of the Department of Culture in Sharjah and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Tunisia to promote poetry and elevate its status. It also functions as a way to strengthen cultural connections through poetic creativity, which conveys diverse feelings and emotions. The Director of the House of Poetry in Kairouan, Jamila Al Majri, gave a speech in which she began by expressing her deepest gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the founder of houses of poetry in the Arab world. She emphasised the achievements of recent years, noting that the House has welcomed over 1,000 poets. She also mentioned that the House publishes a booklet featuring the initial works of budding members of the Poetry Club, provides instruction in prosody, and prints poetry collections through the Department of Culture. Continuing the tradition of the House of Poetry in Kairouan during each festival session, the poetry readings showcased the talents of poets from various Arab countries. The audience viewed a videotape that captured the key moments of the House of Poetry in Kairouan throughout the current year. The footage highlighted the annual achievements of the House for 2024, showcasing a vibrant array of activities including evenings filled with seminars, engaging dialogue sessions, and artistic performances. This presentation allowed the audience to gain insight into the ongoing daily efforts that keep the House bustling both inside and outside its walls throughout the year. (@FahadShabbir) NEOM, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 21st Dec, 2024) Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, participated in the 4th annual meeting of the Arab Association for Prosecutors held in Neom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was attended by Prosecutors-General from Arab countries. In his speech, the UAE Attorney-General emphasised that the meeting, with its constructive discussions and dialogues, offers a valuable opportunity for exchanging experiences and finding solutions to enhance the performance and effectiveness of public prosecution offices. He highlighted that it serves as an ideal platform to discuss the future role of public prosecutors, given the high regard and respect for the prosecution services in Arab countries, which are based on their commitment to the rule of law, transparency, impartiality, professionalism, and their continuous pursuit of development to serve justice and uphold the value of fairness. A workshop was held alongside the meeting, with participation from delegations of public prosecution offices from the attending countries, under the themes of Artificial Intelligence and Criminal Justice and The Evidentiary Value of Investigative Procedures". ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) The Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) hosted an International Seminar on the Current State of Teaching and Research in Islamic Studies and Its Allied Disciplines at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium, Islamic Research Institute (IRI) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Faisal Masjid Campus, Islamabad. The seminar was organized in connection with the Visit and Short-Term Exchange Student Mobility Program of the academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, academics, and policymakers from Pakistan and Malaysia. Key attendees included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director-General of IRI; H.E. Amb. Dato' Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan; Allama Raghib Naeemi, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology; and Prof. Dr. Mohd Fauzi bin Hamat, Dean, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khadher bin Ahmad, Deputy Dean (Student Affairs); Dr. Mohamad Azrien bin Mohamed Adnan, Deputy Dean (Undergraduate Studies); Mrs. Maimunah binti Kamaruddin, Senior Assistant Registrar; and Mrs. Nur Jannah binti Md Akhir, Project Officer. Joining them were senior faculty members from Faculty of Usuluddin (Islamic Studies) of IIUI including the Dean, Prof. Dr. Taj Afsar, Deputy Dean/HoD (Department of Study of Religions) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram, and representatives from UM. The seminar also welcomed Post-Doctorial fellows, and faculty members of IIUI. The seminar featured thought-provoking discussions on the evolving trends in teaching and research within Islamic Studies and its allied disciplines. Speakers emphasized the importance of fostering global academic collaborations, enhancing interdisciplinary research, and integrating innovative pedagogical approaches. The event highlighted the vital role of exchange programs in broadening academic horizons and building strong bilateral ties between academic institutions. The collaboration between IIUI and the Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, marks a significant step toward strengthening academic partnerships and promoting excellence in Islamic education and research. Monrovia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) The lawyer responsible for setting up Liberia's long-awaited war crimes court told AFP that the first trials will take place in the next five years, more than two decades after the brutal civil wars that left around 250,000 people dead. Justice has so far proved elusive for the victims of the back-to-back conflicts that raged in the small West African country between 1989 and 2003. Despite years of international and domestic pressure, Liberia has yet to try anyone for crimes committed during the years of violence which resulted in massacres, mutilation, rape and cannibalism. "I do not think it is too late," said Jallah Barbu, who in November was appointed by President Joseph Boakai to manage the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. "We have a wonderful opportunity now to address our situation in the world and move forward," he added. "In the six-year period of the administration of President Boakai, based on all of the commitments I have and the momentum I see, the court will have, long before the expiration of the six years, at least commenced its first trial, if not concluded" it, Barbu said. Boakai, who took over the presidency at the start of this year, in May signed a decree creating an office responsible for setting up the special court, which will try those accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as economic crimes committed during the period. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2009 found that all parties in the conflicts were responsible for war crimes and recommended the establishment of a special court. But the recommendations had until this year gone largely unheeded, particularly in the name of peacekeeping as a number of accused warlords remained influential in their communities. - 'Bring closure' - One of those was Prince Johnson, a key militia leader in the civil wars and an influential senator until his death at the end of November. Johnson, who was seen sipping beer in a video as his fighters tortured then-president Samuel Doe to death in 1990, was a leading opponent of the creation of the court. He was one of eight warlords that the TRC recommended be tried. "We want to make sure that when we bring a closure to this process, the Liberian people will be happy, our country will be on a better trajectory, at least in terms of ensuring that respect for the rule of law is not just on the tongue, but it's in our conduct," Barbu said. The lawyer said that the eventual court would be "of a hybrid nature" and established in Liberia, respecting both local and international laws. He added that the office had been given a "very strong commitment from the government to support this process in terms of assurances". "We've also received similar commitments from partners, especially the international community, that they will come to our aid," he said. But Barbu admitted that in the two months he had been in his position, the office had "not received a penny from any source other than the UK government", whom he said gave $5,000 to fund travel for a research trip to Sierra Leone. While no trials have taken place within Liberia, a number of convictions have been secured abroad. Tel Aviv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Dec, 2024) A missile fired from Yemen by Huthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv before dawn on Saturday, wounding 16 people in the second such attack within days. Israel's military said it had failed to intercept the missile, which hit a district of Tel Aviv municipality, forcing many residents to leave their homes in the early hours of Saturday. The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it used a ballistic missile directed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy". The rebels have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago, most of which have been intercepted. The world's largest rodent is having a big moment. The capybara a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig -- is the latest in a long line of "it" animals to get star treatment during the holiday shopping season. Shoppers can find capybara slippers, purses, robes and bath bombs. There are cuddly plush capybaras and stretchy or squishy ones. Tiny capybaras wander across bedding, T-shirts, phone cases, mugs, key chains and almost any other type of traditional gift item. Last year, it was the axolotl that took pride of place on many products, and the endangered amphibian remains popular. Owls, hedgehogs, foxes and sloths also had recent turns in the spotlight. Trendy animals and animal-like creatures aren't a new retail phenomenon; think the talking Teddy Ruxpin toys of the 1980s or Furby and Beanie Babies a decade later. But industry experts say social media is amplifying which animals are hot or not. "It's really the launch on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms that allow these characters or animals to blow up like crazy," said Richard Derr, who has owned a Learning Express Toys franchise in Lake Zurich, Ill., for nearly 30 years and is also a regional manager for the specialty toy store chain. Social media is also speeding up the cycle. Must-have animals may only last a season before something new captures customers' imaginations. "It's really important to keep feeding that beast," Juli Lennett, a vice president and toy industry advisor at market research firm Circana, said. "If you are an influencer, you're not going to talk about last year's stuff." Skyrocketing plush toy sales fueled by a need for comfort during the pandemic are also increasing the demand for new and interesting varieties, Lennett said. In the first nine months of this year, sales of plush animals were up 115% from the same period in 2019, she said. Overall toy sales rose 38% in that time. Consumers are seeking out increasingly exotic species that they see in online videos, games and movies. Highland cows, red pandas and axolotls, a type of salamander native to Mexico, have all popped up in popular culture. According to Google Trends, searches for axolotls shot up in June 2021 after Minecraft added them to its game. "Nobody knew what an axolotl was in 2020," Derr said. "Now, everybody knows axolotls." Cassandra Clayton, a Vermont Teddy Bear Company product designer, said rising sales to adults are also fueling the demand for unique and collectible plush toys. "Stuffed animals are really becoming an ageless item," she said. "Especially with the boom of self-care in adults and turning towards comfort objects to help de-stress and relax in your life." Clayton expects demand for unusual stuffed animals to continue to grow. Among the oddest she has seen: a stuffed version of a water bear, a type of microorganism also known as a moss piglet or a tardigrade. "It doesn't necessarily inspire you to cuddle with them, but you're really seeing the industry start turning towards those characters," she said. "I think that's the next trend." Figuring out the next "it" animal or microorganism -- is a challenge for toy makers. "You never know exactly when they're going to hit and how big they're going to be," said Sharon Price John, the president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a chain of nearly 500 stores that offers an expanding menagerie of animals and characters for customers to customize, including capybaras and axolotls. The St. Louis-based company watches social media and gets ideas from talking to store employees and patrons, John said. It usually takes Build-A-Bear up to a year to introduce a new stuffed toy, she said, but the company can move faster if it spots a trend. It sometimes tests a small batch online to make sure a trend is sticking, John said. Annual trade shows in Asia, Germany and elsewhere are another place to spot new trends. Punirunes digital, interactive pets that also come in plush varieties are big in Japan right now and will likely take off in the U.S., toy store owner Derr said. "Here, I can't give them away. They're too new. But give it a year or two," he said. Companies can kick off their own trends too. Build-A-Bear's Spring Green Frog, introduced in 2020, was an immediate hit thanks to videos posted by customers. It remains popular, with nearly 2 million sold, John said. John suspects people are drawn to friendly, slow-moving capybaras because watching videos of them are so relaxing. But shoppers who want one need to act fast. A Build-A-Bear holiday capybara with red and green sprinkles on its fur dubbed a "cookiebara" has already sold out, she said. A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities called a deliberate attack. The driver was arrested at the scene shortly after the car barreled into the market at around 7 p.m., when it was teeming with holiday shoppers looking forward to the weekend. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspect's arrest on a walkway in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone. Other officers soon arrived to take the man into custody. The two people confirmed dead were an adult and a toddler, but officials said additional deaths couldn't be ruled out because 15 people had been seriously injured. The violence shocked the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that's part of a centuries-old German tradition. It also prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburg's loss. The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006, Tamara Zieschang, the interior minister for the state of Saxony-Anhalt, said at a news conference. He has been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg, she said. "As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city," Saxony-Anhalt's governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters. "Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many." The violence occurred in Magdeburg, a city of about 240,000 people west of Berlin that serves as Saxony-Anhalt's capital. Friday's attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Christmas markets are a huge part of German culture as an annual holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages and successfully exported to much of the Western world. In Berlin alone, more than 100 markets opened late last month and brought the smells of mulled wine, roasted almonds and bratwurst to the capital. Other markets abound across the country. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said late last month that there were no concrete indications of a danger to Christmas markets this year, but that it was wise to be vigilant. Hours after Friday's tragedy, the wail of sirens clashed with the market's festive ornaments, stars and leafy garlands. Magdeburg resident Dorin Steffen told dpa that she was at a concert in a nearby church when she heard the sirens. The cacophony was so loud "you had to assume that something terrible had happened." She called the attack "a dark day" for the city. "We are shaking," Steffen said. "Full of sympathy for the relatives, also in the hope that nothing has happened to our relatives, friends and acquaintances." The attack reverberated far beyond Magdeburg, with Haseloff calling it a catastrophe for the city, state and country. He said flags would be lowered to half-staff in Saxony-Anhalt and that the federal government planned to do the same. "It is really one of the worst things one can imagine, particularly in connection with what a Christmas market should bring," the governor said. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the attack interrupted the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas. Chancellor OIaf Scholz posted on X: "My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. We stand beside them and beside the people of Magdeburg." NATO's secretary-general, the European Commission's president and U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance also expressed their condolences on X. "Our prayers go to the people affected by this terrible attack on a Christmas market in Germany. What a ghastly attack so close to Christmas," Vance wrote. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also condemned the attack on X but did not mention the suspect's connection to the kingdom. Magdeburg Mayor Simone Borris, who was on the verge of tears, said officials plan to arrange a memorial at the city's cathedral on Saturday. After a soccer match Friday evening between Bayern Munich and Leipzig, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen asked fans at the club's stadium to observe a minute of silence. El Salvador violated a woman's rights after denying her an abortion in 2013 despite doctors' calls to terminate her high-risk pregnancy, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) said Friday. The case of the woman, a domestic worker known as Beatriz, became a symbol of El Salvador's blanket ban on abortion, which punishes with prison time those who undergo the procedure, perform it or assist with it. The court's decision found the Salvadoran state "internationally responsible for failing to fulfill its duty of due diligence in ensuring the rights to access effective judicial remedies, personal integrity, health and privacy" for Beatriz. Doctors diagnosed Beatriz, then 22 and suffering from lupus and other ailments, with her second high-risk pregnancy in February 2013 and said the fetus would not survive the pregnancy. They recommended an abortion but would not perform the procedure given El Salvador's severe prohibition. Beatriz appealed to the Supreme Court, which rejected her request. In June 2013, she underwent a cesarean section, and her daughter died hours later. Beatriz died in 2017 from complications due to a motorcycle accident that occurred en route to a medical appointment. The IACHR said there was not a proven causal link between Beatriz's death in 2017 and the medical care during her second pregnancy in 2013, so it did not rule on state responsibility for her death. In its ruling, the IACHR ordered El Salvador to implement measures such as creating guidelines and protocols for medical and judicial personnel to ensure legal clarity and proper care in similar cases. "The lack of legal certainty regarding the handling of Beatriz's case led to the bureaucratization and judicialization of the necessary medical care, resulting in multiple consequences," the IACHR's statement said. The El Salvador president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At a press conference on Friday, Beatriz's mother, known publicly only as Delmy, celebrated the ruling alongside Beatriz's brother and women's rights activists. "I know it has not been easy, but the state has the duty and the right to respond to the measures that the court has imposed, and for me, it is a great triumph," she said. Foreign workers seeking U.S. jobs enjoyed near-guaranteed visa success in fiscal year 2024, with immigration authorities approving more than 97% of H1-B visa applications, as reported by the National Foundation for American Policy. The was the second-highest approval rate in more than a decade. But the exceptionally high success rate could soon end if President-elect Donald Trump's team revives his first administration's restrictive immigration policies, according to immigration lawyers. That in turn could significantly affect U.S. businesses and other institutions that rely on highly skilled foreign workers, especially those from India, they warn. "I think it's going to get harder, and it's going to be more complicated to approve things," said Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and a former lawyer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Companies exploit program, say critics Created in 1990, the H-1B program lets U.S. employers hire foreign talent in specialized fields such as technology, engineering and health care, with 85,000 visas issued by lottery. Indian workers received more than 70% of the slots in recent years, followed by Chinese nationals. The program has long been the subject of controversy. Proponents point to its role allowing the U.S. to attract top foreign talent and fill critical jobs. A 2016 study by the National Foundation for American Policy found that nearly one-quarter of America's billion-dollar startups had a founder who first came to the U.S. as an international student. But critics view the program as a weapon against American workers. Ira Mehlman of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) pointed to Disney's controversial move a decade ago to lay off hundreds of U.S. staff members, forcing them to train foreign replacements as a condition of their severance. Though Disney denied any wrongdoing and beat subsequent lawsuits, the case became a rallying cry among anti-immigrant groups. FAIR says U.S. companies exploit the system to hire cheaper foreign labor, driving down U.S. wages. "There are plenty of tech workers available here in the United States, and that should be the first resort for these companies to go out there and hire people who are American citizens," Mehlman, FAIR's media director, said in an interview with VOA. Mehlman said the program has strayed from its roots as a temporary foreign worker program, with foreign nationals using it as a backdoor to American citizenship. "This should be a program that says you're going to come here for a specified amount of time, the duration of your visa, and then you're going to return home," Mehlman said. The criticism is shared by many congressional Republicans as well as Trump, who in 2016 campaigned to end what he called "a cheap labor program." That did not happen, but the first Trump administration moved swiftly against the program after Trump issued his Buy American, Hire American executive order within months of taking office. Immigration officials followed up with stricter degree and wage requirements for foreign workers. Most of those rules were eventually blocked by courts. But immigration officers found other ways to squeeze the program. They approved some visa requests for one year instead of three, rejected automatic extensions and ramped up worksite inspections. Visa applicants were hit with mounting demands for evidence to process their petitions, according to immigration lawyers. The crackdown hit hard. New visa denials soared to 24% in 2018 and dropped to 21% in 2019 before easing to 13% in 2020. That marked a sharp departure from the Obama era, when fewer than 1 in 10 petitions were denied. "What we did see that kind of worked effectively under the Trump administration was a gutting of the system," said Dalal-Dheini, who worked as a special counsel at the USCIS during the first Trump administration. Trump's plan for visas uncertain While changing rules and regulations are cumbersome and time-consuming, immigration lawyers warn about a likely return to the tactics the first Trump administration used to limit the number of visas issued to foreign workers. Kathleen Campbell Walker, head of immigration practice at the Dickinson Wright law firm, said she is particularly concerned that increased scrutiny by federal anti-fraud agents could slow things down and potentially create "more difficulty in getting your H-1B visa status approved." "That worries me," Walker, a former national president of AILA, said in an interview with VOA. The incoming administration's plans for the visa program remain uncertain. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a VOA request for comment, but a campaign spokesperson said in a statement to The Washington Post earlier this year that Trump "will restore all of his prior [immigration] policies" immediately upon returning to the White House. While Trump's new administration is expected to focus on cracking down on undocumented immigrants, immigration lawyers say the new administration could target legal as well as illegal immigration, pointing to the appointment of immigration hardliners such as Stephen Miller, Trump's incoming White House deputy chief of staff. Yet signals are mixed. Trump has floated the idea of giving green cards to foreign graduates of American colleges and universities. And key Trump ally Elon Musk is a staunch supporter of the H-1B program, with Tesla hiring 742 new foreign workers in fiscal year 2024, ranking 16th among U.S. companies with the most H-1B visa approvals. While it's unclear what influence, if any, Musk will have on Trump's immigration policies, Walker said she's "hoping he may be in there to try to help tweak things that are from a positive perspective for the H-1B category." Germans on Saturday mourned both the victims and their shaken sense of security after a Saudi doctor intentionally drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing at least five people, including a small child, and injuring at least 200 others. Authorities arrested a 50-year-old man at the site of the attack in Magdeburg on Friday evening and took him into custody for questioning. He has lived in Germany for nearly two decades, practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg. officials said. The governor of the surrounding state of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters that the death toll rose from two to five and that more than 200 people in total were injured. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that nearly 40 of them "are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them." Several German media outlets identified the suspect as Taleb A., withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market on the cold and gloomy day. Several people stopped and cried. A Berlin church choir whose members witnessed a previous Christmas market attack in 2016 sang "Amazing Grace," a hymn about God's mercy, offering their prayers and solidarity with the victims. The man allegedly behind the attack There were still no answers Saturday as to what caused him to drive into a crowd in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the "Islamism of Europe." Some described him as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, or AfD. Recently, he seemed focused on his theory that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers. Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann said he had yet to come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. "After 25 years in this 'business' you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasn't on my radar, " Neumann, the director of the International Center for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence at King's College London, wrote on X. "As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city," Governor Haseloff told reporters. "Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many." Magdeburg still shaken The violence shocked Germany and the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that's part of a centuries-old German tradition. It prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburg's loss. Berlin kept its markets open but increased its police presence at them. Germany has suffered a string of extremist attacks in recent years, including a knife attack that killed three people and wounded eight at a festival in the western city of Solingen in August. Magdeburg is a city of about 240,000 people, west of Berlin, that serves as Saxony-Anhalt's capital. Friday's attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser traveled to Magdeburg on Saturday, and a memorial service is to take place in the city cathedral in the evening. Faeser ordered flags lowered to half-staff at federal buildings across the country. A recount of the horrifying attack Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspect's arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone, his head arched up slightly. Other officers swarmed around the suspect and took him into custody. Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a 34-year-old manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is in a mall across from the Christmas market, was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs and thought they were fireworks. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed, and a child was thrown into the air by the car. Shaking as she described the horror of what she witnessed, she recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee Street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. The number of injured people was overwhelming. "My husband and I helped them for two hours. He ran back home and grabbed as many blankets as he could find because they didn't have enough to cover the injured people. And it was so cold," she said. The market itself was still cordoned off Saturday with red-and-white tape and police vans every 50 meters. Police with machine pistols guarded every entry to the market. Some thermal security blankets still lay on the street. Christmas markets are a German holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages, now successfully exported to much of the Western world. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on X. The pledge by Lithuanias new government to reset diplomatic relations with China after Beijing downgraded bilateral ties with the country in 2021 is facing challenges even before it has begun. Analysts say Lithuanias recent decision to expel three of Chinas diplomats and the damage done to two data cables in the Baltic Sea as well as questions about the role a Chinese cargo ship may have played are complicating that effort. China downgraded ties with Lithuania after the previous government agreed to open a representative office for Taiwan in the capital, Vilnius, in 2021 that used the English word Taiwanese in its name. Beijing bristles at any moves that give democratically governed Taiwan added international recognition. Most of Taiwans overseas representative offices have Taipei in their name. Balancing act Tomas Janeliunas, an international relations professor at Vilnius University, says Lithuanias new government will have to play a balancing act when it comes to relations with China because each change in the geopolitical landscape can have an impact. When a new tension point breaks out, Lithuania will have no choice but to skip this balancing policy and return to the more aggressive diplomacy toward China, he told VOA in a phone interview this week. Following its parliamentary elections in October, Lithuanias new prime minister, Gintautas Paluckas, vowed to restore full diplomatic relations with China without humiliating Lithuania and falling to our knees and begging for anything. In an interview with the Baltic News Service on Nov. 1, Paluckas said that it is certainly an aspiration to have normal relations with China. Relations with China "will not be very rosy," with the two sides arguing about economic and protectionist measures, but the European Union "is trying to maintain diplomatic relations, he said. We are a sovereign country, we have no dependency on China, and nobody is trying to create one, but diplomatic relations are valuable. And one truly needs to have them, he said. Zhao Junjie, a senior research fellow at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times that Paluckas comments show the new Lithuania government is turning to more rational, pragmatic and sustainable ways to handle relations with China. New governments differing views Despite the new prime ministers stated intention to resume diplomatic exchanges with Beijing, there are also differing views on how Lithuania should handle relations with China within the new government. The Lithuanian governments latest four-year plan, which the country's Parliament approved Dec. 12, calls China a growing challenge to the Baltic states foreign and security policies. The plan also pledges to develop economic and cultural ties with Taiwan, which China views as an inseparable part of its territory. In an interview with Baltic News Service on Dec. 3, Lithuanias new foreign minister, Kestutis Budrys, said China bears the responsibility of initiating steps to restore diplomatic relations with Lithuania. It was not Lithuania that decided to downgrade the level of diplomatic representation and initiated the change of its form altogether, Budrys said, adding that all sides across Lithuanias political spectrum support the restoration of diplomatic ties with China if the Baltic states national security is ensured. Meanwhile, Lithuanias minister of economy and innovation, Lukas Savickas, said in an interview on December 12 that the previous governments position on China had been out of line and that Lithuanian businesses have interests in the Chinese market. Experts say since the new government has explicitly presented China as a foreign policy and security challenge to Lithuania, Vilnius is unlikely to fundamentally change its policies toward China. While the previous government, which pursued the so-called values-based foreign policy, only vaguely mentioned China in its program, the new [governments] program sets the boundaries in this regard much clearer, said Raigirdas Boruta, an associate expert at Vilnius Universitys Eastern Europe Studies Center. Since the new government has pledged to keep developing economic and cultural ties with Taiwan, Boruta told VOA that Lithuania is unlikely to make fundamental changes to its relationship with China under the center-left-led administration. Aggressive actor Other recent events have also added new sources of tension to the bilateral relationship. In late November, a Chinese bulk carrier carrying Russian fertilizers, Yi Peng 3, was suspected of severing two data cables in the Baltic Sea, prompting investigators from several European countries, including Sweden, Lithuania and Finland, to surround the ship and seek to conduct a thorough investigation. Additionally, Lithuania announced the expulsion of three Chinese diplomats after declaring them personae non gratae on November 29. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said the Chinese diplomats violated the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian legislation but did not provide further details about the expulsion. Beijing condemned Lithuanias expulsion of the Chinese diplomats, describing the move as provocative. China reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on December 2. Janeliunas said these events have hardened the Lithuanian publics impression of China as an aggressive actor in the Baltic region, making it difficult for the new government to reduce tension between the two countries. If the government talks about softening Lithuanias attitude toward China, it could trigger some harsh reactions from society or some media outlets, as they question why the ruling Social Democrats are considering such a move, he said. A rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv overnight, leaving 16 people injured by shattered glass, the Israeli military said Saturday, days after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi rebels who have been launching missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthis said in a statement on Telegram they had aimed a hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target that they did not identify. Israel's military said it was investigating, adding that "we emphasize that aerial defense is not hermetic." "A flash of light, a blow and we fell to the ground. Big mess, broken glasses all over the place," said Bar Katz, a resident of a damaged building. Israeli strike hits refugee camp Mourners in Gaza held funerals Saturday for 19 Palestinians 12 of them children killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight. One strike hit a residential building in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least seven, including five children and one woman, and injuring 16 others, health officials said. In Gaza City, a strike on a house killed 12, including seven children and two women, according to Al-Ahli Hospital where the bodies were taken. One man cradled a tiny shroud-wrapped body as mourners gathered. Later Saturday, al-Awda Hospital said an airstrike hit a house in Nuseirat and killed four people including two children, with 14 other people wounded. Israel's military said it was checking the report. And Saturday night, large explosions could be seen on the Gaza skyline. Five bodies arrived soon afterward at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. More than 45,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people, taking about 250 hostages and triggering the war. Gaza's Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said more than half of fatalities are women and children. Israel says at least a third of the dead are militants. Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian deaths in Gaza. It says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas. Hospital told to evacuate The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in largely isolated northern Gaza said in an online message late Saturday that Israel's military had told the facility to evacuate. Dr. Husam Abu Safiyeh said that evacuating the intensive care unit, maternity ward and other departments would mean transferring 66 patients. Israel's military in response to questions said it was "not aware of any strikes in the area of the hospital at this time." There was no immediate response to questions about the reported evacuation order. Gaza's Health Ministry earlier reported continuous gunfire and Israeli shelling near the hospital, and it issued an urgent appeal for medical and food supplies to be delivered to the facility as Israel's military pressed its latest offensive. Safiyeh has said the facility faced "severe shortages" including of food and said that requests for essential medical supplies and ways to maintain oxygen, water and electricity systems "have largely gone unmet." Aid groups have said Israeli military operations and armed gangs have hindered their ability to distribute aid. The Israeli military organization dealing with humanitarian affairs for Gaza said Saturday it had led an operation delivering thousands of food packages, flour and water to the Beit Hanoun area in the north. Moscow is using the killing of Russian general Igor Kirillov to push debunked bioweapons conspiracy theories targeting Ukraine and the United States. On Dec. 17, Kirillov, head of Russia's nuclear, biological and chemical defense forces, was killed outside an apartment building in Moscow by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter. Kirillov's assistant was also killed in the blast. Unnamed Ukrainian officials speaking with media said the Security Service of Ukraine carried out the bombing. Those officials called Kirillov a "legitimate target," citing his role in ordering Russian forces to deploy banned chemical weapons in Ukraine a war crime. On Dec. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the assassination of Kirillov a terrorist act, and he accused Western media of failing to denounce the attack. Some Western media have called the killing justified and described it as "a legitimate act of defense by a threatened nation." To deflect from Kirillov's role in directing illegal chemical weapons attacks in Ukraine, Moscow is accusing others of taking actions it has undertaken itself. In this case, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharov on Dec. 18 said Kirillov had "exposed the Anglo-Saxons and NATO for their criminal activities" related to biological weapons. "It was Igor Kirillov who exposed the American biological laboratories in Ukraine that developed biological agents for selectively targeting people belonging to specific ethnic groups, including Slavs," Zakharova said. "It was he who uncovered facts on the use by the Kiev regime of chemical weapons on the frontline, its efforts to create a dirty bomb, and prepare provocations using biological agents." That is false. Russia has never provided evidence that the U.S. developed or aided the development of biological weapons in Ukraine. Russia has likewise never provided evidence Ukraine was developing a "dirty bomb," which spreads radioactive material, or that Ukrainian forces used chemical weapons against Russian troops. Moscow began spreading those conspiracy theories as a justification for its invasion, and to cover up its own war crimes. Weeks after invading Ukraine in February 2022, Kirillov baselessly accused the U.S. of creating bioagents "that can selectively affect various ethnic groups of the population." Russia's Defense Ministry at that time also falsely accused the U.S. of training "migratory birds to migrate from Ukraine to Russia and distribute bacteriological weapons." Russian lawmakers also made the implausible claim that Ukrainian soldiers have been turned into "cruel and deadly monsters" through the injection of a secret serum. In response to those allegations, United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu said the U.N. was unaware of any biological weapons research in Ukraine. Western specialists and journalists have repeatedly debunked Russia's claims the U.S. is developing bioweapons at dozens of biolabs in Ukraine. Russian scientists inside and outside Russia likewise said Moscow's claims that the U.S. is engaged in bioweapons research in Ukraine are fabricated. As part of its biolabs conspiracy theory, Russia regularly misrepresents the U.S. Department of Defense's Biological Threat Reduction Program, which started in the 1990s to "reduce legacy threats from nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons left in the Soviet Union's successor states, including Russia." The U.S. Department of State notes Russia was a "foundational partner" of the threat-reduction program despite Moscow's more recent attempts to portray it as a clandestine means of developing banned weapons. Moscow's falsehoods of biological weapons use by the U.S. stretches back decades and was a regular feature of Soviet propaganda. Moscow's more recent disinformation campaign has served to distract from Russia's actual use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, under Kirillov's supervision. The United Kingdom, which called Kirillov "a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation," sanctioned him in October for his role in flagrantly disregarding the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), including the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin in Ukraine. Canada and other nations also sanctioned Kirillov for CWV violations. In May, the U.S. sanctioned three Russian government entities and four Russian companies associated with Russia's chemical and biological weapons program. The U.S. also accused Russian forces of violating the CWC by deploying chloropicrin and riot control agents against Ukrainian forces, saying their repeated use "is probably driven by Russian forces' desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield." Britain and U.S. officials have documented Russian forces openly admitting to chemical warfare on the battlefield, an allegation corroborated by Russian state media reports. On Dec. 16, Ukrainian prosecutors charged Kirillov for his role in directing an estimated 4,800 chemical weapons attacks against Ukrainian troops since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing a Ukrainian intelligence investigation. Those attacked resulted in three deaths and more than 2,000 Ukrainian service members being hospitalized. Elon Musk, the billionaire ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has praised the far-right Alterative for Germany party ahead of the election due in Germany early next year. The party wants to end Western support for Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders. Henry Ridgwell reports. A Myanmar ethnic rebel group has captured a military regional command in Rakhine state, it said, in what would be a major blow to the junta. The Arakan Army had "completely captured" the western regional command at Ann on Friday after weeks of fighting, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channel. Ann would be the second regional military command to fall to ethnic rebels in five months and a huge blow to the military. Myanmar's military has 14 regional commands across the country with many of them currently fighting established ethnic rebel groups or newer "People's Defense Forces" that have sprung up to battle the military's 2021 coup. Fighting has rocked Rakhine state since the AA attacked security forces in November last year, ending a ceasefire that had largely held since the putsch. AA fighters have seized swathes of territory in the state that is home to China- and India-backed port projects and all but cut off state capital Sittwe. The AA posted photos of a man whom it said was the Ann deputy regional commander, in the custody of its fighters. AFP was unable to confirm that information and has contacted the AA's spokesperson for comment. AFP was unable to reach people on the ground around Ann where internet and phone services are patchy. In decades of on-off fighting since independence from Britain in 1948 the military had never lost a regional military command until last August, when the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army captured the northeastern command in Lashio in Shan state. Myanmar's borderlands are home to myriad ethnic armed groups who have battled the military since independence for autonomy and control of lucrative resources. Last month the U.N. warned Rakhine state was heading towards famine, as ongoing clashes squeeze commerce and agricultural production. "Rakhine's economy has stopped functioning," the report from the U.N. Development Program said, projecting "famine conditions by mid-2025" if current levels of food insecurity were left unaddressed. Pakistan denied Saturday that its long-range ballistic missile capabilities could potentially strike locations as distant as the United States, asserting that such claims are unfounded and devoid of rationality. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch made the statement while responding to recent revelations by a senior U.S. White House official regarding the emerging threat emanating from Pakistan, a key partner of Washington. The alleged threat perception from Pakistans missile capabilities and delivery means raised by the US official [is] unfortunate, Baloch said. We wish to reiterate that Pakistans strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia, she added, apparently referring to her countrys archrival, India. On Thursday, Jon Finer, the Biden administrations deputy national security adviser, said at a public talk at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that Islamabad's missile-making program raises "real questions" about its intentions. "Pakistan has developed increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors," Finer said. If these trend lines continue, Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States. Finer spoke a day after Washington announced new sanctions related to Pakistans development of ballistic missiles, including on the state-run agency that oversees the program. He stated that over the last year, the Biden administration has issued three rounds of sanctions against non-Pakistani entities, enabling Islamabad to advance its long-range missile systems. Finer emphasized, citing U.S. assessments, that the latest sanctions were directed against the countrys state-owned National Defense Complex developing and producing long-range ballistic missiles. He noted that this was the first time Washington had targeted a Pakistani state-owned enterprise tied to missile development. The recent spate of U.S. allegations toward a major non-NATO ally would be unhelpful for the overall relationship, especially in the absence of any evidence in this regard, Baloch said Saturday. Pakistan has never had any ill intention toward the U.S. in any form or manner, and this fundamental reality has not changed. Baloch highlighted Islamabads long history of cooperation with Washington, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, reiterating Pakistans commitment to engaging constructively with the U.S. on all issues, including regional security and stability. Hence, any irrational assumption of hostile intent from Pakistan by any other country, including the U.S., is perplexing as well as illogical, she said. In his speech on Thursday, Finer said that U.S. officials have consistently raised concerns with Pakistani counterparts about Islamabads efforts to advance its missile development capabilities. Looking at a map and looking at ranges, we believe that this is fundamentally focused on us, and I think that is an inescapable conclusion based on the information we have got, Finer said when asked about the motivation behind the missile development systems. Unfortunately, it is our sense that Pakistan has failed to take U.S. concerns seriously, Finer said, adding that Washington will continue to keep the pressure on Islamabad to address the U.S. concerns. The United States and Pakistan share a history marked by positive partnerships and more difficult periods. Relations between the two countries have become strained under the Biden administration, a situation further exacerbated by the chaotic U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Michael Kugelman, who directs the South Asia Institute at Washingtons Wilson Center, said the Biden administration likely doesnt want to alienate Islamabad. But the recent U.S. comments and this strong Pakistani rhetorical response put the relationship in a tough spot, especially with the incoming Trump administration likely to be even less receptive to the partnership than the Biden administration, Kugelman told VOA. While announcing new sanctions on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department said that Pakistans Shaheen series of missiles also are among those being developed and produced by the state-owned National Defense Complex. The surface-to-surface Shaheen rocket can carry 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. Islamabad has consistently maintained that its defense capabilities are meant to deter India from imposing another war on Pakistan. "The technical development of Pakistan's missile program is primarily aimed at retaining and improving the penetration capabilities of its ballistic missiles against the Indian missile defense forces, which have received major acquisitions and improvements, Syed Muhammad Ali, a security expert based in Islamabad, told VOA. India and Pakistan conducted their first nuclear weapons tests in May 1998, raising fears another war between the archrivals could escalate into a nuclear exchange in South Asia. The nations have fought three wars, resulting in strained relations and persistent military tensions. On Christmas Eve in 1741, Moravian settlers named this Pennsylvania city after the biblical birthplace of Jesus. Nearly 300 years later, Moravians continue celebrating their Christmas season traditions in Bethlehem. They include the "putz," a Nativity scene that tells the story of Christ's birth with miniature wooden figurines, the making of thousands of beeswax candles by hand as a symbol of the light that Jesus brought to the world and a "lovefeast," a song service where worshippers share a simple meal of sweet buns and coffee in their pews. "Like all Moravian traditions, the importance of it is that it brings people together," said the Rev. Janel Rice, senior pastor of Central Moravian Church Bethlehem's first congregation and the oldest Moravian church in North America. "Building community, emphasizing that, over doctrine or dogma, is really the Moravian practice and tradition at our core," she said. Moravians relate to the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Rice said, because their ancestors began as a refugee church fleeing religious persecution. The Nativity is also a poignant reminder today, when the number of people fleeing their homes because of war, violence and persecution continues to rise worldwide. "It's so crucial because this story is not just Jesus's story of 2,000 years ago. It's today's story. And we need to make sure that we're living the word that we were told when it comes to these refugees," said church member Sarah Wascura. "That word is to give them refuge and to take care of them and to love them as ourselves." A town founded on Christmas Eve The Moravian Church is one of the world's oldest Protestant denominations. Its name comes from the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia in what is now the Czech Republic. Their beliefs of practice over dogma began with a religious reformer, John Hus, who led a protest movement against some of the practices of Roman Catholic hierarchy. Hus believed congregants in his church should listen to Mass and read the Bible in their native Czech instead of Latin. He was accused of heresy and burned at the stake in 1415. His ideas were carried on by his supporters, who broke with Rome and founded the Moravian Church, or Unitas Fratrum (Unity of Brethren) in 1457 decades before Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Moravians facing persecution eventually fled to Herrnhut, Germany, and established the original Renewed Moravian Church settlement, according to accounts of church history. Moravian missionaries later settled in Pennsylvania. On Christmas Eve in 1741, their leader, Count Nicolas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, who was visiting them, led them to a stable, where they sang the hymn Jesus Call Thou Me. Its lyrics say: "Not Jerusalem lowly Bethlehem 'twas that gave us Christ to save us." Thus inspired, Zinzendorf named the settlement Bethlehem. Beloved tradition retells the story of the birth of Jesus Bethlehem's first settlers brought with them hand-carved figures to retell the story of Christ's birth. The tradition is known as the putz, from the German word "putzen," meaning to clean or decorate. "It relates back to the creches of the Middle Ages," Rice said. "But it's not just a creche, which would be just the one Nativity scene." Instead, it uses figures to tell different parts of the Gospel in miniature, including Mary's annunciation and the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus. In Victorian days, Rice said, Bethlehem's residents would "go putzing" visiting each other's homes between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day to look at Nativity scenes. In 1937, the local chamber of commerce launched a campaign promoting Bethlehem as "Christmas City USA." As part of that promotion, they took the tradition of the putz to the historic Hotel Bethlehem on Main Street. Thousands turned up. "The story goes that the hotel got so crowded that they couldn't really accommodate the number of people that were coming to see it, and they asked Central Moravian Church to host it." For every Christmas since then, the community putz has been put together by the church's congregants and displayed at the nearby Christian education building. "It's more than Christmas for four weeks a year," said Wascura, who went to the putz on her first date with Bob Wascura, her husband of 33 years. "The nature of the faith heritage of the city is something that is never forgotten." On a recent day, she led families visiting the community putz to their seats. After recounting a brief history of the Moravian Church and the Pennsylvania city, she drew a curtain to display the dozens of wooden figures angels, shepherds, kings carrying gifts in a tiny landscape decorated with pebbles, wood and moss. Children and parents listened to the recorded voice of Janel Rice, who narrated the biblical story about the other Bethlehem. "We might wonder why setting up a putz and telling the story of Jesus' birth is so important to the Moravians, and now to the city of Bethlehem," Rice says in the recording. "One reason has to do with the naming of the city itself." The church choir, after some singing, gave way to the powerful sound of the renowned Moravian Trombone Choir, known for playing its brassy tunes from the belfry of Central Moravian Church. When the lights turned on, children approached the stage to look up close at the figurines and point at surprises near the manger, including miniature zebras, lions and giraffes. "We feel really lucky to live so close to Bethlehem with all of the history here and specifically the history pertaining to Christmas," said visitor Kelly Ann Ryan. "It's just something that we can't miss every holiday season as it rolls around." She came to Bethlehem from a nearby town with her husband, Daniel, and their 5- and 8-year-old sons to see the community putz, in what she said has become a family tradition. "Telling the Christmas story this way is a great way for kids to connect with it." Lighting candles on Christmas Eve, joining Santa for a sleigh ride Christmas from the Christian celebration to the secular commercial holiday is omnipresent in Bethlehem. On a recent day, Santa Claus checked on a red sleigh (drawn by horses instead of reindeer) outside Central Moravian before he led families who hopped on for a tour of Bethlehem and its Moravian church settlements, which were recently designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Others strolled to nearby holiday-themed wooden huts or along Main Street with its stores decorated with Christmas globes and Moravian stars. Some stopped outside an Italian restaurant to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who welcomed diners and posed for photos. Across town, vendors sold ornaments at Christkindlmarkt, in the shadow of rusting blast furnaces of Bethlehem Steel illuminated in red and green. That company once supplied steel for construction of the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge and other landmarks. At Central Moravian, the choir sang hymns while sacristans handed out buns and mugs of coffee to families who enjoyed the sustenance in their pews at the "lovefeast." After Rice delivered a final blessing, Linda Thudium walked up the stairs and opened a large closet, where the congregation keeps thousands of handmade candles wrapped in red ribbons that they light during Christmas services. "To me, this is Christmas looking at these candles," said Thudium. She recalled attending Christmas Eve services with lit candles since she was 5, a tradition she continued with her children and grandchildren. "To me, this is just magical. I remember my parents doing this, my grandparents," she said. "It's just a wonderful warm feeling of being connected with this church." A crash between a passenger bus and a truck early Saturday killed 37 people on a highway in Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil, officials said. The Minas Gerais fire department, which responded to the scene, said 13 others were taken to hospitals near the city of Teofilo Otoni. The bus had reportedly departed from Sao Paulo and was carrying 45 passengers. Authorities said Saturday afternoon that all victims had been removed from the site and an investigation would determine the cause of the accident. Witnesses told rescue teams that the bus blew a tire, causing the driver to lose control and collide with the truck. Others said that a granite block hit the bus, the fire department added. A car with three passengers also collided with the bus, but all three survived. Governor Romeu Zema wrote on social media platform X that he ordered full mobilization of the Minas Gerais government to assist the victims. We are working to ensure that families of the victims are supported to face this tragedy in the most humane way possible, especially as it comes just before Christmas, Zema said. President Joe Biden has signed legislation that prevents a government shutdown as the United States approaches the Christmas and New Years holidays. His action Saturday concludes days of disruption in the nations capital after Congress passed a bipartisan budget plan just after the deadline and turned back President-elect Donald Trumps key demand in the deal. The legislation provides government funding at current levels through March 14, and it supplies $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers. In the early hours Saturday morning, the U.S. Senate passed a stopgap spending bill to fund the U.S. government through March. Both chambers of Congress the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and the Democrat-controlled Senate had to approve the measure for it to pass and avoid a government shutdown. Biden indicated Friday he supported the bill and would sign it into law. The legislation will not raise the federal debt ceiling. The 85-11 Senate vote came after the House of Representatives, following two failed attempts, passed the bill. The vote there was 366-34, with one member voting present. All 34 House votes against the bill were cast by Republicans. "We're excited about this outcome," House Speaker Mike Johnson said after the House vote, adding that he had spoken with Trump, who "was certainly happy about this outcome, as well." "This was a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending," Johnson told reporters after the vote. House Republicans reached an agreement among themselves on a new proposal earlier Friday. The last-ditch effort to avoid a government shutdown came after Republicans in Congress failed on Thursday to pass a spending bill backed by Trump that would have raised the debt ceiling, which Trump had demanded at the last minute. Dozens of Republicans voted against Thursdays bill, and only two Democrats supported it. The new plan is the same bill as the one that failed Thursday, except without the debt ceiling suspension. Problems began for Johnson this week when he abandoned a bipartisan funding deal he had reached with Democrats after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk lambasted the plan. Even though the House passed the bill, government funding technically would have run out at midnight Friday. However, most of the impact of the shutdown would not have begun to take effect until Monday. The longest U.S. government shutdown in history lasted 34 days, from December 2018 until January 2019, when then-President Trump refused to sign any appropriations bill that did not include several billion dollars for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. The ploy hurt his approval ratings. Some information for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. Taiwanese lawmakers tackled and doused each other with water on Friday as President Lai Ching-te's party tried to block the passage of bills they say could harm the self-ruled island's "democratic system." Scores of lawmakers from Lai's Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, occupied the podium of the parliament's main chamber since Thursday night and barricaded themselves inside piling up chairs to block entrances. The DPP parliamentarians were attempting to stop three legal amendments proposed by the opposition bloc that would make it more difficult for voters to oust elected officials who they see as unfit. "Parliamentary dictatorship," some DPP lawmakers shouted to criticize the opposition Kuomintang, or KMT, party and its ally Taiwan People's Party, or TPP, for trying to pass the bills with their majority. "If the KMT forcefully passes the amendments ... Taiwan's democratic self-checking and self-repairing mechanism will be gone, and it will also cause significant and irreversible damage to Taiwan's civil society and democratic system," the ruling party said in a statement. "At a time when Taiwan's democracy is being violated and damaged, we must stand up and take action," it said. Among the disputed bills was a planned revision to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act pressed ahead by the KMT and TPP to raise the threshold for removing elected officials. The Beijing-friendly KMT said it would prevent the power of recalls from "being abused," but some DPP lawmakers said they fear the move would revoke voters' rights to remove unfit officials. Han Kuo-yu, the current parliament speaker from the KMT, was ousted in 2020 as mayor of southern Kaohsiung city following a failed presidential bid. Outside the parliament on Friday, thousands of people gathered to protest the bills, shouting "return the evil amendments" and "defend Taiwan." "I am here to protest the opposition parties for trying to confiscate the people's rights to recall," graduate student David Chen told AFP. Earlier this year, reform bills expanding parliament's powers pushed by the opposition sparked brawls among lawmakers and massive street demonstrations. Proponents of the expansion say it is needed to curb corruption, but critics fear the laws could weaken Taiwan's democracy against the influence of China, which claims the island as part of its territory. In October, Taiwan's Constitutional Court struck out the most controversial sections of the law, delivering a partial victory to the DPP. Thousands of Cubans joined a protest Friday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana that was led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel and ex-leader Raul Castro against Washington's long-standing trade blockade. "We are marching now to tell the U.S. government to let the Cuban people live in peace. Down with interference!" Diaz-Canel told a crowd that had gathered a month before Republican Donald Trump returns to the White House. Communist Cuba is enduring a worsening economic crisis that the government blames on U.S. sanctions that have been in place since 1962 and were tightened during Trump's first term. "If we didn't have the blockade, we would not be facing difficulty like this," said 85-year-old retiree Faustino Miranda. The Caribbean nation faces a lack of food and medicine, frequent blackouts and a wave of emigration. Rogelio Savigne, 55, head of transport at a state-owned company, told AFP: "We need them to open the doors for us to be able to trade with all countries." Authorities said that 700,000 people marched in the capital on Friday. AFP was not able to independently verify that number. Former president Castro, 93, stood at the head of the march along with Diaz-Canel, who earlier Friday had blamed the U.S. embargo for making this year "one of the most difficult" for Cuba. On Tuesday, the country's deputy foreign minister reiterated its willingness to enter into a dialogue with Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20. During his first term, Trump halted an easing of relations between Washington and Havana that began in 2014. He implemented 243 measures that reinforced the embargo, including the reincorporation of the island into the U.S. blacklist of "countries that sponsor terrorism," alongside Iran and North Korea. Current U.S. President Joe Biden has kept Cuba on that list but resumed discussions with Havana on counterterrorism and combating illegal migration. Ukraine attacked a town in Russia's Kursk region Friday, killing six people, including a child, a senior local official said. Ten others were hospitalized in the town of Rylsk after the attack with U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets, Kursk acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein said. The attack, Ukrainian officials said, followed an earlier Russian missile attack on Kyiv. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said an early Friday morning Russian ballistic missile attack on the capital killed at least one person, wounded 13 and damaged six foreign embassies and a university in the city's center. On its Telegram social media account, Ukraine's air force said it intercepted five Iskander short-range ballistic missiles fired at the city, but falling missile debris caused damage and sparked fires in three districts. City officials reported damage to multiple residential buildings, medical facilities and schools. Air force officials urged citizens to immediately respond to reports of ballistic attack threats because they provide very little time to find shelter. At a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhyi said the missile attack did significant damage to a building that houses the embassies of Albania, Argentina, the Palestinians, North Macedonia, Portugal and Montenegro. He shared pictures of the damage to the buildings. No injuries were reported in those attacks. The Kyiv National Linguistics University said on its Instagram account that its building also had been hit, and it shared a picture of an area near an entrance where two large windows had been blown out. Russia has said it launched the attack in retaliation for Kyiv's firing U.S.-made weapons into Russia. Russia's attacks on Kyiv came one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin's year-end press conference. Putin has been talking about negotiations to end the war "for quite some time, but the bombing has continued," said Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. President-elect Donald Trump has talked about the possibility of talks with the Russian and Ukrainian presidents to end the war. He has said he could broker a deal to end the war in 24 hours. Kupchan said Trump is "naive" to think he could get the two countries to come to an agreement so swiftly. Trump "cannot afford a deal that effectively subjugates Ukraine and leaves it a ward of Russia," Kupchan said. Ukraine must be defensible, he said, and "not left in a geopolitical limbo that invites Russia to simply pick up the war where it left off six months from now ... or a year later." Meanwhile, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and minister of justice, reported Friday that Russia had launched a cyberattack on state registers, resulting in a shutdown. Stefanishyna made the initial report from her Facebook page, where she said it was clear the attack was orchestrated by Russia to "sow panic among citizens of Ukraine and abroad." She held a briefing later Friday in Kyiv along with Ukraine's acting head of the Cybersecurity Department of the security service, Volodymyr Karastelov. She told reporters that while it appeared no data were lost or stolen, the ministry suspended the activities of all state registers to avoid further deployment of threats. The affected registries include civil acts such as marriages, wills, births and car registrations, and Stefanishyna said they were working to restore them. The Cybersecurity Department said its main line of investigation was that a hacker group affiliated with Russian military intelligence was behind the attack. Russia has yet to comment on the attack. VOA's Kim Lewis contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The United States has charged a Russian Israeli dual citizen over alleged involvement with the Lockbit ransomware group, the Justice Department said Friday. Rostislav Panev, 51, was arrested in Israel in August and is awaiting extradition to the United States, the department said. Panev was a developer at Lockbit from its inception in 2019 until at least February 2024, during which time the group grew into "what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world," the department said. "The Justice Department's work going after the world's most dangerous ransomware schemes includes not only dismantling networks but also finding and bringing to justice the individuals responsible for building and running them," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Lockbit and its malware were linked to attacks on more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, according to the department, including small businesses and large multinationals, hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure, government and law enforcement agencies. Lockbit was discovered in 2020 when its eponymous malicious software was found on Russian-language cybercrime forums. It operated a ransomware-as-a-service operation, in which a core group of developers and administrators worked with affiliates who carried out attacks. Extortion proceeds were split among the parties involved. Lockbit and its affiliates extorted at least $500 million in payments from victims, according to the Justice Department, as well as causing significant costs from lost revenue and incident response and recovery. The arrest followed two guilty pleas in July from a pair of Russian members of the Lockbit gang Ruslan Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev and the seizure in February of numerous Lockbit websites by Britain's National Crime Agency, the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies. Lockbit reappeared online not long after the seizure, defiantly saying: "I cannot be stopped." But law enforcement officials and experts say the bust helped damage the gang's standing in the cybercriminal underworld. Government actions "have proven incredibly effective at dismantling and discrediting" Lockbit as a brand and bringing the group's volume of attacks down precipitously, said Jeremy Kennelly, a cybersecurity analyst with Google owner Alphabet. Affiliates and others working with the group may have shifted to collaborating with other gangs, Kennelly said, but the crackdown has been "critical to ensuring that ransomware and extortion are seen as crimes for which there are consequences." Venezuelan authorities released a journalist accused of terrorism and arrested in the aftermath of President Nicolas Maduro's disputed July reelection, the country's press union announced Saturday. Ana Carolina Guaita, arrested on August 2, is a reporter for La Patilla, an outlet that is often critical of the government. "Ana was imprisoned for more than four months" in La Guaira, a coastal city north of the capital, Caracas, the National Union of Press Workers said in a post on social media. "She was accused of terrorism, incitement to hatred and obstruction of public roads," the union said. Before her arrest, Guaita had covered the toppling of a statue of late president Hugo Chavez, whose legacy Maduro claims as Chavez's heir, during post-election protests. Demonstrations across the country erupted after Maduro was proclaimed the winner of the July 28 election, despite results published by the opposition appearing to show their candidate won by a landslide. The protests left 27 dead, 200 injured and more than 2,400 under arrest. Only a handful of countries, including key Venezuela ally Russia, have recognized Maduro's reelection to a third six-year term. Guaita's release came hours after authorities announced the release of 200 detainees. According to the government's count, 733 people have been released, though the Foro Penal human rights group says the true number is lower. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is actively working behind the scenes to address escalating tensions in northeast Syria, an area under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces. According to Sardar Abdullah, a political observer and former Iraqi parliament member, the KRG is leveraging its relationships with the United States, Europe and Turkey to prevent a humanitarian and political disaster for the Kurdish people in this region. Click here to see the full story in Kurdish. Abu Ghraib, Saydnaya and other prisons in Iraq and Syria are symbols of the brutal regimes of the Baathist parties that ruled both countries. Under the dictatorial rule of the Tikrit family in Iraq and the Assad family in Syria, prisons became places of torture and extermination, where detainees were often subjected to horrific abuse regardless of their guilt. Former prisoners such as Aras Taleb Rashid, who was arrested for opposing Saddam Hussein, recall the similar methods of torture used in Iraqi and Syrian prisons. Click here to see the full story in Kurdish. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is in Macau for events marking 25 years since the city was returned to China from Portugal. Xi hailed Macaus development since 1999, saying the citys development potential is being unleashed and the special administrative region has a bright future. Click here for the full story in Mandarin. The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, in a comprehensive report, Iran: State Violence Without Borders, has meticulously documented hundreds of extrajudicial killings attributed to the Islamic Republic. These incidents include the abduction and assassination of dissidents in various countries worldwide. Click here for the full story in Persian. In Myanmar's conflict-stricken northern Rakhine State, the countrys Rohingya community is facing yet another harrowing chapter. Targeted by a military junta accused of genocide, they are now enduring the forced recruitment of their young men to fight against the Arakan Army, a large ethnic armed group that has been fighting the Myanmar government for control of the region since long before the current crisis. The forced recruitment pits the Rohingya against their ethnic Rakhine neighbors, leading to further tension between the two groups. The Arakan Army declared last week that it had "fully captured Maungdaw Township," a region primarily inhabited by Rohingya people on Myanmar's western border with Bangladesh. In its statement, the ethnic armed group noted that it is "pursuing members of the military junta and their allied Islamist extremist armed forces, who fled the camp without surrendering," presumably referring to Rohingya soldiers forced to join the fight against the insurgency. According to a September report from Human Rights Watch, the Myanmar military has abducted and forcibly recruited more than 1,000 Rohingya Muslim men and boys from across Rakhine State since February 2024. Amid this escalating crisis, Zar Ni Soe, a prominent young Rohingya human rights activist, has traveled to Washington to meet with members of the U.S. government, including State Department and congressional representatives. During his trip, he spoke to VOA about his experiences and unwavering hope for peace amid the conflict. The Rohingya are under siege, he said in an interview in a VOA studio. We are not allowed to move freely. The junta visits the IDP [internally displaced persons] camps once a month, not to provide aid but to intimidate civilians. Our lives are constantly overshadowed by fear. The militarys use of conscription laws to arm the Rohingya against the Arakan Army has exacerbated an already dire situation. Young Rohingya are being forcibly recruited, Zar Ni Soe said. The military threatens our people, giving them no right to refuse. This systematic oppression leaves us feeling hopeless and deeply anguished. Myanmars junta has consistently denied accusations of forced conscription, framing its recruitment efforts as voluntary and aimed at maintaining national security. Rebel groups such as the Arakan Army also have been accused of using forced recruits. The Arakan Army denies that it does. Zar Ni Soe believes the root of the problem lies with Myanmars military dictatorship. The solution begins with ending the juntas rule, he asserted. As long as the military holds power, they will continue to exploit and oppress ethnic groups like the Rohingya. ICC arrest warrant The young Rohingya activist expressed optimism about the International Criminal Court's move to seek an arrest warrant against Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Myanmars military rulers have rejected the arrest warrant, noting that the country is not a member of the ICC and calling the move interference in the countrys sovereignty. Zar Ni Soe has a different view. We, the Rohingya community, welcome this, he said. This is a victory not only for us but for all of Myanmar, where the dictatorship continues to commit widespread human rights violations. Since 2017, the United Nations has documented widespread abuses against the ethnic Rohingya under the pretext of territorial cleansing. The International Court of Justice began addressing these alleged crimes in 2019 when Gambia filed a genocide case against Myanmar. The Rohingyas plight gained global attention in 2017, and now the ICCs action brings it to the forefront of international justice, he said. While Myanmar is not an ICC member, Bangladesh is, allowing the ICC to investigate crimes partly committed on Bangladeshi soil. In October, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested the arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing on charges of deportation and persecution of the Rohingya. Arakan Army Established in 2009 by Rakhine youth leaders, the Arakan Army represents the Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group and seeks autonomy in Rakhine State, aiming to restore the sovereignty of the Arakan people. As part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance alongside the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the TaAng National Liberation Army the AA has grown into a formidable force with an estimated 45,000 troops. In October 2023, the AA achieved significant gains against the military junta during the "1027" operation. This included the capture of the large military compound BGP5, built on the site of Myo Thu Gyi, a Rohingya village destroyed in 2017. The victory gave the AA control over the entire border between Rakhine State and Bangladesh for the first time since the 2021 coup. Junta attacks on AA positions have led to civilian casualties, particularly in Rohingya villages, further escalating violence. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has condemned abuses by both the military and the AA, citing forced recruitment, extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate attacks that violate international law. Over four months, AA offensives displaced tens of thousands, including many Rohingya. On August 5, dozens of Rohingya were killed near the Naf River, underscoring their plight as they remain trapped between escalating violence and closed borders, with no safe refuge. Safe zone advocacy Zar Ni Soe recently met with State Department officials and congressional representatives to highlight urgent Rohingya issues. First, we called for immediate sanctions on the military council to stop airstrikes against the Rohingya and other ethnic groups, he told VOA. Second, we proposed a humanitarian corridor along the Rakhine-Bangladesh border to deliver lifesaving aid. He also urged the creation of a safe zone for the Rohingya. "The Rohingya are among the worlds most oppressed. Without action, their situation will worsen. We asked the U.S. and Bangladesh to consider a safe zone, especially as China supports the Myanmar military in U.N. resolutions. If the U.N. fails to act, international cooperation is essential. Spring Revolution Zar Ni Soe says he sees the nationwide resistance to the military junta Myanmar's Spring Revolution that followed the February 2021 coup as a globally transformative movement. "Its an example for the world," he said, comparing it to East Timors successful struggle, where peoples determination and strong leadership prevailed. For the first time, the military junta, initially 500,000 strong, faces equal opposition, Zar Ni Soe said, adding he remains confident in the revolutions ultimate victory. Regarding the Rohingyas hope to return to northern Rakhine State, he acknowledged difficulties, including reports of some Rohingya collaborating with the junta against the Arakan Army. He emphasized the broader goal of peaceful coexistence: Our main desire is harmony among all ethnic groups. Many Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh in 2017 wish to return peacefully but face barriers because of a lack of mutual willingness to resolve conflicts. Zar Ni Soe stressed that peace requires willingness from all sides. If the Rohingya want to return but the other side resists, the conflict will remain unresolved. With mutual cooperation, Rakhine can be rebuilt, and lasting peace achieved, he said. Client after client comes through the 12 Pell barbershop in Manhattan's Chinatown. They come for the cuts, and for the cool. On 12 Pell's lively social media accounts, the young, predominantly Asian American barbers don't hesitate to offer advice to teens and men of all ages and ethnicities with humor, quips, and confidence. Karho Leung, 34, a son of Chinatown and a 12 Pell co-founder, wanted to start a business that reflected him and his desire for "building the world that I want to live in not asking for permission." About as American as it gets, right? The hunger to find your own way, make your voice heard? A look at social media and pop culture shows Leung and plenty of other Asian Americans of his and younger generations doing just that. But that American reality hasn't always belonged to everyone, including previous generations of Asian Americans. That American notion of having the freedom to stake out your own space? Sometimes, oftentimes, that has meant less space for others. Earlier generations of Asian Americans, some of whom have been here for well over a century and others whose roots trace to recent decades, have lived in Americas where their immigrant-origin communities were smaller and regarded as foreign, and where there was little mainstream familiarity with the countries they traced their ancestries to. And there was no Internet or social media culture that encouraged people to define their own lives. Instead, there were stereotypes that persist to this day of otherness, of broken-English speaking and passiveness, at times sneaky or suspicious, or nerds and geeks. But even as those stereotypes still do harm, they don't have the same power in a time when many Americans eat from a global plate; where yoga studios and henna tattoos, temples and cultural festivals are everywhere, and the size, variety and geography of Asian American communities have increased dramatically in recent decades even as they remain a small part of the overall whole. Those stereotypes don't touch Leung the same way they impacted generations before him. "It's funny because even though I watched this type of stereotype and portrayal happen growing up, it never really resonated or hit me that that was what I was up against," he says. Jeff Yang, 56, a writer who has spent decades chronicling Asian American communities and culture, laughs when asked if the cultural space that Leung inhabits and makes his own sounds like the world of Yang's childhood. "I grew up in a world where I felt like everything about me was projected on me by other people," Yang says. "The stories that were being told were all told by non-Asians about what I could do, who I could be, what I could look like." It's not as if that world doesn't still exist. Simran Anand, 27, was still part of just one of three South Asian families in Reading, Pennsylvania, in the 2000s. She can relate, she says, to the sense earlier generations had of feeling culturally isolated in her day-to-day life when she stepped out of the family home. But she had something they lacked large-scale South Asian communities in nearby places to visit and interact with. For her, it's both-and, not either-or, a sensibility she takes to her jewelry company, BySimran, which drew inspiration from South Asian designs but also adapted to fit her sensibilities as a young American woman. "I am American, but I'm also South Asian," she says. "And I don't have to be one or the other." Demetri Manabat, 23, agrees. Born and raised in Las Vegas to a Filipino father and Mexican mother, the spoken word artist says "it sounds like a different world" to hear about his parents' experiences growing up. His parents didn't teach him or his brothers Tagalog, one of the languages of the Philippines, or Spanish because "they grew up in a time where that was kind of frowned upon to be speaking a different language. And so they were under the assumption that that kind of perception would continue throughout my years, which it didn't," Manabat says. Alex Paik remembers what it was like. The 43-year-old Korean American artist grew up in a predominantly white suburb outside of Philadelphia. "When I was growing up, it was like I either was not Korean enough or too Korean," he says. Today, he's intrigued watching his 11-year-old daughter. "She loves to read, and there's so many stories now that are written by Asian American women that center Asian and Asian American girls as protagonists," he says. "I don't know how it would affect your sense of self, but it must affect it somehow, so I'm really curious to see how she grows up It's just normal for her." Factors that have made a difference in the lives of Asian Americans over time include the baseline demographic reality that there are more, and bigger, communities across the country largely due to the 1965 reform of immigration laws. Globalization has played a hand as well, introducing cultures to each other as the world has gotten smaller. And of course, the internet and technology. Paik thinks some of what he's seeing now is also the natural outpouring that comes from a connection to the country that looks different to those born here than it does for those who have immigrated here. "When you start with the assumption that you belong in a space, I feel like that changes how you approach things," he says. "Whether or not that space actually wants you is kind of beside the point. There's an attitude you carry, like, yeah, of course this is my house, this is my country. I grew up here." And "I grew up here" is the operative engine as new generations of Asian Americans rise and claim their own space even if the assumptions they make about what's possible for them could be a bit unsettling for other generations. "Previous generations, of course, they're going to have that kind of like 'what is going on' moment," Manabat says. "I do think that is the goal, to kind of have that moment of 'This is insane,' but it's everything that you kind of hoped would happen." In short: building the world they want to live in. And not asking for permission. By Mohammed Yusuf Nairobi Africa's mining sector is witnessing a surge in legal disputes in the Sahel and Central Africa, as mining companies face increasing scrutiny in the countries in which they operate. The disputes stem from tax and customs audits, and a lack of expertise in managing finance, arbitration, and change in legislations in some countries. In a statement Wednesday, officials with the Barrick Gold Corporation said its operating entities in Mali submitted a request for arbitration to the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, ICSID, to address the disagreement with the Mali government regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto complex. Barrick, the worlds second-largest gold miner, and the Mali military government have been in a dispute over new mining rules since 2023. The new rules seek to give the state and local private investors a 35 percent interest in mining projects, up from 20 percent. The International Arbitration, or ICSID, registered cases in six sub-Saharan countries this year: Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Senegal, South Sudan, and Tanzania. Of the cases filed by investors and countries, 28 percent were in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, the highest. Beverly Ochieng is a senior analyst with Control Risks, a firm specializing in political, security, and integrity risks. She says inward-looking countries and mineral rights are causing authorities to clash with mining firms. Across the continent, there has been this bigger drive toward resource nationalism whereby countries feel that because they are the biggest stakeholders of those resources, whether its gold, zinc, uranium, they ought to put in legislation or update their legislation to make sure that the government earns a lot more. So, it hasnt quite led to disputes in other countries in a way it publicly played out in Mali, but it is bound to raise some concerns on how that transition happens, said Ochieng. Mining experts argue that political instability, particularly in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, changes in mining laws and alliances have affected companies that have been mining in those countries for decades. Some countries have shut down mining sites because of alleged environmental damage and failure to remit taxes to the government. Disputes between companies and states arise from changes in government, insecurity, political instability, tax evasion, tribal authority, and environmental and social issues. Paul Ogendi teaches law at the University of Nairobi. He says strong governance and rule of law are crucial for effective dispute resolution and preventing conflict and suffering. We need to have the governance structure operating so that the judiciary and other arbitration or other dispute mechanisms can operate," he said. "If we dont have strong governance and institutions, particularly working under the rule of law, it will be a waste of time to go to court or any other forum to arbitrate or resolve your dispute because the players will ignore it and will continue destabilizing the region and this will continue to spur a conflict and the suffering of the people. Geopolitical tensions are also influencing some African countries' decisions to deny or revoke licenses of some companies and give them to their newfound friends, like China and Russia. Ochieng says African nations are diversifying partnerships, while Western operators face regulatory challenges as new players reshape the landscape. It also allows African countries to diversify their partners and to strengthen their own resources," he said. "It will take a very long time for that to happen, but its not necessarily the biggest threat for Western operators. For Western operators its the issue of compliance and ensuring they have an understanding of how these governments, various governments have various factors of compliance that they need to adhere to. The emergence of a new place is definitely going to change that environment, and it's going to be seen as an opportunity or a threat depending on who is assessing it. The ICSID says 88 proceedings were concluded in 2024. Of these, 71 percent were settled by the tribunal, and 29 percent were settled or proceedings discontinued. This year, Tanzania reached an agreement with Canadian company Montero Mining and Exploration Limited over a licensing dispute and agreed to pay $27 million. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday told Zanu PF politburo members that Zimbabwe is realizing growth across all sectors of the economy and locals are experiencing "a high quality of life." Give us your thoughts on this ... (Video: Tobias Mudzingwa) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched a new policy that will allow beneficiaries of land taken from white people under contentious land reforms to sell it and to be able to borrow from banks using it as collateral. This marks a major shift in Zimbabwes land policy. Previously, the resettled farmers couldnt transfer ownership of land. However, ownership of the land can only be transferred between Indigenous Zimbabweans, a reference to Black Zimbabweans, and will need government approval under the new policy. Tens of thousands of Black people took over white-owned farms after then President Robert Mugabe initiated the land reforms in 2000. Mugabe, who died in 2019, justified the reforms as being necessary to redress some of the wrongs of colonialism that put most of Zimbabwes fertile land in the hands of a few white people. But the new Black farmers werent allowed to sell or transfer ownership of the land, which was deemed to belong to the state. As a result, banks were reluctant to advance loans to the resettled farmers, who couldnt use their land as collateral. On Friday, a handful of farmers, including Mnangagwa, received title deeds to the farms they are occupying. Mnangagwa also announced a technical committee to spearhead the process for other resettled Black farmers. Speaking at an event held at his farm near Kwekwe city in central Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa said the policy would help unlock the value of the land and make it bankable and transferable. About 4,500 white farmers who owned the majority of prime farmland were removed from their farms, often forcibly by violent mobs led by veterans of the countrys 1970s independence war more than 20 years ago. Some farmers and their workers died or were seriously injured in the violence, which included beatings and rape, according to Human Rights Watch. The land seizures badly impacted commercial farming, forcing a country that was a key regional food producer and exporter to rely on assistance from donors. Zimbabwes agriculture sector has rebounded in recent years, but droughts are now the main challenge. Securing finance has been another problem that Mnangagwa hopes could be solved by the new policy of issuing title deeds to Black farmers. Secure land tenure means our farmers can access credit facilities and it lifts many out of poverty into prosperity, Mnangagwa said. In October, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said that Zimbabwe would compensate local and foreign white farmers who lost land and property in the farm seizures. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/WireImage Working with A-listers has become common practice for David O. Russell. Movies like Three Kings, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle have brought the director into close contact with some of Hollywoods highest-profile actors. His latest film, Amsterdam featured a celebrity-studded ensemble that includes Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldana, Chris Rock, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Robert De Niro, and even Taylor Swift. Although Amsterdam ultimately failed to secure any Oscar nods, Russell is no stranger to recognition from the Academy. He has so far been nominated for five Academy Awards, including three nods for Best Director. Yet his critical acclaim as a director has been consistently accompanied by troubling allegations. For example, Russell has admitted to touching his 19-year-old nieces breasts in 2011, stating that she was being very provocative. He has also been accused of multiple instances of verbally or physically abusive behavior on his sets. Notably, an outburst in which he cursed at Lily Tomlin and flung props around during the I Heart Huckabees shoot was captured on video. Some actors who have been the target of Russells alleged tirades, including Tomlin and George Clooney, have publicly expressed that they are no longer upset with the director. Of course, its not clear if every crew member or studio exec involved in these allegedly toxic work environments feels the same way. Vulture has reached out to representatives for Russell for comment. Drawing from a police report, leaked emails, that famous Lily Tomlin video, and more, heres a timeline of all the allegations that have been made against Russell throughout the course of his career plus an overview of the new projects he reportedly has in the works. The allegations against Russell June 2000: In an interview with Playboy, George Clooney alleges that Russell yelled and screamed at people all day, from day one on the set of Three Kings. According to Clooney, the director publicly embarrassed a camera-car driver and reduced a script supervisor to tears. Allegedly, Russell also once got physically violent when an extra who was supposed to tackle Clooney felt a little nervous about executing the stunt. Clooney recalls Russell pushing the extra to the ground, kicking him, and questioning if he wanted to be in this fucking movie. Russell allegedly also flung his walkie-talkie on the ground and cursed at an assistant director who intervened on behalf of the extra. I was trying to make things work, so I went over and put my arm around him, Clooney says. I said, David, its a big day. But you cant shove, push or humiliate people who arent allowed to defend themselves. According to Clooney, this made him a new target of Russells anger. Russell allegedly instructed Clooney to worry about his own performance, headbutted him, and grabbed his throat. Clooney tells Playboy that shooting the movie was truly, without exception, the worst experience of my life. Russell, meanwhile, denies harming his leading man. I never physically attacked him, he claims in 2004, per The Guardian. If I ran into him, Id say, Shut the fuck up, you lying-ass bitch. Three Kings producer Charles Roven later tells The Hollywood Reporter that Russell was not picking on the AD but simply yelling so he could be heard on a loud set. Still, Roven corroborates that Clooney and Russell ended up tussling after Clooney stepped in and was subsequently insulted. In 2012, Clooney tells THR that he and Russell ran into each other at a party and agreed to end their feud. April 2003: Per the New York Times, Russell physically attacks Christopher Nolan at a Hollywood party. The director reportedly wanted Jude Law to star in I Heart Huckabees but heard that Law had decided to take a role in one of Nolans movies instead. The Times reports that, with party guests watching, Russell put Nolan in a headlock and wrapped his arm around his fellow directors neck. He allegedly demanded that Nolan give up on his star to show artistic solidarity. Law remained in the Huckabees cast. July 2003: In a now-infamous video taken on the Huckabees set, actress Lily Tomlin expresses frustration with a constant barrage of changes being asked of her. Im not as brilliant as you. I cant keep up with you, she quips. Russell is eventually seen sweeping props off a desk, causing a person in the corner to cower as objects go flying. Bitch! Im not here to be fucking yelled at! he shouts. I worked on this thing for three fucking years, and Im not going to have some fucking cunt yell at me in front of the fucking crew when Im trying to fucking help you. Russell storms on and off set, continuing to yell. A recording of the incident is circulated among talent agencies that summer. According to the New York Times in 2004, Russell locked himself in his office and refused to leave after the outburst. He reportedly didnt come back to the shoot until Tomlin went in to apologize. The Times, in an article titled Nudist Buddhist Borderline-Abusive Love-in, also claims that Russell sometimes touched the Huckabee cast in private places. Allegedly, Russell grabbed Mark Wahlbergs genitals during the shoot and whispered lewdly into actresses ears before takes. These details end up mostly overshadowed by Russell and Tomlins explosive confrontation. Sure, I wish I hadnt done that, Russell reportedly says when asked about the meltdown. But Lily and I are fine. Tomlin says that she and Russell both lost control, which she assures the Times is not a practice on his part or my part. In 2015, she reveals to The Hollywood Reporter that she and the director actually had a second fracas just hours after making up but maintains they have overcome the incident. March 2011: Speaking at South by Southwest, Paul Reubens alleges that Russell screamed at him at the top of his lungs on his first day working on Nailed (the Jake Gyllenhaalled movie, shot in 2008, was later released under the title Accidental Love in 2015). Reubens claims that he doesnt know what caused the director to start cursing and screaming at him on the first take. I dont think it was reality-based, he says with a laugh. January 2012: 19-year-old Nicole Peloquin files a police report alleging that Russell her uncle sexually assaulted her at a gym in Florida on December 30, 2011. The Smoking Gun obtains and publishes a copy of the report filed with the Broward sheriffs office. According to the report, the then-53-year-old Russell offered to help his niece with abdominal exercises and placed a hand right above her genitals. Peloquin, a transgender woman who was on hormone treatment at the time, further alleges that Russell then reached under her shirt and felt both of her breasts. Russell admits to a responding officer that he touched his nieces breasts, claiming that he was curious about how the hormones affected her breasts. According to the report, Russell states that Peloquin was being very provocative and had become seductive after transitioning. He adds that he asked his niece if she was uncomfortable several times, and had her pinky swear about letting him touch her chest. Peloquin said in the report that she felt uncomfortable. A representative for the Sheriffs office tells TMZ on January 6 that the case has been closed and that cops wont refer it to the states attorney because its an allegation of simple battery that was not witnessed by law enforcement. Ultimately, Russell does not face any criminal charges. September 2014: In an email that later becomes public through the Sony hack, journalist Jonathan Alter shares allegations about Russells behavior on American Hustle with Sony CEO Michael Lynton, Alters brother-in-law. Not only are the stories about him reforming himself total bullshit, Alter writes, but the new stories of his abuse and lunatic behavior are extreme even by Hollywood standards. He alleges that Russell grabbed one person by the collar, repeatedly cursed at people in front of others, and so abused Amy Adams that co-star Christian Bale told the director to stop acting like an asshole. Alter also generally claims that Russell treated his crew like shit and frightened people. Lynton replies that he knew all about this intel, noting that Russell will be working with Fox for his next movie. The same month, Columbia Pictures co-president Michael De Luca emails Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal and alleges that he once saw Russell bring actress Sally Field to a party and reduce her to tears. This email exchange is also eventually leaked through the Sony hack. February 2015: An eyewitness tells TMZ that Russell and his frequent collaborator Jennifer Lawrence had a loud argument on the set of the Fox movie Joy. Allegedly, David launched into an ear-piercing, profanity-filled tirade against the actress. A representative for the Fox studio confirms to TMZ that the director screamed but claims he was preparing Lawrence to shout in a scene. In a since-deleted Facebook post, Lawrence calls the shouting match a terrible rumor, adding that she adores Russell and considers him one of her closest friends. TMZs eyewitness also alleges that a major exec for Fox was left in tears after Russell rebuked her for defending a line producer he wanted to fire. Foxs rep confirms that there was a heated argument about the producer on the Joy set but denies that the exec ended up crying. October 2016: Speaking to British GQ, Amy Adams addresses the leaked Sony exchange and confirms that she was mistreated by Russell on the set of American Hustle. Adams alleges that the director developed a wild, crazy way of working while shooting 2012s Silver Linings Playbook. She describes the result as mania, claiming that Russell screamed instructions at actors throughout every scene. Allegedly, Russell was so hard on Adams while shooting American Hustle that she cried. I was really just devastated on set, she recalls. The actress concedes that not all of her co-stars had the same experience, pointing to Jennifer Lawrence as an example. Shes Teflon. And I am not Teflon, Adams said. But I also dont like to see other people treated badly, you know what I mean? January 2020: Deadline reports that Russell will write and direct a movie starring Christian Bale for New Regency. This will be Russells first feature film since 2015s Joy. June 2021: Taylor Swift is the last person to be revealed as part of the ensemble cast for Russells upcoming movie, which is now officially titled Amsterdam. She joins Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Rami Malek, Zoe Saldana, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, Robert De Niro, Michael Shannon, and Timothy Olyphant. The star-studded cast draws ire on social media, where Russells allegations resurface. Did the cast not know before they signed on? one Twitter user writes. If you knew, why did you ignore it? What did David O. Russell say or do to deem him worthy of another chance? September 2022: Amsterdam makes its world premiere in Manhattan. Ben Stiller, who starred in Russells 1996 film, Flirting with Disaster, moderates a Q&A with Russell and the movies cast. According to Variety, Stiller recalls that the director creates an intentional kind of chaos when making a movie. Margot Robbie echoes the sentiment, adding that actors dont know what will happen on any given day when they show up. Literally, you dont know what youre going to shoot that day, which is terrifying and also exhilarating, she says. Robbie later tells Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that Russell never actually called cut on Amsterdam. According to Robbie, a policewoman ultimately had to shut the shoot down when they kept filming past their permit. He doesnt want to stop, she recalls. He could go forever. October 2022: Christian Bale says that he is not interested in ending his collaboration with Russell anytime soon, in an interview with IndieWire to promote Amsterdam published on October 4. Its a very unique experience, Bale says on his projects with the director. David is unlike any other film director, and thats what you want. Thats the whole point. A director brings a point of view, and a rhythm and everything, and the great ones are always unique. Theyre singular. And David is that. Truly one of the greats. In a separate GQ cover story on October 5, Bale addresses the allegations that Russell had difficult sets, claiming that he took on a mediator role when altercations arose. He says he intervened on behalf of Amy Adams when filming American Hustle and corroborates previous reports that he told the director to back off at one point. He doesnt harbor negative feelings for either Adams or Russell, though. When youre working with people of the crazy creative talent of Amy or of David, there are gonna be upsets, he says. But they are fucking phenomenal. Russells upcoming projects February 9, 2023: Deadline reports that Russell is attached to direct Super Toys, which will star Keke Palmer and Sacha Baron Cohen as a pair of sales reps who are trying to save their marriage. January 13, 2024: The Linda Ronstadt biopic starring Selena Gomez will be directed by Russell, Variety confirms. At the time, the film is said to still be in preproduction, and Gomez ends up promoting Emilia Perez throughout 2024. August 15, 2024: Per Variety, Russell is set to lead Nicolas Cage into the end zone with yet another biopic, this time about NFL legend John Madden. December 19, 2024: According to Deadline, Russell is now attached to direct a show created by Carolina Paiz that is in development with Apple TV+. Its tentatively titled Bananas, with Ana de Armas and Oscar Isaac reportedly in talks to star. This post has been updated with additional information. Photo: Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection After a messy press tour for the It Ends With Us adaptation and damage to her reputation and brands, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni; Wayfarer Studios; his crisis-PR team, the Agency Group; Melissa Nathan; and others for sexual harassment, retaliation, and more. On December 21, the New York Times detailed the claims in the document, which alleged Baldoni hired the crisis-PR company to bury Lively after she complained about Baldonis behavior on set to the studio, threatening his feminist reputation. Baldoni and company. eventually fired back with their own $400 million lawsuit, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and civil extortion; Baldoni also sued the New York Times for libel over the allegations in its piece. Amid ongoing litigation, who is getting subpoenaed, who has cut ties with Baldoni, and who has joined everyone from Colleen Hoover to Amber Heard in throwing public support behind Lively? Who else is suing Lively? Whats up with the text messages in Livelys complaint? And what is on Baldonis website about the lawsuit? Below, heres the latest on everything you need to know about the dueling claims in this legal battle, including co-star Brandon Sklenars latest thoughts on the legal battle. What does Livelys lawsuit claim? In the 80-page December 20 filing obtained by Vulture, the complaint, which then developed into a lawsuit, details Livelys issues with Baldoni throughout production that influenced Baldoni to retaliate against Lively during the films press tour. During production, Lively claims that Baldoni improvised physical intimacy that had not been rehearsed, choreographed, or discussed with her and attempted to add nudity and graphic scenes that werent in the original script without an intimacy coordinator present. After she raised concerns about Baldonis alleged behavior at the studio, the studio promised to add safeguards in place for protection and, in another contract, promised to not retaliate against the actress for her complaints. Lively also claims that once the press tour began for the film, Baldoni stepped away from the plan the team originally agreed upon, focusing on female trauma instead of female triumph. The other cast members and author Colleen Hoover started doing promotional events without Baldoni. Baldonis team reportedly wanted to get ahead of fans who were questioning why Baldoni was not promoting with the rest of them. This is when Baldoni reportedly hired Melissa Nathan of the Agency Group PR to work on a retaliation campaign against Lively, making a plan for possible scenarios if Lively spoke out against Baldoni. Jed Wallace was then hired; Wallace worked on a social-media strategy to garner support for Baldoni and his work on the film. The narrative online is so freaking good and fans are still sticking up for Justin, and there literally has been no pickup of those two articles, which is actually shocking to me. But I see this as a total success, as does Justin, publicist Jennifer Abel reportedly wrote in a text message to Nathan. In a statement to the Times, Lively shared, I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted. The lawsuit details how the smear campaign affected Livelys new hair-care line and how the record-breaking sales plummeted 56 percent to 78 percent after the backlash. How did Livelys team get the texts, and is that related to any legal drama? According to Variety, Livelys legal team said in a legal filing that the communications in the complaint were obtained through legal process, including a civil subpoena. The team later specified that they got the messages by subpoenaing Joneswork LLC, the PR firm that previously represented Baldoni. The firm also previously employed Abel, who left and started her own firm amid the It Ends With Us drama. Bryan Freedman the attorney for Baldoni, Abel, Nathan, and Baldonis Wayfarer Studios said he plans to sue Joneswork founder Stephanie Jones. Freedman claims that in full context, the text messages unequivocally show that there was no smear campaign initiated at all, and suggests that texts that show the truth were purposefully excluded. On December 24, Jones filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Abel, and Nathan over claims that include breach of contract and defamation. The complaint alleges that Abel and Nathan conspired behind her back with Baldoni to coordinate a smear campaign against Lively, and are now trying to blame her for their alleged misconduct. For months, this group has gaslit and disparaged Stephanie Jones and her company for financial gain, to settle personal scores and most recently to distract from their disgraceful smearing of Blake Lively, Joness attorney, Kristin Tahler, said in a statement to Vulture. This lawsuit is a necessary step to stop defendants continuing misconduct and for Steph to recover the reputation she has worked decades to establish and which the defendants disparaged for their own nefarious purposes. On February 12, 2025, Livelys legal team subpoenaed Justin Baldonis phone records, seeking more texts. Per Variety, theyre asking three carriers AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile seeking records for Baldoni, Nathan, Abel, producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios co-founder Steve Sarowitz. So expect more iMessages to come. What does Justin Baldonis lawsuit about Blake Lively? Baldoni, who has denied engaging in sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and the couples publicist on January 16. The suit portrays the It Ends With Us conflict as a struggle for creative control, and accuses the defendants of defamation and civil extortion. Freedman, Baldonis lawyer, said in a statement that the complaint is based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence of Lively and her teams attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media. He is suing alongside Wayfarer Studios and PR representatives Nathan and Abel. An attorney for Lively responded to the suit with a statement characterizing it as an age-old story where a woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. Baldoni and Lively previously both closed out 2024 by filing formal lawsuits on December 31. Lively sued Baldoni for mental pain and anguish, severe emotional distress, and lost wages; Baldoni sued the New York Times for libel, alleging that the publication defamed him with its piece about the alleged PR campaign against Lively. His filing includes more context for the text messages between Nathan and Abel, and alleges that the Times disregarded evidence that contradicted [Livelys] claims and exposed her true motives. Whats on Justin Baldonis website? On February 1, 2025, just a few days before their pre-trial hearing, Baldoni released a website, not so slyly titled thelawsuitinfo.com, that contains two links: a 224-page PDF of the amended complaint and a 138-page PDF of a timeline of related events. The timeline contains handpicked evidence related to the production of It Ends With Us, like messages relating to the rooftop scene that Reynolds helped rewrite and discussions about Livelys health when filming. A few days later, another website appeared titled thelawsuitinfo.info.However, instead of PDFs with hundreds of pages, it simply said: Oppose abusive workplace behavior, especially from managers, including directors. Support Blake Livelys effort to advocate for herself. However, it is unclear if Livelys team or one of her supporters created the website. Who else is suing Blake Lively? Crisis PR rep Jed Wallace, who the New York Times names in their story about Livelys original complaint, is suing Lively for $7 million in a lawsuit in federal court. In the suit filed on February 5, Wallace claims that neither he nor his company had anything to do with the alleged sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to investigate or aiding and abetting the alleged harassment or alleged retaliation. He also says that Lively weaponized a digital army against him. It is transparent retaliation in response to allegations contained within a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint that Ms. Lively filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Livelys lawyers said in a statement in response the lawsuit to AP News. While this lawsuit will be dismissed, we are pleased that Mr. Wallace has finally emerged from the shadows, and that he too will be held accountable in federal court. Who has cut ties with Justin Baldoni? Talent agency William Morris Endeavor has stopped representing him, Ari Emanuel (a chief executive at WMEs parent company, Endeavor) told the New York Times on December 21. WME also represents Lively and Reynolds, though the agency has denied that there was any pressure from the couple to drop Baldoni. Vital Voices, a nonprofit supporting women, said in a December 23 statement that it is taking back the Voices of Solidarity Award that it previously honored Baldoni with earlier in the month. The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit and the PR effort they indicate are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the award, the organization explained. We have notified Mr. Baldoni that we have rescinded this award. Liz Plank will no longer co-host the Man Enough podcast with Baldoni, she announced in an Instagram statement shared on December 23. We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it, she wrote in part. I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable. Who is supporting Blake Lively? A number of stars have backed Lively since news of her filing. Hoover told Lively to never change and never wilt in an Instagram Story after she filed. Michele Morrone said he felt Livelys pain when he met her on the set of A Simple Favor 2, asking people leaving cruel and bad comments to read the Times report. Sklenar similarly asked his followers to read the formal complaint through Instagram Stories. And Slate stood by her It Ends With Us castmate, whom she called a loyal friend and trusted source of emotional support, in a statement to the Today show. What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening, she added in part. Livelys Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel offered their support in a joint statement: Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, they wrote, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice. Her A Simple Favor director Paul Feig also supported her on X. Livelys union, SAG-AFTRA, expressed its support for the actress in a new statement on Monday, December 23, writing, We applaud Blake Livelys courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set. Actress Amber Heard also backed Lively; Baldonis crisis publicist was also hired by her ex-husband Johnny Depp amid his defamation lawsuit against her. On December 26, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Kaitlin Olson offered Lively her support by sharing an Instagram Reel from the Times coverage with the caption @blakelively is a kind, lovely, honest and generous person (and an incredible mom.) FYI. Olson is famously married to Sunny co-star Rob McElhenney, who also famously is the co-owner of Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team he purchased with Ryan Reynolds. What has co-star Brandon Sklenar said since the legal battle started? When the New York Times first published Livelys complaint against Baldoni, Sklenar encouraged his audience to read the full article, seemingly supporting Lively. On February 17, Sklenar went on CBS Mornings to promote 1923 when Gayle King talked to him about how he felt about the lawsuit. I just want people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for, and just keeping the focus on that, Sklenar explained. She then asked him if he was Team Blake or Team Justin. Im Team It Ends With Us, he concluded. What did Kjersti Flaa say about Blake Lively? Kjersti Flaa, the journalist who posted a now-viral clip of a past interview with Lively, suggested that she is collateral damage in the It Ends With Us battle. Flaas decision to share the old footage was mentioned in the New York Times December 21 investigative feature about the alleged PR campaign against Lively. (In the video, Flaa congratulated Lively, who had recently announced that she was pregnant, on her little bump. Lively replied by congratulating Flaa who was not pregnant on her little bump.) The Times piece points out that Flaa posted past interview clips with Johnny Depp with hashtags sending him support during his trial against Amber Heard, and that Nathan, the crisis-PR vet hired by Baldoni, worked with Depp during that trial. It was so shocking to read that in [the Times], with this very strong insinuation that I was involved in this alleged smear campaign, Flaa told The Hollywood Reporter, denying that Baldoni or his team had gotten in touch with her before or after she posted the video. According to Flaa, she posted the clip with Lively of her own accord, in part to highlight what she sees as the poor treatment that journalists can face from celebrities. Many people pointed to the exchange as a negative testament to Livelys character. The thing is, she smeared herself in that video, and people reacted to it online, Flaa said. [The reason] for her becoming unpopular is because of her own behavior. Still, the journalist said the amount of hate that Lively got after the video was posted was awful. And as for the current legal battle, Flaa said she will wait to hear both sides of the story when Livelys and Baldonis lawsuits go to court. This post has been updated. A Roger Mac storyline making me all misty-eyed? I never thought Id see the day. But here we are! After last weeks insanity, Outlander is rightly letting our 1778 contingent cool their jets a bit with a low-key wedding and putting Rogers search for his father in 1739 front and center. The short but moving encounter really works. Roger and Buck are still roaming the Scottish countryside when Roger realizes they are standing right where the Loch Errochty Dam will be built in the future, which means they must be close to that time portal Bree felt while in the tunnels under the dam. That portal in this time period, its still standing stones must be where Rogers dad, Jerry, came through. They confirm as much when they reach the stones and find Jerrys survival pack and flight goggles stashed nearby. Thanks to a real piece-of-shit kid who, admittedly, is pretty helpful, Roger and Buck learn that the local villagers have caught wind of Jerrys presence, know hes stealing from them (a time travelers gotta eat!), and are most likely going to kill the guy if they track him down. The last time the kid saw the strange man, he was running into the woods to hide. And wouldnt you know: When Roger and Buck run into those woods, there stands Jerry MacKenzie, RAF pilot and Rogers dead dad. Roger makes a smart calculation: Learning that he traveled back in time 200 years is going to be a lot for Jerry to take in, so its probably best not to add on to the mind warp that Roger is Jerrys grown son. Jerrys too rattled to ask many questions anyway, so Roger gets away with pretending to be just another friendly time traveler here to help him. Sure, we never get a teary, melodramatic father-son reunion, but its still really moving to watch Roger interact with his dad, who died when he was very little. So much of that is due to Richard Rankins performance. The relief that hes tracked Jerry down, the excitement to meet his dad, the bittersweetness that runs throughout all of it is there in his face. Hes trying so hard not to give too much away as he cleans his dads wounds, they share a drink, and Jerry tells him about how his plane went down in the Highlands during a covert MI6 mission that involved trying to take aerial photos of Nazi labor camps in Poland. When Jerry starts worrying about how to get home to his young son, Roger assures him that his son will be okay; he knows it. The emotional moment is fleeting, however, since its not long before those pesky villagers have tracked them all down and they need to make a run for it. Roger makes another calculation: As hard as it is to say good-bye so quickly, he knows he needs to get Jerry out of 1739. The three men race back to the stones, and Roger has to do some quick Time Travel 101 before handing over the gem and practically pushing his dad back into his own time. Before Jerry goes through, though, he wants to know who Roger is. How does Roger know Jerrys wifes name? He needs some sort of answer! Instead of answering that question and blowing his cover, Roger tells Jerry that they win the war and that blows his mind enough that he forgets everything else and goes on his way, just as Roger whispers, I love you. Okay, admittedly, that phrasing does make it sound creepy, but Rankin gives it such a childlike reading that you can feel all that pain hes been carrying around hes just a guy who misses his dad. What really makes this little adventure gutting, however, is Rogers reaction after Jerry gets through the stones. He expected to be flooded with memories. He thought if his father got back to his own time, it wouldve changed everything he wouldve grown up with his dad around. Outlanders time-travel rules have always been, to put it mildly, murky, but for the most part, it has operated under a very Lost-esque what happened, happened and you cant change history sort of understanding, so Rogers hope that his entire upbringing would be changed seems very much like the guy kidding himself, but who can blame him. If the one new image Roger gets the moment his dad leaves 1739 (again, the rules are murky too murky, one might say!) is really supposed to be a new memory (debatable!), that means Roger sent his dad back to his time just to die holding him in the London Underground during the Blitz (like his mother did). Any way you slice it, this whole thing is depressing. Roger tries to assuage any fears in regards to his fathers fate by reminding himself that wherever Jerry went, it had to be better than being strung up by a bunch of Highlanders. It doesnt make me rest easy, personally, but these arent my daddy issues. One wholly positive development to come out of this father-son reunion is that by realizing he was brought to 1739 to help his father, Roger starts to believe that Jem might not be in this time after all maybe it means a quicker return trip for our travelers. Roger is not meant to be the one who saves his son nope, that job falls to Bree back in 1980. We discover that after knocking Rob Cameron unconscious with a frying pan, Bree tied the guy up and tossed him into what I regret having to remind you is referred to as a priest hole. Rob Cameron sucks for so many reasons, but especially because he, the man who kidnapped a time-traveling child to help him find gold, has the gall to call Bree a bitch. I mean, I dont totally buy Sophie Skeltons strangling skills in this scene, nor do her hard fs land as well as, say, Lord John Greys do, but her swift kick to Robs face does seem to do the trick in shutting him up. With the kidnapper unconscious again, Bree grabs Mandy, and the two head out to alert the local police. On the way, however, Mandy starts to feel that connection with Jem again and they wind up on their own little adventure, playing hot or cold to figure out where Rob took the kid. It seems like a hard game to play in a car, but what do I know? And also, it works! Jem, who has been stashed in the tunnels under the dam, remembers a very detailed story his mother once told about her own escape from those tunnels and uses her route to make his own way out. Reunited with her son, Bree turns to the police to deal with Rob, but he has somehow escaped without a trace. The police are of no use to Bree, partly because of misogyny and partly because she cant exactly explain whats really going on here without being like, Uh, so time travel is real. Instead, Bree enlists the help of our old pal Fiona, who, along with her husband, takes the two kids and the chest of Jamie and Claires letters from the past so Bree can figure out what to do next. She decides to head back to Lallybroch by herself, even though not one person thinks thats a good idea. Fun! And what of our group hanging out in 1778? The big news: Ian and Rachel get married! They have a Quaker ceremony, which is almost the same as a meeting but people wind up married at the end, so its no-frills as far as weddings go. It does, however, mean that not only do we get to hear Jamie say some lovely things about his nephew (a nice reprieve after their awkward as hell uncle-nephew pre-wedding sex chat!); we also get a big moment for the Hunter siblings. Denzell is moved by the spirit to apologize to his sister because he wanted to join the Continental army, he was kicked out of meeting and she, being loyal and loving, followed him. She gave up her life and reputation to be there for her brother, and he has felt guilt and regret every day since. For her part, Rachel says she would make the same choice again and would be happy to do it. Denny is moved now, though, seeing that Rachels path has led her to love and a home with Ian. Its all very sweet. Its tough to arrive seven seasons into a show and find a way to make yourself feel like an integral part of the group, but Denzell and Rachel have really endeared themselves to me. Nobody hurt them! After Ian and Rachel get hitched, they have the obligatory Outlander Night of the Wedding sex scene, which isnt something I exactly needed for this pairing, but they are very cute together even if I wish I never had to hear them talking about each others butts. Meanwhile, in another bedroom, Jamie is stressing about the mess hes created with his arrival in Philadelphia. William is MIA, but Claire tells her husband not to worry about him; eventually, hell realize that Jamie and John had to lie to protect him because they care about him. It seems to calm Jamie a bit. Theres less assurance when it comes to Lord John. Denny filled Jamie in on what happened at the Continental army camp, and Jamie finally feels guilty about tossing his friend over to a less-than-friendly party. Still, he tells Claire that while he can forgive her for what happened when they thought he was dead, he cant bring himself to forgive John. So I guess the other news out of this time period is that Jamie is still kind of a dick. While hes making out with his wife, Lord John is found hiding in a ditch by yet another group of Continental officers. This time, though, hes able to sell his story more convincingly: He tells them that his name is Bertram Armstrong and he was arrested by British officers on his way to enlist in the Continental army. They buy it, and off he goes with them because apparently this mans nightmare is never-ending! It seems like at least one more Jamie and John confrontation and hopefully some emotional mending of fences is imminent now that John will be buying some time trying to stay alive among the rebels nearby and Jamie and Ian have to report for duty in their fancy new Continental army uniforms. The Revolutionary War is raging on, and all of our favorite people are about to walk right into it. Will we ever know peace? Just kidding, this is Outlander; the answer to that question is always no. Salvini had risked six years in jail. A court in Sicily on Friday acquitted Italy's deputy premier Matteo Salvini of preventing the landing of 147 migrants on the island of Lampedusa five years ago. Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party, had been on trial in Palermo since 2021, accused of the kidnapping of migrants on board the rescue ship in August 2019. He had risked six years in jail on charges of abduction and refusal to perform official duties over his role, as then interior minister, of refusing to grant permission for the ship carrying the rescued migrants to dock. "Acquitted for stopping mass immigration and defending my country" - Salvini wrote on X on Friday evening - "The Lega wins, common sense wins, Italy wins." ASSOLTO per aver fermato limmigrazione di massa e difeso il mio Paese. Vince la Lega, vince il buonsenso, vince lItalia. pic.twitter.com/rGf3g85RQ7 Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) December 20, 2024 After Salvini refused to grant the ship permission to dock, the migrants were stuck on the Spanish rescue ship Open Arms for 19 days off the Italian island of Lampedusa. Ahead of the court's ruling, Salvini wrote on X: "I have kept my promises, fighting mass immigration and reducing departures, landings and deaths at sea. Whatever the verdict, today is a good day for me because I am proud to have defended my country. I would do everything I have done again." In September, after prosecutors sought the six-year jail term, Salvini received the "total solidarity" of Italy's right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni who stated on social media: "Transforming the duty to protect the Italian borders from illegal immigration into a crime is a very serious precedent." Salvini, 51, was also defended by his fellow deputy premier and leader of the centre-right Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani, as well as from X owner Elon Musk who commented: "That mad prosecutor should be the one who goes to prison for 6 years." Salvini insisted that preventing irregular migrants from disembarking in Italy was government policy at the time, claiming that the decision to block the Open Arms ship was reached collectively within the government. In recent months Salvini has received support from the right-wing Patriots for Europe political group while his Lega supporters around the country have rallied in his defence. Photo: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com. Rome exhibition delves into world of Nutella. A new exhibition in Rome celebrates the 60th anniversary of Nutella, tracing the history of the Italian chocolate-hazelnut spread and its most famous advertising campaigns over the decades. Titled Joyn!Un viaggio nel mondo Nutella, the exhibition takes place at MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, from 20 December until 20 April 2025. The "exhibition event", as the curator Chiara Bertini defines it, invites visitors to "explore, experience, and interact" in the world of Nutella, six decades after its launch in Italy in 1964. The origins of the Made in Italy success story go back to post-war Italy when cocoa was a scarce commodity. Pietro Ferrero, who founded a small pastry shop in Alba in northern Italy, responded to the cocoa shortage by creating a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar and a small quantity of cocoa. This sweet-tasting concoction, named Giandujot, was originally sold as a solid block before being modified into the spreadable Nutella we know today. Nutella has since become a global sensation, with the Italian confectionary giant Ferrero each year producing half a million tons of the hugely popular spread which is sold in 170 countries. The spread is celebrated internationally each year on 5 February with World Nutella Day, when fans share their photos, videos and recipes on social media. In the most harrowing cases, the consequences were nearly fatal, including for one 38-year-old woman from North Sydney. When I presented to the GP six weeks into the pregnancy, my usual GP was away, and my concerns were brushed aside and dismissed. I felt I was made out to be dramatic. Four days later I nearly died from ectopic internal bleeding, losing three litres of blood into my abdomen, being rushed to hospital only after I passed out. Tell us your stories As part of the medical misogyny investigative series, The Age and Herald will examine these claims in more detail, conduct personal interviews and investigate what is being, and should be done to improve services for women. You can share your story with our team of health and investigative reporters using the form below. In some cases, it took decades for respondents to receive a diagnosis, with 85 per cent citing delays among their experiences. A Victorian woman, 59, said it had taken her 35 years to receive an endometriosis diagnosis after doctors disregarded her pain and told her she needed to lose weight and do more exercise. Loading I had to beg to be referred to a gynaecologist, after 34 years of unrelenting pain. By this stage, my periods were almost permanent, as was the pain in my abdomen, bladder, bowels and back. I then had to beg for a hysterectomy. When it finally happened, I was told that I had a frozen pelvis, that my uterus, ovaries, bladder and bowel had been distorted and fused together. My surgeon yelled at me for not having this surgery done 20 years earlier. A sweeping majority of women (881 respondents) reported a misdiagnosis by a doctor or healthcare professional. One reported her gallbladder stones being misdiagnosed as period pain. The misdiagnosis almost killed me as the entire organ was blocked with one large stone. Pain swept aside Almost half (44 per cent) of respondents reported having pain dismissed or disregarded, before it became apparent the underlying cause was a serious or even potentially fatal condition. Women recounted being told their pain was in their imagination, that excruciating pain was normal, being mocked, told they had low pain tolerance and being offered antidepressants or referred to psychologists. They subsequently discovered the source of their pain was cancer, ovarian torsion, ruptured ovarian cysts, sepsis, kidney infection, ruptured ligaments, broken bones, kidney stones, a heart attack, a burst appendix, a perforated bowel, ectopic pregnancy, post-operative bleed, stomach ulcers, pneumonia and acute pancreatitis respectively. Many women described their male partners pain being taken more seriously than their own, with men offered opioids to deal with pain that women were told should be handled with paracetamol. Women also described nearly passing out while undergoing intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and endometrial biopsies without pain relief. Doctors consistently dismiss what youre saying. In emergency, unless youre screaming and carrying on they refuse to give real pain medication. Even when you are screaming, they might think youre a drug seeker. My male partner gets offered morphine in emergency. I get offered Panadol for the same condition and type of pain. Reproductive health concerns dismissed Another recurring theme was the failure to investigate reproductive health-related issues. Endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were the most frequently reported conditions, with 12 per cent of respondents having experienced dismissal when presenting with symptoms of one or more of these conditions. Women who suffered from these three conditions were routinely dismissed by doctors and specialists, told to lose weight, go on the pill, or even advised that falling pregnant was the only solution to their pain. When presenting with symptoms of what was later diagnosed as endometriosis, 108 women said they were dismissed by a doctor or specialist. In multiple instances, an earlier diagnosis could have made the difference between a woman being able to have a child or not. One NSW woman, suffering unexplained and undiagnosed uterine bleeding, was told by a fertility specialist, If your GP had taken your concerns seriously, you might have more viable options. By then, she was already infertile. Women turned away from emergency Six per cent of respondents reported being dismissed by emergency departments without receiving sufficient or appropriate treatment. Some women presented to emergency multiple times with the same issue but were repeatedly dismissed. Often, they were not believed about their pain and symptoms. Gaslighting was reported to be a common occurrence across all sectors of medicine, but posed deadly risks in medical emergencies. Ectopic pregnancy that went unnoticed for 11 weeks. I no longer trust emergency rooms, I have a fear of blood now. Had to be on hormonal birth control for over a year to get my cervix to heal from the wound the ectopic pregnancy left. Have not been able to conceive a healthy pregnancy since. Told to lose weight Forty-two respondents reported that their GPs instructed them to lose weight instead of properly investigating their complaints. They were eventually diagnosed with maladies including hand, finger and ankle injuries, thyroid disorders, a bulging disc, chronic fatigue syndrome, Cushings syndrome, lipedema, endometriosis, adenomyosis, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and autoimmune encephalitis. 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 Joanna Turner watched her husband fall apart. Ian, the intelligent, kind person she met in high school, had changed into a troubled, violent man after a series of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a sniper in an elite commando unit. Turner had been repeatedly sent back to war zones by the Australian Defence Force, even after he was hospitalised with post-traumatic stress disorder, reported for excessive drinking and charged with domestic violence offences. Joanna Turner with a picture of her late husband Ian. Credit: Rhett Wyman He took his own life in a Waterloo apartment in 2017. After a four-year inquest, NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame this week called for a major overhaul of the Australian Defence Forces approach to PTSD, issuing 27 recommendations. Grahame found the army had failed to adequately treat Turner and still harboured harmful attitudes toward mental illness. This included evidence by a major who said Turner failed the organisation by taking his own life. The coroner also lashed the ADFs conduct throughout the inquest, saying she had no confidence it had handed over all relevant information and that it had suggested Turners role in recovering a soldiers body was a figment of his imagination. Advertisement But some of the strongest findings concerned the treatment of Joanna Turner, who had repeatedly sought to warn the army about her husbands dangerous behaviour. Corporal Ian Turner served in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan and Iraq. In my view, she was treated appallingly, Grahame said. Again and again the violence that Corporal Turner was inflicting was described as marital difficulties. Euphemisms were used to excuse and disguise what was really going on as Corporal Turners mental health deteriorated. Joanna Turner was ignored and at times vilified. The couple, who separated in 2016, had known each other since high school. Early on in his life, he was very driven, focused, motivated, knew what he wanted, Joanna told the Herald. He was highly intelligent, kind. Advertisement But army service changed him. In the late 2000s, after a tour of Afghanistan, he started to become violent toward Joanna, who serves in the army as a psychologist. Turner took his own life in 2017. As he deteriorated over time, he just became more and more chaotic, Joanna said. Turner enlisted in the army as an 18-year-old in 2000, joining the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and deployed twice to Timor-Leste in the following two years, before seeking new challenges in the 4th Battalion, Australias only full-time commando unit. After his first deployment to Afghanistan with the commandos in 2007, he told a doctor he started experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder like frequent flashbacks, intrusive memories of nightmares and panic attacks. He was troubled by the death in combat of a close friend, Luke Worsley, and started drinking heavily. The symptoms intensified as Turner was sent back into combat repeatedly in the next few years. He was present when a colleague, Damien Thomlinson, was severely injured by an improvised explosive device. Thomlinson, now an author and sportsman who competed in the Australian Survivor TV series, had both legs torn off and Turner said he had been struck by one of his mates severed feet. Advertisement During a psychological screening test in 2012, Turner reported re-experiencing symptoms relating to providing first aid to Thomlinson, stating that the visual intensity of this scene still intrudes today with vivid images and monthly disturbing weird dreams, as well as drinking 4-6 stubbies of beer most nights. The assessing staff thought he would not cooperate with further support, so no follow-up was planned. A padre with Turners unit in Iraq told the coroner he had seen Turner with a trophy allegedly taken from the corpse of the 100th person he had killed. The padre said the pair had a big argument over the banned practice of taking trophies from the dead. The padre told the inquiry Turner had a moral injury from killing too many people he was a sniper, so I think he killed a lot of people. Joanna Turner provided evidence that her husband had confided to her that he had committed atrocities, including stabbing a man to death, executing someone who he had to kneel to see what it was like and that he had shot a child. In a separate incident, a baby had been killed by mistake, she said. While being treated in hospital in 2017, he told a doctor: I have killed so many people and I cannot live with myself. I have killed innocents. Turners mental health had deteriorated significantly by 2014. Colleagues reported concerns that he was drinking excessively on a training course. He was charged by NSW Police with domestic violence offences including stalking, intimidation and threatening to kill, and was placed on a 12-month court order. From April to May, he was hospitalised with acute post-traumatic stress disorder. But in 2015, he was redeployed to Iraq. The court heard that Turner was adept at minimising his symptoms when he was assessed and that a psychiatrist had found he was well and stable after remarkable improvements. Advertisement In 2016, Turner was deployed for another six months after a medical decision finding him unfit to serve was overturned. The court heard an officer identified only as Major AF had lobbied for the reversal. What the f---? [Corporal Turner] must deploy with us. No one can replace him, another officer recalled Major AF saying. The coroner found Major AF had given partial and misleading evidence about Turners role in the recovery of a soldiers decomposed body, which was found to have been a trigger for his PTSD relapse. Major AF also told the court Turners decision to kill himself was unacceptable. He had every opportunity to turn it around. He had every opportunity thrown at him, given to him. Theres a point where, I think, the organisation didnt fail him but, for lack of a better term, and this is harsh, he failed the organisation. The coroner called the majors remarks a shocking pronouncement and evidence of harmful attitudes within the ADF toward mental illness. Advertisement The director of the Australian War Memorial told its curators to seek guidance from the senior manager of the company funding the defamation action of war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith as the institution grappled with how to acknowledge the special forces war crimes scandal. Leaked files from within the memorial reveal it considered a proposal for a small panel, less than two metres wide with four exhibits, to deal with the story of how two dozen Australian special forces soldiers, including Roberts-Smith, came to be accused of involvement in at least 39 executions in Afghanistan. Ben Roberts-Smith at the Australian War Memorial in 2014. Credit: Jay Cronan A senior curator wrote in a May 2023 email that she was advised by memorial director Matt Anderson to consult two veterans appointed to the War Memorial council who were likely to have strong opinions on how (or even if) the Memorial presents the story of war crimes allegations. One of the two Australian War Memorial council members to be consulted regarding the proposed war crimes exhibit is named in leaked documents from 2023 as former SAS commander James McMahon. Its not news anymore that religion, particularly the Catholic religion, is now either no news or bad news. Thats obvious in both the general and the particular. An example of the first is that, since the recent retirement of Patsy McGarry from The Irish Times no Irish paper any longer carries a designated religious affairs correspondent. An example of the second is that one of the most popular programmes on RTE Radio, Liveline, today seems only interested in religion when it affords an opportunity to disparage and disembowel with apparent relish all things Catholic. There are, I might add, good reasons for both attitudes. Theres a declining interest in all things religious and the commercial imperative of sheer survival at a time when newspapers are struggling to cope with the burgeoning influence of a series of modern media makes it good business to give people what they want now. Hence, a gradual dumbing down of the more traditional style and content of The Irish Times and the increasing tabloidisation of the Irish Independent. In The Irish Times, this decline in what were once exceptional standards is reflective of decisions like traditional updates on the Church of Ireland and the Presbyterian Church no longer occupying a secure and prominent status and which now seem to be wandering in the desert like the Old Testament Israelites of yore in search of a permanent home. The cute bet is against their survival at all. The other obvious determining factor underpinning the growing marginalisation of religion is the widespread perception (and acceptance) that the Catholic Church is a prevailing negative force in Irish life and a handy obvious target for journalistic shooting practice. If you cant say something critical about Catholicism and all its works and practices, the prevailing wisdom seems to be, then best to ignore it altogether and hope that it goes away somewhere and sometime soon. It often seems now that a veil of insidious and immersive darkness is being drawn over Catholic life which serves as a handy backdrop to advance any thesis that presumes that attitude not just to be true but to be irrefutable. A recent example is the new film, Small Things Like These. A rough, very rough translation of a peach of a novel that despite its brevity is beautifully crafted - and attests to a forgotten truth that simplicity is a key element in readability Claire Keegans classic has been mangled into a film that flaunts the past as a place of utter and irredeemable darkness. (And sad indeed to see Cillian Murphys popularity as a result of his 2024 Oscar Best Actor Award being used to give such bias such credibility.) But a silver lining to the universal acceptance of that prevailing sense of oppressive darkness in the past is that the past is taking exception to the critique and fighting back. That film too has provoked a reaction as fair-minded people are simply asking whether the darkness of the recent past was quite as overwhelming as the film presents. No less a figure than Irelands foremost historian, Diarmuid Ferriter, has added his authoritative voice to a growing chorus of protest at contriving to misrepresent New Ross in the 1980s as if the depiction of absolute darkness was the defining feature of a time most of us actually remember. Ferriter objects to the presumption in the film of presenting our history as "one giant black hole, occasionally interrupted by a lone, bright star". Strange Things Like These, he writes in The Irish Times, frames the 1980s as "an era of unmitigated harshness and cruelty". Or in Cillian Murphys indelicate comment (with the now prescribed expletive that modern sophisticates feel compelled to attach) "like the f******g dark ages compared to now . . . it could be the 1950s in many ways". Murphy, of course, is an actor, and actors deal in hyperbole and an enhanced sense of their own importance. Ferriter is a professional historian and historians deal in facts (not fiction). Above all, historians are charged with the responsibility of giving context its due. Thus, Ferriter outlines multiple reasons why Murphy is not, in this instance, "at the pictures" including what Ferriter calls "individual acts of defiance . . . about previously taboo subjects". He objects to what he calls "the embrace of an easier blanket narrative of hell and suffocation" In truth, the 1980s was not the dark ages. Most of us remember it and the film, Strange Things Like These, with its unwavering sense of darkness, does not represent it accurately. Ferriters words found earlier expression in the response of a friend to the depiction of the nun-tyrant: "Could they not have found even one nun in New Ross apart from Sr Mary who showed some sign of being human." The truth is that, while not denying that individual members of religious orders perpetrated abuse, there is no explaining away or lessening the reality of what happened and its dreadful repercussions for its victims or that it rightly demands the ongoing prominence that their stories deserve. Yet, a further truth is that the vast majority of nuns have being tarred with the same brush even though they lived lives of admirable service: in teaching, in nursing, in care of the poor and in multiple hidden roles of support and kindness to generations of families. I sometimes wonder how the hundreds of innocent elderly (and very elderly) nuns who now live in nursing homes see the work of long lifetimes being rubbished (as they themselves often are) by being so often and so casually bracketed with the worse that could be said about them. Cillian Murphys false blanket narrative of the 1980s as the "dark ages" is not just inaccurate but unacceptable. To mark my Local Media Award as Columnist of the Year 2024, Ive published a compilation of 156 columns from the Western People in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Its called Just a Thought and a limited number of copies are available at the usual outlets. 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 festivals cultural significance not only for China but also for its growing global impact as a vital cultural connection across nations. UNESCOs 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 Festivals deep cultural values. The listing underscores the festivals 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 Festivals 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 Chinas commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the successful inclusion of the Spring Festival highlights the international communitys acknowledgment of its importance. Prominent professor of folklore Li Hanqiu emphasized the festivals 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 festivals 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 festivals importance in her countrys multicultural landscape. She explained that the Spring Festival has become an integral part of Australias 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 festivals 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 festivals traditional essence while adapting it to modern contexts. She noted that to ensure the Spring Festivals 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 UNESCOs list of intangible cultural heritage serves as a significant manifestation of Chinas cultural soft power in the globalized era. From China to the world, the festivals unique charm is fostering a vision of a shared global future. This recognition not only strengthens Chinas cultural identity but also serves as a bridge for promoting global cultural exchange, offering new insights into humanitys diversity and collective future. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download 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. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, businesses and consumers are looking for convenient ways to show their appreciation to clients, friends, and family. Thanks to celebrations and gifting, cheese and dairy consumption rises this time of year. Cheese sales are 50% higher than average in the week leading up to Christmas, with specialty cheese and varieties like Brie, Camembert, Fontina, Gruyere, Mascarpone, and Raclette performing especially well. To meet this demand and boost brand value, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) publishes a press release and annual public relations push this time of year providing an audience reach of over 218 million consumers. DFW also compiles and promotes an online gift basket collection featuring specialty cheeses from across our state. Gift baskets support DFWs focus on spotlighting artisanal varieties by Master Cheesemakers. They showcase award-winning cheeses and innovation in products and packaging. Because 90% of Wisconsin milk is made into cheese, and 90% of that cheese is sold outside the state, direct-to-consumer gift baskets benefit both farmers and recipients. DFWs gift basket resource drives sales by simplifying the process of shopping for locally produced, shippable products. Gifting products that build trust in dairy We call the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge the easy button to help consumers know that the dairy product is the highest quality and made with Wisconsin milk. Nationwide, you will see the Wisconsin Cheese Share the Joy promotion at local grocery stores highlighting products for consumers. Our online gift basket collections make choices even easier, enabling shoppers to confidently and conveniently share their love of cheese. Our website, wisconsincheese.com, links to dozens of gift baskets and additional resources for finding Wisconsin Cheese products online. These presents with a purpose support family farmers. Here are a few ways Wisconsin Cheese gift baskets stand out: Award-winning: Many cheese gift baskets celebrate internationally recognized varieties and flavors by Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers. For instance, Carr Valley Cheese has won more than 900 national and international awards, making it one of the top-awarded cheese companies in the world. Farm-to-table freshness: Some farmstead offerings, like the build-your-own cheese lovers gift basket from Marieke Gouda, are especially fresh. These creameries make cheese from milk produced by cows right on their farm. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese also offers an artisan cheese sampler box that showcases sustainable practices. Their award-winning cheeses are made using renewable energy. New and innovative: Cheese Brothers "12 Days of Cheesemas" Advent calendar features beautifully designed, interactive packaging. Behind each door, a different selection delights: From their squeaky cheese curds to a limited edition trappiste ale-washed Gouda. Royal Guernsey Creamerys butter box is another new offering, featuring a rich, creamy butter trifecta perfect for baking or gracing a trendy butter board. Year-round support to drive sales DFWs holiday gift basket campaign is just one example of our work with 125 different companies across the state. Our DFW dairy company communications team partners with producers to drive distribution, visibility, trial, and sales throughout the year. The more processors sell, the more Wisconsin milk is required. DFW is dedicated to strengthening partnerships with the state's dairy processors to elevate products and boost sales. COMPANY NEWS: Nokia and Turkcell have successfully demonstrated a world-first ability to implement quantum-safe IPsec network cryptography for its mobile subscribers. This groundbreaking achievement marks a critical step in securing mobile networks against future threats posed by quantum computing. By leveraging the latest cryptographic standards, Nokia and Turkcell are proactively addressing the evolving landscape of network security and ensuring the resilience of mobile communications well into the future. The introduction of quantum computing threatens traditional cryptography methods, potentially making them vulnerable to powerful quantum attacks capable of breaking conventional cryptographic protections. As quantum computers continue to advance, it is vital that networks evolve to counteract these risks. The successful integration of quantum-safe IPsec cryptography into Turkcells mobile transport network as part of a defense-in-depth crypto-resilient approach, sets a new benchmark for network security. The demonstration was conducted with Nokias globally deployed IPsec Security Gateway to secure critical data in the face of evolving quantum threats. By implementing advanced cryptography techniques now, both Nokia and Turkcell are ensuring their networks are secure today while also preparing for future advancements in technology. For end users, this means continued confidence in the security of their mobile communications. They can be assured that their data will remain protected not just in the present, but also as the landscape of technology evolves over time. Prof. Dr. Vehbi Cagr Gungor, Turkcell Chief Network Technologies Officer, said: This test represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our network security. As part of our strategy to continually enhance the security of our mobile network, this collaboration with Nokia provides us with the confidence that our transport security can withstand the challenges of the quantum era. By demonstrating these quantum-safe cryptography capabilities today, we are preparing our network for the future. Rafael De Fermin, Senior Vice President of Network Infrastructure Europe, Nokia said: Through our collaboration with Turkcell weve shown how our quantum-safe IPsec technology can protect mobile networks against the evolving security threat landscape. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to safeguard the privacy and integrity of mobile technology. Our solutions provide a proactive defense-in-depth crypto-resilient approach against future network security challenges, ensuring that Turkcells network remains secure for years to come. This successful demonstration highlights Nokias leadership in network security, particularly within the mobile telecom industry. The implementation of quantum-safe cryptography positions Nokia at the forefront of addressing the growing need for secure, and trusted network infrastructures. The deployment also aligns with our ongoing efforts to mitigate risks arising from new technologies like quantum computing. Resources and additional information: Webpage: Nokia QSN Webpage: Nokia IP Network Security Webpage: Nokia IPsec Security Gateway About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About Turkcell Turkcell is a digital operator headquartered in Turkiye, serving its customers with its unique portfolio of digital services along with voice, messaging, data, and IPTV services on its mobile and fixed networks. Turkcell Group companies operate in 3 countries Turkiye, Belarus, and Northern Cyprus. Turkcell launched LTE services in its home country on April 1st, 2016, employing LTE Advanced and 3 carrier aggregation technologies in 81 cities. Turkcell offers up to 10 Gbps fiber internet speed with its FTTH services. Turkcell Group reported TRY40.2 billion revenue in Q324 with total assets of TRY326.7 billion as of September 30, 2024. It has been listed on the NYSE and the BIST since July 2000, and is the only dual-listed company in Turkiye. Read more at www.turkcell.com.tr Follow us on social media Follow us on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube COMPANY NEWS: Nokia today announced it will donate WOSH, an AI enabled portable hand washing stand that reuses more than 98% of the water it consumes to Aoyama Gakuin University, one of Japans oldest private universities with a history of more than 140 years. Aoyama Gakuin University is actively promoting various activities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on the universitys philosophy, through industry-academia collaboration and other means. The deployment of WOSH will occur in two phases at Aoyama Gakuin University. Initially, it will be installed in the student lounge on the Aoyama campus to promote awareness of CSR among students. Subsequently, at the Sagamihara campus, students will gain practical experience with water reuse technology, enriching both their theoretical understanding and ability to apply these concepts in practical settings will be considered. Tetsuo Kamoshita, Japan Country Manager at Nokia, said: As a proud alumnus of Aoyama Gakuin University, I am excited to support this ESG initiative through industry-academia collaboration. Working with Aoyama Gakuin University, we are laying the groundwork for a future that values sustainability, innovation, and education. Students are the pioneers of the future, and we are delighted to providing them with the tools to build a brighter, more sustainable world. Inazumi Hiroshige, President at Aoyama Gakuin University, said: Aoyama Gakuin University promotes social contribution activities in cooperation with local governments and companies, guided by the spirit of our school motto: 'The salt of the earth, the light of the world.' We hope that the donation of the water reuse system, 'WOSH,' will raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among our students and provide them with an opportunity to learn about water reuse technology using AI. We are delighted to collaborate with Nokia Japan, represented by one of our graduate students through industry-university partnerships. Moving forward, we will continue to work with companies and local governments on various initiatives, leveraging each other's resources for education and community revitalization. Resources and additional information Webpage: Nokia Sustainability Webpage: Nokia ESG Strategy Hub About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. 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 wave to the crowd in south China's Macao, Dec. 20, 2024. Xi left the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on a special plane on Friday after concluding a series of activities here. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping left the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on a special plane on Friday after concluding a series of activities here. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Macao from Wednesday to Friday for celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the SAR, and an inspection tour of the region. At the seeing-off ceremony, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, shook hands with the people who came to see them off and waved goodbye to a cheering crowd. Cai Qi and other senior officials also left on the same plane. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Cui Rui Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviews the troops during his inspection of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, Dec. 20, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Gang] MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the inspection after attending a gathering in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. On Friday afternoon, Xi reviewed the troops and met with representatives of the military personnel. He urged the military personnel to enhance defense capabilities in all aspects and contribute more to breaking new ground in the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics. Over the past 25 years, the troops have played a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Macao's long-term prosperity and stability, Xi noted. Highlighting the need to unwaveringly uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, Xi stressed efforts to comprehensively strengthen military discipline and maintain high levels of unity, security and stability in the armed forces. Cai Qi and other officials attended the activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of the military personnel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), south China, Dec. 20, 2024. [Xinhua/Li Gang] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Cui Rui We are publishing the speech introducing the resolution War, the class struggle and the tasks of the Socialist Equality Party at the Seventh National Congress of the SEP (UK) given by Tom Scripps, its Assistant National Secretary. The resolution was passed unanimously. Scripps was re-elected to his position by the Congress. Comrade Chris Marsden [SEP National Secretary] has engagedin speaking to the elements of the resolution which must be updated and strengthenedmost heavily with its opening sections. Im going to pick up the thread roughly where the resolution moves to a review of our experience of the last two years and our tasks going forward. Im not going to do so in point-by-point fashion; Im going to speak to the key issues as I see they are raised by the document in broadly the order that they appear in the text. The strike wave and the Gaza protest movement Its always necessary to review the experiences that our party and the working class have passed through in writing such a document. But it was especially so in this case, after two years in which the working class and young people have been driven by their socio-economic situation, and their response to international developments, up against the limits of their own present political organisation and understanding. The experience of the strike wavewhich formed part of an international phenomenonconfirmed our analysis of this decade as one of social upheavals, and of the pandemic as an accelerant of that tendency. But it also confirmed our warnings of the state of consciousness which prevails in the class, without a change in which that social impulse cannot be transformed into a sustained political movement. Similarly, the protest movement over Gaza revealed the well of anti-imperialist sentiment which can be mobilised over issues with which a degree of familiarity and understanding has been built up over decadesas with the oppression of the Palestinians. But it has also provided a terrible demonstration of the consequences, the demobilising consequences, if the dead hand of the bureaucracy and middle class pacifists and semi-reformists is not thrown off. The challenges are most starkly highlighted by the progress of the war in Ukraine and the popular response to it, which serve as something of a test case for the lag which can open up between objective events and subjective understandingand the political confusions which can be sown in that gap. We are at a point where the working class feels itself thoroughly dissatisfied with the status quo, is seeking to escape it, but has not fully embarked on a new road. It is prepared to move much further than the unions and protest leaders will take them, but is not yet prepared to move on the say so of another leadership. That leadershipwhich must be of a Marxist, Trotskyist characterand the trust in that leadership must be built and expanded. Thats a situation which the simple momentum of militancy cannot overcome. It requires the introduction of political perspective. And I mean that in a very specific sense: the perspective afforded by a standpoint outside capitalism, which refuses to accept its enforced assumptions for what is possible and desirablethe education, tradition, and habit by which the working class is encouraged to look upon the requirements of that mode of production as self-evident natural laws, in Marxs words. We have to attend to the task of introducing that perspective, in all its complexity, into all the aspects of working class experience under capitalism, and the struggle against it. The working class, in Britain and internationally, is being brought into ever sharper opposition with the brutal reality of contemporary capitalism. But that only poses the questions that have to be answered by the revolutionary party. As Trotsky explains: It is necessary not only to say what is but also to know how to use what is as ones point of departure It is not at all difficult to skip over contradictory reality by contenting oneself with a few sociological generalizations. But that does not advance developments by a hairsbreadth. It is necessary to overcome material difficulties in action, that is, by means of a tactic suited to reality. We fought to do so: through our interventions among striking workers, the protest movement and on the campusesand Ill return to these themes in the context of the latter sections of the resolution. Here, I want to focus on how we took up these challenges in the general election campaign, which concentrated these political issues, and served as a crucible for the tendencies claiming to answer them. The Socialist Equality Partys general election campaign It did so because that election had the character of a political conspiracy-cum-crisis meeting: for a ruling class that felt it needed the artificial national conversation forced on the population by the machinery of an election, to inject at least a little more democratic legitimacy into its government, and, ideally for them, to install new managers in the form of a Labour Party which had spent the last years working out the corporatist arrangement we now see in practice. Chris has spoken to how thats going for them, just a few months down the line. In the moment, it posed us the challenge of waging a campaign in an arena where our opponents are most at home, and us the least sobecause its the politics of parliamentary democracy, meaning of the middle classes, rather than the politics of the masses. We step into hostile territory to fly a flag for Trotskyism, to put ourselves forwards as a political vanguard, to seize from it those people we canespecially young people coming to political awareness for the first timewho are worth seizing. And we conducted that campaign (always allowing for improvements) in a very powerful wayalong the only axis which could have the effect of breaking workers from their political encumbrances in the Labour Party and its left appendages: basing ourselves on the fight we had waged, largely in the context of the strike wave and the crisis of the Tory Party, to demand a general election: one which would have taken place under the greatest possible influence of the class struggle and posed the necessity of a working-class party as sharply as possible. In the general election we ultimately got, we were right to choose to stand against Starmer specifically: we counterposed our Marxist opposition to Labour to Corbyns effective abstention, and Andrew Feinsteins half-way house between a protest candidacy and a project for a new Corbynite partywhich stood for, and had the backing of, the whole fraternity of the left from which socialist-minded workers and young people must disentangle themselves. What we showed was that these people have almost nothing to say to the genuinely socialist aspirations of a wide layer of workers and youth; nothing which meets up to the scope of change that is necessary. We put ourselves forward as the political party able to articulate that and which has represented, stood for and defended that programme for decades: against social counterrevolution and ecological collapse, in defence of democratic rights, and especially of migrant workersand above all, in this election, against the genocide in Gaza. And we met our responsibility to introduce to that suite of concerns the war in Ukraine and the widening war for the redivision of the world of which it forms, as yet, the bloodiest part. In our campaign in Scotland, we made the same points, but also landing blows against the now very beleaguered but still no less reactionary diversion and division of Scottish nationalism. In the webinar The Election Debacle and the Fight Against Dictatorship, comrade David North made the pointin connection with the fight against the Trump presidency, but it extends more broadlythat fight must be prepared. It requires analysis. It requires a sober and careful approach to political events. The last thing it needs is panic and hysteria. The time for serious politics has begun. Our campaign was an exercise in that approach. It hardly suffices as a summary of our tendency and its positions and history, its not meant to, but the phrase serious politics does capture something of what recommends us to workers and students. Ours was a campaign standing unapologetically on the ground of social and political reality, not the fantastical politics of if only and of moral appeals. And basing itself on a political programme of the historic and international scope thats necessary to address that reality: of war, genocide, fascism, social and ecological collapse. In the course of discussion on the US election campaign, this point made by Lenin in The Election Campaign and the Election Platform, in 1911, was cited: The principal question for Social-Democrats who value the elections primarily as a means for the political enlightenment of the people, is, of course, the ideological and political content of all the propaganda and agitation to be carried on in connection with them. That is what is meant by an election platform. To every party at all worthy of the name a platform is something that has existed long before the elections; it is not something specially devised for the elections, but an inevitable result of the whole work of the party, of the way the work is organised, and of its whole trend in the given historical period. Again, that was our approach, and one which resonated with those coming into conscious opposition to capitalism. Our actual vote, of course, was small; more fuel for John Kellys exacting tabulations of so-called Trotskyist performances in elections, proving the verdict that has been delivered on the Trotskyist movement for all time, in all examples, of its political irrelevance. Which is rather like proving a baby can never become an adult by performing hundreds of measurements of the child, and saying the overwhelming evidence is that not one of these proportions matches those of a fully grown human. To make the same point a different way, Kelly writes triumphantly in his book that no revolution has ever been launched against a functioning parliamentary democracy. Which would be very reassuring to capitalism if it was in any way capable of sustaining functioning parliamentary democracies. What this died-in-the-wool anti-socialist bureaucrat is incapable of grasping are the processes which upend and transform old assumptions and turn what seems the unworkable and extreme into the urgent and necessarythe processes which characterise a revolutionary situation. The opening sections of our resolution, and the report given by Chris, make clear that its precisely these political waters that we are entering. There will be no shortage of events which, as we put it in the resolution, will energise the class struggle and produce the impulse for social revolution. But we dont take that as the end of the matter. As comrade David put it in one of his answers to the recent discussion on his two books, revolutionary optimism isnt some Panglossian happiness that everything will work out well, it identifies in any given objective situation the conflicting social forces. We engage in campaigns such as the election to identify those forces, and the pressures they exert within the class which must be overcome. We are winning a great deal of sympathy, but we have to transform that into commitment and practical collaborationand to grow the party. We have frequently commented that time is a factor in politics. Its worth thinking about what this means, which is that delay in the adoption of socialist politics by the working class, or its advanced sections, is not simply a problem of postponement. It contributes to a qualitatively different development of the class. Because in the meantime, other forcesother social classes and their political leaders and ideologuesintervene to exert their own hegemony over the class, or sections of it; to advance a claim to speak for workers interests and win them to particular conceptions of those interests. As Lenin warns, in the absence of the conscious construction of a socialist movement, while The working class spontaneously gravitates towards socialism; nevertheless, most widespread (and continuously and diversely revived) bourgeois ideology spontaneously imposes itself upon the working class to a still greater degree. The struggle against Corbynism In our review of the election result we were sure to pay particular attention to the role of Corbyn, who remains, despite himself, the figurehead of this general political fraternity. And we did so because he, or rather what he represents, the conceptions in the working class of which he is the beneficiary, remain to be fully overcome. We cite the key passage, which I wont repeat in full, which notes that he relies on the pragmatism of electoral politics and cynicism towards the possibility of overthrowing capitalism and goes on to urge, Such debilitating conceptions must be broken with. They play far more of a role in keeping the Starmers of the world in power than any of their own non-existent strengths. This fight is still a live one, under conditions in which a left of Labour party remains under discussion, and there are murmurs toochanging what needs to be changed for American politicsof some sort of US formation which can at least occupy the space left by the rank betrayals and exposure of the Democratic Socialists of Americas squadin which Bernie Sanders, of all people, is a key voice. Confirming, along with Corbyn, that what we are dealing with is not the charisma of individuals but the combination of a well-resourced bureaucratic, cultural apparatus of the middle class and persistent illusions among workers. On the actual development of what would be, as we say, a Labour Party Mark II, or Corbynism redux: we should neither write this off as a possibility nor claim it as a certainty. What we know is that there isand cannot fail to be, under these conditionsa discussion among our opponents about whether a new formation can be put together. And we also know that their ability to do so is severely impeded: they are working with damaged materials, and in political conditions of such sharp class tensions that the fundamentally anti-working-class politics of these groups is more rapidly exposed. What matters for us is that we take cognisance of these efforts, which form a part of the political landscape within which we operate, the better to navigate it and see the working class past this swamp. Ultimately, its that work, our work, that is decisivein the sense that only the successful interventions of the revolutionary party can bring an end to this political vicious circle, whose only outcome otherwise can be a victory for barbarismthe forces of the far-right. We note in the resolution that Corbyn took action to prevent the Pasokification of the Labour Party, referring to the collapse of the Greek Social Democrats as support shifted to Syriza. Syrizas performance has been rotten enough for long enough to hand the balance back to PASOKthough within the context of a domination of the electoral landscape by the conservatives and the far-right, despite the huge social anger and militancy that exists in the Greek working class. Thats the outcome of the pseudo-left project. A revolutionary, Trotskyist alternative has to be provided to the working class. We have to prove the partys capacity to lead the working classor, what amounts to the same thing, prove to the working class its own capacity to act as a historical force. In Lenins words: the objective of the class-conscious vanguard of the international working-class movement, i.e., the Communist parties is to be able to lead the broad masses to their new position, or, rather, to be able to lead not only their own party but also these masses in their advance and transition to the new position the advanced contingent; we must act in such a way that all the other contingents recognise and are obliged to admit that we are marching in the vanguard. And as the resolution indicates, we must do so not only to seize the initiative from the left betrayers, but increasingly from the right. The rise of the far-right and the trap of the popular front This is a phenomenon that it is vital we be clear in explaining. Because we intend, we have, to build a partyto use an American exampleof workers who voted for Trump and against him. Not in a pragmatic, reactionary way, through a left-right unite smothering of the class issues, in the style championed by George Galloway and Sahra Wagenknecht. But precisely by bringing the class issues to the fore, into the consciousness of workers. As weve written, its their enforced exclusion over a whole period which has provided the opportunity for right-wing forces to frame workers interestsfraudulently, of coursein a nationalistic, national exclusivist, way. To reiterate a point weve made many times, we are not talking about mass fascist movementsthough that should never be taken as waving away the threat of a government nonetheless run by fascists. Millions of workers are not signed up to participate in a programme of smashing of all forms of working-class collectivity and all traces of democracy. The far-right danger proceeds in the absence of a conscious constituency for socialism rather than in the presence of a conscious constituency for fascismunder conditions in which workers are nevertheless increasingly moved to reject what has been offered as mainstream politics for the last decades. In combatting this danger, we are engaging with some of the most fundamental questions to have confronted the socialist movement: pivoting on the point of nationalism or internationalism. In the far-right we have an appeal to the nation state and its borders, to nationality, as the guarantor of living standards. A nostalgia backward in every sense: that identifies the harm done to the social standing of the working class by globalisationand this is its strength, its persuasivenessbut which then holds out the prospect of some better past that can be recreated in the present by throwing up national barriers and throwing overboard demonised, largely racialised, groups of migrants. We had an early taste of that with the Brexit campaign, to which the Socialist Workers Party and the Socialist Party (and Galloway) lent a left cover. Of course, Brexit also showed what this was and always is a front for: the same, in fact the most rapacious, capitalist interests of the major corporations and the financial aristocracy. And just as the far-right represent different factions of fundamentally the same class interests as their traditional/mainstream bourgeois political opponents, so those opponents engage in substantially the same nationalism as the far-right. We note in the resolution for example, that Trump fed on the Democrats own record of trade war, deportations and scapegoating. Now we have the same experience with Starmer. Politico had an interesting article on this score a couple of weeks ago, How UKs Labour channelled Donald Trump to win. It cites a memo sent round by Starmers right-hand-man Morgan McSweeney during the election, headed Labour for the country, which emphasised, We are patriots, and included the line, Labour is the party with a plan to make Britain great again. And of course weve published multiple articleson Starmers conference speech, on his and Lammys overtures to Trumpemphasising the right-wing character of this government. All of which underscores the totally bankrupt response offered by the Stand Up To Racism, United Front typesreally a Popular Front perspective masquerading as a United Frontwho see this as another route to advancing a Corbyn-led formation, and so adapt to his refusal to take up a struggle against the Labour Party and the fuel it provides to the far-right: in direct ideological terms, and through the social consequences of its economic policy. A real struggle against the far-right means overcoming, to use a line from the resolution, the stranglehold of the trade union leaderships and the Labour Party that still exercise a malign influence on a working class disconnected from Marxism and its own traditions of class struggle. It means winning the working class to a perspective of international class struggle, to an internationalist political perspective. Winning the argument that they cannot ride out the storm of war and economic and social crisis huddled around the national hearthquite the opposite. They have to turn to their class brothers and sisters. The essential principles are provided by the theory of permanent revolution, which I think its so important we include, spell out, and place towards the top of the document; the analytical, strategic framework is provided by the analysis of globalisation carried out by the International Committee of the Fourth International; and the concrete initiative, in large part, by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees The importance of building this international organisation cannot be overstated. Comrades most closely involved with our rank-and-file committee work will speak in more detail, but in broad strokes: we write that our purpose is to establish the framework for new forms of independent, democratic and militant rank-and-file organizations of workers on an international scale. Corresponding to the global character of the working class itself, it represents the means through which workers throughout the world can share information and organize a united struggle against the transnational corporations. What we are speaking about is the political education and organisation necessary to re-establish the working class not simply as an exploited and oppressed section of society, but a revolutionary fighting force. Its worth returning to what Marx and Engels had to say on this process. As they wrote variously across The Condition of the Working Class in England, The German Ideology and The Poverty of Philosophy: Competition separates individuals from one another, not only the bourgeois, but still more the workers, in spite of the fact that it brings them together. The workers live in daily conditions reproducing this isolation and so it is only through long struggles that this is overcome, that workers nullify this competition by associations and combinationswhich always have a double aim, that of stopping competition among the workers, so that they can carry on general competition with the capitalist. The separate individuals form a class only insofar as they have to carry on a common battle against another class. Today, the socio-economic, and technical, processes of globalisation and automation; the growth of deeply insecure and atomising work; the political process of the gutting of any forum in which a semblance of labour movement democracy could be said to be operating; the entrenchment of a bureaucratic apparatus, have corroded the sense of class collectivity and power. The rank-and-file committees and the IWA-RFC point the way out of this situationcreate a basis for the resolution of these problems which confront the working class. They are an alternative leadership in the most profound sense. Because they stand for not merely a different industrial policy, but an entirely different class strategy: matching up to the challenges of todays globalised economy and providing a means to leverage the potential strength workers have as an international class, with their hands on key resource and trade flows. Guided by that perspective, they provide fora for discussion among militant workers outside of the supervision of the apparatus and conservative influences, where a Marxist political discourse can begin to take shape. And organising centres: firstly for the spread of those conceptions among their colleagues, and also for such actions as can be taken at whatever the RFCs present level of influence. Serving as a political-intellectual and practical counterpoint to the bureaucracy and also a practical one. A framework through which the worker communists we must recruit can act as, in the words of the Third Congress of the Communist International: a vanguard that, by pressing for struggle for all the proletariats vital necessities, demonstrates how the struggle should be carried out, thus exposing the traitorous character of the non-Communist parties. Only if the Communists are able to take the lead in and promote all the proletariats practical struggles will they be able to actually win broad masses of the proletariat. Of course, as is necessarily the case with all our work at this stage, it has an initial character, but it is the caseand extremely importantthat the only organisation which emerged politically strengthened (with its authority improved) from the experience of the strike wave was the IWA-RFC, in the form of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. And we are now having workers turn to usin Britain as well as internationallyover the new wave of deindustrialisation and automation that is ushering in the new global trade war. In the face of the imperialist fight for the redivision of the world, the socialist fight is for the practical-political reunification of the international working class and class struggle. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality and the education of Marxist cadre Then we come to the section on the IYSSE, but which I want to discuss in broader termsand which is presented, quite deliberately, as an all-party task: the task of training new generations of workers as Marxists. There are particular challenges attending to the work at the universities and among young people generally, but a Trotskyist youth movement, and contingents of Trotskyists on the campuses will ultimately be built by raising the authority of the Socialist Equality Party and ICFI in the estimation of young people, through our record of political activity. Particularly, as we say, those young people who are turning to socialist ideas, engaging with a critique of capitalism and with the great Marxist thinkers. We have to help them develop those ideas and connect them with the struggles of the working class and the struggles of socialists within the working class: helping the working class, in the words of the Labour Review, to a clearer consciousness of its position and the actions necessitated by that position. That means training cadre as Marxists, as Trotskyists, in the history of our party and the strategic experiences of the struggle for world socialist revolution; educating them on permanent revolution, on the value theory, historical materialism, Stalinism, bourgeois nationalism, fascism, globalisation, imperialism. When we speak of a revival of socialist culture and consciousness, this is it; and its the product of enormous intellectual effort and energy. As Trotsky says, The revolution is a polemic that has taken up arms. The working class has all the power it needs to end the genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and spiralling world conflict; the world hunger, migration, climate crises. But it has to have its feet planted firmly on the foundations of a mass socialist movement to do so. Which means the development of a revolutionary, Trotskyist cadre among its leading elements. As the 2012 Congress Resolution of the SEP in the US put it, and its a document that stays with me because its one of the first I read joining the party (and animated by the recent events of the Egyptian revolution): It is not enough to predict the inevitability of revolutionary struggles and then await their unfolding. Such passivity has nothing in common with Marxism The Socialist Equality Party must do everything it can to develop, prior to the outbreak of mass struggles, a significant political presence within the working classabove all, among its most advanced elements. Moreover, that work must aspire to the most comprehensive character. In Lenins explanation: We do not know and cannot know which sparkof the innumerable sparks that are flying about in all countries as a result of the world economic and political crisiswill kindle the conflagration, in the sense of raising up the masses; we must, therefore, with our new and communist principles, set to work to stir up all and sundry, even the oldest, mustiest and seemingly hopeless spheres, for otherwise we shall not be able to cope with our tasks, shall not be comprehensively prepared. But this activity. This all-sided, intense engagement with the struggle of the working class, must always remain historically rooted and informed. The citations from The Newsletter and the Labour Review are their own justification for their inclusion. But they are also in there because of their provenance. We cite them, in a sense, for the same reason that their authorsin the form of Gerry Healyhave come under such slanderous attack in the last year. Because they represent the political heritage of Trotskyism without which the revolutionary movement of the 21st century cannot be built. As we explain, the likes of [Aidan] Beatty and Kelly are seeking to cut off new generations of workers entering into struggle from the revolutionary political tradition they must become familiar with. And if those new forces are to become familiar, then we must be doubly, triply so: the reference in the concluding section of the document to the 2023 Summer School in the US which summarised the history of the ICFI (and which we are still steadily working through in our education classes) is crucial. Its in the struggle of the ICFI, the Trotskyist movement, that the most conscientious, far-sighted and determined elements of the working classand of the middle classhave demonstrated the capacity of that social force to find and fight for a revolutionary line, to point that way forward. Under extremely difficult circumstances. But the working class is beginning to find those circumstances unbearable; its looking for a way out. We have to go and win the argument, in whatever sphere were working in, for the socialist way. I wanted to conclude with another citation, from the 1957 editorial of the Labour Review, seizing on the opportunity presented by the post-1956 crisis of Stalinisman initiative in which Gerry Healy took the lead, and which led to the massive political strengthening of the Socialist Labour League and the world Trotskyist movement. I think the sentiments expressed are very appropriate to today. It reads: It is our belief that the collective memory of the socialist movement has to be re-stocked so that the historical record of the last thirty years can be cleansed of the lies which have encrusted it for so long Millions of workers and intellectuals, in every country, from Russia to the U.S.A., are stepping forward into struggle. They demand to know, because they need to know, the past history of their movement. These young people want to think, to learn, to use their political initiative Our duty is to help them find the answers. On Friday, December 13, 15 members of the Socialist Laborers Party (SLP), which identifies itself as Trotskyist, including its chairwoman, and four members of the Energy, Industry and Mine Workers Union and the United Transport Union were arrested in police raids and accused of being members of a terrorist organization. Three of the detainees were placed under house arrest on Tuesday, while the others were released under judicial supervision. The Socialist Equality Group (SEG) unequivocally condemns this police state operation and calls for the case to be dropped and for the immediate release of those under house arrest. The SLP and its members, who have been linked to terrorism on trumped-up charges, have basic democratic rights, including the right to engage in political activity, and these rights must be strongly defended by the working class. This baseless operation, part of a growing police state crackdown on political opposition in Turkey, comes as the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan intensifies its attacks on the social and economic conditions of the working class and prepares for war in the Middle East, particularly over Syria. On the same day as the operation, Erdogan issued a decree that de facto banned the metalworkers strike. In recent months, many elected Kurdish mayors have been dismissed and many people have been arrested for protesting the governments complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza. In a press statement Wednesday, SLP chairwoman Gunes Gumus said the group faced an extensive frame-up. She said that according to the case files, the arrested members have been physically followed for four years, and phone calls, social media accounts and financial records of party members have been examined by the police. Legal party activities such as visits to workers strikes, womens activities, summer camps, interviews are being shown as criminal evidence. Gumus stated that members of her party were accused of being members of an armed terrorist organization and that the organization was mendaciously called Trotskyists, 4th Left Construction (Bolshevik-Trotsky). She added that the file did not even contain a photo of a slingshot as a weapon and that photos of picnics, summer schools, drinking tea at a cultural center were shown as evidence of the crime. The press conference of the Socialist Laborers Party in Ankara. SLP Chairwoman Gunes Gumus is at the center, December 18, 2024 [Photo: @SEPmedya/X] She added that the SLPs Izmir provincial executive, despite being accused of being members of an armed terrorist organization, were brought to Ankara on a plane accompanied by an undercover policeman without any precautions, indicating that even the security forces carrying out the operation were aware of the fabricated character of the charges. In a statement on social media, lawyer Cenk Yigiter described the case as an example of black humor. He wrote on his X/Twitter account that the only basis for portraying the SLP as an illegal organization with a legal appearance was that a 24-year-old young man who had just become a member of the party was joking on the phone with his former teacher. The teacher jokingly teased the young man, saying, Youve become a revolutionary, as if you could do anything, to which he replied, also as a joke, We will take power with an armed popular uprising. This year has witnessed an increase in police state repression, especially after the detente talks between Erdogan and Kemalist Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel following the March 31 local elections. This rapprochement between Erdogan and the CHP was part of the ruling elites efforts to strengthen the internal front under conditions of the deepening war in the Middle East, as the president later put it. The government unlawfully closed Taksim Square on May Day, despite a ruling by the Constitutional Court, and police violence against workers and youth who tried to celebrate in the square was accompanied by retaliatory arrests. The Kurdish nationalist Peoples Equality and Democracy Party (DEM)--several of whose elected mayors were dismissed and replaced by trustees--announced that 3,128 of its members were detained and 409 of them arrested last year. Nine people were arrested last month for protesting Erdogan over Turkeys ongoing trade and oil shipments with Israel. The government had previously arrested members of the group One Thousand Youth for Palestine for calling for a break in relations with the Zionists. A Palestinian university student was sent to a detention centre under threat of deportation after protesting against Turkeys mediation in the supply of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel at another panel discussion on Palestine organised by TRT World. At the end of November, more than 200 people were detained, including trade unionists, journalists and lawyers. Five people, including Fatma Alokmen, the vice-president of the independent Revolutionary Textile Workers Union, and two workers, were arrested on trumped-up charges. The Erdogan government uses detentions, arrests and trials without any legal basis to suppress and criminalize political opposition. But the recent operation against the SLP has a different aspect: It is the first time that such an extensive trial and police operation has been organized against a party that calls itself Trotskyist. The Socialist Equality Group has well-documented and fundamental historical and political differences with the Socialist Laborers Party. But regardless of these differences, the states attempt to discredit Trotskyism in the eyes of workers and youth by equating it with terrorism is a serious political threat. The SEG calls on workers and youth to demand an end to all political trials, which the government uses as a tool of repression, and the release of political prisoners, and to study carefully the history and perspectives of Trotskyism as documented on the World Socialist Web Site. A month before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, the aspiring dictator is laying the groundwork to prosecute his political enemies upon his return. On Tuesday, Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk, in his capacity as chairman of the House Administration Committees Subcommittee on Oversight, released a 128-page interim report absolving Trump of any responsibility for the January 6 coup, while recommending criminal prosecution of former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney for alleged witness tampering. Screenshot of the cover of the "Interim Report" overseen by pro-Trump Georgia Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk. [Photo: House Committee on Adminstration] The report stated that 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. It also called for the FBI to investigate Cheney, a Republican, for procuring another person to commit perjury. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney speaking during a town hall with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, October 21, 2024. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin] For over two years, Loudermilk, an ardent supporter of Trumps failed coup, has been investigating the attack on the Capitol and the politicization of the January 6th Select Committee. Cheney served as the vice chair of the committee, which was chaired by Mississippi Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson. Loudermilk was one of 147 Republicans who voted to overturn the 2020 election after the attack on Congress. Additionally, the Select Committee uncovered video evidence that the day before the assault on the CapitolJanuary 5, 2021Loudermilk was giving guided tours of the Capitol complex to Trump supporters. At the time Loudermilk was giving the tours, the Capitol complex was closed to the publicincluding the families of Congress membersdue to the coronavirus. An unidentified man takes a picture of an entryway into the tunnels that connect House office buildings to the US Capitol while on a tour with Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk on January 5, 2021 [Photo: US Capitol Police footage released by the Janaury 6 House Select Committee (Screengrab)] In the report overseen by Loudermilk, blame for the violence on January 6 is reserved solely for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and certain elements in the National Guard and Pentagon for not adhering to orders allegedly issued by Trump on January 3, 2021 to keep the demonstrations safe. The role of Trump and the Republican Party, and Trumps supporters on the Supreme Court, in the Pentagon and on Wall Street, is virtually ignored. The report does contain some information, previously reported by the WSWS, on the role of certain figures in the Pentagon, including then-acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller and then-Secreatary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, in delaying requests from the D.C. National Guard to deploy troops to the besieged Capitol. This was covered up in the hearings and final report of the House January 6 Committee. As the World Socialist Web Site has been reporting for years, the attempted coup was not the work of Trump alone, but a pre-planned, multipronged operation that had the support of large sections of the police-military-intelligence apparatus, along with a majority of the Republican Party and far-right justices on the Supreme Court. The failure of the Democratic Party to thoroughly investigate and prosecute Trump and his allies throughout the government for the attack has provided Trump an opening to not only escape any accountability, but to exploit his opponents coverup to perhaps imprison them. Loudermilk, acting as Trumps attack dog, focused nearly the first half of the report on Cheney and Cassidy Hutchinson, concluding with the demand for the formers criminal prosecution. The report alleges that Cheney backchannelled with current CNN commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin to coordinate Hutchinsons testimony before the Select Committee while she was still being represented by an attorney paid for by the Trump campaign. According to Loudermilk, the fact that Hutchinsons testimony changed after she ditched her Trump-supplied lawyer and engaged a new lawyer is proof of collusion with Cheney, rather than evidence of Trumps mafioso tactics, learned in the New York real estate market and under the tutorship of fascistic lawyer Roy Cohn. Hutchinson was a top aide to Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows in the lead-up to and aftermath of the attack on Congress. Her explosive televised testimony before the committee, under oath, included allegations that on January 2, 2021 she was told by Trumps top coup lawyer Rudy Giuliani that Trump was going to the Capitol on January 6, and that Hes going to look powerful. She testified that she heard Giuliani and others speak openly about militia elements that would be present on January 6. In perhaps her most memorable testimony, Hutchinson recalled that Trump was enraged on January 6 after he found out that the Secret Service installed magnetometers to prevent armed Trump supporters from attending his speech at the Ellipse. During the speech, Trump ordered his followers to march on the Capitol or else you are not going to have a country any more. Hutchinson also testified that after the Secret Service refused to transport Trump to the besieged Capitol following his speech, he lashed out at his agents and tried to grab one by the throat. Following the release of Loudermilks report, Trump posted on social media, shortly after 3:00 a.m. local time on December 18: 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 Congressman Barry Loudermilk on a job well done. Trump threatening Liz Cheney on his social media site, December 18, 2024. [Photo: Donald J. Trump] In a statement posted on December 17 on social media, Cheney defended the January 6 Select Committee, noting that it featured scores of Republican witnesses, including many of the most senior officials from Trumps own White House, campaign and Administration. She wrote that 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. As Trump threatens to prosecute those who dared to cross him, the Georgia Court of Appeals has essentially buried the election interference case in the state after ordering the removal of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case. Thursdays ruling concerns a case launched in August 2023, when Trump and 18 others were indicted for conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential vote in Georgia. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis looks on during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, Friday, March, 1, 2024, in Atlanta. [AP Photo/Alex Slitz] Trump and his co-conspirators pleaded not guilty. The case was delayed after it was revealed by Trumps lawyers that Willis had an undisclosed relationship with a prosecutor she hired and was paying a six-figure salary. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March of this year that this conflict of interest could be mitigated if Nathan Wade, Williss romantic partner, was removed from the case. Hours after McAfees ruling, Wade quit. However, Judge E. Trenton Brown, one of the three Republican-appointed judges who oversaw Trumps appeal, ruled that the lower court erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office. As of now, the indictment against the remaining defendants stands, although it is unclear if and when a new prosecutor will be named. In a comment to ABC Thursday, Trump gloated, We had a great victory. ... That case is all dead now. Another one bites the dust. That woman was a disgrace with her boyfriend. Communication Workers Union (CWU) General Secretary Dave Ward has announced a groundbreaking negotiators agreement with billionaire Daniel Kretinskys EP UK Bidco Ltd. Ward claimed the 3.5 billion takeover of Royal Mail offers the opportunity for a fresh start. The Labour government announced its approval of the takeover on Monday, with a signed Deed of Undertakings. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the deal showed this Governments commitment to work hand in hand with business. The CWUs deal with Kretinsky, Rebuilding Royal Mail: A Framework Agreement between EP Group and CWU, was unanimously endorsed by the CWU Postal Executive Tuesday. It sets out the unions corporatist partnership with EP Groups investors and gives union officials a seat at the boardroom table. CWU General Secretary Dave Ward speaking at the CWU Live "Rebuilding Royal Mail" online meeting, December 18, 2024 [Photo: screenshot: CWU Live/YouTube] Ward told a CWU Live online meeting Wednesday night that postal workers had to accept the reality of privatisationKretinsky has already established a 27.5 percent majority stake in Royal Mail and parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS). Ward claimed the agreements struck with Kretinsky give us the best chance of rebuilding Royal Mail. Nothing could be further from the truth. The agreements seek Royal Mails transformation into a gig-economy parcel business to compete with Amazon. It is part of a global restructuring of the post and logistics sector, using AI and automation to slash thousands of jobs. Kretinskys UK EP Bidco Ltd is a newly formed special purpose vehicle (SPV) whose major private shareholdersJ&T Capital Partners and EP Corporate Groupaim to reap big rewards on their investment Ward and Reynolds both claim that EP Groups Deed of Undertakings provides legal protections for postal workers via the governments 1 Golden Share in the company. But this supposed oversight is practically meaningless. All of EP Groups undertakings have been crafted to ensure that Kretinskys profiteering and gutting of the mail service can proceed. For example, EP Group can break up or sell-off Royal Mail and/or GLS after just three yearsit must only notify the Secretary of State of its plans. Value extraction (asset stripping) is permitted so long as EP Group can show improved or maintained quality of service against 2023-24 outcomes. The company is required to retain its headquarters and tax residency in the UK for just five years, after which it can relocate with permission of the government. EP Groups legally binding undertakings all come with a get-out clause. Citing the possibility of adverse market conditions or poor business performance, the CWUs Framework Agreement states: EP Group reserves the right to withdraw from the legally binding commitments on employee protections with three months notice. While Labours Deed of Undertakings rubberstamps the takeover, the CWUs Framework Agreement spells out the unions enforcement role in delivering a transformation agenda over the next three years and beyond, including job destruction, the gutting of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and a raid on pensions. In return, CWU bureaucrats will join a new Advisory Committee composed of representatives of EP Group and the CWU that will be contractually anchored within the amended Articles of Association of Royal Mail, creating what amounts to Bidco-CWU Incorporated. The Advisory Committee will discuss all board-level operational matters including Royal Mails business plan; Growing Royal Mail; Major industry and Employee relations issues; Capex [capital expenditure] initiatives; and Ongoing implementation of this agreement. The looting of workers 1 billion pension surplus is a taste of things to come. The CWUs agreement states: At an appropriate time, it is agreed that any pension surplus from any pension schemes will be split between investment into RMG (Royal Mail Group) and for the benefit of Employees with agreed funds to be distributed into the Employee Collective Benefit Trust. Outrageously, Ward has claimed that the pensions surplus is their [the companys] money. The fraud of a common interest The CWUs Framework Agreement with Kretinsky speaks about aligning the interests of employees, customers, the company and shareholders and resolving outstanding issues in a mutually beneficial way. This is the same language used in last years CWU-Royal Mail Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement (BRTGA) that ushered in an assault on postal workers pay, terms and conditions, paving the way for the present takeover. To bolster its claims about mutual interests between workers and corporate raiders, the CWU is promoting Kretinskys pledge to distribute 10 percent of any profit dividends to Royal Mail workers. This pittance does not even come close to recompensing workers for the theft of their pension surplus. Moreover, any profit dividends will come off the back of policies aimed at driving up workloads and hours. The agreement states there will be a complete overhaul of Royal Mails resourcing model, introducing a new performance incentive scheme for all employees based on efficiency and productivity measures and targets. It advocates new ways to incentivise employees who need additional earnings. This exploits the fact that basic pay has been driven down as part of the BRTGA based on a 10 percent pay award spread across three years up to April 2025a de facto pay cut. Wards claim that two-tier employment will be ended is bogus. The agreement speaks vaguely about equalizing the pay, terms and conditions of new entrants in incremental steps over an agreed period of time, while ensuring the necessary flexibility. Just as nebulous are the sections on pay, sickness benefits and reliance on agency workersall of these will be reviewed after the sale with no details provided. Finally, the agreements pledge to review current redundancy terms as a key measure to help avoid compulsory redundancies is a red flag signalling plans for mass job cuts with the workforce already cut to the bone. The CWU has embraced Ofcoms plans to reduce the USO, decried as an unfair financial burden. On Wednesday, Walsh told the CWUs online event that reduced deliveries are being trialled by the CWU at 37 delivery units across the UK from February 2025, part of Royal Mails plans announced in April to slash letter delivery to alternate weekdays for all mail except First Class. This aims to generate 300 million in extra profit per year at the expense of 7,000 jobs. Postal Workers Rank-and File Committee/IWA-RFC The Royal Mail takeover is part of a global war on postal and logistics workers waged by corporations and governments who have weaponised automation and AI to carry out brutal restructuring to prioritise profits in a race to the bottom against Amazon, UPS and Evri. At Canada Post, 55,000 workers launched national strike action for more than a month against measures to Amazonify the workforce at the government-owned postal service by normalizing part-time and temporary employment. Workers also opposed the use of AI and other technologies to destroy letter carrier route ownership, regular work patterns and jobsissues confronting tens of millions of workers globally. The Trudeau government responded by outlawing the strike, with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) enforcing a return-to-work, robbing workers of their right to strike. At the same time, US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to privatise the US Postal Servicethe 500,000 strong workforce is already going through an Amazon-style restructuring. This intensified attack on thousands of jobs will be undertaken by an administration led by oligarchs such as Elon Musk which has threatened mass repression against the enemy within. Workers at Royal Mail, Amazon, Canada Post and USPS face a common political fight against a billionaire corporate oligarchy and capitalist governments in every country, whether Labour in Britain, the Liberals in Canada or Trump in the US who are prepared to use the full might of the state to uphold their interests. The millions of workers employed in the post and logistics sector globally must mobilise their far greater strength to uphold their collective class interests and oppose the monopolisation of vital public services for corporate profit. The enormous advances in automation and AI must be used to vastly improve working conditions and pay. This means mobilising the rank-and-file against the trade union bureaucracy, which functions as a joint partner with corporate boardrooms and an industrial police force against workers. This is the aim of the PWRFC, affiliated to the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) which works together with similar committees formed in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US. The PWRFCs next online meeting is on Sunday, January 5 at 7pm. It will discuss the takeover agreed between Kretinsky, the Labour government and the CWU, and a strategy to fight back. Make plans to attend and help spread the word. Register here. About 60 people attended an online meeting on December 15 organised by the Workers Action Committee Collective (CWAC) in Sri Lanka. The event was to discuss the struggle of School Development Officers (SDOs) for integration into the teaching service and how to fight the ongoing police persecution, initiated by the Dissanayake government, of SDO activists. Those participating in the meeting, which was broadcast on the Socialist Equality Partys Facebook page, included SDOs and other workers, as well as SEP members. The broadcast reached over 3,600 live viewers and had been shared 215 times by the time of writing. School Development Officers protesting outside Ministry of Education, December 2, 2024 [Photo by SDO protester] On December 2, nearly 1,000 SDOs demonstrated outside the Education Ministry in Battaramulla, Colombo to demand their integration into the teaching service. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-led (JVP)-led government responded by mobilising hundreds of police officers to suppress the protest. Four SDOs were arrested and held on remand for eight days before being released on strict bail conditions. The online meeting was part of an intense campaign, particularly focused on social media, to raise awareness about these issues and to defend these workers. Kapila Fernando, convener of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), a member of the SEP Political Committee and a teacher, chaired the event. He explained that the main demand of the SDOsintegration into the teaching serviceis entirely legitimate. Many SDOs have been teaching for over four years, often involved in subject-related activities, and work long hours, until 3:30 p.m., compared to the 1:30 p.m. finish for regular teachers. Despite this, they are only paid a monthly salary, which is 6,500 rupees ($US22) less than for regular teachers. Fernando criticised the SDO union leadership for limiting its members to futile protests, which it falsely claims would pressure the government to grant their demands. Mahinda Jayasinghe, who heads the JVP-controlled Ceylon Teachers Service Union and is now Sri Lankas deputy minister of labour, has publicly opposed the SDOs demands, insisting that teacher recruitment should be based on competitive exams and restricted to those under 35 years of age. Kapila Fernando Fernando told the meeting that the JVP/NPP government attacks on the SDOs were in line with Colombos total commitment to the International Monetary Funds (IMF) austerity measures and the escalating social assaults on workers by capitalist governments globally. He quoted a CWAC statement issued on December 7: The four teachers arrested are the first victims of the class war being waged by President Dissanayakes government. The working class cannot allow such attacks to continue. An attack on one section of our class is an attack on us all. In his report, SEP Political Committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena said the 16,000 SDOs have been performing teaching duties for four years and have a completely valid claim. As workers, SDOs have the right to strike, protest, and demonstrate for their demands. It was this basic democratic right that they attempted to exercise on December 2, he said. The government responded, however, by deploying police to break up the protest. Four SDOs were taken to the Kaduwela Magistrates Court, where they were remanded in custody. If convicted on charges which include unlawful assembly and injuring three police officers, they could face up to three years in prison and fines. Wijesiriwardena told the meeting that three additional SDOs were arrested recently, one of whom was remanded while the other two were released on bail. The governments response to the protest foreshadows further attacks on workers by the Dissanayake government, he warned. As the SEP and CWAC have explained, we urge workers and the toiling masses to recognise this attack on SDOs as an attack on the working class as a whole, Wijesiriwardena continued. He also pointed out that while the JVP/NPP made numerous promises during the general election campaignincluding that it would repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Actit has instead used this law against workers and political opponents. This government is anti-worker and pro-imperialist. It uses brutal methods to enable the witch hunt of workers, as evidenced by a state intelligence officer being sent as a provocateur to the December 2 protest, Wijesiriwardena said. The speaker said SDOs, and the rest of the working class, had to vigorously denounce these governments anti-democratic actions, issue statements and organise protests at their workplaces and demand the dropping of all charges. Pani Wijesiriwardena Wijesiriwardena said workers must reject the constant mantra of the media and the unions of giving time to the government. He pointed out that many of those who became SDOs had waited years without stable employment before being recruited under former President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government, often on an ad-hoc basis and for meagre wages. These jobs, while better than nothing, he continued, do not provide a living wage. Every time workers protest privatisation or demand higher wages, Colombo governments have resorted to brutal police and military tactics. The current government is no exception. Following the IMFs demands, the Dissanayake administration is moving to privatise, commercialise, and restructure over 400 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. Duminda Hulangamuwa, an economic adviser to President Dissanayake, recently stated that 550,000 public sector jobs should be eliminated immediately. Claims that it is possible to pressure the government to change course are a political dead end, Wijesiriwardena said. The root cause lies in the capitalist system, which prioritises profit over human needs. Workers must build their own action committees and launch a united struggle based on a socialist perspective, against the government and the profit system, he continued. This means the large corporations, banks, and plantations should be nationalised under the democratic control of the working class. Production should be restructured to meet social need, not profit. To ensure decent wages for workers, the vast wealth in the hands of a few capitalists must be seized and redirected into large public projects that generate jobs, Wijesiriwardena said. The biggest obstacles to this program, he continued, are the trade unions and fake-left organisations, such as the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), which are tied to capitalism. These bodies act as safety valves for the system and support the capitalist status quo. The SEP, on the other hand, campaigns for an independent political movement of the working class and the building of a mass revolutionary party rooted in the working class on a socialist program and rallying of the poor peasantry. Action committees should be established in every workplace, factory, and neighbourhood in the rural communities, independent of bourgeois political parties and pro-capitalist trade unions. These committees should elect delegates to convene a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses to discuss an international socialist program. This includes the following demands: No to IMF-dictated austerity, No to privatisation and restructuring, all SOEs placed under the democratic control of workers and the repudiation of all foreign loans. This struggle is not confined to Sri Lanka. Workers around the world must unite against internationally organised capital, and the alternative must be international socialism. The International Committee of the Fourth International has already initiated the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to take this forward, the speaker concluded. During the Question-and-Answer session, one audience member asked how SDOs should organise their fight under conditions where the union leadership is directing workers towards an appeal against the witch hunt in the courts. Wijesiriwardena explained that the origin of the issues facing SDOs was inseparable from the crisis of the capitalist system, and that no government, regardless of its promises, could grant their demands. The trade unions, he said, serve as the enforcers of the capitalist order, often pushing workers to seek justice through courts that serve the ruling class. He explained how the bourgeois courts, despite their claims to be impartial, uphold interests of the ruling class. When the class struggle intensifies the bourgeois class character of courts is more openly revealed. We may go to the courts to reveal and thwart unlawful acts by employers, but not as an end itself. Our main focus is on the building of an independent political movement of the working class to fight for its social and democratic rights, Wijesiriwardena said. The trade union leaders, by contrast, insist that workers can win justice in these courts. They oppose the independent mobilisation of the working class to win their rights, seeking to trap workers within the capitalist framework. Adding to the discussion SEP Assistant Secretary Saman Gunadasa referred to the Wickremesinghe governments closure of the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) in 2023 and the retrenchment of all its workers. The CWE union leadership opposed turning to the working class to fight this attack and filed a lawsuit, insisting that workers could win justice in the courts. The judiciary ruled, however, that it will not intervene against the governments policies because the Sri Lankan economy was in a deep crisis. Another audience member wanted to know the difference between the SEPs call for mass revolutionary party and the FSPs Peoples Struggle Alliance (PSA). Wijesiriwardena said that the SEP is based on the working class and fights to build a mass revolutionary party to overthrow capitalism and for the establishment of a workers and peasants government as part of struggle for socialism internationally. The PSA, he said, is not rooted in the working class but is a front formed by the FSP, with the support of other middle-class groups, and which operates to politically subordinate workers to the capitalist parties. The SEPs program of organising workers to fight for their class independence is fundamentally opposed to the PSAs nationalist program of class collaboration. Currently, the PSA supports the right-wing JVP/NPP government falsely claiming it represents the expectation of masses. Wijesiriwardena said the FSP has not written anything about, let alone condemned, the governments witch hunt against the SDOs. He also pointed out that the FSP-controlled United Teachers Service Union has lined up with other teachers unions in opposing the SDOs legitimate demands. We Were Dangerous [Photo: Piki Films] We Were Dangerous was perhaps the most critically acclaimed New Zealand film released in 2024. It won a Special Jury Award at the SXSW Film Festival, and has been universally hailed in the New Zealand media and a handful of international publications. The film recently became available to watch on various online platforms. Written by Maddie Dai and directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whitutheir first feature-length filmthe story centres on a group of teenage girls taken into the care of the state during the 1950s, and the abuse that they suffer and witness, including forced sterilisation. The films release in August nearly coincided with the final report from the long-running Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, which documented the systematic brutalisation, including rapes and beatings, of hundreds of thousands of children over a period of nearly 70 years. Successive governments covered up the abuse and shielded known perpetrators. In an attempt to contain the widespread shock and anger produced by the report, the National Party-led coalition government and the opposition Labour Party recently delivered empty apologieseven as children continue to regularly suffer abuse in juvenile prisons and other facilities. In this context, the weakness of We Were Dangerous stands out. The filmmakers conducted research and spoke with survivors of abuse, but the film shies away from depicting the extent of the brutality that occurred in such facilities and the lifelong trauma inflicted on the young people. Instead, it tells a simplistic story that conforms with the requirements of identity politics; it is a fantasy about a group of heroic and empowered girls who stand up for themselves and overcome the odds stacked against them. The story focuses on three girls who are institutionalised for different reasons at a school for incorrigible and delinquent girls. From the left, Nellie (Erana James), Louisa (Nathalie Hall) and Daisy (Manaia Hall) [Photo: We Were Dangerous] Daisy (Manaia Hall) and Nellie (Erana James), who are both Maori and from working-class backgrounds, are arrested for petty theft. Daisy, we are told, had been in the care of seven different foster families by the age of 12 and tried to escape from all of them. Louisa (Nathalie Hall) is from a wealthy white family. She is sent away as a sex delinquent in an attempt to cure her of homosexuality. The school is really a prison, located on a small and otherwise uninhabited island. The girls education consists of mind-numbing Bible study and absurd etiquette classes, where they are taught how to make polite conversation and how to sit properly and to be dainty. The girls are frequently slapped and hit, especially for speaking or singing in Maori, and for dancing and other disrespectful behaviour. The Matron (Rima Te Wiata), who runs the school, is an unhinged and violent religious fanatic. A few years ago, she screams at the girls, you would have been lobotomized, but now youre fed and clothed! Despite being Maori herself, she has absorbed a deeply racist outlook, declaring at one point that Maori people find it harder to lead Christian lives because we learned about the word of God so late. Soon, Louisa, Nellie and Daisy discover that some of the girls on the island are being forced to undergo sterilisation as part of an experimental eugenics program. Compulsory sterilisation was never legalised in New Zealand but did occur in some isolated instances. The Matron (Rima Te Wiata) [Photo: We Were Dangerous] Our studies show that stupid women love to procreate, a bureaucrat tells the Matron, pointing to the Mazengarb Report issued by the government in 1954. This infamous report on juvenile delinquency and promiscuity was mailed to every household in New Zealand, urging a return to Christian values, censorship of immoral books, comics and films, and stricter parenting. Apart from this brief scene, the broader context of New Zealand society during the 1950s is mostly absent from We Were Dangerous, which is narrowly focused on the girls conflict with the Matron. This was a period of conformism and extreme reaction, especially following the brutal 1951 lockout of waterfront workers and the anti-communist hysteria surrounding the Korean War. The oppressive system of girls and boys homes, boarding schools and other institutions, and the eugenicist and racist conceptions that accompanied them, were connected with deep fears in ruling circles about the real danger posed to the stability of capitalist rule by the working class, which was becoming more racially integrated as Maori migrated to the cities. The film becomes totally unrealistic when Louisa, Nellie and Daisy come up with a plan to put a stop to the medical experiments. The girls display unwavering solidarity, courage and quick-wittedness, which culminates in a jarringly upbeat and optimistic ending that turns the whole film into a sort of feminist fairytale. Whatever the filmmakers intentions, the effect is to downplay the horrific and ongoing harm done to children and young people who were taken by the state. The light-hearted tone and uplifting message align with the desperate attempts by the ruling elite to convince the population that things are getting better, that the horrors documented in the Royal Commission are a thing of the past and the country has moved on. Speaking to the Spinoff website, director Stewart-Te Whitu said that it was never our intention to make a film about abuse in care. We wanted to make a film about young women being their whole selves. At one screening she told the audience she wanted to tell a story of resilience and joy about rebelling, girlhood, seeing ourselves onscreen. This approach has been applauded in corporate media reviews of We Were Dangerous. The Post praised the necessary lightness and humour injected into the film. The New Zealand Herald hailed the emphasis on joy and resilience and the decision not to show too much violence and trauma. The reviewers would rather not be reminded of the trauma that occurredand still occursin state-run institutions. They prefer light, joyful fare, which does not seriously undermine the nationalist mythology of New Zealand as a kinder, gentler society. The reality is that children who endured the sort of abuse documented in the Royal Commission were never able to be their whole selves. They were robbed of the opportunity to lead full lives. Many developed severe mental illness, attempted suicide or turned to alcohol and drug abuse. There is no hint of this psychological damage in any of the characters in We Were Dangerous. On the contrary, Daisy, despite being illiterate and (it is implied) having been abused in various foster homes, is relatively happy-go-lucky, serene and talkative. Louisa and Nellie are resilient, altruistic, courageous; they are idealised and lacking in human complexity. None of the girls ever engage in bullying or behave unkindly towards each otherin contrast to what was documented by the Royal Commission, which emphasised that peer-on-peer bullying was common at girls and boys institutions, and was deliberately encouraged by the staff. The filmmakers want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to show girls who are oppressed, who suffer abuse and witness horrifying crimes, and yet able to emerge not only unscathed but even stronger and more empowered, because of their innate heroism and female solidarity. It is simply not convincing. We Were Dangerous feels like a missed opportunity. Despite the monstrous actions of the Matron, one does not gain a sense of the immense criminality of successive governments and of New Zealand capitalism itself. For contrast, this reviewer recommends The Magdalene Sisters (Ireland, 2003) and Sami Blood (Sweden, 2016), two films which address the abuse of girls by the church and the state with far greater psychological perceptiveness and social-historical realism. Both films leave the viewer outraged and with more understanding about what society does to its most vulnerable members. The New South Wales (NSW) Labor government has launched a new bid to shut down industrial action by rail workers, after a Federal Court injunction halting work bans and strikes was lifted on Wednesday. A Tangara train operating on the Sydney rail network [Photo by Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 4.0 Workers voted for industrial action including strikes in August, after rejecting a real-wage-slashing pay offer from the state government. In line with the wage cap in all but name policy applied by Labor to the entire public sector, rail workers have been offered a meagre nominal pay increase of just 9.5 percent over three years. The government has asked the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to suspend or terminate all action by rail workers, on the pretext that it will cause significant economic harm, in particular to large hoteliers and other businesses as well as threats to public safety on New Years Eve. The case will be heard on Tuesday. This highlights that rail workers are up against a Labor government that is utterly hostile to their demand for a real pay rise and intends to use every mechanism at its disposal to eliminate their democratic rights and shut down their struggle. They also confront a corporate media establishment that is completely on board with Labors attack, eagerly promoting claims that rail workers are out to ruin Christmas and New Years Eve in pursuit of an unrealistic and unwarranted pay increase. Taking on such a conspiracy of forces demands a stepped-up fight, but this is impossible behind the leadership of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). The union has only reintroduced limited measures since the injunction was lifted, and, even before the Federal Court case, was keeping action to a minimum. To defeat Labors attacks and avoid a union-imposed sellout, rail workers urgently need to take matters into their own hands. Rank-and-file committees must be built in every depot as the means through which workers can fight for demands based on their actual needs, not what the government or the union bureaucracy says is affordable. To carry this out, rail workers will need to break the isolation imposed by the bureaucracy, and broaden their struggle to include the tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of other public sector workers, including nurses, midwives and other health workers, who also face deepening wage cuts at the hands of the NSW Labor government. Through an appeal based on the commonality of the struggle faced by these workers, rail workers can overcome the filthy smear campaign being waged against them by the government and corporate media. The NSW Labor government based its Fair Work application on the claim that rail workers industrial action could cause deadly crowd crushes and anti-social behaviour, according to the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH). NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns declared Friday, We cant be held hostage to a situation where people are unnecessarily interrupted in the run-up to one of the most important and busy periods of the entire year. Minns cynically added: We appreciate members right across the public service are finding it difficult to pay their mortgages and make ends meet, but theres a limit to how much we can pay. Today, Transport Minister Jo Haylen declared that no amount of industrial action is tolerable. Appearing alongside Minns, Police Commissioner Karen Webb threatened to cancel Sydneys New Years Eve fireworks, due to her grave concerns over safety. Notably, the force Webb commands is the one part of the public sector workforce to which Minns limit seemingly does not apply. Police officers in the state were last month awarded a pay rise of up to 39.4 percent over four years, more than three times what has been offered to any other section of public sector workers. The corporate media, with the SMH leading the way, have enthusiastically embraced Labors denunciations and dire proclamations, with headlines such as Sydneys rail network hangs in balance ahead of ultimate showdown. Despite the hysterical government-media propaganda campaign, the reality is that no substantive industrial action measures have actually been reintroduced by the RTBU. In a note to members on Wednesday, titled Huge win in Federal CourtIndustrial Action to recommence immediately, the RTBU merely invited workers to peruse a list of all industrial action currently on foot and decide for themselves which bans to implement. The most significant action previously threatened, the plan to strike unless trains ran 24 hours a day on weekends, is seemingly off the table. According to the SMH, Warnes said the union promised the government five weeks ago the measure would not be enacted. The RTBU has also not indicated if and when it will reinstate the reducing kilometres action, a ban on drivers and guards working more than a set distance (declining each day) in a shift. This was the action that Warnes claimed on Monday would halve the number of trains running on New Years Eve. Warnes has subsequently retracted that claim, saying he had failed to take into account that 40 percent more staff would be rostered to work on New Years Eve, meaning the impact of industrial action, even if it is actually introduced, would be greatly reduced. The RTBUs current refusal to reinstate major actions is a continuation of the approach it has taken throughout the dispute. This included an absurd 5-minute strike held at 3:10 a.m. on October 24, designed to be a non-event, held only to prevent the expiration of workers strike authorisation after the bureaucracy did not call a single stoppage for almost two months. This was followed by the repeated cancellation of strikes, not because any of workers demands had been agreed to, but because the government played the union-supplied get out of jail free card of temporarily introducing 24-hour service from Thursday to Saturday. Then, on November 21, the RTBU shut down the action for two weeks, supposedly as a show of good faith ahead of intensive bargaining with the Labor government, which, the union told workers, was amenable to their wage claim. The governments real attitude was revealed when, immediately after this pause elapsed, it sought to have rail workers industrial action outlawed by the Federal Court. The government failed to convince the Federal Court that a legal loophole rendered the industrial action unprotected. Because workers at Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink are currently covered by different enterprise agreements, their strike ballots were conducted separately. But the government has since agreed to re-merge the two operations, which, it argued, meant the strike authorisation was no longer valid. In a move designed to downplay the significance of Labors first legal attack against rail workers, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) held a second strike ballot last week, to resolve this technicality. This, the union said, would have allowed the industrial action to resume on December 28, even if the Federal Court had ruled in favour of the government. Labors move to have the action shut down by the FWC exposes as a fraud the RTBUs claim that the blatant attack on workers democratic rights could be sidestepped through such a manoeuvre. Comments on the RTBUs social media pages reflect growing opposition to Labor among workers, with many questioning the unions continued funnelling of members dues to political donations and affiliation fees. Reacting to this mounting sentiment, RTBU NSW secretary Toby Warnes declared yesterday that the union executive had decided to suspend any support for the NSW Labor Party, insofar as it relates to the NSW parliamentary Labor Party. The precise meaning of Warnes reference to the parliamentary Labor Party is not entirely clear. What is absolutely clear, however, is that this is a highly conditional and mealy-mouthed statement that commits the union to nothing. It is effectively a vow to continue supporting the Labor Party politically and financially throughout the rest of the country and federally. Warnes and the RTBU are seeking to cover over the fact that the attack on workers rights by the NSW government is not an aberration, but the policy of the Labor Party at every level. This is most sharply expressed in the federal Labor governments placement of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) construction division under quasi-dictatorial administration in a bid to drive down wages and conditions in the building industry. The increasing hostility of the ruling class to any form of industrial action or protest was also on display in the FWCs unprecedented ruling earlier this month to ban pickets by 1,500 striking Woolworths workers. This is because the political establishment recognises that it sits atop a volcano of social opposition to Labors class-war agenda of deepening cuts to wages and social spending, as well as its escalation of Australias involvement in the war plans of US imperialism. But this opposition will find no outlet under the control of the Labor-aligned union apparatus, the majority of which, including the RTBU, has fully endorsed government attacks on building workers democratic rights. The attitude of the RTBU to the attacks on rail workers is essentially the same as its attitude to the assault on building workers. In one sell-out deal after another, the union has joined with governments and the rail bosses, to impose real pay cuts on train staff and to enforce ever more onerous conditions. This underscores the need for rank-and-file committees, democratically led by workers themselves and politically and organisationally independent of the unions and Labor. Such committees can form the basis of the necessary political fight against the Labor government, the industrial courts, and all the other institutions of the capitalist system. This is a fight, not only for rail workers, but for the entire working class, which must defend train staff, including through the establishment of rank-and-file committees and joint strike action throughout the public sector. If Labor government ministers declare that no industrial action is permissible from rail staff, they are seeking to set a precedent that will be used against all workers. This cannot be allowed to stand. The increasing repression, and the onslaught on workers conditions, coming amid a massive global crisis, shows that workers are in a fight against capitalism. The alternative is the struggle for a socialist perspective and a fight to place railways, other vital public assets including schools and hospitals, as well as the banks and major corporations, under public ownership and democratic workers control as part of the broader reorganisation of society to meet social need, not private profit. Workers on strike outside DBK4 in Queens, New York City, December 20, 2024. On Saturday morning, workers at Amazons JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York, joined the significant strike against the company that began on Thursday. The JFK8 workers are demanding that Amazon recognize their union and begin negotiating a contract with them. More than 5,500 workers at JFK8 belong to the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), which affiliated itself with the Teamsters in June. Since the JFK8 workers voted to join the ALU more than two-and-a-half years ago, Amazon has refused to recognize or negotiate with the union. Earlier this month, after the workers voted to strike, the Teamsters announced that if Amazon did not begin negotiating by December 15 workers would walk out. Amazon is a massive retailer, digital streaming and cloud computing company with operations around the world. In 2023, the company reported revenue of $574.8 billion. The companys founder, Jeff Bezos, is one of the worlds richest men, with a net worth of about $200 billion. These phenomenal sums have been accumulated through the relentless exploitation of the companys workforce. Amazon has led the way in deploying automation, surveillance technology and artificial intelligence to monitor workers at every moment and push them beyond the level of human endurance. A recent study by the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions found that injury rates at Amazon are more than 1.8 times those of other companies within the industry. Bezos has publicly proclaimed his willingness to work with President-elect Donald Trump to roll back the minimal regulations that are in place. On Thursday, thousands of workers began striking at the DBK4 distribution center in New York; DGT8 in Atlanta; the DFX4, DAX5 and DAX8 facilities in southern California; DCK6 in San Francisco; and the DIL7 delivery station in Skokie, Illinois. Most of these workers are drivers who work for Amazons delivery service partners (DSPs). Though they are not Amazon employees, the company maintains strict control over their wages, hours and working conditions. I want things to be better going forward to the future, a driver who was picketing at the DBK4 facility in New York told the World Socialist Web Site. He spoke under condition of anonymity. Things need to be better for young people coming into work: to get paid better. Some people have their job as a career. I want $1,300 or $1,500 a week. Now I get $600 a week. We work in worse conditions than this cold now. We work in extreme heat and extreme cold. We do 200 houses in eight hours. Another driver described how hiring subcontractors is advantageous not only to Amazon, but also to the DSPs. Everybody gets plausible deniability, he said. The DSP can say, No, no, thats Amazon that doesnt want to pay you time and a half. And [Amazon] can say, No, its your company that doesnt want to pay you time and a half. Hiring several subcontractors also allows Amazon to try to keep workers separated and prevent them from waging a united fight. That same driver told WSWS reporters, We dont get holiday pay. We dont get overtime. I dont get a guaranteed 40 hours (a week). He added, Im told calling out before, during or the day after a holiday is considered a resignation. On Thursday, Amazon undertook a coordinated effort to intimidate JFK8 workers, even before they began to strike. The company installed new fences around the warehouse and posted guards at every entrance. Several police cars were parked on the street in front of JFK8, and others patrolled the area. At one point, a group of as many as 20 officers milled around in the street. This mobilization was an unmistakable show of force. An NYPD van parked near the picket. The JFK8 workers voted to join the ALU in April 2022 because they believed that it was a fighting organization through which they could win their demands. The ALU presented itself as a democratic organization that was distinct from the established trade unions, which have discredited themselves through decades of sellout contracts. But almost immediately after winning the election at JFK8, the ALU turned to the very trade unions that they had criticized, including the Teamsters. During the following two years, the ALU demonstrated that it had no strategy for fighting Amazon. Instead of holding meetings, formulating demands and organizing a strike, the ALU encouraged workers to appeal to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRBs mission, however, is not to defend workers, but to protect the profit interests of the corporations. Its record comprises pro-company settlements and the occasional pro forma penalty that fails to discourage management from violating workers rights. Even when the NLRB ruled in favor of the JFK8 workers, Amazon refused to abide by the ruling, and it has done so with impunity. The ALU has also presented the Democratic Party as a defender of workers. But for the past two years, the Democrats overriding priorities have been to escalate the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and to support Israel as it commits genocide against the Palestinians. No less than the Republicans, the Democrats represent the interests of Wall Street. Both parties intend to fund imperialist war abroad, which threatens to become a nuclear apocalypse, through massive social cuts and attacks on the working class at home. Beset by internal disputes and running out of funds, the ALU leadership turned to the Teamsters to rescue them earlier this year. The result was the affiliation of the ALU with the latter union, which has a long history of corruption and corporatism. Though the Teamsters called the current strike, the main goal of the unions leadership is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Amazon management. The Teamsters bureaucrats also hope to bolster their tattered credibility after a series of betrayals. This month, the union allowed workers at Canadian courier company Purolator to scab on the strike of Canada Post workers, thus enabling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to illegalize the strike and send workers back to their jobs. Last year, the Teamsters blocked a strike at UPS and imposed a contract that is allowing the company to close at least 200 facilities and to cut jobs through automation. For their powerful strike to be victorious, the thousands of Amazon workers on the picket lines must take the initiative away from the Teamsters. The workers themselves must control this struggle democratically by forming rank-and-file committees outside the control of the union and independent of the capitalist parties. The strike must be expanded not only to all Amazon facilities, but also to other logistics workers and workers in other industries, all of whom are facing similar attacks. Underneath the workplace issues are the fundamental questions of capitalist exploitation and the political system that upholds it. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Elon Musk, the wealthiest person in the world, owner of Tesla, SpaceX and the social media platform X, is leveraging his staggering fortuneapproaching half a trillion dollarsto finance and promote fascist forces throughout the world. Nick Candy, Elon Musk and Nigel Farage at Trump's Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida earlier this week. Photo posted by Reform U.K. [Photo: Stuart Patterson/PA] On Friday, Musk endorsed Germanys neo-Nazi Alternative fur Deutschland in elections scheduled for early next year. Only the AfD can save Germany, Musk declared in a statement posted on X. Alice Weidel, the AfDs candidate for chancellor, responded enthusiastically, You are perfectly right!, adding that socialist [former Chancellor Angela] Merkel ruined our country and the Soviet European Union was destroying Germany. The AfD, founded 11 years ago, is a vicious anti-immigrant and anti-refugee party. Bjorn Hocke, head of the party in the state of Thuringia, has been found guilty of using Nazi slogans and, according to a court ruling, can be called a fascist. Hocke and other leading members have trivialized the crimes of the Third Reich and called for an end to a culture of shame over the Holocaust. In 2018, AfD leader Alexander Gauland referred to Hitler and the Nazis as just a speck of bird shit in over a thousand years of successful German history. Capitalizing on the widespread hatred for the establishment parties of the German ruling class, including the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the AfD has made significant gains in recent years. In September, it became the first far-right party to win a state election, in Thuringia, since the Nazi period. Musks intervention in German politics followed a meeting this week at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort with Nigel Farage, the leader of Britains fascistic Reform UK party, and the partys treasurer, Nick Candy. According to Farage, they discussed with Musk strategies for saving the West. The two leaders of the Reform UK party issued a statement following the meeting declaring, We learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and will have ongoing discussions on other areas. A more immediate issue of concern for Farage was the prospect that Musk could donate 100 million ($127 million) to the party, which, if it goes through, would be the largest political donation in the UK by far. Among the other fascists and neo-Nazis that Musk has befriended is Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom Musk has met repeatedly since she came to power in 2022. Melonis Brothers of Italy party traces its origins to Mussolini. In the Western hemisphere, Musk has championed far-right Argentine President Javier Milei, whom both Musk and Trump have held up as a model for the policy of a second Trump administration. Musk has praised the Milei model, which aims to dismantle public services, labor protections, and all regulations on corporate exploitation. Musks promotion of the fascist right corresponds to his own political proclivities, which go back to his family background in apartheid South Africa. In the process of emerging as Trumps main financial and political backer, Musk has embraced what he has called Dark MAGA, while utilizing his ownership of X to systematically promote far-right and neo-Nazi individuals and groups. The central role of Musk in promoting the growth of the far-right throughout the world underscores a more fundamental political point: Billionaires are toxic to democracy. The capitalist oligarchy has amassed unimaginable wealth at the expense of the working class. The worlds ten richest individualsnine of them Americansnow collectively hold $2.1 trillion, a sum greater than the GDP of most nations. In the United States, the re-election of Trump, as the WSWS has noted, signifies the violent realignment of political forms to correspond with social reality. The government that will come to power on January 20 is a government of, by and for the oligarchy, committed to a policy of destroying social programs and vastly increasing the exploitation of the working class. But the same processes are evident in every major capitalist country. The capitalist ruling elite has spent trillions bailing out the rich. The imperialist powers have initiated a new global war, which requires the subordination of all of society to militarism. The political corollary is the turn to fascism. The growth of the far-right is driven not by broad popular support for dictatorship and an assault on immigrant workers and refugees. Rather, extreme-right neo-fascist parties are able to benefit from 1) the support of significant sections of the capitalist oligarchy; and 2) the absence within the political establishment of any expression of the interests of the broad mass of the population. The response of the nominally left parties to the promotion of the far-right is not opposition, but adaptation and capitulation. The defense of the rights of the working class requires a frontal assault on the wealth and privileges of the capitalist oligarchy. As WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North remarked on Friday, Musks use of his wealth to finance fascist leaders and their parties testifies to the relevance of the demand raised by Trotsky in the founding program of the Fourth International for the expropriation of separate groups of capitalists. The socialist program of expropriation, Trotsky wrote, i.e., of political overthrow of the bourgeoisie and liquidation of its economic domination, should in no case during the present transitional period hinder us from advancing, when the occasion warrants, the demand for the expropriation of several key branches of industry vital for national existence or of the most parasitic group of the bourgeoisie. In the case of Musk, the occasion certainly warrants. The response of the working class to Musk and his global conspiracy to promote dictatorship and fascism must be the fight for the expropriation of his wealth, along with the wealth of all the capitalist oligarchs, built up through the exploitation of millions of people. The defense of the most basic democratic rights depends upon it. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka is holding a public meeting entitled How to defeat the IMF austerity program? on January 3, 2025 at the Department of Political Science, University of Peradeniya. It is sponsored by Political Science Student Association of the university. This is a pressing issue facing youth and workers. A new round of austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are further shattering the living and social conditions of the masses. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power claiming his government would renegotiate the IMF loan to ease the impact on working people. Now he has declared that because of the dire state of the economy the austerity measures have to be implemented in full. The IMF agenda includes privatising or commercialising hundreds of state-owned enterprises and down-sizing the public sector destroying hundreds of thousands of jobs. Welfare programs including public health and education will further be cut to the bone. All of the establishment parties, the trade unions and the fake left organisations back the IMF program to the hilt. All of them are defenders of capitalism and bow to the demands of international finance capital. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya and other opposition parties unanimously approved Dissanayakes policy statement and his budget which will slash spending and boost profits in line with the IMFs demands. The trade unions controlled by the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) as well as those of the opposition parties and so-called independents have not raised a peep of opposition. The fake-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) and its allies have hailed the election of the JVP/NPP as progressive. In September, leaders of the FSP aligned student unions met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, who is also education minister, to discuss the burning problems facing university students. She fobbed off their demands, saying they cannot be implemented immediately, which the student leaders have meekly accepted. By contrast, the IYSSE starts from the basic fact that none of the immense problems facing workers and young people can be solved within the capitalist system. Across the world, the ruling classes and their political servants are insisting that working people must bear the burden of the global crisis of capitalism. The only alternative is a political fight to mobilise the working class in Sri Lanka and internationally on the basis of a socialist program. We say: repudiate all foreign debts; nationalise big companies, plantations and banks under workers control; seize the accumulated wealth of capitalists; and use these resources to meet the pressing needs of the masses. We call of students and youth to turn to the working class and help build an independent movement of the working class in the fight for a workers and peasants government to refashion society along socialist lines. The IYSSE in Sri Lanka is a part of international youth organisation of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement. We urge students, academics, non-academic staff and others to attend our meeting to discuss these important issues. Date and time: January 03, 2025 at 3.30 p.m. Venue: Lecture Hall No. 86, Political Science Department, University of Peradeniya Her memories of recording "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" are a little hazy. She remembers the producer placing decorations around the studio and blasting the air conditioner on a warm Nashville day to create a holiday spirit. The musicians, she recalls, nailed it in a couple of takes. That's about it. After all, Brenda Lee was 13 years old at the time and it was 66 years ago, in 1958. Somewhat implausibly, her celebration of a "Christmas party hop" is more popular today than ever before. It eclipsed Mariah Carey's perennial favorite "All I Want for Christmas is You" last December to top the Billboard music chart and make Lee, at age 78, the oldest woman to achieve that feat. A week later, following a birthday, she beat her own mark. She turns 80 this month. Another record: Sixty-five years represented the longest interval between a record being released and making it to No. 1. "It is a good song," Lee said. "It's a song that anybody can sing. You can join in, you can sing it, everyone is happy. I sure am glad that I have it. I never thought in my life that a Christmas song would be my legacy. But I'll take it." 'An ear worm on steroids' It's a phenomenon that music journalist Holly Gleason noticed recently while stopping for coffee in Florida. The song came over the loudspeaker and the room parents, kids, hipsters erupted in singing and laughter. "It's kind of an ear worm on steroids," said Gleason, whose 2017 book "Woman Walk the Line: How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives" featured Lee, among others. The song manages to sound retro yet not dated. Sweet guitar licks snake around Lee's voice in the original recording. Boots Randolph's saxophone solo drives it home. The party flies by quickly, the song over in two minutes, six seconds. Composer Johnny Marks already had seasonal hits to his credit, including "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas." He sought out Lee for his new song in 1958 and it's easy to see why: Who better to convey its innocence and spirit than a 13-year-old girl at the forefront of the Baby Boom? Rock 'n' roll was in its infancy then, too. In the song, Lee sings about "mistletoe hung where you can see, every couple tries to stop." In real life, she hadn't experienced her first kiss. "Lord, no," she said. "Not to say I didn't want to. I wasn't even allowed to date until I was 16." 'New old-fashioned way' The song hits plenty of holiday reference points pumpkin pie, caroling, boughs of holly. You can overlook the part of the chorus that doesn't make much sense: what is the "new old-fashioned way," exactly? The simplicity of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is a big part of its appeal, said Nathaniel Sloan, a musicologist at the University of Southern California and co-host of the "Switched on Pop" podcast. Like many successful holiday songs, it evokes nostalgia for a happier, more peaceful time even if that's more imagination than reality, he said. The style is more rockabilly than traditional rock or country, and Sloan believes that has much to do with why it continues to sound fresh. "The thing that has always stunned me about the song is that you're listening to a 13-year-old's performance, and it doesn't sound that way to me," he said. "There's a depth to the vocal, even a weathered quality, that I can't believe she was so young. It's pitch-perfect." Enduring hit "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" was barely noticed upon its release in 1958. Not until two years later, when Lee's profile was higher through hits like "I'm Sorry," did it make the music charts. The song's biggest boost came 40 years after that, when it was featured in the hit holiday movie "Home Alone." Her record company, Universal Music, continues to push the song, recording a video in 2023 that included guest appearances by Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. This year it has released "Noche Buena Y Navidad," a Spanish-language version using artificial intelligence to create a vocal derived from Lee's voice. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" made the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019. It was streamed more than 2.5 billion times globally and certified seven times Platinum, meaning at least seven million copies sold. Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor are among the many artists who've covered it. Lee sang it countless times over the years; it made her concert setlist even in summer. How much money the song earned is murky; the record company wouldn't talk about it. The bulk of its income likely goes to Marks' estate. "It has never been a money thing for me," Lee said. "It's been a love thing. The money is great, yes, and I'm grateful. But I would be singing it on the corner for pennies because that's what I love to do." The five remaining members of a group of formerly young people dubbed the Bali Nine drug smugglers were released from Indonesian prisons and returned to Australia this week after nearly 20 years of incarceration. This was reportedly as the result of an agreement first discussed between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru last month. Matthew Norman, left, a member of the Bali Nine group, talks with Indonesian representative council at Kerobokan prison in Bali, December 6, 2024. [AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati] Now middle-aged men, Si Yi Chen, 39, Michael Czugaj, 38, Matthew Norman, 38, Scott Rush, 39, and Martin Stephens, 48, touched down in Australia on commercial flights on Sunday evening. The groups supposed drug-running ringleaders, Andrew Chan, 31, and Myuran Sukumaran, 38, were executed by firing squad in 2015, despite widespread public opposition in Australia. Another young member of the group, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died in prison from stomach cancer in 2018. Renee Lawrence, the only female member of the group, was released in November that year for good behaviour. Throughout the corporate media, there has been barely a mention of the circumstances in which the Bali Nine were arrested and imprisoned. These low-level young drug mules, mostly from working-class backgrounds, paid a heavy price after being deliberately handed over by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to the Indonesian authorities in 2005 to face the risk of the death penalty for attempting to bring about eight kilograms of heroin into Australia from the Indonesian tourist resort island of Bali. By contrast, the wealthy business operators who dominate the multi-billion dollar drug trade internationally in cahoots with elements of the police, remain at large. They continue to prey on the desperate situations of the poor, usually young people, who act as couriers. Lee Rush, the father of Scott Rush, had alerted the AFP to the drug smuggling plan before the group left Australia for Bali, and was reassured that his son would be prevented from departing. The police could have stopped Scott Rush at the airport before leaving for Bali because he was on bail at the time, facing stealing accusations. Instead, the AFP handed his information over to their Indonesian counterparts and advised them to take what action they deem appropriate. The AFPs actions were backed by both the Howard Liberal-National government and the then Labor Party opposition, in the interests of strengthening strategic and military ties with the then Indonesian administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a Suharto dictatorship-era general. Relations had been strained by Australias 1999 military intervention into East Timor. In 2006, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer even lauded the Yudhoyono government after four of the Bali Nines sentences were initially increased to the death penalty. We actually urged the Indonesians to be tough on drug trafficking, he stated. Following Downers comments, Labor Party leader Kim Beazley backed the government and the AFP. We are in the business of supporting them, he said. This betrayal also received judicial approval in 2006. In Rush v Commissioner of Police, a Federal Court judge dismissed a lawsuit by Lee Rush over the AFPs broken promise. The judge ruled that the AFP had acted legally and owed no duty of care to the father or son, regardless of its promised intervention. That was despite Australia officially opposing the death penalty. In 2015, in the face of public anger over the executions of Chan and Sukumaran, the AFP defended its decision to place the nine young people in the hands of the Indonesian regime in the full knowledge that they could face execution. AFP chief Andrew Colvin declared that the harsh reality was that the AFP would do the same again in the future. There were some crocodile tears from the Abbott Liberal-National government and the Labor opposition over the fate of Chan and Sukumaran. But three days after they were executed, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop stated: Its time for us to seek to move on I think we need to look at the long-term future of the relationship. The remaining members of the Bali Nine continued to languish in prison for almost another decade. A degree of secrecy has surrounded the release of the Australians. The precise details of the agreement have not been made public. Sources reportedly told the Australian that the released Australian prisoners are prohibited from speaking to the media. Whatever the exact nature of the deal, it is part of a strengthening of ties between the Prabowo administration and the Labor government. On Monday, Albanese publicly thanked the Indonesian president for his act of compassion. He emphasised the Labor governments respect for Indonesias sovereignty and legal processes, pledging to continue to work with Jakarta to tackle narcotics trafficking and transnational crime. The two governments and their military and police forces are also working closely together to block desperate refugees from reaching Australia. On Prabowos part, the release is part of a broader attempt to provide his presidency, which began in October, with a phony democratic and humanitarian facade. The Australians release came alongside arrangements between Prabowos administration and the Philippines government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for the return of Filipino woman Mary-Jane Veloso, another drug trafficking prisoner. Last Friday, Prabowo promised to pardon close to 44,000 prisoners to help relieve pressure on Indonesias crowded jails. That is about 30 percent of the total prison population. The public relations exercise is necessary, because Prabowo is a particularly notorious military figure. An ex-special forces general and son-in-law of the former dictator Suharto, he had a long and murderous career in the military before transitioning to politics. Now an extremely wealthy businessman, he is a representative of the political-military elite that came to power during Suhartos New Order dictatorship. Prabowo has been implicated in atrocities in East Timor, West Papua, Aceh Province, the suppression of protests in the 1990s, and the kidnapping and murder of activists as Suhartos regime came to an end in 1998. For its part, the Labor government is seeking to deepen ties with Indonesia, not only because it is an increasingly important trading partner. Acting in close collaboration with Washington, the Albanese administration is seeking to line Indonesia and other southeast Asian nations up behind American imperialisms vast military build-up in the region, aimed at preparing for war with China. That has included frequent visits to the archipelago nation by Labor ministers over the past year, as well as expanded military collaboration and war games between the two countries. The release of the Bali Nine came amid a deepening crisis of the Labor government, in the lead-up to a federal election that must be held by May. Albanese may hope that the freedom of the men will provide a minor boost to his governments image, under conditions of mass anger over the social and cost-of-living crisis and the governments complicity in the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the broader eruption of imperialism militarism. Not a single major figure from Labor or the Liberal-National Coalition has repudiated their filthy record, which left the surviving Bali Nine youth to remain in prison until they were middle-aged men. Gen. Walter Braga Netto (ret.) was arrested last Saturday, December 14, for alleged obstruction of justice in the investigation of the January 8, 2023 coup attempt in Brazil. The arrest of a four-star general is unprecedented in a country where even the bloody crimes of the US-backed military dictatorship (1964-1985) have gone unpunished. It has further exposed the critical role played by the military in the coup plot. Gen. Walter Braga Netto [Photo: Fernando Frazao/Agencia Brasil] Braga Netto was one of the military officials closest to fascistic ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. Under Bolsonaros administration (2019-2022), he served as the militarys chief of staff and Defense Minister. In Brazils October 2022 election, Bolsonaro chose him as his vice-presidential running mate. His arrest came three weeks after the Brazilian Federal Police (PF) indicted Bolsonaro, General Braga Netto and 35 other members of the Bolsonaro government, 25 of them military officers, for the crimes of violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup detat and criminal organization to maintain ... Bolsonaro in power, preventing the inauguration of the legitimately elected government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party - PT). According to the PF report on the coup attempt, General Braga Netto was a central figure in the acts aimed at subverting the democratic regime in Brazil. He is the person most cited, with 98 references to him in the report. One of the most sinister elements of the coup plot was the Green and Yellow Dagger operation, which called for the assassination of Lula and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, as well as the arrest/execution of Supreme Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who has been the rapporteur in numerous investigations against Bolsonaro since 2019, including in connection with the attempted coup. Minister Moraes was also president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) between 2022 and 2024, making him the central target of attacks by Bolsonaro and his political entourage in their baseless allegations of fraud in Brazils electronic voting system and the consequent results of the 2022 election. The coup plot called for Braga Netto to become the coordinator of an Institutional Crisis Management Office to advise the then President of the Republic JAIR BOLSONARO in the management of the facts arising from the institutional rupture, according to the PF report. This office was to be primarily occupied by military personnel, serving as the pillar of a dictatorship. Moraes arrest/execution was scheduled to take place on December 15, 2022. It was aborted because, according to the PF report, the then [Army] commander, General FREIRE GOMES, and the Army High Command rejected the use of ground forces to provide the necessary support for then-president JAIR BOLSONARO to promote an institutional break. General Braga Nettos arrest for obstruction of justice was based on testimony given by Lt. Col. Mauro Cid to Minister Moraes and the Federal Police on November 21 and December 5. Cid, who signed a plea bargain agreement after being arrested for falsifying Bolsonaros COVID-19 vaccination card, was the ex-presidents aide-de-camp. He was also indicted in connection with the coup attempt. In mid-November, Cids plea bargain agreement was placed in question after the PF managed to recover messages and documents deleted from his electronic devices that showed he had omitted information about General Braga Nettos role in the coup plot. In his subsequent testimony, which let the PF maintain his plea bargain agreement, Cid gave new details about the Green and Yellow Plan and confirmed that Braga Netto contacted his father, Gen. Mauro Cesar Lourena Cid, asking for details of his sons plea bargain. Cid confirmed that there was a meeting at Braga Nettos house on November 12, 2022, shortly after Bolsonaros electoral defeat, which approved the Green and Yellow Dagger plan. Cid testified, according to the Federal Police, that General Braga Netto delivered the money that had been requested to carry out the operation [Green and Yellow Dagger]. The money was delivered in a wine bag. General Braga Netto said at the time that the money had been obtained from agribusiness people. In fact, Brazilian agribusiness was one of the powerful sectors of the Brazilian bourgeoisie that most supported the Bolsonaro government. After Bolsonaros electoral defeat, it financed the protests by truck drivers who blocked roads across Brazil and the protest encampments in front of military headquarters demanding the intervention of the armed forces against alleged electoral fraud. The Federal Police report pointed out that Gen. Mario Fernandes (ret.), then Executive Secretary of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, was the link between the then government of President JAIR BOLSONARO and the coup protesters, who were camped out in front of military installations calling for an institutional break. General Fernandes is also the alleged author of the Green and Yellow Dagger plan and took part in the meeting at Braga Nettos house on November 12, 2022. Since Cids testimony, three more military officers were indicted on December 11 by the Federal Police in connection with the coup attempt. Among them was Lt. Col. Aparecido Andrade Portela (ret), who helped raise money from agribusiness for the January 8 coup. He is a close friend of Bolsonaros and was a deputy to Senator Tereza Cristina, who was Bolsonaros minister of agriculture and previously one of the most prominent representatives of agribusiness in the Brazilian Congress. Braga Nettos arrest prompted the Lula administrations defense minister, Jose Mucio, to repeat the fraudulent narrative that the January 8 coup plot was the work of rogue military personnel, while the Armed Forces as an institution supposedly saved Brazilian democracy. On December 17, he said that although the military was embarrassed by Braga Nettos arrest, it was no surprise to anyone. However, General Braga Netto is no mere rogue officer. On the contrary, he personifies the militarys growing prominence in the countrys political life, a process that began at the end of the PT governments that ruled the country from 2003 to 2016, and which was fueled by the last decades growing economic and social crisis. Having been blooded in the criminal United Nations peace-keeping operation in Haiti, under the PT government of President Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016), the Armed Forces began to suppress domestic social unrest through Law and Order Guarantee (GLO) operations, which allow the military to take charge of public security. The government of Michel Temer (2016-2018), Rousseffs successor, intensified this use of the military, particularly in the 2017 general strike against his labor and pension reforms and in the 2018 truckers strike. Meanwhile, he increasingly turned to the generals to fill key positions in his government, including in an unprecedented way in the Ministry of Defense. It was during Temers administration that General Braga Netto began to stand out politically. As Eastern Military Commander (2016-2019), he headed the GLO operation in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Olympics, and, in February 2018 he was appointed federal intervenor in Rios public security. The appointments of Gen. Joaquim Silva e Luna as Minister of Defense, also in February 2018, and Braga Netto as head of public security in Rio were unprecedented milestones in the erosion of the civilian control over the military established after the fall of the military dictatorship in Brazil. The Bolsonaro government intensified this process, filling its cabinet with military personnel, including the tapping of Gen. Hamilton Mourao for vice-president. The presence and importance of the military in the Bolsonaro government increased as the economic and social crisis driven by the COVID-19 pandemic intensified. The most notorious of these appointments was that of General Braga Netto as chief of staff in early 2020, when he took charge of the Bolsonaro governments criminal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Braga Netto took over as Bolsonaros defense minister amid both the deadly second wave of the pandemic and the most serious military crisis since the end of the dictatorship after Bolsonaro fired the entire military command to align the Armed Forces behind his coup plans. In July 2021, Braga Netto, accompanied by the three heads of the Armed Forces, threatened the Brazilian Congress, saying that there would be no elections in 2022 if there were no printed and auditable ballotsa longstanding demand of Bolsonaro in his campaign to discredit electronic voting in Brazil. Shortly before leaving the Army High Command and the Defense Ministry to run for vice president alongside Bolsonaro, Braga Netto ordered the publication of an order of the day to be read to the troops commemorating the military coup of March 31, 1964, as a historical milestone in the political evolution of Brazil against the anti-democratic ideals of the communist uprising. Throughout this process, the PT and its pseudo-left satellites complacently portrayed reactionary generals like Braga Netto and Mourao as the adults in the room who would contain Bolsonaros coup-mongering. As the growing revelations from the Federal Police make clear, nothing could be further from the truth. Meanwhile, the objective crisis driving the Brazilian and global ruling elites to turn toward dictatorship continues to intensify. This poses the urgency of a conscious break with the PT and the pseudo-left and the building of a genuine revolutionary leadership in the working class. On Friday, the House of Representatives appeared to avert a prolonged government shutdown by voting to pass a stripped-down budget bill that would keep the US government funded through March 14, 2025. As of this writing, the continuing resolution (CR) is being debated in the US Senate ahead of a 12:01 a.m. Saturday deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, left, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, December 10, 2024. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein] The budget resolution passed the House in a lopsided bipartisan vote after it received approval from the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, who said on X before the vote: The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces. Following Musks tweet, the vote in the House was 366-34, with not a single Democratic representative voting against the bill. All 34 Republicans who opposed it are on the fascist right and rejected it for not cutting enough from social programs that benefit the working class and retired people. Notably, the legislation does not include a suspension or rise in the debt ceiling, a core demand of President-elect Donald Trump two days ago. As of this writing, several hours after the House bill was passed, Trump has yet to issue a statement on social media. Earlier in the day, he posted that if there is going to be a shutdown of the government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under Trump. This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will! On Wednesday, Musk and Trump intervened to tank the initial budget proposal, which had been agreed to by Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. At that time, Trump threatened to challenge the renomination of any Republican who voted for the proposal because it did not include raising the debt ceiling. In order to enact more sweeping tax cuts for the wealthy and his corporate backers, Trump is proposing an extension of his 2017 multitrillion-dollar tax cut for the rich that will greatly increase the national debt, even with substantial cuts to social programs. In opposition to the previously agreed-to resolution, Musk and Trump proposed a new CR which included many cuts to programs previously championed by the Democrats while also suspending the debt limit until 2026. This proposal failed on Thursday after virtually every Democrat and most far-right Republicans voted against it. After it appeared a government shutdown was likely, on Friday afternoon Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (Louisiana) revealed a third iteration of the continuing resolution that mirrored Thursdays bill without the debt limit suspension. The bill includes $110 billion in financial support to address disasters fueled by climate changeseveral billions of which will be allocated to military installations located throughout the Southeast United States that were ravaged by hurricanes earlier this year. Addressing the media after the vote in the House, Speaker Johnson pointed to the immense role Trump and the un-elected billionaire Musk played in the negotiations. Johnson said he was in constant contact with President Trump throughout this process, and that he spoke with him most recently about 45 minutes ago. He knew exactly what we were doing and why. Johnson then revealed, Elon Musk and I talked within, about an hour ago, and we talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, and I said, Hey do you want to be speaker of the House? I dont know. He said this may be the hardest job in the world. I think it is. Johnson added, We are going to unify this country and we are going to bring the America First agenda to the people in January. Fridays stripped-down resolution does not contain several proposals that Democrats had previously championed that benefit working class families. This includes an authorization to reimburse states with citizens who were victims of food stamp theft. The Washington Post reported that the program had served more than 300,000 households since being initiated in 2023, paying states $150 million. The Musk-approved bill also stripped out a series of reforms that concerned pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Benefit managers are the middlemen, who negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and then charge the government. The bill would have ended the practice of PBMs spread pricing, which gives PBMs the ability to charge programs like Medicaid more than they pay the pharmacy for the prescription, allowing them to keep the difference as profit. The resolution also stripped out the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research act, named after a 10-year-old Virginia girl who died from an inoperable brain tumor. The Post reported that the bill was first signed into law by President Barack Obama and had historically drawn bipartisan support. Since its passage a decade ago, some $125 million has been spent on pediatric cancer research. Politico reported on Friday that despite the stripping of this and several other measures previously supported by the Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Schumer was confident the Senate would pass the budget bill as soon as possible. Schumer told the media outlet that while the bill does not include everything Democrats fought for, it still had major victories. While the current president, Joe Biden, has yet to issue a statement or even post on social media about the intervention of Musk and the possibility of a government shutdown, Politico reported that the White House approved the new CR bill. If the Senate does not send the resolution to Bidens desk by midnight Friday, the US government will begin a partial shutdown. It is likely the bill will become law by Monday morning, but if it does not, furloughs could begin for more than 2 million workers.. This includes over 400,000 Department of Defense employees, over 55,000 at the Department of Treasury, and 93 percent, or over 17,000 workers, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Thousands of workers at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Education and the Smithsonian Institution, among many other government departments, could also be laid off or have their paychecks delayed. That Biden remained and continues to remain silent even amid the threat of over a million workers being laid off before the holiday is a testament to the level of resistance the Democratic Party will put forward in the coming period. While Musk constantly incites Republicans and fascists on his social media platform, the Democrats do nothing to rouse popular opposition to the rule of the oligarchs. Instead, as Fridays vote demonstrates, the Democrats are more than willing to work with Trump, Musk and far-right Republicans to approve legislation that eliminates social and science programs that benefit workers and their families. In the last month, Democrats from California Representative Ro Khanna to (nominally independent) Senator Bernie Sanders have pledged to work with Musks Department of Government Efficiency to reform the government. President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Frances Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte on Thursday after cyclone Chido devastated it last weekend. From when his visit began, the banker-president was faced with angry crowds who booed him as he arrogantly lectured them that they should be proud to be French and called to crack down on Comoran immigrants. This undated photo provided on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024 by the French Interior Ministry shows a devastated part of 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/ Securite Civile via AP)] As Macron arrived, Reunion1, a public TV station on Reunion island, reported that rescue and health workers in Mayotte believe the cyclone may have killed 60,000 peoplenearly a fifth of the registered population. Frances monarchist interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, dismissed the report as a rumor, as Reunion1 had pulled it from its web site. But contacted by Liberation, Reunion1 journalist Raphael Kahn defended the now-deleted report, insisting this is what Mayotte rescue workers had said. The cyclones 220km/h winds destroyed sheet-metal houses in which much of Mayottes population lives, wiping out hillside slums in the capital, Mamoudzou. The French government is hiding the extent of the disaster caused by its decades of neglect of Mayottes infrastructure, claiming that it has confirmed 35 dead and 2,500 wounded. The interior ministry admitted, however, that its own estimate does not match the reality that 100,000 people live in precarious housing. A further reason that death tolls are flagrant underestimates is that communication between the Small Island, on which Mayotte airport is located, and the rest of Mayotte, particularly the Large Island on which the bulk of the population lives, is very limited. Several barges that used to serve as ferries between Mayottes different islands were sunk in the storm. Food and water are only beginning to arrive via airlift to the Small Island. Mayottes notoriously poor water system has collapsed, and residents of Mamoudzous Kawni slum told Europe1 they are drinking dirty water or not drinking anything at all. Amina, who drank water out of a stream that formed after it rained, said: We dont have a choice, we drink this water even though its muddy. We do our best to filter it, but anyway if we dont do that, we die. Ibrahim said he would go to a spring lower down on the hill where Kawni sits: There is a spring there, but even that water is not particularly clean. Im going to drink it anyway, I have to for the time being. For now Im not sick, but I do not know what will happen later. Mayotte residents booed and publicly criticized Macron at every step of his brief two-day tour of the archipelago, which exposed his governments incompetence and his flagrant contempt for the population. As Macron toured Mayotte hospital, which was badly damaged by the cyclone, a man shouted down at him from the balcony. Sir, I listened to you, the answers you gave were not relevant, he said. You say that help has arrived and that water has arrived. I came to tell you that what you are saying on the radio does not correspond to the reality we are living on the ground. The man also pointed out the responsibility of the Macron government and its predecessors in this predictable catastrophe: For the slums, everyone knew it was going to be a disaster. Sir, your administrations are collapsing. Later on, as Macron was booed by a crowd on Thursday night that chanted Macron resign, This is rubbish and Water, water, water, he arrogantly shouted: Do not divide people! If you divide people we are screwed, because you are happy to be in France. Because if this wasnt France, you would be 10,000 times more in the shit. When he continued, Dont go saying that certain people are on one side, and others are on the other side, the crowd responded by chanting: Yes, yes, yes they are. At one point, Macron was reduced to declaring: Im not the cyclone. Im not responsible. In fact, Macron and his predecessors of all political colorations are responsible for the vast majority of the deaths and the suffering in Mayotte. French authorities were well aware that Mayotte, which was devastated by storms in 1898, when it was still a French colony, was vulnerable to cyclones. Even though the dangers of sheet-metal housing and the catastrophic state of public utilities were well-known, authorities did nothing to avert this predictable catastrophe. Macrons attempt to privatize the construction of public infrastructure, handing contracts to build water mains to the private Vinci corporation, turned into a corporate boondoggle. EU investigators found that over 600 million in state funds had been embezzled. This underscores how the failure to build necessary utilities and concrete housing capable of withstanding serious storms is rooted in Macrons right-wing, pro-business policies. Yesterday, Macron tried to cover up this record by inciting anti-immigrant xenophobia. He denounced immigrants in an interview announcing a minute of silence in France on December 23 for the victims of Cyclone Chido. While many of the victims of the cyclone were undocumented Comoran immigrant workers who did not go to shelters in order to avoid capture by police, Macron pledged a further crackdown on Comoran immigrants in Mayotte. Pledging to double the number of deportations from 22,000 in 2023, he called to fight illegal immigration, and that is necessary as we all know that Mayotte is a region facing an unprecedented situation requiring us to be much more efficient in deporting undocumented immigrants. I say this in all sincerity, otherwise we will never be able to rebuild Mayotte. Macron also defended his claim that Mayotte would be in 10,000 times more trouble without France. He claimed it was a necessary response to members of the far-right National Rally (RN) who were insulting France by saying that it had done nothing, to which he had to respond: And so I said the truth. In reality, Macrons foul-mouthed outburst further demonstrates the sclerotic character of the French capitalist regime and its contempt for the wellbeing of working people. The yearly increase of the personal fortune of Bernard Arnault, Frances wealthiest individual, is dozens or hundreds of times more than what would be required to update Mayottes water, transport and electricity infrastructure. Yet Macron has ignored the fundamental social needs of Mayottes population throughout his presidency, instead handing massive tax cuts to the wealthy. The Mayotte disaster has provoked not only criticisms from the far-right RN, but also the various middle-class parties making up the New Popular Front (NFP) led by Jean-Luc Melenchon. The Green Partys Sandrine Rousseau complained of Macron, I saw him in shirt sleeves asking if they are proud to be French. Its not up to the task. Amid growing speculation that Macrons financial and political backers in the bourgeoisie might force him to resign and hold early presidential elections, with RN leader Marine Le Pen as a favored candidate, leading France Unbowed (LFI) member Eric Coquerel said: [Macrons remarks] do not really require further commentary. Isnt this a message to those who think that he above all must not leave: Who can imagine that this can go on for 30 months, that is, until the end of his current term? In fact, the disaster in Mayotte is rooted ultimately in the bankruptcy not only of Macron, but of the entire capitalist social order. This includes the NFP parties, which last year propped up Macron by calling off protests and strikes against his deeply unpopular pension cuts. They refused to campaign for the popular demand for a general strike to stop Macrons pension cuts. By cutting across building a movement in the working class to bring down Macron, they propped up the regime whose malign neglect of Mayottes population created conditions for this tragedy. Xi inspects PLA garrison in Macao Xinhua) 10:18, December 21, 2024 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviews the troops during his inspection of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, Dec. 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang) MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the inspection after attending a gathering in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. On Friday afternoon, Xi reviewed the troops and met with representatives of the military personnel. He urged the military personnel to enhance defense capabilities in all aspects and contribute more to breaking new ground in the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics. Over the past 25 years, the troops have played a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Macao's long-term prosperity and stability, Xi noted. Highlighting the need to unwaveringly uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, Xi stressed efforts to comprehensively strengthen military discipline and maintain high levels of unity, security and stability in the armed forces. Cai Qi and other officials attended the activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of the military personnel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), south China, Dec. 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) (ECNS) -- Dec. 20 marks the 25th anniversary of Macaos return to the motherland. Twenty-five years on, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation under the "one country, two systems" policy. Macao entrepreneur Elwin Ho, a witness to this evolution, attributes the citys progress to the nations robust development. I feel that Macao will develop even better in the future, he said in a recent interview with China News Network. A more beautiful Macao Born in the 1970s, Ho was obsessed with technology since he was a kid. To pursue his sci-tech dream, he left Macao for the Chinese mainland, earning a degree in a computer science from Peking University. He later continued his studies in the United States after graduating in 1996. The young Elwin Ho (File photo: courtesy of the interviewee) When Macao returned to China in 1999, I was working in Silicon Valley. I believed that the people of Macao would enjoy greater opportunities, he recalled. When asked about the biggest changes in Macao, his immediate response was that the city has truly become more beautiful. My family lived right across from a vegetable patch, however, Macao has transformed so much after its return to the motherland. I couldnt even recognize some places when I first came back, he said. In 2009, Ho founded Pachira, an artificial intelligence enterprise in Silicon Valley. Seeing the potential of the domestic market, he decided to come back to establish a Beijing office in 2010. Over the past 25 years, Macao has experienced its fastest economic growth in history. Data shows that the regions GDP has skyrocketed more than sevenfold, from $6.5 billion in 1999 to $47.4 billion last year. Ho also highlighted Macaos success in diversifying its economy, particularly in the fields of education, tourism, and sci-tech innovation. Since Macaos return to the motherland, the tourism industry has flourished, reaching a world-class level. The citys internationalization has become more evident, he said. Bridge of the future In recent years, Macao has actively played its role in advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Under this framework, the integrated development of Hengqin and Macao has been promoted. In 2018, Pachira moved its headquartered to Hengqin with tremendous support from the local government. Three years later, an international operation center was launched in Macao. According to Ho, Macao can leverage its advantages and act as a bridge to promote more efficient economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the GBA or the whole country and Portuguese-speaking countries as well as serving as a gateway for the Belt and Road Initiative partner countries. Macao offers abundant financing channels, while the Chinese mainland boasts a deep talent pool. It is also very convenient for both domestic and international experts to come to Macao or Hengqin, creating a favorable environment for both sides to develop more sci-tech products, he explained. Looking ahead, Ho hopes for more collaborative projects between the Chinese mainland and Macao, particularly in culture and sci-tech innovation. Album anniversaries make listeners feel their age, yet lift the same burden by returning them to the glorious music of their bygone days. In 2025, a number of albums will celebrate milestones. Of those which came out in 2005 and are turning 20, we picked 20 titles that still enjoy their hearing, still shape the way we think about song. Coldplay around the release of this year's "Moon Music" 50 Cent, "The Massacre" Arriving March 3, 2005, 50 Cent's second record went platinum six times, hit No. 1 on three Billboard charts and set the Hot 100 ablaze with the likes of "Candy Shop," "Disco Inferno" and "Just a Lil Bit." On the heels of his wildly successful breakout "Get Rich or Die Tryin,' " the album only entrenched the rapper's place as a powerhouse artist. Fiona Apple, "Extraordinary Machine" By the time it released on Oct. 4, Fiona Apple's third album already was legend. Label foot-dragging and leaked audio eventually paid off in an album that is as intimate and visceral and majestic as anything Apple's ever done. Bloc Party, "Silent Alarm" Released Feb. 2, Bloc Party's propulsive debut established the band as an indie-rock force to be reckoned with; artfully dodgy, "Silent Alarm" has landed on numerous lists of the best British albums ever and best albums of its time period. Bright Eyes, "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning"/"Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" A bit of a cheat here to include two albums in one; both Bright Eyes records hit the atmosphere Jan. 25, though their differences preclude audiences from hearing them as chapters of the same work. "I'm Wide Awake ..." sits closer to the band's ramshackle folk modus operandi while "Digital Ash ..." takes a more electronic shape both helped (and still are contributing to) build the legend of Bright Eyes leader Conor Oberst. Mariah Carey, "The Emancipation of Mimi" Treated like something of a comeback, Carey's tenth album out April 12 went six times platinum and won three Grammys among eight nominations. Memorable cuts such as "It's Like That" and "We Belong Together" ensconced Carey in the musical moment while exercising some of her abiding traits. Coldplay, "X&Y" Released June 7 stateside, "X&Y" was a sort of transitional record for Coldplay it wasn't quite a Brit-rock odyssey on par with "A Rush of Blood to the Head" but it also didn't hint at the band's pop future. Still, it sold remarkably well worldwide and brought us "Fix You," a song you cannot replace. Sheryl Crow, "Wildflower" Sheryl Crow performs on the EquipmentShare stage during the Roots N Blues festival in September at Stephens Lake Park. One of Missouri's true daughters, Crow extended her streak of platinum records, going five for her first five. "Wildflower," released Sept. 27, yielded another enduring cut in a catalog filled with them "Good is Good" and earned Crow a pair of Grammy nominations. Death Cab for Cutie, "Plans" "Plans," released on Aug. 30, sealed Death Cab for Cutie's ascent from indie darlings to household names. Tracks like "Soul Meets Body" pushed the band toward radio play while the indelible ballad "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" deepened and widened its melancholy appeal. The Fray, "How to Save a Life" Denver's The Fray broke through and christened a new age of pop tailor-made for TV dramas with this four-time platinum record, out Sept. 13. The title track remains one of the best songs of its moment, an interpersonal scene unfolding in real time, making the most of its own soundtrack. Gorillaz, "Demon Days" Serious rockers with cartoon avatars, Gorillaz furthered their story on this May 24 sophomore release, which sold more than 8 million copies worldwide and yielded ubiquitous tunes like "Feel Good Inc." Blur bandleader Damon Albarn and crew worked with the likes of Danger Mouse, MF Doom and De La Soul to bring their vision into multiple dimensions. The Hold Steady, "Separation Sunday" On its second record out May 3 this Brooklyn-via-the-Midwest outfit made a serious step forward, tripping and stumbling into grace alongside songwriter Craig Finn's cinematically-written characters; the music is a perfectly imperfect blend of punk and E Street-styled bar rock. LCD Soundsystem, self-titled James Murphy and Co. first presented their dance-pop aesthetic to the world on this self-titled debut, released Jan. 24. LCD Soundsystem earned a Grammy nomination for their efforts and unleashed its first signature song with "Daft Punk is Playing at My House." My Morning Jacket, "Z" Louisville's own My Morning Jacket performed on the fourth and final day of the Bourbon & Beyond music festival in Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The soulfully shaggy Kentucky band made what perhaps remains its magnum opus, out Oct. 4. "Z" took all the earthy, boozy wisdom of previous masterpieces and blew it up to anthemic, widescreen size. The record has been described as My Morning Jacket's equivalent to Radiohead's "OK Computer." The National, "Alligator" While The National's third record released April 12 didn't create a household name, it was a serious step forward as the band crescendoed toward becoming one of the most influential indie acts of the young century. And cuts like "Mr. November," "Abel" and "All the Wine" have become linchpins live. Nickel Creek, "Why Should the Fire Die?" Nickel Creek's band member, Chris Thile, performs during a concert at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Sept. 27, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groundbreaking string band showed off a darker, more daring side on its fifth album, released Aug. 9. Dealing with divorce and desire in compelling tones, Nickel Creek earned two Grammy nominations. Bruce Springsteen, "Devils and Dust" Not quite "Nebraska" or "... Tom Joad" levels of spareness, but quieter and more acoustic in nature, this Springsteen joint out April 26 dealt with the war in Iraq and other bitter American experiments. The Boss earned a Grammy among five nominations. Sufjan Stevens, "Illinois" The poetic troubadour furthered his state albums project (following 2003's "Michigan") with this set, out appropriately on the Fourth of July. Stevens wrote about the state's UFO sightings, serial killers, folk heroes and more; disappointed fans hoped the artist would continue, eventually getting to their own state and he hasn't but "Illinois" is more than worth its weight. Rob Thomas, "Something to Be ..." Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 performs on the Oak Stage during Bourbon and Beyond in Louisville, Ky. on Sep. 19, 2024. Breaking away to do his own thing, the Matchbox 20 frontman hit No. 1 out of the gate on April 5 with a record that would go on to sell 2 million copies and garner a smash hit in "Lonely No More." Offering their stamps of approval on these sessions: John Mayer, Robert Randolph, Prince collaborator Wendy Melvoin and Heartbreaker guitar hero Mike Campbell. Kanye West, "Late Registration" Before eventually becoming more a celebrity than a creator, West's second album out Aug. 30 cemented his potential for genius, with innovative and irresistible cuts such as "Touch the Sky" and "Gold Digger." West earned a best rap album Grammy and the album sold over 3 million copies. The White Stripes, "Get Behind Me Satan" Jack and Meg White kept a scorching streak alive with their fifth record, out June 7. "Get Behind Me Satan" leans into quirkier production choices and elements of the band's personality, somehow feeling messy and complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Revisit these 20 albums that are turning 20 in 2025 Much like the arrival of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, the limited-time appearance of the McDonald's McRib sandwich is a holiday unto itself for fast food aficionados. Even those who don't particularly like the McRib know of its cornmeal-dusted bun, its slivered onions, its sliced pickles, its dripping gobs of barbecue sauce, and the strangely serrated shape of its pork patty. Regardless of where you land on the McRib's "love it" or "hate it" spectrum, this classic promotional item has become a cultural phenomenon. The McRib's origin story came from the barbecue culture of the American South. In the late 1970s, McDonald's CEO Ray Kroc tasked the restaurant's executive chef Rene Arend to kick off the 1980s with some new menu items. At the time, Arend was visiting South Carolina, where pulled pork sandwiches and barbecued ribs led him to take a cue from these comfort food classics -- and the McRib was born. Much like the recently promoted Chicken Big Mac, the McRib has had a bumpy history since its invention. That said, these lesser-known facts about the sandwich's history show how the McRib became a milestone of fast food culture. Read more: The Best And Worst Barbecue Sauces To Buy At The Grocery Store The McRib Debuted In 1981 A vintage McDonald's restaurant - Tada Images/Shutterstock Before he created and debuted the arguably more popular chicken McNugget, Rene Arend brought the McRib to fruition in 1981. It was first tested in Kansas City, Kansas, for a year before it was released nationally in 1982. According to Retroist.com, the McRib received less-than-stellar reviews upon its release "McFlop" was a popular term among the journalists of the time. It remained on the menu for a few years before McDonald's decided to pull the sandwich in 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a few years later, however, McDonald's business was booming. It reported an earnings total of $727 million in 1989, which was also the year it sold its 75 billionth burger somewhere amid its 22 million daily customers. McDonald's marketed the McRib as a "barbecue in a bun," and it sold for a mere $1.69. It wasn't popular enough to remain on the menu as a permanent item, but it did plant the seed for many up-and-coming fast food apologists, such as Allison Robicelli from The Takeout. The U.S. Army Helped Bring The McRib To Life A soldier with meals ready to eat - Breakermaximus/Getty Images One of the most iconic aspects of the McRib is the unique shape of its protein. It has the foundational shape of a burger so it can fit nicely on the slightly longer hoagie roll, but its form also includes ribbed crenulations that mimic the appearance of barbecued baby back ribs. While many diners have puzzled over the shape of the McRib patty, it's actually the result of technology that was developed by the U.S. Army. In the 1960s, the Army was looking for ways to save money on food production. As meat preparation and packing presented an expensive obstacle for the Army to overcome, it turned to Natick Army Labs in Massachusetts. Roger Mandigo, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and meat scientist, pioneered a technique that processed low-cost meat trimmings with sodium and fat. The final product can then be formed into shapes and frozen for distribution it's the same technique that gives McDonald's chicken McNuggets their distinctive shapes. In an interview with NPR, Mandigo credited McDonald's with inventing the rack of ribs shape. His original McRib prototype looked like a pork chop, but Mandigo said that McDonald's wanted it to "look like the boneless part of a backrib." Mandigo's breakthroughs in the field of meat processing were so influential that he was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame in 2010. McDonald's Sold McRib Sauce For Charity A bottle of McRib sauce - McDonald's A lot of attention goes into the visual aesthetics of the McRib sandwich the hoagie bun, the faux-rib shape, the onions but what about this barbecue sandwich's signature sauce? During the McRib's return to McDonald's menus in 2024, the fast food restaurant packaged half-gallon bottles of McRib sauce for individual sale. Branded as "A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce" and retailing at $19.99, these jugs of tangy holiday cheer sold out within minutes, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it's uncertain whether McDonald's will run this promotion again, true fans of the McRib's sweet and tangy flavor profile can do a lot to recreate this condiment at home. According to Mashed, the best brands to capture that McRib magic are Hunt's Original Barbecue sauce or Bull's Eye Sweet & Tangy. Home chefs can also recreate the McRib sauce with a straightforward blend of ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a few smoky spices. The McRib Is The Subject Of A Blues Song That Went Viral Xanthe Pajarillo singing the McRib Song - Xanthe Pajarillo/YouTube Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The true litmus test of a cultural icon comes from its ability to inspire creativity among its ambassadors. In the McRib's case, we have Xanthe Pajarillo of Santa Clarita, California. Dubbed the "Bob Dylan of processed BBQ pork" by one YouTube commenter, Pajarillo's tale began like many an oppressed troubadour. When her local McDonald's franchises decided not to feature the McRib during its 2015 promotion, Pajarillo appeared before the Santa Clarita city council to appeal this miscarriage of fast food justice. Her entire appeal is available via YouTube, but Pajarillo's primary argument was that the McRib sandwich was an integral part of her family's Thanksgiving celebration. Per Pajarillo's explanation, her family would order a large amount of chicken McNuggets and McRibs as their holiday dinner. Without the McRib, Pajarillo claimed that her "family's holiday spirit is kind of messed up and broken." When the city council did not right this wrong, Pajarillo penned "The McRib Song (McRib Blues)" and performed it on her YouTube channel. In its maudlin composition, the pink-haired McRib activist tells her tragic tale by way of acoustic guitar and harmonica. Though the song didn't change the hearts of her local McDonald's franchises, it successfully captured the longing of someone unable to take advantage of a limited-time offer. These days, Pajarillo is an up-and-coming filmmaker who chronicled her days as a McRib activist in the short film "We Want McRib." The McRib Was A Permanent Menu Item In The U.S. For 10 Years A scene from the 1994 film The Flintstones - Archive Photos/Getty Images When McDonald's re-released the McRib in 1989, it was exclusively added to the existing burger menu as a limited-time item during the subsequent years. However, when 1995 rolled around, McDonald's made plans to feature the McRib as a permanent menu item. The McRib's mid-90s resurgence was announced through a marketing campaign that tied in with the Universal Studios film adaptation of "The Flintstones," which was released in 1994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The McRib remained on McDonald's menus until its "farewell tour" in 2005, which offered fans a final opportunity to get their hands on a McRib. According to QSR, this farewell tour brought the McRib back to select McDonald's locations across the country and launched a website that included pork trivia and an unsuccessful petition to keep the sandwich on the menu. When the McRib came back to menus in 2022, McDonald's used the farewell tour marketing campaign once more as a way to drum up sales for its inevitable departure. Like the 2005 farewell tour, the marketing messaging seemed to imply that the McRib would be gone for good, though we all knew it wasn't getting relegated to McDonald's permanent naughty list. Since then, the McRib has had a fairly consistent schedule of appearing on McDonald's menus as a promotional offer. The McRib Is Still A Permanent Menu Item In Germany And Luxembourg A McDonald's restaurant in Germany - David Taljat/Getty Images While many American McRib fans have to say goodbye to the sandwich every year, McDonald's locations in Germany and Luxembourg enjoy the sandwich year-round. These two European countries are the only geographic locations where the McRib does not host farewell tours only to disappear for who knows how long. The reasons for this phenomena are the subject of speculation, but suffice to say that the McRib sandwich was extremely popular in these particular European markets upon its initial release. Based on that popularity, McDonald's locations in Germany and Luxembourg have continued to feature the McRib since its 1989 re-release. One reason for this popularity is likely tied to Germany's long history of pork production. According to German-meat.org, the country exports more than 2.3 million tons of pork to over 100 countries, making it one of the largest pork producers in the world. As Germany is also one of the largest pork consumers in Europe, it would make sense that its local McDonald's fans would have a soft spot in their hearts for this porcine innovation. Its presence in Luxembourg is likely linked to German pork imports, but let's not forget that this small European country is the birthplace of McRib inventor Rene Arend. It's poetic to think that the McRib remains on the McDonald's menu as a tribute to the country's meat processing pioneer. The McRib Is A Recurring Limited-Time Offer For A Reason A McRib sandwich with a bow on it - McDonald's According to Forbes, McDonald's decision to re-release the McRib as a limited-time promotion checks off all the boxes of good marketing. The key to the McRib's success is its exclusivity it feels like a special event whenever it hits McDonald's menus and it causes a media uproar in its wake. The fact that McDonald's hasn't billed the McRib as a seasonal item also helps with its exclusivity, since no one really knows when it will be on menus again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only does the implied scarcity of the McRib help drive sales, but it's also a great ace in the hole for when McDonald's needs to mix things up with its menu. According to CNN, McDonald's and brands such as Starbucks like to have these limited-time promotions as a way to refresh the customer's perspective. Or, in the case of McDonald's, create a positive, hype-driven marketing campaign as damage control for a widely publicized E. coli outbreak. There Is An Online McRib Locator A map showing where McRibs are available - McRib Locator Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McRib aficionados Alan and Kimberly Klein were such fans of the sandwich that they developed the McRib Locator, an online repository of user-generated tips on where you can find a McRib sandwich throughout the year. Not only does this website pinpoint the location of a participating McDonald's location, but it also offers a pricing average so users can see where to get the best deal on a McRib during the promotion. The concept works by providing nationwide users with the ability to upload the location of a McRib sandwich near them, and the site requests an uploaded receipt for verification. While the site map does get to booming when the national McRib promotion is in full swing, it's a useful page to have bookmarked if you're ever traveling out of your home state or are out of the country when that McDonald's craving hits. Keep in mind that around 95% of McDonald's restaurants are local franchises. Most franchises will stick with the corporate playbook, but you never know which ones might deviate from the national strategy if it suits their local business. Homer Simpson Is A Fan ... Sort Of A Krusty Burger storefront - Peter Etchells/Shutterstock In a 2003 episode of "The Simpsons" titled "I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can," Homer Simpson himself gets a little taste of McRib fever though in the fictional town of Springfield, it's called a Ribwich and sold by Krusty Burger. As the episode progresses, a sauce-slathered Ribwich mascot lures Homer inside, where he soon becomes addicted to the promotional item. The episode also lampoons the process that gives the McRib its signature shape in a Krusty Burger commercial that plays during the episode's cold open. While the show doesn't pull any punches when making fun of the McRib, having a version of it show up at all is a good indication of the sandwich's cultural impact. "The Simpsons" has remained one of the longest running television shows in American history because of its ability to guide its creative crosshairs to the deepest facets of the country and pull the trigger. So, when Homer devours a dozen Ribwiches and salivates to the extent that the beleaguered cashier has to call for a "drool cleanup," he's just showing McRib fans that he gets it. The McRib Has Developed A Substantial Cult Following The Reddit logo - tomeqs/Shutterstock Over the years, the McRib's cult following has been well-documented on Reddit. In r/McRibReddit for example, users post any McRib-adjacent news that has come across their radars, along with photos, recipes, and tips on increasing the longevity of the popular sandwich. One user with the handle of smellybassist abjured the subreddit for tips on how to stockpile frozen McRib patties. Between the McRib Locator and r/McRibReddit, fans of the sandwich have some great resources once the McRib inevitably leaves McDonald's menus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The McRib's popularity and cult following have also inspired several members of the creative community to create and sell art based around the sandwich. The Etsy marketplace has plenty of notable arts and crafts inspired by the McRib. For those who find the McRib aesthetically pleasing, the Open Range McRib by OctopusCrime sets the meaty sandwich amid a pastoral landscape. Those who want to include the McRib in their holiday decorations will want the McRib-inspired tree ornament by FoodieOrnaments. Whether it's folk anthems, "Simpsons" episodes, or online McRib locators, it's no secret that the McRib has solidified itself as a true icon of American fast food culture. Though it took a bit of time to find its footing, The McRib continues to remind us that it's never too late to reinvent oneself. Read the original article on Chowhound. This is part of a weekly series introducing readers to individuals who are passionate about our Mid-Valley community. Katy Bayless grew up loving to fold paper and after routinely going to Portland's origami club and trying to convince some of her Salem friends to join her, she wondered 'why cant we do one in Salem? The Salem Origami Club, founded by Bayless, started to take shape in 2009. The club first met paper and craft store Paper Zone, before the company closed in 2012. They next met in the Book Bin East and later Ike Box. Then Salem Multicultural Institute reached out and suggested a partnership, saying the origami club fit their mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meets there on the second Monday of every month. There are no dues and no previous experience is required. Katy Bayless folds a star during Salem Origami Club meeting earlier this month. The club has participated in the annual Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol for the last three years and hosted a class during the 2024 World Beat Festival. Every participant receives the opportunity to teach, centered around a theme. This month, Ramsay Cowlishaw known as the Origami Wizard and part of the Portland Oregon Paper Shapers Club demonstrated folding four-point stars. Cowlishaw stopped several times to walk over to members at four tables and help with any missed steps. Afterward, Paul Hirt demonstrated how to fold a 3-D paper calendar, a yearly tradition at the club. Paul Hirt instructs a group on making an origami calendar at the Salem Multicultural Institute. Bayless described Hirt as instrumental in transforming the group into what it is today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were pretty much a little ad-hoc group, just getting together to fold, she said. He gives us a little more structure. A networks systems engineer and past president of the Oregon Association of Woodturners, Hirt credits a third-grade teacher he adored for getting him started with origami. I was a closet folder for many years, he said. He learned from books before he learned about the club, where he learned from experienced folders and became connected with the larger origami community in Salem, Portland and nationally with OrigamiUSA. Aiden Uselman, 8, has been attending the Salem Origami Club meetings for about six months. Kersti Bury, a teacher at Waldo Middle School, said the club has spurred the creation of classes at local schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bury joined Salem Origami Club after another teacher invited her. Now, theres been an origami class at the school for three years, she said. Bayless said her wish for the club "is that it continues to attract and inspire people who enjoy origami. If you have an idea for someone we should profile for this series, please email Statesman Journal executive editor Cherrill Crosby at crosbyc@statesmanjournal.com Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Meet our Mid-Valley: Salem's paper folding community NORA, S.D. On a nearly invisible corner of 307th Street and 475th Avenue in the middle of Union County, South Dakota, where farmland hugs you from everywhere and the topography begins to roll, is the Nora Store. It's here where you find Father Christmas. He has the bellowing laugh and the twinkling eyes and the type of generosity in which you wait for him to pull a candy cane out of his pocket. Even more than the jolly old elf, he is the humble and charming Mike Pedersen. He plays a restored pipe organ in the middle of nowhere in what has become a gathering spot at Christmas for people from across the Midwest to enjoy warm apple cider and sing carols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been doing this for 35 years. I just want people to leave feeling blessed and refreshed, Pedersen, 73, says. I never dreamed it could have turned into something like this. Mike Pedersen looks outside from the front door on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the Nora Store near Alcester, South Dakota. How a house painter came to Christmas caroling Nora is an unincorporated town in southeast South Dakota with a population of two: Pedersen and his neighbor, Luke Lyle. Mike Pedersen poses in front of the pipe organ on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the Nora Store near Alcester, South Dakota. There first was the Ronning General Store in the late 1800s, next to a creamery where farmers brought in their milk every Tuesday and Friday and became well known for its Sunshine butter brand, Pedersen says. After that closed in 1906, the Nora Store opened on the same corner promptly in 1907, notably selling vinegar for farming and flour sacks for handmade clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Nora general store closed in 1962, it would be a decade until Pedersen settled in. By then, mice and cats had beat him to it, nesting into the corners of the Nora Store and in its dilapidated kitchen. For the next 13 years, Pedersen tidied it and warmed it, and this would become his home. Mike Pedersen plays the pipe organ on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the Nora Store near Alcester, South Dakota. He has been hosting a Christmas sing-a-long for 35 years. A hobby becomes so much more Hosting sing-a-longs every holiday was never his intent. In 1986, he bought a few acres to move out of the Nora Store and into the home next door. (Someone had to keep up those population numbers.) And he began collecting parts of an old pipe organ stored at the University of South Dakotas National Music Museum in Vermillion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, music has always been just a hobby, says Pedersen, who once took piano lessons from an old neighbor lady while living in Los Angeles before he moved back to South Dakota, and plays music and sings at church. Mike Pedersen plays the pipe organ on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the Nora Store near Alcester, S.D. He has been hosting a Christmas sing-a-long for 35 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the fall of 1989, he and a few buddies started piecing the organ back together enough that the Lords plan made itself clear. This hobby would become a life. He took out an ad in the local newspaper and invited people to come sing Christmas carols. On a recent blustery morning, Pedersen sat at the organ, remembering the first time he played it. I was awestruck to sit in front of such a thing," he says. I thought, Oh, what a blessing! I didnt deserve it, but I had to hear what it sounded like, so this is what I heard. Then he turned his back from the crowd and into the black-and-white haven of his keys, he played the first song he had ever played on it: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jesus loves me, this I know,for the Bible tells me so.Little ones to him belong;they are weak, but he is strong. There are about 20 guests singing along and calling out their favorite classics to play next. They had arrived in a caravan for a private sing-a-long, from the Trinity Lutheran Church in Tea about 40 minutes away. You can tell were Lutheran because no one is sitting in the front row, says Dick Gors, president of their 55-and-older church group that gathers monthly and attends the Nora Store Christmas as its December activity each year. The store doesn't sell anything, it simply is a place to gather once a year, with some parents who came as children now here with their own children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been coming here for five years now, says Linda Dannen, of Tea, as she and her husband, Leo, sat in the back row and shared a hymnal. Mike is a joy, and he makes it a good day. Together, they tapped their feet while Pedersen commanded his organ and they sang, Away in a Manger, Silent Night and Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. Pedersen took off his shoes around song three to better feel the music and encouraged everyone to ring the bells he placed in each row. Guests also sing solos, play their own instruments and even bring cookies for the crowd. Like any place of worship, visitors found an infectious feeling of hope in the room. 'Is this my last hurrah?' This year, Pedersen wondered if this might be his finale: I was having a bad hip and a bad attitude." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then attention turned to Nora. A South Dakota magazine featured the Nora Store, and CBS News featured him earlier this week. Pedersen would stay one more year, and now Nora might need more parking. Pedersen walks gingerly with a cane, and takes a break from the organ and wonders aloud if its soon time to, play music in heaven? Nora has been my life ministry, but is this my last hurrah? he says after the show. Me and fame? I dont need any of that. Im just trying to be a servant and bless you this Christmas. Magic for your Christmas There is a magic in little Nora, in that century-old country store on the corner transformed into a nostalgic wonderland. But its not the trinkets on the wall, a guestbook the size of an encyclopedia, the baby Christmas tree twinkling in the corner or the faux Poinsettia adorning his organ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, theres no place like Nora for the holidays, Pedersen improvises as he sings, for the holidays you cant beat home sweet home! Visitors finish with We Wish You a Merry Christmas, before Pedersen gives hugs and kindly bid everyone farewell and a happy holiday. To put a bow on the magic of the hour, Pedersen escorts us to the door and hangs his arm out to wave, the way Father Christmas departs in his sleigh, and do you know what? It started to snow. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Nora Store Christmas in South Dakota I spent one night at Hotel Yellowstone, a luxury, adults-only resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was my first time staying in an adults-only hotel, and I was surprised by the relaxing amenities. The quiet, calm environment led me to some epic natural sightings of a moose and the auroras. I love kids, but it's tough for me to relax in a hotel full of them. Peaceful moments by the pool are often interrupted by splashing water. Occasional youthful screams in communal spaces startle me. And sunsets on the balcony may be accompanied by crying children and scolding parents in the room next door. That's why I decided to check out an adults-only hotel called Hotel Yellowstone for the first time during a September trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The resort, with views of Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park, opened in August for adults at least 21 years old, though anyone aged 18 to 20 may stay when checking in with an older guest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I booked a Grand Teton Suite with a starting rate of $1,600 a night. (Business Insider received a media rate for the one-night stay.) I expected a relaxing evening but didn't realize how much a kid-free environment would elevate my experience. When I stepped onto the property, I was immediately taken by the peace and quiet. Guest accommodations at Hotel Yellowstone. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Just 15 minutes from the traffic-filled streets of Downtown Jackson, I didn't even hear the hum of a highway as I stepped out of my cab to check in at Hotel Yellowstone. On a hill above a valley surrounded by mountains, 10 modern buildings with a cabin aesthetic sat between stone paths. A pond in the middle of the property made it feel serene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no voices or pitter-patters of running feet. I only heard chirping birds and wind rustling the leaves of tall trees. I didn't expect the pool to be designed purely for relaxation. Hotel Yellowstone's Negative Edge Pool. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Most hotels I've stayed in have had at least one large pool where clusters of people lounge by the steps while others swim laps or play games. I typically find them chaotic, noisy, and tough to avoid a splash when passing through. That wasn't the case at Hotel Yellowstone. This resort's pool, called the Negative Edge Pool, was just 4 feet deep and had jets and heating. It was indoors and overlooked a mountain scene with a retractable glass window. Though shallow, the pool was quite long. I thought it was spacious enough for multiple groups to enjoy simultaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next to the pool, there was a wood sauna. Both were open 24 hours a day, which surprised me since most hotels I've stayed in have had a pool curfew. I imagine this is partly because no children are on the property. In my room, I was amazed to see the Tetons from every angle even while taking a bath. Inside the reporter's Grand Teton Suite. Joey Hadden/Business Insider It was instantly clear to me that my room was designed to showcase the views as much as possible when I stepped inside. The door opened into a short hallway with a bathroom on the left, behind a spacious bedroom and living space. Light poured in from a large window on the left wall and floor-to-ceiling windowed doors to the balcony spanning the back of the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the bathroom had a sliding door in front of the oversized tub, so I could gaze at the peaks of the Tetons and the valleys below while taking a bath. "The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," a hotel representative told BI. I didn't know the restaurant was so exclusive. Inside Olivia's, the restaurant at Hotel Yellowstone. Joey Hadden/Business Insider Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my experience, hotel restaurants are typically open to the public, so I was surprised to learn that only guests could sit at Olivia's, a fine-dining establishment at Hotel Yellowstone with an eclectic menu and locally sourced ingredients. When it was time for dinner, I headed to the lobby and walked down a staircase to the restaurant on the first floor. I was mesmerized by the indoor-outdoor feel provided by the vast windows. Below the wood-beamed cathedral ceilings, the wide view of the mountains looked like a painting. No one else was dining at Olivia's when I stepped inside, so I could sit wherever I wanted. I selected a spot right by the back window and feasted on bao buns in silence. I returned to Olivia's for some fruit and steel-cut oats in the morning. This time, one other guest, a solo backpacker, sat two tables away from me. It was a far cry from the clattering plates and blending conversations of a typical hotel breakfast, in my experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest surprises of my stay was catching a glimpse of the northern lights. A glimpse of the auroras at Hotel Yellowstone. Joey Hadden/Business Insider After dinner, I took a peaceful walk back to my room, coated myself in a thick robe, and headed to the balcony. I expected to hear whispers of other guests enjoying the outdoor view, but it was just as silent and peaceful as when I first stepped onto the property. Sitting in a lounge chair, I noticed a faint flutter of color in the sky and immediately jumped up and leaned on the railing. Purple and green hues danced so subtly that I had to confirm what I thought I was seeing with a long exposure on my camera. And it appears that I was right I had spotted the northern lights in Wyoming of all places. Seeing the auroras has been on my bucket list since I knew the phenomenon existed. And no matter where you are in the world, a trip to see the northern lights is never guaranteed. So, I certainly never thought I'd stumble upon them in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could hardly see them with my eyes alone, and I thought that if the environment hadn't been so free of distractions, I might have missed them. The other grand surprise of my stay was the last a moose sighting at breakfast. A moose walks across the adults-only resort. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I'd never seen a moose before having breakfast at Olivia's. There I was, dining at a table against the back window, when a moose casually walked along the property just outside the restaurant. I was stunned, but my server was not they said the moose hangs out regularly and is often seen swimming in the pond and drying off in the flower beds. After staying there myself, I could see why. The kid-free environment was calm and quiet. I imagine the serene nature of the resort could make wildlife more comfortable in the human setting. I thought the adults-only element was key to having these surreal moments with nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury. Read the original article on Business Insider A few years ago, I booked a flight to Ireland. Some friends of mine had recently announced their engagement, and the wedding was to be held in Cavan, a small country town in the Border Region where the groom had grown up. I arranged to fly into Dublin five days before the ceremony. That would give me time to catch up with some old friends, visit the Yeats exhibition at the National Library and put back a few dozen pints. I also booked an appointment at a clinic downtown to have a vasectomy. If my timing seems off, allow me to give you a little background. I had been looking into getting the snip since I turned 18. Truth be told, Id been ready for it since I was 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nothing against kids. Its nothing against parents (not most of you, anyway). Id be lying if I didnt admit that childhood trauma and mental health issues played a role in my decision, but those are merely incidental factors. The crux of the matter is that the qualities of the parent lifestyle that I find appealing could be counted on one hand with all the fingers missing, whereas the things I find unappealing could fill up the Grand Canyon. Its utterly nonnegotiable, and Ive never been more sure of anything in my life. Luke, I will not be your father. Before we go any further, lets define the terms. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for permanent male sterilization. The vas deferens, the small tubes in the scrotum which carry sperm, are cut and sealed so that sperm cannot leave the body. Afterward, for all intents and purposes, everything looks and feels exactly the same. All that changes is that, from that point on, youre firing blanks. In the ongoing struggle for womens reproductive rights, theres a talking point that repeatedly arises: Why is it that a man can have a vasectomy at 18 with no hassles, while women have to fight an uphill battle for tubal ligation? The adversity women face when seeking voluntary sterilization is ridiculous. The internet is sick with stories of women being turned down for the procedure when their doctors object on religious grounds or because they think a patient is too young, childless, single, or needs their spouses permission (yes, thats actually a thing). I read the testimony of a 26-year-old woman whose doctor refused to tie her tubes because her husband was on active duty, and if he was killed, so the logic went, she might want to remarry with someone who wanted kids. The arrogance and condescension boggle the mind. However, I can say from personal experience the notion that men have an obstacle-free path to the scalpel is inaccurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I mentioned, I took my first steps towards an assuredly child-free future when I was 18. At the time, I was a first-year student at the community college in my rural Maryland hometown. I made an appointment with my general practitioner to discuss the procedure. Knowing full well that this probably wasnt something he heard every day, I prepared a list explaining the reasons for my choice in detail. Yet after listening to my reasons, he told me that he wouldnt help me pursue sterilization on the grounds that I was too young to make a decision that would affect the rest of my life (unlike, for instance, joining the military or taking out student loans). He added that he might have been more accommodating if Id been older, had fathered several children and was in a committed relationship. Also, while he didnt explicitly state that he was objecting on religious grounds, we went to the same church, and it was well-known he was an ultra-conservative Catholic. Two years later, I decided to try again. By that point, Id transferred to a private college on the Eastern Shore. I made an appointment with a urologist at a hospital close to Baltimore. This time, I made sure to clarify over the phone what the appointment was about and had the receptionist confirm that yes, the doctor would be willing to give a vasectomy to a 20-year-old. Alas, after driving an hour and a half to the hospital, he told me Id been misinformed, as he couldnt possibly perform the operation on someone so young. A few years after graduation, I moved to Italy. Once Id established residence in Rome, I decided to make yet another attempt at getting an Ides of March performed on my balls. Unfortunately, I was informed by my GP that as an elective procedure, vasectomies were not covered under the national health service. And, of course, both he and the nurse on duty asked me why on earth I would want to do something like that, especially being so young. By then, I was almost 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant remember exactly what prompted me to look into Ireland as a potential place to have my shamrocks clipped. It might have been conversations Id had with Irish friends about their countrys growing support for a womans right to choose (later achieved by referendum with the Thirty-sixth Amendment in 2018). By then, Id begun to frame my struggle as a feminist issue. As it stands, with the exception of condoms, the onus of contraception is almost always on the individual with the uterus. This is particularly problematic given the physical and emotional toll that birth control can take on a persons body. The pill, miracle drug that it is, can cause a slew of side effects, including nausea, migraine, fluctuating weight and breast tenderness. On top of that, the shifts in hormone levels can play hell with a persons emotions, leading to depression and decreased libido. As for the more permanent forms of birth control, current data shows no link between tubal ligation and an increased risk of any type of cancer. There is a risk for post-tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS), a menopause-like rollercoaster caused by a rapid decline in estrogen and progesterone. Its also much more expensive than a vasectomy. Compared with tubal ligations, vasectomies are easier, safer, cheaper, very low-risk and virtually painless and yet we still expect women and others with uteruses to compromise their well-being in the name of contraception. And at the end of the day, when any of these methods fail, its these individuals who are stuck with the physical consequences. In reflecting on this, my decision became not just about my own peace of mind, but about stepping up to the plate and shouldering some of the responsibility. Kanizphoto / Getty Images When I first came across Vasectomy Ireland, I approached them with caution, steeling myself for another disappointment. I emailed the doctor and told him up-front that I was 32, unmarried and had no children, and if any of these things would disqualify me, I would like to know in advance. Dr. John McCormick wrote back immediately saying there was no problem, gave me a brief questionnaire and a quote for the procedure (450) and we agreed on a date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the trip, word of my pre-wedding plans got out among my circle of friends, then quickly spread to the rest of the wedding guests. As a result, the stag party was catered with an open bar of questions and an all-you-can-eat buffet of free advice. Why are you doing this? Youre going to regret it later. What if you meet the girl of your dreams? What if your parents had done the same thing? Whats the point of living if you dont have children? One of the groomsmen, whom Id never met before, decided that as a new father, it was his mission in life to talk me out of my decision. For hours, he used every argument he could muster, no matter how convoluted, to convince me he knew more about my life than I did. Six or so beers into the afternoon, he resorted to, Come on, dont you want a little version of you? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would be my worst nightmare, I said. That seemed to shut him up. On the day of my appointment, I rolled up to the clinic at 11 a.m. Dr. McCormick asked me some preliminary questions about my medical history, then made a few respectful inquiries into my motives. Say, for the sake of argument, you meet a woman you fall head over heels for, and she says she needs to have children to be happy. Without missing a beat, I replied, That would be a deal-breaker. He was leading into a largely misunderstood aspect of this ordeal: vasectomies should be considered permanent. Yes, they are reversible, but the likelihood of a successful reversal begins to decrease exponentially after four years. Also, a reversal operation can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000. Bottom line: I shouldnt do this unless I was 100% sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was. Dr. McCormick performs the no-scalpel version of the procedure. The big difference between a no-scalpel vasectomy and a traditional one lies in the way the vas deferens are accessed. Rather than making cuts on each side of the scrotum, he makes a tiny opening in the skin with a pointed surgical tool called a hemostat and the skin is spread rather than cut. Theres hardly any blood and no need for stitches. My one fear going into this was how the anesthesia was going to be administered (my dreams of late had been haunted by images of a beachball being pierced by a harpoon). I was relieved to learn there were no needles involved. I felt the equivalent of two flicks with a rubber band, and then I was numb. The whole thing, from the Q&A to buttoning up my jeans, lasted less than an hour. I had a harder time deciding whether to order fish and chips or a shepherds pie at the pub afterward. For a few days, I experienced a dull ache, but nothing that stopped me from dancing at the wedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was five years ago. Since then, Ive enjoyed a happy and healthy sex life, and not a day has gone by that Im not glad I made the decision to protect both myself and my future partners from unwanted pregnancy. And yes, I still use condoms (because even if you dont hear about them as much, sexually transmitted infections are still a thing.) However, there is an unfortunate downside to getting a vasectomy that no one ever talks about. Anyone who knows they dont want kids is familiar with the smug sanctimony that manifests in the form of, Oh, youll change your mind someday! I used to think that after Id gotten snipped, I could throw it down like a trump card and lay these conversations to rest forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, not quite. Shortly after I got home, an acquaintance, upon hearing I had no interest in raising a family, assured me that one day I would change my mind. Not likely, I said. I just had a vasectomy. Oh, he replied. Well, thats reversible. Jonathan Balog lives in Rome, where he works as a writer, teacher and tour guide. His fiction and poetry have appeared in Dark Moon Digest, Chiral Mad 3, Chilling Ghost, Dark Visions vol 1, Ominous Realities and Dread: A Head Full of Bad Dreams The Best of Grey Matter Press. Hes also done lots of guest blogging and published the occasional freelance article on Italian history, art, wine, and food. When hes not working or in lockdown hes (preferably) traveling somewhere in Europe or Southeast Asia. Follow him on Instagram at @jonbalrog. This article originally appeared on HuffPost in April 2021. They call it the Devils Thumb. Although thats a misnomer. Should you ever view this vast, isolated mountain on the border between British Columbia and Alaska, you would realise theres nothing vaguely thumb-like about it. Devils Thumb rises steeply out of the surrounding Stikine Icecap to a sharp summit 2,767 metres above sea level. Its most infamous feature is its northwest face, which stretches for over 2,000 metres from base to summit at an average angle of 67 degrees. This mountain has proved fatal for several over-ambitious climbers over the years. All of which makes it the perfect challenge for two of the worlds most skilled rock climbers, Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell. Last summer, these two Americans conquered the mountain, their story now the subject of a new National Geographic documentary. Its the latest in a long and illustrious list of conquests. Honnold is perhaps the better-known of the duo, thanks to his free-solo climb of El Capitan in Californias Yosemite National Park with no ropes or protective equipment made famous in the documentary Free Solo. But Caldwell has achieved multiple climbing records too, often with Honnold at his side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Devils Thumb, the duo chose a daring approach that involved scaling four sharp peaks before a final 460-metre wall up to the main summit. To add to the jeopardy, they gave themselves just a single day to complete the challenge, so that they were forced to climb fast and with unusually long pitches. As they keep reminding each other in the film, a fall would almost definitely have been fatal. No climber had ever completed the same ridge and summit in a single day. Persona of the fearless climber Crucial to 39-year-old Honnold and 46-year-old Caldwells relationship is their teamwork and almost telepathic communication on the rock face. Caldwell comes across as the more positive of the two, while Honnold appears more introspective. As Caldwell explains: With Alex theres always a protective wall. I think its hard for him to let down his guard of this persona of the fearless climber. Honnold (left) and Caldwell star in a new documentary charting their attempts to summit the 2,767m Devils Thumb - Taylor Shaffer Both started climbing as youngsters. Caldwell, from Colorado but now living in Lake Tahoe, had parents who were mountain guides. We would go to Chamonix and climb Mont Blanc, or Bolivia and climb volcanoes, or wed go to sport climbing areas around the western United States, he tells The Telegraph. That was my family vacation from the time I was three or four. I didnt go on a proper beachy, non-climbing holiday until my honeymoon in Hawaii. Honnold, from California and now based in Las Vegas, learned his climbing skills in a gym. While equally averse to a sunbed, his family holidays were, however, more traditional. His mothers side of the family lived on the other side of the country, which led to many lengthy, cross-continental road trips. We visited tons of national parks, we rode mules in Bryce Canyon, or we saw the Grand Canyon, that sort of stuff, he remembers. But we werent doing extreme adventure stuff. Climbing is this incredible way to see the world Nowadays, both mens holidays are often constructed around climbing opportunities. Honnold explains: I might go climbing in Greece for a month, for example, and I might tack on two days in Athens at the end to do cultural stuff. My wife and I went climbing in Sardinia for three weeks and then we added a couple of days in Rome to do some tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caldwell says professional climbers rarely travel just for leisure. You focus on the climbing because its such an incredible way to meet the locals and spend real time outside of the tourist traps. Climbing is this incredible way to see the world. Tommy Caldwell climbing above Lake Louise - National Geographic Family life has an impact too. Honnold is married to Sanni, with two daughters baby Alice and toddler June. Caldwell is married to Rebecca, with 11-year-old Fitz and eight-year-old Ingrid. Caldwell is keen to show his children some of the more totemic tourist attractions across Europe. These days, my trips that arent high in the gnarly mountains are done with my family, he says. These trips are all about showing my kids the world. The opportunity to travel shouldnt be squandered. Because you understand that people all over the world are kind of similar. It brightens your view of the world. Honnolds children arent old enough yet to have such experiences. Were not limited by the money to go to places, were limited by the time, he says. Time away from family. He does have a wish list of places hes yet to visit. Predictably, they all feature impressive climbing spots. Ive always wanted to tour Southeast Asia, he says. I probably will with the family at some point. Thailand has a ton of climbing, and Vietnam, Laos; even southeastern China has a bunch of limestone. Its all sort of the same geological feature. I figuredId just killed someone There are places that are off-limits, however. Being US citizens, both men are aware that in certain regions of the planet, they risk having targets on their backs to a degree. Caldwell knows this to his chagrin. In 2000, while climbing in Kyrgyzstan, he and three friends were kidnapped and held hostage in the mountains by rebels for six days. At one point he witnessed other hostages being shot dead. He and his group escaped by pushing one of the kidnappers off a cliff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He fell 20 or 30 feet and bounced off a ledge and we saw him disappear into the blackness and I figured, in that moment, that Id just killed someone, Caldwell explains in the new film. We ran down to a military base and ultimately made our way out of there. We experienced fear in a way that still doesnt feel real. Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold on the summit of the West Cats Ear Spire - Renan Ozturk Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caldwell later discovered the kidnapper had survived the fall. But he has never returned to Kyrgyzstan and the experience understandably shapes his attitude to travel 25 years later. Political danger is not the kind of danger I want to confront, he stresses. But he believes his parents and his wife were more scarred by the incident than he was. Honnold has a similar attitude. As a climber, he faces danger on a daily basis, but thats a danger he can prepare for and control. Terrorism or kidnap, on the other hand, are totally out of your control. He adds: Im also very conservative with geopolitical risk. There are so many countries that hate America, which is totally understandable, but I just dont feel any need to travel to those places. Im still not trying to die When physically climbing, however, both mens attitudes to risk have perhaps been altered by fatherhood. As Caldwell says: If I was a lonely, middle-aged man without a family, I would likely be doing big Himalayan expeditions because nobody was dependent on my life. Honnold insists he approaches his sport with the same caution he always has. I wasnt trying to die before I had kids and now, Im still not trying to die, he says. Alex Honnold shot to fame after the release of 2018 documentary Free Solo - Taylor Shaffer A few years ago, baffled at his ability to climb to extreme heights without safety equipment, scientists tested his brain using an MRI scanner, and concluded that he doesnt feel fear like the rest of us. But the man himself insists the truth is more nuanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, anything you do enough, you desensitise yourself to, he explains. Of course I feel fear. Climbing is really scary. For anyone who sees Honnold, and indeed his friend Caldwell, calmly scaling the highest and most precipitous mountain walls, thats very hard to believe. The Devils Climb airs Sunday December 22 at 9pm on National Geographic channel. 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. One person was in custody after Chicago police officers say they saw that person shoot someone else early Saturday morning in the North Austin neighborhood on the citys West Side. The officers were also shot at when they responded to the incident described by the police department as a person with a gun/shots fired call in the 5700 block of West North Avenue around 12:45 a.m., but they were not struck by gunfire. One officer returned fire during the confrontation, but the department didnt specify whether that resulted in any injuries. The person suspected of shooting the other person, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, tried to get away but was apprehended a short time later, police said, adding that three guns were confiscated by officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers provided first aid to the wounded person who was later transported to an area hospital, police said. The department did not know that persons condition. Theres no word yet on whether the person arrested has been charged in the shooting of the other person. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability will be investigating the circumstances of the shooting since an officer discharged their weapon during the confrontation. That officer will be placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days. (KRON) The Pinole Police Department (PPD) said one man is hospitalized in stable condition and another faces an attempted murder charge after a road rage incident between two vehicles on Interstate 80 led to gunfire. Prop 36 making immediate impact in Antioch, police say PPD said it received a report at 7:40 p.m. Monday of the freeway shooting. Officers learned from witnesses that the incident began on the eastbound I-80 Appian Way offramp before spilling over onto Appian Way. Investigators said the intense encounter ended on Fitzgerald Drive when one of the drivers shot a passenger inside the other car. Police said the girlfriend of the 24-year-old Richmond victim drove him to a nearby hospital where he was initially treated for critical wounds at a trauma unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said local surveillance cameras helped them identify a suspect vehicle which was located the next day at 1:45 a.m. along with the suspect. Otis Keller, 25, of Richmond, was arrested and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on attempted murder. PPD said a search of Kellers home recovered several firearms. The Contra Costa District Attorneys Office announced Keller faces multiple charges, including shooting at an occupied vehicle, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm resulting in great bodily injury, and possession of an assault weapon. His bail was set at $1.25 million, and he remains in-custody. Investigators said the case is ongoing and further weapons charges are possible. Any possible witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the Pinole Police Criminal Investigations Division at 510-724-1111 or email investigations@pinole.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A local non-profit is working to bridge the digital divide by giving kids computer access. AT&T and the tech organization Human I.T. selected the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County for a three-year grant. 100 of their kids aged 10 and up had the chance to receive free Dell laptops. The kids are part of the Boys and Girls Clubs after-school, summer, and out-of-school programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Highway Patrols safety advice for holiday travel Officials said having full-time access to the laptops will significantly improve the students digital literacy skills. When they leave, theyll have access because they now have a computer. Right. And so the goal there is to really provide digital literacy skills to kids that might otherwise have it, Bay County Boys and Girls Club CEO Hank Hill said. We as a business made business decision to increase our fiber to communities, but also devices so that kids are able to access Internet, AT&T Regional Director of External Affairs Eddie Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AT&T partnership started a Connected Learning Center with the Boys and Girls Club in the Phillip Griffitts Community Center. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A reality star from the TLC show 1000-Lb Sisters, and Webster County native, pleads guilty to drug charges following a September arrest at a West Tennessee Safari Park. Amy Slaton Halterman and Brian Lovvorn were arrested after Crockett County Tennessee Sheriffs Deputies responded to a report that Halterman was bit by a camel at the park. When deputies arrived they say they discovered marijuana and illegal mushrooms in the pairs vehicle, where children were inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair was sentenced to over 11 months on the charges. They must also pay a $1000 fine, complete an alcohol and drug assessment and complete a state-certified parenting class. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). If, in recent years, food trends have been overly influenced by the cost-of-living crisis and the long shadow of the global pandemic, for 2025 theres finally a sense of a return to fun. Whether this involves picking up expensive, overstuffed sandwiches for lunch, sipping craft limoncello or eating crisps in high-end restaurants, there are signs that diners are ripping up the rule books and enjoying themselves again. As always, chefs, retailers and influential food personalities have breathed new life into some unlikely old favourites, while social media, particularly Tik Tok, continues to have a significant influence on what we eat, with several trends directly traceable from platforms to supermarket shelves. So, from super-clear cocktails to Korean booze, heres a snapshot of what well be eating and drinking more of over the coming 12 months. Supercharged sandwiches While gourmet sandwiches arent new, supercharged sandwiches are currently taking over lunchtimes across the UK. One of 2024s most hyped London openings was Sandwich Sandwich, which drew huge queues for its elaborate creations. Rogue Sarnies and Doms Subs have also gained cult followings for their restaurant-level sandwiches in London, while Manchester has Fat Pats and Leeds has Silvers deli. The trend seems at least partly fuelled by social media, where OTT sandwiches play extremely well and new creations can instantly go viral. At the more novel end of the spectrum, New York deli Seven Brothers Gourmet created a storm last summer with its pickle sandwich, in which the bread itself was replaced with a giant sliced pickle, while chopped sandwiches have been a recent TikTok staple in the US. Looking forward, Sandwich Sandwich plans to open the biggest sandwich shop in the UK in Londons Fenchurch Street in 2025, while Milans legendary De Santis paninis are also arriving in the capital. Supercharged sandwiches are taking over lunchtimes across the UK. Photograph by Sandwich Sandwich Sandwich Sandwich plans to open one of the biggest sandwich shops in the UK in London in 2025. Photograph by Sandwich Sandwich Clarified cocktails Clarified cocktails (completely clear mixed drinks that have had their impurities and solids removed) have been trending in New York and London for the past few years and have now spread to bar menus globally. Good examples include the ghosted colada, served at Alleybar in Singapore, and the gamble, a clear cooler made with pisco, mezcal, celery leaf, guava, ginger and sea buckthorn at The Living Room at Masque in Mumbai. Although some bartenders question the point of clarification beyond the visual trickery, it seems the trend is here to stay theres even a market for ready-to-drink clarified cocktails, such as Myatt Fields Cocktails Invisible Lychee Martini. Crisps on restaurant menus Crisps are the hot new snack on London restaurant menus, with chefs elevating this humble treat to gourmet proportions. One of the years hottest new openings, Oma/Agora in London Bridge, serves hot potato crisps alongside a variety of fresh Greek dips; just across the Thames, Toklas has housemade salt and oregano crisps topped with mussels escabeche; July in Fitzrovia has crisps dusted with currywurst spice mix; while new Turkish restaurant Leydi offers crisps tossed with Baharat spices, sumac, garlic and parsley. Pimped-up instant noodles Speaking of quick snacks, instant noodles are back in the limelight thanks to a TikTok trend, which sees them elevated with fancy additions. As a result, sales of instant noodles have reportedly risen by 50% on UK grocery group Ocados website, while searches for toppings such as chilli oil, nori and crispy onions are also up. On social media, some of the most popular recipes include a simple garlic, butter, egg and soy sauce version and ramen carbonara made with ultra-spicy Korean Buldak noodles. Bookshop bars For 2024, listening bars were earmarked as an emerging trend; this year, its the turn of bookshop bars those establishments that operate somewhere between a bookshop, a cafe, a library and a bar. A decidedly analogue reaction against digital dominance, many ban laptops and wi-fi after 5pm, instead offering events, readings and happy hour drinks, from craft beers at Lizs Book Bar in Brooklyn to the specialist riesling wine menu at Golden Sardine in San Francisco. The UK is cottoning on too, with the excellently named Gulp Fiction in Oxford; BookBar in Finsbury Park; and The Last Bookstore in Glasgow, which has small plates, a literary-themed cocktail menu and 8,000 books. This year, its the turn of bookshop bar those establishments that operate somewhere between a bookshop, cafe, library and bar. Photograph by Book Bar Korean sool The global spread of Korean culture has given us plenty of films, music and food, but sool (a broad category of Korean alcoholic drinks) have been a little slower to catch on in other countries. Interest is certainly growing however, with soju (a distilled rice spirit) increasingly popular in the UK sales of Jinro soju soared in 2024 and its now stocked at Sainsburys and Ocado. A craft movement of independent makgeolli (rice wine) producers is also emerging: Copenhagen has Yunguna Brewery (now available to ship to the UK); in New York theres Hana Makgeolli; and in Seattle theres Rainbrew. Limoncello Despite always being popular in Italy, limoncello has endured an uneven reputation outside the country, with second-rate, sickly sweet versions turning drinkers off. But thanks to a new wave of craft producers across the world, from Exeters Quayside Distillery in the UK to Californias Re:Find Distillery in the US, things are changing for the better. Limoncello cocktails are appearing on menus everywhere from The Dorchester hotel in London, which offers a lemon drop martini, to the European-wide Big Mamma group of Italian restaurants and the UK pub group Wetherspoon's, which has a new limoncello spritz. UK supermarket chain Waitrose, ever attuned to culinary trends, also used limoncello liberally in its Christmas range, introducing a limoncello fizz panettone and a white stilton infused with limoncello. A new wave of craft brewers have helped revive limoncello worldwide. Photograph by Re:Fined Distillery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haute dogs An evergreen staple in the US, hot dogs briefly trended in the UK back in 2012, when hot dog and champagne bar Bubbledogs opened (it closed in 2020). But there are now signs theyre rising in popularity again, with openings like Jason Athertons Hot Dogs by Three Darlings at Harrods, serving gourmet dogs such as The Texican, topped with guacamole, chipotle and tortilla chips. Other London options include Engel, which offers a hot dog trolley of German sausages with toppings like truffle mayo, gruyere, fig jam and crispy onions, and new wine bar Quill, whose menu features a hot dog smothered in cheese and mustard fondue. Meanwhile, in 2025, Rake will take over residency at The Compton Arms in Islington, serving Cumberland sausage hot dogs with French dip gravy. Specialist seaweed In its food and beverage trends report for 2025, Whole Foods Market highlights seaweed varieties such as sea moss and duck weed as increasingly popular ingredients, touted both for their health benefits and their sustainable credentials. In the US, new seaweed products on the shelves include sea moss mango juice, kelp salsa and sea moss gummies. Interest is growing in the UK too, with sustainable Welsh seaweed farm Car-Y-Mor now offering seaweed ketchup, pesto and spice mixes. Chefs are also embracing seaweed, with Tomos Parry using Car-Y-Mor sea kelp in his famous crab omelette at Mountain, and Simon Rogans Aulis serving seaweed custard with tendons, Scottish girolles and roasted beef broth. Masa Chefs across the US are rediscovering masa, the nixtamalized corn dough thats central to Mexican cuisine. Kernels from dozens of heirloom corn varieties grown in Mexico are soaked in alkaline solution overnight and then ground, with the resulting dough used to create delicious, nutritious tortillas. This new masa movement is being led by the likes of Komal in LA, which offers fresh masa or tortillas by the pound as well as tacos from the adjoining taqueria. In Vegas, James Beard Award semi-finalist chef DJ Flores is making blue corn masa tortillas at his restaurant Milpa; in Brooklyn, Matt Diaz turns fresh masa into quesadillas stuffed with fresh squash blossoms at For All Things Good; and at Tatemo in Houston, fluffy masa pancakes appear on the brunch menu. Look out for masa in the UK in 2025 too, as wholesaler MexTrade launches its new nixtamalized masa tortillas into restaurants and retail. Pistachio Long a favourite ingredient for chocolatiers, pistachios are cropping up in all manner of products, from pesto to butter. Waitrose has seen searches for the nut increase 19%, and its new offerings include a pistachio-stuffed croissant and a pistachio tiramisu. Aldi, meanwhile, is getting in on the trend for Christmas with a pistachio panettone. Various cafes, including Starbucks, offer pistachio lattes. Further afield, Caffe Paradiso in Boston mixes up pistachio martinis and, in Dubai, Fix Dessert Chocolatiers Cant Get Kanefeh It pistachio chocolate bar become a viral TikTok sensation in 2024. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). DENVER (AP) Eleven people, including some members of a Venezuelan gang, are facing potential criminal charges in connection with the violent abduction and beating of a couple this week at an apartment complex in a Denver suburb, police said Friday. Eight of those suspects were being held by the federal Immigration, Customs and Enforcement agency after initially being detained by police in Aurora and another three have yet to be arrested. No charges have been filed yet. Some of those facing charges have been identified as members of Tren de Aragua, a gang that started in an infamously lawless Venezuelan prison, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said during a news conference providing an update on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those facing charges is a man who was among six armed men seen knocking on an apartment door at the complex in a viral video in August, shortly before a fatal shooting outside, Chamberlain said. Police believe the 20-year-old man wore a womans wig and hat to avoid being found by police then, Chamberlain said. The man was already wanted by police on burglary and menacing charges based on what was seen in the video. With his detention in the latest incident, four of the six men from the August video have now been taken into custody. Chamberlain said this week's attack on a husband and wife stemmed from a video the wife took last month of two women fighting at the complex that also showed other people who were engaged in criminal behavior. The video was posted online, he said. The armed group that accosted the couple took them to a vacant apartment where the couple was bound and beaten and the husband was stabbed, he said. The suspects took the wife's phone and destroyed the images of the fight, Chamberlain said. Their apartment also was burglarized, he said. The couple also told police that the people who held them for roughly five hours had been extorting $500 from them regularly, Chamberlain said. Police are investigating whether other residents were also being forced to pay the suspects, he said. Fourteen flyboys, young men in their 20s and late teens some married, others just out of high school along with their hopes and dreams died three days before Christmas 1943 in likely the deadliest air crash in Palm Beach County. A final adieu was never broadcast far and wide, and their story hardly ever told until a Palm Beach Post reporter learned what happened 70 years later. They came to be known as The Forgotten 14. It was smack in the middle of the most destructive war mankind has ever known. The 14 servicemen loaded onto a bomber in the wee hours of Dec. 22, 1943 to travel to a secret destination from Morrison Field, which later became Palm Beach International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They flew in a cargo bomber, the 29H. A previous model had had problems lifting off the runway. One of the servicemen, Bert Sauls, called his family ahead of the flight, worried: "We'll never make it. We're overloaded." Read the Post reporter's full story: The Forgotten 14: A story never told Landing in a cow pasture, the fuel tanks were full and burst into flames They cleared the end of the runway and then clipped the tops of three or four Australian pines about three-quarters of a mile from there. Engine parts were found at the base of those trees. The plane bounced off the ground and came down in a cow pasture. Then the full fuel tanks burst into flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onlookers, many awoken by the sound of the crash, raced to the site. They said they couldn't get past the "sheet of flames." They did manage to rescue two survivors Artillery Gunner Howard Sewell and navigator Radames E. Caceres. Sewell told an officer from his hospital bed that the engines had no problems; they were "purring like a kitten." Within 36 hours of the crash, he and Caceres were gone. Telegram from the commander of Morrison Field informing the wife of Douglas Dauphin, one of The 14, of his death. Who were the flyboys who lost their lives? The oldest of the 14 was pilot Samuel Gerald Dean, of Helena, Montana at age 27. He met his wife, Louisa, not long before he signed up, which was about a month after Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. She followed him from base to base and was pregnant when he died. Sam Jr. would be born about two months after the crash. Samuel Dean 2. Dean's co-pilot was Edward Joseph Wolbers of Loveland, Ohio. He died days shy of age 27, a Christmas baby. Edward Wolbers "He was a wonderful person," his sister-in-law Dorothy Wolbers said in 2014. Wreckage of the B24H that crashed near Morrison Field, now PBIA, on Dec. 22, 1943. (U.S. Air Force archives) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. Caceres, like Dean, enlisted about a month after Pearl Harbor. The 21-year-old single man hailed from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Radames E. Caceres 4. Bombardier Douglas Laurent Dauphin, 22, of St. Claire Shores, Michigan descended from French Canadians. He was the only one of six brothers who didn't make it back. He and Henrietta had been married three months. Douglas Dauphin 5. The only Floridian was master gunner Sauls, 20, who came from Mango, a little settlement east of Tampa. Bert Sauls "My dad was a Christian, and he wanted to fight for his country," daughter Sylvia Diane Sauls Waugh said in 2014. Sauls's second daughter, Linda Louise, would be born two months after he died. Kenneth Markle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. Staff Sgt. Kenneth N. Markle, 25, the radio operator, was another one from New York Middletown in the Hudson Valley region. Brothers Louis (left to right), Julius, Milton and Maurice Karp. Louis, one of The 14, died Dec. 22, 1943. Julius was shot down over Germany and believed killed but survived and was a POW. Milton was too young for the war. Maurice was sent home after his mother told former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt she'd already lost two sons. 7. Artillery gunner Louis Karp, 25, another staff sergeant, had been a clerk in the Bronx when he enlisted on Nov. 14, 1942. He is buried in Queens in Mount Lebanon Cemetery. James Henderson 8. James Henry "Jim" Henderson, 21, a second artillery gunner, had already lost his cousin Pete to noncombat injuries when he enlisted in October 1942. He was single and a civilian truck driver. Vincent Schmoker 9. Douglas Vincent Schmoker, 20, another artillery gunner, also signed up in October 1942 and was single. He'd had two years of high school. Howard Sewell Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10. Sewell, one of the initial survivors of the crash, had turned 19 two weeks before the crash. He hailed from Erie, Pennsylvania and had a girlfriend. George Durrett 11. George M. "Pud" Durrett, due to turn 23 three weeks later, was one of four brothers to join the military. Durrett of West Point, Mississippi was the only one to die. Robert Watson 12. Robert H. Watson, 22, of Fresno, California, attended Fresno State College for one semester in 1939. He had a brother in the Navy. Harold Richards of Elmwood, Nebraska, one of The 14, and wife, Verna Faye Miller Richards. 13. Harold Edwin Richards, 25, from Elmwood, Nebraska, worked for Nabisco when he enlisted more than a year before Pearl Harbor. In December 1942, he was transferred to the Army Air Corps. He'd married Verna Faye Miller on March 15. James Fore Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14. James Dixon "Big Jim" Fore, 22, from Whiteville, North Carolina, was the first in his family to graduate from West Point. Two days after graduation, he married his wife, Theo. A Palm Beach Post reporter tells their story 70 years later They didn't get the send-off they deserved until now-retired Post staff writer and historian Eliot Kleinberg happened upon their story. Kleinberg, who wrote the Post-Times history column for decades, was corresponding with the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency in Alabama when a researcher told him they had a number of files about Morrison Field. Day after day, fat envelopes began to arrive. Many were reports of minor plane mishaps. Eliot Kleinberg "Then I came across one that stopped me cold," he said. "It listed 14 names. In the column for injuries, each box read, 'F' Fatal. Fatal, fatal, fatal. Fourteen times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thought he knew everything important that had happened in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast during World War II. But not this. "I stood up and walked right into the Post library and pulled out the microfilm roll for December 1943," he said. "And there it was. A small article. Five paragraphs. The next day, two paragraphs. Then nothing." Grave of second navigator, 2nd Lt. Radames E. Caceres, 21, one of The Fourteen at Cabo Rojo Cemetery in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico Kleinberg had months in time for Memorial Day 2014 to tell their story, including finding photos to show all of their faces. He did. He tracked down and called relatives. "Many were touched, and a little confused, that I was writing this seven decades later," Kleinberg said. "I told them simply that the first time around, we hadnt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holly Baltz, who has a passion for history, is The Palm Beach Post's investigations editor. You can reach her at hbaltz@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: World War II air crash in Palm Beach County: 14 stories never told GRANDVIEW, Mo. As many of us are preparing our homes for the holidays, more than a dozen people in Grandview have been forced out of their homes following a fire. The community is showing support to those whove been impacted at Douglas Place Apartments and Townhomes, off 139th street. A nearby elementary school said one of their families was impacted by the fire. Now, theyre raising funds to support them through the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire building is uninhabitable, Grandview Fire Chief Rodney Baldwin said. Eric DeValkenaeres sentence commuted in Cameron Lamb killing Baldwin said 14 people were displaced after a fire at Douglas Place Apartments and Townhomes. Baldwin said the roof collapsed. Thankfully nobody was home at the time of the fire. We quickly got the fire under control. Kansas City brought out their drone, put it up overhead so they could identify the hot spots, and we got the fire out relatively quickly once we got it under control after the roof collapsed, Baldwin said. Baldwin said neighbors rescued two dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes the fire started in the attic. Theyre still investigating the cause. After these families lost nearly everything, Baldwin saw an opportunity to play Santa. The fire chief and his crew dropped off gifts in the managers office for the six kids who just lost their homes, less than a week before Christmas. Luckily, we had toys that had been donated, that we could make sure that the kids got, Baldwin said. So, its a miracle that we still had toys left. FOX4 is told Butcher-Greene Elementary School is efforting support for one of their families impacted by the fire. Staff are collecting money for gift cards, clothes and household items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district said in a statement to FOX4, Our staff, students, and community members are always eager to come together and support one another in times of need. As a school community, we believe that when one of us is affected, it impacts all of us. Offering support and assistance during challenging times is at the heart of who we are as educators and support staff. The Red Cross is also assisting the people who are out of their apartments. JoAnn Woody is the Executive Director for the Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Kansas City Chapter. She said they see a spike in residential fires this time year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woody encourages people to check smoke alarms and practice safety around space heaters. Woody also reminds people not to overload electrical outlets or power strips. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Anytime youre looking at a holiday weekend, especially holidays that are usually times of joy, times of coming together as family and community, Woody said. Whenever you see a member of the community hurting, it really hits us all. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A 16-year-old London teen was flown to the hospital on Thursday night and is fighting for his life after allegedly getting stabbed in the back by another 16-year-old multiple times. The Laurel County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) posted on Facebook that just after 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, deputies were dispatched to the area of American Greeting Card Road, about nine miles south of London, in response to reports of a stabbing. Family of Madison County victim seeks death penalty for man accused of killing her in 2022 When deputies arrived at the scene, an investigation reportedly showed that a 16-year-old boy had allegedly stabbed another 16-year-old boy in the back with a knife multiple times, causing severe injuries, according to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington and is currently in critical condition, per the LCSO. The boy accused of the stabbing was arrested and charged with first-degree assault. He was lodged in the Breathitt County Juvenile Detention Center. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Deputies wrote on Facebook that the motive for the stabbing has not yet been determined, and an investigation remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. 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: Sergeant Benjamin LaRanzo Davis USMC. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Sergeant Benjamin LaRanzo Davis USMC, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Two drivers were severely injured following a head-on crash in the Town of Port Washington on Friday, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office. Police responded to the crash at approximately 8:47 p.m. on Sunset Road, east of Northwood Road, the department said in a release. Police said a 17-year-old driver crossed his vehicle over into the westbound lane, striking a vehicle driven by Shawn Greenly, 43, and passenger Stephanie Sternig, 32, both from Port Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17-year-old was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital. Both other occupants were trapped inside their vehicle and had to be extricated by fire personnel. Greenly received life-threatening injuries and was transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital. The passenger was transported by ambulance to Aurora Medical Center Hospital in Grafton. Authorities said speed appears to be a factor that contributed to the crash. The crash remains under investigation, police say. To support the recovery of Sternig and Greenly, you can visit their GoFundMe page here. As of Wednesday, two people have died in car crashes in Ozaukee County this year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: 17-year-old boy from Cedarburg dies in early-morning car crash, police say This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 17-year-old teen, two adults injured in head-on crash in Port Washington KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 19-year-old girl from Kansas City was hospitalized early Saturday morning after being involved in a four-car crash on Interstate 29. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, just before 1:45 a.m. Saturday, a 1999 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 19-year-old boy, was driving northbound on I-29 in Platte County when an unknown car hit the back of his Jeep. The impact caused the Jeep to spin out of control and veer into the left lane, crashing into a 2010 Honda Fit driven by a 19-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric DeValkenaeres sentence commuted in Cameron Lamb killing MSHP said this forced the 58-year-old driver of a 2025 International Semi to try and swerve away from the wreck. However, it ended up crashing into the Jeep before striking the highway median. The 19-year-old girl was seriously injured in the crash, MSHP reported. She was taken to North Kansas City Hospital by emergency responders. The 19-year-old driver of the Jeep, and the 58-year-old driver of the semi, both received minor injuries in the crash and were also taken to North Kansas City Hospital. MSHP has not released any information about the first driver that caused the initial crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LOST CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) With the intense drought this past year covering almost all of West Virginia, the lack of rain has had an acute effect on agriculture. 12 News checked in on Stenger Farms in Lost Creek to see how they fared and catch a glimpse of the impact on the livestock industry in West Virginia. Dr. Robert Stenger is a veterinarian and one of the owners of Stenger Farms. He comes from a family of farmers and said that last summers drought was the worst he had seen in his lifetime, and he heard other farmers say it was the worst in as many as 80 years. The drought often left no water running through the creeks and not enough grass for animals to eat. Dr. Stenger said to feed his animals, he has had to buy hay outside of his farm, which has hit his bottom line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will north central West Virginia have a white Christmas in 2024? Since 2019, I bought more hay this year by a factor of two or three, than all the other years combined, Dr. Stenger said. Officials with Stenger Farms said theyve done a number of things to try to mitigate the impact of the drought including rotating the fields the livestock graze on and using troughs when the streams ran out of water. The troughs on Stenger Farm were built with government assistance before the drought. In the aftermath of the drought, the federal and state governments have stepped in to provide relief to farmers, but this aid comes with conditions that control aspects of how the farm is run for ecological impacts, such as runoff and soil health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a balance for farmers, Stenger said. Do we want assistance from the government versus do we want them to leave us alone? The challenges of this once-in-a-generation drought raise the question of what if its not once in a generation? Dr. Stenger said farmers are hoping things return back to normal next year, but if this years drought becomes a common occurrence, the issues will just compound. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. With the Senate voting Friday to confirm California jurist Serena Raquel Murillo, the number of judges given lifetime seats on the bench under President Joe Biden reached 235. Former President Donald Trump successfully nominated 234. Afterward, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats heralded the occasion. Thanks to the hard work of this Senate Majority in confirming 235 qualified and historic judges, our courts are stronger. Our country is stronger. Our democracy is stronger. And that is something that every American can be proud of, Schumer wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just weeks before Trump regains office and the Senate reverts to Republican control, Majority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin said the 235 judges will be a lifelong frontline defense against attacks on our democracy and freedoms. Sen. DURBIN on Democrats besting Donald Trumps judicial confirmation total: Every single Biden nominee was found "qualified" or "well qualified" by the American Bar Association. That was not the case under Trump. pic.twitter.com/dABxD3HQEy Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) December 21, 2024 The number of judges confirmed under Biden45 for appeals courts, 187 for district courts, and two for the U.S. Court of International Tradecomprises about 25 percent of those who are active. As noted by The New York Times, about two-thirds of them are women, and the same proportion people of color. One such nominee was Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who filled the absence left by retiring justice Stephen Breyer, for whom she once clerked. Additionally, Biden successfully nominated the most former public defenders, of whom Jackson was one. Yet Jackson was the sole high court justice Biden was able to see through, compared with three for Trump. The two oldest justices on the court, 76-year-old Clarence Thomas and 74-year-old Samuel Alito, are reliably conservative, and could present more vacancies for Trump once he takes office next month. DE LEON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A multi-agency investigation resulted in the arrest of three suspects for evading arrest, organized retail theft, and the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone. The Comanche County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant and made an arrest after months of investigation. Based on information gathered about the suspects, officials utilized the DPS Special Response Team to execute the search on December 20, 2024, in the 200 block of Cato Street. The operation resulted in no injuries. James Morton, 33 James Morton, 33, from De Leon, was arrested for evading arrest or detention and for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (PG1 4-200 grams) within a Drug-Free Zone. Christopher Tovar, 37 Christopher Tovar, 37, from De Leon, had outstanding warrants for theft, organized retail theft, and was charged with evading arrest or detention in Comanche County. Alliyah Rios, 21 Alliyah Rios, 21, from Comanche, has been charged with evading arrest or detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. CLEVELAND (WJW) Three people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a fire inside an apartment building in Cleveland. 2 teens arrested in fatal shooting near Public Square in downtown Cleveland Fire crews responded to Addison Square Apartments located at 7400 Wade Park overnight, according to Cleveland Fires social media. A spokesperson for the fire department told Fox 8 News that firefighters determined a resident in one of the units had candles burning near her laundry which caught fire. Credit: Cleveland Fire Credit: Cleveland Fire The fire was contained to the one apartment but there was water damage on multiple floors. Damage is estimated to be around $50,000, according to the spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullet fired in upstairs apartment travels through floor and hits child Three people were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. In total, 20 fire department units and 4 EMS units responded to the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three Quad Cities-area men were in custody Saturday after deputies say they were involved in the theft of wire at a Scott County farm, court records show. (Clockwise from top left) Lane Brewster, Russell Parker and Jason Preston (Scott County Jail) Lane Brewster, 40, of Thomson, Illinois; and Russell Parker, 55, and Jason Preston, 49, both of Clinton; face felony charges of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony and first-degree theft, according to court records. At 2:42 a.m. July 27, the Scott County Sheriffs Office received a theft report from a farm on 283rd Avenue in Princeton, Iowa, according to arrest affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the investigation, deputies determined that the three men, between mid-July and early August, conspired to steal wire and spools of wire worth $15,000 and in doing so one or more engaged in conduct constituting the crime (by stealing wire and wire spools,) affidavits show. All were arrested on warrants, and all were being held Saturday in Scott County Jail,. All three are scheduled for preliminary hearings Dec. 27 in Scott County Court. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. A Georgia man has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The GBI launched an investigation on July 22 regarding 38-year-old Charles Oneal, of Brooklet, Bulloch County, Ga. Agents said they received a tip about Oneals online activity, which led to a search warrant of Oneals home. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said they found Oneal in possession of child pornography. He was arrested and booked into the Mitchell County Jail. Oneal is charged with sexual exploitation of children. The GBI said the investigation is part of the ongoing effort to identify those involved in the trade of child porn. Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or report via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline, by clicking here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN) One church in the City of Progress tried to help 80 families this Christmas season. Johns Chapel AME Church for the third straight year gave families $25 gift cards to help with their grocery bills. On Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m. church members were out in front of the Piggly Wiggly off Geneva Highway in Enterprise to give out gift cards to hopefully spread a little holiday cheer as people prepare their holiday meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This demonstrates the love of God as we give, Johns Chapel AME Church, Pastor Willie White Jr. said. Christmas is a time of giving, not so much a time of receiving, but a time of giving. Pastor White says that each family in attendance will be limited to one gift card so that they can help as many families as they 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Charred to a crisp, the hundreds of brittle ancient scrolls would crumble if one were to attempt to unfurl them, and any trace of script would be nearly illegible. The Herculaneum scrolls, as they are known, still remain unopened, but thanks to the powerful tool that is artificial intelligence, their contents now lie within reach. Using AI and high-resolution X-rays, a trio of researchers decoded in 2023 more than 2,000 characters from the rolled scrolls the remarkable feat laid bare the first full passages from papyri that had survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artifacts, recovered from a building believed to have been the house of Julius Caesars father-in-law, form an unprecedented cache of information about ancient Rome and Greece. Computer scientists who launched the Vesuvius Challenge, a competition designed to accelerate the deciphering process, hope that 90% of four scrolls will be unlocked by the end of 2024. The key challenge has been to virtually flatten the documents and distinguish the black ink from the carbonized papyri to make the Greek and Latin script readable. The AI is helping us amplify the readability of the evidence of the ink, said Brent Seales, a professor of computer science at the University of Kentucky who has been working to decode the scrolls for more than a decade. The evidence for the ink is there. Its buried and camouflaged in all of this complexity that the AI distills and condenses. The project is one compelling example of the growing utility of artificial intelligence, which came of age in 2024 with the Nobel committee recognizing AIs development and application in science for the first time: The physics prize recognized John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their fundamental discoveries in machine learning, paving the way for how artificial intelligence is used today. Greek text is visible in a segment of the newly scanned scroll. - Vesuvius Challenge A fuzzy and often overhyped term, AI aims to mimic human cognitive functions to solve problems and complete tasks. Artificial intelligence encompasses a range of computational techniques: using data sets to train and improve machine learning algorithms and enabling them to spot patterns and inform predictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some AI tools can pose risks, such as systems used in hiring, policing and loan applications that replicate bias, because they may be trained on historical data reflecting prejudiced ideas, for example, on sex or race, that ultimately result in discrimination. AI has transformed the landscape of scientific discovery, with the number of peer-reviewed papers using AI tools increasing sharply since 2015 and those that use AI methods more likely to be among the most cited. More than half of 1,600 scientists surveyed by Nature expected AI tools to be very important or essential to the practice of research. However, the UKs Royal Society, the worlds oldest academy of sciences, has warned that the black-box nature of many AI tools is limiting the reproducibility of AI-based research. For Seales, though, its a powerful instrument deployed wisely that has generated dramatic results. AI is a field of computer science designed to try to solve problems in ways that we thought only humans could solve problems, Seales said. I think of the kind of AI were using as a sort of superpower making you able to see things in data that with human eyes you wouldnt be able to see. The Vesuvius Challenge is just one way the fast-moving field has shaken up science and revealed the unexpected in 2024. AI is also advancing scientists understanding of how animals communicate in the ocean depths, helping archaeologists find new sites in remote and inhospitable terrain, and solving some of biologys greatest challenges. Decoding whalespeak and other animal languages Researchers know the enigmatic clicks made by sperm whales vary in tempo, rhythm and length, but what the animals are saying with these sounds produced through spermaceti organs in their bulbous heads remains a mystery to human ears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Machine learning, however, has helped scientists analyze nearly 9,000 recorded click sequences, called codas, that represent the voices of approximately 60 sperm whales in the Caribbean Sea. The work may one day make it possible for humans to communicate with the marine animals. The scientists examined the timing and frequency of codas in solitary whale utterances, in choruses, and in call-and-response exchanges between the marine giants. When visualized with artificial intelligence, previously unseen coda patterns emerged in what the researchers described as akin to phonetics in human communication. Machine learning is helping scientists decode click sequences made by sperm whales. - Reinhard Dirscherl/imageBROKER/Shutterstock In all, the program detected 18 types of rhythm (the sequence of intervals between clicks), five types of tempo (the duration of the entire coda), three types of rubato (variations in duration), and two types of ornamentation an extra click added at the end of a coda in a group of shorter codas. These features could all be mixed and matched to form an enormous repertoire of phrases, the scientists reported in May. However, the approach has its limitations. While machine learning is adept at identifying patterns, it doesnt shed light on the meaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A next step, according to the study, is interactive experimentation with whales, along with observations of whale behavior, which could be an important part of unraveling the syntax of sperm whale click sequences. The approach could also be applied to vocalizations by other animals, Dr. Brenda McCowan, a professor at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, previously told CNN. She was not involved in the study. Finding archaeological sites Meanwhile, on land, artificial intelligence is now turbocharging the search for mysterious lines and symbols etched into the dusty ground of Perus Nazca Desert that archaeologists have spent nearly a century uncovering and documenting. Often only visible from above, the sprawling pictograms depict geometric designs, humanlike figures and even an orca wielding a knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of researchers led by Masato Sakai, a professor of archaeology at Japans Yamagata University, has trained an object detection AI model with high-resolution imagery of the 430 Nazca symbols mapped as of 2020. The team included researchers from IBMs Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York. Between September 2022 and February 2023, the team tested the accuracy of its model in the Nazca Desert, surveying the promising locations by foot and with the use of drones The researchers ultimately ground truthed 303 figurative geoglyphs, almost doubling the known number of geoglyphs in a matter of months. An AI-based model has helped archaeologists discover many more mysterious symbols etched in Peru's Nazca Desert. - Yamagata University Institute of Nasca The model was far from perfect. It suggested a staggering 47,000 potential sites from the desert region, which covers 629 square kilometers (243 square miles). A team of archaeologists screened and ranked those suggestions, identifying 1,309 candidate sites with high potential. For every 36 suggestions made by the AI model, the researchers identified one promising candidate, according to the study. Nevertheless, AI has the potential to make huge contributions to archaeology, particularly in remote and harsh terrains such as deserts, even though the models are not yet entirely accurate, said Amina Jambajantsan, a researcher and data scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropologys department of archaeology in Jena, Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jambajantsan wasnt involved in the Nazca research but uses an AI model to identify burial mounds in Mongolia based on satellite imagery. The problem is archaeologists dont know how to build a machine learning model and data scientists, typically, are not really interested in archaeology because they can get much more money elsewhere, Jambajantsan added. Understanding the building blocks of life AI models are also helping researchers understand life at the smallest scale: strings of molecules that form proteins, the building blocks of life. While proteins are built from only around 20 amino acids, these can be combined in almost endless ways, folding themselves into highly complex patterns in three-dimensional space. The substances help form hair, skin and tissue cells; they read, copy and repair DNA; and they help carry oxygen in the blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, decoding these 3D structures has been a challenging and time-consuming endeavor involving the use of fussy lab experiments and a technique known as X-ray crystallography. However, in 2018 a game-changing AI-based tool arrived on the scene. The latest iteration of the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, developed by Demis Hassabis and John Jumper at Google DeepMind in London, predicts the structure of almost all 200 million known proteins from amino acid sequences. Trained on all the known amino acid sequences and experimentally determined protein structures, the database acts as a Google search. It provides access at the touch of a button to predicted models of proteins, accelerating progress in fundamental biology and other related fields, including medicine. The tool has been used by at least 2 million researchers around the world. Its really a stand-alone breakthrough solving a traditional holy grail in physical chemistry, Anna Wedell, a professor of medical genetics at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, told CNN after Hassabis and Jumper were among the three winners of the 2024 Nobel Prize for chemistry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tool does have some limits. Attempts to apply AlphaFold to proteins based on mutated sequences, including one linked to early breast cancer, have confirmed that the software is not equipped to predict the consequences of new mutations in proteins. AlphaFold is only the most high-profile of a number of AI tools being deployed in biomedical fields. Machine learning is accelerating efforts to compile an atlas of every single type of cell in the human body and discovering molecules that become new drugs, including a type of antibiotic that may work against a particularly menacing drug-resistant bacteria. Mindy Weisberger and Taylor Nicioli contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) On November 21, News 13 and Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC kicked off the 41st annual Salvation Army Empty Stocking fund. Our goal was to raise $200,000 to fund a number of Salvation Army programs that help people in need, across our community. We are now $10,500 over the goal. Community unites for 41st annual Empty Stocking Fund Fundraiser These resources mean a lot for our community, the need is greater each day and we are so grateful to live in a community that supports each other. And these funds will help us to continue doing the most good here, Salvation Army Capt. Arnaldo Pena said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can continue to contribute until the end of the month. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. If youre a retiree in the market for a new luxury car, now might be the perfect time to buy. As 2024 comes to an end, dealerships will likely slash prices and offer attractive financial incentives. Be Aware: 3 Trucks To Avoid Buying in 2025 Learn More: 5 Cars To Buy in 2025 That Will Last Through Retirement Dealership sales departments that have not made their sales goals for the year will want to finish off the year as close to their goals as possible, Edmunds reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means there will be discounts on several models, including many 2023 luxury vehicles that Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype said are worth paying attention to. Buying a 2023 model ensures that retirees are investing in a vehicle that will remain relevant for several years, he told GOBankingRates. By focusing on 2023 models, retirees can secure vehicles that not only meet their needs for comfort and safety but also offer financial benefits. As we approach Christmas, here are five stylish and reliable luxury cars to consider. 2023 BMW X1 Price: Starts around $39,000, but Edmunds suggested paying $36,042 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BMW X1 is a budget-friendly luxury crossover SUV with a powerful four-cylinder engine thats fun to drive. Its designed with excellent visibility and ease of entry, making it particularly suitable for seniors, Dillan said. It features advanced safety systems and a spacious interior, enhancing both comfort and security during drives. He added, By purchasing before Christmas, buyers can take advantage of year-end discounts, which can average between 5% to 10% off MSRP. Trending Now: 5 Affordable Car Brands That Will Last Over 10 Years With Proper Maintenance Find Out: 9 Cars To Stay Away From in Retirement iStock.com 2023 Lexus UX Price: Starts at just under $36,000, but Edmunds suggested paying $32,502 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chic and fuel-efficient, the 2023 Lexus UX is packed with tech features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, cloud navigation, a power rear door with kick sensor, wireless Android Auto compatibility, and more. Plus, there are a slew of safety features like lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and more. This vehicle offers a smooth ride complemented by a high-quality interior and a hybrid option that provides excellent fuel efficiency, Dillan said. Purchasing now allows retirees to benefit from potential holiday promotions and lower financing rates, maximizing their investment. Consider This: 8 Best Luxury Cars for Wealthy Retirees Mercedes-Benz 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Price: Starts at $47,100 per Cars.com, but Edmunds suggested paying $42,508 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classy and elegant, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is the ideal balance of style and practicality. It features user-friendly technology and a comfortable cabin, earning high ratings for safety and performance, Dillan explained. Buying before the end of the year can help avoid price increases in January, as demand typically rises after the holidays. Chris Tedesco / Acura Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Acura Integra Price: $31,800 The 2024 Acura Integra was named one of the top cars for older drivers by U.S. News & World Report. The model has user-friendly tech features like the 9-inch touchscreen interface and lane-keeping assistance that tech-fearful seniors can use easily. In addition, the luxury sedan has impressive gas mileage with up to 30 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway and blind-spot monitoring. Dealerships will want to make room for new inventory, so buying before Christmas is ideal for savings. DREW PHILLIPS / Hyundai 2023 Hyundai Palisade Price: $35,900, but Edmunds suggested paying $32,089 According to Dillan, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is praised for its upscale interior and advanced safety features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained the three-row crossover SUV provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for family trips. Dillan added, Early purchases can capitalize on holiday sales, with potential savings ranging from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on dealership incentives and negotiation skills. Editors Note: Pictures are for representational purposes only. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Luxury Cars Retirees Should Consider Buying Before Christmas (The Conversation) The U.S. has made great progress in getting more people insured since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014. The share of uninsured Americans ages 18 to 64 fell from 18% before the ACA to 9.5% in 2022. And preexisting conditions no longer prevent coverage or lead to an increase in premiums. Yet even for those with health insurance, coverage does not ensure access to care, much less high-quality and affordable care. Research shows that 1 in 3 Americans seeking care report delaying or forgoing treatment because of the administrative burdens of dealing with health insurance and the health care system, creating additional barriers beyond costs. Some of these are basic tasks, such as scheduling appointments. But others relate to strategies that health insurers use to shape the care that their patients are able to receive tactics that are often unpopular with both doctors and patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, more than 40% of Americans under 65 have high-deductible plans, meaning patients face significant upfront costs to using care. As a result, nearly a quarter are unable to afford care despite being insured. As scholars of health care quality and policy, we study how the affordability and design of health insurance affects peoples health as well as their out-of-pocket costs. Wed like to unpack five of the most common strategies used by health insurers to ensure that care is medically necessary, cost-effective or both. At best, these practices help ensure appropriate care is delivered at the lowest possible cost. At worst, these practices are overly burdensome and can be counterproductive, depriving insured patients of the care they need. Claim denials The strategy of denial of claims has gotten a lot of attention in the aftermath of the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson, partly because the insurer has higher rates of denials than its peers. Overall, nearly 20% of Americans with coverage through health insurance marketplaces created by the ACA had a claim denied in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While denial may be warranted in some cases, such as if a particular service isnt covered by that plan amounting to 14% of in-network claim denials more than three-quarters of denials in 2021 did not list a specific reason. This happens after the service has already taken place, meaning that patients are sent a bill for the full amount when claims are denied. Although the ACA required standardized processes for appealing claims, patients dont often understand or feel comfortable navigating an appeal. Even if you understand the process, navigating all of the paperwork and logistics of an appeal is time-consuming. Gaps by income and race in pursuing and winning appeals only deepen mistrust among those already struggling to get appropriate care and make ends meet. Prior authorization Prior authorization requires providers to get approval in advance from the insurer before delivering a procedure or medication under the guise of medical necessity as well as improving efficiency and quality of care. Although being judicious with high-cost procedures and drugs make intuitive sense, in practice these policies can lead to delays in care or even death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the growing use of artificial intelligence in recent years to streamline prior authorization has come under scrutiny. This includes a 2023 class action lawsuit filed against UnitedHealthcare for algorithmic denials of rehabilitative care, which prompted the federal government to issue new guidelines. The American Medical Association found that 95% of physicians report that dealing with prior authorization somewhat or significantly increases physician burnout, and over 90% believe that the requirement negatively affects patients. The physicians surveyed by the association also reported that over 75% of patients often or sometimes failed to follow through on recommended care due to challenges with prior authorizations. Doctors and their staff may deal with dozens of prior authorization requests per week on average, which take time and attention away from patient care. For example, there were nearly two prior-authorization requests per Medicare Advantage enrollee in 2022, or more than 46 million in total.Prior authorization can be a time-consuming, multistep process that slows down and often blocks patients from receiving care. Smaller networks Health insurance plans contract with physicians and hospitals to form their networks, with the ACA requiring them to ensure a sufficient choice of providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a plan has too small of a network, patients can have a hard time finding a doctor who takes their insurance, or they may have to wait longer for an appointment. Despite state oversight and regulation, the breadth of plan networks has significantly narrowed over time. Nearly 15% of HealthCare.gov plans had no in-network physicians for at least one of nine major specialties, and over 15% of physicians listed in Medicaid managed-care provider directories saw no Medicaid patients. Inaccurate provider directories amplify the problem, since patients may choose a plan based on bad information and then have trouble finding care. Surprise billing The No Surprises Act went into effect in 2022 to protect consumers against unexpected bills from care received out of network. These bills usually come with a higher deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum that is typically twice as high as in-network care as well as higher coinsurance rates. Prior to that law, 18% of emergency visits and 16% of in-network hospital stays led to at least one surprise bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the No Surprises Act has helped address some problems, a notable gap is that it does not apply to ambulance services. Nearly 30% of emergency transports and 26% of nonemergency transports may have resulted in a surprise bill between 2014 and 2017. Pharmacy benefit managers The largest health insurance companies all have their own pharmacy benefit managers. Three of them Aetnas CVS Caremark, Cignas Express Scripts and UnitedHealthcares Optum Rx processed almost 80% of the total prescriptions dispensed by U.S. pharmacies in 2023. Beyond how market concentration affects competition and prices, insurers owning pharmacy benefit managers exploits a loophole in how much insurers are required to spend on patient care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACA requires insurers to maintain a medical loss ratio of 80% to 85%, meaning they should spend 80 to 85 cents of every dollar of premiums for medical care. Pharmaceuticals account for a growing share of health care spending, and plans are able to keep that money within the parent company through the pharmacy benefit managers that they own. Moreover, pharmacy benefit managers inflate drug costs to overpay their own vertically integrated pharmacies, which in turn means higher out-of-pocket costs based on the inflated prices. Most pharmacy benefit managers also prevent drug manufacturer co-pay assistance programs from counting toward patients cost sharing, such as deductibles, which prolongs how long patients have to pay out of pocket. Policy goals versus reality Despite how far the U.S. has come in making sure most Americans have access to affordable health insurance, being insured increasingly isnt enough to guarantee access to the care and medications that they need. The industry reports that profit margins are only 3% to 6%, yet the billions of dollars in profits they earn every year may feel to many like a direct result of the day-to-day struggles that patients face getting the care they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These insurer tactics can adversely affect patients health and their trust in the health care system, which leaves patients in unthinkably difficult circumstances. It also undercuts the governments goal of bringing affordable health care to all. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Six El Paso high school students have received a $2,000 scholarship from the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter. The scholarships aim to empower students in their pursuit of a higher education. According to the news release sent out by TALAS El Paso on Friday, Dec. 20, the students were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, resilience in overcoming challenges and their commitment to community impact. The following students are receiving the Keep Moving $2,000 Scholarship: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melina Balcorta, Young Womens Leadership Academy Leslie Chavez, Eastwood High School Josiah Ortiz, Canutillo High School Vania Flores Palacios, Bowie High School Brisa Gutierrez, Eastwood High School Yuliana Vega, Anthony High School The students will be able to use their scholarships at any college or university of their choice, TALAS El Paso said. To honor the recipients of the scholarship, TALAS El Paso will be hosting a Keep Moving Scholarship recognition ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 at the El Paso Community Foundation Building, located at 333 N. Oregon St. The TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the power of education. These six students have demonstrated incredible strength, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. Their stories inspire us, and we are proud to support their academic pursuits, TALAS El Paso Board Scholarship chair and VP of Communication Christopher Judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Keep Moving Scholarship aligns with TALAS mission of supporting academic excellence, leadership and equitable educational opportunities for Latino students in Texas, TALAS El Paso said. Were thrilled to award six students who represent Region 19 and four different districts. These students have a beautiful story that has prepared them for this opportunity to continue their education. Our organization is committed to supporting our community and giving students the financial support to Keep Moving in their academic journey and beyond, TALAS El Paso President Mark Paz said. For more information about TALAS El Paso or the Keep Moving scholarship, you can contact Christopher Judge by email at Chris.judge@talasedu.org or by visiting their website here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. ELKHART The Community Foundation of Elkhart County has received a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support a newly formed early childhood development program. With the grant, the Community Foundation will support and grow the work of Building Strong Brains, Elkhart Countys early childhood initiative launched in 2022. The Community Foundation and numerous community partners are working to strengthen a system supporting children under age 6 and the families who raise them so that every child is ready to learn and thrive in kindergarten. Early childhood development is one of the most critical periods of time that defines the life outcome for a human being, and the correlation is strong between kindergarten readiness and all other academic progress, said Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation. If we can do work to make sure that theyre ready to be successful and thrive when they enter the doors of a structured school experience, we can make a real difference in the lives of children in Elkhart County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community has been coming together to join the coalition, which aims to change the countys approach to early childhood development. Eleven organizational sponsors are helping guide the work. Action teams are focused on community supports for children and families, quality child care and early learning environments, and maternal and child health. Kim Boynton will provide leadership as the Building Strong Brains coalition director. The grant from Lilly is through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. This is one 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 the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve. This is the largest gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. in the Community Foundations history. Support from Elkhart County donors was a key factor in securing the gift and resulted in additional funding for the Tolson Center for Community Excellence and the Fund for Elkhart County at the Community Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GIFT VIII resulted in a total of $11.5 million of investment in Elkhart County. In addition, the Community Foundations of Elkhart, St. Joseph and Marshall counties are receiving $20 million from GIFT VIII to establish a regional housing trust and land bank. In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the GIFT initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indianas 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 and the best ways to address them. The exterior of a Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center on May 28, 2019 in St Louis (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images). A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state. Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But abortions will not yet restart in the state because licensure requirements remain in place. Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and the ACLU of Missouri in a joint statement Friday evening said the states several clinics remain unlicensed. As a result of todays mixed decision, they wrote. Missourians continue to be deprived of time-sensitive, essential, and constitutionally protected health care, despite voting in favor of a constitutional right to abortion. After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday afternoon, Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthoods requests and denied others. This means that for the time being at least, some of the states strictest targeted regulation of abortion providers, or TRAP, laws are not enforceable. Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judges order. State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the states current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies. But during a Dec. 4 hearing, Baileys office panned Planned Parenthoods arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didnt have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction. In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest. She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional: A requirement that physicians providing abortions have admitting privileges at hospitals with obstetric or gynecological care within 30 miles or a 15-minute drive. A mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial abortion consultation and the abortion procedure. The states informed consent requirement, which includes access to the states informed consent booklet. In cases of medication abortions, a requirement that the medication be administered in the presence of the doctor who prescribed it. Planned Parenthood refers to this as a telemedicine ban, which prevents doctors from prescribing a medication in-person but allowing the patient to take the medication at home or in the presence of another medical professional. A requirement that before administering medication abortion, providers must have a complication plan in place, which includes access to an on-call OB-GYN who is available at any time, in the case of a complication. Zhang wrote that this law was not helpful to those traveling from rural Missouri to an urban Planned Parenthood clinic, for example. A law requiring all fetal tissue removed from the uterus during an abortion be sent to a pathologist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws: A requirement that patients must first see a doctor for an in-person appointment to confirm gestational age before prescribing the pills used in medication abortions. A law stating that abortions can only be performed by physicians, and not physicians assistants or other advanced practice clinicians. A law allowing the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to place separate regulations and standards that apply to ambulatory surgical centers on abortion clinics, including size requirements for hallways, room and doors. This law also requires clinics to keep a written plan for managing medical emergencies, including a transfer plan for patients to a nearby hospital. Zhang said she was denying the injunction related to these licensure requirements because the statutes pertain to the actual licensure of the facilities rather than the rights of individuals seeking reproductive care. After the court hearing but before Fridays decision, a spokeswoman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the department continued to view the states TRAP laws as constitutional but declined to comment on specific aspects of the lawsuit as the litigation is ongoing. Our regulations remain in place, Sami Jo Freeman, spokeswoman for the department, said on Dec. 11. We believe those regulations are not overly burdensome and establish necessary safety standards for these procedures. We cannot comment on pending litigation at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement Friday that his organization will be closely monitoring the licensing process of any abortion clinics in Missouri. We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions, Westbrook said. Even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children. On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3, which states, in part, that the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means. The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had all the challenged TRAP laws been struck down, Planned Parenthood clinics said they were prepared to immediately begin offering abortions at some of their locations. It is unacceptable that tomorrow, just like for the past two weeks, Missourians will have a constitutional right that cannot be realized in their home state, Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. Were relieved the court recognized and enjoined many oppressive laws on the books that serve no purpose except to put abortion out of reach. Unfortunately, a key tool weaponized by anti-abortion politicians the licensure process remains in effect, and we are unable to restore care. The plaintiffs in a statement said they are evaluating their legal options. A spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Zhangs order is temporary until a trial litigating the challenged laws takes place. The next case management conference is scheduled for late February in Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats Next, an Amendment 3 accountability group made up organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment with no restrictions on abortion, said the ruling was far from a win. Ending the ban is window dressing as long as restrictions such as facility license requirements designed to keep clinics closed are in effect and access to care is not a reality for abortion seekers and providers, they wrote. This is what we warned about and our fears are unfolding exactly how we predicted. This story was updated at 6:45 p.m. to include a statement from Coalition Life. It was updated again at 7:45 p.m. to include a joint statement from the ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood. Dec. 20A 73-year-old Colville man accused of killing a Stevens County woman and her young daughter in 1997 will be held in jail without bail after a prosecutor said the man has a prior murder conviction in Oregon and would be at risk to flee and harm witnesses if released. Charles Tatom, wearing striped Stevens County Jail clothing with a long white beard, made his first appearance virtually Friday morning in front of Stevens County District Court Commissioner Timothy Trageser. Several law enforcement agencies teamed up to arrest Tatom on Thursday morning at his residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tatom faces two counts of aggravated first-degree murder in the killings of Marlene Emerson, who was 29, and her 12-year-old daughter, Cassie Emerson. If convicted, Tatom would face life in prison without parole. For years investigators suspected Tatom of the killings, but it wasn't until recent DNA testing that detectives said they could definitively link Tatom to the crimes. Marlene Emerson's body was found inside her Colville trailer home that had been destroyed by a fire on June 27, 1997. Her spine had been cut and her throat slit before the fire, according to court documents. At the time, investigators believed someone killed Emerson, lit her home on fire and abducted Cassie, according to previous reporting from The Spokesman-Review. A month later, Cassie's body was found in a wooded area south of Colville with knife marks on her neck, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Tatom is believed to have been an associate of the Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club, an outlaw group with ties to the Hells Angels, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which helped apprehend Tatom this week. Investigators said Emerson associated with the same motorcycle club and some members were reportedly upset with her because of her role in a burglary and her cooperation with police in a separate case, according to court records. On Friday, Trageser read the charges, which said the alleged murders were to obtain or maintain membership or advance his position of hierarchy in the motorcycle club. Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney Erika George, who argued for no bond, said witnesses are "extremely fearful," which delayed them providing information to detectives. Trageser ordered Tatom not to have contact with 53 witnesses and victims' surviving family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Tatom is 73 and free of criminal convictions the past 18 years, George said Tatom deserved to be held in jail in part because of the brutality of the killings. She said Marlene Emerson's ear was removed before her body was found in the fire and her daughter was brutally murdered and left in the woods. "These offenses are heinous; they're violent," George said. She said Tatom has "murdered at least once before" stemming from a 1970s Oregon killing. George said she's never asked a judge to hold a murder suspect without bail until Friday. "If you release him, he has no reason to stay in this area," George said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Haney, Tatom's attorney and the director of the county's public defender's office, said her client denied committing the crimes and argued for a $500,000 bond. She said he's been cooperative with law enforcement since the time of the killings and that Tatom's "whole life is here," noting that he's lived in the same home for 30 years, doesn't have a driver's license and could not afford to leave the area because of his limited income. Haney said Tatom has taken polygraph tests and offered to do more of the tests. George said a polygraph test Tatom took determined he was "deceptive." Trageser said the detailed affidavit featured a great deal of direct and circumstantial evidence against Tatom and held him without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, witnesses said Tatom left a home with a friend the night of the killings in a Chevy Blazer and came back the next morning with burn marks on his body. They also claimed he was in possession of a bloody knife he told people was used to gut an animal. Police found blood stains on the seat of the Blazer, the window and the butt of a cigarette in the car's ashtray. The evidence was collected and preserved for future testing. The window from the car was sampled in 2009, tested for blood and later matched to Cassie in 2013 after investigators exhumed her body. This summer, forensic scientists again tested the preserved evidence from the scene and found that DNA left on the center console in the Blazer matched Cassie's DNA. Tatom's DNA and parts of Cassie's DNA were found on the cigarette, which showed that Tatom had smoked a cigarette after his "contact" with the girl, documents said. Tatom is scheduled for an arraignment Dec. 31. A 25-year-old Milwaukee airman, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, has been accounted for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced Friday that U.S. Army Air Force Pvt. 1st Class David C. Hansen was accounted for on Aug. 23. In late 1941, Hansen was a member of Headquarters Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen was among the thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members who were captured and interned at POW camps. Prisoners were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at the Cabanatuan POW Camp #1. More than 2,500 POWs died in this camp during the war. According to prison camp and other historical records, Hansen died June 28, 1942, and was buried along with other deceased prisoners in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Common Grave 407. Following the war, American Graves Registration Service personnel exhumed those buried at the Cabanatuan Cemetery and relocated the remains to a temporary U.S. military mausoleum near Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. In 1947, the Army unit examined the remains in an attempt to identify them. Of the 25 sets of remains from Hansen's common grave, 16 were identified, while the remaining nine were declared unidentifiable. The unidentified remains were buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial (MACM) as Unknowns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in November 2019, the DPAA exhumed the remains and sent them to a lab for analysis. Hansen's remains were identified using dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence and DNA analysis. Although interred as an Unknown in MACM, Hansens grave was meticulously cared for over the past 70 years by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Today, Hansen is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Hansen will be buried in Brookfield on a date to be determined. For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: World War II Milwaukee airman accounted for 82 years later CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Between now and Jan. 1, AAA projects that 120 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles away from home this holiday. Holiday travel begins at Bradley International Airport An astonishing 90% will drive on highways and backroads across the country. Here in Connecticut, with the snow and slippery roads, traffic is backed up, especially around the mixmaster Interstate 84-91. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of folks are able to work remotely and are able to extend their vacations, and household incomes are improving, Lauren Fabrizi, an AAA representative, said. So for folks who are feeling like their wallets are doing OK, they feel like they can splurge on travel. AAA said that theres not only a record number of drivers, but also flyers: Friday is expected to be the busiest day at Bradley International Airport. We are expecting record air travel nearly 8 million folks are expected to fly to their holiday destinations, and that number is up more than 4.5% from last year, Fabrizi said. Fabrizi said that the holidays themselves are typically some of the best days to travel, as most people hit the roads and the skies before the actual days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One factor for the record-breaking travel; Christmas and New Years both fall on a Wednesday, which means three weekends for travel instead of two. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trumps antagonism toward the media takes many forms, but until recently, his efforts to use the courts to go after the press had largely been viewed as a costly nuisance expressions of his unhappiness over negative coverage rather than serious legal threats. That changed recently when ABC News announced that it had agreed to pay $16 million to settle a defamation case brought by Trump. The president-elect said that there would be more lawsuits to come and then quickly followed through on that promise with a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and longtime pollster Ann Selzer over a preelection poll that showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading in Iowa, a state that Trump handily won. These back-to-back developments prompted considerable hand-wringing among media commentators and lawyers, many of whom argued that ABC had caved to Trump on a winnable case, perhaps to curry favor with the incoming president. The lawsuit against the Des Moines Register was seen as evidence of an emboldened Trump who might finally have turned a corner in his yearslong efforts to bring the media to heel through the courts. There were dramatic and sweeping takes that denounced the Orbanization of our politics, anticipatory obedience and so on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These takes are premature. Trump might well erode Americas free press over the next four years, but the ABC case is not evidence of that. The decision to settle appears quite reasonable; more on that in a moment. Its also good to note that Trumps settlement in the ABC case has no serious bearing on his odds of success which are very low in the case against the Des Moines Register and Selzer. Perhaps most importantly, the episode with ABC offers a useful reminder for media outlets of how to act in the age of Trump 2.0. The settlement with ABC concerned a segment in March in which George Stephanopoulos repeatedly said that Trump had been found liable for rape in a sexual assault case brought by E. Jean Carroll. Stephanopoulos statements were false. The very first question that the jury was asked on its verdict sheet was whether Carroll had proved by a preponderance of evidence that Trump had raped her and their answer was no. The jury instead found that Trump had engaged in sexual abuse, apparently concluding that Trump had violated Carroll in ways not defined as rape at the time under New York state law. Trump owes Carroll nearly $100 million after two different jury verdicts concluded that Trump had falsely denied the encounter and defamed Carroll in the process. As a legal matter, could ABC have won the case? Yes, though there was hardly a guarantee. The network pointed to the somewhat convoluted procedural history of the cases involving Carroll, including when the presiding judge said that, despite the definition under New York law, Carroll had proven that Mr. Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape. But those comments were not binding for the Florida judge overseeing the ABC case, and they would not have been binding for a Florida jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while it is true that the standard under defamation is an imposing one a plaintiff who is a public figure must establish that the defendant acted with actual malice that standard can be satisfied with either knowing or reckless disregard of the statements falsity. And if, say, producers had warned Stephanopoulos not to use the word rape, but he did so anyway, that would be potent evidence of actual malice. As an editorial matter, the segment was poorly done because Stephanopoulos repeatedly said something that was plainly inaccurate. I was surprised when I watched it at the time, and I have been curious ever since about why ABC did not simply and quickly issue a clarification or correction. A variety of other routine legal considerations also reportedly informed the companys decision to settle with Trump. According to The New York Times, ABC was concerned that a jury in Florida might side with Trump and award him even more money and, in the worst-case scenario, that the case could be used by Republican appointees on the Supreme Court to erode legal protections for the press as a whole. Discovery in the case, in which both sides exchange evidence in their possession with the other side, was also nearly completed, and it is very possible that internal communications within ABC about the segment could have proved deeply embarrassing for the network and further harmed both its case and its public reputation more broadly. (The discovery process was brutal for Fox News during its case with Dominion Voting Systems for broadcasting Trumps post-2020 election lies. ABCs payout, notably, is a small fraction of the nearly $800 million that Fox News paid in its settlement.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In corporate litigation, these are all perfectly normal reasons to settle a case. Most civil cases, in fact, settle. Trump just happens to distort our perception of this because he brings an unusually large number of frivolous cases that get tossed out of court. The lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and Selzer could turn out to be another of those cases. In that case, Trump alleges that the newspaper and pollster intentionally released a fake poll to influence the outcome of the election. In truth, Trump claims, the poll was just a piece of political theater concocted by an individual Selzer who, as a supposedly legendary pollster with the power to shape public perception of elections, should have known better than to poison the electorate with a poll that was nothing more than a work of fantasy. There are several obvious problems with this theory. The lawsuit provides no specific allegations that, even if true, would establish that the poll was concocted. It is highly unlikely that a single poll would swing a statewide or national election. And last but not least, it is hard to understand why a newspaper and veteran pollster would risk considerable harm to their reputations in this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will proceed to some sort of resolution, but in the meantime, it might be helpful to take a step back and to consider some lessons from the ABC settlement. Those lessons concern some of the most basic tenets of journalism: Be careful and be precise. Distinguish facts from opinion. If you make a mistake, fix it. And dont be afraid to admit that you screwed up. A quick on-air clarification from Stephanopoulos would have put ABC on much firmer legal ground. Of course, one big reason that the settlement is so grating to people is that Trump one of the most powerful people in the world routinely breaks all of these rules himself. Barack Obama might have been able to file a sizable defamation suit against Trump for his years of lies claiming that Obama was a foreigner. But Trump seems to delight in headlines that suggest he is on the attack and a dominant figure even if he later comes out the loser. Another reason is that many of those celebrating the settlement on the right are the same people who claim that free speech is under attack in this country and that we all need to grow up to be more resilient in the face of public attention and scrutiny, to take everything a little less seriously. Its hard to square that notion with Trumps endless parade of lawsuits against the media which, until the ABC settlement, had mostly failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of our media discourse concerning public officials is governed by conventions of discipline and restraint. Most politicians who had been found liable for sexual abuse would probably not want to draw attention to coverage of that very unseemly fact, even if there had been a mistake in the reporting. And most people who work in and around political media understand that the modern media ecosystem is a vast and messy place, and that we should not necessarily police every infraction by resorting to litigation. The American media produces terrific journalism day in and day out on a wide array of subjects. But some journalists surely produce work that is infected by ideology, greed, proximity to political power or some combination thereof. And sometimes journalists just make innocent missteps. From the outside looking in, it can be hard to tell the difference in any given situation, but generally speaking, the country is better off if public officials and public figures exercise self-restraint. We would not like a world in which every mistake in the media is met with a lawsuit. Americans, by and large, value the First Amendment and a culture of free expression, and some of the legal weapons that Trump is deploying can easily be pointed in different directions against conservative news outlets, against conservative political figures and, as Carroll demonstrated, even against Trump himself. Those celebrating the ABC settlement on the right would do well to remember the old adage: Be careful what you wish for. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Solis family of three has created countless memories in their home off Taos Drive and Alameda Road, celebrating everything from holidays to birthdays. However, on the evening of December 19th, shortly after 6:00 p.m., their lives took a frightening turn. Abilene fire crews responded to a fire at the Solis residence, which was later determined to be caused by a knocked-over propane heater. The estimated damages from the fire totaled $50,000. Jasmine Solis reported that her mother, Sabrina Solis, was the only person at home when the flames ignited. West Abilene house fire caused by knocked-over propane heater, $50,000 in damages She was all alone in the house. She did say she was trying to get our Christmas stuff out and that she almost got out but then got stuck in the hallway, so she ended up having to drop it so she could actually, like, leave the house safely and everything like that. But Im just happy that she made it out alive, explained Solis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasmine mentioned that the road to recovery will be a long one. Her mother recently bought all their Christmas presents, and it breaks her heart to see her 11-year-old sister miss out on the things she had on her list. However, the Solis family finds strength during this difficult time by relying on the kindness of family and friends. We lost a lot. My mom just went Christmas shopping. All of our presents were in there for me and my sister. Also, I have a baby on the way, so a lot of my baby stuff was in there. Lots of prayers. We are definitely going to need them. Anything really that will help, like the kindness of peoples hearts. It would mean a lot, added Solis. HOUSE FIRE: West Abilene home engulfed in flames The Solis family is currently staying with their grandmother in Hawley and is uncertain about what the future holds. They plan to start over and find a new place to live and are reaching out to resources in Abilene for assistance with housing. If you would like to help the Solis family, they have set up a GoFundMe page for monetary donations. They are also accepting donations for their urgent needs, which can be dropped off at a relatives house in Abilene located at 1625 Shelton Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement URGENT NEEDS: 11-year-old girl: Size 7 1/2 in shoes. Size 5 in jeans, and medium in shirts Sabrina: Size medium in shirts, Size 6 in pants, Size 9 1/2 shoes Jasmine: Size 20-22 maternity pants, XL-XXL Shirts, Size 10-11 Shoes Baby items Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A Sanger police officer faces accusations of illegally dealing firearms and lying about it. Daniel Battenfield, a K-9 officer, appeared in a courtroom Friday afternoon at Robert E. Coyle United States Courthouse to face charges of dealing firearms without a license, making false statements to federal agents and making false statements in connection to firearms. He pleaded not guilty to all charges through his attorney in his first appearance in court. The attorney declined to comment after the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Battenfield was ordered to be released on his own recognizance on Friday under conditions he surrender all firearms, not leave his home for more than 24 hours and not leave the Eastern District of California, among other stipulations. The Sanger Police Department released a statement on Friday, noting they were notified of the investigation into Battenfield in July. He was placed on leave and has been on paid leave since then, according to the police department. Many of the details related to the case were not immediately available Friday afternoon. Battenfield was sworn in by Sanger Police Department in March 2021, according to a post by the police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Exeter High graduate, he is also an Army veteran who served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the department. Battenfield was named Officer of the Year by the Sanger Police Department in 2023. A United States Marine has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a former reality TV contestant found in an Alabama pond, the Escambia County Sheriffs Office announced in a statement. Authorities allege that Willie Ellington, an active-duty Marine at Floridas Naval Air Station Pensacola, killed Tshey Bennett while the latter was working as an escort at Pensacolas Sweet Dream Inn. Ellington, 20, was the last person seen with Bennett before her disappearance. He was reportedly taken into custody shortly after Bennetts body was found in a pond located in an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, AL. WKRG reported that Ellington was taken into custody while boarding a bus in Opelika, AL, which is roughly 230 miles from Pensacola. Escambia County investigators tipped us off [that] their suspect might be on a bus scheduled to stop in Opelika, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told the outlet. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe Ellington murdered Bennett in Northwestern Florida and then transported her body across state lines, about 50 miles from where she was last seen with the accused. According to The New York Post, Bennett was a contestant on the reality series Skrippa Bootcamp, which aired earlier this year. The show follows 12 exotic dancers living in the same house. Ellington was a private first class in training for aviation, technology, explosive ordinance disposal, and combat diving, U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jacoby Getty confirmed to the Pensacola News Journal. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Ellington was hit with a count of possession of child pornography after investigators took him into custody. Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Activity at three airports was restricted Saturday after eight Ukrainian drones struck deep inside Russia in the city of Kazan, the Russian authorities said. The assault came between 7:40 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. local time, and targeted "civilian infrastructure facilities" in Kazan with eight aircraft-type UAVs coming in three waves from different directions, the Russian Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel. Russian air defense systems shot down three drones, officials claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials told state-run Russian media that no fatalities or injuries were reported in the attacks, which ignited fires at several residential buildings in the city of 1.3 million about 500 miles east of Moscow. Airports in Kazan, as well as in the cities of Izhevsk and Saratov, were temporarily "restricted" in the wake of the attacks, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. Local emergency services were working on the ground, providing assistance affected residents, with accommodations and food available. Kazan city officials said "selective evacuations" were being carried out in schools where necessary. Only three of the attacking drones targeted defense industry facilities while the others had civilian targets, Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov told the state-run TASS news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are outraged by the massive drone attack," he said. "We understand that there are issues with defense enterprises, but we never thought or expected that our enemy would attack residential buildings," adding, "By chance or by our luck, there are no casualties or fatalities." Explosives on some of the drones that attacked Kazan did not go off, Minnikhanov added. A Ukrainian official said the military target in Kazan may have been a key gunpowder plant. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation within Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, wrote in a Telegram post that the Kazan Powder Plant "is one of the 'backbones' of the Russian military-industrial complex, without which the mass production of ammunition would be impossible." Kovalenko said it supplies materials necessary for the production of Russian missiles, including Kalibr, Iskander and others. NEW YORK (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams sat down with PIX on Politics host Dan Mannarino for an exclusive year-end interview, looking back at what was undoubtedly a very eventful 2024 and ahead to whats in store for 2025. The interview took place on the same day his former chief advisor was indicted on bribery charges. Adams discusses that, his own indictment, and the biggest headlines of 2024, including the migrant crisis and its impact on the Democratic Party, sanctuary city laws, and the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting case. More News: PIX on Politics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the president and Democratic Partys handling of the migrant crisis, the mayor said they missed the memo on migrants and asylum seekers. I went to Washington 10 times and shared, This is what people are saying on the street, and they wrote it off as well thats just a New York issue, but it wasnt all of these major democratic cities were feeling this crunch, and they missed the memo, and its a major impact on these cities a long-term impact, Adams said. As we approach 2025, Adams will simultaneously lead the city and run for re-election while facing federal bribery charges. The mayor delves into what that could all look like. Watch the video player for the full interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A charred road sign still stands recently in front of El Porvenir Campground near Hermits Peak. The bridge was one of many damaged or destroyed by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon wildfire or subsequent flooding. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) The stopgap spending bill the U.S. House passed late Friday included an additional $1.5 billion for Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire victims. The short-term spending bill contained the additional funding, meant to compensate victims of the largest wildfire in New Mexico history caused by two botched prescribed burns in San Miguel County in early 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed following a 366-34 vote with one Democrat voting present. The bill now goes to the Senate, where leadership will likely try to pass it before a midnight funding deadline, though that will take the agreement of all 100 lawmakers, or at least the ones still around Capitol Hill with the holidays nearing. The bill would also extend the deadline for victims to file an initial claim, which is called a notice of loss until March 14, New Mexico congressional U.S Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said in posts to social media. Congress has so far awarded a federal claims office $3.95 billion to pay to victims, including families, businesses, nonprofits and local governments. The additional $1.5 billion would mean $5.45 billion in total compensation, minus administrative costs. The extra money in the bill is necessary to fully compensate thousands of people, some of whom lost their homes or livelihoods, according to an independent actuarial study released earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actuarial report calculated about $1.9 billion is necessary for reforestation and landscape restoration alone, along with $1.6 billion for smoke and ash cleaning and $771 million for rebuilding burned structures, among other costs. A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which oversees the claims process, to start awarding so-called noneconomic damages to victims. That money, which is estimated to be several hundred million dollars, could go to low-income victims who suffered from the fire but didnt have much in the way of property to claim compensation for. States Newsroom reporter Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ADEL, Iowa Theres an elementary teacher in the ADM School District that makes a big impact on her students, both inside and outside the classroom. Cristin Kreifels teaches fourth grade at Meadow View Elementary. Every school year, she makes a special pact with her students. I make them raise their hands, like a pledge, Kreifels explains. They have to promise that any time theyre in the building or they see me out in the community, they have to come say hi and let me know how theyre doing. And I always tell them once youre my student, youre always my student and Im always going to want to know whats going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former students include the Deardorff brothers. The oldest, Boomer, had Mrs. Kreifels first. I had her for second grade, Boomer explained. The youngest, Renaud, had her twice, in second and fourth grade. Shes really kind and caring, Renaud said. Shes Just a really good teacher and shes probably my favorite teacher I had ever. The middle brother Dysens school year with Mrs. Kreifels might be the most memorable. There was a time in second grade when my uncle went missing in the mountains in California, Dysen said. And she would just check in on me, making sure I was doing OK, understanding whats happening. Being not only a teacher, but having a connection to my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its that connection and kindness that mom Nikki Deardorff appreciates. I would tell her thank you for stepping in to care for and genuinely love my kids when I cant be there with them at school, Deardorff said. Because its not easy to send your kids to daycare, to school every day when you have to go off to work. You miss some of the fun things during the day and some of the sad things of the day, and she shares both of those with you, all the time. Thats why the Deardorff family nominated Mrs. Kreifels for the Golden Apple. I am blown away I guess is the best way to put it, Mrs. Kreifels said when she accepted the award. You guys are awesome. You learn, you work, you try your hardest all of the time and I love that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs. Kreifels loves the lightbulb moments with students. There is nothing better for a teacher than to watch a concept that a kid is struggling with all of a sudden make sense, Kreifels said. And when it makes sense, you just see how much pride they have in themselves and the confidence growing when they realize that they are capable of some of the things that they feel are the hardest things for them to do. She helps them get there by setting goals. You have to foster in kids a passion for continuing to reach their goals and for using that knowledge in the real world, Kreifels explains. You have to find a way for them to see that will help them in any area in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And just genuinely caring. Until students know that you care about them, they wont care to learn, Principal Jodi Banse said, so, Mrs. Kreifels energy and her relationships with kids mean everything. It means everything to her students, past and present. I would say thank you for being there and being a great teacher, Dysen said. The Golden Apple means everything to Mrs. Kreifels. This is Mrs. Kreifels 18th year teaching, half of those years have been at the ADM School District. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. (KRON) The South San Francisco Police Department said it is investigating an incident of an adult trespasser at South San Francisco High School which placed the school on secure campus status temporary lockdown on Friday afternoon. Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie promises Change is coming to San Francisco in exclusive interview with KRON4 Police said the scene is now under control and there is no immediate threat to students and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South San Francisco High School confirmed that officials moved quickly and cautiously after they discovered an unidentified adult trespasser had scaled a fence and went to a classroom. The school confirmed students in the class were taken to a different location, while police were immediately made aware of the situation. Officials said the schools doors were locked and entering and leaving the campus was restricted during the safety protocol. Investigators said the person was arrested a short time later. Police said the secure campus status went past the end of the regular school day which delayed students going home. Police had posted an alert on social media advising residents to expect a larger than normal police presence on and near the campus while our patrol units complete their investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no word yet on why the individual trespassed the campus to begin with or what charges the suspect will face. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. When Rwandan President Paul Kagame spoke at this month's Doha Forum, he sang China's praises. "We have been benefiting from the cooperation and the attitude of bringing everybody to the table where everyone feels they are winning in the process," he said. "That is, to my understanding, what China presents." Kagame is not alone in his high opinion of China. Across Africa, many countries have had support from the Asian superpower over the years as they paved their way to independence. Once there, they found that a strong relationship with China offered other benefits as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "Now the cooperation presents more value in terms of trade, investment," Kagame said. That view appeared to be reflected in a survey by the Asia Society Policy Institute, a New York-based think tank. According to the data released earlier this month by the Asia Society's Global Public Opinion on China Project, positive views of China outweighed the negative by about three to one among the nearly 300 people surveyed across sub-Saharan Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China is not simply making inroads in Africa by cultivating elites - it is genuinely popular," the study said. Andrew Chubb, foreign policy and national security fellow at the Asia Society's Centre for China Analysis and the project lead, said the positive views of China in most parts of Africa reflected a sense that China brought development and economic opportunities. He said Chinese companies and Chinese finance had a strong presence in many places that other development partners had largely stayed away from. "I think that generates a sense that China is showing up and doing things where others aren't," Chubb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is Africa's biggest trading partner. Over more than two decades, it has given about US$182 billion in loans to countries across the continent. The money has helped build ports, railways and all kinds of megaprojects, according to Boston University data. But the glowing opinion of China is not universal. Some countries, such as Zambia, had ongoing controversies and political debates over whether China's influence was a good thing, Chubb said. Others, such as Tanzania, had long histories of cooperation with China, he said, and therefore citizens held largely positive opinions of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the people of eSwatini - the only African country which does not have diplomatic ties with Beijing - view China in a positive light, according to the Asia Society. The eSwatini data is supported by the latest survey from Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network. The survey, carried out in late 2022, indicates there is a strong belief in eSwatini that China's economic activities have a significant impact on its economy, and perceptions of China's economic and political influence are overwhelmingly positive - though less so than a year earlier. The survey found that 73 per cent of citizens in eSwatini believed China's economic activities had "some" or "a lot" of influence on their country's economy. On the flip side, in Zimbabwe, where China has vast interests in mining and tobacco, its citizens have a mainly negative view of China. This is despite the fact that for more than two decades, the country has been dealing with the fallout of devastating economic and political sanctions, imposed by the United States and some European nations during the presidency of the late Robert Mugabe in response to controversial land seizures forced on white farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at public opinion from a global perspective, the trend appears to be that as the view of China in the developed world becomes more negative - particularly since the coronavirus pandemic - the opinions in the developing world become more positive, according to the Asia Society data. The Global Public Opinion on China Project noted that across more than 1,200 surveys in developing countries, positive views of China outweighed negative views by about two to one. But China's image is by no means positive across the entire Global South. Major developing countries such as India, Turkey and Iran leaned towards the negative, the study found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, more than a decade ago, Indian citizens held generally positive views of China. But since 2010, sentiment has tipped to become more negative in most surveys. During the pandemic, in particular, Indian views of China dropped to levels similar to those in Europe and North America. The Asia Society explained that the Covid-19 pandemic coincided with the deadly clashes in 2020 along the disputed Himalayan border, which prompted a wave of anti-China sentiment in India. Before that, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tried to cultivate friendly ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "This suggests the negative sentiments recorded in surveys of Indian public opinion likely reflect grass-roots popular nationalism more than top-down political mobilisation," the Asia Society said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Asia Society's dataset is purely focused on views towards China and does not include comparison with how Western countries are seen. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Dec. 21PINECREEK, Minn. A colorful era in the history of Minnesota aviation and cross-border cooperation comes to an end Friday, Dec. 27, when the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport permanently closes. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the rural municipality of Piney, Manitoba, announced plans to permanently close the airport in a Friday, Dec. 13, news release. One of the few airports actually in two countries, the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport straddles the U.S.-Canada border about 20 miles northwest of Roseau, Minnesota, and 5 miles south of Piney on the west side of state (and provincial) Highway 89. The airport, which covers 61 acres, has a 3,297-foot paved runway, of which 2,350 feet are in Minnesota and the remainder is in Manitoba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport also sits next to the Piney and Pinecreek border crossing stations. In a news release announcing the closure, MnDOT said the general aviation airport had operated under an international agreement between MnDOT and the rural municipality of Piney since 1949. The airport had "very low use," MnDOT said, and faced large maintenance expenses, including runway, apron and terminal reconstruction. The international agreement required to operate the airport expires Dec. 26 and will not be renewed by either airport owner, MnDOT said. News of the airport's closing came as a disappointment to residents of the area who remember the effort that went into getting it extended in the late 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a sorry situation, but the state of Minnesota isn't willing to kick in," said Marlin Elton of Pinecreek, a member and former chairman of the Piney-Pinecreek Airport Commission. "The state of Minnesota set the standards, and we're looking at many millions of dollars worth of improvements up there, and the state's not willing to pay for it on their own. "They want the Canadian (federal government) to come in and pick up the rest of it, and they aren't going to do it, by the way it sounds. The locals (in Manitoba), of course, they don't have any more of a tax base than we do in our township here. So, it's come down to finances." The concept of an airport straddling two countries was a big deal back in the day. A dedication ceremony held Saturday, July 28, 1979, marking completion of a project to extend the runway into Manitoba made section-front news in the next day's edition of the Grand Forks Herald. As the Herald reported, the airport opened in 1952 with a 2,155-foot grass runway that provided pilots with access to U.S. and Canadian customs. But when the decision was made in 1972 to extend the runway to 3,200 feet to better accommodate night landings, the only direction to lengthen the runway was northwest into Manitoba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nine different federal, provincial, state and local government agencies had to approve the project before construction could start," the Herald reported. "An amendment to a U.S. Senate foreign aid bill clinched the agreement in 1977." On a beautiful Saturday in late July 1979, about 400 people from both sides of the border gathered to dedicate the airport extension. Minnesota Gov. Al Quie and Manitoba Premier Sterling Lyon were among the dignitaries on hand to dedicate the project. Quie, a Republican, was Minnesota governor from 1979 until 1983, and Lyon, a Progressive Conservative, was premier of Manitoba from November 1977 until November 1981. Lyon praised the hands-across-the-border project as a "practical working symbol of what two nations can accomplish working together," the Herald reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of hard work went into the extension project, agreed Elton, who also was on the airport commission at the time of the dedication. Pilots from all over the country have used the runway to cross between Canada and the U.S., he said. "It isn't just Minnesota it's way beyond," Elton said. "It's a big area affected by this. "This was extremely convenient, but I guess that doesn't matter anymore." In its news release, MnDOT said several other airports nearby serve the northwest Minnesota general aviation community, including Warroad Memorial International Airport (RRT), Roseau Municipal Airport (ROX), Stephen Municipal Airport (D41) and Warren Municipal Airport (D37). All have more annual aircraft operations and support existing based aircraft, MnDOT said. MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has denied the appeal of a man convicted of a triple murder. Two years ago, Jimmy ONeal Spencer was convicted of killing two women and a young child. Attorneys described the killings as one of the most violent crime sprees theyve seen in Marshall County. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencers criminal history spans back even further than 2018. Spencer, who was already serving a life sentence, was paroled just months before he committed the 2018 murders that shocked the Guntersville community. The murder charges following his parole led to reforms at the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, ultimately reducing the number of paroles granted. He was subsequently tried for the 2018 killings, convicted of capital murder, and sentenced to death in 2022 Spencers appeal argued that his intellectual disability means he should not be eligible for the death penalty. Still, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals decision this week upheld his death sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer was convicted of seven counts of capital murder, in the deaths of Marie Kitchens Martin, her great-grandson Colton Lee, and neighbor Martha Dell Reliford. The court found the murders involved extreme violence and were committed during a robbery. In a taped confession, Spencer told investigators he killed the victims in separate robberies. After killing 74-year-old Reliford he only made away with 13 dollars. When he killed Martin he stole more money, but told investigators he murdered the womans seven-year-old grandchild to avoid leaving a witness behind. After the trial, the judge told Spencer if there was ever a reason for the death penalty to exist in Alabama, it was to punish crimes like Spencers. Spencer is serving out his sentence at Holman Prison in Atmore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Alabama NAACP believes the St. Clair County Board of Education wrongfully terminated Johnny Williams, a franchisee with Vanguard Cleaning Systems, just four weeks into a $45,000 a month contract he bid to clean school buildings and facilities. Im going to fight till the last breath of my body because I demand justice, Williams said to reporters gathered outside the school districts offices on Friday morning. The Alabama NAACP wants to see the contract restored and Williams compensated for lost wages. Johnny Williams, who had provided custodial services for more than a decade for some of the St. Clair County school buildings successfully landed a bid to clean nine buildings and three facilities in August of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes his termination was racially motivated. What other reason, Williams said. If you have a staff, and your staff is doing a bad job, why would you keep the staff and get rid of the owner, he said. His son in law and business manager Charles Jones said they were never told exactly why he was terminated: The termination letter that we received through Vanguard, the franchiser, said there was an issue that went unresolved for 10 days. Of the nine buildings and three facilities Williams oversaw, Jones said the only complaints about their services were from Moody High School and Moody Elementary that they thought were in error, and they began documenting their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More student loans canceled in final round of forgiveness before Biden leaves office I think that there were people in place that did not want my father in law providing services anymore, Jones said. Benard Simelton, President of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP said they are demanding an explanation of his termination: He legitimately won the bid, he said, and was doing the work, and all the people that worked for him are still working, and they remove him, and he was African American. CBS 42 reached out to St. Clair County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Burns but have not heard back from him. We did stop by his office and were told hes out on vacation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked Simelton if the Alabama NAACP plans to sue and he said nothing is off the table. We did get a copy of the termination letter which states that the St. Clair County Board of Education is not satisfied with the services provided within the awarded bid agreement. It also states that Vanguard received a 10-day notification of concerns to be corrected and failed to satisfy the request for correction. The letter does not offer any specifics. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Alabama nonprofit Little Hands Serving Hearts is hosting its annual Christmas Blessings box distribution Saturday to brighten the holidays for families in need. The nonprofit is dedicated to young people making a difference through several volunteer opportunities. Ashley Seligson is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit. She said Little Hands Serving Hearts has been around for seven years now. Little Hands Serving Hearts is dedicated to providing volunteer opportunities for children with no minimum age to volunteer, Seligson said. We do events like Christmas Blessings, feeding the homeless and Operation Fill a Backpack. There are lots of different ways that the youngest members of our community can get involved and give back in a big way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama profits off prisoners safe enough to work at McDonalds, deems them too dangerous for parole Seligson said distribution is going to be 25% bigger than last year. The nonprofit will support 125 families with a box filled with Christmas groceries including ham, green beans, stuffing, dessert and anything to make that holiday meal. We have a big packing event this morning, and then we will be ready to go at 10 a.m. being able to load all those boxes into a drive-thru event, Seligson said. We all have so much. Its something that no matter who you are or your background, we always have something to give, whether thats your time, your treasures or your talent. So thats what we really try to instill in our children. The box distribution event is happening at 10 a.m. Saturday at 798 Montclair Rd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. A mother with her newborn baby is seen in a hospital. State officials report an increase in obstetric hemorrhages, or excessive bleeding during pregnancy or associated with childbirth. The highest rates are in southwestern and northern Alaska. (Photo by Thanasis Zovoilis/Getty Images) Reported cases of extreme blood loss during or after childbirth have increased in Alaska over the past eight years, and an education initiative for health providers is planned as a response, state health officials said. The cases are known as obstetric hemorrhage, which is defined as the loss of at least 1,000 milliliters or more than 2 pints of blood during pregnancy or within 24 hours of childbirth. It is the leading cause of maternal death globally. Nonfatal cases can also have long-term health consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alaska, reported rates of obstetric hemorrhage increased from 7.9% of hospital deliveries from 2016 to 2019 to 9% of hospital deliveries from 2020 to 2023, according to a bulletin issued by the Alaska Division of Public Healths epidemiology section. Reported rates in Alaska increased for nearly all geographic regions and demographic groups in the period evaluated, the epidemiology bulletin said. However, it is not clear whether the statistics reflects a true increase in case numbers or better identification and reporting of cases, the bulletin noted. The highest rates are in the southwestern part of the state, where 15.6% of hospital deliveries from 2020 to 2023 involved such hemorrhages, and the northern part of the state, where the rate during that period was 12.6%, according to the bulletin. Among ethnic groups, Pacific Islanders had the highest rates of obstetric hemorrhage, at 14.2% of hospital deliveries from 2020 to 2023, according to the bulletin. Indigenous patients had the second highest rate, at 12.7% during those years, the bulletin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new campaign to educate health providers about obstetric hemorrhage will be launched in January by the Alaska Perinatal Quality Collaborative, a volunteer group of maternity health care specialists from around the state. Rebekah Porter, a nurse consultant with the Alaska Division of Public Health and an author of the bulletin, described the plans for that initiative. The Alaska Perinatal Quality Collaboratives Obstetric Hemorrhage Initiative will focus on both prevention and treatment of obstetric hemorrhage by promoting evidence-based change ideas that facilities can select based on their specific needs, she said by email. Through education and use of an American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists tool called the Obstetric Hemorrhage Patient Safety Bundle, the initiative aims to standardize care, improve outcomes, and enhance the readiness of healthcare providers across the state, Porter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excessive bleeding after childbirth causes about 70,000 maternal deaths a year, according to the World Health Organization. Those deaths are concentrated in low-income nations. In Alaska, bleeding-related maternal deaths are rare. From 2012 to 2016, there were no recorded maternal deaths in Alaska that were attributed to obstetric hemorrhage, according to state data. In the past five years, there have been fewer than five cases, Porter said. However, health officials who are monitoring what is known as severe maternal morbidity defined as unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that have severe health impacts have noticed an uptick in hemorrhage cases in recent years, Porter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This increase is another key reason for launching the AKPQC initiative at this time, she said. Most pregnancy-related deaths in Alaska are from some kind of trauma rather than from pregnancy-related medical causes, with domestic violence a prominent feature, according to state records. Unintentional injuries, homicides, assaults, suicides and overdoses together accounted for about two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths from 2015 to 2019, according to state records. Nationally, rates of hemorrhage after childbirth have increased over the past two decades, according to a study published last year by the National Institutes of Health. From 2000 to 2019, the rate of postpartum hemorrhage increased from 2.7% to 4.3%, the study said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TIRANA (Reuters) -Albania on Saturday announced a one-year ban on TikTok, the popular short video app, following the killing of a teenager last month that raised fears over the influence of social media on children. The ban, part of a broader plan to make schools safer, will come into effect early next year, Prime Minister Edi Rama said after meeting with parents' groups and teachers from across the country. "For one year, we'll be completely shutting it down for everyone. There will be no TikTok in Albania," Rama said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several European countries including France, Germany and Belgium have enforced restrictions on social media use for children. In one of the world's toughest regulations targeting Big Tech, Australia approved in November a complete social media ban for children under 16. Rama has blamed social media, and TikTok in particular, for fuelling violence among youth in and outside school. His government's decision comes after a 14-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death in November by a fellow pupil. Local media had reported that the incident followed arguments between the two boys on social media. Videos had also emerged on TikTok of minors supporting the killing. "The problem today is not our children, the problem today is us, the problem today is our society, the problem today is TikTok and all the others that are taking our children hostage," Rama said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok said it was seeking "urgent clarity" from the Albanian government. "We found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok," a company spokesperson said. (Reporting by Florion Goga and Fatos Bytyci; additional reporting and writing by Karolina Tagaris; Editing by Helen Popper and Jonathan Oatis) (Bloomberg) -- Albanias government banned TikTok for at least a year, Albanian Daily News reported on Saturday, citing comments by Prime Minister Edi Rama to a gathering of teachers and parents in the capital Tirana. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will take six to eight weeks, starting in January, to completely shut down the short-form video app, Rama said, according to the news portal. TikTok will not exist in the Republic of Albania, he was cited as saying. Ramas social media clampdown follows the murder of a 14-year-old boy by a schoolmate last month, an incident that sparked protests across the Balkan country. The suspected attacker shared images of his injuries on Snapchat after the incident as well as photos of himself holding a knife in the days preceding the incident. The decision to ban TikTok follows warnings by Rama and amid concerns in other countries over privacy and security when downloading content of the platform owned by Chinas ByteDance Ltd. TikTok may be outlawed in the US after President Joe Biden signed a law in April, stipulating the video app will be banned over national security concerns if the owner doesnt sell it to an American buyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijings export rules prevent Chinese companies from selling their software algorithms and ByteDance has said it will not sell the app. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. TIRANA, Albania (AP) Albania's prime minister said Saturday the government will shut down the video service TikTok for one year, blaming it for inciting violence and bullying, especially among children. Albanian authorities held 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents following the stabbing death of a teenager in mid-November by another teen after a quarrel that started on TikTok. Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a meeting with teachers and parents, said TikTok would be fully closed for all. ... There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania." Rama said the shutdown would begin sometime next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear if TikTok has a contact in Albania. TikTok in an email response Saturday to a request for comment asked for urgent clarity from the Albanian government on the case of the stabbed teenager. The company said it had "found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had TikTok accounts, and multiple reports have in fact confirmed videos leading up to this incident were being posted on another platform, not TikTok. Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers. There has been increasing concern from Albanian parents after reports of children taking knives and other objects to school to use in quarrels or cases of bullying promoted by stories they see on TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok's operations in China, where its parent company is based, are different, promoting how to better study, how to preserve nature ... and so on, according to Rama. Albania is too small a country to impose on TikTok a change of its algorithm so that it does not promote the reproduction of the unending hell of the language of hatred, violence, bullying and so on," Ramas office wrote in an email response to The Associated Press' request for comment. Rama's office said that in China TikTok "prevents children from being sucked into this abyss. Authorities have set up a series of protective measures at schools, starting with an increased police presence, training programs and closer cooperation with parents. Rama said Albania would follow how the company and other countries react to the one-year shutdown before deciding whether to allow the company to resume operations in Albania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone agreed with Ramas decision to close TikTok. The dictatorial decision to close the social media platform TikTok ... is a grave act against freedom of speech and democracy, said Ina Zhupa, a lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party. It is a pure electoral act and abuse of power to suppress freedoms. Albania holds parliamentary elections next year. ___ Follow Llazar Semini at https://x.com/lsemini Albania plans to ban access to the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok for one year, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Saturday. The platform, owned by the Beijing-based ByteDance company, is to be blocked in six to eight weeks after the necessary technical preparations have been made, he said in the capital Tirana. Rama said the content that TikTok offers in China is completely different from what it distributes abroad. "There is only filth and dirt there," he said, according to the state-run news agency ATA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, young people and children are endangered and "taken hostage" by the platform, he added. Discussions about the possible harmful effects of TikTok reached a head in Albania after a 14-year-old student was stabbed to death in a fight between two groups last month. The two groups had arranged to meet for the ultimately fatal brawl after antagonizing each other on TikTok. It is not yet clear how the TikTok ban is to be implemented. In countries where certain content is blocked, people often find loopholes to bypass bans, resorting for example to virtual private networks (VPNs), which can make it appear as if a user is in a different country. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Albuquerque police found and arrested the man who they said stole $10,000 worth of trading cards from an Old Town business. Police apprehended 33-year-old Brian Bettis at his home on Friday. Bettis is accused of breaking into the Old Town business and stealing thousands of dollars worth of Pokemon cards two weeks ago. Man pleads guilty in 2021 fatal house party shooting Old Town Hobbies and Games owner Joe Benitez said a man climbed onto the roof and jumped into the courtyard. To add insult to injury, Benitez said he knew exactly who the suspect was. He had been to the store. He sold me cards before. I know who it is, said Benitez in an interview with KRQE News 13 two weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police booked Bettis into the Metropolitan Detention Center. Hes being charged with aggravated burglary, larceny, and property damage. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Dec. 20The 3-year-old watched her drunken father, Anthony Hernandez, walk toward Albuquerque police holding a gun behind his back. Officers were aware of the gun and yelled for Hernandez to drop it and put his hands up. Instead, the 30-year-old pointed the pistol at police and fired once. Three officers returned 10 shots causing Hernandez and a man next to him to fall to the ground. Another man beside Hernandez's daughter opened his jacket and used it to shield her sight. The little girl with long, brown hair, clad in a pink jacket, peeked around him to see her father's motionless body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the Albuquerque Police Department gave a play-by-play of the Nov. 11 shooting that left Hernandez dead and three bystanders injured. APD Cmdr. Kyle Hartsock said the bullet fired by Hernandez didn't strike anyone. He said officers Zachary Herbst, Miguel Rodriguez and Derek Maines shot Hernandez and the three bystanders. A man and woman in a car between officers and Hernandez were shot in the hand and arm and a 68-year-old man standing beside Hernandez was shot in the chest. Hartsock said Hernandez's gun, a .45 caliber Glock, had one bullet in it and had been bought by him legally in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez and Maines, who both joined APD in 2018, hadn't been in a prior shooting. Herbst, who joined APD in 2014, previously killed two men in separate incidents over the past few years. It was not the first time Albuquerque police have had unintended casualties. In October, an officer was struck in the arm by a fellow officer's bullet, and in June 2023, two bystanders were shot when police opened fire on a stabbing suspect. APD Chief Harold Medina said he could not recall another case where a bystander was in the direct path of someone who exchanged gunfire with police. Medina said the man standing beside Hernandez was probably panicked and confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have officers giving orders, yelling. That civilian was probably trying to figure out 'How do I get out of this?'" he said, calling it an "impossible situation" for the man. For the officers, Medina said, the incident "moved in real time" and hindsight alone isn't applicable to question their actions. "These officers were in a deadly force situation. Other individuals have asked me this question and I've told them, 'Let me have somebody shoot a gun at you and see what you're going to do,'" he said. "... It's very difficult for anybody, whether they're trained or untrained, to sit here and say they know exactly what they're going to do when a shot is fired in their direction." Medina said he was glad his officers went home that night and that none of the bystanders were killed. He said APD will "learn from this" and train the scenario "best we can." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the end of the day, we ask officers to go out each and every day and risk their lives to keep this community as safe as possible," he said. A little girl, and a gun Hartsock said around 6 p.m. a clerk at the Speedway gas station on San Mateo NE, north of Interstate 40, called 911 to say they denied selling alcohol to a drunken man and he had dropped a gun inside the store. Security video showed Hernandez drop his gun while at the counter and, afterward, drop a bullet, which his daughter picks up and hands him. Hernandez is then seen pointing the gun at the gas station while sitting outside, his daughter on the curb beside him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 6:15 p.m., several Albuquerque police officers hide behind an SUV as it is slowly driven up to the gas station, according to lapel camera video. Police tell the bystanders, "Guys in the back, go away ... get away from him," but it's not clear they know who police are referring to. Lapel video shows Hernandez raise his hands, a gun in one, when officers tell him to and one officer fires a less-lethal round at him. Almost simultaneously, Hernandez fires a shot at police, and officers Herbst, Rodriguez and Maines return fire. Lapel video shows the two people shot by police in the car drive off as soon as the gunfire stops. Hartsock said the pair went to a nearby Walgreens drug store before calling for help and getting medical attention. Officers approach the other injured bystander, a man sitting in a pool of blood, and try to find where the bullet struck him. The man asks, "How come they shot me? I was just coming to the store, get some gas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez lay in a pool of blood feet away, clearly beyond help with a gun near his head. Near the gas pumps, a female officer can be seen carrying his daughter in her arms. Hartsock said the girl was returned to her mother who, according to court records, also shared an infant son with Hernandez: Tony Jr. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) An Albuquerque teenager who shot a security guard at Coronado Center over the summer was sentenced Friday afternoon. Nathaniel Martinez, 17, took a plea deal back in October admitting to his crime. Man pleads guilty in 2021 fatal house party shooting In July, a security guard caught Martinez sleeping in the Fuddruckers inside the mall and asked him to leave. Thats when witnesses say a fight broke out and Martinez shot the guard. He was taken into custody after a short chase with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge sentenced Martinez to one year in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department to give Martinez the chance to get treatment for his issues that led to this incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. America's fastest-growing grocery store is also the cheapest: Aldi. Once a European phenomenon that has since taken off in the United States, the chain of small and quirky supermarkets stocked with an impressive assortment of national and store brand products now operates thousands of stores in 39 states and serves a monthly customer base of about 40 million people. With cut-rate prices and many items not for sale in most any other grocery or variety store, Aldi finds always arrive on Wednesdays, and the store clearly works hard to provide interesting and tasty products to its customers seeking novelty and value. While there's a certain way to shop at Aldi to maximize time and energy, and an entire method to decode the price tags to ensure a money-saving Aldi trip, there's something that even the stores' most fervent customers likely don't factor in: potentially dangerous food that could make them sick. Over the past decade, Aldi has faced, managed, or ordered numerous product recalls to get as much of a handle as it could on foodborne illness or injury-causing contaminants. Here are all the times Aldi's millions of customers were put at risk for buying foods that were later recalled. Read more: The Surprising Way Costco Slices Up Its Pizza To Uniform Perfection Frozen Peas Contained Listeria Frozen peas in a bowl - Horasiu Vasilescu / 500px/Getty Images The industrial freezing of food is a scientific marvel that allows produce to be shipped and stored and retain its flavor and nutritional benefits for months or even years. Freezing can stop or severely slow down the natural decay of food, but it can't quite stop the growth or persistence of food-based illness. Listeria monocytogenes, the pathogen that can cause listeria contamination and infection in humans if consumed, was found in bagged peas prepared for sale at Aldi in 2017. The grocery chain recalled six lots, comprising 2,000 packages, of its Season's Best Frozen Sweet Peas. They'd been sold at Aldi stores in West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Iowa, Illinois, and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No cases of illness, either before or after the recall took effect, were reported, so Aldi acted out of caution rather than out of a need to quell an outbreak. The problem lay with the supplier, Lakeside Foods, which discovered listeria in its supply after it had shipped out all those units to various Aldi branches. Frozen Italian Dinners Were Made With Horse Meat Hunk of meat lasagna on a board - Lauripatterson/Getty Images There are more than 2,400 Aldi stores in the U.S., but well over 5,000 in Europe, which made recalling products secretly made with an unpalatable and concerning meat source all the more challenging. It's impossible for Americans to buy horse meat, but when Europeans did on accident, it amounted to likely the biggest scandal in Aldi history. In 2013, independent lab results confirmed what the Food Safety Authority of Ireland first noticed: that supposedly beef-based or beef-containing products sold across numerous grocery chains in multiple European Union member nations actually sourced its protein from horses. As agencies across Europe began investigations into how such a thing could happen and to find who was responsible, Aldi acted quickly to remove chain-wide any potentially horse-meat-tainted products, including ground beef, beef patties, and frozen dinners like its store brand Today's Special Frozen Beef Lasagne and Today's Special Frozen Spaghetti Bolognese. An especially egregious offender, testing indicated that those Italian-style meals had a meat profile of anywhere from 30% to 100%. The blame lay with meat suppliers Findus, Comigel, and ultimately Dutch wholesaler Willy Selten BV. Accused of selling 300 tons of horse meat to various commercial organizations, company head Willy Selten was arrested in April 2013 and was ultimately sentenced to more than two years in prison. Onions Were Contaminated With Salmonella A red onion chopped and sliced - Maple's Photographs/Getty Images Between June and September 2020, the U.S. federal agency the Centers for Disease Control monitored an uptick in salmonella infection. In the initial outbreak, more than 700 people reported contracting foodborne illness, of which 167 required hospitalization. Investigation and testing indicated a common source and the probable cause: onions processed and distributed by Thomson International Inc. While red onions were discovered to be the first infected food, white and yellow varieties also produced by Thomson carried the salmonella pathogen due to cross-contamination by sharing resources and proximity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2020, Thomson International recalled its recent harvests of all yellow, white, and sweet yellow onions out of an abundance of caution to prevent further infection. Simultaneously, Aldi issued a voluntary recall of its Thomson-made Onions 52 brand of onions, specifically two and three pound bags of sweet, red, white, and yellow styles that had been distributed to Arkansas, Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Customers could return purchased onions to the Aldi store of purchase for a refund, or just throw them away. By the time the outbreak was contained, 1,127 people in 48 states had fallen ill from eating tainted Thomson onions. Tortilla Wraps Were Sabotaged And Contained Metal Stack of tortilla wraps - THMorningMonday/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.K., the Food Standards Agency is a government-affiliated organization that inspects and certifies edible products meant for nationwide distribution and also conducts investigations into the causes of tainted food. In March 2024, it worked with commercial and industrial baker Signature Flatbreads U.K. to recall one lot of one product intended for sale at one retailer, Aldi. The company's Village Bakery Tortilla Wraps were subject to a recall due to potential contamination due to metal pieces allegedly placed there on purpose through an act of tampering. Signature Flatbreads U.K. was able to determine that eight-packs of thin, tortilla-style sandwich wraps had been targeted, and those particularly produced in a run with an expiration date of April 29, 2024. The FSA and Signature Flatbreads U.K. urged customers to not eat the product should they have it in their homes, as ingestion of metal can lead to oral or internal injury, but rather to return it to the Aldi location where they bought it. Turkey Kielbasa Was Sent To Stores With Bone Pieces Sliced kielbasa next to large curved chunk on marble board - BW Folsom/Shutterstock There are so many stages in how sausage gets made that there are multiple opportunities for bone fragments to make their way into the product. Processed sausage is essentially flesh that's been mechanically taken off of animal carcasses and then ground and pulverized into a fine paste and then extruded into casings, and a bit of inedible bone can wind up contaminating a little or a lot of those meat tubes. Somewhere along the production line in late 2023, small pieces of bone wound up in shipments of Parkview Turkey Polska Kielbasa, a traditional-style Polish sausage made with poultry. Supplier Salm Partners makes the item for sale at Aldi, and in January 2024, the chain had to order a substantial recall after at least one person endured a small oral injury (and others complained) when they bit into bone. The recall concerned 13-ounce, vacuum-sealed packages of the turkey sausage, all with one particular UPC code. That constituted more than 130,000 pounds, or about 160,000 individual packs of product. Nearly 3,000 Aldi stores across 35 states were impacted. Coppa In Charcuterie Trays Wasn't Properly Prepared And Made Over 100 People Sick Coppa on a board by an electric slicer - Igor Paszkiewicz/Shutterstock Fratelli Beretta makes a lot of charcuterie and Italian deli meat products, packaging them up in shallow plastic trays and then sealing them tightly with films bearing its own company name or of those with whom it contracts. Aldi sells Fratelli Beretta cured meats under its store brand name, Appleton Farms Gourmet Deli Selection, and so it participated in a large recall with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service in early 2024 when the supplier discovered that it was responsible for an outbreak of the bacteria that sauces salmonella poisoning in human beings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, Aldi recalled six-ounce packages of Appleton Farms Gourmet Deli Selection from certain stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia. It included in its selection sliced Coppa, which Fratelli Beretta believes wasn't properly processed, allowing salmonella pathogens to survive. By the time the recall, investigation, and outbreak all subsided, 104 people fell ill from eating infected Coppa, and it was especially serious for the 27 individuals who needed to be hospitalized. Stone Fruit Carried Deadly Listeria Germs Peaches, plums, nectarines in a basket - Jess Lessard Photography/Getty Images So named for being a related series of tree-grown produce with a large, inedible pit or stone in the inside, stone fruit are also susceptible to the same foodborne diseases across its many varieties. In November 2023, the Food and Drug Administration put out an alert that stone fruit including plums, peaches, and nectarines were currently harboring and spreading the bacteria that causes listeria poisoning. During the initial outbreak of the listeria, 10 people across seven states who ate affected stone fruit were hospitalized for treatment, while one person died and one pregnant woman's premature labor was an effect of contracting the pathogen. HMC Farms, the large-scale fruit distributor responsible, recalled peaches, plums, and nectarines from many of its clients, including Albertsons, Publix, Walmart, and Aldi. The chain participated in the recall and found that its stores in 29 states had carried the recall-targeted fruit, peaches sold individually and in 2 pound bags along with packaged two pound bags of plums and nectarines. Cut Cantaloupe Was Contaminated With Salmonella Cut cantaloupe on a plate - Anna Blazhuk/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salmonella is a type of bacteria-caused foodborne illness that attacks the intestines. Infected humans may notice symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, fever, and vomiting, and the problem is commonly associated with consumed tainted meat or eggs. Salmonella can also be spread via raw, uncooked fruit, particularly via pre-cut, packaged fruit. From October 2023 until December 2023, 407 people became afflicted with salmonella after eating contaminated fruit, primarily cantaloupe and some because of pineapple. Victims were spread across 44 states, and just under half of the victims required hospitalizations, and six people died during the outbreak, including four people from Minnesota. With the CDC's guidance, 11 fruit processors and retail operations recalled potentially infected fruit. In early 2023, Aldi, which got its stock from suppliers Sofia Produce and DBA TruFresh recalled its stock of whole cantaloupes, cut and plastic-packaged chunked cantaloupe, and pineapple spears. Those were variously sold at stores in Michigan, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Aldi dealt with another, separate fruit-based listeria outbreak in 2023. Citing the possibility of contamination, the grocery company recalled 38,909 cases of frozen products Season's Choice Mixed Fruit and Tropical Blend Fruit from stores in 27 states that had been sold as far back as October 2022. Fortunately, no Aldi customers reported an illness after eating those fruit blends. Boneless And Sauced Pork Ribs Were Sold Without Being Inspected Brush putting sauce on country pork ribs - Stephanie Frey/Shutterstock The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) thoroughly investigates food before it can enter the general supply or be distributed to retail outlets around the country. It's a particularly vital service for imported goods. Meat processed in Canada has to be inspected before it can be sold in the U.S., the FSIS's sign-off a guarantee that it's safe for human consumption and free of foodborne illness. Without that look, it's a possibility that food could be tainted, which was the concern that led to a multi-ton recall of boneless pork products in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada-based Eastern Meat Solutions Inc., a supplier of pork to national U.S. grocery chains including Walmart and Aldi, recalled 40,763 pounds of ribs that had somehow escaped inspection. Aldi sells Eastern Meat Solutions products under the Park Street Deli brand name, and as part of the recall, ordered its stores to stop selling Sweet Chipotle Boneless Pork Ribs with Sauce and Park Street Deli Hawaiian Style Boneless Pork Ribs with Sauce. All parties involved, including customers, avoided disaster when no one fell ill from consuming any of the pork after it missed certification and before the recall. Plastic Wrappers Wouldn't Separate From American Cheese Slices Kraft Singles on display at supermarket - rblfmr/Shutterstock One of Kraft's flagship products, Kraft Singles are a heavily processed, dairy-adjacent food also known as American cheese or pasteurized prepared cheese product. Those thin slices are versatile, melt up quickly and easily, boast a much longer shelf life than real cheese, and are convenient because they're individually wrapped. It's that pull-apart wrapper that caused major problems when in September 2023, a Kraft recall that affected millions was set into motion. Due to an equipment issue at a processing center, strips of the plastic meant to keep the cheese safe was persistently sticking to those very Kraft Singles even after the rest of the plastic sheeting was removed. "If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard," Kraft Heinz explained in a recall notice. To limit the potential of any of its customers suffocating on or swallowing pieces of plastic, Kraft Heinz recalled 83,800 cases of Kraft Singles. Aldi, which stocks the product in its stores nationwide, helped Kraft recall the problematic product, taking the 16-ounce iteration of Kraft American Singles out of its outlets in 37 states. Pocket Sandwiches Had Plastic In Them Pizza pockets on a wooden board - The Image Party/Shutterstock In 2019, Aldi frozen foods supplier J&J Snack Foods Corp., heard from multiple customers about inedible, foreign bodies found in products they'd bought at the grocery store chain. Under the Bremer Classic label, Aldi sells a line of heat-and-eat sandwiches, a house brand version of Hot Pockets. After involving the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Aldi and J&J Snack Foods jointly recalled two varieties of the frozen pocket meals: the Bremer Classic Pepperoni Pizza Hot Stuffed Sandwiches and the Bremer Classic Ham & Cheese Hot Stuffed Sandwiches. The problem: Two lots of 9-ounce boxes of both products were distributed while potentially contaminated with pieces of firm, nearly-translucent plastic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sold exclusively at Aldi stores, J&J recalled 56,578 pounds of Bremer Classic sandwiches, or roughly 100,000 total boxes. They'd been sold at supermarkets in 29 states, but nobody reported accidentally ingesting or injuring themselves on the rogue bits of plastic in question. Chicken Strips Were Laced With Metal Tyson chicken strips in bags at a store - Colleen Michaels/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early 2019, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service consumer protective agency fielded two customer complaints regarding metal found in chicken strips produced by major poultry processor Tyson Foods. By the time the matter was investigated and a recall of potentially affected products was underway, the FSIS had heard from six consumers that found metal in Tyson chicken, and three of those who found it experienced some kind of injury to their mouth as a result of accidental ingestion. In May 2019, Tyson recalled more than 11.8 million total pounds of precooked, frozen, heat-and-eat chicken strips which had been produced between October 2018 and March 2019. Among the more than 30 products recalled by Tyson were two that the company produced for Aldi, intended to be sold under one of the chain's house brands. Kirkwood Buffalo Style Chicken Strips and Kirkwood Honey BBQ Chicken Strips in 25 ounce bags were ordered back to the point of sale. Aldi also took the items off the sales floor in 25 states. Beef Patties Were Tainted With E. Coli Frozen hamburger patties stacked together - Yevhen Prozhyrko/Shutterstock E. coli is a particularly vicious bacteria that can cause serious GI symptoms, such as cramping, fever, diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which itself can lead to kidney malfunction or death. The germ is found in the feces of livestock and can make its way into the meat of those animals during processing; humans may unwittingly ingest E. coli if affected meat isn't cooked at or to a temperature high enough to kill the bacteria. Anytime E. coli is found in the food supply, it's a potential public health emergency. In the summer of 2018, 18 people became very sick, and one person died, due to the presence of E. coli in ground beef. The USDA determined that the contamination likely took root at a facility run by processor Cargill Meat Solutions. Because it can take more than a month for symptoms of E. coli poisoning to manifest, the problematic meat had been distributed around the United States when the first patients reported their illnesses. Cargill ordered an immediate recall of more than 132,000 pounds of a dozen different multi-pound ground beef products. Aldi had purchased Cargill products, too, and in September 2018, it asked customers who'd shopped at its stores in 11 states to get rid of any 80% lean ground beef patties they'd purchased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. (KRON) An alleged fentanyl trafficker was extradited from Honduras to San Francisco on Thursday after he was charged with a conspiracy to sell fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Bay Area, the United States Department of Justice said. Gustavo Erazo, 49, is a Honduran national who previously lived in Oakland. He was arrested in November 2022 outside a Berkeley apartment with suspected fentanyl, suspected heroin, and suspected cocaine in his backpack. Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie promises Change is coming to San Francisco in exclusive interview with KRON4 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the apartment, police officers found almost 21 pounds of suspected drugs, including nearly 15 pounds of suspected fentanyl, per the DOJ. They also found drug-manufacturing equipment, two guns and cash. Erazo returned to Honduras after being charged in federal court. The U.S. government worked with the Honduran government to bring him back to the United States. He is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute 400+ grams of fentanyl and possession of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is facing a life sentence in prison and millions of dollars in fines. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two more men have been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that hit a school bus with children on board, according to court and jail records. On Monday, Dec. 16, officials say a Charlotte Mecklenburg School bus coming from Albemarle Road Middle School was struck by a bullet on East W.T. Harris Blvd near Idlewild Road North. Thirty students and the school bus driver were on board when the incident happened. Two children were hit by broken glass, but no one was shot. Innocent victims: Video shows moment CMS bus struck by gunfire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, the shooting happened during an argument over drugs. Shortly after the shooting, Lamarius Ramel Anthony, 21, was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of cocaine and marijuana. Lamarius Anthony (Mecklenburg County Jail) Paris Lewis-Bynum (Mecklenburg County Jail) On Wednesday, 20-year-old Paris Lewis-Bynum was arrested. He is charged with the following: 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 On Thursday, a judge denied bond for Lewis-Bynum. Later that day, Jaheim Savion Boone, 23, was arrested after a quick foot chase. He is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three counts of Assault With a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Nine counts of Discharging a Weapon into a Moving Vehicle Two counts Possesion of a Firearm by a Felon Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver a Schedule II Controled Substance Cocaine Felony Carrying a Concealed Weaspon Gun Resisting a Public Officer Jaheim Boone (MCSO) According to court documents, investigators believe Boone tried to kill Lewis-Bynum and two other men by shooting at them. The shots hit the school bus twice; a gray 2018 Infiniti Q50 occupied by one of the male victims was hit three times; and a white Chevrolet Express van with two other men was struck twice. On Friday, Dec. 20, a judge also denied bond for Jaheim Boone. Both Boone and Lewis-Bynum are scheduled to be back in court on Thursday, Jan. 9. Joshua Woods (MCSO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Friday, police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Antonyo Woods, marking the fourth arrest in the case. He is charged with the following: Three counts of Assault With a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Felony Conspiracy Probation Violation According to his arrest warrant, Woods shot at Boone and two other men with a desire to kill them. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Dec. 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 Queen City News. Image: INA FASSBENDER (Getty Images) Amazon (AMZN) is reportedly hitting pause on its return-to-office (RTO) plans due to a shortage of office space. The company had originally planned to bring all employees back to the office five days a week starting Jan. 2, 2025, but certain locations are not yet prepared to accommodate the full workforce, according to Business Insider, which cites internal notifications. Read More NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been in space for far longer than originally planned after issues with Boeings Starliner vehicle. - Photo: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP (Getty Images) The pair of astronauts who journeyed into space on the first crewed mission of Boeings Starliner are going to have to wait even longer to come back down to Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Apple CEO Tim Cook is one of the latest major tech leaders to meet with President-elect Donald Trump - Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images) Shortly after the 2016 election, the tech worlds biggest names largely didnt care for Donald Trump. This time around, they cant get enough of him. In the first term, everybody was fighting me. In this term, everybody wants to be my friend, the president-elect said Monday after announcing that Japanese investment firm Softbank plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S. Read More Photo: Bob Henry/UCG/Universal Images Group (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Huawei, Samsung, and Googles (GOOGL) splashy entrances into the foldable smartphone market, it appears Apple (AAPL) is trying to get in on the action with a bendy phone of its own. Read More President Joe Bidens administration has set the stage for a legal fight between California and the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. - Photo: Brendan Smialowski and Jim Watson/AFP (Getty Images) The Biden administration has approved two requests from California to enforce strict standards on emissions from gas-powered cars and trucks, setting the stage for a reversal by President-elect Donald Trump. Read More Waymos self-driving cars currently operate in a handful of U.S. cities, including Phoenix and San Francisco. - Photo: Waymo Alphabet-backed Waymo (GOOGL) is making its international debut, more than 15 years after the self-driving car startup was founded. The autonomous vehicle company described its plans as a road trip, meant to collect data about the nuances of driving in Tokyo, including left-hand traffic and navigating in a densely populated urban environment. Waymo said the endeavor will help it learn how to serve Tokyos residents and work with local partners and policymakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Thousands of Amazon workers are walking off the job to fight for better pay and working conditions. - Illustration: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket (Getty Images) Amazon (AMZN) is facing the largest strike in its history as thousands of workers across the U.S. and Germany walk off the job just days ahead of the holidays. Read More More than two-thirds of Amazons warehouses have above-average injury rates for the industry, according to a new report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon (AMZN) manipulates its workplace injury data and rejected recommendations to improve safety conditions for its workers, according to a Senate investigation into labor rules at the U.S.s largest online retailer. Read More Amazon workers across a handful of U.S. cities could walk off the job this month - Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu (Getty Images) Thousands of Amazon (AMZN) workers are threatening to strike during the busy holiday season as they demand that the largest online retailer in the U.S. begin negotiating with the union representing them. Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Amazon delivery drivers and Starbucks baristas are on strike in a handful of U.S. cities as they seek to exert pressure on the two major companies to recognize them as unionized employees or to meet demands for an inaugural labor contract. The strikes that started Thursday and Friday followed other recent standoffs between corporate America and organized labor. Large and established labor unions secured meaningful employer concessions this year following strikes by Boeing factory workers, dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports, video game performers, and hotel and casino workers on the Las Vegas Strip. But workers at Starbucks, Amazon and some other prominent consumer brands still are fighting for their first contracts. Amazon refuses to acknowledge the organizing efforts of drivers and warehouse workers many of whom have voted to unionize even though the powerful Teamsters union says it represents them. Starbucks long resisted the unionization of its stores, but had agreed to negotiate a contract by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are the strikes happening now? Strikes particularly ones that happen during the holidays, a time of high economic activity can help unions exercise leverage during negotiations or flex their muscles by garnering support from workers and sympathetic consumers. Both Amazon and Starbucks saw a wave of organizing efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic focused attention on front-line workers and the impact of economic inequality on the lives of wage-earning Americans. Employees organized at bookstores, where unions are rare, and were successful with campaigns at some stores run by Apple, Trader Joes and the outdoor equipment company REI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But turning those wins into contracts can be a challenge. At Amazon and Starbucks, which were not unionized before the pandemic, workers have yet to secure an agreement with the e-commerce and coffee giants, which both have their headquarters in Seattle. John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said he thinks the Amazon and Starbucks workers are desperate to make progress before President-elect Donald Trump gets to appoint a Republican majority to the National Labor Relations Board, which is expected to be less friendly to unions during his administration. The unions want to make these disputes public and bring political pressures on the companies," Logan said in a written statement. If these disputes drag on until next year, and if they are fought largely through the labor board and the courts, the unions and workers will almost certainly lose. This might be their last, best chance to pressure the companies in public before Trump comes into office. However, Trump has also given some signs that he might be friendlier to labor during his second term compared to his first term. Last month, he picked Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor in his new administration, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions, including the Teamsters. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien also spoke at the Republican National Convention this past summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teamster-led strikes at Amazon The Teamsters say workers at Amazon are striking at seven delivery stations in Southern California, San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, Illinois, because the company ignored a Sunday deadline the union had set for contract negotiations. At midnight on Saturday, the Teamsters say workers will also strike at a prominent warehouse in New York, which voted to join the fledgling Amazon Labor Union in 2022 and have since elected to affiliate with the Teamsters. The prominent labor group says it's fighting for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions for Amazon employees, many of whom experience economic insecurity while working for a company worth $2.3 trillion. It has not said how many Amazon warehouse workers or drivers are joining the striking. The union has mainly focused on organizing delivery drivers, which the company says are not its workers because they are directly employed by contractors Amazon recruited to handle package deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That type of setup gives the Amazon more cover from unionization attempts in an industry transportation and trucking thats dominated by the Teamsters. However, the union has argued before the National Labor Relations Board that the drivers, who wear Amazons ubiquitous gray-blue vests and drive similarly colored vans, should be classified as company employees. Meanwhile, the online retailer has accused the union of pushing a false narrative about the thousands of workers it claims to represent. Amazon has also touted its pay, saying it provides warehouse and transportation employees a base wage of $22 per hour plus benefits. It also recently boosted hourly pay for the subcontracted delivery drivers. In September, the NLRB, which has taken a more pro-labor stance under President Joe Biden, filed a complaint that found the drivers to be joint employees of Amazon. The agency also accused Amazon of unlawfully failing to bargain with the Teamsters on a contract for drivers at a California delivery hub. The Teamsters union says it also represents Amazon warehouse workers, including thousands of employees at the major New York City fulfillment center who voted to be represented by the Amazon Labor Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon objected to the 2022 warehouse election results, alleging the Amazon Labor Union and the federal labor board had tainted the vote. A regional NLRB director issued a complaint last year that accused Amazon of violating the law by refusing to bargain with the union. Amazon, in turn, is challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB in federal court along with Elon Musk's SpaceX. In June, the Supreme Court made it harder for the agency to win court orders in labor disputes, siding with Starbucks in a case brought by the company. Contract negotiations at Starbucks Unlike Amazon, contract negotiation have been underway at Starbucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized workers at 535 company-owned U.S. stores since 2021, said the company has failed to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this year. The union also wants Starbucks to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The agency also has opened or settled hundreds of charges against Amazon. In launching the strikes that started Friday in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, Workers United said Starbucks proposed an economic package with no new wage increases for unionized baristas now and a 1.5% increase in future years. Starbucks said Workers United prematurely ended a bargaining session this week. The company also says it already offers pay and benefits worth $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks workers walked off the job on two occasions last year. Workers United has said the latest strikes could spread to hundreds of stores across the country by Christmas Eve. Patricia Campos-Medina, who recently ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in New Jersey and leads Cornell University's Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said she expects there to be more union activity before Trump takes office. Trump's reactions will give the public a chance to see what his commitments are to the working class, Campos-Medina said. ___ Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this story. Amazon drivers and warehouse workers across seven different warehouses coordinated a strike with the Teamsters union on Thursday, Dec. 19, just days before Christmas. These strikes are happening around major delivery area hubs: New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. This campaign launched by the Teamsters union comes during the holiday shopping rush, in what they state is the largest strike against Amazon in American history but has barely made a ripple in Amazons shipping operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon has stated there has been no impact on operations and deliveries but some online shoppers may still be worried if their Christmas gifts will make it in time. What are the Teamsters and why are they striking? The Teamsters state that they represent almost 10,000 Amazon staff and contractors in warehouses, deliveries and air hubs. The Teamsters have been demanding that Amazon come to the bargaining table and are fighting for higher wages, better benefits and safer work conditions for Amazon employees. Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien stated ahead of the strike, 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. What to know about holiday deliveries in SC At this time, there have been no reports of operational or package delivery delays for South Carolina residents. Amazon says it doesnt expect the strike to impact its operations. The only concern is that if the strike continues or results in a larger walkout, especially one that lasts many days, it could delay shipments in some metro areas. By Orhan Qereman, Tom Perry and Tuvan Gumrukcu QAMISHLI, Syria/BEIRUT/ANKARA (Reuters) -With hostile Turkish-backed groups mobilising against them in Syria's north, and Damascus ruled by a group friendly to Ankara, Syria's main Kurdish factions are on the back foot as they seek to preserve political gains carved out during 13 years of war. Part of a stateless ethnic group straddling Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Armenia and Syria, Kurds have so far been among the few winners of the Syrian conflict, controlling nearly a quarter of the country and leading a powerful armed group that is a key U.S. ally in countering Islamic State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the power balance has tilted against them since the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swept into Damascus this month, toppling President Bashar al-Assad, two analysts and a senior Western diplomat told Reuters. The seismic change in Syria is expected to yield deeper Turkish sway just as a change of U.S. administration is raising questions over how long Washington will keep backing the country's Kurdish-led forces. For Turkey, the Kurdish factions represent a national security threat. Ankara views them as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and other powers. The Syrian Kurdish groups "are in deep, deep trouble", said Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International, a U.S.-based think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The balance has shifted fundamentally in Syria to the advantage of Turkey-backed or Turkey-aligned factions, and Turkey seems determined to exploit this to the fullest." The shift has been reflected in renewed fighting for control of the north, where Turkey-backed armed groups known as the Syrian National Army (SNA) have made military advances against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Fanar al-Kait, a senior official in the Kurdish-led regional administration, told Reuters that the ouster of Assad, whose Arab nationalist Baath Party oppressed Kurds for decades, presented a chance to stitch the fragmented country back together. He said the administration is ready for dialogue with Turkey, but the conflict in the north showed Ankara had "very bad intentions". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will certainly push the region towards ... a new conflict," he added. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday he expected foreign states would withdraw support for Kurdish fighters following Assad's toppling, as Ankara seeks to isolate the People's Protection Units (YPG), the Kurdish militia that spearheaded the SDF alliance. Responding to questions from Reuters, a Turkish official said the root cause of the conflict is "not Turkey's view towards the region; it is that the PKK/YPG is a terrorist organisation". "The PKK/YPG elements must lay down their arms and leave Syria," the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, in a Reuters interview on Thursday, acknowledged the presence of PKK fighters in Syria for the first time, saying they had helped battle Islamic State and would return home in the event a total ceasefire was agreed with Turkey. He denied any organisational ties with the PKK. FEMINISM AND ISLAMISM Meanwhile, in Damascus, the new leadership is showing warmth towards Ankara and indicating it wants to bring all Syria back under central authority - a potential challenge to the decentralisation Kurds favour. While Turkey provides direct backing to the SNA, it along with other states deems HTS a terrorist group because of its al Qaeda past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, Ankara is believed to have significant sway over the group. A senior Western diplomat said: "The Turks can clearly influence them more than anyone else". HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa told a Turkish newspaper that Assad's ouster was "not only the victory of the Syrian people, but also the Turkish people". The Turkish official said HTS was not and never had been under Ankara's control, calling it a structure "we were communicating with due to circumstances" and adding many Western states were also doing so. Syrian Kurdish groups led by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the affiliated YPG militia took control of much of the north after the uprising against Assad began in 2011. They established their own administration, while insisting their aim was autonomy, not independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their politics, emphasising socialism and feminism, differ starkly from HTS' Islamism. Their area grew as U.S.-led forces partnered with the SDF in the campaign against Islamic State, capturing Arab-majority areas. The Turkey-backed SNA groups stepped up their campaign against the SDF as Assad was being toppled, seizing the city of Manbij on Dec. 9 Washington brokered a ceasefire, but the SDF has said Turkey and its allies have not abided by it, and a Turkish defence ministry official said there was no such deal. U.S. support for the SDF has been a point of tension with its NATO ally, Turkey. Washington views the SDF as a key partner in countering Islamic State, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned will try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria. The SDF is still guarding tens of thousands of detainees linked to the militant group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said last weekend that Turkey saw no sign of an Islamic State resurgence in Syria. On Friday, Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, told his German counterpart during talks in Ankara that alternatives needed to be found for the management of camps and prisons where the detainees are being held. Separately, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf said on Friday that Washington was working with Ankara and the SDF to find "a managed transition in terms of SDF's role in that part of the country." President Joe Biden's administration has said that U.S. troops will stay on in Syria, but President-elect Donald Trump could remove them when he takes office on Jan. 20. LETTER TO TRUMP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first administration, Trump attempted to pull out of Syria but faced pressure at home and from U.S. allies. In a Dec. 17 letter to Trump, reviewed by Reuters, top Syrian Kurdish official Ilham Ahmed said Turkey was preparing to invade the northeast before he takes office. Turkey's plan "threatens to undo years of progress in securing stability and fighting terrorism", she wrote. "We believe you have the power to prevent this catastrophe." Asked for comment, Trump-Vance transition spokesman Brian Hughes said: "We continue to monitor the situation in Syria. President Trump is committed to diminishing threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and to protecting Americans here at home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said on Dec. 16 that Turkey will "hold the key" to what happens in Syria but has not announced his plans for U.S. forces stationed there. "The Kurds are in an unenviable position," said Joshua Landis, a Syria expert at the University of Oklahoma. "Once Damascus consolidates its power, it will move on the region. The U.S. can't remain there forever." HTS leader Sharaa told British broadcaster the BBC that Kurds were "part of our people" and "there should be no division of Syria", adding arms should be entirely in the state's hands. Sharaa acknowledged one of Turkey's main concerns - the presence of non-Syrian Kurdish fighters in Syria - and said: "We do not accept that Syrian lands threaten and destabilize Turkey or other places." He pledged to work through dialogue and negotiations to find "a peaceful formula to solve the problem," saying he believed initial contacts had been established "between the Kurds in northeastern Syria or the SDF organisation". Kait, the Kurdish official, said his administration wanted "a democratic Syria, a decentralized Syria, a Syria that represents all Syrians of all sects, religions and ethnicities," describing these as red lines. The SDF would be "a nucleus of the coming Syrian army," he added. SDF commander Abdi, in his Reuters interview, confirmed that contact had been established with HTS to avoid clashes between their forces but said Ankara would try to drive a wedge between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration. Still, he said there was strong support from international parties, including the U.S.-led coalition, for the SDF joining "the new political phase" in Damascus, calling it "a great opportunity". "We are preparing, after a total ceasefire between us and between Turkey and the affiliated factions, to join this phase," he said. (Orhan Qereman reported from Qamishli, Syria, Tom Perry from Beirut and Tuvan Gumrukcu from Ankara; Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris, Humeyra Pamuk in Washington and Daren Butler in Istanbul; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Alexandra Zavis) Dec. 20ANDERSON The Anderson City Council has voted to use any non-obligated American Rescue Plan funds on planned improvements to the water system. The council Thursday voted to allow several non-profit organizations to apply for the funding by the end of the year. It also voted to move $250,000 from the money set aside for the administration of the plan to the Homeless Task Force. Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. asked the council to obligate approximately $1.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds that were not appropriated to the city's $17 million water system upgrade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all knew this day was coming," Broderick said of the remaining funds from the $23.1 million the city received. "If the funds are not obligated by Dec. 31, they have to be returned to the federal government." He said the funds must be appropriated where a contract is already in place, noting only the recent awarding of contracts for the first phase of the water project is in place. "We're out of time," Broderick said. Broderick said he didn't oppose moving the $250,000 to the Homeless Task Force. Lance Stephenson, president of the city council, said he would have liked to see all the remaining funding provided to non-profits to benefit the citizens of Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broderick said the council approved the process for the distribution of the funds and any contract would have to be reviewed. City controller Doug Whitham said the city has more projects that can be done to improve the water utility. "We don't have any other obligations for the funds," he said. "We want to make sure the money stays in Anderson." Several local residents asked the council to deny the request to obligate the funds for the water utility. Councilwoman Tiffany Harless made a motion to table the resolution to allocate the funds, which failed by a 6-2 vote. Councilman Greg Graham was not at the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the same vote, the council approved using any remaining funds for the water project, with Harless and Councilman Ollie H. Dixon voting against the measure. Resident Cheryl Horning said contracts could be signed by the end of the year with United Way, Anderson Housing Authority and the South Madison Community Foundation. She said United Way would use the funding to assist people with utility bills. Resident Kellie Kelley asked if the city's economic development department had been working since August to find homeowners eligible for funding. Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said in the first round only 15 people applied for funding, and 149 applied in the second round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Angie Strickler said the city should take the remaining funds and help residents of the city. "The focus should be helping people keep their homes," she said. "There are a number of people dealing with addiction and mental health issues that need help." John Bostic, who served on one of the committees overseeing distribution of the funds, said only Anderson developed a plan for the appropriation of the funding. "The city did come up with a plan for the people of the city," he said. "The council was involved. "We helped people pay their mortgages, taxes and utility bills," Bostic said. "We gave money to nonprofits, and everyone had an opportunity apply and voice their opinion." Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863. Dec. 20A new chunk of Interstate 40 crumbled into the Pigeon River this week, dealing a blow to the anticipated reopening of one lane in each direction in January on the Haywood County route to Tennessee. Heavy rains last week, coupled with the freeze-thaw cycle, destabilized the slope below the roadbed. The steep bank between the roadbed sloughed away, taking yet another piece of I-40 with it. I-40 through the Pigeon Gorge will now remain closed until transportation and geotechnical engineers deem it safe for drivers to navigate a narrow, two-lane pattern in the gorge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is an unfortunate situation," NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne said. "It's a new hurdle that we have to overcome in order to provide a safe facility for the travelling public." Geotechnical engineers were on site Thursday to determine a solution to stabilize the new location. "We would like to open the corridor as soon as it is safe to do so," Payne said. "We know it is a critical route for folks who live here, visit here and travel through here." Eyes on the ground Unlike other sections of I-40 washed out by the ferocious Pigeon River maelstrom during Hurricane Helene, this latest section to collapse had weathered that storm OK but succumbed to later destabilizing conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the bright side, crews had noticed the early warning signs. They detected a new crack in the asphalt Monday, indicating trouble beneath the road bed. A crack monitor was quickly installed to keep tabs on whether it grew. And grow it did. Crews had completed shoring up destabilized sections of I-40 deemed "at risk" of more slipping with soil nails. It was all-systems-go to reopen the I-40 corridor to Tennessee with one lane in each direction by Jan. 1. The fresh slide changed that, but doesn't necessarily close the door on reopening lanes in the future even though the newly collapsed edge comes precipitously close to the median that would separate the drivable lanes from a plunge into the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How bad is it? This newly collapsed section is now missing the outermost lane closest to the river, and half the inside lane on the eastbound direction. Had it crept much closer to the yellow line, it could have infringed on the stability of the two good westbound lanes that remain. Keeping those westbound lanes intact is critical for the future prospects of reopening one lane in each direction. The remaining lanes are also vital for road crews doing repairs, giving them a platform to work from and move along through the otherwise hemmed in terrain. A fix in the works In other good news, the sections that got soil-nail treatment held fast and resisted the elements that had caused the fresh slide in another area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soil nails were installed at 10 other damaged locations along a four-mile stretch of I-40 near the state line in Haywood County. Engineers will continue to monitor the transition into the winter season and will recommend additional stabilization if necessary. Wright Brothers Construction, with GeoStabilization International as a sub-contractor, was awarded a contract to stabilize the eastbound lanes and create a safe passage for one lane in each direction from Harmon Den to the state line. NCDOT staff is currently working with Wright Brothers Construction on a supplemental agreement for the new repairs. Another complaint was filed Monday on behalf of detainees at Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities in Kern County, even as advocates say little to no action has been taken on previous complaints. Lawyers with the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice filed a complaint on behalf of 21 detainees alleging mistreatment and weaponization of care at the Mesa Verde facility in Bakersfield and Golden State Annex in McFarland. The complaint alleges medical care provided at the two facilities has been substandard and, in some cases, intentionally withheld from prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Medical staff have also informed detained people that they can only submit one request for medical care per day, and that staff can address only one medical need per visit to the medical unit, even though requests for medical care take several days to be addressed," the complaint said. The complaint was filed with the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and is one of several filed this year regarding conditions at the two Kern County facilities. Taken together, the complaints allege a pattern of mistreatment and substandard care by the facilities' operator, the GEO Group, a Florida-based prison contractor that runs several ICE detention facilities in California and other states. In a statement, GEO strongly disagreed with the allegations made in the complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such allegations are part of a long-standing, politically motivated and radical campaign to abolish ICE and end federal immigration detention by attacking the federal government's immigration facility contractors," the company said. In October, GEO sued the state over Senate Bill 1132, which said certain detention facilities, including those contracted by the federal government, were subject to inspection by local health officials. Immigrant advocates and California lawmakers have called for DHS to end its contracts with GEO, citing the series of complaints and an April 18 inspection report that found "unsafe and unsanitary facility conditions" and that the company failed in some cases to provide timely responses to detainee complaints. That report completed after an unannounced inspection at Golden State Annex found GEO Group to be mostly in compliance with the Performance-Based National Detention Standards governing facility operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An October letter signed by eight California congressional Democrats to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asked that contracts with GEO be ended and corrective action be taken to provide detainees with appropriate services. Similar letters were sent in September and May. Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex are in the 22nd Congressional District currently held by U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, who was not among the lawmakers who signed the letter. Valadao's office did not respond to a request for comment, but the area's other congressional representative, Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, said in an email that securing the southern border is one of the nation's highest priorities. "Over the past four years, we have seen the real-world consequences of the illegal immigration crisis with a rise in cartel activity, human trafficking and drug smuggling including fentanyl coming over our southern border," Fong said. "These are real problems affecting our community, state and nation every day. I will work with the Trump administration to effectively secure our southern border immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the series of complaints and letters from lawmakers, Ana Linares Montoya, a coordinator with CCIJ, said there's been little to no action by GEO or DHS to address complaints. "We are currently continuing to engage in conversations with (DHS) to get these investigations going. However, we've only received responses stating that they've received the information and will review it and follow up with us on any investigations that will occur," Montoya said. It can take some time before investigations are acted on, Montoya said, in some cases even years. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters and complaints are meant to shed light on the conditions at ICE facilities, she said, and organizations like CCIJ try to connect detainees with medical advocates who provide additional support. The incoming Trump administration has promised mass deportations. Even under the Biden administration ICE has been looking to place another detention facility in California. Montoya said advocates are concerned that a sudden influx of detainees could strain systems that are already failing to provide decent care. "We have an understanding that if mass deportations happen, obviously mass detention will occur and exacerbate these conditions," Montoya said. "We're preparing to support our communities, including by just reminding individuals that it's not the first time that California finds itself in Trump's crosshairs." On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra, causing a massive wave that devastated Asian coastal communities across thousands of miles. Some 230,000 people died as the tsunami leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts in Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, among other countries. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of a disaster that's still vividly remembered in the region, here's a look back at the aftermath. In these photos, a resident of a fishing village in India's Tamil Nadu state contemplates the remains of her house as fires continue to burn in her village. In Thailand, dozens of bodies are lined up at a Buddhist temple, and a young Swedish boy carries a sign listing family members he hasn't seen since they were swept out to sea from their beachfront hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Sri Lanka, villagers search for the dead among derailed train cars, lighting fires to cremate those they find. And in Aceh, Indonesia, the worst-hit area nearest the quake's epicenter, people search for survivors and food in towns that have been largely reduced to rubble. Today, many coastal communities have rebuilt, and new early warning systems are in place that could give people time to get to shelter. But the true toll of these events will never be known for certain. SIOUX FALLS SD (KELO) Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire on Louise Avenue Saturday morning. LIVE BLOG: #4 USD meets #1 Montana State At around 10 a.m. the first arriving units discovered an apartment building with an individual apartment that was filled with smoke. The fire was quickly located and extinguished while also conducting a search for occupants. The fire was under control within approximately 5 minutes of arrival and no occupants were discovered, a news release says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The residents were displaced as a result of the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Arizona man was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday over online posts that threatened President-elect Donald Trump. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona announced in a news release that Manuel Tamayo-Torres faces one count of threats against the president and successors to the presidency, along with other unrelated charges. According to the Attorney's Office, Tamayo-Torres, a Tolleson resident, posted violent threats on social media targeting former President Trump and his family in November 2024. He allegedly threatened to kill Trump and shared a photo of a gun, which was later recovered along with additional firearms during a search of his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney's Office said Tamayo-Torres already had a felony on his record from a 2003 assault conviction. In July 2023, an Arizona court issued an order of protection against him, preventing him from harassing, stalking or threatening his ex-wife for two years. Tamayo-Torres was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2003 conviction and a 2023 order of protection. In addition to the charge of threatening Trump, he was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and four counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Tamayo-Torres faces a maximum penalty of up to 45 years in prison and could be fined over $500,000, according to the Attorney's Office. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tolleson man indicted over over threats against Trump, family Although Arizona's wildfire season is long over and Saturday marks the official start of winter, two fires continue to burn in the state. "It's definitely not normal, but it isn't unusual because of the conditions we're experiencing right now," said Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management spokesperson Tiffany Davila in explaining why Arizonans are still seeing wildfires past the April through July peak season. As of Dec. 16, 2024, there have been 2,149 fires, compared with 1,817 during the same period in 2023, according to data from the Forestry and Fire Management Department. These fires have resulted in 93,229 more acres burned this year than last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davila explained that the past couple of months have seen minimal precipitation, not only in the Phoenix area but also in the Arizona High Country, including Payson, where one of the two active wildfires is burning. Combined with warmer-than-average temperatures, these conditions have fueled the Horton Fire northeast of Payson and the Soap Fire in Black Canyon City. As of Thursday, the 630-acre Soap Fire was 60% contained, according to the federal InciWeb website. Meanwhile, the 520-acre Horton Fire in Tonto National Forest remained at 0% containment as of Friday morning, according to the website. "Because of the conditions we're seeing now, hot and dry, lack of precipitation, whether that's rain or snow, we are seeing that fire activity," Davila said. "It's happened in the past when we've got drier conditions with warmer temperatures." Davila noted that fire activity, including roadside fires, persisted well into October due to minimal rainfall during this years monsoon. Only a few areas, such as southern Arizona, received the necessary moisture, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the warmer temperatures and lack of precipitation, Davila urged residents and visitors to be mindful and ensure campfires are cool to the touch before leaving them. During this offseason, residents need to "create defensible space around" their properties by mowing and watering their lawns and clearing leaves from rooftops, Davila said. Help for firefighters: University of Arizona tool tracks humidity levels This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona wildfires rage during 'not normal' December. Here's why LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas Legislative Council voted on Friday to make an emergency rule on pharmacy benefit managers permanent, reversing a Thursday decision by its rules subcommittee. On Thursday the subcommittee voted against the rule, citing various factors, including possible price hikes and questions about rate-setting. Proponents of the rule cited the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on pharmacy viability. Arkansas legislative committee shuts down fair and reasonable rate rule protecting pharmacies from PBMs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PBMs take a middle-ground role in prescription drug costs, standing between insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in setting prices. Opponents of the PBM system said this often results in pharmacy payments below the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) scale and has led to the closure of pharmacies in the state, with additional closures expected. Emergency Rule 128 was passed in September to fine PBMs for payments below the NADAC and require them to pay a fair and reasonable rate. As an emergency rule, it was due to expire on Jan. 12, 2025. Rules subcommittee members voted against making the rule permanent on Thursday. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement Thursday evening showing her displeasure with that vote. PBMs are driving up healthcare costs and will not be allowed to skirt the law, the governor stated. My administration will continue to hold them accountable, including enforcement of the $1.5 million fine we imposed on rule-breaking PBMs this summerthe largest pharmaceutical enforcement action in Arkansas historyand work with our partners in the legislature to further protect Arkansans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas lawmakers take action on rule holding pharmacy benefit managers accountable Friday was the full committees final review of Rule 128 when legislators voted to make it permanent. Sen. Justin Boyd (R-Fort Smith), a council member and pharmacist, applauded the vote on social media, calling it a big win for patients and communities and a display of Arkansas leading on PBM reforms. He also thanked Sanders for her support. Rep. Brandon Achor (R-Maumelle), a pharmacist, voiced his support for adopting the rule with a social media post. Proud of our Arkansas Legislative Council for demanding Real Results Over Rhetoric and championing the great work @SarahHuckabee and her staff have done to prioritize Patients Over Profits with Rule 128 and the commitment to holding PBMs and Big Insurance accountable! he posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas lawmakers take action on rule holding pharmacy benefit managers accountable The Arkansas Pharmacists Association also applauded the Friday vote. We are pleased that Rule 128 was approved today by the Arkansas Legislative Council, Arkansas Pharmacists Association CEO John Vinson said in a statement. Its an important precedent that will hold lawbreaking PBMs accountable through more transparency for fair prices, local access and better care for patients, Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENE COUNTY, Ark. Arkansas State Police are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting that took place in Greene County. Authorities said the Jonesboro Police Department warned law enforcement around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday to be on the lookout for 32-year-old Kyle Davis of Paragould, who police said was wanted for a residential burglary. Authorities investigating deadly officer-involved shooting in Greene County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 5 p.m., an officer with the Paragould Police Department saw Davis on the Greene County Tech High School campus before he fled. State police said they later found Davis car on Jones Road before pursuing him onto State Highway 69, east onto U.S. Highway 412 and then eventually north onto Greene County Road 808. After troopers used a tactical vehicle intervention to stop the pursuit, state police said Davis got out of his car and moved towards the officers wielding a shotgun and an ax. Authorities said the officers then shot at Davis, killing him. North Little Rock police searching for two suspects in MacArthur Drive deadly shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ASP officials, three Greene County deputies, a Paragould police officer and an ASP trooper were involved in the shooting. State police said ASP Criminal Investigation Division agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney who will determine if the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas law. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) The Hayward Police Department (HPD) said it is investigating an assault of a student on the campus of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. San Francisco hit-and-run suspect dead after police shooting Friday Hayward PD said it occurred on Dec. 11 around 5:30 p.m. Authorities did not elaborate on any specifics of the assault. Hayward PD confirmed the victim is a 15-year-old girl who attends a different school. Officials did not release what school the teenager attends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said in a statement to KRON4 that the victim did not have any physical injuries, minor only. It is not yet known what led to the incident. Police said officers arrested 38-year-old Julius Malone. Malone was taken to Hayward Police Department Jail where he was booked for misdemeanor assault. Police told KRON4 Malone was later released with a notice to appear in court. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) U.S. House of Representative Jodey Arrington voted to back a bill that would not only fund West Texas farmers but would prevent a partial government shutdown. Lawmakers are set to pass bill to avoid government shutdown As a result of Democrats reckless spending and Bidens failed economic policies, our farmers have been walking the high wire of production agriculture with effectively no safety net, Arrington said. Republicans are uniting under the leadership of President Trump and Speaker Johnson to close out the disastrous four years of the Biden-Harris Administration and pave the way for a safer and more prosperous future for America, said Arrington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrington back bill funding West Texas farmers amid shutdown threat The bill comes from GOP budget proposals that would bring back the Farm Bill extension and provide funds to farmers. However, the ethanol provision has been dropped. Jodey Arrington reelected to Texass 19th Congressional District Part of the bill would provide $10 billion to farms across the United States. There is still no new information regarding President Joe Biden signing the bill into law to prevent a partial government shutdown. According to Arrington, this bill would clear the way for Trumps America First Agenda. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints. Re: The best MNPS high schools are application-only. Zoned high schools are failing, by columnist Andrea Williams, Dec. 10 (online) and Dec. 15 (print). I would like to address some issues with the column by Andrea Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The column bases all its judgments on the Tennessee Department of Educations School Accountability list, but this list itself is based only on the results of two standardized tests, the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA), and on attendance numbers. These are very shallow means of measuring all the complex achievements of any school, and grading schools for their attendance damns schools in districts with high numbers of transient and economically struggling families. We may have many schools whose numbers are not high, but that doesnt make these schools objectively bad. They are simply superficially bad if that. By employing only these few numbers, the rankings reward schools that just teach to the tests. I teach students how to take standardized tests: excelling at these tests is a far cry from actual education. Many charter schools currently drill students on their TCAPs, at the expense of teaching comprehension and critical thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If our current high-ranked magnets serve only a small percentage of our studentry, then the conclusion is not to take more money from our public schools to fund more TCAP-drilling charter schools and exclusionary voucher schools. Rather, we should help the challenged district schools, and give them the funds they need to lower student/teacher ratios, to increase counseling, and to broaden after-school individual help. With this help, these bad schools will rise even in Tennessee Department of Educations questionable metrics. Matthew Bond, Nashville 37216 Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville public school quality is more than a test score | Letters Christmas from outer space! Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two astronauts stranded in space since June, posed for a festive photograph ahead of the holidays in an Instagram post shared by NASAs Johnson Space Center on Dec. 16. In the image, Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 61, can be seen wearing Santa hats while speaking on a ham radio inside the International Space Stations Columbus laboratory module. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Another day, another sleigh," the research institute in Houston wrote in its caption. 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. NASA Suni Williams. Suni Williams. Related: Astronauts Have Already Been in Space for Over 6 Months. Now Their Return Has Been Delayed Again, NASA Says NASA announced earlier this week that the spacecraft that will ferry four astronauts to the International Space Station to retrieve Williams and Wilmore wont be ready to launch until no earlier than late March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The space organization previously said that the veteran astronauts were originally slated to return sometime in February. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The delay, NASA said, gives them and SpaceX teams time to "complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission, which will offer the best option for meeting NASAs requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. The new spacecraft is scheduled to arrive in Florida by early January, according to NASA. NASA Don Petit. Don Petit. Related: Astronauts Stuck in Space Can Handle It and Likely Dont Mind, Says Scott Kelly, Who Spent 340 Days in Orbit (Exclusive) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the crew aboard the ISS detailed how they celebrated Thanksgiving while speaking with NBC News. We have a bunch of food that weve packed away that is Thanksgiving-ish. Some smoked turkey, some cranberry, apple cobbler, green beans and mushrooms and mashed potatoes," Williams said, adding that she planned to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade. In an interview with Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News that same month, Williams said she and Wilmore are enjoying their time away from Earth, despite the less-than-ideal circumstances. Were feeling good, working out, eating right its just awesome," she explained. "We have a lot of fun up here too. People who are worried about us, really, dont worry about us were a happy crew up here." Read the original article on People Blast Radius In 2018, astronomers took the first-ever picture of a black hole, a fascinating and unprecedented glimpse of an event horizon. And as it turns out, the black hole dubbed M87* and located some 55 million light-years away also let out a massive belch of gamma rays while scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope team, an international collaboration combining data from sensors around the globe, were getting a closer look. The campaign gathered data from 25 terrestrial and orbital telescopes in April 2018, and scientists are still poring over the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were lucky to detect a gamma-ray flare from M87 during this Event Horizon Telescope's multi-wavelength campaign," said University of Trieste Giacomo Principe, coauthor of a new paper accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, in a statement. "This marks the first gamma-ray flaring event observed in this source in over a decade, allowing us to precisely constrain the size of the region responsible for the observed gamma-ray emission." Violent Delights The team is hoping the gamma ray outburst data will help scientists study the "physics surrounding M87s supermassive black hole," according to Principe. The researchers found that the outburst, an energetic flare releasing copious amounts of high-energy radiation, absolutely dwarfed the black hole itself, extending beyond its event horizon by tens of millions of times. The blast lasted for roughly three Earth days, covering an area roughly 170 times the distance from the Sun to the Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists believe the flare is the result of material consumed by the black hole interacting with its external magnetic field. Explosions of this type are some of the most violent in the universe but are infamously hard to capture as they are usually only visible in specific wavelengths. "The activity of this supermassive black hole is highly unpredictable it is hard to forecast when a flare will occur," said coauthor and Nagoya City University researcher Kazuhiro Hada in a statement. The team found that the "flare region has a complex structure and exhibits different characteristics depending on the wavelength," according to University of Tokyo astroparticle physicist and team member Daniel Mazin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was such a violent event that even the overall ring structure of the black hole itself appeared to change in relation to the flare, suggesting an intriguing relationship between the two. But there's still a lot we don't understand about the nature of these massive celestial objects. "How and where particles are accelerated in supermassive black hole jets is a longstanding mystery," said coauthor and University of Amsterdam professor Sera Markoff. "For the first time, we can combine direct imaging of the near event horizon regions during gamma-ray flares from particle acceleration events and test theories about the flare origins." More on the black hole: Scientists Capture Amazing Image of Black Hole at Center of Our Galaxy A convicted felon will spend time in federal prison for assaulting a federal task force officer with a gun. Pharms is a repeat violent offender who callously threatened the safety of citizens and a law enforcement officer, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. Our office is grateful for the exemplary collaborative efforts and sacrificial service of our federal and local law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to especially protect our communities from dangerous criminals. In Feb. 2022, Pharms used his mothers car to steal a Dodge Charger from a garage in a midtown Atlanta complex eight days after his release from a Georgia State prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] An 18-year-old co-defendant drove the Chevy, while another co-defendant, Jokava Harris, accompanied Pharms to the garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris, officials said used a key programmer to steal the Charger and the co-defendant trailed the stolen Dodge Charger in the Chevy with Pharms in the passenger seat acting as an armed escort. The particular area where Pharms and the co-defendant stole the Charger was an area where cars were being stolen at a significant rate. Because of this, an FBI task force officer was surveilling the area when he observed the two vehicles traveling in tandem. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer followed the vehicles and that is when Pharms reportedly fired multiple shots out of the window of the Chevy. The officer continued to trail the vehicles when he spotted a potential ambush set up by Pharms and his co-defendants. One of the shots fired hit the officers vehicle, narrowly missing the headrest. Pharms and his co-defendants fled the vehicle on foot, escaping arrest. They were later caught and arrested. All three pleaded guilty and were sentence. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Pharms was sentenced to 15 years, two months, and 10 days in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In September, Pharms was also convicted by a federal jury of assault on a federal officer, carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a contraband cellphone, and possession of an escape tool. A man accused of terrorizing the LGBTQ+ community is off the streets and under arrest, charged with multiple crimes. Police told Channel 2s Michael Seiden that they believe he was specifically targeting transgender people. They arent releasing any details about those assaults or the victims and their conditions, but Seiden obtained police body cam video of the mans arrest. Let me see your (expletive) hands. Show me your (expletive) hands. Get on the ground, the officer yelled as they arrested Michael Boykin earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atlanta police said they received a tip that the 28-year-old, who was considered armed and dangerous, was spotted behind some apartments on North Avenue. TRENDING STORIES: Boykins arrest comes at a time when hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community are on the rise, according to local and national advocacy groups. There is so much stigma, misinformation, disinformation about transgender individuals, said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, the states largest LGBTQ+ rights organization. In 2023, it was reported that 2,800 acts of violence were reported to the FBI against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Almost 600 of those were specifically targeted at transgender individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, police havent released any information about the victims, but investigators said Boykin is a convicted felon. Weve also learned that Boykin had additional warrants for numerous crimes, including aggravated assault, criminal trespass, battery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dec. 20Attorneys representing indicted Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley and a suspended county municipal judge argued in court that misleading information led to search warrants being executed at the courthouse. A franks hearing for Foley and suspended Montgomery County municipal judge James Piergies was held Friday morning at the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. Franks hearings are legal proceedings that question the legitimacy of information used to create a search warrant and ask the court to suppress the warrant. Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein is presiding over the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys Jon Paul Rion and Catherine Breault, who represent Foley, on Friday challenged parts of an affidavit drafted by an Ohio State Auditor's Office special investigator, stating they contained "material misstatements or omissions." This affidavit was used for search warrants conducted at the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office in 2022, when state investigators raided Foley's office. Breault and Rion referenced the transcript of interviews a state investigator had with a former employee of the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts between Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2022. Both attorneys argued that the testimony of this former employee was misrepresented in the state's affidavit. "There's a pattern of statements by the confidential witness making somewhat of a statement and the investigator drawing inferences herself, drawing conclusions, and presenting them to the court as confirmed facts," Breault said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breault said these speculations focused on employee bonuses related to campaign donations and the use of county resources and offices for campaign activity. She argued the affidavit also omitted key statements made by the witness, where he detailed that Foley did not engage in activity that weighed employees' bonuses with the donations they made to his campaign. Thomas Anger, representing the Ohio Auditor's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU), said that at the beginning of its investigation, SIU was initially concerned with a "bonus-for-donations scheme" in Foley's office. Anger argued, however, that information about bonuses is not material. "There's no suggestion in here (the affidavit) that Mr. Foley actually gave out the bonuses in a manner that concerned the state," he said. "We didn't charge him with any crimes pertaining to the bonuses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anger also argued that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for the county-owned computers in Foley's office, and state investigators used a search warrant for Foley's office in the event that some documents were not considered public record or were located in drawers or cabinets. Attorneys for Foley and Piergies have asked to file certain records to the court under seal, according to court records. It's unclear what those documents contain. Hein will make a decision regarding the search warrant in the coming weeks. Foley and Piergies were indicted in July this year; both have maintained their innocence since then. Foley was charged with attempted unlawful interest in a public contract, complicity to commit unlawful interest in a public contract, theft in office, unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunication property, and misdemeanor counts of solicitation of political contributions from public employees and prohibition against partisan political activity. Piergies faces charges of attempted unlawful interest in a public contract related to his son's employment. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) An audit of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) reveals instances where students with disabilities were subjected to physical restraint and seclusion. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor conducted the audit to evaluate the use of seclusion and restraint on students with disabilities in public schools and to review state laws governing staff abuse allegations. A 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, cited in the audit, found that students with disabilities represent 14% of K-12 enrollment but account for 81% of students physically restrained and 75% of those secluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana does not require monitoring of school systems use of seclusion and restraint, but auditors recommend such oversight to ensure protections for students with disabilities, noting that 72% of districts reported zero incidents despite evidence of underreporting. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not address restraint or seclusion directly but requires schools to provide students with disabilities a free and appropriate education tailored to their needs. Louisiana state law, however, includes specific protections, limiting restraint to a last resort for dangerous behavior and banning techniques that put pressure on a students chest or back. Of 50 school policies reviewed, 46 lacked key elements required by state law. For instance, many did not address parental notification procedures or exemptions for students with medical conditions. Parent surveys included in the audit reported alarming incidents. One parent described how school officials restrained their child in a banned position that risks asphyxiation and received no official report of the incident. Another parent reported that their son was sat on and suffocated, causing significant trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auditors recommend that LDOE monitor the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and review school policies for compliance with state law. Abuse and Mistreatment: Mandatory reporting laws require school staff to report suspected abuse, but inconsistencies were found in compliance, such as staff reporting abuse only to school administrators instead of directly to law enforcement as required. In 2021, legislation required cameras in self-contained classrooms to document incidents, but only 39.8% of schools had implemented them as of 2024, despite state funding. Key Findings: Some allegations of staff abuse remain unreported. Louisiana lacks a process to sanction certifications of abusive teachers unless they face criminal convictions. The audit recommends establishing a monitoring process and improving guidance for schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LDOE partially agrees with recommendations but contends it lacks the authority to implement some measures without legislative amendments. The full audit is available here. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. AURORA, Ohio (WJW) Since the closing of what once were the Geauga Lake and SeaWorld amusement parks, the city of Aurora has had a vision for their 48 acres, which lie within the city limits. We have plans to redevelop the area into a public park and we have a great consultant that we have already been working with, MKSK, and they have some wonderful creative ideas, said Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin. WATCH: Wayne Dawson provides health update Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the city officially closed on a $5.3 million deal to acquire the land and move forward, officially turning its vision into a reality. Its a great day, said Benjamin. We will have a beautiful park right on a beautiful spring-fed lake for people to enjoy for years to come, and thats really what I ultimately wanted. So, Im very excited, she said. The deal, which has taken years to execute, includes four different deeds, giving the city the land that was mostly SeaWorld and then a water park that closed for good in 2016. It also includes the lake. On the Bainbridge side of Geauga Lake, work is well underway creating a mixed-use development of apartments and shops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was not what Aurora wanted for the land within its borders. Seeing the Aurora side, which was primarily SeaWorld, see it go to retail or residential development was not what I wanted for our beautiful city, and I really wanted to preserve access to the lake for public enjoyment, said Benjamin. As soon as Friday, engineers were expected on the property to inspect what had been a wave pool to assess its current condition. The big picture plan for the property incorporates some of the old park features. Its not going to be an amusement park, or a water park. Its just going to be a different kind of park with water amenities. We hope to have a beach and a pool and I think those will really be our first focus of development, the mayor told FOX 8 News on Friday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some conceptual drawings of what is envisioned were released several years ago. Mega Millions ticket in Ohio wins quadrupled prize! Officially closing on the purchase of the property Friday means that the city can move forward with its consultants to take the project from vision to reality. We have a lot of planning to do, said Benjamin. We are going to need parking and roadways and paths to make it all work, plus never mind utilities, she said. We had a vision and, you know, its taken many steps just to get to this point of actually closing on the acquisition of the property, but I have no doubt that we will make the vision come true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. DENVER (KDVR) The Aurora Police Department is seeking charges for 11 suspects who were allegedly involved in what police are describing as a violent kidnapping and assault on two victims at a troubled apartment complex. Officers responded to The Edge at Lowry Apartments around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday after a reported kidnapping. According to police, the investigation so far has found that two victims were confronted by several armed suspects who took them against their will to an apartment where they were bound, threatened and assaulted. ICE: 16 suspects in Aurora apartment invasion arrested for being in the country illegally Alleged violent incident prompts larger investigation During a press conference Friday afternoon, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain detailed the events that led up to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 30, one of the victims captured a video of a fight between two women that occurred at the apartment complex. Chamberlain said she later shared that video with a friend, who became threatened and left for another state. The video was posted online and on Dec. 16, the woman who recorded the video and her husband were accosted near the courtyard and parking lot area. The victims were taken to an empty apartment where they were bound, robbed, assaulted and incredibly mistreated. The suspects then allegedly went to the victims apartment and stole jewelry, cell phones and other items. Police said the suspects also forced the victims to give them banking information and details about their finances. The whole goal of this seemed to be based on the fact that 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 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. He said the suspects took the phone and destroyed the recordings. He said the victims talked to the suspects and were released on the basis that they would not reach out to law enforcement. They then went to a friends house and contacted law enforcement. Aurora police detail response, charges in investigation On Tuesday morning, 19 people were detained during the preliminary investigation. Three of them were released after they were interviewed by investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other 16 people are being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, APD said. Eight of them remain under investigation, and another eight face charges in connection to the incident. Aurora police chief: Armed apartment invasion 100% gang activity The chief also confirmed that some of the people who have been arrested are confirmed Tren de Aragua gang members. Police shared images of one of the rooms where individuals were taken into custody, showing that part of a wall had been torn away where police found weapons. Police shared images of one of the rooms where individuals were taken into custody, showing that part of a wall had been torn away where police found weapons. Friday afternoon, the police department announced that it is submitting arrest affidavits in the 18th Judicial District Court for 11 undocumented suspects in the case, with charges including but not limited to second-degree kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, extortion and burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said eight of the 11 suspects are in ICE custody, including: Andres Alexander Liendo-Padilla, 25 Jesus Alberto Alejos Escalona, 22 Junior Reyes-Barrios, 28 Barbara Sivle Medina-Arcaya, 29 Donarkys Teresa Suarez-Quesada, 31 Luigi Javier Soto-Sucre, 26 Niefred Jose Serpa Acosta, 20 Jengrinso Elias Loreto-Petit, 26 Three of the suspects are outstanding, police said. During the press conference, Chamberlain said investigators found that the suspects were extorting or taxing the victims, and possibly others in and around the apartment complex, for $500 every month or every two weeks. Police are investigating whether this has happened with other residents in the apartment complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also confirmed Friday that one of the men seen in the viral video of men carrying guns at the Edge at Lowry Complex in August was also involved in the latest kidnapping and torture case. All of the suspects in custody are being held at ICEs detention facility and at some point will go through removal hearings. However, if they face charges here, they will be transferred to a county jail. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said he welcomed help from ICE agents who helped make the arrests in this case. We will work with immigration services, with ICE as much as we are allowed to in the state of Colorado. We have never been a sanctuary city and we will cooperate as much legally possible, Coffman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado Rapid Response Network, a collection of migrant advocacy groups, claimed the police operation left behind a trail of family separation, fear and devastation. ICEs presence at these operations erodes trust in law enforcement, making it less likely that immigrants will report crimes or cooperate with investigations, a joint statement read. The full statement can be found here. Advocacy group concerned over joint Aurora police, ICE operation Chief reiterates support for crime victims Chamberlain said if the victims had not come forward to police, investigators may have never known about the incident, or other issues uncovered throughout this investigation. Chamberlain said the police department wants everyone in the community to feel safe reporting crimes to police, regardless of immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its a situation where the suspects have basically victimized people of their own ethnicity, based upon the fact that the immigrant population does not want to come forward. They dont want to be involved in a conversation with law enforcement because they feel that there is going to be some retribution or some act related to their immigration status, and that is not going to occur, Chamberlain said. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The police department said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters may remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Bushfires in Australia's Victoria state burnt out of control on Saturday, with authorities issuing an evacuation order at the highest danger rating for hundreds of residents in the state's west. The alert was for an area near the Grampians National Park, about 241km (149 miles) west of state capital Melbourne, and included rural towns such as Halls Gap, population 495. "Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous," Victoria's emergency services agency said on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the blazes, sparked on Tuesday by lightning strikes, spread overnight and had now burnt through more than 28,000 hectares, the agency said. About 400 firefighters were fighting the fires, using more than 100 tankers and 25 aircraft, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. "The fire has stablised since the wind has dropped," Country Fire Authority deputy chief officer Gary Cook told the broadcaster. Authorities have warned of a high-risk bush fire season this Australian summer after several quiet seasons compared with the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" fires that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by David Gregorio) The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department says its opened a double homicide investigation after two people were found dead in an Altadena home on Friday. Deputies responded to the area of 700 block of W. Sacramento Street on Friday to conduct a welfare check, according to a news release. Upon arrival, they found a man and woman inside a home. Both were deceased. The pair werent yet identified publicly as of Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No details were release in regards to their death, although the department confirmed to KTLA that the deaths were being investigated as homicides. No suspect has been identified. No additional details were immediately made available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats joined Republicans in the U.S. House to approve a government spending bill on Friday evening, handing congressional leaders a last-minute lifeline to avert a partial government shutdown scheduled to occur at midnight. The bill later in the night passed the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate 85-11. In what has become a recurring theme on Capitol Hill, some Arizona Republicans had become key holdouts in the negotiations leading up to the Friday vote. They have fiercely opposed any additional spending, even if it means temporarily suspending some of the governments operations. Other Republicans backed compromise efforts that would have modestly increased spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats, meanwhile, initially held out after Republicans abandoned a bipartisan-crafted deal earlier this week. But they joined with the GOP as the shutdown deadline neared. The House approved the latest package by a vote of 366-34-1. The bill continues funding the government through March, and it includes additional money for hurricane relief and an aid package for U.S. farmers. Government funding was on track to expire at the end of the day on Friday. Unlike a previous proposal, it did not include a measure suggested by President-elect Donald Trump to suspend the nations debt limit. Democratic Reps. Ruben Gallego and Greg Stanton voted in favor of the deal, as did Republican Reps. David Schweikert, Juan Ciscomani and Paul Gosar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shutting down the government means folks like Border Patrol agents, park rangers, airport security, and wildland firefighters wont get paid, Gallego wrote earlier on Friday. We must do right by these workers before the holidays, ensure they can support their families, and keep the government open. Stanton said the week's events held a "lesson": "Getting anything meaningful done in Washington is going to take bipartisanship." Ciscomani pointed to the negotiations as evidence that "the budget process in Washington is broken" and called for reform. In an interview just after the vote, Schweikert was asked about Trump ally Elon Musk's influence. Musk had pushed to defeat previous spending proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schweikert called Musk's influence "wonderful" and suggested Musk could help Washington "deal with the reality" of the nation's debt. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a long-serving Democrat who took time away from D.C. this year while he underwent treatment for cancer, did not vote. Arizona's Republican Reps. Eli Crane, Andy Biggs and Debbie Lesko, who have been vocal in opposing any increases to federal spending, were among those who voted against Friday evenings deal. Biggs had been pushing Congress to vote on spending bills separately, rather than as one large package. In the days leading up to Fridays vote, he had suggested that he was open to the idea of a shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps a pause in nonessential spending would be beneficial, Biggs wrote Thursday on social media. Biggs defended his vote Friday evening, writing on social media that he was "against continuing to bankrupt our future generations." "The credit card is maxed out, but the Uniparty just keeps swiping it," Biggs wrote. Social media posts on Thursday suggested Cranes attitude was unchanged even as congressional leaders approved the new deal. Far too many on both sides in Congress are addicted to selling out the American people, Crane wrote minutes after the bill passed. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Democrats join with GOP to approve spending deal Dec. 20ALEXANDRIA Amy Bair, who served eight years on the Alexandria-Monroe School Board, finished her final term this month. Bair chose not to seek re-election to her seat, which will be filled beginning Jan. 1 by former high school principal Tom Johns. Johns' connections to the district include an eight-year stint as principal at Alexandria-Monroe Junior/Senior High School. Before that, he worked at schools throughout Indiana in various capacities, including teaching, administration and maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He currently serves as a supply chain manager for Red Gold. He said he hopes his diverse experiences will prove to be an asset in his work on the board. School board member Penny Stevens said she will miss Bair, whom she credits with helping spearhead Alexandria's advanced manufacturing program. The program, Stevens said, has served as a pipeline to high-quality employment for many students. She also credits Bair for keeping district administrators informed about legislation that could affect its daily operations. During a previous board meeting, Bair informed board members and the public about legislation pertaining to a new reading curriculum that would require some teachers to take 80 hours of training in addition to their normal work hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she believed the Indiana General Assembly failed to listen to experts on the matter and in the end, failed the state's teachers. "She was very much an advocate for reaching out to state representatives," said Carrie Rowland another school board member. "She would dig into whatever we were talking about, and she really took things seriously." Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bakersfield College is increasing its security measures by installing security cameras across its campus, the college said through a news release Friday. College officials said cameras will be strategically placed throughout the campus and will serve as a deterrent to potential incidents. However, the release did not specify what areas on campus will be surveilled. Weldon residents displaced after fire destroys home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to add cameras comes from its ongoing commitment to provide a secure campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors, the release said. We are committed to providing a safe and accessible campus for our community. The new camera system is part of our broader strategy to create a welcoming space where students can thrive. LaNina Andrews, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Bakersfield College. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Police are asking for help to locate a pick-up driver who fled the scene of a crash at a southwest Bakersfield intersection in September. Police said the crash was reported on Sept. 28 at about 10:29 p.m. in the area of White Lane and Wible Road. The victim suffered minor injuries from the crash. Police say the victim was traveling eastbound on White Lane when they were struck by the truck, which fled from the scene. The truck was described as a black, mid-2000s Dodge Ram truck, with moderate front end damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer A. Brown at 661-852-7161 or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) On Friday, the Bastrop County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) said it identified two people in connection with a murder that occurred in the area. BCSO said at approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the body of an elderly man was found with more than 30 stab wounds at his residence in the Stoney Point area. The man was identified as 77-year-old Simon Castillo. According to BCSO, Castillo was found by a relative after failing to attend his morning routine. Investigators confirmed the victim was alive on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BCSO said the suspect or suspects took Castillos vehicle, but it was later found by law enforcement. There were no other details on the investigation as of Saturday 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 KXAN Austin. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Bay County Sheriffs Office arrested a wanted fugitive in Callaway on Friday. On Thursday, a BCSO investigator was following up on a case at a residence in Callaway. While working on the case, the investigator learned that a wanted fugitive possibly lived within the residence. Information was developed that revealed the fugitive was 39-year-old Jame Updegraff. She had an active warrant out of San Bernadino, California for a parole violation on an original charge of homicide, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bay County man facing charges involving sexual activity with a child After the investigator confirmed Updegraff was inside the residence members of the Bay County Sheriffs Office, Panama City Police Department, and United States Marshals Service made contact at the residence. Updegraff was located inside the home and taken into custody without incident. She was booked into the Bay County Jail where she will be extradited to California to face her charges. Updegraff is charged with violation of parole stemming from a homicide she committed in 2014 in the state of California. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. SOUTH BEND Beacon Health System has announced Memorial MedFlight is partnering with Air Methods, the leading provider of air medical transport services. This partnership, which will go into effect in May, transitions Memorial MedFlight to an alternative delivery model service, further enhancing its mission to safely and efficiently transport critically ill or injured patients to the care they need, when they need it most. At Air Methods, our mission is to provide lifesaving care when it matters most, and we are honored to partner with Beacon Health Systems Memorial MedFlight to further that mission in the communities it serves, said Air Methods CEO JaeLynn Williams. By combining our aviation expertise with Beacon Health Systems exceptional medical care, this partnership ensures that patients in the region will receive the highest standard of air medical transport services. Together, we are committed to advancing safety, efficiency and compassion in every mission we undertake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many years, Memorial MedFlight has played a vital role in the region, supporting the Level II Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Beacon said. This partnership builds on that legacy, ensuring patients receive exceptional care during both emergency scene responses and inter-facility transports. Our passion goes beyond saving lives; its about improving them. Through Memorial MedFlight, we deliver top-quality care exactly where its needed, said Greg Piper, Vice President of Retail Operations at Beacon. Partnering with Air Methods, who shares our commitment to safety and exceptional care, allows us to expand our services and better serve the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Established in 1980, Air Methods is a trusted leader in air medical transport, renowned for its commitment to safety and patient care. With operations at over 250 bases across the country, Air Methods provides more than 100,000 lifesaving transports annually. Under this agreement, Air Methods will oversee aircraft operations, maintenance and communications support, while Beacon will provide the medical crews. Operating from Elkhart Municipal Airport, Memorial MedFlight will continue providing its 24/7 service, staffed by flight nurses and paramedics dedicated to saving lives and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, crew members will have access to Air Methods Ascends in-person and online education programs, which include a cadaver lab and SimX training. Air Methods Ascend provides clinicians with access to world-class educators, state-of-the-art tools and cutting-edge technologies to help build their knowledge, enabling them to operate at the top of their licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements. Education programs include advanced simulation and virtual reality training through SimX that mirror real-world patient care scenarios, building life-saving skills and confidence. Caitlin O'Connor (left) and Jed Jenny are part of a group of nine employees who bought The Wine Source in Hampden just two months ago. The group now worries about competition from big box retailers. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Jed Jenny and Caitlin OConnor have been in business for themselves for roughly two months and now face an unexpected worry a push for legislation in the General Assembly next year that could expand sales of beer and wine in Maryland. The pair are part of a group of nine employees who bought The Wine Source, a Hampden retailer that sells beer, wine, spirits and specialty foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worked for Wine Source for 19 years, and its been a great opportunity, said Jenny, who started stocking shelves and making deliveries for the store in 2005. Were all very passionate about the industry and our products and what we sell. We had an amazing opportunity when our former owner decided he wanted to retire and presented us with an opportunity to buy the business including a massive loan to pay off. Now Jenny and his partners are worried about Gov. Wes Moores call for passage of bill that would allow beer and wine sales in grocery and other stores. The governor, in an interview this month, said the change is popular among Maryland residents who want one-stop shopping convenience. He said he also believes it will be an economic tool and help grocery stores remain in or locate to areas where it has been tough to make a profit. Moore said he wants the House and Senate to have legislation on my desk at the end of the session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wine Source owners and others in the industry who held a press conference Friday at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore see it as a threat to their business. Obviously, our business plan and projections didnt include Gov. Moores recent statement, Jenny said. Its almost comical timing for us at eight weeks in. He (Moore) just hasnt taken the time, and he seems to be intentionally avoiding our perspective, Jenny said. Jeryl Cole is a fourth-generation Baltimore resident and the first in his family to own his own business Off the Rox, a beer and wine store in southeast Baltimore. Weve been there for six years now, Cole said. If the legislators allow this bill to pass or the presented bill to actually go through, my shop directly will be affected. I dont think we could ever compete with convenience stores Royal Farms or 7-Eleven and so on. Well be out of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that we created a great community in southeast Baltimore, and we are very invested in our community, where we live and where we work, Cole said. But a spokesperson for Moore said that expanding the places that can sell beer and wine puts consumers first and ensures fair competition in the marketplace. Gov. Moore announced his support for beer and wine sales in grocery stores because Maryland is one of a handful of states in the nation where consumers can only buy beer and wine from specialized storesresulting in less consumer choice and putting our stores at a disadvantage, said Carter Elliott IV, the spokesperson. This is supported by over 70% of Marylanders, from the Eastern Shore to the mountains of Western Maryland it is clear people widely support this decision. Efforts to expand beer and wine sales in Maryland are not new, but the association that represents alcoholic beverage retailers has been successful in thwarting those attempts so far. What is new is Moores support no governor in recent memory has been out in front on the issue, much less called for legislation to land on his desk. Joann Hyatt, owner of Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. Wells Discount Liquor in Baltimore has been in Joann Hyatts family for more than 50 of the 80 years the store has been open. Hyatt, 73, said she hopes to pass it on to her daughter Roxanne, who also works at the store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes taking the latest call to expand sales as a serious threat because it has the backing of a governor. Hyatt employs nearly three dozen people during the busy holiday season. Many of her full-time employees have been with the business for decades, she said. If this would go through Id like to think that we will not go out of business. I dont think we would, but I wont need half of my employees. I just wont. Who do you cut when everybodys been here so long? That weighs on my mind tremendously, she said. I think so often about selling the business, but it is just personal, Hyatt said. I couldnt put my head down at night, knowing that they were all going to have to look for other jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then, as now, many lawmakers say they worry that allowing large retailers, with their beefed-up buying power, will affect what they say is one of the last mom-and-pop industries in the state, a business that gives some immigrants the ability to grasp their version of the American Dream. I worked hard to settle my family, said Ashish Parikh, owner of Cranberry Liquors in Westminster. Were established and now my kids are in a college, and the fees of the colleges are so high at this stage. Parikh said if other stores could sell beer and wine it is devastating for us, we would be completely out of business. Ashish Parikh said owning Cranberry Liquors in Westminster gave his family a share of the American Dream and sent his kids to college. Expading beer and wine sales, he said, would close his business and prevent others from recreating his success. Photo by Bryan P. Sears. And its many more like me who are in this situation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers including those in charge of committees that would hear such bills and those in the industry said they were surprised, disappointed and, in some cases angered, by a lack of communication with the governor. Jack Milani, owner of Monaghans Pub in western Baltimore County and legislative co-chair of the Maryland Licensed Beverage Association, said the last time he spoke to anyone in Moores administration was last year when they told us they were cutting our lottery commissions. Around Christmas time every year, The BMJ publishes lighthearted feature articles and original, peer-reviewed research intended to ease physicians into the holiday season and help them escape the drudgery of practice. The 2024 collection of articles is no exception, with enticing papers like How to transport a polar bear, and other idiosyncrasies in providing emergency medical services in the Arctic and Living happily ever after? The hidden health risks of Disney princesses. My favorite article is: Age against the machinesusceptibility of large language models to cognitive impairment: cross sectional analysis. This article shows that large language models (LLMs), such as chatbots, perform dismally on a standard cognitive test the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) commonly used to screen patients for dementia and delirium. The chatbots are challenged by visuospatial and executive tasks, e.g., the trail-making task and the clock-drawing test. Older versions of chatbots, like older patients, tend to perform worse on the test. The findings challenge the assumption that artificial intelligence (AI) will soon replace human doctors. Thank goodness! As much as I embrace the use of AI to aid in medical diagnosis and treatment, I dont want AI to replace me. This is a concern shared by many doctors, as multiple studies have shown LLMs outscoring human physicians in a range of tasks, from answering questions simulating the neurology boards to providing higher quality and more empathetic responses to patient questions. Major advancements in the field of AI have led to a flurry of excited and fearful speculation as to whether chatbots will eventually surpass human physicians. However, AIs poor performance on the MoCA serves as a critical reminder of its limitations. While large language models excel in pattern recognition, data analysis, and generating human-like responses, they lack the nuanced cognitive abilities, empathy, and contextual awareness that define human intelligence. The MoCA, with components that focus on visuospatial tasks and executive functioning, underscores this gap: these skills require not just knowledge but also the ability to perceive and interact with the physical world in a way that chatbots cannot replicate. This brings us to a fundamental truth about medicine: it is not merely a technical exercise but an art deeply rooted in human experience. The role of a physician extends far beyond diagnosing diseases or prescribing treatments. Doctors engage with patients on a deeply personal level, interpreting not just symptoms but also stories, emotions, and unspoken fears. They offer a listening ear, a comforting presence, and a shared humanity that AI cannot duplicate. The allure of AI lies in its efficiency, consistency, and capacity to process vast amounts of information. These strengths make it an invaluable tool for physicians, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining workflows, and potentially alleviating some of the burdens that contribute to burnout. However, medicine is more than the sum of its parts, and a doctors role as a healer, counselor, and advocate cannot be outsourced to algorithms. This is not to say that AI does not have a place in the future of health care. On the contrary, it should be viewed as a powerful ally, augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them. For example, AI can assist in the early detection of diseases through image analysis, predict patient outcomes using data-driven models, and provide decision support in complex cases. But when it comes to making sense of a patients narrative, building trust, and addressing the subtleties of human suffering, there is no substitute for the human touch. The findings from the MoCA study reaffirm the irreplaceable role of human doctors. The results also have significant personal meaning: it vindicates my failure in the dental boards and a potential career in dentistry. Upon graduating college, I was not at all certain I would be accepted into medical school, so I applied to dental school as well. I took the dental boards cold. I was not aware that a significant portion of the exam tested visuospatial orientation, which makes perfect sense considering the job of a dentist requires understanding the relationships between structures in the mouth (be careful in there!). My 3-D skills are terrible. I think my exam scores bottomed out in the lowest percentile of test-takers. Parenthetically, research has found that spatial ability is only mildly predictive of performance in restorative dentistry practical laboratory classes, but not of learning anatomy in general or practicing dentistry with greater expertise. Likewise, good visuospatial capabilities do not necessarily make better surgeons. Also, consider that the initial part of every patient encounter, especially in psychiatry, is the overall impression you get while talking to the patient, which requires many visual abstraction skills. I may have limitations in my right parieto-occipital lobe, where visual-spatial functions typically reside, but it has not prevented me from doing a detailed mental status examination, which begins by making general impressions about the patient. I find comfort in the fact that while AI may excel in some areas, it may fall short in spatial abilities and other cognitive tasks particularly those that require the uniquely human combination of intellect, intuition, and empathy. Instead of fearing replacement, we should focus on integration, leveraging AIs strengths to complement our own and create a health care system that is both technologically advanced and deeply humane. After all, medicine is not just about solving problems its about caring for people. And as long as that remains true, there will always be a place for doctors at the heart of health care. Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: A Narrative Travelogue and Story Treasures: Medical Essays and Insights in the Narrative Tradition. The Biden administration is using its waning days in office to make a final mark ahead of the incoming Trump White House. It announced Friday it would forgive another $4.28 billion in student debt for 54,900 borrowers who pursued careers in public service, bringing Bidens total to some $180 billion of forgiveness overall, the largest sum of debt forgiveness from any president in U.S. history. At the same time, the administration said it would scrap further forgiveness proposals from the U.S. Department of Education, noting uncertainty around the implementation given Trumps impending inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping at-risk borrowers return to repayment successfully, Education Secretary Migual Cardona wrote in official notices. The Education Department also announced it would give up on a proposed rule from 2023 that would punish schools which prevented transgender athletes from competing in womens sports. Twenty-three states have such policies in place, and the Biden administration has already faced legal challenges over discrimination policy, after declaring the Title IX ban on sex discrimination at federally funded educational institutions includes differential treatment based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy and related conditions. Biden may commute death sentences to life sentences for up to 40 inmates (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Despite these cancellations, Biden is also reportedly mulling a few final, high-profile moves on campaign priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president, the first to openly oppose capital punishment, is reportedly considering commuting the sentences of most or all 40 people on federal death row into life sentences. Attorney General Merrick Garland has reportedly recommended such a move for most detainees, other than for those involved in terror and hate attacks, including Boston Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, according to The Wall Street Journal. Rep. Ayanna Pressley told The Independent theres absolutely a chance Biden will follow through on the commutations. We remain in ongoing communication with the White House and well be pushing to the very end, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration paused federal executions, and the Department of Justice commenced a review of capital punishment policies, but the DOJ and military has continued seeking death sentences in some cases, including for the 9/11 plotters at Guantanamo. The Trump administration is expected to restart federal killings. Administration announced further student loan forgiveness (Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.) The previous Trump term saw 13 executions, more than four times as many federal executions than occured over the previous 50 years. Biden is also considering extending Temporary Protect Status protections for migrants in the U.S. from unstable countries, including Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently an estimated 1 million TPS beneficiaries in the U.S. form 17 nations. The program became a target of the Trump-Vance campaign, which latched onto unfounded, racist rumors that Haitian migrants in Ohio, many of them who had TPS, were eating neighborhood pets. At the same time as Biden may increase some migrant protections, new data shows the Biden deported more migrants in fiscal year 2024 than at any time since 2014, when he was serving in the Obama administration. Eric Garcia contributed reporting to this story. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday agreed to provide $571.3 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, while the State Department approved the potential sale to the island of $265 million worth of military equipment. The United States is bound by law to provide Chinese-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, to the constant anger of Beijing. Democratically governed Taiwan rejects China's claims of sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has stepped up military pressure against Taiwan, including daily military activities near the island and two rounds of war games this year. Taiwan went on alert last week in response to what it said was China's largest massing of naval forces in three decades around Taiwan and in the East and South China Seas. Biden had delegated to the secretary of state the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan," the White House said in a statement without providing details. Taiwan's defense ministry thanked the United States for its "firm security guarantee", saying in a statement the two sides would continue to work closely on security issues to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon said the State Department had approved the potential sale to Taiwan of about $265 million worth of command, control, communications, and computer modernization equipment. Taiwan's defense ministry said the equipment sale would help upgrade its command-and-control systems. Taiwan's defense ministry also said on Saturday that the U.S. government had approved $30 million of parts for 76 mm autocannon, which it said would boost the island's capacity to counter China's "grey-zone" warfare. (Reporting by Jasper Ward and Yimou Lee; Editing by William Mallard and Stephen Coates) President Biden and his administration were largely absent from the onerous negotiations on government funding that gripped Capitol Hill this week. Instead, President-elect Trump and his allies were the ones wrestling with lawmakers over a continuing resolution (CR) as a government shutdown appeared increasingly inevitable. The White House on Friday blew off a host of questioning over Bidens absence from the talks, insisting he was staying out of it in part because it was Republicans who had to clean up a mess they created. But, Bidens silence, with no indication that administration officials were heading to Capitol Hill as the funding deadline approached, could prove damaging to the presidents final days in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just not seeing them. And hes completely disappeared, GOP strategist Doug Heye said of the president. Biden is AWOL, and its reasonable to question whether some of that is because hes just not up to the task. When peppered with questions about why Biden has made no public statements or appearances regarding the funding fight, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was part of a strategy to make it clear that this is for Republicans in the House to fix. That did little to deter similar questions about Bidens plans if the government were to shut down over the holidays and why Biden wasnt speaking directly to reporters, with some asking if Americans deserve to hear from the president hours before a shutdown. Others also asked about Bidens leadership position at the moment and why Biden doesnt want to counter Trump and Elon Musks messaging on government funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats took note that, on the flip side, lawmakers arent pleading with the president to jump in and help reach a funding agreement, pointing to a larger issue that his party is ready for the Biden years to end. The bigger story is that no one is asking him to be involved. Democrats in Washington just want the Bidens and their people to get the hell out of town so we can move on from them, a Democratic strategist told The Hill. If Biden had been more involved with continuing resolution negotiations, former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) questioned if he would even be listened to considering how absent he has been. President Biden has been in lame duck status for most of this year. Even if he had something to say, it doesnt seem there would be anyone listening, Curbelo said. His only strategy is to let President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Speaker own the chaos, since it was their decision to torpedo that bipartisan agreement [Speaker Mike] Johnson had built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did release two written statements on the matter during the week. On Thursday, the administration bashed the Republicans plan B as a billionaire giveaway before it failed on the House floor. It has yet to weigh in on House Republicans proposals since, other than insisting the only way to fund the government is for lawmakers to pass the first spending agreement that was negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and for which Democrats were on board. The White House approach is in stark contrast to that of Trump, who injected himself fully in the fight at one point even torpedoing the initial agreement and asking for the debt ceiling to be negotiated before he takes office. Trump then warned Republicans who voted for the measure that they would face primary challenges if they support legislation that doesnt tackle the debt limit. When questioned about tackling the debt limit as part of the CR, Jean-Pierre said Bidens focus right now is keeping the government open without addressing that subject matter. Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) negotiated a debt ceiling hike during Bidens term after weeks of back-and-forth negotiations that the White House was much more involved in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), a former House Democratic Caucus chair, argued there was no need for Biden to get involved in intraparty chaos among Republicans. I really dont see how this is the presidents issue, Crowley said. Clearly Johnson, he cant govern with the majority he has. Hows he going to do this when he has less of a majority? Other Democrats agreed, saying that the struggle to fund the government is the Republicans problem. This seems like an inter-party squabble, and Im not sure that Biden or any Democrat has a role in solving it, said Ivan Zapien, a former Democratic National Committee official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a former Democratic leadership staffer said the negotiations are the problems of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), not Biden, considering he is on his way out. These negotiations will shape next years legislative and political dynamic on multiple levels, so by definition, the center of gravity for Democrats is with Jeffries and Schumer, the former staffer said. Unified Republican control next year will inherently be constrained by narrow margins, so Jeffries and Schumer will continue to ensure that Democratic votes are not taken for granted. Still, Biden risks being blamed for a shutdown under his watch, something Trump is trying to take advantage of. On Friday morning, Trump called for a shutdown while Biden is president and not after he is sworn in next month. Trump had also insisted that a debt ceiling hike happen during Bidens administration to avoid any blame that came with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned about Trumps comments, Jean-Pierre again blamed Republicans for sinking the initial measure. Trump was president during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which occurred just before Christmas in 2019 over funding for his border wall. The second longest was under former President Clinton in 1995 over spending cuts, and the third longest was under former President Obama in 2013 over the Affordable Care Act. At the time, those shutdowns had mixed public opinions over who was to blame. After the 2013 Obama-era shutdown, Republicans expanded their majority in the House and won the Senate in the 2014 midterms. After the Clinton-era shutdown that lasted through December 1996, the president was reelected. This cycle, Trump was reelected in November, despite the lengthy shutdown in 2019, and the House and Senate are both going to be controlled by the GOP in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens strategy to not give public remarks and to not send his staff to Capitol Hill is one way the White House thinks he can stay above the fray, Crowley said. Is this all about like blemishing Democrats to some degree? It makes absolutely no sense, Crowley said. They had the agreement. They went back on their word. It wasnt Democrats, and so certainly wasnt the president. He added, I dont really see how they can blame a lame duck Democratic president when a new president is coming in in just a matter of a few weeks. Taylor Giorno contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US President Joe Biden has offered his condolences following the "terrible attack" at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening. "No community - and no family - should have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace," Biden said in a statement released by the White House on Saturday. "My team has been in close touch with German officials. We've made it clear that the United States stands ready to offer all available resources and assistance if needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden said the US "will always stand with our Allies against violent terror." Five people, including a nine-year-old child, were killed and 200 injured when a car ploughed through the crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market on Friday evening, according to the authorities. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi national, was arrested at the scene and is being interrogated in custody, according to investigators. President Biden issued his condolences on Saturday over an attack on a Christmas market in Germany that left five dead and injured 200. No communityand no familyshould have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace, Biden wrote. He said his administration would be in close contact with German officials. Weve made it clear that the United States stands ready to offer all available resources and assistance if needed. And while this situation remains under investigation, make no mistake: the United States will always stand with our Allies against violent terror, Biden wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A five-year-old child was among the victims in the attack at the Magdeburg market. Magdeburg is a city in northern Germany to the west of Berlin. A 50-year-old permanent resident of Germany from Saudi Arabia has been arrested in an incident that Germany officials have said was deliberate. The New York Times, citing reportes in Germany, said the man had posted on social media criticisms of German authorities tolerance of radical Islam. He also has posted support on soicial media for the Alternative for Germany party, which opposes immigration. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING A road funding plan. A ban on 'ghost guns.' Improved financial transparency for charter schools. Those were among the dozens of measures teed up for possible passage during Michigan's lame-duck session that did not get passed before lawmakers went home for the year. All House and Senate bills that haven't passed both chambers in identical form by year's end are dead, though similar bills can be introduced when the new legislative session begins in January. Some proposals, like road funding, died because lawmakers from both parties and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer never agreed on a package that could pass both chambers. Many other bills, like the ghost gun ban, died when the House abruptly adjourned on Thursday because it lacked a quorum, leaving a large volume of planned lawmakers' work unfinished. The Michigan State Capitol sits in Lansing on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Here's a rundown on some of what didn't get done: Sexual assault lawsuit changes A package of bills, Senate Bills 1187 to 1192, would have extended the statute of limitations for sexual assault survivors to sue, among other changes. The lead bill, SB 1187, passed the Senate with bipartisan support Dec. 13 in a 24-9 vote, but died in the House with the others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would have made the statute of limitations for civil action in sexual assault cases seven years after the date the individual discovers the sexual assault took place, 10 years after the victim is assaulted, or until the victim reaches 42 years of age, whichever is latest. Michigan law currently sets the statute of limitations at three years after discovery or until the victim reaches 28. If criminal prosecution takes place, civil action could be brought at any time, under the bill package. One related bill did pass both chambers and was sent to the governor for her signature. House Bill 4485 eliminates the statute of limitations for indictment for criminal sexual conduct, but does not impact the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits. Government transparency Bills to expand Michigan's FOIA law to the governor and Legislature, SBs 669 and 670, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support and were expected to clear the House, died with the early House adjournment. Also dying in the House were Senate bills designed to increase transparency and accountability of public charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bills 943, 944, 946, and 947 would have required charter school management companies to publicly disclose the same financial information that other public schools must disclose and require annual audited financial statements. The bills would also require that school property leases or purchases align with market rates. A Free Press series, published in 2014, exposed how little transparency exists in the $1 billion of taxpayer money that at that time was spent by charter schools in Michigan. One transparency bill related to charter schools did pass both chambers and was sent to the governor. HB 5269 requires charter schools to publish on websites average salaries for new and veteran teachers, and for support staff. Police conduct Senate Bills 1091 to 1094, which all passed the Senate but died in the House, would have required police agencies to make and update use of force policies and make them publicly available. They would also have required comprehensive background checks and various training for police officers, including de-escalation techniques and implicit bias training. The bills would have also restricted police use of "no-knock" search warrants Minimum wage for tipped workers Under proposals submitted to the Legislature by voters in 2018, Michigan's minimum wage will increase to $12.48 an hour on Feb. 21, and the minimum wage for tipped workers will gradually increase until it is completely eliminated in 2030. The current tipped minimum wage is $3.93 an hour, 38% of the regular minimum wage. Starting Feb. 21, it will rise to 48% of the standard minimum wage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Michigan's hospitality industry, backed by many tipped workers, have pushed for changes to keep the lower minimum wage for tipped workers, arguing hospitality workers will end up losing money because they will receive fewer tips. But bills to enact such changes passed neither chamber. Polluter pay A package of bills passed the Senate, but not the House, that would have required polluters to clean up more thoroughly, improved transparency about polluted sites, and made it easier for those harmed by pollution to seek compensation. Sen, Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said the death in the House of Senate Bills 605, 606, 607, 609, and 611 is "a huge deal" because Michigan residents who care about clean air, clean water, and clean communities have been working on the bills for decades. 'Ghost guns' Legislation passed in the Senate, but not in the House, would have banned the manufacturing, assembling, selling, purchasing, importing and possessing of firearms or firearm parts that dont have a valid serial number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of banning ghost guns say the weapons are nearly impossible to track and can be obtained without having to go through the normal background checks in place to purchase a regular firearm. Along with banning firearms, frames and receivers that dont have serial numbers, Senate Bills 1149 and 1150 would also have banned guns that are 3D-printed. Water affordability A package of House bills would have imposed a $2 monthly fee on water bills in order to create a $70 million fund to help make water more affordable for low-income families. But the bills, HBs 5088 and 5089 and 5090 to 5093, did not pass in either chamber. The House adjourned before taking up the bills, which then could not be voted on in the Senate. Public safety grants The Michigan budget set aside just over $100 million to create a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund and HBs 4605 and 4606 were intended to legislate how grants from the fund would be distributed to eligible communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting the grant bills passed was one of the priorities cited by state Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, as a condition for ending her House boycott that, along with a GOP boycott, brought the House lame-duck session to a premature end on Thursday. The Senate passed the measures Friday, but by adopting substitutes for both bills, they effectively killed the measure, since the House adjourned Thursday and cannot concur in the substitutes to send them to the governor. Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, described the Democratic majority's handling of the bills in the Senate Friday as "political gamesmanship," suggesting the adoption of substitute bills was thinly disguised payback to Whitsett for the trouble she caused in the House. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Legislature's lame-duck session: What didn't get done Iowa HHS urges farm workers to don PPE if they are in direct contact with sick or dead poultry or cattle to protect against avian influenza. (Photo via Getty Images) The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday the states first human case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. According to a press release from the department, the individual is a commercial poultry worker who was exposed by a flock in northwest Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the 11th detection of the virus in poultry flocks this year, following a string of detections that began in early December. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The press release did not say from which county the individual worked, but the bird flu has been detected in Sioux, Palo Alto, Sac, OBrien Monona, and Worth Counties this month. The HHS release said the individual reported mild symptoms, received appropriate treatment and is recovering. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 cases have been detected in humans in the U.S., though the CDC website did not list the Iowa case as of Friday at 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time CDC and Iowa HHS have said the public health risk remains low as there is no evidence that human-to-human transmission is occurring. The first severe case of the bird flu in a human in the U.S. was detected in Louisiana on Wednesday. Earlier on Friday, pathologists from the College of American Pathologists discussed ongoing work to monitor the H5N1 avian influenza as it continues to replicate and mutate in various hosts. They noted the actual number of human cases is likely higher than what has been detected by CDC. Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community, State Medical Director Robert Kruse said in the HHS press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa HHS urged individuals who are in direct contact with sick or dead poultry or dairy cattle to wear personal protective equipment. Individuals in direct contact with poultry or cattle should also visit their doctors if they develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection. State and federal agencies maintain there is no risk in eating poultry or dairy products but remind consumers to cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 and consume only pasteurized dairy products. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Actor Blake Lively accused "It Ends With Us" director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexually harassing her and seeking to smear her reputation after she spoke out about a "hostile work environment" that nearly derailed the film. In a legal complaint filed this week, Lively alleges she raised concerns about inappropriate behavior by Baldoni, who co-founded Wayfarer Studios, the company that owns the film. She also outlines complaints against Jamey Heath, the chief executive of Wayfarer and the film's producer, and names other defendants. "Ms. Lively seeks to set the record straight, to hold the Wayfarer Parties and Associates accountable, and to shine a light on this new form of retaliation so that it will not be used against any others who seek to stand up and speak out against sexual harassment," states the complaint, obtained previously by the New York Times and the Associated Press. The document, which is a precursor to a lawsuit, was reportedly filed Friday with the California Civil Rights Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accusations shed light on the working conditions and alleged behavior Lively and her female colleagues endured as they were filming "It Ends With Us," a movie adapted from a novel by author Colleen Hoover about a woman who is grappling with domestic violence and emotional abuse. The film was released in August. Bryan Freedman, an attorney who represents Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, pushed back against Lively's allegations in a statement claiming it was a "desperate attempt" by the actor to fix her "negative reputation." "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," Freedman said. Some of the improper behavior alleged in the complaint included the producers showing nude videos and images of women, comments about Lively's weight, and physical touching and sexual remarks without consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the film's scenes, according to the complaint, Baldoni kissed Lively and "discreetly bit and sucked" on her lower lip even though the conduct had not been rehearsed or discussed with her beforehand. He also insisted on shooting the scene multiple times and there wasn't an intimacy coordinator present. In the filming of another scene described as "chaotic," Lively is giving birth and the actor was mostly nude with her legs spread wide in stirrups, according to the complaint. Baldoni and Heath allegedly didn't close the set so crew members who weren't vital to producing the scene were allowed to pass through as Lively was in a vulnerable position. Baldoni and Lively also allegedly clashed over what to film in other parts of the movie such as the addition of a scene in which she was to orgasm. Even though her co-star agreed to remove the scenes after Lively objected, he then pressed Lively about her sex life with husband Ryan Reynolds, which she declined to discuss and considered "invasive," the complaint said. Lively alleges that the producers broke state and federal law, inflicted emotional distress on her and breached a contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Lively participated in a meeting about the sexual harassment allegations before the cast continued filming after the Hollywood strikes, according to the complaint. Other female cast and crew members had also spoken out about the work environment. Another cast member had previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment as well. The cast finished the film after agreeing to abide by a contract that outlined protections against this behavior. As cast members tried to promote the film ahead of its release, Baldoni was allegedly plotting to destroy Lively's reputation while trying to safeguard his public image after the cast and crew unfollowed him on social media and didn't appear with him in public, according to the complaint. "Mr. Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates embarked on a sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation for Ms. Lively exercising her legally-protected right to speak up about their misconduct on the set, with the additional objective of intimidating her and anyone else from revealing in public what actually occurred," the complaint said. The "sophisticated" plan allegedly involved hiring publicists, crisis managers and Texas subcontractor Jed Wallace, who helped create and promote social media content that harmed Lively's reputation, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also heavily funded. Wayfarer co-founder and co-chairman Steve Sarowitz, who is a billionaire, allegedly said he was prepared to spend $100 million to ruin Lively's life and her family, according to the complaint. Wayfarer and Baldoni also hired the Agency Group PR, which suggested they publish online comments and opinions that people would assume came from the public but were actually from a company or political group. The price for the firm's PR crisis services, which would span several months, ranged from $75,000 to $175,000, according to the complaint. Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, defended his clients' decision to hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign for the film "due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met." Freedman's statement did not specifically address Lively's allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her complaint, Lively said the campaign waged against her appeared to work and included charts that showed a spike in negative social media comments about her online. It also allegedly harmed Lively's image, her businesses and inflicted emotional distress on the actress and her family. In one incident, Baldoni even claimed he could talk to the dead, telling Lively he had talked to her dead father. "There are days when she has struggled to get out of bed, and she frequently chooses not to venture outside in public," the complaint states. "While she has fought to maintain her personal life and business interests, behind closed doors she has suffered from grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety." The online negativity made it tough for Lively to feel comfortable appearing at public events, the complaint said. In September, she backed out of hosting "Saturday Night Live," an episode that would have kicked off the show's 50th anniversary season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are startling and troubling allegations," a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson said in a statement to The Times on Sunday. "Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong. We applaud Blake Livelys courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set. We all have a right to be treated with dignity and respect on the job and to work in an environment free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation. We urge anyone who may be experiencing abusive conduct to report such violations on our SAG-AFTRA Safe Place app and to their employer. 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. Blake Lively has filed a complaint against It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment and an alleged coordinated effort to destroy her reputation, per the filing obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Baldonis legal team fired back, slamming her shameful, serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives. According to Livelys complaint, things got so bad during filming that an all-hands-on-deck meeting was held to address her claims of a hostile work environment. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demands that were addressed in that meeting, according to the filing first obtained by TMZ, included not showing nude videos or images of women to Lively; no more mentions of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction; no more discussions about sexual experiences in front of Lively and others; no further mentions of cast and crews genitalia; and no more inquiries about Livelys weight. The filing also included other demands, like, No more adding of sex scenes, oral sex or on camera climaxing by BL outside the scope of the script BL approved when signing onto the project. It claims the demands were embraced and approved by Wayfarer Studios. The cast and crew of It Ends With Us was also under a contractual obligation to promote the film as previously determined in the demands, which would focus more on Lilys [Livelys character] strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence. They were also supposed to avoid talking about this film that makes it feel sad or heavy [sic]its a story of hope. In the days leading up to the films release, however, Baldoni pivoted and began focusing on the more serious aspects of the story. According to the filing, the actor and his team did so in an effort to explain why many of the films cast and crew unfollowed him on social media and refused to appear with him in public. To that end, he and his team used domestic violence survivor content to protect his public image, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livelys additional claims include that Baldoni and company allegedly engaged in a social manipulation campaign to destroy her reputation. The lengthy filing includes 22 pages of texts from Baldonis publicist to TAGs Melissa Nathan, who heads her own crisis PR firm, about how he wants to feel like [Ms. Lively] can be buried, to which Nathan replied, we cant write we will destroy her. THR reached out to representatives for Lively, Baldoni and Sony Pictures. In a statement to The New York Times, Lively said, I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted. Bryan Freedman, the attorney for Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and all its representatives, released a statement to THR, slamming Livelys claims. He began, It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media. Wayfarer Studios made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film, to work alongside their own representative with Jonesworks employed by Stephanie Jones, due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met. It was also discovered that Ms. Lively enlisted her own representative, Leslie Sloan with Vision PR, who also represents Mr. Reynolds, to plant negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media, even prior to any marketing had commenced for the film, which was another reason why Wayfarer Studios made the decision to hire a crisis professional to commence internal scenario planning in the case they needed to address, the statement read. The representatives of Wayfarer Studios still did nothing proactive nor retaliated, and only responded to incoming media inquiries to ensure balanced and factual reporting and monitored social activity. What is pointedly missing from the cherry-picked correspondence is the evidence that there were no proactive measures taken with media or otherwise; just internal scenario planning and private correspondence to strategize which is standard operating procedure with public relations professionals. The complaint follows months of speculation about some behind-the-scenes drama between Lively and Baldoni on It Ends With Us. The rumors began swirling on TikTok when Baldoni was noticeably absent from joint press events; there are no group photos of the co-stars at the New York premiere of the film; and Lively, author Colleen Hoover and co-star Jenny Slate not following the director on Instagram, despite him following them. While a sequel film based on Hoovers second novel in the series, It Starts With Us, hasnt been announced yet, in most circumstances, it would be a no-brainer. But this rift between the co-stars and co-producers could put a dent in plans. Baldonis Wayfarer Studios has the rights to the sequel, which means even if he didnt direct and the role of Ryle Kincaid was recast, the two would still have to work together in some capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both have been the focus of negative headlines since It Ends With Us hit theaters in August. Lively was criticized for her lighthearted interview snippets and cross-promotion of her new hair-care line because of the films serious, domestic violence storyline. Baldoni, for his part, has been accused of fostering an uncomfortable set that alienated Lively and the cast. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The post Blake Lively Sues It Ends With Us Co-Star Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment appeared first on Consequence. Blake Lively has sued her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment, alleging that he caused her severe emotional distress during the films production and later attempted to damage her reputation. Details of the legal complaint were made public on Saturday, December 21st, in an article from TMZ, which was later corroborated by a bombshell report from The New York Times describing a pattern of disturbing behavior from Baldoni, including efforts to discredit Lively ahead of the possibility of her distancing herself from him publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidently, tensions first arose when the two were working on set together, with inappropriate behavior from Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath eventually prompting a crisis meeting. According to the Times, Baldoni had improvised unwanted kissing, Heath showed Lively a naked video of his wife and walked in on the actor topless, and both men repeatedly entered her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed. During the crisis meeting (which was also attended by Livelys husband, Ryan Reynolds), several requests were made with regard to Baldonis inappropriate behavior on set, including: the cessation of showing nude videos and images of women to Lively; that there be no further mention of Baldonis sexual activities and pornography addiction; that the cast and crews genitals would no longer be discussed; and that there would be no more adding of sexual scenes that Lively had not already approved when she signed onto the project. Additionally, Lively also asked for no further discussion of her late father, and for no further inquiries into her weight. Allegedly, the requests made during that crisis meeting were embraced and approved by Sony Pictures, but tensions between Lively and Baldoni lingered, and only worsened during post-production. Lively had her own cut of the film edited, which Sony chose as the final cut, granting her a producer credit. Then, during promotion, Lively embraced the official promotion plan, which sought to highlight the uplifting aspects of the main characters resilience. Baldoni, however, contrasted Lively, and took a more somber tone, focusing on survivors of domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the summer, Lively faced some online backlash for the way she promoted the film, with critics saying she appeared tone deaf with regard to domestic violence, but now, the report from the Times has unveiled how Baldoni hired crisis PR expert Melissa Nathan and others, who may have influenced this backlash with an orchestrated a campaign to burry Lively. Text messages revealed by the Times show how Nathan whos firm, TAG PR, has Scooter Brauns company as its majority stakeholder and others sought to prevent stories about Baldonis transgressions and reinforce negative ones about Lively. They also came up with proposals to hire social media contractors to start threads of theories to change narrative and prompt full social account take downs, along with other tactics. All of this, Nathan thought, would be untraceable and for a brief period, it seemed that the plan nearly worked. A Daily Mail article in August hinted that Lively may be on the verge of being cancelled, and texts revealed by the Times from earlier that month show Nathan saying, Socials are really really ramping up. In his favour, she must be furious. Its actually sad because it just shows you have people really want to hate on women. Now though, Lively issued a statement to the Times, saying, I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldoni, meanwhile, has denied the allegations, with his lawyer issuing a statement describing them as false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt. The lawyer further suggested that the legal complaint was part of an effort by Lively to fix her negative reputation. It Ends With Us premiered this past August, and was based on the novel by the same name by Colleen Hoover, who herself informed Sony that she wouldnt do any publicity for the film alongside Baldoni due to her own dissatisfactions with him. Blake Lively Sues It Ends With Us Co-Star Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment Jo Vito Popular Posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. ELKHART The South Bend Medical Foundation is looking for blood donors this holiday season. Its a challenge to find blood donors throughout the year, but its definitely more of a challenge around the holidays because people are busy, theyre traveling, theyre trying to get their last-minute gifts, theyre going to parties, said Colleen Hahn, manager of blood donor recruitment and community awareness. And I think as a whole, our community takes blood donation kind of for granted because we believe blood will always be there. The Medical Foundation recently opened a new blood donor room at Elkhart General Hospital in Room 2217 off the H elevator on Aug. 5. A donor center in the basement of the hospital closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A phlebotomist is at the blood donor room every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since only one phlebotomist is on duty, the Medical Foundation encourages donors to make appointments. Appointments also can also be made for blood donations at the Medical Foundations mobile vehicles that move around southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. The hours of operation for each location varies. We have three of these units that go out usually twice a day, seven days a week, all throughout Michiana, said Cody Cwidak, South Bend Medical Foundation blood mobile transportation coordinator. There are also four fixed sites for donating blood in addition to the mobile sites. The goal is to have at least 30 donors between two mobile sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations through the South Bend Medical Foundation are different from those through the American Red Cross because the donations stay local. Cwidak said one unit of donated blood can save three lives. All types of blood are important, said Angela Davis, remote bleed specialist. Theres no specific type of blood thats not important. We need all types of blood. They prefer to have O type because O is the universal type, but all blood types are important. Elkhart General Hospital will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, in addition to others around the area. Information about scheduling an appointment to donate blood is available at givebloodnow.com or 574-234-1157. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Police have arrested a man accused in a hit-and-run that occurred over five months ago in southwest Columbus. According to court documents, officers were called to the 2000 block of Silverbluff Drive on reports of a man struck by a vehicle. Police were told by witnesses that a white Kia Soul intentionally swerved to strike the man, who was taken to a hospital and treated for broken ribs and lacerations. The victim showed police a Facebook photo of the man he accused of hitting him, and other witnesses provided the license plate of the suspects vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Columbus police officers hospitalized after crash Police obtained a search warrant and found front-end damage to the Kia, which was parked behind the suspects residence, along with evidence of blood on the windshield. The victim identified the suspect, 32-year-old Obrien Miller, from a photo array. A warrant was issued for Miller on July 25, and he was arrested Thursday. On Friday, a Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued him a $150,000 bond on a charge of felonious assault. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) New developments in the U.S. Coast Guards alleged cover up of Operation Fouled Anchor (OFA). The secret internal Coast Guard investigation looked into the mishandling of dozens of sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy in New London over decades. Coast Guard whistleblowers testify at Connecticut hearing about sexual assault coverup On Friday, Sen, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) released what he called a scathing continuing report into the Coast Guards efforts to hide information from the public and Congress on the findings of OFA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 65-page report contains documents obtained by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), which Blumenthal chairs. He says it shows how two of the Coast Guards top leaders in 2018, the commandant and his deputy, made the explicit decision not to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor to Congress, despite having a legal obligation. Todays report confirms and provides additional powerful evidence that the coverup of sexual assault in the coast guard was deliberate and purposeful and long-standing, Blumenthal said. This is a story News 8 has followed for months, including speaking with several sexual assault survivors withing the Coast Guard ranks. When asked if former Coast Guard leaders would face prosecution, Blumenthal replied, I cant tell you when there might be prosecutions, but certainly its fully possibly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blumenthal says the public deserves and explanation an so do the survivors. He is once again calling for full cooperation and transparency from the Coast Guard. The investigation by the PSI committed is ongoing. News 8 will continue to follow this story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The Boise School District warned parents and staff this week of a widespread whooping cough outbreak in the community and across Idaho. The school district sent a notice Wednesday afternoon that shared information about how to reduce spread of the highly contagious respiratory illness also known as pertussis. The health alert comes about two months after Timberline High School informed parents that their children may have been exposed to whooping cough after a couple of cases were diagnosed in students, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Dan Hollar, a spokesperson for the school district, said the latest notice was prompted by what the school district is observing in its schools and what its hearing from the Idaho Immunization Coalition and Central District Health, the health district that serves Ada County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the earlier whooping cough cases at Timberline contributed to a heightened vigilance as the area continues to see reports of infections. Pertussis is known as whooping cough because of the high-pitched whoop sounds a person makes after they inhale at the end of a coughing fit. The coughing fits can last for weeks or even months and be rapid and uncontrollable, according to Central District Health. Other symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, difficulty breathing and fever. In September, the two health districts serving the Treasure Valley, Central District Health and Southwest District Health, which serves Canyon County, issued a joint news release warning of a sharp increase in cases of the illness. The health districts said the region had seen 171 cases of whooping cough as of Sept. 5, with most in Ada County. Last year, there were only 10. Its not just the Boise area thats now seeing a spike in infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the state, whooping cough cases are up more than 20 times year over year, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Cases have also skyrocketed nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Pertussis cases in Idaho since 1987. Dr. Christine Hahn, an epidemiologist at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said numbers were low during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools closed and people skipped travel, socially distanced and took other precautions like wearing face masks. As of Thursday, the state had tallied more than 1,000 cases in 2024. Last year, there were less than 50, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. We think that those types of behavior changes protected people from getting infected, Hahn said Thursday by phone. But life has gotten back to normal. We are concerned that we have a large group of kids whove never been exposed before that are now all at once getting exposed to pertussis, and at the same time, our vaccination rates are not where they need to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho has the lowest vaccination rates for children in the U.S., according to the CDC. In the 2022-23 school year, the states vaccination rate for pertussis was the worst in the nation at 81%, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Infants are at the greatest risk of getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it, the CDC says. Hahn encouraged people to get the vaccine. Pertussis is part of the Tdap vaccine, a series of shots that also protect against tetanus and diphtheria, she said. In many cases, whooping cough can be altogether prevented or made less severe if a person is vaccinated. You can find a pharmacy or clinic that offers the vaccine by going to vaccines.gov and entering your zip code. Adults and teens, even if vaccinated as children, are susceptible because the immunization wears off over time, according to Hahn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be fully vaccinated against pertussis and fully protected by the time a kiddo starts kindergarten, they should have received five doses of that vaccine, she said. We rarely, rarely see diphtheria or tetanus in Idaho. But unfortunately, for pertussis, the vaccine works well for a couple of years and then it starts to wear off before youre due, possibly, for your next booster. The five-dose series recommended for infants and young children involves getting the shot at two months old, four months old, six months old, one year old and then another before starting kindergarten. Most of the whooping cough cases in the Boise School District have been in its elementary and high schools, Hollar said. He said the school district does not track cases by school, but does notify Central District Health of any cases reported among students. Hollar did not say how many cases have been reported this month. He said the school district has observed a consistent presence of whooping cough cases in its schools since late August. When the school district learns of a specific case, it notifies parents or guardians, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hahn said Central District Health, which covers Boise, Eagle, Meridian and up to McCall and Mountain Home, was reporting about 30-40 new cases of whooping cough a week just a few weeks ago. For the last couple of weeks, that number has dropped to around 10-12 cases a week, she said. Now, we know that those mild cases, those people who have very mild symptoms, were probably not even hearing about those, Hahn said. So we know were just hearing about the tip of the iceberg. She said public health officials are hopeful the region will start to see a decline in cases, but its too soon to say. We can protect ourselves from lots of different diseases, Hahn said. Staying home when youre sick, covering your cough and all those boring messages that we always put out there, theyre all effective and can help keep you and your loved one safe during the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boise high school warns parents of possible exposure after outbreak of whooping cough Thousands of wild birds are dying of bird flu in Boise area, Idaho Fish and Game says Health board serving Canyon County votes to stop offering COVID-19 vaccine at its clinics Idaho has worst childrens vaccination rates. Now this illness is spiking in Boise area While the fire that shut part of Daniel Carter Beard has created huge headaches for drivers, a repair bill of at least $10 million and felony charges against alleged arsonists, it did not kill anyone. The same cannot be said about some of the most remembered bridge catastrophes in Ohio and elsewhere in the U.S. Bridges collapse because of weather events, design flaws and barge accidents, among other reasons. Baltimore bridge collapse The most notable 2024 bridge accident was in Baltimore in March. That's when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, after a container ship struck one of its support columns. Six people died in the collapse. Part of Downtown's Sawyer Point Park remains closed as repairs continue on the Interstate 471 connection to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Deadliest Ohio bridge accident Ohio recorded one of its most deadly bridge accidents in 1967 on the Ohio-West Virginia border. The Silver Bridge connecting Gallipolis, Ohio, and Point Pleasant, West Virginia collapsed into the Ohio River in heavy rush-hour traffic, killing 46 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officially named the Point Pleasant Bridge, the structure failed because of a faulty eyebar that is the end loop on a metal bar in a suspension chain. The bridge was replaced by the Silver Memorial Bridge in 1969. The Silver Bridge accident triggered increased interest in bridge safety and inspections, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's manual on bridge inspections. The next year, the Federal Highway Act included a section requiring the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish national bridge inspection standards and a training program for bridge inspectors. This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge collapses can be deadly Editors note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Today, the limestone plateau in the United Kingdoms Mendip Hills is famed for its natural beauty. But around 4,000 years ago in the Early Bronze Age, a grisly chapter of British prehistory unfolded there. Thousands of human bones excavated in the 1970s and 1980s in a shaft that plunges about 49 feet (15 meters) from the grassy surface displayed evidence of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, an analysis of the remains of at least 37 people reveals the unprecedented scale and nature of the brutality at a time that experts had once considered to be largely peaceful in Britain. A long time ago Human bones were first excavated from a deep shaft at the Charterhouse Warren site in the 1970s. A new analysis suggests that assailants killed at least 37 people before cannibalizing them. - Tony Audsley Analysis of more than 3,000 bones found at a site in Somerset, England, called Charterhouse Warren suggested unidentified assailants killed men, women and children before butchering and cannibalizing them between 2210 and 2010 BC. The study authors think the cannibalism may have been a way to dehumanize the victims by othering the deceased: eating their flesh and mixing their bones with cattle bones as a way to liken them to animals, the researchers said. Determining a motive during a time before written documents existed in the region is proving difficult. DNA analysis is in progress to discover how closely related the victims were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other archaeological news, researchers now think they know why Stonehenge was rebuilt around 2500 BC, a few hundred years before the devastating events in Somerset took place. Across the universe When space scientists first spotted Oumuamua in 2017, the discovery was immediately attention-grabbing. The first observed object in our solar system that originated from outside of it, Oumuamua turned out not to be an alien probe, but it was something unusual. The celestial body blurred the line between an asteroid and a comet. Astronomers have dubbed this new cosmic object a dark comet, and a team of scientists recently announced it detected seven more of the mysterious objects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new research shows there are two distinct populations of dark comets, which may have helped deliver vital elements such as water to Earth early in the planets history. Fantastic creatures Many barn owls have white undersides, a trait that researchers suggest could allow the nocturnal predators to mimic the moon as a form of camouflage and approach their rodent prey undetected. - Education Images/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images Unlike the snowy owl, the barn owl lives at latitudes where it doesnt regularly snow. Why then is its underside a brilliant white? The barn owls paradoxically bright plumage has baffled scientists, who have come up with competing explanations for the biological phenomenon. The owls gleaming underbelly and wings, previous research argued, effectively stun and immobilize rodents, which have an aversion to bright light. The latest theory suggests the opposite, finding that white plumage allows the nocturnal predator to mimic the moon and approach its rodent prey undetected in a form of nighttime camouflage. Consequences A group of eminent scientists has expressed concern about a nascent field of research: a push to create life-forms composed of mirror-image molecules, in which the molecular structure found in nature is reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key molecules for life feature a phenomenon known as chirality, or handedness. For example, DNA and RNA are made from right-handed nucleotides, and proteins are made from left-handed amino acids. Just as a right-handed glove cannot fit a left hand, interactions between molecules often depend on chirality. While the science and technology necessary to create mirror bacteria in a laboratory is a decade or more away, the researchers argued that the work could put humans, animals and plants at risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens. Its a genie you dont want to let out of the bottle, said report coauthor Jonathan Jones, a group leader at The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich, England. Dig this An artist's illustration depicts a newfound species of gorgonopsian, a distant relative of mammals considered to be the oldest of its kind, according to a new study. - Henry Sutherland Sharpe Long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, an egg-laying creature with long, serrated canine teeth was the dominant carnivore on land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Called gorgonopsians, these saber-toothed predators are known mostly from bones that are less than 270 million years old. However, a recent fossil find is thought to date back an unprecedented 280 million to 270 million years, filling in a long-standing blank space in the fossil record. The discovery of the fossilized remains of the hairless, dog-size creature on the Spanish island of Mallorca could help shed light on the earliest forebears of mammals. The newfound species belongs to one of the earliest branches on the therapsid family tree, which includes not only gorgonopsians but also the ancestors of modern mammals and other now extinct nonmammalian groups. The wonder Expand your mind with these riveting stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hold the nuts. California ground squirrels have discovered a taste for fresh meat, surprising scientists with their ability to kill and eat other rodents. Cannons abandoned by a doomed 16th century Spanish expedition are thought to be the oldest firearms found in the continental United States. A silver amulet unearthed in Germany could rewrite Christian history in Europe. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule to the International Space Station in June, now face yet another delay returning home. And before you go, check out how to catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like what youve read? Oh, but theres more. Sign up here to receive in your inbox the next edition of Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt and Jackie Wattles. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A bloody walk-in cooler floor, bugs in bottles of liquor, stained and ripped bedding, cockroaches on an ice machine, dirty kitchen conditions and several foods that werent kept hot or cold enough to prevent pathogen growth are among violations Kansas Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered during recent local food safety and lodging inspections. Each week, The Eagle adds to its searchable database of failed inspections from Sedgwick County. From Dec. 8-14, seven Wichita-area restaurants, stores, hotels, schools or other businesses that serve or sell food or rent rooms to the public made the non-compliant list. Inspectors found few or no violations at more than 50 others deemed compliant with food safety and lodging rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inspections are meant to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and other health risks. Violations are common. Businesses can fail if they have too many problems, certain types of violations or issues that cant be fixed right away. Most of the time, they correct issues in front of an inspector. Examples of things that can be addressed immediately are serving food thats more than a week old, employees mishandling food and dirty kitchens. But sometimes issues take days or weeks to correct, like pest infestations, power outages and plumbing problems. Its rare, but a business may temporarily shut down over violations. Places that fail are usually reinspected within 10 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list in this story was compiled on Dec. 19 using information available from the state on that date. The list only contains entities in Sedgwick County, but you can search food and lodging inspection results elsewhere in Kansas at https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx. File Out-of-compliance inspections Club Rodeo, 3426 E. MacArthur in Wichita Three violations on Dec. 11 during a routine inspection. Violations include no written plan for cleaning up vomiting or diarrhea incidents, winged insects found in liquor bottles, container of whipped topping wasnt labeled with package opening date, no hand-washing sink in the bar area. Next inspection: Dec. 21. Economy Hotel Plus+ Wichita, 5805 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita Fifteen violations on Dec. 10 during a complaint inspection. Violations include stains and dried liquids or food debris on room walls, mold and grime in refrigerator, no carbon monoxide detector in room with gas furnace, holes and burns in bed covers, stained sheets, leaky tub, missing toilet tank cover and shower control handles, climate control unit didnt work in a room, smoke detectors didnt work in some rooms, no emergency management plan available, no records showing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are tested regularly, missing lamp covers on light fixtures in rooms, no single-use gloves in laundry room, stained floors in rooms, the carbon monoxide detector in the laundry room didnt work, fire extinguishers havent been inspected in over a year. Next inspection: Dec. 30. Fujisan Sushi at Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount in Wichita Three violations on Dec. 9 during its first operational inspection after licensing. Violations include raw tuna stored directly above a box of cucumbers, sushi not marked with the time it was prepared or removed from temperature control, packaged dumplings and sushi rolls werent kept cold enough. Next inspection: Dec. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Islas Marias, 2150 N. Amidon in Wichita Eight violations on Dec. 11 during a routine inspection. Violations include pies and flan for sale werent labeled with any vendor information, ceviche and cut red cabbage werent labeled with their preparation or package opening dates, puddle of beef blood on walk-in cooler floor, blood dripping onto bag of raw carrots, soup wasnt kept hot enough, raw ceviche fish and raw shrimp were stored improperly over ready-to-eat salsas and sauces in the walk-in cooler, last sale dates were missing from shell stock tags, raw shell oysters werent kept cold enough, chlorine sanitizer was not set up and there were no test strips on site to measure sanitizer concentration. Next inspection: Dec. 21. Local Flavor, 5400 E. Central, Suite 100 in Wichita One violation on Dec. 10 during a follow-up inspection. Foods including cheeses and tomatoes were out of temperature in a refrigerated preparation table. Next inspection: Dec. 20. Thai An Oriental Market, 2425 S. Hillside, Suite 500 in Wichita Seven violations on Dec. 10 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Violations include pork rolls and other foods for sale that had no date markings, fried bananas and fried pastries werent covered to protect them from contamination, the market was letting customers self-serve raw fish even though that is not permitted, incorrect labeling on items, cooked corn was sitting out at room temperature, the business was vacuum packaging raw fish and raw pork intestines without the required approval from the state, labels on frozen vacuum-packaged raw tuna didnt say the fish needs to be kept frozen. Next inspection: Feb. 10. Wasabi Sushi Bar West, 2404 N. Maize Road in Wichita Six violations on Dec. 9 during a modified complaint inspection. Violations include grease and food debris build-up in server area and behind kitchen equipment, employee washed their hands at the wrong sink, the restaurant did not label sushi rice and other foods with the time they were removed from refrigeration or heat, live roaches on the side of the ice machine, employee didnt use soap to wash hands, employee didnt use soap or sanitizer to wash dirty utensils. Next inspection: Dec. 19. See a problem? Heres where to complain If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org. To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event where food was served, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org. Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint. For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Note: Sometimes addresses listed especially for mobile vendors and food trucks are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations. The violation summaries were compiled and drafted with the help of AI tools. They were fact-checked for accuracy and edited by Wichita Eagle journalists. Lots of mouse poop, more cockroaches, stubborn mold at Wichita KS restaurants, hotels Blood leaking on bag of cheese, roaches, moldy food found at Wichita KS restaurants, hotels Flyswatter on food wrap, cockroaches, meat on floor & more at Wichita restaurants A Burlington man was stabbed in the neck early Saturday morning, a press release says. On Saturday, Dec. 21 around 1:30 am., the Burlington Police Department responded to the 2500 block of Mt. Pleasant Street regarding a man being stabbed in the neck. Police say the victim stated the suspect stabbed him in the neck during an argument over gas money. He was treated for non life-threatening injuries and later released from the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burlington Criminal Investigation Detectives later identified the suspect in the stabbing as Robert Britton. He was taken into custody and booked into the Des Moines County Jail for attempted murder and willful injury felony charges, police say. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Hanukkah, Judaisms eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900. For some rabbis, the intersection of the two religious holidays provides an auspicious occasion for interfaith engagement. This can be a profound opportunity for learning and collaboration and togetherness, said Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America. He oversees interfaith initiatives involving the 146 local and regional Jewish federations that his organization represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is not proselytizing; it's learning deeply from each other, he said. Its others seeing you as you see yourself. One example of togetherness: a Chicanukah party hosted Thursday evening by several Jewish organizations in Houston, bringing together members of the citys Latino and Jewish communities for a cross cultural holiday celebration." The venue: Houstons Holocaust museum. The food on offer was a blend of the two cultures for example a latke bar featuring guacamole, chili con queso and pico de gallo, as well as applesauce and sour cream. The doughnut-like pastries were sufganiyot a Hanukkah specialty and bunuelos, And the mariachi band took a crack at playing the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila. What really brings us together is our shared values our faith, our families, our heritage, said Erica Winsor, public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Houston-based Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, said the first Chicanukah event 12 years ago drew 20 people, while this year the crowd numbered about 300, and could have been larger had not attendance been capped. He said the party-goers were a roughly even mix of Latinos some of them Jews with Latin American origins and Anglo Jews. Theres too much hate, too much separation against both Jews and Latinos, Tarlow said. This is a way we can come together and show we support each other. While Hanukkah is intended as an upbeat, celebratory holiday, rabbis note that its taking place this year amid continuing conflicts involving Israeli forces in the Middle East, and apprehension over widespread incidents of antisemitism. Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, acknowledged that many Jews may be feeling anxious heading into Hanukkah this year. But he voiced confidence that most would maintain the key tradition: the lighting of candles on menorah candelabras and displaying where theyre visible through household windows and in public spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The posture of our community without stridency, just with determination is that the menorah should be in our windows, in a place where the public sees it, Hauer said. It is less for us, the Jewish community, than for the world, he added. We have to share that light. Putting the menorah in the window is our expression of working to be a light among the nations. Hauer concurred with Stanton that this years overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas is an exceptional opportunity to see and experience the diversity of America and the diversity of its communities of faith. Rabbi Motti Seligson, public relations director for the Hasidic movement Chabad-Lubavitch, noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of a milestone in the public lightings of menorahs. It was on Dec. 8, 1974 as part of an initiative launched by the Lubavitcher leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson that a menorah was lit outside Philadelphias Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell was housed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hanukkah is a celebration of religious liberty, so that its not taken for granted, Seligson said. One of the ways of doing that is by celebrating it publicly. He said Chabad was organizing about 15,000 public menorah lightings this year through its numerous branches around the world. There certainly is some apprehension, Seligson said, referring to concerns about antisemitism and political friction. Some people question whether Jews will be celebrating as openly as in the past. What Im hearing is theres no way that we cant, he added. The only way through these difficult times is by standing stronger and prouder and shining brighter than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanton concurred. Through our history, weve been through moments that are easy and moments that are hard, he said. Safety for us does not come from hiding. It comes from reaching out. Why is Hanukkah so late this year? The simple answer is that the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar which sets Christmas on Dec. 25. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, a date which occurs between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. The last time Hanukkah began on Christmas Day was in 2005. But the term Chrismukkah signifying the overlap of the two holidays had become a popular term before then. The term gained extra currency in 2003, when the character Seth Cohen on the TV drama The O.C. embraced the fusion holiday as a tribute to his Jewish father and Protestant mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This season, the Hallmark Channel introduced a new Christmas movie called Leahs Perfect Gift, depicting a young Jewish woman who had admired Christmas from a distance, and gets a chance to experience it up close when her boyfriend invites her to spend the holidays with his family. Spoiler alert: All does not go smoothly. Despite such storylines suggesting a fascination with Christmas among some Jews, Stanton says research by the Jewish Federations reveals a surge in Jews seeking deeper connections to their own traditions and community, as well as a surge in Jews volunteering for charitable activities during the holidays. The opportunity is to share with others how we celebrate Hanukkah, he said. Its a holiday of freedom, hope, showing proudly you are Jewish. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Calhoun County Sheriffs deputies continue to investigate a shooting that resulted in the death of one person. It happened around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at a home on Shuman Ferry Road in the Shuman Ferry community, a few miles northwest of Blountstown. Sheriffs Glenn Kimbrel told us the shooting was apparently the result of a domestic quarrel between a husband and wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calhoun County Sheriffs Office collecting evidence in fatal shooting The woman fired one shot at her husband, then called 911 and reported the shooting. The man died at the scene. Kimbrel said his deputies knew the couple but hadnt had any problems at the home in the past. The Florida Department of Law Enforcements mobile crime lab from Pensacola processed evidence at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of those involved but did say no one has been arrested or charged in the death. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A Sacramento County father has been arrested on suspicion of beheading his 1-year-old son, sheriff's officials said. Andrey Demskiy, 28, was arrested and booked Friday on felony charges of murder, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, and corporal injury on a spouse in connection with the child's death, according to authorities and jail records. He is being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail and is ineligible for bail. Sheriff's deputies responded to a family disturbance call at a house in the 7500 block of Versailles Way in Sacramento County early Friday morning, sheriff's officials said on social media . A woman outside the home told them that her husband, Andrey Demskiy, had assaulted her and her mother, who was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies then attempted to contact Demskiy but he refused to answer the door, authorities said. When they learned that a 1-year-old boy was inside the home and had possibly been injured, deputies forced entry and attempted to detain Demskiy, who resisted, authorities said. As Demskiy was taken into custody, deputies made the gruesome discovery of a severed childs head in the bedroom where Demskiy had been, officials said. Authorities said a knife was used in the crime. Detectives with the sheriffs Child Abuse Bureau were dispatched to the scene. Their investigation determined that Demskiy was involved in a domestic violence incident with his wife and mother-in-law and that once they exited the home, he beheaded his son, authorities said. The boy has not officially been identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demskiy is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. 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. NORTH CANTON, Ohio (WJW) Officer Patrick Lewis was shot in the arm on Nov. 18 during a standoff with a wanted fugitive. Lewis, a nine-year veteran for North Canton police and a master operator for Canton Regional SWAT, was behind his sniper rifle trying to locate James Vanest, 68, who was in a corner room at Roadway Inn in Jackson Township. Aurora closes land purchase at former Geauga Lake, SeaWorld Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Vanest started firing at officers. I just heard a loud gunshot, and my arm just hurt instantly, Lewis said. With his arm bent against his body, the bullet hit him in the forearm area and went out through his triceps, Lewis told FOX 8 News. Lewis said he got himself to cover and tried to apply a tourniquet himself, but fellow SWAT officers immediately came to his aid and applied the tourniquet for him and helped him stand so he could run from the scene. Without their quick thinking and reaction, I dont know if I wouldve left that scene, he said. Just over a month later, Lewis is still recovering. Hes been through three surgeries and has two more to go. Hes working with therapists daily to regain movement in his arm and fingers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes now able to extend his arm all the way and move some fingers, but wrist motion is still difficult. Doctors expect a full recovery. If it was just a few inches more to the left, it couldve hit me in the torso. A few inches up, it couldve hit me in the head. I am very thankful. Im very thankful for my team. My team members definitely saved my life. [Im] thankful for the doctors Dr. Ajay Seth, he saved my arm and for the occupational therapists. Theyre getting movement back in my arm, Lewis said. Canton Officer Patrick Lewis Lewis expects to return to work in 2025, hopefully before the start of summer. He joked hes never been more bored in his life while being off work, but hes attacking his rehabilitation daily to get back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knows hes returning to a dangerous job, but hes passionate about it. [The risk is] always there when you show up. We are there for other people, to help other people. So, we know that its a dangerous job, he said. Human remains found weeks apart near North Carolina home, sheriffs office says Lewis said that hes been shot at before, but now hell be returning from actually getting shot. Hes unsure if that will change the way he approaches the job. That I wont know until I get there, Lewis said. I know, as of right now, mentally I want to go back today. Physically, its a different story, but I am very much eager to get back to work, to get back with the SWAT team, to get back to sniper, teaching sniper, everything. I am excited. That wont be my last call-out as a SWAT operator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the November shootout, Vanest was ultimately shot and killed at the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CARLSBAD, N.M. (KRQE) The Carlsbad Police Department arrested 38-year-old Michael George Valdez who is accused of robbing a bank. Officers were notified of a bank robbery at the Western Commerce Bank around 3:10 p.m. on Thursday. Suspect in fatal Santa Fe hit and run arrested in Texas Valdez was later found on foot and arrested. He was charged with robbery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. CARTHAGE, Mo. The Carthage Chamber of Commerce puts a twist on the holiday tradition of Elf on a Shelf. Were excited to have Chamber Charlie, said Doug Osborn, owner of The Palms Massage and Day Spa. Chamber Charlie is back for another year. His goal is to help encourage shopping at and supporting local businesses during the holiday season. Chamber Charlies a great idea because people kind of start seeking him out, looking for that kind of thing, and buy a lot of gift cards along the way, said Osborn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chamber Charlie is back for his second year as part of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce holiday initiative, A Very Merry Carthage Christmas. Eleven local businesses, including neighborhood shops, restaurants, and service providers, are hosting Chamber Charlie for a few days. Osborn says Charlie helps bring in more foot traffic. Weve been in business now at this location for about 11 years, and we still have people that dont know were here. And so anything we can do thats an initiative to get people to come into these small businesses is going to be great for everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It promotes holiday shopping while giving a little bit of fun to our little Chamber Charlie all around the community, said Julie Reams, Carthage Chamber of Commerce President. Charlie spends two to three days at businesses, inviting shoppers to take a selfie with him. Posting that selfie on social media enters participants into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate for Carthage area businesses. The drawing will be held on Monday. Its really a lot of fun, and we get a lot of fun feedback from the business community, the shoppers, and the little kids, said Reams. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Dec. 21The following stories from this week appeared on www.jamestownsun.com and in The Jamestown Sun. State and local officials went on a tour of three businesses in Jamestown on Friday, Dec. 13, that highlighted recipients of the Automate ND Grant Program. The tour included stops at Champ Industries USA Inc., Agri-Cover Inc. and Midmach. Champ Industries received a $240,500 grant for an automated tool-loading brake press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This program helped a lot," said Kyle Johnson, plant manager at Champ Industries. "Automation is definitely something that we were going towards, and this allowed us to take the first step much sooner than we anticipated." Agri-Cover received a nearly $283,000 grant for robot arms and autonomous carts. Midmach received $500,000 for three robotic welding cells. The North Dakota Development Fund received $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for a grant program during the 2023 legislative session. The program was developed in response to the workforce shortage in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Department of Commerce's website. The one-time program made grants of up to $500,000 available to primary-sector certified businesses in North Dakota. The grants could not be more than 50% of the machinery, equipment or software being purchased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lone student in the Class of 2025 at Pingree-Buchanan Public Schools graduated early on Sunday, Dec. 15, and is on pace to earn an associate degree this spring. Jersey Tripp, of Jamestown, has been the only student in her class since the beginning of her junior year. She has attended Pingree-Buchanan Public Schools since kindergarten. Tripp is only seven credits away from earning an Associate of Science degree through the Leading to Education and Advanced Preparation (LEAP) Beyond program from Dakota College at Bottineau, North Dakota, meaning her general education courses will be completed. Superintendent Amber Krapp said it was the first time Pingree-Buchanan held graduation in May. It's also the first time the school district had one student in a graduating class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jamestown Finance and Legal Committee unanimously recommended approval on Tuesday, Dec. 17, to expand the city of Jamestown's current Renaissance Zone boundary area . Doreen Stroh, city assessor, said Jamestown would have nine additional blocks in the Renaissance Zone, increasing the number from 22 to 31 blocks. She said the Renaissance Zone boundary would extend south on the east side of 1st Avenue South to the former location of Hardee's. The boundary includes homes along 2nd Avenue Southeast from 6th Street to 10th Street Southeast. The boundary goes east from the former Hardee's location an additional three blocks from 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue Southeast. The boundary includes homes and businesses from 9th Street to 10th Street Southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stroh said two more blocks were added near 12th Avenue Southeast. The boundary goes from 3rd Street to 5th Street Southeast and 10th Avenue to 12th Avenue Southeast. The boundary includes homes along 10th Avenue Southeast from 4th Street to 5th Street Southeast. The Stutsman County commissioner appointed to the James River Valley Library System Board of Directors will remain a voting member . County Commissioner Amanda Hastings was appointed Tuesday to the library board. The library board has seven members. The City Council and the county commission each appoint three voting members. The seventh member is a joint appointment by the City Council and county commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Jamestown City Councilman David Schloegel is the appointed nonvoting member on the library board. Stutsman County Commission Chairman Jerry Bergquist said Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Jamestown City Council member on the library board should either be allowed to vote or the county commissioner appointed to the board should be an ex-officio member who doesn't vote. He said the commission member appointed to the library board should have a similar role to the City Council member appointed to the board. The investigation into the officer-involved shooting on Dec. 3 in Jamestown is complete, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation's findings of the incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement have been forwarded to the Stutsman County state's attorney for further review, according to Maj. Justin Blinsky, assistant chief of police for the Jamestown Police Department. Blinsky told the Jamestown Police and Fire Committee on Thursday, Dec. 19, during a report on the Jamestown Police Department activities that the department also did a parallel administrative investigation to make sure policies and procedures were followed and officers involved in the incident on Dec. 3 were in compliance. Sgt. Cory Beckman, a five-year veteran of the Jamestown Police Department, shot Devin Quinn Fontenot, 27, Jamestown, after he responded to a report of man armed with a gun and a knife standing in the parking lot behind Fred's Den, 113 1st Ave. S. Fontenot died from injuries he sustained from gunfire. Fontenot refused to comply with an order to drop his weapon, jeopardizing the safety of Beckman and others, Scott Edinger, chief of police, previously said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Salvation Army 360 Life Center in Jamestown is well short of its $60,000 Red Kettle Campaign goal. The Red Kettle Campaign has raised about $22,400 as of Wednesday, Dec. 18, according to Dan Furry, divisional public relations and communications director for the Salvation Army. "Part of our message here is to encourage the folks in Jamestown to help with the Red Kettle Campaign, because ultimately the money that goes into the red kettle is money that stays in the Jamestown area," he said. "It doesn't go off to some larger Salvation Army office. It stays right where the money is collected and it helps the people in the community where it's collected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furry said there are more than 1,000 available hours for bell ringers in Jamestown. He said a bell ringer at a red kettle can raise between $80 to $100 an hour. To sign up for bell ringing, visit www.registertoring.com to find red kettle locations and available times. The Giving Store returned to Lincoln Elementary School this week, giving the students an opportunity to pick out a Christmas gift for someone special in their lives. "So they come in and they're getting a chance to do that Christmas shopping that they not necessarily would get to always do," said McKenzie Striefel, third grade teacher at Lincoln who helped with the project. "It costs a quarter for an item. So they get to pick one item the first day and one item the second day for two different people." Donations from the community, staff and families make the Giving Store possible, she said. People donate items throughout the year and shop after-Christmas sales to get items for the store, she added. New and gently-used items are donated, she said, but most are new. This is the third year for the store. Following more than five months of renovations, one of the Bellefonte areas busiest gas stations is back open for business. Sheetz, located at 2850 Benner Pike, reopened to customers on Friday, following a complete demolition and rebuild. The renovations, which started on July 7, were done to replace the stores former layout, and to bring some upgraded features to the gas station. These features include upgraded indoor and outdoor seating areas, a new car wash, a fueling station that can fit up to 12 vehicles, and a drive-thru something that this Sheetz location hasnt offered before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees were offered positions at nearby Sheetz locations while the rebuild was being completed. Aside from the Sheetz renovation, the Benner Pike has been experiencing a boom in development plan submissions and construction projects in recent years, with two hotels a Tru by Hilton and a dual-brand Avid and Candlewood Suites being built along the roadway next to G. M. McCrossin, and at the corner of Benner Pike and Amberleigh Lane, respectively. A new McDonalds located next to the Giant that opened in 2022 opened this year, and plans for an Arbys and a fulfillment center warehouse are in the works as well. Sheetzs Pennsylvania-based rival Wawa has also submitted plans to construct its first gas station in Centre County, directly across from the newly-renovated building. The new Sheetz will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With school out for the holiday break, the travel rush is upon us. Thousands are hitting the road or flying through the skies to go home for the holidays. Channel 9s Ken Lemon checked in on the crowd of people at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Friday. Airport officials expect 2.75 million people to fly in and out of CLT over the next two weeks. Thats an increase of about 6% over last year. It also means a lot more people are jockeying to get to the gate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders at the airport say roads will be crowded, and it could take 45 minutes to an hour to get to the terminal. We saw a big crowd Friday morning. The line at Checkpoint 1 was backed up, but people planned for this. That includes the Peter family, flying to Baltimore for the holiday. They got here three hours early. Timing for our kids, in terms of naps, and really wanting to make sure that we werent having to be stuck in lines -- we have to check a bag, check a stroller, we gotta gate-check stuff, said Chris Peter. The good news is that once you get to your terminal, the delays should stop for most passengers. Thats unless youre flying to New York, Boston or San Diego -- according to Fly FAA, some flights were delayed anywhere from half an hour to four and a half hours in large part because of snow and ice in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman flew in from Philadelphia with her family, and she told Lemon they flew out at midnight to avoid problems. We actually started early because we did expect it to be a large amount of traffic, you know. We did expect a lot of people to travel during this time. So we made sure we planned ahead of time, said Ginger Weston. You can check flight status at CLT by clicking this link. Holiday Travel Video: Channel 9 speaks with passengers at airport Mayor Brandon Johnsons Chicago Board of Education voted Friday to fire Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez, clearing the way for the mayor to install a new leader for the nations fourth-largest school district after a monthslong power struggle. After a closed session, the school board voted 6-0 to terminate Martinezs contract and provide him 20 weeks of severance pay. His duties and responsibilities will be modified, according to the resolution a prospect Martinez challenged after the vote. Since the board removed Martinez without cause, he will be allowed to stay on for six more months in what is sure to be a tense environment, given the hybrid school board will still be majority-Johnson allies and there is still much uncertainty. That leaves in question the next phase of Johnsons education agenda, under fire from critics and allies alike due to his controversial push to take out a high-interest loan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, visibly angry, alternating between speaking in English and Spanish, gathered with members of his cabinet after the vote. I never question any board who wants their own leader. because its not about me. Its important we have a smooth transition to a new CEO instead of throwing everything into chaos in the middle of the school year, he said, vowing to remain involved in bargaining the Chicago Teachers Union contract and guiding the transition to come. Allow my team to be the wonderful company leaders that they are. Lets stop playing games, he said. Martinez said he respected the decision, but as a CPS graduate, denounced the criticism heaped upon him in recent months. Who are they really talking to, he said. This is a CPS kid, graduated from 1987 in Pilsen not going to one of our selective enrollment schools (but) a neighborhood school, in an underfunded school, in an underfunded community, Martinez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firing of Martinez Friday occurred just hours after the CEOs attorney William Quinlan of the Quinlan Law Firm LLC filed a lawsuit against the board for acting outside of its fiduciary duties. Quinlan sent a letter to the board earlier in the day warning them about the potential legal action. He included a host of concerns, including whether the new board members had the authority to fire Martinez or appoint a co-CEO to work alongside him. Martinez has fought very hard to keep his job. Financial analysts say the struggle to stay in his role demonstrates the financial stakes of Fridays late vote. (Firing Martinez is) district suicide, said School finance expert Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown Universitys Edunomics Lab. If there was one city that this man was particularly committed to, its this one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, a Chicago native, is a holdover from former Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration. He has led the school district since 2021, when he tusseled with the Chicago Teachers Union over returning to classrooms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has been marked with gains in student achievement. Johnson, a former CTU organizer, opted to keep Martinez on when assuming office last year as the district pivoted to a five-year plan to prioritize neighborhood schools over selective enrollment and magnet schools. But that alliance fractured this summer when Martinez and Johnsons first iteration of the school board declined to take up a $175 million pension obligation for non-teaching CPS staff, as well as a $300 million loan that would cover that payment plus the beginning raises in CTUs upcoming contract. Martinez in September said Johnson asked him to step down, but he refused. All seven board members then resigned and were replaced by a second batch of Johnson appointees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those new members sans Johnsons handpicked board president who resigned amid controversy and with the addition of recently nominated member Sean Harden fired Martinez Friday. The meeting where Martinez was fired was called at the last minute earlier in the week, and the agenda was amended to include two options to oust the CEO: termination or settlement. Before closed session, elected officials, parents and advocates spoke both for and against Martinez. Pedro Martinez was entrusted with a leadership of CPS and a stability to our schools, and yet schools on the West side where I live remain in constant state crisis, said Tara Stamps, commissioner of Cook Countys 1st District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ald. Silvana Tabares, 23rd, called the mayor a walking conflict of interest when it comes to CPS and CTU. She told they board they would be abdicating (their) autonomy and self-respect by carrying out this plan. A larger than usual crowd waited in the auditorium at CPS administrative building on the South Side Friday during closed session for the school board to emerge and take a vote. At 9:00 p.m., the board announced their much-anticipated move to remove the CEO. They rejoined several minutes later for a re-vote because they didnt lay out the terms of his firing. It is unclear if Martinez knew what would happen before they took a vote. Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin contributed. CHICAGO A Chicago man is facing a felony charge after he allegedly carjacked a woman on the citys Southwest Side on Thursday morning. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said 26-year-old Stone Sawyer, a West Englewood resident, has been charged with one felony count of vehicular hijacking. Officers said 26-year-old Stone Sawyer, a West Englewood resident, has been charged with one felony count of vehicular hijacking. According to police, the charge was handed down after Sawyer allegedly took a 49-year-old womans vehicle by force in the 7300 block of South Wood Street in West Englewood just before 10 a.m. on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Authorities quickly caught up with Sawyer and said he was taken into custody less than an hour after the alleged carjacking. Sawyer appeared in court Friday for a detention hearing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO Chicago police have increased security measures around Christkindlmarket in the citys Loop following a deadly attack at a German Christmas market. CPD said officials continue to monitor the incident after a car plowed into the crowded German Christmas market on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others. The two people confirmed to have died were an adult and a toddler. Among those injured, 15 people suffered serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A notice of CPDs special attention on the citys Christkindlmarket comes hours after what authorities called a suspected attack after a car barreled into the market. Law enforcement personnel in Germany identified the lone suspect as Tamara Zieschang, 50. The motive is not yet clear. WGN Traffic Map: Get the latest real time traffic updates Recently, CanadaSportsBetting.ca crowned Christkindlmarket as the most overcrowded holiday market in the United States based on Yelp reviews of more than 100 Christmas markets across North America. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO Mayor Brandon Johnsons Chicago Board of Education voted unanimously Friday to fire Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez, clearing the way for the mayor to install a new leader for the nations fourth-largest school district after a monthslong power struggle. After a closed-door session, the seven-member school board voted 6-0 to terminate Martinezs contract. The mayor can now install a new schools chief who will likely forge ahead with the progressive mayors education agenda that has come under fire from critics and allies because of his controversial push to take out a high-interest loan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firing of Martinez Friday occurred just hours after the CEOs attorney William Quinlan of the Quinlan Law Firm LLC filed an injunction against the board for acting outside of its fiduciary duties. Quinlan sent a letter to the board earlier in the day warning them about the potential legal action. He included a host of concerns, including whether the new board members had the authority to fire Martinez or appoint a co-CEO to work alongside him. Despite that, the school board Friday appointed Johnsons new pick for school board Sean Harden a business consultant as co-CEO in an attempt to keep him around for the remainder of Martinezs contract. Martinez has fought very hard to keep his job. Financial analysts say the struggle to stay in his role demonstrates the financial stakes of Fridays vote. (Firing Martinez is) district suicide, said School finance expert Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown Universitys Edunomics Lab. If there was one city that this man was particularly committed to, its this one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, a Chicago native, is a holdover from former Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration. He has led the school district since 2021, when he tusseled with the Chicago Teachers Union over returning to classrooms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has been marked with gains in student achievement. Johnson, a former CTU organizer, opted to keep him on when assuming office last year as the district pivoted to a five-year plan to prioritize neighborhood schools over selective enrollment and magnet schools. But that alliance fractured this summer when Martinez and Johnsons first iteration of the school board declined to take up a $175 million pension obligation for non-teaching CPS staff, as well as a $300 million loan that would cover that payment plus the beginning raises in CTUs upcoming contract. Martinez in September said Johnson asked him to step down, but he refused. All seven board members then resigned and were replaced by a second batch of Johnson appointees. Those new members sans Johnsons handpicked board president the Rev. Mitchell Johnson, who resigned after controversial social media posts surfaced and with the addition of recently nominated member Sean Harden fired Martinez Friday. They moved in spite of calls from the incoming elected school board members to pause until they are sworn in next year. (Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin contributed.) ________ German police had been repeatedly warned that a Saudi doctor who is suspected of ploughing a car into crowds at a Magdeburg Christmas market posed a terror threat. Saudi Arabias government sent four warnings to German authorities over the extreme views of Taleb al Abdulmohsen, a former Muslim who posted of his plans to do something big on social media. On Friday night, a man killed at least five people and wounded more than 200 by driving his BMW full speed down a narrow alley in the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A nine-year-old child was among those killed, police said in a press conference on Saturday. Local Magdeburg officials said the suspect was able to drive to the area as a gap had been left in security bollards for emergency vehicles. Abdulmohsen fled Saudi Arabia for Germany in 2006. He was granted asylum as he feared persecution over his rejection of Islam. German authorities said on Saturday that a potential motivation for the attack was his belief that Berlin was mistreating Saudi refugees. A still from the scene shows the moment a car ploughed into crowds of people at Magdeburg Christmas market On social media, Abdulmohsen repeatedly condemned the Islamisation of Europe and expressed support for the far-Right AfD, alongside Elon Musk and conspiracist Alex Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Faeser, Germanys interior minister, said the suspect was a known Islamophobe. According to the BBC, the Saudi government sent four note verbale warnings to Berlin over the doctor, who worked as a psychiatrist in the town of Bernburg just south of Magdeburg. Three were sent to police and one to the foreign ministry. In December 2023, police received a separate complaint after Abdulmohsen threatened on social media to make Germany pay a price for its alleged persecution of Saudi refugees. Local and federal police investigated but concluded that he posed no specific danger, the German newspaper Die Welt reported, citing security sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visiting the market on Saturday, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, said it was a terrible act... to injure and kill so many people with such brutality. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them, he said. Emergency responders are photographed at the scene of the attack in Magdeburg - Getty Prosecutor Horst Nopen said the suspect, who was detained at the scene, has at least talked about the motive. And we have to clear up how much of that is true. Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016 despite having a criminal record over public order offences committed three years earlier. Abdulmohsen was well known in the Saudi diaspora for running a website helping refugees flee the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he was considered a pariah because of his paranoid and aggrandising behaviour. Speaking on a US podcast just eight days before the attack, he said Germany was persecuting Saudi former Muslims and actively trying to destroy their lives. He said the persecution was being conducted covertly by a Gestapo-like police unit and was taking place across the globe. Taha Al-Hajji, legal director of the Berlin-based European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, said: He is a psychologically disturbed person with an exaggerated sense of self-importance. People gather to light candles and lay flowers in tribute to those who were injured or killed in the attack - Reuters/Christian Mang Saudi Arabia said in a statement that it condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorg Lau, a well-known columnist for liberal newspaper Die Zeit, said that the attack was an echo of Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik and was part of a global threat posed by far-Right terrorism. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD, said that staggering failures by the authorities made the horror of Magdeburg possible. The party has organised a protest in Magdeburg for Monday. Viktor Orban, the Right-wing prime minister of Hungary, told a press conference in Budapest there is no doubt that there is a link between the terror attack and immigration. Greta, 65, a retired historian, told the Telegraph as she quietly sobbed beside the Old Market entrance on Saturday: This is our hometown, this attack has struck us right in the heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: It was a form of pure hatred to do this, and we must confront that hatred, adding that migration has been too much and too fast, I would have preferred it if it had been done in a more regulated way and with more planning. I fear that we have lost our cultural identity in Magdeburg, she said. Germany is set to hold a snap election on Feb 23. Front-runner Friedrich Merz, of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has promised much stricter limits on asylum and called for mass migration to be viewed as a national emergency. 05:39 PM GMT Thats all for now Thank you for following our live coverage. This live blog is now closed. 05:34 PM GMT Biden: attack a despicable and dark event US President Joe Biden has called the attack a despicable and dark event and said that Washington was in contact with German officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Germany grieving the terrible attack, Biden said in a statement. No community - and no family - should have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace. 05:32 PM GMT Opposition accuse security services of ignoring threat posed by killer Several opposition politicians have said that the police could have stopped Fridays deadly rampage but did not take complaints seriously enough. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD said that staggering failures by the authorities made the horror of Magdeburg possible. While politicians deploy the security apparatus against the opposition and government critics, there is a lack of resources to defend against real threats, she claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the small left-wing BSW party, said that the government would need to answer questions over why so many tips and warnings were ignored in advance. Police have confirmed that they considered including Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen on a dangerous persons list and held a conversation with him. A newspaper report on Saturday suggested that they decided not to put him on the list, which is used to monitor political extremists, because he did not pose a concrete danger. Saudi Arabia also reportedly warned Germany about the suspect, who was a fierce critic of his home countys government. 05:14 PM GMT Scholz flees from angry mob at Christmas market Chancellor Olaf Scholz left the scene of the attack in a hurry after a group of around 250 people gathered who booed at him and his ministers and called them murderers, according to a journalist for Bild newspaper who was at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A line of police officers shielded Mr Scholz and two of his ministers, interior ministers Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, from the crowd. The crowd shouted get lost and the politicians left the scene under police sirens, the newspaper reported. 04:48 PM GMT Orban: attack was terror and EU wants it to happen to Hungary too Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and has described the attack as a terrorist act. Speaking to the press in Budapest, he said that there is no doubt that there is a link between migration and terrorism, and claimed that the EU leadership wants Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too. Orbans anti-immigrant government has taken a hard line on people entering Hungary since 2015, and has built fences protected by razor wire on Hungarys southern borders with Serbia and Croatia. 04:40 PM GMT Injured victims being treated in 15 different hospitals Doctors in hospitals far beyond Magedburg are treating the wounded, with some 41 people still in a critical or severely critical condition. City authorities have said that victims are being treated in 15 hospitals some of which are in different states, including in Brandenburg, a state to the northeast that surrounds Berlin. 04:33 PM GMT All church bells in city to ring at 7.04pm The protestant church in Magdeburg has said that all the citys churches will ring ther bells this evening to mark the minute when they attack took place on Friday evening. A special service of mourning is going to take place in the city cathedral this evening. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germanys president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, are set to attend. 04:20 PM GMT Pictures: mourners pay respects at site of tragedy Two women pay tributes and cry outside St. Johns Church near the Christmas Market where the attack took place. Reuters A woman holds a candle as people leave floral tributes to the victims near the site of the attack./ Reuters Plush toys, candles and floral tributes lie near the site of the attack/ Reuters A woman pets a dog as people leave floral tributes to the victims near the site of the attack. Reuters 04:06 PM GMT Left and Right seize upon killers unusual past With the killers background and potential motives so unusual, both the German Left and Right are seeking to fit the crime into their own narratives. The suspect is a Saudi man who was given asylum in 2016 despite having a criminal record. He is also a fierce critic of Islam. Jorg Lau, a well known columnist for liberal newspaper Die Zeit, said that the attack was an echo of Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik and was part of a global threat posed by the far-Right terrorism. The hard-Right AfD have organised a protest in Magdeburg for Monday and are seeking to portray the attack as the latest in a line of violence by asylum seekers, similar to an Isis attack on a street festival in the city of Solingen in the summer. 03:46 PM GMT Attacker acted out of dissatisfaction, says prosecutor Also at the press conference, prosecutor Horst Nopes has said that: As things stand at the moment, the motive could have been dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi Arabian refugees in Germany. He has at least talked about the motive, Nopens said. And we have to clear up how much of that is true. As we reported earlier in the blog (post at 2.45pm), the suspect was convinced that German authorities were persecuting Saudi nationals who had left the Muslim faith. 03:42 PM GMT Killer used escape routes to enter Christmas market Local authorities in Magdeburg are giving a press conference. The main theme has been how the killer was able to drive his car past a security perimeter. A police official said that the killer exploited the fact that gaps had been left in the perimeter to allow for ambulances to get in and out. City officials have said that gaps between bollards were there as an escape route for emergency services but that they were guarded by the police. I think our security concept is good because it was coordinated, said Ronni Krug, a spokesperson for the city hall. The case we are now discussing here is one that we could not have anticipated in terms of its dimensions and that perhaps could not have been prevented. Questions had been raised after the attack about why there were such big gaps between bollards at entrances to the Christmas market. 03:16 PM GMT Suspect granted asylum despite criminal record Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016 based on a claim that he would face persecution on religious grounds in his home country of Saudi Arabia. But he already had a criminal conviction at the time. In 2013 a German court sentenced him to a fine a public order offence. He had threatened to carry out crimes, according to a record of the trial seen by Der Spiegel. The level of the fine - 900 - suggests that he was living of state welfare at the time, the news outlet reports. He originally came to Germany in 2006 to study medicine. 03:06 PM GMT Witness describes hours-long effort to help victims Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is located in a mall across from the Christmas market, has told of how her husband spent hours trying to help victims. She was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs and thought at first they were fireworks, she told news agency AP. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed and a child was thrown into the air by the car. Shaking as she described the horror of what she witnessed, she recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee Street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. The number of injured people was overwhelming. My husband and I helped them for two hours. He ran back home and grabbed as many blankets as he could find because they didnt have enough to cover the injured people. And it was so cold, she said. 02:58 PM GMT Suspected killer was pariah in Germanys Saudi diaspora Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect in the Magdeburg attack, was well-known in the Saudi diaspora in the country and had helped asylum seekers, particularly women. But his erratic personality seems to have led many in the community to avoid him. He is a psychologically disturbed person with an exaggerated sense of self-importance, Taha Al-Hajji, legal director of the Berlin-based European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, told AFP. Hajji said Abdulmohsen was a pariah among the Saudi community in Germany, despite his work with asylum seekers. This is definitely not an Islamist-motivated attack, he added. 02:45 PM GMT Suspected killer believed Germany police might kill him The suspected attacker appeared on an US podcast just eight days before his attack in which he made a series of claims that gave insights into his paranoid state of mind. Speaking to an organisation called the Rair Foundation, Taleb al Abdulmohsen claimed that Germany was persecuting Saudi ex-Muslims and actively trying to destroy their lives. He said this campaign of persecution was being conducted covertly by a Gestapo-like police unit and was taking place across the globe. Rair Foundation USA Germany is committing serious crimes including sexual abuse, leading Saudi ex-Muslims to consume drugs, and lying in order to deport them to Saudi Arabia to be executed, he claimed. He also asserted that German authorities had made his private address public in an attempt to intimidate him or because they might be planning to do something. They might kill me, he stated, asking Why would they expose my address? He also said that he had tried to expose this plot to the German public but most people avoid helping me because they are afraid. Abdulmohsen is a Saudi national who came to Germany in 2006 and started a website to help Saudi women who had rejected Islam to flee their country. 02:31 PM GMT Pop band Tokio Hotel were at Christmas market on day of attack Members of Tokio Hotel, one of Germanys most successful pop bands, were at the Magdeburg market moments before the attack. The bands drummer, Gustav Schafer, wrote a long post on Instagram in which he said that: We feel numb. Only a few moments separated us from a moment that changed everything for many people. Before the attack, Schafer had posted a picture of the Christmas market alongside the caption it was nice. 01:18 PM GMT Pictures: police measures after the attack Police raided the suspects home in a small town outside Magdeburg early in the morning on Saturday. Special police forces stand in front of an apartment building that is believed to be connected to an attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. - Sebastian Willnow/DPA UK police have also increased patrols at a Christmas market in Manchester in response to the attack. A bigger police presence today in Manchester after the atrocities in Germany. - Zenpix Ltd 01:12 PM GMT Suspect was due in court on Thursday Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspected attacker, was due in court in Berlin on Thursday on charges of misuse of an emergency number, Der Spiegel reports. In February, he turned up at a police station in Berlin and filed a criminal complaint. The statement he gave to the police was reportedly confusing. He then used a phone in the station to call the fire department after growing angry with the officers on duty. On Thursday, a court was supposed to deal with his appeal against a fine for misusing an emergency service number. However, he never turned up at the court and his appeal was dismissed. 12:40 PM GMT Christmas market attacker was Islamophobe, says interior minister The suspect arrested in connection with the deadly car-ramming attack was Islamophobic, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday. This was clear to see, Ms Faeser said. She declined to elaborate on the mans political affiliations. The suspect, Taleb A., ran a social media channel in which he claimed that Germany was planning to Islamise Europe and voiced support for the hard-Right AfD due to their opposition to Muslim migration. 11:44 AM GMT Saudis warned Germany about suspect three times: report Security officials in Saudi Arabia warned Germany about suspect Taleb A. on three occasions, according to news outlet Der Spiegel. It is not clear what the contents of the warnings were. Taleb A. saw himself as persecuted by Saudi authorities and reportedly claimed that he would be murdered if he went back to his home country. German police also received a complaint in December of last year after Taleb A. threatened on social media to make Germany pay a price for its alleged persecution of Saudi refugees. The complaint was dealt with by police in Saxony-Anhalt who decided not to pursue an investigation, Der Spiegel reports. 11:34 AM GMT Scholz bemoans terrible, brutal attack German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken from the scene of the attack. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality, Scholz said. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. The chancellor called on the nation to stand together against hate. 11:23 AM GMT Questions asked over how attacker beat security perimeter As Magdeburg mourns, German authorities are facing questions over how the attacker was able to gain access to a Christmas market by vehicle, writes James Rothwell from Magdeburg. Since 2016, when a similar attack occurred in Berlin, German Christmas markets are supposed to be under heavy security, with ram-proof bollards blocking all entranceways. Hans-Jakob Schindler, a German terrorism expert, told T-Online: The authorities have to ask themselves, how does a car even get anywhere near a Christmas market in December 2024? That definitely should not have happened. He said it was possible that there were gaps in the bollard perimeter that the attacker may have managed to slip through. Bollards and barriers at Christmas markets only help if they dont leave any gaps, he said. Otherwise, you can do without bollards altogether. There are reports that bollards were not put up everywhere because a tram runs near the market. If that were the case, the city would have had two options: either the tram would not have been allowed to run during the market or the market would have had to be moved to a place that can be completely cordoned off. 11:15 AM GMT Magdeburg residents: something needs to change Residents of Magdeburg are in a state of shock as they gather at the scene of the attack on Saturday morning, reports The Telegraphs James Rothwell. We saw it on TV last night and came straight here this morning, Manfred, 60, said as he arrived at the scene of the attack in a bright blue Magdeburg FC bobble hat. It is terrible. It is a very shocking thing for Magdeburg. Weve never seen anything like this before. This will definitely affect the elections [in February] , he said, what is clear is that on security, something needs to change in Germany. Floral tributes have been laid at St Johns Church, Johanniskirche, including cuddly toys, candles, and messages of support. Many of the shops in central Magdeburg remain closed this morning. At the train station, digital advertising boards displayed the message The victims are in our thoughts...Magdeburg is strong. 11:10 AM GMT Pictures: Scholz visits Magdeburg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is shown around the Christmas market by local governor Reiner Haseloff (left), along with other cabinet ministers. - RONNY HARTMANN/AFP Olaf Scholz, in the company of federal ministers, prepares to lay a flower in front of a church at the site of the attack. - JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP Firefighters work at the cordoned-off Christmas Market in Magdeburg on Saturday. - Michael Probst/AP 10:47 AM GMT Scholz arrives at site of attack Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Magdeburg to pay tribute to the victims of the attack, writes The Telegraphs James Rothwell from Magdeburg. Mr Scholz pulled up in a convoy of black vehicles just outside the market before heading in with bodyguards and local officials. He then stopped at a church near the Christmas market, where locals have been laying flowers and other tributes. The scene of the attack has been completely sealed off to reporters and to the public. Large, concrete blocks shaped like Lego pieces can be seen forming a cordon around the Christmas market itself, which is adjacent to the high street in the city centre. It is currently unclear how the attacker managed to get his car through those bollards, though he may have been able to exploit a gap in the cordon. 10:42 AM GMT Attacker vowed revenge, said he was prepared to die The suspect at the centre of the attack posted a stream of conspiracy theories to his social media accounts. German media have been working their way through his postings. In one post from last December he said: I assure you that revenge will come soon. Even if it costs me my life. In another post from August of this year, he wrote that: If Germany wants war, we will have it. If Germany wants to kill us, we will slaughter them, die or proudly go to prison... Germany will pay the price. Taleb A. was reportedly convinced that Germany was involved in a conspiracy to Islamicise Europe. 10:36 AM GMT Saudis tipped off Germany about attacker A source inside the Saudi government has told the news agency Reuters that it warned German authorities about Taleb A., who was a vocal critic of the Saudi state and posted regular comments on social media about his life as an ex-Muslim. Taleb A., is a Saudi national who came to Germany in 2006 and later claimed that he faced persecution in his home country. 10:24 AM GMT Attacker had taken drugs before attack A drug test carried out by German police on the driver of the BMW has come out positive, according to Bild newspaper. The test can detect several drugs including cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines. It is not yet clear what drug the suspected tested positive for. 10:16 AM GMT Video of the moment of the arrest Footage reportedly shows German police arresting Magdeburg Christmas market driver after terror attack | Credit: Visegrad24/X 10:15 AM GMT Local governor announces full investigation Reiner Haseloff, governor in Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdeburg is the state capital, has made a statement to the press. I will work to ensure that this crime is fully investigated. We owe this to the victims, he said. Such a tragedy in a place where families and friends were looking forward to Christmas and spending a beautiful moment with one another, is shocking, he said. He added that victims must now receive all our support and help. I especially hope that the injured will recover and that there will be no further fatalities. 10:05 AM GMT Crime evokes memories of 2016 terror attack German authorities have recognised Christmas markets as weak spot in the countrys security architecture since a terror attack in Berlin in 2016. Shortly before Christmas that year a Tunisian Islamist hijacked a lorry and rammed it into a street market in the centre of the capital, killing eleven people. That incident led to greater security precautions, such a bollards being placed at the entrance to Christmas markets. But the markets, which spring up across Germany during Advent are often on the sides of streets, making it hard for the police to completely guarantee security. 09:59 AM GMT Death toll rises to five The number of people confirmed dead in the attack has now risen to five, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel. A small child has been confirmed among the fatalities. Some 41 people remain in a critical condition in hospital, Bild newspaper reports. 09:56 AM GMT German cities tighten security around Christmas markets Throughout December, Christmas markets take over streets and squares of German towns both big and small. Several cities announced on Saturday that they would be putting more police on patrol over the coming days. Police in Bavaria, Hamburg and other regions of the country have said that they have no evidence that anyone is planning to attack their markets but said that they would tighten security as a precautionary measure. 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. Madison, Wisconsin high school students march on the Capitol on Friday, Dec. 20 | Photo by Daphne Cooper It was a brilliant, snowy Friday, the last day of school before winter break, as more than 100 students from high schools across Madison converged inside the Capitol. They gathered around the 30-foot balsam fir festooned with handmade ornaments, a model train chugging around the track at the base of the tree. At first it looked like a festive scene, but as the students poured into the first floor of the rotunda, then filled the second- and third-floor balconies, their shouting drowned out a group of Christmas carolers, who retreated, their songs giving way to chants of No more silence! End gun violence! High school students protest gun violence in the Capitol | Photo by Ruth Conniff The Madison teens showed up to express their grief and outrage over the deaths this week of a 14-year-old student, her teacher and a gun-wielding 15-year-old girl who opened fire Monday in a classroom at the small private Abundant Life Christian School on Madisons east side. It was the citys first school shooting but, incredibly, the 323rd in the nation this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun violence is the leading cause of death of children and teens in the U.S. Shouting, chanting, demanding to be heard, the crowd of children came to the Capitol Friday demanding that we wake up and do something about this appalling fact. Our nation is an outlier, with a rate of gun violence that dwarfs other large, high-income countries. Firearm homicides here are 33 times higher than in Australia and 77 times higher than in Germany, according to a report from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington medical school. Not surprisingly, firearm injuries tend to be more frequent in places where people have easy access to firearms, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. What other country in the world could live with the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where 20 little children between 6 and 7 years old and six adult staff were gunned down, and respond by making no significant restrictions on firearms? Danny Johnson | Photo by Ruth Conniff My parents constantly talk about how, when Sandy Hook happened, they thought that would be the end of it, said Danny Johnson, a first-year student at Madison West High School who joined the 3-mile march to the Capitol on Friday, carrying a sign scrawled on a sheet of notebook paper that said, Thoughts and prayers until its your own child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To constantly have to go through it we shouldnt have to be here. We should be in school not having to worry about it at all, Johnson added. Hanging over balconies and leaning against marble pillars, teens held up handmade signs that said; Enough! You write your policies on a carpet of our dead bodies, and Graduations not funerals. In Wisconsin, the rate of gun deaths increased 45% from 2013 to 2022, compared to a 36% increase nationwide, according to the Giffords Law Center. Every year since he was elected in 2018, Gov. Tony Evers and Democrats in the state Legislature have tried in vain to get Republican cooperation on ending the states current exemption from background checks for private gun sales. A proposed red flag law that would allow police or family members to seek an extreme risk protection order in court to take guns from gun owners who are found to be a danger to themselves or others has also gone nowhere. Both of these measures are broadly popular with voters across the political spectrum. Somehow that doesnt seem to matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this weeks school shooting. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos released a statement saying, Todays tragedy is shocking, senseless and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, parents and faculty who will have to live with the trauma and grief of this day for the rest of their lives. But Vos stopped short of saying he would make any effort whatsoever to protect kids and teachers from being shot to death at school. That phrase thoughts and prayers, rightly derided by the students who protested at the Capitol on Friday, is a pathetic substitute for action. Last year it was 12 years since Sandy Hook, 25 years since Columbine, and all our politicians can say from their cushy seats is that theyre sending out their thoughts and prayers about the leading cause of death for children in America! yelled Ian Malash, a senior at Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison, pacing around the tree in the center of the rotunda. Were showing them right now and we are going to continue to show them that we are done with thoughts and prayers. We will make change happen because our lives depend on it. Vos, apparently recovered from his heartbreak over Mondays tragedy and back to his old snarky self by Wednesday, mounted a robust defense of the status quo on X, retweeting a post from Wisconsin Right Now that mocked Democrats who politicize this tragedy with cheap talking points. The post claimed that, since its already illegal for a 15-year-old to possess a handgun, its ridiculous to connect the recent shooting to any effort to change gun laws. Sen. Kelda Roys speaks to high school students in the Capitol Rotunda | Photo by Ruth Conniff But, as state Sen. Kelda Roys told the crowd on Friday, We know that states that have passed gun safety laws like background checks, like red flag laws they see gun deaths and firearm injuries go down. We can do that here in Wisconsin, too. We just need to change the minds or change the legislators and the judges, too, by the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My generation and the people in this building have let you down, Rick Abegglen, the parent of a West High School daughter who helped organize the protest, told the crowd in the Capitol. I am so proud of each and every one of you for standing up for yourselves. A few moments ago I saw somebody close the doors of the Senate because they did not want to hear your voices. Think about it. As he spoke, the students yelled louder, their voices bouncing off the marble walls, becoming harder and harder to ignore. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX China is "not dreading" Donald Trump's return to the White House and might actually benefit in several ways despite fears of "rockier" times ahead, a noted Chinese political scientist has said. How the rivalry turns out will depend on reforms at home and whether China can "do a better job" of it, according to Yan Xuetong, dean of the institute of international relations at Tsinghua University. This would also determine whether China could narrow the "power gap" with the United States, Yan wrote in an article for Foreign Affairs on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The relationship was going to "get rockier" over the next four years, Yan warned, with the US president-elect's rhetoric and cabinet choices showing a resolve to double down on the hardline approach towards China seen during his first term in office. Still, China had "learned a great deal" from his first stint, giving it the confidence to face any tensions during the second Trump administration, Yan argued, while all but ruling out the likelihood of a military clash. "[Trump] will soon arrive in the White House with the intention of containing China, but Chinese leaders are not dreading his return," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With less than a month to go for Trump's inauguration on January 20, China-US relations are widely expected to enter a new period of uncertainty. Much of the rest of the world is also bracing for the return of Trump and his "America first" agenda to the Oval Office. Yan said that while Trump was likely to push harder for wider trade decoupling with China, including drastic cuts in access to US markets, Beijing was "likely to retaliate". "The tit-for-tat dynamic may drive the simmering trade war between the two powers to a new peak, with damaging consequences for the global economy as many other countries scramble to adopt protectionist policies of their own." Trump said on the campaign trail that he would impose tariff increases of 60 per cent or more on goods imported from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his victory last month, he pledged that one of his first acts in office would be to impose an extra 10 per cent tariff on goods from China and a 25 per cent tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned earlier this month that "there will be no winner" in a tariff or tech war between China and the US, and vowed that Beijing would firmly safeguard its interests. The new US administration was also likely to ramp up military pressure on Beijing, especially when it came to the South China Sea and Taiwan, Yan noted. It would "hardly be surprising" if Trump or his officials provoked a crisis similar to that which followed then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, he warned. Pelosi's visit prompted a furious Beijing to suspend a range of US exchanges, with the ice only breaking after a presidential summit in November last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Yan also said he expected Trump to seek to avoid overt conflict with China and focus on domestic matters instead. At the same time, Beijing was not about to draw up a timetable for reunification with Taiwan as it was concerned mainly with economic growth, he added. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. The US, like most countries, does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. "In practice, a Trump presidency may benefit China in several ways," Yan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's relative disinterest in ideological issues might take the edge of the US-China rivalry, he suggested. "Economic and strategic conflicts may increase between Beijing and Washington during Trump's second term, but they will not escalate into ideological conflicts that place the two states on a direct collision course." Also, Trump's "political isolationism" might lead the US to reduce its stake in protecting traditional allies, Yan forecast. He said this would drive those states - both in Europe and East Asia - to hedge their bets between the US and China to offset the unpredictability of the Trump White House. If Trump were to cut military aid to Ukraine, US allies in Europe seeking to shore up their economies to better support Kyiv might become "more forthright hedgers", giving China "fresh opportunities" to build ties with those countries, Yan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he added that reforms were key. "Although Trump's isolationism certainly creates opportunities for Beijing to improve its relations with US allies, reforms at home will really determine the course of the competition between the two powers," he wrote. Other Chinese analysts have also warned that the biggest risk to Beijing during Trump 2.0 would be US government overhauls driven by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Yan said that if Chinese leaders did a better job than Trump of implementing domestic reforms in the next four years, the power gap with the US could be narrowed. "But if Trump does a better job than China in this aspect - and eschews damaging foreign conflicts and entanglements - the power gap ... will get bigger," he warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 revelation that a suspected Chinese spy may have used his relationship with Prince Andrew to try and get close to British authorities could hardly have come at a worse time for the UK government. Sir Keir Starmer has been busily attempting to defrost relations with Beijing. The discovery of an alleged China-backed agent at the heart of the British establishment has inevitably resulted in calls for heightened vigilance from China hawks. Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, has said the latest scandal is just the tip of the iceberg of Chinas attempts to infiltrate the UK, adding that Starmers attempted rapprochement with Beijing has resulted in the his government showing a massive amount of weakness to China. With Donald Trump, who has promised to crack down on Chinese espionage, heading back to the White House next month, it looks likely that the UK will once again have to reassess its China strategy and quickly. Britain in its sights The threat of Chinese espionage has been building for the past two decades. During that time, Beijings demand for intelligence has extended far beyond the remit and tactics employed by spy agencies in the West. Chinas intelligence services arent held to account by independent oversight and they arent subject to the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, espionage has been focused on ensuring one state can better understand its adversaries. But Chinese agents are also tasked with acquiring Western technology that is then shared with state-run companies, resulting in the lines between intelligence gathering and commerce being blurred to the point of non-existence. Beijing-affiliated hackers are known to be hoovering up reams of UK-held data. Iain Duncan Smith has warned against Starmers rapprochement with China - DANIEL LEAL/AFP In March, GCHQs National Cyber Security Centre warned that a Chinese state-affiliated actor was almost certainly responsible for targeting UK parliamentarians emails in 2021. The same year, the UK expelled three Chinese spies said to be posing as journalists. In May, then-prime minister Rishi Sunak pointed the finger at China when revealing a malign actor had compromised British military payroll records. The UK Electoral Commission is understood to have been compromised between 2021 and 2022, with intelligence officials at GCHQ again laying the blame at the door of an agent linked to the Chinese state. And in a rare public appearance, the director of MI5 warned last year that Chinese spies had attempted to make contact with more than 20,000 people in the UK via the internet. A number of other Western states have also reported incidents and pressing concerns of their own in recent years too. An intelligence state Beijings approach to espionage is best encapsulated in President Xi Jinpings concept of comprehensive national security, which is a framework for protecting Chinas socialist system and the governing authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) including that of Xi himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result is constant hyper-vigilance. This modus operandi, sometimes defined as the securitization of everything, shapes almost every aspect of China policy-making, meaning there are very few if any fields of human activity that arent open to conflict and contestation as far as Beijing is concerned. The challenge of the security threat posed by China is fundamentally one of scale, says Nigel Inkster, who was the deputy head of MI6 and is now a director at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. China is to all intents and purposes an intelligence state and its security activity occurs along the whole spectrum from fully overt to completely covert. Dr Calder Walton, a historian at Harvards Kennedy School of Government and the author of Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East & West agrees with that assessment: Comparing the Chinese intelligence apparatus to that of the West is like comparing chalk and cheese. The West uses intelligence agencies to target specific secrets about a foreign regimes intentions and capabilities, adds Walton. China has adopted a whole-society approach to gathering information in every realm, from the civilian to the scientific to the military. Xi Jinping delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the centenary of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing, China, July 2021 - Li Xueren/Xinhua Walton says that a former CIA officer told him that the Chinese ministry of state security expressly declared war on the US intelligence community as far back as 2005. At the time Beijings goal was to first contain and then supplant US influence in south-east Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the ambition has become bolder since Xi took power in 2012; the CCP now aims to overtake the US as the number one economic and military power on the global stage. Beijings grand strategy is to leapfrog the West (which principally means the US) in every important technological sphere including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology. Intellectual property theft Where it does not possess the necessary home-grown talent in those fields, Beijing feels it is not just permitted but obliged to obtain that knowledge from abroad. Last year, US citizen Zheng Xiaoqing was jailed for two years after taking sensitive files from General Electric Power, where he worked. The information he appropriated and sent to an accomplice in China related to the design and manufacture of gas and steam turbines and was thought to be worth millions. A string of other similar cases involving corporate intellectual property have found their way into US courts in recent years. They include that of Chinese government intelligence officer Xu Yanjun, who was jailed for 20 years in 2022 after being found guilty of plotting to steal trade secrets from multiple US aviation and aerospace firms. Earlier this year, Linwei Ding, a Chinese national and former software engineer at Google, was charged after allegedly stealing more than 500 confidential files from the tech firm relating to artificial intelligence. He was said to be secretly working for two Chinese companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that the CCP has been exploiting the bankruptcy courts in the US, buying up failed businesses and hoovering up intellectual property, says Walton. There are also reports of so-called malign capital flows where a China-backed venture capital firm will promise funding to a start-up, gain access to its IP and then pull the plug. Even American farmers have been targeted. In 2016, Mo Hailong, who worked for Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group, admitted stealing patent-protected corn seed from US firms Monsanto and DuPont for commercial use in China. No secret appears to be too banal. A decade ago, Chinese operatives reportedly stole the secret recipe for the white filling inside Oreo cookies. Beijings intelligence goals in Europe are similarly comprehensive. Five years ago, the EUs foreign service was reported to have warned that it had knowledge of 250 Chinese spies active in Brussels. By comparison, Russia was estimated to have 200 agents working in the Belgian capital, where the European Commission is headquartered. Over the course of the past 12 months alone, there have been numerous incidents linked to alleged Chinese spying on European soil. Chinese security equipment supplier Nuctechs Dutch and Polish offices were raided by EU competition regulators in April. The same month, Sweden expelled a Chinese journalist on national security grounds. And on Wednesday, a Chinese man was arrested on a German naval base. Reports suggested prosecutors are considering spying charges. An unprecedented threat In 2012, the director of the US National Security Agency warned that cyber-espionage conducted by China already constituted the greatest transfer of wealth in history. Earlier this month, a senior US government official revealed that the metadata covering the who, what, when, and where of phone calls, albeit not the content of the calls themselves of a huge number of Americans had been stolen in the vast cyber-espionage campaign perpetrated by a Chinese hacking group known as Salt Typhoon. The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, told the Washington Post the attack represented the worst telecom hack in our nations history by far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2022, the heads of UK and US security services made an unprecedented joint appearance to warn of the threat from Beijing. FBI director Christopher Wray said China was the biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security while MI5 head Ken McCallum said his service had more than doubled its work against Chinese activity in the last three years and would be doubling it again. At the time, MI5 was running seven times as many investigations related to activities linked to the CCP as in 2018. Trump with FBI Director Christopher Wray in 2017 - Evan Vucci/AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of counter-intelligence for the FBI in Silicon Valley has told Walton that the resources of his team have been maxed out. The FBI recently said that it was working on more than 2,000 investigations with ties to China and is on average opening a new one every 10 hours. However, the flood of Chinese money and commerce into the West in recent years has resulted in policymakers either ignoring or downplaying the security implications of Chinese espionage. The agencies were fully alert to the threat but they were pushing against countervailing commercial interests, says one securities expert. The challenge facing western intelligence services is now like nothing they have ever faced before. With my historians cap on I would say that the challenge that the West faces with regards to Chinese espionage is fundamentally different to that which it faced with regards to the Soviets in breadth and scope and scale, says Walton. Beijings magic weapon The scandal over Yang Tengbo, the alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew and now barred from entering the UK on national security grounds, has in particular shed light on the activities of Chinas United Front Work Department, which deploys a combination of influence operations and intelligence gathering and has been described by Xi as a magic weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British officials believe Yang who is said to have cultivated a relationship with the Duke of York was engaging, or had engaged, in covert and deceptive activity on behalf of the UFWD. Its goal is to advance Beijings interests around the world by moulding the global political environment in its favour. This could involve senior Chinese businessmen forging links with influential figures overseas, or asking Chinese students at foreign universities to inform on their peers. Tengbo at the 2021 National Day Reception at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, in September 2021 Beijing-backed agencies are known to leverage the Chinese diaspora around the world to assist with their intelligence gathering. This includes those who are opposed to the government but are vulnerable to pressure being applied to their families back in China. There are multiple examples of Chinese-heritage citizens of other countries being pushed, cajoled and even blackmailed into working for the CCP and to gather intelligence. Inkster, an expert on the geopolitical and technological challenges posed by China, says the Chinese have also become very adept at elite capture, whereby senior politicians and business people are persuaded by investment and lucrative sinecures to become advocates for pro-China policies. Walton points out that theres a grey area between legitimate lobbying and espionage. He believes the key distinction is one of deception whether a person is pretending to be something that they are not. I doubt whether the alleged Chinese spy was trying to steal secret information because its doubtful Prince Andrew has access to state secrets. Spy is a catch-all term for espionage, agents of influence and all other manner of sins. The UK is sliding towards a cake-and-eat-it approach While China hawks appear to be winning the argument for increased vigilance against malignant forces it is difficult to determine what Western authorities can do to counter the threat, far less whether they will succeed. The UK has historically taken the lead from the US on security matters and it is still not entirely clear what the new Trump administrations precise approach to China will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the current highly politicised environment, one of the few areas of genuine bipartisan agreement in the US is on the threat of Beijing. On the campaign trail earlier this year, Trump promised to curtail Chinese espionage in the US, and specifically mentioned the theft of intellectual property, saying the FBI and Justice Department will be hunting down Chinese spies who threaten US interests. He has also repeatedly threatened to slap tariffs on Beijing. UK attitudes towards China also appear to be shifting albeit in the opposite direction to Washingtons. The golden era of relations between Britain and China ushered in by then-prime minister David Cameron in 2015 proved to be short lived. Tengbo met the British political elite - including Theresa May, pictured here in 2019 at an awards ceremony for Tengbo Within five years, the UK government had told mobile providers to remove all 5G kits supplied by Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from their networks. Two years later, it barred China General Nuclear from any involvement in the construction of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station. Both moves were prompted by security concerns. But last month, Sir Keir Starmer became the first UK prime minister in six years to meet with Xi. During talks in Rio de Janeiro, he promised that the UK would be a predictable and pragmatic partner to China. The current government appears keen to re-engage and reset relations but without much evidence of clear strategic objectives, says one former MI6 officer. The UK seems to be sliding towards a cake-and-eat-it approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with Trump heading back to the White House, the UKs current position may not remain tenable, with intelligence experts predicting that the Government will be pushed to make a binary choice. The Huawei decision may well be a harbinger of things to come. A very dangerous moment Yet security experts are simultaneously concerned that the president-elect may already be undermining his own agenda. Walton believes this is a very dangerous moment for the national security apparatus in the US. On the one hand, Trump has come out all guns blazing against the threat of China but, on the other, he has declared war on the deep state, which appears to include the US intelligence agencies. The intelligence community are not Trumps favourite people, says one former senior officer. We saw during his first presidency that they struggled to tell him things that he didnt want to hear. One of the main roles of the agencies is to tell truth to power. It will also be interesting to see how Elon Musks influence is brought to bear as he clearly has substantial commercial interests in China, the former officer adds, citing the Tesla billionaire lined up by Trump to head the newly-minted Department of Government Efficiency, alongside biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump has developed a close relationship with Musk, whose businesses work extensively in China - Brandon Bell/REUTERS Trumps appointment of John Ratcliffe as the next director of the CIA is considered fairly uncontroversial by security experts. But Kash Patel, the president-elects pick for the FBI, is another matter. Patel has in the past been an outspoken critic of the agency, has called for the shutting down of FBI headquarters and is known to have drafted what critics call an enemies list of his opponents. Former US national security officials have also raised concerns about the choice of former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard whom critics accuse of echoing Kremlin narratives as US director of national intelligence, overseeing 18 US spy agencies. Her appointment was praised by Russian state media and has led to questions about whether US allies will be as willing to share intelligence with Washington. Some security experts are worried that Trumps attempts to reconfigure the US security apparatus could undermine its ability to counter the Chinese threat. Some of Trumps appointees are really scary, says Walton. The private sector may find it has to step in with regards to defending itself against Chinese commercial espionage. Beijing gearing up for Trump 2.0 Economists point out that for its part, Beijing can ill-afford confrontation of the type that could escalate into a full-blown trade war with the US. China has been labouring under ballooning government debt, high unemployment and low consumption ever since the Covid pandemic. Efforts to revive the flagging economy have appeared increasingly desperate. However, there are signs that Beijing is preparing for trade tensions to ratchet up further. China has already started stockpiling tool-making machines, semiconductors and the like, and it has bared its teeth a little with the export bans on some critical minerals, says Inkster. It looks increasingly disposed to use its industrial production muscle if things start to get nasty. Trump is clearly susceptible to deal-making and appeals to his vanity. But it is hard to see what China might be prepared to offer that he would be prepared to accept. If the US-China tech war tips over into fully-fledged industrial espionage and warfare it will be hard to turn things around. Some intelligence experts have suggested that the only way to counter a whole-society intelligence offensive on the part of China is to adopt a whole-society defence. However, it is unclear what this might look like in practice. It also raises all sorts of questions and concerns about civil liberties and the possibility that Americans of Asian heritage will be illegitimately targeted. Walton says: You only need to think of Yellow Peril theory used to justify the internment of Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbour or the McCarthyite witch hunts for reds under the bed during the Cold War to imagine what could go wrong. The threat posed by Chinese espionage to US, UK and Western interests is becoming increasingly apparent. The solution, however, is anything but. 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. STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A Chinese bulk carrier that is under investigation following a breach of two fibre-optic cables in the Baltic Sea is again moving after sitting still for more than a month in a nearby Danish shipping lane, The Swedish Coastguard said on Saturday. China had on Thursday allowed representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark to board the Yi Peng 3 along with Chinese investigators, breaking a month-long diplomatic standoff. "It has started moving and has said it is going to Port Said in Egypt," a Swedish Coastguard spokesperson told Reuters. "We are tracking the ship and are in close contact with other concerned authorities," the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details were given and the spokesperson did not say whether any evidence had been found regarding the cable breaches. Jonas Backstrand, chair of Sweden's accident investigation authority, said on Friday: "We are content with the visit onboard, which was relatively open and transparent and we had the possibility to see what we wanted to see and to talk to the crew members that we wanted to talk with." 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 Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to say he assumed this was caused by sabotage. Investigators quickly zeroed in on the Chinese ship, which left the Russian port of Ust-Luga on Nov. 15. A Reuters analysis of MarineTraffic data showed the vessel's coordinates corresponded to the time and place of the breaches. Vessels in international waters benefit from the "freedom of navigation" principle, meaning a state cannot interfere with ships sailing under the flag of another state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark, which helped broker a compromise allowing the European nations to send representatives on board, on Thursday said the Yi Peng 3 would be able to resume its journey following the inspection. Sweden's accident investigation authority said it had inspected the vessel alongside a similar Chinese agency, while police officers from Finland, Germany, Sweden and Denmark were present as observers. (Reporting by Johan Ahlander, Louise Rasmussen and Terje Solsvik; Editing by David Holmes) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Chippendales arent getting the respect they deserve, according to the Actors Equity Association. The iconic performers for the all-male revue have been in residence at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for more than two decades. They joined the union in October. They anticipated a voluntary move to improve wages and working conditions. Now, as the act prepares to move to the Mat Franco Theater at The Linq in January, the union has filed an Unfair Labor Practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. Union representatives say the Chippendales have been targeted by union-busting tactics, forced to reaudition and reapply for their jobs. The union says thats just a smokescreen to remove known union supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union is seeking an injunction calling for the reinstatement of all of these workers, among other remediations, according to a Friday news release. Retaliating against unionizing workers this way isnt just shameful, its illegal, Brooke Shields, president of Actors Equity Association, said in a statement. The Chippendales dancers are incredibly talented professionals who have built the world-class reputation of the company. Now, it pains me to see these men demoralized, but they are not defeated, Shields said. We call on the NLRB to hold the employer to account. In the meantime, we ask that everyone remind these performers that theyre not alone. Fans of their show and allies from the labor movement alike have their backs, and we need to let these brave performers know were all with them! Shields statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equity, as the union is more commonly called, represents 51,000 professional actors and stage managers on Broadway and in live theatre across the United States. In addition to the Las Vegas residence, Chippendales tours in the U.S. and internationally. They are famous for their high production values and elaborately choreographed shows, frequently described as the Broadway of burlesque. The union has established a petition where members of the public can express their support for the dancers: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/support-chippendales-dancers/ Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. (FOX40.COM) An auto theft operation that included several vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was dismantled after a six-month investigation, according to the California Highway Patrol On Thursday, CHP concluded an investigation into a convicted felon suspected of committing several crimes. Police said they executed a search warrant in partnership with Sacramento County and the Roseville Police Department which led to the recovery of four stolen vehicles. The vehicles included a 2018 Dodge Challenger, a 2023 Chevrolet 3500, a 2021 Ram 2500, and a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, with a total estimated value of $300,000. CHP recovers $200,000 worth of stolen property, guns in Sacramento Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, investigators said they located a firearm, ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine during the search. The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on charges of auto theft and firearm violations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Migration was already set to dominate Germanys election campaign, which starts in earnest in the New Year. But Friday nights attack will supercharge the issue. It is the third major terror attack involving a foreign suspect to hit Germany this year, following a mass stabbing at a festival in Solingen and a knife attack in Mannheim. Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-Right party polling at second place nationwide, will no doubt seize on the identity of the attacker, a Saudi migrant worker who came to Germany in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bloodshed will also heap more pressure on the elections frontrunner, Friedrich Merz of the centre-Right Christian Democrats, to announce even tougher policies on security and migration. Earlier this year, he said Germany needed to declare a national emergency on migration, following the attack in Solingen. Taleb al-Abdulmohsens decision to target a Christmas market just a few days before the holidays makes this tragedy particularly incendiary. Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz meets rescue workers at the scene of the attack - Christian Mang It struck a blow to the heart and soul of German culture: a gleeful, boozy winter festival where people from all walks of life come together to chat and snap up some last-minute gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When will this madness end? wrote Alice Weidel, the AfDs co-leader, in a post on social media shortly after the attack took place. She was said to be on her way to Magdeburg to pay tribute to the victims later on Saturday, while the AfD is planning a demonstration this Monday. The notion that Germany is being ruined by mad liberal policies on migration, the economy, and foreign policy has been a common refrain in the AfDs campaigning for many years. That line seems to have resonated with voters: the AfD is very likely to emerge from next Februarys elections as the biggest party in opposition, polls suggest. And while it will be frozen out of coalition talks Germanys traditional parties refuse absolutely to co-operate with the AfD it will still wield significant influence in the Bundestag. Protesters call for Remigration now! following the attack in Magdeburg - Christian Mang Nine years on from Angela Merkels famous open-door refugee policy under which more than a million people enter the country nearly all German political leaders have soured on migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Merz has vowed to turn away migrants from German borders in significant numbers if he is elected as chancellor in the February elections. Olaf Scholz, the incumbent chancellor and leader of the centre-left SPD party, has also toughened his stance on migration. Earlier this year, his government introduced temporary passport controls at all of Germanys land borders to try and reduce illegal immigration. Even the new, hard-Left BSW party, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, is weary of mass migration: she has complained that refugees Ukrainians in particular are a drain on Germanys schools, hospitals and dentists. Critics of Mr Scholz will rush to claim that Fridays tragedy is yet another sign that he is hopelessly weak on national security. Mourners lay flowers at the scene of Fridays attack on a Christmas market - Christian Mang But the suspect in this attack was a very unusual figure. While the act itself carries all the hallmarks of an Islamic State-style attack ploughing a car into a Christmas market he holds Islamophobic views, according to the German interior ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, he has also expressed admiration for the AfD due to the partys staunch opposition to mass migration to Germany from Muslim countries. That could make things slightly awkward for the AfD if they choose to make the Magdeburg attacker a major part of their election campaign: their opponents will argue that he actually shares many of their views on Islam. There is also a subtle difference between the Magdeburg Christmas market attack and those two appalling incidents that occurred in Solingen and Mannheim. German police officers commemorate a fallen colleague following a knife attack in Mannheim in June - Michael Probst Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Magdeburg, the attacker is a Saudi citizen who legally migrated to Germany in 2006 and subsequently was granted asylum due to a risk of persecution if he returned to Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the Solingen attacker was a rejected Syrian asylum seeker whom Germany had failed to deport leaving him free to carry out his attack last August, killing three people. By the same token, the Mannheim attacker who murdered a policeman and stabbed a far-Right activist was an Afghan citizen who had his asylum bid rejected in 2014 but remained in the country on a technicality. The fact that the Magdeburg attacker came legally to Germany suggests local security failures and domestic intelligence shortfalls are more to blame than national migration policies. This could also slightly take the winds out of the AfDs sails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, this is set to be one of the most intense, and most divisive German election campaigns in recent memory and it is clear that German voters demands for tougher border security will have to be addressed in some way. 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. QUITO, Ecuador (AP) As Christmas approaches and people decorate their homes with lights, Ecuadoreans are getting some relief from the severe power cuts that have hounded the country this year with President Daniel Noboa saying there will be no power rationing for residential areas - for the time being. But some of the countrys largest mines, cement factories and steel mills will not be so lucky, facing continued power rationing in the last two weeks of December, according to Ecuadors Ministry of Energy. And there are no assurances the rationing will stop next year. This discrepancy between residential and industrial areas has raised concerns in Ecuadors business community over the future of the economy. Companies in the South American nation are losing an estimated $700 million each week from daily power cuts, according to the chamber of commerce in Guayaquil, Ecuadors largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ecuadors latest power rationing scheme, which began on Dec. 20, has also prompted some analysts to question whether President Noboa is using the nations scarce supply of electricity for political ends. Ecuador will hold presidential elections in February and Noboa, a conservative who has promised to fix the nations electricity crisis and tackle its growing problem with drug gangs, is planning to run for reelection. The 37-year-old was voted into office i n a snap election at the end of last year after his predecessor was forced to dissolve congress amid a corruption probe, and end his term prematurely. Noboa wants to stop people from being frustrated, or angry with the government, said Hernan Reyes a political scientist at the Universidad Andina in the capital Quito. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Esteban Ron, the dean of social sciences at Quitos SEK University, Noboas decision to suspend power cuts in residential areas is part of an effort by the president to redeem himself with Ecuadorean voters and show that he is fighting for the people. Ecuador since the end of last year has been struggling with power cuts that the goverment attributes to mismanagement of power plants and a dry spell caused by the El Nino weather pattern. The nation of 15 million people invested heavily in hydroelectric power over the past two decades as it looked to promote cheap and renewable energy sources. But it has few alternatives to the electricity generated at its dams, which produce between 70% to 90% of Ecuadors monthly power supply As rain in Ecuador dropped to its lowest levels in 60 years this summer, the government was forced to implement power cuts in many cities lasting up to 14 hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last week the Noboa administration said in a statement that weather conditions have been improving and that maintenance problems at some of Ecuadors hydroelectric plants have been fixed. Ecuadors government also said a deal had been made to import electricity from neighboring Colombia, eliminating the need for power cuts in residential areas. Business leaders in Ecuador remain concerned over the continuing cuts at industrial sites and question whether it is wise to prioritize residential areas. You cannot sacrifice production and employment in order to make promises (to residential areas) that may not last, said Patricio Alarcon, the former president of Quitos chamber of commerce. Marco Acuna, the president of Ecuadors national guild of engineers, said power cuts could return to residential areas after the holidays because Ecuador still has not substantially diversified its sources of energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acuna said power plants using fossil fuels in Ecuador are currently producing less than 40% of the electricity they are designed to generate due to problems with engines and machines. He said the recent agreement to import electricity from Colombia will only cover about 8% of Ecuador's daily needs. In the meantime, the citizens of Ecuador are enjoying their respite from the daily power cuts. I hope people come to buy things with the same enthusiasm as before said Pablo Parra, a street vendor who sells Christmas trees and lights in Quito. NEWBURGH, Ind. (WEHT) Hurricane Helene devastated several parts of North Carolina, leaving many families with no choice but to rebuild. Families are still getting back on their feet nearly 3 months later, but with Christmas right around the corner, it leaves many wondering how to have cheer this holiday season. Robert Brabon who helped founded Theres Hope Ministry says, Floods have washed everything away and the kids got nothing. Maranatha Baptist church is trying to help alleviate some of the financial strain- donating toys and essential items on Saturday morning. Brabon says, You think about what your children have and how they could turn the TV on that they can turn the tablet on that they can turn their phone on and there once again just in a warm climate they got nothing to worry about they go to sleep, knowing that theyre protected, it can rain have a wind storm anything and theyre going to wake up in a dry bed more than likely and so yeah definitely has impacted me a little bit with the kids down here because Im just having nothing it just really you know that they have absolutely nothing. Brabon says many families are living in tents, and they still dont have proper shelter. He emphasizes the importance of dropping the mindset of out of sight out of mind, noting that this is a real problem, and people are still being affected. Brabon says, These people are living intense and there theyre dealing with the temperatures theyre dealing with the wind and the tents are holding up that well to the wind and so its just definitely important. Definitely keep them in your prayers every night because what theyre going through isnt changing its devastation its ground zero. This may be Brabons second trip, but it certainly wont be his last- wanting to help those in the future when disaster strikes. Brabon says, My goal is to eventually have a truck to have like a semi or even just a straight truck and have that thing totally dedicated to disaster, relief and constantly having the community giving donations and then thats what its going to depend on. Its going to depend on more or less just want the community response and I also got to leave you know got in control of this because hes an ultimate one thats driving this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anybody who would like to donate still can. Brabon will leave Saturday morning at 3 am and will take any donations left at the church. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). AUSTIN (KXAN) The city of Lockhart was announced as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, and Gov. Greg Abbott said the city will celebrate the certification with a ceremony in January 2025. That ceremony will happen at 5 p.m. on Jan. 3 at Downtown Lockhart- January First Friday, located at 107 North Main St., in Lockhart, according to a news release from Abbotts office. The multi-step certification process was completed by the city, which the Texas Music Office (TMO) then designated it as the music-friendly community, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From hosting live music events on the historic Lockhart Square to the variety of venues here in town with live artists, its clear that Lockhart is a place where music is valued, Lockhart Mayor Lew White said in the release. The Music Friendly Texas program was introduced by the TMO in 2016 and is the first program in the nation to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities, the release said. Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state, Abbott said in the 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 KXAN Austin. Dec. 21CUMBERLAND Baltimore Street was home to a pedestrian mall for decades until a recently completed renovation opened it to one-way vehicle and bicycle traffic and created some parking spaces. On Tuesday, the mayor and City Council tabled a proposal that would establish rates for the 20 new parking spots. Under the plan, all parking spaces on Baltimore Street would be included in a ParkMobile app zone, and cost $2 per hour with a two-hour maximum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But folks without a cellphone wouldn't be able to access the app, Councilwoman Laurie Marchini said, and she suggested an additional method be created to pay for the parking. She said a vote on the issue should be delayed until downtown merchants are consulted. Councilman Rock Cioni said he wanted to hold a decision until more information was available. "The app thing ... I would not know how to do that," he said. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said the technology "takes minutes" to install on a mobile phone and provides drivers flexibility to alter the time they want to be parked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka said the app's two-hour window would allow downtown patrons to dine at a restaurant and do some shopping. Booths could provide an added way to pay for parking, he said. "We'd have to buy (at least three new) kiosks," Silka said of the need to replace the city's "dinosaurs." City Councilman Jimmy Furstenberg said a nearby public parking garage is convenient only about 130 steps from the heart of downtown and equated that distance to a typical walk between the local Walmart and its parking lot. Larry Jackson co-owns Western Maryland Music Center on Baltimore Street and is vice president of the Downtown Development Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He owns multiple downtown properties and serves on city boards, including the Historic Preservation Commission. Jackson on Thursday said city officials didn't consult downtown merchants about the plan to monetize the new parking spaces on Baltimore Street. He wants the spots to remain free. "I'm totally against it," Jackson said of charging for parking and added that so far, drivers have used "goodwill" when they use the spaces. He suggested city officials keep the spaces free for six months to a year and "see how it plays out." The parking issue is expected to be discussed at next month's city meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other business, the mayor and council: Heard first readings of ordinances to sell: 208-210 Virginia Ave. to Goodfellowship Social Club Inc. for $2,000; Brookfield Avenue Portion of Lot 1 in Block 28 to Sean B. and Kristie M. Thomas for $600; 31 Offutt St. to Covenant Keeper Inc. for $800; 513 Fayette St. to 817 Maryland Ave. LLC for $5,001; Greene Street PT lots 86 and 87 to Jake Shade for $100; and 118 Winton Place to Betty Fournier for $12,000. Met privately Tuesday to discuss development of parcels on the former Memorial Hospital site, businesses that might be interested in locating on the city's Messick Road property, terms of a new employment contract with the fire chief and board and committee appointments. Agreed to buy 425 Central Ave. from Robyn Vandevander for the purchase price of $7,500 as part of the Central Avenue Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agreed to place for sale 411, 415 and 425 Central Ave. Awarded $20,000 of the Choose Cumberland Relocation Package, which uses grant funds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, to Keisha J. Banks as the sixth of 10 applicants. Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com. POTSDAM Gracie Elliott, a junior in the Honors Program and a Chemical Engineering major and literature minor, has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Elliott is among 1,600 American undergraduate students selected from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico during the fall 2024 cycle. Elliott will study at Denmark Technical University (DTU) during the upcoming Spring 2025 semester. At DTU, Elliott will engage in rigorous coursework that complements her chemical engineering degree and supports her career aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been aware of the scholarship since the summer after my freshman year, and once I heard about it, I knew I had to apply, said Elliott. Ive always wanted to study abroad, so I connected with Clarksons Study Abroad Office early in my sophomore year to determine that DTU would be the best fit for my degree requirements and personal goals. I also worked closely with my advisor to ensure my courses would transfer back to Clarkson, keeping me on track for graduation. Elliott exemplifies the interdisciplinary excellence that defines Clarkson University students. In addition to her rigorous coursework in chemical engineering, she is pursuing an ambitious Honors capstone project. Her capstone explores memoirs about contemporary poverty in America, examining how narrative techniques in memoirs shape public perceptions and influence policy discourse. Through this project, Elliott critiques the biases inherent in personal storytelling. Her capstone demonstrates her ability to navigate complex ideas across disciplinesfrom the technical rigor of engineering to the critical analysis of literature and social narratives. Elliotts success reflects the strong foundation provided by Clarkson Universitys Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, which is renowned for its research excellence, hands-on learning, and preparation of students for impactful careers. The department helped Elliott plan her study abroad experience from the outset. Elliotts selection as a Gilman Scholar demonstrates how the departments emphasis on academic rigor and a personalized approach empowers its students to achieve extraordinary goals. The Clarkson International Center played a key role in supporting Elliotts study abroad journey. As the hub for international activity at Clarkson, the Center fosters global engagement through partnerships with over 50 international universities, including DTU. It provides critical resources for students seeking study, research, and professional internship opportunities abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Chemical engineering undergraduates have participated in study abroad programs at top universities across Europe, Asia, and Australia, gaining valuable global perspectives. In return, the international center welcomes international students from partner institutions as far away as Sungkyunkwan University and the National University of Singapore. Elliotts academic success and leadership have also been bolstered by the Clarkson Honors Program, which offers a rigorous interdisciplinary education and access to competitive scholarships such as the Gilman. The programs tailored advising and extensive opportunities empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals. Additionally, Elliott is an active member of TRIOs Student Support Services (SSS), which provides academic, career, and personal support to eligible students, including low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities. Elliott expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the application process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to thank the Honors Program for helping me focus my application, and my family for their constant encouragement, she said. The Study Abroad Office and the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering were also instrumental in making this dream possible. Elliotts achievement underscores Clarkson Universitys commitment to preparing students for success in a globalized world through innovative academic programs, robust support systems, and interdisciplinary excellence. Elliott is interested in pursuing a career in the food or sustainable energy industry. After returning from her study abroad program, she is lined up for an internship with Pepsi, where she will gain valuable industry experience. Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development. With its main campus in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson faculty have a direct impact on more than 7,800 students annually through nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate STEM designated degrees in engineering, business, science and health professions; executive education, industry-relevant credentials and K-12 STEM programs. Alumni earn salaries among the top 2% in the nation: one in five already leads in the c-suite. To learn more go to www.clarkson.edu. BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) Two bowie county schools are part of a program that is aiming to combat chronic absenteeism by removing one key barrier. Every child wants to come to school clean, says Dee Crites, the Librarian at Leary ISD and they want to be equally as clean as their peers. But the fact of the matter is that not every family has consistent access to a washer and dryer, which in some cases can contribute to keeping kids home from school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line is our research has consistently found that access to washers and dryers and, you know, in turn, clean clothes is instrumental in lowering absenteeism for students that are at risk for chronic absenteeism. says Richard Rende, a Developmental Psychologist working with Whirlpools Care Counts Laundry Program. Leary Elementary and Hooks Elementary wanted to sign on to that program because they believed it could benefit students. They provide you the washer and dryer and then a years worth of washing and dryer detergent and stuff like that, and they also offer you bags. You can you get a black bag and you can take that back home bring it back with your dirty clothes so we usually try to make the turnaround for washing clothes a day. says Crites. This is the first year Hooks and Leary have participated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact is phenomenal whether its just washing a jacket for a child or washing their entire load of clothes it makes a difference. says Crites. They are hoping to see the same sort of benefits that the program has already been producing in schools across the country. Last year, 87% of the participating elementary school students who are at high risk for chronic absenteeism saw an increase in their attendance once the program started and throughout the duration of the laundry program in the school year that would equate to adding 13 days of attendance. says Rende. Making sure that no child has to miss school because of something outside of their control ensures they are all on the same path to success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The net effect is that students who were not coming to school, start to come to school and start to gain the benefits from being in school. They start to gain social benefits their personal benefits, they feel better about themselves in terms of self-esteem, and academic benefits, they start to get back on track academically. says Rende. The schools receive a $10,000 grant as part of the program. They are hoping to continue receiving support through the program next year too. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson commuted the sentence of Patricia Prewitt, who had spent 40 years behind bars for her husbands 1984 murder, among other reduced sentences and pardons announced Friday. Prewitt, 75, has maintained her innocence while serving a life-sentence for the killing. For years, lawyers and advocates have criticized the case, and blamed an inadequate investigation and flawed trial for her imprisonment. The Feb. 18, 1984 murder of William Edward Prewitt, 35, shocked the small community of Holden, near Warrensburg, who knew the Prewitts as an all-American couple, according to previous reporting by The Star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patty Prewitt claimed an intruder entered their home that morning, shot her husband while he was sleeping and attacked her with a knife. Investigators at the time said there was no sign of forced entry and quickly turned their attention to Patty Prewitt as a suspect. Prosecutors at the trial claimed Patty Prewitt tried to dispose of a gun by throwing it into a pond on their 40-acre rural property. But, the state said, the gun stuck like a dart, forcing her to wade in and push it down. Investigators believed a boot print found near the pond bed matched boots belonging to Patty Prewitt. Patty Prewitt became the states longest-serving female prisoner. Since her incarceration, her family, including their five children, claimed she was wrongfully convicted and fiercely advocated for her release. The case has been featured in documentaries and followed by local and national media for decades. A website advocating for her clemency claimed investigators ignored credible leads pointing to an intruder and failed to collect key evidence that could have identified a person who Patty Prewitt says assaulted her and murdered her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patty Prewitt was freed Friday afternoon, the Associated Press reported, before the governor publicly announced his clemency decisions. The commuted sentence for Patty Prewitt does not pardon her of the murder conviction, but grants her release on parole. The conditions of Paty Prewitts parole were not immediately clear. Family of Patty Prewitt released a statement on social media following the announcement of her commutation. I am so grateful to be home with my family for Christmas. Thank you to Governor Mike Parson and to all the people who have supported me over the years, Patty Prewitt said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patty Prewitts case was among nine commutations and 16 pardons announced by the governor Friday, wrapping up the remaining clemency petitions of his administration before the Christmas holiday week. Among the 25 names granted clemency was Eric DeValkenaere, the former Kansas City police detective convicted in 2021 of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, a Black man, in December 2019. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Winter officially arrived early Saturday morning, and it certainly feels like it across the area with the cold and lake effect snow. When does the snow come to an end, and is there any warmer weather in our future? Details below Lake snow continues for some Lake effect snow showers are expected to continue off the southeast end of Lake Ontario this evening, including in and around the Syracuse area. Overnight, these snow showers will become more confined to areas near and west of I-81 through the Finger Lakes before ultimately receding back toward the Lake Ontario shoreline and diminishing Sunday morning. Additional accumulation in the most persistent areas of lake effect snow will be on the order of 1 to 3 inches through early Sunday morning. Cold weather prevails It will be a frigid night across the region with low temperatures in the single digits to around 10 degrees. Factor in the breeze, and wind chills will be close to 0 in Syracuse, with wind chills as low as -20 degrees for some spots south and east of the city. Because of this, a Cold Weather Advisory has been posted for the highlighted counties through 9 a.m. Sunday morning. High pressure briefly returns Lingering lake flurries taper Sunday as high pressure builds in. This will even provide some areas with some sunshine to close out the weekend. Quiet weather is with us for most of Monday, but near and after sunset some snow showers arrive and last into Tuesday. Snow may mix in with a bit of rain across lower terrain during the day Tuesday before tapering off. A white Christmas? The official definition of a white Christmas from the National Weather Service is an inch or more of snow on the ground on Christmas Day. So, all we need is an inch of snow! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our chances are still looking good as of Saturday evening! While there wont be a lot of snow any one day between now and Christmas, the data we look at seem to point toward sufficient snowfall to classify as a white Christmas this year for many across Central New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures over the through Monday stay cold enough to keep the snow from melting too quickly. That increases our chances of snow on the ground come Christmas morning! At this point (about 4 days out), we now think theres a 90% chance that therell be at least 1 inch of snow on the ground at the Syracuse airport this Christmas morning. Early Christmas outlook As it stands now, our weather looks to warm up into the mid 30s on Christmas Day, which is seasonable. Skies look to be mostly cloudy, but we should get through the day precipitation-free. Click here for the latest 7-day forecast. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Pages of history features excerpts from The News Journal archives including the Wilmington Morning News and the Evening Journal. See the archives on delawareonline.com. Dec. 24, 1974, The Morning News Truce is ray of hope for London and Northern Ireland The British government ruled out yesterday an amnesty for Irish Republican Army terrorists, despite apparent IRA efforts to secure a deal with London by declaring an 11-day Christmas cease-fire in Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Northern Ireland Secretary Merlyn Rees indicated in a government paper yesterday that the truce could be extended into a more lasting peace in the province if the IRA halted its campaign to end British rule there. ... Page 3 of The Morning News from Dec. 24, 1974 Officials interpreted this as a clear message to the IRAs provisional wing, which called the truce, that if they did not resume hostilities when the truce expires at midnight Jan. 2, the British would be ready to talk. Since declaring the truce, the provisionals, the main guerilla force fighting in Northern Ireland, have appeared to be watering down their demands for total British withdrawal from the province. ... The calm in the province contrasted sharply with a sustained spasm of violence in Ulster and mainland Britain in the two days before the cease-fire. Police stations along the provinces frontier were attacked, bombs exploded in Belfasts well-guarded central area, Londons famed Harrods department store was bombed, and former British Prime Minister Edward Heaths London home was blasted three hours before midnight Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dec. 26, 1914, The Evening Journal Needy of Wilmington are made happy on Christmas Day Wilmington was happy yesterday. Christmas Day found all with light hearts, and holiday joy reigned supreme. The big public celebration came at 9 oclock when the hearts of 1,400 poor children were gladdened with gifts from the City Hall tree. Each child received a bag of candy, nuts and a pair of stockings. To cap the climax, the kiddies, many of whom had no Christmas trees at their own homes, had a peep at the handsomest and largest Christmas tree in the city. Front page of The Evening Journal from Dec. 26, 1914. Big, strong policemen, who are accustomed to scenes of misery and suffering, demonstrated they had soft hearts when they played the roles of Santa Claus in the practical sense of the word, and not one child was allowed to leave the courtroom without a present. ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 300 Christmas baskets, each containing a five-pound chicken, half pound of coffee, celery, sugar, bread, potatoes, cabbage, onions, canned goods, fruit and the like were distributed to poor families yesterday morning by Captain and Mrs. Louis Boss, local officers in charge of the Volunteers of America. ... More than 200 children were made happy when they received gifts and enjoyed a Christmas tree at the Salvation Army barracks, No. 102 East Fourth Street. ... Wilmington Lodge of Elks played Santa to 268 needy families yesterday morning. The gifts consisted of hams, meats, vegetables and groceries and were distributed house to house by the Elks themselves. Many suffering families were benefitted by the charity. City's 2024 Christmas celebration: Wilmington welcomes holiday season at Jaycees Parade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also from Dec. 26, 1914, The Evening Journal Christmas Day coldest in years Snow, which blanketed Wilmington and surrounding territory, added much to the spirit of Christmas. Kris Kringle brought along a little friend in the person of Mr. J. Frost, and judging from the slipping of the mercury in thermometers, young Mr. Frost frolicked the entire day. Snow covered the streets in such depths as to permit sleighing in several parts of the city, and the jingle of bells was heard late in the afternoon and early in the evening. ... Last night the mercury dropped to 8 degrees. It was the coldest night of the year. At 8 oclock this morning the temperature was 9. At noon the reading was 20 degrees. While slightly warmer than yesterday, the day is cold enough to call for real winter clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catch up on history: Berlin airlift, death of Michael Jackson: News Journal archives, week of June 23 Dec. 28, 1968, Evening Journal Spacemen return safely after orbiting moon The Apollo 8 astronauts continue physical debriefings aboard the USS Yorktown today before flying to the United States and a belated Christmas with their families. Theyre in great shape, reported Dr. Clarence A. Jernigan, a space agency physician aboard the carrier. Front page of the Evening Journal from Dec. 28, 1968. He said Air Force Col. Frank Borman, Navy Capt. James A. Lovell Jr. and Air Force Maj. William A. Anders seemed to be in better condition than many astronauts who returned from Earth orbital missions following their pinpoint splashdown in the Pacific Ocean yesterday. ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a late Christmas celebration, the astronauts will begin nine days of intensive debriefings in which experts will question them about all aspects of the flight, from the performance of the Saturn 5 rocket that fired them away from Earth, to their views of the lunar surface and the performance of their spaceship. But preliminary analysis of what they saw and learned has strengthened Americas desire to land men on the moon next year. Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: News Journal archives Dec. 22-28: orbiting the moon, cold Christmas University of Utah student Rebeca Damico said her professors at first took a hard line against AI when ChatGPT was introduced in 2022, but she and other students say schools have softened their stands as the usefulness and career potential of the technology has become clearer. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for States Newsroom) For 21-year-old Rebeca Damico, ChatGPTs public release in 2022 during her sophomore year of college at the University of Utah felt like navigating a minefield. The public relations student, now readying to graduate in the spring, said her professors immediately added policies to their syllabuses banning use of the chatbot, calling the generative artificial intelligence tool a form of plagiarism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, as someone who follows the rules, I was very scared, Damico said. I was like, oh, I cant, you know, even think about using it, because theyll know. Salt Lake City-based Damico studied journalism before switching her major to public relations, and saw ChatGPT and tools like it as a real threat to the writing industry. She also felt very aware of the temptation she and her classmates now had suddenly a term paper that might take you all night to write could be done in a few minutes with the help of AI. I know people that started using it and would use it to write their entire essays. I know people that got caught. I know people that didnt, Damico said. Especially in these last couple weeks of the semester, its so easy to be like, Oh, put it into ChatGPT, but then were like, if we do it once, its kind of like, this slippery slope. But students say theyre getting mixed messages the stern warning from professors against use of AI and the growing pressure from the job market to learn how to master it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technological developments of generative AI over the last few years have cracked open a new industry, and a wealth of job opportunities. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced the first statewide partnership with a tech firm to bring AI curriculum, resources and opportunities to the states public colleges. And even for those students not going into an IT role, its likely they will be asked to use AI in some way in their industries. Recent research from the World Economic Forums 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report found that 75% of people in the workforce are using AI at work, and that some hiring managers are equally prioritizing AI skills with real-world job experience. Higher eds view of AI Over the last few years, the University of Utah, like most academic institutions, has had to take a position on AI. As Damico experienced, the university added AI guidelines to its student handbook that take a fairly hard stance against the tools. It urges professors to add additional AI detection tools in addition to education platform Canvas Turnitin feature, which scans assignments for plagiarism. The guidelines also now define the use of AI tools without citation, documentation or authorization as forms of cheating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Damico said some professors continue to hold a hard line against AI, some have started to embrace it. The case-by-case basis Damico describes from her professors is in line with how many academic institutions are handling the technology. Some universities spell out college-wide rules, while others leave it up to professors themselves to set AI standards in their classrooms. Others, like Stanford Universitys policy, acknowledge that students are likely to interact with it. Stanford bans AI from being used to substantially complete an assignment or exam, and says students must disclose its use, but says absent a clear statement from a course instructor, use of or consultation with generative AI shall be treated analogously to assistance from another person. Virginia Byrne is an associate professor of higher education and student affairs at Morgan State University in Baltimore, and she studies technology in the lives of learners and educators, with a focus on how it impacts college students. She said the university allows professors to figure out what works best for them when it comes to AI. She herself often assigns projects that prompt students to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of popular AI tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes also a researcher with the TRAILS Institute, an multi-institution organization aiming to understand what trust in AI looks like, and how to create ethical, sustainable AI solutions. Along with Morgan State, researchers from University of Maryland, George Washington University and Cornell University conduct a variety of research, such as how ChatGPT can be used in health decision making, how to create watermark technology for AI or how other countries are shaping AI policy. Its cool to be in a space with people doing research thats related, but so different, Byrne said. Because it expands your thinking, and it allows us to bring graduate students and undergraduate students into this community where everyone is focused on trustworthiness and AI, but from so many different lenses. Byrne hopes that her students can see the potential that AI has to make their lives and work more easy, but she worries that it creates an artificial expectation for how young people need to perform online. It might lead some folks, younger folks, who are just starting their careers, to feel like they need to use (social media tool) Canva to look totally perfect on LinkedIn, and use all these tools to optimize their time and their calendars, Byrne said. And I just worry that its creating a false expectation of speed and efficiency that the tools currently cant accomplish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theresa Fesinstine is the founder of peoplepower.ai, which trains HR professionals on ways AI can be used efficiently within their organization. This semester, she instructed her first college course at the City University of New York on AI and business, and taught students of all years and backgrounds. Fesinstine said she was surprised how many of her students knew little to nothing about AI, but heard that many other instructors warned theyd fail students who were found to have used it in assignments. She thinks this mixed messaging often comes from not understanding the technology, and its abilities to help with an outline, or to find research resources. Its a little scary, and I think thats where, right now, most of the trepidation is centered around, she said. Its that most people, in my opinion, havent been trained or understand how to use AI most effectively, meaning they use it in the same way that you would use Google. Real-world applications Shriya Boppana, a 25-year-old MBA student at Duke University, not only uses AI in her day-to-day life for schoolwork, but shes also pursuing a career in generative AI development and acquisitions. She wasnt initially interested in AI, she said, but she worked on a project with Google and realized how the technology was set to influence everyday life, and how malleable it still is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once you kind of realize how much that the tech actually isnt as fleshed out as you think it is, I was a little more interested in trying to understand what the path is to get it where it needs to go, Boppana said. She said she uses some form of AI tool every day, from planning her own schedule, to having a chatbot help decide how students in a group project should divide and complete work, based on their availability. Because she works with it regularly, she understands the strengths and limitations of AI, saying it helps her get mundane tasks done, process data or outline an assignment. But she said the personalized tone she aims to have in her writing just isnt there yet with the publicly available AI tools, so she doesnt completely rely on it for papers or correspondence. Parris Haynes, a 22-year-old junior studying philosophy at Morgan State, said the structure and high demand of some students coursework almost encourages or incentivizes them to use AI to help get it all done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He sees himself either going into law, or academia and said hes a little nervous about how AI is changing those industries. Though he leans on AI to help organize thoughts or assignments for classes like chemistry, Haynes said he wouldnt go near it when it comes to his work or career-related objectives for his philosophy classes. I dont really see much of a space for AI to relieve me of the burden of any academic assignments or potential career tasks in regards to philosophy, Haynes said. Even if it could write a convincing human-seeming paper, a philosophical paper, its robbing me of the joy of doing it. Gen Zs outlook on their future with AI Like Haynes, Fesinstine knows that some of her students are interested, but a little scared about the power AI may have over their futures. Although theres a lot of research about how older generations jobs are impacted by AI, those just about to break into the workforce may be the most affected, because theyve grown up with these technologies. I would say the attitude is I use this term a lot, cautiously curious, Fesinstine said. You know, theres definitely a vibe around ethics and protection that I dont know that I would see in other generations, perhaps But theres also an acknowledgement that this is something that a lot of companies are going to need and are going to want to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, two years since ChatGPTs release, Damico has started to realize the ways generative AI is useful in the workplace. She began working with PR firm Kronus Communications earlier this year, and was encouraged to explore some time-saving or brainstorming functions of generative AI. Shes become a fan of having ChatGPT explain new business concepts to her, or to get it to suggest Instagram captions. She also likes to use it for more refined answers than Google might provide, such as if shes searching for publications to pitch a client to. Though shes still cautious, and wont use generative AI to write actual assignments for her, Damico said she realizes she needs the knowledge and experience after graduation it gives you kind of this edge. Boppana, who sees her career growing in the AI space, feels incredibly optimistic about the role AI will play in her future. She knows shes more knowledgeable and prepared to go into an AI-centered workforce than most, but she feels like the opportunities for growth in healthcare, telecommunications, computing and more are worth wading into uncertain waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its like a beautiful opportunity for people to learn how machines just interact with the human world, and how we can, I dont know, make, like, prosthetic limbs, like test artificial hearts find hearing aids, Boppana said. Theres so much beauty in the way that AI helps human beings. I think you just have to find your space within it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Authorities believe an unidentified woman found dead in Colorado in 1999 may have ties to South Dakota. And they are hoping someone here in KELOLAND may be able to help identify her. A man discovered the skeletal remains of Jane Doe in southern Colorado on Aug. 10, 1999, near the town of Walsenburg, Colorado. Part of her remains were found in an old refrigerator. DCI says Yankton officer-involved shooting justified Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances around her death are unclear. The first step in solving that mystery is finding out who she is. Law enforcement officials released digital reconstruction images of a woman believed to be from South Dakota. The area where she was discovered at the time I guess I would describe it as a local dump where people took some of their trash and dumped it at the time and it was also used as an area where people shot firearms, said Special Agent Kevin Koback. I think anybody that knew her, would remember her from her teeth. She also had a lot of fillings and a lot of dental work done. So, Im hopeful there might be a dentist who worked on a reservation or worked with the indigenous people in South Dakota who might remember her based on her teeth, said Koback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other clues to pass along, it appears at some point in her life she had been pregnant and had also had suffered a fractured rib. At the time of her death she was wearing a unique pair of leather sandals made in Italy. If we can get this out to you know the general public the elders in the tribe and across the reservations I think we have a good chance of identifying her and our first hope is to get identified and get her reunited with the people who care about her and then we will begin on our investigation, said Koback. Koback says it is hard to determine what happened to somebody when you dont know who they are. If you have any information on the identity of the woman or the circumstances surrounding her death, please contact the Colorado authorities. Weve provided information below. https://cbi.colorado.gov/contact-cbi, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (303) 239-4201, and https://namus.nij.ojp.gov Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. DURANGO, Colo. (KREX) A Colorado man was sentenced to 60 months in prison after he fought with an officer earlier this year. Daniel Heli, 44, of Towaoc will also serve three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer. This attack on a federal officer simply doing his job is unacceptable. We fully support the officer who is a victim in this case and are steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice in cases involving assaults on law enforcement officers, FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said in a press release. Such acts will not go unanswered, and we will work tirelessly to ensure accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 5, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responded to the Ute Mountain Ute Casino after receiving a report of an intoxicated person, later identified as Lehi. Lehi lunged at the officer and hit him in the face, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. When other security personnel responded, the Colorado man continued to fight until he was subdued by officers. Lehi has a history of assaulting law enforcement officers, according to court documents. The FBI Durango Field Office also investigated the incident. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. A Colorado teacher was found guilty Friday of killing a 10-year-old child while texting behind the wheel of her car. Ashley Weiss, a middle school teacher from Timnath, about 9 miles southeast of Fort Collins, was found guilty by a jury of careless driving resulting in a death. Around 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2023, Weiss was driving an Audi SUV and looking at her phone when she struck Oliver "Ollie" Stratton, who was riding his bike on Saddle Horn Drive in Timnath. Stratton was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to ABC 7 Denver, citing the local sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She admitted to having sent and received texts while driving just before the crash occurred and promptly deleting the messages, the Coloradoan reported. Just before her trial started on Dec. 16, Weiss pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence, the outlet reported. Related: Driver, 19, Filmed Inhaling Laughing Gas Before 100 Mph Crash Pleads Guilty to Killing 3 Teenage Friends 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. Weiss is set to be sentenced on the misdemeanor charges on March 7, where she faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, per KUSA 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to PEOPLE, Stratton's bereaved parents, Clarissa and Rod, said they didn't see the verdict as "justice" because Weiss got a comparatively light punishment. They are lobbying for legal changes that impose stiffer penalties on distracted driving including making Weiss' offense a felony instead of a misdemeanor. "We call on Colorado and other states nationwide to pass tougher laws and harsher penalties that will truly hold distracted drivers accountable," said Stratton's parents. "The District Attorneys office did everything it could under the current system, but we all must do more." Read the original article on People The commander of a Ukrainian army unit accused of subjecting soldiers to abuse including mock crucifixions is facing corruption charges after allegedly ordering troops to build him a house. Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk, the commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of taking four soldiers from their duties to do construction work for his new home in the Khmelnytskyi region in autumn 2023. The troops were reported to have received a combat bonus while working on the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Col Poberezhniuk was charged with abuse of power and later released after bail of 17,300 was posted, Ukrainian media said. The prosecutors office did not specify whether Col Poberezhniuk allegedly paid the bail or if it was paid for him. Oleg Poberezhniuk, who has now been bailed, appeared in court to face the charges - 24.tv.ua Officials ordered an investigation into the 211th earlier this week after allegations of widespread abuse and extortion of its soldiers were published by a Ukrainian newspaper. Ukrainska Pravda said that the engineering units troops were routinely beaten and told to pay money to officers to avoid being sent to an infantry unit, where the chance of being killed is much higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report included a photo of a soldier posing in front of another soldier who has been tied to a cross in what looks like a crucifixion. The newspaper alleged that one of the worst abusers was the son of the units chief of staff, and also the godson of Col Poberezhniuk. The man allegedly threatened to use his family connections to have soldiers sent to the front as meat if they did not give him money, the newspaper said, citing one of the units sergeants. He was also alleged to have locked soldiers in a cage until they paid him money. According to Ukrainian law, military officials do not have the right to have relatives subordinate to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper published statements from soldiers and photographs as evidence for the claims in its investigation, which has triggered uproar across Ukrainian social networks. Information about the units alleged activities was given to the defence ministry by a parliamentary investigative commission in September but nothing was done, said Oleksiy Goncharenko, an MP and commission member. Mr Goncharenko said that the situation is absolutely unacceptable and discredits trust in the armed forces. The guilty must be held responsible, he said. The arrest of Oleh Poberezhniuk on corruption charges is the latest scandal to hit the embattled Ukrainian military Rustem Umerov, the Ukrainian defence minister, said: My position as a minister is clear: all those responsible must be punished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scandal comes as the Ukrainian army struggles to replenish its ranks, which have been badly depleted by almost three years of war. The manpower shortage has contributed to a series of setbacks at the front, where Ukraine has been forced into retreat in the south eastern Donetsk region over the past year. President Volodymyr Zelensky has resisted US calls to lower the conscription age to 18 to plug the gap, which has caused friction with Joe Bidens White House. The Ukrainian general staff on Saturday were forced to deny reports that air-defence personnel would be transferred to the infantry to make up for manpower shortages at the front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade scandal is the latest in a series of corruption controversies that have damaged the reputation of Kyivs ministry of defence. Ukraines domestic security service, the SBU, said last month that it had uncovered a procurement scam allegedly conducted by two logistics officers that had defrauded the state of around 500,000. 31m mortar contract fraud exposed In February, the SBU said it had discovered a 31 million fraud related to a mortar shell contract. Oleksiy Reznikov, Mr Umerovs predecessor as defence minister, was forced to resign in September 2023 after several allegations of embezzlement at the ministry, including one involving the procurement of eggs at massively inflated prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conscription and desertion have become uncomfortable issues for the army and for Ukrainian society as a whole. More than 100,000 soldiers have been charged with desertion since the Russian invasion of 2022, Kyivs prosecutor generals office revealed in November. In late October, around 100 members of the 123rd Brigade abandoned their positions and returned to their homes in the Mykolayiv region, where they staged a protest that demanded more weapons. In August, a law was passed that would pardon soldiers who had fled as long as they agreed to rejoin the army. A survey of 400 military-eligible men conducted by a Kyiv-based research agency in February found that only 35 per cent were prepared to serve if called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media has also been flooded with videos of enlistment officers dragging men off the street and into the army. Telegram channels have been set up that post sightings of recruitment officers so that others can avoid them. Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who was appointed commander of Ukraines ground forces in November, earlier this month unveiled reforms, including what he said would be a revamped recruitment system with zero tolerance for corruption. Mistrust of the internal hierarchy has led to several incidents of whistleblowers turning to the press. Ukrainska Pravda said its two-month investigation into the 211th began when it was approached by concerned army officers, including one who had tracked down a deserter from the unit who said he would be killed if he was unable to find the money to give to the son of the chief of staff. 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. Reeling from a divisive and turbulent election season, many of us seek spaces of solace, light, unity and worship as we turn toward the winter holidays. The cosmos and its reflection within us harbor such spaces. By viewing and embracing scientific insights through the lens of humanity, you form a connection with your place in the universe. And when you do so, a window opens into the sacred space of our profoundly united existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, a celestial event cast its splendor along a belt traversing our nation the total solar eclipse. During totality, day turned to night. The suns corona blazed around its darkened disc. A moment so visceral, unwitting animals could palpably feel it. Transcending age, walks of life, race and politics, the eclipse brought millions together in a communion of cosmic wonder. In my family of three generations, some drove from Illinois to Indiana, while others traveled from India in time for the event. Our shared experience formed immediate bonds with hitherto unknown friends. As a scientist, the eclipse also offered me spectacular links to two modern revolutionary branches of physics that have completely changed our perception of nature: relativity and quantum physics. As my late black hole physicist father would delight in sharing, a solar eclipse was needed to demonstrate the bending of light around the sun, sealing predictions of Albert Einsteins relativity in 1919. As for the quantum revolution, its technological marvels are part of our daily lives: lasers, semiconducting circuit elements, MRI machines, and more. A practicing quantum physicist, I rejoice at the unity of our common quest. Scholars come together from across the world to the United States, collaborating, learning, mentoring. Just as my parents did my mother, a biophysicist half a century ago. During the eclipse, I felt a heightened awe for the phenomenon that sparked this revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humans and stars radiate light in the same way. An ever-present miracle on Earth we are all perfectly glowing beings in our unhindered outpouring! What is this universal light? Blackbody radiation, as physicists call it, is the common pattern of light that emanates from stars, heated metal, the universe and you and me. We are all effulgent blackbodies. Our radiation pattern depends only on the bodys intrinsic temperature. For a star, it peaks in the visible range and depending on its temperature, appears anything from red to blue in the rainbow spectrum. For mammals, reflecting a similar body temperature across species, the radiation peaks in the infrared. Through an infrared camera, we can perceive our glowing warmth. Our Earth, too, is nearly a blackbody. Save for the atmosphere a thin veneer trapping heat and balancing a temperature range that sustains life. A delicate balance that we humans can disrupt by pumping this veneer with emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quantum physics grew from contemplating this universal pattern. Understanding it required re-envisioning light not as a wave, but as a bundle of energy, a photon. This seed gave way to mind-boggling notions and theories that explain so much of the world, starting with our current description of the atom. Today, quantum science thrives splendidly across the globe. Looking ahead, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative passed as an act of Congress with bipartisan support, meaning that throughout 2025, the world will celebrate a United Nations International Year, commemorating a century of quantum science and its wonders. The seed that gave birth to all this brings alive a luminous sacred space. The universe, the stars, humans all mirroring one another in radiance. A sacred space of awe and care as you might find in nature lying in a pine forest, walking by a mountain range, immersing in the oceans infinity. Or in an act of worship praying together beneath a spire or dome, meditating in a sanctum, dancing in spiritual ecstasy, feeding a child, creating patterns of colored chalk powder to be blown away by the wind. We are here as but one burst in space and time. Contemplating our mortality, do we not hold the sacred all the more precious? In the afterglow of Thanksgiving a relatively new holiday, in cosmic terms I invite you into this space. An invocation that can bring joy, universal love and gratitude. A contemplation that comes as a prayer. On the veneer of the Earth, just as the celestial sphere is riddled with a billion blazing stars, we form a human galaxy of glowing beings. Nodes of an interconnected complex web. Connecting in the smiles of strangers passing by, in our exchanges, our altercations included, in a shoulder to rest on in moments of deep pain, in a shared meal, in an embrace. The stretches of darkness grow longer in the winter, and we kindle fires. We illuminate our festivities with clusters of light. In all this, each of us carries within ourselves a burnishing lamp. Each of us is a radiant, glowing being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ____ Smitha Vishveshwara is a professor of physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Public Voices Fellow with the OpEd Project. She is the co-author of the upcoming popular physics book Two Revolutions: Einsteins Relativity and Quantum Physics, written with her late father as a dialogue. ____ Theres an adage about who wields influence in American life that rings true to committed members of both the left and the right: The left controls the culture, the right controls political power. It makes sense. Republicans have commanded more state government trifectas since the early 2010s, reaped the benefits of our intentionally counter-majoritarian institutionsthe Senate and the Electoral Collegeand, of course, won two of the last three presidential elections. Progressives, meanwhile, have been generally overrepresented in our opinion-and-elite-making institutions, from corporations, nonprofits, and big tech, to the academy, journalism, and Hollywood. We can quibble about the exceptions, but the broad sweep of American life has generally skewed rightward in elections and leftward in the culturewhich is why its notable that our latest season of cultural artifacts seems to be shifting noticeably to the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elite campuses are adopting statements of institutional neutrality and abandoning identitarian requirements. Canceled figures like Woody Allen and J.K. Rowling have gotten a second hearing from contrite detractors and corporate patrons. Disney cut out a subplot about a transgender character from a Pixar original series. And, as I recently discussed on The Skiff with Emma Camp and Christine Emba, the three biggest pop stars of the summer released music that bemoaned the emptiness of casual hook-up culture and even toyed withor outright extolledthe allure of pregnancy. Not exactly intersectional vanguardism. Theres a subtle and, to my mind, fun aspect of these cultural shifts that has been largely underdiscussednamely, the changing vibes of major commercials. Consider Bud Light. After incessant backlash for picking Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman, as a corporate spokesperson in early 2023, the beer company subbed in comedian Shane Gillis for its recent batch of ads. The latest one is a hilarious spoof of the bohemian auteur commercials typically trying to sell you some fragrance, but whats more notable is that arguably the most popular beer in America chose a guy who was canceled from SNL and who fellow comic Louis C.K. once described as a red state product. There was also Apple. Early this year, the tech giant launched an ad for the iPad Pro that would have made Russell Kirk and Roger Scruton wince. It showed a room full of instruments, paintings, statuettes, records, and more being flattened and giving way to an impersonalized iPad screen. Flash forward a few months to the companys ad for its newest AirPods Pro, and its a whole other story. Techno-utopianism is out and the little platoons are in, with a tearjerker of a spot that showcases the commonplace joys of family life as a father replays memories of his daughter growing up. After three weeks, the commercial has more than 40 million views on YouTube. And then theres Volvo. Its not uncommon to find blatant dismissals of childbearing in the culture. A decade ago, an issue of Time magazine explored the benefits of the child-free life. Public figures, from the renowned philosopher Martha Nussbaum to pop star Miley Cyrus, have openly discouraged having kids given concerns over climate change and overpopulation. And yet, the Swedish car manufacturer nevertheless hired Academy Award-winning cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema to direct what Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips called the most moving, pro-family, pro-life car ad of all time. That might be a bit hyperbolic, but theres something to it. If you havent watched the spot yet, its such a genuinely moving exploration of the uncertainties of childbearing and life that you almost forget its main purpose was to sell a luxury car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this is a notable cultural change from the consensus of just a short time ago. In 2019, the Daily Wires Matt Walsh was touring campuses declaring that the left is taking over the culture. Four years later, MSNBC anchor Joy Reid agreed, saying in 2023, The culture wars are over and the left won. Unsurprisingly, some on the right have responded enthusiastically to recent shifts, including about each of these three commercials. Some lauded the Bud Light and Volvo ads as long-coming departures from woke culture. As for the Apple ad, none other than right-wing provocateur Benny Johnson remarked, Im stunned. Apple just released the single greatest pro-parenting ad in the history of American advertising. The pro-family cultural revolution is here. (Emphasis added.) From a conservative standpoint, its tempting to agree, to simply rah-rah the changing cultural tide. But this type of triumphalism about the present state of the culture fails on two counts. First, though turning from leftward excess in the culture is welcome, its important not to forget it came at a cost. Yes, many corporations and academic pillars have changed course due to public outcry, principled opposition, and, of course, concerns about reputational and financial blowback. Yet certain institutional shifts were also the result of coordinated pressure campaigns from people like Robby Starbuck and Chris Rufoactivists committed to remaking culture through an alternative kulturkampf. Moreover, as the writer Tyler Austin Harper argued in The Atlantic, theres a good case to be made that for all the talk about left-wing wokeness, weve ignored a corollary right-wing snowflakiness in the process. (Notice Elon Musk complaining about heterophobia or a Claremont Institute fellow writing a book titled The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart and youll see what Harper is referring to.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We on the right may welcome the changes in the academy, corporate practices, and even commercials. But we shouldnt ignore that some of those changes were at times the result of a corrosive process, one that doubled down on a tendency to see political opponents as all-but-enemy combatants. And questionable means can sully even defensible ends. Theres a second reason Im skeptical of the triumphalism. Conservatives are often fond of repeating Ronald Reagans famous observation that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction, a remarkable piece of rhetoric that reminds us of the fragility of liberal democratic capitalism. Thats largely a good thing, a helpful reminder to be grateful for the institutions we inherited. But rather than gratitude, the sense that, well, everything thats good and true about America is slipping through our fingers like sand seems to have fueled fears of leftward cultural dominance. That seems to be the attitude of the Starbucks and Rufos of the world. Misapplied, one generation away can elevate the stakes of politics and put us on edge that things are really falling apart. So perhaps a better lesson from these moments on the flip side, moments when the cultural winds seem to be blowing in conservatives favor, isnt to read them as a harbinger for the eschaton but as another example of the ebb and flow of American life in our time. As Yuval Levin wrote in his 2016 masterpiece, The Fractured Republic: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life in America is always getting better and worse at the same time. Progress comes at a cost, even if it is often worth that cost. Misery beckons relief, so that our virtues often turn up where our vices have been. Decay and decadence almost always trail behind success, while renewal chases ruin. In a vast society like ours, all of this is always happening at once. Perhaps ours isnt so much a time for choosing as it is a time to recognize the inescapability of two-way change across our culturecommercials included. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Community Blood Center (CBC) is giving back this holiday season to people choosing to donate blood at a time when supply is scarce. From Saturday, Dec. 21 to Tuesday, Jan. 3, donors will be given a festive pair of socks or a beanie for donating blood. This aims to encourage donations throughout the last week of December, which the CBC says typically sees a 20-30% decline. We know the holidays are a busy season, but theyre also one of the hardest times to maintain the blood supply, Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations at CBC said. We hope this fun and festive promotion inspires people to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life this season. Your donation is needed now more than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges ruling overturns Missouris near-total abortion ban The need for blood donations is always constant. According to the CBC, for the past several years, hospitals and patients have experienced chronic blood shortages nationwide. So, the need for donors is even more prevalent than before. If you are interested, the organization encourages new and returning donors to schedule an appointment this holiday season by going to savealifenow.org or calling (877) 486-6844. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Layla Kpotufe, a senior at l Believe Circle City High School in Indianapolis, shows off a science classroom at Ivy Tech Community College where she has taken classes pursuing her interest in medicine. Kpotufe already has an associates degree from Ivy Tech, a school filled with high school students starting college early. (Patrick ODonnell) Hector Torres wishes he had not waited so long to start college classes Thats not the weighty middle-aged regret of lost dreams. Its the lament of an Indianapolis high school senior who waited until late into his sophomore year Gasp! to take advantage of the college classes Indiana offers high schoolers for free or little cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana is one of the few states where starting college as a high school sophomore makes you a late bloomer. The state ranks just behind Idaho in leading an early college credit movement, as states increasingly encourage high school students to take college classes, most often at community colleges. In Idaho and Indiana, high school students make up more than half the students in community college classes, according to a report issued this summer by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Iowa and Montana follow, with high schoolers representing more than 40% of community college enrollment, and eight other states comprising more than 30% of enrollment. On the other end, states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut havent joined the push, with high schoolers making up just 6% and 10% of community college students, respectively. Columbia University researched mapped the rates of community college enrollment made up of high school students this August. Idaho and Indiana leap out with over half of community students still in high school. Map by Community College Research Center at Columbia University. High school students have long been able to get a head start on college credits, traditionally by taking accelerated Advanced Placement classes and accompanying national Advanced Placement tests that started in the 1950s. Colleges then decide which credits to award based on the test scores. The College Board still offers 39 AP course guidelines and tests each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earning early college credit has become more urgent the last few decades, as college costs have exploded and employers increasingly require study beyond high school. So states have seen dramatic increases in early college, dual enrollment or dual credit where high school students take classes on college campuses or high school teachers offer college classes. Those approaches have allowed the number of high school students earning college credit to more than double since 2011 to 1.5 million a year, according to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. About 75% are enrolled in community colleges and the rest in four-year schools. Columbia researchers also estimate that more than a third of high schoolers take at least one college class before graduating. The pitch to communities and families and students isget your first year of college out of the way in high school, or get it done in high school, said researcher John Fink. Thats a very compelling affordability pitch to students and families and obviously thats an important issue on everybodys mind. In a state as aggressive as Indiana, its normal for students like Torres, a student at l Believe Circle City High School, to be taking quantitative reasoning at Ivy Tech Community College this fall after taking psychology and introduction to criminology as a junior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was kind of just in trouble all the time, Torres said of himself as a freshman. I didnt really care about school stuff. It wasnt until last year where I started actually doing my work and decided to take dual enrollment seriously. Now Im kind of trying to rush things, said Torres, who wants to earn a degree before starting a career as a police officer. I kind of wish I started early when they had given me the opportunity. Fink and other Columbia researchers reported in October that students taking college classes early are more likely to enroll in college right after high school and are more likely to earn technical certificates, associates and bachelors degrees. This story first appeared at The 74, a nonprofit news site covering education. Sign up for free newsletters from The 74 to get more like this in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking classes directly through a college allows students to receive credits automatically, which is often more attractive to students than AP classes that rely on test scores to turn into credits, said Julie Edmunds, director of the Early College Resource Center at the University of North Carolina -Greensboro. When all the college credit relies on passing a single exam on a single day, there are students who arent going to be successful in that kind of environment, and the proportion of AP takers that actually receive credit is much lower, Edmunds said. Other factors make taking college classes attractive to some students, including letting students intimidated by college test it out or colleges offering classes like advanced physics or foreign languages that their high schools cant provide. Still, though almost all states allow high schoolers to take college classes, theres no consensus on how much to encourage and how to pay for it. A 2022 report by the Education Commission of the States found a wide variation in the training teachers need to teach college classes, which students can take them and who pays for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-six states required high school students to meet a colleges entrance requirements first, the study found, while others do not. Nineteen states required students to have a recommendation from a school official, while others require students to pass tests or just let students decide on their own. States also differ on which community college classes automatically count toward four-year degrees. And states are divided on who pays for early credits, the study found, with states like Alabama and South Carolina requiring high school students to pay full tuition rates and states like Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington, D.C. covering the entire cost of the classes. The Idaho State Board of Education attributes its high rate of community college enrollment on the states Advanced Opportunities program, which gives students up to $4,625 to pay for college classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there are big differences too between students who just enroll in some college classes and those in so-called early college high schools, where college credit is prioritized and schools offer more specialized counseling and specific courses to help students succeed. High School senior Hector Torres has already taken several classes at Ivy Tech Community College, but wishes he had started earlier. (Patrick ODonnell) If youre expanding access to college,you cant just throw everybody in college courses without giving them some level of support, Edmunds said. In Indiana, where officials boast of being a national leader in early credits, having one single community college, Ivy Tech, with 45 campuses around the state under one umbrella, makes coordinating between schools easier. The state also made course credits more valuable starting in 2013 by creating the Indiana College Core, a collection of 30 college credits some math, some English, some science, some social studies guaranteed to transfer to any public institution in the state. That lets students know classes they take in high school will count at any public, and some private, school they choose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state also encourages high schools to offer classes in that core to students, so that some will complete it by graduation. Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery said high schools slowly started making these classes available, with 84 of about 500 offering it three years ago. He said he and state education superintendent Katie Jenner, have pressed other schools to add it, growing that number to 275. That often means having teachers like Brooklyn Raines, an English teacher at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, teach Ivy Tech classes at the school. Though an employee of Indianapolis Public Schools, Raines had to apply to Ivy Tech as an instructor, attend early college training over the summer and have her curriculum for Introduction to Creative Writing approved by the community colleges English department. She now teaches that class at Crispus Attucks three days a week on behalf of Ivy Tech. Though there can be worries that college level work is too much for high school students who are younger and havent learned as much as older students, Raines said her students are capable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the stigma that they arent traditional college students, so they cant retain the information, or they cant keep up with the information, they prove time and time and again that they can, Raines said. Other times, students take Ivy Tech classes online. Thats how Layla Kpotufe, a fellow senior at the same high school as Torres, took a world politics class last year that has her debating whether to continue on a political science path or follow a previous interest in neuroscience. Kpotufe, who has already earned an associates degree in general studies, said the Ivy Tech classes could cut her costs for her bachelors degree nearly in half. It would definitely take a lot of money off, she said. Thats why I think Ivy Tech is a really good opportunity for people, especially if you want to stay in state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHEYENNE Nearly $70,000 was given back to residents from across Laramie County this year as part of the annual Community Christmas fundraiser. Gift cards pre-loaded with $70 were distributed to 700 qualified applicants on Friday in Cheyenne. Volunteers in Pine Bluffs and Albin also distributed cards for a total of around 1,000 across the county. To see the joy in their faces when you hand them the card, you know, theyre struggling, and just this simple monetary donation to them, its just making their holiday, said Tony Janssen, chairman of Laramie County Community Christmas. And thats really what makes you feel great in your heart, for all of our guys and gals that do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janssen was joined by several other volunteers on Friday at American Legion Post 6 to help distribute the cards. Community members who called to request a $70 card were qualified based on their income and number of people in their household. Janssen said they were able to provide cards for most people who called this year. On Friday, those qualified individuals pulled up to the front of the building in their car and presented the card they had received in the mail noting that they had been approved for a gift card and present their ID, as well, to confirm their identity. When they drove up to the building, volunteers from F.E. Warren Air Force Bases 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanics team greeted them and brought the documents inside to verify that they were on the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The volunteers inside, also from the 90th LRS, were joined by Dora Jones, who has been volunteering for this program for around 30 years. This program is about the unfortunate ones that are unable to have a good Christmas and a good holiday, she said. And so, we enjoy doing this, you know, because its for Gods people, and thats why we all love to volunteer. Janssen said that Jones also answers the phone line for those calling to request a card and helps raise donations from local businesses. Shes just the kind of giving woman that makes this community strong. She is all about community, Janssen said of Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds for the program are raised through the Bar Bucks program and the Wyoming Tribune Eagles Empty Stocking Fund. Last year, the fundraisers raised $59,528 and $9,527, respectively, the former being an all-time high for Bar Bucks. Bar Bucks works in partnership with bars and taverns across the county to collect donations to support the Community Christmas program. There were around 40 participating locations around the county this year. Money for the Empty Stocking Fund is raised through online and mail-in donations to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Last year, the top Bar Bucks donor was Alfs Pub & Package, which has raised nearly $35,000 in the past two years. Second was American Legion Post 6 at $9,282, followed by Pine Bluffs Distilling with $8,331. These donations are used to purchase grocery gift cards that people can spend at Albertsons or Safeway, but some are more localized for their community. Applicants from Pine Bluffs or Albin, for example, are given cards to use at their local grocery stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janssen has been directing the program for around eight years, but has been working with Bar Bucks since 2001. In that time, Bar Bucks alone has raised over $600,000 in donations. Luis Fernandez, a volunteer from the 90th LRS, said that handing out the cards to the community members is a nice break from his typical day of working and wrenching under a vehicle. Its cool to see the diversity that you have here in such a small city, he said. Its crazy how theyre struggling, right? But, I mean, were out here supporting and trying to do our best. I mean, its not a lot of money that were giving out, but its something so they can have at least one meal for them. Xoria Gatlin, another volunteer from the 90th LRS, said she enjoyed volunteering because she could see how much it meant to the community members who received the cards. Its like a heartfelt moment. It makes you appreciate what you have, she said. Like, Ive seen people coming in here who are pulling up, like, crying, and theyre very appreciative. And its a moment thats just like, youre giving back to people who really, really need it. ... Its not too many communities who do things like this. Ahmed Moor thinks about his family in Gaza every day. His uncle has been seeking shelter from the relentless Israeli airstrikes for more than a year, and finding none. He has lost cousins and extended family to sniper fire and bombing. Now, the Palestinian-American father of three is suing Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the State Department for their role in the carnage, accusing them of violating U.S. law by providing the weapons and support for Israels devastating onslaught. Moor joined a group of Palestinians and their families in filing the lawsuit against the State Department for failing to adhere to a 1997 law. The Leahy Law prohibits U.S. assistance to foreign security forces that are credibly implicated in gross human rights violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the lawsuit represents one of the few ways that we can seek to directly hold our government to account for this mass atrocity, which is being perpetrated in Gaza through the active participation of the U.S., Moor tells The Independent. The legal action, which is being supported by rights groups Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), argues that the State Department created a set of unique, insurmountable processes to evade the Leahy Law requirement to sanction abusive Israeli units, despite overwhelming evidence of their human rights violations. The lawsuit represents the first time victims have alleged the governments calculated failure to follow the Leahy Law. Moor, a writer, was born in Rafah and moved to the U.S. as a child. He has been an active campaigner for Palestinian rights for most of his adult life, and today writes on Palestinian issues from his home in Philadelphia. A Palestinian man and his children sit in a destroyed room following the targeting or a residential building by an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 22, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group. (AFP via Getty Images) But much of his extended family still lives in Gaza and faces a daily battle for survival. His uncle was living in Gaza City when the war started in October last year; he has been displaced with his family seven times since. First they moved to a relatives house in Khan Younis, until that was bombed. Today they are all living in a camp. His cousins son was killed by a sniper a few weeks ago in Rafah. Another cousin was killed along with his wife and daughter, buried alive in a bombing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to describe the conditions that people are living in, Moor says. Imagine living in a tent. Imagine not having a future, where the struggle for life really is about the next half day or so can you secure enough to eat? Can you survive the human crush, the indignities of all that? His familys story is common across Gaza. Much of the territory has been reduced to rubble and Israeli jets regularly target so-called safe zones, often killing large numbers of civilians in single strikes. But despite clear and credible evidence of mass human rights violations by Israel in carrying out the war, the U.S. has continued to send weapons and aid without interruption. The Biden administration has sent more than $17bn in military aid to Israel since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack in southern Israel that killed hundreds of Israelis. A United Nations commission found in June that Israel was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. It said Israeli authorities are responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or wilful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, forcible transfer, sexual violence, torture and inhuman or cruel treatment, arbitrary detention and outrages upon personal dignity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argues that evidence of Israeli abuses in Gaza were routinely ignored, or worked around by the State Department, which put its ideological commitment to Israel above its obligations under the law. The Independents own reporting, based on leaked documents from the U.S. Agency for International Development and testimony from former State Department officials, found that the U.S. governments own investigations into possible war crimes committed by Israel were being hamstrung by the Biden administrations political desire for the support to continue unabated. Palestinians watch smoke billowing as they wait for a food portion at a distribution centre south of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on December 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP via Getty Images) Theres no incentive to investigate if the president and the White House themselves have announced that aid is unconditional, Brian Finucane, who worked for a decade in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the State Department advising on arms transfers and the laws of war, told The Independent in April. That means they dont want to hear inconvenient legal conclusions, he added. Moor says he is not under any illusions that the lawsuit will end the war in Gaza, but he does believe it could force future administrations to follow the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is a nation of laws. The question of whether we obey the law doesnt come down to the secretarys prerogative or the presidents prerogative you follow the law, he said. Beyond that, Moor hopes that it may provide a record of precisely how key figures in the Biden administration worked to shield Israel from U.S. law in order for it to contin carry out the widescale atrocities. Im hopeful that its going to contribute to this record of who did what and who participated in what, he says. Im not naive enough to think that theres going to be kind of a war crimes commission, but I do think that the people whove worked hard to destroy Gaza thats Joe Biden and Blinken, [White House national security advisor] Jake Sullivan, Brett McGurk theyve earned this brand, this Scarlett Letter, this genocide, and I hope they carry it for the rest of their lives. Often you hear this word complicity, but I think complicity is the wrong descriptor here, he adds. I think the United States, the State Department, the Biden administration has actively participated as a matter of policy and the extermination of Palestinian life in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation from The Independent earlier this year revealed that the Biden administration rejected or ignored pleas to use its leverage to persuade Israel which has received billions of dollars in U.S. military support to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza to prevent famine. Administration officials provided diplomatic cover for Israel to create the conditions for famine by blocking international aid efforts and attempts to alleviate the crisis, making the delivery of aid almost impossible, The Independent found. A stopgap bill funding the federal government until mid-March includes $25.6 million to secure the homes of U.S. Supreme Court justices as they face threats that stem from their rulings. President Joe Biden signed the measure Saturday. In recent years, the courts superconservative majority has effectively decimated abortion access in areas across the country, expanded presidential power, loosened gun restrictions and weakened the authority of some federal regulators, such as the Environmental Protection Agency chipping away at progressive gains made during the 20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters gathered outside conservative justices homes following the courts landmark abortion decision in 2022, leading to a debate over whether justices should be made to face professional repercussions in their private lives. In June 2022, a man was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaughs Maryland home with an assortment of weapons after authorities said he called a local emergency communications center and expressed an intent to kill Kavanaugh. Legislators subsequently ramped up a campaign to provide more security for the courts nine justices, authorizing an initial security boost in 2022. An Alaska man was arrested in September 2024 after authorities said he threatened to harm six Supreme Court justices and their family members. Over the next year, the high court is expected to weigh in on several hotly contested issues, including a potential nationwide TikTok ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Relief Act of 2025 provides $12 million for the U.S. Marshals Service to protect justices homes, and about $13.6 million to the Supreme Courts internal security for the same purpose. Its passage came after days of confusion and turmoil among elected Republicans, who had started the week apparently intending to pass a slightly different version of the stopgap spending bill, but were derailed by President-elect Donald Trump and ally Elon Musks objections. Related... In Congress last action of the year, the Senate passed a funding patch early Saturday with more than $110 billion in disaster aid, averting a government shutdown and closing out the 118th Congress. Final passage of the bill, which made it through the House Friday evening, caps off a tumultuous week on Capitol Hill as Speaker Mike Johnson managed the last-minute demands of President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, along with the ensuing furor of congressional Democrats whose votes are needed to pass funding bills amid conservative opposition. While the speaker abandoned his initial bipartisan deal with Democrats at Trumps and Musks urging, he failed to fulfill the president-elects demand for lifting the debt limit. The end result is a spending patch that retains some of the initial bipartisan accord, including funding the government at current levels through March 14, more than $110 billion in disaster aid and a one-year farm bill extension of agriculture and food policy. But more than 1,000 pages of policy were ultimately nixed from the bill at Trumps and Musks behest, including restrictions on U.S. investments in China, stricter rules on deceptive advertising of tickets for events and new rules for pharmacy benefit managers, aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressional Democrats, howling about the way the two billionaire businessmen pressured and threatened Republicans into backtracking on the agreement, largely voted in favor of the package in the end. It feels to me there were a lot of things that were not great for billionaires and corporations that dropped out of this bill. And I dont think thats a coincidence, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Friday night before voting for the bill. After days of chaos in the House brought Congress right up to the government shutdown deadline, the Senate acted swiftly once the bill reached the upper chamber. The president put his stamp on it, so lets get er done, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said Friday night. Senate leaders had to lock in an agreement from all 100 senators to fast-track the measure, just missing the midnight deadline, but with no functional impact on government operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like their Democratic colleagues, many Republicans lamented policies deleted from the bill after Trumps and Musks intervention. That includes language that would have OKed the year-round sale of so-called E-15 gasoline with a higher amount of ethanol, a major priority for lawmakers from corn-growing regions. Im disappointed that E-15 wasnt in there, very, very disappointed, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a member of Senate Republican leadership, said Friday night ahead of final passage. But I do know that President Trump has been a great supporter of ethanol. So well readdress it. The final bill also forgoes policy that would have forced social media companies to remove so-called revenge porn and intimate imagery posted without consent. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the sponsor of that policy, said the fact that Musk and Trump both own multi-billion-dollar social media companies is completely unrelated to the removal of the language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators in both parties also expressed frustration about the removal of a policy cracking down on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers. The pharmaceutical industry lobbied against that language. Well, pharma tends to win, in the end. Thats been a consistent problem up here, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said. So hopefully, in the new Congress, well be able to do something about it. Almost three months after Hurricane Helene made landfall, the bill frees up billions of dollars in emergency funding for communities recovering from that storm as well as Hurricane Milton and other disasters like wildfires and severe flooding throughout the country in recent years. The Small Business Administrations disaster loan program will be refilled, after running out of money in mid-October and pausing all new lending to businesses and homeowners in areas hit by disasters. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) tried for weeks to pass a standalone bill in the Senate that would have refilled the disaster loan program. But Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) repeatedly blocked requests for fast-track passage without a vote to offset the bills cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im frustrated, Tillis said Friday evening. I think that was just an unforced error. We could have done it sooner. But the North Carolina senator said the more than $110 billion in disaster aid under the bill is a big lift that will deliver necessary help to disaster survivors. Thats exactly what Id hoped for, Tillis added. Under the measure, the new mid-March funding deadline will keep the Pentagon and non-defense agencies running on current budgets for almost three more months, allowing the incoming Trump administration to be more formally involved in a final deal for fiscal 2025, which will be almost halfway over by then. Dec. 21WASHINGTON Conservation groups are applauding the passage of bipartisan legislation that improves opportunities for outdoor recreation across the country. The U.S. Senate on Thursday, Dec. 19, passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act . The comprehensive package of recreation legislation improves accessibility options outdoors, will improve or create new outdoor recreation facilities and introduce more generations of children to the outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House passed the bill in April, and with Senate passage, the legislation now awaits the signature of President Joe Biden. "Millions of people visit our public lands every year to hike, bike, camp, hunt, fish and create lasting memories for their families," Abby Tinsley, vice president for conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation," said in a statement. "Unfortunately, they are often met with confusing user fees, overcrowded trails and sub-par facilities. The bipartisan EXPLORE Act will help make improvements so that more people can enjoy all that these cherished lands and waters have to offer." Said Joel Pederson, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: "As recreation continues to evolve in the 21st century, the EXPLORE Act ensures both the agencies and the public have the support and tools they need to make the most of their days outdoors." The EXPLORE Act includes several pieces of legislation. Highlights from the package include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The Every Kid Outdoors program, which grants free access to federal public lands and waters to fourth graders and their families, will be reauthorized for seven years. * The Outdoors for All Act would authorize the existing Outdoors Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, which provides funding to economically disadvantaged communities with little to no access to public outdoor recreation spaces to build or improve outdoor recreation sites and facilities. * The Military Veterans in Parks Act would improve signage, adaptive recreational facilities and disability access, as well as increase awareness of and access to assistive technology. * The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act would streamline permitting processes for guides, outfitters, outdoor leaders and nonprofit organizations. This would reduce barriers that communities and organizations can face in organizing outdoor excursions and facilitating access to nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also: * Respects tribal sovereignty by allowing Tribal Nations to directly apply for federal conservation funding. * Eases financial burdens to local organizations seeking federal conservation grants. "Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation's outdoor legacy and path towards equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation," Lesford Duncan, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, said in a statement. "With the Senate's passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we're opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release from The Wilderness Society, Outdoor recreation is a $1.2 trillion industry, supporting 5 million jobs across the nation. The EXPLORE Act will help ensure that all people, regardless of race, income or geography, can equitably enjoy nature and all it has to offer, the Society said. In related news, the U.S. Senate late Wednesday passed an amended version of the America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. As with the EXPLORE Act, the bipartisan ACE legislation now awaits President Biden's signature. Among the bill's many provisions, the legislation reauthorizes the Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which will continue the successful grant program run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that improves, protects and restores wetland habitats. Following President Biden's signature, the programs included in the bill will be reauthorized through 2030, according to the American Sportfishing Association. Many of the bill's provisions were set to expire next year. Passage of the ACE Reauthorization Act ensures that there are no delays in the completion of critical habitat projects and that managers can adequately plan for available funding through the end of the decade, the ASA said. The legislation also continues important invasive species management under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and ensures traditional tackle, such as lead sinkers and jigs, won't be banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for five years, according to the American Sportfishing Association. The House of Representatives passed an amended version of the ACE Reauthorization Act on Dec. 3, causing the Senate to approve changes to the original bill. The ACE Act was originally passed in 2020. A pair of bills that address widely-ranging and disparate outdoors priorities passed Congress this week and are expected to receive a favorable reception at President Bidens bill-signing desk. The omnibus bills, which cover everything from ensuring access to shooting ranges on federal lands, improving broadband connectivity in national parks, and relaxing restrictions on commercial filming and photography on federal lands, are a pair of rare legislative wins on Capitol Hill this year. The EXPLORE Act thats shorthand for the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act includes provisions that will make federal investments in the nations outdoor recreation infrastructure and generally improve visitation experiences to federal lands, whether theyre national parks, Forest Service and BLM lands, or marine reserves. The bill was introduced by Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and carried in the Senate by retiring Joe Manchin (I W. Virginia) and John Barrasso (R Wyo.), ranking members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Americas Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, or ACE Act, provides new funding or reauthorizes previously obligated funds to the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish Habitat Partnership programs. NAWCA is a 35-year-old program that has converted $2.1 billion in federal investments into over $5 billion that has conserved and restored 32 million acres of degraded wetlands across the U.S. The NFHP is the nexus of state and locally driven partnerships that work to conserve priority aquatic habitats, restore fish populations, and enhance recreational fishing opportunities, according to the Congressional Sportsmens Foundation, which worked to ensure the passage of both bills. In addition to the habitat investments ensured by ACE, the bill includes a provision that prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating the use of lead fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. That reaffirmation confirms to environmental groups that would like to ban lead from the nations waterways that the EPA doesnt have the authority to regulate its use in fishing sinkers and lures. The EXPLORE Act runs for nearly 60 pages and is chock-full of provisions that generally remove barriers to participation in outdoors activities. Among the elements of the bill are: Creation of a Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation, with members from most federal land-management agency, that will coordinate on issues related to outdoor recreation, including improvement of access to federal recreational lands and waters and promoting outdoor recreation Identification and development of appropriate long-distance bike trails Protection of recreational climbing activities on federal lands, including a provision that declares that the use of fixed climbing anchors in wilderness areas is an appropriate use within a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System Identification and assessment of both existing and potential target shooting ranges on National Forest and BLM lands. The law, with language from last years Range Access Act, gives land managers five years from the passage of the bill to identify at least one suitable target range location on every National Forest and BLM district Relaxation of permit requirements for small-scale filming and still photography on federal lands. No permits or fees are required if the filming involves fewer than six people and is documenting an activity thats allowed on the land. The permit waiver extends to commercial filming activities Requirement that federal land managers produce and distribute maps and travel guides for National Forest and BLM districts within five years of the bills passage. Agencies have 10 years to come up with over-the-snow vehicle use maps for appropriate districts Guidelines for federal agencies to assist to gateway communities affected by visitation to national parks and high-traffic federal lands Assessment by the National Park System to assess broadband connectivity in parks and identify availability of broadband internet access service in employee housing, administrative facilities, lodging, developed campgrounds, and other areas inside parks Improvement of parking and restroom facilities on public lands Improved access for disabled visitors to federal lands and facilities Free or discounted access to federal recreational lands for members of the Armed Forces or military veterans Development of a strategy to increase the number of youth recreation visits to federal recreational lands and waters Modernizing recreational permitting on federal lands for commercial outfitters and guides Both bills are expected to be signed into law by President Biden over the holidays. The 118th Congress is expected to adjourn as soon as members can nail down details of a federal spending package. The 119th Congress is scheduled to convene on Jan. 3. KANSAS Congressman Jake LaTurner gives his final address to the U.S. House of Representatives. LaTurner, a two-term congressman from southeast Kansas, did not seek reelection this fall, citing a desire to spend more time with family as a major reason for his decision. Prior to being elected to Congress, the sixth-generation Kansan served as a district representative for former Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, a state senator, and as state treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his final address, LaTurner offered advice to those who will continue on after he leaves office. We must be thrifty, strategic, and we must never outsource our sovereignty. But we still have a critical role. One small, but impactful example is preventing children from dying of starvation. Ready to Use Therapeutic Food, or RUTF, is an American-made, nutrient-dense paste that has saved millions of lives across the globe. The State and Foreign Operations subcommittee increased funding by $300 million while reducing overall spending by over 10%, and this body passed it. That increase should be realized. It is the right thing to do, said Rep. Jake LaTurner, (R)-Kansas. LaTurner will be succeeded by former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who won the general election for the second district seat this past November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Bond Commission on Friday approved more than $300 million in new projects during its last meeting of 2024. Those projects include $10 million for improvement at the University of Connecticuts Gampel Pavilion and $40 million for new doors and windows at the prison in Somers. However, a new, shared offshore wind project was not approved. Gov. Ned Lamont said that the state is reaching out for other ways to boost Connecticuts power capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We took a pass on this round, but, as you know, we are the state right now that is building out Revolution Wind thats going to turn on in about a year and a half, Lamont said. We contracted for solar coming down from Maine. That gets going in about a year or two. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) With the severe cold weather heading our way, Gov. Ned Lamont is activating the states cold weather protocol for the first time this season. Steps are being taken on the local level as well to ensure the most vulnerable populations have protection from these frigid temperatures. Inside West Havens Emergency Operations Center, crews are keeping a close eye on the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be life-threatening cold, said Rick Fontana, West Havens emergency management director. The city is activating its extreme cold weather protocol starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Its set to end on Tuesday, when the governor is expected to lift the states severe weather protocol. Our goal is to make sure that people have an alternative to staying out on the street, Fontana said. The Johnson Community Center at 201 Noble St. will serve as an overnight warming shelter. West Havens two libraries, Main Library and Ora M. Mason Branch Library, will serve as warming centers during normal daytime hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Haven, libraries are available to residents, as well. Mayor Justin Elicker said the city has warming centers open, but are expanding hours starting at noon Saturday to make sure theyre open 24 hours a day. Theyre open evenings now, but this expansion of hours makes sure people have a safe place during the day, Elicker said. He said, in partnership with Columbus House, the city is opening an additional overnight site in the evenings. Homelessness in Connecticut has reached a critical juncture, Columbus House wrote in a statement. As of December, 5,498 individuals are experiencing homelessnessa 34% increase compared to last year. Among them are 530 children, an 11% rise, and 867 individuals living outside, a staggering 45% increase. These figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support and resources, especially during the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its responding by opening the following emergency shelters: The New Haven Shelter (586 Shelter) will operate continuously from Dec. 21 to Dec. 26. The 209 Terminal Lane Family Triage Center will also remain open during this period. Managers are coordinating staff and meals, outreach teams are informing people who are unhoused about options and case managers are making sure people have enough food and medication. People are urged to stay inside. The COMPASS team is available to transport to warming shelters and make sure no one is stuck in the cold, said John Labieneic, of Continuum of Care. Labieneic said its a coordinated effort. COMPASS can be reached at (475) 306-1027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ask for help and accept help, he said. Were here to help. Other cities have activated their severe cold weather protocol, as well including Hartford, New London, Middletown and Waterbury. I would suggest that anyone who needs help, go out and find it at least through the weekend, Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 211. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dec. 20New Hampshire is one of only two states in the nation without a convention and visitor bureau, and it is hiring a Colorado firm to examine how much having one would be of benefit to the hospitality industry and the economy at large. Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, admitted he is agnostic on the topic and open to being convinced either that it would be a net help or not worth the effort. "We are exploring whether or not there would be a benefit, I don't have a predetermined outcome," Caswell told the Executive Council during its meeting last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the national clearinghouse, Utah is the other state without a full-blown bureau though it has a travel council based in Moab, Utah. Puerto Rico also doesn't have one. What is it? A Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) is an organization that promotes a destination to attract meetings, conventions and events to spur economic growth. It also serves as a central resource for marketing to the tourism and hospitality industries, Casewell said. Coraggio Group of Lakewood, Colorado, was chosen from among three bidders to provide the research for $175,000. Caswell's agency proposed to pay for the contract with a federal grant under the American Rescue Plan Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, represents much of the tourism hot spots in New Hampshire and pointed out that visitor business has flourished in this state without such a bureau with the help of groups in the past that include White Mountain Attractions and the North Country Council. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Caswell noted the state has seen an uptick in interest of groups to bring their conventions to New Hampshire. Much of this stemmed from business executives who came to visit the more rural, scenic areas of the state to get away from congested and locked down cities at home, he explained. "I think they do lean to what New Hampshire could offer, so I do think it's worth a look," Caswell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the vendor finds a CVB is recommended for the state, the company will create a plan to pay for and implement such an effort; if not the Coraggio will suggest to the state alternative ways New Hampshire can leverage more convention and tourism business without a bureau, Caswell said. "To be honest with you where this ends up, I don't know," Caswell said. It's possible the best solution could be a "public/private partnership" in which the state combines forces with existing hospitality groups such as the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association (NHLRA), he said. Mike Somers, president and CEO of the NHLRA, served on the three-person panel that recommended Coraggio get this contract that included Amy Bassett, deputy director of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and Estlin McLellan, travel and industry relations manager with the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coraggio wasn't the lowest bidder; the cheapest price came from Jones Lang LaSalle Americas of San Francisco, California, which offered to do the work for $125,000. The company selected was in the middle; the highest bid of $217,185 came from Heart + Mind Strategies of Reston, Virginia. According to the scoring, Coraggio was rated higher than its two competitors in all four categories, experience and qualifications, approach to the scope of work, creativity and budget approach and cost effectiveness. Coraggio's past clients include 70 national, state and county tourism organizations, along with 12 convention and visitor bureaus up and running, he added. klandrigan@unionleader.com ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Officials released the identity Friday of a man found dead in a camper fire in Anderson County. The fire broke out early Monday morning in a camper at the corner of Woodvale Road and Woodmont Circle. It took firefighters nearly an hour to contain the fire. After the fire was extinguished, a mans body was found in the camper. The Anderson County Coroners Office has identified the man as 51-year-old Jimmy Dale Kelley, Jr. of Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroner said they were able to use DNA to make the identification. No other injuries were reported in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the coroners office, Anderson County Fire Department, and Anderson County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) With the threat of a government shutdown looming, many Rhode Islanders have been left wondering how it might affect them. On Thursday, the U.S. House rejected a plan to avert the shutdown ahead of the Dec. 20 deadline. In order to keep the government open, a spending bill must pass the House, the Senate and be signed into law. Rep. Seth Magaziner told 12 News he is very concerned about the possibility of a shutdown. He said lawmakers were prepared to pass a bipartisan, short-term spending bill, but the situation changed unexpectedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk decided to blow the whole thing up, Magaziner said, referencing Musks reported support for extending the shutdown to 33 days. While some federal agencies would remain operational, Rhode Islanders could feel widespread effects. If the government shuts down, military families could go without pay. Farmers could go without pay. Childcare providers could go without pay. Travel could be disrupted because FAA and TSA officers wont be getting paid, Magaziner explained. The Ocean State is home to thousands of federal workers, including those at the Naval Station Newport, as well as agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration. In a shutdown, many employees could face work without pay, leading to financial strain during the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magaziner noted that, while benefit payments like Social Security checks would still be distributed, new applicants might face delays due to closed offices. Federal funding for programs like SNAP, WIC and housing assistance could also be delayed, leaving vulnerable residents without critical support. He also emphasized how it could disrupt travel with traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay and result in people, such as families in the military, not receiving a paycheck this holiday season. Additonally, local businesses, especially those near federal offices, national parks or tourist attractions, might see a decline in sales. Our goal is to keep the government open through the holidays, to deliver aid for farmers, to deliver aid for areas that have been impacted by the hurricanes, Magaziner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Colombia is interested in expanding bilateral business relations and establishing direct trade and economic connections with Azerbaijani entrepreneurs, Azernews reports, citing John Martinez, Chairman of the Tunja Chamber of Commerce in Colombia, as he said during his meeting with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Colombia, Mammad Talibov, whose residence is in Mexico City. Detailed information was provided about the products manufactured by local companies and businessmen, their quality indicators, and export potential. Visual presentations were also held. Additionally, during the event, the activities of the Free Economic Zone and Agropark established in the city were discussed. Export-oriented agricultural products such as coffee, various types of flowers, organic certified dried and canned fruits, alcoholic beverages, etc., were showcased. Ambassador Mammad Talibov emphasized the vast potential for developing trade-economic relations and investment partnerships between the two countries. He noted that in recent years, production and export opportunities in the agricultural sector and non-oil industry in Azerbaijan have significantly increased. The diplomat provided detailed information about the favorable business and investment environment created in Azerbaijan, its transit and transport-logistics capabilities, the additional advantages presented by Azerbaijan's geopolitical position in this context, and the free trade opportunities offered by the Alat Free Economic Zone. The event continued with fruitful discussions on strengthening economic-trade cooperation and business and investment relations between the two countries. The names and ages were read aloud, solemnly, one by one. Julio Martinez, 64. Kassandra Davis, 34. Katana Rodriguez-Garrick, 1. A silence as brief as it was stifling enveloped the three dozen or so people who joined the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust in remembering the 197 homeless individuals who died this year, eight more than in 2023. The deceased, all of whom died while living on the streets, ranged in age from 1 to 83. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Pauline Clark-Trotman of the Homeless and Formerly Homeless Forum, one of the events organizers, the memorial is one of the most important events of the year. As a community liaison for the Forum, which advises the Trust on issues that the homeless and formerly homeless face, the event was personal for Clark-Trotman, as it was for many of her colleagues. As a formerly homeless individual, she said, I couldve been one of those names on that poster board. A poster board lists the names and ages of the 197 homeless people who died this year in Miami-Dade County as part of the Homeless Persons Memorial Day Vigil on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. Even one death is too many, Clark-Trotman said to the crowd, her voice cracking as she spoke. Homeless Trust Chairman Ron Book agreed. Next year, he vowed, there will be fewer losses to commemorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vigil came at a challenging moment for the county in its efforts to eliminate homelessness. Passed earlier this year, a new Florida law, HB 1365, outlaws public camping. Starting in January, residents will be empowered to sue their local governments for not enforcing the ban. Municipalities across the state are scrambling to get their homeless populations off the streets. Failing to do so risks costly lawsuits. The homeless, meanwhile, could face arrest. Pauline Clark-Trotman speaks at the Homeless Persons Memorial Day Vigil on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. HB 1365 has us on our toes, said Vicki Mallette, the Homeless Trusts executive director. The county faces headwinds as the new year approaches. A major reduction in emergency shelter beds at one of the countys largest homeless shelters, Camillus House, meant the county had to race to build back its bed stocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even still, Book is confident that the end of homelessness in Miami-Dade is near. Its in sight, he said. We see it. Referencing a number of housing projects that will soon come online, Book justified his optimism at the Trusts final board meeting of the year, which took place just before the vigil. A navigation center capable of housing 80 people will open early next year in Gladeview. A thrift store in a previous life, the center will host people experiencing homelessness for short stays of two weeks or less before directing them to longer-term shelter or housing options. Farther south in Cutler Bay, the Trust is expected to close on a hotel by January 10, said Book. Residents will begin to move in almost immediately. Named Hidden Bay, the complex, formerly a La Quinta, will provide housing to 130 low-income seniors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those initiatives, coupled with a slew of tiny homes, 45 beds stood up by a church in Riverside, and an Overtown complex that will house 20 women and children, aim to free up bed space in the countys network of shelters for the 1,000 people who still sleep on the streets of Miami-Dade each night. Those are the people the Trust hopes to not have to memorialize this time next year. But if they do, Anita Martin will be there. Anita Martin poses in front of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, where the Homeless Trust, the Homeless/Formerly Homeless Forum and Miami Homes for All hosted the Homeless Persons Memorial Day Vigil on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Miami. Now 15 years housed and sober, Martin, 60, recalled the two decades she spent living on the streets of Miami, battling a crack cocaine addiction. That experience is why she comes to the event every year so that those who werent as lucky arent forgotten. Martin watched as four ceremonial doves were released. Her eyes followed the birds as they climbed above the treeline and broke north up Second Street, until they eventually disappeared behind the towering buildings of downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a lone guitarist closed the event with a rendition of Lean on Me, Martins eyes welled with tears. She repeated the days refrain: It could have been me. This story was produced with financial support from supporters including The Green Family Foundation Trust and Ken OKeefe, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. Dec. 20FAIRMONT Fairmont City Council bid farewell to two members Tuesday night while also delivering City Manager Travis Blosser's report card for the first six months in office. Council members Gia Deasy and Rick Garcia received heartfelt remarks from their colleagues. Garcia heads to the West Virginia House of Delegates, which precludes another term on council. Deasy meanwhile lost her reelection bid to Daniel K. Weber, a retired Fairmont State University fine arts professor. "I leave this position reluctantly as many of you know, I did seek re-election," Deasy said to her fellow council members. "However, I know I leave this position in the great hands of my fellow council members and those who are newly elected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council member Julie Sole thanked Deasy for her work on council, saying both she and Garcia were involved at the Disability Action Center. Sole is the center's executive director. Sole credited both Deasy and Garcia for supporting her stepping up to City Council. Deasy and Garcia were both one-term councilors, elected in 2020. City Manager Travis Blosser said he looked forward to working with Garcia from a different angle. Garcia will now represent the Fairmont area in the state legislature. He also expects to work Dwith easy in other capacities; Deasy will continue to be involved in different community organizations across the city. Mayor Anne Bolyard also bid farewell to her colleagues. "As mayor, Rick has always been very approachable in his community," Bolyard said. "Always a friend, always helpful. Gia has been a mentor to me. I would not be on council, she's the one who encouraged me to run in 2020. Gia's dedication and unfailing commitment to everything she does is an example to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolyard said working with the two new councilors, Weber and Anthony Horton, will be exciting because of the new perspective both will bring to their work. Bolyard added she welcomes diverse new ideas and looks forward to seeing how everyone's work styles mix once the new council seats in January. Bolyard also singled out City Clerk Janet Keller for praise. Bolyard said Keller will enter her 46th year of service to the City of Fairmont in 2025. Bolyard joked Keller has called the council members the "nine children you never expected," and thanked her for her dedication to the City. Keller has not just served as City Clerk, but also as City Manager twice when the City was in the midst of its hiring process. Council also approved a resolution favorably grading Blosser's first six months as City Manager. On a matrix provided with the resolution, Blosser scored highly on 10 items, with a final score of 4.68 out of 5. Among the things Blosser was graded for were policy execution, citizen relations, staffing and fiscal management. "He has increased productivity, resulted in savings and greatly enhanced the operations of city government," Bolyard said. "We are very pleased with his progress so far and look forward to what he will accomplish in the years to come." Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com Dec. 21The Rogers County Commissioners kicked several agenda items down the road during their regular Monday meeting. One such agenda item was a proposal to create a county employee benefit program to recognize outstanding county employees. Commissioners Dan DeLozier and Ron Burrows decided to wait until the Jan. 6 meeting to take action because District 2 Commissioner Steve Hendrix was absent. Todd Wagner, the county's attorney, said state law empowers county commissioners to establish such a program, for which he'd written a draft resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The best approach would be to have the Board of County Commissioners recognize this authority and then pass a resolution enacting that," Wagner said. "The statute provides that each department and division office may spend monies from their operating funds for recognition awards, and that those awards may be given at a formal luncheon and banquet ceremony." Wagner said his resolutions allows each county department to determine their own standards for recognizing its employees. Burrows said he liked the idea, but he wanted to set limits on how much each department could spend on awards since they'd be funded with taxpayer money. Wagner said statute doesn't contemplate limits, so the commissioners could likely set them if they wanted. "I don't want to see another line item show up on our budgeting process," Burrows said. "...I think there just really needs to be some very specific parameters around how much money can be spent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners also passed on accepting a $50,000 quote to repair or remove a failed microwave link between Chelsea and Rogers State University. Dicus Benton, Catoosa's fire chief, said the commissioners should make a decision next week because Jon Sappington, undersheriff for the Rogers County Sheriff's Office, wasn't at the meeting. They also decided to reject the only bid the county received for a shipping container for the firing range the sheriff's office is building. The sheriff's office sent out five bids but got one back: a $7,300 quote from Technology International, based in Lake Mary, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeLozier said the bid was excessively expensive, and Burrows said he would rather source a shipping container from a local vendor. "Are we bound to have this shipped from Florida to here?" Burrows said. "Appreciate their bid, really don't want to discount that, but I know Catoosa has two [vendors] that just come to mind." Most of the items the commissioners approved Monday were purchases or contract agreements. The commissioners approved a $225,000 contract with Shuterra, a vegetation management company based in Kingfisher. Burrows said he's had problems with tall Johnson grass, a weed that grows along many county roads, and hiring Shuterra would make it cheaper for the county to manage it. He said it may take a few years to notice improvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeLozier said hiring Shuterra would "darn sure" save the county a lot of money because his crews are mowing along county roads five times a year. They also agreed to make their annual $100,000 contribution to the Rodeo Arena Interlocal Cooperative, a trust that manages the Will Rogers Stampede Arena. Burrows commended DeLozier for his work with the cooperative and the improvements the trust has made to the arena. The commissioners decided to spend what remains of the county's American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover operational expenses the county has incurred managing the funds. Wagner said Dec. 31 is the deadline to obligate ARPA funds, and putting them toward covering expenses makes sure each penny will be used. "We've spent this money very well and made sure that we used it in a lot of different areas," DeLozier said. "I think we were one of [the governmental entities] that I believe have done right." Dec. 21County school districts have been adapting to student privacy policy changes from the state government the last few months. Senate Bill 29, which went into effect Oct. 24, required school districts to give 72-hour notice to parents whenever a district monitored student email or browsing history. Districts had to send out notices for serious reasons, including students searching for inappropriate topics, lost or stolen computers or complying with law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, districts were also required to send out notices for more routine reasons, like exam proctoring or technical support. Parents were inundated with notices, over emails and otherwise. The policy changes were a prominent topic at Geneva Area City Schools Board of Education meetings for the last two months. Speaking at a November school board meeting, GACS Interim Superintendent David Riley said the district was sending notices to 2,004 email addresses daily. "Some families have requested that they can opt out of the situation," he said. "There's no opt out option, so unfortunately we [kept] sending those out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district heard from around 25 families by the November meeting, Riley said. DeWine signed Substitute House Bill 432 Dec. 10, which limited the requirements for the 72-hour notices. Riley said the changes relieved the district of unnecessary work. "It's now what it was intended to do," he said. "We're not having to do the 72-hour notifications as we did to families as much. It's very specific now to the privacy of students." Buckeye Local Schools Superintendent Patrick Colucci said district staff worked together to comply with the law, before it changed. "When it first came out, it was certainly a drastic measure," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colucci said the school district is back to an easier pace with the passage of HB 432. Grand Valley Local School District Superintendent Bill Nye said the initial policy changes were very demanding for the district. "If you monitored the kid, you had to call the parent everyday," he said. District staff keep an eye for buzzwords related to violent or other inappropriate topics. The law requires school districts to list every third-party vendor who deals with district children's information listed on the district's website by August 2025. Nye said the district is still working on its list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conneaut Area City Schools posted about SB 29 to its website Oct. 21, and sent that post to parents. CACS Superintendent Lori Riley said the district did not have to send the routine notices out because of its existing student privacy policies and the website post. "It was not as much of a challenge as I thought it was going to be as when I first read it," she said. Riley said she expects HB 432 to help districts without similar policies to Conneaut. Conneaut schools will still send out notices for more serious reasons. Like Conneaut, the Jefferson Area Local School District didn't have trouble, Superintendent John Montanaro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We already prior to the bill notified parents if an administrator accessed or needed to access a student's email or browsing history for disciplinary or safety reasons," he said. The district also has a list of third-party vendors available on its website. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota House Republicans could start the 2025 legislative session in the majority after a judge ruled Friday that a Democratic candidate didn't meet the residency requirements for his suburban district. Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro ruled that Curtis Johnson didnt live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months ahead of the election and is therefore ineligible to serve, Minnesota Public Radio reported. House Democrats said they would immediately appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Legislative leaders from both parties have been proceeding under the assumption that the House would be tied 67-67 when the Legislature convenes Jan. 14, and they've been working out a power-sharing agreement. If Johnson is ultimately barred from taking office, Republicans would have a 67-66 majority until a special election could be held in the Democratic-leaning district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pending court challenge in a different suburban district could also affect the balance of power in the House. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke, of Shakopee, was declared the winner by 14 votes over Republican Aaron Paul despite 20 missing ballots that were accepted but never counted and then apparently thrown away. At a hearing this week, his attorneys presented six of those affected voters who testified that they supported Tabke, which would be enough to preserve his win. A judge is expected to decide within the next few weeks how to proceed. Democrats have a one-vote majority in the state Senate. So regardless of the outcome in the disputed House races, Minnesota will be returning to some degree of divided government in 2025 after two years of full Democratic control. Minnesota will also be one of the few states with a divided legislature next year. Johnsons Republican challenger, Paul Wikstrom, sought the ruling after he and supporters gathered surveillance video and photos that aimed to show Johnson did not reside in the apartment he claimed as his residence. The credibility of Mr. Johnsons testimony about his physical presence in the apartment was significantly undermined by his demeanor, the photos and videos presented by the contestant and his own reluctance to commit to any more than minimal, vague amounts of time spent at the apartment, Castro wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a clear reminder that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable, House Republican leader Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, said in a statement. But current House Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, said Johnson had a convincing win by 7,503 votes and that it should stand. The court erred as a matter of law in not dismissing this case, Hortman said in a statement. Hortman also disputed comments that Demuth, the GOP nominee to be speaker, made on WCCO Radio on Friday when she said Republicans will have sole control of the House. Speaker-designate Demuth is wrong," Hortman said. "We expect to have a tied House when we start session on January 14. The case of Sara Sharif horrified the nation. An innocent young girl was murdered after being subjected to a life filled with misery and pain, following repeated failures by those servants of the state whose duty it was to protect her and who had every opportunity to do so. Perhaps the primary failure by the public servants in Saras case was that of the family court which awarded custody rights to Saras murderous father and stepmother, despite the fact that her mother did everything she could to make the situation clear. Similar circumstances very seldom result in similar rulings, and all those involved have very serious questions to answer. At the moment the judges concerned have been granted anonymity. This seems wholly unjustified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the only example of the creeping secrecy in our justice system, where it has no place. When an alleged Chinese covert operative close to the Duke of York was found by the relevant authorities to be a risk to national security, there was an attempt to keep his case secret. A Turkish crime boss, said to be one of Britains biggest drug dealers, was afforded the same protection. Medical professionals involved as witnesses in the horrifying Lucy Letby case were granted lifetime anonymity. The courts which administer the laws of the land must be open and transparent or we can have no assurance that they are wielding their grave powers in a proper manner. Justice, as she should, carries a sword: but she wears a blindfold, not a mask. 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. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) You are invited to a Sunday afternoon fun-filled holiday matinee at Sheriffs Candy Land. The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office is hosting its grand finale of the holiday season, Movies & Pajamas, on December 22, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Sheriffs Safety Town, 8910 Jewella Ave. Win dinner with an astronaut and tickets to a Shreveport Mardi Gras ball Children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and enjoy a family-friendly holiday movie and snacks. CPSO looks forward to bringing the community together and creating lasting memories during this final event of the Christmas holiday season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Crime Stoppers of El Paso and the El Paso Police Department are asking for your help in identifying three armed men who stole approximately $15,000 in disposable vape devices from a vape shop last week in Northeast El Paso. This is this weeks featured Crime of the Week, as publicized by Crime Stoppers. Security footage courtesy of Crime Stoppers of El Paso At roughly 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, three men wearing hoodies, facemasks and gloves walked into the Kenworthy Tobacco and Vape store at 10765 Kenworthy St. According to Crime Stoppers, two of the men approached the store employee and demanded his belongings. The third man began to place merchandise in a blue laundry bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime Stoppers said the two men who approached the store employee were holding knives, while the third man had a gun in his waistband. The men also took the store employees phone and broke it, Crime stoppers said. Crime Stoppers said the three men stole an estimated $15,000 in disposable vape devices and took money from the cash register. They did not specify how much money was taken from the register. The suspects then fled the scene eastbound on Kenworthy. All three suspects are described as Hispanic males in their early 20s. One of the men has a large build and the other two are described as thin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime Stoppers said the suspects may have left the scene in a dark-colored Dodge Charger. Anyone with information that could help identify these men should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or visit online at www.cselpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash reward. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why is there not a rating on this post? There's not enough verified evidence for us to definitively confirm or debunk this rumor. Contact us if you have credible information to share. We'll update this post as necessary. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk both opposed a spending bill that originally had bipartisan agreement behind it. After their vocal opposition, Republicans submitted a new, pared-down bill to the House of Representatives. The scaled-back bill cut a number of government initiatives, including spending provisions for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which supports pediatric cancer research. We do not know whether Musk directed Republicans to cut funding for children's cancer research, and he has denied having a hand in writing the bill. However, his support of the scaled-back bill was instrumental in scuttling the bipartisan spending bill. The new spending bill failed to pass a House vote, leading to concerns of an imminent government shutdown. In December 2024, House Republicans failed to pass a spending bill supported by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, leading to concerns of a government shutdown. The failed bill a stripped-down version of a bipartisan funding deal faced criticism from Democrats because of tech billionaire Elon Musk's supposed influence in cutting key portions of the original bill, particularly spending on children's cancer research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats posted a "before" and "after" image of the bill on X, writing: "Trump and Republicans just eliminated funding for child cancer research in their new bill." Other critics of Musk and Trump blamed the billionaire more directly for influencing the cuts. MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote on X, "The world's richest man took $190 million away from kids with cancer." (X user @chrislhayes) Musk, along with Trump, did influence the changes to the original spending bill presented to the House of Representatives, and supported cutting numerous sections of the bill. Musk also celebrated the new, slimmed-down bill after it was introduced to the House. We cannot state for certain that Musk advocated for removing funding for pediatric cancer research specifically, though he did support the cut. Yesterdays bill vs todays bill pic.twitter.com/L3Omn964mw Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 19, 2024 Were Pediatric Cancer Research Funds Cut from the Bill? In short, yes. The original bill, titled "Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025" was a bipartisan effort from House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, who spent weeks negotiating its contents with Democrats. It can be found here. Section 708 of the bill detailed funding for Gabriella Miller Kids First Research. (House.gov) Gabriella Miller was a 10-year-old girl who died from an inoperable brain tumor. An act in her name was signed into law by then-President Barack Obama in 2014, devoting $126 million over the next decade toward pediatric cancer research. Funding needed to be extended in 2024, and per a 2023 Senate report, the new bill would allocate around $190 million to cancer research until 2033. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump opposed the original spending bill on Dec. 18, Johnson presented a slimmed-down version to Congress the next day. That version, dubbed the "American Relief Act 2025" is 116 pages, compared with the 1,547 pages of the original bill a point Musk applauded on X and does not include the above section. A number of spending provisions were cut from the new bill, including any language about the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. In fact, the new bill had no mentions of funding for cancer treatments. Conservatives argued online that the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act was passed as a standalone bill by the Republican-controlled House earlier this year, but held up by the Democratic-controlled Senate. The House did pass a version of the bill in March, but the Senate had not voted on it. However, the language in the original spending bill would have reauthorized program funding for seven years. The pared-down bill removed that reauthorization entirely. It simply adopted the language of the March 2024 version of the bill to include in government funding for next year, which was agreed upon by Republicans and Democrats before being scuttled as a result of Trump's opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before the bill was slimmed down, Democrats including Rep. Jennifer Wexton and Sen. Tim Kaine applauded the inclusion of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 in the continuing resolution to fund the government, assuming that it would pass with bipartisan support. How Much Influence Did Musk Have? Musk had plenty of influence on the bill being cut down, though we cannot state for certain which areas he personally advocated cutting. Just before the bipartisan bill was presented to the House, Musk began posting his opposition to it on X, writing "Kill the Bill" and "Stop the steal of your tax dollars!" Soon after Musk shared his views on X and riled up Republicans who opposed the bill, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance rejected the measures, saying they contained too many concessions to Democrats and too much wasteful spending. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said he gave Musk permission to post his opposition to the original spending bill, after discussing it with the billionaire: "I told him that if he agrees with me, that he could put out a statement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to some Republicans, constituents were calling their offices to oppose the bill. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky said his phone was "ringing off the hook" and people were listening to Musk. Hours after the new bill failed to pass, Musk shared a post on X that criticized "lumping" cancer funding in with other unrelated areas. "Why was cancer funding lumped in with a bill that included a raise for Congress and funding for a stadium? Why is separate bills for separate issues such a radical idea?" the post stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (X user @elonmusk) Musk's repost may have been a response to Democrats who targeted him for purportedly pushing to cut funding to children's health, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York who said Musk received money from defense contracts so Republicans would never cut military funds. Many critics even referred to him as "President Musk" due to his visible influence over Trump. Theyre cutting healthcare to kids because Elon gets his money from Defense contracts so theyll never touch the military budget. https://t.co/l0McmIwEfZ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 19, 2024 Musk did celebrate the scuttling of the original bill, calling the new one "clean and simple." He denied authoring the new bill, giving credit to Trump, Vance, and Johnson. He also said the government should either pass "sensible" bills or shut down completely. First of all, Im not the author of this proposal. Credit to @realDonaldTrump, @JDVance & @SpeakerJohnson. Second, this is a MUCH better bill that is closer to being a real continuing resolution (not an omnibus masquerading as a CR), but with support for hurricane victims & https://t.co/AJTI6BTFdr Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 19, 2024 We thus have no evidence that Musk directed Republicans and Trump to cut funding from children's cancer research, but we do know that he supported the new bill and was instrumental in getting it slimmed down by posting his opposition online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the new slimmed-down bill also failed to pass on Dec. 19, 2024, with 38 Republicans opposing it. On Dec. 20, 2024, Republicans said they had a new funding bill they would try to put through the Rules Committee, but Democrats continued to push for the original bill. The original funding bill was necessary to keep the government functioning until mid-March 2025. Without it, the government faces a shutdown. On Dec. 21, 2024, after much tumult, Biden signed the heavily trimmed down version of the spending bill, thus averting a government shutdown. However, the dropped funding for cancer research was reintroduced as a separate bill and passed by the Senate by unanimous vote. The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act was renewed, extending $12.6 million in annual cancer research funding through 2031. Sources: "38 House Republicans Give Trump the Finger in Shutdown Vote." The Daily Beast, 19 Dec. 2024, https://www.thedailybeast.com/38-house-republicans-give-trump-the-finger-in-shutdown-vote/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. American Relief Act 2025. House.gov, 19 Dec. 2024, https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/American%20Relief%20Act%202025.pdf. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025. House.gov, 17 Dec. 2024, https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/CR.pdf. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. How Trump and Elon Musk Derailed Bipartisan Plans for a Funding Bill, Bringing on Risk of Shutdown - CBS News. 19 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-elon-musk-bipartisan-funding-bill-government-shutdown/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. H.R.3391 - Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0. Congress.gov, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3391/text. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Kim, Minho. "Dropped From Spending Bill, Cancer Research and D.C. Stadium Measures Revived by Senate." The New York Times, 21 Dec. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/us/politics/spending-pediatric-cancer-stadium.html. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lawmakers Pass Pediatric Cancer Bill Undoing A Bit Of The Damage They Did To The NIH." HuffPost, 3 Apr. 2014, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/science-funding-congress_n_5086361. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. S. 1624, Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 | Congressional Budget Office. 13 Sept. 2024, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60715. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Stein, Jeff, et al. 8 Policies Stripped from GOP Bill after Trump, Musk Rebellion. 20 Dec. 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/12/20/musk-trump-children-health-debt/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Stein, Sam. Elon Killed the Budget Deal. Cancer Research for Kids Was Collateral Damage. https://www.thebulwark.com/p/elon-musk-killed-budget-deal-children-cancer-funding-collateral-damage. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump Calls for Abolishing the Debt Ceiling." NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-calls-abolishing-debt-ceiling-rcna184820. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. "Wexton and Kaine Applaud Inclusion of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 in Government Funding Bill." U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton, 18 Dec. 2024, https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=972. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Yilek, Caitlin, et al. Hours before Government Shutdown Deadline, House Readies Vote on Latest GOP Plan - CBS News. 20 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-musk/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Updates: Dec. 30, 2024: The article was updated to reflect the latest news that the child cancer research spending was approved through a separate bill by the Senate. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) Cyprus stands ready to help eliminate Syrias remaining chemical weapons stockpiles and to support a search for people whose fate remains unknown after more than a decade of war, the top Cypriot diplomat said Saturday. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said Cyprus offer is grounded on its own past experience both with helping rid Syria of chemical weapons 11 years ago and its own ongoing, decades-old search for hundreds of people who disappeared amid fighting between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots in the 1960s and a 1974 Turkish invasion. Cyprus in 2013 hosted the support base of a mission jointly run by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to remove and dispose of Syria's chemical weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a neighboring country located just 65 miles from Syria, Cyprus has a vested interest in Syrias future. Developments there will directly impact Cyprus, particularly in terms of potential new migratory flows and the risks of terrorism and extremism, Kombos told The Associated Press in written replies to questions. Kombos said there are profound concerns among his counterparts across the region over Syrias future security, especially regarding a possible resurgence of extremist groups like Islamic State in a fragmented and polarized society. Other challenges include new migratory flows from the country as well as ensuring the safety and rights of women and minorities including Druze, Christians, Jews and Kurds, so that the rich mosaic of Syria is preserved. This is particularly critical in light of potential social and demographic engineering disguised as security arrangements, which could further destabilize the country, Kombos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The diplomat also pointed to the recent proliferation of narcotics production like the stimulant Captagon that is interconnected with smuggling networks involved in people and arms trafficking. Kombos said ongoing attacks against Syrias Kurds must stop immediately, given the role that Kurdish forces have played in combating extremist forces like the IS group in the past decade. A Syrian-led process transitioning the country to an inclusive democracy should integrate the Kurds legitimate asks while safeguarding the countrys unity and territorial integrity. Saleh Muslim, a member of the Kurdish Presidential Council, said in an interview that the Kurds primarily seek equality enshrined in rights accorded to all in any democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said a future form of governance could accord autonomy to the Kurds under some kind of federal structure. But the important thing is to have democratic rights for all the Syrians and including the Kurdish people, he said. Muslim warned that the Kurdish-majority city of Kobani, near Syrias border with Turkey, is in very big danger of falling into the hands of Turkish-backed forces, and accused Turkey of trying to occupy it. Kombos said the international community needs to ensure that the influence Turkey is trying to exert in Syria is not going to create an even worse situation than there already is. Whatever the future landscape in Syria, it will have a direct and far-reaching impact on the region, the European Union and the broader international community, Kombos said. A 10-year-old crossing guard was struck by a delivery vehicle during school dismissal in Davenport this afternoon, according to a news release from the Davenport Police Department. The release said Davenport Police responded to Garfield Elementary School on Friday, December 20 at about 1:10 p.m. for a report of a child struck by a vehicle with no reported injuries. Officers learned that a delivery driver was making a delivery to the school and parked on East 29th Street, partially in the crosswalk. During school dismissal, a 10-year-old girl who was a crossing guard was helping students cross the street when the delivery driver accelerated from a parked state and made contact with the child at a low speed. No injuries were reported at the scene. The driver, a 58-year-old man, was located by a School Resource Officer and issued citations for Stopping, Standing, Parking; Leaving the Scene of an Accident; and Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are mourning the sudden death of one of its K-9 officers. On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said K-9 Jerry passed away. Rest easy, our protector: Calvert County Sheriffs Office mourning K-9s passing He had been serving on the force since 2017 with his handler as a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics canine. (Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) (Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) Officer Jerrys service and impact wont be forgotten, MPD stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry completed 187 deployments. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The two Yankton Police officers that shot Andrew Jondahl on Dec. 5 were justified in their response, the state attorney generals office said Friday. This individual refused officer commands and held two firearms in the direction of the officers, said Attorney General Marty Jackley in a news release. There was a clear and present danger to law enforcement on scene and to the public, justifying and requiring their actions. Jondahl, 40, was injured outside the Yankton High School from officer-fired gunshots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGee fire: 50% contained The Division of Criminal Investigation report outlines the incident. Jondahl was allegedly sitting inside his pickup truck in the parking lot. He had been escorted out of a high school wrestling event and appeared intoxicated. Jondahl was making threats of self-harm and held a long gun in his lap. When law enforcement arrived, Jondahl refused officer commands twice to place his hands outside the truck window. When he finally exited the vehicle, he was holding two shotguns in his hands and was facing the officers in a manner where he could have fired upon the officers. The two officers fired 14 .223-caliber rounds at Jondahl, who received four non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. No one else was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jondahl tested positive for alcohol with a blood alcohol content level of .152 percent. The two officers tested negative for alcohol and drugs. 2 Huron teens sentenced to 25 years for murder Officers recovered two shotguns, both with live shells in the magazine tubes, and one weapon had a live shell in the chamber. Also discovered in the truck were two napkins with handwriting on them including one statement that said, I will kill them until they kill me. Jondahl has not yet been arrested. Two charges of aggravated assault against law enforcement (class 2 felonies) and one charge of possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated (class 1 misdemeanor) are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the fifth officer-involved shooting in South Dakota in 2024. DCIs summary of the investigation can be found here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. You are dead! That is what Social Security Administration told one Central Florida woman after taking away her benefits this year. Its just the latest story EFYVs 9 Investigates Team has been looking into for more than a year. Dorothy Huppert and her husband had been married for 46 years. Read: House approves funding bill and sends to Senate hours before government shutdown deadline On June 28th, he died and a couple of days later she noticed that most of her money in her bank account was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank told her it was because the Social Security Administration took out some of those funds, but she didnt really know why. Then she got a letter from her health insurance company, that made it clear, someone thought she was dead. Read: Mega Millions Jackpot climbs to a staggering $862 million Dorothy Huppert told Eyewitness News, It was dated September the 22nd and it says to the estate of Dorothy J. Huppert. We are sorry to learn about Dorothy Hupperts death and offer our condolences. She believes it was the Social Security Administration who told the insurance company. A letter from the agency then followed, showing her Social Security benefits were canceled - leaving her with $230 in her checking account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cancelation of her health insurance followed. Read: At least 2 dead and 60 injured after a car drove into a German Christmas market, official says So, she spent months trying to get it sorted out and finally spoke to someone on the phone. He told me to calm down and he would explain to me why I wasnt getting benefits and that my husband died June 28, and I died on June 30 and that Im entitled to his benefits, but I cant continue to get his checks once Im dead and I said, you idiot, Im not dead., Huppert said. This just another story of what millions of Americans are dealing with at the SSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For months, 9 Investigates has been looking into the issues at the SSA, from overpayments to underpayments, denials, and the issue of getting anyone to answer the phone at the government agency. The SSA has been working this year to fix the issues, but we are still finding people who are still fighting with the government agency for money they said they are owed. Huppert just got her issue sorted out, but asked us still to tell her story, and said people need to know that more work at the government agency needs to be done. This to me was cruel. I thought it was terribly cruel. And I just wanted the people to know about this, that it really did happen, Huppert added. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The deadline to obtain a Real ID for Massachusetts residents is just now over 5 months away. With the deadline approaching, the Massachusetts RMV is urging residents to apply for a REAL ID sooner rather than later, to avoid potential delays. By May 7th of next year, those 18 years of age and older planning to board a flight in the US or enter certain federal facilities will need a Real ID. A Real ID is a drivers license or ID that has a star in the upper right-hand corner. Appointments to upgrade to Real ID are available now. To prepare for an in-person vist at the RMV to get a Real ID you will need to get the right documents together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You will need to show proof of your legal name, Social Security number, Massachusetts residency, and two forms of your address. In Massachusetts, the fee for a Real ID drivers license or ID is $50 dollars, and the fee for upgrading to a Real ID card is $25 dollars. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. This headstone commemorates Civil War veteran George Washington, who is buried in the Clinton Cemetery, 20 miles southwest of Lawrence. (Frank Barthell) Hidden stories in plain sight This two-week series delves into the history and legacy of the Kansas-Missouri border war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first part of this series, I credited small county historical museums for at times being as valuable as larger destination museums in telling compelling stories. This tale of George Washington is one example. Text from an exhibit at the Wakarusa Valley Heritage Museum, Bloomington, Kansas: George Washington was born into the institution of slavery in Virginia in 1840. He was later given as a wedding gift to a new family by his slave master and migrated with them by wagon and steamboat to Platte County, Missouri. He remained enslaved on the Miller hemp and corn plantation and was owned by Jesse Miller. In early 1862, Washington escaped enslavement in Parkville, Missouri and crossed the frozen Missouri River at night. Hiding in caves along the riverbank he made his way to the riverfront abolitionist town of Quindaro where he joined Union forces. Controversial Abolitionist Senator James H. Lane was at this location recruiting among free blacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In papers housed at the museum, Washingtons great grandson, James Johnson, wrote extensively about his ancestor. Five-hundred men were recruited from Wyandotte and Quindaro, Ks. and placed in camp, Johnson wrote. Only days before they had been fugitive slaves, property like horses and pigs. Now they wore pantaloons imported from France and marched in step. The men exhibited enormous pride when in uniform under discipline and impressed everyone with their fine appearance and superb precision on the drill field. George Washington was one of those first recruits. They were destined to become the first black men in the Civil War. They were the first to serve along whites. And they were the first to die. He continued: On the 28th October, 1862, a command from now Col. Williams recruits were moved and camped near Butler, Mo. This command about two-hundred and twenty-five men ( were) attacked by a rebel force of about five hundred. After a severe engagement the confederates were defeated with considerable loss. Ten 1st Kansans died in the fighting, with 12 wounded. Text from a Bates County Historical Museum poster, Butler, Missouri: The Devils Fought Like Tigers said Capital Bill Turman, Confederate guerilla of Bates County, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Text from an exhibit at the Wakarusa Valley Heritage Museum, Bloomington, Kansas: After leaving service, Washington purchased farm property in Bloomington, Kansas and in 1868, married his neighbor Arminda Simpson. Here they raised a family of seven children. The Washington family was socially active in the Bloomington community. He organized the Emancipation Day celebration on August 1st of each year where he spoke eloquently of his participation in the Civil War and the heroism of his brothers. George Washington passed away on December 26, 1931 and is buried in the family plot in the Clinton Cemetery. Johnson continued his account: On September 30, 1993, an important event in my life took place. I traveled to Platte City, Mo. to meet a relative of my great-grand fathers slave owner. His name is Gordon Miller, an insurance executive. The first meeting was arranged by local historian/genealogist Shirley Kimsey. It was an emotional experience for the both of us and a tremendous amount of storytelling took place. After hours of conversation, we became good friends. The next week, Gordon and his brother Robert took me to the site where my great grandfather was a slave, Johnson wrote. We toured the family cemetery where Jesse Miller, his wife Margaret Jones/Miller and others in their clan were buried. Over the years, my aforementioned colleagues and I will continue to do a tremendous amount of research and lecturing on this era of mid-west American history. The Battle of Island Mound was sculpted by Joel Randall. (Frank Barthell) In the summer of 2022, I visited the Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site. Its more of a hiking trail than a battle site. Still, there were cutouts with markers indicating precisely what happened on that spot. That helped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I drove to the town of Butler, eight miles east. What I spotted on the courthouse lawn was simply a statue of a Civil War warrior holding a rifle, waist high. A Confederate. Typical, I recall saying to myself. As I moved closer, I was awestruck. It was a bronze nearly life-sized statue of a 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer. The Battle of Island Mound statue was dedicated in 2008, created by sculptor Joel Randall. Even after 146 years, a Missouri community saw a need to recognize a neglected act of heroism. The solider, I believe, doesnt merely represent Washington or even the volunteers. He stands guard for 179,000 Black men who served the Union cause during the Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I finished research for this series thinking about legacies. The Butler statue is a stunning piece of art meant to highlight the legacies of Black soldiers in the Civil War courage, commitment, sacrifice and faith in the promise of the U.S. Constitution. It will be appreciated for decades on the courthouse lawn. What other legacies from this deadly border war on Missouri and Kansas soil are being passed down to the next generation? For me, thats not an academic question. In my tour, Ive found the answers to this question are key to understanding much of todays political controversies. 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. Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The death toll rose to five Saturday, including a 9-year-old, with 200 injured and could rise higher from Friday's evening's Christmas market car attack in Magdeburg, Germany. Among the dead is a toddler after a man identified as a 50-year-old from Saudi Arabia who has lived in Germany since 2006 drove his car into a group of people at about 7 p.m. local time, authorities said. On Friday, the death toll was reported at two. "What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told media. "Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz and German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser traveled to Magdeburg to attend a memorial service at the city's cathedral Saturday evening. German media have identified the suspect as Taleb A. and withheld his last name as required by Germany's privacy laws. He is in custody. A crime scene investigator arrives at the scene after a man killed five and injured 200 by driving a car into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening. Photo by Filip Singer/EPA-EFE The suspect is a doctor who specializes in psychiatry and psychotherapy and renounced his Muslim faith years ago, NPR reported. The suspect criticized Islam and congratulated those who left the religion's social media posts. He also criticized German authorities for not doing more to stop what he called the "Islamism of Europe" and has helped Saudi women leave the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR described him as a supporter of the "far-right and anti-immigrant" Alternative for Germany political party. German police continue investigating the attack and so far say the suspect acted alone. Magdeburg has about 240,000 residents and is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, which is west of Berlin. A Christmas market is a local gathering place where Germans can celebrate the annual holiday. "There is no more peaceful, more joyous place in Germany than Christmas markets when people come together ahead of the Christmas festival and spend some time together, drink mulled wine, have a sausage together to relax together," Scholz told media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Germans to stay united and promised the perpetrator would be punished. Scholz said investigators are working to determine the motive for the attack and will punish the suspect with the "full weight of the law." Germany has experienced several other attacks in recent years, including a knife attack earlier this year that killed three and wounded eight during a festival celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the city of Solingen in August. An Islamic terrorist similarly drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin eight years ago, which killed 13 and injured many more. That man was killed in a shootout in Italy several days after that attack. By Thomas Escritt and Rachel More MAGDEBURG, Germany (Reuters) -Authorities investigated a Saudi doctor with a history of anti-Islam rhetoric as the suspected driver in a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg that killed five people and injured scores. The Friday evening attack on crowds gathered to celebrate the Christmas season could sharpen a fierce debate in Germany over security and immigration ahead of a national election in February, with opinion polls suggesting the far right will perform strongly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said on Saturday the motive was not clear. However, the Magdeburg prosecutor, Horst Nopens, said one possible factor could be what he called the suspect's frustration with Germany's handling of Saudi refugees. The suspect, a 50-year-old psychiatrist who has lived in Germany for almost two decades, was arrested at the scene following the three-minute attack in the central city that shocked the country. Police did not name the suspect, identified by German media only as Taleb A. The driver used emergency exit points to slowly navigate the vehicle towards the market, before picking up speed and ploughing into the crowd, a city police official told reporters. Those killed were a nine-year-old child and four adults, Magdeburg city official Ronni Krug said, adding that some 41 of the injured had either serious or critical injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know about you, but I associate the Christmas market with mulled wine and bratwurst, and yesterday people died in this area. Others are fighting for their lives," Krug said. Authorities closed the market for the remainder of the season. "What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people with such brutality," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a visit to the city, where he laid a white rose at a church. ONLINE POSTS Posts on the suspect's X account, verified by Reuters, suggested he supported anti-Islam and far-right parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and had criticised Germany for its handling of Saudi refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the suspect's Islamophobia was clear to see, but she declined to comment on the motive. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and current favourite to succeed Scholz as chancellor, cautioned against drawing hasty conclusions. "Yesterday's horrific act in Magdeburg does not fit the familiar pattern," he said. Taleb A. appeared in a number of media interviews in 2019, including with German newspaper FAZ and the BBC, in which he spoke of his work as an activist helping Saudi Arabians and people who had turned away from Islam to flee to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no good Islam," he told FAZ at the time. A Saudi source told Reuters that Saudi Arabia had warned German authorities about the suspect after he posted extremist views on his X account that threatened peace and security. A German security source said Saudi authorities had sent several tips in 2023 and 2024 and that these had been passed on to the relevant security authorities. A risk assessment conducted last year by German state and federal criminal investigators came to the conclusion that the man posed "no specific danger", the Welt newspaper reported, citing security sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence agencies both declined to comment on the investigation. The state and federal criminal investigation offices did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. 'CHILDREN SCREAMING' Andrea Reis was at the market on Friday and returned on Saturday with her daughter Julia to lay a candle by the church overlooking the site, and said she had narrowly escaped being in the path of the car. Tears ran down her face as she described the scene. "Children screaming, crying for mama. You can't forget that," she said. Scholz's Social Democrats are trailing both the far-right AfD and the frontrunner conservative opposition in opinion polls before snap elections set for Feb. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AfD, which enjoys particularly strong support in the former East, has led calls for a crackdown on immigration. Its chancellor candidate, Alice Weidel, and co-leader Tino Chrupalla issued a statement condemning the attack. (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin and Pesha Magid in RiyadhEditing by Alexandra Hudson, Hugh Lawson and Frances Kerry) The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska demonstrates her unsurpassed style at every official event. The public figure successfully combines restraint and modern trends that do not leave her outfts unnoticed. ADVERTISIMENT The wife of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not afraid to experiment with colors or styles and keeps up with the trends of the fashion industry. OBOZ.UA decided to collect the most stylish looks of the first lady that she showed in December. At the European summit of the International School Meals Coalition, Olena Zelenska appeared in a stylish monochrome look. She opted for a business suit in a trendy eggplant shade, which she paired with an abstract print scarf. The First Lady complemented her look with chunky gold earrings and nude makeup. For the interview with the journalist of Libelle, the largest women's magazine in the Netherlands, the public figure chose an elegant outfit that combined contrasting colors. Zelenska wore a beige suit with a coffee-colored shirt. An interesting element was a satin eggplant scarf, which, despite standing out from the main color scheme, added zest to the outfit. ADVERTISIMENT During a business meeting at the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the public figure appeared in front of representatives of foreign countries in a more striking look. Olena Zelenska chose a classic sky-blue jacket, which she combined with a white shirt. She complemented the outfit with a symbolic brooch in the shape of a map of Ukraine. In a rather atypical outfit for her, the First Lady met with the youngest wards of the Vidchui (Feel) public organization, which provides assistance and helps people with hearing impairments adapt in society. Zelenska showed up in dark, oversized jeans and a bright red sweater. At a meeting with members of the NGO Berehyni z Irpenia, which specializes in weaving camouflage nets for defenders, the First Lady demonstrated that a grey look does not have to be boring. The First Lady combined dark oversized jeans with a voluminous sweater and a white shirt. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The U.S. Department of Transportation has decided to stick with SkyWest Airlines to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) to the Decatur Airport. SkyWest Airlines jet service, operating as United Express, has agreed to a four-year term beginning Dec. 21, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2028, the Decatur Park District announced in a release Friday morning. SkyWest has provided jet service from the Decatur Airport to Chicago OHare since 2020. New garbage rates in Decatur beginning in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jet service will continue to offer Decatur passengers 12 round trips weekly to OHare Airport in Chicago. The partnership between SkyWest and United Airlines gives Decatur passengers access to Uniteds route network courtesy of its OHare hub. For booking inquiries, visit united.com. Additionally, for more information about Decatur airport, contact Decatur Airport Director, Tim Wright, at twright@decparks.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee accused Elon Musk of tanking a bipartisan spending bill because it included a provision that could limit his businesses ability to operate in China. In a Friday letter to congressional leaders, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) claimed Musk derailed the deal that would have avoided a government shutdown in order to protect his wallet and the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of American workers, innovators and businesses. The spending agreement released Tuesday included a bipartisan provision to limit and screen U.S. investments in China, among dozens of other proposals attached to the 1,500-page bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the CEO and largest stockholder in Tesla, Musk has extensive business connections to China. The company operates a major manufacturing plant in Shanghai and has sought to build deeper connections with Chinese companies. DeLauro cited Teslas operations in China as a reason for Musk to derail a bill containing limits on investments in the country, and she cited potential issues with technologies such as self-driving cars and long-lasting batteries being made in China. It is extremely alarming that House Republican leadership, at the urging of an unelected billionaire, scrapped a bipartisan, bicameral negotiated funding deal that included this critical provision to protect American jobs and critical capabilities, DeLauro wrote. This is particularly concerning given Elon Musks extensive investments in China in key sectors and his personal ties with Chinese Communist Party leadership, and calls into question the real reason for Musks opposition to the original funding deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, who endorsed President-elect Trump and poured millions of his own money into a pro-Trump super PAC, is also the co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory panel focused on cutting federal spending and the size of the government. In a torrent of posts on X, the social media platform he owns, Musk tore into the bipartisan spending deal for including hundreds of billions of dollars in spending beyond what is necessary to keep the government open past Friday. While Musk cited many issues with the bill its cost, length and inclusion of a lawmaker pay raise chief among them he did not appear to mention restrictions on investments in China. America is headed for disaster, with no money for anything, unless the government overspending is addressed, Musk wrote Thursday on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democrats on Friday hit a major milestone, confirming more judges under President Joe Biden than Republicans did in President-elect Donald Trumps first term. It deprives Trump of putting a bigger conservative stamp on the judiciary and Democrats will have leverage to continue fighting next year. Senate Democrats, despite a narrow majority, have approved 235 of Bidens judicial picks, eclipsing the 234 judicial nominations Trump got through in his first term. Biden has now appointed a range of judges amounting to about a fourth of the overall federal judiciary. In a move that could further dent Trumps judicial impact even with a GOP Senate majority, Democrats are poised to put pressure on Republicans to maintain a practice that requires sign-off from a states two senators for lower-level spots on the federal bench. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top Judiciary Committee Democrats who vet judicial nominations, like outgoing Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois, declined to drop the blue slip tradition over the past two years, despite pressure from the party and are now urging Republicans to do the same. Asked if he intends to maintain the practice, incoming Senate Judiciary Chair Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) responded simply: Yes. Thats a boon for Democrats. Because of population size, there are more judicial slots in larger blue states like California, New York and Illinois ones that will require two Democratic sign-offs for the Trump administration to fill. Plus, a deal that would have expanded the number of federal judgeships and given Republicans slots to fill is on the verge of getting a Biden veto. There are way more district judges in Democratic states than there are in Republican states, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. For us to let the district court blue slip go would create a real structural problem over the long haul, so Chairman Durbin did absolutely the right thing to hold that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats hope filling district court slots with less conservative picks will provide a first line of defense against Trump administration policies as the party braces for the incoming president and other Republicans to enact a multitude of new policies, via executive orders and otherwise. Court decisions could have critical implications for abortion rights, student loan forgiveness, climate change and more. While cases can rise up to appeal courts and beyond, district courts tend to have the first say on challenges to federal policies. "Judges matter. They shape the everyday lives of Americans, preserving our freedoms and defending our liberties," Biden said in a statement after the judge's official Senate confirmation. "They hear cases and issue rulings on whether Americans can cast their ballots, whether workers can unionize and make a living wage for their families, and whether children can breathe clean air and drink clean water." Even Republicans begrudgingly acknowledge Durbin has run an efficient and aggressive operation in filling vacancies over the last four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Durbin has sadly been very effective. Hes been very good. I wish he hadnt been, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, said in an interview. Hes run the committee really, really efficiently. Democrats largely cleared the decks: There are just 36 current federal court vacancies and 11 future ones as judges announce planned retirements. By comparison, Trump began his first term in 2017 with an astounding 112 vacancies and 15 future ones. Biden started his term with 49 current vacancies and five future ones to consider for the federal bench. Trump may, of course, have the most consequential last laugh at the Supreme Court. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito both in their 70s are on the retirement watch list. Nominating replacements for either or both of those conservative justices would offer Trump the chance to further cement a decades-long conservative mark on the court. And they're not the only justices on the retirement watch list; progressive groups launched an unsuccessful pressure campaign following Trumps win for liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor to step aside, wary the 70-year-old could create another opening for Trump to tilt the court further rightward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He already got to fill three vacancies during his first term, meaning about half the court would be his appointees if either or both justices retire. Plus there are other large states that see a lot of openings, like Texas and Florida, where Trump will have two GOP senators to sign off on his preferred picks. I cant wait for President Trump to nominate some more judges to me that was one of his great legacies, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee. Trump could have come in with a slate of additional judicial openings to fill under a bipartisan deal struck this term, but it now looks unlikely. The Senate earlier this year unanimously approved a bill to add 66 district court judgeships over the next three presidential terms, with advocates saying they wanted to clear it before the 2024 election so neither Republicans nor Democrats would know which party stood to immediately gain from it. But House Republicans waited until after the election to pass it, and Biden has indicated he plans to veto it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But another deal on judges did make it through Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer struck an agreement with Republicans to let four appeals court slots stay open until next year in exchange for GOP senators allowing quick consideration for a dozen district court judges. Democrats have said they didnt have the support for those confirmations anyway. And one of those appeals court jurists later backed out of his stated intention to retire, prompting anger from Republicans. Despite that, half a dozen GOP senators told POLITICO they came out on top of that agreement. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), a Judiciary member whos close to Trump, called it a good deal. Senate Democrats are no stranger to criticism for how theyve handled judicial openings, but Durbin noted they managed to break Trumps record despite a narrow number advantage in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years, weve had a tied Senate and a tied committee, [and] we reported out almost 100 judges, Durbin said. Pretty good, huh? You can't say yes, but I'll say it for you: Pretty damn good. Republicans insist theyre raring to go at confirming more of Trumps judicial picks and theyll take cues from Durbin as they aim to leave no slot unfilled. All I can say is: I hope Republicans will look at what hes done in these last four years, Hawley said. DENVER (KDVR) The Denver International Airport is expected to be busy all weekend with the holidays just around the corner. On Saturday, according to FlightAware, 467 flights in and out of DIA were delayed and 12 canceled. DIA holiday travel guide: Busy airport times and security changes to know about About half of the cancelations and delays will impact travelers who are heading out of DIA. If you have a flight this weekend, you can check with your airline or put your flight information on FlightAware for details about your flights schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Sunday, only five flights out of DIA are delayed, both on Southwest. The delays and cancelations at DIA are significant, but not as bad as some other airports across the country. Where to find the holiday pop-up bar at Denver International Airport According to the FlightAware MiseryMap, DIA has the 8th most flights impacted by cancelations and delays of all airports in the U.S. What to know if traveling at DIA ahead of the holidays FOX31s Gabby Easterwood was at the airport Saturday morning. There were a lot of people in security lines, however the lines were moving fairly quickly. The longest wait time at security Saturday morning was about 48 minutes during peak traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at DIA said that the busiest hours of the day will be 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the highest volume of passengers going through security daily from 6 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The airport advises travelers going through security during those times to arrive extra early. Denver International Airports pinwheel runway shape explained Once through security, travelers may find bits of holiday cheer around the airport. The airports CATS team of therapy animals will be around bringing smiles to travelers, and there may even be carolers or Christmas characters around the concourses. There is also a holiday pop-up bar located in Concourse B with festive drinks and a seasonal food menu. If you have not been to the airport recently, there are some changes to know about including a new security checkpoint, new security procedures and updated technology and another security checkpoint that is closed. See FOX31s full guide to holiday travel at DIA for more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Jena Griswold, Colorado secretary of state, announces an investigation into voter fraud in Mesa County during a press conference at her Denver office on Oct. 24, 2024. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline) No criminal charges will be filed in connection with the inadvertent leak of voting systems passwords by a Colorado secretary of states office employee, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann announced Friday. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold disclosed in late October that a document posted to her offices website included a hidden but accessible worksheet containing Basic Input Output System or BIOS passwords to election equipment in counties throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, McCanns office formally launched an investigation into whether the BIOS passwords were knowingly published on the website and if there was any official misconduct on the part of any (Colorado Department of State) employee, according to a 26-page report released Friday afternoon. After an extensive investigation by prosecutors and investigators in my office, we have concluded that there were no criminal violations of the law regarding the publication of the voting machine passwords, McCann said in a statement. Based on everything we have learned, the passwords were published in error and not knowingly, as required to prove a violation of C.R.S. 1-13-708(2), or knowingly, arbitrarily or capriciously, as required to prove a violation of CRS 18-8-405(1). There is no indication that the passwords were published in an effort to influence the outcome of an election, McCann added. State officials, independent cybersecurity experts and county clerks from both parties have expressed confidence that Colorados 2024 election remained secure. Anyone in possession of the BIOS passwords who wished to tamper with elections systems, the Colorado County Clerks Association said, would still require physical access to the voting equipment, something strictly controlled by each county clerk and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by video surveillance. All affected equipment underwent password updates, and state employees verified that no settings on any of the equipment had been altered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spreadsheet containing the BIOS passwords was published in June by an employee in Griswolds office, and the employee subsequently left their position amicably before state officials discovered the passwords were exposed in October. A third-party law firm hired by Griswolds office to investigate the leak concluded that it was the result of a series of inadvertent and unforeseen events, though state policies related to information security were violated. The investigative report released by McCanns office reached similar conclusions about the unnamed staffer, who is referred to as Employee 5. No other department employees interviewed by investigators had any reason to think Employee 5 knew the hidden tabs were in the worksheet or had any ideological motivation to attempt to subvert the integrity of the election process, the report says. The Colorado Legislatures Legislative Audit Committee declined earlier this month to launch its own investigation into the breach. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DES MOINES, Iowa A Des Moines home on the southeast side was significantly damaged after a fire broke out Friday morning. At around 9:40 a.m. the Des Moines Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the 400 block of East Granger Avenue. When firefighters arrived at the scene they found heavy smoke coming from the home. According to the fire department, no one was home when firefighters arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant fire damage was found throughout the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Metro News: Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com A 53-year-old registered sex offender from Des Moines, Washington, was sentenced to ten years in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman announced Friday. Edward James Creed was under Washington State Department of Corrections supervision when authorities discovered unapproved electronic devices and child sexual abuse images on his phone. U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson emphasized the impact of such crimes, stating, Creating a market for this material perpetuates the horrific abuse of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MyNorthwest News: Mayor nominates Shon Barnes as the next Seattle Police Chief Creed had previously served over ten years for a 2008 conviction for raping a child in Kitsap County. Released in 2017, he was briefly returned to custody in 2019. In March 2024, a review of his phone by community corrections officers revealed seventy images of child sexual abuse. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional unapproved electronic devices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecelia Gregson, advocating for the ten-year sentence, highlighted Creeds ongoing risk to minors, noting his completion of a sexual deviancy treatment program and subsequent offenses. It is exceedingly troubling that Creed, after two relatively short periods in the community, was caught seeking out or obtaining child sexual abuse material and unlawfully accessing the internet, Gregson wrote. Legal news: Uber takes the City of Seattle to court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Evanson also imposed 15 years of supervised release following Creeds prison term. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Washington State Department of Corrections and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecelia Gregson. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. When Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorsed Ron DeSantis in his ultimately fruitless bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump accused the Florida governor of buying the endorsement. Trump questioned whether DeSantis had committed a major Campaign Finance Violation by paying for Bob Vander Plaats useless endorsement. He separately wrote: I dont believe anything Bob Vander Plaats says. Anyone who would take $95,000, and then endorse a Candidate who is going nowhere, is not what Elections are all about! Several groups linked to DeSantis did in fact donate $95,000 to Vander Plaats nonprofit, the Family Leader Foundation, according to Reuters. New tax records obtained by Rolling Stone show that the Florida governors backers also funneled $500,000 into a related advocacy group also helmed by Vander Plaats, the Family Leader Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump first accused Vander Plaats of trading his endorsement for cash, the evangelical leader responded with indignation, telling The Blaze: When you come out against me, and by extension the Family Leader, and saying that were pay for play, were bought and paid for, and this is how we do business, thats just beyond the pale. The public, at the time, didnt know the half of it or about most of the cash that Vander Plaats organizations had received from DeSantis world. The $500,000 came from Building Americas Future, a dark money group led by the Florida governors allies. According to The Washington Post, Building Americas Future was founded by DeSantis first presidential campaign manager, Generra Peck, and Phil Cox, who was a senior advisor with DeSantis primary Super PAC Never Back Down. The $500,000 donation was more money than the Family Leader Inc. reported raising in either of its two most recent annual tax returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records obtained by Rolling Stone also show that Building Americas Future helped fund another group that delivered cash to the Vander Plaats network. Building Americas Future donated $3.3 million to another pro-DeSantis group called And to the Republic, which paid $20,000 for a table at the Family Leaders Family Leadership Conference held in July 2023. The Family Leader has been proven consistently to be above and beyond reproach, Drew Zahn, the organizations communications director, says in a statement. The Family Leader does not make endorsements in the presidential primaries. Bob Vander Plaats endorsements are personal alone, separate and independent of the Family Leader. Furthermore, neither the Family Leader nor any of its leadership or team members have ever received a contribution for the endorsement of any candidate. He adds, As a Christian ministry, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and utmost integrity, including all finances, in pursuit of our mission. This is evidenced by clean annual audits and a 100 percent rating by Charity Navigator. Vander Plaats, an evangelical powerhouse did not endorse Trump in 2016 or 2020, but his backing has long been coveted by GOP hopefuls seeking a strong showing in the Iowa caucuses, which kick off the Republican nominating contests. Before Trump completely took over the GOP, Vander Plaats successfully backed three Republican Iowa caucus winners in a row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Vander Plaats has openly criticized Trump as morally unfit to hold office. Ive never endorsed him, but he proved he was not worthy of the endorsement, he said in November. DeSantis, of course, finished a distant second in the Iowa caucuses, and dropped out before the New Hampshire primary. But even as DeSantis campaign floundered, Vander Plaats attempted to sell the idea that DeSantis winning Iowa could be a positive thing for Trump. By Iowans choosing DeSantis on Caucus night, Jan. 15, we will launch a candidate who can win, not just the primary, but the presidency as well. And when he wins, we will launch a proven leader who has a record of confronting the bureaucracy and defeating its elitist agenda, he wrote in January, just weeks before DeSantis would suspend his campaign. Vander Plaats continued: If you believe that the system is being weaponized against Trump and many of us, then a DeSantis presidency is the former presidents and our best line of defense. A DeSantis presidency ensures justice for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public has no way of knowing who funded Building Americas Future or its support for DeSantis, though according to The Wall Street Journal, billionaire Elon Musk was a major donor to the group during the 2022 election cycle. Peck and Cox, the same consultants who helped spearhead DeSantis 2024 effort, went on to guide a Musk-led Super PAC that spent over $150 million to aid Trumps presidential campaign. Building Americas Future went on to boost Trump as well, with messaging campaigns that also sought to play off religion for political benefit simultaneously touting Harris support for Israel to Muslim voters in Michigan, while telling Jews in Pennsylvania she wanted to cut off arms shipments to Israel. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. CLINTON, Utah (ABC4) Clinton Police have released new details on a fatal Thanksgiving-day shooting that left two people dead. At around 1 a.m. on Nov. 28, police responded to reports of gunshots at a residence in the area of 2600 West 2250 North. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found two men with gunshot wounds. One victim identified as Keith Miller, 40 was taken by medical helicopter to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The other victim identified as Jacob Pluim, 35 was pronounced dead on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL STORY: Two men killed in early hours of Thanksgiving morning in Clinton While the investigation is still active, police said on the evening of Nov. 27, Miller arrived at the residence as an invited guest. Later that night, Pluim returned home to the residence, and as the gathering concluded, a press release from Clinton Police states, Miller tried to leave. At this point, Pluim reportedly confronted Miller and shot him multiple times, resulting in Millers death. After the shooting, another man, who police said had not been involved until that point, armed himself with the intent to protect himself and others inside the home, the release states. The man attempted to talk with Pluim, police said, and due to Mr. Pluims actions during this interaction, the man ended up shooting Pluim, resulting in Pluims death. Multiple witnesses inside the residence saw these events take place, according to Clinton Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence and statements gathered during the investigation corroborate the sequence of events described above, the release states. There has been no prior police activity associated with the residence. The investigation has confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Davis County Attorneys Office reviewed this case and declined to file criminal charges against the third male involved in the incident. This mans identity will not be released at this time. The Clinton City Police Department and the City of Clinton extend their sincere condolences to the families and individuals affected by this tragic incident. We also appreciate the communitys support and understanding during these very difficult times. No further information is currently available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. I dont personally know the heart of outgoing Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. But it would not be a stretch to argue whether the former Polk County Sheriff actually believes in the concept of law and order that he and his Republican allies around this state pretend to support. I even question if Parson values the lives of Black men like myself. How else to explain the commuted sentence Parson granted to former police detective Eric DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City police officer convicted of killing an unarmed Black man? Its not hyperbole to label DeValkenaere a killer cop he is. And no amount of whitewashing history will ever change this sobering yet all too real fact. I make no bones about this assertion that DeValkenaere unjustly killed Cameron Lamb, and my hope is that neither do any of you reading this column. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Missouri, clemency powers rest exclusively with the Governor. After careful consideration, Governor Parson today exercised his constitutional authority on a number of final pending clemency petitions, Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett told The Star. Evidence clearly showed DeValkenaere fatally shot Lamb in 2019. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. And we know this to be true because during a 2021 bench trial, Jackson County Circuit Judge J. Dale Youngs found the ex-cop guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in Lambs death. Among the credible findings Jackson County prosecutors presented in open court: Lamb, the father of three children, was unarmed and not a threat to DeValkenaere or his partner, Troy Schwalm, or anyone else. DeValkenaere and Schwalm had no legal right to be on the property of a home Lamb lived in the 4100 block of College Avenue in Kansas City. DeValkenaere shot Lamb nine seconds after arriving in his yard without a warrant. When Lamb was shot, he was backing a truck into his own garage with his left hand on the steering wheel while using a mobile phone with his right hand. As a result, prosecutors said that Lamb could not have pointed a gun at Schwalm, as DeValkenaere claimed. Also worth noting: According to prosecutors, Lamb did not have full use of his left hand because of a previous injury the same one DeValkenaere claimed he saw Lamb hold a gun in. In short, this disgraced former police officer lied about the actions of a dead man. A gun was planted on the scene to make Lamb out to be a perceived threat, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why is DeValkenaere being freed from prison after serving less than half the six-year prison sentence he was given? Because of politics, attorney David Smith said. Or maybe just a lack of respect on Parsons part for Black lives. Remember, this is the same governor who failed to stay the execution of a Black man named Marcellus Khaliifa Williams. Evidence cast doubt on Williams guilt in the 1998 murder of a former newspaper reporter in St. Louis. Despite St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell fighting on Williams behalf, Missouri still executed him. Smith is representing Lambs family in a $10 million civil rights lawsuit filed against the Kansas City Police Department. DeValkenaere and the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners are also named in the suit making its way through federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parson extending clemency to DeValkenaere is not right, Smith said. What message does this send to the community? he asked. Further, how are people in the Black community supposed to feel about this perversion of justice? When minority folk scream at the top of their lungs that Black lives matter, this is a prime example of what we mean. When asked about how Lambs mother, Laurie Bey, reacted to news that clemency in this case was pending, Smith said Bey was hurt by Parsons decision. Shes devastated, Smith said. Smith estimated this case has gone before close to a dozen judges at the circuit, appellate and state supreme court levels. Not one of them has cast doubt on DeValkenaeres guilt, Smith correctly pointed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Court of Appeals upheld the conviction and the Missouri Supreme Court refused to take up the case, he said. In a statement, Nimrod Chapel, Jr. of the Missouri NAACP, chided Parson for picking and choosing when to trust the criminal justice system. To ask for the release of a convicted officer speaks to a troubling disregard for both the process of justice and the people its meant to protect, Chapel said. Why should the people of Missouri trust our judicial system if the Governor doesnt trust the system? How do we restore confidence in law enforcement if we cant trust the system to hold guilty officers accountable? Just as Chapel alluded to in his statement, we all must ask ourselves: Where is justice for Lamb and his family and friends who continue to carry the weight of this loss? In this case, there is none thanks to Missouris lame duck governor. Dec. 20Even in the midst of a public health emergency, hospitals and nursing homes will no longer be able prohibit their patients and residents from having access to an adovocate, such as a family member or loved one, after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the Never Alone Act into law last week. The Never Alone Act, or House Bill 236, entitles patients and residents of congregate care settings to have someone of their choosing with them. "Over the last three years, we have gained heightened awareness of the need to protect the rights of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility," said State Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, who sponsored the bill with State Rep. Beth Lear, R-Galena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Miller and Lear indicated the precautions taken during COVID-19 pandemic to limit its spread inspired the bill, suggesting the precautions went too far. "The Never Alone Act ensures that everyone has someone who can speak for them, when they do not have a voice," Miller said. At the time of admission to a congregate care setting, the Never Alone Act allows the patient to designate an advocate who will act on their behalf. If patients are not allowed access to their advocates, the bill authorizes them or their advocates to petition a court for injunctive relief for a violation or threatened violation of the bill's provisions. "The Never Alone Act is a patient and resident-centered bill. Our goal was to protect Ohioans when they are most vulnerable and ensure they have access to a loved one to hold their hand or provide comfort," said Lear. "The isolation that caused our citizens to suffer and die alone during COVID should never be allowed to happen again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congregate care settings will have to display the Never Alone Act information within their facilities. The government and state agencies will also not be able to suspend the Never Alone Act, the bill says, even if the order is coming from the federal government, which is typically enforced above state law. The Never Alone Act saw few opponents during committee testimonies, but critics of the bill had sought for hospitals to have more flexibility in making those determinations on visitor policies in order to protect others. "Health care facilities and the physicians who work in them are stewards of health not just for patients in our care, but the community at large," said Dr. Jonathan Scharfstein, president of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio, in his submitted testimony. Visitors to health care settings can pose risks to patient populations and others in the facility, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We take public health concerns seriously, and as the physicians on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw just how devastating the rapid spread of illness is to the communities that trust us with their health," Scharfstein said. The decisions made by health care facilities to limit visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic were not made lightly, he said. "Rather, they were difficult, critical decisions made in the interest of slowing the spread of the deadly virus and protecting public health," Scharfstein said. "The ability for health care facilities and physicians to make these decisions during public health emergencies is fundamental to our role as health care providers to all people." The signed act will become law after 90 days. AUSTIN (KXAN) For those living in Austin, theyre likely well acquainted with MoPac Expressway, a highway corridor running along the western portion of the city and linking State Highway 45s northern and southern segments. The highway is also known as Loop 1 but how did it get its MoPac designation? Back in 1929, officials began discussing the need for a north-south thoroughfare linking west Austin, according to documents from the Texas Department of Transportation. In 1944, the Austin Planning Commission discussed the potential development of a highway using under-utilized right-of-way owned by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, or MoPac. From there, Austin city voters approved bond packages in the 1950s that helped cover the cost of purchasing the needed right-of-way for the project. Come 1966, city officials and Travis County leaders went to the Texas Highway Commission to receive financial assistance to help build the thoroughfare, with a joint agreement made in April 1967. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 1967, the Texas Highway Commission formally deemed the project the State Highway Loop No. 1 project. The initial corridor ran from Farm-to-Market 1325 north of Austin down to U.S. Highway 290 southwest of Austin, per TxDOT documents. Aerial view of the construction of MoPac Expressway/Loop 1, highlighting the overpass at 35th Street (Courtesy Austin History Center/PICA 02343) MoPac Expressway at Lake Austin Boulevard looking north (Courtesy Austin History Center/PICA 12798, Austin Public Library, The Portal to Texas History) Construction work on Loop 1 between U.S. Highway 183/Research Boulevard and Loop 360/Capital of Texas Highway wrapped in 1982. The northern extension to FM 1325 began in 1986 and finished in 1989, TxDOT documents noted. In 1986, the Austin Transportation Study (which today is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) approved a plan to extend the west Austin highway from U.S. Hwy. 290 down to SH 45, with construction on that segment finalized in 1994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An updated Western Solar Plan finalized on Friday sets the course for renewable energy development across 11 states, but ignores many of the conflicts that Nevada conservationists hoped it would address. The U.S. Department of the Interior trumpeted the plan as a document that would ensure the responsible development of solar energy. It identifies 31 million acres as potential sites for renewable energy development, but acknowledges only about 700,000 acres will actually be built by 2045. Such assurances are empty for advocates who argued and eventually filed protests as federal land managers pushed ahead with decisions to open land to development. A public meeting in Las Vegas on Feb. 13, 2024, showed alternatives considered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency that controls more than 60% of all the land in Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They fell woefully short, Mason Voehl, executive director of the Amargosa Conservancy, told 8 News Now on Friday. Like other Nevada voices for conservation, Voehl believes solar development is part of the long-term solution. We remain fervently supportive of a balanced approach to transitioning our energy economy to renewable sources, including solar energy, in order to mitigate climate chaos, he said. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) is engaged with the federal government on many fronts and emphasizes that it fully supports the transition to renewable energy and decarbonization. We believe our federal government is capable of achieving these goals the right way by adhering to the legal process. We just need sound planning, thoughtful compliance, and no shortcuts, Chandra Rosenthal, PEERs Rocky Mountain director, said Friday. She was not ready to comment on specifics in the updated solar plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has been working overtime to please the large-scale solar industry and in doing so, has shown us that public lands are more of a commercial development resource than a conservation opportunity, according to Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of the conservation group Basin and Range Watch. Communities, Native American Tribes and environmental organizations have all said the plan gives away too much land to developers. The Western Solar Plan is simply a template to weaken conservation laws so developers can quickly build environmentally destructive energy that would do the same job of rooftops and brownfields. It is not surprising that they have to hide this unpopular decision in the middle of the holiday season, Emmerich said. Conservationists are frustrated with the federal governments failure to address obvious conflicts over water, endangered species and plants, and cultural resources on land that many view as empty desert. They have pointed out that lands already disturbed by previous mining and other uses is more than enough to provide sites to meet federal goals. Instead, the plan opens up land that puts groundwater at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick Donnelly, Nevada director for the Center for Biological Diversity, has led efforts to protect endangered species including Tiehms buckwheat, a wildflower that lives only at the site of the Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine that received federal approval earlier this year. The center has sued to stop the mine. For Voehl, its a problem thats very close to home. The Amargosa Valley is northwest of Las Vegas over Mt. Charleston and the Spring Mountains range. Its the site of several big solar projects that have received BLM approval. We have advocated throughout this planning update process that intact landscapes with high biodiversity and sensitive listed species needed to be excluded from potential development. We advocated for the exclusion of overpumped and over-appropriated hydrographic basins like those in the Amargosa region to be excluded out of concern of further stressing scarce groundwater resources, Voehl said. He pushed for the BLM to take poverty into account by providing a buffer zone to help preserve communities quality of life. These were all essential factors in determining the ultimate success of this plan, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By leaving 220,000 acres of public lands in the Amargosa River watershed alone open to potential solar energy development, they failed to deliver on the promise of a balanced plan, Voehl said. While the Las Vegas valley gets 90% of its water from the Colorado River, the Amargosa Valley doesnt have that luxury. Construction of these projects will use a significant amount of groundwater. Thats concerning for residents and advocates who watch over several endangered species that are endemic to the valley. The federally endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish. (Photo courtesy US Fish and Wildlife Service) The Department of Interior will use the Western Solar Plan to guide decisions on approving projects to meet the goal of a 100% clean electric grid by 2035. Republicans might very well dismantle many decisions made under the Biden administration when President Donald Trump begins his second term early next year. Since January 2021, the BLM has approved 45 renewable energy projects on public lands and exceeded the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025. Overall, the BLM has permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of more than 33 gigawatts enough to power more than 15 million homes, according to a Friday news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan updates the 2012 Western Solar Plan, which covered Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The update adds include Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Todays Department of the Interior press release states, The updated plan uses lessons learned and best practices to guide a strategy for the West identifying lands near transmission lines and previously disturbed lands as available while excluding sensitive areas like specially protected lands, lands containing important cultural resources, and critical wildlife habitat. Siting projects away from areas where they may conflict with other resources and uses will help ensure responsible development, speed the permitting process, and provide greater predictability to the solar energy industry. Thats simply not happening in the Amargosa Valley. We are of course frustrated and disappointed not to see significant changes made to the plan that reflect the concerns of our organization and the communities of the region, Voehl said. We see a clear need for continued opportunity to refine this plan at an achievable scale, with robust input from the people who know these landscapes best and who are individually and intimately invested in their futures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voehl identified the proposed Rock Valley Energy Project in Amargosa Valley as one of his biggest concerns. In November, we urged the BLM to reject this ~10,000 acre project due to its potential adverse impacts on sensitive species and the unique ecosystems of the surrounding area, particularly Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Big Dune Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Ash Meadows Area of Critical Environmental Concern, and Death Valley National Park. His organization has been fighting mining claims in the same region. We also remain concerned about several projects proposed in the Pahrump Valley. The aggregate of projects in the Pahrump Valley threaten to both degrade what may be some of the last best remaining desert tortoise habitat in the Mojave Desert, as well as further stress this basin which contributes groundwater to the Amargosa Wild & Scenic River, Voehl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Wildlife Foundation applauded the updated plan. As we transition to renewable energy, we must be thoughtful, cautious, and informed as we build out utility scale solar on our public lands so that we conserve important wildlife habitat, protect hunting and fishing opportunities, and avoid harms to cultural and Indigenous resources, Bailey Brennan, Public Lands counsel with the National Wildlife Federation, said. The Bureau of Land Managements improved approach to siting and permitting solar development will help achieve renewable energy goals while balancing the many other uses on public lands so that these landscapes are safeguarded for future generations, Brennan said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Two men are facing kidnapping charges after a bizarre nine-day ordeal that saw the victim taken from his home in El Paso County and bound with zip ties, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. A multi-agency effort tracked down the two suspects, in part using aerial surveillance, when they were waiting for the victims family to come to a designated drop zone for further instructions, court documents said. The victim was also found in a makeshift basement in one of the suspects homes. Men charged with aggravated kidnapping after victim rescued in Fabens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kidnapping took place on Dec. 9 and the two suspects were arrested on Dec. 18, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Uriel Herrera Contreras, 40, and Jose Antonio Herrera, 44, were taken into custody and charged with aggravated kidnapping, according to the Sheriffs Office. On Dec. 9, Sheriffs deputies were sent out to a residence along Clifton Hills Road about a report of an aggravated kidnapping. The victims wife said two men kidnapped her husband after they rang the doorbell of their home and said they had gifts. The wife said the suspects tied their hands behind their backs using zip ties. She said her mouth was also taped shut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was also given a shot in the butt, which was supposed to knock her out, court documents said. The two men who entered the house were pointing guns at them, the wife told deputies. The wife also gave deputies a description of the suspect that they were both in their 20s. The suspects cut off the womans restraints before leaving and then left in the victims pickup truck, according to court documents. The alleged kidnappers also left a recorded ransom message at the house on an SD card, demanding $600,000 and saying they had 15 days to get the money. The Sheriffs Office requested the assistance of the FBI and Texas Rangers. Investigators were able to find the victims truck at Petro Truck Stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were also able to obtain dashcam footage from a semitruck that was parked there and found images of at least one of the suspects. On Monday, Dec. 16, the alleged kidnappers contacted the family of the victim and told them to proceed to mile marker 42 along eastbound Interstate 10 in East El Paso County. The family was told there would be a rock next to the mile marker. Under the rock would be an SD card that contained instructions. Later that day, the victims brother drove out to the mile marker and picked up a plastic bag that included an SD card like the one with the initial ransom message, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family and investigators listened to the message, which said that any deviation from the plan would cost them the life of their family member. The message also asked them to lower the flag at their business to indicate that they had indeed received the message, which law enforcement told them to do. The family continued to negotiate with the alleged kidnappers and law enforcement used aerial surveillance to discover an ATV near the initial drop site. They were able to trace the ATV to a home along Brown Road in El Paso County. The home was found to belong to one of the suspects. Investigators also discovered another home, along Onate Dr., that belonged to the other suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both homes were monitored and eventually searched. During the search of the home on Brown, law enforcement found writings containing the victims name, ski masks, zip ties, duct tape, SD cards, a voice recorder and latex gloves. They also found a car there that matched the description of the vehicle used to drop off the two alleged kidnappers at the victims home. The victim was found in a makeshift basement in the home on Onate Drive. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Both suspects told law enforcement that they were forced to take part in the kidnapping. Court documents also say that the suspects knew the victims brother but did not elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents also say the suspects used ATVs and SUVs to travel on backroads, dirt roads and along canals during the kidnapping to avoid the authorities. The El Paso Police Department, Horizon Police and the Border Patrol also participated in the investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Doctors Without Borders said Israel is committing clear signs of ethnic cleansing in its war in Gaza. In its latest report, the organization said the war, which the Gaza Ministry of Health reports has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians and displaced 90 percent of the Palestinian population, has caused physical and mental damage on a scale that would overwhelm any functioning health system. Our firsthand observations of the medical and humanitarian catastrophe inflicted on Gaza are consistent with the descriptions provided by an increasing number of legal experts and organizations concluding that genocide is taking place in Gaza, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors Without Borders blamed Israeli forces for the unbearable conditions, saying they are crushing an entire population under bombs and rubble in the response to Hamass attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. Given Israels blockade of medical supplies and essential items, Doctors Without Borders said only 17 out of 36 of Gazas hospitals were fully functioning as of mid-October, with the other 19 out of service entirely. Several teams have had to carry out surgery without sufficient anesthesia and witnessed medical issues such as skin diseases, upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea because of the forced conditions. Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has witnessed 14 months of repeated attacks on civilians, the dismantling of essential civilian infrastructure including healthcare facilities, and a systematic denial of humanitarian assistance, seemingly underpinning Israels campaign to unravel the very fabric of society in Gaza, the report said. It also detailed how, during the last year, the organizations own staff suffered from 41 attacks or violent incidents from airstrikes and other means, leading to eight deaths of MSF colleagues and many deaths and injuries of family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical personnel and patients alike have been forced to urgently evacuate health facilities on 17 separate occasions, often literally running for their lives. MSF has only been able to restart activities in three facilities, they said. MSF added that, even if the war were to end today, the impacts on Gazas health care system would have unprecedented long-term impacts. A whole society needs rebuilding, while coping with a staggering number of war-wounded who may require years of rehabilitation, and risk infections, amputations and permanent disability, MSF said in the report. The mental trauma caused by the violence, the loss of family members and homes, the strenuous living conditions and the repeated displacement, represent a massive and urgent need, which will span generations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously denied any claims of genocide in Gaza, saying that Hamas is the real perpetuator of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Two filmmakers and two nonprofit organizations say that requiring permits for commercial filmmakers working in public areas violates first amendment rights, according to a civil complaint filed this week against the National Park Service and Grand Tetons National Park. In a civil rights violation complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Wyoming, plaintiffs Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith, supported by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), claim that federal permit and fee requirements for national parks restrict First Amendment rights. The case stems from an incident in August of 2024 where Rienzie and Burkesmith applied for a permit to film an attempt to break a climbing record in Grand Teton National Park. According to the lawsuit, the permit was declined and the permit fee not returned despite applying weeks in advance and using equipment no more intrusive than a typical park tourists gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the permit was denied, the filmmakers decided to document the climbing attempt anyways. The lawsuit claims that the filmmakers face an ongoing threat of criminal prosecution while also preventing them from using the footage. The complaint alleges that the National Park Services permit and free requirements restrict First Amendment rights, do not serve a "legitimate government purpose, and deprive Americans of the right to engage in these expressive activities. A law passed by Congress in 2000 allows the Secretary of the Interior to require a permit for commercial filming on public lands, which includes national parks. Violators may be fined fees and up to six months in jail. The law, according to the complaint, doesnt include still photography unless the photographer needs to access an area off-limits to the public; requires models, sets, or props; or would conflict with park visitors or resources. Journalists are also typically excluded from the permit process. But, according to the complaint, the permit is still required even when using a handheld camera, GoPro, or iPhone, leading the plaintiffs to claim that the permits and fees arent based on any potential impact on the parks or other visitors. A tourist using the same gear wouldnt be subject to the fees and permits, the complaint says, while a photographer could take stills but switching the same camera to video mode for a commercial film would require permits and fees. The complaint calls the permitting process "cumbersome and arbitrary, and notes that the permits can be denied for arbitrary and unpredictable reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a tourist, a reporter, and a documentary filmmaker each filmed the same vista or event in a national park using the same equipment, only the filmmaker would be required to obtain a permit and pay a fee, if their purpose were deemed to be commercial and not news-gathering, the filed complaint reads. The plaintiffs also claim that the law does not provide a time limit for park officials deciding whether or not to issue a permit and it doesnt offer a way to review when a permit is denied. The case also notes that the permit $325 in the August 2024 incident is non-refundable even if the park service denies the application. The complaint calls the permit fees a tax on constitutionally protected expressive activity. Robert Corn-Revere, one of the attorneys for the filmmakers, said that If you have a right to be there, you have a right to film there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the NPPA noted it has worked on similar issues, including a 2018 case after a filmmaker was cited for working without a permit in a national park. In that case, a court of appeals called filmmaking a non-communicative step that wasnt entitled to the same protections as speech. NPPA believes that the First Amendment protects the right to record and take pictures in places where the public is allowed in national parks, the organization wrote in a statement. Its position has long been that the need for permits should be based on whether or not the activity will have an impact on the park by interfering with visitors [sic] use and enjoyment of the land or by potentially damaging the natural resources. The complaint asks the courts to declare that photography and videography in national parks and other federal lands are protected under the First Amendment and declare that the permit and fee requirements are unconstitutional. The plaintiffs are requesting a jury trial. You may also like Read more with the best cinema cameras or the top national parks for landscape photographers to visit. Donald Trump has appointed British producer Mark Burnett, who launched the president-elect to international fame with The Apprentice, as a special envoy to the United Kingdom. It is my great honor to appoint Mark Burnett as the Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Trump wrote on Truth Social, his personal social media platform. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett helped launch Trump as a media figure on the international stage with the success of the competition reality series The Apprentice, which ran on NBC from 2004 to 2016 with Trump running the show from the boardroom of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. In announcing the appointment, Trump highlighted Burnetts 13 career Emmy wins and several of his credits, adding that he is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History, including Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice and, most notably, The Apprentice.' Mark will continue to enhance diplomatic relations, Trump continued. Focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. Congratulations Mark! Burnett, one of TVs most successful producers of the past three decades, mostly stayed at arms length from Trump during his first term in office, when Trumps extreme policies and harsh rhetoric sparked immediate opposition in Hollywoods creative community where Burnett needs to work with a wide range of creatives. Burnetts appointment is another sign that Trump in his second term seems likely to face less of an organized resistance from Hollywood liberals. Throughout Trumps first presidential campaign and term in office, Burnett faced periodic bursts of public pressure to release outtakes from Trumps many seasons on The Apprentice amid speculation and allegations that Trump had made disturbing comments about women and people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appointment also comes at a time when Burnett is between chapters. He exited MGM in 2022 after Amazon completed its acquisition of the studio. Burnett sold his One Three Media company to MGM, including his stakes in NBCs The Voice, CBS Survivor, ABCs Shark Tank and more, in two transactions in 2014 and 2015 that netted him upwards of $100 million. After that, Burnett became chairman of MGM Television even as he remained an active producer of his own projects. Trump already pegged investment banker Warren Stephens as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom in early December. Although both are diplomats, Burnetts role as envoy is a specialized position designated for specific transactions and negotiations. Stephens, as ambassador, has a more permanent position and will act as the main point of communication between the U.K. and the U.S.. I am truly honored to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, said Burnett via a spokesperson. (Cynthia Littleton contributed to this report.) Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President-elect Donald Trump has named The Apprentice creator Mark Burnett as a special envoy to the UK. It is my great honor to appoint Mark Burnett as the Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Trump posted to Truth Social. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role. Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History, including Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice and, most notably, The Apprentice. He is the former Chairman of MGM, and has won 13 Emmy Awards! Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. Congratulations Mark! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike an ambassador, a special envoy does not require a Senate confirmation. Trump already nominated Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker and major donor, as his UK ambassador earlier this month. Burnett left as chairman of MGM worldwide television group in 2022 after Amazon acquired it. Trump was elevated by Burnett as the star of The Apprentice, which debuted in 2004 and ran through 2017. The post Donald Trump Appoints The Apprentice Creator Mark Burnett as Special Envoy to United Kingdom appeared first on TheWrap. > < 22:11 Eminent Muslims' group hails Bhagwat's remarks A civil society group comprising eminent Muslims, including former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi, on Saturday hailed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks batting for an inclusive society and hoped that this will be a guide to many who are attacking the very fabric of the country. ... Read more > 21:22 Shinde gets 3 Maharashtra portfolios, but not Home Days after the Maharashtra oath ceremony, the cabinet portfolios were announced Saturday.Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis keeps Home while Ajit Pawar gets FinanceDeputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister in the last government, landing three ministries but not the Home portfolio,... Read more > 21:14 Humiliating, character assassination: Allu Arjun on stampede row Actor Allu Arjun on Saturday said the incident in which a woman died and her son was hospitalised at a theatre here where Pushpa 2 was screened on December 4 was purely an accident and denied the allegations made by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on the roadshow.Hours after Reddy slammed... Read more > 21:09 Indian manpower will help build 'New Kuwait': PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the diaspora has filled Kuwait's canvas with the colours of Indian skills and assured that India has the manpower, skills and technology needed by a 'New Kuwait'. Modi, who is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal... Read more > 20:12 Virat Kohli's restaurant gets notice over fire safety lapses The Bengaluru civic agency has served a notice to a restaurant owned by cricketer Virat Kohli in the city for the violations of fire and safety norms, an official said on Saturday.The One8 Commune restaurant is located on Kasturba Road, a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike officer told PTI.We... Read more > 19:54 Cong to hold weeklong campaign for Shah's resignation The Congress will hold protest marches against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for insulting BR Ambedkar and observe a weeklong campaign on the issue, party leaders said on Saturday. As part of the Ambedkar Samman Saptah, Congress workers and leaders will hold marches and press... Read more > 19:50 Mild earthquake hits western Nepal, no loss of life reported A mild earthquake hit western Nepal's Bajura district on Saturday morning. There was no loss of life reported, however, dozens of houses developed cracks. The tremor of 5.2 magnitude on the Richter scale with its epicentre in Gotri area of Jagannath rural municipality was... Read more > 19:06 Proposed GST hike for Kashmiri shawl will finish craft: Mehbooba People's Democratic Party supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said the proposed increase in GST for Kashmiri shawl would finish the craft and appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue. She also alleged that the Centre was trying to make the people of... Read more > 19:02 Russia reaffirms support to India's bid to become permanent member of UNSC India and Russia have decided to step up joint efforts in dealing with challenges of radicalisation and terror financing. Ways to deepen cooperation in tackling threats of terrorism were discussed at a meeting of the India-Russia joint working group (JWG) on counter-terrorism cooperation.At... Read more > 18:49 PM meets Mahabharata, Ramayana's Arabic translator Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met two Kuwaiti nationals who translated and published India's two iconic epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana in Arabic.The Prime Minister also signed copies of the Arabic versions of the two epics.Modi reached Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit. He is... Read more > 18:34 Death toll in Jaipur LPG tanker crash rises to 14 The death toll in the LPG tanker accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway rose to 14 on Saturday, an official said.He said more than 30 people who suffered burn injuries in the massive crash are undergoing treatment.Five charred bodies were received yesterday. Eight others have died. Total 14 deaths... Read more > 18:24 Marathi-speaking family attacked: Main accused's car seized Representative image The private car of a government employee held for allegedly attacking his Marathi-speaking neighbours and subjecting them to community-based abuse in Thane's Kalyan area was seized by Maharashtra transport authorities for sporting an amber beacon, an official said on Saturday. On... Read more > 17:44 Why is ECI afraid?: Cong after election rule tweak The Congress on Saturday hit out at the Election Commission for tweaking an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage, asking why the poll panel was afraid of transparency. Congress general secretary in-charge... Read more > 17:10 Former Haryana CM O P Chautala cremated with state honours Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala was cremated on Saturday with full state honours in Teja Khera village in his native Sirsa district. Chautala, who was a five-time chief minister, died in Gurugram on Friday. He was 89. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Minister... Read more > 16:55 UP: Girl dies of suffocation while bathing due to geyser leak A 16-year-old school girl died of asphyxiation while bathing following a geyser gas leak in the bathroom at her house here, police said on Saturday. The incident happened in Kuldeep Vihar colony on Friday when Mahi's mother had gone to a nearby shop, according to family members.They said... Read more > 16:40 'Pushpa 2' stampede: T'gana CM blasts Allu Arjun Despite police permission being denied, top Telugu actor Allu Arjun attended the theatre where Pushpa 2 was screened on December 4, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy charged on Saturday.Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the... Read more > 16:07 Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits In the run-up to the assembly elections in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced an Ambedkar scholarship for free foreign education of the city's Dalit students.Kejriwal said the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship was a response to the BJP's insult of Ambedkar.Union... Read more > 15:45 Ambedkar row: Shah bitten by rabid dog, says K'taka min Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday lashed out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on B R Ambedkar and alleged that he was bitten by a rabid dog.Addressing reporters in Kalaburagi, the Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology said, I don't know whether I will... Read more > 15:15 ASI conducts survey at Sambhal's Kalki Vishnu temple An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team inspected an old well on the 'Kalki Vishnu' temple premises in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Saturday, a day after the agency conducted a survey of a recently discovered temple in the district. The priest of the Kalki Vishnu temple, Mahendra Prasad... Read more > 14:57 Arrest warrant issued against ex-cricketer Robin Uthappa An arrest warrant has been issued against former India cricketer Robin Uttappa in connection with alleged fraud related to Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits, officials said on Saturday. The warrant of arrest issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner - II... Read more > 14:51 Woman dies after 'dupatta' gets caught in potato-peeling machine at Mahakaleshwar temple A 30-year-old woman died after her 'dupatta' got caught in a potato-peeling machine at a food centre of the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Saturday, an official said.The accident occurred at the temple's Anna Kshetra in the morning, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Laxmi... Read more > 14:40 India's green cover increased by 1,445 sq km from 2021 to 2023 India's total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, reaching 25.17 per cent of the total geographical area in 2023, according to the latest government data. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released on Saturday, said that the country's total forest... Read more > 13:51 Uddhav's Sena may go solo for BMC polls, says Raut Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday hinted that his party might go solo in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election without exiting the Maha Vikas Aghadi.Talking to reporters, Raut said party workers were insisting the organisation go solo in the local body polls, as there... Read more > 13:37 Love letter from...: Ashwin's wife pens heartfelt tribute for him Ravichandran Ashwin's wife Prithi Narayanan has penned a heartfelt tribute for her husband following his recent retirement from international cricket, saying it is time to set the burden of being you down and embrace life beyond the game.Ashwin made a surprise announcement of his retirement after... Read more > 13:23 Mumbai ferry crash: Body of 7-year-old boy found The body of a seven-year-old boy missing in the ferry-Navy craft crash off the Mumbai coast was recovered on Saturday morning after a three-day-long search operation, an official said.Naval boats have found the body of Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, taking the toll in the December 18 tragedy... Read more > 13:05 Manipur awaits while 'frequent flyer' PM...: Cong The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the frequent flyer PM is off to Kuwait while the people of Manipur continue to wait for him to visit the violence-hit state. Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday to boost ties in a range of areas... Read more > 12:48 Maha portfolio allocation expected today: Minister Maharashtra minister Bharat Gogawale on Saturday said that the allocation of portfolios in the Mahayuti government is expected during the day.The winter session of the state assembly, which began on December 16, will conclude on Saturday.Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Gogawale said, The... Read more > 12:40 Mumbai boat tragedy: 7-yr-old boy still missing The search operation launched by naval boats to locate a seven-year-old boy missing after a Navy craft rammed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast three days ago continued on Saturday, an official said. The SAR (search and rescue) operation will continue at least till Saturday evening,... Read more > 12:26 10-yr-old 'Bal Sant' files plaint against YouTubers Pankaj Arya, advocate of 10-year-old 'spiritual-orator' Abhinav Arora, has filed a complaint against YouTubers for allegedly trolling him on social media. Arya said on Saturday that the next date of hearing in the alleged trolling case is January 3. The complaint was filed by... Read more > 12:17 Modi embarks on 2-day visit to Kuwait As he embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peace, security and stability of the West Asian region.Modi's visit to Kuwait is taking place two weeks after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's... Read more > 11:20 Layoffs, New 'Googleyness': Pichai's Plans For Google Google has cut 10 percent of its managerial positions, including directors and vice-presidents. CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed the decision during an all-hands meeting, underscoring the company's ongoing efforts to streamline operations amidst growing competition from AI-focused rivals like... Read more > 11:02 3 held with arms, ammunition in Manipur File image The Manipur police arrested three persons with arms and ammunition, including a cadre of a banned outfit, during separate operations in Churachandpur and Imphal West districts, officials said on Saturday. The arrested member of the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) was... Read more > 10:48 Modi embarks on two-day visit to Kuwait, to attend opening ceremony of Arabian Gulf Cup Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister any Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait after 43... Read more > 10:37 Engineer put under digital arrest for 6 days, duped of Rs 3.46L A mechanical engineer was put under digital arrest for six days by cyber fraudsters and duped of Rs 3.46 lakh, the police said in Faridabad on Friday. According to the victim, the cyber thugs forced him to lock himself in a room in his house and monitored his activities through his mobile... Read more > 10:26 Four of family killed in fire at milk parlour-cum-house in MP The building where fire broke out killing four of a family in Dewas, MP/ANI on X A couple and their two children were killed in a fire that broke out at a milk parlour-cum-house in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district in the early hours of Saturday, the police said. The blaze erupted on the premises in the Nayapura area around 4.45 am, an official said. We received... Read more > 10:12 SC Lifts 30% Interest Cap On Late Payment Of Credit Card Bills Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com In a relief to banks, the Supreme Court on Friday set aside an order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that capped credit card interest rates at 30 percent per annum on late bill payments. The top court ruling has put an end to a 16-year-old case.A bench of... Read more > 09:41 PIL Seeks Action Against Amfi For 'Misleading' MF Ads Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com A public interest litigation has been filed in the Bombay high court seeking directions to the Securities and Exchange Board of India to revoke the permissions granted to mutual fund body Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) for 'misleading' and 'deceptive' advertisement campaigns under... Read more > 09:23 L&T's 7.6K Cr Deal For K9 Vajra File image The ministry of defence on Friday signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore (Rs 76.28 billion) contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited for the procurement of 100 additional 155 mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns for the Indian Army. Announcing the contract, an MoD release... Read more > 09:16 Karachi mob attacks polio vaccination team, 6 people arrested File image A polio vaccination team and their police escort were attacked on Friday by a mob during a vaccination drive in a densely populated area of Pakistan's Karachi city. The police reported the arrest of six individuals, including four women, in connection with the assault, which occurred in the... Read more > 09:07 16-year-old IIT-JEE aspirant from Bihar ends life in Kota hostel room A 16-year-old boy from Bihar preparing for IIT-JEE was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his hostel room in the Vigyan Nagar police station area of Kota city on Friday, officials said. The incident occurred despite the fan in hostel room being equipped with anti-hanging device meant to... Read more > 09:05 'All We Imagine as Light' tops Obama's favourite films of 2024 Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light topped the list of former US president Barack Obama's favourite movies this year. Obama shared on X the annual list of his ten favourite movies of 2024 and All We Imagine as Light topped the list. Obama wrote, Here are a few movies I'd... Read more > 08:24 Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 strikes Nepal An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 struck Nepal in the early hours of Saturday, the National Centre of Seismology reported. The earthquake occurred at 3:59 am Indian Standard Time, the NCS noted. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres at Latitude 29.17 N and Longitude... Read more > 08:16 Cab driver stabbed to death following dispute over Rs 400 fare in Delhi A 26-year-old cab driver was stabbed to death by a passenger and his friends after they picked up a fight over the fare of Rs 400 in northeast Delhi's Sonia Vihar area, the police said on Thursday. The incident took place on the intervening night of December 17 and 18. Sandeep, who... Read more > 08:12 2 killed, 68 hurt in attack at German Christmas market File image At least two people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, CNN reported. The attack occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and... Read more > 00:45 Indian team joins probe into fire incident in Maldives File image An experts' team from India arrived in Male for an investigation into a fire incident at 'Green Building' housing two ministries and an office of the Male City Council, local media reports said on Friday. The fire raged on for four hours before authorities could control it, resulting in the... Read more > Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown with the passage of a stopgap funding bill shortly after midnight on Saturday (Dec. 21). According to CNN, President-Elect Donald Trump was frustrated that his demand for a debt ceiling increase was dropped from negotiations. Trending Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11th-hour deal provides funding through March 14, 2025, and includes $100 billion in natural disaster relief, as well as a one-year extension for aid to farmers. Biden signed the bill, known as the American Relief Act, 2025, into law Saturday morning after it passed with a 366-34 vote in the House and 85-11 in the Senate. In a released statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, President Biden supports moving this legislation forward and ensuring that the vital services the government provides for hardworking Americans from issuing Social Security checks to processing benefits for veterans can continue as well as to grant assistance for communities that were impacted by devastating hurricanes." Republicans and Democrats will have to renegotiate a new package in three months, when the government will again face a potential shutdown under Trumps administration. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that the Hail Mary agreement is a good outcome for the country. Contrary to CNNs source, he claimed to have spoken to the soon-to-be president, who is purportedly happy about this outcome as well. As previously reported by REVOLT, the embattled politician told NBC News on Thursday (Dec. 19) that he would lead the charge in removing the debt ceiling, which he deemed a meaningless concept. Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling, Trump wrote in a Dec. 20 post shared to Truth Social. Without this, we should never make a deal. Remember, the pressure is on whoever is President, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP leader doubled down on his stance in a second message where he stated, If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under TRUMP. This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will! The National Treasurys Fiscal Data websites simplified breakdown of the ceiling reads: The national debt is similar to a person using a credit card for purchases and not paying off the full balance each month. The cost of purchases exceeding the amount paid off represents a deficit, while accumulated deficits over time represents a persons overall debt. The projected amassed debt is nearly $35.5 trillion. You Might Also Like The member countries of the Tallinn Mechanism, which aims to help Ukraine counter malicious attacks in cyberspace, have accumulated 200 million over the past year. Source: a statement by the Tallinn Mechanism, as reported by European Pravda Details: Recent attacks on Ukrainian state registries underscored the importance of comprehensive and timely support for Ukraine's digital infrastructure. A year ago, partners publicly announced the establishment of the Tallinn Mechanism to jointly coordinate and facilitate support for Ukraine related to civilian cybersecurity. Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States are the members of the Mechanism. The European Union and NATO have supported the mechanism and have been observers since its inception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tallinn Mechanism leverages world-class cyber and digital expertise from both the private and public sectors to protect critical national infrastructure and vital services by enhancing Ukraine's cyber defence capabilities, enabling them to detect and neutralise malware directed against them. Quote: "Since establishment, the Tallinn Mechanism has accumulated over 200 million in foreign assistance that strengthens Ukraines ability to address Russia's malicious behaviour in cyberspace and will continue to seek new avenues for supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes." More details: By participating, the Tallinn Mechanism sends a clear message: Ukraine has the full support of like-minded countries and partner countries that will continue to help Ukraine protect its civilian critical infrastructure from Russian malicious cyber activity. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna condemned a large-scale cyberattack on Ukraine's state registers. Ukraine has suffered the largest cyberattack on state registers in recent times. Russian hackers carried out the attack, which resulted in key systems of the Ministry of Justice being temporarily suspended. The hackers said they had destroyed all the data they had accessed, including backups on servers in Poland. The state registers will be restored in two weeks. Support UP or become our patron! DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) Hundreds of Circle City residents participated in a very special fundraiser. They gathered Friday afternoon in the southside parking lot where they served burgers, chips, and drinks to raise money for Officer Melissa Phillips. Phillips was diagnosed with breast cancer back in October and due to complications with the diagnosis, she will have to undergo a double mastectomy in January and a follow-up procedure next June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says the support from her family, friends, and fellow officers has kept her going in this fight. The fact that they are there in doing this to help support me financially means the world, Officer Phillips said. Its not just the shoulder to cry on, its not just hey, how are you doing?, or the hugs. Its just to have the backing of my entire squad, my entire shift, and my entire department. Phillips says the money raised will give her family some financial support, while she takes eight weeks off to recover from the procedure next month. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) OHSU is mourning the loss of a legend in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Albert Starr, who was best known as a cardiovascular surgeon who co-invented and implanted the worlds first artificial heart valve, passed away on Dec. 11 at age 98, OHSU announced Friday. PGE rate increase: Portland residents will likely see 5.5% hike in 2025 Born in New York City, Starr attended Columbia University originally intending to pursue both physics and economics. However, medicine won him over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicine became my music, so to speak, he said in an interview with the OHSU Oral History Project. In 1950, Starr began a residency at two New York hospitals before being drafted as a surgeon near the front lines in the Korean War. Seven years later, he was recruited to establish the first open-heart surgery program at the University of Oregon Medical School. Around that time, he met engineer M. Lowell Edwards and together, they created the first artificial mitral valve. Washington State reports first-ever cases of bird flu in cougars In 1960, the two revolutionized heart care when Starr successfully implanted the valve at OHSU in a 52-year-old man with end-stage heart disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The innovative Starr-Edwards valve design has now been implanted in over 800,000 people, saving lives worldwide. Starr also performed Oregons first heart transplant at OHSU in 1985, establishing the states first program in that field. Albert Starr embodied the highest qualities of a physician, an innovator and a teacher. Through his commitment, he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients and families over the years, said Steve Stadum, interim president of OHSU. Even after co-inventing and implanting the worlds first artificial heart valve, Dr. Starr continued to revolutionize the field, partnering with like-minded scientists, surgeons and medical device engineers around the globe to fine-tune and improve his work and to discover new and better ways to heal hearts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 series of drone sightings over military bases across the country has renewed concerns that the US doesnt have clear government-wide policy for how to deal with unauthorized incursions that could potentially pose a national security threat. Were one year past Langley drone incursions and almost two years past the PRC spy balloon. Why dont we have a single [point of contact] who is responsible for coordination across all organizations in the government to address this? the recently retired head of US Northern Command and NORAD, Gen. Glen VanHerck, told CNN. Instead, everybodys pointing their fingers at each other saying its not our responsibility. Indeed, there have been multiple instances of drone incursions over military bases since mysterious drone swarms were spotted around Joint Base Langley-Eustis and other sensitive military sites in Virginia last year, and since a Chinese spy balloon transited the continental US in 2023. Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that was downed by the United States over the weekend over U.S. territorial waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S., February 5, 2023. - U.S. Fleet Forces/U.S. Navy/Reuters Over a period of six days earlier this month, there were six instances of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, entering the airspace of the Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton in California, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN, adding that they posed no threat to installation operations and no impact to air and ground operations. There have also been incidents in the last month at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey; Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey; and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chinese citizen, who is a lawful permanent resident of the US, was recently arrested in connection to the California incident. The drone incidents are a problem that has been brewing for over a decade and we have basically failed to address it, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Rob Spalding, who previously served as the chief China strategist for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior director for strategic planning on the National Security Council. Its unclear what specifically the drones could be doing the intent could be anything from attempting to gather intelligence on the base or testing its defenses and response time, to gaining a better understanding of how the bases work, or they could simply be harmless hobbyists flying drones too close to restricted areas. A flurry of sightings across multiple states But the issue isnt just impacting military installations; in recent weeks, a flurry of drone sightings across multiple states has garnered media attention and led politicians to call for the government to take action. Officials have stressed that they dont believe the drones spotted in New Jersey and other states pose a national security or public safety risk, attributing many of the sightings to explainable instances of confusion with manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters or hobbyist drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this week. This photo provided by Brian Glenn shows what appears to be multiple drones flying over Bernardsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, December 5, 2024. - Brian Glenn/TMX/AP But as one Senate aide familiar with discussions on drone defense and policy told CNN, just because the drones arent directly impacting the military or military installations doesnt mean its not a national security issue. Despite the incursions and the risk they could pose, officials say there is no coordinated policy to determine what agency leads the response to such activity, or how to determine where the drones originate. CNN reported this week that government agencies have struggled to keep pace with the development of drones and drone technology, particularly by adversaries like China, though legislation is being discussed and the Pentagon just recently released its strategy for countering unmanned systems. The Senate aide said the gray area between posing a risk to the military and posing a threat to the public is part of the problem in authorities if its not strictly DOD then it must be DHS, but we just kind of go round and round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenges the US national security establishment faces when it comes to drone operations, as well as operations in the cyber and information environments, have been pointed to repeatedly and publicly by military officials and lawmakers. In 2023, VanHerck said in a NORAD/NORTHCOM posture statement that the US must move beyond outdated assumptions and plans in order to defend the homeland. In an era of incredible innovation and technological achievement, inflexible, outdated processes are a greater impediment to success than many of our competitors capability advancements, he said. The two heads of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sens. Jack Reed and Roger Wicker, sounded the alarm in a Washington Post op-ed at the beginning of 2024 that the US lacks adequate drone detection capability and that agencies lack clear lines of authority about which agency is responsible for stopping these incursions. Military installations have the authority to protect themselves and respond to threats, but a former senior military official said that if the drone enters the airspace and subsequently leaves, determining where the drone originated from and what it was doing can be difficult. Military law enforcement typically coordinates with civilian law enforcement off base in that instance, the former official said, but are often limited in what they can do given laws that restrict intelligence collection within US borders. Catching up with a new phenomenon But sources also said the lack of ability to do more also stems at times from a failure to prioritize defense against this kind of activity within the US. The topic is such a relatively new phenomenon that the law has not caught up and the agencies have not adapted quickly enough, the Senate aide said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to get there, but its a pretty surprising gap that can be exploited, they said, adding that until theres clear leadership from the White House, this is all going to keep spinning. Experts also pointed to what they described as a generalized belief in the US that conflict primarily happens abroad, and that the national security establishment hasnt adjusted quickly enough to threats at home. Spalding said the US has been focused on the away game, which has left us incredibly vulnerable at home as technology has advanced. We have a perception that the fight will occur elsewhere, that a fight with China will happen in the South China Sea or Taiwan, or with Russia in Europe. Its happening right now in the cyber domain or information space every single day here, VanHerck told CNN. The former senior military official said that over the years, a number of senior military commanders have testified before Congress about gaps in domain awareness in the US and limitations on the US ability to detect drones and more broadly defend the homeland. And while lawmakers generally seem receptive, and to understand the problem, that understanding hasnt been reflected in policy, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The need for Congressional action was made clear in a joint statement this week from the DoD, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Federal Aviation Administration. The agencies said they urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge. [The drone issue] is not something we can deal with at scale anytime soon, Spalding said, unless we can raise the alarm at a much higher level and deal with the political repercussions of the fallout. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (NewsNation) After more than a month of sightings across multiple states, lawmakers and the general public are no closer to finding out what the mysterious drones are spotted in New Jersey and a handful of other states. An unexplained large number of drones began flying over sensitive military sites in New Jersey in mid-November, and while the White House and the Pentagon insist they dont pose a threat, lawmakers are demanding answers. Why shooting down mystery drones carries big risks What are lawmakers doing about the drones? On Dec. 12, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with three other U.S. senators, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Aviation Administration requesting a briefing on the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since sightings of the drones have spread in news outlets and on social media, a slew of elected officials local, state and federal have been outspoken about what they call a lack of transparency from the government. FAA bans drones in parts of New Jersey Last week, a group of New Jersey lawmakers met with state police and DHS, but some were left frustrated about the lack of answers they received. Republican New Jersey state Rep. Brian Bergen told NewsNation that meeting was a whole lot of nothing. All they did was tell us they dont know anything thats going on, he said. Where are the drones? Other than New Jersey, they have been spotted in other Northeastern states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Sightings have also been reported in California, Florida, Ohio and Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation confirmed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., received a classified briefing on the drones, and lawmakers on both sides have called for the drones to be intercepted. We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if theyre flying over airports or military bases, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., last week. Eyewitness accounts of New Jersey drones include politicians, journalist FAA bans drones in parts of New Jersey Following the large number of mysterious drone sightings, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned drone flights in 22 areas of New Jersey where critical infrastructure is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAA officials said federal security agencies requested the flight restrictions, which are effective through Jan. 17. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the restrictions are out of an abundance of caution, without explaining further. NewsNations Kellie Meyer and Tom Dempsey 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and some Oklahoma legislators say they are concerned with Oklahomas state budget estimate for the upcoming fiscal year, after it was approved by Governor Stitt and other Oklahoma Board of Equalization members Friday. Budget stuff might be one of the more boring political topics. But its important. State tax cutting trend faces headwinds from declining revenues and tighter budgets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget is how we spend money in the state of Oklahoma, said State Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Del City). And occasionally, budget stuff can bring political fireworks, like Friday, when Attorney General Gentner Drummond didnt show up for the Oklahoma State Board of Equalization meeting. The Board of Equalization is made up of top state officials, including the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, state treasurer, state superintendent, and Secretary of Agriculture. Every December, the board comes together to hear from experts with the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), who keep track of the states tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMES is an executive branch agency under the governors authority. Those OMES experts tell board of equalization members how much money in tax revenue estimate the state will take in and be able to spend in the coming fiscal year. Floridas DeSantis cuts $1B to bring state budget to $116.5B, slightly less than the current plan On Friday, they told the board their revenue estimate for the upcoming fiscal year is around $8.6 billion, down a bit from the previous year. At Fridays meeting, the present board members voted to accept that estimate. That means Governor Stitt can now get to work putting together his executive budget, a list of priorities for how hed like to see the legislature spend the estimated revenue in the coming year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Attorney General Drummond was absent for Fridays vote. In a news release Friday, Drummond said he has a lack of confidence in the revenue projections the board heard, and did not want to take part in revenue discussions until the board could consult more experts. Below is the text of the news release Drummonds Office published shortly after the board voted Friday: Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced shortly before todays Board of Equalization meeting that he lacks confidence in the budget numbers provided by the Stitt Administration, calling instead for increased legislative involvement in the process. I come from the private sector, where you dont play games with your budget, Drummond said. After sitting through several of these meetings, as well as briefings from the Governors chosen staff, I can tell you that I have no confidence in the accuracy or completeness of the Governors budget numbers. Drummond cited recent examples of discrepancies and inaccuracies that eroded his confidence. In December of 2023, the Board of Equalization was told there would be $8,976,523,862 available for appropriation in FY25. By February, 10 days after the Governor laid out his budget priorities, that number had increased to $9,037,537,501. This increase bolstered the Governors argument for a proposed income tax cut. Now those same February numbers are projected to be off by $390 million, while the Oklahoma Tax Commission is reporting that expected revenue will drop by $528 million. Last December, we were told one amount, then in February it was a new number that was magically enough to pay for the Governors tax cut, Drummond said. Im all for lowering the tax burden on Oklahoma families, but lets not play political games with the budget numbers. Lets have an open and transparent process where the numbers dont change just because the Governor wants them to. Drummond said the process would be greatly improved by increased legislative involvement in the development of budget projections. The people of Oklahoma elected every legislator the same way they elected the Governor, Drummond said. As a Constitutional officer who has a duty to certify these numbers, I would have much more confidence in their accuracy if House and Senate budget leaders and their staff played a more significant role in the process. Drummonds announcement today comes after being the lone no vote in the Board of Equalization meeting in February of this year. At the time, Drummonds office said his no vote was a reflection of his lack of confidence in certain revenue estimates that were provided. In light of his lack of confidence in the figures, Drummond did not attend todays meeting. News release from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummonds Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 reached out to Governor Stitts Office to get his reaction to the release published by Drummonds office Friday. A spokesperson for the governor sent News 4 the following statement: If the Attorney General had concerns, he had a perfect opportunity to raise those concerns during the meeting. Its a shame he missed a meeting of a constitutional board of which he is a member. Spokesperson for Gov. Kevin Stitt [Drummond] is not wrong, in my opinion, State Rep. Meloyde Blancett (D-Tulsa) told News 4. And being cautious about what the moneys are that we have to spend. Blancett is worried the state may bring in less revenue than estimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Legislature rejects many of Gov. Gavin Newsoms budget cuts as negotiations continue She points out that the state has already cut its available spending money by quite a bit when the legislature eliminated the grocery tax and created the parental choice private school tax credit last year. Those are major spending items, almost $1 Billion of spending just on those two programs, Blancett said. And so if you look at that, and if you look at, historically, that theres been some ups and downs with regard to that estimate, and then if you consider the political environment that were getting ready to go into with this next legislative session and all of the conversation about personal tax cuts, personal all of this other stuff about tax cuts, I mean, it would cause you to be concerned. The projections that we saw today dont appear to take into account the realities that were facing as a nation, Rep. Fugate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fugate points out that much of the states tax revenue income is out of the states control. Were looking at a potential federal government shutdown thats going to have enormous economic impact to every state in the nation, Fugate said. You compound that with the proposed threatened tariffs, which will also be a real economic drain on the state of Oklahoma and the rest of the country. People wont buy as much. They wont. So our sales taxes will go down. Businesses that are dependent on sales of goods, theyre going to see fewer reduced sales. And then the other is this drill, baby, drill notion that you know, were going to increase oil production tremendously under the incoming president. It ignores the fact that were already at historic oil production today. But if we have more oil being produced, that means more oil on the market. And sadly, for Oklahoma, that means the price of oil is going to go down and gross production taxes will go down. And that should have been at least identified as part of what they were talking about today. I didnt hear it as part of the projections. And so it bothers me a lot that these appear to be pie in the sky rosy projections, not based on actual economic challenges that were looking at. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's week started with a crisis his opponents likened to a gong show at the bottom of a dumpster fire, wrapped up in a cluster. Canada's three-term prime minister managed to make it to Friday when he announced a Cabinet shakeup triggered in part by the bombshell exit of Chrystia Freeland, who quit Monday as head of finance and deputy prime minister. Trudeau spent the week holed up in his office, except for appearances at a couple of high-profile holiday parties where he sounded defiant and upbeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the absolute privilege of my life to serve as your prime minister, he told a gathering of his top donors on Monday just 30 minutes after an emergency caucus meeting where MPs urged him to step down. His office canceled year-end interviews and his press team ignored most media questions while Trudeau contemplated his next moves. We have a lot of work to do and thats what were focused on, he said after blowing by journalists after a Cabinet meeting later Friday afternoon. Parliament does not return until Jan. 27 days after Donald Trumps inauguration. In theory, Trudeau has time to consider his options, but realistically hes running out of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could stick around to fight the next election, which could come sooner rather than later in 2025. Once MPs are back in their seats, opposition leader Jagmeet Singh has vowed to bring down the minority government with a no-confidence vote. Theres no mechanism to oust the Liberal leader. Trudeau could announce plans to resign, sticking around until a new leader is chosen. Its a process that could take several months. He could also prorogue Parliament in the new year essentially pulling the plug on it to buy the government more time. He could step aside entirely and an interim PM would be put in place, a scenario so rare it would make history in itself. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been crushing Liberals in national polls for more than a year. Amid Trumps return to the White House and looming tariff war, hes amped up his calls for an election as soon as possible a contest hes expected to win in a landslide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some feminist. The same week as Trudeau was insulting Americans for not electing a woman president, he was busy throwing his own woman deputy prime minister under the bus to replace her with a man, Poilievre said of the incredible, ridiculous, embarrassing day. You can't make this stuff up. Outside meeting rooms on Parliament Hill and inside Liberal holiday parties, POLITICO spoke to more than a dozen Liberal MPs, staffers and party members for insight into the chaos. They were granted anonymity to speak freely. The mayhem started Monday, when Freeland quit as Canadas finance minister hours before she was set to present a major economic plan. In the words of one official: Freeland dropped an atomic bomb on the Prime Ministers Office. Freelands exit note referenced weeks of tension with Trudeau over costly political gimmicks a Yuletide tax holiday for Canadians at a time when she said the federal treasury should be focused on a potential tariff war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She used her exit to warn that how Ottawa deals with Trump will define us for a generation, and perhaps longer. Trudeau informed Freeland last week during a Zoom call that he intended to replace her as finance minister. The party was rumored to be courting former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, who has been flirting with the Liberals for a couple of years now. Many expect him to run for the Liberal leadership one day. Trudeau offered Freeland a new role in charge of Canada-U.S. relations and was under the impression through texts that she was willing to take it on. It was not until Monday as his motorcade pulled onto the Hill that he discovered she was out. POLITICO has not seen the texts. One senior government source told POLITICO Carney switched up at the last minute saying he wouldnt join the Cabinet if Freeland wasnt there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time Trudeau walked upstairs to his office, Freeland had posted her resignation letter on X. Trump rejoiced in her resignation. One senior government source said the president-elect expressed dislike for Freeland, who helped renegotiate NAFTA, during his dinner with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago. From then on through to Fridays Cabinet shuffle, senior officials in the Government of Canada made it up as they went along. Networks were airing live footage of Trudeau addressing the caucus at an emergency meeting at the same time his team was insisting he wasnt in the room. He told the room theres two sides to the story but has left his caucus widely in the dark, several lawmakers said. Trudeau has been under pressure since his party lost a Toronto stronghold in a special election in June. Liberals have lost two more since, including a blowout in British Columbia on Monday the same day Freeland resigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Ministers Office has been trying to source the media leaks. Staffers say they dont know who to trust. There were even tears this week. Transport Minister Anita Anand was visibly choked up. After a rare December Cabinet shuffle, some ministers' staffers are wondering if theyll have a job after Christmas. Freelands exit has reenergized the Liberal MPs who attempted a caucus revolt earlier this fall. Finally weve got somebody like Chrystia Freeland who has made a major move, and my hope is a lot of Cabinet ministers will start to speak up and say publicly what they all know: The prime ministers political career is essentially over, Liberal backbencher Wayne Long told POLITICO. Trudeaus struggles, both internally and in opinion polls, place him in a global line of sinking incumbents U.K. Tory PM Rishi Sunak, France's Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Liberal Christmas party on Wednesday, a photo line for Freeland rivaled the one for the PM. At a Liberal afterparty, it was all anyone could talk about. When Trudeaus new Cabinet was sworn in Friday, his top lawmakers urged the party to unite and refocus their frustration on a collective adversary: Donald Trump. The Dutch authorities see a real risk of attacks, according to National Counterterrorism and Security Coordinator, Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg, following a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday. The Dutch authorities are keeping in place the second-highest terror alert level, four out of five, which has applied since December 2023. "This means that the possibility of an attack is real," he said. His agency is awaiting further information from Germany for a more precise assessment of the heinous event in Magdeburg, Aalbersberg added, according to the Dutch news agency ANP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four people died in the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg according to security sources and 41 were seriously injured when a man plowed a car into the market on Friday evening. Earlier, Prime Minister Dick Schoof was among the many leaders to express his condolences to the German government. "The Netherlands stands by our German neighbours in these dark moments," he said in a post on X. His thoughts were with the victims and their families. The Dutch authorities will follow developments closely, he said. A Dyer man faces charges for a drunken crash near unincorporated Cedar Lake. Andrew Burrell, 30, was charged Thursday with multiple felonies. He has not been apprehended. When he is arrested, he is ordered to be held on a $12,000 cash surety bond. The Lake County Sheriffs Department Crash Reconstruction Team responded around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 to the 11500 block of Calumet Avenue, near the Dyer and Cedar Lake border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police concluded Burrell was driving a Pontiac Firebird at 126 miles per hour before he braked to 114 mph a second before the crash. His Firebird allegedly swerved off the road briefly and got back on before rear-ending the Grand Marquis northbound on Calumet Avenue. His Firebird spun east; the backend hit a tree, the affidavit states. The impact blew out the Firebirds windshield. The Mercury Grand Marquis spun west into a ditch. Burrell was extracted and later airlifted to Chicago. He was intubated with a severe head injury and internal bleeding. A warrant for a toxicology test found alcohol in his system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman with him declined medical help. She later said they had just left Hunleys Bar and Grill, 13115 Northwest Lake Shore Drive, and were headed to Crown Point or Schererville. He swerved the vehicle and they started to spin, she said, according to court records. The Mercurys driver, 60, from California, his father, 94, mother, 91, and wife, 62, were all injured. They were headed back to his mothers home in Illinois from his sisters house nearby. The driver turned onto Calumet and just remembers spinning, documents state. He had a concussion, vertigo, whiplash, back pain and PTSD. The father had injuries, including fractured vertebrae. Both the mother and wife had injuries that left them unable to walk independently after the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their civil lawyer, who contacted the cops, said the passengers medical records were voluminous. Burrell was charged with eight felonies four counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a motor vehicle with an ACE of .08 or more and four counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated, plus several misdemeanors. mcolias@post-trib.com In about every five years, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the British Geological Survey update the World Magnetic Model (WMM). However, the latest update is quite special because its going to significantly change how compass needles and navigation systems work. For those of us who dont know, WMM is actually a map of Earth's magnetic field. It provides precise navigational data for all military and civilian planes, ships, submarines, and GPS units, NOAA notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Earth's magnetic field changes over time, the WMM is updated every five years to keep it accurate. Important highlights of WMM 2025 The recent WMM update reveals that Earths magnetic North Pole is moving from Canada to Siberia in Russia. This shift is driven by the flow of molten iron and nickel between our planets two large magnetic lobes: the North American lobe beneath Canada and the Siberian lobe under Siberia. An image of the WMM 2025 model. Source: NOAA NCEI In the last two decades, the movement of iron and nickel within Earths outer core has made the Siberian lobe region more active, strengthening its influence and causing the magnetic North Pole to move faster towards Siberia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current behavior of magnetic north is something that we have never observed before. Magnetic north has been moving slowly around Canada since the 1500s, William Brown, global geomagnetic field modeler at the British Geological Survey, said. However, In the past 20 years, it accelerated towards Siberia, increasing in speed every year until about five years ago, when it suddenly decelerated from 50 to 35 km (31 to 22 miles) per year, which is the biggest deceleration in speed weve ever seen, Brown added. Our navigation systems, especially those relying on Earths magnetic data, must be adjusted to the change WMM 2025 highlights. Otherwise, our airplanes and vessels may never reach their destination. For instance, Imagine someone planning to travel by sleigh from a chimney top in South Africa to a snow-covered roof in the UK, a journey of around 8,500 km. Using the previous WMM and setting off just one-degree off-course, he would end up approximately 150 km away from where he should, the BGS team notes. The new model is more accurate In case you're worried about whether the GPS on your smartphone will remain accurate after the WMM 2025 update, dont worry. The map and other GPS-driven apps in your smartphone will receive the required update from the respective service providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://youtu.be/xywzL2MX5Cw Plus, they are likely to work better after the update. This is because WMM 2025 comes with much higher resolution and accuracy. WMM 2025 includes improved spatial resolution of approximately 300 kilometers at the equator compared to the standard spatial resolution of 3300 kilometers at the equator. Higher resolution provides greater directional accuracy, the NOAA team said. The latest WMM map is 10 times more detailed than previous versions and is set to guide our journeys for the next five years unless Earths magnetic behavior suddenly decides to go bonkers. Isiah Holmes Wisconsin Examiner The land does not belong to us, it is borrowed by us from our childrens children said Robert Blanchard, chairman of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. We harvest our wild rice from the waters, we hunt from the land, fish from the lake, streams, and rivers to feed our families and gather the medicines to heal our relatives. The Bad River Band cites this relationship with the land in its fight against the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which has operated in trespass on the Bad River Bands reservation for years. Now, the Band and its allies are challenging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) decision to grant permits that the Canadian oil company Enbridge will need to construct a re-route of the pipeline. The new route no longer trespasses on the reservation, it will still run through the Bad River watershed. The tribe and a coalition of state environmental groups say a spill in that area could be devastating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Thursday, Midwest Environmental Advocates, 350 Wisconsin, the Sierra Club of Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin filed a petition for a contested case hearing with the DNR, challenging DNR permitting for Line 5. Shortly after filing the challenge, Midwest Environmental Advocates received a report of a 69,000-gallon oil spill in Jefferson County. According to an accident report shared with Wisconsin Examiner, the spill originated from Enbridges Line 6 pipeline. Some 1,650 barrels of crude oil are estimated to have leaked from the pipeline, with 42 gallons to a barrel. When plugged into Google Maps, GPS data in the accident report point to a roadway running through a grassy, wooded area. The map shows that the spill occurred near a waterway that flows into Lake Ripley, not far from a group of nature preserves and campgrounds. Although the pipeline segment had a leak detection system, the accident report states that this didnt alert anyone to the leak, which was first noticed on Nov. 11 by an Enbridge technician. Line 6 is one of four pipeliness that run from Superior, Wisconsin, to Illinois. It carries crude oil from Superior to Lockport, Illinois. Tony Wilkin Gibart, executive director of Midwest Environmental Advocates, said in a statement that the Line 6 spill highlights the dangers of Line 5. Consider that in the very same week that DNR issued permits for Line 5 based on its conclusion that the risk for a spill would be low, DNR was investigating a significant oil leak on another Enbridge pipeline in Wisconsin, said Gibart. DNRs reasoning for approving Line 5 defies common sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, the DNR decided to issue wetland and waterway permits to Enbridge as a step towards moving the pipeline off the Bad River reservation. The DNR highlighted that the wetland permits would include over 200 conditions which Enbridge would need to honor, and which would keep the company in compliance with Wisconsins wetland and waterway standards. Both the DNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would need to approve the permits before construction of the reroute could begin. Many of our people will feel the effects if we lose these resources, said Blanchard. In my view, the DNR failed our children when it gave Enbridge the permits to build this reroute. They failed to consider the companys multiple disasters in Minnesota and in Michigan, which are still being cleaned up. They failed to consider our tribe, our water quality, and the natural resources of the entire Bad River watershed. As a tribal chairman and an elder, its my responsibility to protect the generations still to come. Thats why we are fighting this reroute in court. The Band is represented by EarthJustice in a lawsuit filed against the DNR which, like the petition filed last week by the environmental groups, accuses the state agency of producing an inadequate final Environmental Impact Statement on the reroute which violates the Wisconsin Environmental Protection Act. Blanchard highlighted his tribes reliance on wild rice fields growing along the Bad River and Lake Superior, as well as natural medicines, wild game, and the land itself which are crucial to the Bad River Bands cultural practices and way of life. Every year the tribe holds an annual wild rice harvest, and Bad River Band members hunt and gather from the land all year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If something was to happen during that time, or when that pipeline is in place, you know, its really going to affect a lot of things that we do here, and the way that we do things here on the reservation as far as our way of life, Blanchard warned. Currently the Line 5 pipeline crosses the Bad River inside the boundaries of the reservation. If the reroute goes through, Enbridge would construct 41 miles of new pipeline to cross the river outside of reservation land. The reroute would still place the natural resources the tribe relies on in danger if an oil spill or leak were to occur. Stefanie Tsosie, senior staff attorney at Earthjustice, also warned that constructing new pipeline damages natural formations and resources which are often irreplaceable. Once construction starts they cant undo the damage, Tsosie said in a statement. Enbridge has a terrible track record for pipeline construction and operation. And this place this watershed and this territory is not another place they can just plow through. Opponents to the pipeline point to a history of ecological disasters due to spillage from Enbridge pipelines. In 2010, millions of gallons of crude oil contaminated the Kalamazoo River, creating a crisis which took years to address. Over the past 50 years, Enbridges Line 5 pipeline has spilled over 1 million gallons in dozens of different incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, an area known as the meander is also creating concern for the Bad River Band. The river is changing course, and it does that throughout the way it runs, said Blanchard. At the meander where the pipeline crosses, he added, If we have high water events, flooding, harsh winter with a lot of ice build up, and all that breaks loose in the spring, then we get this high water that very well could take that pipeline out, and cause a spill. The tribe is monitoring the situation regularly, but this does little to ease their anxieties. The meander is quite difficult to get to, said Blanchard, and its also just one area of concern along the pipelines route. A few years back, we had an exposed pipeline coming down one of the sidehills up there, said Blanchard. There was quite a ways where the pipeline was exposed and just kind of hanging in mid-air, which could have been disastrous if it wasnt found and something done about it. If Line 5 were rerouted, it would still go through other wetlands and habitats outside the reservation. These are some of the most treasured areas in Wisconsin, said Brett Korte, an attorney with Clean Wisconsin. When we think of the beauty of our state, our precious freshwater resources, the places we must protect, these areas are at the top of the list. In a statement, Korte added, This push from Canadian oil giant Enbridge is getting national attention because what its proposing to do here in Wisconsin is dangerous. PARIS (Reuters) - A French court sentenced eight people to prison terms ranging from one to 16 years for their roles in a hate campaign that culminated in the murder of a teacher who had shown caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in class, local media reported. Days after Samuel Paty, 47, showed his pupils the caricatures in October 2020, an 18-year-old Chechen assailant stabbed and beheaded him outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, near Paris. The assailant was shot dead by police moments after. Among those convicted on Friday was the father of a student whose false account of Paty's use of the caricatures triggered a wave of social media posts targeting the middle-school teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court sentenced Brahim Chnina to 13 years in prison for criminal terrorist association, according to broadcaster Franceinfo. Chnina had published videos falsely accusing the teacher of disciplining his daughter for complaining about the class, naming Paty and identifying his school. Abdelhakim Sefrioui, the founder of a hardline Islamist organization, received a 15-year sentence. Both Sefrioui and Chnina were found guilty of inciting hatred against Paty. Many Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet Mohammad to be blasphemous. Sefrioui's lawyer said his client would appeal the decision, according to French media. Two associates of Paty's killer, Abdullakh Anzorov, were also convicted. Naim Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov were sentenced to 16 years in prison for complicity in a terrorist killing. Both had denied wrongdoing, according to Franceinfo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, a court found Chnina's daughter and five other adolescents guilty of participating in a premeditated conspiracy and helping prepare an ambush. Chnina's daughter, who was not in Paty's class when the caricatures were shown, was convicted of making false accusations and slanderous comments. French media reported that the 13-year-old made the allegations after her parents questioned why she had been suspended from school for two days. (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector is spreading holiday cheer with its 30th annual Christmas party in the Chihuahuita neighborhood. The Chihuahuita Christmas Party happened at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 at 417 Charles Rd. in the Chihuahuita neighborhood, one of the oldest communities in El Paso and nationwide, according to Border Patrol in a news release. Santa Claus appeared on horseback to meet the children and hand out gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol agents and support staff donated the presents, Border Patrol said. Since its inception, this annual event reflects the U.S. Border Patrols commitment to our community, exemplifying the values of honor, integrity and vigilance towards the El Paso area, El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good 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 KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) While El Paso County offices will be closed for the holidays, Protective Order Unit will remain open via phone for domestic violence victims, the El Paso County Attorneys Office said in a press release. The County Attorneys Office says it will be closed from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2. However, its Protective Order Unit will be open from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. via phone during the following days: Monday, Dec. 23 Thursday, Dec. 26 Friday, Dec. 27 Monday, Dec. 30 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic violence victims can apply for a protective order from the privacy of their homes by visiting a 24/7 portal https://apps.epcountytx.gov/CAProtectiveOrder/submission. For more information about the application process or general inquiries, call (915) 273-3242. The County Attorneys Office says a protective order is a civil court order signed by a judge that directs an abuser to stop specific actions, such as contacting the victim or approaching their home, workplace, or other designated areas. Violating a Protective Order is a criminal offense. The holiday season can be a particularly stressful time for some families, and incidents of domestic violence can unfortunately increase. The El Paso County Attorneys Office wants to assure the community that help is available even during the holiday closure. Our Protective Order Unit will be available to receive applications and provide assistance to those seeking protection from abuse, the County Attorneys Office 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 KTSM 9 News. SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador's Congress will begin debating a bill on Saturday from President Nayib Bukele that would overturn a 2017 national ban on metals mining, the head of the president's bloc in Congress said on Friday. The bill is an "initiative of the president of the republic, through the minister of economy, to approve the general law on metal mining," lawmaker Christian Guevara announced on the floor of El Salvador's unicameral legislative assembly, where Bukele's allies make up 57 of 60 total seats. In 2017, El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban forms of metals mining. Bukele, who took office in 2019, has called the ban absurd and supports gold mining. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Stephen Coates) Caretakers at a taxpayer-funded Long Island animal refuge blasted their star attraction, Honey the Bear, with a high-pressure hose to get the hobbled, elderly ursine to move, advocates say a new video shows. Images obtained by The Post show Honey in her outdoor enclosure at the state-licensed Holtsville Ecology Center on July 6, 2022, with her head down, facing a wall as shes being hosed by the strong spray. It was a technique used whenever the struggling, 27-year-old black bear wasnt moving fast enough for center workers, claimed advocacy group Humane Long Island, which alleged the facility regularly neglects the more than 100 sick or injured animals in its care. Caretakers at a taxpayer-funded Long Island animal refuge blasted their star attraction, Honey the Bear, with a high-pressure hose to get the hobbled, elderly ursine to move, advocates say a new video shows. FaceBook Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve Humane Long Island played the clip outside a Town of Brookhaven council meeting this week. It shows the lumbering animal slowly managing to turn herself around as the water hits her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Honey takes a small step forward and stops again before the 27-second clip cuts off. Come on Honey, a woman coos at one point in the footage, urging the bear, Wanna go in? Daniel Losquadro, the head of the Town of Brookhavens Highway Department, which oversees the center, slammed Humane Long Island and staunchly defended his workers treatment of Honey. It was a technique used whenever the struggling, 27-year-old black bear wasnt moving fast enough for center workers, claimed advocacy group Humane Long Island. Obtained by The New York Post People are entitled to their own opinion but theyre not entitled to their own facts, he told The Post. The heat index the day the video was taken was 105 degrees, and Honey was not moving into the shade, he said. The only time that is done is if we have concerns about her health and wellbeing and she wouldnt move on her own. If she didnt want to go inside it would at least cool her off, he said. The only time we would ever wet her down was if she was hot and if she wasnt going into the shade so we would cool her down, thats all. Honey also suffered from broken and rotted teeth, and chronic urinary tract infections and could frequently be seen swaying back and forth in her enclosure, Humane LI has alleged. Obtained by The New York Post The clip emerged as the state Department of Environmental Conservation said it has begun investigating complaints from Humane LI, which has accused the center of failing to get proper veterinary care for its animals to the point where several have died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DEC has interviewed some of the more than half dozen former center workers who reached out to Humane Long Island with concerns, the department told The Post. The 3.5-acre refuge, which is free to the public, is licensed by DEC. The state is investigating animal abuse at the sanctuary in light of the incident. Obtained by The New York Post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent Losquadro told the New York Post his department categorically denies ever spraying Honey with a hose, however, Instagram video from Holtsville Ecology Site employee Kristin Layer documents this cruel harassment as if a funny joke, Humane Long Island President John Di Leonardo told the Brookhaven town council during a meeting Tuesday. I ask you today to work with us to retire the animals at Holtsville Ecology Site to reputable sanctuaries where they can live a more natural life. A highway departments budget should be going to fixing potholes, not funding a menagerie on top of a garbage dump, he added. Honey suffered from broken and rotted teeth, and chronic urinary tract infections and could frequently be seen swaying back and forth in her enclosure, Humane LI has alleged. Honey had an apparent stroke last month and was euthanized. Kathianne Boniello She lost the use of the rear part of her body last month after an apparent stroke, and was euthanized Nov. 22, a center official said. Black bears can live into their 30s in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About eight animals at the center have died since July, including Wilbur, a large farm pig; Lilly, a lionhead rabbit; Patrick, a mallard duck with mobility issues; and Clarice, a white-tailed deer with kidney failure, according to Humane LI. The group also protested at the Center on Dec. 6, as Santa Claus arrived for an annual tree lighting event an event which drew hundreds of people. Elon Musk is getting cooked on social media for equating the policies of Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party to the U.S. Democratic Party at the start of Barack Obamas presidency, after Musk recently pointed to the AfD as Germanys only hope. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) had told CNN in an interview Friday that the AfD is essentially the neo-Nazi party in Germany and has dangerous ideas about ridding Germany of anyone who is not naturally born in that country. What a huge liar, Musk wrote on his social media platform, X, in response that day. The AfD policies are identical to those of the US Democratic Party when Obama took office! I dont think there is a single difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting flurry of dunks included a particularly damning one from fellow billionaire Mark Cuban, who apparently asked Xs artificial intelligence chatbot to say which U.S. political party most closely resembles the AfD. Its literally the reason I keep this app, Cuban wrote before sharing the bots purported answer, which included this line: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) most closely resembles the **Republican Party** in the United States, particularly in its current, more right-wing to far-right incarnation. In September, the AfD became the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since World War II. Its leader in Thuringia, Bjorn Hocke, was convicted for a second time in July for knowingly using a Nazi slogan at a political event. Elon Musk is getting torched on his own social media platform for comments about a far-right party in Germany. Allison Robbert/Pool/Associated Press U.S. political scientist and author Ian Bremmer replied to Musk on X, saying that equating the AfD to Obama-era Democrats is quite the take. He added that the far-right party is much more germany first on issues like climate change and immigration, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a member of the Social Democratic Party, addressed Musk recently saying that Only the AfD can save Germany by stating that freedom of speech allows multibillionaires like him to say things that are not right, per Bloomberg. Scholz had announced in November that he fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the head of the Free Democratic Party, leading to the collapse of his three-party governing coalition. He went on to lose a confidence vote Monday, triggering a new election set for next year. The AfD is currently polling behind the Christian Democratic Union of Germany. Musks endorsement of AfD notably come after he helped Donald Trump retake the White House in this years U.S. elections. Meanwhile, he continues to get roasted on his own platform for Fridays baffling comparison. I love @grok. Its literally the reason I keep this app. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) most closely resembles the **Republican Party** in the United States, particularly in its current, more right-wing to far-right incarnation. Here are some parallels: - **Nationalism https://t.co/32ie80A8ZP Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 20, 2024 afd = obama democrats is quite the take afd is much more germany first on fossil fuels/climate change lgbtq/identity politics pro-life immigration, esp vis muslims and many others ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) December 20, 2024 What is this man even talking about? Barely any understanding about the actual US government, but thinks he knows everything about German politics? https://t.co/SxzAQzvvFF Pascal Koenig (@Koenig_on_EU) December 20, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... Elon Musk has sparked backlash in Germany after calling for the chancellor to resign and backing the AfD. The German health minister said Musk "should not interfere in our politics." It comes as right-wing leaders in Europe seize on an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Elon Musk has stirred controversy in Germany after calling Chancellor Olaf Scholz an "incompetent fool" and backing the country's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a post on X, Musk first reshared a video by right-wing influencer Naomi Seibt in which she criticizes Friedrich Merz, one of the leading candidates to become Germany's next chancellor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk, who is the richest person in the world, wrote alongside the post. Musk then weighed in on news of an attack on Friday on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg that killed at least five people. Musk reshared a post purportedly showing an image of the suspect that said the attack was a "DIRECT RESULT of mass unchecked immigration." "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool," Musk added in a separate post. Leading right-wing figures across Europe have seized on the incident to promote anti-immigrant rhetoric and call for tighter border controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's comments, which come just two months before Germany is set to hold a snap federal election, have sparked backlash in the country. Scholz appeared to respond indirectly at a press conference in Berlin, saying, "We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you're able to say things that aren't right and do not contain good political advice," per the Guardian. Karl Lauterbach, the German health minister, said on X that Musk "should not interfere in our politics, adding that "his platform profits from hate and incitement and radicalizes people." REUTERS/ Fabian Bimmer The AfD party was established in 2013 as an anti-euro party, but it has since focused more on immigration and has been seen as increasingly far-right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, however, has previously questioned how far-right the party's policies are. In a post on X in June, he wrote:"Why is there such a negative reaction from some about AfD?" "They keep saying "far right", but the policies of AfD that I've read about don't sound extremist. Maybe I'm missing something," he added. The Tesla CEO has shown growing support for right-wing leaders, including Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform Party. Earlier this week, Farage boasted that Musk was "right behind" him and hinted that the tech mogul might financially back his party. Read the original article on Business Insider Mark Trahant Special to ICT Elon Musk has a notion that a government shutdown is a good thing. He called on the House this week to reject any spending bill (actually any bill). Shutting down the government (which doesnt actually shut down critical functions btw) is infinitely better than passing a horrible bill, Musk wrote in one of dozens of X posts opposing a temporary spending bill. He also said no bills should be passed until after Jan. 20 when Donald J. Trump takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Friday afternoon, Congress approved legislation to avert a shutdown just hours before the deadline to do so. As a result, federal funding will continue to flow into mid-March. Had the measure failed, a shutdown would have hit people hard (including those who voted for the Trump ticket) and the economy. Then there is the politics. The Republican majority is thin in this House and its majority is even smaller in the next Congress. That means the conference will have to be unified or Democratic votes will be needed to enact a budget, even a temporary one. My way or the highway wont work. This notion was made clear by the House rejecting a Trump-Musk-approved slim version of a temporary bill by the House of Representatives. That measure failed by a wide margin, rejected even by more Republicans than Democrats. Here are the facts from a Trump-inspired government Christmas shutdown in 2018. (One of four in the past decade.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One study found that some 380,000 workers went on furlough. Another 420,000 worked but did not get paid until the shutdown ended. The Congressional Budget Office said the economy dropped by slightly more than one-tenth of one percent but much more significant were its effects on individual businesses and workers. Among those who experienced the largest and most direct negative effects are federal workers who faced delayed compensation and private-sector entities that lost business. Some of those private-sector entities will never recoup that lost income. The impact on Indigenous people and governments was also critical. A congressional hearing that examined that government shutdown reported shortages in food delivery programs. Mary Trottier spoke for the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program in North Dakota and said federal food programs serve more than 100,000 people in 276 Native communities with little or no access to grocery stores or transportation to the stores to redeem SNAP (food stamp) benefits. She told the committee a significant number of elders relied on that food distribution. Nearly half of our participants are over the age of 60, and the average age of our participants is 54, she said. Over half are currently employed but need the help our program offers to make ends meet each month. On top of that, in that shutdown the demand for food increased because so many federal workers were furloughed or worked without a paycheck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So our tribal governments have to choose between providing food or medicine for our most vulnerable people. During this shutdown, we're told to make do with what little we have in Indian Country, she told Congress. We have already been making do with very little for a long time. If the shutdown continues, we may be forced to make do with nothing. But thats a good thing, according to Musks tweet frenzy. Only thats not new either. One of then President Trumps advisors said at the time: Workers are furloughed, and right now, its about 25 percent of government workers are furloughed, which means they are not allowed to go to work, Kevin Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers said on PBS. But then, when the shutdown ends, they go back to work and they get their back pay. But for those operating on a paycheck-to-paycheck economy, its a different story. And if this goes into January, as Musk would like, it wont just be federal employees, but hundreds of thousands of contractors, including tribal employees. For example, in 2018-2019 the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes instituted a reduced work schedule for tribal employees to preserve tribal funds. The Navajo Nation delayed scholarships for students at universities. And the Pawnee Nation established a go fund me page to help families through the standoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politics of all this is complicated and messy. The congressional appropriations process has been broken for a long time. Congress hasnt been able to do its job. Instead of passing appropriations bills, Congress more often uses an omnibus bill that throws all the budget lines into one bundle. That really ticks off conservatives who want to cut the budget and some vote no against any temporary spending bill. But its hard to get the votes in either House without making deals. And Democratic votes will be needed in order to get a spending bill across the finish line. (On top of that, the current plan of House Speaker Mike Johnson requires support from two-thirds of the House. So a lot of Democratic votes will be needed.) The bigger question in all of this goes to a core value of what was once the Tea Party and now MAGA and thats the idea that running a government can be a simple operation, an either-or choice. Musk said it well when he Xd (is that the right verb?): Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed. That may work to kill a spending bill. Passing one flaws and all is a much more difficult task. Yet its essential governing. Dec. 20Western New Mexico University President Joe Shepard, the embattled leader embroiled in ethics investigations over wasteful spending for the past year, announced on Friday he will step down early next year. But Shepard, who will resign from his post on Jan. 15 and assume a president emeritus and faculty position within the School of Business on the Silver City campus, did not accept the terms of his separation agreement without commenting on the allegations of spending. These include foreign university trips with board members and his wife, ex-CIA agent Valerie Plame, purchases of high-end furniture for the president's residence, and his daughter's 2023 wedding, held at the residence. Friday's meeting marked the third for the regents this month as they met to discuss matters surrounding the ethics investigations by multiple agencies, including the New Mexico Higher Education Department. The department's secretary, Stephanie Rodriguez, called Shepard's announcement "long overdue," but indicated that the university still has progress to make on ethics reforms and the state agency's audit of the institution, which is still ongoing, could be completed soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have been and remain deeply troubled about the reports of gross negligence and mismanagement of taxpayer funds at Western New Mexico University," Rodriguez said. "The health and stability of WNMU moving forward will require further examination and accountability." The scandal began last December, when the news outlet Searchlight New Mexico reviewed the university's financial records and found that Shepard, Plame and members of the board went on expensive foreign business trips and purchased high-end furniture for the president's residence. Board Chair Mary Hotvedt said on Friday that Jack Crocker, provost and vice president of academic affairs, could serve as an interim president while the board searches for a permanent replacement, but the temporary appointment is pending conversations with the board, a university news release said. Hotvedt said during the meeting that she would not step down as planned and would wait until the presidential search concluded. Once the Searchlight story broke, Shepard reasoned that the trips were needed to boost recruitment of international students and the furniture would please donors, but the president soon faced questions from lawmakers about his spending. State Auditor Joe Maestas uncovered more than $360,000 for 402 instances of "extravagant" travel and 91 instances of purchasing. He turned over his findings to the State Ethics Commission, which is reviewing the information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 12, the regents got an earful from members of the public calling on Shepard and the entire board to resign. In response, Hotvedt issued a prepared statement saying that despite complying with all audits as well as making policy reforms, Shepard and board members are being treated unfairly in the court of public opinion. During Friday's meeting, Shepard said the trips were elective and he notified the board; he paid for all expenses for the wedding and Plame's university-issued credit card was approved by the board. Further, Shepard argued he was being defamed and he and his wife had not been afforded due process in the investigations. He even likened Plame's situation of being in "the uninvited spotlight" to the time President George W. Bush's administration outed her identity as a CIA agent. Speaking virtually against the backdrop of campus, Shepard said he concluded the path forward is to "remove myself from the equation and resign." It was not an "easy decision," he added. "I leave my post not in defeat, but with a deep understanding that it is the right thing to do, to advance that which I dearly love," Shepard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked his supporters and said to his detractors, "I hope you find peace." Shepard added he wanted to move beyond "toxic" feelings and move "back to compassion." During Friday's closed-door meeting, the board heard an update on possible personnel actions and discussed the contract. The board voted unanimously in public session to approve the separation and faculty appointment agreement between it and Shepard. Shepard's previous contract, provided to the Journal by the university, was signed in October 2022 and expired in June 2027. He earned a base salary of $365,000 per year, with a retention bonus of $50,000 beginning fiscal year 2022-23. The new agreement, which the university provided Friday, said Shepard will receive a payment of $1.9 million when he resigns. As a faculty member, Shepard will earn a base salary of $200,000 a year for five years, with his salary increasing at the same rate as his future counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shepard's appointment as full professor to the business school will begin once his presidential term ends. He will teach two courses per semester. He could also take an eight-month sabbatical. At the end of five years, Shepard's appointment will be subject to a post-tenure review. Hotvedt said during the meeting that "none of us were excited" to enter into a separation agreement with Shepard. She said to the president directly, "I can't say enough good things about you." But Brenda Findley, a former vice president of business affairs who later settled a whistleblower settlement with the university after she called out Shepard for spending, disagreed in an interview following the meeting, saying Shepard was bad for the institution and needed to go. She said she attended the board meeting because "it's fundamental to me" to "follow through" on these university developments, however long after her termination in December 2016. "There's no way he could continue in that role and be legitimate and he knows it," Findley said. "The only thing he could do at all was to resign and negotiate this (agreement). She added, "I'm cautiously optimistic" about the university's future. Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez was fired late Friday night, clearing the way for Mayor Brandon Johnson to install a new leader of the nations fourth-largest school district after a protracted power struggle. His termination was the fallout of a long fight between leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union aligned with the mayor and leaders of a school district facing serious budget headwinds. In a court filing earlier Friday, Martinez asked for a temporary restraining order against each of the seven members of the sitting board to prevent the unlawful termination of his employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing says the board members were appointed to do the bidding of the Mayor as well as the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which have both scapegoated Plaintiff over the past several months as the CTU has made unprecedented demands as part of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with CPS despite a massive budget shortfall. How Martinezs duties and responsibilities will be modified moving forward remains to be seen. Martinez gathered with district officials in a side room after the meeting. He spoke emotionally about the boards decision and said all hes ever asked for and done so repeatedly has been for the board to honor his contract. He asked for a smooth transition to the next CEO, before bringing up his background and tenure with CPS. Who are they really talking to? This is a CPS kid, Martinez said. Graduated (in) 1987 in Pilsen, not going to one of our selective-enrollment schools (but) a neighborhood school, in an underfunded school, in an underfunded community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement after the vote, the CTU said the decision turns the page on dysfunction and moves us towards a culture of collaborative, proactive, and equity-minded leadership. As of late Saturday, Johnsons office had not returned a request for comment. The move to fire Martinez After a lengthy closed session during Friday nights meeting, six school board members gathered around 9 p.m. Friday on the stage of an auditorium in a district building on the South Side. The room was pin-drop quiet. Then, with six ayes, zero nayes a resolution was passed approving the CEOs dismissal. About five minutes later, the board gathered on stage again to clarify it was firing Martinez without cause a topic of much speculation before the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means Martinez can stay in his role for 180 days and will receive 20 weeks of his base salary of $340,000. It also means the board members, facing a suit in court, couldnt conjure up a cause to fire the districts leader. The district did not respond to a request for comment about why there were just six members of the full seven-member body at Fridays board meeting and why two 6-0 votes were held. The conflict Johnson, a former teacher and CTU organizer, appointed the board that fired Martinez on Friday after his previous hand-picked board resigned amid controversy. The teachers union is negotiating a new contract, and the mayor was putting pressure on Martinez over the summer to approve a $300 million high-interest loan that would in part cover the proposed demands in CTUs bargaining agreement. The CEO said taking out a loan at the mayors request would saddle the cash-strapped district with debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the mayor appears to be steadfast on his goal of getting more money for the CPS schools he says need it most. According to an internal memo obtained by the Tribune, the mayor gave directives for the ousting of Martinez in September. Three months later, after a round of board resignations in October and a series of other controversies that included the announced closures of several charter schools, a newly appointed board called for Fridays special meeting. It was held on the last day before the districts holiday break. A product of the district After his contract was terminated Friday, Martinez repeated his message to Spanish-speaking families. I came from a community that had no funding. Soy un nino de una comunidad que no tenia fondos para mi, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then: No nos pueden dejar. You cant leave us behind. Martinez was the first permanent Latino leader to head the district. An immigrant from Mexico and the eldest of 12 children, he credits Pilsens churches for welcoming his family to the city. Martinez has a background in finance, not teaching, which he was questioned about when he first took the role. He majored in accounting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and got an MBA at DePaul University. He worked in the private sector as an audit supervisor before joining Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Martinez then went on to work under CEO Arne Duncan at CPS and at a Nevada public school system as superintendent. Martinezs stint there ended after he was fired illegally by the school board and then offered a buyout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued as a superintendent in San Antonio before returning to his home city in 2021 to lead one of the largest school districts in the nation as it was emerging from COVID. September 2021: An uphill battle Martinezs appointment by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was announced Sept. 15, 2021, at his alma mater Benito Juarez High School in the Pilsen neighborhood. Though Martinez took over for ex-CEO Janice Jackson during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had bright hopes. He pledged to keep schools open for in-person learning. He wanted to earn the trust of Black and Latino families enrolled in district schools. CPS is about six times the size of San Antonios school district, and Martinez did not fall into his role at an easy time. He was staring down longstanding structural debt problems of hundreds of millions of dollars brought on by financial disentanglement with the city under Lightfoot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he learned the ropes of his new position, the CTU cited a lagging COVID-19 testing program, bus driver shortages and flaws in special education services, issuing a statement after his appointment saying Martinez must exceed expectations in a struggling school district. We cannot be fighting within ourselves, Martinez said at the time. The enemy is the systemic racism weve had in our country. The enemy is poverty. The pandemic dominated Martinezs first year as he faced declining enrollment rates. There were constant disagreements over whether to hold in-person classes or remote learning options, to mask or unmask. CPS and CTU negotiated a safety agreement for months. Classes were canceled when teachers refused to give their lessons in person. But the district, like the rest of Chicago, emerged slowly and bumpily from intermittent quarantine. Spring 2023: The makings of a partnership A seismic shift came when Johnson, buoyed by more than $2 million in support from the CTU, was sworn into office in spring 2023. He promised to bring momentum to CPS. He proposed finding alternatives to standardized tests, filling the funding gap with state support and reversing declining enrollment. The new mayor chose to keep Martinez as his CEO, and the district, which had faced years of conflict between the powerful union and CPS leadership, saw a brief detente among its leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez said he had big hopes to work with the mayor. The two saw eye-to-eye on shifting priorities back to neighborhood schools and getting rid of security officers in schools. The district saw some real signs of improvement. There was the first enrollment increase in 12 years and post-pandemic academic gains. Martinez and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates went out together to celebrate the first day of school that fall. But the good feelings did not last. December 2023: A financial cliff, an expired contract, a clash of interests After decades of lacking investment, pandemic relief money gave CPS a fighting chance to show whats possible when resources are made available to meet student needs, Martinez said at one CPS event celebrating graduation rate increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those funds were set to expire in 2025, a phenomenon facing school systems across the country. To fill the gap, CPS officials said they were advocating for increased aid from the city and state. Then, in late May, the Illinois Senate approved a state spending plan without additional money for the district. The teachers contract expired in June and the district approved a nearly $10 billion budget the next month without accounting for either a pension payment to the city or the cost of a new teachers contract. That is what ultimately caused tensions to boil over, culminating in the mayor requesting Martinez resign for refusing to take out a loan to fill the budget gap. Though the fate of Chicagos Pilsen-grown leader lay in the school boards hands Friday evening, the power struggle is far from over. The school board will have to navigate new dynamics as the newly elected members settle into their roles. The district could appoint someone to be a co-CEO as Martinez transitions out of his position. And there is still a teachers contract to be settled. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a case involving the illegal killing of a protected gray wolf. The agency explained in a news release that the incident occurred in Morrow County west of Highway 395, where gray wolves are federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The radio-collared male wolf, known to researchers as OR 159, was found dead Nov. 8 on private property about 20 miles south of the county seat of Heppner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USFWS and the Oregon State Police are conducting a joint investigation. The USFWS asks that anyone with potentially helpful information should call the Service at (503) 682-6131, or OSP Dispatch at (800) 452-7888, text *OSP (*677), or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Endangered gray wolf poached in Oregon, reward set at $10,000 Dec. 20A state regulatory agency produced an aerial map in September showing a roughly half-mile area surrounding the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant in the City of Niagara Falls covered by what environmental and community advocates describe as a "cloud of toxic chemical emissions." On Friday, during a press conference on a 56th Street parcel located across from the plant, a group that included a neighboring homeowner called on federal regulators to take immediate steps to force the company to reduce the facility's emissions of ortho-toluidine, a chemical that studies have shown contributed to cases of bladder cancer among the facility's workers. Advocates for changes at the plant accused the state Department of Environmental Conservation of putting the community's health at risk by failing to impose higher standards for the monitoring and release of emissions from the plant despite having been involved in permitting negotiations with the company for the past four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are now asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to step in by issuing an emergency order under the Clean Air Act that is traditionally reserved for environmental concerns posing "imminent and substantial endangerment to public health." A formal request for the order sent to the federal agency on Friday had the backing of six advocacy groups, including Don't Waste New York, The New York Public Interest Research Group, the Niagara Falls chapter of the NAACP, Sierra Club Niagara Group, Western New York Interfaith Center and the Clean Air Coalition of WNY. "We have appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an emergency order to immediately require Goodyear to do interim remedial measures to temporarily bring down the emissions and then immediately install the permanent equipment to bring down these toxic emissions by 90% as quickly as possible," said Anne Rabe, a volunteer with the advocacy group Don't Waste New York. WBFO, in collaboration with Public Health Watch and Inside Climate News, first reported in September that the plant, located off 56th Street in the LaSalle section of the city, has been emitting ortho-toluidine and another pollutant, diphenylamine, known as DPA, at levels 1,000% higher than what state regulators deem safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WBFO and its reporting partners cited a July 2023 notice of violation issued to Goodyear by the DEC that informed the company of its failure to control the emissions. The notice focused on two pollution-control devices that failed to properly control the emission of the pollutants. The news outlet reported estimates that the site has been releasing pollutants at higher levels than allowed by the state for at least 15 years. Friday's press conference followed the release of a plume map produced by the DEC as part of its ongoing permitting negotiations with Goodyear. The aerial map shows plant emissions impacting homes and businesses for several blocks surrounding the facility. The area includes the home of Alexandria Korkuc, the lone resident on Granby Avenue off 56th Street across from the Goodyear facility. She said she first learned about the DEC's plume map on Thursday and found it deeply concerning considering the emissions are not only impacting her house but also the nearby Home Depot where she works and other homes and schools in the neighborhood. 'Something needs to be done For this to be going on for it to be prolonged for this long, it's not OK," she said. "There's little kids. There are families. Everybody who lives around here, it should be safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korkuc also questioned how the DEC could be engaged in negotiations with the plant's owners for years without requiring Goodyear to do a better job of containing emissions from the facility. "If you are going to break a trust, and you're not going to fix it, are you just letting it go? she said. "In all honestly, is that how it's going to be because it's not fair to us." Goodyear has said that the company's Falls plant is "subject to air permit requirements that are based on the state's prior [limit] for ortho-toluidine" and that it is "in compliance with those permit requirements." A spokesperson for the DEC did not respond to a request for comment late Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued by the state agency in response to WBFO's report earlier this year, the DEC said it would "take the appropriate actions" involving the facility to "ensure compliance with applicable air emission standards and the protection of public health and the environment." The DEC indicated that the Notice of Violation did not cite violations regarding emissions of ortho-toluidine. "DEC's investigation is ongoing and includes communications with the company regarding potential facility modifications and the performance of additional stack tests and air dispersion modeling," the DEC said in its statement. Goodyear's air state facility permit will also require any necessary facility modifications and emission controls," the agency added. "The public will have the opportunity to review and comment on a draft permit." Rabe and other advocates for change at the plant said the DEC's response is not adequate or swift enough, considering a known carcinogen continues to be released into a city neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any exposure to a carcinogen is an increased risk of getting cancer," Rabe said. Her message to residents about the potential risk: "It's a toxic cloud of a cancer-causing chemical. Don't panic, but it should immediately be stopped, the sooner, the better." Lewiston resident Amy Witryol, speaking on behalf of former Niagara County lawmaker and Niagara Falls NAACP chapter president Renae Kimble, called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to direct the state health department to release rates of incidents and mortality for bladder cancer in the Falls by zip code and Census tract and for all employees who worked at the plant for the past 20 years. In a statement read by Witryol, Kimble said intervention by the EPA is warranted in this case because the threat to the public is "imminent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The plant workers and neighboring residents must be protected from dangerous exposure," Kimble said. "The health and safety of Goodyear employees and residents of the City of Niagara Falls is paramount." Rabe said she is expecting DEC officials to meet with her and other advocates and residents in January to discuss the situation. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to sign the petition urging the EPA to issue a Clean Air Act Emergency Order to immediately require Goodyear to reduce toxic emissions coming from the Falls plant. The petition can be found by visiting https://linktr.ee/cleanairwny. Rabe also encouraged residents to contact their local, state and federal representatives to Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would love for as many people as possible in the City of Niagara Falls to sign that petition by Jan. 3. We're pushing EPA hard to do this immediately," she said. For more information, contact Don't Waste New York at 518-560-1849 or the Clean Air Coalition of WNY at bridge@cacwny.org. NEW YORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday distanced himself from a top NYPD official whom he previously promoted and defended, following new graphic sexual assault allegations. "The allegations are extremely concerning and alarming," Adams told reporters Saturday. "The police commissioner is doing a full review of all personnel, but she's also doing a full review of this issue, and it just would be inappropriate for me to go into the details of these allegations." On Saturday morning, a New York Post report outlined in explosive detail allegations from one of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey's underlings that he repeatedly sexually assaulted her in exchange for granting her overtime. He resigned late Friday night, hours before the story was published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams a retired NYPD captain had stood by Maddrey in the past, elevating him to the department's top uniformed position despite a troubled record. A City Hall spokesperson separately released a statement about the news. "We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter," spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus said. "Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner [Jessica Tisch] as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure no high ranking officers are using their power inappropriately. Maddrey's attorney denied the allegations to the Post and suggested the accuser is coming forward because of scrutiny around her immense overtime payments that brought her salary to more than $400,000 last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes obviously drowning and in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver," Maddrey's attorney, Lambros Lambrou, told the paper. "She wants to take down as many people as she can. This is completely meritless, and we deny every aspect of it. Maddrey's resignation and the sordid allegations are the latest scandal to rock the Adams administration as the mayor prepares for reelection next year. The mayor's inner circle, which once held sway over the nation's largest city government, has largely vanished as aide after aide has resigned or been pushed out because of corruption investigations, raids and indictments. On Thursday,the mayor's chief adviser and political confidant of 40 years was indicted by the Manhattan district attorney. And the mayor himself is facing a federal bribery case. Both have plead not guilty. The NYPD has been a particular locus of chaos, with Adams already on his fourth commissioner just three years into his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Maddrey was accused of improperly intervening in an arrest, the mayor publicly and privately urged former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell not to impose a recommended disciplinary measure. That case against Maddrey was eventually dismissed by Sewell's successor, Edward Caban who himself resigned amid a federal criminal probe. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Missouri Governor Mike Parson commuted former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaeres prison sentence on Friday. FOX4 learned of the decision first through official sources, and the governors office issued a news release shortly after. DeValkenaere was convicted in 2021 of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the 2019 shooting of Cameron Lamb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees Summit West teacher charged with child pornography DeValkenaere was sentenced to six years in prison after multiple appeals, and has been serving time since October of 2023. The former Kansas City detective shot and killed Lamb on December 3, 2019 as he backed his truck into his garage. Police had gone to his home after reports that he had been speeding after another vehicle. Prosecutors say Lamb wasnt armed when he was shot. In addition to the criminal conviction, a federal judge ruled in a civil case that DeValkenaere violated Lambs civil rights when he entered his backyard without a warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether DeValkeneaere would serve his full sentence has been a controversial topic leading up to Fridays announcement. Shortly after his final appeal was denied, DeValkenaeres family submitted a clemency packet to Gov. Parson. Even as Parson debated what he would do, governor-elect Mike Kehoe said he would free the former Kansas City detective if Parson didnt do it before he assumed office. The Lamb family and outgoing Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker have pleaded that DeValkenaere serve his full sentence. FOX4 spoke with Lambs family on Friday evening. Its crazy man. This aint the first time theyve shown they dont care about nobody but they personal selves, Lambs father Aquil Bey told Malik Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can do anything all the wrong in the world they want to do to you, and just because they are in a position to excuse it with their own moralistic values is crazy. DeValkenaere issued a statement through the Law Enforcement Legal Defense account on Twitter: I am so grateful to the thousands of people who stood with me, prayed for me, wrote and called Gov. Parson, and advocated tirelessly for this commutation. Thanks to all of you, Im home with my family for Christmas. The Fraternal Order of Police told FOX4 its not providing any statement. Missouri State Rep. Tony Luetkemeyer quote-tweeted our article on X with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The long-overdue commutation of Eric DeValkenaeres sentence corrects part of this miscarriage of justice. No police officer should be in prison for a split-second decision to protect his partner. This was the work of a woke prosecutor. Im glad Eric is reunited with his family. FOX4 received this statement from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas: The Mayor continues to pray for all those touched by the tragic events surrounding the death of Cameron Lamb. As Mayor and Kansas Citys only selection as commissioner on the state-appointed five member Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, Mayor Lucas remains committed to strengthening the trust between law enforcement and our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We refer all other questions to the offices of Governor Mike Parson and Governor-elect Mike Kehoe. DeValkenaeres commutation isnt a pardon where the convictions are forgiven, but does reduce the amount of time he has to serve. Its currently unknown if DeValkenaere has been released from custody, but FOX4 will follow developments with this breaking news story as we continue to confirm details on Friday night. Refresh this page for the latest updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Congress reached an agreement on a stop-gap spending bill early Saturday morning, Dec. 21 to avoid a government shutdown. Here is what members of Congress representing the El Paso and Las Cruces region have to say: U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas Im proud to have cast a vote to continue funding the government and ensure our 20,000 federal employees in El Paso and the 90,000 soldiers and their families at Fort Bliss are paid for the next three months and ahead of the holidays. Republicans have set a dangerous precedent by allowing an unelected billionaire to spread misinformation and hijack weeks of negotiations to fund our government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the latest version of the funding bill does not include many of the critically needed funding provisions that were in the original bill, a bipartisan agreement was reached. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico Today, I voted to avoid a government shutdown and stop the Republican chaos in favor of hard-working New Mexicans who would have been impacted by yet another manufactured crisis, By voting in favor of the bill, Im supporting farmers, communities devastated by natural disasters, service men and women and their families and many more. Ill continue to be a champion for New Mexicans and support New Mexican values. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, was one of 34 House Republicans who voted against the spending bill. We have reached out to Gonzales for comment. Part of his district includes East El Paso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The prospect of a reset of the UKs relations with the EU has excited some and alarmed others. This muddle of emotions has not been helped by a barrage of misinformation from supporters of much closer ties with the rest of Europe. So, how worried should we be? To be fair, the opening of negotiations alone is not enough to justify accusations that the Labour Government is about to betray Brexit and surrender to Brussels. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement which came into force in 2021 had built in a joint review every five years. No one thinks that agreement is perfect. The Conservatives would therefore be in the same position if they were still in power. Indeed, this could also be an opportunity to improve the Windsor Framework, which is undermining the integrity of the Union and binding the rest of the UK to EU control via the backdoor of Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the new Government does at least have a mandate to talk. Labours election manifesto included a promise to work to improve the UKs trade and investment relationship with the EU, by tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade. This could be one of the few commitments that is actually kept. The manifesto also referred specifically to a new veterinary agreement, help for touring artists and mutual recognition of professional qualifications. All of which are likely to be on the UK-EU agenda, even though the benefits to the UK of a veterinary agreement in particular are often exaggerated. And there are some other improvements that could be made without compromising Brexit. For example, the Food and Drink Federation has made a compelling case for expanding the use of Trusted Trader Modules, which would help both EU and non-EU suppliers. Note, too, that the Labour manifesto explicitly ruled out rejoining the EUs single market or customs union. Despite its large majority, the Government is rightly scared of the backlash it would face if it went that far. This would be a gift to a resurgent Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch, as well as fuel the growing threat from Reform. The diminishing numbers turning up each year to the annual National Rejoin March is telling here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the fact that the Government has brought together a team of more than 100 civil servants for the negotiations is not necessarily sinister either. Whatever your position on Brexit, it is important that the UK side has the firepower to match the European Commission. And yet there are many valid concerns. For a start, are as many resources being devoted to realising the benefits of leaving the EU? It would be nice to know that many more than 100 civil servants were working on new trade agreements with the rest of the world including preparing the way for a deal with the US or improving the regulatory environment at home. However, Labour is being nudged towards ever-closer relations with the EU instead. There is a growing risk that the UK simply ends up as a rule-taker aligned with a failing economic bloc, risking the full wrath of US trade tariffs, while at the same time making it harder to make the most of the freedoms created by Brexit. This has not been helped by the plague of zombie statistics now being recycled by Remainers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One particularly egregious example is the claim that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Brexit will cost the UK 1m an hour in 2022, which was recently revived in a national newspaper. Even the most basic due diligence shows that the ONS has said no such thing, but this nonsense has been widely shared by all the usual suspects. Another is the ever-shifting arguments deployed by those who claim Brexit is an existential threat to British farming. Given that UK food prices have risen by slightly less than those in the EU, they have had to fall back on the fact-free assertion that this is only possible because UK producers are being undercut by a flood of substandard imports from the rest of the world. Knock this myth down and another inevitably pops up, like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Even evidence that actually undermines the Remainers case is being spun the wrong way. For example, recent analysis by economists at the London School of Economics has suggested that UK goods exports were 28bn lower in 2022 than they would have been if we were still a member of the EU. Imports were 20bn lower. That is obviously not good news. But even taking this analysis at face value, the net effect on the trade balance was an adverse swing of just 8bn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the correct way to interpret this report is that any damage to trade has been far smaller than feared. The Office for Budget Responsibilitys assumption of a 4pc long-term hit to GDP per head was based on much larger 15pc falls in exports and imports of goods and services combined. This assumption is increasingly hard to defend. Unfortunately, the more that some talk up the initial costs of Brexit, the harder it is to resist the siren calls to realign with the EU. So, what exactly should we worry about? In short, our negotiators risk being sent on a fools errand, with a woolly mandate from a witless Government. We certainly cannot expect any favours from the EU. As usual, the European Commission has already set out a strong negotiating position. It regards the UK as a supplicant and any concessions will come at a high price. This stance was underlined by the recent decision to refer the UK to the Court of Justice for alleged shortcomings in the implementation of EU law on free movement under the Withdrawal Agreement. (Yes, we are still subject to the authority of EU courts in many areas.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the Commission is taking the view that the Windsor Framework does not go far enough in maintaining the supremacy of EU rules and regulations. And the UK is being asked to make further concessions in areas like fishing rights, youth mobility, and access to university education (though in my view, the last two could still be a win-win). This approach also closes the door to a host of sensible compromises that would work in the interests of both sides such as extending the mutual recognition of regulatory standards (well beyond just professional qualifications) without the need to adopt EU rules. The irony is that more and more people in the rest of Europe are recognising that the EU is part of the problem, not the solution. Germany and France are mired in economic and political crisis, and voters across the continent are abandoning the established pro-EU parties. The fading stars of Europe can only look to the dynamism of the US with envy. We should not want to align with them again. 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. The EU has seen its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) reach a record high this year, despite the bloc's efforts to reduce its dependence on gas from this country after the beginning of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Source: Financial Times (FT), as reported by European Pravda Details: As of mid-December, Europe had imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of Russian LNG, exceeding last year's imports of 15.18 million tonnes, based on information from commodity data provider Kpler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This figure also exceeds the previous record of 15.21 million tonnes imported in 2022. "What we have seen this year is surprising. Instead of gradually reducing Russian LNG imports, we are increasing them," said Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, an analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union set a target to stop imports of any Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Despite this, the influx of super-chilled gas into European ports remains on the rise. Unlike pipeline gas imports, which have been reduced to a minimum, and Russian oil and coal, which are banned in the EU, Russian LNG imports are still enabled and rising, indicating that a "panicking" Europe is still trying to wean itself off cheap supplies, Jaller-Makarewicz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LNG supplied from Russia's Yamal terminal to Europe is priced significantly lower than the gas imported from the United States. Europe previously relied on Russia for approximately two-fifths of its gas imports, primarily through pipelines. Today, Russian gas, including both pipeline and LNG, makes up only about 16% of the EU's total gas supply. EU officials are confident that the bloc can do without Russian fuel, even if it requires paying higher prices for gas from other sources. However, Russian LNG has represented 20% of the EU's total seaborne fuel imports this year, up from 15% last year, according to ship tracking data. Not all Russian LNG brought to Europe is consumed within the region; some of the fuel is transshipped to other parts of the world. This year, supplies to France have surged, nearly doubling compared to 2023. According to Kpler data, more than half of these shipments have arrived at the Dunkirk import terminal. French energy companies EDF and TotalEnergies, along with Germany's state-owned Sefe, have agreements to utilise the terminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgium has become the second-largest importer of Russian LNG, with the port of Zeebrugge serving as one of the few European transshipment hubs for LNG transferred from ice-class tankers in the far north to conventional cargo ships. EU governments have agreed to ban the transshipment of Russian LNG from Yamal to non-EU countries, with the measure set to take effect in March 2025. Background: Ten European Union member states proposed to tighten sanctions against Russia's energy sector, particularly LNG, and institutions that help Moscow circumvent existing restrictions. On 16 December, the EU Council adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, designed to counteract sanctions circumvention by targeting Russia's shadow fleet and weaken the Russian defence industry. The EU is due to begin discussions on the 16th package of sanctions in early 2025, which will coincide with the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union. Support UP or become our patron! Searing guitar riffs, primal drums, and electronic textures collide with impassioned vocals to create a chaotic yet precise sonic storm that blurs the lines between human aggression and mechanical force. Thats industrial rock, and for fans of German band KMFDM, it is the sweet spot between the freedom to express individuality and rebelling against a system of political corruption and injustice. But in 1999, when the bands lyrics were cited by the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, which resulted in 13 deaths, their message of resistance was suddenly eclipsed by the violence they had long condemned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, 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 two and wounding others. And now, the band has once again been thrust into the spotlight by photos of 15-year-old freshman Natalie Rupnow, who on Monday killed a teacher and student at her private school in Madison, Wisconsin. The images show her wearing a black KMFDM band shirt while at a shooting range. Band says music stands against violence KMFDM issued a statement condemning the Columbine massacre, expressing sympathy for the victims and explaining its music was intended to stand against violence. KMFDM are an art form not a political party. From the beginning our music has been a statement against war, oppression, fascism and violence against others, read the statement at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KMFDM told CNN on Saturday it has been distressing to be in a similar situation again, after how unfairly maligned KMFDM was by the media during Columbine, in what was tantamount to a witch hunt. Natalie Rupnow's father posted a photo on Facebook of his daughter, the 15-year-old school shooter in Madison, Wisconsin, at a shooting range in August. - From Jeff Rupnow/ Facebook We stand by these words as strongly now as we did back then, KMFDM said in its statement. We dont believe Natalie Rupnow wore a KMFDM T-shirt because shes necessarily a fan of the band, but instead because she glorified the Columbine shooters. Sadly, theres a subculture of sick individuals who do have an obscure fascination with the Columbine massacre, and our bands acronym will forever be associated with it. KMFDM said the concern should not be its music but the ubiquitous culture of gun violence in the United States, with a persistent rise in gun-related deaths and mass shootings that have killed hundreds of children and school staff in classrooms. In a culture that is obsessed with guns, people will always try and blame someone or something else for these tragic events, rather than the abundant and easy access to firearms, KMFDM said. The history of industrial rock The first decade of industrial music was recognized as being very experimental and very hard to listen to, said industrial music expert Alexander Reed. It started with combining noise samples ranging from vacuum cleaners, power tools or banging on metal with drum beats and turning them into songs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very interested in turning noise into music and music into noise. Thats tied into their idea of flipping notions of the powerless versus the empowered, or good versus evil, Reed, a professor of music at Ithaca College, told CNN. Industrial music originated in the 1970s in northern England, Germany, and, to some extent, San Francisco before spreading all over the world. Around the mid-1980s, Reed says, industrial musicians began incorporating influences from dance music and rock n roll, leading to KMFDMs rise. The band was founded in 1984 as a performance art project. KMFDM is its original German name, which is intentionally grammatically absurd and stands for Kein Mehrheit Fur Die Mitleid, translated and interpreted as No pity for the majority. The name, KMFDM told CNN, was inspired by Dadaism, the early 20th century antiestablishment art movement which rejected nationalism and war. KMFDM surged to success in the late 80s and early 90s, alongside fellow industrial pioneers Nine Inch Nails and Ministry, who helped bring the genre into the mainstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Themes of dominance and military violence come up all over the history of both industrial and electronic music. They are expressed through the melodic differences between electronic instruments and acoustic rock, Clara Latham, an assistant professor of music technology at The New School in New York City told CNN. Electronic instruments, like drum machines, synthesizers, and keyboards, have a machine precision that lacks the nuance that a drummer or guitar player conveys with fluctuations in tempo. When these elements collide, Latham says, they create a cacophony of melodic chaos. The sound gets associated with a kind of oppressive quality in comparison, and that became part of the industrial aesthetic, Latham said. Compare a crazy guitar solo where the guitar sounds like it has a mind of its own, with an electronic artist at a console turning knobs it has a totally different connotation. The combination of the aesthetic sound differences projects the anti-violence messages behind the music: There is a very, very clear anti-authority, anti-capitalism, anti-establishment political message thats trying to be shouted, Latham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons why they have an enduring sort of legacy among young people is they really make people feel listened to, Reed said. They stand for the side of the oppressed, so their politics and their music seem to say, Hey, if you are marginalized, if you are pushed to the side, we will listen to you. And some of that sort of earnest fist pumping power that comes through their rock influences is acting as a way to empower their listeners. KMFDM has released 24 studio albums and related projects and continues to release music. The band had a 40th anniversary tour around the world in October. KMFDMs fans are incredibly dedicated, outspoken and loyal, without them, it would be unbearable to continue to exist through times like these, KMFDM said. Underlying theme of school shootings is gun violence, not music, experts say It is unclear if Rupnow was inspired by the Columbine shooters or if her interest in KMFDM stemmed from Columbine shooter Eric Harris wearing the bands shirt and citing its lyrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whether an individual has a particular musical preference likely has no effect on their decisions to carry out violence, Indre Viskontas, neuroscientist and associate professor of psychology at the University of San Francisco, told CNN. When people are in a state of anger or very heightened emotions, they often listen to music to help them regulate their emotions, to blow off steam, get that anger out in a healthy way, so that they dont act aggressively, or ways in which they wouldnt want to, Viskontas said. A person who is going to go into a school and murder children has a lot of issues. That is not healthy behavior, so theres obviously a lot of failures that have led up to that particular behavior, but I dont see any evidence that their particular style of music would lead to or enhance that behavior. Reed, who wrote the book Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music, points to examples of how people misinterpret music to fit their own ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are going to mishear things. Paul Ryan thought that Rage Against the Machine was a right-wing band, and they clapped back saying You are the machine against whom we rage, Reed said. One alt-right founder and white nationalist claimed Depeche Mode is the official band of the alt right when they had been wearing literal Karl Marx beards unironically in their previous video. It may also be likely that the Columbine shooters misinterpreted the messages in KMFDMs music, Reed said, since the band consistently denounces violence and uses lyrics that critique social and political issues. KMFDM was one of a bunch of bands that they listened to and music was only one of a bunch of things that they were into, a lot of which was a lot less savory, Reed said. But the most important thing that Columbine kids were into were guns. The past year has continued to see a rising number of school shootings and a lack of legislation to curb gun violence. There have been at least 83 school shootings in the US so far this year as of December 16, according to CNNs analysis of events reported by the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week and Everytown for Gun Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After every school shooting, we outsource our conversations, difficult decisions, policies, and our sense of societal guilt to symbols, so we can point to them and say, Oh, well, they listen to this rock band and we no longer have to have a conversation about gun control, or the degree to which we are raising our adolescents through screens and algorithms that veer their screens toward extremist politics, Reed said. We are missing the point that the problem is not the music, its the guns. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. This bill should not pass. Elon Musk writing on X about the stopgap government funding bill H.R. 10445 Strange things are happening to American democracy this week: An unelected tech billionaire appears to have somehow shredded any chance of a government funding bill being passed into law. Whether or not a new bill is introduced and lawmakers find a way to agree on how to keep the government open, watching some guy on Twitter essentially wield the power of an elected representative has been wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, as Congress was scheduled to pass a bipartisan spending bill that was months in the making to avert a government shutdown on Saturday and keep the lights on through March 14, Musk entered the chat at 4:15 a.m. and declared: This bill should not pass. The bill was the work of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had secured an agreement with Democrats to keep funding the government at current spending levels. Its a tried-and-true strategy, like when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy heralded a stopgap funding bill last year and included some Democratic priorities that allowed the bill to pass while eliminating the optics of Republicans being blamed for shutting the government down. Johnsons bill was similar: It included disaster aid, economic assistance for farmers, pay raises for members of Congress, and other policy items, a delicate balance of both Republican and Democratic priorities necessary to strike a deal. The bill wasnt beloved, as Republican detractors were unhappy with Johnson for conceding to Democrats demands, and threatened not to support him in the race for House speaker on Jan. 3. Nevertheless, the compromise bill could have found enough bipartisan support to fund the government for three more months. Musk threw a wrench in things when he began posting on X incessantly about the funding bill, successfully rallying Republican members of Congress and everyday Americans to oppose it. He called the bill a crime and went so far as to suggest any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years! Musk also spread misinformation, claiming, among many other things, that a cost-of-living increase baked into the bill for lawmakers would lead to a salary bump of $69,000. (The bill would have actually increased salaries by 3.8 percent, or $6,600.) By 11 a.m., members of Congress were coming out hard against the bill. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee said, In case you were wondering, Im a NO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things continued to escalate and around 2 p.m., Musk declared, No bills should be passed Congress until Jan. 20, when @realDonaldTrump takes office. The final nail in the coffin came about two hours later when Vice Presidentelect J.D. Vance and President-elect Donald Trump put out a lengthy joint statement condemning the funding bill while also demanding that Johnson increase the debt ceiling or eliminate it altogether. In that statement, the future leaders of our country admitted: Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch. Musk inserting himself into the inner workings of Congress created an opening for Trump to admit the quiet part loud and proud: The GOPs long-standing opposition to increasing the nations debt can be tossed out the window just long enough for Republicans to blame a Democrat for doing the dirty thing they dont want to be caught doing. Backed into a corner, Johnson fell in line and introduced a second stopgap spending bill that suspended the debt ceiling until 2027, whichnot for the first or last timesacrificed supposed Republican beliefs to make Trumps political life a bit easier. The bill was voted down by nearly all Democrats and about three dozen Republicans. Musk is not an elected member of Congress, but he holds great sway on whether a bill lives or dies. He is a businessman who has obvious potential conflicts of interest, as the leader of four separate companies, of which two account for at least $15.4 billion in government contracts, according to an analysis by the New York Times. All four are under federal investigations. If Musk were an official government employee, he would be prohibited from participating personally and substantially in official matters where [he has] a financial interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unluckily for us, Musk has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency alongside fellow Republican firebrand Vivek Ramaswamy, which is designed to advise the government from outside the government. It creates a strange new gray area ripe for unethical behavior, and were seeing it right before our eyes. Musk has already suggested that he would use his new gig to help his own company. Trump is not even president yet, and Musk has not formally assumed his role at DOGE, whatever that ultimately looks like. It seems like this is just a taste of the chaos still to come. In 2024, there were numerous celebrities, politicians and Karens who decided to mess around and find out. Here is a list of folks who ultimately had to deal with the consequences of their chaotic behavior. Sean Diddy Combs Photo: MEGA (Getty Images) After Cassies shocking lawsuit against Sean Diddy Combs was made public last year, the floodgates opened as the mogul was accused by multiple people of abuse and sexual assault. In September, Combs was arrested and charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Mark Robinson Photo: Grant Baldwin (Getty Images) Earlier this year, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein defeated controversial Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in the states gubernatorial race. In September, CNN reported Robinson had commented on a porn website over a decade ago. On the site, he called himself a black NAZI and said he supports bringing back slavery. Drake Photo: Carmen Mandato (Getty Images) When he beefed with Kendrick Lamar earlier this year, Drake not only lost the battle but the anti-Drake anthem Not Like Us became a number one single on the Billboard charts. In 2024, Drake was also threatened with legal action from Tupac Shakurs estate when he emulated the late rappers voice using AI on Taylor Made Freestyle. Perhaps Drizzy gave himself the biggest L of the year when he threatened legal action against Universal Music Group and accused them of inflating the streaming numbers of Not Like Us using bots. Amanda Seales Photo: Santiago Felipe (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, actress and comedian Amanda Seales expressed frustration about not being invited to certain events in Black Hollywood. This opened the floodgates and sparked conversation about if Seales was likeable or not. In December, she received backlash for insulting Nene Leakes appearance and alleged plastic surgery. Hooters Photo: Stan Grossfeld (Getty Images) In August 2023, several Black women who worked as Hooters Girls filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), claiming that they experienced racial discrimination and hostility from managers and were often subjected to discriminatory comments. In October, Hooters of America settled with the EOC, requiring the company to pay $250,000 to the Black women involved in the lawsuit. White Comedians Photo: Charley Gallay (Getty Images) On Kendrick Lamars surprise album, GNX, which dropped earlier this year, he rapped on the song wacced out murals: Dont let no white comedian talk about no Black woman, thats law. This sent Andrew Schulz and Gary Owen both into a spiral, with the former making a despicable rape joke about Lamar on his podcast FLAGRANT. White Women With Blue Bracelets Photo: AaronAmat Some white women voted for Vice President Kamala Harris began wearing a blue bracelet on their wrists to signify that they didnt vote for Donald Trump. However, this trend quickly went viral on TikTok which led Black women to call the move performative. Detroit-Area Karen Judge Image: Oakland County Website Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Detroit Judge Kathleen Ryan was removed from her docket on Aug. 27 after secret recordings of her wildly racist phone conversations were recorded and made public. In October, ABC 7 Detroit reported that new recordings surfaced in which she made even more racist comments. Ryan was recorded by the courts administrator Edward Hutton, who was deeply disturbed by her remarks. Marjorie Taylor Greene Photo: Kevin Dietsch (Getty Images) In May, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) insulted Rep. Jasmine Crocketts eyelashes during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Crockett clapped back by saying Greene had a bleach blonde bad built butch body. The insult went viral and was trademarked by Crockett. Kanye West Photo: Bellocqimages (Getty Images) Kanye West was dragged to court all throughout 2024. More than 10 producers claimed they werent paid for their work on Ye and Ty Dolla $igns two collaboration albums released this year, Vultures 1 and Vultures 2. Wests former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, claimed he sent her several inappropriate sexual photos and videos. Pisciotta also said that after she was fired, she never received her promised severance. West was also sued by former teachers who worked at his school and was accused of wearing clothing that had swastikas at work. National Association Of Black Journalists Photo: Scott Olson (Getty Images) Black journalists were livid that Donald Trump was invited to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) annual convention earlier this year. Trumps scheduled noon arrival grew to nearly 90 minutes, which pushed back the conventions other scheduled events. He disrespected Black folks in the room by saying he was the best person for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln. He also questioned if Vice President Kamala Harris was really Black and avoided questions about Project 2025. DJ Vlad Photo: Johnny Nunez (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Culture vulture DJ Vlad gave his opinion on Kendrick Lamars Not Like Us in May by stating: Kendricks Not Like Us needed a better mix. It takes away from the song. When checked by author Morgan Jerkinswho is also a professorto stay out of Black folks business, Vlad went full-on Karen and threatened to have her fired. He immediately felt the wrath of Black Twitter. Nancy Mace Photo: Kevin Dietsch (Getty Images) In August, a CNN panel featuring Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) quickly went to hell after the GOP Karen repeatedly mispronounced Vice President Kamala Harriss name. Vanderbilt University professor Michael Eric Dyson checked Mace on her alarming disrespect several times, to which the congresswoman replied, I just did and Ill do it again and I will say Kamalas name any way that I want to. This congresswoman is a wonderful human being, Dyson said. But when you disrespect Kamala Harris by saying you will call her whatever you want, I know you dont intend it to be that way, thats the history and legacy of white disregard for the humanity of Black people. United States Of America Photo: Bill Pugliano (Getty Images) In November, Donald Trump won the presidential election after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Even though the majority of Black people voted for Harris, Trump still garnered both the popular vote and won over the electoral college. Trump has stated he wants to pardon Jan. 6 rioters, dismantle the Department of Education, deport immigrants at record rates and dissolve the U.S. Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. America messed around and will find out just how dangerous Trump 2.0 will be. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. GEORGETOWN, Ky. (FOX 56) The search for a missing 21-year-old Georgetown woman last seen on Dec. 6 was declared inactive on Wednesday by law enforcement. The Georgetown Police Department wrote on Facebook that officers declared the search for Emma Smith, 21, to an inactive status on Wednesday. Search hits month mark since for Lexington man who was last seen in October During the investigation, we worked closely with Emmas family and mental health professionals to gather as much information as possible, the GPD wrote. Evidence collected throughout the investigation suggests that Emma meticulously planned her departure and left voluntarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the GPDs investigation, Emma was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a missing and endangered person, according to authorities. Officers said her entry into the NCIC has not been taken down, and that should any information that could help police find her arise, the search will be re-engaged. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Our hearts are with Emmas family and loved ones as they navigate this situation, Georgetown law enforcement wrote. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. An executive employee of a small business in Atascadero was arrested this week after allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the company. Robert Vasquez, Paso Robles resident and Chief Operations Officer of Scott OBrien Fire and Safety, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of embezzling over $400,000 from the company, the Atascadero Police Department said in a news release. The companys owner first contacted the police in May to report a suspected case of employee embezzlement, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Vasquez, 37, embezzled $423,460 from the business over the course of nearly five years from January 2019 to October 2023. Police said Vasquez used the companys money to pay his rent, pay his personal credit card bills, make unauthorized cash withdrawals from the companys checking account and for other personal expenses. Vasquez was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail, with bail set at $20,000. The Atascadero Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice and safeguarding the community from financial crimes, police said. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Amid a recent tragedy in Madison, Wisconsin, expert and Executive Director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Jaclyn Schildkraut spoke out about the complexity of school shootings and what can be done to prevent future acts of violence. Since heartbreaking news was released on Dec. 16, many questions have surfaced such as, What drives someone to commit these crimes? and How can we identify signs of a future mass shooting before its too late? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While statistics show that most school shooters are predominantly male, we saw in the most recent case females are no less competent when carrying out these acts. We must have a very clear narrative about who we are talking about and also that we arent criminalizing people who just may or may not share a similar trait with somebody who committed a mass shooting, Schildkraut said. Oftentimes, when society hears about these school shooters, they automatically think that they are mentally ill. But from this experts research, she found that its the other way around. Most people who do suffer from mental illness in our country actually are more likely to be the victims of crimes rather than the perpetrators of crime. Unless we have an instance in the Aurora and Colorado shooting of 2012 where his mental health status comes out in a trial. We really cant say for certain the scope of mental illness, specified Schildkraut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families in Madison now are left to spend this holiday remembering the lives lost and those that are forever changed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Experts are mighty puzzled after finding that teens are abstaining from drugs more than ever before. In the latest update from the University of Michigan's half-century-long Monitoring the Future study, the school announced that its researchers found a trend of "historically large decreases" in adolescent drug use has only broadened in 2024. Richard Miech, the study's team lead, said he was surprised by the findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I expected adolescent drug use would rebound at least partially after the large declines that took place during the pandemic onset in 2020," Miech said. In 2024, the study's investigators looked at data from more than 24,000 high school students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades at more than 270 schools, both public and private. As Miech noted in the press release, the peri-pandemic wave of drug abstention was the largest ever to be recorded but experts expected "that drug use would resurge as the pandemic receded and social distancing restrictions were lifted." "As it turns out," he said, "the declines have not only lasted but have dropped further." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the researchers found that a whopping 67 percent of high school seniors abstained from drugs (including marijuana), alcohol, and smoking or vaping nicotine within 30 months of being surveyed. In 2017, when the Monitoring the Future study first began looking into drug and alcohol use among teens, that cohort was a far lower 53 percent. Among high school sophomores, 80 percent said they hadn't had any drugs, alcohol, or nicotine in 30 days, and 90 percent of eighth graders said the same. In 2017, those proportions were 69 percent and 80 percent, respectively. As Miech said in an NIH press release, kids who were in eighth grade at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are now high school seniors and their "unique cohort has ushered in the lowest rates of substance use weve seen in decades." Though drug use rates have, as the UM press release notes, been falling since the 1990s, this post-pandemic plummet is nevertheless significant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This trend in the reduction of substance use among teenagers is unprecedented," explained Nora Volkow, the director of the NIHs National Institute on Drug Abuse, in the agency's statement. "We must continue to investigate factors that have contributed to this lowered risk of substance use to tailor interventions to support the continuation of this trend." More on drugs: Elon Musk's Drug Use Becoming a Problem for Government Security Clearance Claim: In 2024, Pope Francis will open five sacred portals on Christmas Eve for a ritual that has never been performed before and one of them leads to the tomb of Lucifer. Rating: Rating: False Context: Pope Francis is only opening one "sacred portal" on this year's Christmas Eve, and it is not "the tomb of Lucifer," which does not exist in the Vatican. The other four "portals" will be opened over the following days and weeks, until Jan. 5, 2025. Also, the ritual of opening "Holy Doors," symbolic locations that are opened at the start of the Jubilee, or "Holy Year," has been performed since 1423. The only "first" happening in 2024 is the opening of a "Holy Door" at a prison on Dec. 26, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late December 2024, TikTok users sounded off about a claim that Pope Francis would open the "Tomb of Lucifer," allegedly located in the Vatican, on Christmas Eve. The claim found its way to Reddit, with users speculating about where the claim came from. The original poster asked, "After some VERY slight (I still know absolutely nothing) research I'm sitting here thinking... where TF are they getting this?!?" "The Tomb of Lucifer" reference is the evolution of a claim from mid-December 2024 circulating online that Pope Francis would open five "sacred portals" on Christmas Eve. One X account that shared the rumor wrote (archived): "Pope Francis Will Be Opening 5 Sacred Portals For A Special Catholic Ritual On Christmas Eve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other users claimed it would be the first time the ritual had been performed. In short, we have rated the claim that the pope will open "five sacred portals," including the "tomb of Lucifer," on Christmas Eve for a never-before-performed ritual as false. We explain below. Many examples of the rumor stemmed from an online article by the New York Post (archived) published on Dec. 9. The report's headline read: "Pope Francis to open 5 sacred portals on Christmas Eve for a ritual that's never been done before." One lengthy X post copied the article nearly verbatim, and other news outlets published similar stories. The "ritual" refers to a Roman Catholic "Holy Year" activity, known as a Jubilee, which in modern times happens every 25 years, though a pope may occasionally declare them in other years. The "sacred portals" noted in the claim are actual doors referred to in the religion as "Holy Doors." Only one is being opened on Christmas Eve 2024. The others are being opened on Dec. 26, Dec. 29, Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes could not determine who first included the alleged "tomb of Lucifer" angle in the claim. But Bible scholar and author of "The Bible Says So," Dan McClellan, points out in a YouTube video debunking the claim that the assertion the Vatican contains such a tomb could stem from Michele Basso's "Guide to the Vatican Necropolis." The guide includes a map of the Vatican Necropolis with a locale marked "The Lucifer Tomb," constructed in the pre-Constantine era. McClellan points out that in this era the name "Lucifer" had not yet taken on its association with Satan. (Michele Basso's "Guide to the Vatican Necropolis") McClellan says in the video: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You'll notice the other tombs are "the tomb of Personal Name" or "the tomb of Family Name," but this is not 'the tomb of Lucifer, this is just "the Lucifer Tomb." So this is probably a title. This is probably associated with some graffiti that was found in the tomb, or because it was connected in some way with one of the prominent Lucifers from the 4th century CE, like Lucifer of Cagliari, who was a prominent defender of Athanasius and the Trinity. But I think it's probably more likely just a title because somehow the word Lucifer was associated with it. In the 300s CE, Lucifer was not a reference to Satan, it was just a generic title and there were prominent Christians who had this as their personal name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Michele Basso's "Guide to the Vatican Necropolis") As for the claim that this ritual has never been performed before, Catholicism has celebrated the Jubilee since 1300, when it was first enacted by Pope Boniface VIII. Vatican websites and Catholic news website National Catholic Register state that the Holy Door element was introduced in 1423 (although the official website of the 2025 Jubilee says it began in 1425). But the 2025 Jubilee marks the first time that part of the ritual will be performed in a prison. What Are Holy Doors? The official website of the 2025 Jubilee describes the Holy Doors as "the most powerful sign of the Jubilee, since the ultimate aim of the pilgrim is to pass through it." The opening of a Holy Door marks the official start of the Holy Year. It continues: Originally, there was only one door, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. Later, to allow as many pilgrims as possible to take part in the Jubilee experience, the other Roman Basilicas also opened their own holy doors. [...] Passing through the Holy Door expresses the decision to follow and be guided by Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd. The door is a passageway that ushers the pilgrim into the interior of a church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope John Paul II described these Holy Doors in his declaration of the 2000 Jubilee by saying: "It evokes the passage from sin to grace which every Christian is called to accomplish. Jesus said: 'I am the door (John 10:7), in order to make it clear that no one can come to the Father except through him.'" For the 2025 Jubilee, according to the Papal Bull issued by the Vatican, the Holy Doors are located at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City (to be opened on Christmas Eve), the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (to be opened on Dec. 29), the Basilica of St. Mary Major (to be opened on Jan. 1) and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (to be opened on Jan. 5). The latter three are all located in Rome. The fifth Holy Door will be located at the Roman prison of Rebibbia and will be opened on Dec. 26. Pope Francis said that the act of opening a Holy Door at a prison is an invitation for prisoners to "look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence." According to the church's Dicastery for Evangelization, it will be "the first time that in addition to the Holy Doors opened in the four Roman Papal Basilicas one will also be opened in a penal institution too." Pope Francis also oversaw the last Jubilee in 2015. He declared it an "extraordinary" Jubilee one declared separately from the traditional 25-year gap of the "ordinary" Jubilee and dedicated it to the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the most recent ecumenical conference in which Catholic leaders convened to update certain elements of the church to reflect the modern, more secular world. The last "ordinary" Jubilee took place in 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has covered numerous claims pertaining to Pope Francis in the past, including if he said "All religions are paths to God," whether or not he presented a Nativity scene that featured baby Jesus wrapped in a kaffiyeh and if he endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Sources: For the 2025 Jubilee Pope Francis Will Open a Holy Door in Rome's Rebibbia Prison. https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/notizie/comunicati/2024/papa-francesco-aprira-porta-santa-carcere-rebibbia.html. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024. Holy Door. https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/segni-del-giubileo/porta-santa.html. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024. Incarnationis Mysterium: Bull of Indiction of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 (29 November 1998) | John Paul II. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/bulls/documents/hf_jp-ii_doc_19981129_bolla-incarnationis-mysterium.html. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information for Jubilee 2025 Preparation and Participation. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops , 2024, https://www.usccb.org/resources/Jubilee%20Information%20Sheet_0.pdf. Jubilees throughout History. https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/giubilei-nella-storia.html. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024. Nota Del Dicastero per l'Evangelizzazione, Sezione per Le Questioni Fondamentali Dell'evangelizzazione Nel Mondo (1 Agosto 2024). https://www.vatican.va/content/romancuria/it/dicasteri/dicastero-evangelizzazione/documenti/nota-apertura-porta-santa-giubileo2025.html. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024. 'Opening of Holy Door Vatican & Others in Rome'. Www.Thevaticantickets.Com, https://www.thevaticantickets.com/jubilee-2025/holy-door-vatican/. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Vatican Council | History, Summary, Changes, Documents, & Significance | Britannica. 15 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Vatican-Council. Spes Non Confundit - Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 (9 May 2024) | Francis. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024. The Last Extraordinary Jubilee Was in 2015. https://www.giubileo-2025.it/en/jubilee. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024. The Opening of the Holy Door - Jubilee 2000. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/documents/ns_lit_doc_14121999_porta-santa_en.html. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024. "Vatican Says Five Holy Doors Will Be Opened During 2025 Jubilee, Including at a Prison." NCR, 2 Aug. 2024, https://www.ncregister.com/cna/vatican-says-five-holy-doors-will-be-opened-during-2025-jubilee-including-at-a-prison. Claim: United States military service members dont get paid during a government shutdown and congresspeople do. Rating: Rating: Mixture Context: U.S. military personnel don't automatically get paid during a government shutdown but they've been paid before during government shutdowns, either through stopgap legislation or because Congress was able to pass a spending bill to keep the Department of Defense funded. Congresspeople always get paid during a government shutdown under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Congressional deadline to pass a budget bill to avoid a government shutdown approached in December 2024, social media users began claiming that U.S. military service members don't get paid during a shutdown but congresspeople do. The claim spread on X examples here (archived) and here (archived) and one post (archived) had received over 24,000 likes as of this writing: Fun fact: Service members don't get paid during a shutdown. Congressmen do. Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) December 20, 2024 It's true that members of Congress continue to receive pay during government shutdowns due to the United States' appropriations laws and the U.S. Constitution. U.S. military service members, who must report for duty regardless of a shutdown, don't get paid automatically because of how Congress funds the Department of Defense (DOD). However, there are ways Congress can continue to pay U.S. troops during a government shutdown and troops have been paid during the last three prolonged shutdowns as a result. Thus, we rate this claim as a mixture of true and false. Why Congress Gets Automatically Paid Each year, the U.S. federal government must allocate all of its spending money through budget bills, including the DOD's budget. If those bills don't pass, the flow of money through the government effectively stops and the government (largely) shuts down. The deadline for 2024 was Dec. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But congressional pay isn't tied to passing those budget bills. Since 1981, a permanent, mandatory appropriation has provided members of Congress with their salaries. Congresspeople also work through shutdowns, as they need to get the government back up and running, which means they're not subject to furlough. The U.S. Constitution states that "Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." The 27th Amendment of the Constitution also forbids congressional salary changes from taking effect until the next election concludes: "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." As a result, lawmakers are automatically entitled to pay during shutdowns. Why Military Personnel Don't Get Paid Automatically Military personnel aren't afforded the same protections. On Dec. 19, 2024, the Pentagon warned that a government shutdown could cost troops their pay. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters that "in the event of a lapse in funding and a shutdown of the government, the DOD will continue to carry out our fundamental responsibility and mission to defend our nation and the American people. However, it's important to note that military personnel would not be paid until new funds are appropriated by Congress." See the video of Ryder's statement on The Associated Press' YouTube page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past three prolonged shutdowns, however, Congress found a way to pay most U.S. troops. That's because the 2018-2019 shutdown and the 1995-1996 shutdown only affected some agencies, as lawmakers managed to pass spending bills for other agencies including, in both cases, the DOD. See the 2018-2019 spending bill for the Department of Defense here and the 1995-1996 spending bill here. Thus, nearly all military personnel received pay with the exception of Coast Guard members during the 2018-19 shutdown. The Coast Guard, the only military branch that doesn't report to the Department of Defense, reports to the Department of Homeland Security, and Congress wasn't able to pass a spending bill for that agency ahead of the deadline. During the 2013 shutdown, Congress wasn't able to pass a spending bill for the DOD before the deadline. Still, troops were paid due to the "Pay Our Military Act," which appropriated "such sums as are necessary to provide pay and allowances to: (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during such period; and (2) civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense (DOD) (and the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] in the case of the Coast Guard) whom the Secretary concerned determines are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces." However, the Pay Our Military Act was only "for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for [fiscal year 2014] are not in effect," which means it's long since expired. There was a bill introduced in 2024 called the "Pay Our Troops Act" to ensure troops are paid during government shutdowns, but it never made it past the introduction stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, there have been many attempts by lawmakers to prohibit pay during government shutdowns, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service, Congress' nonpartisan research arm. For example, Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, introduced legislation called the "My Constituents Cannot Afford Rebellious Tantrums, Handle Your (MCCARTHY) Shutdown Act" in 2023, presumably named after then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California. That bill also never made it past the introduction stage. Sources: Angie, Craig. "H.R.5587 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): My Constituents Cannot Afford Rebellious Tantrums, Handle Your Shutdown Act." Congress.gov, 20 Sept. 2023, www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5587. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Associated Press. "Government Shutdown Will Cost Troops Their Pay, Pentagon Warns." YouTube, 19 Dec. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgNRR3Ns5kk. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024. Coffman, Mike. "H.R.3210 - 113th Congress (2013-2014): Pay Our Military Act." Congress.gov, 28 Sept. 2013, www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/3210. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressional Research Service. "Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources." Congressional Research Service, 12 2024, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41759. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. ---. "Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables." Congressional Research Service, 8 Aug. 2022, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/97-1011/86. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. ---. "Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects." Congressional Research Service, 10 Dec. 2018, sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL34680.pdf. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Granger, Kay. "H.R.6157 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019." Congress.gov, 20 June 2020, www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6157. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiggans, Jennifer A. "H.R.9699 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Pay Our Troops Act." Congress.gov, 19 Sept. 2024, www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9699/all-actions. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. National Archives. "The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription." National Archives, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Young, C. W. "H.R.2126 - 104th Congress (1995-1996): Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1996." Congress.gov, 27 July 1995, www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/2126. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024. Updates: Dec. 23, 2024: This story has been updated to clarify that Coast Guard members were not paid during the 2019 shutdown. Claim: U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned two Chinese spies and the relative of a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party caught with tens of thousands of images of child pornography on his computer. Rating: Rating: Mostly True Context: Biden commuted, not pardoned, the sentences of three Chinese nationals as part of a prisoner swap that repatriated three Americans. These commutations were unrelated to executive clemency actions Biden described as including "non-violent" offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the final month of U.S. President Joe Biden's presidency in 2024, he commuted or pardoned over 1,000 people, including his son Hunter Biden. On Dec. 18, 2024, several media outlets including the New York Post asserted that, "President Biden pardoned two Chinese spies and the relative of a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party who was caught with tens of thousands of images of child pornography on his computer." While Biden did not "pardon" them, it is true that he commuted the sentences of three Chinese nationals: one convicted on child pornography charges and two convicted of espionage-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As described by the Executive Office of Pardons and Clemency, a pardon "is an expression of the President's forgiveness and ordinarily is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct." A commutation reduces or removes a criminal sentence, but does not "change the fact of conviction" or "imply innocence." Both actions are forms of what is known as executive clemency. Biden issued three commutations to Chinese nationals as part of a prisoner swap carried out in November that repatriated three detained Americans. As reported by BBC News on Nov. 27, 2024: Three Americans detained in China were released in exchange for three Chinese prisoners in the US, after the Biden administration negotiated a prisoner swap. Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung are on their way back to the US, a spokesperson for the National Security Council (NSC) said in a statement on Wednesday. "Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years," the statement said. The exchange was reportedly months in the making, and included the release of three Chinese citizens in US custody, Chinese authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The U.S. State Department considered the imprisonment of two of the Americans, Swidan and Li, as wrongful detentions. Leung, NBC News reported, had been "sentenced to life in prison last year after being found guilty of espionage by a court in eastern China." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early reporting on the swap identified two of the three Chinese nationals as Xu Yanjun and Ji Chaoqun, who had both been convicted of espionage-related crimes by the U.S. government. The Financial Times then reported that the third individual was Jin Shanlin, who had been convicted of "activities relating to material constituting or containing child pornography." Some reporting has suggested that familial connections to the Chinese Communist Party could have played a role in freeing Jin. As reported by the Financial Times on Nov. 28, 2024: Jin pleaded guilty in 2021 to possessing child pornography. During his trial in Texas, an FBI special agent testified that his family was "connected to influential members of the Communist party in China", according to court records. As part of this prisoner swap, Biden commuted the sentences of the Chinese nationals. The clemency documents for all three individuals stipulate, among other things, that they "shall remain outside the limits of the United States, its territories, and its possessions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some conservative commentators, including Benny Johnson, conflated the above acts of clemency with a Dec. 12, 2024 announcement that the White House had given clemency to over 1,500 individuals, including the pardons of "39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes": Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden neither pardoned nor described the actions of any of the Chinese citizens involved in the November prisoner swap as "non-violent." Because Biden did commute the sentences of two Chinese citizens convicted of espionage and one convicted of child pornography charges, however, we rate the claim as mostly true. Sources: "3 Americans Detained in China Are Released in Prisoner Swap and Are Back in U.S." NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/3-americans-detained-china-are-released-rcna181993. Ibrahim, Nur. "Biden Repeatedly Said He Would Not Pardon His Son, Hunter." Snopes, 3 Dec. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/biden-pardons-son-hunter/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMorrow, Ryan. "China Hails US Release of Citizen Convicted over Child Pornography." Financial Times, 28 Nov. 2024. Office of Public Affairs | Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Espionage Crimes, Attempting to Steal Trade Secrets From Cincinnati Company | United States Department of Justice. 16 Nov. 2022, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-government-intelligence-officer-sentenced-20-years-prison-espionage-crimes-attempting. Office of Public Affairs | Chinese National Sentenced to Eight Years for Acting within the United States as an Unregistered Agent of the People's Republic of China | United States Department of Justice. 25 Jan. 2023, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-national-sentenced-eight-years-acting-within-united-states-unregistered-agent-people. Office of the Pardon Attorney | Frequently Asked Questions. 12 Jan. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/frequently-asked-questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Americans Released in US-China Prisoner Exchange. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2lp75vq4o. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Vincent, Isabel. Biden Pardons High-Ranking Chinese Spies. 13 Dec. 2024, https://nypost.com/2024/12/13/world-news/biden-pardons-high-ranking-chinese-spies/. BERLIN (Reuters) -Here is what we know so far about the man who was arrested as the suspected driver in a car-ramming attack on Friday at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg in which five people were killed and some 200 injured. LIFE IN GERMANY The suspect is a 50-year-old from Saudi Arabia with permanent residence status in Germany, where he has been living for almost two decades. The suspect has not been named by authorities. Multiple German media reports refer to him as Taleb A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect had worked as a psychiatrist at a specialist rehabilitation clinic for criminals with addictions in Bernburg since March 2020. "Since the end of October 2024, he has been absent due to holiday and illness," the facility said in a statement. He lived on a quiet street near the centre of Bernburg, a town of 30,000, south of Magdeburg, in a three-storey apartment block. MOTIVE UNCLEAR German authorities said early on that the suspect was not known to authorities as an Islamist. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser declined to comment on the suspect's motives for the attack or political affiliations but said his Islamophobia was "clear to see". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local prosecutor in Magdeburg, Horst Nopens, said a possible factor in the attack may have been the suspect's "dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany" but added that the motive remained unclear. According to broadcaster ZDF, the suspect was known to the relevant federal authorities at the beginning of 2015, at the latest, due to his possible intentions to carry out an attack. INDICATION OF FAR-RIGHT SYMPATHIES Taleb A. appeared in a number of media interviews in 2019 reporting on his activist work helping Saudi Arabians who had turned their back on Islam to flee to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a BBC documentary from July 2019, the man speaks about founding the platform wearesaudis.net after he became an atheist and claimed asylum in Germany. He is a fierce critic of Islam in these interviews, telling Germany's FAZ newspaper in June that year: "There is no good Islam." His account on social media platform X, verified by Reuters, indicated support for the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), as well as for U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who has criticised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and expressed support for the AfD. In an X post at 7:09 pm on Friday, just minutes after the first emergency services calls about the attack, Taleb A. narrates several, often rambling, videos in which he makes a number of claims including that German police have tampered with his mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He draws a connection between the ancient Greeks' execution of the philosopher Socrates "for his religion critique" and what Taleb A. said is Germany's pursuit of critics of Islam. The post is a reply to an earlier video he posted in August that complains that German police stole a USB stick from him and that Germany is censoring social media content. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt in Magdeburg, Rachel More in BerlinEditing by Frances Kerry, William Maclean) Only 38 minutes after a Madison, Wisconsin, teacher called 911 to report Mondays school shooting, the lies began to spread. The first one, in a post on X, said simply: Taking bets on another trans shooter. The post didnt pick up much traction. But 57 minutes later, the false claims about the shooters gender identity found their footing. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who regularly spreads unfounded claims after shootings, posted on X: If the statistical trend continues with this tragic event, there is a 98% chance the shooting is trans or gang related. Jones has 3.4 million followers on the site, and his post was viewed 282,000 times in a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was tapping into a trend on the conservative internet that now plays out after many high-profile crimes: People hunt for clues to try to connect a given crime to transgender people, or they jump to the conclusion that a suspect is transgender regardless of whether evidence points that way or is relevant to the crime. Conservative news website Townhall followed one minute after Jones, posting a clip of Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes giving a hurried initial news conference. I dont know if its a male or female, he said in the clip. The Townhall clip was eight seconds long and did not show the context of Barnes comment. Reporters had asked him several questions and he didnt know the answer to many of them, such as what type of gun the shooter used. It wasnt clear from the clip whether the shooters gender was ambiguous or whether the chief simply didnt have the information. Without the context, dozens of X accounts used the Townhall video to speculate that the shooter was transgender. The video received more than 650,000 views, and, after other accounts reshared the video with speculation of their own, the number of views ballooned to more than 1.5 million. For hours afterward, other conservative accounts with millions of followers, including @EndWokeness and Ian Miles Cheong, joined in the speculation about the shooters gender and whether it might be nonconforming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the speculation was wrong: Police eventually identified the shooting suspect as a 15-year-old girl, with no evidence that she was transgender. At a subsequent news conference Monday night, hours after his initial remarks, Barnes was asked by a reporter about the transgender rumors. He said he didnt know how she identified and that he believed the answer was inconsequential. I dont think that whatever happened today has anything to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify, he said. And I wish people would kind of leave their own personal biases out of this. Later, the EndWokeness account said in a direct message on X that they shared the video of Barnes initial news conference because they found his statement about not knowing the gender hard to believe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the guy giving the press conference (police chief) didnt know and others knew, he should find a new job, the account posted on Thursday. Alex Jones did not respond to a request for comment sent to his media outlet, Infowars. Townhall, Cheong and X did not respond to requests for comment either. The trend of trying to link crime to transgender people is a potential distraction and time-wasting exercise for law enforcement, the news media and social media users who, in the wake of a mass shooting, are trying to sort through fact from fiction. And LGBTQ advocates say the false claims spread irrational fear throughout the community. A similar dynamic of falsely saying a mass-shooting suspect is transgender or nonbinary has played out before, including after shootings in Houston in February, in Philadelphia last year and in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gun Violence Archive, which maintains a database of shootings, estimates that 0.11% of known suspects in mass shootings were transgender over the past decade, said Mark Bryant, the archives executive director. The archive defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are injured or killed, not counting the shooter. There were many more instances in which trans people were victims, Bryant added. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., added to the baseless speculation Monday afternoon when he asked on X why trans control wasnt being considered as a response to the shooting, rather than gun control. That prompted a response from Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. Your ignorance speaks volumes. Your hate is consuming your brains (or whats left of them), he posted on X late Monday. His post received only about 47,000 views, compared to the millions of views the false claim got on the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attempts to connect trans people with criminal tendencies are not rooted in fact, experts say. Theres no evidence whatsoever that trans people are any more dangerous than cisgender people, said Henry Fradella, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Arizona State University who has studied the subject. Some researchers have looked for a potential correlation, and one study conducted in Sweden with data collected since the 1970s, in a broader effort to measure the mortality of trans people showed mixed evidence. But an author of that study, Mikael Landen, cautioned against interpreting his work as implying that transgender people cause increased crime. Landen, in an email to NBC News, said that even if there were a correlation between the two, other factors could be at play, including substance use disorders, socioeconomic stressors and neurodivergent conditions. To my knowledge, no research has attempted to disentangle these effects, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trans people are four times as likely to be the victim of a crime as others, according to a study published in 2021 in the American Journal of Public Health. Sarah Kate Ellis, president of GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group, said the anti-trans speculation Monday was a smoke screen to hide measures to reduce gun violence. Gun violence remains the number one cause of death for children, yet social media extremists routinely exploit these horrific crimes to distract from that fact with more of their harmful rhetoric about vulnerable and marginalized communities, Ellis said in a statement Tuesday. In the case of Mondays shooting, the speculation about gender competed for attention with the search for her actual motives. The shooter, Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha, died en route to a hospital of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the posts speculating that Rupnow was transgender came from accounts that have an anti-trans slant in other contexts. Those accounts include Libs of TikTok, which is devoted to sharing videos of trans, queer or progressive people in an attempt to expose what it sees as wrongdoing. Libs of TikTok did not respond to a request for comment. The speculation about the Wisconsin shooter happened mostly on X, the app owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk. X conducts minimal content moderation, especially around transgender issues, and Musk has expressed opposition to trans rights. Musk has a trans daughter, from whom he remains estranged. Musk has also made changes to Xs operation including revenue-sharing with accounts based on viewership that have changed the incentives on the platform. Some of the speculation also occurred on other apps including Instagram, where a post saying falsely that the shooter was transgender received more than 2,100 likes. Instagrams parent company, Meta, did not respond to a request for comment. The X posts from Monday included a decade-old image that has been recycled on a regular basis for alleged transgender shooting suspects: an altered photo of comedian Sam Hyde holding a rifle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear why people on X thought that Rupnow was transgender. One X account said the trans thing is obvious from comments on an X account that appeared to belong to her. Other accounts focused on her appearance, calling it ambiguous, despite her being a minor. Some cited a Discord account with no confirmed connection to her that used they/them pronouns. And one account cited unconfirmed social media postings from alleged classmates of Rupnow. After the posts by Jones and Townhall, other accounts picked up the speculation and spread it. One post alleging that the shooter was trans and on testosterone received 3.2 million views and, eventually, a user-generated fact-check from Xs community notes feature debunked it. Most other posts on the subject did not have community notes. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com When Katie Koestner was a college freshman, a boy she liked took her out to dinner. They went on a few more dates, she says, until one night, after going back to her college campus dorm, he ignored her pleas and raped her. Up until that point, Koestner was a quiet girl, who rarely spoke out to defend herself when she was mocked or taken advantage of. But this time, she found her voice. The dean of her university, The College of William & Mary in Virginia, steered her away from filing a police report, she says. The man she accused of assaulting her was found guilty in a university investigation but was allowed to stay on campus. For years, Koestner says, she faced backlash for going public with her story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koestner and other sexual assault victim advocates are now issuing reminders of the dangers of dismissing and discrediting rape allegations in light of the latest development in the 2006 Duke scandal. More than 18 years after accusing three now-former Duke University lacrosse players of raping her, an account she shared in graphic detail, Crystal Mangum admitted in an interview published Wednesday that she lied about the encounter. Mangum apologized to the men for fabricating a story in which she said she was trapped inside a bathroom, sexually assaulted and raped by three players at a team party where she was performing as an exotic dancer. The men were arrested following her allegations. This was a really damaging instance that hurt those boys lives and impacted them for decades, so I dont want to downplay how tragic it is from that perspective, but I do hope that people put it into context of this is far from the norm, says Scott Berkowitz, president of non-profit anti-sexual violence organization Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For every false report, there is a far greater number of reports both that are truthful and people who experienced rape who never reported. Thats a much bigger national problem. A study published by the journal Violence Against Women in 2010 found that false allegations of sexual assault range from between 2% to 10% of assaults reported. A majority of sexual assaults, an estimated 63%, are never reported to the police, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Crystals case was a high-profile case so many people might hear just about her case and a few others, and then misperceive the amount of false reports to be much higher than it really is, Koestner, who is now the founder of anti-sexual violence nonprofit Take Back The Night, told CNN. We should take each case as one situation and not make assumptions about those involved. The Duke case is one of millions. I hear about 10 stories from victims each day I speak at a school no matter whether it is Princeton or a public high school in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare cases like the Duke scandal, victims advocates like Koestner say, might discourage victims from reporting sexual assault and cause people to wrongly doubt them. False reports hurt not only the people falsely accused, they hurt every rape victim, Jennifer Simmons Kaleba, vice president of communications for RAINN, told CNN. There are already too many victims who do not report the crime for fear of not being believed. After a false report in such a high-profile case, even more survivors may be reluctant to come forward out of fear that law enforcement will not believe them. The consequences of silencing victims Survivors of sexual assault and rape often grapple with a range of fears when considering whether to report the crime. Many worry they wont be believed, that law enforcement wont take their case seriously, or that their personal history will be used against them. Others are concerned about professional repercussions, having their motives questioned, seeing their reputations tarnished, and losing their privacy. False reports like this case really exacerbate that problem, Berkowitz told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say it is crucial for the mental health and recovery of rape victims to feel comfortable reporting their assault and getting help. Victims who have supportive friends and family will have a much better, quicker road to healing, Berkowitz says. The safety of both communities and society as a whole is also dependent on victims reporting their assaults, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and prosecuted. From a justice standpoint, a really significant percentage of rapists are serial criminals, and so when someone reports it and theres a prosecution, it will statistically better prevent rapes in the future and protect others from being sexually assaulted, Berkowitz said. Many victims keep the trauma to themselves and dont even tell those closest to them what happened, which can have a significant long-term impact on their health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many survivors often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years after the assault, Berkowitz said. Rape victims are also significantly more likely to later have drug- and alcohol-related problems and experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Rape victims are 13 times more likely than non-crime victims to attempt suicide, according to a study by the National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center. Rape is very similar to other types of trauma and the effects that it has on someone, Berkowitz said. Its not something that anyone ever forgets or completely moves past, but we want to see victims heal to a point where they can continue living their lives and continue to devote the time to family and to work as they as they should be. Victims can receive mental health support from resources including the National Sexual Assault hotline or from professional therapists. Those who have friends and family who believe them and are there for them as they navigate through the recovery process also have better chances at recovery, Berkowitz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koestner was 18 when she was on the cover of Time magazine in 1991 as one of the first women to publicly speak out about being a victim of date rape sexual assaults in which there was a form of romantic relationship between the victim and assailant. Katie Koestner spoke to students at Penn State Berks during the Take Back the Night event focused on sexual assault awareness in April 2014. - Jeremy Drey/Reading Eagle/MediaNews Group/Getty Images/File My assaulter was found guilty in my campus hearing and told not to go in my dorm for a semester as his punishment. It was the lack of accountability that caused me to speak out, Koestner said. That led to more interviews and helped me let others know that rape can happen to anyone. Thousands of students signed a petition alleging she lied. Her car was covered with honey and baby powder, she was voted the most dangerous man on campus, and derogatory words were written about her on the walls of some womens bathrooms on campus but still, she was not silenced. Speaking out about what happened helped me turn the trauma into a purpose: raising awareness of any problem is the first step toward prevention, Koestner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The College of William & Mary later changed its policy to require school officials to suspend students found guilty of sexual assault. There are more than 433,000 cases of sexual assault or rape annually in the US among people aged 12 and older, according to 2015 data from RAINN. Every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, RAINN data from 2020 shows. Kaleba said she encourages people to consider the victims of rape or sexual assault in the US who may now face renewed disbelief and question the value of reporting sexual violence. Dont allow infrequent, false reporting to stand in the way of standing with survivors, Kaleba said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: Anyone affected by sexual violence can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org to receive support via confidential online chat. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com RICHMOND, Ky. (FOX 56) The man who confessed to killing a 32-year-old woman during a Madison County home invasion in 2022 appeared in court on Friday. Jordan Morgan, a lawyer and daughter, was killed while she was asleep in 2022. Priest pays for Anderson County High School students funeral The heartache and the pain is the thing you feel constantly, said Morgans mother, Lisa Foster. Thats how Morgans family and friends have felt for the last three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My life stopped on February 22nd, 2022, added Foster. To me, it seems like yesterday. So whether Im getting up and surviving through the day, surviving through the holidays, or standing in a courtroom, Im defending my daughter daily. 25-year-old Shannon Gilday confessed to killing Morgan and is facing charges of murder, assault, three counts of attempted murder, burglary, and criminal mischief. Morgan was the daughter of former state lawmaker C. Wesley Morgan, who was also shot during the invasion. Gilday stood before a judge Friday. Both the prosecution and defense are trying to finalize a mental evaluation for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foster said she will never stop seeking justice for her daughter and is asking that Gilday receive the death penalty. Its really hard in one sense because I am a strong Christian, but the Bible does say in the Old Testament that if a man kills a man, he shall be put to death, said Foster. The defense is trying to take the death penalty off of the table, and were going to make sure that the death penalty stays on the table because justice for Jordan would be a life for a life, said Morgans friend Mica Sims. And that is what the family and friends of Jordan want, and thats what were going to keep fighting for. The trial is scheduled to start in May 2025, but Foster said shell never have closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news There wont be closure for me until I can go to heaven and be with Jordan, and then my pain will stop, said Foster. A judge will hear arguments for the death penalty at the next hearing on January 27th. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Two police agencies and two school districts are to blame for not preventing the shooting death of a West Richland educator and mother, according to a newly filed claim. Officials with the Richland and Yakima school districts and the West Richland and Yakima police departments failed Amber Rodriguez and her two children at nearly every step, say attorneys for her family. What happened to her should never have happened, attorney Bill Pickett told the Tri-City Herald. There was failure upon failure. You had one entitys failure compounding another entitys failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family is asking for $150 million in damages to be divided among her estate and each of her kids. She was gunned down outside the school where she worked by her ex-husband Elias Huizar, 39, a former Yakima police officer and ex-Richland School District employee. Police later discovered hed also killed his young girlfriend Angelica Santos in a house less than a block away. They also had a son together. Huizar fled the state but ended his own life following a chase and shootout on Interstate 5 in Oregon. Huizar, who had been accused of rape and child rape months earlier, had a troubled history before the murders. Its a history that Rodriguezs attorneys believe none of the agencies took seriously enough. Amber Rodriguez was killed by her ex-husband outside of West Richlands William Wiley Elementary school on Monday. They claim Yakima police should never have hired Huizar and, later, the agency should have taken concerns about his mental health more seriously. He also should have been removed from serving as a school resource officer after he failed to report allegations of an adult having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tort claim alleges that after he eventually resigned and was living in West Richland, Yakima officials didnt try to get back department-issued guns and ammunition. The document says Huizar used a Yakima Police Department-issued handgun and ammunition to kill his ex-wife. The claim also alleges Richland School District officials didnt do enough of a background check before hiring Huizar, and that the West Richland Police Department failed to seize all of his weapons after they arrested him for rape in February 2024. Richland school officials declined to comment on the claim. Yakima School District officials told the Herald theyd received the claim and its been forwarded to the districts insurer to review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remaining agencies could not be reached Friday about the allegations. The agencies and insurance carriers have 60 days to decide to pay the tort claim or the family can file a formal lawsuit in Superior Court. Heres what the tort claim alleges on how the agencies failed to protect Rodriguez: Yakima Police Department Yakima Police Department had the first opportunity to stop Huizar, by never hiring him in the first place, the claim said. Former Yakima Police Officer Elias Huizar pictured here in 2018. When Huizar was still in college, he had a brush with the law at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. He was charged with threatening people with a knife during a 2008 fight and then with a break-in, though the charges were later dropped by prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguezs attorneys claim those accusations should have stopped Yakima police from hiring him five years later. They allege the department didnt investigate Huizars background or perform a mental health assessment. During his employment with YPD Huizar received letters of reprimand for violations of department policies and on at least two occasions, he lodged complaints of discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment against fellow officers and his chain of command, the claim said. City Human Resources and YPD personnel determined his claims were without merit. In 2019, Huizar was investigated when he was a school resource officer at a Yakima middle school after Angelica Santos, then 12, told friends she was dating Huizar while she was a student there. He was married to Rodriguez at the time. When similiar allegations arose a second time at the school, a Washington State Attorney Generals investigator was called in but couldnt prove Santos claims. A GoFundMe was created for Angelica M. Santos, 17, who was killed by her boyfriend Elias Huizar, a 39-year-old former police officer, inside his West Richland home in April 2024. The police department considered disciplining him anyway because he had never reported the rumors involving Santos when they first came up a couple months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Matt Murray, the Yakima chief at the time, didnt follow the rules in the union contract so the reprimand never became part of Huizars official file, according to the claim. Afterwards, Huizar was allowed to continue working with minor, school-aged children as a (school resource officer,) and no further inquiries were made into the allegations, the claim says. Former Yakima Police Officer Elias Huizar, on the left, is accused of raping a teen at a West Richland home. He is pictured here in 2018 with two other resource officers delivering food to families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to work as a school resource office in Yakima in 2020 but took an unapproved medical leave in December 2020. That happened about the same time that Huizars wife filed for divorce. Theyd been married about six years and had two sons. Huizar said his post traumatic stress disorder as the reason for his leave, and in February 2021 he turned in paperwork to the city to show he was suffering from PTSD, depression, insomnia and alcohol use disorder. Eventually, YPD ordered Huizar to undergo an independent medical exam on March 29, 2021. Huizar failed to appear for that appointment, according to the claim. That day, Huizar had gotten into a confrontation with Rodriguez and her father outside William Wiley Elementary in West Richland, and police were called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huizar told West Richland officers that Rodriguez was abusing their sons. As a result, the West Richland officers talked to Yakima officials, who didnt even know Huizar had moved to West Richland though he was still technically an employee on medical leave. Yakima police asked Union Gap police to look into Huizars past relationship with Rodriguez when she was a high school student in Yakima and Huizar was an 24-year-old wrestling mentor. She was 17 at the time. They later married when she was 22. The Union Gap police reported at the time that Rodriguez didnt want to cooperate with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the familys claim says she told Union Gap investigators that he was not of sound mind, short tempered, controlling and heard voices. Despite being informed of Huizars mental instability, YPD did not take Ambers concerns seriously, and they failed to conduct any further inquiry into the status of Huizars mental instability, the claim said. Within a couple weeks of the Union Gap report, in January 2022, Yakima police found his conduct was unbecoming an officer, but he was only reprimanded, not fired, says the claim. The claim says Huizar resigned in February 2022, but Yakima police didnt force him to return department-issued weapons, ammunition and tactical gear. Elias Huizar, 39, of West Richland was stopped by Oregon State Patrol officers after a high speed chase then shot himself. West Richland Police The attorneys allege that West Richland police also should have seized those Yakima Police Department items after Huizar was arrested in February for rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (West Richland Police Department) knew Huizar was a former YPD officer, as they found YPD-issued items during their search, the claim says. Neither YPD nor WRPD made any attempts to communicate regarding Huizar after his resignation, and the failure of WRPD to follow up with YPD about the police equipment/gear ... directly contributed to Huizars use of YPD-issued weapons and ammunition to kill Amber Rodriguez. A West Richland police report previously obtained by the Herald showed a handgun and rifle were seized from Huizars home in February 2024. A different handgun, but the same model, was found with his body after the chase in Oregon. Yakima and Richland school districts Huizar went to work as a substitute teacher at Richland School District shortly after leaving the Yakima Police Department. Flowers were placed at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Wash., after paraeducator Amber M. Rodriguez was shot outside the school. He got the position largely based on the strength of recommendations from administrators at Franklin Middle School in the Yakima School District, according to the recent claim. Richland school officials have previously said they were not aware of any of Huizars alleged misconduct as a school resource officer. All background checks came back clear, they said. After Huizar was charged with raping one of Santos friends in February 2024, Richland school officials removed him from the list of approved substitutes and ordered him not to return. But the new claim says the Richland district didnt take enough steps to prevent Huizar from returning to William Wiley Elementary, where one of sons went to school and where his ex-wife worked. The claim alleges school officials should have monitored the schools security cameras, according to the claim. As Huizar waited for Amber to appear, school district leadership, employees and staff either failed to notice his presence on school property, or failed to respond to it, until he shot Amber to death in front of her 9-year-old son using a YPD-issued firearm and YPD-issued ammunition. The Farm Bill was extended once again for another year as Congress approved a final-hour spending package to avert a government shutdown Friday. Along with the extension, the bipartisan legislation also includes financial aid for farmers and money for recent natural disasters. However, the extension means they will still be relying on outdated provisions from the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, is considered a must-pass package of federal legislation that is typically reauthorized every five years. The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018 and was supposed to be renewed in 2023, until lawmakers extended the deadline to Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Farm Bill extension was part of a package that will keep the federal government funded after Friday night, when funds expire. Congress needs to pass legislation each fiscal year designating how much the federal government will spend on its programs. When Congress does not meet its deadline, lawmakers pass continuing resolutions which buy time by keeping funding at previous levels. The package also included a disaster relief package that will allocate money for sectors critical to Texas economy to respond to recent natural disasters. Over $3 billion was estimated to go to the states farmers in addition to the Farm Bill, $122 million to repair Johnson Space Center and $950 million to repair the states roads and transportation infrastructure, according to a memo by House Appropriations Committee Democrats. The Farm Bill sets policies for many agricultural programs, such as federal crop insurance and loans for farmers. In Texas, the bill supports more than 230,000 farms and ranches that can be found in nearly every corner of the state from sprawling pastures in the northern Panhandle to loam-covered rice fields in East Texas. According to a 2024 Feeding the Economy report, an economic impact study organized by food and agriculture groups, the states food and agriculture sectors contribute about $860.8 billion in economic activity and employ more than 4.5 million people. The bill also helps provide more than 3.4 million low-income Texas families with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to Every Texan, a nonprofit advocacy organization that analyzes public policy and its impact on Texas residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP funding has been a source of contention for this Farm Bill. In a May version advanced by the U.S. House agriculture committee, led by Rep. Glenn Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican, SNAP would get about a $30 billion cut. That was a nonstarter for many Democrats. The U.S. House was set to pass a continuing resolution earlier this week to keep the government open until March in a bipartisan deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana. But rank-and-file Republicans revolted over the agreement, saying it was negotiated behind closed doors without their input and released without sufficient time to review. The tenor amplified after Elon Musk, the billionaire Texas transplant who has the ear of President-elect Donald Trump, trashed the package on social media for including so many priorities unrelated to keeping the government open. Within 24 hours, the continuing resolution was effectively dead. Trump threw in a curveball on Wednesday when he demanded that a continuing resolution also include an increase or elimination of the debt ceiling. The debt ceiling does not impact future spending levels and caps borrowing to cover past expenses. When the debt ceiling is reached and the country can no longer borrow to cover its bills and interest payments, it risks defaulting on its debts. This has never happened before, but economists warn it would have a devastating impact on the economy. Republicans have used the threat of a default to corner Democrats into agreeing to restrictions on future spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders released a new, drastically slimmed down continuing resolution Thursday afternoon that would keep the government funded until March, include the disaster relief package, extend the Farm Bill, raise the debt ceiling and exclude other priorities that Musk and Republicans criticized as being irrelevant to keeping the government funded. But Democrats were irate, asserting they were excluded from the negotiations and that Republicans had gone back on their word on priorities that would help everyday Americans. Democrats were especially angry at Musk, who has no experience in public office, saying he had no business dictating how Congress should do its job. Which branch of Government does Elon belong to? Asking for a friend. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, posted on social media. Several fiscally minded conservatives, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, were equally furious that his own party would raise the debt ceiling without securing future limits on spending. Trump threatened to primary Roy for opposing a raise to the debt ceiling without future spending limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays package failed with 38 Republicans joining all but three Democrats in voting no. In addition to Roy, U.S. Reps. Michael Cloud of Victory, Wesley Hunt of Houston, Morgan Luttrell of Willis, Nathaniel Moran of Tyler, Keith Self of McKinney and Beth Van Duyne of Irving all voted no. The final package that passed the House on Friday excluded any mention of the debt ceiling. Democrats signed on and helped House Republican leaders reach a supermajority required for passage. Disclosure: Every Texan has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The Arizona Department of Water Resources designated an Active Management Area in the Willcox groundwater basin on Friday, following a series of public hearings in which the agency presented evidence of aquifer depletion and increasing ground subsidence. The aquifer is the only source of water for homes, farms, industries, and municipal providers. Residents in the basin voted against such a designation two years ago. The agency used a second legal pathway to establish the AMA because it determined critical conditions in the basin meet all requirements. It was the first time since 1980 that the state used such powers. Advertisement Advertisement "I think it shows that the agency has maybe learned that if you don't take action it just gets worse. And I think it just became so apparent to everyone," said Kathy Ferris, former state Department of Water Resources director who helped write the 1980 Groundwater Management Act. Political pushback to create groundwater regulations in rural communities has been strong, particularly from key legislators like Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford. But local leaders and domestic water users' demand for rural groundwater protection has also grown louder across the state, calling for action against unrestricted groundwater pumping. "Even though it is late, I applaud the department and the administration for doing this," Ferris said. The AMA, which is in both Graham and Cochise counties, will effectively block any agricultural expansion. Under the designation, no new lands can be farmed in the basin. Additionally, growers must prove "substantial capital investment" in lands that had not been irrigated in the past five years if they want to irrigate them in the future. About 6,500 acres of farmland would need to go through this test. Advertisement Advertisement "While there is a range of views on the AMA, the urgency of addressing our water challenges cannot be overstated, Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock said in a statement, praising Gov. Katie Hobbs' action. "We are committed to ensuring that our communitys voice is heard throughout this process. Groundwater rules: Shrinking aquifers worry Cochise County residents, but support is weak for regulations Lingering concerns about agricultural rules Hobbs' office said in a statement that the AMA will "protect over 8,100 people and the local economies that rely on the Willcox Basin." Many residents who opposed the AMA see the action as a state "overreach." Others argue that there is an urgent need to stop agricultural expansion, but the regulatory tool, as it is, would give unfair water allotments to growers using the least water, hurt numerous family operations, and leave the largest water users virtually unaffected. Advertisement Advertisement Growers in the Douglas AMA, which was designated by popular vote in 2022, have raised concerns over fixed water allotments tied to the growers' crop history. The management plan was approved on Nov. 27 with minimal changes to the proposed version. Hearing concerns from local growers, Ethan Orr, associate director of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, said he expects Arizona Department of Water Resources to consider changes to how water allotments and irrigated grandfathered rights are determined, making sure they are "not punishing growers who have invested in greater water efficiency or reduced water-usage crops." "ADWR staff is really competent and they are trying incredibly hard to do the right thing in this implementation," he said. "It's just making sure they have the right guidance and guidelines, legislatively and scientifically." Some of this guidance is tied to finding the right data sources and scientific evidence for things like crops' water use, but also from the need to narrow guidelines to determine "substantial capital investment" because the statute for it is very broad, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Special programs and funding could help growers save more water and adapt to some of the Douglas and Willcox AMA rules. Orr said he expects the Water Irrigation Efficiency Program, run by the university, could help. The initial $64 million in funding has all been allocated and the program is not taking new applications, but there is talk in the state Legislature to approve more funding the next session, he said. Having lawmakers modify rules on how those funds are distributed by giving priority to growers on "emerging AMAs" could help. Compared with other parts of the state, there is not much room for water efficiency in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Groundwater pumping has ramped up due to agricultural expansion, which the AMA can't undo, and many farmers grow water-intensive crops, though they mostly use center pivots and drip irrigation. "There's marginal gains to make there," Orr said. Programs could still focus on helping some growers transition and make the best use of these technologies by installing new tools like soil moisture sensors and weather trackers. Advertisement Advertisement Riverview, a dairy operator that has been the target of residents' complaints and Attorney General Kris Mayes' investigations, said it's premature to know how both AMAs will change their operations but that they support "common sense water management and regulation." The company has taken actions like "installing center-pivot irrigation systems with low-energy precision application technology, pumps with variable frequency drives to eliminate water waste, advanced control systems that enable remote monitoring and precise irrigation control, and more," said Riverview spokesman Kevin Wulf in a statement. He added that the dairy is now fallowing thousands of acres in the summer to reduce pressure on the aquifer and importing more feed instead. Riverview is committed to southern Arizona and to being part of the farming and ranching legacy in the Sulphur Springs Valley," wrote Wulf. Water is the lifeblood of Cochise County and its economy." Advertisement Advertisement Surveying southern Arizona: In the 'wild West' of groundwater use, Hobbs hears about dry wells, ground fissures Locals still hope for amendments The Sulphur Springs Water Alliance, which holds a wide range of views and brings together farmers, ranchers, homeowners, utility companies, and city and county staff, didn't take a position on the AMA designation. The alliance acknowledged that "groundwater declines at current rates threaten the long-term economies and well-being of residents and agricultural operations." The group added that water use reductions "must be enacted at a sufficient pace, ranging typically from 20 to 50 years" to have real results, yet sustain a viable agricultural economy. In a letter to Arizona Department of Water Resources, the alliance wrote that if an AMA were enacted, it should be followed by amendments or a future redesignation to a regulatory tool "specific to the nuances of the Willcox Basin." Advertisement Advertisement The alliance believes the standards of any groundwater management plan should give authority to local stakeholders who "represent the values and well-being of the local community," have adaptive and flexible agricultural programs that don't penalize farms that have taken steps to reduce water use, allow the transfer of water allotments and irrigation rights, and seek state and federal funding to support research and incentives to reduce water use. Any changes to modify AMA statutes or create new regulation frameworks for rural Arizona would need to happen in the Legislature, Ferris said. "It's not very realistic unless legislative leaders in the Republican Party want to work toward that goal," she said. "But they really haven't been showing that. The idea has been to pass something that wouldn't do anything." Taken to court: Arizona attorney general sues Fondomonte, says groundwater pumping is an illegal nuisance Advertisement Advertisement Clara Migoya covers agriculture and water issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to clara.migoya@arizonarepublic.com. Nothing sure: Farmers in southern Arizona face uncertain future under new groundwater rules This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona water agency declares water management area near Willcox LYONS, Ga. (AP) Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South. An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet (92 meters) long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints broken. The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time. I have wrestled with lots of emotions the past two months, said Hopkins, who also grows corn and peanuts in rural Toombs County, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of Savannah. Do we just get through this one and quit? Do we build back? It is emotionally draining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopkins is among farmers across the South who are still reeling from Helenes devastation. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a major Category 4 storm and then raced north across Georgia and neighboring states. Experts estimate the cost to farmers, timber growers and other agribusinesses from Florida to Virginia will reach more than $10 billion. The toll includes ravaged crops, uprooted timber, wrecked farm equipment and mangled chicken houses, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity at cotton gins and poultry processing plants. For cotton growers like Hopkins, Helene hit just as the fall harvest was starting. Many put most cleanup on hold to try to salvage what remained of their crops. `Staggering losses to cotton, pecans and fall vegetables Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to an analysis by the University of Georgia. In North Carolina, a state agency calculated farmers suffered $3.1 billion in crop losses and recovery costs after Helene brought record rainfall and flooding. Separate economic analyses of farm damage tallied losses of up to $630 million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina and $162 million in Florida. Hopkins figures he lost half the cotton on his 1,400 acres (560 hectares). We were at the most vulnerable stage we could be, he said. The lint was open and fluffy and hanging there, waiting to be defoliated or picked. About 50% of the harvestable lint ended up on the ground. Even with insurance, Hopkins said, he won't recoup an estimated $430,000 in losses from his cotton crop alone. That doesn't include the cost of debris removal, repairing or replacing damaged machinery and the loss of two small pecan orchards uprooted by the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm ripped through blooming cotton fields, pecan orchards laden with nuts and fields where fall vegetables like cucumbers and squash awaited picking. Hundreds of large poultry houses used to raise thousands of chickens at a time got destroyed. Farmers far from Helene's center weren't spared, as tropical-storm force winds reached outward up to 310 miles (499 kilometers). It was staggering, said Timothy Coolong, a University of Georgia horticulture professor. This may be just too much for some folks." Helene was one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in nearly two decades, killing more than 200 people. It left more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will aid to farmers come soon enough? Georgia's government in November diverted $100 million that had been set aside for construction projects or paying off existing debt to fund emergency loans to farmers and cleanup in Helene's aftermath. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made additional storm relief a priority for the upcoming legislative session. But Georgia's constitution prohibits using state funds to give direct disaster aid to individuals and private businesses. In Congress, a spending bill passed early Saturday to avoid a government shutdown included $21 billion in disaster aid to U.S. farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need help, but we need it quick," said Jeffrey Pridgen, a fifth-generation farmer who raises chickens in south Georgias Coffee County. Pridgen operated a dozen poultry houses, each large enough to raise up to 20,000 chickens at a time. Helene destroyed four of them, along with thousands of chickens. Only one of Pridgen's houses remains in working condition, the others having been badly damaged. Pridgen said new chicken houses will cost about $450,000 apiece. Because most of his were decades old, he expects insurance to cover just half the cost. I was looking at retirement, but I lost my retirement and my income in one day, said Pridgen, 62. "Itll be two years before we get fully operational again. Im basically starting over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Everybody lost something' Georgias poultry industry took an estimated $683 million hit, with farmers having to rebuild about 300 chicken houses and repair hundreds more. The poultry processing plant that relies on Pridgen and other storm-impacted farmers for chickens is now operating just four days per week, he said. Now for at least a year, perhaps a little bit longer, were in rebuilding mode," said Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation. "That affects production in an area for an extended period of time. Helene's devastation shouldn't have much impact on consumer prices because crops grown elsewhere can make up for most shortages, said Michael Adjemian, a University of Georgia professor of agricultural economics. Pecans are one possible exception. Georgia is responsible for roughly one-third of U.S. production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most cases, even a terrible storm like this is going to have a relatively small impact, Adjemian said. "And maybe it's not even noticeable, depending on the product. Helene cost Georgia cotton farmers roughly one-third of their crop, with direct and indirect losses valued at $560 million. Some were still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Cotton growers also were facing low prices this harvest season of around 70 cents per pound (per 0.45 kilograms), said Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission. That meant they needed a big yield to turn any profit. Times were awful, and then they got hit by a hurricane, Sills said. "There are people who lost everything and there are people who didnt. But everybody lost something." A father of five has died in a house fire while trying to save his family. Matthew Wright, 38, died from injuries sustained in a fire at his family residence in the 700 block of West Third Street in Pratt, Kansas, on Monday, Dec. 16, Pratt Police stated in a news release posted on Facebook. The victim ran inside his burning home in an attempt to save his fiancee Megan and two of his children, who he was unaware had already escaped, according to the local outlet KWCH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and the City of Pratt Fire Department responded to a call about people possibly trapped inside a house on fire at 2:38 p.m. They arrived to find a woman and two children were able to escape the residence while the man remained inside, per the release. Firefighters from the City of Pratt were able to get the 38-year-old male from the house, but he later succumbed to his injuries in the fire, police said. gofundme Wright died in a house fire on Dec. 16 Wright died in a house fire on Dec. 16 Related: Mom of 4 Dies in House Fire While Her Children Escape: 'Tragic Accident' The woman and two children sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. The fire was determined to be an accidental electrical fire by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe page has been set up for Wright's family following the tragic incident to raise money for his funeral, which has so far raised $3,070. Related: Grandma of 7 Dies in Washington House Fire the Week Before the Holidays According to the page, Wright was outside when the blaze began and ran inside the burning home without hesitation to save his family. Its hard to grasp the magnitude of this loss, not just for his immediate family but for all those who knew and loved him, the page reads. Wright is leaving behind his fiancee Megan and five children Jaylen, Elijah, Darius, Quinton, and Quinn. 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. Longtime friend Charles Coffman Jr. told KWCH, Without hesitation I know he didnt think, blink, or had any concern about himself, he was worried about his family, and he went in there to get them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it came to his family hed do anything he could, you know? He loved them, Coffman continued. Christmases from this day forward are going to be tough for a long time. Read the original article on People FBI El Paso accepting nominations for Citizens Academy for Spring 2025 EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The FBI El Paso Field Office is taking nominations to participate in its Citizens Academy. This is an opportunity for civil, business, religious and community leaders who live or work in the El Paso region to learn more about what the FBI does. The 2025 Spring FBI Citizens Academy Class will be from March 27 to May 2. Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 24. To nominate yourself or someone else to attend the 2025 Spring FBI Citizens Academy Class and learn more about the program, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI Citizens Academy classes bring together a diverse group of leaders from multiple sectors who have a sincere interest in ensuring the people, business, and organizations they represent are better informed to guard against and report crime to ensure a safer future for everyone in the region, Special Agent in Charge John Morales said. Its an opportunity to have very candid, open conversations and build relationships with us and each other that ultimately help us all enhance our ability to protect our families and community. The FBI Citizens Academy, hosted by the FBI El Paso Field Office, offers a unique educational experience for civil, business, religious, and community leaders. Participants attend one session each week, exploring a variety of federal criminal violations, jurisdiction, policy, task force collaboration, specialty teams, and more. Past classes have offered an in-depth exploration of the FBIs investigative priorities including terrorism, counterintelligence, civil rights crimes, cybercrime, public corruption, and violent crime, FBI El Paso said in its news release. All participants are invited to a graduation and an optional learning opportunity at the gun range with FBI firearms instructors to learn and reinforce gun safety and experience the weapons agents are assigned. FBI Citizens Academy participants graduate with a better understanding of how the FBI El Paso Field Office fulfills its mission within the region and how it partners with law enforcement and the community to prevent violence and investigate crime. All graduates are encouraged to join the local FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapter to continue education and partner in crime prevention to benefit their communities, FBI El Paso said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates must be a recognized leader in their respective communities, live within the FBI El Paso Field Offices region, be at least 21 years old, consent to a limited background check, and agree to attend all scheduled sessions with no more than one excused absence. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. suspended bonuses for about two dozen executives under investigation for misconduct. Most Read from Bloomberg The FDIC Board approved eliminating the bonuses if allegations against the officials were substantiated at a meeting earlier this week, a spokesperson for the regulator said Friday, adding that the policy only affects supervisors, managers and executives. Some officials said the money should be paid and then clawed back if needed, according to the Wall Street Journal, which reported the bonus suspensions earlier. Board member Jonathan McKernan said he sought to add the proposal to the meeting agenda, the newspaper said. The FDIC struggled with a toxic workplace scandal that put the regulator at the center of a heated political fight. Chairman Martin Gruenberg had faced pressure to leave after a law firm report questioned whether he was the best person to lead an overhaul at the agency. He announced last month that he would step down on Jan. 19. More than one-third of FDIC survey respondents said they experienced or witnessed sexual and other harassment, an agency watchdog found in a report released Thursday. The FDIC doesnt have a policy on bonuses for its broader workforce, which would require union talks, the Wall Street Journal reported. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Late into Friday night, the U.S. Senate voted 85-11 to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR), a temporary spending bill that will fund the federal government until March 14, 2025. This vote successfully averted a government shutdown just after midnight. Earlier on Friday evening, the House of Representatives had also passed the measure overwhelmingly with a 366-34 vote. The Continuing Resolution garnered bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, following a tumultuous week influenced by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who has no formal position in the government. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the only current Native American serving in the Senate, voted no on the Continuing Resolution. Im a no on this CR, because the Senate had every opportunity to fund the government through regular order, but instead, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer willfully abandoned his responsibility and refused to bring appropriations bills to the floor, said Sen. Mullin. In the House of Representatives, there are currently four American Indians and Alaska Natives: , Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK-2nd District), who is a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation; Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-4th District), who is a tribal citizen of the Chickasaw Nation; Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-3rd District), who is a tribal citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation; and Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK-At-Large), who is a member of the Yupik community. Those Native members of Congress who voted yes on keeping the government open were: Cole, Davids, and Peltola. Cole, the longest-serving Native American in Congress, chairs the powerful House Appropiations Committee. Since Peltola, the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, lost her reelection bid, this vote is one of last votes as a member of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a continuing resolution is not ideal, this strategy ensures President Trump has a voice in shaping the final FY25 bills. Importantly, it averts a costly government shutdown that would only serve to handcuff the start of his new administration," Cole said in a statement released after the vote. Breecheen voted no on the measure. Had the shutdown occured, more than three million Americans, including more than a million active duty service members, would miss their paychecks over the holidays. Holiday travel would have been disrupted during the busiest week of the year, leaving Americans with longer wait times at airports. A government shutdown could have cost taxpayers and the economy billions of dollars. Neely Bardwell contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 The Key Strategy Behind Trumps Plan To Fire Federal Workers Illustration: Benjamin Currie; Photos: Getty As the incoming boss of the federal workforce, President-elect Donald Trump has made clear his disdain for civil servants. Hes called them crooked and dishonest people who are destroying the country. Hes equated them with the conspiracy theorists deep state. And hes promised to fire a lot of them after he assumes office next month. Some of Trumps tools for attacking the bureaucracy are well-known. One is the creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory body headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy that will recommend government cuts. Another is the pursuit of Schedule F, a proposal to reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees so the Trump administration can more easily purge them. But those headline-grabbing plans tend to overshadow another likely aim of the incoming administration: to weaken and, in some cases, perhaps even dismantle the federal-sector unions that have protected government workers for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike unions in the private sector or local government, federal unions cannot bargain directly over workers pay. But they can still provide job security and challenge discipline meted out by supervisors. This has made them a longtime target of Trumps policy advisers and Republicans in general. Although Trump was overtly hostile to unions of all stripes during his first presidency, his choice of a pro-union Republican for labor secretary has bolstered hopes that his second go-round might be a little different. But unions operating in the federal space have no illusions about what to expect, especially as Trump vows to shrink the federal government and gauges the loyalty of those who would serve under him. Most expect a better-prepared and more ambitious Trump administration than the previous one, enabled not only by a GOP-controlled Congress but a right-wing judiciary skeptical of both unions and the administrative state. Its a really dangerous moment, said Joseph McCartin, a labor historian at Georgetown University who chronicled Ronald Reagans breaking of the air-traffic controllers union. I think the attitude is going to be very aggressive. I would be surprised if they dont challenge the very premise and operation of [federal] unions. A Clearer Plan After he assumes office, Trump is likely to sign a batch of executive orders aimed at weakening federal unions and making it more difficult for them to function. A trio of orders is already drafted Trump signed them 16 months into his first presidency, leading to a court battle over their legality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blueprint for attacking federal unions and federal employees is already there, because they deployed it last time, said Cory Bythrow, chief of staff at the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 800,000 federal workers. And we expect them to deploy it right out of the gate and then some. Those executive orders called for renegotiating all union contracts with an eye toward management rights, and paring back workers recourse in the disciplinary process so that its easier to fire them. They also sought to kick unions physically out of government buildings, and reduce their use of official time, in which union officials and stewards, who are government employees, can represent members while on the clock. Official time can only be used toward representational matters, like filing grievances and attending labor-management meetings, and the amount of time a union gets is bargained in the contract. Unions say it would be hard to carry out their duties without official time, especially since federal workplaces are by law open shops that is, employees cant be required to pay any dues even if they are covered by the contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and anti-union groups have targeted official time for years, deeming it a waste of taxpayer money. But as with Schedule F, unions believe the real aim is to strip away job protections and pave the way for firings, by making it logistically more difficult to represent members. The idea is to weaken the defense in the disciplinary [process], said Matthew Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, a union with members at NASA, the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies. To fire people without due process or union protections thats really the intention. Are you a federal employee with something to share? You can email our reporter here, or contact him securely over Signal at davejamieson.99. A federal judge struck down key portions of Trumps executive orders during his first term, but an appeals court later overturned that decision. (Biden rescinded the orders after taking office.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unions expect another legal fight this time, only sooner. Project 2025, the transition blueprint drawn up by Trump allies, said the biggest problem with the anti-union executive orders from Trumps first term is that they were issued too late. Indeed, the very existence of Project 2025 suggests the administration will be better organized and more ambitious this time in trying to reform the bureaucracy. (Trump tried to keep the project at arms length during the campaign but has been filling his administration with its authors.) The project was spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank thats long advocated for cutting government and weakening unions. Former President Donald Trump smiles as he arrives at a commit to caucus rally, on Oct. 16, 2023, in Adel, Iowa. via Associated Press The Heritage types are much more likely to influence policy during Trumps second term than his first, predicted John Hatton, the head of policy and programs at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, a group that advocates for federal workers. I do think there is a clearer plan this time than at the start of the first Trump administration, Hatton said. I think the likelihood of those groups policies being put in place this time around is much higher. See You In Court Union contracts could serve as a major roadblock to the firings and layoffs promised by Trump and his advisor Musk, the richest man in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration could revisit a tactic from the president-elects first term: stacking a federal labor agency with appointees who will essentially rewrite union contracts in managements favor. Federal unions have been hustling to lock down new contracts in part to avoid this scenario. Union leaders also suspect the White House might try to end payroll dues deduction, the primary way unions are funded. Republican lawmakers have gone after dues deduction for public sector unions in several states, forcing unions to try to sign members up for credit card payments instead. Republicans in the House have proposed a bill to ban federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service from deducting dues even though its workers choice whether to authorize the deductions. Such deductions are protected by statute, but Bythrow said he could see the Trump administration trying to end it without an act of Congress. He described such a strategy as: Were going to do this Well see you in court when youre bankrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the administration could go well beyond creating mere administrative headaches for unions, and attack the very premise of collective bargaining for the federal workforce. Like many Republicans have for years, Project 2025 urges lawmakers to reconsider whether public-sector unions are appropriate in the first place. Federal unionism has been enshrined in law since the Jimmy Carter administration, making it difficult for Republicans to roll back without a filibuster-proof Senate. But there are ways Trump could try to strip away labor rights at particular agencies. Not all departments allow for collective bargaining under the law there are exclusions for investigative, intelligence and national security work. Unions are prepared for the administration to try to move more departments under the banner of national security sensitive in this regard, in order to eliminate union rights and toss out collective bargaining agreements. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order curtailing rights at the Department of Defense; it was later reversed by Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very concerned about that, said IFPTEs Biggs, whose union represents civilian employees at the agency. Were preparing legal challenges to those kinds of potential efforts. Project 2025 recommends removing all unions within the Department of Homeland Security. It singles out the Transportation Security Administration to be deunionized immediately, along with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which oversees the legal immigration process. TSA workers could be especially vulnerable to losing union rights, since theirs are not guaranteed in the law that created the agency following the 9/11 terror attacks. The administration of former President Barack Obama first granted TSA workers limited bargaining rights, and the Biden administration later expanded them, but Trump could rescind them without much difficulty. Mike Gayzagian, a TSA worker and the president of AFGE Local 2617 in New England, said collective bargaining has helped improve working at an agency notorious for second-class status and low morale. TSA employees were on a lesser payscale than most federal workers until just last year, when moves by the Biden administration led to raises of up to 30%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gayzagian doesnt think cracking down on the union would help the agency retain workers, and he certainly hopes it isnt a priority for Trump officials. Were worried about whats going to happen next year, Gayzagian said. But hopefully were down on the bottom of the list. WASHINGTON Just days before the height of the holiday season, a government shutdown threatened to throw hundreds of thousands of federal workers into the lurch by putting their paychecks in jeopardy. President Joe Biden has since signed a short-term spending bill into law, but many employees and contractors fumed that Congress brought the government to the brink of another funding lapse and created financial uncertainty for the federal workforce. During a shutdown, most government workers are furloughed, though many are required to report to work if their job is considered essential. In both cases, employees receive back pay when the shutdown ends, but new paychecks arent generated if a spending bill isnt signed into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While retroactive pay is guaranteed by law, bills, rent and other financial obligations dont wait, which forces families to make a difficult choice during these holiday seasons, said Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, in an interview shortly before Congress passed the funding bill on Friday. Paychecks for work earlier in December would not have been delayed by a shutdown, according to guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. However, paychecks reflecting work from the second half of the month could have been impacted depending on the duration of a shutdown. Members of Congress continue to be paid without interruption during a shutdown. During funding lapses in 2018 and 2019, about 800,000 government employees were furloughed or worked without pay. In 2013, around 850,000 people were furloughed daily during the peak of that years shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the hours before Congress passed the funding bill Friday, Johnny Jones, a Transportation Security Administration officer at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, talked about how his colleagues were trying to determine the impact of a shutdown on their holiday finances. The majority of our rank-and-file live paycheck-to-paycheck. But its the holidays, so these guys have already spent their savings buying Christmas gifts, said Jones, who is also an AFGE union official. The politicians are going to be the real Grinches around here. Jones said that members of his union were considering returning or pawning holiday gifts in order to have enough money to last through a potential shutdown. He expressed anger toward President-elect Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk, who together effectively killed the initial 1,500-page bipartisan funding bill that would have kept the federal government funded through the middle of March. (Trump and Musk got behind a revised version of the bill, but it was rejected in the House on Thursday night.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole workforce was anticipating there would be funding that lasts for the first few months of the year, Jones said. Then, next thing you know, Trump and Elon Musk are controlling our lives. Joe Shuker, a 66-year-old AFGE union official and TSA officer at Philadelphia International Airport, said that he and his colleagues missed multiple paychecks during the 2018-19 shutdown. We had guys going to food banks after they missed that first check, he said ahead of congressional passage of the short-term spending bill. If youre a 26-year-old guy with kids, a mortgage, car payments they were struggling, and food was number one on the list. They had to choose between putting gas in the car and putting food on the table. Shuker added that the shutdown standoff in Washington had added stress to an already high-stakes job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look for bombs for a living. Its stressful enough, he said. If youve got an employee worried about feeding their kids and how theyre going to get to work the next day its a lot. Federal employees who were furloughed or required to work are paid retroactively, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Employees have previously received pay retroactively, and Congress passed a bill in 2019 ensuring that furloughed employees get back pay in the future as well. Federal contractors, however, are treated differently. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, federal contractors often do not receive back pay. Its really a dark day when an unelected billionaire like Elon Musk is able to tank a negotiated agreement at the eleventh hour, frankly, playing games with the livelihoods of hard working people like our members in the federal buildings, said Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of 32BJ SEIU, whose members include government contractors in the Washington, D.C., area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contreras said his union represents around 2,400 federally contracted workers, including security officers, cleaners and food service workers. During previous government shutdowns, he said, many of the members did not get paid. They have been loyal workers in the federal government, and this is just not a way for us to treat [them], whether theyre government employees or contracted government employees, Contreras said before Fridays votes. Its just plain and simple wrong. Bonita Williams, a federally contracted cleaner at the State Department for 18 years, had anticipated before the funding bill passed that securing food would be the hardest part of enduring another shutdown. Williams, 62, has five children and 13 grandchildren. She said all of her children also work for the federal government, and during a previous shutdown they went to a food bank, which once ran out of provisions in their time of need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im mad because it aint gonna be no holiday, because you have to save your money because you dont know whats going to happen, Williams said when Congress was still scrambling to pass a spending bill. Youve got to think about, do you want to buy food? Or do you want to buy Christmas gifts for your grandkids? Id rather see them with food on the table, she said. Megan Lebowitz reported from Washington, D.C., and Daniel Arkin from New York City. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A big financial boost in the fight against food insecurity in Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna Food Policy Council Fund received $20,000 on Friday. The money is from the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the city of Scranton. The funds will help ensure people in Lackawanna County have access to healthy and nutritious foods. Traffic spikes on PA Turnpike for Holiday season Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food policy council also noted the group will work closely with CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank and Friends of the Poor. The food policy council is really bringing together all of the stakeholders in the food system, in the charitable food network, in the agriculture community in the food retail community and bringing all of those pieces together in one room so that we can solve a lot of these issues together, Director of Nutrition Programs and Resource Development and CEO RND Gretchen Hunt said. The Lackawanna County Food Policy Council oversees a number of programs in the county to promote healthy eating. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. The Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, visited Russia, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. During his visit, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Transport of Russia with the participation of Minister Rashad Nabiyev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government Vitaly Savelyev, and Transport Minister Roman Starovoit. During the meeting, discussions were held on the development of the "North-South" International Transport Corridor, including the implementation of road transport. Following the discussions, an agreement was signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation for the development of transit freight transportation via the "North-South" International Transport Corridor. The agreement, which outlines the terms of cooperation for the development of railway infrastructure and transit freight transportation, aims to improve the efficiency of transport connections and increase the potential of the Western route of the "North-South" International Transport Corridor. This agreement is expected to stimulate an increase in the volume of freight transported by rail and ensure a balance between the growth rate of transportation volumes and the development of railway transport infrastructure. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Three local law enforcement departments gathered as one as they look to fight hunger within the communities of Brown County. The Brown County Sheriffs Department, Green Bay Police Department and Ashwaubenon Public Safety teamed up for their Fill the Cruiser event. Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay continues Christmas Campaign with Community Lunch The event allowed shoppers to purchase a prepackaged bag which was provided by three local grocery stores, and then hand them to officers outside who will fill their squad cars with the bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each donation will go directly to the New Community Shelters Community Meal Program, which serves meals every day of the year including the holidays. Melanie Lovato, an investigator with Ashwaubenon Public Safety said the department had already received a plentiful amount of donations, filling three full cars within a few hours. Lovato joked that its a bit of a competition with their fellow departments to try and donate the most. Its awesome to see people take ownership of the community and recognize that there are others in need and come out to support this amazing program, Lovato said. We compete a little bit between the different departments to see who can bring the most back into the shelter. Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay holds inaugural event to rally support for Red Kettle Campaign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grocery stores hosting are: Pickn Save Lime Kiln Road (Brown County Sheriffs Department) Pickn Save East Main (Green Bay Police Department) Metro Market Ridge Road (Ashwaubenon Public Safety) Departments started their collections at 8 a.m. and will be collecting until 4 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Less than a year after a 22-year-old man was killed amid a lovers quarrel, all three suspects charged in his death have been sentenced to prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The final suspect, Jeremy Allen Munson, then 18, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 22-year-old Jonathan Tyler Gilbert, also known as Tyler Lane on Dec. 13. Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix says, Munson, Sydney Makayla Maughon, then 18, and McKenzie Davenport, then 19, went to a home on Dobbins Mill Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Spalding County District Attorneys Office, Maughon was in a relationship with Gilbert, who was visiting the home of another woman Maughon wanted to fight. The trio went to the home intended to egg it and fight the woman. While they were there, Gilbert confronted them. This is when authorities said Maughon pulled out a gun. Maughon became angry that Gilbert was at the house and she and Davenport began throwing eggs and rocks at him. The DAs office said, that just seconds before Maughon killed Gilbert, he was seen on video running from the front of the home to the back of the home and in that recording, Maughon begins urging one of the others in the car to shoot him, shoot him. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilbert then approaches the car unarmed, and Maughon takes Munsons gun and shoots the 22-year-old victim two times. Davenport ran from the car to get some help and was able to get someone to call 911. Maughon and Munson left and went to Maughons parents home. Maughon and Munson told Maughons father what happened and gave him the handgun, which he hid in the closet, the DA said. The DA said, the father told them not to call the police, but to let the police find them. Maughon and Munson then go to work at Pizza Hut. Deputies found them after Davenport left her shoes and cell phone in the car when she ran to call 911. Authorities used the tracking feature on her phone, which led to the arrest of Maughon and Munson. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Munson was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison followed by five years on probation for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the DAs office, Davenport entered a plea to two misdemeanor charges based on her involvement in the incidents before the murder. Maughon pleaded guilty to malice murder. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The DAs office said Maughon cannot be considered for parole until she has served every day of at least 30 years. We are grateful for the work of the sheriffs office and our office to bring this case to a final resolution for all involved. The family can now begin the process of seeking peace and healing, said Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey D. Holliday. Dec. 21On Dec. 19, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Radius Indiana marked the completion of the first section of Phase 1A of the Monon South Trail. The 1.27-mile multi-use trail extends from Stetson Street to Freeman's Corner in the town of Orleans. Of the mileage, 1.18 miles of the trail surface is asphalt, and 0.09 miles is crushed aggregate. The project includes a new trailhead at Franklin Street with vehicle parking, a restroom, bike racks, and other trailhead amenities. The segment is the first of five to open in Phase 1 of the Monon South project. In total, Phase 1 will build 20 miles of trail, including segments in Borden, New Pekin, Salem, Campbellsburg, Saltillo and Mitchell. "The development of the Monon South Trail will be a game changer for attracting massive interest in outdoor recreation across the five-county region in southern Indiana, connecting locals and visitors alike to these communities and the many attractions available along the way," Dan Bortner, DNR director, said. "With the opening of this first section of Indiana's future longest recreational trail, we're blazing new trails while preserving history and sparking new economic opportunities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSXT, a successor to the Monon Railroad, last operated trains on the section of the line in 2008 and abandoned the rail line in 2018. Under a process known as railbanking, New Albany and Radius petitioned to negotiate with CSXT to acquire the out-of-service rail corridor for use as a recreational trail. Next Level Trails funded the purchase of the 62.3-mile corridor on behalf of New Albany and Radius Indiana for the combined sum of $5.5 million. DNR granted Radius with an additional $22.3 million to support development of the 20 miles in Phase 1. New Albany will own and manage the portion of the trail in Floyd County, and Radius Indiana will be responsible for the trail in Clark, Washington, Orange and Lawrence counties. More information about NLT is at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails. Hunter Shot In Hunting Accident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a hunting accident which happened the morning of Dec. 7 near the town of Ladoga. Shortly after 9:30 a.m., the Montgomery County Central Dispatch Center received a call requesting medical assistance for a hunter who had been shot near the 10000 block of South County Road 375 East. Gregory Click, 51, of Franklin, sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle after another hunter attempted to shoot at a deer crossing between them on the same property. Click was transported to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis to be treated for the injury. The incident is still under investigation. Other assisting agencies included the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Ladoga Fire Department, and Medic 54 (Crawfordsville Fire Department). 'till next time, Jack Readers can contact Jack Spaulding by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com. Ukrainian forces successfully attacked Russian positions using only ground and first person view (FPV) drones instead of infantry, an army spokesperson claimed on Dec. 20. Speaking on national TV, Sergeant Volodymyr Dehtiarov, spokesperson for the Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, said dozens of units of robotic and unmanned equipment supported by surveillance drones were used in the assault near the village of Lyptsi, north of Kharkiv. Dehtiarov said the drones included ground systems equipped with machine guns, and kamikaze FPV drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not specify when the attack took place. Commenting on the reports, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the attack highlighted the difference in attitude towards front line troops shown by Moscow and Kyiv. "Ukrainian officials have repeatedly highlighted Ukraine's efforts to utilise technological innovations and asymmetric strike capabilities to offset Ukraine's manpower limitations in contrast with Russia's willingness to accept unsustainable casualty rates for marginal territorial gains," the ISW said. Russian military losses in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine have exceeded 750,000 Russian soldiers, and are expected to surpass 1 million Russian troops within six months, U.K. Under-Secretary of Defense Luke Pollard said on Dec. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K.'s latest estimate is in line with figures from Ukraine's General Staff, which, as of Dec. 19, sits at 768,220 troops lost since the start of the war. The figures do not specify killed or wounded, though the overall consensus is that it includes dead, wounded, missing, and captured. "It is highly likely that they have sustained significant combat casualties, whilst only achieving limited tactical gains," Pollard told British parliamentarians on Dec. 19. Russia has gained ground in eastern Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in recent months but at the cost of heavy casualties. Russian losses reached record highs in November and December, with a daily high of 2,030 troops lost in November, marking the highest daily loss since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Russian losses exceeded 45,000 troops and $3 billion worth of equipment in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in a rare statement that Ukraine had lost 43,000 soldiers on the battlefield since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine is developing numerous new types of drone systems. Military tech developers created a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the ability to carry explosives and drive under armored vehicles, the project's spokesperson, Viktoriia Kovalchuk, told Business Insider on Oct. 25. The UGV, named Ratel S or Honey Badger, was developed as part of the Brave1 government initiative. The initiative was launched in April to invest in defense tech innovations that can be utilized by the Ukrainian military, as well as serve as a platform to connect the industry's stakeholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The main idea is that the robot (Ratel S) is used as a mobile warhead that carries anti-tank mines or other explosive devices," said Kovalchuk, adding that it can run for 4050 minutes at an average speed or for up to two hours at a slower speed. Read also: Russia buys acceptance with cash, plunging economy into uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The death toll has risen to five and more than 200 were injured when a car ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday, state premier Reiner Haseloff said on Saturday. "We have five deaths and over 200 injuries, many of them serious and severe," Haseloff said, noting the toll was far worse than initially thought when the incident occurred. A car crashed into a group of people at a Christmas market in the city. The suspect, who was arrested that evening, is a doctor from Bernburg who comes from Saudi Arabia. He is known as an activist who is critical of Islam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 50-year-old suspect, who has lived in Germany since 2006, describes himself as an ex-Muslim, dpa has learned. Haseloff said the site would "always remain associated with the history of the city of Magdeburg," as he visited the scene. "It will be remembered as a place of remembrance in the city's history," he vowed. Haseloff spoke of a dimension that "none of us could have imagined." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was also at the scene of the incident. Police emergency vehicles are stationed in front of the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Almost eight years to the day after the terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market at the Memorial Church, a man drives into a crowd of people in Magdeburg. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa Police emergency vehicles are stationed in front of the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Almost eight years to the day after the terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market at the Memorial Church, a man drives into a crowd of people in Magdeburg. Matthias Bein/dpa The number of people killed at a Christmas market in Magdeburg has risen to five and 200 injured - 41 of them seriously - after a car ploughed into the crowd, security sources said on Saturday. "We have five deaths and over 200 injuries, many of them serious and severe," state premier Reiner Haseloff said, noting the toll was far worse than initially thought when the incident occurred. The suspect, 50, who was arrested on Friday evening, is a doctor from Bernburg who comes from Saudi Arabia. He is known as an activist who is critical of Islam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has lived in Germany since 2006 and describes himself as an ex-Muslim, dpa has learned. On Saturday morning, police initially responded cautiously when asked whether they considered the incident an attack, stating that they were still in the process of investigating. The suspect remains in police custody and authorities assume he acted alone. Security sources told dpa on Friday that the suspect had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. However, the suspect is reportedly known for his criticism of Islam. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: "My advice: don't ask for asylum in Germany." It emerged later that Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about the suspect. Saudi Arabian security sources said Riyadh had requested the extradition of the suspect, named under German law as Taleb A., but Germany had not responded, the sources said. They said the man was a Shiite Muslim who comes from the city of Al-Hofuf in eastern Saudi Arabia. Shiites are a minority in the country, making up only around 10% in the majority Sunni nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are repeated reports of discrimination against Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia. German authorities were alerted about the man about a year ago, dpa has learned, however the nature of the warning is currently unknown. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other top officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, are in Magdeburg on Saturday, visiting the scene of the tragic event. Scholz called the incident a "terrible, insane act." "There is no place more peaceful and joyful than a Christmas market," Scholz said. "It is a horrific act to harm and kill so many people with such brutality in such a place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for a comprehensive investigation, saying the perpetrator, his actions and motives must be understood in detail and the appropriate criminal charges must be brought. Scholz also called for social cohesion, saying it was important to him "that we as a country stay together, that we stick together, and that we hook under each other, that hatred does not determine our togetherness." Those who sow hatred must not be allowed to get away with it, he said. Haseloff said the site would "always remain associated with the history of the city of Magdeburg," as he visited the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cell phone video was said to show his arrest. In the clip, a police officer points his gun at the suspect and tells him to lie down: "Hands behind your back!" and "Stay down!" The man lies down on the ground next to a black car, which is visibly damaged and follows the instructions. It then shows reinforcements arriving, with several police officers jumping from a patrol car and surrounding the suspect on the ground. The officer instructs his colleagues not to get too close. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT). Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in other cities with Christmas markets are also on high alert. In Stuttgart, a police spokesperson said that police forces on the ground had been made aware of the situation. In Berlin, a spokesperson said that there would be an increased police presence at Christmas markets. The chaotic scenes recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years ago in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. Interior Minister Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. (L-R) Nancy Faeser, Germany's Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, Reiner Haseloff, Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, Volker Wissing, Germany's Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) visit the scene of the fatal attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The previous evening, a car driver drove into a group of people at the market, killing and injuring several individuals. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, stand at the site of the fatal attack at Magdeburg's Christmas market. The previous evening, a car driver struck a group of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa DICKSON CITY Firefighters quickly doused flames that damaged a building in the 1300 block of Main Street on Friday evening. Crews from around the Mid Valley responded to the working structure fire at 1330 Main St. at 4:30 p.m., Fire Chief Rich Chowanec said. Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the eaves of the building and flames visible in the windows. No one was in the building, which is used for storage by Berger Furniture and Mattress in the same block. It took firefighters less than 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which originated in the buildings basement, Chowanec said. The building sustained smoke and water damage, he said. No one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPL and Pennsylvania Ambulance also responded. Borough police closed the 1300 block of Main Street to traffic. A state police fire marshal is investigating the fire, but said it is likely electrical and not suspicious. DICKSON CITY Firefighters quickly doused flames that damaged a building in the 1300 block of Main Street on Friday evening. Crews from around the Mid Valley responded to the working structure fire at 4:30 p.m., Fire Chief Rich Chowanec said. Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the eaves of the building and flames visible in the windows. No one was in the building, which is used for storage by Berger Furniture and Mattress in the same block. It took firefighters less than 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which originated in the buildings basement, Chowanec said. The building sustained smoke and water damage, he said. No one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) * Dickson City firefighter Chase Bilinski carries a hose toward a burning building at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) * Firefighters gather on the scene of a fire at 1330 Main St. in Dickson City Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) Show Caption 1 of 8 Dickson City firefighters prepare to make entry into the building after arriving on the scene of a commercial structure fire at 1350 Main Street in Dickson City on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) Expand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPL and Pennsylvania Ambulance also responded. Borough police closed the 1300 block of Main Street to traffic. A state police fire marshal is investigating the fire, but said it is likely electrical and not suspicious. LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man was arrested on Thursday after a security camera at a Chick-fil-A restaurant captured him grabbing a 16 year-old girls buttocks. Awny Abdel Malek Basta, 57, is accused of intentionally and repeatedly touching the young girl at a Chick-fil-A in Lakeland. WATCH: Porch pirate steals package in front of UPS driver According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office, the victim was seated at a table doing schoolwork when Basta sat down directly behind her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen told detectives she kept feeling something touch the upper part of her buttocks. It was only when she turned around that she discovered it was Bastas hand. (Credit: Polk County Sheriffs Office) The surveillance camera, released by the sheriffs office, shows Basta reaching behind him and touching the girl. The victim is also seen confronting Basta as he appears to defend himself before fleeing from the restaurant. At 2:55 p.m., Polk County deputies responded to the fast-food chain, but Basta had already left. According to officials, restaurant staff followed Basta, who had boarded a city bus. After flagging the bus down, Basta was asked to get off. Staff then gave his whereabouts to deputies, who detained him near a local hotel. Frito-Lay chip recall: Heres what to know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basta was taken to the Polk County Jail on a charge of lewd and lascivious touch. Awny Basta is a pervert, and a sex offender with an extensive criminal history, Sheriff Grady Judd said. Because of his history, our detectives believe its possible that there are additional victims out there. If anyone thinks they may have been a victim of this man, please contact the Special Victims Unit of the Polk County Sheriffs Office at 863-298-6200. We want to make sure hes held accountable for everything he has done. Basta has a lengthy criminal history related to sexual battery, dating back to 2006. In 2015, he allegedly groped a woman at a Panera Bread restaurant in Lakeland and another woman in 2023 at a Starbucks in Lakeland. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Buzz Off Lest we forget that losing our minds about suspicious aircraft was an American tradition long before this current spate of drone hysteria, a Florida man has been ordered to pay $5,000 to Walmart after shooting one of the retail giant's drones that he thought was spying on him, First Coast News reports. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the saga played out back in June, when police responded to a call made at a Walmart. There, two employees said that someone had shot one of their drones while they were flying it over a nearby neighborhood as part of a "mock delivery." After the shooting, they fled back to the store, drone casualty in tow. The marksman turned out to be 72-year-old Dennis Winn. When police showed up at his house, according to an affidavit for his arrest, Winn explained himself. He said he was outside fixing a pool pump when he heard the drone overhead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, he "had past experiences with drones flying over his house and believed they were surveilling him," he told police, per First Cost. So Winn retrieved his 9mm pistol from his gun safe and opened fire on the aerial intruder as one does in an area where, according to the cops, kids were outside playing. Pot Shot Winn was charged with one count of shooting or throwing deadly missiles into dwellings, vessels, or vehicles, one count of criminal mischief causing $1,000 or more in damage and one count of discharging a firearm in public or on residential property. The cop who broke the news that what he shot wasn't some surveillance apparatus but a Walmart delivery drone said that Winn looked to be "in disbelief." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Really?" was Winn's reported reply. Seemingly, it was hard to stomach the fact that nefarious characters weren't keenly interested in his pool repairs. Winn was also informed that the drone probably cost "tens of thousands of dollars." He had never reported the presence of drones over his property to police, but he did inform his Homeowner's Association, he told an officer. On November 27, Winn agreed to submit a restitution order an "admission of wrongdoing," his attorney contends, but not a guilty plea. A court ordered him to pay the $5,000 in damages to the drone company, which he's now paid off, according to First Coast. Winn won't have to serve jail time if he isn't charged with any crimes in the next six months. That puts him in a bind, though. How's he supposed to defend himself if the "Mothership" comes after him now? More on drones: Dunce-Like Senator Posts Photo of "Drone" That's Actually a TIE Fighter From "Star Wars" (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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Queen City News. A Berks County man who has previously served as a police chief in Berks and Lancaster counties has been sentenced to jail for groping a woman in the Poconos in 2022. Todd Graeff, 58, of Penn Township was convicted by a Monroe County jury in August on one count of indecent assault following a trial that lasted one day. And on Tuesday he was sentenced to serve two months to two years, minus a day, in Monroe County Correctional Facility. The sentence was stayed pending an appeal, which as of Friday had not yet been filed, and Graeff remains free on bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graeff must register as a sex offender with the Pennsylvania State Police for 15 years, Monroe Assistant District Attorney Michael Rakaczewski said Friday. That is required even though Graeff is appealing his conviction. Graeff was police chief of the Manor Township Police Department in Lancaster County at the time of the incident. He previously served as chief of the Bernville Police Department and was a lieutenant in the Muhlenberg Township Police Department before taking on that post. According to court documents: The assault happened July 25, 2022, when Graeff invited the woman to his hotel room while he was at a resort in the Poconos for the annual Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said Graeff got her a wristband so she could use the water park and let her change in his room. She told police that when she exited the bathroom he made a comment that she should have changed in front of him. While they were at the waterpark, Graeff groped the woman from behind on a ride. The woman said she felt violated and uncomfortable, and eventually parted ways with Graeff after making up an excuse and saying she had to leave the resort. Following the assault, Graeff told the woman to keep the incident on the downlow and said he knew he had crossed the line. The women reported the incident to Pocono Mountain Regional police several weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the woman met with police and, at their request, called Graeff. Graeff was apologetic and said he wished the day never happened. The woman told Graeff during the call that she had sought therapy following the incident. Graeff continued to apologize and never denied her statements about being assaulted. He was charged with indecent assault in October 2022. According to a news report, Graeff was placed on leave by Manor Township in September 2022 and fired the following month. TOPEKA (KSNT) Former Kansas Congresswoman Martha Keys has died. She was 94 years old. Grayson Moore, Special Projects Manager for the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC), told 27 News on Friday that Keys passed away Thursday. Moore said she was an active member of the association before her health declined in recent years. Kansas audit questions alternative fuel tax credit Keys served as a Democratic representative for Kansas second Congressional district from 1975-1979. She then went on to serve as a special adviser to the secretary of the former Department of Health, Education, and Welfare from February 1979 to May 1980, and as an assistant secretary of education from June 1980 to January 1981. She worked as the consultant and director for Center for a New Democracy from 1985 to 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A former public defender was charged Friday with two counts of felony misconduct in public office, weeks after prosecutors first charged him with four other counts related to a sprawling human trafficking investigation. Prosecutors say Travis Schwantes, 54, abused his position and paid clients for sex. The underlying allegations in the new complaint match closely with what prosecutors filed in November. The new misconduct charges relate to earlier felony charges of solicitation and falsifying paperwork to represent one of the women he paid for sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutors, Nicolas J. Heitman and Ken Olstinski, also included more details from the investigation in the new complaint, including accounts from two of Schwantes' former clients who said they had sexual relationships with him. One client was an essential witness in a homicide investigation. She said they had sex on several occasions between 2019 and 2023, which included the time he represented her, and that he had given her between $2,500 and $4,000 in cash. Court records do not specify why Schwantes had given her the money, and he is not facing any charges directly related to her account. Another client said she traded sexual favors for legal advice from Schwantes. Prosecutors noted her allegations were past the statute of limitations for charges but said her account was included "to show the ongoing pattern of conduct." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both women identified themselves as past victims of sex trafficking and said Schwantes knew about their history. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported on their accounts last week after hundreds of pages of search warrants and affidavits were unsealed. Ex-public defender Travis Schwantes (center) and his attorney Joseph Bugni (right) look over to Assistant District Attorney Nicolas J. Heitman (left) during his initial court appearance after being charged in a sprawling investigation into a prostitution ring on Dec. 20, 2024 at the Milwaukee County Safety Building. Retired judge, firefighter, attorney, banker and funeral director also charged in case Five other men have been charged in the same investigation: George H. Easton, 76, of Pleasant Prairie; William H. Green, 59, of West Allis; David E. Ornstein, 50, of Milwaukee; Christopher G. Riegg, 55, of Greenfield; and LeRoy E. Stewart III, 53, of Racine. Easton is a retired municipal judge, Green is an attorney, Ornstein is a firefighter, Riegg is an investment banker and and Stewart is a funeral director. They each face one misdemeanor count of pandering-solicitation. All of the men were identified by a woman referred to as Victim 1, who ran a prostitution ring out of her apartment on West Kilbourn Avenue near North 29th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim 1 was arrested more than a year ago by investigators with the Milwaukee Police Department's Human Trafficking Task Force and the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. At a hearing on Tuesday, Ornstein's attorney, Charles S. Blumenfield, asked the court to dismiss the case and was denied. Ornstein pleaded not guilty and is due back in court next month. On Friday, Schwantes, Stewart, Riegg and Green made their first court appearances. All received signature bonds, meaning they signed a piece of paper promising to appear for future court dates with potential monetary penalties if they fail to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwantes was represented by Madison-based attorney Joseph Bugni. Riegg appeared with attorneys Nicole Masnica and Jason Luczak, while Stewart was represented by attorney Nicole A. Muller. Green represented himself Friday but will have a public defender appointed to him. Easton, the retired municipal judge, is not scheduled to make his first court appearance until February. Ashley Luthern is a reporter and deputy investigations editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at ashley.luthern@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Public defender charged with misconduct in office in prostitution case MARKHAM, Ill. The former director of a south suburban library will spend two years in federal prison for embezzling more than $770,000 from the library over a ten-year period. Xavier Menzies, a 52-year-old Glenwood resident and former director of the Markham, Ill. Public Library, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal wire fraud charge, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of Illinois. According to prosecutors, while serving as director, Menzies misappropriated approximately $770,715 from the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Menzies was able to exploit a partnership between the Markham library and a library in Posen, to steal the money. Prosecutors said between 2009 and 2019 Posen library officials had paid Markham library to allow Posen residents to access the library and use its services. During this period, prosecutors said Menzies opened bank accounts in the name of Markham Public Library and used the account deposit checks that had been made out to the library. Later on, he withdrew the money and used it for personal expenses, like mortgage payments, ticket purchases and car repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said as part of the scheme, Menzies also increased his annual, unknown to and without the approval of the Board of Trustees, and received the increased salary for approximately three years. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Menzies was able to conceal the scheme by routinely misrepresenting the librarys financial condition to the librarys Board of Trustees. Menzies sentence was handed down on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins. Fraud such as this one involving the misappropriation of public funds can be difficult to detect and lucrative to the participant, Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri argued during the governments sentencing memorandum. Greed and an arrogant belief that he would not be caught or significantly punished are the only explanations for why Menzies chose to engage in this fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the prison sentence, Menzies has also been ordered to pay $770,715 in restitution. Prosecutors did not provide a booking photo for Menzies. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A former Northwest Arkansas pediatric surgeon pleaded guilty and was sentenced during a hearing on Friday, according to court documents. Guy Rosenschein, 70, was sentenced to 20 years for two counts of first-degree sexual assault, Washington County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean confirmed. The rape charge in the case was nolle prossed, or was no longer prosecuted. Guy Rosenschein, 70 (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center) Rosenschein was initially charged with two counts of rape and one count of first-degree sexual assault. He was arrested on July 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A heavily redacted affidavit filed in Jan. 2019 offered little details on the case but mentioned there was at least one juvenile victim involved. Court records show the alleged incidents took place in 2002 and 2006 and the case was investigated by the Springdale Police Department. Former Northwest Arkansas pediatrician accused of rape, sexual assault involving minor Rosenschein worked as a pediatric surgeon and pediatric urologist from approximately 2001 to 2012. The warrant for Rosenscheins arrest was filed on Feb. 1, 2019. Rosenschein filed a hand-written motion to dismiss pro se on July 5 and requested oral arguments as an opportunity to assist the court in reaching an informed and fair decision. Rosenschein wanted to dismiss the case he had yet to be arrested for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said while writing the motion, he was detained at a federal correctional institution in Pekin, Illinois. Rosenschein originally pleaded not guilty to the initial charges on July 22. His trial date was set for Aug. 12 but was cancelled and a plea hearing was set for September. Click here to read more about the case and Rosenscheins extensive criminal history dating back to 2016. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The Indiana Association of School Principals honored four administrators from Northwest Indiana schools, including three from the School Town of Munster, at its annual celebration on Nov. 24. The event recognized exemplary school leaders across 12 regions in the state. For District 1, which covers Northwest Indiana, River Forest High School Principal Gaelyn Mlynarcik was named High School Principal of the Year. At Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster, Bojan Jovanovic and Nicole Laird were named Middle School Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Boersma, principal of Frank H. Hammond Elementary School in Munster, was named Elementary School Principal of the Year. These awards are a testament to the dedication, vision, and impact that Ms. Boersma, Mr. Jovanovic, and Mrs. Laird bring to our students and staff every day, said Dr. Bret Heller, Superintendent of the School Town of Munster. This recognition not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also underscores the strength of the entire School Town of Munster community. We are incredibly proud to have such remarkable leaders in our district, and this recognition is well-deserved. Fox & Friends have pressed Donald Trumps attorney over whether the Republican president-elect has plans to undo efforts by the Biden administration to see TikTok either banned or sold off. So TikTok, I know the president loves it as a platform, but as a Chinese propaganda device, its pretty strong, host Brian Kilmeade told Trumps lawyer Alina Habba on Thursday evening. He then asked, Do we want TikTok run by China to have this type of power? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba quickly replied, Listen, theres nobody that appreciates fake news or the value of real American voices more than President Trump because hes been a victim of the fake news. But with TikTok, its interesting, she went on. Do we or does anybody disagree that we cannot have a platform with national security issues? Absolutely not. Does that mean that its not fixable? I dont think so. And I think that the right person for that job is President Trump. Habba then turned to efforts by the Biden administration to forge ahead with measures that would effectively see the Chinese-owned platform banned in the U.S. if its parent company does not sell it off before late January of next year. Unfortunately, Joe Biden is trying to get rid of it very quickly so that President Trump cannot save a platform that is widely used, she said. However, it has to comply with American security standards. It cant be a national security threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She went on, President Trump understands all of that. And he will examine it. He will be in communications with these people, unlike Joe Biden, and try and resolve the issue in a way that works for Americans. Thursdays exchange on Fox & Friends came after Trump had shared his view of the platform at a press conference on Monday. He told reporters then, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok. Because I won youth by 34 points, there are those that say that TikTok had something to do with that. TikTok had an impact. And so were taking a look at it. We won youth. There is a tendency in France to go too far in protest. But sometimes the French get their rage just right and turn it into a moment of institutional and cultural improvement. This, at any rate, is how decent people the world over see the trial of 72-year-old Gisele Pelicots husband, Dominique Pelicot, also 72, and the 50 local men accused of raping her at his invitation as she lay drugged, and filmed, on the marital bed in Mazan, Provence. Of the 50 accused, 47 have been convicted of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, which should see him through to his last breath, while the terms for the others range from three to 15 years. The institutional treatment of this shocking case has been uniquely robust: the trial has been held in full view of the public, as demanded by Gisele. Since Pelicot filmed the rapes and assaults, providing all the evidence against the accused, the video footage was played out in full in court. This stopped any of those accused being able to deny that Gisele was unconscious when she was raped, putting paid to any excuses about consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The names of all those convicted have been publicised. They will face the ignominy and shame they deserve, as well as their sentences. There is a very real chance now that Frances rape laws, which dont refer to consent, will be changed in light of this case. The public prosecutor Laure Chabaud has put things clearly. Nobody could say anymore, she declared, that since she didnt say anything, she gave her consent that belongs to a bygone age. Too right. And yet, the savagery of men let loose upon a comatose woman, or a vulnerable woman or girls is still a rampant toxin that courses through even the most advanced societies. But what are we doing about it? Where is the outrage, the outcry, anything more than empty promises from the justice system and the Government? Where is the public conversation? Was it all squandered on the torrent of chaotic hashtags that MeToo became? Perversions of justice and the deficiencies of the whole safeguarding system mean that women and girls are routinely failed, and they remain in all age groups, income brackets and ethnicities the most likely to meet with violence and death at the hands of male intimates. In the UK, public figures and civil servants often focus on the window-dressing issues that the culture wars magnified beyond all sanity. Thus, on a collective, institutional level it often feels as if we hear more about trans issues, systemic racism, slave-trade culpability, and infractions against the climate than about the monster in the room: the domestic violence, rape and other forms of abuse of women that still stalk us under the surface of safetyist British modernity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at how many instances of violence against women and girls there have been in Britain in recent years: the appalling murder of Sarah Everard by the off-duty Metropolitan Police constable Wayne Couzens. The death of Emma Pattison, the head teacher at Epsom College, and her daughter Lettie, seven, at the hands of her husband, who then took his own life. The full agony and horror of the grooming gangs left to do their business for years August marked 10 years since a major report revealed that 1,400 children in Rotherham had been sexually abused by grooming gangs between 1997 and 2013, as the councils and police looked the other way. Officials vowed that lessons will be learnt. But were they? And we mustnt forget the girls groomed and abused in Rochdale. A report published in January commissioned by Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, found widespread organised sexual exploitation of children within Rochdale from 2004 to 2012, and failures by statutory agencies at the time to respond appropriately. Again, it seemed, lessons will be learnt. How many more women must be sacrificed to violence and sexual exploitation before we act? So many tragedies, so little action. So lets look to France for inspiration. The national conversation is both at its grandest and also its most effective. The French chief prosecutor insisted the Pelicot trial would fundamentally change relations between men and women in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about lessons being learnt. Its about the urgent, overdue need to kick casual, entitled abuse of women in the teeth through actual change. As Anne-Cecile Mailfert, the president of Frances Fondation des Femmes (Womens Foundation), put it: Gisele Pelicot has enabled French society to advance, to see what conjugal rape and chemical submission is about, and to show that rape involves Mr and Mrs Average. Unsurprisingly, some of the rhetoric has veered off the deep end. I do not think most women in the West live under patriarchy anymore patriarchy has a technical definition that simply doesnt match the laws or mainstream conditions of contemporary Western European society. I also do not think, as some feminists suggested in the 1980s, and echoed currently in France, that all men are rapists, either actively or passively, in reality or potentially. Being a man alone doesnt make you complicit in these horrors but it dramatically increases your chances of perpetrating them. And so: where is our big wake-up moment? It wont do to utter platitudes about lessons. There has been enough suffering, abuse and miscarriage of justice for the lessons to have been made clear. Now, as in France, they have to be rammed home, through anger, commitment and moral energy. 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. MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte (AP) One week after its worst cyclone in nearly a century, and a day after a testy presidential visit, Frances impoverished Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is still grappling with counting the dead, restoring essential services and aiding a beleaguered population. Cyclone Chido wreaked devastation across the archipelago. Already stretched thin, hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering not only from cyclone-related injuries but also from dehydration, malnutrition and disease. At Mayottes main hospital in the capital, Mamoudzou, doctors faced a cascade of crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We lost 40% of patient rooms, about 50 to 60 beds, said Dr. Roger Serhal, chief of the obstetrics and gynecology department. There are so many patients coming to the hospital, and we dont have space to admit them. As Chido battered the archipelago last weekend with 220 kph (136 mph) winds, Serhal and his team delivered three babies, including by cesarean section. The hospitals structural damage has forced staff to triage patients, prioritizing the most severe cases. Though the official death toll remains 35, according to the French Interior Ministry on Saturday, the number of seriously injured has risen to 78, with 2,432 others sustaining minor injuries. Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq has warned that any estimates are likely major undercounts compared to the scale of the disaster. Emergency aid was being delivered by air and sea. Since the cyclone, 31 tons of food and 108 tons of water have arrived, with an additional 1.6 million liters of water expected Monday aboard a container ship, according to the Interior Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital is operating at 50% capacity, while 109 patients have been evacuated to mainland France for urgent care. Three advanced medical posts have been established on Grande-Terre, Mayottes main island, to address the surge in need. The storm has devastated entire neighborhoods. Many people ignored warnings, thinking the storm wouldnt be so extreme. Even worse, many migrants avoided shelters out of fear of deportation, authorities said, adding there could be hundreds or possibly thousands of fatalities. Doctors fear that the lack of clean water and electricity compounded by overcrowded living conditions is setting the stage for a health crisis. Patients are coming because their illnesses are untreated, theres no water, and no electricity. Were concerned about epidemics, like the cholera outbreak we stopped just months ago, said Dr. Vincent Gilles, the hospitals emergency medical director. The hospital staff continues to work tirelessly, but resources are running dangerously low. If we have rain it will be catastrophic, Serhal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the patients struggling to recover is Saindou Mohamadi, 54, who fractured his arm and sprained his ankle during the storm that left his home completely destroyed. Speaking from his hospital bed, Mohamadi expressed despair for his family. My mother is sick, Im sick, and my child is sick, he said. They need to eat, but Im the one who takes care of the food, and now we have nothing. With six children to support, Mohamadi is among countless residents left homeless and destitute. Im not alone, he said. There are many of us who have lost everything our houses, our food. I want the government to care about us, to give us food and a place to sleep. Mayotte, a densely populated archipelago of over 320,000 people, is also home to an estimated 100,000 migrants, many living in precarious conditions. The poorest overseas region of France and, by extension, the European Union has long struggled with systemic neglect and underinvestment. Around 75% of its population lives in poverty, and the archipelagos infrastructure was ill-equipped to withstand a disaster of this magnitude. Chidos destruction has compounded these challenges, leaving many residents with little faith in the governments ability to provide timely and adequate relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to deliver emergency aid, including airlifts of water and food, are underway, but the scale of the need is staggering. Mayottes airport remains closed to civilian flights due to damage, further complicating logistics. French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit on Friday, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to rebuild but faced criticism from residents frustrated by the slow pace of aid. Calling the archipelago totally devastated, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau painted a bleak picture with some 70% of the population gravely affected by the catastrophe, and many left homeless and vulnerable. For now, the islands residents and its overstretched medical staff are left to confront the daunting aftermath of Chido, one day at a time. ___ Adamson reported from Paris. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) In recent years, law enforcement agencies locally and nationwide faced significant challenges in recruiting. It was a downward trend that officials knew couldnt continue, so a change had to be made. Officials we spoke with say part of the reason was because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests we saw across the country. It made people hesitant to sign up and since then, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office has put a lot of effort into recruiting. I knew that I wanted to work in or be in law enforcement. However, I just didnt pursue it, said Deputy Latasha Wilkerson, who joined the FCSO in May 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bexley nonprofit helps every family enjoy the holidays I always looked at law enforcement as the good people, people who helped the community. Always wanted to pay it back to the community who welcomed me when I immigrated to the United States of America, said Deputy Yasser Hamed, who joined the FCSO in September 2024. Deputy Wilkerson and Hamed are two new recruits. Both had previous career paths prior to this but always knew that one day theyd find themselves working in law enforcement. Both say they chose the FCSO because of the endless opportunities. I want to make it to the detective bureau. I want to make it to community relations. I want to make it to recruiting, said Hamed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With recruitment numbers declining the last few years, it left law enforcement agencies to get creative. In November 2022, the sheriffs office started a new recruitment division, and it hired Chief Marvin Hill to run that division. Prior to the FCSO, he spent nearly 30 years working for the Ohio State Highway Patrol in which he ran their recruitment division. Mid 2023 my team was in place and thats when we started recruiting heavy, said Chief Hill. One thing it focused on was community engagement. Chief Hill says he knows the importance of bringing in officers that represent the communities they serve. We need to get involved in the community and let people see us and become friends and build relations with people, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill also credits their new streamlined hiring process. It can be a long and lengthy journey to become an officer and theyre working to make it easier. One thing Hill says makes them stand out is, if youre going through the process, youll be paired with a recruiter who will be by your side and talk you through it. You know, they have already experienced things, always was like, if you need me, Im here, said Wilkerson. I was able to reach out directly to my recruiter. I had his direct phone number. I was texting him, emailing hi, said Hamed. Indoor racing company with go-karts that reach 45 mph opens first central Ohio track Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year was one of its most successful years yet in terms of recruiting. While it faced some struggles along the way, Hill says the FCSO increase in new recruits has to do with its efforts to build a relationship with their community. Weve graduated 116 people in 2024 and thats huge for the sheriffs office, thats the largest amount of people ever, said Hill, We started going into the urban areas, going into universities, going into colleges. The important thing, though, is we didnt just target criminal justice classes. We targeted other classes and courses, too Hill says it is going into 2025 with the same energy it had in 2024, adding that hes always looking for new ways to recruit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This is part of Fruit Loot, which is taking a look at the strange and surprising links between fruit and money. When Adam Gollner set out to write a book about fruit, he didnt expect to end up researching the Mob. But when he visited a wholesale produce market in Montreal, a local grocer advised him to take note of the parking lot, which was filled with Bentleys, Hummers, and Ferraris. Its like a Mafia convention here, the grocer said. Apparently, the exchange of wholesale produce is often tax-free and cash-only, making it a useful endeavor for criminal outfits looking to launder money. At the market, Gollner was stunned to see people walking around in silk suits and driving some of the most expensive cars in the world, given that the profit margin on fruit sales tends to be slim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant help but notice it, he said. As you start to research the fruit business, you start to find out that theres a lot of seediness in it. Gollner, whose book, The Fruit Hunters, was published in 2008, had stumbled on one of the most aesthetically incongruous pairings in the culinary universe. Fruitsweet, juicy, symbolic of fertility and beauty, the stuff of countertop displays and baby food and chocolate-dipped Valentines Day giftsis inextricably bound up with organized crime the world over. In Australia, Italians associated with the Ndrangheta (a Mafia-like syndicate that comes from the region of Calabria) settled in Queensland. A century later, Calabrian Australian families are still synonymous with the fruit and vegetable trade. In Spain, a prominent gang leader manages a company that imports Ecuadorean bananas to the European Union, a squeaky-clean front for his drug dealings. In Sweden, roadside strawberry vendors are funneling billions of kroner a year to violent criminal outfits better known for drug sales and racketeering. Law enforcement is warning consumers that their berry purchases at road stalls could be funding the likes of crime syndicate head Ismail Abdoalias Jordgubben, Swedish for the Strawberrythrough these sellers, who are dodging sales tax to juice their profits. To add insult to injury, these fruit scammers are passing off Belgian berries as Swedish. The horror! Fruit has been a medium for crime and dire consequences sinceif you believe the Abrahamic religious textsthe very dawn of humanity, when Eves inability to resist a forbidden apple condemned all future generations to life outside the gates of paradise. Beyond the money-making and -laundering potential, these days, fruit also offers a convenient means of smuggling drugs into the U.S., Canada, and Europe. There are major shipments coming in every day, often from Central and South America, and only a fraction are thoroughly inspected at the border. Cocaine has been sent in banana boxes, marijuana in hollowed-out pineapples, and meth in fake watermelons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Gollner was reporting his book, he heard a radio report that police had seized $38 million worth of cocaine at Montreals port. He listened closer, wondering if fruit was involvedand sure enough, as if the story were written just for him, the coke had come to Canada hidden in buckets of frozen mango pulp. One fruit industry professional told Gollner that he believes almost all of Montreals drugs enter the city mingled in with or sewn up in various fruits. The connection between fruit and crime was disappointing to Gollner, who had wanted to write about fruits because he thought they represented everything pure and beautiful in the world. And I was wrong, he said. They dont only represent the good. They also represent the dark, and the difficult, and the evil. Indeed, the most notorious criminal network in modern history may owe its very existence to fruit. In 2017, a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Economic History argued that the Sicilian Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, only came together in the 19th century because of a decades-long spike in demand for lemons. In the early decades of the century, doctors across the globe had begun recommending lemons as a cure for scurvy, creating international demand for a fruit that thrived in Sicily but had not yet become one of the islands top exports. Growing lemons became much more profitable than producing any other crop. Quickly, enterprising Sicilians began developing lemon farms. At the time, the region was poor and undergoverneda bit of a Wild West, with little accountability for criminals. Around 1860, it was invaded by the latest in a long line of conquering troops and subsumed into the new Kingdom of Italy. It was in this post-unification environment, with its toxic mix of weak government institutions and large inflows of cash from the lemon industry, that the organization known as the Mafia first appeared, wrote Ola Olsson, one of the authors of the 2017 paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mafia started on the side of the lemon farmers. To safeguard the fruits of their investment from the hands of the bandits that plagued the island, the owners of Sicilian lemon groves hired local groups of armed guards. The demand for protection provided funding and structure to a loose network of tough guys, who then began extorting the people whod hired them. In 1872, in the first recorded incident of Mafia behavior in the lemon industry, a lemon landowner learned that the man hed hired as a caretaker had stolen fruit and skimmed off a large portion of lemon profits. When the landlord fired the man and hired someone else, the new caretaker was shot, and letters to the landowner demanded the reinstatement of the previous one. Eventually, the nascent Mafia infiltrated all parts of the Sicilian lemon industry and supply chain, allowing it to control prices and profit from the citrus boom. Some historians have cast doubt on the idea that the lemon boom gave rise to the Mafia, suggesting instead that it merely multiplied opportunities for an organization that already existed. But there is no doubt that the Mafia took advantage of the citrus craze, then found its way into the rest of the fruit and vegetable marketand stayed there. In 2016, the Mafias agricultural endeavors in Italy did some $23 billion in business. The rise of the Mafia alongside the lemon trade mirrors the ongoing situation in the Mexican state of Michoacan, which produces the vast majority of avocados destined for the U.S. Two of the countrys most powerful cartels got their start in the 1990s with money gleaned by kidnapping and extorting rich avocado farmers. In recent decades, the explosion in global demand for avocado toast and guacamole encouraged other drug cartels to boost their revenues by inserting themselves into the avocado business. This pattern underscores how organized crime in Mexico has been fueled by U.S. demand for products other than illicit drugs, one cartel reporter concluded. Limes are another one of those products. In much of agriculture-rich Michoacan, government institutions are weak and criminal impunity is high, allowing the cartels that were already cultivating drug-related crops to begin demanding payouts or cuts of lime sales in exchange for protecting lime farms. At some point this was in a relatively peaceful equilibrium, said Omar Garcia-Ponce, a political science professor at George Washington University who studies Mexican organized crime. But it started falling apart when they went from just being in the business of extortion and drug trafficking to actually trying to exert control of the farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting around 2010, cartels began to diversify their income streams by taking over the lime production itself. They forced landowners to sell their farmscartel members are often recruited locally, so they knew how to grow limesthen started closing some packing plants and limiting the days on which people could pick limes. Once they controlled the supply, the price of limes rose. Some Michoacan residents have tried to fight back. In 2013, 13 lime growers and pickers asked the government to beef up security measures in lime-heavy areas, but they were promptly killed. Vigilante groups have sprung up to defend against organized criminal activitiesbut some of them have been infiltrated by cartel members, too. This past August, lime producers went on strike to protest cartel extortion and demand safety measures from their government, causing prices to soar. Though most organized fruit crime is perpetrated by secretive syndicates that operate outside the law, plenty of putatively upstanding fruit corporations engage in their own brands of criminal behavior. One of Kenyas largest employers is Del Monte, whose pineapple farms are guarded by security forces that have allegedly tortured, beaten, and killed people suspected of theft. Red dates, including those sold in D.C.-area supermarkets in 2022, are often produced with forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang. Dole continued to use a pesticide at its South American plantations after it was banned in the U.S., leading workers to become sterile. Entire books have been written on banana crime alone, which has been abetted by major corporations. The term banana republic originates from the moment at the turn of the 19th century when a growing U.S. craze for bananas, championed by the Boston Fruit Company, led companies to expand Central American production by aligning with corrupt, authoritarian leaders. The Boston Fruit Company became the United Fruit Company, which successfully lobbied President Dwight Eisenhower to launch a CIA-led coup that toppled Guatemalas democratic government in 1954. Now, the former United Fruit Company is known as Chiquita, which earlier this year was found liable by a U.S. court for the deaths of victims killed by a Colombian paramilitary group the banana company had financed. To Gollner, the long-standing association between fruit and crime suggests a dark side to human nature, in how weve turned natures most glorious bounty into a vehicle for violence and greed. But the same is true of any commodity. Whether its gang leaders or corporate executives, if theres money to be made, people will always find an unlawful angle for getting their hands on it. Thanks to its global supply chain, simple production, cash-only exchanges, and reliable public demand, fruit just so happens to be the perfect conduit. Dec. 20Hundreds of Ohio villages like New Lebanon or Harveysburg will have to prove their worth under a new law passed by the General Assembly. 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 whether 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under H.B. 331, villages that fail the audit will be subject to a vote among its residents to dissolve the village's government. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) After several months of fighting against a developer, and a 23-story high-rise building in Pacific Beach, the community now has reason for hope. Days ago, the California Housing Commission finally offered a ruling of sorts. Not approving or denying the project, but passing the buck to local politicians here in San Diego. Residents protest proposed high-rise in Pacific Beach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well its kind of a non committal letter. This letter basically says the city can either approve or deny the project, said Scott Chipman. A letter was sent by the Department of Housing and Community Development after the city and community groups wanted clarity on the new state housing laws. Under something called the Density Bonus Law, developers are allowed to bypass local laws and the will of the people in the name of affordable housing. In this case, shattering the voter approved 30-foot coastal height limit for a massive hotel/condo project, with only 5 or 10 units considered affordable. This allows him to build a hotel of 9 stories, 9 stories of luxury condominiums, and go up 232 feet, said Chipman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents pushback against proposed high-rise in Pacific Beach You heard right 232 feet in the middle of the 30-foot coastal zone. Its not just the residents of Pacific Beach that are outraged. City Council President Joe La Cava says the will of the voters is absolute, saying no developer has the right to reverse the will of the people. Former State Senate Leader Toni Atkins called this a misuse of the states Density Bonus Laws. And State Senator Catherine Blakespear had this to say, There are more than 100 hotel rooms and just 10 affordable housing units, so its really substantially not an affordable housing project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blakespear joins opposition to proposed Pacific Beach high-rise Now that the voices in opposition are growing in stature, and the decision has been handed over to San Diego politicians, community groups are doubling down in their efforts to stop this at the local level. We think we are working cooperatively with the city. Its the citys responsibility to stand up for the citizens and what the citizens need for their quality of life in their community. This isnt housing. Were not providing much, if any, low cost housing or even moderate cost housing. This is a hotel, these are luxury condominiums, is what we expect, and this is not going to do anything to solve the housing problem, said Chipman. If this project goes forward, this sets the stage for projects up and down the state of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A hospital in the north of the embattled Gaza Strip has urgently appealed to the international community for medication and food, saying it is no longer able to care for patients. The Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia is also struggling with a shortage of drinking water, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said on Saturday. The Israeli military is refusing to supply the hospital with the essentials and is blocking access for doctors and nurses, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of the hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya, warned that a number of patients would die if help was not provided quickly. When asked, the Israeli military said that Palestinian extremist group Hamas was using civilian facilities such as hospitals as cover, violating international humanitarian law. It said it is trying to minimize the impact of the fighting on medical facilities and that the Kamal Adwan Hospital had recently been supplied with fuel, medicine and food. The information from both sides could not initially be independently verified. Israel has been fighting against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in Gaza since the massacre of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages by Hamas on October 7, 2023. According to Palestinian figures, more than 45,100 people have been killed in the coastal strip so far. Efforts to secure a ceasefire have repeatedly failed. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to attend a memorial service in Magdeburg on Saturday evening for the victims of the deadly car-ramming incident at the city's Christmas market. On Friday evening, a car ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. At least five people were killed and more than 200 injured. The memorial service will be held in the cathedral of the state capital. Following the tragedy, Steinmeier expressed his deep shock, extended condolences to the victims and their families, and thanked the rescue workers for their efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detained suspect is a 50-year-old doctor and a Saudi Arabian national, authorities said. He is known as an Islam-critical activist and arrived in Germany in 2006. Dpa has learned that he applied for asylum in February 2016 and was granted political refugee status in July of that year. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has thanked the emergency services in the aftermath of Friday's suspected attack on a Christmas market in the central city of Magdeburg. "The anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was abruptly interrupted by the reports from Magdeburg," Steinmeier said in a statement. "Not all the background to the terrible crime has yet been clarified. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I would like to thank all the emergency services for their efforts." At least two people were killed and more than 60 others injured after a car ploughed into the crowded market in a suspected deliberate ramming. A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg after a car drove into a group of people. Heiko Rebsch/dpa Emergency services, police and firefighters are on duty to help injured people after a car drove into the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Heiko Rebsch/dpa At least five people, including a 9-year-old, are now known to have been killed in the vehicle-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday, German officials said Saturday. The four other victims killed in the attack were adults, according to police. At least 200 more people were injured when a car plowed into festive market-goers in the eastern German city, around 75 miles west of the capital Berlin, according to Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt Reiner Haseloff. The Magdeburg Christmas market will be closed for the remainder of the season, police told reporters Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 41 of those injured in the attack are in serious condition, according to police. Their lives are still thought to be in danger, according to Chancellor Olaf Scholz. A suspect -- a doctor from Saudi Arabia aged around 50 -- was arrested, Haselhoff said. The man has lived in Germany since 2006. A rental car was used in the attack, the minister said. He will be charged with 5 counts of murder and grievous bodily harm, according to police. PHOTO: A car drives through the annual Christmas market in the city center, Dec. 20, 2024, in Magdeburg, Germany. (CCTV Video) MORE: At least 2 dead, nearly 70 injured when car plows into German Christmas market: Officials The first emergency call came in at 7:02 p.m. local time and the driver was stopped within three minutes of the attack, according to a police official. Police believe the suspect entered via the space left open for emergency vehicles to access the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believe the suspect acted alone. The prosecutor said they are still clarifying the motive behind the attack, but said that it's possibly linked to "dissatisfaction with the treatment of refugees from Saudi Arabia and how they've been treated in Germany," but they will "need more time" to determine this. Police said the suspect has undergone physical and psychological exams but police do not yet have the results. At Magdeburg Cathedral, a huge crowd gathered on Saturday inside and outside for a memorial service to the victims. Attendees included the mayor, Sholz and first responders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the city, a smaller crowd held an anti-immigrant protest with a sign that said "Remigration" and waved German flags, as well as flags of Imperial Germany and ones reading "Homeland." U.S. law enforcement sources told ABC News that German authorities are treating the attack as a terrorist incident. "We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured and to all those affected by this terrible incident," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Germany in grieving the loss of life. The United States is ready to provide assistance as recovery efforts continue and authorities investigate this horrible incident," Miller's statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz offered his condolences to those affected. "My thoughts are with the victims and their families," Scholz said in a statement. "We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." PHOTO: Car drives into crowd at Christmas market in Germany (ABC News) PHOTO: Christmas Market location in Magdeburg (Google Earth Studio) Friday's ramming incident came almost exactly eight years after a similar terror attack at a Christmas market in the German capital. On Dec. 19, 2016, a man drove a truck into a crowd at a market in Berlin, killing 13 and injuring dozens. U.S. law enforcement officials have warned of similar vehicle-ramming attacks on American soil, particularly over the festive season. A joint threat assessment about New Year's Eve in New York City's Times Square, for example, noted the use of vehicle-ramming alone or in conjunction with other tactics "has become a recurring tactic employed by threat actors in the West." PHOTO: Security personnel stand guard at the entrance of a Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd, early on Dec. 21, 2024, in Magdeburg, Germany. (John Macdougall/AFP via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD, out of an abundance of caution, will surge resources to similar areas around the city, including Christmas markets, according to NYPD deputy commissioner for counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner. "We know this is a very festive time, it is a busy time in the city, and we are going to make sure that all of our holiday markets, all of our holiday activities are protected by our counter weapons teams, by officers on patrol, all our counter-terrorism officers, our critical response command," Weiner told ABC New York station WABC. 5 killed, 200 injured in German Christmas market attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (Bloomberg) -- Germany is reeling after an attacker drove a car into a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg, killing five people, in an incident thats likely to inflame debate over public safety ahead of federal elections in February. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Friday evening assault recalled a similar attack in Berlin in 2016, when a driver plowed a truck into a crowd, leaving 13 dead. That sparked an increase in security, including a profileration of bollards and barriers, to hinder vehicles from entering the marketplaces that pop up in the thousands across Germany in the run-up to Christmas. The number of fatalities has risen to five and more than 200 people were injured, Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff said. More than 40 are so seriously wounded that we have to be very concerned about them, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a visit to the state capital on Saturday. It is important that we investigate and that we do so with the utmost precision and accuracy, Scholz said. Nothing must be left untouched. The suspect, a doctor of Saudi Arabian origin who works in the region, drove a rental vehicle into the crowd and was taken into custody, Haseloff said. Authorities investigating the motive behind the attack believe the perpetrator acted alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Past social media posts and media appearances depict the suspect as a critic of Islam who had adopted far-right views, Der Spiegel reported. He openly sympathized with the nationalist Alternative for Germany, or AfD, and criticized Germanys tolerant stance on migration, according to the report. He also set up a website and offered advice on how to flee Saudi Arabia, especially women, Der Spiegel said. German authorities conducted a risk assessment on the man last year before concluding that he posed no concrete danger, Die Welt newspaper reported, citing security officials it didnt identify. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore, Peter Neumann, a professor at Kings College London specializing in terrorism and security, wrote in a post on X. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack in a statement from the foreign ministry. The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far-Right Surge Public broadcaster ARD posted video of what it said showed police officers pointing guns and swarming a suspect, ordering the person to lie on the ground and stop moving. The Christmas market was closed after the incident, and all cultural activities in the city have been stopped and cultural institutions closed until Dec. 23, Magdeburg authorities said. Scholzs government has been under pressure to boost security nationwide after several violent attacks in recent months, including a stabbing in the city of Solingen in August that left three people dead and eight wounded. Polls suggest that public frustration with its migration and asylum policies has helped fuel a recent surge in support for far-right and far-left parties, including for the AfD, which is polling second behind the Christian Democratic-led CDU/CSU opposition bloc led by Friedrich Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merzs CDU/CSU alliance leads with support at around 32%, the AfD is second with about 19% and the SPD third at 16%, according to the latest Bloomberg polling average. The Greens are fourth with 14% and the BSW a new far-left party founded in January that calls for a much tougher stance on immigration like the AfD places fifth at 5.2%. Members of Scholzs government and the opposition have also been calling for stricter immigration rules ahead of an early federal election planned for Feb. 23. Germany extended border controls at its nine land frontiers this year in a bid to stem irregular migration. The current violence in the Middle East has also had a spillover effect, raising the threat level across Europe as a whole. The 2016 attack on a Christmas market in downtown Berlin, which happened during Angela Merkels chancellorship, set off a heated political debate about security controls and immigration. That attacker was born in Tunisia and had links to Islamic terrorist organizations. Merz, the current frontrunner to succeed Scholz as chancellor, on Tuesday proposed cutting 100 billion ($104 billion) from migration and social spending in an effort to slash the states bloated expense. Germanys relatively generous spending on asylum seekers and refugees has been a controversial topic in the countrys political debate for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Arne Delfs. (Updates with reports on suspects background, comments from academic from sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that he can imagine German soldiers in Ukraine, but only if there is a ceasefire. Source: Pistorius in an interview with Funke Media Group, as reported by ntv Quote: "I want to make one thing clear: until the war is over, there will be no German soldiers on Ukrainian soil. This question will arise when there is a ceasefire or peace and when it is clear what that will look like." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Pistorius then said that it depends on whether there will be a demarcation line, a buffer zone or a peacekeeping zone where the armed forces will ensure peace, as it entails different scenarios for such a peacekeeping mission. "As you can see, there is still too much to say here," he added. Ultimately, the decision will still be made by the German parliament, as Pistorius stressed. "But one thing is clear: Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe and the largest economy in Europe, cannot stand by and remain uninvolved," he said. Background: When asked about the participation of Western soldiers in a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently stated that it was always necessary to act in the right order. Ukraine must first define its goals for a non-dictated peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine as a deterrent against another Russian attack had been discussed at meetings in Brussels and said he was already "seeing positive things" from some leaders. In an address to EU leaders, Zelenskyy expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea and called on other partners to join in Support UP or become our patron! A man from Ghana was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to money laundering. The Department of Justice said David Kakra Mensah, 31, of Accra, Ghana will face two years in prison. They said he was participating in a money laundering conspiracy in April 2022 until June 2022. Investigators learned about the scheme when they received a tip that someone at a Washington D.C.-based university had lost more than $603,000 after their business email was compromised. The money was transferred to a bank in Western Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mensah allegedly worked with Charles Wilson Stout who also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Police believe the two men created a shell company, which is a company that only exists on paper, and transferred portions of the funds into a cryptocurrency account owned by Mensah. Mensah is also suspected of being involved in a romance fraud scheme. The DOJ said he had victims living in Pennsylvania and Oregon. The FBI and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement helped in the investigation. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Remember when President Trump said if we stopped testing for COVID-19, wed have fewer cases of it? Gilbert town officials seem to have the same attitude toward teen violence in my town. In Robert Anglens latest articles, we find that town officials, from the police chief to the mayor, seem to deflect or deny what has happened in Gilbert. And to top it off, one town councilman, Chuck Bongiovanni, attacked the reporter with a false charge in order to smear the reporters credibility, further eroding his or the other officials own credibility. Advertisement Advertisement We have lived in Gilbert for 35 years and continue to love our now not-so-little town. I have nothing but respect for the rank-and-file police officers. But the towns leadership has failed here repeatedly, for whatever reasons. They can and must do better. Mike McClellan, Gilbert Phoenix Union never saw this coming? The largest high school district in the state, Phoenix Union, is in a world of financial problems. The new superintendent and administration cant have a big enough mop and bucket to clean up the prior superintendents poor choices. Aside from mishandling the hiring of people to the tune of $650,000, as reported by The Arizona Republic they are also facing that number to grow with their investigation into it. Advertisement Advertisement No one saw this coming two years ago? That seems incompetent. Mark Williams, Phoenix Trump needs those border wall panels How many of your columnists will be writing about the latest Biden border travesty? Its estimated that there is $300 million of taxpayer border wall panels at the border. Americans want the border wall finished, and Trump would be using those panels to do so. Knowing this, Biden has put these panels on the auction block for scrap prior to leaving office on Jan. 20. Biden has authorized payments to pay the contractor contracts without any services being rendered. These panels have been paid for with taxpayer dollars and will need to be replaced with taxpayer dollars. Advertisement Advertisement This is just more evidence that Biden doesnt now and never has put our country first. Rich Schwartz, Florence Yuma is feeling the border strain Illegal immigration is a major issue in Arizona, and Yuma feels it most. As a border community, Yuma faces the challenge of securing the border while also supporting those who cross into the U.S. Many are fleeing violence and poverty, but the strain on local services is undeniable. We need stronger border security, with more resources for local law enforcement and better technology to manage the flow of people. At the same time, Yuma needs more support to handle the pressure on schools, hospitals and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement More letters: Want affordable housing? Tax it into existence Immigration reform is necessary to create clear, fair paths for those seeking to contribute to our country. Its time for a real conversation about balancing border security, compassion and the needs of local communities. I hope this letter sparks further discussion and encourages action from lawmakers. Grayson McNamara and Gabriela Flores, Yuma Execute murderers within a year Executions should happen in Arizona. People who oppose them claim that they do not deter murder. False. It will keep the criminal from ever murdering again. What puzzles me is knowing that a family member is murdered, the criminal is sentenced to death. But for the next 10, 20 or even 30 years, the family, friends, coworkers and neighbors of the victim will continue to help pay for the housing and feeding and health care for the murderer. Advertisement Advertisement Execute these killers within a year. Ron Heimer, Yuma City leaders must support festival Wouldnt be wonderful if our Phoenix city officials showed up to the Phoenix Festival of the Arts and did their holiday shopping? Every year, I see publicity photos of the mayor or other city officials at the opening of the festival. Then they turn around and drive away. This festival needs our support. It would be helpful if the city actually put its money back into our community and shopped at the Phoenix festival. If we dont support the festival, it will go away. Mari Giddings, Phoenix How I feel after school shooting More injured and dead in a local school / Seems not the exception but really the rule / Thoughts and prayers, they all say / But it is just another shooting in the U.S.A. Advertisement Advertisement How could this happen, especially in this season / Deep down inside we all know the reason / More thoughts and prayers from all today / But it is just another shooting in the U.S.A. Only a few days pass before another case / We all just hope it is not at our place / Thoughts and prayers are the only play / Oh, it is just another shooting in the U.S.A. What can we do? We fret and cry / Washington cant seem to even try / Senators and representatives know just what to say / Thoughts and prayers from us today Those who vote know what to do / There are solutions tried and true / Stand up, speak loud and find a way / We want no more shootings in the U.S.A. Advertisement Advertisement Keith Peck, Scottsdale Whats on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Gilbert Goons' leave town in denial. There is a problem | Letters SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Students at West High School in Sioux City are helping make Christmas for their friends and families a little more jolly. Throughout the semester, staff have been donating items for a special school event known as Giving Day. Students were able to look around for free Christmas gifts to later be given to their family or friends. Siouxland Soup Kitchen continues 10-year holiday tradition Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West High School principal Rebecca Rieken said this is the best way to help spread the holiday cheer. That feeling to give, its so meaningful, she said. We just want every student to have all the opportunities that everyone has. We have such great staff willing to help here at West High School, so it bring us all together as a community for a really great thing. This is the second year West High has sponsored a Giving Day, and they plan to make this an annual tradition around the holidays. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) After years of friction between a controversial church and Mt. Juliet neighbors, the Global Vision Bible Church tent has finally come down and a for-sale sign has been placed out front. For years, the church held services inside a large white tent off Old Lebanon Dirt Road, prompting noise complaints and multiple lawsuits. Theres some things in that gravel parking lot on Old Lebanon Dirt Road we didnt bring with us, and we honor Mt. Juliet and we love them and we thank the Lord for them, Global Vision Bible Church Pastor Greg Locke said during a service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Mt. Juliet neighbors who live within a mile of the site also welcomed the news. Over the past few years, multiple residents have expressed concerns about large events, loud noises, and more to News 2, but some have been too scared to go on camera. JULY 2024 | God told me to move the church: Mt. Juliet church announces moving plans amid lawsuits, noise complaints, traffic concerns Probably the most upsetting would be hearing him angrily casting out demons from people in his congregation, one neighbor told News 2 in 2023. The controversial church has been in the spotlight for several reasons. For example, on Easter Sunday, someone set a trailer full of Bibles on fire near the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We get a lot of pushback. We get a lot of hate for some of our religious and political stands, but to see the Bible disrespected that way was a little unfortunate, Locke said at the time. Then, a man was arrested earlier this month after dozens of shots were fired at the pastors home without injuring anyone back in September. NOVEMBER 2024 | Global Vision Bible Church preparing for final service under a tent before moving to Lebanon Now, the church is hoping to turn over a new leaf with the community by worshipping inside a warehouse in Lebanon. Weve been in this vicious cycle for the last few years, spending over half a million dollars on lawsuits, Locke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors directly across the street said their lawsuit is still active against the church. However, theyre hoping the noise complaints can be put to rest. Were also relieved because, especially for the neighbors that were directly across from him, but just being able to enjoy our own backyards, neighbor Griff Akins told News 2 in a past interview. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The governors economic development commissioner recently traveled to Israel as part of a South Dakota Trade delegation. The November 18-20 visit was the first state-led trade mission to Israel since Hamas militant forces attacked on October 7, 2023, according to Joe Fiala. While there, commissioner Fiala met with high-level officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Speaker Amir Ohana of the Israeli Knesset, and Ambassador Dor Shapira at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiala spoke about the trip during a December teleconference meeting with the South Dakota Board of Economic Development. It was amazing, Fiala said, describing the meeting with the prime minister. About the trip overall, he said, And they were ready to talk business. 2 Huron teens sentenced to 25 years for murder Governor Kristi Noem appointed Fiala as commissioner in August. Hes been employed by the Governors Office of Economic Development since 2012. During the three days, Fiala presented a Doing Business in South Dakota seminar at the Israel Export Institute and received insights from various U.S. Embassy departments on Israels business sectors, according to Briana Vande Pol, communications coordinator for the Governors Office of Economic Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Fiala also was part of a delegation that visited Startup Nation Central, where the group met with chief of staff Aviva Steinberger, and joined several ministries and businesses for a reception at the home of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob J. Lew. During the trip, South Dakota businesses participated in more than 20 meetings with Israeli business leaders arranged by an in-country consultant, according to Vande Pol. This trade mission demonstrates South Dakotas commitment to expanding international trade relationships and exploring new business opportunities in Israels innovative economy, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A community in Alabama is coming together to help cover the medical expenses of a young boy who was shot in the head during a bonfire. On Thursday, Dec. 19, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist the family of Barrett Bullock, a child who the fundraiser noted suffered a "gunshot wound to his head" during a Dec. 6 mass shooting in Mobile that left one man dead and six children injured. As previously reported by NBC affiliate WPMI and AL.com, the Mobile Police Department responded to a shooting at a bonfire in South Mobile around 10:47 p.m. on Dec. 6. One man, 31-year-old Dante Desantis, was killed, while six minors were injured. The youngest victim was 13 years old, AL.com reported at the time, citing Police Chief William Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the victims was Bullock, per the GoFundMe, which noted he was "simply enjoying a bonfire near his home with friends and family." The youngest son of Beth and Bobby Bullock, Barrett then "found himself in the crossfire of gunshots," per the fundraiser organized by Crystal Lavelle. "This devastating incident has led to a series of medical interventions, including a craniectomy, and extended hospital stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and now, a long road of recovery and treatment for Barrett," the campaign read. "The journey toward his recovery has just begun, and it is a path that will require immense courage, resilience, and support, both financially and emotionally." 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. Described as "a beacon of light in the lives of those who know and love him," Barrett has "already overcome significant obstacles" but still faces "a long and challenging road to a full recovery," according to the campaign, which has since raised more than $4,500 of its $10,000 goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrett, whose age was not shared in the fundraiser, now must undergo physical, occupational, and speech therapy, an additional surgery in two months and injuries that are "not immediately visible" as the shooting took an "emotional and psychological toll" on him and his family. "In addition to the physical and emotional challenges the Bullocks are now facing, they also face substantial financial burden due to the costs associated with Barrett's medical care," the GoFundMe description read. "Medical expenses accumulate quickly, and the costs associated with his treatments, therapies, and surgeries will be staggering. As a community, we have the power to make a difference in this familys life by coming together and supporting them during this critical time." Related: 4 Dead, 17 Wounded in Alabama Mass Shooting That Birmingham Police Believe Was a Hit A GoFundMe launched for the family of Donte "Red" Desantis the local tattoo artist and father who was killed in the shooting has since raised more than $1,300 of a $12,000 goal. "Dante was a person who gave selflessly, so anything that you can donate will be greatly appreciated," the fundraiser read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As AL.com noted, the shooting took place in the area of Bellingrath and Laurendine Road, when two people were hospitalized via ambulance and four others were brought to a local hospital via personal vehicles. WKRG reported at the time that witnesses said 100 people were at the gathering and shooters fired from a vehicle while driving away. The Mobile Police Department told PEOPLE that no arrest has been made and that the case has been turned over to the Mobile County District Attorneys Office. These are children, Chief Jackson said earlier this month. Theres no excuse for children, or anyone for that matter, to fill up our emergency rooms with injuries that they received from senseless acts of violence. Read the original article on People FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) From the moment of stepping inside, Myra Gibbs couldnt help but wipe away her tears. Oh man, thats what I keep thinking. If Buddy had seen all these toys, he would be so excited to know that theyre all going to them from him, said Gibbs. Gibbs, who traveled to the Cumberland Road Fire Department with her twins 18-year-old Zaire and Zariyah Malcolm on Friday, said the collection of toys piled up inside the fire station reflected the outpouring of love and support theyve received from the community. Gibbs said it started with a social media post at the beginning of the month to support a toy drive in her sons name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can honestly say that it shows that even in a tragedy you still have positive, supportive people, said Gibbs. Zion Gibbs. (Courtesy photo) Zion Gibbs. (Courtesy photo) Zion Gibbs. (Courtesy photo) The mother told CBS17 News that the community has supported them since the beginning. She said its been six months of heartache and a feeling of loss after the death of her son, Zion. His last three days of his life, fighting for his life, was at UNC Childrens Hospital in Chapel Hill. While we were there for those three days, I observed the children there. They have been there longer than him, Gibbs said. With the holidays approaching, Gibbs said the mother in her wanted to do more. She said all the toys will not only be going to the children at the hospital, but also 31 students at Bright Young Minds Academy where Zion attended school. She said many of his friends there still miss him dearly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I still have a little seven-year-old boy thats nurturing in me that was taken away. Being able to shop for him and shop for Christmas, you know, this is the first time that I have not been able to, said Gibbs. Its allowing me to still feel like Im nurturing him, if that makes sense. Zions sister, Zariyah, said helping other children during the holidays is something her brother wouldve wanted. Two days before he passed away, the last thing he gave me were flowers, she said. It always reminds me of him, that he was that giving person. Seeing the room of donated toys, Zions older brother Zaire added, It really made me feel like I got a piece of him back. I can just see him now saying, Is all this for me? Yes, it is, its all for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gibbs said the family received additional support from firefighters at Station 5 where families were able to drop off the donated toys. Chief had already sent me a picture and a video of the toys, so I kind of prepared my emotions, Gibbs said. Im so thankful. The family said they plan to deliver the gifts at the hospital over the weekend with a goal to have all the gifts delivered by Christmas Day. For Gibbs, its a moment of light thats come during a difficult time of the year. She said a few days after Christmas would have also been Zions eighth birthday. Packing up the donated toys, Gibbs added, Its helping me breathe better, and its helping me find peace that was lost when it happened, you know? Im getting back to some form of peace, some form of joy because Im still able to give to children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. After the government pushed for the breakup of Google, accusing it of business practices that violate antitrust laws, the Mountain View, Calif., tech giant proposed its own solutions on Friday to restructure its business contracts instead. "Regulating a fast-changing industry like search with an invasive decree like the one proposed by Plaintiffs would harm competition, innovation, and consumers," Google said in a court filing. The request comes after a federal judge in August found that the tech company had illegally maintained a monopoly in search. Google said it disagreed with the decision and plans to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Google could be forced to sell Chrome. Here's what you need to know Amit P. Mehta, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is now trying to decide on ways to restore competition. Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice and several states proposed solutions to fix what it described as Google's illegal search monopoly that included forcing the company to sell Chrome. Google's proposed fixes are more narrow than what the DOJ suggested. What the judge decides could reshape the future of the internet and affect Google's ad business. In a court filing, Google proposed putting limits around its contracts with mobile device manufacturers and wireless carriers. For example, Google proposed that it wouldn't enter an agreement with Apple in which it's the default search engine unless its partners were allowed to set a different default search annually in the United States and promote other search services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We dont propose these changes lightly. They would come at a cost to our partners by regulating how they must go about picking the best search engine for their customers," said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs in a blog post. The nearly 300-page landmark ruling by Mehta partly focuses on how Google held onto its dominance by paying major companies such as Apple and Samsung so it's the default search engine on web browsers and mobile devices. These agreements hindered Google's rivals from growing and reduced the incentive for other companies to invest in search, the judge found. "The truth is, no new entrant could hope to compete with Google for the default on Firefox or any other browser," the judge wrote. "Googles query and quality advantage and high revenue share payments are strong incentives simply to stay put." Googles default placements on Mozilla's Firefox made up 80% of Mozillas operating revenue, the decision says. But Google also pays Apple more money than all its other partners combined. In 2022, Google paid Apple an estimated $20 billion so it could be the default search engine on the Safari browser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Mozilla raised concerns that some of the DOJ's proposed solutions could harm web browsers. One of the potential fixes include preventing Google from entering revenue share agreements tied to the distribution of its search services. "By jeopardizing the revenue streams of critical browser competitors, these remedies risk unintentionally strengthening the positions of a handful of powerful players," Mozilla wrote in a blog post. Mozilla said that Google was the default search engine in Firefox in the United States because it "provides the best search experience for our users." Outside of partnerships with major tech companies, there are other ways Google maintains control over the way people access search engines. Google also runs popular web browser Chrome and a mobile operating system Android. Last month, the DOJ and several states urged the judge to force Google to sell Chrome. The agency also suggested requiring the tech company to display a "choice screen" on every Google browser when a user hasn't chosen a default search engine so people know there are other options available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Federal regulators seek to break up Google, force Chrome sale as part of monopoly punishment Other ideas the government floated include allowing publishers to opt out of having Google use their content to train artificial intelligence tools and giving advertisers more control over ads that show up in search results. Google pushed back against the government's proposed solutions, calling the approach an unprecedented government overreach. Mehta is expected to decide on solutions by August 2025. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. If the 2024 film Conclave dramatized the Vatican's inner workings with intrigue, Pope Francis delivered something of a real-life sequel on Saturday, urging Vatican bureaucrats to cut the backstabbing and embrace humility during his annual Christmas address. Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens peoples hearts and leads to nothing, the 88-year-old pontiff admonished. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero. Francis holiday speeches to the Curia have become infamously candid, often shining a light on what he perceives to be workplace toxicity. As reported by the Associated Press, in 2014, he outlined the 15 ailments of Vatican life, accusing priests, bishops and cardinals of power-grabbing and spiritual complacency. This year, he revisited gossip as a recurring evil, likening the Curias atmosphere to any insular office rife with whispered critiques. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pope also denounced global cruelty, condemning the bombing of children in Gaza as not war, but cruelty. Francis call for humility and collaboration comes as the Vatican gears up for the 2025 Holy Year, with over 32 million pilgrims expected in Rome. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Governor Bill Lee spent Friday morning calling the families of 43 people across Tennessee with the news that they have been granted executive clemency. Those granted executive clemency had been out of jail or prison for at least five years and are no longer on probation or any other type of supervision. Lee called the process of granting executive clemency a very serious responsibility thats unique to the role of the governor. After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 43 individuals executive clemency, Lee said. Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Lee clarified that his actions differ from the commutations announced by President Joe Biden earlier this week; Lee said the people he granted clemency have invested back into the community. All executive clemency decisions are made in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole, which issues non-binding recommendations for each case. One of those granted clemency was Brittany Nepa, who was convicted of several misdemeanors. However, Nepa sought counseling and proceeded to earn a bachelors degree in computer engineering with a minor in computer science from the University of Memphis. She regularly made the Deans List while studying and has maintained steady employment in addition to volunteering with Memphis Animal Services. Nepas story echoes others highlighted by Lee, like Lanesha Faye Brown. Brown attempted second-degree murder over 20 years ago when she was just 13 years old. She was bullied, and when one bully attacker her, she tried to retaliate with a small knife in her bag for an art project. That was Browns sole criminal incident and there was no victim opposition to her clemency claim. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Brown has been married for 15 years and has earned her associates degree, maintaining employment all the while. One of those employment opportunities was at a Nashville hotel. While at the hotel, a background check revealed her past and resulted in her termination. However, her colleagues and the general manager of the hotel were so impressed, they worked together to lobby the corporate office and allow her to return to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below is the full list of individuals who received executive clemency pardons: Sabrina Myrick Adams Otto Adkerson Pamela Amos Ashley Cooper Barnhill Erik Bennett Justin Beshearse Lanesha Brown Quanroyas Clendening Jeffrey Crick Johnny Drinkard Lauren Driver Angelia Laderman Dycus Jason Hall Sarah Harrell Kimberly Holliday Matthew Hoover Joshua Hunt Jonathan Jackson James Jones Kathy Keel Tameka Kirk Steven Langston Shantie Martin Miguel Monzon Tyree Morgan Brittany Nepa Zennia Nesmith Shirley Parsons Christopher Prince Cynthia Ramirez Stephanie Robertson Jennifer Rush Melissa Smith Thomas Smith Taylor Stevenson Robert Turner Patrick Varni Jeffrey Victory Pamela Waller Janet Watson Joseph Whitfield Paul Williams Tanika Woodard Last December, Lee granted executive clemency to nearly two dozen people, including 22 full pardons. In 2022, Lee granted clemency to 16 people, including two Davidson County women convicted of murder. Seventeen people were granted executive clemency by Lee in 2021, with 13 of those receiving pardons. This year, only pardons were granted. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dec. 20Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed an executive order establishing a task force to study the impact of the proliferation of artificial intelligence on Maine. Nearly two dozen members of the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will look at how to prepare Maine's economy and workforce for the "opportunities and risks" likely to result from advances in AI and how to protect residents from potentially harmful uses of the technology. That could include recommendations to safeguard consumer data privacy, reduce bias in data and require disclosure around AI use. The group also will consider the most promising possibilities for state agencies, municipalities and other jurisdictions to use artificial intelligence technologies to reduce gaps in service and improve government functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Emerging AI technologies offer the potential to improve lives, drive economic growth and help solve complex challenges," Mills said in an emailed statement. "But like all new technologies, AI, if not embraced in a prudent and responsible manner, can cause potentially harmful changes to the lives and livelihoods of Maine people." The group is expected to begin meeting in January and present recommendations by Oct. 31. Mills said her executive order is in response to a surge in technological advances that could "revolutionize how people live and work." Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce is classified as "highly exposed" to AI, making employees particularly vulnerable to job transformations driven by advances in artificial intelligence, the governor said. AI also can create jobs and businesses, improve productivity and efficiency, and reduce barriers to entry in some technical fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force will bring together business, education, labor, government and community leaders to study the proliferation of AI. It's charged with making policy recommendations that will position Maine to capitalize on the benefits of AI while minimizing risks for people and businesses. State legislators in the U.S. this year considered more than 150 bills relating to government use of AI and at least 30 states have issued guidance on state agency use of AI, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "With the rapid adoption of generative AI tools, all levels of government have sprung into action, working to understand current uses, set a common understanding around allowable uses, put guardrails around future uses and encourage the innovative development and use of AI tools to transform government services," the conference said. State agencies are using tools such as robotic process automation, natural language processing, machine learning and content generation, it said. For example, state agencies have increasingly used chatbots since the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference said. During the pandemic, at least 35 states used chatbots to support pandemic inquiries relating to health, unemployment benefits, taxes, food stamps and citizen services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 25 other states have or are creating, commissions or task forces to advise policymakers on AI, Mills' office said. Members of the 21-member Maine task force will include leaders from state and municipal government, the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System. Maine workers, businesses and representatives of health care, civil rights advocates and a consumer protection organization also will be included. Mills said she'll announce her picks for the task force in the coming weeks. Copy the Story Link Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com. Have the latest Reality Checks delivered to your inbox with our free newsletter. Five years after a Kansas City police detective killed a Black man and went to prison, questions remain about the circumstances of the shooting. Former detective Eric DeValkenaere said he saw a gun in Cameron Lambs left hand when he fired four shots toward the 26 year old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another officer at the scene said he did not see a gun. Lambs family also pointed out that he was right-handed. DeValkenaere was charged and sentenced to six years in prison. At trial, Jackson County prosecutors alleged the crime scene was staged, including a gun they said was planted on the ground under Lambs left hand. DeValkenaere was ultimately convicted on the grounds that he did not have the right to be on Lambs property. He was the first white Kansas City police officer to be convicted in the killing of a Black man and many community members felt like it was a step towards equal justice. Laurie Bey, mother of Cameron Lamb, spoke last year after learning an attorney for Eric DeValkenaere, a former Kansas City officer convicted in her sons killing, is seeking to be released from jail a day after surrendering to authorities. But that unraveled Friday when Republican Gov. Mike Parson announced he was commuting DeValkenaeres sentence, a few days ahead of Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The long-expected decision has been met with anger from police reformers and activists. Its going to be a horrible message to a city that has already been struggling with trying to build any kind of rapport with the police, Sheryl Ferguson, founder of Its Time 4 Justice, told The Star. Recently, the Kansas City Police Department released more than 500 pages of documents related to its investigation. The Star requested the case file in June after a potential appeal on DeValkenaeres case expired. The file contained hundreds of pages of witness accounts as well as crime lab reports and photos from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Different reports list both DeValkenaere and Lamb as a suspect. The investigation did not include body camera footage because at the time, KCPD was not using the devices. Lambs shooting and other instances of local police violence became a rallying cry for reform. Protests peaked during the summer 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and included calls for body cameras and other changes. Since then, the police department now relies on the Missouri State Highway Patrol to investigate its police shootings. Its officers also have body cameras. Was Lamb armed? On Dec. 3, 2019, Lamb and his girlfriend got into an argument that became physical. They left his residence with Lamb chasing her. His roommate called him and told him to return. Officers investigating an unrelated crash reported a red pickup truck pursuing a purple Ford Mustang. Officers in a police helicopter spotted the truck, driven by Lamb, and followed the vehicle to his residence in the 4100 block of College Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeValkenaere and his partner detective Troy Schwalm were nearby. Roberta Merritt, who lived with Lamb at the white and red-brick single-family residence, testified that neither detective identified themselves as police officers or were given permission to walk onto her property. DeValkenaere pointed his gun at her as he walked towards the back of the house, she said. He reportedly knocked over a barbecue grill and a car hood to get to the backyard. A cone marking a shell casing is shown in a crime scene photo from the police shooting of Cameron Lamb in Kansas City. Lamb was backing his pickup into the garage in the rear of the house. DeValkenaere was facing the truck positioned closer to the passenger side while Schwalm was on the drivers side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He drew the weapon from the left side of his waist band, DeValkenaere said during a police interview. The black handgun was in Lambs left hand, DeValkenaere told investigators, and I thought he was going to shoot Troy. Schwalm said he started yelling at Lamb to put the truck in park. Detective Devalkenaere says Hes got a gun, hes got a gun. And I didnt see it, Schwalm said. All I saw was his, it would have been his left hand, waving at me and he was looking at me. And whenever detective DeValkenaere said that he had a gun, detective DeValkenaere discharged his weapon. DeValkenaere fired four times. The autopsy report said Lamb suffered a gunshot wound to the right upper chest and his left leg. It also said there was no evidence of medical intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine seconds had passed from the time they arrived to the moment Lamb was shot, court testimony revealed. An event chronology report indicated the truck was chasing the Mustang at 12:22 p.m. The truck arrived in the 4100 block of College and began backing into the driveway at 12:25 p.m. Shots were fired at 12:28 p.m. A party down was reported at 12:29 p.m. According to a crime scene report, investigators located four shell casings. The trucks windshield had four defects where DeValkenaere had fired. Cameron Lambs truck was impounded by police after a KCPD officer fatally shot the 26 year old in December 2019. The victim was a black male, wearing a black do-rag and a light blue hoodie, the report continued. The victim was leaning towards the drivers door. His left arm was out of the window and his head was partially out of the window. A black Glock 41, Gen 4, .45 Auto (Serial #XVS356) was lying on the floor of the garage towards the front drivers side tire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department report, the gun had been stolen in March 2018. That suspect pleaded guilty to stealing in February 2019, according to court records. During DeValkenaeres trial, prosecutors said Kansas City police staged the crime scene and planted evidence to support their claim that Lamb was armed. Prosecutors alleged a gun was moved from a set of stairs near the garage and placed near Lambs left hand after he was shot and before crime scene investigators arrived. A tactical response officer testified that he did not see a gun, but said he was armed with a bullet resistant shield that likely obstructed his view. Schwalm testified that he believed DeValkenaere saved his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued no one had called 911, no one had been hurt and no crime had taken place when the two detectives arrived at the house. At the conclusion of the November 2021 bench trial, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge J. Dale Youngs noted that the two detectives did not have a search or arrest warrant, which would have allowed them to be on the property. They did not have consent and there was no imminent danger that would have permitted their presence on the private property. He called DeValkenaere and Schwalm the initial aggressors in the encounter with Cameron Lamb. Dec. 20Recognizing the risks posed by extreme weather, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a grant opportunity to help eligible producers make their operations more resilient to drought, flooding, and severe weather events like storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, offers grants of up to $10,000 for Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers to buy and install supplies and equipment for weather event preparation. It requires a 50% match. For the purposes of this grant program: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livestock includes aquaculture, bees, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, farmed cervids, ratites (including ostriches and emus), bison, sheep, horses, and llamas. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, and floriculture. See USDA's list of Specialty Crops for further examples. Eligible projects include but are not limited to water tanks, pipelines, and wagons/trailers; wells (new improvements, fixes, replacement pumps); irrigation equipment (including drip irrigation); fans; misters; livestock shade systems; and windbreaks. Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. Central Time on February 12, 2025, and the MDA will notify applicants as soon as possible, but no later than March 26, 2025, about whether their proposal was selected for funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full grant details and the request for proposals (RFP) can be found on the MDA website. The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant is funded by the Agricultural Growth and Research Initiative (AGRI) Program, which supports advances in Minnesota's agricultural and renewable energy sectors. GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: Readers are advised the details of this case are gruesome. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Gruesome circumstances led to an October shootout with the U.S. Marshals in Saraland, according to court documents. Jorge Quintero, 41, was tracked down by Marshals and Orange County, Florida, deputies for his alleged role in the gory murder of his girlfriend, Carmen Carrera. Mobile police searching for 2 suspects in Shoppes at Bel Air armed robbery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an affidavit, Quintero sent suicidal text messages to his family and friends on Oct. 29. Quinteros roommate, who also received a suicidal message, found that Quinteros bathtub was full of blood, a knife was left on the side of the tub and Quintero was not there. Quinteros phone was later discovered near the tub as well. Court documents alleged the blood found at the home belonged to a male. Quintero and Carrera were in the process of moving into a new apartment together about two miles away. Deputies performed a welfare check at the apartment, where they found bloody towels and blood spots on the walls. The blood at the apartment, according to investigators, belonged to a female. The same day, investigators alleged Carreras phone pinged in Seminole County, Georgia. The affidavit said Orange County detectives discovered that Quintero rented a white Ram truck on Oct. 28. It was supposed to be returned the next day but never was. The document said the rental company gave the license plate number to investigators, which was tracked north through multiple license plate readers in Georgia and Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile man accused of pouring hot coffee on store employee identified, arrested: police The document said multiple license plate readers captured pictures of the truck with what appeared to be a plastic bag in the truck bed in the shape of a human body. On Oct. 29, Quintero was traced to a Chevron gas station in Lake City, Florida, according to the court document, where he made two purchases using Carreras cell phone. Surveillance footage inside the store shows what investigators described as Quintero holding a blue cloth up to his neck as if he were nursing an injury to his neck. Quintero seemed to have a neck injury in a mugshot taken by the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: MCPSS teacher placed on administrative leave On Oct. 31, U.S. Marshals found Quintero in a parking lot on Saraland Loop in Saraland. The encounter ended in a shootout in which Quintero was shot several times. He was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators claimed to have found blood inside and in the bed of Quinteros rental truck. Strands of long hair were also found in the truck, according to documents. George County Sheriffs Office issues Be On The Lookout for man considered armed and dangerous Three hours after the shootout, Georgia authorities found Carreras body stuffed in a suitcase. Carreras body was double bagged in heavy-duty black garbage bags, nude and had a power cord wrapped around her neck. According to the affidavit, Carreras right arm had been severed from her torso. The document also said Carreas left arm and left leg appeared as if someone tried to cut them off but quit during the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document said the front pocket of the suitcase contained two mens watches, a key fob and a silver rosary. A Spirit Airlines tag with Carreras name on it was attached to the handle of the suitcase. According to the document, it appeared Carrera suffered blunt force trauma to the right side of her face. Her cause of death was ruled to be ligature strangulation. New charge for Tennessee man who allegedly shot at police in Baldwin County Orange County investigators returned to the couples apartment where they allegedly found a Samsung television missing a power cord. The document said a quick internet search revealed the power cord wrapped around Carreras neck matched the power cord that belonged to the television. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quintero was extradited from Metro jail back to Orange County on Nov. 25. He is charged with first degree murder. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The holidays can be a difficult time for some, particularly for families devastated by violence. A local group Friday rounded up some gifts in an effort to spread Christmas cheer. A WRTA bus pulled up outside of the Richard and Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center Friday afternoon, but its passengers were headed to a different destination. For the last five years, now, the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) has been teaming up with the Youngstown Police Department to deliver Christmas gifts to victims of violence in Youngstown. It lightens my spirit to know that you were able to bring a little joy to someone, said John-Michael Olive, executive director for the African American Wellness Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guy Burney, with CIRV, said the holidays are a tough time for many. This is a very difficult time when you lose a loved one. Its never easy. It doesnt get easy, he said. With a bus packed full of toys and led by Santa Claus, who traded in his sleigh and eight reindeer for a Youngstown fire truck, dashed through the snow in a holiday caravan filled with lights, sirens and holiday cheer. We know theyre still hurting because theres no timeline on grief. We just want them to know that they have help and they have people that are supporting them, said Valerie Burney, community engagement and outreach coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each family gets a haul of gifts but more importantly, resources to help in their recovery from the trauma. If they need counseling, if they need therapy because theyre dealing with grief theyre dealing with anger because someone has been taken from them, Valerie Burney said. Presents were handed out by law enforcement but their presence carried a different meaning for this event. Many times these victims and families meet police on their worst days. Today, they got a chance to see them on one of the best. Its great to see them when theyre smiling. We dont get to see a lot of that. We get to see the nasty parts, we dont get to see the great parts a lot of time, said Malik Mostella, YPD community liaison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We learn about resiliency that people find a way to keep moving, but we want them to know that they dont have to do that alone, Guy Burney said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Guatemalan authorities searched the compound of an extremist ultra-orthodox Jewish sect Friday, taking at least 160 minors and 40 women into protective custody after reports of abuse. Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez said the National Civil Police and members of military participated in the raid on the Lev Tahor groups community about 55 miles (90 kilometers) southeast of the capital. The protection of boys and girls is an absolute priority, Jimenez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guatemalas Attorney Generals Office said in a statement on the social platform X that suspected bones of one child were found. The office said a complaint was made in November of possible crimes including forced pregnancies, mistreatment of minors and rape. The sect has run into legal problems in various countries. In 2022, Mexican authorities arrested a leader of the sect near the Guatemalan border and removed a number of women and children from their compound. In 2021, two leaders of the group were convicted of kidnapping and child sexual exploitation crimes in New York. They allegedly kidnapped two children from their mother to return a 14-year-old girl to an illegal sexual relationship with an adult male. The sect is known to have members in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Israel. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and adolescents from the fundamentalist Jewish sect Lev Tahor in southeastern Guatemala on Friday following allegations of child abuse, including rape, prosecutors said. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The rescue operation in the agricultural municipality of Oratorio, 78 kilometers (48.47 miles) southeast of Guatemala City, highlights ongoing concerns over the controversial practices of the Lev Tahor sect, which has faced similar allegations in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KEY QUOTE "Based on the statements of the complainants, the evidence obtained, and the medical examinations, it was possible to establish that there are forms of human trafficking against these minors, such as forced marriage, abuse, and related crimes," Nancy Paiz, a prosecutor at Guatemala's Prosecutor's Office Against Human Trafficking, said at a press conference. CONTEXT The Lev Tahor community, founded in 1988 in Israel, practice an austere form of Judaism with interpretations of Jewish law that includes long prayer sessions and arranged marriages. Lev Tahor ("Pure Heart" in Hebrew) has faced multiple allegations of kidnapping, child marriage and physical abuse since it was founded in the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community settled in Mexico and Guatemala between 2014 and 2017. In 2022, a Mexican police operation in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on the Guatemalan border rescued a group of children and adolescents from a Lev Tahor camp, whose members were arrested on suspicions of participating in abuses against minors. The Jewish Community of Guatemala in a statement said the sect was foreign to its own organization and expressed its support for Guatemalan authorities in carrying out necessary investigations "to protect the lives and integrity of minors and other vulnerable groups that may be at risk." It called on the "government and diplomatic corps of countries from whose nationalities make up members of Lev Tahor, to join forces to protect those whose rights may be violated." WHAT'S NEXT The minors are now under the protection of the government and investigations remain underway. (Reporting by Isaias Morales; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Diane Craft) A Christmas tree decorates a waiting area in the Rhode Island Department of Administration on Dec. 16, 2024 a festive display glimpsed just after Gov. Dan McKee and state officials held a press conference on the RIBridges breach. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) As a gentle snow fell over the state Friday evening, all appeared quiet on the dark web blog of an international cybercriminal group threatening to release the personal data of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders allegedly stolen from the states public benefits system. The cybercriminal group Brain Cipher reset the deadline for paying its ransom demand several times over the past week. Unless the ransom amount still undisclosed is paid, the hackers threaten to release data from the RIBridges system, which is managed by the global consultancy Deloitte. The data could include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and banking information from people who have ever applied for benefits like food stamps and Medicaid or commercial health insurance through the online portal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public may never learn or know a play-by-play of the breach. But the state Auditor Generals fiscal 2023 report cited a number of severe deficiencies in the states IT procedures, and even warned of a possible breach within RIBridges. The state has the final responsibility to ensure that its vendors are responsive to state and federal requirements, said Ken Block, president of Barringtons Simpatico Software Systems, in an interview Friday. The state has the final responsibility to ensure that its vendors are responsive to state and federal requirements. In my work as a state contractor to the state of Texas and Illinois and the government of Puerto Rico, I have been the recipient of security audit findings and other audit findings, Block said. And in every circumstance, we werent given years or decades to fix the problems; we were usually given months. Deadline is moving target The latest extension on the ransom came early Friday evening, already well past the Dec. 15 deadline cited in early reports of Brain Ciphers cyberattack targeting Deloitte, which state officials first made public on Dec. 13. The new ransom deadline is now around 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connor Goodwolf, a cybersecurity expert and software engineer based in Columbus, Ohio, has monitored Brain Ciphers clock all week. On X, he said that the hackers may wait until Christmas to add a surprise element to the dump. There are reasons for both sides to manipulate the deadline, he said in an email to Rhode Island Current. Goodwolf recommends that law enforcement agencies ask for more time, even when they have no intention of paying. My stance is to NEVER pay a ransom, regardless of the value of the data, as paying a ransom will fund the group(s) which will result in an amplification of attacks by the group, he wrote. Delaying the deadline gives victims more time to evaluate the breachs true severity but also provides ransomers the opportunity to try to persuade additional stakeholders why they should pay up, Goodwolf said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodwolf said he was curious how Deloitte will fare in its own digital audits. Based on the statement from Brain Cipher, Deloitte was not following the standards and processes they chose to follow, Goodwolf wrote, pointing to Deloittes public documentation of its compliance with a standard called SOC 2, which typically tests annually. The state, meanwhile, appears to be keeping up with federal requirements to monitor its systems, regardless of who builds or maintains them. In October, a $419,120 contract was awarded to Inspira Enterprise Inc. of Westlake, Texas, for a security assessment of the RIBridges system in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Inspiras proposal shows the type of work the firm would be doing: penetration testing of the RIBridges system, per federal rules that require regular checkups for health care exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pen test is a simulated cyber-attack against your computer system to check for vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit, Jesse Roberts, senior vice president of cybersecurity at North Providences Compass Cyber Guard, said in an email Friday. Its like hiring a hacker to try to break into your system, but in a controlled and safe manner. Such contracts can indeed seem costly, Roberts said of the Inspira contract. However, the price reflects the thoroughness and complexity of the testing and the scope of the testing. Without knowing what the scope is I cannot say for sure if it is overpriced. A close-up photograph of a proposal submitted by cybersecurity company Inspira to the state of Rhode Island shows a timeline for penetration testing on the RIBridges system. Also called pen testing, the method safely simulates attacks on a computer network to gauge system vulnerabilities. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Pen testing can help define the severity of vulnerabilities, Roberts said, which can exist without being exploitable for unauthorized access. And existing vulnerabilities are not necessarily the entire story behind the breach, Roberts said as Brain Cipher usually gains a foothold using social engineering, which is attacking the human element. Multiple contractors, not just Deloitte, are responsible for handling different aspects of RIBridges inherent complexity, wrote Kerri White, spokesperson for the states Executive Office of Health and Human Services, in an email Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 budget summary gives an idea of the numerous firms charged with the systems upkeep and use. White said that currently, Deloitte is the main vendor, and its tasks include system maintenance and upgrades. Knowledge Services of Indianapolis provides user acceptance testing, IT program management services, and release management services, White said, meaning the company works with state agencies directly. White also confirmed that independent third-party annual attestation work the federally-required pen testing is switching to recent contract awardee Inspira for fiscal year 2025. CSG, another vendor listed in the 2023 summary, was needed to verify and audit certain security controls for Medicaid system compliance, but is no longer required once feds OKd the system, according to White. Pondering divorce from Deloitte, or at least alimony Legislators have different ideas for what should come next. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said Monday it was too early to consider oversight hearings, with the breachs forensic analysis still ongoing. Sen. Sam Bell, a Providence Democrat who has criticized both Deloitte and his fellow Democrat Gov. Dan McKee on X since news of the breach dropped, was more willing to speak up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Ive heard is outrage, Bell said via text message when asked about his constituents thoughts on the breach. If theyve heard about it, people are scared, and they dont know what to do. Most importantly, they want to know what will be done to make them whole and compensate them for the stress and disruption to their lives. Its appalling that McKee has yet to even discuss doing that. Rhode Island House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale called the breach yet another reminder of why severing ties with Deloitte is imperative, he wrote in an email Thursday. Just two weeks ago, at the Dec. 6 National Convention for the Council of State Governments in Louisiana, Chippendale attended a session discussing technology. To the Foster Republicans horror, the chatter circled around to Deloitte and specifically RIBridges first iteration, UHIP as a prime example of what not to do, Chippendale said. As I sat among legislators from nearly every state in the union, I was embarrassed, Chippendale wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island is not the only state to embrace Deloitte and its spotty track record. A September feature in Fortune surveyed a trail of incompetence and frustration left by Deloitte-made Medicaid eligibility systems across the country. Rhode Islands contract is around $99 million, while other states like California and Illinois have paid hundreds of millions for their Deloitte contracts, according to Fortune. This may seem radical, but the only logical path forward is to scrap the UHIP/Bridges system entirely, Chippendale argued. Yes, it will require absorbing significant costs upfront, but continuing to invest in a fundamentally broken system is throwing good money after bad. As I sat among legislators from nearly every state in the union, I was embarrassed. Rep. Mike Chippendale, the Rhode Island House Minority Leader, when the topic of the RIBridges system came up at a national conference Block noted the RIBridges system has overpaid or mismanaged certain benefits from its inception in 2016, which led to a $50 million fine from former Gov. Gina Raimondos administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, someone who supported a benefit system for food stamps, eligibility determinations isnt hard, Block said. I cant for the life of me understand why our system isnt getting it right In my opinion, the contractor should be held accountable and should have to pay for those monies that are improperly deducted. A close read of the message posted to Brain Ciphers dark website suggests the hackers motivation is partially to shame Deloitte. We will compare the contract between the customer and the contractor (Deloitte.com) with the results of its execution, the ransom page reads. Aside from affirming the hacks victim and perpetrator, Deloitte has been largely mum since Monday. When asked several followup questions on Thursday, including if a Deloitte representative would eventually attend a press briefing in Rhode Island, a company spokesperson could only repeat what had already been said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrote Karen Walsh, Deloittes governmental affairs spokesperson: As I said earlier in the week, because this is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment further. Pressure on HealthSource RI RIBridges has been shut down as technicians work to recover the system back to a workable, malware-free state. Officials have not given estimates on when things will return to normal. That imprecise timeline poses a challenge because HealthSource RI, the states health insurance marketplace, is partially integrated into RIBridges and is in the middle of open enrollment. Jan. 31 is the deadline to renew or select new health insurance coverage to take effect Feb. 1. Christina Spaight OReilly, a HealthSourceRI spokesperson, said in an email: Many of our customers are already in the pipeline for January coverage and have paid for 2025 coverage or are enrolled in auto-payments. They are all set. Customers who still need to pay for January coverage can visit standalone CVS locations, or pay by phone. More significantly affected are first-time applicants applying to HealthSourceRI, who cant use the online portal. Paper applications were considered as a stopgap measure during the systems downtime but were ultimately rejected, OReilly said. Any penciled-in data would need to be uploaded to the system once its back up, and having to manually enter the data later on wouldnt save any time in the long run. The HealthSourceRI website, which remains online, features an eligibility tool to help people review options. This way, when the system is online we will be ready to help these customers get enrolled more efficiently, OReilly said. OReilly said the customer call center received less than 100 calls related to the breach on Tuesday, out of more than 1,800 calls overall. That volume is not unusual for our Open Enrollment period, she added. Wait times averaged under 10 seconds, and chat agents online saw 60 inquiries that same day. Those were the most recent numbers OReilly was able to send as of Thursday evening. A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services acknowledged questions about the breachs impact on Wednesday, but did not reply to a followup on Friday. This article was updated Saturday afternoon, Dec. 21, to include comments from Kerri White, director of communications at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) On Friday morning, the Hillsborough Transit Authority made an announcement to help riders along their busiest route. The wheels on the HART busses are continuing to turn, but now, theyre turning for free with the pilot program for Route 1. Officials said this is going to give easier, and better, access to people like our veterans and students along the route. Its a new era for public transportation in Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing our transit system, providing greater access to mobility and demonstrating that HART is a solid investment in the future of our community, said Scott Drainville, CEO for HART. The Hillsborough Transit Authority fare-free pilot program will improve transit options in densely populated areas like Florida Ave. corridor. This is something that moves us forward 100% with mass transit and especially Route 1. Its such a pivotal route that has so much to do with our veterans getting to VA appointments, or students going to USF, and everyday working families, said Luis Viera, Chair for HART Board of Directors and Tampa City Councilman. This ranks among the top five critical needs for our veteran community, not only here in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, but nationwide. Its inextricably tied to such things as low-cost affordable housing, viable employment, education and food security, said Corporal RJ Reyes, veteran advocate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Tampa is funding the program with $1.65 million. They chose Route 1, because they said it is the busiest route system with over 3,000 riders every day. The goal is not only to provide people with free transportation along the route, increase service frequency to every 15 minutes, but also to help keep more cash in peoples wallets. This is a way we can help people afford their housing more, if you dont have to pay for your car payment, you can just hop on the bus, you can pay a little bit more in housing. So, this hits everybody in a different way, said Tampa City Councilmember Lynn Hurtak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With money being saved, city officials said those families will be spending it in the community, which makes the program an economic driver. They also hope the program encourages people to utilize the entire bus system. Teach Tampanos how to ride the bus, so they dont just choose Route 1, they choose the whole system. That helps build the importance of transit throughout our community, Hurtak said. The pilot program will last from January 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. On a cool, breezy Monday afternoon, a crowd of drunken, rowdy men gathering in the nations capital stared in astonishment as a striking figure headed toward them. It was a regal young woman riding a magnificent white horse, wearing a gold crown and a flowing white cape. The womans name was Inez Milholland, and on that day in March 3, 1913, she was about to make history. Dubbed the poster girl of radicalism, the 26-year-old was the scion of a wealthy family who had become a lawyer, a labor activist and an advocate for the poor. She was an open advocate of free love the belief that government shouldnt limit how women express their sexuality and proposed to the man who would become her husband. But Milhollands critics called her radical because she believed that all American women were entitled to vote and she was willing to defy authorities in dramatic ways to demonstrate her beliefs. On that day, she was leading a procession of some 5,000 women through Washington for the nations first major suffragist parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mens astonishment, though, soon turned to rage. They attacked Milholland and the marchers with curses, spitting on them and slapping some in the face. Police standing by did nothing. The only group that defended the women was a Boy Scout troop. Milhollands flair for the dramatic and her public speaking skills helped put the suffragist movement on Americas front pages. Yet she never lived to see the ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment, which recognized womens right to vote. Inez Milholland on a white horse at the National American Woman Suffrage Association parade on March 3, 1913, in Washington. - HUM Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images She collapsed while giving a suffragist speech in Los Angeles, like a wilted white rose at the podium. She suffered from pernicious anemia and ignored warnings to ease her grueling speaking schedule. Her last public utterance was, Mr. President, how long must women wait for their liberty? She was 30 at the time of her death. Her life sounds like a movie, but Milhollands crucial role in American history was eventually forgotten. Most historians preferred to focus on men on horseback leading other men into battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sharon McMahon, a former high school government teacher, has resurrected Milholland and others like her in The Small and The Mighty, her new book that has topped the New York Times bestseller list. In her book, McMahon highlights the fortitude of citizens who changed America even though they had the least amount of political, social and economic power. The best Americans are not always famous, she writes. They are the people who went for broke when everyone else yelled turn back. They are those who know that one becomes great because of who they lift up, not who they put down. McMahons roll call of unsung heroes and heroines include: The teenage girl who rode 40 miles overnight in the rain during the Revolutionary War twice as far as Paul Revere two years earlier to warn the Connecticut militia that the British were coming. The gay feminist badass who wrote the lyrics to America the Beautiful, the classic patriotic song. The Black teenager who refused to give up her bus seat to a White woman in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks did. The Jewish man who built a fortune in business but found more joy in spending it on erecting schools for poor Black students across the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahons book, though, is more than a historical reminder its a civic sermon that may inspire Americans during this turbulent time for the country. For some Americans, this holiday season brings few tidings of joy. Many have lost faith in American institutions, and a majority believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. McMahon's book was published in September. - Penguin Random House But McMahons book evokes the spirit of the Christmas story. The small can turn into the mighty whether its a child born in a manger to a poor, teenage mom or the unsung people that McMahon chronicles in her book. McMahon, host of the Heres Where It Gets Interesting podcast, says she isnt arguing that the rich and famous dont make history. My argument is that theyre not the only people that matter, as weve often been taught, she tells CNN. The small can be mighty. Its not just the mighty who are mighty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahons book offers two lessons for how everyday Americans today might move forward with new purpose. Lesson 1: Do the next needed thing In an undated black-and-white photograph, an unsmiling, bespectacled Virginia Randolph stares at the camera with a look that conveys resolve and confidence. She needed every measure of those qualities to do what she did. Randolph, a pioneering educator, is one of the characters that McMahon profiles in her book. Randolph was born to parents who had been enslaved and grew up in the Jim Crow South during an era where lynching was common and millions of Black Americans were stripped of their basic citizenship rights. Despite those obstacles, McMahon says Randolph went on to become one of Americas greatest educators, on par with Booker T. Washington, the civil rights leader who founded Tuskegee University. Virginia Randolph. - County of Henrico, Virginia, Historic Preservation and Museum Services Randolph started off teaching Black children in a rural school that was little more than a shack stuck in a pit of red mud. She would go on to establish and administer schools in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia that educated thousands of Black students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also pioneered teaching methods used throughout America and abroad. Randolph, who never married, adopted at least 14 children (some estimates said that at least 59 children boarded with her because they couldnt afford to pay for housing and attend school). What struck McMahon about Randolph was a credo that the educators mother used to repeat to her: Do the next right thing. It might seem easy now for some Americans to check out and give into despair because problems such as random gun violence and climate change seem insurmountable. But Randolph confronted problems like White supremacy and Jim Crow segregation that also seemed unsolvable. She never felt, though, that she had to fix everything and neither should we, McMahon says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more helpful posture is to do the next needed thing before us, she says. I need to educate the boys and girls in front of me. I need to make soup for a sick relative. Doing the next needed thing avoids the type of inaction that results from the belief that must rely on charismatic leaders to change America, McMahon says. We create the kind of progress we want to see far more quickly than waiting for the right leader to be elected, McMahon says. Because if were waiting, we could be waiting for eight to 12 years. But the power to do the next needed thing is available to each one of us today. Lesson 2: Refuse to give up on people In her day, Randolph fought against racial segregation. Today, the country is also confronting another type of segregation: ideological. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Racial segregation still exists in schools and communities across America. But Americans also are self-sorting into political enclaves. We live in blue and red states. Some people refuse to date someone of another political party. Even social media is undergoing a schism. Progressives are fleeing Elon Musks X, which is increasingly MAGA-friendly, and joining Bluesky, which is seen as more receptive to their views. If that all seems abstract, consider this question: When is the last time you sat down and had a calm, reflective conversation with someone who holds radically different political beliefs? Its easy to cancel some Americans when you dont agree with them, but Septima Clark, one of the characters in McMahons book, illustrates the folly of such an approach. Clark, a civil rights activist, was surrounded by enemies. Even her civil rights allies couldnt see her worth at times because of her gender. She has been largely lost to history because most historians focus on men like her famous colleague, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil rights activist Septima Clark, center, speaks from behind a lectern during a Southern Christian Leadership Conference banquet in Birmingham, Alabama, in August 1965. Among those also pictured are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King, at far left, and Rosa Parks, to Clark's immediate left. - Chris McNair/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark, dubbed the Mother of the Movement, played a crucial role in securing voting rights for Black people during the Jim Crow era of the mid-20th century. She established citizenship schools and literacy classes throughout the South, teaching Black residents how to fill out voting registration forms. Rosa Parks participated in one of Clarks workshops just months before she sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Clark didnt write off her enemies. She took a magnanimous approach and was willing to engage with White segregationist and civil rights activists who discounted her. Clark explained her philosophy in one passage in McMahons book: Some people slow down their growth after they become adults, Clark said. But you never know when a persons going to leap forward or change around completelyIve seen growth like most people dont think is possible. I can even work with my enemies because I know from experience that they might have a change of heart any minute. You cant change the minds of people you refuse to have contact with. It sounds so simple, but its often forgotten by todays political leaders who believe the best way to win is to turn out your base and ignore or demonize your opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for President Obama, alluded to this attitude in a recent essay. He noted Obama was the last Democratic president since Franklin Roosevelt to twice win the majority of the popular vote in part because of his background as a community organizer in Chicago. Community organizers spend their time talking to people who arent like them and dont think like them, Favreau wrote. Obama tried hard to empathize with people even if they werent for him, he made it clear that he was for them, Favreau wrote. Thats because organizers arent looking to perform for the people who already agree with them, Favreau wrote. Theyre looking to persuade the people who dont. They dont just want to be right. They want to win. They knew that hope was a choice The victories of the small and mighty arent always immediately apparent. Some of these historical figures werent just overlooked; they were reviled when they were alive. But their impact on America endures, McMahon says. I love the fact that somebody at her (Milhollands) funeral said no work for liberty is lost, McMahon says. It became part of the fabric of the nation. The country changes for the better because of the work of Inez Milholland. And because of others like her as well. McMahon says Americans can do the same today if they remember one final lesson from the small and mighty. Its about hope. They werent waiting for hope to be a feeling that descends upon us from the heavens like a beam of light, McMahon says. They knew that hope was a choice that they made. It was a choice to believe that things could be better. It was a choice to believe that what they did mattered. John Blake is a CNN senior writer and author of the award-winning memoir, More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) An alleged bombmaker who posted a video online with an explosive last year, asking Hey ATF, let me know if this is legal has pleaded guilty to federal charges. On August 7, 2023, the Putnam County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) arrested Levi Flatt, charging him with possession of prohibited weapons and alteration of serial numbers. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Baxter mans alleged Facebook video asking ATF if device is legal leads to federal charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from a video Flatt posted online, which showed him with a pound of tannerite, a pipe bomb and a wine bottle full of diesel. According to the PCSO, deputies stopped Flatts vehicle as he was driving toward the Putnam County Fair. Inside the vehicle, deputies reportedly found three pipe bombs, two Molotov cocktails, a handgun with a tampered serial number, approximately 160 rounds of ammunition, a flak jacket and a shield. Authorities investigating whether alleged bomb maker was targeting Putnam County Fair According to a News 2 report, authorities worked to determine whether Flatt was potentially targeting the fair. Deputies added they have had at least forty interactions with him since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after his arrest, on Aug. 9, 2023, officials said the ATF charged Flatt on the federal level with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a destructive device, possession of an unregistered destructive device and making a destructive device. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Deputies said Flatt pleaded guilty to the charges Friday, Dec. 20 at a Nashville courthouse and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. PCSO Sheriff Eddie Farris said he is thankful for the partnership we have with not only ATF but also federal, state, and local partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details were immediately 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 WKRN News 2. Focused Energy, a fusion power startup, has signed an agreement to secure two of the world's most powerful lasers, specifically designed for their critical role in nuclear fusion research. This strategic acquisition, made in partnership with leading laser manufacturer Amplitude, marks a significant step forward in Focused Energy's mission to achieve inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The inertial confinement fusion technology offers a potential solution to the world's growing energy needs with a limitless source of clean power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These laser systems will serve as the technological foundation from which Focused Energy will build the modular laser arrays necessary for a fusion pilot plant capable of supplying clean energy to the grid, said the startup in a press release. Focused Energy's ICF uses high-power lasers Focused Energy's inertial confinement fusion process utilizes many high-power lasers directed at a small fuel pellet. The lasers' energy compresses the pellet, increasing its density and temperature to extreme levels. This triggers a fusion reaction, mirroring the process that occurs within the sun, and releases a substantial amount of energy. This method has already achieved a historic milestone by demonstrating net-positive fusion power in 2022, thanks to a breakthrough by the US' National Ignition Facility (NIF). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This net-positive power means the fusion reaction generates more energy than the lasers used to start it. However, the path to commercially viable fusion power still presents challenges that scientists and engineers are trying to overcome. Overcoming challenges in fusion power To address the challenges, Focused Energy is making an investment in laser technology. The two lasers they are acquiring from Amplitude are classified as kilo-joule class and are designed for high energy output and repetition rates. These characteristics are vital for conducting the experiments needed to advance fusion research, particularly for optimizing the compression of deuterium-tritium fuel pellets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Focused Energy's direct drive laser fusion approach, lasers compress and then ignite millimeter-scale deuterium/tritium fusion fuel targets, explained the press release. The new lasers will enable Focused Energy to investigate the complexities of laser performance and fusion target design. A notable feature of these lasers is their ability to fire a laser pulse every 60 seconds. This allows for a rapid experimental process. Promise of fusion energy Focused Energy is constructing a new facility in the San Francisco Bay Area to house these lasers. This facility, expected to be operational within the next two years, will serve as a center for fusion research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once commercial fusion is reached, three soda cans worth of deuterium/tritium fusion fuel will be able to power a city the size of San Francisco for a day, emphasized Fusion Energy. Focused Energy's direct drive laser fusion approach is considered one of the most promising paths to achieving commercially viable fusion energy. Apart from Focused Energy, several other startups are working on developing a nuclear fusion reactor. One of them is MIT spin-off Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), which recently announced that it will build the worlds first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant in Virginia. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, seeks to establish the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema as a leading scientific institution for safeguarding religion and its sacred values across the African continent, the foundations Secretary General Mohamed Rifki said on Friday. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 6th Annual Ordinary Session of the Higher Council of the Foundation, Rifki highlighted the profound impact of the institutions methodology and annual plans on Africas religious landscape. The three-day session was held in Fez under the aegis of King Mohammed VI, who also serves as the foundations president. Rifki underlined the importance of implementing the foundations strategies effectively, emphasizing the need for its sections in member countries to play an active role in designing and executing action plans. These efforts, he said, should focus on ambitious, scientifically grounded programs that promote integration and ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with the foundations mission. The foundation remains committed to a scientific approach that ensures both performance and efficiency, Rifki added. Cheikh Boun Ly, president of the foundations Mauritanian section, expressed gratitude on behalf of African scholars for the Kings initiative, which aims to consolidate moderate religious values. Ly noted that the foundations work fosters communication and collaboration among its various sections across the continent. Malian member of the Foundation El Hussein Diakite praised the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has successfully brought together African scholars. This leadership is reflected in the sound governance of this honorable institution through its widespread presence across Africa, Diakite said, emphasizing the institutions unique approach to organizing such encounters. He stressed that one of its key objectives is to foster cohesion and understanding among the peoples of the continent, while contributing to the consolidation of political and social stability. He underlined that the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema works to anchor the moderate and enlightened Islamic thought in Africa, as these principles are the cornerstone of progress and development. The session concluded with the adoption of a final communique, approval of several projects, and the issuance of recommendations designed to further the foundations goals. On the sidelines of this session, a special ceremony honored four distinguished African scholars in recognition of their contributions to the service of the Holy Quran, the Hadith Nabawi Sharif, the African Islamic manuscripts, and the Common Religious Constants. During the same ceremony, prizes were awarded to 57 winners in the competitions held throughout the year, in various categories and levels. Dec. 20Stop-and-go traffic is the norm when Alan McCoy is birding. Especially on the relatively empty back roads near his home south of Spokane. He's always scanning the sky, the trees and the power lines. Any birdy-looking blob is a reason to hit the brakes. Sometimes the blob is just a blob. More often than not, however, the blob is a genuine ornithological surprise. "Hey! We've got a lesser goldfinch right here," McCoy said last Sunday morning, parking his truck haphazardly across a gravel road and hopping out with a camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lesser goldfinch, a tiny, yellow and black bird, is something "you'd see in Tucson," McCoy said. "They're here, but I haven't seen them for a while." There were actually two of them. He took a few pictures and then got back in the truck, where he recorded the pair on a clipboard, turning the birds into data points for the 125th iteration of the world's longest-running citizen science project: the Christmas Bird Count. Led by the National Audubon Society, the annual census draws thousands of volunteers into the field each year to count birds in specific areas across the continent each winter. It produces a staggering pile of data that researchers use to track the long-term health of bird populations. It all started in 1900 as a response to a separate bird-related holiday tradition. Hunters used to hold Christmas side hunts a competition between two teams to see who could kill the most birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank Chapman, an ornithologist and early Audubon Society officer, wasn't fond of that idea. He proposed a new idea instead of killing the birds, count them. That first year, a group of 27 birders held 25 counts across the continent. There were counts in a dozen states from New Hampshire to California and a couple in Canada. About 90 species were recorded, and a tradition was born. The counts have continued every year since, and they've expanded far and wide. Last year, there were more than 2,600 counts conducted by more than 83,000 volunteers, according to Audubon records. They take place in all 50 states plus Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico and more. Each count follows a few key guidelines. It must take place on a single day between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 and it must be focused on a specific area, known as a count circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the circle, which is 15 miles wide, birders fan out and do their best to log every wild feathered creature they find either on paper or on an app called eBird. Once it's over, a compiler puts the data together and submits it to the National Audubon Society. Volunteers get a kick out of contributing to such a vast database, but that's not the only reason people participate year after year. It's also just a good reason to go birding. "It's an Easter egg hunt," said Don Goodwin, an avid birder and longtime Christmas count participant who is also the director of bands at Eastern Washington University. There are a few count circles in the Inland Northwest, including one covering the city of Spokane that dates back to 1932. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Sunday was gameday for the Cheney count. McCoy, the president of the Spokane Audubon Society, established the Cheney count circle in 2018. The circle he drew which had to garner approval from national Audubon officials is centered just outside of Cheney and covers part of Medical Lake, all of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and the Slavin Conservation Area, a nice mix of scabland, forest and open country. Conveniently or selfishly it also covers McCoy's house. That's where the Sunday count started for McCoy and seven other birders, part of the team that was covering one chunk of the circle to cover, known as a territory. Elsewhere, there were birders stationed on feeders, counting the birds that dropped by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group gathered at McCoy's house was headed into the field, covering the territory by car and by foot. Around 7:30 a.m., they hunched over a map while McCoy told the group where they'd spend the morning. One pair was assigned to walk the Cheney wetlands. A trio was dispatched to the east side of the Slavin Conservation Area. McCoy and two others took the west side of Slavin. Later on, they'd meet up at Fish Lake. The short drive from McCoy's house to the western trailhead at Slavin took about an hour. There were a lot of birds to record along the way. First, there were the birds McCoy heard before even starting the truck raven, crossbills, a siskin. Across the road from his driveway, there were 40 or 50 starlings on a power line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the first turn, there were geese flying into a set of decoys maybe 20, minus the ones that hunters in a hay bale blind knocked down. By the time McCoy was marveling at the goldfinch, the count sheet was starting to fill up. "We haven't even gotten to our first place yet," he said. McCoy has lived in Spokane since the early 1980s. He's a piano technician by trade. For four decades, he tuned and fixed pianos around the region, including a long stint as the main technician for the pianos at EWU's music department. He picked up birding in his 20s, and the bug bit hard. There are binoculars staged at different spots in his house, just in case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He likes birding because he never knows exactly what he's going to see. And, when he does hit the brakes and reach for the binoculars, it takes some work to figure out what he's looking at. "It's just fun to puzzle it out yourself," he said. There's a bird book in the truck, but he hardly needs it. He seems to have every species memorized, along with their calls. At Slavin Conservation Area, he and the other two volunteers walked about three miles and logged 29 species, some by sound but most by sight. Most of the birds were waterfowl hanging out in the wetlands hundreds of Canada geese, at least five species of ducks, two types of swans and one blue heron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around noon, the group convened at Fish Lake and compared notes. Everybody agreed there were a lot of crossbills around. Nobody had seen a robin. Someone had seen a kestrel falcon. Someone else had seen a shrike. There was a picture of a swan that needed to be analyzed was it a tundra or a trumpeter? They also traded stories about past Christmas counts. The weather is never guaranteed to be good, and they've all toughed out days with blowing snow and freezing temperatures. This year wasn't so bad. It was midday, and the action was slow at the lake. The group drove over to a house in Marshall, where the owners were having people over to watch their bird feeders and scan a nearby pond. Just before everyone packed up to leave, a Cooper's hawk showed up, providing a jolt of excitement. When they left, there was about an hour of daylight left. One group called it good, handing McCoy a few pages with their counts for the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCoy and the others searched longer, running a three-car convoy through the countryside as they found the last few birds of the day. To the uninitiated, birding may seem monotonous, like something that can't be done for eight consecutive hours. But for people like McCoy, it stays exciting all day long. He stays focused. The next blob in a tree could lead to something special. At one spot, he pulled over for a red tailed hawk, then watched as it flew across the road. A raven showed up and started pestering the hawk. They swooped and darted, and the raven seemed to get the upper hand. It was the sort of high drama you miss if you don't stop and look for it. "It's just fun," McCoy said. "Unless you're the red tail." A Clayton County homeowner ended up in jail, charged with criminal trespass after trying to move back into her home occupied by an alleged squatter. I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home, Loletha Hale told Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray. Clayton County police officers and Sheriffs deputies were called to the home on Livingston Drive on Dec. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deputy can be heard on body camera footage telling Hale to look at things from the alleged squatters point of view. Just think of it from this perspective, though. Everybody isnt as fortunate as you to have a bed. All the little things, a bed in their house, food in the kitchen, the deputy said. TRENDING STORIES: But Hale said this all started in August when she found an alleged squatter in the home and called police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police cited the alleged squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson, using the new Georgia Squatter Reform Act. But Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Lates-Johnson ruled that Sakemeyia Johnson is not a squatter because she is related to a previously evicted tenants partner. How can she not be squatting when Ive never had any type of contract relationship with this person? Hale said. In sheriffs department bodycam video from the scene on Dec. 9, Johnson told responding officers, I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasnt a squatter. That started a multi-month court battle with multiple filings, hearings and appeals. Johnson even filed for bankruptcy, listing Hale as her only creditor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Nov. 18, a magistrate judge issued a final judgment in Hales favor. Hale said she thought Johnson had moved out of the home and came over the weekend to start cleaning up the home. I returned on Monday to start painting and she had broken the locks at my property, Hale said. She just caught up out of nowhere. She had this guy with him, and I locked the door. I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out, Johnson told police. In the incident report, the responding deputy wrote that Hale executed an illegal eviction and forcibly removed Ms. Johnsons belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident report states that in cell phone video Hale could clearly be heard stating leave before I get my gun. Officers on the scene confirmed with court staff that Hale has not obtained a signed writ of possession in order to legally evict a tenant. Hale admits that, saying she has been waiting for weeks for the document to be signed by a magistrate judge. To see that woman walk into my moms house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture. Hale has been charged with criminal trespassing and a misdemeanor count of terroristic threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged squatter has not been charged with any crime. Channel 2 Action News received the following statement from Chief Magistrate Judge Keisha Wright Hill: A timetable for the resolution of this matter cannot be given by the Clayton County Magistrate Court, as the tenant filed a timely appeal to the Superior Court of Clayton County. Any timelines would have to be addressed by Superior Court. The previous delay in this matter was a result of the tenant filing bankruptcy, which resulted in an automatic stay of the proceeding. DOOR COUNTY, WI (WFRV) Door Countys Elmer Miller was in the 22nd Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, which arrived in the rugged Ardennes region in France the day the Battle of the Bulge started on December 16th, 1944. After a very short train up, they get committed right into the fighting, explained Craig Kolakowski, Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. He is killed in action on January 5th, 1945, and is buried overseas. Hometown Heroes: Green Bay native Milo C. Huempfner was a one man army Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madisons Wisconsin Veterans Museum now preserves some of his last correspondence with his wife back home in Wisconsin. It is a reminder that the men of Americas greatest generation didnt set out to make history. They just wanted to raise a family. They had a newborn, revealed Kolakowski. He had met her. The letters are talking about that, her first Christmas, and shopping. Tragically, he didnt see the baby he called a rascal grow up. He also never received the Christmas present his young bride sent overseas to him, in the failed hope he would find comfort in a time of chaos. His wife sent him an army-issue necktie and got it back undeliverable because he died. She never took it out of the packaging. We received it the way she got it back. This reminds us that they were just people and also reminds you about the cost of war or any war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11th would fight on into Germany and on May 5th, 1945, they liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp. Hometown Heroes: Pulaski native Eugene Kraszewski reflects on 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge But not before 432 of them were killed in action. Among them was Elmer Miller of Wisconsin. As a proud descendant of Wisconsin veterans going back to the Civil War, said Kolakowski, There is an ethos of service and it is encapsulated in the Wisconsin idea that you should look to serve something greater than yourself. To see the museums collection 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. More than a year ago, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker warned Missouri Gov. Mike Parson that pardoning former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere, the citys first officer ever convicted of killing a Black man, would fuel distrust in the public safety system. Parsons chief of staff at the time blasted the Democratic prosecutors warning, contained in a letter, accusing her of weaponizing it for political purposes. On Friday, the Republican governor freed DeValkenaere from prison, issuing a commutation that placed the former detective on parole. Community activists, officials and others who have closely watched the case say the action will sharply damage relationships between Kansas City residents and police as Baker predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres any question, were going to have people losing an even higher level of trust than is currently out there, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat and the citys first Black mayor said ahead of the clemency announcement. DeValkenaere, who is white, was convicted in 2021 of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, a Black man, in December 2019. DeValkenaere shot and killed the 26-year-old as Lamb was backing his pickup truck into his garage. The shooting took place roughly nine seconds after DeValkenaere and his partner pulled up to Lambs residence. DeValkenaere, found guilty by a judge after waiving his right to a jury trial, was sentenced to six years in prison but remained free on bond as his criminal appeal worked through the courts. The ex-detective surrendered to authorities in October 2023 when the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld his conviction. Even before rumors of a possible pardon began circulating in 2023, Lambs friends and allies had decried what they said was the lenient treatment afforded to DeValkenaere throughout the legal process pointing to how he was long allowed to remain free on bond. The clemency only cements that impression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows a miscarriage of justice. It shows that our judicial system is as out of whack as it has been for forever, said Sheryl Ferguson, founder of Its Time 4 Justice. Trust in governmental institutions, especially police, hinges on whether the public believes wrongdoers will face consequences, said Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project. When we see someone who we know did something wrong or something concerning be able to avoid any consequences for that or the consequences we think are sufficient, Bonds said, that really makes you say, well, there isnt that system in place. There arent those safeguards. There isnt some way to make sure that police officers who do the wrong thing are being dealt with and do face accountability. Parson had long signaled he was seriously contemplating offering clemency to DeValkenaere. The governor, a former Polk County sheriff, had criticized Bakers prosecution and lamented that the ex-officer was in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker in June 2023 wrote to Parson, urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere and, at the very least, to speak with Lambs family. Lambs family has repeatedly said they have never heard from the governor. Baker, who didnt run for reelection and will leave office in early January, wrote that while she expected clemency to ignite protests and public safety concerns for citizens and police, the greater long-term harm would be an erosion of our public safety system as fair and just. Distrust in the system would only grow because of a pardon, Baker wrote, telling the governor that, already, witnesses dont want to testify and victims decline to prosecute their attackers. Parsons chief of staff at the time, Aaron Willard, wrote back that the governor would continue to uphold a record of objective justice, while noting that Parson believed in second chances. In a statement, Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said: In Missouri, clemency powers rest exclusively with the Governor. After careful consideration, Governor Parson today exercised his constitutional authority on a number of final pending clemency petitions. Stinging message The announcement is expected to represent a demoralizing bombshell within Kansas Citys Black community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas City Police Department has struggled for years to improve trust among Black residents. Lambs killing marked a particularly low point, with Rick Smith, then the police chief, heard on tape saying bad guys dead following the shooting. As Smith prepared to retire, Parson said he was a big fan of the police chief. The U.S. Department of Justice in 2022 launched an investigation into KCPDs hiring and employment practices. The Star previously found that the number of Black officers was lower than it had been decades ago, that Black officers were disproportionately disciplined by KCPD, and at least 18 officers had left because of racist treatment over a 15-year period. Its going to be a horrible message to a city that has already been struggling with trying to build any kind of rapport with the police. Theres still the dont talk mentality that we have, Ferguson said. And I know the police have been working very hard to try to change that vision but this is doing nothing but going to add to it. Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, previously told The Star that clemency would send a chilling message that law enforcement officers are held to a lower standard of accountability than the rest of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lambs family had braced themselves for the likely clemency. At an event marking the 5th anniversary of Lambs death Dec. 3, 2019 family members voiced anger and frustration about what was coming. Whatever happens, Lambs stepfather, Aquil Bey, told the crowd that had gathered, dont let it destroy the commitment thats been made and the connection that has been made with the community and those like in law enforcement or in our judicial system. Laurie Bey, mother of Cameron Lamb, center, releases balloons with family members during a ceremony commemorating the 5th anniversary of the death of Lamb at the Black Archives of Mid-America on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State control of Kansas City police compounds the challenge facing the department as it seeks to build relationships. Kansas City is one of the only cities in the country with a state-governed police force, leaving local elected officials and, in turn, residents little direct power over how the department operates. Under current law, a five-member Board of Police Commissioners oversees the department. Every member on the board is appointed by the governor, with the exception of the mayor, the only elected official on the board. Parson and Gov-elect Mike Kehoe have voiced support for the state control system, which enjoys broad support among Missouri Republicans. After St. Louis regained control of its police force a decade ago, for instance, some GOP lawmakers now want to return it to state control. Chiefs focus The current KCPD chief, Stacey Graves, was named by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners to the top role in April 2022. A veteran of the force, she cast herself as a change agent and someone who could build bridges after years of intense criticism of the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Graves has faced questions about DeValkenaere. Her husband, Daniel Graves, wrote a letter seeking leniency from the court as DeValkenaeres appeal was about to get underway. Daniel Graves, who said DeValkenaere lived across the street from their Northland home in 2008, wrote the criminal charges were politically motivated in his letter. Chief Graves previously told The Star it is not unusual for police officers to show their support for a colleague in peril. That whole situation (fatal shooting) was a tragedy, Graves previously said. Someone lost their son. Someone lost their father. It was a tragedy. And I bet if you asked everyone involved in that situation if they could have a do over again they would say yes, and things would be different. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves answers questions during a press conference at KCPD Headquarters on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Kansas City. Chief Graves addressed the media, discussing the violent crime trends in 2023 and outlined safety measures for the upcoming year. KCPD Capt. Jake Becchina said in a recent email that Graves hadnt expressed an opinion to Parson or Kehoe regarding clemency for DeValkenaere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Graves has maintained an intense focus on community engagement and relationship building since she was appointed as Chief two years ago, that focus remains unchanged, Becchina said. Cleaver said he respected Graves decisions so far. I dont know if the mistrust or distrust is headed toward the upper echelon of the police department as much as it is the process of whats going on, Cleaver said. Its like people are doing what they want to do and if they have friends in high places, its OK. And weve got to turn this around. The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed reporting The House of Representatives approved a government spending bill with only a few hours left to spare before a crucial midnight deadline that would have shut down the government before Christmas. The Senate followed suit about 40 minutes past midnight. The House voted 366-34. One member voted present. All 34 no votes were Republicans. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, voted 85-11. The vote sent the measure to president Joe Biden, who was expected to sign it into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill to fund the government through mid-March marked a third attempt within two days to avert a shutdown, after Donald Trump and Elon Musk commanded Congress to ditch the original bipartisan framework and left congressional Democrats and even some Republicans exhausted with the growing political influence of the worlds wealthiest person. The funding battle glimpsed how Democrats are approaching the incoming Trump-Musk administration and how they will navigate Trumps agenda with an extremely slim Republican majority. Here, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries forced Republicans to fight among themselves. Republicans were openly calling for a shutdown, then whipped to accept a new deal under House Speaker Mike Johnson, while leaving out Trumps central demand to abolish the debt ceiling. Johnson told reporters Friday he was in constant contact with Trump and spoke with Musk an hour before the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country, he said of his conversations with Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson worked with Democrats to pass a third attempt at a short-term spending bill to avert a shutdown December 20 (REUTERS) A government shutdown would have stalled paychecks for US military service members, forced federal agencies to close, furloughed workers just before Christmas, and threatened critical services and benefits. The standoff shows just how much Republicans in the House and the Senate, where they will take the majority next year, will have to cater to Trump and Musks will. But there were few signs that Johnson could face a credible challenger for the gavel in a few weeks. Speaker Johnson's shown tremendous leadership this week through very difficult times, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who could challenge Johnson, told The Independent. Look, both through a narrow majority that we have, but also just the difficulties of keeping government running when you have a lot of different factions on our side and you still have to deal with a Democrat Senate, a Democrat White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect had also hoped to include an agreement that would scrap the debt ceiling in an effort to grease the wheels for major items on his agenda, including massive tax cuts that would explode the deficit and a mass deportation operation that could cost billions of dollars and deal an enormous blow to the economy. We have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy, and hurting working-class Americans, Jeffries told reporters after Fridays vote. House Democrats stopped the billionaire boys club, said Jeffries, calling the stop-gap measure a victory for the American people. A relatively slim 118-page bill covers a bulk of government funding, disaster relief and payments to farmers but the bill removed measures supporting pediatric cancer research, funding for community health centers, and prescription drug reform, among other measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also removes restrictions on investments in China. Democratic congresswoman Rose DeLauro the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee warned congressional leadership that removing the provision calls into question Musks extensive investments in China while hes working closely with the incoming administration. Musk spent Friday making fun of her appearance to his millions of followers on X, comparing her to a skeksis from The Dark Crystal franchise, and inspiring a flood of harassing messages and AI-generated memes about the 81-year-old congresswoman. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters December 20 that Speaker Johnson and Republicans created a mess with Trump and Musk over the spending bill chaos (Getty Images) At the behest of the worlds richest man who no one voted for, the Congress has been thrown into pandemonium, DeLauro said in remarks on the House floor. It leads you to the question of, who is in charge? I thought that there was a Republican majority in this body. Not a President Musk majority. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said a government shutdown heading into the holiday week would mean service members and air traffic controllers go to work without pay, essential government services for hardworking Americans would be paused, and economic disruption would occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an order by President-elect Trump Republicans walked away from a bipartisan deal and threatened to shut down the government at the 11th hour in order to pave the way to provide tax breaks for billionaires. This revised legislation does not do that, she said. Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna of Florida told reporters she supported the latest measure to bring home funding to my district for hurricane relief victims. It was still better than the 1,500-page monstrosity that was initially thrusted onto the entire chamber, she said. Republican Senator Thom Tillis told The Independent that whoever advised Trump that a debt ceiling deal would even be possible needs to better understand how this place works. Republicans had zero leverage to get that provision passed in the Democratically-controlled Senate, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I wish that President Trump had been advised ... that it was never in the cards, he said. Democratic congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was the sole Democrat to vote present during Fridays vote. I think that we are walking into unprecedented times, so I dont know whats to come, she told reporters. I never anticipated that this will go down this way, and so well just see, but hopefully we will continue to stand following tonight. Eric Garcia reported from Washington, D.C. The House approved legislation to avert a government shutdown hours before the deadline Friday, sending the bill to the Senate for consideration after a whirlwind week on Capitol Hill. The chamber voted 366-34-1 in support of the legislation, clearing the two-thirds threshold needed for passage since GOP leadership brought the bill to the floor under the fast-track suspension of the rules process. All Democrats except one Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas), who voted present joined 170 Republicans in voting yes. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters that the upper chamber could move on the continuing resolution Friday. Lawmakers are staring down a midnight deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), after the vote, lauded the legislation as America First legislation because it allows us to be set up to deliver for the American people. In January, we will make a sea change in Washington. President Trump will return to D.C. and to the White House, and we will have Republican control of the Senate and the House. Things are going to be very different around here. This was 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, he said. The package which Johnson rolled out shortly before the vote would fund the government at current levels through March 14, extend the farm bill for one year and appropriate billions of dollars in disaster relief and assistance for farmers. The legislation does not, however, include language to increase the debt limit, an eleventh-hour demand from President-elect Trump that hurled a curveball into the sensitive government funding negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In lieu of the debt ceiling hike, Republicans entered into an agreement to increase the borrowing limit by $1.5 trillion in exchange for $2.5 trillion in net cuts to spending, done through a reconciliation package in the next Congress, two sources told The Hill. House passage of the government funding plan marks the culmination of a tumultuous three days on Capitol Hill. Republicans cycled through four different spending proposals, grappled with the influence of Trump and Elon Musk and, for some, grew increasingly frustrated with Johnsons handling of the situation. It is just a preview of what is expected to be a chaotic period in Washington, with Republicans poised to hold a slim majority in the House and GOP lawmakers preparing to legislate at the whims of the incoming Trump administration. In the short term, meanwhile, questions are mounting about whether Johnson will be able to keep hold of the gavel on Jan. 3, when he takes his Speaker nomination to the House chamber for a floor vote. Johnson can only afford to lose a handful of Republicans during that vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans unanimously nominated Johnson to be Speaker in November, but their discontent with him has grown since particularly in light of his leadership throughout the funding fight. Were legislating by Braille here, said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has been public in his decision not to support Johnson next month. I think this wasnt handled well, and then I still have all the grievances from last at the beginning of this year, FISA, Ukraine, all of those things. I think theres going to be a reckoning eventually. The funding deal cleared on Friday was the fourth proposal Johnson unveiled throughout the government funding debacle. First, he rolled out a bipartisan, bicameral package negotiated by top lawmakers that would extend funding through March 14 while also including a number of extraneous policy provisions. The Speaker, however, never brought it to the floor amid Trumps opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next came a proposal to fund the government until mid-March and suspend the debt limit for two years, an attempt to cater to Trumps fourth-quarter demand. Democrats and a group of Republicans, however, torpedoed that measure, sending Johnson back to the drawing board. On Friday morning, lawmakers floated splitting the funding package into three components to hold separate votes on a continuing resolution, disaster aid and assistance for farmers that would be considered under a procedural rule. But after a closed-door conference, Johnson opted for the single spending bill that included disaster aid and assistance for farmers, moving to consider it under the fast-track process. We will not have a government shutdown, Johnson said. And we will meet our obligations for our farmers who need aid, for the disaster victims all over the country, and for making sure that military and essential services and everyone who relies upon the federal government for a paycheck gets paid over the holidays. And after a quick caucus meeting, several House Democrats said they would back the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bulk of the funding in the stopgap plan would go toward disaster aid, with about $100 billion in relief amid increased bipartisan pressure in both chambers following hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some of the biggest line items in the disaster aid portion includes almost $29 billion in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys disaster relief fund as officials have warned of dwindling funds in recent weeks. Theres about $2 billion in funding for the Small Business Administrations (SBA) disaster loans program, which businesses and homeowners rely on for low-interest loans to recover from disasters. Of that amount, $50 million is assigned to the Office of Inspector General for the SBA for audits and reviews of disaster loan and disaster loan programs. Officials said the program ran out of funds during hurricane season. More than $20 billion would go toward the Department of Agriculture for disaster aid, while lawmakers also agreed on an additional $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers, as well as about $8 million for oversight under the Office of the Inspector General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also upward of $12 billion in funding included for the Environmental Protection Agency, and the departments of Agriculture Forest Service and the Interior that negotiators say is important to address consequences of disasters in 2024 and in recent years. But many Democrats have criticized the skimmed down version of the funding agreement they struck with GOP leadership earlier this week. They want to take out things like cancer care for children, things like reforms for the pharmacy benefit managers that lower prices of drugs for Americans. They want to take out community health centers, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said of Republicans. Some House Republicans have also lamented the chipping away of previous add-ons that had buy-in from both sides of the aisle, particularly on the health care end, and have called out Trump allies like Musk for spreading misinformation about some of the contents of the earlier funding package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional items that had come under fire in the original bipartisan funding plan that have since been scrubbed included measures that would transfer administrative jurisdiction over the RFK stadium to D.C., and language that would have allowed cost-of-living adjustments for lawmakers salaries for the first time in years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The House approved a funding bill to avert a government shutdown just hours before the midnight deadline. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. The legislation passed by a vote of 366 in favor to 34 against, with 196 Democrats and 170 Republicans supporting the bill. All Democrats except one Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas), who voted present voted yes. The measure would fund the government at current levels until March 14, and contains provisions for allocating roughly $100 billion to relief efforts to aid Americans in hurricane recovery and other natural disasters in the past two years, and $10 billion in aid to farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Elon Musk, self-described First Buddy of President-elect Donald Trump, attacked the proposed funding in a direct challenge to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who rolled out the sweeping plan on Tuesday that included provisions to cut prescription drug costs and curb private-sector investment to China. The billionaire went on a posting spree on X (formerly Twitter) and amplified misinformation about the 1,500-page bill as did his nongovernmental commission, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which recommended cuts to government spending and regulations to the incoming Trump administration. Trump also opposed the resolution, according to a joint statement previously shared by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The president-elect demanded Republicans suspend or abolish the debt ceiling, effectively terminating a source of leverage for Democrats when he takes office. However, the issue of the debt ceiling was not included in this bill despite pressure from Trump and his allies. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WASHINGTON (NewsNation) President Joe Biden on Saturday signed legislation that averts a government shutdown heading into Christmas. The deal funds the government at current levels through March 14 and provides $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to 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, a statement from Biden read in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress voted to support a measure keeping the government funded to avoid a shutdown, sending the bill to the president just after a looming deadline. The House voted 366-34-1 in support of the legislation to avoid a shutdown, while the Senate voted 85-11, just past the midnight deadline. The White House said President Joe Biden will sign the bill into law. There will be no government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the bill America first legislation. Were grateful that everyone stood together to do the right thing, Johnson told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what made the cut in Congress 1,500-page government funding deal The bill, which is more than 1,500 pages, would keep the government funded at current levels through March 14, 2025. It also includes add-ons like more than $100 billion in disaster and emergency funding, a healthcare-related package, and an extension of the farm bill. The vote comes after weeks of back and forth, likely marking the end of tumultuous negotiations on Capitol Hill. Republicans had abandoned a bipartisan plan Wednesday to prevent a shutdown after President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk came out against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, thinks Fridays resolution is a loss for the president-elect, calling it a self-inflicted wound. Trump instigated the fight and he got beaten, Bolton said on NewsNations On Balance with Leland Vittert Friday. Bolton added: I think this vote on the continuing resolution could really tell a lot about what may happen in Congress generally once we get past the first of the year. More Americans optimistic about coming year: Marist survey What are Republicans and Democrats saying? The bill cleared the two-thirds threshold needed for passage but 34 Republican lawmakers opposed the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representative Mike Lawler, a New York Republican who voted in favor of the bill, dismissed concerns of a fractured GOP caucus on CUOMO Friday. A lot of my colleagues have never voted for a [continuing resolution] or to increase the debt ceiling, so Im not surprised, Lawler told NewsNations Chris Cuomo. He added: Were going to have a unified government and Republicans do agree that we need to rein in federal spending. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash, accused the GOP of double-talking when it comes to fiscal responsibility. Have you heard them point to one, single, solitary specific cut that they would do? Smith said on CUOMO. What is the spending bill? The spending bill lays out how to distribute federal money to agencies, departments and programs that keep the government running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creating this budget has led to many clashes between Republicans and Democrats. What were the two sides arguing about? Trump had tied a demand for dealing with the debt ceiling to the dispute over government funding, saying one should not be addressed without the other. When he rejected the spending proposal Wednesday, Trump said that he wanted the debt ceiling debate settled before he takes office next month. Warning of trouble ahead for Johnson and Republicans in Congress, Trump told Fox News Digital, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Senator Rand Paul pushes Elon Musk for House Speaker After meeting with his caucus, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries rejected any possibility that his members would bail out Republicans as the shutdown threat loomed. 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 Thursday on social media. Hard pass. Jeffries and other Democrats said Republicans should honor the spending agreement that was negotiated before Trump got involved. Which agencies would have been impacted by a shutdown? Each federal agency determines its own plan for how to handle a shutdown, but basically, any government operations deemed nonessential stop happening, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees would have seen their work disrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin lawmakers to set up DOGE-inspired committee called GOAT Sometimes, workers would have been furloughed, meaning that they kept their jobs but temporarily didnt work until the government reopened. Other federal workers might have stayed on the job but without pay, with the expectation that they would be paid back in full once the government reopened. What was Elon Musks role? Musk brought to a sudden halt a bipartisan budget proposal by posting constantly on X (formerly Twitter) and threatening Republicans with primary challenges. The social media warnings preceded Trumps condemnation of a measure negotiated by GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson, which effectively killed the stopgap measure that was designed to prevent a partial shutdown of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. 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 A recent study by Simon Fraser University researchers has revealed how an overlooked type of indirect brain damage contributes to ongoing disability after a stroke. The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows how the thalamusa sort of central networking hub that regulates functions such as language, memory, attention and movementis affected months or years after a person has experienced a stroke, even though it was not directly damaged itself. The findings may lead to new therapies that could reduce the burden of chronic stroke, which remains one of the leading causes of disability in the world. "Our findings suggest that indirect damage to the thalamus plays an important and under-explored role in the abnormal brain activity and long-term disability that often follow stroke," says Phillip Johnston, lead author of the study and a graduate student working with Randy McIntosh at the SFU Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology. "But unlike the brain tissue that dies due to direct damage from the stroke lesion, the thalamus appears to be disrupted but still somewhat intact, offering some hope that new treatments could promote recovery by restoring its function, or preventing its disruption in the first place." For the study, researchers recorded the brain activity of 18 chronic stroke patients and used computer models to understand how this brain activity reflects abnormal thalamus function when compared to healthy individuals. By studying the brain activity and anatomy of stroke survivors, the researchers say there appears to be a link between the amount of indirect damage suffered to the thalamus and the level of impairment a patient experiences. Johnston explains that the thalamus communicates widely with the rest of the brain via many long connections, called axons, which makes it susceptible to indirect damage. When axons are injured by stroke in other regions of the brain, the damage can travel along the cell and damage neurons in the thalamus, causing its function to be impaired. This impairment also has a knock-on effect of disrupting the functions that the now-damaged thalamus would normally regulate in other undamaged parts of the brain. If certain treatments, such as drugs or brain stimulation, could restore normal function in the thalamus, or mitigate the impact of damage traveling to the thalamus and keep it operating normally, researchers believe some long-term impacts of stroke could be alleviated. "These findings also raise many new questions about which facets of post-stroke disability are due to indirect thalamus disruption, and which are due to direct damage from the lesion itself," says McIntosh. "The thalamus could undergo several types of damage following stroke and we don't know if one type in particular, or a combination, produces the abnormal brain activity observed in this study. A crucial next step will be investigating how indirect thalamus damage and related abnormal brain activity develops over time, particularly in the first hours and days after the stroke." The study was done in collaboration with SFU's Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology and the Rotman Research Institute at the University of Toronto. WASHINGTON The Senate gave final passage to a bill early Saturday morning to keep the government open for three more months, sending it to President Joe Biden's desk to end the threat of a government shutdown during the holidays. The vote was 85-11. The Republican-controlled House passed the bill hours earlier. Although the final vote technically went past the midnight deadline to avert a shutdown, the White House said that Biden would sign the bill Saturday and avoid forcing U.S. troops, Border Patrol agents, air traffic controllers and millions of other federal workers to work without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Agencies will not shut down and may continue normal operations," Emilie Simons, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary, posted on X. The House vote was 366-34, with all opposition coming from Republicans and one member voting present. It capped a tumultuous week that foreshadowed how the new Congress in January might deal with a mercurial Donald Trump back in the White House. The package funds the government at current levels through March 14, and includes $100 billion in disaster aid and a one-year farm bill while stripping out a debt limit extension demanded by President-elect Trump earlier in the week. On Wednesday, Trump had threatened to primary Any Republican who voted for a funding bill without a debt limit extension; on Friday, 170 House Republicans did just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters after the vote. It funds the government, of course, until March of 2025. That was a big priority for us. He vowed that things are going to be very different around here next year when Trump returns and Republicans capture the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called it good news late Friday that the Senate had reached unanimous agreement to skip the usual hurdles and speedily pass the funding bill. Just three days ago, House and Senate leaders from both parties struck an agreement to keep the governments lights on, but Trump and his billionaire confidant Elon Musk killed the deal, insisting at the eleventh hour it needed to extend or abolish the debt limit to make way for Trumps agenda next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A backup plan slimmed down from the original deal and endorsed by Trump and Musk then went down in flames on the House floor, tanked by Democrats as well as 38 Republicans who objected to the debt extension. That left Johnson, who is fighting to keep his speakership, with few good options. After privately huddling with rank-and-file Republicans for more than two hours Friday, Johnson told his party he was pressing forward with Plan C: the same package brought to the floor a day earlier but without Trumps debt increase. President-elect Donald Trump is staying mum on the new funding plan for now. Exiting the private GOP meeting, Johnson told reporters there would not be a shutdown and that House Republicans are unified. We will not have a government shutdown, and we will meet our obligations for our farmers who need aid, for the disaster victims all over the country, and for making sure that military and essential services and everyone who relies upon the federal government for a paycheck is paid over the holidays, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said he spoke to both Trump and Musk on Friday. Ive talked to President Trump, in detail, and he knows exactly what were doing, the speaker said. Musk appeared to endorse the plan as the House was voting, writing on his social media site X that Johnson did a good job here, given the circumstances. The president-elect had chosen to remain silent on the bill, according to another source familiar with his thinking. Trumps preference was still to address the debt ceiling, that source said, adding, Johnson should have listened when the President-elect told him this a month ago. And in every conversation since. But Trump may be willing to take a win on a funding deal that cuts a significant amount of what he saw as pork, the source continued, noting that the process gave Trumps team insight into where votes are in both parties for dealing with the debt limit next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get around Trumps last-minute demand of raising the debt ceiling, Republicans have instead agreed to commit to slash more than $2 trillion in government spending and tuck a debt hike likely into a reconciliation package next year, according to multiple lawmakers. Some Republicans doubt the debt limit pact is worth the paper it's printed on. They call that a gentlemans agreement, I think, said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn. And there are no gentlemen up here, dude. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com With mere hours to go before the deadline, the House of Representatives on Friday passed a government funding bill that will allow Washington to avoid a shutdown. The bill headed to the Senate for a vote soon after, after which its expected to hit President Joe Bidens desk for a sign-off. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed 366-34, with the opposition coming from the GOP camp and one member voting present. The new version of the plan, which was cobbled together by Republicans following outcry from President-elect Donald Trump and incoming Vice President J.D. Vance, among others, strips away a number of provisions that conservative Republicans characterized as extraneous. The final, slimmed-down bill text does not contain the five-year extension to the Haiti HOPE-HELP trade preference programs featured in Tuesdays version. It does contain full federal funding for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed in March after a container ship slammed into one of its support columns. It also maintains an extension of the farm bill and a $100-billion relief package for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and victims of recent natural disasters, like the multiple hurricanes that pummeled Florida this fall. While Trump lobbied hard for a debt limit extension as a part of the package, telling Republicans that they should vote against the bill if the issue wasnt addressed, he didnt get his wish. Earlier in the week, he threatened any sitting Member of Congress with a primary challenge if they voted for a bill without a debt limit extension, but as the deadline loomed dangerously close, it was scrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Friday following the vote. It funds the government, of course, until March of 2025; that was a big priority for us. Trump acolyte and newly anointed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lead Elon Musk praised a beleaguered Johnson on Friday evening, tweeting, The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces. Ball should now be in the Dem court. The House of Representatives has passed legislation to keep open the US government, just hours before a midnight deadline was set to expire. After days of high-level drama in which Donald Trump and Elon Musk told Republicans to block legislation, they eventually backed a similar bill that would fund the government until March. The measure the House passed on Friday evening was a stripped-down version of a bill Mr Musk railed against on Wednesday and Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had threatened to try and oust Republicans who backed it. Addressing the new version of the bill, he said: It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces. The bill, which must be passed by the Senate and signed into law by Joe Biden before the end of Friday, contains $100 billion for disaster-hit states and $10 billion for farmers. If the bill was not passed, swathes of the federal government would have run out of money on Saturday, furloughing thousands of workers and stalling non-essential government programmes. Earlier on Friday, Mr Trump said he did not mind if the government had to shut down and suggested the blame would fall on Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under TRUMP, he wrote on social media. Government shutdowns are invariably unpopular with the public, and create a congressional bottleneck that force representatives of different parties to compromise. The last shutdown took place during Mr Trumps first presidency at the at the end of 2018, and lasted for 35 days. Mr Trump came around to supporting the legislation passed on Friday, but had originally backed a bigger measure that would have seen Congress also agree to suspend the federal debt limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet three-dozen hardline conservatives declined to support such a measure, defying Mr Trump. That bill was defeated on Thursday and pushed Congress towards further chaos and confusion. Democrats said the weeks events demonstrated the rising influence of Mr Musk, the worlds richest person, who has previously shown little interest in the day-to-day workings of politics. Some have called him President Musk suggesting his combination of wealth and influence gives him power unlike any other Trump ally. One Republican senator suggested Mr Musk could replace Representative Mike Johnson as the Speaker of the House, since the role does not have to be filled by a member of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Mr Musk endorsed Mr Trump this summer, he spent $250m backing him and other Republicans in Novembers elections. After his victory, Mr Trump announced that Mr Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who had challenged him in the Republican primaries, would oversee an effort to reduce government spending and waste. The pair of billionaires were appointed to head a new advisory team they say will cut regulations, spending and head counts within the federal government. The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, aims to cut as much as 2 trillion dollars from federal spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays vote in the House was passed 366-34, with all but one Democrat backing the measure and 34 Republicans voting against. The Democratic representative Marcy Kaptur, of Ohio, voted present. After the vote, Mr Johnson sounded delighted and relieved. We are excited about this outcome tonight. Were grateful that everyone stood together to do the right thing, he said, adding that Republicans were now looking forward to Mr Trump taking office on Jan 20. We are set up for a big and important new start in January, he said. We cant wait to get to that point. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, said that while the legislation did not contain everything Democrats had wanted, Mr Biden was ready to sign it to avoid a shutdown. 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. After a week of turmoil, Congress approved a spending package that will continue government funding until mid-March and provide additional relief for natural disaster survivors as well as aid to farmers. Congress lawmakers averted a government shutdown after finally passing a spending package that will continue to fund the government at current levels until mid-March, though the Senate missed the midnight deadline. The legislation will also provide $110 billion in funding for natural disaster survivors and aid to farmers, as well as grant an extension to the farm bill, a multiyear law that provides farm loans and conservation programs to enhance water quality and combat soil erosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday evening, the bill easily cleared the two-thirds majority needed to pass in the House by a vote of 366 to 34. Most Republicans voted in favor, except for 34 who opposed it. All Democrats voted for it except one who voted "present." At about 12:40 a.m. ET, the Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 85 to 11, following hours of debate and votes on other bills. President Joe Biden signed the bill midday Saturday. "This agreement represents a compromise, which means neither side got everything it wanted," Biden said in a statement. "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." While lawmakers technically blew past the deadline, the Office of Management and Budget said it didn't shut down government operations because the Senate was expected to approve the bill soon after midnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the spending package will come at the expense of President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise the debt ceiling, which he admitted he wanted now so Biden could take the blame for increased borrowing. Instead of lifting the debt limit before Trump takes office, Republicans are considering a handshake deal promising to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion early next year and cull future government spending by $2.5 trillion. This will not be voted upon and does not have the force of law. Meanwhile, the new spending bill also excluded a key priority for Democrats, namely provisions to fund pediatric cancer research. After questioning hours earlier whether the spending package was "a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?", Elon Musk, co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency, took to X again to congratulate House Speaker Mike Johnson while voting was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances," he wrote. "It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces." What's next for the debt limit? There have been 10 government shutdowns since 1981 in response to funding gaps, the most recent of which was under Trumps watch in 2018. The 35-day partial shutdown impacted an estimated 800,000 government workers, resulted in an $11 billion loss in economic output, and chipped off 0.2% of the U.S.s annual growth forecasts, according to the Congressional Budget Office. In the latest standoff, Johnson was placed in a bind after Trump and Musk pushed him to scrap a bipartisan government funding bill earlier in the week. Instead, Johnson and Republican leaders then cobbled together a slimmed-down bill that would suspend the debt ceiling for two years until Jan. 30, 2027. But that bill also failed after a bloc of conservatives voted against it. Some Republicans have historically opposed raising the debt limit out of fear it would add to red ink and encourage more government spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without an increase to the borrowing cap now, Trump will have to deal with a funding deal and debt limit in the early days of his administration, postponing his ability to push legislation, such as extending his Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017 in his first term. Congress has until Jan. 2, 2025 to raise the debt limit. After that, the Treasury Department will likely enact temporary extraordinary measures to push the debt deadline into next summer, an action Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen took after the U.S. last reached its debt ceiling in January 2023. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A controversial 400m office development nicknamed the Slab has been given the green light by the High Court. The decision paves the way for ITVs former headquarters on Londons South Bank to be demolished and replaced with the 25-storey block which has been described by campaigners as a hulking monolith. Mr Justice Mould on Friday upheld a decision by Michael Gove, the former housing secretary, to give developers Mitsubishi Estate planning permission for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitsubishi Estate plans to turn the site, which has been empty since 2018, into offices, retail units, and an arts and culture space. It comes after campaigners launched a judicial review against Mr Goves decision, saying it would cause irreversible damage to the unique modern heritage of the South Bank on the River Thames. A view of the podium terrace at The Slab - Make Architects Michael Ball, of the Save our South Bank group, said they were considering contesting the decision by going to the Court of Appeal. Mr Ball said: This judgment is a huge disappointment for anyone who loves the River Thames and South Bank. It supports Michael Goves wayward approval of a building about which he had great misgivings and acknowledged would harm a string of buildings of national prominence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Ball pointed out that Mr Justice Mould had upheld the decision despite saying it would not deliver an attractive development [on] this very prominent and sensitive site. He said the discretionary nature of planning decision makers was a problem that Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, and Sir Keir Starmer have failed to address in their planning shake-up intended to get Britain building. The development will be clearly visible from Waterloo Bridge - Make Architects He added: This is whats wrong with the planning process, not the nonsense Rayner and Starmer complain about. If the Government really wants to deal with planning in the way that it claims, it needs to deal with its discretionary nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a whole load of stuff that planning is supposed to protect heritage and carbon [footprint] and to try to boost housing. None of those have been achieved by this. Catherine Croft, the director of the Twentieth Century Society, added: This hugely disappointing decision gives the go-ahead to a universally derided development, which will cause irreversible damage to the unique modern heritage and dynamism of Londons South Bank. Shinichi Kagitomi, the chief executive of Mitsubishi Estate London, said: We are looking forward to delivering an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to the South Bank. 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. ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) A factor that contributed to Attleboros ongoing water supply issue is under investigation by the city. Human error during the summer led to what Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone described to 12 News as an unexpected and avoidable water loss in June and July. RELATED: Attleboro facing water conservation emergency DeSimone explained that each year the citys water department draws water from Manchester Reservoir to blend with/dilute the water in Orrs Pond when manganese levels are high. She said water from the reservoir then flows through an aqueduct into the pond, which is drawn into the water treatment plant and opened by turning a valve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some water loss is expected during this process, the mayor said, but the water loss was greater than expected due to oversight and communication issues, leading to it not being quickly addressed. MORE: Attleboro extends water supply emergency through May 2025 Attleboro City Council President James Dilisio said he wants to see the investigations result before holding any public hearings regarding the matter. As for whos responsible for the oversight and miscommunication, DeSimone said she couldnt comment at this time because this is a personnel matter, but that it will be addressed in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post on Friday explaining the development, the city asked residents to still practice water conservation. ALSO READ: Attleboro mayor urges residents to keep conserving water Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Hundreds of people, including from the far right, gathered in Magdeburg on Saturday evening following the deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the central German city that left at least five dead and 200 injured. Mourners awaited a memorial service in the city's cathedral, intended mainly for relatives of the victims, as well as emergency responders and invited guests including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Large crowds of people not allowed to attend the service gathered outside the church to watch the commemoration on a large screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People laid flowers and lit candles. Several hundred also gathered on the city's central square, with some carrying banners with far-right slogans. Some shouted "We are the people." The suspect in Friday's attack is a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia who described himself as an Islam-critical activist. His motive is still unclear. 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: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners, conducted a comprehensive review of Chagas disease in Switzerland. Although typically found in Latin America, Chagas disease affects between 2,000 and 4,000 people in Switzerland. The review, published in the Swiss Medical Weekly, underscores the need for improved screening and health care strategies to eliminate Chagas disease in Switzerland. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects about 7 to 8 million people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. The parasite can be transmitted by triatomine bugs, via food, blood transfusions and organ donations, as well as from mother to child during pregnancy and birth. Chagas disease has two phases: In the acute phase in the first 2 months, symptoms are mild or absent, though some may have fever, headache or swelling at the bite site. Decades later, in the chronic phase, up to a third of infected individuals develop cardiovascular, digestive and/or neurological problems. Advanced cases can lead to heart complications such as arrhythmias and sudden death. Chagas disease is categorized as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO). 2,000 to 4,000 people in Switzerland affected The review sheds light on the prevalence, challenges and management of Chagas disease. The study found that an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 people are affected by this tropical disease. While most of the cases stem from migration, the study also shows that Chagas disease can be transmitted in Switzerland through mother-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth. The vectorthe triatomine bugis not present in Europe. "A major problem of Chagas disease is that it is often underdiagnosed, particularly in non-endemic regions," said Pablo Martinez de Salazar, Senior Scientific Collaborator at Swiss TPH, and last author of the study. "Indeed, many cases remain undiagnosed or undetected for years, potentially resulting in severe cardiac or digestive complications if untreated." Factors such as limited awareness among health care professionals, absence of nationwide screening programs and barriers to health care accessespecially for undocumented migrantscontribute to this underdiagnosis. Establishment of the Swiss Chagas Network To address these issues, the study team established the Swiss Chagas Network to eliminate Chagas disease as a public health problem through coordinated measures. The network aims to interrupt transmission and to provide adequate clinical management for people living with Chagas disease in Switzerland. Key priorities include integrating screening into prenatal and pediatric care for early detection and preventing mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth. In line with international guidelines, the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics recently issued an expert letter on screening, prevention and treatment of congenital Chagas disease . "Systematic screening in Latin American migrants, with a focus on women of reproductive age, pregnant women and children, will be critical," said Mar Velarde, Scientific Collaborator at Swiss TPH and co-author of the paper. "If appropriate measures are put in place, Switzerland will be well positioned to achieve the targets of the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases by 2030 and could become a blueprint for other countries." The road map sets out global targets to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate different NTDs by 2030. More information: Vincent Chollet et al, Chagas disease in Switzerland: current situation, challenges and opportunities, Swiss Medical Weekly (2024). DOI: 10.57187/s.3719 Provided by Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KELOLAND This Morning Authorities believe an unidentified woman found dead in Colorado in 1999 may have ties to South Dakota. And they are hoping someone here in KELOLAND may be able to help identify her. Colorado cold case victim may be from South Dakota The two teens accused in the shooting death of a Huron woman are headed to prison. In June, authorities said the girl and boy were 15-years-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 Huron teens sentenced to 25 years for murder The suspect in a Sioux Falls crash that took the lives of two teenagers in April, will be tried as an adult. Damion Laurelez was 17-years-old when authorities say he crashed into a Sioux Falls home, killing two passengers. Teen driver in deadly crash will be tried as adult For the latest top stories and breaking news, download our news app. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. ASHEVILLE, N.C. Air Force veteran Nathan Garrison watched from a hotel parking lot as loader trucks removed chunks of rubble from a blocked road that once led to his home. The trucks scooped up cement and dirt and tossed it into their waiting beds in a scene that would be played out for hours, days, even years. I lost everything, said Garrison, 75, flicking Marlboro ashes from his scraggly white beard. All my stuff went in the trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than two months after Hurricane Helene displaced tens of thousands of residents in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, the federal government's $500 million cleanup effort appeared to be making nary a dent. Nathan Garrison, a retired Air Force veteran, said he expects to live in an Asheville, N.C., hotel until his home, the Veterans Restoration Quarters, is repaired in about a year. The hurricane killed at least 223 people across the Southeast, about half of them in North Carolina, authorities said. In many places, it looks as if the storm struck yesterday. Entire blocks where homes once stood have been abandoned. Empty apartment complexes and waterlogged vehicles rot in the faint winter sun. Tree stumps and branches, trash and household appliances waste away on roadsides and in rivers. Asheville resident Jeff Davis, 62, said he has tuned out the noise and adapted to living amid the chaos. He estimates half the people who lived in his several-hundred-unit apartment complex have left town for good after they initially hung in there for more than a week without potable water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people are just going about their business even though so many residents have disappeared and dropped off the face of the Earth, Davis said. You gotta accept reality, that this is what God has in store. This is what reality is. This situation is enormous. In Biltmore Village, built around an 8,000-acre estate that drew thousands of tourists a year, empty lots and hollow buildings are all that remain of the shops, restaurants and offices washed away in the floods. Typically, the winter months draw millions of visitors to the alluring blue mountains, inviting hiking trails and live music venues. But all that is over for now. Carrier Park, along the French Broad River in Asheville, was among many places in the area destroyed by flooding. Storm damage from Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, N.C. The nationally acclaimed gingerbread house competition was canceled, the Biltmore Estate is operating at a limited capacity, and a downtown holiday parade was scaled back to a jamboree, putting financial pressure on businesses that depend heavily on holiday patrons for survival, city officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 small businesses in Asheville have closed because of infrastructure damage or declining revenue or both, Manheimer said. This would normally be the time of year where Asheville would be bustling with millions of visitors, she said. Vic Isley, president of Explore Asheville, expects Buncombe County to lose nearly $600 million in revenue this winter on travel, lodging and related spending. The last three months of the year are the peak of tourism season and hospitality in western North Carolina, she said. We need more visitors to come and support our local businesses. The county's unemployment rate is the highest in the state, at 8.8%, up from 2.5% in September, according to the state Commerce Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and federal agencies acted swiftly after the storm struck North Carolina on Sept. 26, helping move suddenly unhoused families into temporary shelter, distributing food and water to victims and spending several weeks restoring electricity. In Swannanoa, a rural community hit hard by the hurricane, entire residential blocks were abandoned and many homes were demolished. Fire Chief Anthony Penland said there's no estimate for when the cleanup will be complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, nearly half of the 10,129 displaced households the Federal Emergency Management Agency has worked with have been placed in temporary shelters across the state, such as hotels, apartments and mobile homes, FEMA said. The remaining households have already found long-term housing, a spokesperson said. While the temporary housing program was scheduled to end on Dec. 12, federal officials said that FEMA caseworkers wouldnt force people from their temporary quarters and that they would work urgently to find them permanent shelter. FEMA has spent $262 million on individual rental assistance and home repairs for Helene survivors in North Carolina, a spokesperson said. Another $274 million went to repairing infrastructure and removing debris. More financial help will be coming, the spokesperson said, but how much hasn't been established yet. Local officials said they are grateful for the assistance, but much more aid will be needed to restore Asheville, Biltmore Village and surrounding areas to their former condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manheimer and other North Carolina officials traveled to Washington last month to ask President Joe Biden and members of Congress for $25 billion to repair homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in western North Carolina. Were asking for so many exceptions and rules [to be] interpreted broadly, because this was an abnormal hurricane because of landslides, massive flooding, wind damage and large amounts of debris, Manheimer said. Private road and bridge repairs are costly, and there isnt a specific federal program designed to repair them, she said. Swannanoa is a rural community of 5,000 people near Asheville. Tissica Schoch, who lives on Edwards Street in Swannanoa, said neighbors bonded over the storm and its aftermath. In nearby Swannanoa, a rural community of 5,000 residents hard hit by the hurricane, entire residential blocks were abandoned and many homes were demolished. There's no telling when the cleanup will be complete, Fire Chief Anthony Penland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its slow going. Human nature, we want to see it cleaned up as fast as possible, but we have to be patient, he said. There was a lot of widespread debris, and it could take two years before all of the cleanup efforts are complete. Swannanoa resident Tissica Schoch, 34, said that her house was the only one on her block left intact and that if any good came from the storm, it was that neighbors bonded. We didnt know each others names, and then we all came together and figured out what our strengths were, she said. Since then, she has become a leader and an advocate for those in need. Being displaced from your home, you dont have the same level of privacy or dignity that youre used to and space for yourself, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessie Dean, who owns the Asheville Tea Company, said the building where her company manufactured teas and herbs for national retail was lifted from the ground by the powerful floods and washed away. She lost $500,000 in assets and didn't have flood insurance. Jessie Dean, who owns the Asheville Tea Company, said she lost $500,000 in assets in the flooding and doesn't have flood insurance. A stone slab company's building was smashed by another warehouse occupied by the Asheville Tea Company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im still processing, said Dean, who started her business eight years ago. It was so shocking and traumatic. She wants to rebuild her business not only for herself but also to show the world how much grit and determination the people of Buncombe County have, she said. There was never a question about that, Dean said. Its hard to be resilient and strong. For those who were homeless before the storm, life could become even more difficult. Recently, Orica Hamilton, 35, was among about a dozen people still staying at a shelter set up inside a Golds Gym. But that lifeline is set to close at month's end. Its kind of stressful, said Hamilton, who was couch surfing before the hurricane. I dont have anywhere to go at the moment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Louise Rasmussen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Iceland's president presented a new government on Saturday under Social Democratic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir that aims to cut inflation and interest rates and hold a referendum on European Union membership by 2027, public broadcaster RUV said. Frostadottir's centre-left Social Democratic Alliance became the biggest party in a snap election on Nov. 30, and has agreed to form a coalition government with the centrist People's Party and the left-leaning, pro-European Reform Party, RUV said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, leader of the Reform Party, will be minister of foreign affairs, it added. It will be the first time in Iceland that the leaders of all the governing parties will be women, and the first time that the country will have a female prime minister and a female president - Halla Tomasdottir - simultaneously, the broadcaster said. A live stream from RUV showed the leaders of the three coalition parties hugging after they signed an agreement on forming a government. Frostadottir, 36, will be the youngest prime minister in Icelandic history, RUV said. The new coalition replaces a government by Bjarni Benediktsson's conservative Independence Party which came second in the election, called after coalition disagreements and public discontent over migration and energy and housing issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new government plans to focus on bringing down inflation and interest rates, and aims to reduce the number of ministries by one in order to cut administrative costs, RUV reported on Saturday, citing Frostadottir. It also plans to formulate a parliamentary resolution to put the question of EU membership to a referendum, which the governing parties said they hope will take place no later than 2027, according to RUV. The new government also intends to set up a panel of independent experts to assess the advantages and disadvantages of retaining the Icelandic crown compared to adopting the Euro currency. (Reporting by Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Louise Rasmussen, Editing by Timothy Heritage) The Illinois State Board of Education has been awarded nearly $20 million to begin transitioning to zero-emission buses. ISBE will begin by distributing $19.9 million to nine school districts, replacing 70 combustion-engine buses with zero-emission electric buses and charging stations. The grant will also fund training to support the technology, designed to aid in reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality. The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program provides the grant, an initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program aims to improve air quality by cutting harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this funding, were building on our progress toward a more sustainable future by providing nine school districts with the resources to advance our clean energy goals, Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release. Thanks to our federal and local partners, were creating healthier and cleaner environments for students and communities across the state. The grant will also allow for two full-time ISBE staff members to support the grants implementation and work with school districts on other green initiatives. The following suburban Chicago school districts will be the first to receive zero-emission school buses as well as the charging infrastructure needed as provided by the grant: Forest Park School District 91 (five buses), Franklin Park School District 84 (three buses), Hazel Crest School District 152.5 (one bus), Joliet Township High School District 204 (10 buses), Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 (four buses), Marengo Union Elementary CSD 165 (two buses), Township High School District 113 (Highland Park) (three buses), Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C (32 buses), and Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 (10 buses). Three other school districts will receive funding through ISBEs grant. Grayslake Community Consolidated District 46, North Chicago CUSD 187 and Zion Elementary District 6 were awarded direct funding through the program to be put toward other green energy initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clean transportation solutions not only create healthier living and learning environments for our students but also save money for our school districts and taxpayers, state Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a news release. I am proud of our staff here at the Illinois State Board of Education for winning this competitive grant and securing this valuable investment in Illinois clean energy future. Other interested school districts in Illinois can apply for funding for zero-emission school buses by applying for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 9. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) An Illinois dentist was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $200,000 for stealing fentanyl from his patients. Phillip Jensen, 64, of Rochester, was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after admitting to stealing fentanyl from his patients and not giving them proper amounts of the drug for pain management, said a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Central District of Illinois The release said Jensen specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which treats diseases or fixes injuries of the face, jaw, neck, or mouth, prior to having his license revoked in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jensen pleaded guilty to drug diversion, acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury, and false statements relating to health care matters. The situation came to light when his staff noticed patients who would show signs of pain during surgery. Dealerships in Illinois forced to pay $20 million settlement for defrauding customers He had admitted to stealing at least half of the fentanyl from every vial for personal use, and he would then add saline to the vial and glue the stopper back in place, he stole more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jensen would then make false entries saying he used full-strength fentanyl on patients to control their pain, which he would use to bill insurance companies. At his sentencing, the prosecutors presented much evidence of his history of addiction as well as his attempts at treatment, and even brought to light his decision to pray on his patients by stealing drugs to help them out during surgery. They also showed the elaborate steps Jensen used to hide his theft and how this theft affected his patients. During the trial, a testimony from a witness stated a parent of one child recalled them saying they had felt everything during the surgery. Another testimony said a woman had woken up during surgery, and he hit her over the head, then continued the surgery of pulling teeth and smoothing the teeth which she was conscious, and lacked pain meds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, denied Jensens claims that he was less deserving of blame than a regular drug dealer stating how he profited from his crimes and how drug dealers give drugs to knowing and willing participants, Jensens victims did not know about what was happening. Lawless also stated how, Jensen used his position of trust to hurt his patients and also posed the question, If you cannot trust your doctor, who can you trust? Along with the 15-year sentence and the $200,000 fine, Lawless also ordered Jensen to pay the government for the cost of their expert witness and lost his medical license. Medical professionals who violate their oaths to do no harm must be held accountable, said Sheila Lyons, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Division. The DEA will continue working to keep Illinois families safe from medical professionals who illegally divert opioid painkillers from legitimate medical supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DEA investigated the case into Jensen along with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office, the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced Friday that it suffered a privacy breach earlier this year, which exposed the information of thousands of customers. According to the IDHS, the incident occurred on April 25 after an outside entity, through a phishing campaign, was able to gain access to the accounts of several employees and the files associated with the accounts, which included the Social Security numbers (SSN) of 4,701 customers and three employees. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside the Social Security numbers, public assistance account information for 1,118,993 customers, which did not include any SSNs, was also accessed. The public assistance account information included names, public assistance account numbers, and some combination of addresses, dates of birth, Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System ID numbers, Recipient Identification Numbers and cell phone numbers. IDHS notified the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) about the breach on May 3, and determined that it was a reportable breach of security under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under PIPA, the IDHS was required to notify all individuals who were affected and sent out substitute notices for the 1,118,993 customers whose public assistance account information was accessed as well as written notices to 2,918 customers whose SSNs. The IDHS said 1,783 individuals whose addresses were not on file would be considered notified through a media release and a website posting. IDHS said it continues to train its employees on how to avoid and report phishing attempts. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Illinois utilities are set to invest more than a billion dollars into upgrading the states electric distribution grid, resulting in higher rates for customers around the state. The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday approved scaled-back plans submitted by Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois, the electric utilities for northern and southern Illinois, respectively. The plans outline the next three years of infrastructure upgrades, laying out how the companies will roll out new technologies to meet the states clean energy goals and maintain existing infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulators approved $1.5 billion in spending for ComEd, a 25% reduction from their original plan. They also approved $333 million in spending at Ameren, a 75% reduction. Ameren also had some additional spending approved earlier this year due to a procedural appeal of a previous ICC decision. The ComEd plan includes an average increase in residential bills of about $22 per year each year between 2024 and 2027, when the company is expected to file a new grid plan. Ameren has not released a final cost estimate for its 1.2 million customers, but officials at the company say Thursdays decision will increase bills by less than a dollar per month. These increases are on top of those approved in 2023 as part of separate multi-year rate plans. Both the grid plans and new ratemaking process are part of the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, landmark climate legislation that set Illinois goal of decarbonizing the electric grid by 2045. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the companies initially struggled to meet that acts requirements. ComEd and Ameren filed grid plans in early 2023 with the goal of having them approved at the end of that year. But in a rare and surprising move, commissioners at the ICC rejected those plans on a split vote. At the time, they said the companies didnt meet legal requirements to prove that their plans were cost effective for customers and directed the two utilities to refile updated versions. Over the past nine months, regulators, state officials, consumer advocates and environmental groups have litigated and debated the revised plans, and the commission approved modified versions Thursday. Representatives of both companies said theyre still reviewing the decisions but indicated they were happy to have more certainty for the next few years of infrastructure spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our primary focus remains our commitment to providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our customers and communities, ComEd spokesperson John Schoen said in a statement. Ameren officials said their plans to install upgrades and replace aging infrastructure will be good for customers in the long run, even if it comes with upfront costs. It is a pay now or pay more later proposition, Matt Tomc, who manages Amerens regulatory policy, told Capitol News Illinois. The upgrades laid out in the two plans are notable because many of them are aimed at making electric distribution easier as the state moves toward relying on more renewable energy sources. This includes new methods of managing distributed energy generation like rooftop and community solar projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans also include more traditional spending on poles and wires the distribution infrastructure that brings electricity to homes and businesses. Tomc noted this maintenance work has also changed due to an increased focus on the grids resilience in the face of severe weather events around the state. Some state officials are beginning to worry about the long-term prospects for Illinois clean energy goals particularly the future for clean energy generation and long-range transmission. But these grid plans, which focus on the local distribution network, were hailed by several advocates and regulators as a win for the states clean energy policy. The regulatory cases, which function like court proceedings, had several groups submit testimony and arguments that ICC commissioners weighed in their final decision. These groups included consumer advocates, environmental groups, the state and businesses that have an interest in energy policy. Brad Klein, managing attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center, worked on the case and told Capitol News Illinois he was pleased with the collaborative approach that the state is taking to meet its climate goals and improve the electric grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope this becomes a model for other states, Klein said. As part of this process, ComEd signed a memorandum of understanding with ELPC and several other groups to share data and work with them on future grid planning projects. Klein noted that while Ameren doesnt have that formal obligation, it made similar commitments to ComEd. Consumer advocates at the Citizens Utility Board, which also took part in the case, acknowledged that the decisions were a step in the right direction to limit what they called wasteful utility spending. In the face of foot-dragging by Illinois biggest electric utilities, this ICC has shown concern for affordability and reducing reckless utility spending, CUB spokesperson Jim Chilsen said in a statement. Of course, an increase of any kind will be difficult to bear for far too many customers who have been hit with multiple utility rate hikes over the last decade. We still have a lot of work to do to secure a clean, affordable energy future for Illinois consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICC Chair Doug Scott called the decisions a first step and said future plans will be refined and improved. Other commissioners noted that they expect continued collaboration between the utilities and others involved in the process. The work is not done, ICC Commissioner Conrad Reddick said. Todays orders ask more of all the stakeholders. CEJA mandates stakeholder workshops with wide participation, informed debate and robust discussion as the engine of that work. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Independent Health has agreed to pay up to $98 million to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted invalid diagnosis codes in order to receive increased payments from Medicare. Independent Health will pay a minimum of $34.5 million as part of the agreement. The U.S. Attorneys Office alleged that Independent Health created a subsidiary to retrospectively search medical records and contact doctors in order to generate higher-risk scores for Medicare patients. Higher-risk scores result in higher payments through the Medicare Advantage plans for those beneficiaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is alleged that from 2011 to 2017, Independent Health knowingly submitted inflated diagnoses to increase Medicare payments to Independent Health. To protect the integrity of Medicare and other federal health care programs, my office is committed to ensuring that each and every dollar meant for Medicare beneficiaries is spent appropriately and in accordance with the law, said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs. Medicare Advantage Plans that attempt to game federal programs for profit must be held accountable through rigorous oversight and enforcement, said Christian J. Schrank, deputy inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud, waste and abuse in federal health care programs. In a statement, Independent Health described the assertions by the Department of Justice as allegations only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This settlement is not an admission of any wrongdoing, Independent Health said. It instead allows us to avoid the further disruption, expense and uncertainty of litigation in a matter that has lingered for over a decade. Independent Health has agreed to a five-year corporate integrity agreement with HHS-OIG, which will allow for an independent review of future Medicare risk-settlement submissions by the company. Latest Local News *** Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) Two decades after a catastrophic tsunami destroyed her village, Tria Asnani still cries when she recalls how she lost her mother while trying to escape the giant waves. Asnani, now a school teacher, was only 17 at the time. Her father, who was a fisherman, never returned home from sea. She doesn't know how she survived. I cannot swim. I could only rely on dhikr (Islamic prayer). On Dec. 26, 2004, a powerful 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a tsunami that killed around 230,000 people across a dozen countries, reaching as far as East Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Indonesias Aceh province, located closest to the earthquakes epicenter and with 18 of 23 districts and cities located in the coastal line in the Northern side of Sumatra, bore the brunt of the disaster with more than half of the total death toll reported. The worst-hit areas were in Aceh Besar and Banda Aceh, according to the Aceh Disaster Management Agency. Asnani's Lampuuk village lies in a fishermens community in Aceh Besar, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. However, on that day, it was among the hardest hit, with waves more than 30 meters (98 feet) high which changed the coastline in Aceh and led to land subsidence after the earthquake. Buildings by the coast were flattened to the ground except for Rahmatullah Mosque, 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the shore, and about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from Asnanis house. The photo of the place of worship, left pretty much unscathed, later became iconic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the disastrous event, thousands, including Asnani, had to relocate to start afresh. She moved with her uncle to another region in Aceh to continue her studies. After she got married, she returned in 2007 to her parents' house which was rebuilt with assistance from the Turkish government and lived there for 10 years. Many international donors and organizations poured in money to help rebuild the affected areas that lost schools, hospitals and basic infrastructure, made stronger than before the tsunami hit. Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center at Syiah Kuala University in Aceh recorded more than 1,400 wrecked schools and about 150,000 students had their education process disrupted by the destructive waves in a report published in 2019. Three escape buildings were also constructed in a relatively safer area to accommodate thousands of people if an earthquake and tsunami strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the province, memories of the tsunami can be felt almost everywhere. The Aceh Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh houses photos of the aftermath and vehicle debris, serving as a constant reminder of what was lost that day. Local authorities have also turned a former floating diesel-powered power plant barge that washed about 6 kilometers (about 4 miles) inland by the tsunami into another memorial place. Both places have become the most popular tourist destinations in the area. But development never stops and 20 years after the tsunami the Aceh coast is brimming with residential housing, cafes and restaurants, as well as tourism support facilities, while the hills in some areas from which people are currently being mined for sand and stone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fazli, the head of Preparedness in Aceh Disaster Management Agency, said that the government initially stipulated that there should be no activity up to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the coast. Over time, many displaced fishermen returned to their original coastal homes, drawn by their livelihoods and ties to the sea, despite having received housing elsewhere. He also said the agency has provided the Acehnese people with information to deal with a potential tsunami. "People already know what to do, said Fazli, who, like other Indonesians, uses a single name. Siti Ikramatoun, a sociologist in Banda Aceh, said that despite years of recovery and rebuilding, the people of Aceh must stay vigilant. If people experienced (the tsunami), they may have an instinct to anticipate it. But those who do not have the experience, they wont get what to do, Ikramatoun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various communities in Aceh commemorate the tsunami yearly along with the government and local authorities. In Banda Aceh, art communities in early December spread disaster awareness through theatrical or musical performances that can be easier for people to follow and target all groups, including those born after the tsunami. Muslina, 43, a civil servant, took her youngest son to the Aceh Tsunami Museum to watch one of the shows. She lost relatives and loved ones 20 years ago and she wants to make sure she always remembers them. Earlier my son asked me if there might be another tsunami when he grows up," she said. I told him I do not know. Only God knows, but if there is a strong earthquake and the seawater recedes, we run, run, run to find higher ground. What's Your KCQ is a collaboration between The Star and the Kansas City Public Library series that answers your questions about the history, people, places and culture that make Kansas City unique. Have a suggestion for a future story? Share it with us here, or email our journalists at KCQ@kcstar.com. The 1953 abduction and murder of 6-year-old Bobby Greenlease still stands today as one of Kansas Citys most notorious crimes. Bobby, the son of wealthy Cadillac dealer Robert Greenlease, was taken from Notre Dame De Sion School by two grifters, Carl Austin Hall and Bonnie Heady, in a cold-blooded kidnap-for-ransom plot. On the morning of Sept. 28, 1953, Heady posed as Bobbys aunt, claiming his mother had fallen gravely ill and needed him at the hospital. Trusting her story, the school staff allowed Heady to leave with the boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kidnappers demanded $600,000 just over $7 million in todays dollars and the largest ransom in U.S. history at the time but had no intention of sparing the boy, whom they killed shortly after taking him. More than half of the ransom money later disappeared, adding to the crimes infamy. A headline from Sept. 28, 1953, in The Kansas City Star announces Bobby Greenleases kidnapping. Reader Charles Ballew, like many others, was captivated by the case and reached out to Whats Your KCQ? to ask: When was the last time any of the Bobby Greenlease ransom money showed up? This question opens a window into the chaotic days and weeks after the crime, involving crooks, mobsters and corrupt cops. Bobby Greenlease was killed shortly after his kidnapping, but his abductors still demanded a ransom. Initial abduction Carl Hall had schemed the kidnapping while serving time in the Missouri State Penitentiary for a string of taxicab robberies. He had been military school classmates with Robert Greenleases oldest son, Paul, and knew of the familys wealth. Upon his release from prison, he found a willing partner in Bonnie Heady, a barfly and prostitute from St. Joseph, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert and Virginia Greenlease learned of their sons abduction the morning of Sept. 28, when his school called the house to check on Virginias well-being. That evening, police intercepted the first of several ransom letters demanding $600,000 for the boys return. Robert and Virginia Greenlease The dropoff took place Oct. 5. As instructed, representatives for the Greenlease family left a duffel bag containing $600,000 in $10 and $20 bills next to a bridge on Lees Summit Road in eastern Jackson County. Waiting nearby, Hall retrieved the ransom and fled with Heady to St. Louis in a rented car. Halls reckless behavior and heavy drinking over the next 48 hours would ultimately lead to their arrest. Carl Austin Hall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After securing an apartment, Hall left an inebriated Heady in search of a drink and a different kind of female companionship. Carrying the ransom money in two suitcases, he hired a taxi driver and pimp named John Oliver Hager, an ex-convict, to arrange a date with prostitute Sandy ODay. Going by the alias Steve Strand, Hall spent the next several hours drinking with Hager and ODay in a bar and later at a motel. Strangely cavalier around his new companions, he gave Hager $2,500 for safekeeping and to purchase Hall new clothes and a briefcase. The next morning, to throw law enforcement off his tracks, he paid ODay $1,000 to fly to Los Angeles to mail a letter to his lawyer in St. Joseph. Hall also confided in Hager and ODay that he was an ex-convict and drug addict and asked if Hager could procure morphine and false identification. Apprehension Its unclear whether Hager suspected Hall of being the Greenlease kidnapper, but he was suspicious of the ex-convict flashing a lot of cash and saw an opportunity to get his hands on some of it. He alerted his cab company boss, local gangster Joe Costello, who tipped off an old friend in the St. Louis police department, Lt. Louis Shoulders. John Hager and Sandra Sandy ODay That evening, while staying at an apartment that Hager had secured for him, Hall responded to a knock at the door. Expecting Hager, he was instead confronted by Shoulders and Patrolman Elmer Dolan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claiming to investigate a gun complaint, Dolan detained Hall while Shoulders searched the apartment and suitcases. The jig is up, muttered Hall when the officers discovered the money. The two arrested Hall and accompanied him to a waiting, unmarked police car. Hall later testified that he saw an unidentified third man in the hallway outside the apartment, whose identity only became pertinent later. Bonnie Heady and Austin Hall with the arresting officers Lt. Louis Shoulders (top left) and uniformed patrolmen Elmer Dolan Under questioning, Hall confessed to the kidnapping and implicated Heady. Both eventually admitted their guilt in the killing of Bobby Greenlease. Kansas City courts tried and sentenced them to death. On Dec. 19, 1953, fewer than three months after their crime and capture, they were executed together in a gas chamber at the Missouri State Penitentiary. Missing ransom After Halls arrest, less than half of the ransom was recovered from his confiscated suitcases. The FBI launched a formal inquiry into the missing $304,000 and published a list of serial numbers of the missing bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall insisted he had around $592,000 in his possession at the time of his arrest. However, after learning he had purchased a shovel and garbage cans from a local hardware store, investigators initially believed that he had buried the missing ransom. Under questioning, Hall admitted to driving around looking for a secluded spot to bury the money, but claimed to have abandoned the plan. News of the missing ransom caused a public fervor with citizens and reporters joining law enforcement in searching sites where Hall or Heady might have stashed the money. FBI agents in St. Louis scoured the muddy banks of the nearby Meramec River. Authorities in St. Joseph searched Headys home and property, where they discovered Bobbys grave. Investigators eventually turned their attention to the arresting officers, Shoulders and Dolan. They became suspects when it was discovered that they didnt have the money-filled suitcases with them when they first arrived at the precinct station to book Hall, as they had filed in their report and testified to a federal grand jury. Once the hero who captured the Greenlease kidnappers, Shoulders was indicted for perjury on December 30, 1953, and sentenced to three years in prison. Dolan received two years. Lt. Louis Shoulders (left) and Joseph Costello The first bunch of missing ransom bills turned up in various cities in Michigan and Indiana beginning in November 1953. Over the next three years, a total of 115 missing bills or $1,690 were recovered from circulation, mostly in the Chicago area but as far away as Florida and Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1958, the Greenlease ransom came up in the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management. Federal agents had previously keyed in on a Indianapolis Teamsters Union official Gus Zapas as a suspect in fencing the stolen money. Nineteen days after officers apprehended Hall and Heady, Zapas was arrested in Chicago with two St. Louis crooks after an alleged meeting to discuss the laundering of a large sum of money. However, under questioning from committee counsel Robert F. Kennedy, and while his Teamsters boss, Jimmy Hoffa, looked on, Zapas denied any connection to the missing ransom. Teamsters official Gus Zapas (right) and his attorney are pictured Aug. 16, 1958. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A break in the case came in 1962 when Costello and Shoulders died of heart ailments within six weeks of each other. With no fear of retribution, Dolan confessed to the FBI that Costello was the unidentified man that Hall had seen in the corridor following his arrest, and who had conspired with Shoulders to steal the money. In exchange for his cooperation, President Lyndon Johnson granted Dolan a full pardon. Theories about the money How Costello disposed of the ransom remained a mystery. One theory was that he laundered the money through a St. Louis brothel owner, May Traynor, to repay a large debt that he owed her. Traynor was purported to be Costellos aunt by marriage, and he received loans from her to bankroll his taxicab company. In 1961, after a falling out with her nephew, two assailants beat and shot Traynor in her home. Before dying from her injuries, she told police that Joe Costello sent them. A headline from Sept. 27, 1958, shows a St. Louis brothel owner was suing Joseph Costello before Bobby Greenleases abduction. The prevailing theory by law enforcement was that the missing ransom likely passed from Costello to St. Louis mob boss John Vitale. The FBI suspected that Vitale moved the money through his mob associates in Chicago, possibly using carnivals and circuses to introduce the bills back into circulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carnival connection gained traction in the press when it was revealed that some of the recovered bills were found in Midwestern towns where carnivals had recently visited. In the decades to follow, as the Greenlease kidnapping-murder faded from the national spotlight, so too did the search for the missing ransom. With no new leads to follow, and the public no longer checking serial numbers of currency, the investigation went cold. The Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments on the government's TikTok ban next month, just days before it's supposed to take effect. If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, many of the 100,000 independent workers who rely on TikTok as either a primary job or a side gig could face devastating economic consequences. The term "influencer" may elicit eye rolls, but whether these content creators are sharing do-it-yourself tips or mental health advice or merely pictures of a recent lunch outing, the entrepreneurship and income involved are real. U.S. labor laws have not kept up with the changing environment of work, and as a result, nontraditional workers are especially vulnerable to labor market shocks. It's time for reforms that incorporate the growing self-employed work force. While influencing is a relatively new form of work, freelancing and self-employment have been features of the American labor force for decades. Estimates show around 60 million Americans engaged in traditional freelance jobs or gig work in 2022. Twenty-three percent of these gig workers made influencer-style content on a social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independent workers face different risks than traditional employees. Workers whose primary source of income is independent contracting are frequently left out of employment-based benefits and protections. Laws that tie benefits like health insurance or retirement savings accounts to W-2 employment go back half a century, long before anyone could make millions off of 30-second dancing videos. When these laws were created, restricting benefits in this way wasn't a big issue because a larger majority of workers were traditional employees. But now our laws are failing a significant portion of the modern work force. State and federal policymakers can remove old-age barriers that restrict the flow of benefits to the independent work force. In 2023, Utah passed a law that removed the presence of benefits in determining whether someone was an independent worker or a W-2 employee, which effectively allowed organizations to provide benefits to independent workers. As a result, Target's delivery service Shipt launched a pilot benefits program in Utah earlier this year in partnership with the benefits company Stride. Just this month, Lyft announced it will run a pilot portable benefits program in the state, contributing 7 percent of a driver's quarterly earnings into a flexible benefit fund. It's then up to the workers to decide how they wish to use it. This move may have created momentum for other states to do the same. With the support of Pennsylvania's governor, DoorDash introduced a pilot portable benefits program in April that will allow delivery workers to receive deposits equal to 4 percent of their earnings, also managed by Stride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is plenty more that policymakers can do, from equalizing tax treatment between self-employed workers and traditional employees to changing the infrastructure of health insurance laws to clear the path for better access for the self-employed. Critics of portable benefits argue that workers would be better off in traditional employment arrangements. However, according to a 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, the vast majority of independent workers don't want to be W-2 employees. That's partly because independent work offers a type of autonomy that most can't get in a traditional 9-to-5 job. It's not "pro-worker" to force people into arrangements that may not suit their personal or professional needs. When states have pursued such reclassificationas California did with 2019's Assembly Bill 5it resulted in fewer independent work opportunities and no increase in payrolled jobs, as was promised. The real answer is to adapt labor laws to better encompass the new environment of work. Even if TikTok is banned, social media influencing will remain a force in the U.S. economy. For many young people, including the 57 percent of Gen Z who say they want to be influencers, it's a dream job. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, the most popular occupation among children between 8 and 12 is a YouTuber. Scoff if you like, but young professionals are successfully opting out of traditional work arrangements in favor of flexible work. Already, 53 percent of Gen Z professionals are working freelance jobs full time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a TikTok ban would hurt many workers, policymakers can empower independent workers in the new economy. A system of flexible benefits for an already-flexible work force is long overdue. The post Influencers Are Here To StayNow It's Time To Modernize Labor Laws appeared first on Reason.com. This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. Happy (early) holidays! If you're already thinking about what to do with money you might receive this season, perhaps follow this family's lead. They spent their $75,000 inheritance on a bucket list trip to South Africa. They say it helped them grieve. On the agenda: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But first: A time to say thank you. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider's app here. This week's dispatch Dip into your holiday cheer fund Issarawat Tattong/Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI Even as many Americans are dealing with tipping fatigue, the holiday season can be a time to thank the workers who make their lives easier with a tip. According to Bankrate's 2024 Tipping Culture Survey, which surveyed 2,445 US adults earlier this year, many Americans plan to tip their teachers, childcare providers, housekeepers, landscapers, and mail carriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Etiquette expert Nick Leighton told Business Insider that it's important to ask those in your community how much they intend to tip since a tip amount is "made up of a constellation of factors, including the nature and length of the relationship with a person and what's considered 'typical' in your area." Still, if you're wondering how much to tip the people who've helped you all year, here's some general guidance. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman told BI that a good tip is typically how much you'd pay childcare providers, housekeepers, and lawn care professionals for a normal visit. However, it may not be legal for teachers and mail carriers to accept tips. Instead, thoughtful non-cash gifts may be more appropriate. Why our kids can't read Keith Negley for BI There has never been a golden age for reading scores in America, but a report from last year has raised alarm bells. Reading performance among 13-year-olds has hit its lowest level since 2004, the report found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators and school districts are touting new, expensive reading programs to improve literacy rates. However, teachers and parents say that's still not helping kids discover the joy of reading. Families who can afford it are moving their kids to different schools or hiring tutors, driving a deeper societal wedge. Inside the reading wars. Luxury on the low Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI Quiet-luxury style is still in vogue. It's all about using high-quality, understated pieces to create chic, effortless looks that say, "I'm rich." Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow nail the trend. Luckily, quiet luxury is easy to duplicate. A personal stylist shared the tips to keep in mind for achieving the look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't go overboard with logos. Iced out Dana McMahan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana McMahan and her husband spent $475 for one night in a Norwegian hotel straight out of "Frozen." Staying in the lodge, McMahon writes, was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience with an "otherworldly" glow. But would she do it again? Absolutely not. As it turns out, sleeping on ice isn't the most comfortable arrangement. An Arctic abode. Biohacking and business Barnes-Lentz uses a PEMF machine throughout the day to optimize her health. Magdalena Wosinska Every morning, longevity clinic co-owner Kayla Barnes-Lentz, 33, spends 2.5 hours biohacking. Her routine includes her first round of electromagnetic field therapy, a workout, sun exposure for her circadian rhythm, sauna time, a shower, and more all before breakfast. Her goal is to live to 150. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnes-Lentz told BI that her longevity habits many of which aren't fully scientifically proven have helped her reverse her biological age by 11 years. Her daily routine. What we're watching this weekend Claire Folger/Warner Bros.; BI "Virgin River" : Netflix's drama series about a small town returned for season six this week. "Juror No. 2" : Clint Eastwood's courtroom drama film is now streamable following a quiet theatrical release earlier this year. "Beast Games": YouTuber MrBeast's new game show kicked off this week on Prime Video, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a hefty $5 million cash prize. See the full list iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI What to shop Not too late to save on jewelry : Though it might be too late to get them for Christmas, Blue Nile's jewelry makes incredible gifts for yourself or a loved one. During its holiday sale, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more are up to 50% off. Actually comfy ankle boots : A good pair of ankle boots is versatile, comfortable, and durable. But not all pairs are created equal, so we've rounded up 17 styles to meet your needs, like waterproofing, affordability, and everyday wear. Avoid another price hike: YouTube TV will join the wave of streaming services raising prices next year. If you're planning a switch, these are some of the best alternatives to consider. More of this week's top reads: The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Read the original article on Business Insider Health insurance industry leaders leaned on the US Department of Justice to prosecute accused UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione arguing a federal case against the twisted folk hero would act as a deterrent for possible copycat vigilante killers, sources said Friday. The feds swooped in with a four-count complaint against Mangione in the cold-blooded killing of Brian Thompson Thursday scuttling Manhattan prosecutors hope of getting the first bite at the 26-year-old Ivy Leaguer in the courtroom. Mangione instead faced a judge in Manhattan federal court following his dramatic arrival in the Big Apple blindsiding his defense attorneys. Health insurance industry leaders want the US Department of Justice to prosecute accused UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione, saying a federal case against him would be a deterrent for possible copycat vigilante killers. Paul Martinka Sources told The Post that the federal charges came amid pressure from health insurance industry leaders to make an example out of Mangione, though it was unclear which specific entities petitioned the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal prosecution could be inherently harsher than the parallel state case leveled by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for one simple reason: only the feds can put the death penalty on the table. They have the ultimate leverage, veteran defense attorney Mark Bederow told The Post. How the feds with the Southern District of New York made their decision to charge and haul Mangione to court before Bragg remained unclear, although one source told The Post that it came from the top of the DOJ in Washington, DC. Regardless, the federal charges shocked Mangiones defense team, who learned about them from reading The Post Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Mangiones attorney Marc Agnifilo arrived at Manhattan federal court for the hearing Thursday, he did so minutes after reporters were able to read the freshly unsealed complaint. Please, let me take a look at the complaint first, he pleaded to a group of reporters flinging questions. Prosecutors wanted to get the first crack at seeing Mangione in the courtroom Thursday but instead faced a judge in Manhattan federal court following his dramatic arrival in the Big Apple blindsiding his defense attorneys. REUTERS Mangiones lead attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who is Marc Agnifilos wife, was prepared that day to go to the state Manhattan Supreme Court case after the accused killers extradition from Pennsylvania. Instead, she ended up sitting alongside Mangione for his presentment in federal court, where she insinuated the Manhattan DAs office didnt know about the feds move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source in Braggs office disputed Agnifilos insinuation, and other insiders said the feds were involved in the case very early. The two cases are expected to run parallel. Acting Manhattan US Attorney Edward Y. Kim said in a statement Thursday that Braggs case is expected to proceed to trial before the federal case. But whether local Manhattan prosecutors will indeed present their case first remains unclear. Bederow said the feds timing shows they wanted to move quickly and are likely trying to jump the line ahead of Bragg. They literally filed a complaint before the DA was even able to take him to state court, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have given the impression that they jumped the DA and kind of elbowed them out of the way. Anyone watching this realizes that the feds are moving in here to take over. Reps for the DAs office and the state court system said late Friday that Mangiones arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court was now expected Monday, if he is brought to court from the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The state charges he faces from Braggs office include an unusual rap of murder as an act of terrorism, one of 11 counts that a grand jury handed down in a sweeping indictment. The charge which carries the maximum penalty of life without parole could open the door to politicizing the slaying of Thompson, defense attorney Ron Kuby previously told The Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangione allegedly was found with a handwritten manifesto-type document when Pennsylvania cops arrested him at a McDonalds in Altoona five days after the shocking slaying. The notebook raged against the health insurance industry and detailed his plan to wack a CEO at the conference Thompson planned to attend Dec. 4, calling it a true windfall for his dastardly aims, according to the complaint. The federal charges brought upon the 26-year-old Ivy Leaguer came amid pressure from health insurance industry leaders to make an example out of him, sources told The Post. Carlos Chiossone/ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com During the three months Mangione allegedly plotted his attack, he zeroed in on UnitedHealthcare, writing the insurance behemoth that Thompson led checks every box, the complaint states. The target is insurance, he allegedly wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message would become self evident, he wrote in the notebook, signaling he foresaw the shooting would be viewed as an attack on the insurance industry, according to court documents. The anti-health insurance industry stance earned Mangione a legion of fans who shared sick memes and even attended his Pennsylvania extradition hearing wearing Luigi hats. The pressure by the insurance industry for the feds to deter other killers unfolded against this backdrop and could pay off. Legal experts said prosecuting the case against Mangione in federal court carries advantages beyond the potential death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds have a cleaner case that doesnt require jurors to decide on the unusual terror enhancement that Bragg pursued, Bederow contended. As Karen Agnifilo argued, the federal cases stalking counts appear to contradict the Manhattan terror charge. The theory of the murder charge of the Manhattan DA case is terrorism and intimidating a group of people, she said during Mangiones arraignment. This is stalking an individual. And a jury pool in the Southern District wouldnt just be pulled from Manhattanites, but also prospective jurors in Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. If there are concerns about this guy being kind of a martyr or a folk hero to some kind of crazy political cause, in federal court its a much more favorable, I would say, jury pool for the prosecution, Bederow said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney also noted that come Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, there may be more friction between the DOJ and the DAs office. Trump was successfully prosecuted by Braggs office in the infamous porn star hush money case and found guilty of 34 felony counts a result that rankled the president-elect. What do you think the Trump Justice Department will think of Alvin Braggs DA office? he said. They will definitely flex their muscles and take the case and try to make sure it gets handled in federal court. We will have a Justice Department helmed by someone who absolutely despises the Manhattan DA, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for UnitedHealthcare didnt respond to The Posts query about whether the company was involved in the reputed pressure campaign. DOJ officials in Washington and New York declined to comment. State court officials are ready to hold Mangiones arraignment, said spokesman Al Baker in a statement dripping with shade Friday. Should the defendant be produced at 100 Centre Street on Monday, December 23, the Court stands ready to arraign the defendant, he said. Additional reporting by Larry Celona and Kyle Schnitzer EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 45-year-old New Mexico man is dead after he was shot by a homeowner in what is being called a home invasion in Otero County, New Mexico State Police said. Lucas Eli Moore, 45, of La Luz, New Mexico, was killed in the incident last weekend. The fatal shooting happened just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 in La Luz, which is 6 miles north of Alamogordo. New Mexico State Police were called out to a home along Appler Road about a breaking-and-entering call in which a shot had been fired by the homeowner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the initial investigation, the homeowner, his wife and three small children were in their home when Moore began banging on the door. Moore then broke open the door and entered the home, State Police said. The armed homeowner repeatedly told Moore to leave, State Police said. Moore then went to the familys kitchen which was down the hall from the childrens bedrooms, where they were sleeping, State Police said. After repeated attempts to get Moore to leave, Moore then tried to hit the homeowner, State Police said. The homeonwer then fired at least one round from his handgun, striking Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homeowner called 911 and told them of the incident, prompting dispatch to send law enforcement and emergency medical services to go to the home. Upon arrival of the ambulance, Moore was pronounced dead at the home, State Police said. The homeowner, his wife, and children were not injured. The children were asleep in their rooms and did not witness the incident, State Police said. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating the incident. At this time, no charges have been filed against the homeowner, State Police said. Upon completion of the investigation, the case file will be submitted to the District Attorneys Office for review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. RINGWOOD, Okla. (KFOR) Authorities say a mother was killed by her husband in front of her small children, because he was afraid hed be deported back to Mexico after she filed a protective order against him because of the abuse. Court documents show there was an arrest warrant for Jose Navarro-Ramos after his wife, 36-year-old Beatriz Reyna filed an emergency protective order against him for domestic assault, telling police she feared for her life and that her estranged husband had threatened her with a knife in the past. Residents in Ringwood are still absorbing the terrible news of Reynas death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres really no words, said Vanessa Pena, who lives in town. We would see her at parties with her kids and shes always nice lady and a good mom for sure. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: OSBI investigating after woman killed in Ringwood On the morning Reyna was killed, investigators believe her estranged husband hid in the trees outside her home waiting for her to return from school drop off. She still had her youngest three children with her, ranging in age from 4 months to 4-years-old. As the family was walking inside, investigators said Navarro-Ramos used an eight-pound splitting maul, which can be used like an axe, to hit his wife in the face as their children watched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then drove the children to a family members house before driving to the town restaurant, where he allegedly confessed to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper. Its not something that you would want to happen at your family restaurant, said Pena. Navarro-Ramos told investigators he was jealous of men who looked at Reyna. There was a warrant for his arrest for domestic assault, but he was never picked up and taken to jail. We attempted to serve or collect on that warrant several times and were unsuccessful in locating him, said Major County Sheriff, Anthony Robinson. A mother gone, a father now locked up, and eight children left behind in a town feeling the sting of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So just keep and pray for us, for ourselves and for her childrens. Navarro-Ramos is being held without bond. The District Attorney says hes been in Major County illegally and is worried he would flee to Mexico if he was able to bond out. Jose De Jesus Navarro has been charged in Major County District Court with First-Degree Murder and Child Abuse. Navarro is accused of killing Beatriz Reyna by striking her with a splitting maul and committing child abuse in front of minors under his care. These charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged crimes, and Navarro is being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Our office is committed to ensuring the integrity of the process while seeking justice for the victim and her family. Chris Boring, District Attorney, District 26 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. On this episode, AccuWeather Founder & Executive Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers and AccuWeather Network Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno discuss how weather played a major role in a 1979 daring desert mission to rescue American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran. (Reuters) - Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents U.S. interests in the country, and a senior Italian diplomat over the arrest by the U.S. of two Iranian nationals this week, Iranian media reported on Saturday. U.S. prosecutors charged the two men on Monday with illegally exporting sensitive technology to Iran that they said was used in a January drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members. The U.S. blamed Iran-backed militants for the attack. Iran said at the time it was not involved. Federal prosecutors in Boston identified the men as Mohammad Abedini, the co-founder of an Iranian-based company, and Mahdi Sadeghi, an employee of Massachusetts-based semiconductor manufacturer Analog Devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abedini, a resident of both Switzerland and Iran, was arrested in Italy at the request of the U.S. government. Sadeghi, an Iranian-born naturalized U.S. citizen, lives in Natick, Massachusetts. We consider these arrests in violation of international law, Iranian media quoted the foreign ministry as saying, adding that the Swiss ambassador and the Italian charge d'affaires were asked to pass on Irans protest. (dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com; Editing by Frances Kerry) KARACHI (Reuters) -Sixteen security personnel were killed in northwest Pakistan in an attack by Islamist militants early on Saturday, a senior police official in the South Waziristan region said, as Islamist fighters step up their assaults on the security forces. Another eight personnel were injured in the attack on a security forces post, which took place at 2 a.m. (2100 GMT on Friday), police deputy superintendent Hidayat Ullah told Reuters. "A search operation is under way in the area," he added, saying the attackers had used light and heavy weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack, giving a higher figure for the number of security personnel killed. "At least 35 security personnel were killed and 15 injured in the attack," the group said in a WhatsApp channel broadcast. It did not say whether any of its fighters had been killed. The TTP has carried out more frequent attacks in recent months, mostly targeting members of the security forces. An umbrella group of various Sunni Islamist militant groups, it has long been fighting in a bid to overthrow the government and replace it with a strict Islamic-led system of governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is separate from the Afghan Taliban movement, but pledges loyalty to the Islamist group that now rules Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces in 2021. (Reporting by Saud Mehsud in Dera Ismail Khan;Writing by Ariba Shahid in Karachi;Editing by Helen Popper) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, congratulating him on the high level of organization and successful outcomes of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the excellent organization and successful results of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 19 December 2024. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 organization during this prestigious event hosted by your friendly country. As you noted in your congratulatory message, Azerbaijans membership in the organization will open a new page in the relations between our countries. It is quite remarkable that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, has adopted a decision on its expansion for the first time. This historic decision, which is an indicator of international trust in Azerbaijan, is a source of special pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijan's candidacy is a manifestation of our strong relations of friendship and cooperation, as well as unity and solidarity with each member state of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member states, will contribute to the mobilization of efforts for the protection of the fundamental principles of D-8, deepening of cooperation within the organization, promotion of our common interests, strengthening of Islamic solidarity, and its transformation into a great power. Dear Mr. President, The current level of Azerbaijani-Egyptian relations and cooperation, which are developing in the spirit of mutual respect and trust, is truly gratifying. Your visit to Azerbaijan at the beginning of last year and my visit to Egypt in June this year laid the foundation for a new stage in the history of our interstate relations. I do believe that we will continue our joint efforts towards strengthening the friendly relations between our countries, maximizing the potential of our joint activities, and expanding our fruitful cooperation within the framework of international institutions. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wish you good health, happiness and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Egypt," the letter reads. X/ @OrRavid, @SupressedNws At least 16 people were injured in a missile strike on Tel Aviv, the economic centre of Israel, in the early hours of Saturday. Thousands of people in central Israel woke to alarms and scrambled to find shelter shortly before 3.45am. The countrys protective Iron Dome failed to intercept what the IDF said was a projectile that had been fired from Yemen. One missile fell near homes close to Tel Aviv, starting a fire in a playground next to apartment towers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iran-backed group Houthis in Yemen have repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. On Thursday, Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen and threatened more attacks against the Yemeni group. Follow the live updates below. 06:31 AM GMT Houthi official mocks Iron Dome Houthi official Hezam al-Asad has reportedly posted several mocking messages to social media, some of them in Hebrew. In one post, translated by The Times of Israel, he wrote: The failure of all Israeli defence systems means that the heart of the Zionist enemy is no longer secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another, he appeared to refer to the failure of the Iron Dome to stop this mornings strike. There is no longer any use for interception systems that cost billions of dollars, the post read. 06:00 AM GMT Houthis: military target hit Yemens Houthis say they hit a military target in central Israels Jaffa area with a ballistic missile this morning. Jaffa, one of the oldest operating ports in Israel, is located five miles south of central Tel-Aviv. The civilian injuries, and damaged park, were in the town of Bnei Brak, in eastern Tel Aviv. 05:26 AM GMT Crater left in park where missile landed An Israeli journalist at the scene has filmed the damage left behind by this mornings attack. The footage shows debris strewn about a park where a large crater is visible near childrens play equipment: : . pic.twitter.com/kn4gZmWaf2 | Or Ravid (@OrRavid) December 21, 2024 05:21 AM GMT More injuries reported Magen David Adom (MDA), Israels emergency medical service, has upgraded the total number of injured to 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the people had been wounded by broken glass, it added. I was at home and heard a loud explosion. I immediately went to the scene and saw significant blast damage to nearby buildings, medic Yosef Kourdi was quoted as saying in a MDA statement. The statement added: MDA teams provided medical care to 16 individuals who were mildly injured by glass shards from shattered windows in nearby buildings due to the impact of the strike. 03:00 AM GMT Residents injured while running for cover Israels emergency medical service confirmed 14 people have been taken to hospital, mostly with minor injuries from shrapnel. Several other people were treated for shock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional teams are treating several people on-site who were injured while heading to protected areas, as well as those suffering from anxiety, a spokesman for the local ambulance service said. 02:59 AM GMT Projectile landed near playground Videos shared on social media show a fire broke out near to a playground and residential apartments. A projectile fell in the town of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, according to local reports. Emergency crews rushed to the area and residents took shelter as alarms continued. 02:56 AM GMT One projectile breached Iron Dome The IDF confirmed attempts to intercept a missile had failed. Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made, the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli police added: A short time ago, reports were received of a weapon falling in one of the settlements within the Tel Aviv district. 02:25 AM GMT Alarms sound in Tel Aviv Tel Aviv residents have rushed to find shelter after waking shortly before 3.45am to alarms and sirens. The IDF says a ballistic missile was launched from Yemen. It is the second time this week that Houthis fired a missile is fired at Israel in the middle of the night. 02:21 AM GMT Good morning Were hearing reports Tel Aviv has been targeted in missile strikes on Israel. Follow this live blog for updates. 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. The Israeli army said an attempt to intercept a projectile launched from Yemen overnight, some 2,000 kilometres away, was unsuccessful. Several people were injured after the projectile fell in Tel Aviv, the army said on Saturday. Air-raid sirens sounded in central Israel including Tel Aviv overnight, the army said on Telegram. Yemen's Houthi rebels, which like Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon are backed by Iran, have repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Israel in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. On Thursday, Israel bombed key ports in Yemen as well as the country's capital Sana'a in response to attacks launched by the Houthi militia. The Israeli army said an attempt to intercept a projectile launched from Yemen overnight, some 2,000 kilometres away, was unsuccessful. Several people were injured after the projectile fell in Tel Aviv, the army said on Saturday. They received medical treatment. The Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reported that 16 people suffered minor injuries from glass shards due to broken windows. Air-raid sirens sounded in central Israel including Tel Aviv overnight, the army said on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthi militia in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a "military target." Yemen's Houthi rebels, which like Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon are backed by Iran, have repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Israel in the past. 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. On Thursday, Israel bombed key ports in Yemen as well as the country's capital Sana'a in response to attacks launched by the Houthi militia. People evacuate their homes in Tel Aviv early Saturday after a projectile fired from Yemen lands near their building. Israel's military reported that it failed to intercept the "projectile" launched from Yemen, which struck Tel Aviv. The national medical service confirmed that 16 people were lightly wounded. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israeli emergency responders inspect the damage at the site where a projectile fired from Yemen landed in Tel Aviv early Saturday. Israel's military reported that it failed to intercept the "projectile" launched from Yemen, which struck Tel Aviv. The national medical service confirmed that 16 people were lightly wounded. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has offered his condolences following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg that left five people dead and 200 more injured. "Shocking images from Magdeburg, Germany last night," Saar wrote on social media platform X on Saturday. "I condemn this devastating crime," he added, saying he had expressed his country's condolences to his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. "Israel stands with the German people in their mourning and offers any assistance required." Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa Ukrainian troops have conducted a ground attack using exclusively unmanned ground vehicles and FPV drones for the first time. The operation underscores Ukraine's commitment to implementing technological innovations in its warfare. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: In its assessment for 20 December, the ISW cited Sergeant Volodymyr Dehtiarov, the spokesman for the Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, who reported an attack by the Ukrainian defence forces on the positions of the Russians near the village of Lyptsi, located north of Kharkiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The date of the attack is not mentioned, nor are the exact positions where the fighting took place. It is noted that the Ukrainian forces used dozens of robotic systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with machine guns, as well as drones to place and disarm mines in Russian positions. As a result of the operation, Russian positions were successfully destroyed. Quote from the ISW: "Ukrainian officials have repeatedly highlighted Ukraine's efforts to utilise technological innovations and asymmetric strike capabilities to offset Ukraine's manpower limitations in contrast with Russia's willingness to accept unsustainable casualty rates for marginal territorial gains." Details: The report also states that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported the completion of tests of new drones attached to fibre-optic cables. Such devices are more resistant to electronic warfare, which Russia actively uses. A Ukrainian drone manufacturing company reported that it recently assembled a prototype of the first FPV drone made exclusively from components produced in Ukraine. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 20 December: Russian ballistic missile strikes damaged several embassies in central Kyiv on the morning of 20 December. Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted their first attack solely using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and first-person view (FPV) drones, highlighting Ukraine's ongoing efforts to leverage technological innovation into ground operations. Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced his intention to orient Russia's political and ideological priorities for 2025 around Russian veterans. The Kremlin continues to scapegoat Kursk Oblast civil servants for its failure in responding to Ukraine's Kursk Oblast incursion. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast, near Kupiansk, within Toretsk, and on the Vuhledar front. Russian opposition outlet Mediazona reported on 20 December that it has confirmed that at least 20,364 Russian soldiers have been killed in action (KIA) in Ukraine since 1 January 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Jahnay Bryan has not been seen since October. The Cornell University grad previously spoke of being afraid of "going missing," and now her sister is concerned something happened to her sibling. Bryan, 23, was last seen near West 8th Street in Los Angeles around 9 a.m. on Oct. 16, the Los Angeles Police Department said in an Ebony Alert issued on Nov. 19. She had just graduated from Cornell and had all these ambitions, it is incredibly unlike her to just completely go off the grid, Bryan's sister Jahque Bryan-Gooden told News Nation in an interview published on Friday, Dec. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Dateline, Jahque added that "going missing" was Jahnay's "biggest fear." Related: California Brothers Ages 17 and 19 Missing amid Duck Hunting Trip, Say Police: 'Continue to Diligently Search' "Like, being a Black girl and getting trafficked, or someone kidnapping her, or her going missing," Jahque added of her sister. "She had vividly shared to a friend, like, If something ever happens to me, find me. On the day she went missing, Jahnay sent a strange email to her former boyfriend about wanting to get married, Jahque said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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," the email read, per News Nation. "It wasnt even grammatically correct, Jahque told Dateline of the correspondence. And so that was definitely like, Okay, whats happening here? You know? But I dont think that someone else would have had her email. Related: 'Survivalist' Dad Left Home to Go Photograph the Tides at Oregon Beach. His Car Was Found, But Hes Vanished Jahnay graduated from Cornell University before moving to her homestate Pennsylvania, where she lost touch with her loved ones. Jahque told Dateline she last spoke with her sister via email last year, an exchange she described as "positive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear how she ended up in L.A. In August, she sent her former boyfriend an email telling him she was relocating. "Gone for the last few months, back moving to a new city Monday. Bye," she reportedly wrote. Jahnay's former boyfriend confirmed to Dateline that she sent him the emails in August and October. Jahque added to News Nation that she's "frustrated" with the investigation into her sister's disappearance, claiming that at least nine people have told her they've seen Jahnay. An LAPD spokesperson said there are no updates on the investigation, the Los Angeles Times reported this month. Bryan's family is now working with volunteers from the Black and Missing Foundation, hoping that a community search event will help them find Jahque. 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. Former Sen. Steven Bradford addressed the disparity among missing Black youth, who make up 40% of all cases, but are only 15% of the country's youth population, per the L.A. Times. Her case was compared to Hannah Kobayashi, a White woman who was missing for a month before she was found safe in an investigation that garnered widespread media attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Black young women and children disappear, resources are not committed to find them, said Bradford. We need to ask ourselves, why is that?" Jahque shared with Dateline that Jahnay is "brilliant," "caring" and "a natural leader," making her concerned that her sister could be in trouble. Not only was she loved, but she loved a lot of people, so or does love people, Jahque said. So, to know that know that people that care for her the most, she hasnt been in contact with, its scary. And its not like her, right? Its abnormal behavior. Police described Bryan as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. It's unknown what she was wearing the day she disappeared. Anyone with information on Bryan's whereabouts is urged to call the Missing Persons Unit, Detective Avalos at (213) 996-1800. Read the original article on People The power of Musk Despite what Donald Trump and JD Vance may say, the chaos on Capitol Hill this week can be traced back to one man: Elon Musk. House Speaker Mike Johnson had negotiated a deal with Democrats that was by all accounts a typically larded-up 1,500-page behemoth of a funding bill. But despite the bills imperfections, there was an agreement that seemed to have wrapped up all the loose ends for the year. Members of Congress and their staffs were packing their bags and getting their last-minute Christmas shopping done in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Musk stepped in. With over 100 posts on his own platform X including the 1:32 p.m. declaration, THIS CRIMINAL BILL MUST NOT PASS and another threatening, Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years! Musk managed to blow up months of negotiation, leaving Johnson scrambling. Given that he doesnt seem to know that only 19 Republican senators are up for re-election in 2026, I am a bit skeptical that Musk knows exactly how a bill becomes a law. This summary from Johnson made it sound a lot like he had to explain how the process of getting approval for spending typically works. And there is a real question whether Musk would follow through with his threat to fund primary opponents against anyone who opposes Trumps agenda. But what this week made clear is that Musk has more power than the speaker of the House, who is second in line to the presidency. And maybe even the vice president-elect. I mean, where is Vance these days anyway? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further confirmation of Johnsons weakness came when Trump was asked about his confidence in him, Trump responded: Well see. What they had yesterday was unacceptable Its a Democrat trap. If this week made one thing clear, Musks X account is going to make for a heck of a ride in Washington come January. A story you should be following: Democrats pass over AOC for oversight role This week, House Democrats voted 131-84 to name Rep. Gerry Connolly, 74, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. While Connolly, an eight-term Democrat, brings a wealth of experience to the role, this vote feels like a major missed opportunity to place a highly influential communicator as ranking member of one of the few House committees that garner national attention. According to The New York Times, Connolly benefited from strong behind-the-scenes support from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The result wasnt particularly close, even as Democrats embraced generational change in other key leadership roles this week. The good news is that Ocasio-Cortez will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the Democratic Partys messaging. But Democrats will need to fire on all cylinders if they hope to garner national attention for important Oversight Committee debates following Rep. Jamie Raskins departure from the role. Another story you should be following: Trailing Supreme Court candidate asks same court to throw out 60,000 ballots Atop the growing list of shockingly anti-democratic moves from North Carolina Republicans, this week, Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin asked North Carolinas Supreme Court to throw out 60,000 ballots from last months election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin, who trails Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by just 734 votes, claims these ballots are invalid because some voters lacked a drivers license or Social Security number on file, and others living abroad did not include photo ID with their ballots. All three of these challenges were rejected last week by North Carolinas Democrat-controlled state elections board. However, with North Carolinas Supreme Court holding a 5-2 Republican majority, Griffin is banking on a more favorable ruling. This isnt the GOPs first attempt to undermine voters in North Carolina. In October, Republicans tried and failed to remove 225,000 voters from the rolls just weeks before Election Day. That effort was dismissed by a federal judge, but the state Supreme Court could still take a different approach. Some good news: Biden appoints 233 federal judges As his term nears its end, President Joe Biden is cementing a historic judicial legacy, appointing a total of 233 judges as of this week, including more judges of color than any president before him. On Monday, Tiffany Johnson became the 40th Black woman confirmed to a lifetime federal judgeship under Biden more than any president in a single term. Overall, 60% of his appointees are people of color, part of his goal of reshaping the judiciary to better reflect America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens appointments include Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, and record numbers of former public defenders and civil rights lawyers. With Senate Democrats racing to confirm more nominees before Republicans gain Senate control, these nominees will no doubt shape the judiciary for decades to come. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NEW JERSEY (PIX11) New Jersey mayors say theyre receiving mixed messages about drones and the Federal Aviation Administrations decision to ban drone flights in 22 municipalities with critical infrastructure temporarily. Its just a little concerning that they basically said theres no public safety issue, but yet then right away they started banning airspace, said Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty. Drones restricted in NYC airspace: Heres where Dougherty is trying to understand why Morristown was not included in the temporary ban in effect until January 17th specifically because it is home to Morristown Airport. I would think that the airport that we know the President-Elect is going to be going into that this would be an area theyd want to make sure is very secure, said Dougherty. Mayors in other towns say the choices seem random. It looks like someone took darts or maybe just traced over the top of the New Jersey Turnpike as to where these FAA bans have been placed, said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, who questioned why his town was not included, since it is home to Navy Weapons Station Earle. I think its a joke, said Belleville Mayor Michael Melham. Belleville, New Jersey has among the most critical infrastructure in the State of New Jersey. And the fact that theyre not here instituting a no-fly ban is ridiculous. That being said, Melham does not think the ban will do much good. I think this is just optics, said Melham. They know its not gonna do anything. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the FAA plans to grant temporary flight restrictions over some of New Yorks critical infrastructure as well. She calls the action purely precautionary. It is unclear which parts of the state may be impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. House conservatives are putting Speaker Mike Johnson on notice: He has work to do if he wants to keep his job. The Louisiana Republican is at his weakest point after he was caught between President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the right flank of his party in a bruising fight over spending that just barely averted a government shutdown. That came at the most inopportune moment possible for Johnson, with the speakership vote exactly two weeks away. One Republican has already vowed to oppose him, and he cant afford to lose another due to his incredibly thin majority. Several others have publicly warned they arent on board yet as theyve fumed about how he handled a stopgap spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My advice to the speaker would be: Youve probably got some bridges to mend, spend the holidays reaching out to members and address their concerns, said Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.). I think he needs to work the phones. Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) said in a statement after the spending vote that I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like. And Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) said that he is going to use the two-week break to ruminate on whats happened since hes taken over. He added that he doesnt intend to announce how hell vote on Jan. 3 in advance, but that the funding battle was a disaster. And in a further worrying sign for Johnson, it wasnt just his typical regular rabble rousers who were signaling their dissatisfaction about how he navigated the funding fight. More mainstream members were exasperated that he put forward a nearly 1,550-page funding bill negotiated with Democrats, pulled it after the president-elect publicly excoriated it, and then moved forward on a Trump-backed bill on Thursday with little warning to his members. Theres zero communication from leadership to the membership. And its very frustrating and something needs to change before Jan. 3 here, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) told reporters Friday. We need a clear understanding of how were going to do things next session because what is happening right now is completely unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A speaker fight would not only be disastrous for Johnson, but would also overshadow the Republican Partys priorities at the worst time. The GOP is aiming to get ambitious pieces of legislation on the border and energy through Congress in the first 100 days of the new administration. Though Trump publicly broke with Johnson on his first spending plan, he has also privately warned lawmakers in recent weeks not to do anything that delays his agenda. Some Republicans are expressing hopes that there isnt another speakership fight, believing it would kill some momentum they have with voters off the election and that it would make them look chaotic. None of us are walking in his shoes, so it's maybe a bit easy to criticize, but his situation does deserve a careful look at what he's trying to do, said Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), an appropriator. A little time away has a way of healing some of that frustration and some of that angst, and we'll see when we come back if it persists. There are some pretty determined people in our conference and it's a thin majority, so I would speculate that it's not automatic. Johnson did ultimately manage on Friday evening to get a government funding bill through the House by a large margin, despite the days of drama. And he kept Republican defections down to just 34 votes a number that seemed unthinkable just 48 hours ago. Now, he has two weeks to hope that tempers will cool down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His fate is, at least partially, in Trumps hands. Trump cant guarantee Johnson will get speaker the president-elect already endorsed him in mid-November, and conservatives are still threatening to oppose him but if Trump pulls that endorsement, Johnson could be in major trouble. I think it'll be fine unless Trump comes out against him, said Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio). Some Trump allies are signaling that the incoming president wont waste political capital to save Johnson if he does face a challenger or starts to flounder internally and Trump himself made an open threat this week about his political future. Some members of Johnsons right flank are publicly floating alternatives. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a House Freedom Caucus member, pointed to Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) as two members who have potential to replace Johnson if he flails, though he questioned if either of them would want the role and if they could do any better than Johnson. But Norman isnt ready to say the speaker has lost his support. Rather, he has a warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There would have to be some changes. Don't let this happen again, said Norman, calling this week contentious. Some Republicans viewed the chaotic week as a test run for Johnsons ability to manage his conference and coordinate with Trump next year, when the party will be under intense pressure to deliver ambitious priorities, given they control the federal government trifecta. Many said it shows that not only Johnson, but also the broader conference, still has work to do. Weve got to organize ourselves to be ahead of these things. We know whats coming. We know that were going to have tough choices to make. So we need to organize. We need to move. We need lots of work over Christmas, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), while declining to discuss the speaker race. Davidson added, I think it'll be time for a good after-action review. Well, I have some frustrations. And I think I kind of look at all of this as pre-season, in a sense, for the next Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, as the team is getting used to working together, Id be curious what the collaboration was like with President Trump, Davidson said. Johnson does have some factors working his favor. Despite the eruption over the spending bill, hes spent months trying to appease his right flank, giving him some chips to play and a path back into their good graces. Hell be fine. He's got widespread support among the conference, and he's a fighter, and he has shown that over the course of this latest process. And we need a fighter to help implement the Trump agenda, said Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus. Plus, there is a strong desire for the party to avoid another speakership fight like they saw with the 15 ballots it took to elect Kevin McCarthy two years ago. The three-week search for his successor, when the House was held in paralysis after he was ousted, has also scarred the conference. I don't want to see the shit-show we had last year. And so if Johnson is our guy, Ill vote for Johnson. If it tanks, then Scalise pops up, then we will have to reevaluate it, said Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), a House Freedom Caucus member. The best thing for the Republican Party is for us just to get it done and get to work. I think the disaster this week is a dangerous prelude to what could come if we don't get very active and work as a team. A state circuit judge blocked some parts of Missouris near-total abortion ban after an abortion ballot measures passage in November. But the ruling preserved other restrictions, including that abortion facilities have to be licensed by the state. In her Friday preliminary injunction, Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang wrote that the states abortion ban is directly at odds with Amendment 3, which voters approved last month, and the statute is therefore presumptively invalid. Zhangs ruling shot down the states attempt to dismiss the case that was brought by Planned Parenthood. She also dismissed restrictions such as the requirement for doctors to be there in person when a patient is taking abortion medication, the 72-hour wait period between the patient checking in with the doctor and getting an abortion procedure, and other criminal penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, because being subject to an unconstitutional statute, for even minimal periods of time, unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury, the threat of irreparable harm exists here, the judge wrote in the 22-page ruling. Despite striking numerous state restrictions around abortion, Zhang did preserve some of those sought by the state, including that abortion facilities need to be licensed by the state of Missouri, that a patient needs an in-person visit for abortion medication and that only physicians can perform abortion procedures in Missouri. As they pertain to abortion facilities, the Court finds there may be a compelling governmental interest in licensing abortion facilities in this manner, and at the preliminary injunction phase, Plaintiffs have not shown the probability of success on the merits under Gabbert, the judge wrote. The Show-Me State was one of the first states to impose a near-total abortion ban following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Despite passing in November, Amendment 3 does not repeal the current law, but advocates can challenge the restrictions, arguing they are not in-line with the ballot measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to state Attorney General Andrew Baileys (R) office for comment. Updated Dec. 22 at 9:23 p.m. EDT Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo illustration by Getty Images. Attorney General Austin Knudsen wont be facing a contempt order from court in a wrongful discharge lawsuit. A former Montana Highway Patrol chief who is suing Knudsen and the state argued that the attorney general should be found in contempt for allowing the Department of Justice to disseminate confidential personnel information an allegation the DOJ denied. A district court judge denied the motion to set a contempt hearing last month. Lawyers for the state called the motion unorthodox and a red herring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, former Highway Patrol Col. Steve Lavin alleged he was wrongfully terminated after he launched a management review and workplace climate survey. As part of that lawsuit, lawyers for Lavin alleged the DOJ shared private information about Lavin with political consultant Jake Eaton and The Political Company, and Eaton more widely released it in an email to clients. The Political Company provided fundraising consulting to Knudsen, a Republican re-elected as attorney general in November. In the email, Eaton criticized Lavin as an inept leader albeit super nice guy. The court filing from Lavins lawyers didnt specify which part of the email it considered private personnel information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eaton is not party to the lawsuit, but he earlier told the Daily Montana the criticisms in his email came from social media and gossip circles, not the DOJ. In its response to the motion, Brown Law Firm lawyers representing Knudsen argued the state shouldnt have to argue for Eaton, a third party, who acted as a private individual with no official judicial or ministerial duties. Regardless, they also said Eatons explanation to the Daily Montanan that his sources did not include the DOJ make the contempt motion moot. Plus, they said, the timing didnt add up for such a motion. They said the lawsuit was still in its infancy, their deadline to answer hadnt even passed before the contempt motion came up, and it could only be classified as a poorly masked attempt to force defendants to appear prior to their statutorily prescribed deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers argued that when contempt isnt committed in open court or within the purview of the presiding judge, an affidavit outlining the facts constituting contempt needs to be presented, and one was not. So they said the judge should deny the motion. In the order last month, Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Michael McMahon agreed with the states argument about the need for an affidavit outlining a statement of the facts. The order denied the plaintiffs request that the court set a hearing to allow defendants to answer why they should not be held indirect civil contempt. The order said the contempt motion was not supported by an affidavit, required when contempt is alleged outside the view of the court. It also said the Montana Supreme Court had found procedures must be followed in such cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone call, lawyer Ben Reed, representing Lavin, said the teams interest in raising concerns about the email was to ensure the dispute remained focused on the allegations of wrongful termination and stayed between the parties in the case without interference from outsiders. We simply wanted to bring these issues to the attention of the court and make it clear that the case is about whats in front of the court, and not about whats not (in front of the court), and to try and keep third parties from joining into the chorus, Reed said. Reed, of the Delli Bovi, Martin and Reed firm, also said the plaintiffs will carry on with the lawsuit. Were confident that we can move on in good order and according to the rule of law, Reed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople from the DOJ did not respond to requests for comment. In response to the allegations in the lawsuit, the DOJ earlier said Lavin agreed to retire after the Highway Patrol lost confidence in him. In their court filing about the motion for contempt, they said the lawsuit is only about employment. Defendants view this as an employment matter one where the plaintiff signed a release as part of a negotiated severance agreement, which is a complete defense to plaintiffs claims in this matter, said the lawyers for Knudsen. Plaintiff is merely trying to distract from that fact with a red herring motion. Dec. 20SANTA FE The historic plaza obelisk could be coming back, and a new firestorm over New Mexico's colonial past might not be far behind. State District Judge Matthew Wilson on Friday ordered the city of Santa Fe and its mayor, Alan Webber, to either restore the obelisk within 180 days or otherwise comply with state preservation laws to ensure proper maintenance. The judge also ordered city officials to remove a box that has been covering the site where the obelisk stood within 30 days, ruling Webber and other city officials had failed to comply with a state law dealing with the preservation of historic sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The obelisk, officially known as the Soldiers' Monument, was toppled in October 2020 by protesters using chains and straps. Eight individuals faced charges in connection with the incident, but seven of the eight chose to participate in a restorative justice initiative for first-time nonviolent felony offenders. The other defendant was given a deferred sentence after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor vandalism offense. The act came three months after Webber issued an emergency proclamation authorizing city officials to begin legal processes for removing the obelisk from the plaza, along with a separate nearby statue depicting Spanish colonizer Diego de Vargas. Webber said Friday he had already directed city division directors to comply with the portion of the judge's order dealing with removing the box on the Santa Fe Plaza, along with a sign the city had erected at the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said city officials were still digesting other parts of the ruling, adding the City Council could discuss its appeal options during an upcoming meeting. He also cited a recent resolution that directed the city manager to study the feasibility of relocating the obelisk to the Santa Fe National Cemetery just a mile or so from downtown Santa Fe. "I think what we're still looking for is an outcome the community can get behind," Webber told the Journal. The statues, and others like them, have generated strife in northern New Mexico, with critics saying they glorify systemic racism and the oppression of the region's Native American residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the 150-plus-year-old obelisk was originally engraved with the words: "To the heroes who have fallen in the various battles with the savage Indians of the territory of New Mexico." Part of that engraving was chiseled out during the 1970s. But backers of the monuments say they celebrate New Mexico's history and the state's Spanish ancestry. A lawsuit against city officials was filed in December 2021 by the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, a group dedicated to preserving New Mexico's Hispanic heritage. After a two-day trial this fall, the judge ultimately ruled city officials had violated the state's Prehistoric and Historic Sites Preservation Act since they did not consult with a state office before making decisions about the monument. Those decisions included the proclamation, as well as placing trees, shrubs and the new sign at the base of where the obelisk had stood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virgil Vigil, the president of the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, said Friday he was grateful for the judge's ruling. "We fought to continue to honor the United States soldiers from New Mexico who fought and died in the Civil War to end slavery," Vigil said in a statement. "Preserving our history, culture, and traditions in Santa Fe is essential. If we do not protect our traditions, we will lose them." Kenneth Stalter, the group's attorney, called the ruling a "victory for the rule of law" and the city of Santa Fe's shared history. "The court's ruling underscores that government entities must follow established legal processes when altering historic sites," Stalter said. "The Soldiers' Monument holds deep cultural and historical value for the Santa Fe community, and today's judgment ensures that it will once again be visible as a central feature of the Plaza, where it belongs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The obelisk has protected status under statute because it was located on the Santa Fe Plaza, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For that reason, the judge's ruling does not apply to the de Vargas statue or a Kit Carson obelisk that was vandalized in 2023, as neither of those monuments were located on the plaza. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) Four years after an angry mob toppled the controversial monument at the center of the Santa Fe Plaza, a judge has said the city has to put it back. It comes after years of fierce debate over what to do with the obelisk known as the Soldiers Monument, as well as the site where it stood. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Indigenous Peoples Day in October 2020 when protesters brought down the monument in the middle of Santa Fe Plaza because it commemorated Civil War soldiers who fought Native Americans and bore a plaque referring to Indigenous People as savages. Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber ordered the base to be hidden from view. The rest of the monument was placed in storage. The mayor created a commission to help guide how the city should move forward. However, to date, the city has not made any decisions. When the city of Santa Fe ordered the removal of the Soldiers Monument on the plaza, and after the vandalism that occurred when they made alterations to the monument, they did so without going through the proper channels of the State Historic Preservation Office, said Attorney for Union Protectiva de Santa Fe Kenneth Statler. Now, a judge has sided with the local historical group, who sued to have the obelisk returned to its former state. That group, Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, argued the mayor violated state historic preservation laws and that the monument represents an important celebration of New Mexicos Spanish history and culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew from the beginning that the city was in the wrong but to have the court validate that and issue a ruling to that effect is wonderful, said Statler. The order states the city must remove the wood around the obelisk within 30 days and the city has 180 days to re-build the monument. The mayor said the city will remove the wood around the statue, but the issue is still complicated. He said the city will ask the state for their opinion on how to meet the historical requirements while placing the monument in context, such as with an informational plaque. I think we are all on the same page which is wed like to continue to move forward with something that hopefully not only meets the judges order but also takes into consideration the concerns and the serious interests that are in our community, said Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. The City of Santa Fe does have the option to appeal. Santa Fe City Council will meet to discuss how to move forward. Mayor Webber said they are already in the process of figuring out what it would take to rebuild the monument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The clock is ticking, but a federal judge in Manhattan said Friday he will rule soon on a motion to stop the states congestion pricing program before it goes into effect on Jan. 5. Judge Lewis Liman told lawyers for the Trucking Association of New York who, along with attorneys representing a consortium of Manhattan residents and the United Federation of Teachers and the Borough of Staten Island, have filed for an injunction to stop the controversial toll that he is aware of the time pressure in the case. The trucking association lawyers argued that the pricing plan overcharges trucks while undercharging taxis and other for-hire cars that make up the bulk of the traffic in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan in its current iteration will charge ordinary cars $9 once a day to enter the congestion pricing zone but will charge trucks between $14.40 and $21.60 each time they enter, depending on their size. Were looking for pricing parity, TANY attorney Brian Carr said. Were looking for fairness this is not fair. The congestion pricing plan charges vehicles by size and use, with lower tolls for motorcycles and higher ones for trucks and non-commuter buses. Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts will be charged per trip, with the toll in these cases passed on to the passenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you deny that trucks are bigger? Liman asked Carr, pushing back on the argument that trucks were not a significant contributing factor to congestion. Should Liman rule in the plaintiffs favor, congestion pricing will be paused pending a trial on the legal challenges merits. If he denies the motion, congestion pricing will proceed as planned while a trial continues. The MTA has also filed a motion for summary judgment, asking Liman to dismiss the plaintiffs cases without trial. Liman said Friday that he would likely hold a conference among the parties after making a decision on the injunction, all of which would happen before he ruled on the MTAs motion to dismiss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congestion pricing which was recently revived by Gov. Hochul with lower toll costs after she intervened to pause the plan in June is required by New York State law in order to back an issuance of $15 billion in bonds toward the MTAs capital budget. The Manhattan federal proceeding is one of several working its way through the justice system in the weeks ahead of congestion pricings planned start. Hearings are expected Monday in a Westchester case seeking to stop the toll, and a ruling is expected imminently in the state of New Jerseys suit against the traffic plan. Dec. 20An Alaska Superior Court judge on Tuesday ruled in favor of ConocoPhillips in a fight with the state and another oil company over the use of roads needed to access a huge oil field on the North Slope. In the 15-page ruling, Judge Andrew Guidi revoked the state's permit that allowed Oil Search (Alaska) to access and develop the remote Pikka field by using roads owned by ConocoPhillips in its Kuparuk River field to the east. But Guidi, on Wednesday, also issued a stay in the case, maintaining the status quo as the state appeals the decision to the Alaska Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The state requested a stay, which has been granted during the period we have to prepare our appeal, so that the permit will remain in place while we seek Supreme Court review of this decision," said Patty Sullivan, a spokeswoman with the Alaska Department of Law. The state will also seek a decision for a stay from the Alaska Supreme Court as the higher court considers the case, Sullivan said. The Pikka oil field is expected to begin producing oil next year. Oil production in the initial phase is expected to peak at 80,000 barrels daily, helping boost long-sagging production in Alaska. The field is expected to produce hundreds of millions of barrels of oil over its life, and could generate billions of dollars in revenue for the state and local entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ConocoPhillips, in a statement on Wednesday, said that Guidi's decision follows legal precedent and recognizes the longstanding practice of North Slope oil producers reaching commercial agreements with other operators to use their roads and other facilities. ConocoPhillips also said it supports development of the oil field. It hopes to reach a long-term agreement with Santos, Oil Search's parent company, for the use of the roads, ConocoPhillips said. The Alaska Department of Law last month issued a pre-emptive statement last month saying in light of comments made by Guidi during the case, it expected a decision that was not in its favor. It said it would appeal such a decision to protect Alaska's constitutional rights over resource development. "The state of Alaska has a constitutional obligation to maximize the development of our resources," said Natural Resources Commissioner John Boyle in the statement last month. "We have to confirm with the Supreme Court that we have the authority to permit access for all developers to ensure we can meet this obligation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil Search, which also sought a stay in the case, declined to comment on Wednesday, said Steve Wackowski, senior communications manager for the company. The two oil companies reached an ad hoc agreement in 2018 that has allowed Oil Search to use the 75 miles of roads in the Kuparuk field at no cost, Guidi wrote in the decision. But the two sides have not reached an agreement compensating ConocoPhillips for the roads' use. At the request of Oil Search, the state in 2022 issued a miscellaneous land use permit allowing Oil Search "free use" of the roads, Guidi wrote. It was the first time in state history that such a permit had been issued, allowing one entity to use the private facilities developed by another party on state leases, Guidi wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alaska Department of Natural Resources did not have the constitutional, legislative or contractual right to issue the permit, Guidi wrote. "DNR has no legal basis or authority to grant a third party the right to use (ConocoPhillips) leasehold improvements, by permit or other means, even though they are built on state land," Guidi wrote. Doing so constitutes an "impermissible taking" under the U.S. and Alaska constitutions, he wrote. Guidi wrote that the state has other options to provide Oil Search with access to the Pikka field, including eminent domain if ConocoPhillips and Oil Search can't reach a commercial agreement for the use of the roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guidi said the state permit has been a "disincentive" for Oil Search to negotiate a commercial agreement with ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips challenged the permit by appealing to the Superior Court in 2022. The gravel roads in the Kuparuk River field were first built in the 1980s. They cost between $10 million and $20 million annually to maintain, ConocoPhillips has said in court documents. They are eight-feet high and up to 40 feet wide, and cost more than $1 billion to build, the company said. Oil Search has argued that ConocoPhillips has sought excessive amounts for the road's use that could jeopardize the development of the Pikka field, court documents show. Oil Search says it has offered to pay ConocoPhillips large sums for the use of the road, including up to $90 million in capital and upgrade costs, as well as an annual maintenance fee starting at $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ConocoPhillips said in court documents it is not seeking excessive payment and is now requesting $7 million annually, about twice the amount Santos has said it is paying daily to develop the Pikka field. ConocoPhillips said in its statement on Wednesday that it has never sought to block the roads' use. "With the judge's decision finalized, we look forward to reaching a long-term access agreement with Santos," ConocoPhillips said. Messaging service WhatsApp claimed a major legal victory over Israeli spyware firm NSO Group on Friday after a federal judge ruled that NSO was liable under federal and California law for a 2019 hacking spree that breached over 1,000 WhatsApp users. Its a rare legal win for activists who have sought to rein in companies that make powerful spyware, or software capable of surveilling calls and texts, that has reportedly been used on journalists, human rights advocates and political dissidents worldwide. The case will now go to trial on the question of what damages NSO Group owes Meta-owned WhatsApp, Judge Phyllis Hamilton of the Northern District of California wrote in her ruling on Friday granting WhatsApps motion for partial summary judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landmark case began in 2019, when WhatsApp filed suit accusing NSO Group of breaking a federal anti-hacking law, alleging that the companys flagship custom malware, Pegasus, was used on human rights advocates and journalists in a sweeping attack in the spring of that year. NSO Group did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday evening. The company has previously denied wrongdoing and said that its products are used to fight crime and terrorism. Surveillance companies should be on notice that illegal spying will not be tolerated, Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, said in a social media post. The market for commercial spyware has exploded over the last decade as companies from Israel to North Macedonia have hawked their services and many governments have been willing buyers. At least 74 countries have contracted with private firms to obtain commercial spyware, the US intelligence agencies said in their annual threat assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration has tried to crack down on spyware makers, particularly after the State Department discovered in 2021 that the iPhones of about a dozen of its diplomats were hacked using NSO Group-developed spyware. US officials have been alarmed by a very aggressive effort by spyware vendors to market their hacking tools to various US agencies, a US National Security Council official previously told CNN. The FBI, for example, confirmed in 2022 that the bureau bought a testing license for Pegasus. The FBI has not used Pegasus in investigations, according to the bureau. Fridays ruling in favor of WhatsApp sets a precedent that will be cited for years to come, said John Scott-Railton, a researcher at the University of Torontos Citizen Lab, who has investigated the use of NSO Groups spyware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the most-watched case about mercenary spyware and everyone is going to take note, Scott-Railton told CNN. The ruling could have a chilling effect on efforts by other spyware companies to enter the US market, he added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Travis County District judge on Friday instructed the city of Bee Cave and the owners of the West Austin Business Park to craft an order by Jan. 10 to temporarily halt its construction until the case can go to a jury trial. Judge Laurie Eiserloh's letter also ordered the industrial warehouse to stop violating the city's noise ordinance and that both sides should work to find a trial date. She also indicated the order should deny all other relief, including several of the defendants motions that sought to throw out the case. In two court hearings last month, city officials said the construction goes against the development plan the city and the landowner had agreed to in 2015. Residents said the 269,959-square-foot facility will lower their property values and harm the environment. Lawyers for the developers said that because the warehouse is in Bee Caves extraterritorial jurisdiction, rather than its city limits, the developers dont have to report site plans to the city nor get its approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Hearing concludes without decision on construction of industrial warehouse near Bee Cave The injunction hearing began on Nov. 12, but Eiserloh quickly determined the court would need more time to hear from both sides. The judge ended the second day of the hearing on Nov. 20 by saying she did not know which way she would decide. "I know we have, on the neighbors side, a lot of frustration," Eiserloh said. "Those were beautiful homes out there that I saw, and I took very close notes of that. I know on the developer side, there's a lot of frustration, a lot of money on the line that you all made very clear continues to be an expense to you. A partner in Velocis, the Dallas-based private equity real estate firm that is building the facility near Texas 71 and Serene Hills Drive, testified that for each three months of paused construction, the company is at risk of losing between $500,000 to $1 million. Paul Smith said that between November 2023 and August 2024, the company has spent about $21 million on construction costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project, which was court-ordered to stop construction in October, is part of the Sweetwater Crossing property, owned by Wheelock Communities. When the 40-foot concrete tilt walls went up in August, city officials received complaints from nearby residents and filed a lawsuit against Velocis and Wheelock. KBC Advisors, an investor in the business park, later joined the defendants. Eppright Homes, the city of Lakeway and Madrone Canyon Residential Community also joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs, backing Bee Cave. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Judge tells Bee Cave, warehouse builder to craft stop-work agreement Dec. 20A state district judge on Friday issued a ruling in a legal dispute over the future of the Plaza obelisk that calls for the wooden box and shrubbery around the remains of the monument to be removed within 30 days, unless the city of Santa Fe requests and is granted a stay in implementing the order. District Judge Mathew Wilson's ruling issued Friday, months after a trial in the case also orders the city to rebuild the Soldiers' Monument within 180 days or choose from several other options, which could result in the issue continuing to drag on for years. Though the order gives the city options, it is a decisive victory for Union Protectiva de Santa Fe the historic preservation group that sued Mayor Alan Webber and the city over the destruction of the monument on Indigenous Peoples Day 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affirms the group's arguments the obelisk is protected by the state Prehistoric and Historic Preservation Act; any changes to the monument must comply with the requirements of the act; and the city's proclamation calling for removal of the obelisk and construction of the massive protective box around it were not in compliance with the act. In his Friday ruling, Wilson wrote the city violated sections of a state law regarding historic sites by obscuring the monument, which the judge described as "an integral part of the aesthetic, character, and history of the Plaza." Completed in 1868, the monument honors Civil War Union soldiers but has long been controversial due to an inscription also dedicating it to soldiers who died in battle with "savage Indians." Webber called in summer 2020 for the monument to be removed, along with a Kit Carson monument outside the federal courthouse nearby and a statue of Don Diego de Vargas in Cathedral Park, amid Indigenous activists' threats of a protest and a nationwide movement of racial reckoning. Months later, the Plaza obelisk was toppled during a protest, and several attempts by the city in subsequent years to rebuild or move it have been unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson's ruling was greeted with excitement Friday morning by Union Protectiva members and others who have pushed for the city to rebuild the monument. Daniel Ortiz, founder of the Hispanic Anti-Defamation Association, said he hoped the ruling marked "the end of cancel culture on the Plaza." Attorney Kenneth Stalter, who represented Union Protectiiva in the trial, described it as "a victory for the rule of law and for the preservation of our shared history." "The Court's ruling underscores that government entities must follow established legal processes when altering historic sites," Stalter said. "The Soldiers' Monument holds deep cultural and historical value for the Santa Fe community, and today's judgment ensures that it will once again be visible as a central feature of the Plaza, where it belongs." Staff writer Daniel J. Chacon contributed to this report. This is a developing story and will be updated. DENVER (KDVR) A woman was found guilty of causing a crash that killed a 10-year-old boy last August. The crash happened on Aug. 2, 2023. Amy Weiss, 53, was driving and struck the boy, identified as Oliver Stratton, who was riding his bike home from a friends house in Timnath. Family of 10-year-old killed while biking by distracted driver plead for awareness The trial began Monday and on Friday, a Larimer County jury returned a guilty verdict for careless driving resulting in death. The charge is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense argued that Weiss did not have time to see the boy because another driver had obstructed her view seconds before the crash. Prosecutors argued that Weiss was distracted and texting while driving when she hit Stratton. She was also accused of deleting a text message made at the time of the crash and on Dec. 6 she pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence. A memorial road sign is in place along River Pass Road near the crash site, just a few blocks away from the Stratton family home. Ollie is survived by his parents and three siblings, who have called for increased awareness surrounding distracted drivers. Weiss is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on March 7, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose two trips which hadnt been publicly reported paid for by a billionaire Republican donor, a new Congressional report reveals. In the wake of ProPublicas explosive 2023 report into Thomas failures to disclose his ties to wealthy donor Harlan Crow, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a 20-month investigation into the ethics challenges at the Supreme Court. The report spanning 97 pages plus 824 pages of supporting documents was released Saturday, detailing two additional trips paid for by Crow that Thomas hadnt previously disclosed. More broadly, the report also captured an array of conflicts of interest and undisclosed gifts by justices, prompting the panel to recommend the nations highest court establish an enforceable code of conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both 2021 trips had not been reported publicly before. In July, Crow flew Thomas from Omaha, Nebraska, to Saranac, New York, on his private jet and hosted him at Camp Topridge, Crows 105-acre property in the Adirondacks. The second occurred months later in October, when Crow flew Thomas roundtrip from Washington, D.C. to New Jersey for the dedication of a statue. The conservative justice stayed with the billionaire in New York on his yacht, the report says. These trips were revealed in a letter from Crow to the committee. Justice Clarence Thomas sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. A Judiciary Committee report by Democratic staff accuses him of failing to disclose two additional trips paid for by billionaire Harlan Crow (Getty Images) The additional trips fell in a long list of other luxury gifts, accommodations and modes of travel from 1992 through 2023 that Thomas had received from Crow and others had been previously made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The value of these gifts is difficult to calculate, particularly because the majority of luxury travel Justice Thomas has accepted over the last two decades remains undisclosed, but some estimates place the value over $4.75 million, the report states. Beyond Thomas, the report also dove into the 258 trips that late Justice Antonin Scalia took without reporting them in financial disclosures in contravention of federal law. The late conservative justice established the practice of accepting lavish gifts without disclosing them and took more subsidized trips than any other justice, the Democratic staff members said. Justice Samuel Alito also didnt disclose a fishing trip he took to Alaska in 2008, the report said. This trip, which had previously been reported by ProPublica in 2023, included flying roundtrip on a private jet and lodging, the committee said. Before ProPublica publicized its article, Alito penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal denying any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Judiciary Committee report lists questionable conduct regarding gifts and use of office by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch as well as former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the awards or gifts they accepted were at least partially disclosed, the report says, placing Alito, Thomas, and Scalia in a different category. In this handout provided by the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, (L-R) Associate Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan pose at a courtesy visit in the Justices Conference Room September 30, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Supreme Court of the United States) Scrutiny of partially or fully gifted trips taken by any justice allows for a proper accounting of whether those entrusted with immense power have conflicts of interest or other forms of bias, the Democratic staff members wrote. This is why the gifts Justices Alito, Scalia, and Thomas have chosen not to disclose are a distinct problem; they are hiding this conduct and consequently their potential conflicts of interest and biases from proper scrutiny. The committee renewed lawmakers call for an enforceable code of ethics. Whether failing to disclose lavish gifts or failing to recuse from cases with apparent conflicts of interest, its clear that the justices are losing the trust of the American people at the hands of a gaggle of fawning billionaires, Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin said in a statement following the reports release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest court in the land cant have the lowest ethical standards. So long as Chief Justice Roberts and the Judicial Conference refuse to act, we must push for a legislative solution to this crisis to restore trust in the highest court, the Illinois Democrat continued. In November 2023, months after ProPublica investigation, the Supreme Court released a code of conduct detailing the rules that justices should adhere to but made no mention of how the code would be enforced or the consequences for violating the code. Justin Baldoni has been dropped by WME following Blake Livelys accusing him of sexual harassment in a complaint filed Friday, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The update comes hours after news broke that Lively was taking legal action against her It Ends With Us co-star and director. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the filing, the Simple Favor actress who is also repped by WME, along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds not only accused Baldoni and his co-workers at Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment, but also of an alleged coordinated effort to destroy her reputation. The Jane the Virgin stars lawyer, Bryan Freedman, fired back at the allegations, calling them shameful, serious and categorically false. Lively claims in the filing that things got so bad on set that there was a meeting with Lively, Sony Pictures, Baldoni and Jamey Heath from Wayfarer Studios, producers on the film, publicists for the film and more to address some of the inappropriate conduct that took place on the set. The actress and her team brought forth demands for Baldoni and his team in order to begin production again after the actors strike. Some of the 30 demands included: No more showing nude videos of women, including producers wife, to BL and/or her employees; No more mention of Mr. Baldonis or Mr. Heaths previous pornography addiction or BLs lack of pornography consumption to BL or to other crew members; No more descriptions of their own genitalia to BL; and No more improvising of kissing. The complaint also notes that the It Ends With Us cast and crew were contractually obligated to promote the film per the predetermined marketing plan, which stated they would [f]ocus more on Lilys [Livelys character] strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence. The plan also established they would [a]void talking about this film that makes it feel sad or heavy [sic] its a story of hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Baldoni veered from that in the days leading up to the film and focused on the films more serious, domestic violence content. Per the filing, the actor-director and his team did so in an effort to explain why many of the films cast and crew had unfollowed him on social media and did not appear with him in public. The filing claims that he and his team used domestic violence survivor content to protect his image. What the public also did not know was that this was the beginning of a multi-tiered plan that Mr. Baldoni and his team described as social manipulation designed to destroy Ms. Livelys reputation, the complaint reads. That plan was backed by virtually unlimited resources. In a statement to The New York Times, Lively said, I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted. Baldonis attorney, Freedman, released a lengthy statement denying the claims in the filing. It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the Internet to generate their own views and opinions, he began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement continued, These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media. Wayfarer Studios made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film, to work alongside their own representative with Jonesworks employed by Stephanie Jones, due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not show up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met. It was also discovered that Ms. Lively enlisted her own representative, Leslie Sloan with Vision PR, who also represents Mr. Reynolds, to plant negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media, even prior to any marketing had commenced for the film, which was another reason why Wayfarer Studios made the decision to hire a crisis professional to commence internal scenario planning in the case they needed to address. The representatives of Wayfarer Studios still did nothing proactive nor retaliated, and only responded to incoming media inquiries to ensure balanced and factual reporting and monitored social activity, the statement concluded. What is pointedly missing from the cherry-picked correspondence is the evidence that there were no proactive measures taken with media or otherwise; just internal scenario planning and private correspondence to strategize which is standard operating procedure with public relations professionals. Pamela McClintock contributed to this story. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Originally appeared on E! Online Justin Baldoni's lawyer has spoken out following allegations Blake Lively made about the director of their movie It Ends With Us. In a legal complaint obtained by E! News Dec. 21 and filed with the California Civil Rights Department, per The New York Times, the actressa coproducer of the filmaccused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. She alleged that he made sexual and other inappropriate comments to her and used a crisis PR expert to launch a smear campaign against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives," Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman said in a statement to The New York Times, referring to the production company the director cofounded. The complaint was filed following months of rumors of a rift between Baldoni and Lively, who did not promote the movie together during their press tour. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director's lawyer called Lively's allegations in the complaint "yet another desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions." The statement continued, "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media." Robert Kamau/GC Images He said Wayfarer Studios "made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film" due to alleged "multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met." Lia Toby/Getty Images In her own statement to The New York Times, Lively said, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also denied that she or any of her representatives planted or spread negative information about Baldoni or Wayfarer, the newspaper reported. E! News has reached out to Lively and Baldoni's teams for comment and has not heard back. Keep reading to learn more about It Ends With Us... What is the age change in It Ends With Us? For die hard It Ends with Us fans, this one was a controversial change. In the book, Lily is supposed to be 23. While no ones age in the movie is explicitly said, its understood that the movie jumps ahead a bit. This was evident to fans once It Ends With Us cast Blake Lively, in the main role, along with Justin Baldonialso the films directorand Brandon Sklenar, who were all in their thirties at the time of casting. Still, the author was on board with the shiftespecially when it came to Ryles profession as a neurosurgeon. What happened to Ellen DeGeneres role in It Ends With Us? Believe it or not, Ellen Degeneresyes the comedian and former daytime talk show hostplays a huge role in the book. In fact, Lily Bloom journals by way of fan letters to Ellen or The Ellen Diariesand thats how the readers find out what exactly went down with Lilys mom and dad, as well as how she meets Atlas. While the film pays subtle tribute to the books recurring Ellen theme, featuring a brief shot of Lilys journal with a page beginning with, Dear Ellen and even a brief clip from The Ellen DeGeneres Show in one scene, the comedian isnt nearly as big of a deal in the film. One more missing homage to Ellen? Her famous line in Finding Nemo, Just Keep Swimming, is something Lily often repeats to herself during tough moments throughout the bookwhich Atlas also references during the very last line of the book. Finding Nemo does get a small nod as well though, as the films poster hangs on the wall of Lilys teenage bedroom at the beginning of the film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did Lilys eulogy really play out that way? In the movie, Lilys eulogy for her father becomes a recurring motif for her relationship with him throughout the film. The five things Lily loves about her father (which are all left blank) are scribbled on a napkin, which she ultimately places on his grave at the end of the movie. However, the way it plays out on screen isnt exactly how it happened on paper. Lilywhose eulogy is largely absentdoesnt rush out of the funeral like shes got to go somewhere a-la Gossip Girls Serena Van Der Woodsen (although who better to pull that off than Blake). Instead, she stands up there, intentionally silent, for several minutes before she is forcibly removed by a family member. The napkin momento is also a new addition to the film. How does It Ends With Us movie portray Atlas gift giving? Although they'll learn of his ability to cook, cinema viewers will miss out on Atlas tokens of gratitude to Lily. In the book, it seems Atlas love language is very clearly gift giving as he gives Lily a Boston keychain for her birthday as teenswhich she holds onto even after they lose touch and later, it causes a fight with Ryle. And in another book reference to Ellen, after reconnecting as adults, he gives her a signed copy of the comedians SeriouslyIm Kidding featuring a message from the author. In the inscription, Ellen writes, Lily, Atlas says to keep swimming. What other It Ends With Us book characters are M.I.A. from the movie? Ellen wasnt the only character whose screentime got scrapped. Lilys mom also plays a much smaller part in the film than she does in the book. For one, her mother is supposed to follow Lily to Boston, and spends quite a bit of time with her daughter in the novel, whereas in the movie, shes only included in a few scenes. And though only in the book during one scene, Ryles motherwho lives in Englandis also missing from the movie. Other minor players in Lilys life that are not featured in the film adaptation include Lilys roommate Lucywho moves out but does end up getting a job at her flower shop in the books sequel It Starts With Usand Lilys former colleague, Devin, who attends Allysas birthday party with Lily (and temporarily pretends to be her boyfriend to make Ryle jealous). Atlas restaurant coworkers Brad, Darin and Jimmywho play poker with Lily in one sceneare also cut. How does It Ends With Us portray Ryles abuse? The films handling of domestic violence is a major difference from the books, even having scenes play out differently altogether. In the novel, when Ryle burns his hand, he doesnt push Lily down until hes trying to cool it off under the sinkwhereas in the movie, it happens right after he touches the hot surface. Throughout that scene in the book, Lily is also supposed to be uncontrollably laughing from intoxication (until Ryle turns violent). Goddammit, Lily, Ryle tells her in the book. Its not funny. This hand is my f--king career. And after he pushes Lily down the stairs in the book, she kicks Ryle out of the apartmentwhich leaves him to sleep in the hallway all night. The conversations surrounding abuse also play out differently in the film. For starters, Ryle doesnt learn about Lilys family history of domestic violence until after theyve been dating a while in the movie but in the book, it happens on the first night they meet. A new addition to the movie is a poignant conversation between Lily and her sister-in-law Allyssa (Jenny Slate) after she finds out about Ryles abusive behavior and tells Lily about Ryle accidentally shooting his brother as children. In the book, its Ryle who explains to Lily how his brother died, and Allyssa never tells Lily she shouldnt take Ryle back due to his abusive behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why does Atlas restaurant get a new name? Although its a similar sentiment, Atlas restaurant, Root, is actually called Bibswhich stems from Lily and Atlas teenage catchphrase Better in Boston"in the book. The minor change allows the audience who has not read the book to understand just how much Atlas loves Lily, as Colleen noted. It stood for something in the book that became a big thing for Lily to show how much she meant to him, Colleen explained to E! News of the original restaurant name. So that changed to Root in the movie because we didn't have as much time to put in all of the things that happened in the book to make that significant moment happen in the movie. Of course, the name Root does relate to a conversation that happens between Lily and Atlas in the movie, which is something Lily writes to Ellen about Atlas in the book. Some things, like trees, are strong enough to do it by just relying on themselves and nobody else, Lily explains, noting she could tell Atlas was resilientway more than I would ever be if I were in his situation. How did It Ends With Us portray Lily and Ryles wedding? Although it is serendipitous, Ryle and Lily get married in front of Allysa, her husband Marshall (Hasan Minhaj) and their parents in the book. The movie glosses over the milestone a bit more quickly, butunlike the movieLilys mom was there in the book, and they likely spent a ton of money on cross country late night flights to Nevada. How does Lilys baby name change in It Ends With Us? In the book, Lily names her and Ryles baby Emerson Dorya nod to both Ryle and Atlas as Emerson is the name of Ryles late brother and Dory is a nod to her and Atlas shared love for Ellen DeGeneres. The movie, however, only shares Emerson. And while Allysa and Marshall welcoming their first baby does take place in the movie, it makes no mention of naming her Rylee after Allyssas brother Ryle. How did It Ends With Us change Lilys signature style? The characters may be dressed a little differently than what readers had in mind. In fact, It Ends With Us got some pretty serious backlash after photos of the costumes on set went viral. However, the novel rarely describes clothing aside from generally such as Ryles scrubs or Lilys baggy sweater. As for what Colleen had to say about the backlash? I don't remember describing outfits at all, she told Today. "I don't care what they have on. In my head, it's about the conversation they're having and the story. It's the same way in the movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App A juvenile accused of stealing a car from a car dealership was arrested on Thursday, according to the Portage County Sheriffs Office. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Portage County Sheriffs deputies were called to Haaz Automall in Ravenna Township for reports of a stolen car. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dealership employee told deputies that a black Dodge Durango was missing from the lot. The male suspect returned with the stolen car but drove off after an argument with another employee. The sheriffs office said the suspect was an employee at Haaz Automall. Deputies spotted the car on SR-14 in Streetsboro soon after. A pursuit began after he refused to stop the car. The suspect drove erratically, running red lights and driving through yards, the sheriffs office said. The pursuit ended due to safety concerns, but deputies found the car abandoned in a nearby apartment complex, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Murray, a member of the Portage Aggressive Crime Enforcement Unit (P.A.C.E), and his K9 partner, Hector responded to the scene. K9 Hector started tracking the suspect, and after an approximate 200-yard track across grass and pavement, he led deputies to the suspects apartment door. The suspect surrendered following some persuasion from K9 Hector, the sheriffs office said. He was arrested and transported to the Portage County Juvenile Detention Center. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Kate Middleton and Prince William are reaching out to help their neighbors ahead of the holidays. The Prince and Princess of Wales are bringing their mission to aid mental well-being to the rural and farming communities close to their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk. William and Kate, both 42, have announced they are teaming up with a mental health charity, Norfolk and Waveney Mind. It aims to provide additional mental health support to communities in the area, "including, but not limited to, those living and working on the Sandringham estate," their office at Kensington Palace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The palace added that evidence suggests a strong need for further mental health support for rural and farming communities across the U.K." as "rural isolation and poor mental health are still widespread" across the U.K. A farmer loses their battle with mental health each week, the palace continued. The couple, who headed to Anmer Hall on the royal familys Sandringham estate in Norfolk as soon as their three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, finished school on Dec. 13, have long campaigned for better mental health and awareness about wellbeing. Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre on Oct. 10, 2024 in Southport, England The pilot initiative, which will start in early 2025, is co-funded by the couple's Royal Foundation and the Prudence Trust. It includes plans for face-to-face counselling and drop-in sessions and sessions for different members of the community, including parent and toddler groups, menopause groups and mens groups. Sonja Chilvers, interim CEO of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said in a statement on Dec. 20: We are all too aware of the specific mental health challenges faced by people in rural settings, particularly those in the farming community. Were delighted to be working with the Prince and Princess of Wales, who know our Northwest Norfolk communities well, and we are keen to see the difference that this pilot will make to local peoples mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Will Not Attend King Charles' Christmas Lunch Here's Why Our innovative new partnership will drive proactive outreach and preventative measures to the whole community and form a vital step in better protecting the wellbeing of local people," she added. "If successful, it could be used as an example and replicated in other rural estates and communities across the U.K. Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Share Poignant Christmas Card with George, Charlotte and Louis After 'Hardest' Year She continued, Delivering these new services is part of an exciting series of developments for our charity in Northwest Norfolk as we also prepare to launch our new-look Talking Therapies service from our REST Heacham site, opening up free counselling for people experiencing anxiety and depression. Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex take part in 'Royal Carols - Together At Christmas', a Christmas carol concert hosted by the duchess at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 8, 2021 William has previously spoken about the need to support farmers' welfare, and on a visit to a college in Cornwall in October he highlighted the work that academy is doing to help with resilience and wellbeing in the rural area. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! On Dec. 19, as it was revealed William and Kate and their children had started their Christmas holiday at Anmer Hall early as they released an image of their holiday card. After what William has called a "brutal" year, the holiday card photo shows a frame from the video Princess Kate issued on Sept. 9 to announce that she completed chemotherapy treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year," read a message on the card, which was shared in a video to the couple's social channels. The card was placed on a table in the quick clip, with a twinkling tree behind and faux snow falling before it. Read the original article on People New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill designed to protect users of money-sharing apps even after two high-profile cases of murder and robbery against gay men. Out gay state senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal introduced the Financial App Security Act, which passed unanimously passed the state legislature earlier this year, in an effort to require mobile banking platforms such as CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle to require users to enter a personal identification number (PIN) under certain circumstances, such as for transactions exceeding a limit of their choosing, or if making a payment to an account created within the past 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoylman-Sigal introduced the bill in response to the murders of Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, two gay men who were drugged at LGBTQ+ nightclubs in New York City and robbed of thousands of dollars using facial recognition. Hochul wrote in her veto memo that the bill would mandate the use of onerous banking security features while also admitting that the security features are commonly utilized by the largest financial institutions. Tech firm Chamber of Progress lobbied Hochul in July to veto the bill. This legislation includes requirements that conflict with Department of Financial Services banking regulations and other technical challenges that could hinder compliance and unnecessarily restrict users access to these widely-used applications," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoylman-Sigal responded to the veto in a statement to local outlet W42ST, saying that he "cant understand why common-sense security measures are viewed as onerous when every major financial institution, with the exception of these apps, uses them. Umberger, 33, of Washington D.C., was drugged, robbed, and killed after a night visiting gay bars in Hell's Kitchen on May 28. He was last seen with a group of men exiting a taxi and his body was found on June 1. Ramirez, 25, a Brooklyn social worker, was found dead in the back of a taxi after he was drugged and robbed in the area on April 21. Umberger's and Ramirezs families said about $20,000 had been taken from each of their bank accounts. At least a dozen more have also reported being drugged and robbed by a group of men suspected of preying on gay men. Police arrested two men in connection with the robberies and murders in December 2022, and they were indicted later in June 2023. Umberger's mother, Linda Clary, told NYC-based outlet Gay City News that it was "disappointing" for Hochul to veto the bill, which would have deterred crime and helped protect vulnerable communities something she believes the administration has overlooked. New York has a chance to lead the country on this legislation and protect citizens. It is disappointing the governor chose to veto this effort to protect citizens," Clary said. "It would have been a step in the right direction and a chance for New York to lead. Firefighters with the Kern County Fire Department put out a fire that started Thursday at a residential building in Weldon, the agency reported. The Kern County Emergency Communications Center received reports at about 11:30 a.m. of smoke rising from a residential building in the 6000 block of Bonikell Street, according to KCFD. Fire units dispatched to the site reported a large column of smoke and flames from a distance. Dispatchers told fire crews at the scene that there may have been an elderly resident inside the home, based on a report from a neighbor. KCFD said it was a single-story home with smoke and fire blowing from all sides of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCFD said firefighters prioritized finding potential victims in the home, although they did not see any cars parked in the driveway. There were also arcing power lines across a metal fence surrounding the home, according to KCFD. After the search, firefighters concluded that the fire had been put out completely and there was no one inside the home. There were no injuries or deaths reported by firefighters nor civilians. According to KCFD, the three residents of this home were displaced and are receiving support from the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is unknown. Eurocrats saw Sir Keir Starmer coming a mile off. Our hapless prime minister is stumbling into negotiations determined to burnish his European credentials, but with no clear idea of what he wants from the other side. I fear a repeat of the Chagos fiasco. So determined was Starmer to flaunt his internationalism that, instead of opening the talks by demanding that the Mauritians repay the money that they accepted in return for renouncing their claim in 1965, he offered to pay them all over again. It is even reported that his Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is now offering yet more dosh in an attempt to get the newly elected Mauritian government to take the territory before Donald Trump stymies any deal. In the same way, Starmer has gone to Brussels offering much but asking for little. The EU, scenting his weakness, has decided not simply to pocket his generous offers, but to be more audacious. Like the Mauritian government, it is demanding payment in return for accepting Britains concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fundamental problem is that Labour spent the last Parliament complaining that the Conservatives had deliberately opted for the hardest possible Brexit out of some emotional aversion to Brussels. It made for a good slogan, but it wasnt true. Throughout the disengagement talks, it was Britain that pressed for the closest trade links compatible with sovereignty; and it was the EU that refused, even in areas where collaboration would have been enormously to its own advantage. It did so, as Donald Tusk admitted at the time, because it wanted everyone to see that there was a price to be paid for Brexit. The trouble is that Labour came to believe its own propaganda. Starmer convinced himself that the gaps in the UK-EU treaty a patchy deal on services, a refusal to offer equivalence to UK financial services companies, restrictions on British touring artists in Europe, a thin agreement on energy co-operation and a thinner one on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications were the result of British stand-offishness when, in every case, the stand-offishness was on the other side. The PM is thus going into the talks on a false premise. The imperfections in the 2020 deal were not the result of Tory dogma, but of the EUs insistence on treating Britain as a kind of renegade province. It is none the less worth mentioning that, despite the hostility from across the table, Boris Johnson secured as comprehensive a deal as Brussels, still smarting from the 2016 vote, was going to concede more comprehensive than any other country not on the way to EU membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer refuses to admit this. He is certain that there must be easy gains that only the anti-European antipathy of his predecessors precluded. But what are they? Without answering that question, it is hard for him to lay down what he expects in return. We know that he is struggling, because he refuses to state his negotiating objectives. David Cameron tried the same tactic in the run-up to the 2015 renegotiation, eventually publishing his aims only when he had ascertained that they were all acceptable to Brussels. Hence the failure of his renegotiation; and hence Brexit. Although Starmer refuses to talk about what he wants, there have been leaks from both sides. We know that Britain is pursuing deals on chemicals, energy, professional qualifications, food standards and defence. But when we look at what is being proposed, we see that, in every one of these cases, what Britain says it wants is something that the EU is already asking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal on chemicals was the one that Britain opposed as a member in 2006 on grounds that it would place the EU at a disadvantage vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Labour voted against it at the time. Brussels, naturally, wants us to rejoin and so forego any chance of gaining a competitive advantage. An energy deal would work both ways, but the larger gain would be to those Continental states that were supplied with gas from Britain when Russia turned off the taps. The mutual recognition of credentials would also work both ways, but there are many more EU professionals in Britain than the reverse. What is meant by a deal on food and veterinary standards is not mutual recognition something that Britain pressed for from the start but a promise unilaterally to copy whatever standards the EU adopts in future. This is, naturally, a major Brussels objective, since it would bind Britain into its own regulatory model and make us a less attractive trading partner to the rest of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that we are a big net importer of EU food products, it is bizarre that we are even contemplating such an arrangement. All we need do, to get exactly the same advantages, is declare that both EU standards and our own are legal on our territory. Finally, we come to defence. Britain has the most powerful armed forces in Europe, backed by a nuclear deterrent. It is very obviously in the EUs interest to bind us into a common defence policy, of the kind we always opposed as members. But what is in it for us? Our interest, to be blunt, is purely altruistic: we wish to ensure the security of neighbouring democracies against authoritarian threats. But while we may want to do this, lets not pretend that it is a British rather than a European ask. You get the picture. Everything Starmer says he wants is something the EU stands to gain from more than Britain does. In any other situation, Brussels would be rushing to agree these things. But, as I say, the Eurocrats have Starmers number. They know that, for him, the reset is fundamentally emotional rather than functional. He is more interested in atoning for the Brexit vote, which he spent three years seeking to overturn, than in finding a deal that delivers hard gains for Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, instead of biting his hand off, EU negotiators are playing it cool. Indeed, incredibly, they are asking for further concessions as the price for accepting Starmers concessions. Specifically, as we know from a leaked negotiating memo, they want continuing access to British fishing waters and a tightening of the checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. If they find Labour yielding on those issues, they may go further, pushing for a degree of free movement, at least for people under 30, and possibly even for Britain to take a share of EU asylum seekers. The paradox here is that, for all Starmers belief that his predecessors were bound by dogma, the real dogma is his insistence, regardless of the data, that Brexit has been an economic disaster. This week, the Financial Times reported, through gritted teeth, that the hit to trade as we adjusted to Brexit had been much smaller than forecast. It might have gone on to say that the new figure was smaller than the direct payments that Britain would have made through membership fees, Euro-taxes and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Starmer could overcome his prejudice, he would see that we have a perfectly serviceable deal with the EU, and that plugging the gaps in it is mainly about waiting for the EU to overcome its petulance and act in its own interest. The real gain is in a trade deal with the United States, which is not just our single largest trading partner, but is larger than our second, third and fourth combined. We are operating under restrictions inherited from the EU restrictions that could now easily be lifted. And while the European economy continues to stagnate, Americas is booming. A wise British leader would sit back and wait for Brussels to make an offer while pursuing a speedy and ambitious US deal. But we have a PM who is more interested in Europhile plaudits than in hard economic gains. And, given the size of his majority, there is nothing the rest of us can do about it. 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. (NBC) On Fridays Dateline, Keith Morrison reports on the case involving a woman who survived a brutal attack that left her with a broken jaw and a brain bleed. Here is a preview of Morrisons story: Darkness fell on Fort Collins, Colorado. A rookie cop prowled the streets around the little city, graveyard shift. And then, somebody called 911. DANE STRATTON: We get a call of a females voice in a park, screaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out on the edge of town, Cottonwood Glen Park. He drove in. DANE STRATTON: I can hear, still to this day, her screams of just, agony, pain. Where was she? DANE STRATTON: My headlights caught her on the service road. Shes naked, shes bound. Theres just red all over her face. As the young cop approached, he saw it wasnt just blood on her body. DANE STRATTON: The red that I was seeing was a red duct tape. Red duct tape. DANE STRATTON: Shed been strangled and left here for dead. DETECTIVE SIOBHAN SEYMOUR: Ive seen my share of pretty horrible things. This was a very scary case. Who did this? Detective Seymour and her fellow cops had to find the perpetrator quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DETECTIVE SIOBHAN SEYMOUR: I was terrified that he was going to strike again. Watch Dateline: Left for Dead Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC4. About Dateline Dateline NBC is the longest-running series in NBC primetime history and is in its 33rd season. Dateline is anchored by Lester Holt and features correspondents Blayne Alexander, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy. The stories range from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. When major news breaks, they go to the scene, putting the pieces together to bring the viewer the full picture. And in every story they tell, they help the real people who lived the events share their journeys with the viewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that Owensboro Police did not violate anyones rights after a warrantless entry of an apartment in 2019. The 2019 incident Kentucky Supreme Court documents say that James Crite was renting an apartment from Century Property Management in 2019. In July Crites brother contacted Crites landlord to inform her the apartment Crite was living in had no air-conditioning or electricity. He also told the landlord Crite was schizophrenic and off his medication. A Century Property Management employee then went to Crites apartment and found wires had been pulled from the apartments braker, HVAC system and water heater. The documents go on to say that while the employee was in the apartment, they found what appeared to be a handgun on a coffee table. The employee then told the landlord what they found, the landlord then contacted OPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two OPD Officers met Crites landlord as well as an electrician outside his apartment. They knocked and found that no one was home. No one had attempted to contact Crite or his brother that the police had come to his home. The landlord then asked the officers to come inside with her. One of the officers later testified that he and the other officer had no reason to go inside the apartment. One officer then entered the apartment to ensure no one was hiding in it. While clearing the apartment, the officer noticed the supposed handgun on the coffee table, as well as what appeared to be the buttstock of a rifle and a magazine sticking out from a couch in another room. Both officers were aware that Crite was a convicted felon that was not allowed to own firearms. It was later found the supposed handgun was instead an air pistol rather than a handgun, but the rifle was determined to be an AR-15. Crite then returned to the apartment parking lot with his brother while police were still there. He was then arrested. Crite fights to suppress evidence After his arrest Crite argued that officers illegally searched his apartment without any legal justification as they did not possess a warrant or have his consent, and there were no exigent circumstances or any emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 8, 2020, Crites motion to suppress the evidence was denied. The trial court concluded that it would not interpret the term emergency as narrowly as Crite argued. On February 19, 2021, Crite entered into a conditional plea deal as charged, reserving his right to appeal the denial of his motion to suppress this evidence, in exchange for a recommended sentence of two years of incarceration. The Kentucky Supreme Courts ruling The court concluded the landlord had a proper basis to enter Crites apartment because there was electrical damage which endangered the safety of other occupants. Considering the totality of the circumstances, a limited search by the police just to make sure no one was inside the apartment was objectively reasonable and did not violate Crites Fourth Amendment rights because the search was minimally invasive, stayed within the confines of what was necessary to protect the landlord and was not undertaken to search for evidence of a crime. When the police are lawfully present and observe and seize an incriminating item pursuant to plain view, the Fourth Amendment is not offended. Accordingly, the Daviess Circuit Court properly denied Crites motion to suppress, and we affirm his conviction and sentence. The Kentucky Supreme Court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Kimberly Kay Butcher, devoted wife, mother, mawmaw, & caregiver, 64, passed away to be with our lord and savior on Friday morning, December 20, 2024 at her Warren home with her family by her side. Kim was diagnosed with a very rare neurodegenerative Disease, CBD, Corticobasal Degeneration in 2019. Find obituaries from your high school Kim was born December 5, 1960, in Saint Joesphs Riverside Hospital to Larry and Sallie Reeder. Kim had 1 sibling, brother, Jeff Reeder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim graduated from Warren Western Reserve Schools in 1979, and while attending graduated nursing school. Kim married Micheal Ray Butcher on August 16, 1984. The two were each others devoted companions and were married 40yrs. Kim was cared for until the end by the unconditional love of her husband a true testament of their vows made to one another. They were blessed with two girls: Sara and Kaitlin. Then blessed again with four grandchildren: Lillian and Austin, Serafina and Graham Kim was an avid reader. A great cook. Everyone loved her soups. She adored her pets. Her favorite vacation spot was the beach and loved picking shells and sea glass by the shore. Christmas at her home, around her loved ones and spoiling her grandchildren was her favorite time of year. Other Hobbies included bible studies, swimming, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim started work as an LPN in 1979 in a nursing home presently called Warren Nursing and Rehab. Her entire 42 year career of service was there, retiring in 2021. Her compassion to her patients, and professionalism towards her coworkers left a forever impact on the families and faculty. She was presented a certificate of accomplishment by the Nurse Honor Guard of Eastern Ohio in August 2024, in appreciation for the dedication and tireless efforts in the nursing profession. Kims devotion to her faith, family, friends and career will be instilled in everyone that knew her. Kim never failed to take care of anyone that needed it. She will be a light of wonderful memories that live on in her familys legacy. Kim is survived by her Husband Micheal Butcher, Brother Jeff Reeder and sister in law Michele. Children Sara (Andrew) Wilson. Kaitlin (Jonathan) Dudas. 4 Grandchildren. Many other family members who have helped through the disease. She was preceded in death by her mother Sallie, father Larry, stepmother Peggy, mother in law Marion and father in law Frank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after death Kim decided to give one last helping hand and true gift to help other patients with brain disease to the University of Maryland brain and tissue bank. You will be dearly missed, but in our memories and in our hearts we are not apart. Many women do noble things, but you excel them all. Proverbs 31:29 Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Kim on Monday evening, December 23, 2024 from 4:00 6:00 p.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. While Kims favorite flowers are Gerbera Daisies, donations may be made to aid in the research for a cure in CBD. pspcbdfoundation.org Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrangements are being handled by the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Kay Butcher, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Sunday, December 22 at the following approximate times: 6:27 p.m. on WYTV and 6:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Bus drivers throughout King County are left waiting for justice and change. Its been three days since King County Metro driver Shawn Yim was stabbed and killed, while on duty. The man suspected in his murder, Robert Sitzlack, is still evading police. Metro bus drivers tell KIRO 7, they dont feel safe doing their jobs. We need to do more. And we need to do it now, says Greg Woodfill, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587. The union represents King County Metro drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodfill is leading the charge for more safety protections. Currently, drivers have access to a panic button, which notifies emergency dispatch to respond. Though Woodfill says dispatch times vary. Drivers also have plexiglass barriers, put in place during 2020 and 2021. Lets call it what it is- its a sneeze guard, says Woodfill. He says current barriers do not protect drivers from physical violence. Thats why hes calling on county and city leaders to sign off on funding and installing floor-to-ceiling barriers, separating drivers from passengers who can turn violent. KIRO 7 reached out to manufacturer AROWGuard which creates transit shields. A company spokesperson says they are in contact with King County Metro about their products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our product is a is an engineered metal, steel, laminated tempered glass, sort of a product. So, its definitely a different category of functionality and protection, says Tim Klos, with AROWGuard. Klos says that even if an order were placed today, production and shipping of their transit shields would likely take three to four months. Based on Kloss price quotes, the cost could be up to $21 million to install transit shields within King Countys full Metro fleet. Its not an easy fix, but we cant afford to do nothing, says Woodfill. King County Metro worked with AROGuard nearly seven years ago about installing barriers. At the time, local drivers were opposed. They wanted to interact with the passengers they served and felt shields would hinder that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I drove for 13 years, and I was one of the biggest people against that, says Woodfill. We love dealing with the public. I didnt think Id need or want a shield. But were well beyond that now. He says Yims murder adds to the urgency for action, to keep other drivers alive. Well get there. But I cant have another member of mine murdered as were waiting for that, says Woodfill. As bird flu continues to spread among poultry and dairy cows across the United States, health officials have confirmed the country's first "severe" human case of avian influenza (H5N1). A person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with bird flu, which marks the state's first human case and the first instance of severe illness caused by the H5N1 virus in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The patient had exposure to sick or dead birds in backyard flocks. The patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Health Department told NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April 2024, there have been 61 human cases of avian influenza A (H5) confirmed in the U.S. The majority are among people who had contact with infected cattle or poultry. The Louisiana patient is the first human case linked to a non-commercial backyard flock. Bird flu is a disease caused by infection with avian influenza A viruses, which spread naturally among wild aquatic birds and circulate in poultry. Occasionally, bird flu viruses spread to mammals and, rarely, to humans. The current bird flu strain that were concerned with, H5N1, has been circulating around the world for quite some time, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, previously told TODAY.com. Since 2022, H5 bird flu has been detected in commercial poultry and domestic flocks in the U.S. in 48 states. In 2024, H5N1 has caused an ongoing outbreak among dairy cows which has spread to 875 herds in 16 states, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No person-to-person spread has been reported in the U.S. so far. Based on available information, the CDC assesses the current risk to the public posed by bird flu to be low. However, the recent uptick in human cases has sounded the alarm among officials in the U.S. and abroad, who are monitoring bird flu viruses closely. RELATED: Will bird flu lead to another pandemic in the US? Experts weigh in as concerns grow Here's what to know about the spread of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. and symptoms. 61 cases of human bird flu in the U.S. in 2024 Since the start of 2024, human H5N1 bird flu cases have been reported in the following states, according to the latest CDC data: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California: 34 Colorado: 10 Louisiana: 1 Michigan: 2 Missouri: 1 Oregon: 1 Texas: 1 Washington: 11 Of these cases, 37 individuals had exposure to infected cattle, 21 had exposure to poultry, one had exposure to non-commercial backyard flocks, and two cases had an unknown exposure, or no known contact with animals, per CDC data. The risk to members of the general public who do not have exposure to infected animals remains low, the CDC said. In most of the human H5N1 cases in the U.S., people have experienced mild symptoms. These include mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, and eye redness and inflammation (conjunctivitis). No deaths have been reported in the U.S. so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say its unlikely this specific strain of bird flu would lead to a pandemic because H5N1 does not transmit between humans efficiently, TODAY.com previously reported. Where is bird flu spreading in the U.S.? California has reported the largest share of human bird flu cases this year, 34. This includes the first case of H5N1 reported among a child in the U.S., the CDC said. The child, who had no known exposure to sick animals, experienced mild symptoms and recovered at home. California has also declared a state of emergency over bird flu as the virus spreads among cows, according to the Governor's office. Washington, which has the second-largest share of cases, reported 11 human H5N1 infections among workers at a poultry farm in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado has reported 10 human cases of H5N1 in 2024, nine among poultry workers and one in a dairy worker. The workers experienced mild respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis (pink eye), according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. Louisiana has confirmed one human case of bird flu, linked to non-commercial (non-poultry) backyard bird flocks, the Louisiana Department of Health said on Dec. 19. Oregon recorded its first human bird flu case in November, which was linked to an outbreak at a poultry operation, the CDC said. In August, Missouri confirmed its first human H5N1 case in a person who was hospitalized for a respiratory illness. The patient, who had underlying medical conditions and was treated with antiviral flu medications at the hospital, has since recovered and had no known exposure to sick animals, the CDC said on Sept. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two farmworkers in Michigan tested positive for bird flu in May, and one dairy worker in Texas tested positive for H5N1 in April. The human case in Texas was the first time this strain of H5N1 referred to as highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) had been detected in cows and the first instance of cow-to-human transmission, according to the CDC. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain causing the current U.S. outbreak is severe and often fatal in birds, but appears to be mild in cows and most humans. Prior to 2024, the only human case of H5N1 reported in the U.S. was reported in a poultry worker in Colorado in April 2022. Teenager hospitalized with bird flu in Canada On Nov. 13, 2024, Canada reported its first human case of H5N1, in a teenager in British Columbia. The patient tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza after being hospitalized for acute respiratory distress in early November, NBC News previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenager was otherwise healthy and had no underlying conditions, British Columbias health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said in a news conference. However, the teens deterioration was quite rapid, Henry said, and they remained in critical condition at the hospital by the end of November. Fatal human bird flu case in Mexico In May, authorities in Mexico confirmed a fatal human case of H5N2 bird flu. The patient was the first human to become infected with an avian H5 virus in Mexico and the first human case of H5N2 reported globally, per the World Health Organization. The 59-year-old died in a hospital in Mexico City in April after developing a fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and general malaise, per the WHO. The patient reportedly had multiple underlying health conditions, but had no contact with sick animals and the source of exposure was unknown. However, H5N2 viruses have been detected in poultry in multiple states in Mexico, the WHO said. What are the symptoms of bird flu? Bird flu infections in humans can range in severity, experts note. Some people have no symptoms or only a mild flu-like illness, while others can develop severe disease requiring hospitalization, per the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be a serious infection with a high mortality rate, said Schaffner. According to the CDC, reported signs and symptoms of bird flu include: Cough Runny nose Muscle aches Fever Headache Fatigue Shortness of breath Eye redness or inflammation (conjunctivitis) Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Bird flu in humans may look similar to seasonal influenza or upper respiratory infections. In severe cases, bird flu can lead to pneumonia or respiratory failure, TODAY.com previously reported. Many of the human cases in the U.S. have reported conjunctivitis or pink eye, either as their only symptom or in addition to respiratory symptoms. Only one case so far has resulted in severe respiratory illness and complications requiring hospitalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An infection with bird flu viruses cannot be diagnosed by signs or symptoms alone, the CDC says. Laboratory testing is required. How does bird flu transmit to humans? Transmission of bird flu viruses to humans is rare. According to the WHO, since 2003, there have been approximately 903 human H5N1 cases in 24 countries. Most human cases have been caused by H7N9, highly pathogenic H5N1 or H5N6 viruses, per the CDC. Avian influenza can spread from infected birds to humans in a few ways, per the CDC: Directly from an infected bird From environments contaminated with bird flu viruses Through an intermediate host, such as another animal Infected birds can shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, mucus and feces. People can become infected when the virus particles get into the mouth, nose, eyes or are inhaled, Schaffner said. Humans typically become infected with bird flu viruses through close, unprotected contact with an infected bird. When it comes to the dairy workers with conjunctivitis, the CDC noted in a press release that its not known exactly how eye infections result from avian influenza exposures. It may be from contamination of the eye(s), potentially with a splash of contaminated fluid, or touching the eye(s) with something contaminated with A(H5N1) virus, such as a hand. High levels of A(H5N1) virus have been found in unpasteurized milk from H5N1-infected cows," the CDC said. Human-to-human transmission of bird flu viruses is very rare. The few cases that have been documented have occurred primarily through prolonged, unprotected contact between a symptomatic person and a family member or caregiver, per the CDC. The virus doesnt have the (genetic) capacity to spread easily from person to person, Schaffner said. However, in an April press conference, the WHO's chief scientist of called the risk of the bird flu spreading to humans an enormous concern, and warned about the potential for the virus to acquire the ability to spread more efficiently between people. Scientists are closely monitoring bird flu viruses for any changes. Preventing bird flu There is no evidence that humans can get bird flu from chicken, eggs or beef thats been properly prepared and cooked, and it is safe to drink pasteurized milk, experts say. The national milk supply now must be tested for bird flu viruses, according to a new order issued by the USDA on Dec. 6. The risk of getting bird flu is low, but the CDC recommends people: Avoid contact with wild birds Avoid contact with sick or dead birds Avoid visiting poultry farms When in contact with poultry, wear a mask and eye protection Wash hands after any contact with poultry Visit a doctor if you become sick after contact with birds This article was originally published on TODAY.com At least five people were killed and 200 injured after a man drove a car into a bustling outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday night. The number of victims in the attack, which police have said was deliberate, has shaken the European nation. Prosecutors said Saturday that a 9-year-old is among the fatalities, according to German news outlet Deutsche Welle. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters Saturday that nearly 40 of the wounded are critically injured. An eyewitness told The Associated Press that she saw a car drive into the market at a high speed and heard people scream. She said she saw a small child thrown into the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspected driver, who was arrested at the site of the attack, is believed to have acted alone, Reiner Haseloff, premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, said Friday. The suspect was driving a rental vehicle, he added. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who has lived in Germany for decades. A clinic in Bernburg, about 30 miles south of Magdeburg, confirmed to NBC News that the suspect was employed as a psychiatry specialist but had not worked since October due to vacation and illness. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Saturday that the man was clearly Islamophobic, but police have not yet determined a motive. Saudi Arabias foreign ministry condemned the attack in a statement that did not mention the suspects nationality. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller wrote on X that the administration is horrified by the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magdeburg, a city of about 240,000 and the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, lies west of Berlin. Its Christmas market, like those in cities across Germany, is a longtime holiday tradition that has caught on in other countries. There is no place more peaceful and joyful than a Christmas market, Scholz told reporters on Saturday. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. Since the attack, cities across Germany have deployed additional security to their Christmas markets. Magdeburg police said that its Christmas market has been closed due to extensive police operations. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Hanukkah also spelled Chanukah or other transliterations from Hebrew is Judaisms festival of lights. On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah a multibranched candelabra. In Hebrew, Hanukkah means dedication, and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces. With the tiny supply of ritually pure oil that they found in the temple, they lit the menorah and it stayed lit for eight days. The ritual of lighting a nightly candle, as well as the emphasis on cooking foods in oil such as potato pancakes called latkes, memorialize this miraculously long-lasting oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When is Hanukkah 2024? The dates of the holiday are based on Hebrew month of Kislev, which usually coincides with November-December in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from Dec. 25, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025. It's only the fifth time since 1900 that Hanukkah has fallen on Christmas Day. Why is Hanukkah so late this year? The simple answer is that the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar which sets Christmas on Dec. 25. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, a date which occurs between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does Hanukkah observance vary? Jews across the religious observance spectrum from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect. For this reason, even though the Talmud reflects a dispute over the order of lighting, most start with one candle and increase the lighting by one more candle each night while reciting or chanting special blessings. The candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right on the menorah, thus always starting with the newest light. The special menorah used for Hanukkah has eight branches, with a ninth place for the candle called shamash from which all others are lit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tradition calls for candles with a real flame, though some also use electric ones in public displays, such as in hospitals, for safety reasons. How is Hanukkah celebrated? A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of Gods light to all nations. The lighting of menorahs in city streets and parks has become more prominent in recent years in countries around the world, including in front of public landmarks. In addition to menorah lightings, giving to charity and social works are also part of the celebration for many, reflecting the belief that the Jewish people are called by God to help make the world better for all. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. CAIRO (AP) Authorities have not formally named the suspect in the car ramming in the city of Magdeburg that killed at least five people and wounded hundreds, saying only that he is a Saudi doctor who has lived in Germany for nearly two decades and that he acted alone. Local media say he is 50-year-old Taleb A, a psychiatry and psychotherapy specialist. He was arrested on site after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talebs X account describes him as a former Muslim. It is filled with tweets and retweets focusing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion, while sharing congratulatory notes to Muslims who left the faith. He was critical of German authorities, saying they had failed to do enough to combat the Islamism of Europe. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Some described Taleb as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. Recently, he seemed focused on his theory that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum-seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann posted on X that he had never before come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance toward Islamists that really wasnt on my radar," he wrote. On Saturday, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters: At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamophobic we can confirm that. Everything else is a matter for further investigation and we have to wait. A German-based organization called Atheist Refugee Relief said the alleged attacker was not a part of the group and claimed that he made numerous accusations and claims against it and former board members, which it said were false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, there was a plan to work together to coordinate aid for atheist refugees from Saudi Arabia, it said. However, this cooperation failed. We distance ourselves from him in the strongest terms," the group said in a statement on its website, adding that members of Atheist Refugee Relief filed a criminal complaint against him in 2019 following the most foul slander and verbal attacks." The man accused of killing five people and injuring more than 200 others by ramming a car into a crowded German Christmas market had a history of making anti-Islam statements, which had grown increasingly dark and threatening towards Germany in recent months. The suspect, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, was arrested at the scene of the deadly attack in Magdenburg on Friday. German authorities said they believe he acted alone. A Saudi Arabian citizen, the 50-year-old psychiatrist came to Germany in 2006. Once settled in the country, he began sharing advice online with other people about how to escape repressive regimes in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, setting up the platform wearesaudis.net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While initially appreciative of Germany, in recent years he appeared to grow increasingly disgruntled with the country and its immigration policies. In 2015, Germany welcomed more than a million refugees from the Middle East but has since moved to tighten border controls. German authorities said on Saturday that they were examining Al Abdulmohsens dissatisfaction with Germanys treatment of refugees, although they said more time was needed to establish a motive. On social media, Al Abdulmohsen posted openly about renouncing his Islamic faith, expressed sympathy for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and accused Germany of promoting the Islamization of the country. Earlier this year, he made dark threats against Germany and the German people online something the German authorities were apparently alerted to. On his account on X, formerly Twitter, he posted in May to his nearly 50,000 followers: German terrorism will be brought to justice. Its very likely that I will die this year in order to bring justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made a similar statement in August, when he posted: I assure you that if Germany wants a war, we will fight it. If Germany wants to kill us, we will slaughter them, die, or go to prison with pride. Reuters news agency released this image of the suspect, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, sourcing it from a US-based activist group called RAIR Foundation USA. - RAIR Foundation/Reuters As part of efforts to promote his activism work, Al Abdulmohsen had been in touch with many media organizations, including CNN. He told news outlets he had regular contact with vulnerable women and would often be their only point of contact outside Saudi Arabia. He said he helped them plan travel to visa-free countries, and, on several occasions, he facilitated contact between these women and the media. CNN communicated with him when reporting a story about two women who had fled Saudi Arabia for the former Soviet state of Georgia that was published in 2019. He helped facilitate contact with the women, although he was not interviewed for the piece. The BBC interviewed him about his activism in 2019. He told the broadcaster he left Saudi Arabia after his life was threatened there. He said he spent up to 10 to 16 hours a day helping Saudi asylum seekers and added that 90% of people contacting him were women. He also gave interviews to German media about his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His contact with CNN subsided around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Al Abdulmohsen began reaching out again early this year, sending a barrage of aggressive messages to the CNN journalist with whom he was previously in touch, which contained unsubstantiated stories and claims related to his advocacy work. CNN ceased direct communication with him, blocking notifications from him on WhatsApp and X. Subsequent messages from Al Abdulmohsen sent on X, including direct threats against the German people that were similar to those he made publicly, were not seen by CNN until after the attack. CNN has reached out to the police and public prosecutors office in Magdeburg for comment on whether Al Abdulmohsen was known to mental health services or other relevant agencies before the attack. The police declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities said that Al Abdulmohsen worked as a psychiatrist in Bernburg, a small town about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. The clinic that employed Al Abdulmohsen said he had been a psychiatric specialist at a correctional facility for criminals with addictions in Bernburg since March 2020, but added he had not been to work since October 2024 due to vacation and illness. People visit a makeshift memorial outside a church near the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 21. - Ronny Hartmann/AFP/Getty Images Al Abdulmohsen appeared particularly frustrated with Atheist Refugee Relief, a German NGO that was supporting women who escaped Saudi Arabia and other oppressive regimes while they awaited the results of their asylum claims. Messages sent by Al Abdulmohsen to CNN suggest he believed the group was disrupting his efforts and accused them, among other charges, of questioning whether he had instructed the women to say they had renounced Islam while claiming asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made some of the allegations against the group publicly on social media, which led to Atheist Refugee Relief making a formal complaint with the police in 2019. According to a statement published by the group on Saturday, Al Abdulmohsen was eventually ordered by the Cologne Regional Court to delete the defamatory and accusatory posts. The case is currently going through the appeals process. Questions had also been raised about Al Abdulmohsens practice of publicizing the cases of some of the Saudi escapees despite the risks they would face if their asylum applications were rejected, and they had to return to Saudi Arabia. The German Office for Migration and Refugees said Saturday it received a tipoff about him via social media. This was taken seriously, as were all the other numerous tips, the office said in a statement on X. The person providing the information was referred directly to the responsible authorities, as is usual in such cases, it said. The warnings went well beyond social media statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saudi authorities had warned their German counterparts about Al Abdulmohsen on several occasions, two sources with knowledge of the communications told CNN on Saturday. The first warning came in 2007 and was connected to concerns held by Saudi authorities that Al Abdulmohsen had expressed radical views of varying kinds, one of the sources said. Saudi Arabia considers the suspect a fugitive and requested his extradition from Germany between 2007 and 2008, the source said, adding that German authorities refused, citing concerns for the mans safety should he return. A second source told CNN the Saudis alerted Germany to the individual in four official notifications. Three of the notifications, known as Notes Verbal, were sent to the German intelligence services and one to the countrys foreign ministry. The source said all of the warnings were ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN reached out to the German Foreign Ministry for comment about the warnings and was referred to the Ministry of Interior, which in turn referred CNN to the public prosecutors office in Magdeburg. CNN has not received a response from the prosecutors office. A police officer walks through the shuttered Christmas market in Magdeburg on December 21. - Omer Messinger/Getty Images Speaking to the German public broadcaster ZDF on Saturday, the president of the German Federal Office of Criminal Investigation Holger Munch confirmed that a tipoff from Saudi Arabia was received by his office and that proceedings were initiated. Munch said the police in Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdenburg is the capital, then began investigating, but added the threats were too unspecific. The man also published a huge number of posts on the internet. He also had various contacts with the authorities, insults and threats. But he was not known for violent acts, he told ZDF, adding that the case will need to be looked at again to check again whether we, as security authorities, have let something slip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munch said the action of the suspect appeared to follow a completely atypical pattern something some experts have also pointed out. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar, Peter Neumann, professor of security studies at Kings College London, wrote on X. The German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Saturday described Al Abdulmohsen as an Islamophobe, but gave few other details and said the investigation was just starting. A 9-year-old boy and four women, aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, died in the attack, police said in a statement on Sunday. Authorities are holding Al Abdulmohsen in pre-trial detention on five counts of murder, several counts of attempted murder and several counts of dangerous bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated with additional information CNNs Sophie Tanno, Nadine Schmidt, Isaac Yee, Billy Stockwell, Catherine Nicholls, Benjamin Brown and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, in the Northern Hemisphere. The celestial event signifies the first day of winter, astronomically. What is the winter solstice? The winter solstice is the day each year that has the shortest period of daylight between sunrise and sunset, and therefore the longest night. It happens when the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, a line of latitude that circles the globe south of the equator, the National Weather Service explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The farther north you are, the shorter the day will be, and in the Arctic Circle, the sun won't rise at all. How is the day of the winter solstice determined? The winter solstice occurs because of the Earth's tilt as it rotates around the sun. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, the nights last longer. The longest night happens on the solstice because the hemisphere is in its furthest position from the sun. That occurs each year on Dec. 21 or 22. This year, it falls on Dec. 21 at 4:21 a.m ET, to be precise. On the summer solstice, when the northern tilt is closest to the sun, we have the longest day, usually June 20 or 21. This illustration from the National Weather Service shows the tilt and rotation of the Earth on the winter and summer solstices, as well as the autumnal and vernal equinox marking the beginning of fall and spring. / Credit: National Weather Service The solstices are not always exactly on the 21st every year because the earth's rotation around the sun is 365.25 days, instead of 365 even. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will days start getting longer after the winter solstice? Yes. Each day after the solstice, we get one minute more of sunlight. It doesn't sound like much, but after just two months, or around 60 days, we'll be seeing about an hour more of sunlight. When will winter officially be over in 2025? The meteorological winter ends on March 20, 2025. Then, spring will last until June 20, when the summer solstice arrives. How is the winter solstice celebrated around the world? Nations and cultures around the world have celebrated the solstice since ancient times with varying rituals and traditions. The influence of those solstice traditions can still be seen in our celebrations of holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, Britannica notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ancient Roman Saturnalia festival celebrated the end of the planting season and has close ties with modern-day Christmas. It honored Saturn, the god of harvest and farming. The multiple-day affair had lots of food, games and celebrations. Presents were given to children and the poor, and slaves were allowed to stop working. Gatherings are held every year at Stonehenge, a monumental circle of massive stones in England that dates back about 5,000 years. The origins of Stonehenge are shrouded in mystery, but it was built to align with the sun on solstice days. People gather at sunrise for the winter solstice celebrations at the Stonehenge prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, on Dec. 22, 2021. / Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images The Hopi, a Native American tribe in the northern Arizona area, celebrate the winter solstice with dancing, purification and sometimes gift-giving. A sacred ritual known as the Soyal Ceremony marks the annual milestone. In Peru, people honor the return of the sun god on the winter solstice. The ancient tradition would be to hold sacrificial ceremonies, but today, people hold mock sacrifices to celebrate. Because Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, their winter solstice happens in June, when the Northern Hemisphere is marking its summer solstice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scandinavia celebrates St. Lucia's Day, a festival of lights. The "arrival of winter," or Dong Zhi, is a Chinese festival where family gathers to celebrate the year so far. Traditional foods include tang yuan, sweet rice balls with a black sesame filling. It's believed to have its origins in post-harvest celebrations. Researchers stationed in in Antarctica even have their own traditions, which may include an icy plunge into the polar waters. They celebrate "midwinter" with festive meals, movies and sometimes homemade gifts. Sneak peek: The Journals of Maria Munoz Sneak peek: Shootout at the Shaughnessys' Trump putting blame on Biden for looming government shutdown after tanking bipartisan deal Ollie, a labradoodle, died when he was 9 months old, two months after being mauled at a pet care facility in Massachusetts. He was the inspiration for Ollies Law, a new state statute designed to protect pets in kennels. Business owners worry the regulations may be too expensive. (Courtesy of Amy Baxter) The death of Ollie, a 9-month-old labradoodle mauled at a Massachusetts pet care facility in 2020, led the state this October to enact the stringent Ollies Law, tightening regulations on the care and housing of pets at boarding and training kennels. The new Massachusetts law mandates the timely reporting of such incidents to local authorities. It also empowers state regulators to come up with new rules that may require that dogs be housed with similarly sized animals and not be left without human supervision, as Ollie was, according to his owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few other states including Colorado and Iowa have regulations in place, but most states rely on local rules or have no regulations at all for pet care facilities, according to Jeremy Cohen, an attorney who founded Boston Dog Lawyers. His firm represents pet owners in cases ranging from custody in a divorce, to injury and wrongful deaths, to defense of dogs that bit someone. (He did not represent Ollies owner, who did not file a suit.) Opponents of new regulations say the rules may make it more expensive to operate the facilities and could hurt small businesses. Facing such opposition, recent legislative efforts to tighten rules have failed to advance in other states, including Kansas and Washington. That leaves some pet owners without assurances that the facilities they trust to care for their pets are operating under certain standards, said Cohen, who pushed for the new Massachusetts law. Pet owners dont know until something happens, he said. And they are shocked to find out there are no regulations. [Pet care facilities] can stay under the radar until something happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the situation facing Ollies owner, Amy Baxter. She dropped off Ollie, who was 7 months old, at a doggie day care center in East Longmeadow and later received a call that her pet had been hurt in a dog fight, she said in an interview. The center, which she said was unlicensed and which has since closed, did not notify local authorities of the incident nor immediately take Ollie to a vet. He died two months later after multiple surgeries. Baxter, a former legislative aide in New York state, gathered a coalition of pet owners, kennel operators and animal protection groups and spent several years lobbying the Massachusetts legislature for new rules. Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey signed Ollies Law in October. The law, which goes into effect Thursday, limits the number of dogs that can be cared for in a single facility and requires recordkeeping, inspections and reporting of pet injuries and deaths. The precise rules on staff-to-animal ratios, dog group sizes and supervision, emergency planning, minimum housing and care requirements, and staff training and insurance will be written by the states Department of Agricultural Resources over the next 18 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Humane Education Society said the Massachusetts law sets a new standard in kennel regulation and safety for pets. In an interview, Baxter said the most important part of the new law is that pet injuries are now required to be reported to the local licensing authority and that investigation results be made publicly available if enforcement action is taken. If I hadnt gone to the police, no one would have heard of Ollie, she said. There should never be just one employee at a facility, she argued. If one worker is at the front desk taking payments, whos in the back taking care of the animals? Its an animal protection issue, its a consumer protection issue, its also an employee protection issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extra staff and precautions cost money, and pet kennel owners are concerned about how the new rules will affect them, said Linda Wood, owner of Pawsitively Pets boarding and day care center in Bolton, Massachusetts. Wood, who has owned her business for 20 years, said she fully supports the new law because it will give animal control officers better guidance on how to inspect facilities, as well as require training for kennel employees, such as the courses she provides her own workers. Kennels that dont measure up are dangerous, she said. She limits the number of animals she takes at one time. But, she added, the extra steps will be costly for pet boarding facilities and owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are going to have to hire more employees. This will make it difficult for business. The prices are going to have to go up. Its necessary, but how is the public going to handle it? Breeder concerns The American Kennel Club, which represents dog breeders, is skeptical of new regulations such as the Massachusetts law, which it says would impede breeders. The bill originally included new rules for breeders, but after pushback from the group, lawmakers stripped that part and the organization dropped its opposition to the legislation. Kennels care for customers dogs intermittently, while breeding operations raise puppies to be sold. In a statement to Stateline, Phil Guidry, the American Kennel Clubs director of policy analysis, said that while it is important that pets in day cares and kennels get proper care, including personal breeder kennels under the bill was unnecessary and went too far. The original legislation could have allowed inspectors into breeders homes and attempted to limit the number of dogs breeders own, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, state regulations set cage dimensions and worker-to-dog ratios and requires facility license holders to be trained, among other provisions. The Iowa kennel regulations require specific recordkeeping on all animals housed at the kennel and lay out standards of cleanliness. For dog day care centers, the rules require, among other things, that dog owners sign a waiver acknowledging that grouping dogs together involves inherent risks. Safety costs Recent efforts to tighten pet boarding regulations failed in other states. In Washington state, the cost of the new safety measures was one of the issues raised at a legislative hearing on a bill that would have required a fire alarm system or a sprinkler system in kennels but that didnt make it out of committee this year. The bill had been filed after two separate fires at Seattle dog day care and boarding facilities in 2023, during one of which a dog died after it ran from the burning kennel and into traffic on Interstate 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire safety experts and animal activists supported the bill. But Sam McEntire pointed out at the hearing that the fires happened at two locations of the same business, and suggested that the problem is not widespread. I dont think anyone would oppose having some standards and safety measure systems, but some of these would devastate small-business owners having to implement hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of systems to these buildings, he testified, adding that while the state doesnt have a lot of regulation of this industry, cities and counties do. The bill died in committee in January. Its lead sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Darya Farivar, may reintroduce it next year. In Kansas, a 2022 bill that would have regulated dog kennels and breeders died in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board, an arm of the state Agriculture Department, considered new safety regulations designed to make pet boarding and day care facilities safer. A family in Olathe had lost both their dogs while boarding them at a kennel called Lucky Paws KC. In that case, two small dogs, a Pomeranian mix and a mini-labradoodle, were killed after being put in an outdoor area with more than a dozen large dogs. An employee was inside the facility with a door propped open to monitor conditions outside, according to KCTV. Instead of passing new rules, though, the advisory board instead decided to increase education efforts on the current rules, said Heather Lansdowne, communications director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The concerns would best be addressed by increased education and enforcement, Lansdowne said. Thats better than additional regulations, which can sometimes be burdensome in a way that backfires and causes problems for the good facilities. She said the department would be sending out reminders to kennels that they should house dogs of similar sizes together and monitor their behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of that is, how do you help those facilities work through decisions about which pets can be housed together? she said. You have to understand animal signs and signals. This article was originally published by Stateline, 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Lackawanna father and son were convicted by a federal jury of a kidnapping conspiracy after they allegedly confined their female relative in Yemen for over a year to force her into marriage, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025. Conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Khaled Abughanem, 52, and his son Adham Abughanem, 28, allegedly flew from Buffalo to Mexico on Sept. 8, 2021 to kidnap the victim. The daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham was transported to Western New York, Egypt and then Yemen where she was held for 16 months, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair allegedly confined her in the country to find a man for an arranged marriage. It is alleged that her father threatened to slaughter her after she gave information to police relating to the commission of a federal crime. This verdict brings to an end a difficult time for the victim, who was twice kidnapped by family members, taken to Yemen against her will, held for more than a year, denied freedom of movement and communication, physically assaulted and had her life threatened, said U.S. Attorney Trini Ross. These defendants are being held accountable because of the courage of this victim. Another brother of the victim, Waleed Abughanem, pleaded guilty to misprision of felony in September. He knew she was being held involuntarily and drove the three to the airport. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Dec. 21Both LaGrange and Elkhart counties have received a sizable grant from the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative. The LaGrange County Community Foundation received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. which will support the first two phases of the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka. Managed by LaGrange County Trails, this funding will be instrumental in advancing the project, attracting additional resources, and turning the vision of a vibrant community bike trail into reality, a statement from the group said. "This is truly a dream come true for LaGrange County," said Octavia Yoder, executive director of the Foundation. "To begin a multimillion-dollar trail project with $5 million is beyond comprehension. This will be a game-changer for our community, providing a safer route for cyclists and walkers, and providing more outdoor recreational opportunities. Words cannot express our gratitude and excitement for this opportunity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hawpatch Trail is a 17-mile, multi-use bike and pedestrian trail that will connect Noble County's Fishing Line Trail with Elkhart County's Strawberry Valley Trail. Following the former Wabash Railroad Corridor, this project represents a total investment of nearly $18 million and will be completed in five phases. The first two phases will span 9.25 miles in and around Topeka, serving as the foundation for the trail's full development and bringing safe, active, and accessible outdoor recreation to the community. This project is the culmination of years of planning and community collaboration. Since 2019, LaGrange County Trails has championed the creation of biking and hiking trails to promote safe, active lifestyles. Recognizing the former railroad as a prime location, they identified it as a solution to address the safety concerns of cyclists traveling along 700 South into Topeka. Over the past five years, they have worked diligently to secure site control and build the momentum to make this vision a reality. The Hawpatch Trail also reflects a community-driven vision outlined in the LaGrange County Together comprehensive plan, which prioritizes the development of trails to enhance connectivity, safety, and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike, according to the Foundation's news release. The next steps for Phases 1 and 2 of the Hawpatch Trail focus on laying the essential groundwork to bring this transformative project to life, the release reads. Key activities include land acquisition, surveying, community engagement, trail design and planning, fundraising, and ultimately, construction. Land surveying is slated to begin in 2025, coinciding with efforts to secure the necessary trail corridor. These efforts will pave the way for the development of the initial 9.25 miles, marking a significant milestone in the realization of this visionary trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This grant will significantly accelerate the construction timeline for Phase 1 of the Hawpatch Trail, allowing us to complete the project years ahead of schedule," said Jeff Wingstrom, president of LaGrange County Trails. "Beyond expediting progress, the grant will also enhance fundraising efforts and, most importantly, improve safety for citizens engaging in recreational and commuting activities. "We are incredibly grateful for the LaGrange County Community Foundation and their partnership, as well as Lilly Endowment for its pivotal role in helping turn the Hawpatch Trail into a reality. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our community businesses and individuals who have generously contributed or plan to contribute toward the $225,000 matching grant also offered to support this project. Donations are still needed to meet this match, and we encourage anyone who can to contribute through the Foundation." The grant is just one of 30 being awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve. ELKHART COUNTY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Community Foundation of Elkhart County also received a grant, of $7.5 million, which it will use to support Building Strong Brains, Elkhart County's early childhood initiative launched in 2022. "Early childhood development is one of the most critical periods of time that defines the life outcome for a human being, and the correlation is strong between kindergarten readiness and all other academic progress," said Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation. "If we can do work to make sure that they're ready to be successful and thrive when they enter the doors of a structured school experience, we can make a real difference in the lives of children in Elkhart County." The community has been coming together to join the coalition, which is changing the county's approach to early childhood development, according to a statement provided by the Foundation. Eleven organizational sponsors are helping guide the work. Action teams are focused on community supports for children and families, quality child care and early learning environments, and maternal and child health. Dr. Kim Boynton will provide leadership as the Building Strong Brains coalition director. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County says it's the largest gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. in the community foundation's history. Support from Elkhart County donors was a key factor in securing the gift and resulted in additional funding for the Tolson Center for Community Excellence and the Fund for Elkhart County at the Community Foundation. GIFT VIII resulted in a total of $11.5 million of investment in Elkhart County. In addition, the Community Foundations of Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties are receiving $20 million from GIFT VIII to establish a regional housing trust and land bank. ST. LOUIS You can certainly feel the hustle and bustle of St. Louis Lambert International Airport as travelers head out of town for the holidays. At Terminal 2, theres been a steady stream of incoming and outgoing passengers. According to TSA projections, its estimated that over 21,000 people will go through security in St. Louis. That number does not include anyone arriving in St. Louis or with connecting flights. Other busy travel days will be the 26th, 27th, and 29th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a big storm system bringing snow to much of the northeast, that could cause some delays and travel headaches. But its not just those trying to get out of town; theres also been some very special arrivals. 19-year-old charged with striking pedestrians at Ted Drewes It was hugs all around for the Leese family as mom, brothers, and cousins welcomed home their new soldier. Were picking up my son, whos coming home from the army for about two weeks. He gets leave. This was a complete shock, so were very excited we get this time with him, mother Kristi Leese said. Very excited. Last time I saw him was October, I think, his brother Campbell Leese added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another family welcomed dad home after eight months serving in Guam, away from his wife and two young children, Charlie and Baxter. Hes home for good. We are so happy to have him back. Especially, best present ever, Lisa Knox said. According to FlightAware, many airports in the northeast are experiencing many delays due to snow and low clouds. Some airports with particularly bad delays include JFK and Boston. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Valentino Wallace, a 22-year-old from Lansing, was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun. The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Western District of Michigan reports that in Feb. 2023, Lansing Police officers conducted surveillance at Wallaces house as part of a shooting investigation. Wallace left the house and officers conducted a traffic stop. He ran but was caught and arrested shortly after. A loaded pistol with an extended magazine and a Glock switch was found in the snow nearby. A Glock switch allows the weapon to be changed from a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wallace posted photos on social media showing him holding the same weapon found in the snow and made other posts referring to Glock switches. (U.S. Attorneys Office of the Western District of Michigan) (U.S. Attorneys Office of the Western District of Michigan) The Office says the extended magazine, which held 31 rounds, could be emptied in about a second and a half with a single pull of the trigger due to the switch installed on the gun. Unfortunately, some people need to hit a brick wall to get the point: If you pack an illegal firearm (along with a machine conversion device) you should pack your bags for prison. This will be Valentinos third attempt at redemption. Lets hope he gets the point this time. One thing is certain: our community is a much safer place today with Mr. Valentino off the streets, said ATF Detroit Special Agent James Dier in a news release sent to 6 News. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. By Jasper Ward (Reuters) -Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, said on Saturday she has removed her name from consideration to replace outgoing U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio was picked by Trump to serve as secretary of state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will pick a replacement for Rubio, who is expected to resign as senator when Trump takes office on Jan. 20. There was speculation that Lara Trump, who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee in the lead-up to the 2024 election, would succeed Rubio in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in a post on X, Trump said she had decided to remove herself from consideration "after an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many." "I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and Im truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida," she said. Trump is married to Eric Trump, Donald Trump's son. She said she has a "big announcement" to share in January but did not provide details. Trump said she remains passionate about public service and looks forward to serving again in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While noting there was already strong interest from possible candidates, DeSantis said last month that a selection will likely be made by early January. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Rod Nickel) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metro police need the publics help to locate a wanted suspect accused of robbery and battery. Men kidnap, stab victim who thought he was meeting woman from dating app for pizza Joaquin Pedroego Carrasco, 45, also known as Francisco Escobar-Garcia has an active Clark County District Court warrant for robbery and battery with intent to commit robbery, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrasco has a tattoo on his chest of Jesus Christ, and another tattoo on his right leg with the words written in Spanish: Perdon Madre Mia Por Mi Vida Loca. The 8 News Now Investigators previously reported on Carrasco back in 2021 after he faced charges of attempted murder and extortion. In that case, police told 8 News Now a man was stabbed twice after he thought he was meeting a woman from a dating app but ended up getting attacked by two men. Those with information on Carrasco can call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or the Las Vegas Metro Police Departments Commercial Robbery Section at 702-828-3591. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metro police searched for a suspect accused of stealing a car and then fleeing from officers. It happened on Friday shortly after 7 p.m. when officers found the reported stolen car in the area of Owens Avenue and H Street. Police told 8 News Now that when they attempted to stop the car in an unmarked police unit they did not stop. One occupant in the car then fired shots into the air from inside the car. Officers in a marked police unit then arrived and pursued the car until both occupants got out of the car and ran from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they were later able to detain one person, another person is still on the run. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. Our animals are like our kids, Brianna Poindexter said. She shared with 8 News Now everything she loved about her horse Quincy. A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. (Brianna Poindexter) She was gentle, she recalled. And she wouldnt hurt anything. Poindexter said Quincy was gentle, kind, and a perfect companion for her young daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the two were inseparable for the year and a half they had her, but last week something unimaginable happened. It was just blood everywhere, Poindexter said. Poindexter said she came to feed Quincy lunch around 1 p.m. on December 13 at the northwest valley property where she boarded her, but she found her dead, her body mutilated. A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. (Brianna Poindexter) A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. (Brianna Poindexter) A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. (Brianna Poindexter) It was the equivalent to me, Poindexter explained. If a psychopath went after a human being. She said she then called Clark County Animal Protection Services. The organization later looped in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Now they are taking pictures, Poindexter recalled. Its an actual crime scene, its brutal. This is brutal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report and statement 8 News Now obtained from both organizations cite preliminary investigations that showed Quincy was attacked and killed by one or two dogs. Clark County Animal Protection Services provided the following statement: On December 13, 2024, Clark County Animal Protection Services responded to a call for a dead horse on a property. Preliminary investigation shows that the horse was attacked by one or more dogs, which resulted in the death of the animal. The investigation is ongoing. A Las Vegas woman told 8 News Now she is trying to piece together what happened after she said her horse was brutally killed in the northwest valley. (Brianna Poindexter) A portion of the LVMPD incident report also cited that a neighbor saw two dogs messing with the horse in question around 10:30 the same morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No horse, no animal, as gruesome as her death was, Poindexter said. Deserved to die like that. She said she is still trying to wrap her head around what happened. I have all these happy memories with Quincy, all these happy memories, Poindexter said. To have that as the last memory of her. She told 8 News Now she hopes by sharing Quincys story she can find closure as her family does what it can to move forward. My whole thing is justice for her, Poindexter concluded. My daughter needs justice. In the incident report released by LVMPD, officers stated that while officers responded to the scene, Animal Protection Services will continue to look into the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to help Poindexter and her family, 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 KLAS. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) On Friday, a gunman walked into a warehouse in Overton County, shot two employees, and fled. In the immediate aftermath, he led officers on a chase across county lines, culminating in a standoff that shut down the interstate in Roane County. Its just the latest act of violence to happen at a Tennessee workplace, but experts said these kinds of shootings are happening more and more often. At around 7 oclock, we received a call of two subjects that had been shot, Ray Smith, chief of the Livingston Police Department, said during a Friday morning press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Suspect dead, 2 injured following shooting at Livingston plant According to officials, just before the standoff, 34-year-old James Cody John shot two people inside the Hutchinson plant located in Livingston. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this situation; this isnt a regular event out here in Livingston and we appreciate all the heart-warmed prayers to our community at this time, Smith said. Over the past few years, there have been at least four workplace shootings that have happened in Middle Tennessee. In 2021, three employees at an Antioch manufacturing facility were shot and the suspected gunman died after he was shot by Metro officers while fleeing the building early that morning. Metro police reported that 22-year-old Antonio King, who worked the day shift at the Antioch Smile Direct Club, came to the building during shift change and opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employee accused of stabbing company president during meeting in Michigan: Havent ruled out copycat motive Then, the following year, within days of each other, there were two workplace shootings at Kenny Pipe & Supply in East Nashville and a Jack in the Box in South Nashville. One person was left dead at each scene. It isnt the most common thing that I see, but we know that workplace shootings are extremely common in the United States as what happened recently here in Tennessee, explained Dr. Aaron Brinen, a psychologist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Violence Project, a non-profit and non-partisan research center, found current or former workplaces are among the most common sites for mass shootings. The organization also revealed the biggest motivator behind workplace shootings: employment-related issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us have fights with our employees and we have disagreements, and we go home and we complain to our spouse and its fine. I think when we stack that up with other problems where people are feeling like theyre being targeted, feeling like they cant get ahead, Brinen said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 400 U.S. workers died from workplace homicide in 2020. Its things like people feeling excluded, people struggling, whether it be financially, people coming from areas of deprivation, those things are a bigger driver of violence, said Brinen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has taken over the investigation into Fridays incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. ORLANDO, Fla. A sliver of pavement under an I-4 overpass is the place a half dozen unsheltered men call home. They sleep in a group to look out for each others safety and ensure their few belongings arent stolen. Each night they arrive at sunset, and they usually are unbothered by law enforcement until about 5:45 a.m., when police sirens act as an alarm clock. They just want us up and out of here early in the morning, cause the bigwigs and everyone come by to go to work, and they dont want to see us laying here, said Mark Jarrett, one of the older homeless men in the group, who had a wheelchair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those live-and-let-live interactions may change starting Jan. 1, when the teeth of Floridas new law governing homelessness are finally bared. Technically the laws requirement for local camping bans took effect on Oct. 1. But not until the New Year does it become enforceable, as residents, businesses, and Floridas attorney general gain the power to sue local governments that dont clear encampments within five business days of receiving a complaint, collecting attorney fees and damages for their trouble. Will 2025 bring a flurry of roundups, cleaning up messy overnight spots on sidewalks and in parks? Will unhoused people who cant find space in Central Floridas scarce shelters get carted off to jail? Or will the year bring a variation on business as usual, as leaders continue to lament the problem of homelessness but avoid drastic and costly measures to deal with it? Everyone is just waiting for that first lawsuit to drop, said Eric Gray, the executive director of the Christian Service Center, which provides aid to the areas homeless from its campus in Orlandos Parramore neighborhood. Maybe nobody files a lawsuit and its much ado about nothing. Or maybe somebody wins a $10,000 judgment against Duval County and its off to the races with attorneys across the state. Jarrett was a union worker who built sets at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. He said he lost his job amid health problems, and then his wife died in 2020, which provoked his descent into homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go ahead and take me to jail, he said. They got beds. They got food. Daniel Butler, 59, has been sleeping outside for two years. He has autism and other learning disabilities, he said, which make it difficult for him to maintain steady employment. He works a temporary job as a holiday bell ringer for the Salvation Army. After his shifts, he returns to the sidewalk with the group of men. Its a chance we got to take because where are we going to go? Are they going to put all of us in jail? Butler said. When they release us from jail, well just go right back to where we started from. And what, theyre going to give us a record for doing nothing? Butlers dilemma is the reason some law enforcement leaders resist the idea of arresting those who sleep in public places come January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, who formed a specialized homeless intervention unit about a year ago in hopes of controlling the high numbers of calls to his agency related to people experiencing homelessness. The unit is staffed with 11 officers and six mental health counselors who respond across the city. Primarily, he said, the unit tries to connect unsheltered people with resources or just moves them along if they are panhandling or on private property. From January to November, Smith said the unit has had 26,500 interactions and made 541 arrests. Typically, the arrests involve other crimes, Smith said, including municipal code violations like public urination and carrying open containers of alcohol, but also more serious offenses involving drugs or outstanding warrants. If you look at the stats and the arrests we make were arresting those people who violate the law not for being homeless or anything like that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such interactions are driven by complaints, he said. While Smiths officers know where the homeless gather, they typically dont respond if no one is being bothered, he said. Now its going to be interesting because starting Jan. 1 you can sue the city, he said. If you call in and say hey, theres 50 homeless people under I-4 at this overpass we have to respond. Smiths observations aside, data shows that arrests for municipal violations have increased sharply across Central Florida in recent years, even before the new state law was signed, according to Andrew Sullivan, a UCF researcher on homelessness issues. He said prior to 2023, about five people per day were arrested for low-level offenses typically committed by the unhoused. Since then the number has spiked to between eight and 15 per day. Of those, between 60% and 70% are experiencing homelessness, Sullivans research found. Most of those are in Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County hasnt yet banned public camping, as the state law requires, leading the county sheriffs office to tell the Orlando Sentinel it currently has no basis to arrest people for sleeping in public places. Commissioners are scheduled to take a vote on such a ban on Jan. 7, a county spokesperson said. In Seminole, which recently signed off on a ban that explicitly authorizes officers to arrest public-property campers for trespassing on a second offense, [the sheriffs office said its deputies are prioritizing problem-solving, compassion, and practical assistance over immediate enforcement measures. Central Floridas homelessness crisis remains a math problem. A federally mandated count of the regions homeless population last January found 2,883 people considered homeless including those who sleep in cars and in shelters. Of those, 1,201 in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties sleep outside though some number of others evade attention and remain uncounted. Those same three counties have 709 shelter beds for the general population Orange has 590, Seminole has 119 and Osceola has none. Some 500-plus more beds are also available for segments of the population, such as domestic violence survivors, those rescued from human trafficking or LGBTQ youth, according to the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little progress has been made in expanding shelter capacity since the law was enacted last spring. Orlando, which already provides most of the regions accommodations, is the furthest along. It is advancing plans to use Orange Countys former Work-Release Center on Kaley St. as what is called a low-barrier shelter meaning it would be open to almost everyone in need, regardless of whether they have a criminal record, or even identification. It still needs various approvals to move forward, and likely wouldnt be ready until the end of 2025 at the earliest. They have to provide a safe place for us to be at. And they havent even begun to do that, said Willie Brown, an older man who has been experiencing chronic homelessness. On a cold Friday evening in December, he said he tried getting into a shelter but was told all the beds were full. So, he tucked himself inside a sleeping bag on the ground under an I-4 overpass and played a few games of chess on his phone before falling asleep. Orange County has set aside money to find potential shelters in the east and west ends of the county, though no locations have been made public. Local leaders are also having talks about setting up a so-called homeless court as a diversion to avoid arrests, though that too is months away at best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, in an area which moved slowly prior to the pressure from the state, the activity feels like progress. Weve had more conversations about shelter in this community in the past six months than we have had in the past 60 years, said Gray of the Christian Service Center. The root cause of homelessness locally, as elsewhere, is high housing costs and a lack of affordable units combined with stagnant wages, advocates say. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Orlando is about $2,100 a month, according to Rent.com. In 2019, the average rent for that same apartment was $1,264. Chris Ham, the executive director of Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford, Seminoles only shelter, said for many employed people, a two-bedroom apartment would eat up about half of their income. Families who pay more than a third of their income on housing are considered cost-burdened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rent is $1,800-2,000 a month for a two-bedroom, Ham said. If youre a single mother or a single father and youre a schoolteacher, your income is $51,000 a yearThe solution is more affordable, attainable housing. I think we must get creative with some of our zoning and our land use codes. Back on Orlandos streets, Jeff Castner said his only hope for housing is to get disability income, though so far hes been unsuccessful. Health issues cost him his job as a union machinist, he said. Then it cost him his home, leading him to a spot under the overpass. Hes also found a hideout elsewhere in case he needs to avoid arrest. I got an emergency spot, where I wont get busted at all. Its windy and cold. You wake up in the morning, you got dew all over you, Castner said. But at least, he said, he wont have to go to jail. ____ Dec. 20Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine isn't ruling out a veto on a newly passed Ohio law that would allow law enforcement agencies to charge up to $750 to process body camera and cruiser cam videos requested by Ohioans via public record laws. Law enforcement agencies under current law generally provide video records for little to no cost at all. But a provision slipped into law in the final hours of Ohio's lame duck session states that any "state or local law enforcement agency may charge a requester the actual cost associated with preparing a video record for inspection or production," which is capped at $75 per hour or $750 per video. The provision was never vetted in public. Instead, it was folded into House Bill 315 in the early hours of Thursday morning via a private conference committee among a handful of lawmakers. It subsequently passed as the 135th General Assembly's final act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provision is intended to help departments recoup the actual costs namely, the time it takes to review, obscure and redact videos associated with video public records requests, but it's ultimately a law that could cost Ohio citizens and journalists hundreds of dollars to receive police body cams or cruiser videos that are a regular tool in both holding police accountable and publicly defending their decisions. When asked about the law during a Friday press conference, DeWine said, "I'm going to look at that. I'm not going to announce anything today." He explained that he wants these public records requests to be honored, but noted that processing videos are burdensome for police departments, especially for those with limited personnel. Support Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Fraternal Order of Police President Jay McDonald, who serves as chief of the Marion Police Department, told this outlet Friday that his union wasn't involved in getting the provision into H.B. 315, but he could see why lawmakers are trying to address it. McDonald boiled the problem down to "commercial requesters." Each week, he explained, the Marion Police Department gets a weekly records request from a private company that runs a handful of YouTube channels. The channel requests all police reports produced that week, finds the more dramatic reports, and then requests the relevant body cam footage. "They want videos of people who resist arrest, videos (of people) who are drunk drivers, videos that they think people want to see on T.V.," McDonald said. "And then, they turn around and then they monetize those public records by putting them on YouTube and generating clicks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald said he's not sure if commercial requesters are the specific targets of the provision, but he'd understand it. "They are using government resources to generate profit based off of public records," McDonald said. "There is that part of the equation that I don't think gets talked about." Opposition Opposition to the change has mounted in the days following its passage largely because there was no prior notice of its consideration. The Ohio News Media Association (ONMA) which this news organization is a member of is asking DeWine to exercise his line-item veto power over the provision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monica Nieporte, president of the association, wrote that the law will have "a chilling effect on our members and the public being able to access public records" and noted that the ONMA had no opportunity to testify to lawmakers due to the sudden and private nature of its consideration. Jack Greiner, a Cincinnati-based attorney on media law and First Amendment matters, told this outlet that the change disrupts 30 years of public record law in Ohio. "It's a pretty major change, and to do it without any hearings or discussion or anything is, I think, problematic," Greiner said. Real impact Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This news outlet regularly requests body cam or cruiser footage from local and state police departments. For example, the Dayton Daily News earlier this year requested and obtained footage of police interaction with an off-duty Miami Twp. police lieutenant who was accused of pointing his weapon at a group of people setting off fireworks in Perry Twp. The lieutenant faced 16 counts of aggravated menacing and one count of handling a weapon while intoxicated. This outlet's public records request elicited a video that was nearly an hour and a half long. Under the provision in H.B. 315, an Ohioan could be charged over $100 to receive such a video. ------ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... Dec. 20Missouri Western State University is honoring future members of our local law enforcement agencies with a graduation ceremony on Friday evening. Cadets of the 63rd Law Enforcement Academy class will participate in the ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 in the Fulkerson Center on the MWSU campus, located at 4525 Downs Dr. in St. Joseph. The new graduates will receive certificates from the LEA and badges from their future supervisors with area law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Mike Hess from the Buchanan County, Missouri, Sheriff's Office is the keynote speaker for the ceremony. The newly graduated Cadets will be honored for their service in the military, their academic achievement and all the skills they have learned while attending the LEA. The 63rd LEA class is walking away with knowledge like firearms training, defense tactics, emergency vehicle operations and physical training. For more information about MWSU's LEA, visit its website at missouriwestern.edu/academy. A South Carolina man who is expected to be the next person scheduled for execution has filed an appeal with the South Carolina Supreme Court, alleging that prosecutors withheld crucial evidence about witnesses and his own lawyer, infected by his own racism, did not adequately defend him. Marion Bowman Jr. was convicted of shooting and killing Kandee Martin in the early morning hours of February 17, 2001. Bowman and his accomplices were planning to rob a house but came to believe that Martin was wearing a wire, according to court filings. Martin was shot in the head and her body was stuffed in the trunk of a car, which was then set on fire on Nursery Road in Dorchester County. Bowman was convicted of murder and arson, third degree, and sentenced to death in 2002. He is scheduled to be the next person executed in South Carolina, making him the third person executed in the state since the state resumed carrying out the death penalty in September following a 13 year pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A petition for a writ of habeas corpus was filed by Bowmans attorneys in the South Carolina Supreme Court on Tuesday. It asks that Bowmans execution, which has yet to be scheduled but is expected to take place in January, be delayed until a hearing can be held. I think that whole filling really calls into questions the reliability of the death penalty sentence and the conviction in this case, said Bowmans attorney, Lindsey Vann. The death penalty is the ultimate punishment and we cannot correct any issues after it is carried out. Central to their argument are claims that Bowmans attorney at his original trial, Norb Cummings, injected odious racial prejudice into the case. Cummings was so infected by his own racism that he repeatedly drew comparisons between Martin, who he called a little white girl and Bowman, who he described as a Black man. At the time of the murder, Martin was 21 and a year older than Bowman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A call Friday to Cummings law office was not returned. Bowmans attorneys also failed to introduce credible evidence that Martin had a drug addiction and history of prostitution and pawning personal items for drugs. Cummings later testified that he did not want to slander Martin at trial. An attorney who represented Bowman in past appeals described Cummings as an abject racist, who while being questioned in court about Bowmans case turned to his former client and said, Marion, what are you doing on Nursery Road at that time of the morning with a white female and African American males in Dorchester County? Really. This is 2001 but what good are you doing out there on a dirt road? This statement stunned the courtroom into silence, the attorney wrote in his affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cummings also urged Bowman to accept an offer of life in prison and plead guilty. While Cummings argued at trial that Bowman maintained his innocence, the lawyer told his client that a jury would not be sympathetic to a Black man who had killed a white woman. An affidavit signed by Robert Minter, an investigator who worked for Cummings on Bowmans case, described the attorney as an unusually hands off attorney who did not seem to care if work got done and was reluctant to file subpoenas to aid in Bowmans defense. Additionally, Minter wrote that his co-counsel was lackluster. I believe if Mr. Bowman had different trial attorneys, then his case might have resulted in a different outcome, Minter wrote. Attorneys say crucial evidence not turned over Problems with his attorney were not the only obstacle faced by Bowman at trial, according to court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significantly, prosecutors did not hand over evidence that a key witness, James Tawain Gadson, was suffering from memory loss and blackouts, was hearing voices and a beeping sound, in addition to smoking six blunts, a type of marijuana cigar, a day. Gadson also told another inmate at the jail he was confined at that he was the one who shot Martin, not Bowman. While law enforcement interviewed the inmate, notes of the interview were not turned over to Bowmans defense and were only discovered after the trial. While the inmate later threatened to recant his testimony, according to court filings, as an official document the notes could have had significant evidentiary weight to a juror, Bowmans attorneys wrote. Gadsons testimony was particularly important because he was the only eyewitness to Martins murder and he provided details about aggravating factors that allowed prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also did not disclose that they had made deals with another key witnesses, Hiram Johnson. Johnson had unindicted charges for receiving stolen goods, second degree burglary, and grand larceny at the time of Bowmans trial. Information about these charges was not provided to Bowmans attorneys This allowed prosecutors to take advantage of an informational void, according to the filing. At trial, the solictor told the jury that they could trust Johnsons testimony because they hadnt heard any testimony about Hiram Johnson having any kind of charge against him or any kind of a deal with the state, any reason to say something wasnt true, according to court filings. Bowman is represented by Vann with Justice360, a Columbia-based nonprofit death penalty law firm, along with Teresa L. Norris from the Fourth Circuit Federal Defenders Office and S. Boyd Young with the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense. The South Carolina Supreme Court has said that they will not provide a notice of Bowmans execution until Jan. 3, meaning that his execution could be scheduled for as soon as Jan. 31. A car plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, late Friday, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured. According to The New York Times, the two deceased are an adult and a small child. There were more than 65 people injured, 14 of them sustaining severe injuries, per reports. Government officials have said the incident is suspected to be an attack, and authorities are working to determine the motive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The New York Times, the driver was arrested and has been identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian citizen. He has been in Germany since 2006 and works as a doctor in a small town outside of Magdeburg. According to CNN, a video posted on social media captured the moment the vehicle drove straight into a crowd at the market. In the video, dozens of people are crowded at the market stalls when the vehicle plows directly into them. Some people can be seen running away from the car in panic, others dive into the stalls. Bodies and debris are scattered across the narrow lane as the car turns out of the plaza, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver used a rental car to plow into the market; after the attack, authorities closed the area around the market. A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market after an incident in Magdeburg, Germany, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. | Heiko Rebsch It remains unclear how the driver was able to circumvent the barriers that were protecting the market in Magdeburg. The car drove some 1,200 feet before it stopped, per The New York Times. Magdeburg is located west of Berlin and is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt. The city has a population of around 240,000, per The New York Times. The reports from Magdeburg are alarming, My thoughts are with the victims and their families, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X. We are at their side and at the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." Authorities in Guatemala rescued at least 160 children from a Jewish sect following allegations of abuse and human trafficking. Police raided the premises of the sect called Lev Tahor in Oratorio city, 78km southeast of the capital Guatemala City, on Friday after receiving complaints of widespread abuse of children, including rape, human trafficking and forced marriage, prosecutors said. They took at least 160 minors and 40 women into protective custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation in the Santa Rosa region involved around 480 police personnel, soldiers, prosecutors, and psychologists who also seized electronic devices and searched for evidence of child pornography. Regional prosecutor Dimas Jimenez y Jimenez said they were considering charges of human trafficking, mistreatment of minors, and rape. We suspect these crimes were committed by a member of the community, he said. Police take part in a child rescue operation at a farm in the municipality of Oratorio, Guatemala (Guatemalan Attorney General) Nancy Lorena Paiz Garcia, a prosecutor in the Office Against Human Trafficking, said that police found bodies suspected to be of minors buried on the premises. We have no information that the sect has used the local cemeteries, she said, but we must investigate these possible deaths of minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was set in motion by the escape from the Jewish sect of four non-Guatemalan children in November who alerted authorities to the abuses. Based on the statements of the complainants, the evidence obtained and the medical examinations, it was possible to establish that there are forms of human trafficking against these minors, like forced marriages, abuse, and related crimes, Ms Garcia said. Lev Tahor, Pure Heart in Hebrew, was founded in Israel in 1988 and practices a strict interpretation of Jewish law. It has drawn international scrutiny over the years for alleged sexual abuses, kidnapping, child marriage, and physical violence. A Lev Tahor member waits outside the Guatemala Attorney Generals Office after authorities rescued over 100 children and adolescents from the Jewish community following allegations of child abuse (Reuters) The sect shifted its base to Mexico and Guatemala between 2014 and 2017 after facing mounting legal pressure elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Mexican authorities rescued children from a Lev Tahor camp near the Guatemalan border and detained its members suspected of abusing minors. The operation in Oratorio adds to the sects troubled history. Prosecutors allege that minors in the sect were subjected to forced marriages and systematic abuse, often under the guise of religious doctrine. The children are under government protection while investigations continue. The Jewish Community of Guatemala distanced itself from Lev Tahor, saying the sect was foreign to its organisation. It expressed support for authorities and called on governments and diplomats to collaborate in protecting vulnerable individuals linked to Lev Tahor. The government and diplomatic corps of countries from whose nationalities make up members of Lev Tahor should join forces to protect those whose rights may be violated, the organisation said in a statement. Guatemalan authorities said they would continue their investigation into the sects activities and potential human rights violations. New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment with a historic opportunity to secure a sustainable future that protects our air, land, water, and communities for generations. Climate change is no longer a distant threatits already devastating our way of life, endangering lives, homes, and livelihoods. We can no longer afford a wait and see approach. This past summer, the village of Ruidoso faced a nightmare. Residents evacuated as the Southfork Fire encroached, transforming a short drive into hours of terror. Though firefighters' heroic efforts spared the town, not all communities have been so lucky. In 2022, the Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fires destroyed over 630 homes, and caused more than $4 billion in damage. Recently, Roswell saw a quarter of its annual rainfall in just a few hours, causing severe flooding, breaking a 123-year record, and claiming two lives. These events are not isolated. In the past two years, one in three New Mexico counties has experienced devastating fire and flood damage, highlighting the growing threat of climate change. New Mexico has long been committed to protecting our natural resources. Weve led the nation with aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets through executive orders, and the 2019 Energy Transition Act set ambitious clean electricity goals. However, were falling short, and without a comprehensive, long-term plan, we risk losing the New Mexican way of life we cherish. Our progress has slowed at a time when urgency is critical. To protect communities like Ruidoso, Mora, and Roswell from climate impacts, we must act now. We need a comprehensive framework to guide us toward a resilient, clean future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why, in the next legislative session, Im sponsoring three key bills: the Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefit Fund, and the New Mexico Innovation in Government Act. These bills will help create a New Mexico where families dont have to flee from wildfires, where livelihoods are not lost to drought, and where we develop the workforce and infrastructure needed to address these challenges. The Clear Horizons Act will establish a clear roadmap for the future, providing the regulatory certainty that businesses, communities, and families need to invest in a sustainable, clean future. Many New Mexico companies have already voluntarily pledged to meet emissions reduction targets similar to those outlined in the bill. By setting achievable greenhouse gas reduction targets and regularly evaluating progress, we can stay on track while adapting to emerging challenges. The Community Benefit Fund, with immediate funding from state budget surpluses, will invest in local, community-driven projects that reduce emissions, create jobs, and build resilience. Priority will be given to overburdened communities most affected by climate change, like Ruidoso and Mora. This fund will support efforts such as rebuilding after fires, safeguarding water supplies, and transitioning to renewable energy, ensuring that local solutions drive New Mexicos sustainable future. The New Mexico Innovation in Government Act will build the states capacity to lead the clean energy transition. By investing in the resources, talent, and expertise within state agencies, we can ensure efficient implementation of clean energy projects. This will empower public servants to lead New Mexico toward a cleaner, more resilient future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time to act is now. If we fail to act, more communities will face devastation. But if we rise to the occasion, New Mexico can lead the way to a brighter, more resilient future for all. Lets pass the Clear Horizons Act and ensure a sustainable future for New Mexico. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Let's pass the Clear Horizons Act for a thriving New Mexico To the editor: Thanks for keeping the spotlight on this decades-old issue of the troubles at L.A. Animal Services . Too many necessary public departments, including this one, continue to be underfunded and therefore suffer from woeful understaffing. How this gets better is a quandary, despite animal advocates' clamors that more money be allotted. Increasing high-functioning spay and neuter programs are critical, as is stopping all breeding in puppy mills. Additionally, California should not allow animals from out-of-state puppy mills to enter the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is good to learn that some changes are already taking place. Volunteers and rescue groups who give their time, funds and hearts to assist in this great challenge deserve accolades. I hope that the city will pass an ordinance that will allow more apartment dwellers to own a pet. Adopted animals can add so much to our lives. In acknowledgment of the good they do, we must continue the push to reform our shelter system into one Los Angeles can be proud of. Elaine Livesey-Fassel, Los Angeles .. To the editor: When it comes to L.A.s shelter overcrowding crisis, the law of supply and demand applies. For large breeds, seniors and dogs with medical issues or who have been in shelters for a while, adopters aren't coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, L.A. is a saturated market. Since 2022, the rescue organization I direct has launched several programs to transport dogs to partner organizations out of the area. These rescue partners have empty kennels and willing fosters and adopters. With the help of shelter volunteers, networkers and transporters, we can get the most at-risk dogs to communities that will welcome them with open arms. Jill Dyche, Encino .. To the editor: Fostering, one of the most critical acts to save shelter dogs, was not included in this article. Fostering saves dogs who have been cleared for euthanasia by getting them safely out of the shelter until permanent homes can be found. Fostering for even a couple days can save a dog's life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue groups are also in dire need of foster homes. If there is nowhere to house them, they cannot take them. In many cases, there is no expense to foster and there are many resources to help. The community needs to step up to save the lives of innocent animals. Every one of those 1,224 dogs that were killed this year had a beating heart and a will to live. I knew some of them and I grieve their loss. Melissa Levy, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Thank you for your editorial focusing on a solution for Los Angeles Animal Services shelters. Reading it compelled me to share our wonderful experience this fall with the OC Animal Care shelter in Tustin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were looking for a small or medium young dog. I visited with several potential adoptees in their meeting and play area, always accompanied by a staff member or volunteer. In each case the dogs were wonderful but far too physical for us, as my husband is at risk for falls. Finally, a volunteer suggested that since I was willing to be very active with a dog, I might consider a large dog with high exercise needs but a calmer overall demeanor. I fell in love with a 1-year old Doberman pinscher lab mix, a gentle giant. My husband wasn't sure. The shelter offered us a two-week foster trial period, which we moved forward with. They checked in with us frequently during that time. At the end of the foster period, I called to finalize the adoption. I asked about fees and the staff member said, "Oh, giant dogs that have been here for over 30 days are free." Then she sent me a voucher for our first vet visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We, and Beaux, live happily ever after. Jennifer Koon, Anaheim .. To the Editor: Good idea! Lets stop killing animals. While were at it, lets get veterinarians to offer reasonable prices for neutering animals. It cost me $1,008 to spay my 10-month-old puppy. That is an obscene cost for such a quick and easy operation and a huge deterrent to becoming a responsible pet owner. My father was a veterinarian whom I was privileged to assist on more operations than I could tally, including the quick and uncomplicated neutering of all kinds of pets. He donated at least one day a month to both his practice and a shelter in Syracuse, N.Y., to neuter anyone's pet, rich or poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am horrified at how expensive veterinary medicine is in Los Angeles. Sara R. Nichols, Los Angeles .. To the editor: As your editorial states, Los Angeles Animal Services shelters are woefully underfunded, understaffed and overcrowded. It's inhumane and an embarrassing stain on so-called enlightened L.A. Clearly, if the city government really cared about the multifaceted problems at these shelters, it would allocate more money in the budget to fix the problems. Changing the management, relying on volunteers and partnering with private nonprofit rescue groups can only take us so far. What's needed is a dramatic increase in funding so additional staff can be hired and more acceptable housing can be built for these abandoned pets. We must all lobby the mayor and City Council to make that happen. Judith Vogelsang, North Hollywood This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Early one morning in January 2019, musician Ed Hammill left the Round Rock RV park where he lived with his wife, Victoria, a musician and music teacher. At the intersection of County Road 172 and Lynda Sue Street, a woman driving a Toyota Corolla rear-ended his van. "It felt like someone took a lead pipe and hit me hard," Ed Hammill said. "It ruined the van." Victoria and Ed Hammill pray at breakfast at their apartment in Pflugerville. She has become his caregiver because of Ed's health problems since a 2019 car accident. The Hammills are part of the Statesman's Season for Caring program, which helps hundreds of families each year through local nonprofit agencies. The Hammills were nominated by the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, a group that provides access to affordable health care for Austin's low-income working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. Now through Christmas, all Season for Caring monetary donations are being matched by the Sheth family up to $500,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past five years, Ed Hammill, 73, has continued to deal with the aftereffects of the accident: August 2019: He had surgery on his lower back to fix a pinched nerve in his L3 spinal segment. The surgeon shaved down part of the bone to make space for the nerve. The next month, Hammills lower legs and feet swelled with edema, and he developed a staph infection from an abscess on his right foot. Later, he was hospitalized for seven weeks and treated with antibiotics. A large abscess from the top of his right foot to nearly the bottom of his sole required four surgeries and a skin graft. He spent an additional 100 days in rehabilitation. In March 2020, two of Ed's impacted teeth were extracted, and he received partial dentures. In August 2021, after months of left hip pain, he had a complete hip replacement. Because of continued nerve deterioration, he underwent neck surgery on four vertebrae in May 2023. After that surgery, he could not walk because of edema and muscle weakness. He spent several more months in a rehabilitation center. In January 2024, doctors performed vein ablations on both legs. With his health issues, Ed Hammill is no longer able to make a living as a musician. The couple relies on wife Victoria's earnings from teaching music and playing gigs, which often don't pay well. In addition, Hammills family has a history of Alzheimer's disease. While he has not been diagnosed with it, he began experiencing short-term memory loss in 2007. During a visit to the Hammill apartment in October, he sometimes answered questions not verbally but by rolling out a song on YouTube or picking up his guitar to play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife has become his caregiver, while she teaches music from their apartment and tries to continue to put together her own gigs. To help Ed Hammill with his medical needs, he would like fall-prevention assistive devices, a power-lift recliner and compression socks. Victoria Hammill needs massage therapy for her neck and help with ablation of varicose veins. Since being nominated for Season for Caring, they have received a few things on their wish list, including a few CDs, towels and a shower curtain off their Amazon list. The big things remain: Help with rent and utilities. Help paying off medical debt. A room divider to help Victoria Hammill teach music lessons from their apartment. To find out more or give an item on the wish list, contact HAAM, 512-541-4226, myhaam.org. Statesman Season for Caring logo About Season for Caring The Statesman will be sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families throughout the holiday season. Find more stories and information at statesman.com/seasonforcaring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Pflugerville couple from HAAM need help through Season for Caring Dec. 20LIMA The messages varied from the philosophical and reflective to the grateful and jubilant on the long steel beam that will serve as a capstone connecting the west building of the Lima Community Aquatic Park to the pool enclosure. The messages were written on the beam as part of a celebration Friday, both of the continued progress on the park's construction and of the progress in the Make a Splash campaign raising funds for the park's continued operation and maintenance. According to Lima Community Foundation Chairman Bob Meredith, the fundraising campaign has been gaining momentum as more than $4 million has been raised to this point, representing more than 80 percent of the campaign's $5 million goal. That, along with the ongoing progress in the park's construction on Calumet Avenue next to Lima Stadium Park and Spartan Stadium, has given Meredith and others on the foundation confidence that the community will soon reap the benefits of this new facility. "We're really pleased with the progress," he said. "Everything is ahead of schedule, actually. So we're looking forward to the opening in the spring." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the beam signing event, Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith thanked the 37 individuals or families representing 18 different organizations who have donated so far to the Make a Splash campaign, some of whom added their own signatures to the beam. "Each of you has given your resources to ensure that the Lima Community Aquatic Park can serve as a place where children can come to learn to swim, where local swim teams can practice and hold swim meets, where Lima can host community events and rent facilities for private parties and also where Lima residents and visitors can enjoy swimming with their friends and families," she said. "Your gifts support long-term planning and operational expenses, ensuring that the aquatic park will remain affordable and accessible for all members of our community." The Make a Splash campaign is continuing to appeal for donations to meet its $5 million goal. To learn more about the campaign and to make a donation, go to https://bit.ly/4eWYPuK. Featured Local Savings Dec. 20LIMA A Lima man was recently indicted in the Allen County Common Pleas Court for drug possession, trafficking and manufacturing charges and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The indictment for Christian Sewell, 32, included three counts of fentanyl trafficking, third- and second-degree felonies; heroin trafficking, a third-degree felony; fentanyl possession, a first-degree felony; illegal drug manufacturing, a first-degree felony; and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony. There are also three one-year firearm specifications and a specification to forfeit $3,313. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 24, 2024. The fentanyl possession charge specifies Sewell had between 20 to 50 grams of fentanyl on Jan. 24. Sewell is being held in the Allen County Jail on a $350,000 bond. A pretrial has been scheduled for Jan. 13. Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings Dec. 20LIMA A Lima man pleaded not guilty Thursday in the Allen County Common Pleas Court to felonious assault and gun charges. Nakoshan Bouyer, 51, was recently indicted on felonious assault, a second-degree felony, with a three-year firearm specification; illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises, a third-degree felony; carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth-degree felony; and having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony. According to the statement of facts by Lima Police Detective Brian Snyder provided in Lima Municipal Court documents, on Oct. 24 around 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to Sheryl's bar, located at 200 W. Grand Ave., for a shooting. The victim and suspect both left the area before officers arrived, so officers looked at video surveillance and spoke to a witness. They discovered that a bald, Black male had a firearm and pushed the victim outside and multiple people heard gunshots afterward. Officers found Bouyer walking in the 200 block of South Kenilworth Avenue matching the description. He was found with a revolver and officers could smell alcohol on his breath. Bouyer was previously convicted of robbery in 2002 in the common pleas court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bouyer is being held in the Allen County Jail on a $200,000 bond. His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Megan McLean, has filed a motion to modify the bond to $50,000. A pretrial has been set for Dec. 30. Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451. Featured Local Savings IRON STATION, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) To kids, a backpack is something of a security blanket. I love seeing the reaction of the kiddos, says, Faith Stearns, who believes giving one to a child impacted by Helene in Western North Carolina is an ideal way to show you care. [Kids] just love their stuff, and so they dont have any way to carry anything right now, so the backpacks like restoring their life, she told Queen City News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Helene made an impact in September, the mother of two kiddos wanted to do something to help. Its delivery day! CMPD Toy Drive makes deliveries in Asheville In October, she founded the nonprofit Back to Play. Out of her garage, she and volunteers have filled and distributed close to 1,600 bags in WNC. Its made possible by more than $100,000 in donations. Yankee Toy Box is one of the biggest contributors, donating 500 backpacks to the cause. When you give [a donation] to me, it actually goes into a backpack, Stearns said, telling us why posting photos on social media helps donors see the good theyve done. Heres a picture of the kiddo thats getting it, so I try to keep everyone engaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, she hauled a carload of 42 backpacks to Operation Air Gift, delivered to the mountains via a vintage C-54 cargo plane. I came up with an idea for backpacks for the kiddos. In Western North Carolina they lost a lot of things. I wanted to give them something, she explained last month. Credit: Faith Stearns Credit: Faith Stearns Credit: Faith Stearns Credit: Faith Stearns Credit: Faith Stearns Credit: Faith Stearns Theyre full of everything from toys like Lego and Play-Doh to necessities. Im really excited to be part of this project. I mean, its a terrible thing that happened to them and I hope these backpacks bring joy to the kids, says Stearns. In Avery County, Back to Play Org took 175 packs to Williams YMCA in Linville and 55 to Crossnore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Yancey County, 148 backpacks went to Micaville and 65 in Burnsville. A water bottle! a boy exclaimed, which is evidence of the need for the basics. And you dont think a kids going to be excited by a blanket or whatever. But like, their everything is potentially gone, so it is a big deal, Stearns said. Her most recent delivery was for 367 Old Fort Elementary students. Theyre attending school in Marion after their school was severely damaged by flooding. Its really neat to be able to do something for these kiddos, she said. A new backpack wont solve all their problems, but she hopes a new backpack shows kids they dont have to carry the weight of stressful times all by themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So thats the symbolism of Heres the start of your new life. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The FBI is investigating the activities of an Exxon Mobil consultant that involved hacking environmental activists' email accounts. In those accounts, cyberspies targeted environmentalists who opposed the oil and gas company. What's happening? As Reuters reported, the Exxon Mobil contractor was allegedly part of a hack-and-leak operation that began in 2015. Hacked information involved a narrative that the energy company was targeted in a political vendetta. When leaked, the information disrupted lawsuit preparations against Exxon and other energy providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This information included details about how Exxon allegedly misled the public and investors about climate risks. Kert Davies, the director of investigations for the Center for Climate Integrity, said that the leaks "sent a shudder through the environmental community" and that "those documents were directly employed by Exxon to come after me with all guns blazing. It turned my life upside down." Why are hack-and-leak operations significant? The FBI's investigation of this hack-and-leak operation is concerning because it tampered with lawsuits that held a major corporation accountable for its environmental negligence. These types of lawsuits are necessary to bring polluting energy companies to justice for the sake of public trust and environmental preservation. Reuters reported that a series of leaked reports revealed that Exxon scientists knew that dirty energy was warming our planet even when high-level executives insisted it wasn't. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenpeace and other environmental groups called for legal action, per Reuters, but hack-for-hire efforts aimed to hide evidence that the company was misleading the public. What's the biggest obstacle stopping your organization from using solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Oil and gas companies and their allied groups have a disturbing track record of prioritizing profits over sustainability. They have consistently covered up the truth about their climate impacts, downplayed their role, and have not been transparent about how their industry harms the planet. What's being done about corporate climate responsibility? Fortunately, litigation is still moving forward to hold Exxon accountable for its alleged public deceit and involvement with the hacked documents. Maine was the ninth state to file a lawsuit about oil companies deceiving the public about climate risks. Meanwhile, organizations like Plan A have been emerging to help companies track their carbon footprints and improve their sustainability measures. These organizations can assist businesses of all types and sizes in adhering to climate-focused goals and staying accountable to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an individual, it is vital to understand the climate actions of brands you support and be mindful of corporate greenwashing campaigns. To combat the impacts of our rapidly overheating planet, people, corporations, and energy providers must work together with greater transparency and trust. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Dozens of organizations and community groups in Buffalo are awaiting their slice of the pie of millions of dollars in federal funds. Those funds need to be spent by the end of the year or else they go back to Washington, D.C. A special session has been set in Buffalo City Hall for Monday at 11 a.m. There is still no concrete timeframe for when that money could get out into the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has become a holiday headache for lawmakers, city officials and community groups. Nearly 40 local organizations, at least one school (Villa Maria College) and one health care network (Catholic Health) are waiting to be paid. Promises were made, literal promises, conferences, press conferences stated this is what were going to get to this project, this initiative, and for it not to be followed up is not a good look, said Pastor James Giles of Buffalo Peacemakers. Back to Basics Ministries, which Pastor Giles leads, said it is due $500,000 for anti-violence efforts. Giles said it had to take out a loan to stay afloat. I think what happened was the way ARP came out was rolled out with regulations, Giles said. Those regulations were very complex and complicated, getting the right people in place to not only discern and decipher those regulations, but coming up with a plan on how they were going to roll it out to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers blame the administration of former Mayor Byron Brown. The Ghost of Christmas Past that is haunting City Hall is the Brown administrations failure to get the funds out on the street, said Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski. Lawmakers said the city is at risk of losing $19 million in federal funding. The City Comptrollers Office says that number is higher at $35 million. The Buffalo Common Council will reconvene on Monday morning at 11 a.m. to talk further about American Rescue Plan funds, and getting the money to local agencies that have been waiting on that money. Latest Local News Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Equipment grant apps accepted by fire marshal The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the 2025 Fire Department Equipment Grant. Approximately $2 million is available this grant cycle. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31 in order to be considered. The Fire Department Equipment Grant is for qualifying fire departments and local government entities, and both individual and joint fire departments are encouraged to apply. Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, and half of the available funds are specifically earmarked for volunteer fire departments in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Permitted Equipment Grant requests may include personal protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, communications equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment that is vital for the safety and effectiveness of Ohios firefighters. Since 2020, SFM has awarded more than $8.6 million through Fire Department Equipment Grants, including $2.3 million in 2024. For additional details on these grants, as well as other grant funding awarded by the division, visit SFMs interactive grants dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard. Ohio Senate passes veterans rights bill The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 281, sponsored by State Sens. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, and Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus. The legislation creates a new poster to be displayed in workplaces that promotes veterans benefits available to Ohios heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 281 requires the Departments of Commerce and Veterans Services to collaborate on a poster explaining the benefits offered to veterans in Ohio. The Department of Commerce is required to provide copies of these posters to employers at their request. Businesses are not required to display them. The bill now goes to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. Grants awarded to Black-led Appalachian programs The African American Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, has awarded 13 grants, totaling $29,500, to support projects and programs spearheaded by Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit and public organizations serving Appalachian Ohios 32 counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits and public organizations were invited to apply for grants to advance opportunities across five areas essential to flourishing communities: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the collective potential within Appalachian Ohios African American community. Grants were awarded to: * Signal Ohio to assess news and information needs in Adams, Lawrence, Pike and Scioto counties * Buckeye Review Journalism Institute to help develop a curriculum an Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * d training materials for high school and college students * Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum to help create two exhibits focused on the cultural history of Africa and the lives and contributions of African Americans in the 1800s * Warriors 2 Wilderness to support therapeutic retreats for African American veterans with PTSD * WovenCare Advocacy Services to support the Community Health and Empowerment Initiative designed to address the health, social and economic disparities faced by African American residents in Athens County In addition, AACF awarded a grant earlier this year to the Tablertown People of Color Museum to secure a cost estimate for establishing an African American Heritage Trail from southern to southeastern Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AACF, one of FAOs 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2020 to develop and grow permanent charitable resources that provide continuous investment in Appalachian Ohios Black community. To learn more about AACF and how to support its work, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/AACF, email AACF@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) With less than five days to go until Christmas, last-minute shoppers braved the cold as they hunted for presents in packed shopping centers. We caught up with shoppers at Glen Hollow Shopping Center and the Shoppes at Grand Prairie in Peoria. The line in Target is quite busy, said shopper Beth Bennett. I feel relieved because I needed presents for my parents and now I got it, said shopper Allie Nolte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its busy, its definitely super busy today. We were at TJMaxx and the line was all the way through the store, said shopper Katie Trompeter. Theres a lot of people out and about, especially today. Weve been out to several places. Were usually way ahead of time, holidays kind of snuck up on us this year, said Chrissy Graves. After years of online dominance, Nolte said the packed stores demonstrate a growing comeback of in-person retail shopping. I feel like stores are more crowded lately. I feel people are transitioning from after COVID, when we went all online. So its definitely been more busy. You can try things on, you can see how things are in person. Online its difficult, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After shopping is done, its time to focus on holiday plans, whether staying close to home or hitting the road. Im going up to my grandmas house up by Wisconsin. Were driving up there, said Nolte. Were staying put this year. Having Christmas at our house, and then Christmas at my dads and then my moms, said Aaron Ganschow. Im traveling, Im going to Indiana to go visit my grandparents, said Trompeter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) Bay area current and retired truck drivers are showing their solidarity with Amazon workers on strike, calling for a contract with unionized workers. Who are we? chanted the protestors. Teamsters. A dozen or so Teamsters members gathered outside the Amazon facility on County Line Road in Lakeland Thursday and Friday. Just helping to organize Amazon, how they treat their employees and making it better. Theyre a, what, $2 trillion company and they cant pay their employees better? said Jeff Slaten, a truck driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say being part of the Teamsters union makes their lives as truck drivers better. If you dont have a good contract or something like that, they can run over you pretty easy, said Charlie Miller, a retired truck driver. Were out here supporting the Amazon workers all over the central Florida region. That way they can see us and be seen, said Thor Johnson, a UPS driver and volunteer organizer with Teamsters Local Union 79. Amazon workers in Lakeland are not involved in the larger movement by the Teamsters union in other states. According to the union, thousands of Amazon workers walked off the job this week at seven facilities, demanding sick leave, more paid time off, and competitive wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that every customer gets their packages, but we also need what we deserve, said Emmanuel Trinidad, an Amazon driver on strike out of state. Amazon accuses the Teamsters of misleading the public. The worlds largest online retailer said the protestors are almost entirely outsiders and/or third party contractors. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous, said Kelly Nantel, Amazon director of global corporate issues & media relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon said operations have not been disrupted, with a few days to go before Christmas. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Even if Congress avoids this shutdown, more could be on the way in the new year with a new Congress. Lawmakers who are pushing for this shutdown are very much out of touch with the American people, with our needs, said a New Orleans resident. Now that the budget fight has settled, political analyst Jeff Crouere says Congress really dropped the ball. This should have been handled much earlier. Congress should handle their business, said Crouere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House approves funding bill and sends to Senate hours before government shutdown deadline If the agreement had not been worked out, services like air travel security, social security processing, postal workers and more could have been impacted. Chris Boone says it would have been a cruel thing during the holidays. Thats terrible. They should get together. They shouldnt shut down that you know, we cant have it not right. We are the ones that suffer, they know we suffer the right that we shouldnt come together, said Boone. Others say the long political fight over the bill shows the flaws in our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a time that we should be working together to fix these issues. Even though we have a new administration coming in. Theres no reason why the current administration should stop doing the work that we elected them to do in the first place. Its unfair to Americans, said a New Orleans resident. Will continue fighting | Troy Carter elected to Black caucus first vice-chair Crouere believes that, with the republican party about to take control of Congress, true bipartisan politics are a must, or we will see a repeat. The Republicans do not have a comfortable majority at all in anybody that really doesnt go along with the leadership. Could really torpedo any of the Republican legislation. So we could be in a continual state of gridlock, said Crouere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now goes to the Senate before the midnight deadline. Then it heads to President Bidens desk for his signature. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Post Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. The father of a Lockerbie bombing victim has urged Sir Keir Starmer to publish everything the UK knows about the tragedy. Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora died on the plane after it exploded over the Scottish town, claimed it was fishy so much information had not been released about the disaster. It comes exactly 36 years since the attack which claimed the lives of 270 people four days before Christmas on 21 December 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here we are, 36 years down the road, and we know a lot of material has been kept out of public view, Dr Swire told BBC News. 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. In 2001, former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was convicted of the murders of 270 people by the introduction of an explosive device onto a civilian aircraft. However, prosecutors have always maintained that Megrahi acted with others in carrying out the attack. Jim Swire (pictured in 2007) has urged Keir Starmer to publish everything the UK knows about the tragedy (Getty) Libyan national Abu Agila Masud, who is alleged to have helped make the bomb, is due to go on trial in the US in May 2025 facing three charges, which he denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, The Independent has put together a timeline of the tragedy, its aftermath and what is known about the atrocity. 21 December 1988: Pan Am Flight 103 from London to New York explodes 31,000 feet over Lockerbie, 38 minutes after take-off from London. The 259 people on board the Boeing 747 are killed, along with 11 people on the ground. 13 November 1991: US and British investigators indict Libyans Abdelbaset al-Megrahi and Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah on 270 counts of murder, conspiracy to murder and violating Britains 1982 Aviation Security Act. The men were accused of being Libyan intelligence agents. Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only person to have been convicted in connection with the Lockerbie bombing (PA Media) 15 April 1992: The UN Security Council imposes sanctions on air travel and arms sales over Libyas refusal to hand the suspects over for trial in a Scottish court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement August 1998: Britain and the United States propose trying the suspects in the Netherlands under Scottish law. 5 April 1999: The suspects are taken into Dutch custody after flying from Tripoli to an airbase near The Hague and are formally charged with the bombing. UN sanctions against Libya are suspended as agreed. The Boeing 747 exploded 38 minutes after taking off from London Heathrow (Getty) 3 May 2000: The trial of Megrahi, 48, and Mr Fhimah, 44, opens at Camp Zeist, a specially convened Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands. Both of the accused deny murder, external. 31 January 2001: Megrahi is found guilty of murder after the historic trial under Scottish law in the Netherlands. Megrahis co-accused, Mr Fhimah, is found not guilty and told he is free to return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14 August 2003: Lawyers acting for families of the Lockerbie bombing victims say they have reached agreement with Libya on the payment of compensation, external. The bombing claimed 270 lives, including 11 on the ground in Lockerbie (PA Archive) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal to set up a $2.7bn (1.7bn) fund was struck with Libyan officials after negotiations in London. 31 October 2008: Dr Swire reiterates his call for Megrahi to be released after the killer was diagnosed with cancer. 20 August 2009: The Scottish government releases Megrahi on compassionate grounds. He returns home to Libya on board a jet belonging to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. 20 May 2012: Megrahi dies at his home in Tripoli, aged 60. 22 December 2020: On the 32nd anniversary of the atrocity, the US announces it has filed charges against a Libyan suspected of making the bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11 December 2022: It emerges that Abu Agila Mohammad Masud is in United States custody. 9 December 2024: Part of the Pan Am Flight 103 is transported to the US in preparation for the trial of Masud. A London hospital was left without vital equipment for months after a spate of thefts, The Telegraph can reveal. Anaesthetists at University College London Hospital (UCLH), one of Londons busiest hospitals, struggled for months to find rooms to put patients to sleep after tens of thousands of pounds worth of valuable ultrasound and anaesthetic equipment and scopes were stolen and sold on the black market. Insiders said the equipment was stolen to order and sold online to private cosmetic and dental clinics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The equipment was only replaced after doctors were left unable to find rooms to put patients to sleep before operations. Scotland Yard confirmed a 48-year-old man was arrested in April 2023 in connection with the thefts. He has since been released under investigation. UCLH reported the thefts to the Metropolitan Police in September 2022 and are cooperating fully with the police investigation. The thieves are believed to have stolen small components from anaesthetic machines which are used to measure the level of carbon dioxide and other gases during operations. A senior NHS source said the components were essential for monitoring patients, saying so if you dont have them you cant give them a general anaesthetic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their size means they can be easily smuggled inside a bag without being noticed, they added. About half a dozen ultrasound probes, which are used to help provide pain relief and cost at least 5,000, also went missing, the source said. Hospital staff believe an employee is responsible for the thefts. Access to restricted areas The source said: It needs to be somebody who has got card access into restricted areas, there isnt CCTV everywhere, so its difficult to know exactly who that person could be. It would need to be somebody with a degree of medical knowledge as to what are the bits that they are stealing and what are their worth and their resale value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are probably being stolen relatively to order. The other thing they have stolen are scopes, so bits of surgical equipment that would look inside a joint. They are very niche pieces of equipment. They added: The items can be traced back to which hospital they have come from and some of them have come from UCLH. The items are feared to have been bought by private cosmetic and dental clinics and are used to give anaesthetic or sedation to patients for procedures including liposuction. The source said: Normally we would have these [anaesthetic] modules both in the anaesthetic rooms, so where we put people to sleep, and in the operating theatres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats happened is that so many were stolen that actually there were many places where there werent enough to go around. You couldnt put patients to sleep in the anaesthetic room. We were unable to be as efficient as we were before because we are unable to use different areas to put people to sleep and then do their operation in the theatre. Hospital managers are understood to have asked staff to remove the components and probes from machines and lock them away in a storeroom for safekeeping at night as a temporary measure before additional security was added in early 2024. A spokesman for UCLH said: UCLH has robust security measures in place and we contacted the Met Police as soon as we realised medical equipment had gone missing last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have taken the appropriate action in a timely manner while cooperating fully with the police investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further. They added the stolen equipment was replaced in the early part of 2023. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: A man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the theft of medical equipment from a London hospital. The stolen items are believed to have been taken over an extended period until September 2022, when the matter was reported to police. A complex investigation remains ongoing. On Tuesday, 18 April a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been released under investigation while inquiries continue. Officers are liaising with representatives from the hospital regarding investigative updates. 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. 21STOCKTON Four Delta College trustees were sworn in this week, officially launching or continuing their service on the College's governing body. Three of the trustees Dan Wright, Dr. Catalina Pina, and Shelly Swanson are new to the Board, while the fourth, Dr. Armando Valerio, was provisionally appointed to the Board in May 2024. The three new trustees prevailed in the November election. Trustee Valerio ran unopposed for his seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd like to congratulate trustees Wright, Swanson, Pina, and Valerio, and to sincerely thank them for their willingness to serve Delta College and our students," said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "The Board of Trustees plays a critical oversight role at Delta, and I look forward to working with all of our trustees as we tackle many important issues in the coming year." The Board also selected longtime trustee Janet Rivera to serve as Board president for the coming year. "I'm excited to welcome our new Board members and am honored to take on the role of Board president in 2025," Trustee Rivera said. "We have much work to do for our students and for the community, and I can't wait to get started." About the trustees: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trustee Shelly Swanson is a Stockton resident for more than two decades and has long been a supporter of Delta College. Her children attended preschool at the college and took dual enrollment classes while they were in high school. Swanson's husband, Dr. Wesley Swanson, has taught at the College for 24 years. Swanson is a retired accountant by trade. Trustee Dan Wright brings 40 years of experience as an educator to the Delta College Board, including having previously served as acting superintendent of the Stockton Unified School District. Wright has lived in Stockton for more than 30 years and served on the Stockton City Council from 2015-2024. Wright completed an administrative credential and doctoral coursework at the University of the Pacific. He has served on the steering committee for the Read to Me, Stockton early literacy initiative since it began in 2011. A native of east Stockton, Trustee Armando Valerio's educational journey began in Stockton schools and continued at Delta College, later culminating with his master's and doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Pacific. With more than 30 years of professional experience, he currently manages San Joaquin Public Health Service's Children's Services Medical Therapy Program, which provides physical and occupational therapy treatment services for physically disabled children 0-21 years of age at four school sites throughout San Joaquin County. Trustee Valerio serves the community in a variety of ways, including sitting on the San Joaquin County Council of Governments Social Services Transportation Advisory, California Highway Patrol Citizens Advisory Board to the CHP commissioner, San Joaquin Delta College/LULAC Youth Leadership Conference, and the Shriners Northern California Denim & Diamonds fundraiser committees. He is also a Mexican Heritage Center Gallery Board Member. As an educator for 24 years and as a former first-generation community college student, Trustee Catalina Pina knows how vital college is. Trustee Pina earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State Fullerton. She is a high school Spanish teacher at the Tracy Unified School District, having been involved with education at levels ranging from kindergarten to graduate school. Washington (DC News Now) We are looking back at some of the biggest political stories on Capitol Hill in 2024. The Hills Sarakshi Rai joins Capitol Review this week. She is the Director of Audience Development and Head of Social Media. Rai also discusses what we can expect under the Trump Administration. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Registered nurse Orlyn Grace, left, administers a COVID-19 booster vaccination to Jeanie Merriman, right, at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 6, 2022, in San Rafael, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) A group of high-level managers at the Louisiana Department of Health walked into a Nov. 14 meeting in Baton Rouge expecting to talk about outreach and community events. Instead, they were told by an assistant secretary in the department and another official that department leadership had a new policy: Advertising or otherwise promoting the COVID, influenza or mpox vaccines, an established practice there and at most other public health entities in the U.S. must stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR has confirmed the policy was discussed at this meeting, and at two other meetings held within the departments Office of Public Health, on Oct. 3 and Nov. 21, through interviews with four employees at the Department of Health, which employs more than 6,500 people and is the states largest agency. According to the employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they fear losing their jobs or other forms of retaliation, the policy would be implemented quietly and would not be put in writing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Staffers were also told that it applies to every aspect of the health departments work: Employees could not send out press releases, give interviews, hold vaccine events, give presentations or create social media posts encouraging the public to get the vaccines. They also could not put up signs at the departments clinics that COVID, flu or mpox vaccines were available on site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new policy in Louisiana was implemented as some politicians have promoted false information about vaccines and as President-elect Donald Trump seeks to have anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And some public health experts are concerned that if other states follow Louisiana, the U.S. could face rising levels of disease and further erosion of trust in the nations public health infrastructure. At a Dec. 16 news conference, Trump addressed ongoing concerns about Kennedys nomination, and whether it could lead to significant changes in national vaccine policy. Trump said that Kennedy will be much less radical than you would think and that he has a very open mind. Trump also called himself a big believer in the polio vaccine and said youre not going to lose the polio vaccine. A blow to public health practice Staff at Louisianas health department fear the new policy undermines their efforts to protect the public, and violates the fundamental mission of public health: to prevent illness and disease by following the science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, do they want to dismantle public health? one employee at the health department said. Were really talking about deaths, said another. Even a reduction in flu and COVID vaccines can lead to increased deaths. Gov. Jeff Landrys office referred questions to the Louisiana Department of Health, and did not respond when asked if Landry supports the changes. In a statement, the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been reevaluating both the states public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion, especially for COVID-19 and influenza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement described the move as a shift away from one-size-fits-all paternalistic guidance to a stance in which immunization for any vaccine, along with practices like mask wearing and social distancing, are an individuals personal choice. The statement did not address mpox vaccinations. The statement said that the flu vaccine can reduce illness severity and therefore may help high-risk patients but falsely claimed the flu vaccine does not prevent one from getting the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu. Experts fear consequences of undermining trust in vaccine Last year, 652 people in Louisiana died of COVID, including five children. Louisiana currently is tied with DC for the highest rate of flu in the U.S. In 2022 alone, flu killed 586 people in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every health department staff member, former staff member, public health official and vaccine expert contacted by NPR repeated the scientific consensus that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for preventing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Its a step backwards, said Kimberly Hood, who led the Office of Public Health, a subunit of the health department, from 2021 to 2022. Its a medical marvel that were fortunate enough to live in a time where these vaccines are available to us, and to not make use of that tool is unconscionable. The policy rises to the level of absurdity, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Its gotten to the point of parody, where a public health agency doesnt promote the publics health. Its a dangerous, dangerous thing, Offit said. Its the most vulnerable among us who suffer this, and it will be our children who suffer this. And my question will be, will they be held accountable? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy is akin to malpractice, especially given Louisianas poor health outcomes, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The U.S. vaccination program represents one of the most important public health interventions that we have, Benjamin added. Its reckless, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University. I think its a sign of what is about to happen under the second Trump administration. If U.S. senators confirm Kennedy to run HHS, he said, were going to see the fomenting of public distrust of vaccines so we lose precious herd immunity, and were going to see major outbreaks of disease that are fully preventable over the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR reached out to Kennedy for comment but did not hear back. Policy change follows new governors election Until becoming Louisiana governor in early 2024, Republican Jeff Landry served as the states attorney general for eight years. During the pandemic, he criticized the states COVID response and filed lawsuits over federal and state vaccine mandates. On Dec. 6, 2021, Attorney General Landry spoke at a state committee hearing against adding COVID to the childhood immunization schedule. At his side was Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who presented false claims about COVID vaccines. This year the Republican-controlled legislature passed five bills all signed by Gov. Landry and two resolutions aimed at loosening vaccine requirements, limiting the power of public health authorities and sowing doubt about vaccine safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Landry also appointed Dr. Ralph Abraham, a family medicine doctor, to be the states surgeon general. That position co-leads the Department of Health, and is tasked with crafting health policy that is then carried out by the departmental co-leader, the secretary. Dr. Wyche Coleman, an ophthalmologist, was named deputy surgeon general. At a Sept. 26, 2024 legislative meeting on the states handling of the COVID pandemic, Abraham and Coleman repeated misinformation about COVID vaccine safety and the debunked link between vaccines and autism. I see, now, vaccine injury every day of my practice from COVID vaccines, Abraham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abraham said masking, lockdowns and vaccination requirements were practically ineffective, that COVID vaccine adverse effects have been suppressed, that we dont know whether blood from people whove been vaccinated is safe for donation and that we hope and pray COVID vaccines dont increase the risk miscarriages. Surgeon General Abraham also said theres nothing wrong with Louisiana conducting its own research into whether childhood vaccines cause autism. You could probably fill Tiger Stadium with moms who have kids that were normal one day, got a vaccine and were then autistic after, said Deputy Surgeon General Coleman at that meeting. Those public comments by Abraham and Coleman are inaccurate and alarming, according to public health experts. Anyone whos articulating that these vaccines are not well tested, theyre not safe, theyre not effective, is not giving you the science as we know it today, said APHAs Benjamin. To have top public health officials peddling such scientific falsehoods and threatening the health of their populations, whom theyve sworn an oath to serve, almost makes me cry, said Georgetowns Gostin. In three meetings, surprise and confusion at new policy The new ban on vaccine promotion represents a new level of political interference, according to two current health department employees. Weve never felt so unsure of our future, one of them said. Like, why am I here? Why am I doing this anymore? Because youre just so stifled and you are not helping people. In the Oct. 3 meeting, Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan, an internal medicine physician, told the states regional medical directors that they werent allowed to hold routine fall flu vaccination events, according to a staff member with knowledge of what was discussed at the meeting. These flu shot events had become a key part of the health departments flu campaign in recent years, which included spending over $170,000 annually on outside public awareness campaigns that included paid billboards, bus ads, radio, digital, and social media ads urging the public to get vaccinated for the flu. This year, instead of flu vaccine events, the medical directors were told to pivot to Narcan giveaways. The departments influenza page doesnt appear to have been updated this year; it still promotes events from 2023. The department also appears to have pulled back from vaccination messaging on social media channels. Last fall, it published six Instagram posts promoting flu and COVID vaccinations, and specific vaccine events. In the last three months, the health departments Instagram has had no posts about vaccination, and just a single post about flu. That recent post lists preventative measures like hand washing, but not vaccination. That stands in stark contrast to a flu post from the fall of 2020 which stated its more important than ever to get your flu vaccination to protect yourself and those around you. Regional medical directors are responsible for carrying out the health departments policy and programs across the state. In the meeting, Croughan told them if they want to bring doses of flu vaccine to a local event, they cant use signage or even tablecloths featuring the health departments logo. You cannot ask people, Hey, we have flu shots. Would you like one?' at a community event, according to the staff member with knowledge of the meeting. But if they come up to us, knowing we are the health department and say, Hey, we hear yall might have flu shots, we can say, Yes, would you like one?' The medical directors were told that because the health department is a government agency, staff are not allowed to coerce people by promoting vaccinations, especially for COVID, flu and mpox. They have definitely made it clear that we are not supposed to be pushing vaccines at all, the staff member added. There has been no explanation for why these particular vaccines were grouped together. Why on earth they chose COVID, influenza and mpox vaccines, which are entirely different vaccines for entirely different purposes, just shows a lack of sophistication and understanding of science, Gostin said. I cant think of any reason other than political reasons, said Hood, the former head of the Office of Public Health. Opposition to COVID vaccines has gained momentum within the Republican Party, as part of the backlash to pandemic-related public health measures. When it comes to the flu vaccine, Kennedys anti-vaccination nonprofit, the Childrens Health Defense, has made multiple false claims about its dangers. Policy may stem from surgeon generals letter At the Nov. 14 meeting, the new prohibitions were relayed to program staff by Tonya Joiner, an assistant secretary in the department and the head of the Office of Public Health, and Katye Magee, a policy director. Employees were told that Joiner and Magee were relaying the policy because Surgeon General Ralph Abraham could not attend. Staffers asked them what exactly they can say about COVID, flu and mpox vaccines, going forward. They were told acceptable public vaccine messaging should be something along the lines of: Talk to your medical provider. That seemed to be the catchphrase for all of this, said one staff member with knowledge of the meeting. The secretive rollout of the new policy raised concerns about government transparency and accountability, and a former state employee with knowledge of the states health policies said it was highly abnormal to deliberately keep the policy out of writing. Im very surprised that anyone would call a state meeting, not provide an agenda for that meeting, not provide a written set of notes from that meeting, said Hood. I think that, to me, it sounds like people are trying to avoid public records laws. When employees in the meeting asked for the rationale for the policy change, leadership referenced a letter signed by Abraham and Coleman stating that there is no conclusive evidence that masking prevents the spread of respiratory viruses and that evidence proving efficacy in prevention of infection, transmissions, hospitalization or deaths is far from conclusive for the flu vaccine. That letter provides a template for a Louisiana physician to use to get an exemption from a hospitals flu vaccination and masking policies. The letter, on Louisiana Department of Health letterhead, is not available on the departments website but was posted to X on Nov. 13, the day before it was mentioned in the meeting. In the letter, Abraham and Coleman also said requiring hospital staff who do not get the flu vaccine to wear a mask was punitive coercion. One Louisiana health professional not employed by the department said the letter was crazy. Im just going to say it. Complete falsehoods. At the third meeting, on Nov. 21, the STD/HIV/Hepatitis program at the department held a staff meeting where more than 80 employees learned of the ban on promoting COVID, mpox and flu vaccines, according to two staff members. Employees were also told the policy would not be put in writing. When staff asked whether the policy applied to hepatitis B vaccinations, they were told there was no official response to that yet, said a staff member who attended the meeting. There were so many questions and concerns, the staff member said. A lot of folks were disappointed and just frustrated. A slippery slope to future disease outbreaks Experts told NPR they feared a policy that undermines COVID, flu and mpox vaccinations could have a spillover effect, reducing public trust in vaccinations overall, including those given to children to prevent a host of dangerous and deadly illnesses. I believe that we will see measles cases. I believe we will see whooping cough cases. I believe we will likely see meningitis outbreaks, said Hood. In the Nov. 14 meeting, a staff member asked whether the ban on promoting vaccines applied to childrens immunizations, but the answer was noncommittal, according to an employee with knowledge of the meetings details. My understanding was its not clear to what extent we might be able to promote childhood vaccinations, the staff member said. (The Louisiana Department of Healths statement to NPR said the changes in policy and messaging do not apply to childhood immunizations.) Nationally, vaccination rates for serious childhood diseases have been falling in recent years, including in Louisiana. Given those trends, the new vaccine policy in Louisiana is very worrying, said Dr. Joseph Bocchini, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Shreveport and the president of the Louisiana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Earlier in his career, he saw children hospitalized with measles a dangerous disease that can cause hearing loss, brain damage and death. Ive been a physician for 50 years, so Ive seen a lot of these diseases disappear, and theyve disappeared because of safe and effective vaccines, he said. The rise of public health officials promoting misinformation Louisiana isnt the only state where public health officials have recently announced controversial decisions and repeated false or discredited health theories. Floridas surgeon general has made false claims about COVID vaccines, undermined school vaccine mandates for the measles and said local officials should stop adding fluoride to water supplies. Hood traced Louisianas new policy, in part, to Kennedys ties to Louisianas Republican Party. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came to the Legislature while I was still in my role at the Office of Public Health, to speak out against the COVID vaccine, she said, referencing his Dec. 6, 2021, appearance with Gov. Landry. So I was not 100% stunned to hear his influence was going to be felt in this administration. Louisianas ban represents an escalation in using vaccine misinformation to direct state health policy, according to James Hodge, a public health law expert at Arizona State Universitys Sandra Day OConnor College of Law. Whats very distinct is some sort of official policy advanced by the state department of health saying you may not push and or promote these vaccines at all, Hodge said. Thats derelict. Its highly controversial. But its the kind of policy the nation could see if Kennedy is confirmed as secretary for Health and Human Services, Hodge added. In a list he made of possible actions the Trump administration could take, Hodges placed revising CDC vaccine recommendations at the top. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This story comes from NPRs health reporting partnership with WWNO and KFF Health News. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) A man accused of drugging and raping a woman at a Baton Rouge hotel has been arrested. Max Dobbs, 26, of New Orleans, was charged with three counts of third-degree rape, 31 counts of simple battery and one count of video voyeurism, according to an affidavit from the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office said the victim reported that the assault happened on Aug. 30 at a hotel on Reiger Road. The victim said she met Dobbs, who called himself Jude, on a dating site in July. She agreed to meet him at the hotel for dinner and a movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobbs went to pick up food from a Mexican restaurant, and the victim noticed a blue tint in her Sprite. Dobbs told her it was the ice. The victim drank the Sprite and fell asleep on the bed. According to the affidavit, the victim woke up naked with Dobbs on top of her. She said she felt frozen and unable to move before she passed out again. After some time, she managed to get up, put on her clothes, leave the hotel, and call a friend to pick her up. She went to the hospital for a sexual assault exam. After leaving the hospital, the victim searched for him online. She found a booking photo of him from Florida. Video footage from the hotel supported her account of the events, EBRSO said. During an interview, Dobbs told deputies that he had sex with the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accused stated the victim woke up the following morning and suggested he drugged her and had sex with her without her consent. The accused offered to take her to a local hospital for a toxicology screen, however, she refused and left the hotel, the affidavit said. In November, the victim called EBRSO and said an ex-girlfriend of Dobbs contacted her. The affidavit said the ex-girlfriend found videos and photos on Dobbs phone. They showed the victim unconscious as Dobbs assaulted her, the affidavit said. EBRSO said the ex-girlfriend found videos of herself while unconscious. She also found text messages with an overseas company Dobbs used to obtain a sleep aid which produces lifeless sleep and is not visible on a toxicology screen. Baton Rouge man sentenced to 40 years for 2020 toddlers death in shooting spree Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said the videos identified Dobbs and the victim. The metadata matched the date of the reported assault. The ex-girlfriend also found other evidence of women who appeared unconscious, EBRSO said. Authorities arrested Dobbs on Dec. 19 and booked him into the parish prison. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione could join disgraced rap mogul Sean Diddy Combs and crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried in a protective jail unit as early as Monday as the high-profile inmates remain locked up in the same New York City federal prison. Mangione, 26, will reportedly be shacking up with Combs and Bankman-Fried in a 15-man protective custody unit reserved for those who need special security at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn when hes released from solitary confinement, according to Business Insider. The alleged assassin was booked at the notorious prison on Thursday after he was extradited from Pennsylvania to the Big Apple to face state and federal murder charges for the brazen execution of Brian Thompson, 50, outside the Hilton in Midtown on Dec. 4. Accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione is escorted by law enforcement officials after landing in Manhattan on Dec. 19, 2024. Paul Martinka Mangione is currently residing in a small solitary-confinement cell within the Special Housing Unit also known as the SHU and the hole receiving psychiatric care until at least Monday, the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Pennsylvania graduate is eating meals inside his cinderblock cell, with inmates in his particular unit typically allowed out for one hour of recreation or bathing a day. Guards are also expected to check on him every 15 minutes, a prison consultant told Business Insider. Miserable, just miserable, Sam Mangel said when describing the prison conditions. Combs is sitting behind bars at the Brooklyn lockup facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution. WireImage SHUs are notoriously loud. You have people in there for psychiatric issues, for disciplinary reasons, and for withdrawal from drugs. So it is the loudest place in the jail people are banging on their doors at all hours of the night. The alleged shooter is also being treated by some nurses and doctors who support the cold-blooded slaying and expressed interest in donating funds to his legal cause, sources told The Post. Sam Bankman-Fried remains jailed after he was sentenced to 25 years in prison in March. Bloomberg via Getty Images Federal authorities slapped the Ivy Leaguer with charges that make him eligible for the death penalty. The case will run parallel with the New York case where hes facing 11 counts at the state level including first-degree murder and terrorism charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., on Dec. 9 after leading police on a five-day manhunt that ended after an employee recognized him from surveillance images released by the NYPD. Surveillance video captured the brazen execution of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4. AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park has been plagued by tales of barbaric and reprehensible conditions for inmates. The jail itself has faced intense scrutiny in recent years amid a spate of vicious inmate attacks and complaints about dismal living conditions including worm- and maggot-infested food, filthy cells and power outages. Bankman-Fried, 32, remains jailed at the Brooklyn prison after he was sentenced in March to 25 years for stealing more than $8 million from customers from his now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Mangione demonstrators gathered outside the federal courthouse Thursday afternoon. Getty Images Combs is sitting behind bars facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution, of which hes pleaded not guilty, and awaiting trial in his high-profile case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the high-powered lawyer hired by Mangione, is married to none other than Marc Agnifilo, who has been representing the fallen rapper. Mangione faces an 11-count indictment levied against him by state prosecutors in the Dec. 4 fatal shooting of Thompson outside the Hilton in Midtown. Paul Martinka Along with the trio of inmates, the complex has held notorious sex abusers R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell. A handful of admirers were standing outside the federal prison Friday afternoon hoping to one day see Mangione a celebrated free man. I support Luigis message that we need to do something about the health care system in the US, Morgan, a self-employed 30-year-old Brooklynite, told The Post. Luigi is speaking for the voice of the people. We want better health care, we want it to be affordable. Thats all happening here and him being treated like a terrorist is bullst! I think the terrorism charge is totally out of proportion. Mangione will next appear in federal court on Jan. 18. A date has not yet been set for his Manhattan arraignment on his state charges. LUMBERTON, N.C. (WNCN) A woman was killed in a shooting inside the Walmart in Lumberton Friday afternoon, police said. According to police, Lumberton Emergency Communications began receiving calls about a shooting inside the Super Walmart on Fayetteville Road around 3:45 p.m. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies began responding to the incident. Once on scene, officers found a woman at the Woodforest Bank inside the store suffering from gunshot wounds. At the time, bystanders were attempting to provide life saving measures, police said. The woman was taken to UNC Health Southeastern, where she later died from her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, more than one shooter was involved, and they left the store after the shooting. A witness told CBS 17 he saw a suspect shoot about seven or eight times. No other injuries have been reported as of Friday evening, police said. The scene is being investigated by the Lumberton Police Department and the Robeson County Sheriffs Office along with other state and federal agencies. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Folks may not know that Ireland was once filled with great forests of majestic oaks. Then, by the end of the 19th century, Irelands forest cover and mighty oaks had gone from 80% to 1% and with it went an unexpected consequence: healthy soil. You see, oaks are one of natures most valuable trees, for they improve soil fertility by adding essential nutrients, but also enhance its structure, which aids in water retention and aeration. Yet they were used for other purposes in Irelands past, including shipbuilding, furniture making, tanning leather and iron smelting. It was never realized that eventually, the day would come when the last of the forests would be cut down by mobile sawmills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Papaya Drive North in Orange Park, such a device recently took out several healthy trees, hundreds of years old, mostly longleaf pines and one great oak. Were these mature trees unhealthy or a hazard? I spoke with the tree service men who brought in an army of tall cranes, trucks and other wood demolition equipment. Yes, I was told by a crew member, the trees are diseased. And then he laughed, because he was just kidding. He also said insurance rates would go down by removing the risk from trees on the property and a roof costs $20,000. Having more than a few wee doubts about that last statement, I called my coverage provider and learned that most of the time, rates are not adjusted due to trees simply being on a property. So the worker was perhaps telling a tall tale as another 100 feet of native pine was brought down more jokes, perhaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, keeping trees pruned so branches dont scrape a roof may help keep your insurance from being canceled, but trimming is also smart because it supports a trees health. I wondered: Did the tree service offer a suggestion to just trim the trees instead? A sales rep took my information to pass on to the company owner. I also spoke with neighbors during the tree removal process. Makes me sick, one said, while another quietly offered, I want to cry. A third went further. Its disgusting, like that tree in England, the Sycamore Gap tree, the one that was seen in the Robin Hood movie and once stood next to Hadrian's Wall until those two jerks cut it down at least theyre going on trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to talk with the homes owner but its a rental, with the owner living several miles north of Jacksonville. Theres a post office box, but no telephone number. Letters: Jacksonville City Council failed to support Medicaid expansion in Florida. Why? Rental property, rental culture. In Orange Park, the estimates according to U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey are that 40% of occupied homes are rentals. These distant-owned properties exist for profits, not to contribute to the strength of a neighborhood. How does that impact community welfare? There are now spots of disturbed ground in my neighborhood, where trees were apparently cut down for an occasional fallen branch or to make room for an above-ground swimming pool. They serve as a reminder of the stately pines and an oak that held shade and food for wildlife. It was a beauty that took decades and decades to develop for all to share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A growing group of tree mourners stand nearby and I join them. To console myself, this holiday season, a living Blue Point juniper will be adorned with twinkling lights, a bright sentry over gifts that show love and appreciation for all. Come spring, this same juniper will be planted in my yard, a heartfelt reminder for lost pines and another noble oak. Fran Havey, Orange Park This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Mourning the lost Orange Park trees that grew for centuries | Opinion Early one morning in Westlake, as neighborhood children walked to school, I spotted a woman heading in my direction. She was holding the hand of a little girl who wore a mask, carefully leading her around three people who were sprawled on the pavement. They were walking on Bonnie Brae Street, a couple blocks east of MacArthur Park, where its not uncommon to see people who are either asleep or passed out, with syringes and needles scattered about. Eduardo Aguirre, the girls father, was hustling up behind his family and called my name. I had toured the neighborhood with him one night in September, taking inventory of broken streetlights, a torched playground in the park and countless other problems that have battered Westlake for years. The Aguirres generally dont let their 6-year-old daughter use the park, even though for them and thousands of other apartment dwellers, its the most conveniently located green space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguirres wife, Maria, pointed out the wooden planter boxes that had been placed on Bonnie Brae to discourage camping. People squeezed behind them and used the space as a toilet, she said. Aguirre explained that his kindergartner sometimes wears a mask because she doesnt like the smells, and because her parents fear she might inhale a cloud of fentanyl smoke. This is one of the sad realities of MacArthur Park. And my chance encounter with the Aguirre family was a reminder of why Ive kept going back since August, when a frustrated Norm Langer told me he was thinking of closing his iconic delicatessen at 7th and Alvarado streets because of the erosion of order and civility. Students on their way to school pass a row of tents on Wilshire Boulevard. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) After I wrote that column, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass went to the deli to have lunch and talk things over with Langer. The bottom line is, we have to do whatever its going to take, she told me that day, and we have to respond urgently. I believed she meant it. But I soon discovered that, nearly a year earlier, Bass had told virtually the same thing to the Los Angeles Daily News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should be dying on our streets and all of our neighbors should feel safe and secure walking down the street in their neighborhoods, working in their local businesses and visiting community spaces like parks and libraries, Bass told the Daily News in September 2023 after the newspaper published a series on the miseries in MacArthur Park. Much of that work remains undone, and thats a theme in the city of Los Angeles, beyond Westlake, and back through time. Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, top, physician assistant Brett Feldman, left, and Dr. Ronald Olson, right, listen to Rosa Morales speak about her health concerns while living in the Westlake District. Feldman and Olson are with USC Street Medicine. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Weve heard multiple vows over the years, from various public officials, to end homelessness. (Despite a tiny decrease in the last year, the city count stands at roughly 45,000, while countywide the number is about 75,000.) Almost 20 years ago, when I was writing about the human catastrophe on Skid Row, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined me on the street one night and vowed to clean up the neighborhood. (Despite years of attention at huge expense, the staggering toll of mental illness, addiction and homelessness remains.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, Mayor Eric Garcetti promised to get City Hall refocused on delivering basic services. (The current waiting time for repair of ruptured sidewalks is 10 years.) Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks at an event in Boyle Heights. Bass took office two years ago and has made homelessness a centerpiece of her agenda. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Bass, who took office two years ago and made homelessness a centerpiece of her agenda, has housed thousands, but with a budget deficit looming, a city report estimates it would take more than $20 billion a doubling of city, state and federal funds to end homelessness by 2032. These are problems that have festered for decades, and no one expects a quick turnaround, but after all of the promises and all the money invested, people are tired of waiting for clear signs of progress. Los Angeles is less than four years away from hosting the Olympics in the summer of 2028, and its fair to wonder if the city will look less like a sprawling encampment by then, with navigable streets and safe buses and trains running on time. But its also fair to wonder if there will be even more cracks in the foundation and more broken promises. :: In MacArthur Park, its not as if the problems have been ignored, nor are they easy to fix. Theyre deeply rooted in poverty, homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, a low-wage economy, cheap and powerfully destructive drugs and gang-controlled criminal enterprise. Los Angeles Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, receives a hug of support from a friend at a news conference announcing stepped-up services in MacArthur Park. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Bass and her team have been strategizing with the police, recreation and sanitation departments and working with supportive housing providers. On Thursday, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who believes too much money is spent on law enforcement and not enough on social services, held a news conference in MacArthur Park to announce several partnerships and social service initiatives. She also said she is committed along with county Supervisor Hilda Solis and state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, among others to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We are standing in a historic place that, for decades, has been overlooked and left without the investment it needs to thrive, Hernandez said, highlighting plans for more cleanups, medical intervention and overdose prevention. Westlake is acutely impacted, she said, by the dueling homelessness crisis and opioid epidemic. But it is also a neighborhood of hope and promise. LAPD officers keep an eye on an alley that is a known site for drug use. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The neighborhood is primarily made up of low-income Spanish-speaking people, many of them undocumented residents who cant vote and can be easily ignored even though theyre a critical part of L.A.s economy, present and future. So it's good to finally see such a response in a neighborhood that has become a symbol of the disorder that is crippling Los Angeles, but it shouldnt have taken this long to confront the festering crisis head-on. I wondered if this might be yet another of the many MacArthur Park rescue projects that brought temporary relief before falling apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just neighborhood problems that have to be fixed. Its the fractured relationships between various city and county agencies, the culture of over-promising and under-delivering, and the scourge of fragile egos and petty politics. Despite the claim at the news conference that the arms of all the key parties were locked and ready to serve rather than the usual disorganized and dysfunctional silo approach I noted the absence of two critical players. Bass and LAPD Rampart Division brass. Gangs and other criminal operators play a key role in undermining public safety and quality of life in Westlake, from drug distribution to organized retail theft to the extortion of vendors, and many drug users are so desperately addicted they steal from local merchants to support their habits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that has a crushing impact, and while you cant arrest your way out of a drug epidemic or socioeconomic distress, Hernandez's social services will be more effective if she also partners with police. A man does what paramedics in the area refer to as "the fentanyl fold" on Alvarado Boulevard. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) As for Bass, who has far more power than any individual council member as well as a bully pulpit, she might be the only one who can lead a true transformation. She once told me that having served as a state legislator and a congressional representative, and having built relationships with county supervisors, shes in a unique position to make things happen. And back in August, when she was done with her pastrami sandwich at Langer's, she said she was on the case and already making calls. She has to be, or its the usual L.A. story of everyone having a piece of a problem but no one being in charge, or on the hook to deliver the fix. MacArthur Park needs a champion and defender, if not a Marshall Plan. It needs someone to say, "Not on my watch." It's unacceptable that severely incapacitated people stagger about like ghosts, their bodies twisted and tortured, their eyes vacant. You couldn't create a more disturbing horror film, even in L.A., than the reel that plays nonstop in MacArthur Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In infamous Yoshinoya alley, severely addicted people gather at all hours, sometimes by the dozens, to use drugs including fentanyl, a serial killer. Some of them are barefoot, caked in dirt, barely able to stand. Some are bent over and pretzeled, with oozing skin sores, as if theyve been attacked by flesh-eating monsters. People congregate in an alley near MacArthur Park where drug use is rampant. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The most disturbing thing about it is the silence, the acquiescence, the normalization. People walk by on their way to work. Children walk by. Public officials drive by. If you live in the neighborhood, its part of the landscape and its what you expect a daily snapshot of social collapse and municipal failure. Outreach teams work the area, along with those on Narcan patrol who swoop in to revive the nearly dead, but you'd need an army to make a big enough difference, along with a far more intensive and in some cases coercive treatment and rehab system. :: As the news conference concluded Thursday, L.A. Times photographer Genaro Molina saw a family walking past a group of people smoking fentanyl, one of whom said, Everyone stop smoking. Family coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a nice enough gesture, but the park can't be an outdoor drug den. Earlier this month, Molina and I walked to school with the Aguirre family. The kindergartner wore a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer hair clip and was excited about performing in a Christmas production. Afterward, Eduardo Aguirre whose 21-year-old son is serving with the U.S. Army in Syria sent me a video of his daughter singing a song about snowflakes. He also sent photos of walks to school past a man on a mattress, a half-naked man, a man standing over a sidewalk fire, and a person folded in half on a bench under a blanket. After taking their daughter to school, Maria Cruz and Eduardo Aguirre walk past a row of homeless tents. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguirre, a mechanical engineer and member of the Westlake South Neighborhood Council, attended the news conference Thursday, and I asked what he thought about the presentation by Hernandez and others. Its politics, he said, telling me hes heard similar promises many times before. But he wanted to hold out hope, and he said he'd be watching closely to see what happens. We have to stay on them, he said. steve.lopez@latimes.com 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. At least four people have now died after a car ploughed into a busy Christmas market in eastern Germany, local media has reported. According to German newspaper Bild, the number of those seriously injured has also risen to 41. Its report stated that 86 people are receiving hospital treatment for their injuries and another 78 have sustained minor injuries. Among the dead is a toddler, who was confirmed to have been killed on Friday following the attack at around 7pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor identified by local media as Taleb A., who had lived in Germany since 2006 and reportedly sympathised with Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party. The attack sparked global condemnation from world leaders, including UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said he is horrified by the atrocious attack. I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight, the prime minister said. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. Key Points Death toll rises to 4 What do we know about the suspect? Severely damaged vehicle pictured with shattered windscreen German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his concern Pinned post: Everything we know so far Friday 20 December 2024 22:11 , Athena Stavrou Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least four people have been killed. An adult and a small child are among the dead. 68 injured, including 15 who were hurt very seriously. 37 people had injuries of medium severity and 16 were lightly injured. The suspect is believed to be a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, identified as Taleb A. by local media It is believed he supported the Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party, with a Saudi source telling Reuters he had posted extremist views on his personal X account. German media previously reported that police suspected explosives were in the suspects car. They later confirmed none were found. Watch: Video appears to show arrest after German Christmas market attack 09:18 , Athena Stavrou Death toll rises to 4 08:47 , Athena Stavrou The death toll in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has risen to four people, and 41 others were gravely injured, the Bild newspaper reported on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighty-six people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries incurred in the incident on Friday evening in the central city, while another 78 sustained minor injuries, the report said. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. Local officials had initially said it least two people were killed and had warned that the toll could rise. What do we know about the suspect? 08:28 , Athena Stavrou Police have arrested a 50-year-old Saudi doctor after a car ploughed into a German Christmas market. He has been identified by local media as Taleb A., a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy who sympathised with Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party. Memorial will take place at Magdeburg cathedral today 08:00 , Rhian Lubin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magdeburg Mayor Simone Borris said officials plan to arrange a memorial at the citys cathedral on Saturday. The mayor was reported to be on the verge of tears following the attack, which has shaken the German city and the country. We walked over the dead - police officer 07:30 , Stuti Mishra A police officer who was one of the first on the scene described in harrowing detail what he witnessed to German news outlet DER SPIEGEL. Nobody prepares you for something like that, the unnamed officer said. We walked over the dead. The officer said he was at the market on a routine patrol when he saw the car speeding by. After barrelling through the crowd in the vehicle, the suspect surrendered, according to the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then more or less surrendered himself, the police officer said. The suspects smashed up car pictured behind a police cordon (REUTERS) Musk calls Scholz 'incompetent fool', says far-right party is Germany's saviour 07:20 , Stuti Mishra Billionaire Elon Musk, set to join US president-elect Donald Trumps administration as an outside adviser, called on German chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign in response to a deadly attack at a Christmas market. Scholz should resign immediately, he posted on X, adding: Incompetent fool. Mr Musk was responding in a thread about reports of the market attack.Earlier on Friday, he waded into Germanys election campaign, calling the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) the countrys saviour. The AfD is running second in opinion polls and might be able to thwart either a centre-right or centre-left majority, but Germanys mainstream, more centrist parties have vowed to shun support from the AfD at national level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europes leading power is expected to vote on February 23 after a centre-left coalition government led by Scholz collapsed. Only the AfD can save Germany, Mr Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform, X. U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance brands incident ghastly attack 06:30 , Rhian Lubin Our prayers go to the people affected by this terrible attack on a Christmas market in Germany. What a ghastly attack so close to Christmas. JD Vance (@JDVance) December 20, 2024 Watch: Paramedics carry away injured people from scene after attack at Germany Christmas market 06:00 , Stuti Mishra Saudi Arabia warned German authorities about the attacker 05:30 , Stuti Mishra A Saudi source told Reuters news agency that the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. The source identified the suspect as Taleb Abdul Jawad. Germany's Der Spiegel identified the attacker as Taleb A, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy who sympathised with Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The magazine did not say where it got the information. Other German towns cancel Christmas markets as precaution 05:00 , Rhian Lubin Fridays attack prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss, the Associated Press reported. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said last month that there were no concrete indications of a danger to Christmas markets this year, but that it was wise to be vigilant. Soccer match holds minute of silence for victims 04:30 , Rhian Lubin A minute of silence was held for the victims of the Magdeburg attack after the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and RasenBallsport Leipzig, in Munich. A minute of silence was held for the victims at the stadium in Munich (EPA) One of the dead was a child, official says 04:03 , Stuti Mishra Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saxony-Anhalt premier Reiner Haseloff told a local news outlets that one of the dead was a child.. He added that he could not say whether there would be further deaths as a result of the suspected attack. That is speculation now. Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many, Haseloff told reporters. Christmas markets a cherished part of German culture 03:45 , AP Christmas markets are a huge part of German culture as an annual holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages and successfully exported to much of the Western world. In Berlin alone, more than 100 markets opened late last month and brought the smells of mulled wine, roasted almonds and bratwurst to the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other markets abound across the country. A Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (Getty Images) Pictures show police guarding the market in the early hours 03:00 , Rhian Lubin Its gone 4 a.m. local time on Saturday in Germany now. Pictures from the scene in the early hours show police standing guard by the deserted stalls. Police and security patrol the deserted Christmas market (EPA) In the early hours of Saturday morning, police guarded the market stalls (AP) Officers at the scene in the early hours of Saturday (EPA) Attack has echoes of 2016 Berlin atrocity 02:34 , Rhian Lubin Fridays attack echoes a similar atrocity at the Berlin Christmas market eight years ago. Anis Amri rammed a large truck into the market, killing 13 people and injuring dozens more on December 19, 2016. The attack was later claimed by Islamic State. Using fake documents, Amri fled to Italy and died in a shootout with police near Milan four days later. Just three days after the attack the market defiantly reopened and was bustling once again. Berliners and tourists milled around the stalls selling traditional gingerbread and gifts under the watchful eye of patrolling squads of armed police, surrounded by protective concrete barriers, our reporting from the time notes. Suspect named by local media 02:03 , Rhian Lubin The suspect who drove into a crowd of people at the busy Christmas market has been named in local media reports as Taleb A. He was recognized as a refugee in 2016 and is a consultant for psychiatry and psychotherapy in the nearby town of Bernburg. The man had a permanent residence permit, Saxony-Anhalt interior minister Tamara Zieschang confirmed. He has been arrested and is in police custody. Smashed up vehicle pictured 01:30 , Rhian Lubin New images reportedly show the vehicle that ploughed through the crowd at the market. The black BMW car is severely damaged, with the windscreen shattered. The vehicle that reportedly drove through the crowd (REUTERS) Emergency services cordoned off the vehicle (AFP via Getty Images) Suspect worked as a doctor 22 miles away from Magdeburg - interior minister 01:15 , Rhian Lubin Tamara Zieschang, interior minister for the state of Saxony-Anhalt, has shared more details about the suspect in Friday nights attack: This is one of the darkest days for Saxony-Anhalt and also for the state capital Magdeburg. As things stand, we have two fatalities to mourn and a large number of injured. The perpetrator has been arrested. He is a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, who first entered the Federal Republic of Germany in 2006. He had a permanent residence permit and thus a permanent residence permit. Most recently he worked as a doctor in Bernburg. According to our current information, he acted alone. There is no information on other perpetrators. Everything else is the subject of further investigations. Witness says driver was going at least 30-40mph' 01:00 , Rhian Lubin A witness has described how he saw the suspect driving at speeds of at least 30 - 40mph through the crowded market. Liam Clowes, 29, told Sky News: I turned around and initially thought the noise was the childrens carousel that was just behind us. All of a sudden a car comes from the right of us straight across. It was driving at a speed of at least 30-40mph and people were going over the car. We knew it was a serious incident as it happened. The driver didnt apply any brakes or anything, the car was just driven through people. Firefighter raced to scene of the attack to help 00:45 , Rhian Lubin A firefighter told how he rushed to the market to help after he heard about the attack. It was like something out of a bad movie, 22-year-old Johannes told German newspaper Bild. I ran through the devastated market, people were lying on the left and right. And the only thing that went through my mind was: who am I going to help now? I then grabbed the injured people who didnt have anyone with them and took them to the appropriate treatment areas. With a permanent marker, I wrote the words green, yellow or red on the injured peoples faces, depending on how severe their injuries were. The people in Magdeburg are in shock. But at the same time, they have shown that they are there for each other. I was proud when I saw how many helpers came together in such a short space of time. Emergency services work at the scene of the attack (AP) We are shaking Residents describe sickening noise of crash 00:30 , Barney Davis Magdeburg resident Dorin Steffen told German news agency dpa that she was at a concert in a nearby church when she heard the sirens. The noise was so loud you had to assume that something terrible had happened. She called the attack a dark day for the city. We are shaking, Ms Steffen said. Full of sympathy for the relatives, also in the hope that nothing has happened to our relatives, friends and acquaintances. Sir Keir Starmer says the UK stands with the people of Germany 00:21 , Rhian Lubin I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany. Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 20, 2024 What we know so far about the suspected driver of the SUV 00:15 , Barney Davis Police have made an arrest after a car ploughed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others. Footage showed the vehicle break through barriers before speeding 400 metres through the crammed fairy tale section of Magdeburg market. Here is everything we know about the suspect: Magdeburg market car attack: What we know so far about the suspected driver Police: No information yet on background to Christmas market deaths Friday 20 December 2024 23:58 , Barney Davis A police spokeswoman said the force are not yet able to provide any information about the motive for the crime. We do not yet know the background to the crime, we are taking everything into consideration, said a police spokeswoman when asked by reporters. Saudi Arabia deplores market deaths Friday 20 December 2024 23:54 , Barney Davis Saudi Arabia condemned the ramming attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, the Gulf countrys foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Police have arrested a suspect in the attack, which killed at least two people. A German official described the suspect as a doctor from Saudi Arabia who was acting alone. Saudi Arabias statement made no mention of the suspect. Bild reporting no explosives found in car Friday 20 December 2024 23:51 , Barney Davis No explosive device was found in the car after media speculation. Tracy Hering of Magdeburg police said a large cordon was set up because of a suspicious piece of luggage on the passenger seat. Clarification needed Left leader says after crash Friday 20 December 2024 23:51 , Barney Davis Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner expressed her shock at the images following the attack in Magdeburg. My deepest sympathy goes out to the victims and their families, Schwerdtner wrote on X. Thank you to the many helpers who gave their all on this difficult night. Our thoughts are with those affected. What is needed now is clarification instead of debates at the expense of the victims. Italian leader deeply shocked by brutality' Friday 20 December 2024 23:16 , Barney Davis Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was deeply shocked by the brutal attack in a post on X. I am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenceless crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. I stand with the entire government, the families of the victims, the injured and all the German people. Violence must have no place in our democracies. Distressed rescue workers hug at the scene of Christmas market horror Friday 20 December 2024 23:15 , Barney Davis (AFP via Getty Images) NATO stands with Germany' Friday 20 December 2024 23:13 , Barney Davis NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reached out to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to offer his condolences. He posted on X: Horrific scenes from a Christmas market in #Magdeburg. I have reached out to @Bundeskanzler to offer my condolences. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. #NATO stands with #Germany. (Getty Images) Security failed Terror expert warns Friday 20 December 2024 22:57 , Barney Davis Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler told broadcaster ZDF: First of all, it is surprising that a vehicle of any size can still drive into a German Christmas market in a big city. The fact that an attack with a car was successful indicates a flaw in the security concept. Thursday was the eighth anniversary of the terrible Christmas market attack on Berlins Breitscheidplatz which killed 12. Chancellor Scholz to visit site on Saturday Friday 20 December 2024 22:25 , Jabed Ahmed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit Magdeburg on Saturday. The Chancellor will come here tomorrow and assess the situation with us and will certainly not only mourn with us but also discuss the necessary measures, said Reiner Haseloff, the regional prime minister. And I can imagine that due to the seriousness of this attack, the Federal Prosecutor General will also take action, he added. British Foreign Office closely monitoring the situation' Friday 20 December 2024 22:19 , Jabed Ahmed The Foreign Office said it is closely monitoring the situation in Germany. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. Our thoughts are with all those affected. Residents still unable to return to homes as object in car investigated Friday 20 December 2024 22:12 , Jabed Ahmed A piece of luggage which was found on the passenger seat of the car is still being investigated by police. According to German outlet BILD, residents are not yet allowed to return to their homes on Breiten Weg. More residents may need to be evacuated. Police operation at property in Bernburg Friday 20 December 2024 22:05 , Jabed Ahmed The arrested man comes from Bernburg, Saale, according to German outlet Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. The newspaper reported that one of the police cars was parked in front of an apartment building while heavily armed forces entered a house on Christianstrasse. Eyewitnesses said residents' doorbells have been rung. When asked, the police did not want to confirm whether the operation was connected to the attack in Magdeburg. French president 'deeply shocked' by attack Friday 20 December 2024 22:03 , Jabed Ahmed French President Emmanuel Macron has said he "deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market". My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones and families, he said in a post o X. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity. 'Act of violence must be severely punished,' EU chief says Friday 20 December 2024 21:59 , Jabed Ahmed EU president Ursula von der Leyen has said her thoughts are with the victims of the brutal and cowardly act. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished, she added in a post on X. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Eyewitness says she doesnt know where her boyfriend is Friday 20 December 2024 21:57 , Jabed Ahmed Nadine, 32, from Wolfsburg, said she travelled to Magdeburg with her boyfriend Marco, 39, because it is supposed to be the most beautiful Christmas market. Nadine had her arm around her boyfriend Marco when the car came racing towards them. He was hit and pulled away from my side, she told Bild. He was terrible. Nobody even screamed. You couldnt even hear the car. Marco sustained injuries to his leg and head. We dont know which hospital he went to. The uncertainty is unbearable. Attack was carried out by one person, officials say Friday 20 December 2024 21:53 , Jabed Ahmed The attacker acted alone, according to preliminary information, the regional prime minister of Saxony-Anhalt said. We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him, Reiner Haseloff said in televised remarks. Images from Magdeburg shock me deeply, foreign minister says Friday 20 December 2024 21:51 , Jabed Ahmed The images from Magdeburg "shock me deeply", foreign minister Annalena Baerbock has said. She has also offered her "deepest sympathy" to the victims and their families. Die Bilder aus #Magdeburg erschuttern mich zutiefst. Fur Familien und Freunde, die auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt Zeit miteinander verbringen wollten, ist nichts mehr, wie es war. Mein tiefstes Mitgefuhl gilt den Opfern und ihren Angehorigen. Mein Dank den Rettungskraften und Helfern. Auenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) December 20, 2024 At least two dead, German official says Friday 20 December 2024 21:42 , Jabed Ahmed The Saxony-Anhalt state premier has said at least two people have died following the attack on the Christmas market. Musk says German chancellor should resign after attack Friday 20 December 2024 21:41 , Jabed Ahmed Elon Musk has called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign immediately following the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Incompetent fool, the US billionaire added in a post on X. Musk called the terrible attack deliberate mass murder. Explosive device suspected in perpetrators vehicle - reports Friday 20 December 2024 21:27 , Jabed Ahmed The Magdeburg police have cordoned off the site because they suspected an explosive device in the perpetrator's vehicle, according to German broadcaster MDR. Eyewitness: 'War-like conditions' Friday 20 December 2024 21:07 , Jabed Ahmed An anonymous eyewitness told the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung that the perpetrator "drove into the 'Fairy Tale' area of the Magdeburg Christmas market," and that there were many families present. She and her child were able to jump to the side of the vehicle. A restaurateur said that the driver raced directly past his burger stand. He says the conditions are 'war-like'. Police have arrested a 50-year-old man after a car ploughed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday evening, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others. A toddler is among the dead, officials confirmed on Friday evening. Footage showed the vehicle breaking through barriers before speeding 400 metres through the crammed fairytale-like Magdeburg market. Here is everything we know about the suspect so far. Who is the suspect? A smashed up car allegedly belonging to the suspect behind a police cordon (AFP via Getty Images) The suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who first came to Germany in 2006, authorities confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been named by German media as Taleb A and has reportedly shown support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party. A Saudi source told Reuters that the kingdom had warned German authorities about the attacker, who the source said had posted extremist views on his personal X account. He was recognised as a refugee in 2016 and is a consultant for psychiatry and psychotherapy in the nearby town of Bernburg. Interior minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday: At this point, we can only say for sure that the perpetrator was evidently Islamophobic we can confirm that. Everything else is a matter for further investigation and we have to wait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle, a black BMW, was pictured smashed up at the scene behind a police cordon. Officials believe the suspect acted alone. Verified bystander footage showed the suspects arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A policeman is seen at the Christmas market where an incident happened in Magdeburg (AP) Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff said at a news conference: As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city. German public broadcaster MDR previously reported that police suspected there could be explosives in the suspects car, but police later confirmed none were found after closer inspection. Follow our live coverage of the incident here How many people have died? At least five people were killed in the shocking incident, authorities confirmed. One of those killed was a nine-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities confirmed on Saturday that 200 people have been injured, including 40 very seriously. German chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern about the condition of those injured. He told reporters: Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. Mr Haseloff told reporters earlier that additional deaths could not be ruled out due to the number of people injured. The suspect in the deadly car-ramming incident in the German city of Magdeburg was a lone perpetrator, police have said. Based on the current state of the investigation, a second perpetrator can be ruled out, a police spokesman said during a press conference in Magdeburg on Saturday afternoon. The suspect, who ploughed a car through the crowd at a Christmas market in the central German city on Friday evening, killing five people and injuring 200, used an escape and rescue route to reach the central square, said Tom-Oliver Langhans, director of the Magdeburg police station. The whole incident lasted about three minutes, he added. Police emergency vehicles are stationed in front of the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Almost eight years to the day after the terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market at the Memorial Church, a man drives into a crowd of people in Magdeburg. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa (FOX40.COM) Cluster mailbox keys, locks and some stolen mail were recovered following a brief pursuit, the Folsom Police Department said. According to police, officers responded to a report of a suspected car theft on Montrose Drive in the middle of the night earlier this week. CHP bust $300,000 auto theft operation in Roseville Police said that when officers arrived the suspects drove away in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, officers followed but the suspects abandoned the car and escaped. In the car, officers found evidence of mail theft including several homemade cluster mailbox keys and several stolen US Mail cluster mailbox locking mechanisms which the department said is used to test out homemade keys. The tools used to make the keys were also found in the car. Police advise residents to check their mailboxes daily to prevent mail theft. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, La. (KLFY) After being without a post office for over a year, the town of Henderson has a new plan in motion to bring back mail services. Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette said more than 100 mailboxes will be installed at the Old City Hall in the town to help with ongoing mail delivery challenges. I just wanted it to be fair. Thats all Im asking for. And now at least weve got mail coming in. The people in Henderson are elated its the best Christmas present I could have given them, Collette said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hendersons post office closed its doors on Oct. 31, 2023. Since then, people have had to travel outside of town to get their mail, and some, like the elderly, have had no transportation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest They have to drive, we have a lot of elderly people, especially in the area there is the oldest part of Henderson, and they werent getting their mail anymore, when the post office closed, they had to drive eight miles away to Breaux Bridge, Collette said. Collette said he has signed a contract with the postmaster in Breaux Bridge to add cluster mailboxes to the old city hall. Collette thanked Congressman Clay Higgins for speaking out on the issue with United States Post Master General Louis Dejoy to help address this problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Clay Higgins, hes the one that did the fight for me, from day one, when I first contacted him and others, they put him in charge, I said fine, and we spoke frequently pertaining to that, and we finally got a solution, Collette said. Collette said residents can expect to begin receiving mail from these mailboxes in February of 2025. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Dec. 20Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey will delay the enforcement of new campaign finance limits approved by nearly 75% of Maine voters to allow time for a lawsuit to work its way through the courts. Frey agreed to delay enforcement until May 30, according to a court order announced by the Institute for Free Speech. The national conservative advocacy group sued the state in U.S. District Court in Portland on behalf of two political action committees connected to a Republican state lawmaker. "We're extremely pleased that the state has agreed to postpone enforcement of Question 1," said Institute for Free Speech Senior Attorney Charles "Chip" Miller. "The agreement avoids expense necessary to obtain a temporary restraining order, an expense that Maine would ultimately bear when we prevail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine voters approved a citizen initiative in November to limit the amount of money that can be donated to political action committees seeking to influence candidate elections. The limit does not apply to PACs operated by political parties or that seek to influence referendum campaigns. The institute says the $5,000 contribution limit is unconstitutional and directly contradicts the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission. That ruling said the 1st Amendment in the U.S. Constitution allows PACs to spend as much money as they want in elections. Advocates, including Citizens to End Super-PACs, expected the lawsuit to be filed. They are hoping the case will make it to the nation's highest court, which has not yet ruled whether or not the 2010 decision also allows individuals and corporations to donate unlimited sums to PACs. After Citizens United was decided, a federal appeals court ruled that limits could not be placed on donations to PACs, but the decision was never appealed to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Friday's ruling, U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wolf said the new state law was originally slated to take effect on Dec. 25, but the state agreed to postpone enforcement for five months "to allow time to resolve this case and avoid the need for the plaintiffs to seek a temporary restraining order." The order sets deadlines for each party to file their legal briefs in the coming months, with a hearing anticipated for March. According to the schedule, the state must file its answer to the lawsuit by Jan. 6. Deadlines for additional briefs are Jan. 15, Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. The two Maine-based PACs named as plaintiffs are Dinner Table Action PAC and For Our Future, which are controlled by Alex Titcomb and connected to Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last two years, For Our Future has raised nearly $406,000 $375,000 of which came from the Concord Fund, which is connected to Leonard Leo, a major conservative donor and activist who played a central role in establishing a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court. Leo owns a home in Maine. The institute says the citizens' referendum will force PACs to disclose the names of all donors, including small-dollar donors, who are currently exempt. Dinner Table Action has raised nearly $502,000, with about $25,500 coming from small donors giving less than $50. Copy the Story Link Dec. 20Republicans in the state Legislature promised Friday to use confirmation hearings next month to sharply question Gov. Janet Mills' nominee to represent utility ratepayers before regulators and in court cases. Heather Sanborn, the nominee for Maine Public Advocate, is a former Democratic state legislator from Portland. Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, said in the Republicans' weekly radio address that members of the party plan to take advantage of the hearing to promote their energy policies, which are essentially the opposite of the priorities of most Democrats. GOP committee members will ask "fair, but tough questions" of Sanborn about offshore wind and incentives for solar developers, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public Advocate William Harwood announced this month that he will retire Jan. 31. He has warned of costs associated with net energy billing, a program that spells out how certain classes of solar developers are paid for the power generated by their projects. Paul and other Republicans have criticized net energy billing, calling it a costly ratepayer subsidy to out-of-state solar developers. Paul said Sanborn when in the Legislature, voted against eliminating net energy billing. Mills welcomes legislators' "full and fair review" of Sanborn, her office wrote in an email. "The governor remains deeply concerned about the high cost of energy and welcomes discussions during the upcoming legislative session about ways the state and region can stabilize and lower energy prices for Maine people. But what she is not interested in doing is doubling down to support the profits of fossil fuel companies that cost Maine people billions of dollars every year and harm their health and our environment." Sanborn and Sen. Mark Lawrence, co-chairman of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, did not respond Friday to an email and a phone call asking for a response to Paul's comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul, an opponent of offshore wind and a supporter of nuclear power, which has failed to advance in the Legislature, said Republicans will propose legislation that would cut consumers' energy bills by "sharply reducing or eliminating net energy billing profit to out-of-state solar companies." Minority Republicans in the Legislature have unsuccessfully tried to influence state energy policy by opposing offshore wind power, policies promoting broader electric vehicle use and incentives to solar developers. Among the questions Sanborn can expect are whether she'll "prioritize the green agenda over affordability and reliability for ratepayers," New England's high energy costs and if she supports efforts to advance offshore wind that Paul characterized as the "most expensive and destructive form of energy." The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee will schedule Sanborn's confirmation hearing in January and vote on whether to recommend her nomination to the Senate. Copy the Story Link ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) With bitter cold temperatures expected for the coming weekend, the City of Rochester ordered the sweep of a homeless encampment downtown Friday. The encampment was nestled in two different spots, both under the South Clinton Ave. bridge near Marshall Street. A spokesperson from the city said that they partnered with outreach workers ahead of the sweep, offering those living there the option of shelter placement. They added that an offer for transportation to those shelters was extended. Outreach volunteer Amy DAmico works closely with many of the folks who lived there and are displaced. She explained how shelters are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the people who live in these encampments have 18 bags of things. They cant walk away from all of their stuff and go into a shelter, DAmico said. People are going to be out in the cold. Theyre going to choose that over the options and non-options that are in place. DAmico also said that an issue with this specific sweep was that she and many other outreach volunteers were unaware that it was happening, until it was nearly finished. She added that knowing ahead of time couldve allowed them to find solutions for these folks. Dont be afraid to have conversations with people, DAmico said. We know its going to be cold tomorrow, so engage with them, talk about the fact that House of Mercy has beds today. When asked how the turnout of todays sweep made her feel, DAmico said angry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This did not have to go down like this, DAmico said. It makes them more homeless than they already are. Along with the sweep of the Marshall Street encampment, the citys only sanctioned encampment Peace Village has remained vacant with the expectation for new shelters to be built. According to Person Centered Housing Options (PCHO), there were at least 10 people affected by the sweep. Saturday afternoon, three Rochester city councilmembers responded to these sweeps, condemning the decision and noting what they called barriers to accessing Code Blue shelters. Monroe Countys Code Blue plan expands, RTS to offer free rides Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanley Martin, Mary Lupien and Kim Smith announced Saturday: The rising number of people experiencing homelessness in our community is a symptom of our pervasive lack of permanent, affordable housing. While not ideal, encampments often provide a sense of community, trust, and mutual aid for those failed by systemic neglect. They safeguard belongings, foster connection, and offer a stable point for outreach, serving as a critical step toward permanent stability. Sweeping an encampment traumatizes already impacted people and is counterproductive to ending homelessness. Scattering people and their belongings negatively impacts the survival of our unhoused neighbors, separating people from essential social supports and medical care. Theyre calling on Mayor Malik Evans to immediately stop encampment sweeps, schedule a meeting with councilmembers and key stakeholders responsible for addressing the homeless crisis in Rochester, and publicly release current removal policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Dec. 20The man accused of killing a Westbrook couple in front of their two children will be given a bench trial, a judge ruled Friday. Marcel LaGrange waived his right to a jury after he pleaded not guilty and not criminally responsible by reason of insanity last year in the slayings of Brittney Cockrell and Michael Hayter. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. LaGrange signed a jury-waived trial form Friday afternoon, appearing by Zoom in Cumberland County Superior Court from the Maine State Prison, where he is being held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superior Court Justice Deborah Cashman explained to LaGrange that criminal matters in Maine are presumed to take place before a jury, but it was up to him whether he pursues a jury trial or a jury-waived trial, wherein a judge alone determines the verdict. She paused at times, asking LaGrange if he understood. "Yes, your honor," LaGrange repeated in a low tone when prompted. "What is your request, do you want a judge trial or a jury trial?" she asked. "Judge trial," he replied. LaGrange held up the unmarked form for the camera before signing it. Tina Nadeau, one of the defense attorneys representing LaGrange, said the majority of cases that include an insanity plea proceed to a jury-waived trial, as a judge is typically better equipped to understand the nuances of the law and the consequences of finding someone not criminally responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A judge understands that the person found not criminally responsible would be committed to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services and likely be residing at Riverview Psychiatric Center under lock and key for the rest of his life," Nadeau said in a written statement. "The law prohibits attorneys from telling jurors what would happen if they found a defendant not criminally responsible." Nadeau said cases like these lean heavily on testimony by medical experts, which can be difficult for members of the public to fully comprehend. "A judge is typically able to parse and evaluate that expert testimony more easily," Nadeau said. In August, LaGrange's attorneys filed a request to include expert witness testimony by Dr. Elise Magnuson, a forensic psychologist who has interviewed LaGrange during his time in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Magnuson is expected to testify that, in her opinion, Mr. LaGrange suffers from a severe psychotic disorder and was more than likely in a psychotic state at the time of the incident, which impaired his ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions," Nadeau wrote in the request. LaGrange is accused of shooting and killing Cockrell and Hayter while their children were in the family's car and shooting at their son in 2023. Police allegedly witnessed LaGrange shoot Cockrell near a parked car, and they found Hayter's body in the car with the children. As police chased him, LaGrange assaulted a 75-year-old man before being tackled and disarmed by a group of bystanders, police have said. Police don't believe LaGrange had any connection to the couple before the incident. Cashman ordered additional testing of LaGrange's mental health in March after an earlier round of tests had already been completed. Though the results of those tests are sealed, Cashman has said it refers to cognitive issues and previous evaluations. Court records indicate that LaGrange has autism and bipolar disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Nadeau declined to speak about the latest forensic examination, noting that it remains sealed. "That information will be presented at trial," she said. "The reports are sealed, and they should be." LaGrange's trial has been scheduled to begin Feb. 24, Cashman told the court Friday. Cashman will preside over the bench trial, Nadeau said. Copy the Story Link DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The man accused of murdering four people in Butler Township had another competency hearing on Friday. Steven Marlow was previously found incompetent to stand trial. He is serving time at a mental health facility. Part of his treatment allows him to be re-evaluated by a judge. Marlows defense team told 2 NEWS Marlow should be found incompetent and unrestorable again. The prosecution said it will not stop trying to take the case to trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The man accused of gunning down United Healthcares CEO outside a Manhattan hotel is now jailed in New York, awaiting arraignment Monday on a state murder indictment after he was returned to the city in dramatic fashion to face charges in multiple courts. Shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was escorted Thursday by heavily armed police officers and whisked by air from Pennsylvania to Manhattan, where he appeared in a packed courtroom on federal charges that could bring the death penalty. The Ivy League graduate, who prosecutors say inveighed against the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in his writings, was not required to enter a plea to federal charges of murder, stalking and firearms charges in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson. The state indictment charges Mangione with murder as a terrorist act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres whats next in the cases: Jailed in Brooklyn Mangione is being held without bail at Metropolitan Detention Center, the same federal jail where hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried are currently detained. The notorious Brooklyn facility, the only federal lockup in the city, has been variously described as hell on earth and an ongoing tragedy because of deplorable conditions, rampant violence, dysfunction and multiple deaths. The federal Bureau of Prisons has said it is increasing staffing to make up for staggering shortfalls, but conditions have been so stark at the jail, which houses about 1,100 inmates, that some judges have refused to send people there. State charges pending Besides the federal charges filed Thursday, Mangione must still answer to a state murder indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office charged Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. He is also charged with state weapons offenses and possession of a fake ID. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. Mangiones lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued in court Thursday that the terrorism allegations in the state case and stalking charges in the federal complaint appear to be at odds. Those are two completely different theories, she said. These seem like different cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 upheld a longstanding constitutional rule allowing state and federal governments to prosecute someone for the same crime. Next court appearance Mangione is set to be arraigned Monday in Manhattan on the state indictment, according to Braggs office. The University of Pennsylvania alum, who hailed from a prominent Maryland family and had also lived in Hawaii, had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on the state charges before the federal charges preempted that appearance. In the federal case, Mangione could next return to court for a bail hearing or for a preliminary hearing if prosecutors dont obtain a grand jury indictment by mid-January. Death penalty looms New York effectively effectively abolished its death penalty by 2007 and the last execution in the state was in 1963. But the federal death penalty remains in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal complaint filed against Mangione includes a count of murder by firearm, which carries the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted. Federal prosecutors have not said if they will seek the death penalty. That decision will be made in coming months by Justice Department officials in Washington, likely after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20. President Joe Bidens administration put a moratorium on federal executions soon after he took office in 2021, but that hasnt stopped federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. In contrast, Trumps administration carried out 13 executions in the last six months of his first term. Pennsylvania charges on standby Mangione also faces forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania stemming from his arrest last week, but those will likely not be addressed until the New York charges are resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He initially fought attempts to be returned to New York, but ultimately waived extradition and a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges on Thursday. He is now in their custody, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said after Mangione was extradited to 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. ___ Associated Press reporter Larry Neumeister in New York contributed to this story. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) A man is in custody following a foot pursuit at a Mt. Juliet bank, according to the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Mt. Juliet LPR system leads to arrest of wanted man driving stolen truck The Mt. Juliet Police Department posted on social media about officers responding to an incident at a bank in the Providence MarketPlace area just before 4 p.m. Minutes later, authorities said a suspect had been apprehended in relation to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Juliet police said a preliminary investigation found a man went into the bank and was acting suspicious. The man reportedly tried to cash a fraudulent check. However, a staff member at the bank activated the panic alarm. Kidnapping thwarted after pursuit into Mt. Juliet Officer arrived on scene to find the man running away from the bank, but he was quickly apprehended. Medics attended to the man due to taser use, Mt. Juliet authorities added. (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) Additional investigation revealed another suspect was involved. The second suspect is outstanding and could still be in the Providence MarketPlace area, Mt. Juliet police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 4:48 p.m. social media update, the MJPD noted that the other wanted man fled in a car out of Mt. Juliet prior to officers arrival. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Dec. 20MURDO, S.D. A 32-year-old man from Cathedral City, California, was arrested Monday following an altercation at a Subway Restaurant located inside the Pilot Travel Center in Murdo. Joshua Murray faces charges of simple assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, a Class 2 felony. According to court documents, the incident began when Murray, for reasons that have yet to be determined, jumped over the counter at a Subway employee and struck him with a closed fist. The blow caused the victim to fall, hitting his head on the ground. The employee was later transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre for medical evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the assault, Murray allegedly left the scene and entered a white Volvo semi-truck. When Jones County Deputy Kyle Kumm arrived on the scene, he began to investigate the situation, but was injured during a confrontation with Murray. Deputy Kumm was found bleeding from a cut on his forehead after witnesses indicated Murray had attacked him. According to reports, bystanders stated they saw Murray punch Kumm with a closed fist before he fled. Deputies ordered Murray to the ground, but he initially refused to comply. A small female, later identified as Murray's mother, approached him and attempted to hug him before he was subdued. Although Murray initially resisted commands, he eventually complied by placing his hands behind his back and was arrested without further incident, court documents say. He was then placed in the back of a patrol car while deputies checked on Deputy Kumm. Upon removing Murray from the patrol car for a bodily search, deputies noticed blood on the rear seat of the patrol car. It was discovered that Murray had sustained a cut to his left hand, which required medical attention. EMTs on the scene bandaged his injury. Witnesses reported that after Murray allegedly struck Deputy Kumm, a scuffle ensued in front of the semi-truck before Murray attempted to flee. However, Kumm's injuries prevented him from chasing Murray, and the suspect was eventually stopped by bystanders, who held him at gunpoint until additional deputies arrived. Deputy Kumm required stitches to close a 1.5-inch laceration on his forehead, along with treatment for a smaller cut to his nose, court documents say. Murray was taken into custody and is facing charges that include simple assault, aggravated assault on an officer, and various other related offenses. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and Murray remains in custody pending further court proceedings. A man has been arrested in connection to a deadly stabbing in a Springfield Meijer parking lot. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Dec. 19 Springfield officers arrested Deondrae Poole on initial charges of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, according to a media release. The charges stem from a stabbing on Dec. 3 in the parking lot at the Meijer on Hillcrest Avenue in Springfield. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived on the scene, they found Darrin Pollock in a grassy area near the docking area with a single stab wound to his chest. He was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center, where he later died. Poole is currently booked into the Clark County Jail. He is due in court on Dec. 26. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man was arrested in connection to the fatal overdose of a Wayne County man. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Wayne County Sheriffs Office initiated an investigation on May 31, 2023, into the death of Jamen Riggs of Cambridge City, Indiana. His death was determined to be the result of a drug overdose, according to a release from the Sheriffs office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Kain Grose of Garrett, Indiana was identified as the person who supplied the narcotics that led to Riggs death. Detectives served an arrest warrant to Groses home and he was taken into custody without incident, He was taken to Wayne County Sheriffs detention center. He is being charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a first-degree felony. The death of Jamen Riggs is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact of illegal narcotics on our community. This arrest reflects the tireless work and dedication of our investigators to bring those responsible for such tragedies to justice, Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter said. The Wayne County Sheriffs Office remains committed to combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of our citizens. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man was arrested on numerous charges after reportedly assaulting multiple victims and firing shots inside a Lancaster County home on Saturday. According to the East Hempfield Township Police Department, on Saturday, Dec. 21 at around 1:30 a.m., police arrived at the 1300 block of Hyde Park Dr. for a report of shots fired. Police encountered two female victims who exited the residence and advised them that a male resident, later identified as 31-year-old Shaiquil Knight, assaulted them. Both victims had visible injuries, none of which were life-threatening, per police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Police say they detained Knight before entering the residence. Upon speaking with the victims and investigating the premises, police learned that Knight became angry, assaulted both victims, pulled out a handgun, and fired multiple rounds into the ceiling. Police say no one was struck by the gunfire. Knight was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses: Aggravated Assault (F2) 1 count; Simple Assault Domestic Violence (M2) 1 count; Terroristic Threats (M1) 1 count; Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2) 2 counts; Harassment (Summary) 2 counts; and Disorderly Conduct (Summary) 1 count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight was transported to Lancaster County Prison and is awaiting arraignment. Police say they obtained a search warrant to process the crime scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUNCOMBE COUNTY, SC (WSPA) A man is facing charges after a woman was found dead in a car in Buncombe County. According to the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, on Thursday morning, deputies were called out to assist a man having breathing problems at Barnardsville Highway. Upon arriving, a female passenger was found deceased in the vehicle. Detectives reportedly found 83.2 grams of methamphetamine in the suspects possession. The suspect was identified as Michael Keith Shell, and has been charged with trafficking meth, possessing drug paraphernalia, and concealing/failing to report a death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shell is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Center. An autopsy is being performed on the victim, Natasha Marie Sinclair. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mark Schneider, 67, was arrested this week and charged with a felony after police say he harassed a teenage girl as she was walking home from school. According to surveillance camera captured the suspects car, and license plate, and recorded when he approached the young girl. Channel 11 News spoke with the victim on Friday afternoon she told us the man offered her money for oral sex and attempted to lure her towards his vehicle. We are not using her name to protect her privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said do you want to make a quick few dollars, and I said no thank you, the victim told Channel 11 News this afternoon. She continued, He stopped his car, and he was talking low trying to get me to come closer to his car, and I was scared and upset because I didnt know what was going on. According to court documents on Tuesday Schneider spotted the 15-year-old girl walking alone along McKean Avenue in Donora, Pennsylvania. He then backed his truck up parked alongside her and began telling her she was cute, had nice breasts, and wanted to play with her. When the girl declined, he became more forceful and offered her money for oral sex, she again declined. Once he drove off thats when the victim quickly found a bystander and asked to use their phone so she could call for help. Her mother, Jessica Jones said she was able to remember a sticker on the truck that read Goliath and some other key details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She got three letters off of his license plate which was good, Jones said. That information along with the surveillance video helped police quickly identify Schneider. Despite an arrest, this mom tells us it doesnt erase her fears. If it was dark I think this would have been a different story, she said. As for her daughter, she relives that afternoon walk home and said she is shaken up from the entire ordeal. My chest started hurting and my stomach started getting tight because I was afraid. He was talking to me and saying nasty things to me, and he is an old man, said the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneider is in jail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for early next year. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A man has been charged in connection with the double homicide outside a funeral reception in Brighton, Ala., that killed two men including rapper Landlord Lo. James David Abercrombie, 27, was charged with the murders of Roderick Hall, 38, and DAngelo LeMarcus Samuel, 27 (a.k.a. Landlord Lo), after they were fatally shot on Dec. 13 during a funeral that honored Samuel's uncle, Fredrick Lee Samuel, 62, Al.com reported. Abercrombie also faces charges related to shooting into a building and possessing a firearm, the outlet added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to the Jefferson County Jail on Dec. 20 and is being held without bail, per inmate records seen by PEOPLE. Related: Kidnapped and Left for Dead by the Indiana Slasher, 3 Women Fought for Nearly 50 Years to ID Their Attacker (Exclusive) The Dec. 13 shooting took place at the Brighton Community Center. Police were called to the scene just before 2:30 p.m. local time, according to AL.com. Both victims sustained injuries to the head and were pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet added. 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. Brighton Police Captain and Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Hooten was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the double homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hooten described Hall to AL.com as a "down-to-earth guy" who "didn't bother anybody." "I went to elementary school with him before I became a cop or a firefighter," he said. "[We] hung out, and we'd check in on each other from time to time." Jefferson County Jail James David Abercrombie, who has been accused of the double homicide outside a funeral repass in Brighton, Alabama. James David Abercrombie, who has been accused of the double homicide outside a funeral repass in Brighton, Alabama. Under the stage name Landlord Lo, Samuel released a number of songs, including his most recent tracks: "Bang For Heat" and "Sneaky Link." Read the original article on People President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and personally to President Pezeshkian for the support in the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, I extend my profound gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) during the 11th D-8 Summit held on December 19, 2024, in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. It is noteworthy that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly thirty years, has for the first time made a decision regarding expansion. This historic decision, reflecting international trust in Azerbaijan, is a special source of pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijan's candidacy is a testament to our strong friendship, cooperative relations, unity, and solidarity with each member country of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member countries, will contribute to safeguarding the fundamental principles of the D-8, deepening cooperation within the organization, promoting our common interests, strengthening Islamic solidarity, and mobilizing joint efforts to transform it into a greater power. Taking this opportunity, I express my confidence that we will continue our joint efforts to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, based on mutual respect and good neighborliness, in line with the interests of our peoples and countries. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wishing you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity for the friendly and brotherly people of Iran," the letter reads. TISBURY, Mass. (WPRI) A Massachusetts man convicted of robbing a Marthas Vineyard bank at gunpoint nearly two years ago will spend the next decade behind bars, according to United States Attorney Joshua Levy. Miquel Antonio Jones, 33, of Edgartown, pleaded guilty back in September to committing an armed bank robbery and conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting. Jones was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Jones, Johnson and Porter stormed into the bank wearing masks resembling elderly men. (Courtesy: United States Attorney Joshua Levys Office) Levy said Jones sentence sends a clear message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miquel Antonio Jones orchestrated and led a calculated and violent robbery that terrorized bank employees and the surrounding community, Levy said. His conduct left lasting emotional scars and he is paying a significant price for his actions. Investigators believe Jones and two other suspects, identified as Omar Johnson and Tevin Porter, stormed into the Rockland Trust bank in November 2022 armed with handguns and wearing masks resembling elderly men. Jones hid the $39,000 in cash stolen from the bank under a bureau in his bedroom. (Courtesy: United States Attorney Joshua Levys Office) The suspects reportedly stole more than $39,000 from the bank before binding the employees with duct tape and zip ties and searching their belongings. The men then took off in one of the employees vehicles, which was later found abandoned in a nearby parking lot. Romane Andre Clayton is believed to have planted another getaway vehicle in that same parking lot so the men could escape unnoticed. He then rode a bicycle back to the bank, where he was picked up by the other suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Porter and Clayton left Marthas Vineyard together on a ferry later that morning, bringing the getaway car with them. Jones buried the two guns used in the armed robbery at a farm where he worked as a landscaper. (Courtesy: United States Attorney Joshua Levys Office) Johnson and Jones stayed behind and drove to a farm to get rid of evidence connected to the robbery. The men buried the two firearms on the farm, where Jones worked as a landscaper, and burned the remainder of the evidence, including the masks and a set of walkie-talkies. Jones was taken into custody a few days after the robbery once detectives discovered the firearms and burned evidence at the farm. Investigators later found the stolen cash, which was stuffed into plastic shopping bags, hidden under Jones bureau in his bedroom. Clayton, Johnson and Porter have also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Miss. (WJTV) Copiah County deputies are investigating after a man fell to his death from the roof of Crystal Springs Middle School. The incident happened Friday evening after school was dismissed. Deputies said once they arrived at the scene, they discovered the man lying on the gym floor. Woman accused of killing estranged husband outside Mississippi courthouse denied bond Copiah County Sheriff Byron Swilley said the man was working with other contractors to make roof replacement repairs before he fell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was this was the last day of school before Christmas break. This was well after school. School actually ended today at approximately 1:45. There were no students or staff on campus when the incident occurred, said Gerome Leflore, director of Safety at the Copiah County School District. Swilley said other agencies will be on the scene Saturday to continue their investigation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Update 12-18-24: Brewer entered an Alford guilty plea and was sentenced to 12 years in prison for first-degree assault. The armed criminal action charge was dropped. Original Story 5-25-23 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A Rockaway Beach man was arrested in connection to an intentional hit-and-run incident that left a motorcyclist in critical condition. Dea A. Brewer, born in 1977, of Rockaway Beach, faces two felonies: first-degree assault resulting in the serious injury of the victim and armed criminal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Motorcycle crashes have been on the rise the last five years, said Injury Law Attorney David Ransin. Fatal crashes have also been increasing and began to spike after the no-helmet law was passed. According to court documents, Brewer was the driver of an SUV that intentionally rear-ended a motorcyclist on May 22. At 5:59 p.m. on May 22, Springfield police were dispatched to West Bennett Street to respond to a crash. They found the motorcyclist unconscious on the ground. He was taken to Mercy Hospital, where it was found he was in critical condition with head wounds and road rash. The most classic injury comes from what I call a left-in, Ransin said. When someones coming towards you and turns left in or left out when someone pulls out. Either way, its a T-Bone. The bike rider will be ejected. Very often they lose a leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springfield 3-year-old leukemia patient makes a wish At the crash site, police found a piece of vehicle debris that has a part number on it. They were able to connect this part to the grille of a 2004-2006 Buick Ranier. Police also acquired a nearby business surveillance footage, which showed the crash. The video showed a motorcycle traveling on Bennett at normal speed. A white SUV shows up and rapidly accelerated toward the back of the motorcycle, striking it. The SUV pushes the motorcycle until it falls over with the rider still on it. The motorcycle and rider slid to rest as the SUV continued without any observable reduction in speed. In all of our crashes, we get security videos and theyre all shocking because youre seeing something that you definitely dont expect, Ransin said. But this is difficult to believe that this was purely carelessness, inattentiveness. Given the speed, broad daylight, clear weather conditions theres no excuse for this. Through another business security camera footage, police saw the moments leading up to the crash. The SUV pulls into the parking lot of the Springfield Recovery Community Center and parks. Seconds later, the motorcyclist pulls into the same parking lot with a woman on the back of the bike. The woman got off the bike and hugged the motorcyclist before he drove away. As he drove through the parking lot, the SUV followed him, attempting to cut him off before he left. The SUV was a Buick Rainier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cannot insure an intentional act, Ransin said. So its very important for the biker rider to know what insurance they have because youve got to buy insurance to protect yourself. Police used the Raniers vanity license plate to track it through FLOCK cameras. On May 23, officers found the vehicle on Glenstone Avenue. It appeared to have damage consistent with the motorcycle crash incident. The driver was identified as Brewer. Brewer had an arrest warrant from Taney County. He was taken to Springfield police headquarters, where he said he did not know anything about the crash and needed his attorney. Officers interviewed other people involved. The woman dropped off at the Springfield Recovery Community Center was Brewers girlfriend, who told police he had been my stalker before he was my boyfriend and that he was possessive and a monster when he was drinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search continues for missing Cassville doctor; family reacts The motorcyclist picked her up on May 22 and they drove around throughout the day, she said. Brewer was supposed to pick her up for a 6 p.m. class at the recovery center they were taking together, but since she was running late, the motorcyclist took her straight there. She said she did not know Brewer was in the parking lot. She said that afterward, Brewer was texting and calling her to tell her he was going to prison. Her mother also received calls and texts from Brewer stating that he was going to kill the motorcyclist. She told police Brewer was concerned the motorcyclist was giving his girlfriend drugs. Brewer is being held at the Taney County Jail with no bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. A man was sentenced to 13 years Friday in a Hammond slaying. LaHenry Weeble Smith, 38, of Hammond admitted to voluntary manslaughter in the Sept. 2, 2023 shooting of Demetri Berry. He faced up to 20 years. Smith said in court he acted in self-defense. He was originally charged with murder and a gun enhancement. Hammond Police were called around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2023, to the 900 block of Murray Street. There, they found the victim, Demetri Tank Berry, 44, of Hammond, on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness saw Weeble pull out a silver revolver and shoot Berry in the stomach. He walked to the north side of the street, then collapsed. The shooting appeared to be unprovoked, according to the affidavit. It was a case where nothing good happens after midnight, Smiths lawyer Marc Laterzo said. There was an altercation with Berry near a known drug house. When Smith was arrested, his face was bloodied. He asked for 10 years. Prior to his remarks, Smiths brother and mother spoke on his behalf. Deputy Prosecutor Jacquelyn Altpeter said Berrys father and brother werent able to attend the hearing. She asked for 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith had 15 prior police contacts, but no felony convictions. He got a great benefit with the plea, but ultimately still killed someone, she said. Smith said he was attacked that night by a few individuals, including Berry. He took off from the scene because he was afraid for his life, Smith told Judge Salvador Vasquez. He wasnt at the drug house but had finished helping someone move across the street when the altercation happened. At 2:30 a.m., the judge asked. Smith said he started at 10 p.m.; the person moved at night to obscure what they had in the house. I have heard of that, but not in the middle of the night, Vasquez responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Was there proof he was moving someone, he asked Altpeter. No, she responded. Ultimately, he didnt have a reason to dispute Smiths account, Vasquez said, before handing the sentence. Thats a break, Mr. Smith, whether you realize it or not, he said. mcolias@post-trib.com A judge sentenced a man with a long history of mental illness to 30 years in prison Friday in the vicious fatal stabbing of a housemate at a mental-health group home in West St. Paul nearly five years ago. In handing down the maximum sentence, Dakota County District Judge Michael Mayer noted how state statute gives the Minnesota Department of Corrections the authority to determine through an evaluation whether John C. Adams II, who is under a civil commitment for being mentally ill and dangerous, serves the time at Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter or in prison. A Dakota County jury in September convicted Adams, 43, of second-degree murder in the Feb. 17, 2020, random attack on 68-year-old David Eugene Rahn, who was found dead with stab wounds to his face, neck, back and upper extremities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a vicious assault, Mayer said Friday. I think there were 141 stab wounds. And hes crying out for help and the door was blocked so nobody could go in and assist him with what was happening. Adams was first civilly committed as mentally ill and dangerous out of Hennepin County in October 2000, according to court records. At the time of the murder, he was on a provisional discharge from the state hospital since November 2018, when he moved into the state-run group home. The provisional discharge was revoked after the murder and he was returned to the state hospital under an indeterminant civil commitment. Criminal court proceedings were suspended in May 2020, when a medical evaluation found Adams was incompetent to stand trial. Proceedings resumed in October 2023 when he was deemed competent following years of treatment at the state hospital. Something isnt right According to the criminal complaint, a staff member heard a disturbance in Rahns bedroom and then Rahn screaming for help. The staff member tried to get inside, but Adams blocked the door and said it was okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, the staff member said that it had become quiet in Rahns room and that something isnt right. When the first responding officer arrived at the group home at 1546 Christensen Ave. shortly after 4 a.m., he saw a shirtless man later identified as Adams running from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses building across the street and into the home. Officers and medics gave CPR to Rahn, but he was pronounced dead. His injuries also included at least 20 knife wounds to one of his hands, which were consistent with defensive wounds, and blunt force trauma to his head. Adams, who was in his bedroom, initially told officers that Rahn had busted into his room and attacked him. They wrestled, Adams claimed, before he ran and grabbed a knife to defend himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said he threw the knife into a garbage can near the Jehovahs Witnesses building. Officers found a bloody, badly bent serrated knife in a white plastic bag that had electrical tape around the top of it. Bloody gloves were also found. During an interview at the police station, Adams story changed. He said that when he got up to use the bathroom, he saw Rahn standing in Rahns doorway holding a knife. He said Rahn told him to come inside, which he did, and that Rhan began stabbing himself. Sentencing arguments At Fridays hearing, Adams attorney, assistant public defender Shawn Webb, argued for a downward dispositional departure and a stayed prison sentence to supervised probation so Adams can remain at the state hospital. Having him in a locked facility where hes receiving the treatment that his psychiatric professionals say is needed is the best thing for safety, for him and for everybody else, Webb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under that sentence, Adams could end up back in a group home if the Minnesota Department of Human Services were to grant another custody reduction in the civil commitment, Assistant Dakota County Attorney Stephen Grego said in the states argument for the maximum 367-month sentence. Related Articles The prison sentence that the state is asking for would ensure that public safety is protected for a longer time frame, that the defendant isnt able to go back into the community where he has shown himself to not be successful, Grego told the court, adding that Adams committed a gruesome random murder. The judge said he agrees with the state and the pre-sentence investigation that the aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating circumstances in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem here is that public safety would not be protected by you being placed on probation and put back at that facility, he told Adams. (The state) tried that, and thats why David is dead. Adams will be given credit for the nearly five years hes been in custody. CHICAGO A man was critically injured after a gunman opened fire on his car on the citys Northwest Side overnight. Officers said the incident unfolded just after 10 p.m. in the 4700 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue in Irving Park. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to police, the victim, a man around 40 years of age, told officers that he was sitting in a parked car in the area when a black vehicle approached and an unknown male got out and opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the shooting, officers said the gunman got back in the car and fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and no arrests have been made. /MISSING Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Five Detectives at 312-746-6554 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO A man is dead and a woman is recovering in the hospital on Saturday after an early-morning shooting on the South Side. According to CPD, just before 2 a.m., officers responded to a report that a person had been shot in the 1700 block of East 67th Street. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers arrived on the scene and found two victims who had suffered gunshot wounds inside a residence in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said a 23-year-old man was shot in his abdomen and chest and was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A 23-year-old woman was also shot in her face and neck and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not yet identified the victim killed. Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and an investigation is now underway. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. OWENSBORO, Ky. (FOX 56) State police troopers were asked to investigate a shooting involving an officer of the Owensboro Police Department (OPD) in the early hours of Saturday morning that led to a man being taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). According to the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), troopers were called just after 4 a.m. in response to the shooting and dispatched to the 500 block of Orchard Street. Family of Madison County victim seeks death penalty for man accused of killing her in 2022 A preliminary investigation showed that multiple OPD officers responded to a 911 call about a disturbance in the area. A man at the residence had a knife and allegedly threatened officers and other people in the house, per KSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police officers reportedly fired at the man, striking him. Life-saving measures were performed on the man at the scene before he was taken to Owensboro Health ICU, where. He is stable but in critical condition, according to a news release. Read more of the latest Kentucky news An investigation into the Orchard Street disturbance 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 FOX 56 News. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man has been sentenced after a road rage incident led to a police chase and shooting earlier in May. Kenneth Haught has been sentenced to 36 months in jail after a road rage incident earlier this year on May 5. Police say Haught shot out a mans car window on I-70 before leading Huber Heights police on a chase. It ended when Haught pulled over, and took out a pellet gun that police say looked like an AR-15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers discharged their weapons, striking Haught. Haught was sentenced for felonious assault and failure to comply. His drivers license has also been suspended for six 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 WDTN.com. DENVER (KDVR) A man who stole body parts from a private mausoleum at Crown Hill Cemetery in Jefferson County last fall was sentenced Friday. John Wayne Belknap received the maximum sentence of three years in the Department of Corrections plus time served for additional misdemeanor charges, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office announced in a post on X. What happens in Colorado if the federal government shuts down? Representative explains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belknap pleaded guilty last month to charges of abuse of a corpse, criminal mischief and theft, according to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. The charges stem from Oct. 11, 2023, when deputies responded to the Crown Hill Cemetery on reports of damage to a mausoleum and stolen remains. The sheriffs office said it appeared that someone had broken into the crypt and pried open the casket to remove body parts overnight. A mausoleum was broken into and body parts stolen at Crown Hill Cemetery in unincorporated Jefferson County Oct. 11, 2023 (Credit: Jefferson County Sheriffs Office) Crown Hill Cemetery (KDVR) Investigators found DNA evidence left behind at the scene and were able to identify Belknap as a suspect. He was arrested on Oct. 25, 2023 and pleaded guilty on Nov. 6, 2024. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stolen remains were returned to the cemetery and restored to their crypt with the dignity they deserve, the sheriffs office 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 FOX31 Denver. The Mayor of Grantville confirmed to Channel 2 Action News Friday evening that the man wanted for murder and for shooting a police canine after leading troopers on a chase in Coweta County earlier this week has been taken into custody. State troopers pulled over Ira Troy Williams, 51, on Wednesday night for an obscured license plate. Troopers said Williams gave his drivers license during the traffic stop, then led officers on a chase from Interstate 85 to Grantville, Ga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GSP said Williams shot at troopers with an AR-15 rifle and injured K-9 Amor. RELATED STORIES: After the incident, Williams ran off into thick woods off of South Highway 29 and Calico Loop and a manhunt started. On Thursday, officers canceled the manhunt but increased patrols in the area. Grantville Mayor Richard Proctor said Williams was taken into custody after officers found him hiding inside a truck. Proctor said that Williams had a gun on him at the time of the arrest, but was taken into custody peacefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Bureau of Investigation issued arrest warrants for Williams on Thursday for aggravated assault against a police officer for shooting at troopers during the car chase. The agency also confirmed the arrest Friday night. We are working to learn more details. K-9 Armor was treated on Wednesday night for a gunshot wound to the leg and was released later that evening to recover at home. Stay with WSBTV.com and tune into WSB Tonight following the game for the latest on this developing story. HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) When a national manhunt came to an end in Altoona, reporters from New York, Washington D.C. and other parts of Pennsylvania flocked to the normally quiet town of Hollidaysburg, setting up camp and sometimes clogging the streets around the courthouse. Luigi Mangione the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sparked national interest, even gaining a following of supporters online, some of whom came to his court hearings, adding to the congestion. Parking was awful. We, I mean we have our own little parking lot in the back, of course, but constant complaints about parking, which unfortunately, we cant do anything about, said Amanda Breth, a server at Allegheny Creamery & Crepes, located only a few doors down from the Blair County courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE LATEST: Luigi Mangione waives extradition in Blair County, will return to NYC on first-degree murder charges After waiving his extradition Thursday morning, Mangione was flown back to New York, with national media outlets in tow. And only 24 hours later, the streets of Hollidaysburg appear like nothing out of the ordinary had ever happened. While the situation was disruptive and frustrating for many just trying to live and work in Hollidaysburg, some local restaurants said the reporters brought with them an influx of business. We were pretty busy. We had some regular customers as usual. Some from out of town. We had a lot of reporters, Breth said. Monday, Tuesday, definitely an uptick in business and I was not here yesterday but it was apparently all day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the impact goes beyond restaurants possibly needing to order extra supplies with an increase of law enforcement officers being needed to handle the crowd. Blair County Sheriff James Ott said he even had deputies offer to cancel holiday vacation plans if they were needed. We have police officers who, they dont complain. They work extra, you know, they show up when theyre asked. And, you know, thats whats happened, said Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks. Over the past two weeks, police officers have worked extra shifts. Police departments have volunteered help, everyones worked together. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. While Mangione does still have an open case in Blair County, he will first have to answer to the murder charges he faces back in New York, meaning the chaos is over at least for the foreseeable future. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. An active-duty U.S. Marine was taken into custody this week over the killing of a former reality show contestant who had gone missing, the Escambia County Sheriffs Office in Florida announced. Willie Ellington, 20, was charged with first-degree murder and possession of child sex abuse material on Wednesday, the day that the body of Tshey Bennett, 26, was found in a pond in an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, according to the announcement. The sheriffs office said that Bennett was working as an escort at the time of her Dec. 14 disappearance and met Ellington at the Sweet Dream Inn in Pensacola, Florida. T'shey Bennett, seen in this image from GoFundMe, was found dead in a pond in Alabama. GoFundMe The Independent, which spoke with Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons, reported that deputies received calls from worried family members that day and headed to the Sweet Dream Inn, where she was thought to be staying. Once authorities arrived at the hotel, they found Bennetts car outside. They also found two cellphones in the room and a PlayStation power cord believed to have been used in the killing. They noticed the bedding had been removed as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent reported that surveillance video showed a suspect leaving the scene of the crime in a rental car. Authorities allegedly traced the car back to Ellington, identified as a marine stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Sheriff Jay Jones of Alabamas Lee County reportedlysaid that Escambia authorities believed the suspect in Bennetts killing might be on a bus scheduled to stop in the city of 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, Jones said. Simmons told The Independent that during the course of the investigation, detectives found Google searches on Ellingtons phone that were made before Bennetts disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These searches allegedly included What does a dead body look like after two days?; How many prostitute murders go unsolved?; and If youre strangled can you still scream? Its a heck of a case, Simmons told CBS affiliate WKRG. Its disturbing. Its chilling some of the stuff we found out in the course of the investigation. In addition to the Google searches, investigators also said they found child sex abuse material. Its unclear if Ellington has an attorney representing him. Bennett recently appeared in HollyHood TVs Skrippa Bootcamp. The online reality series is about 12 Aspiring and Elite Dancers ... staying under one roof and bettering their exotic performance careers, according to the shows website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe campaign described Bennett as a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son. The page went on to say Bennett dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and worked tirelessly to provide for her child. TSheys life ended just days before her sons 8th birthday ... a day she had promised to celebrate with him, the page said. Jessica Ramirez, a friend of Bennetts, told ABC affiliate WEAR that Bennett had moved to northwestern Florida this year and was loved by many. I wish she was here so she could see like, Tshey, look how many people care about you, Ramirez said. I dont even know if she knew. Related... MARYLAND (DC News Now) On Friday, the Maryland Department of Environment (DOE) released climate plans that aim to keep the states economy in line with its Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. DOE said that 25 different agencies submitted these plans, which included more than 100 priority actions needed to meet Marylands climate goals. A news release said that includes workforce development for installing clean appliances like heat pumps, electrifying vehicle fleets, making state buildings more energy efficient and diversifying the states energy portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Maryland laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2025 State agencies are slotted to start using these plans in 2025. We dont have to choose between a green economy and a growing economy we can, and we must, build both at the same time. By mounting an all-of-government approach to climate action, we will cut emissions, lower costs, and create more than 27,000 Maryland jobs. I thank my colleagues for their detailed proposals, Gov. Wes Moore said in a news release. DOE also released its subcabinets first progress report, which outlines how federal funds are being distributed and provides metric proposals to help track agencies climate progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read more about the plans 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. NEW YORK (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams said he wanted to send a strong message when he met accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione in New York City on Thursday. Mangione was flown back to New York Thursday to face federal charges of murder and stalking in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mayor Adams was photographed among police escorting Mangione before his court appearance in Manhattan. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to send a strong message with the police commissioner that we are leading from the front, Mayor Adams said during an interview on PIX on Politics. Im not going to just allow him to come into our city. I wanted to look him in the eye and state that, You carried out this terrorist act in my city, the city that the people of New York love. And I wanted to be there to show the symbolism of that. Mangione, 26, is accused of ambushing and shooting Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a Manhattan hotel where the head of the United States largest medical insurance company was walking to an investor conference. Investigators believe Mangione was motivated by anger toward the U.S. health care system and corporate greed. Luigi Mangione could face death penalty if convicted of federal murder charge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the federal complaint, a notebook Mangione was carrying when he was arrested included several handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular. 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. The killing ignited an outpouring of stories about resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies while also rattling corporate America after some social media users called the shooting payback. I was at a conference a few days ago with the top CEOs IBM, Deloitte there was a room full of CEOs and government officials. The intentional shooting and the response after really traumatized the entire industry. Not only the CEOs but the employees, Mayor Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor also referenced a new Emerson College Polling national survey that found four in 10 young adults think the actions of the UnitedHealthcare CEOs killer were acceptable. Thats just unacceptable, Mayor Adams said. Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. 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. Dec. 21Perinatal doula and lactation consultant services are now available to pregnant and postpartum individuals who are enrolled in the Illinois Medicaid program, further expanding maternal and child health coverage, a core priority for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). Certified doulas are trained professionals who provide a range of physical, educational and emotional supports to pregnant and birthing individuals throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience with a goal of improving health outcomes for birthing people and infants. Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who provide breastfeeding education and support and can assist parents with any questions or challenges with breastfeeding. "Here in Illinois, we're committed to ensuring every mother, regardless of race, income, or zip code, has access to the care they deserve," said Governor JB Pritzker. "By expanding Medicaid to include doula and lactation consultant services, we're closing gaps in maternal healthcare and improving outcomes for mothers and infants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Expanding Medicaid coverage to include the full spectrum of reproductive care is an investment in public health," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "We're widening the scope of protection for Illinois families to ensure that every new mother, regardless of race or zip code, has access to the support her unique body needs and that every new baby is delivered into a world that supports healthy development." "Expanding coverage to include new maternal health provider types will make available new services for expectant and birthing parents and will provide a wide range of supports during the critical perinatal period," said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. "This new coverage will continue to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in Illinois and improve equity an essential part of the Department's mission to improve the lives of Illinois families." "The Illinois Department of Public Health is proud to support this innovative effort to improve birth outcomes in Illinois," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "IDPH's recent Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report documented unacceptable racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Increasing access to maternal supports, like doulas, has been tied to improved outcomes for Medicaid recipients and those living in historically excluded communities. Our Office of Women's Health and Family Services is actively partnering with HFS to support this critical effort and ensure we are doing all we can to make Illinois the safest place to give birth." The Medicaid coverage for lactation consultant services includes the entire perinatal period through infant weaning. Covered lactation support services include perinatal education about breastfeeding and human lactation; comprehensive maternal, infant, and feeding assessments related to breastfeeding and human lactation; and evidence-based lactation counseling and the provision of support and encouragement to promote successful attainment of breastfeeding goals. Services may be delivered individually or in a group setting and may be provided in person or via telehealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coverage for certified doula services includes the entire perinatal period and up to one year postpartum, regardless of how the pregnancy ends. Covered doula services include perinatal counseling, education and supports, including newborn care; development of a birth plan and support during labor and delivery; care coordination with available community-based services; attendance at clinician visits; emotional and physical support; and visits to assist with basic infant care. Prenatal and postpartum services may be provided in person or via telehealth. Support during labor and delivery must be provided in person. The expanded coverage for doula services was included in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus healthcare pillar bill, which Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in 2021. "Illinois has taken major steps to address the challenges mothers face in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborn care. That includes recognizing the higher rates of morbidity and mortality that women of color face, ensuring everyone can choose a birth plan that works for them, and now providing additional resources for new families" said House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). "Every new family needs quality care and support during pregnancy, in childbirth, and after they leave the hospital; expanding Medicaid coverage for lactation specialists and perinatal doulas ensures cost is not a barrier to that care." "Having doula and lactation services covered through Medicaid can be a lifeline for women at risk of complications," said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). "This important coverage is a significant step toward building supportive systems of care where parents have the tools and support they need to keep themselves and their babies healthy." The State of Illinois is also issuing a standing recommendation for lactation services and doula services so that Medicaid customers can receive coverage for these services without having to obtain a referral from their physician. This standing recommendation meets a federal requirement that preventive services provided by certified doulas and certified lactation consultants be recommended by a licensed provider. It removes a potential access barrier for Medicaid customers and removes an administrative burden from lactation consultants and doulas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Eliminating obstetric harm and racism has to be a collective effort to ensure the reduction of maternal and infant mortality," said BA NIA Inc. Co-founder and Executive Director Mekazin Alexander. "BA NIA Inc. supports the progressive strides that HFS has taken to expand the services of doulas and lactation consultants for Medicaid and private insurance users across the state of Illinois. We commend HFS for recognizing the importance of organizations that are community-based, culturally congruent and offer certification and mentoring. We would like to see the state continue to move quickly for reimbursement rates set at a livable wage so doulas are able to work at the fullest extent of their practice." "The work required to support improved outcomes for families in Illinois is a heavy undertaking and will require the keen collaboration of everyone across the healthcare landscape," said Tayo Mbande of Chicago Birth Works. "Medicaid expansion towards doula support, and lactation support is a step towards a more inclusive and community-centered healthcare landscape. Healing the communities that are most impacted by maternal mortality, morbidity and longstanding health inequities must involve care that is centered in those communities. We are excited for this win and to continue building partnerships with the many stakeholders involved in the struggle toward birth equity in Illinois." To enroll as an Illinois Medicaid provider, lactation consultants must be at least 18 years old and certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, certified as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, Inc., or certified as a Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) by the Lactation Education Consultants. To enroll as an Illinois Medicaid provider, doulas must be at least 18 years old and certified by the Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula Program, a partnership between HFS and the Sothern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. This Illinois certification, developed in partnership with HFS and a workgroup of community doulas, leverages an extensive list of existing national and Illinois-based doula training programs and includes a training-based pathway as well as a legacy pathway for doulas with significant experience. Questions regarding certification can be directed to the SIU School of Medicine at doulacertification@siumed.edu. To provide enhanced Medicaid provider onboarding and support for these new maternal health provider types, the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center (MTAC), a partnership between HFS and the University of Illinois Office of Medicaid Innovation, will provide live training, on demand training, and one-on-one support via phone and email. This support includes a Medicaid-specific overview for each provider type, how to obtain National Provider Identifier (NPI), and how to enroll in IMPACT, the Illinois Medicaid provider enrollment system. Some of the leading lights of Tri-Cities agriculture will be honored in January when theyre inducted into the 2025 Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame. The Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Pasco will honor local farmers, families and leaders whose work supports an industry worth $14 billion to Washington state at its 24th annual gala. Meet the honorees. Fred Olberding, Pioneer Award winner Olberdings career began in childhood, when he farmed dirt with his mothers spoons. His goal: Raise his own cattle to pay his way through Washington State University. Fred Olberding He worked for Wilbur-Ellis, and later formed a farm business with his brother, Allen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred never balked at a challenge. He would weld pig panels for the fair while welding at the farm. He is an analytical and motivated businessman figuring out how to solve whatever problem comes his way, the chamber said. Denise Senor, Agriculture Advisor Award winner Senior began teaching in 1994 and taught agriculture at Kamiakin and River View high schools before retiring in 2022. She works as a substitute. Denise Senor Denise is a tireless advocate for agriculture education. Her dedication to agriculture as a science convinced the administration at Kamiakin that agriculture courses are indeed lab science, and that students learn best through the application of science principals to hands-on activities found in the agriculture program, the chamber said. James Alford, Rising Star Award winner Alford has built a successful business since he established JCAg in 2007. James Alford He has expanded into an additional seven companies representing a diverse collection of crops, and serves as president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was lauded for dedicate time to his family, church and the Franklin County Volunteer Stewardship Committee and Farm Fair, which is an annual event that introduces school children to agriculture. Bill Middleton, Stewardship Award winner The eldest of the six Middleton siblings, Bill Middleton established his farm off Pasco-Kahlotus highway in 1974. Bill Middleton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served on the Franklin County Weed Board for more than 20 years and has held roles on the Franklin County Farm Bureau Board and the Washington Asparagus Commission Board. Middleton and his sons established Middletons Fall Festival, a popular family event that was later followed by Tulip Fest, Asparagus Festival Festival, Strawberry Festival and Sunflower Festival. Alan Schreiber, Visionary Award winner Schreiber is a fifth-generation farmer who runs three state agriculture commissions representing more than 300 crops grown in Washington. Alan Schreiber He is best known locally as the voice of the Washington asparagus industry. In the Tri-Cities, he drove efforts to create the Tri-Cities Food Co-op, which opened in Richland this fall. The co-op offers growers an opportunity to sell local produce locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan is a dynamic person and is passionate about Washington agriculture. From asparagus in the Columbia Basin to oysters in Willapa Bay, Alan always has his fingers in the soil of Washingtons agriculture, the chamber said. The Ag Hall of Fame Gala starts at 5 pm., Jan. 16 and includes a full-course dinner featuring local produce and wines. Contact the chamber, 509-547-9755, or go to pascochamber.org for reservations and information. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Bakersfield Regional Homeless Collaborative held its annual homeless memorial at Union Cemetery this morning in honor of the most vulnerable population in Bakersfield. It was a time to sing, pray, lay flowers and tell the stories of lives lost on the streets. The most recent data from the homeless collaborative is from 2023, which said 20-30 people without shelter lost their lives. This memorial was to honor them again, and all recent deaths from this year. As Amazing Grace was sung in the background, Jacqueline Cevieux was reminded of her friend Matthew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do this event to honor the lives of those who have passed while on the streets or in shelters or alone, said Cevieux. I had someone, who was a close friend of mine pass away while he was homeless and it was a mixture of substance abuse and suicide. Cevieux was homeless herself, and now works for the Bakersfield-Kern Homeless Collaborative. She hosted the memorial event and talked about one of the last conversations she had with Matthew. He had said, I just cant do it out here anymore. Im like, well you just have to hold on like the pandemics gonna end, theres gonna be shelter beds and hes like, I cant do it out here and that was the last time I talked to him, said Cevieux. I found out later that year he actually passed away in his car from a drug overdose, but I knew it as a suicide. Amazon truck collides with school bus on 7th Standard Rd: CHP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homeless, faith-based organizations, and shelter staff all came out to memorialize the lives theyve helped. One flood ministries Shelter Staffer, Miguel Solorezano, sheltered a 63-year-old man named Richard who passed away in October of this year. Miguel was glad that in Richards final hours, he had walls and a bed. I think he passed in peace, I think he really, it really meant a lot of for us to get him off the streets and be able to have him at least housed in his last moments, said Solorezano. White doves were released to symbolize the deceaseds journey onwards and whatever comes next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A line one minister repeated at the service captured the hearts of the audience in saying, Jesus has prepared a mansion for them. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A drug already FDA-approved for people with a rare form of breast cancer has now been shown to improve patients long-term survival, new clinical trial data suggest. Lynparza (olaparib), a product of Fortune 500 pharmaceutical firm Merck and Fortune 500 Europe company AstraZeneca, exhibited clinically meaningful improvements in overall survival, among other promising findings, in people with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer. About 87.5% of patients treated with the drug were alive after six years, compared to 83.2% who received a placebo. Long-term results of the OlympiA phase 3 trial were presented Dec. 11 at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The durable long-term efficacy seen in the OlympiA study reinforces Lynparza as an important treatment option for those living with this truly challenging, very aggressive form of breast cancer, Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development, and chief medical officer of Merck Research Laboratories, said in a news release about the findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HER2-negative refers to cancer cells whose surfaces lack a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Such cells tend to grow more slowly than HER2-positive ones, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and are less likely to recur or spread throughout the body. Breast, bladder, stomach, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers all may be HER2-negative. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are breast cancer genes, and an inherited error in one of them is called a germline mutation. About 13% of women will develop breast cancer, compared to more than 60% of women with an inherited BRCA mutation, the NCI says. These data reinforce the importance of germline BRCA testing at the time of diagnosis, so we can identify all eligible patients who may benefit from treatment with olaparib as early as possible, Dr. Judy Garber, co-principal investigator of the trial and chief of the division of cancer genetics and prevention at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said in the news release. Dr. Douglas Marks, an oncologist at NYU Langone Health and medical director of the clinical trials office at Perlmutter Cancer Center - Long Island, attended the symposium at which the research was presented and says the results were well-received. This has been a big advance in the field, Marks tells Fortune. This was a follow-up analysis [but] its more added reassurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OlympiA trial began in 2014 and is slated to run through mid-2029. The Food and Drug Administration approved Lynparza in 2022 based on primary trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021. The drug, according to Merck, is the first and only PARP inhibitora type of medication that causes a disruption in the way that [patients] cells work, Marks explainsto improve overall survival in early breast cancer. At the median six-year follow-up, trial patients who took Lynparza had a 28% reduced risk of death versus the placebo. The drug also showed clinically meaningful improvements in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). Invasive disease-free survival means getting anothernot precancer, not another noninvasivebut another invasive breast cancer, either in the breast or chest wall or distant, Marks explains. Distant disease-free survival is having the cancer actually come back as an advanced breast cancer. Lynparza patients had a 79.6% IDFS rate at six years, compared to 70.3% for placebo patients, with the drug reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer recurrence, second cancers, or death by 35%. DDFS rates were 83.5% and 75.7% for Lynparza and placebo patients, respectively. Patients given the drug had a 35% reduced risk of distant disease recurrence or death. A mature African-American woman in her 40s wearing a hospital gown, getting her annual mammogram. She is being helped by a technologist, a blond woman wearing scrubs. The focus is on the patient. Early detection critical to long-term breast cancer survival The ongoing OlympiA trial involves more than 1,800 adults diagnosed with gBRCAm, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer, early being the operative word. That means the cancer hasnt spread beyond the breast and regional lymph nodes and is amenable to surgery, says Dr. Halle Moore, director of breast medical oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynparza is an oral prescription medication designed to be taken daily, and trial participants in the treatment group took the tablets for a year. Its administered after a patient has completed surgery and chemotherapy. While the drug is also FDA-approved for patients with metastatic breast cancer, meaning the disease has spread to other parts of the body, the trial focused only on early diagnoses. Having been an oncologist for a quarter-century, Moore has seen clinical trial data fluctuate. Its not uncommon for promising primary results to become less significant over time, she says. That wasnt the case for this Merck-AstraZeneca study. What we saw here was that the benefits in terms of reducing the risk of recurrence of breast cancer and improving survival persisted and actually numerically got larger over time, did not diminish, Moore tells Fortune. The last analysis they had done was at about four years follow-up on average and at this presentation, they had just over six yearsthe benefits seem to be increasing over time. About 5% to 10% of female breast cancer patients have a BRCA mutation, according to the American Cancer Society. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, the five-year relative survival rate is over 99%, but plummets to 32% for distant-stage disease. For more on breast cancer: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Mercy High School in Rochester hosted its inaugural Cheer Abilities celebration on Saturday. Five teams across four gyms were brought in for the event. We dont always get to see them at competitions, and we have so many friends on so many other teams, so its great to see them we havent seen them in a little while, and just see everyone perform, said Katrina Mengs, a parent. The event was held to showcase the talent, camaraderie, and spirit of athletes in the Rochester community. The showcase focused on inclusivity and togetherness with a nurturing environment where each participant could feel valued and have their moment to shine. Planning started in August, organizers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very few events are geared toward our exceptional athletes to have an event dedicated to just them, where they got to be their true selves performing with all of their friends and family was just an amazing experience, said organizer Becky Luce. Organizers said those who took part in the showcase reminded everyone of the strength that comes from unity and the joy of uplifting each other. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A Merrillville man faces charges he attacked and sexually assaulted two sex workers on the same day. Emanuel A. Pugh Jr., 26, was charged Thursday with several felonies, including criminal confinement, and two counts of rape, all Level 3 felonies. A charge for Level 1 felony rape i.e. via a deadly weapon was rejected for lack of probable cause. Pugh is in custody, held without bail. Griffith Police responded on Jan. 23 to an apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, listed as Victim 2, first said she met Pugh via a dating app, invited him over but refused to have sex with him. Her relative came home to find blood on the floor. The victim later admitted she agreed to have sex with him for $140 via a hook up website. The man sent her pictures of a young Hispanic man. Pugh, who is Black, showed up. When he arrived, he punched and choked her, then threatened to shoot her. At some point, she passed out. He wrapped duct tape around her head, mouth and face, the affidavit states. The victim didnt recall sex, but felt it may have happened. She managed to run and lock herself inside a bedroom. The apartment went quiet. She later underwent a rape examination. He stole her phone, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Griffith Police looked for similar cases, Hammond Police responded at 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 23 to Motel 6, 3840 179th St. A woman told them she agreed to have sex with a man on a listcrawler website for $200. The man messaged a selfie of a younger Hispanic male. A Black man in dark clothes, a hoodie and COVID-19 mask showed. The man forced her into the room, pushed her to the floor and raped her. When she tried to escape, he tied her with bedsheets on the bed and continued to rape her. He mentioned a gun but didnt flash a weapon. He forced the woman to delete their messages and stole $400 from her. She also went for a sexual assault exam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement License plate readers and cellphone location data showed Pugh was in both places, the affidavit alleges. His Wisconsin drivers license picture appeared to match the man caught on surveillance video. His subpoenaed Google account appeared to show he visited the listcrawler website. In the case, he was also charged with one count of Level 4 felony burglary, two counts of Level 5 felony robbery, one count of Level 5 felony battery, one count of Level 6 felony strangulation and one count of Level 6 felony confinement. In May 2023, Pugh was charged after threatening and pressing a gun to his girlfriends head. A SWAT team was called. mcolias@post-trib.com A 38-year-old man pleaded guilty to health care fraud on Tuesday for orchestrating a scheme targeting Arizona's Medicaid agency. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, CoEric Riley admitted to defrauding the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System alongside his co-defendant, 37-year-old Britney Gooch. Gooch had previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud on Nov. 21. The two own a behavioral health clinic in Mesa called New Horizons Behavioral Health. The Attorney's Office said Riley and Gooch admitted they exploited AHCCCS' American Indian Health Program by falsely billing for services that were not provided to AIHP patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riley and Gooch obtained nearly $3.3 million in illegitimate proceeds from AHCCCS, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Their sentencing will take place on Feb. 21, 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Riley and Gooch could each face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: CoEric Riley, Britney Gooch plead guilty to health care fraud MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expects Congress to approve a ban early next year on planting genetically modified corn in the country, she said on Saturday. Sheinbaum's announcement comes a day after a trade-dispute panel ruled Mexico's restrictions on U.S. exports of GM corn violate the USMCA trade agreement. "With the help of Mexico's Congress, we are going to reverse this resolution because very soon, in February, they are going to legislate, I am sure, that you can't plant genetically modified corn," Sheinbaum said at a public event. Mexico's Congress is dominated by the ruling party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must protect Mexico's biodiversity in our country ... without corn there is no country." Such a ban may increase Mexican supplies of non-GM corn but not prevent imports of GM varieties, however. A GM crop contains genetic material that is not naturally found in the plant, for example to better protect against disease. Farmers have widely adopted such crops in some countries such as the United States, but critics say their safety for human health and the environment is unproven. The impasse escalated when the U.S. government called on a dispute resolution panel to overturn Mexico's February 2023 presidential decree that banned the use of GM corn to make tortillas and dough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decree also advocated for replacements in industrial production for human consumption and animal feed. Mexico's economy and agriculture ministries said in a joint statement that they disagreed with the ruling, but would respect the decision. The agencies later said the panel's report referred exclusively to trade between Mexico and the United States. Mexico, the birthplace of modern corn, bans GM corn for fear it could contaminate native varieties of the grain. Yet the country is the largest foreign buyer of U.S.-grown yellow corn, almost all of which is genetically modified. The Mexican government expects local buyers to import a record 22.3 million metric tons during the 2023/24 crop season. (Report by Diego Ore; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Rod Nickel) NEW MEXICO (KRQE) With the possibility of the U.S. government shutting down in a few hours, New Mexico lawmakers are concerned this could hurt residents greatly. A bill passed through the House just a little bit ago to avert a shutdown, but it still must clear the Senate. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers said one big concern is the disaster relief at stake for those affected by the Roswell floods and Ruidoso fires. Also, water access through the farm bill. Now weve suffered from some of the most catastrophic wildfires, drought that we have seen in our states history, over the last four to five years, thats impacted farmers, ranchers, but also families who depend on their products, said Representative Gabe Vasquez (D). Representative Vasquez also said a third of his district relies on government funding, including salaries for federal employees and service members. A government shutdown would mean federal employees would be furloughed or forced to work without pay. TSA for instance, said an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times in the coming busy holiday. New Mexicans who receive SNAP and WIC benefits could lose access to those during a shutdown as well. A government shutdown would be absolutely devastating for New Mexico. My district, New Mexicos first congressional district, has almost 30,000 federal employees. This includes a lot of active duty military law, enforcement federal agencies and what theyre talking about is sending people home without their paychecks, right before the holidays, said Representative Melanie Stansbury (D). Representative Stansbury said the goal is to get the farm bill funding across the finish line and then disaster relief funding. People can still rely on getting their social security checks and their Medicaid or Medicare benefits. If a deal doesnt get done by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, the government will shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan Senate has passed three new bills to ensure the safe destruction of confiscated guns after a corporation was found saving valuable parts of the weapons that were then sold on the secondary market. End Gun Violence Michigan reports that the Michigan Senate has passed Bills 6144, 6145 and 6146. These new bills follow the 2017 discovery that guns seized by law enforcement were misused after being handed over to a Missouri-based corporation, Gunbusters, for disposal. Gunbusters were found to have not fully destroyed the guns. Instead, valuable parts of the weapons were sold on the secondary market without serial numbers, fueling the ghost gun market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan State Police worked with End Gun Violence Michigan advocates to dispose of the guns properly. Now all unused guns are disposed of at a local foundry. They are now fully destroyed and recycled as scrap. We commend our hard-working legislators for doing the right thing, and seeing that weapons Michigan citizens want destroyed are in fact destroyed, said Pastor Chris Yaw of St. Davids Church in Southfield, whose gun buyback ministry has helped remove thousands of unwanted weapons from the community in a news release sent to 6 News. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. It brings us no pleasure to say it, but we knew this was going to happen. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has commuted the sentence of former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere. And this political act of cowardice, Kansas City, is precisely why so many people have no faith that the criminal justice system is a level playing field. DeValkenaere was the first Kansas City police officer ever convicted of killing a Black man while on duty. He fatally shot 26-year-old Cameron Lamb in his own yard on Dec. 3, 2019, after nothing more than a report of a speeding car in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeValkenaere claimed Lamb was wielding a gun, but even the partner he said he was defending didnt see one. Phone records demonstrated Lamb was using his cellphone at the time, which was in his right hand. Prosecutors argued that after the shooting, someone planted a gun outside the car under his left hand, which he had only limited use of after an injury. We surely dont need to remind you that DeValkenaere asked for a bench trial, likely because he knew he faced dim prospects of acquittal before a jury. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Dale Youngs found DeValkenaere guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in 2021. Three Parson-appointed judges on the court of appeals later agreed that Lamb was unarmed when he was killed. The Missouri Supreme Court declined to review the conviction. And U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips ruled Lambs Fourth Amendment rights were violated. By commuting the sentence while hes a lame duck, Parson has taken the pressure off his lieutenant, Mike Kehoe. But DeValkenaere knew he would be heading home soon anyway, as the governor-elect campaigned on an explicit promise to free the ex-officer, whom he counts as a personal friend. The fact that the governor made the announcement late on Friday afternoon before the sleepy week of Christmas is all the proof you need that he knows what hes doing is wrong. There has never been any serious suggestion that DeValkenaere was railroaded. No allegation that his trial was unjust, or his six-year sentence unduly harsh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you ever wondered how someone could be moved to embrace the lie that all cops are crooked and violent, well, this is how. We ask that you put yourself in the shoes of Cameron Lambs family, friends and neighbors. The life of a father of three was taken in a flash, under highly questionable circumstances. Court after court agreed it was unjustified. But because his killer has friends in the right places, hes going free long before paying the price for his actions. What our governor, a supposed law-and-order former sheriff, has done is nothing but a highly political negation of multiple courts the latest proof that consequences are what happens to those who lack the right connections. And it further drives a wedge between a community that doesnt trust law enforcement and the many honest police officers who show up and do the right thing every day. Freeing Eric DeValkenaere isnt mercy. Its corruption, an unfair and false indictment of the integrity of the entire Kansas City Police Department. And it will just deepen the widely-held belief that justice is only for the little people. Despite paying lip service to the nuclear sector in recent weeks, Ed Miliband seems intent on repeating all of Labours old mistakes. In his time in office so far, he has turned his back on all the work we Conservatives had put in place. A new large nuclear power station on the island of Anglesey? Scrapped. Our small modular reactor competition? Delayed. The go-ahead for Sizewell C, the first Government-backed nuclear power plant in 40 years? Under review. The 300m investment to make Britain the first commercial producer of advanced nuclear fuel outside of Russia? Not so much as a peep. In fact, this years Budget contained nothing new for nuclear whatsoever. Perhaps this is just the latest example of the lefts longstanding opposition to nuclear power. In 1997, Tony Blairs manifesto saw no economic case for the building of any new nuclear power stations. Nick Clegg infamously proclaimed in 2010 that nuclear isnt even an answer because it wouldnt have come online until 2021 or 2022. The current Green Party wants to phase out nuclear power altogether, as does Labours ubiquitous mega-donor Dale Vince (formerly of the Just Stop Oil parish). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And whilst Labours ambivalence to nuclear may be ideological, I believe the truth is actually far worse. Thats because the economics of steady, reliable nuclear power clashes with that of unpredictable sun and wind power. If you have too much volatile power in your system, then you need everything else to be flexible. Batteries to store energy when theres too much wind, gas to switch on when theres too little. This makes the overall system expensive. It also makes it much harder to build nuclear, which cant turn on and off when the weather changes. As the evidence increasingly shows, when it comes to intermittent renewable power, you can have too much of a good thing. This is why Japans recent assessment of solar showed that in lower quantities its a cheap source of power, but in high quantities it becomes the most expensive. The cheapest source overall? Nuclear. In our own backyard, German electricity prices surged to their highest level in over twenty years during the recent wind and sun drought that hit Europe. Having shut down their nuclear power stations years before in favour of wind and solar power, Germany was left scrambling for electricity imported from its neighbours, pushing up prices at home and abroad. The Swedish Energy Minister, who saw their prices soar as a result, said with typical Scandinavian bluntness, its an absolutely shit situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, in Labours 2030 Power Plans, nuclear barely got a mention. The Secretary of State is fond of us telling us that every wind turbine and solar panel provides us with security and will lower bills. However, Im afraid this is based on bad data which looks at an inch of the elephant the wholesale cost and not the whole beast, the cost of the network, storage, and back-up power. Thats why when I was Secretary of State, I commissioned a full-system costing of our energy system, and set out the largest expansion of nuclear in 70 years. To those who say we cant build nuclear cheaply, I would put them in front of the brilliant industry minds I gathered earlier this year for a Nuclear Hackathon. The solutions whether its regulation or planning are all there. But the one message we heard loud and clear? You cant have a stop-start approach to nuclear. Thats why Labours go-slow has the potential for such great damage. Now weve got the wheels turning again, we must keep going. Around the world, countries from Sweden to Japan and tech firms from Google to Amazon are turning to the stable power that nuclear can bring. The UK has a competitive advantage, particularly for the next generation of small modular reactors. Crucially, we wouldnt be dependent on coal-powered Chinese imports for batteries, solar panels and wind turbines, as Eds rushed plans would have us. The risk for Labour is that they go into an election in 2029, not with the bill savings of 300 that they promised, but with bills which have shot up to pay for Eds ideological 2030 target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Labour need any more evidence that they have backed the wrong horse, perhaps they should look to the great naysayers of the past. The Tony Blair Institute has just called for a New Nuclear Age, while Nick Cleggs employer, Meta, is looking to commission up to 4GW of nuclear capacity to power its data centres in the US. Time is running out for Ed. He must end Labours disastrous go-slow, and back a Great British nuclear future. Claire Coutinho is the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero 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. In the fall of 2012, as I was planning out a reporting trip into Syria, one of the story ideas I hoped to sell on to editors back home involved retracing the itinerary of Austin Tice, a fellow freelancer who had disappeared somewhere in Syria about eight weeks earlier. One evening on a hotel balcony in Antakya, Turkey, I made the mistake of sharing my story idea with a Syrian hotel guest. He seemed friendly enough at the time, but 24 hours later, he was pointing a handgun at my forehead as his three friends filmed the scene on an expensive-looking video camera. Until that moment, I assumed they had brought the camera along because they too were hoping to advance their freelancing careers. Later that night, I escaped from these young men, who turned out to be mere amateurs in the terrorism world. But because professional terrorists had brought much of northern Syria under a kind of psychological control, as I did not quite realize at the time, my escape only led me to the local police and from there, swiftly on to the top officials in the international al Qaeda organization. These are the people who have lately overturned Bashar al-Assads government in Syria. They now rule the country. The Austin Tice matter came up again about eight weeks after my arrest, to borrow my kidnappers term. By this point, I was lying at the feet of an interrogator in the basement of the Aleppo eye hospital. Upstairs, in the hospital lobby, Jebhat al-Nusra, as the Syrian al Qaeda franchise wished to be known, had improvised a not-entirely-fake city hall, in which they issued permits and tried to sort out disputes among neighbors. All the important business took place downstairs. Down there, in a warren of rooms well-insulated from the barrel bombs, they had kitted up a prison, a mosque, a dormitory for foreign fighters, and a torture suite that the younger members referred to (half-kidding?) as our room of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interrogator who brought me into this room imagined himself the sort who had seen through every enemy stratagem long ago. The CIA lost another agent in Syria a few weeks ago, he said, shouting to make himself heard over another interrogation that was occurring a few feet away. We know that they sent you here to look for him. In those moments, my hands were cuffed behind my back. My eyes were covered by a blindfold. The interrogator was pressing his boot into the back of my neck. As he couldnt remember the name of the lost agent, he asked me to supply it, which I did. Yes, Austin, he shouted into the darkness. We have him, too. Freelance journalist Austin Tice went missing in Syria in 2012 and has not been heard from since. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) As far as I could tell, my interrogator inhabited a parallel reality in which every few minutes the CIA dispatched a new flock of agents into Syria. He dwelled there along with the dozens of other interrogators and foot soldiers with whom I had discussed the CIAs doings in Syria to date. According to them, the CIA had gotten wind of a resurgence of Islamic feeling in Aleppo. It had sent in Austin and I and was paying 10,000 traitorous Syrians to stomp it out. About the CIA, I felt they were all nuts. But I had watched a certain harrowing Austin Tice video more than once. In that video, the last time the world heard from him, armed men lead him along a mountain path. He is in a blindfold and handcuffs. The men around him are calling out the greatness of God. O Jesus, o Jesus, he is saying to himself, perhaps, or, possibly, to the heavens. I knew from my own experience that this is the state of psychological compliance into which my captors liked to bring their victims. For this reason, when the interrogator said that his group had Austin, I was inclined to trust him. In September of 2012, when that video appeared on the internet, observers in the U.S. noting the captors robes, which recalled the mujahideen of Afghanistan rather than those of Syria judged the video a fake. In their view, it had been cooked up by the Syrian government in order to paint the revolutionaries as America-hating terrorists. Yet, within a few hours of my arrival in the eye hospital basement, it was clear to me that flowing white robes were status symbols among the Jebhat al-Nusra high command. That sort of clothing suggested that the wearers were not Johnny-come-latelies to al Qaeda, as most of the Aleppo fighters were, but had rather been with bin Laden in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though this interrogator struck me as too low down in the hierarchy to have specific information about Austin, I was inclined to trust his intuition because of the details in that video. The way the man who led Austin made him kneel by pushing the chain of this handcuffs towards the ground, the way Austin pressed his forehead into the sleeve of the man who did this, the weakness in Austins voice as he begged his captors for mercy by this point in my captivity, I had been there and done all of that. Over the following two years, I lived in 13 separate prisons in every corner of Syria. Eventually, I came to see that a single architecture governed the design of all of them. Upstairs, there was always a public-facing room in which the Jebhat al-Nusra men lounged, met reporters, and discussed the many ways in which ordinances could be made to harmonize more truly with the Koran. The collective prayers, the torture, and the indoctrination of the foot soldiers always occurred downstairs, in the darkness. Often, only candles lit those rooms. Over time, I came to see why the commanders were building up these underground realms. In their view, Syria was an earthly paradise, overflowing with riches, yet for centuries, the enemies of Islam had been conniving to destroy it. Specifically, we came to plunder the natural resources (to rape the land as the Jebhat al-Nusra men put it), to have our way with the women of Syria, and to poison the Syrian people against Islam. Thus Jebhat al-Nusras mission: to round up the Alawites, the Shia, the Christians, whatever CIA agents could be found, and everyone else they judged to be alien and hostile to the paradise. In prison, the Jebhat al-Nusra men gave all of us names that corresponded with our essential function in life. For the first six months of my prison life, I was Filth. Others were Insect, Rat, and Cur. When many of us were confined to a single room, our name was You Germs. Jebhat al-Nusras higher purpose, as the soldiers often reminded us, was to restore the law of God to the Land of Sham, to use their word for the Levant. Over time, I heard the verse in which God sets out the sanction for those who bring corruption into the land often enough to know it by heart. That sanction is death, crucifixion, or a cutting off of the hands and the feet. Because al nusra means the victory and because the Surah of Victory so often echoed through our prisons, during my second year in Syria, I made a point of pressing my captors to explain what victory meant to them. By the summer of 2014, they and that half of the Jebhat al-Nusra army that had lately decided to call itself the Islamic State controlled an area the size of France. To me, their laws seemed very Islamic. Could they not be satisfied with what they had? This line of questioning almost always ended in my captors casting incredulous grins at me. Their goal was victory over the regime in Damascus, to be followed by victories in Jerusalem and Rome or death, which would be its own kind of victory. Did I not know this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did know that this was the official line. I was a doubter. By this point, it was clear enough, at least to me, that they were involved in a perpetual labor, which they loved, returned to every few hours, and would never abandon. Sometimes it involved the blowing up of enemy checkpoints, and sometimes it required them to scour the neighborhoods in search of infiltrators. I heard them at their work most often during the torture sessions. Over the course of two years, Im sure I listened to a thousand of them. Often, the commanders invited their pre-teen kids, grandfathers, and clusters of foreign fighters to witness them at their work. Often, many victims were tortured at once. In my opinion, everyone who spent time in those rooms understood that the victories the Jebhat al-Nusra men produced there occurred because the enemies could be seen lying prostrate on the floor, or hanging by their wrists from hooks in the ceiling. Jebhat al-Nusras victory was in the unity of purpose those moments produced, in our screaming, and in the way that collective terror of that kind has a tendency to divorce a candlelit room from earthly time. Back when I was living with them, my captors were happy to proclaim that the Land of Sham, which also includes Israel, was beset by a pair of enemies. In the first place, Jebhat al-Nusra meant to dispense with Syrias 4 million Alawites, whom they referred to as our Jews. Later on, after they had conquered Damascus, they would confront the more powerful, more ancient, more numerous enemy, namely Jewish people in general. As far as I can tell, the reporters in Damascus now are as taken with the we want Syrian law to be more Islamic line of talk as they were when they visited these men in the Aleppo eye hospital. In my opinion, if the reporters really wanted to get to the truth of things, they would begin by asking Ahmed al Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Jolani the leader of the group that toppled Assad what became of Austin Tice and why. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of Syrias Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group took control of Damascus, before addressing a crowd on December 8, 2024. Beneath al Sharaas palavering, there lies a philosophy of pest extermination. Is this a sound notion on which to build up the future of a nation? It doesnt seem so to me, but its clearly too late for regrets. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter's engine caught fire midflight Friday afternoon, prompting the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton, authorities said. All four crew members were able to exit the helicopter safely and no one was injured, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson. The fire began at 3:11 p.m. on a CH-53E Super Stallion belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the spokesperson said. The crew made an emergency landing on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, near Interstate 5 in San Diego County, where emergency responders worked to extinguish the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X Friday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol warned people to expect delays on Interstate 5 north of the Aliso Creek Rest Area. Pictures and video included with that post showed the helicopter burning in a field, emitting dark black plumes of smoke. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Bloomberg) -- Millions of Americans may see their Social Security benefits increase under a bill headed to President Joe Bidens desk though critics warn that the measure comes at the cost of pushing the fund further toward insolvency. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If signed by the president before the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3, the law would boost Social Security payments to more than 2 million beneficiaries, according to the Congressional Research Service. The increases as much as $550 a month for some retirees would be retroactive to December 2023. Those beneficiaries are mostly those who have received foreign pensions or government workers such as police officers, firefighters and teachers who contributed to a federal or state pension plan but didnt pay Social Security taxes. The legislation, called the Social Security Fairness Act, eliminates two formulas that reduced benefits for these workers who receive foreign and government pensions in addition to Social Security. Those provisions, known as the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, were enacted more than 40 years ago in response to an increase in retirees who hadnt fully paid into Social Security and to more dual-income couples retiring. Sponsors of the law say the old Congress over-corrected, and unfairly withheld earned benefits from retirees and their spouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the White House hasnt said whether Biden would sign the bill, it passed both chambers with bipartisan majorities: 327-75 in the House last month and 76-20 in the Senate early Saturday morning. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would hasten Social Securitys insolvency now projected to come by 2034 by another six months and add $196 billion to budget deficits over the next 10 years. As a result, a typical couple retiring in 2033 may see lifetime benefit cuts of $25,000, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The Senate rejected an amendment from Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, that would have pushed back the retirement age to 70. Only three senators supported the amendment. --With assistance from Lillianna Byington and Steven T. Dennis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. State lawmakers have allocated millions of dollars toward the revitalization of an abandoned mine site in Greene County. $8.4 million was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and authorized by the U.S. Department of the Interiors Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The funds will be used to help safely remove 213,000 cubic yards of coal from the mine in Cumberland Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers hope the project will help bring jobs to the area. As a member of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, I am pleased to note that this project creates and supports union jobs, ensuring that the initiative fosters sustainable job growth in the region, Sen. Camera Bartolotta said. I look forward to seeing reclamation efforts drive sustainable job growth and environmental restoration. The project will restore more than six acres of land. The grants were announced after a 64-year-old woman fell into a sinkhole and into a mine in Unity Township, causing concerns about similar locations in the state. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A new photo exhibition is coming to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. "The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole" will open on Feb. 1, showcasing the work of the South Africa-born artist who photographed American communities during the tumultuous late '60s and early '70s. The exhibition, organized by Aperture and Leslie M. Wilson, Academic Curator and Director of Research Programs at the Art Institute of Chicago, also features photos that were thought to have been lost for decades. Ernest Cole (South African, 19401990), Midtown, c. 19701972, Digital gelatin silver printCourtesy of the Ernest Cole Family Trust Cole fled to the United States in the late '60s following the publication of his photobook, House of Bondage, which documented life under apartheid. Following the move, he photographed communities in Harlem and around Manhattan before traveling the country to photograph the rural south, Chicago, Cleveland, Memphis, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, per the Mia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While only a fraction of these images [were] seen during his lifetime, a cache of Cole's American negatives long thought lost was rediscovered in Sweden in 2017," the announcement says. Ernest Coles lens captured not only moments in history but also the enduring spirit and resilience of Black communities during a period of profound change in the United States, says Katie Luber, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. "The True America" will be on display in the Mia's Harrison Photography Gallery from Feb. 1 to June 22. Related: 'Giants' art exhibit coming to Mia, courtesy of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Miracle on 47th Street has happened every Christmas for the past 14 years, providing a hot meal, groceries, clothes and toys for those in need. The event at the Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center served around 500 families last year and was expecting a similar number this Christmas Eve. But as of the Friday before Christmas, they dont have toys to give out. 14 people displaced after Grandview apartment fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart sank, I was crying in the dental chair, said Deborah Mann, executive director of the Emmanuel Family & Child Development Center. Here we are, the room that all of the toys are usually in. Kids are leaving with big bags and theres nothing really here to give out. In years past, the center has gotten their toys through Toys for Tots and was planning for the same this year. They had expected to hear from Toys for Tots in the past week but had not, until they checked their emails spam folder. There they found the email containing their pickup day and time, but by the time that they found it, Toys for Tots had finished their distribution. FOX4 was able to reach the organizers of Toys for Tots in Kansas City. They said that theyre planning to give any extra toys to Miracle on 47th Street, but their donation and distribution periods have both ended. The organization said they provided nearly 40,000 toys for more than 300 organizations in Kansas City this year, but do not have an excess of toys to give the Emmanuel Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got 300 kids at the center need toys, we got hundreds of kids in the community coming on Tuesday, looking for toys, Mann said. I dont know how it happened. I dont have answers. I just know that we need a miracle. A big mistake was made. We got to fix this. We need help fixing this, she said. The center was expecting to give out nearly 800 toys this year and is now asking the community to help supply those. Lots of families here that depend on us. You know, a lot of our families dont have a lot of money to spend on Christmas, Mann told FOX4. And so, we are here to support them. Were here to help them and theyre dependent on us. Despite the circumstances, Mann is hopeful that her community will provide her with a miracle, just as shes been providing Miracle on 47th Street for the past 14 years. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our kids, theyre leaving right now without toys. But I believe that were going to be calling them back, saying, come back, we got some stuff, we can help them, Mann said. Mann is asking anyone who is willing to help to drop off toys at the Emmanuel Family and Child Development Center, located at 4736 Prospect Avenue. She said if youre unable to donate a toy, you can also donate on their 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A man missing for days is believed to have fallen off a railroad bridge into an Oregon bay while photographing the high tides, police said. His family believes it was an accident. Joseph Joe Neill left his home the morning of Sunday, Dec. 15, the North Bend Police Department said in a Dec. 19 news release. He was headed toward Horsefall Beach to snap photos of the king tide, which was caused by the recent full moon, McClatchy News previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when he never returned home, his wife grew worried and reported him missing, police said. Police said they began searching for him and tracked his phone to a railroad bridge that runs across Coos Bay and is off Trans Pacific Lane. Neills phone was later analyzed, and police discovered he had been on the bridge at 10:14 a.m. His vehicle was parked near the railroad tracks leading to the bridge near Jordan Point, police said. One set of footprints were also found leading toward the bridge. Some of Neills items were discovered on the bridge, including a hat, phone, his wifes business card, a camera and a camera case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays evening update 12/18 10:38pm Full day with so much searching, so grateful for each of you continuing on! Here... Posted by JoeStrong on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 His family said in a Facebook post their dad would leave a business card on his hat if he was doing something risky. This was something he had done since us kids were little, in case anyone should need to know who to call for help, his children said in the post. The next day deputies with the Coos County Sheriffs Office searched the bay but didnt find anything. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter scanned the area along with a boat, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police dogs were used and a drone was flown, including high-powered cameras with thermal imaging, but Neill wasnt found. Search efforts have since been halted pending new evidence or sightings of Mr. Neill, police said. It is believed that Mr. Neill likely entered the water from the bridge, though it remains unclear whether this was the result of a fall or a deliberate action, police said. His family said they believe whatever happened was an accident. He was there to take pictures. Not take his life. And he got that picture, at least on his phone. And it was pretty. And we got to see it tonight as a family. A smaller family, with a hole in it, but a family, his family said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coos County is near the southern Oregon coastline. Grand Canyon visitor never returns to bus, officials say. Shes been missing a week Body found a week after driver vanished during car crash on bridge, Florida cops say Friends find hikers body on rock ledge after he didnt return home, Colorado cops say A Missouri deer hunter who shot and killed a mountain lion as it passed beneath his tree stand last month has been charged with a misdemeanor. According to KY3 News, Joseph Licklider of Desloge, Mo., informed the Iron County Sheriffs Department on Nov. 16 that he had shot the mountain lion, or cougar, while in the tree stand with his partner. Missouri does not have an established cougar population, but a handful of sightings are reported each year. The protected animals can only be killed in self-defense or to protect pets or livestock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cougar that Licklider killed was wearing research tags from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, and walking away from the elevated stand when it was shot. The charge for illegally killing protected wildlife was leveled after an investigation determined that Lickliders action was unjustified. Hes scheduled to appear in court in February 2025. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Missouri deer hunter charged after shooting cougar from tree stand Gov. Mike Parson speaks to Republican members of the Missouri Senate at the GOP's annual caucus in Branson in November 2020 (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office). Missouri Gov. Mike Parson commuted the prison sentence of a former Kansas City police officer who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Black man Parson announced his decision to free former police detective Eric DeValkenaere from prison in a press release Friday afternoon that included numerous other individuals receiving a commutation or pardon. He did not explain his reasoning, but has long hinted he planned to make the controversial decision before he leaves office next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeValkenaere, who is white, was serving a six-year prison sentence. He was convicted in 2021 of killing 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. On the morning of Dec. 3, 2019, DeValkenaere responded to a request over his police radio to check out a driver who had been speeding through city streets. The driver, Lamb, had pulled his pickup truck into a driveway and was backing into a garage. DeValkenaere, who was not in a police uniform, knocked down a makeshift fence to enter the property. Nine seconds later he shot Lamb, who was sitting in his pickup and had just placed a phone call. DeValkenaere said he fired when Lamb pointed a gun at his partner. Police reportedly found Lamb in his truck, hanging out the drivers side window and a handgun on the ground near his left hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have contended the gun was planted. Jackson County Judge J. Dale Youngs convicted DeValkenaere of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. The officer had no legal right to enter Lambs property, he ruled, and the shooting was unconstitutional. Since then, an appeals court panel has upheld the verdict. The Missouri Supreme Court refused to review the case. A federal judge ruled in a civil case that DeValkenaere violated Lambs constitutional rights. DeValkenaeres official commutation document, signed by Parson, places him on parole, subject to the conditions imposed by the Parole Board Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of Parsons decision noted he has routinely refused to intervene in wrongful conviction cases involving Black men. While Eric DeValkenaere gets to spend Christmas with his family, the three children of Cameron Lamb will never see their father again, said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat. There is no justice here. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) A judge ruled Friday that Missouris near-total abortion ban is unenforceable under a new constitutional amendment, though Planned Parenthood said the decision is still not sufficient for it to resume providing abortions in the state. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang said the abortion ban is directly at odds with a constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion that won voter approval in the November election. The judge also blocked the state from enforcing numerous other abortion restrictions, including a 72-hour waiting period and an informed consent law that required patients to be given certain state-mandated information before receiving an abortion. But the judge declined to block several other contested abortion laws, including one requiring abortion facilities to be licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Planned Parenthood said most of its facilities cannot comply with some of the licensing requirements, including medically irrelevant size requirements for hallways, rooms and doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Planned Parenthood stands ready to start providing abortions in Missouri again as soon as the Court permits, the abortion restrictions remaining in effect including Missouris medically unnecessary and discriminatory clinic licensing requirement make this impossible, Planned Parenthood said in a statement Friday night. Missouri is one of five states where voters approved ballot measures in the 2024 general election to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions. The Missouri amendment did not specifically override any laws. Instead, advocates had to ask a court to knock down specific laws that they believe are now unconstitutional. Zhangs injunction is preliminary, but it signals that the judge is likely to ultimately find the abortion ban unconstitutional as the lawsuit plays out. Missouri had been among the first states to implement a prohibition on most abortions after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June 2022 overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade precedent establishing a nationwide right to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday. Bailey, a Republican and abortion opponent, previously issued an opinion agreeing that most abortions would be legal when the amendment took effect. But Baileys office is still fighting for a ban on most abortions after viability, along with a number of regulations that Planned Parenthood argues made it nearly impossible to offer abortions in the state even before abortion was almost completely banned in 2022. Zhang declined to block several contested Missouri abortion laws, including the licensure law, another limiting only physicians to performing abortions and still another requiring in-person appointments before abortions. Among the laws blocked by Friday's order was one prohibiting abortions solely because of a diagnosis indicating Down Syndrome. Also blocked was a telemedicine ban that requires a physician to be physically present in the room while a patient takes an abortion-causing medication. And the judge barred enforcement of another law requiring physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at certain types of hospitals located within 30 miles (48 kilometers) or 15 minutes of where an abortion is performed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability, with exceptions to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person. The term viability is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though theres no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the 21st week of pregnancy. A Missouri judge on Friday blocked a series of long-standing restrictions on abortion, but kept in place a licensing requirement that delays providers from immediately restoring access to the procedure. The decision from Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang came after voters last month overturned the states abortion ban and enshrined a right to reproductive freedom in the state constitution. Zhang issued a preliminary injunction blocking state officials from enforcing a series of abortion restrictions. The restrictions include a requirement that patients wait 72 hours between seeing a doctor and having an abortion and another that requires doctors to be physically present when a patient takes medication abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Zhang kept in place a requirement that abortion facilities must be licensed by the state, a key decision that could pose a hurdle for providers by giving the state power to deny licenses. Zhang also kept in place several other restrictions, including a regulation that only physicians can perform abortions. Planned Parenthood has said it planned to begin offering medication abortions in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis if Zhang halted all of the restrictions. The nonprofit organization, which operates clinics across the state, filed a lawsuit challenging the state laws the day after the November election, leading to the judges decision. The organization and its Missouri affiliates said in a statement that Fridays ruling made it impossible for clinics to begin providing abortions. They pointed to the licensing requirement, among other restrictions. Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said it was unacceptable that Missourians have a constitutional right that cannot be realized in their home state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were relieved the court recognized and enjoined many oppressive laws on the books that serve no purpose except to put abortion out of reach, Wales said. Unfortunately, a key tool weaponized by anti-abortion politicians the licensure process remains in effect, and we are unable to restore care. We stand ready to begin providing access to abortion in Missouri and will keep fighting to ensure Missourians rights are fully realized as soon as possible. Judges order largely favors abortion rights Whether Zhangs ruling will remain in place isnt clear. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is defending the restrictions, is certain to appeal parts of the decision. The case is likely to end up before the Missouri Supreme Court. A spokesperson for Bailey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If a court allows Planned Parenthood to eventually resume offering abortions, it will mark a dramatic return for abortion access in Missouri. Abortion had been illegal since a statewide ban took effect moments after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal right to abortion in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before the ban, abortion access was limited to a single Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis. State lawmakers spent decades whittling away access through progressively more stringent restrictions, after the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 required Missouri to allow legal abortion. But Missouri residents on Nov. 5 approved Amendment 3, a ballot measure championed by abortion rights advocates and providers, that provides a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. The final vote was 51.6% in favor and 48.4% opposed. Zhangs order on Friday was largely in favor of abortion rights proponents. The ruling blocked a slew of restrictions on the procedure, including the 72-hour waiting period and another requirement that doctors have admitting privileges at a hospital no more than 15 minutes away. However, Zhang denied a request to block a licensing requirement for abortion facilities. This gives the Missouri Department of Health and Services the power to issue and potentially deny facilities licenses to perform abortions. Zhang also kept in place other restrictions such as a requirement that patients have an in-person appointment before receiving pills used in medication abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals process also leaves open the possibility that some of the blocked restrictions will eventually be restored, forcing providers to comply with rules they say are onerous. Zhangs decision is preliminary and a full trial is potentially months away. Obviously, we hope to prevail at trial, Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine said during a December hearing. Were going to take this through appeals and fight this all the way. The decision by Zhang, a 2021 appointee of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, came after a more than three-hour hearing on Dec. 4, where lawyers for Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney Generals Office fought over whether the restrictions are unconstitutional. GOP lawmakers seek to restore restrictions The lawsuit takes aim at the regulations a patchwork of TRAP laws, or targeted regulation of abortion providers, that lawmakers enacted over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baileys office contended that while Amendment 3 does end Missouris near-total abortion ban, it also protects a right to childbirth. The measure lists childbirth among the matters related to reproductive health care in which the government cannot deny or infringe on someones rights. Some abortion restrictions should remain because of that right to childbirth, Divine told Zhang during the hearing. Theres no actual individual women in this lawsuit and thats because its not in their interest to eliminate these statutes, he said. Lawyers for Planned Parenthood said Amendment 3 includes a very clear standard for the court to apply. The measure requires any restrictions on abortion before fetal viability must be presumed invalid unless the government shows it has a compelling interest achieved by the least-restrictive means. The Missouri government has spent decades passing and enforcing laws that restrict abortions the voters have now changed all that, Planned Parenthood attorney Eleanor Spottswood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amendment 3 may not be the last time Missouri voters weigh in on abortion. Republican lawmakers are already moving to restore some level of an abortion ban, introducing a slew of measures aimed at rolling back the new constitutional rights. At least 11 pieces of legislation filed during the first week of bill filing center on curtailing or outlawing abortion access. They range from bills that make a modest gesture toward access to constitutional amendments that would almost entirely overhaul Amendment 3 and once again enact a near-total abortion ban. Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, told reporters recently that lawmakers will be trying to unravel what people unfortunately passed. A 29-year-old mother was found dead in the ruins of her mobile home in the summer of 1997, federal prosecutors said. Someone killed Marlene Emerson, who lived in Colville, Washington, about a 340-mile drive northeast from Seattle, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Following an autopsy, her body was examined further and investigators noticed knife cuts on her neck, prosecutors said. When firefighters located her remains on June 27, 1997, her 12-year-old daughter, Cassie, was nowhere to be found, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities suspected Cassie had been kidnapped. Then the girls body was found in the woods about a month later in Colville, near Orin Rice Road, prosecutors said. Similar to her mother, Cassies neck also had knife marks, according to prosecutors. Now, new DNA evidence has linked 73-year-old Charles Lloyd Tatom to the killings, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced. Tatom, of Colville, was arrested on first-degree murder charges at his home the morning of Dec. 19, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. The charges were filed in Stevens County Superior Court, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information regarding Tatoms legal representation wasnt immediately available. Although extensive investigative efforts were made at the time of the homicides, including evidence collection and witness interviews, the case went unsolved for decades, the U.S. Marshals Service said. The investigation, which involved state and federal authorities, revealed Emerson had ties with people who belonged to an outlaw motorcycle club community around Colville, as reported by individuals who knew her, according to prosecutors. Witnesses told investigators that, in the weeks before she was killed, Emerson was getting threats related to her association with the people in the motorcycle community, court documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tatom was in that community, according to court documents. The investigation The day Emerson was killed, her neighbors in her mobile home park heard a boom just before 4:00 am, followed by the sound of a loud vehicle leaving the area, prosecutors said. Then, a fire engulfed Emersons mobile home, according to prosecutors. The fire caused the roof to collapse. Emersons remains were found after the fire was put out. One of the witnesses interviewed by investigators had accused Tatom of hiding a bloody knife near the home of a former leader in the outlaw motorcycle club community, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness then reported Tatom retrieved the knife at some point and had explained the blood belonged to an animal he gutted, according to prosecutors. This was one of a few reports witnesses made about Tatom in connection with Emersons death and the fire at her home, prosecutors said. Ultimately, new forensic evidence testing led to Tatoms identification as involved in the long-unsolved murders, the U.S. Marshals Service said. DNA samples connect suspect An SUV Tatom had driven during the summer of 1997 was found to have a blood stain on the rear passenger window, which has since been identified as Cassies blood, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other DNA samples from the car were connected with Cassie and Tatom, prosecutors said. Tatoms potential motives for allegedly killing Emerson and her daughter havent been released, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. I am grateful for the law enforcement agents and officers, who have dedicated more than two decades of their careers to identifying those responsible for Marlene and Cassies murders, Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney Erika George said in a statement. Death of teen found naked in Ohio home was a mystery for years. Tumwater man now arrested Mushroom hunters found womans remains in 1999, OR cops say. New image may help ID her Mom of 2 died in 1992. Now, partner is accused of arranging her Massachusetts death Four days after a shooter killed two people and wounded six at Abundant Life Christian School, more than 100, led mostly by teenagers, took to the state Capitol building in Madison to demand action from lawmakers. On Friday, a crowd walked through the halls holding signs and chanting "No more silence. End gun violence." It was a chant that was echoed by state Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong went on to thank the Madison high school students "that braved the cold to come protest gun violence at the capitol. We as policymakers need to do better by you, for you. The Abundant Life Christian School community is especially in our hearts and minds today." Thank you to all of the Madison high school students that braved the cold to come protest gun violence at the capitol. We as policymakers need to do better by you, for you. The Abundant Life Christian School community is especially in our hearts and minds today. pic.twitter.com/6cBU74dMUn Rep. Francesca Hong (@StateRepHong) December 20, 2024 On Monday, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow shot and killed student Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, and teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, and injured six others during a study hall just before 11 a.m., according to police. Rupnow turned the gun on herself and took her own life. The shooting has shocked the Dane County community. Multiple vigils have been held for the victims and loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have been offering their condolences, but on Friday the crowd that took to the Capitol demanded more. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teens lead Madison protest against gun violence after shooting at ALCS (Reuters) -A packed bus collided with a truck and burst into flames early on Saturday in Brazil, killing more than 30 people, the fire department said. After removing all of the victims from a major highway near the town of Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais, the state's fire department reported that of the 45 people on the bus, 38, including the bus driver, had been confirmed dead. The other passengers remained in critical condition after being transported to a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truck driver fled the scene, and three occupants of a car that collided with the truck and became trapped underneath survived the accident, said the fire department. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated on social media that the government was ready to provide whatever assistance was needed, and that the Federal Highway Policy was at the site. "I deeply mourn and extend my prayers to the families of the more than 30 victims of the accident in Teofilo Otoni, Minas Gerais. I pray for the recovery of the survivors of this terrible tragedy," he wrote on X. A forensic investigation will be required to determine the accident's cause, as differing accounts were gathered from witness testimonies, said the local fire department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, firefighters reported the bus had a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control before colliding at around 4 a.m. local time, with an oncoming truck on the BR-116 federal highway, a major route connecting Brazil's densely populated southeast to the poorer northeast. However, witnesses also reported that a granite block the truck was transporting came loose, fell on the road and caused the collision with the bus, said the fire department. "Only the forensic investigation will confirm the true version," said the fire department in a statement. The bus departed from Sao Paulo and was headed to the state of Bahia. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; editing by Rod Nickel and Diane Craft) Dec. 20More cases of chronic wasting disease have been found in northeast Washington, including one outside the hunting unit where the disease was first found. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Thursday that samples from four white-tailed deer killed by hunters tested positive for the disease. Three of the animals were killed in game management unit 124 in northern Spokane County, the same unit where the disease was found for the first time this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth was killed in unit 117 near Davis Lake in Pende Oreille County, a find that expands the area where WDFW knows the disease is present. Washington has found CWD in six animals since this summer, all but the first coming from hunter-submitted samples, and it's possible more positive test results are coming. Donny Martorello, WDFW's science division chief, said in a news release that since some hunting seasons ended Sunday, there are still "several samples awaiting testing at the lab from the areas where these recent cases were confirmed." CWD has been found in 35 states and five Canadian provinces. It attacks animals' nervous systems and kills them slowly over time. Animals in the late stages of the disease can appear emaciated and display erratic behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not known to infect humans, but health officials advise against eating meat from infected animals. Washington found its first case of the disease this summer in the Fairwood area of north Spokane. That prompted a suite of new rules for hunters and others aimed at limiting the spread and learning more about the scope of the outbreak. Among the rules was mandatory CWD testing for hunter-killed animals in the three game management units closest to where the initial case was found 124, 127 and 130. Of those three, only 124 has produced positive samples . Each of the five cases found in the unit were within 5 miles of each other, generally in the Fairwood area of north Spokane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The positive hit in Unit 117 is northeast of that area. Known as the 49 Degrees North unit, 117 covers a broad swath of territory between U.S. Highway 395 and the Pend Oreille River from Deer Park north. Davis Lake is on the east side of the unit, just off State Route 211. Melia DeVivo, a WDFW ungulate research scientist, said the sample that tested positive was one of 131 that had been gathered from that unit. She added that the detection shows that the disease is more widespread than officials thought, but that it's not necessarily a big surprise. "It's still not in the grand scheme of things that far from where we've already detected CWD," she said. "These animals do walk around." Discussions of the CWD rules for next year will begin in January. DeVivo said the additional positive case will make them think differently about where they want to focus sample collection, and that it's likely that mandatory testing will be ordered there. Well, at least the snow globes will have a white Christmas. Most of the United States will not have snow on the ground on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said in a forecast Friday, although the parts of the Rocky Mountains, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other areas close to the Canadian border could be in luck. Christmas Day will feature green and brown grass for much of the U.S. not exactly what Bing Crosby crooned about! the weather service wrote on X Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other parts of the country, including Kansas, Oklahoma, most of Pennsylvania, and other areas of the country were marked better luck next year on a map distributed by the weather agency ahead of the holiday. But all is not lost: Some parts of the Northeast were forecast to possibly get snow showers on Tuesday, the day before Christmas. Plattsburgh, New York, close to the U.S.-Canada border, has a 50% chance of snow showers Tuesday. Glens Falls has a 40% chance. But those forecasts are for the day, not Tuesday night. Snow falls as a couple walks along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Boston on Friday. Buffalo, famed for its snow, will get likely get snow Monday night and Tuesday morning but that will probably turn into rain, and Christmas Eve is forecast to be cloudy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Rochester area has a chance of snow showers before 7 p.m., the weather service for that region said, meaning it could happen when Santa is on the way to jump down the chimneys there. The area has a chance of precipitation of 30% Tuesday night. Snow or no, travelers were expected to take to the skies in the millions Friday ahead of Christmas and Hanukkah, the Transportation Security Administration said. Dressed as Santa Claus and an elf, Victor Fernandez-Davila, of New York, and his daughter Cassandra wait to board a flight Friday at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa, Ontario. Friday and Saturday are projected to be the busiest for air transportation in the U.S. of the holiday season, the agency said. On Thursday, before the projected rush, there were 2.6 million air passengers, according to TSA statistics. The AAA said earlier this month that it was predicting a record of number of travelers in the U.S. for the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization projects that 119 million people in the U.S. will travel from Saturday to Jan. 1, which is around 65,000 more than the previous record in 2019. Most, around 90%, will drive, it said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) The mother of a teen who was killed by Mobile police during a predawn raid in November 2023 is suing the City of Mobile alleging that her sons killing was preventable and foreseeable. The family of Randall Adjessom detailed in the lawsuit that he was shot 4 times and was left to bleed to death on the morning of Nov. 13, 2023, in his Sheringham Drive home. GRAPHIC: Court documents outline grisly details leading to Saraland shootout with U.S. Marshals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile police conducted a predawn raid and executed a search warrant on the Sheringham Drive home because they were looking for Randalls brother, DeAngelo, who didnt live at the home for marijuana charges. According to the lawsuit, Mobile police went to the home at 5:38 a.m. A minute later, officers used a battering ram to break down the door and break the living room window. The lawsuit alleged police did not announce themselves until after the door was down. While this was happening, the lawsuit said Randall was asleep in his bedroom and grabbed a gun to protect his mother, sister, aunts and grandmother, which the lawsuit argues is protected under Alabamas Castle Doctrine where someone is justified using physical and deadly force when defending themselves. According to the lawsuit, Randall realized it was officers, so he put his hands up and began to step away from the officers. The officer shot Randall four times in the chest and torso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobile police searching for 2 suspects in Shoppes at Bel Air armed robbery Once shot, according to the lawsuit, in the body camera video, an officer said, What are we going to do with this? referring to Randall. The lawsuit said the remaining people in the house didnt know that Randall was shot, and it alleged that Randall was not given medical care until 50 minutes after he was shot. The lawsuit said Randalls 14th Amendment rights were violated, and the suit is looking for punitive damages and emotional distress. Below is a full copy of the lawsuit. lawsuitDownload Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than a thousand people gathered in Magdeburg on Saturday evening to commemorate the victims of the deadly attack on a Christmas market in the central German city a day earlier. Five people were killed, including a nine-year-old child, and 200 injured when a car sped through the crowd at the busy festive market on Friday evening, according to the authorities. The suspect, a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatives of the victims, emergency responders and invited guests including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended a private memorial service in the city's cathedral on Saturday evening. "The Christmas market as a place of peace has been destroyed," Bishop Friedrich Kramer said. Visiting the scene of the attack earlier on Saturday, Scholz called the incident a "terrible, insane act." "There is no place more peaceful and joyful than a Christmas market," Scholz said. "It is a horrific act to harm and kill so many people with such brutality in such a place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor also called for social cohesion, saying it was important to him "that we as a country stay together, that we stick together, and that we hook under each other, that hatred does not determine our togetherness." During the memorial service, some 1,000 people gathered outside the cathedral to watch the commemoration on a large screen, lay flowers and light candles, according to initial police estimates. The bells of the church rang exactly 24 hours after the attack, which took place shortly after 7 pm (1800 GMT) on Friday. Around 1,000 people also gathered in a central square in the city, with some chanting far-right slogans and carrying flags showing the logo of the far-right, ultranationalist Homeland party, formerly called the National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Police in other German cities are now on high alert, with a spokesperson saying there would be an increased police presence at Christmas markets in Berlin. Suspect acted alone, police say The suspect, who has been identified as Taleb A according to German privacy laws, is being investigated on five counts of murder and 200 counts of attempted murder with grievous bodily harm, according to the head of the local public prosecutor's office, Horst Walter Nopens. According to the current state of the investigations, the suspect was a lone perpetrator, police said. City defends security concept The director of the Magdeburg police department, Tom-Oliver Langhans, said the suspect used an escape and rescue route to reach the Christmas market, with the whole incident lasting about three minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emergency route was not protected by barriers, according to the city administration. The route had been designed to allow rescue services to access the market square in the event of an emergency, said city official Ronni Krug. However, police forces were stationed as the incident unfolded on Friday evening, meaning the entrance had not been left unprotected, he added, defending the security concept in place at the market which he said had "proven itself over many years." The security concept had been repeatedly adapted and created "to the best of our knowledge" and was last tightened in November, Krug said. Suspect is Islam-critical activist Taleb A is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, known as an Islam-critical activist. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: "My advice: don't ask for asylum in Germany." The motive for the crime is still unclear, but the suspect may have been unhappy with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany, prosecutors have said. Taleb A arrived in Germany in 2006. Dpa has learned that he applied for asylum in February 2016 and was granted political refugee status in July of that year. According to a spokeswoman for health company Salus, the suspect worked as a specialist in psychiatry in the forensic psychiatric ward in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg. Saudi Arabia warned Germany about suspect Saudi Arabian security sources said they had warned Germany about the suspected attacker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riyadh had requested the extradition of the suspect, but Germany had not responded, they said. They said the man was a Shiite Muslim who comes from the city of Al-Hofuf in eastern Saudi Arabia. Shiites are a minority in the country, making up only around 10% in the majority Sunni nation. There are repeated reports of discrimination against Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was arrested on Friday months after being accused of robbing a woman of her dog, Memphis Police said. On March 15, a Memphis Police officer responded to a robbery at Mynders Avenue and Patterson Street. A female victim told the officer that she was walking her French Bulldog Bengie when a man approached her and allegedly said, Give me the dog or Im going to shoot you. Man accused of trying to set ex-girlfriends car on fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim said there was a tussle over the dog until the man pushed her to the ground and caused minor abrasions to her body and hands. The man then fled on foot with the dog. According to the police report, the dog was valued at $2,000. Police were able to retrieve surveillance video from the area and identified the man involved in the alleged robbery as 26-year-old Deterrious Daniel. Deterrious Daniel. (SCSO) The victim also picked out Daniel from a six-picture photo lineup as the man who allegedly stole her dog. Daniel was arrested on December 20 and was held on $20,000 bond. He has since been released. Police have not said whether or not the dog was returned to the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. One of the most significant African museum openings of 2024 was the Musee des Rois Bamoun, or Museum of the Bamoun Kings, in Foumban, Cameroon. Housing over 10,000 objects, it offers more than 600 years of history in its display of the treasures of the Bamoun kingdom, one of the oldest in sub-Saharan Africa. The museums striking architecture is dominated by a two-headed snake at its entrance and a spider perched on top of it. Cameroonian archaeologist and heritage scholar Rachel Mariembe visited the museum and wrote a research paper on it. We asked her about it. Who are the Bamoun kings? The Bamoun (or Bamum) kingdom in western Cameroon was established in 1394 by the Tikar prince Nshare Yen. Settling in the region from neighbouring territory, he established the palace at Foumban. The monarchy has survived through 20 reigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nshare Yens daughter became notable as the first female ruler of the kingdom. Her name means skin of the sky, a reference to her light complexion at birth. King Monju (14611498) introduced an eight-day week, advancing the idea of chronological organisation. After a period of some stagnation, Mo'Nguh (15681590) reconstructed the palace, preserving royal heritage. Kuotu (16721757) suppressed internal uprisings and ruled for an unprecedented 85 years. The 11th king, Mbuombuo Mandu (17571814), expanded the kingdom through military campaigns but this was followed by a period of internal strife and massacres under Gbetnkom (18141817). When he died, power was left in the hands of his son, still a child. Nguwuo (18181863) was a minister in the Bamum royal army who unexpectedly ascended to power. Despite not being from royal lineage, he restored the kingdom. He governed wisely for four decades until he was unseated in a coup by Nsangu, who was noted for his military skill and cruelty, but also his generosity. He met his demise in battle against the Nso people. One of Bamums most illustrious leaders was Njoya Ibrahima (18891933), an innovator and cultural icon. He invented the A Ka U Ku script around 1896 and the Shumom language in 1912, promoting education and literacy. Njoya also established a hybrid religion, Nwet-Nkwete, blending Islam and Christianity with animist beliefs. His reign saw the construction of a magnificent palace in Foumban. Resistance to French colonial authority led to his exile in 1931. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His son, Njimoluh, restored stability to the Bamum kingdom. He reintroduced the Nguon festival and served in Cameroons parliament, but faced challenges during Cameroons transition to pluralist democracy. Mbombo Njoya Ibrahim (19922021) held various high-ranking positions and modernised the kingdoms administration. He built a royal museum housing over 3,000 artifacts. Nji Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya Mohammad Nabil (2021) is the reigning monarch. His leadership represents the continuity of the heritage of the Bamum people into the modern era. Its this rich story that the museum tells. Can you walk us through a visit? A museum mediator accompanies visitors through almost a dozen key exhibition spaces, starting with the portrait gallery showing images of the 20 kings. This leads to vast murals, including one that illustrates the establishment of the kingdom. Artefacts include royal headdresses, a statue and parts of an ancient pirogue (canoe) and tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This leads to exhibits from the 2nd to the 10th kings. Items on show include Bamoun cloth. The first fabric was created from beaten tree bark and dyed with indigo. King Mbuombuos space displays a large statue of the 11th king in traditional attire. The kingdoms coat of arms, featuring a mygale spider, a two-headed snake, and a double-gong bell, decorates the wall. In the centre of the room, a human skull and calabash are displayed. War trophy costumes, Tu'molah crest masks, royal pipes and weapons are also exhibited. Highlights of the 12th and 13th kings space include royal headdresses, umbrellas and handbags. One then arrives at a room with audiovisual projections that offer insights into the secret societies of Bamoun culture. There are then artefacts from these societies (the Nguri, Mut-Ngu, and Mbansie) including dance costumes and masks. Next one encounters a showcase of Bamoun craftsmanship and artistry. The space of the 15th, 16th and 17th kings includes a beaded royal stool, weapons, a human skull, royal bed, King Njoyas manuscripts, costumes, private chambers, Quranic artefacts, musical instruments, masks and portraits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The space of the 18th, 19th and 20th kings features photographs, the 18th kings prayer room and private rooms, a Quran translated into Bamoun, a throne, ceremonial stones, costumes, a sceptre and the like. Why is it so effective as a place of memory? The museum embodies both a tangible and symbolic place of memory. Its location and its treasures reflect the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of the Bamoun people. As French historian Pierre Nora suggested, such spaces become places of memory by intertwining material objects with symbolic meanings. A pivotal moment in Bamum history was King Njoyas decision to open royal treasures to the wider community, breaking with the tradition of exclusivity tied to specific cultural ceremonies. He also reformed Bamoun craftsmanship. Originally located in the royal palace, itself an architectural marvel, the museum was relocated to a new building under King Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, the 19th monarch. This shift allowed for a more modern exhibition. Each ruler has contributed to preserving and expanding this collective heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the current monarch the museum has undergone further modernisation to align with contemporary practices. Why does your study raise issues of looted heritage and restitution? The restitution of cultural objects taken from places like the Bamoun kingdom during colonial rule is a multifaceted issue. It involves emotional, cultural, political, legal and economic dimensions. Beyond physical objects, restitution addresses the memory and stories of these items, their decolonisation, and their new context when returned. The removal of Bamoun artefacts from their designated environments disrupted their cultural significance and function. In their new settings, they lost much of their meaning, becoming incomplete. This loss underscores the need for restitution and raises questions about the museums role both internally (in maintaining identity) and externally (in addressing colonial legacies). Read more: Five exciting African museums to add to your travel wish list In Bamoun society, cultural objects gain legitimacy through their use in socio-cultural practices under the authority of the palace, the pinnacle of the social structure. These objects serve dynamic roles, activated or deactivated depending on their context be it rites, initiation ceremonies or public exhibitions. When these items are removed, the intricate universe that gives them meaning is shattered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restoring these artefacts to their rightful contexts is essential so that they continue to serve as markers of identity and history. 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: Rachel Mariembe, University of Douala Read more: Rachel Mariembe does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Elon Musk has been a constant companion to President-elect Donald Trump as Trump meets with foreign leaders an ever-present personality at Mar-a-Lago since November, even accompanying Trump to Paris on his first foreign trip since winning the election. Musks proximity to the incoming president has given him invaluable access to heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron at the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in New York, referring to her as a precious genius and even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside in introductory remarks at a black-tie gathering. More notably, Musk joined Trumps pivotal first call after the election with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks interactions with world leaders alongside Trump are raising questions about the tech leaders potential influence on U.S. foreign policy over the next four years and the potential for conflicts of interest, Washington insiders say. Musk maintains extensive worldwide investments, especially in China, Americas most powerful adversary, and has openly supported far-right political movements around the world. Its on a level that is so foreign to me I cant get my head around it, a former national security official in President Barack Obamas Cabinet said. Being in these meetings alone or with Trump, who knows what ethics violations are taking place. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the Trump-Vance Transition, said Elon Musk and President Trump are great friends and brilliant leaders working together to Make America Great Again. Elon Musk is a once in a generation business leader and our federal bureaucracy will certainly benefit from his ideas and efficiency. The transition team will ensure the Department of Government Efficiency and those involved with it are compliant with all legal guidelines related to conflicts of interest. Musk holds over $15 billion in federal contracts principally through his SpaceX rocket company that NASA has come to rely on for aspects of its rocket program. The Pentagon depends on Musk for SpaceXs Starlink satellite services, which are critical for U.S. military operations around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, he has interfaced with leaders that many consider U.S. adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal and other publications. Since 2014, Trump has traveled to China at least eight times where he had meetings with senior Chinese officials. In one meeting, he was even offered a Chinese green card by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, according to the Wall Street Journal. Musk met directly with Xi at an exclusive 2023 dinner in San Francisco when he visited the U.S. for a daylong summit in 2023. Musks Tesla electric vehicles, which account for almost 50% of all EV sales in the U.S., are largely manufactured in China, where the company opened its Gigafactory Shanghai facility, one of Teslas largest factories. Asked about Musks influence on foreign policy, a former U.S. intelligence official told NBC News: Im more concerned about conflicts of interest. Under any other normal circumstance, that would not be permitted, but now we are in a different rule set when its Trump. Especially troubling to some is Musks prospective role recommending ambitious cuts in federal jobs. The former intelligence official added, When hes one of the arbiters of government efficiency, and how many thousands of people he can fire, he has all these government conflicts. Musks government contracts involve more than 17 U.S. government agencies. This week, The New York Times reported that the Pentagon is looking into whether Musk complied with disclosure rules for his top-secret security clearance requiring him to report meetings with foreign officials, citing unnamed sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think he has incredible conflicts, the outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, told NBC News, adding, His association with the president-elect has already profited him as far as his personal assets are concerned. When asked if he thinks Musks meetings with foreign leaders create problems because of his businesses in China and other countries, Cardin said, I dont want a transactional person whos going into a country to see if he can make a deal. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked about Musks influence in shaping Trumps foreign policy, told NBC News: We have one president at a time. That president is President Biden. Clearly eager to smooth over any friction in the transition, Blinken quickly added praise for his likely successor, veteran Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and Republican Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, whom Trump has announced as incoming national security adviser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in close communication with the incoming administration, Blinken said, adding, Its perfectly natural on one level for them to have conversations, communications, and in some ways, its helpful to us, because we want to make sure that, as I said, we are handing over the baton in a way that the next administration can come in and be running at full speed. He did not directly answer the question about Musks unofficial role. Musk has previously expressed an interest in affecting the trajectory of foreign affairs, which could further affect his dealings with world leaders. For months, Musk has clashed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling Britain a tyrannical police state, endorsing calls for a new election and boosting a video from a jailed far-right activist. In August, Musk stoked tensions there by saying the country was on the verge of civil war following days of far-right violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has supported far-right movements around the world, including in Italy and most recently in Germany, where on Friday he expressed support for the countrys AfD party, saying it could save Germany. In the last several days, consternation and excitement around Musks potential influence under Trump reached a fever pitch after Musk initiated a movement that quickly torpedoed funding legislation supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. As some Republicans have celebrated Musks successful effort to intervene, suggesting he should be made speaker of the House, many critics have raised concerns that Musk could be acting as a sort of shadow president or co-president to Trump. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Scientists thought that Lake Enigma in Antarctica was frozen from top to bottom. But, in 2019, they discovered that water existed 11 meters below the surface. After extracting a sample, a research team led by the National Research Council of Italy discovered a collection of various microbiota thatve likely been separated from the rest of the world for thousands of years. The scientists theorize that these microbes are the descendants of life that thrived in the lake before its top became permanently frozen. In Jurassic Park, the Chaostician Ian Malcolm (portrayed by Jeff Goldblum) famously utters the phrase life finds a way. While Malcolms cryptic warning applies to the fictional dinosaur island Isla Nublar, these words remain sage advice for biologists exploring the real world as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Case in point: a new study led by the National Research Council of Italy discovered evidence of life in a perennially frozen lake in the Antarctic. This is particularly perplexing because this lakeappropriately named Lake Enigmawas believed to have been frozen from top to bottom. But researchers discovered the presence of Pseudomonadota, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and extremely simple single-celled creatures in the superphylum Patescibacteria. Patescibacteria is particularly intriguing, as this organism is wholly absent from lakes studied in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. The results of the study were published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment . The research team traveled to the lake in the summers of 2019 and 2020, and with the help of ground-penetrating radar, discovered that Lake Enigmatrue to its namecontained a secret: liquid water lying 11 meters below the surface. The researchers drilled into the ice, careful to avoid contaminating any water samples during extraction, and analysis subsequently revealed a treasure trove of microbiota. Perennially ice-covered freshwater ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity in Antarcticas polar deserts, providing a year-round oasis for microbial life, the authors wrote. This study describes a unique example of these ecosystems by adding the massive freshwater Lake Enigma, one of the deepest hydrological formations in Victoria Land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers theorize that the lake likely teamed with life before its top permanently froze over long ago, and that these microbes are the living descendants of those ancient life forms. But this isnt the only mystery surrounding this lakedue to its location, it should have dried up long ago. But water still persists, suggesting its being fed by some currently unknown water source. Antarctica has long served as an analog for the conditions that are to be expected on other planets. The McMurdo Dry Valleys, for examplewhich havent seen rain in nearly two million yearsare a nice environmental comparison for Mars, which is also extremely cold and extremely dry (though Mars doesnt a breathable atmosphere). Finding life beneath a perennially frozen lake provides another interesting data point for space missions like the recently launched Europa Clipper, which aims to learn if the water beneath the icy crust of Jupiters fourth largest moon contains the conditions to support life. You Might Also Like (FOX40.COM) The National Association of Black Journalists, Sacramento (NABJS) is inviting the public to wrap presents and contribute to the community. Organizers of the event said the goal is to do a unique community service that aims at promoting literacy, engaging the community, and celebrating Black excellence. Know before you go: Traffic, gas prices as holiday rush underway Members of the NABJS chapter will provide free gift-wrapping services at Underground Books on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underground Books is a cultural hub in the Oak Park Neighborhood. On top of wrapping holiday gifts, the event will also support a book donation drive that benefits the third-grade students at PS7 Elementary School. According to Lanaya Lewis, Media-Related Representative for NABJS, This is a family-friendly event that offers a chance for the community to meet local journalists, support literacy initiatives, and enjoy the festive season. Heres where you can register if you are interested in attending the event. This event reflects our commitment to giving back and fostering connections within the community, said Marcus Smith, President of NABJS. Its about more than wrapping giftsits about wrapping our community in support, encouragement, and love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is how you can participate. Stop by Underground Books, get a gift wrapped, and engage with the NABJS chapter Bring a new or gently used book to the event to support the PS7 Elementary School Students Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Time for a Tan Forget the cautionary tale of Icarus. NASA's Parker Solar Probe is just days away from flying into the Sun or through its outer layers, depending on how you look at the maneuver in a daring bid to glean the secrets of our star's megahot winds, Ars Technica reports. Ever since it launched in 2018, the diminutive spacecraft, which weighs less than a ton, has been performing flybys of our star at record-breaking speeds. But on Christmas eve, the orbiter will make its closest approach yet, coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface. At that toasty proximity, the Parker will be plunging straight into the Sun's upper atmosphere and with any luck, it'll make it out in one piece to send back valuable data about what's going on down there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Quite simply, we want to find the birthplace of the solar wind," NASA chief of Science Nicky Fox told Ars. Crowning Achievement This outermost region that the Parker will be entering is known as the corona, which swirls with charged particles of plasma amidst the Sun's powerful magnetic fields. During solar eclipses, the corona is visible as an aureole of light emanating around the blacked-out star. Despite its huge size and quite literally being the center of our existence, many facets of the Sun remain shrouded in mystery that shroud, in this metaphor, being the corona. Paradoxically, the corona is hundreds of times hotter than the surface of the Sun, reaching temperatures up to 3.6 million degrees Fahrenheit, compared to a comparatively mild 10,000 degrees down below. Scientists still don't agree on why this is the case; shouldn't the region closer to the core be hotter? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The corona is also thought to be the originator of solar wind, a constant flow of charged particles that suffuse the solar system, protecting it against more powerful emissions from deep space. (Its existence was predicted nearly 70 years by the NASA probe's namesake, American astrophysicist Eugune Parker.) Close observations of the Sun have long vindicated Parker's theory, but the mechanisms behind solar winds remain unclear. Along with their extreme temperatures, the winds also travel at ludicrous speeds of around one million miles per hour, giving it its immense reach. Feeling the Heat So, to shine a light on all this, the Parker Solar Probe will have to get up close and personal. It's actually "touched" the Sun before, in a milestone setting flyby within the corona in 2021 but never penetrated this deeply. Repeating the feat will take a deft touch. As Ars explains, a solar probe must orbit at exactly the right distance where it can travel slowly enough to gather data, but also be able to dip out quickly enough so that it doesn't melt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And of course, there's the formidable engineering challenge of designing a probe that's nimble but robust enough to survive the extreme temperatures and temperature changes it will be facing. "If you think about just heating and cooling any kind of material, they either go brittle and crumble, or they may go like elastic with a continual change of property," Fox told Ars. "Obviously, with a spacecraft like this, you can't have it making a major property change. You also need something that's lightweight, and you need something that's durable." More on the Sun: A Colossal Solar Flare Just Triggered a Radio Blackout on Earth With a 40% increase in visitation from its redesignation in 2020, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is contributed nearly $33 million more to local economies in neighboring gateway communities in 2023 than in 2019, says Eve West, chief of visitor services for the park as well as the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River. In 2019, pre-redesignation total visitor spending for New River in gateway communities was $53.4 million, according to West, while in 2023, three years after becoming a national park and preserve, visitor spending rose to $86.2 million, a 61 percent increase. As the fourth anniversary of the re-designation which resulted in the birth of NRGNPP arrives later this month, as well as being four years away from the New River celebrating its 50th anniversary as a National Park Service component, local parks officials are still coming to terms with the increased visitation numbers created by the national park designation. New River is four years away from celebrating its 50th anniversary as part of the National Park Service, West said this week. With increased tourism traffic, stewardship of national parks includes tasks ranging from helping provide a financial stream of support to people cleaning up local trails and streams as they depart the region after their explorations. Theres a role all interested individuals and organizations can play in the success of the parks, West said. Everyone has a role to play in the stewardship and support of our countrys national parks and helping to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences in parks, she said. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, choose activities that align with skill levels, and practice Leave No Trace principles, West said. Reducing instances of resource damage mitigation or the need for emergency services enables park staff to concentrate on other essential duties, she said. Right now, we are reflecting a roughly 40 percent increase park-wide. Visitation is also increasing at the Gauley River NRA with the second-highest month ever on record happening this year. To allow the parks to be equipped to handle the ongoing influx of visitors as well as visits from local residents, officials must continue to maintain and upgrade facilities and offerings as time marches on. Sometimes funding for that is limited or takes a little longer to develop. A report earlier in December written by Mike Magner of CQ-Roll Call and distributed by Tribune Content Agency highlighted that the NPS has seen a surge in private support in the face of a maintenance backlog of more than $23 billion. Visits to national parks rose from about 275 million in 2010 to 325 million last year, the report revealed. Many individuals also gave back by volunteering via avenues such as rebuilding trails, clearing trash or organizing special events. According to the report, the National Park Service has an operating budget of $3.3 billion in fiscal 2024 and about 20,000 full-time employees. The Great American Outdoors Act passed by Congress in 2020 supplied up to $1.3 billion annually through 2025 to help reduce the backlog in deferred maintenance projects. The Interior Department reported last year that visitor spending in communities near national parks totals more than $50 billion a year and supports about 400,000 jobs. According to West, deferred maintenance and repair needs in parks are a result of limited resources available to maintain the National Park Services complex portfolio of 75,000-plus assets, including historic structures, roads, bridges, trails, campgrounds and utility systems. The NPS, she added, is making a concerted effort to reduce deferred maintenance and repair needs using a variety of funding sources, including the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, Federal Lands Transportation Program, Repair/Rehabilitation, Line-Item Construction and Recreation Fee Revenue. West said that New River Gorge NPP currently has an estimated $95 million in deferred maintenance and repair needs, while Gauley River NRAs deferred needs total an estimated $5.4 million and Bluestone NSR an estimated $475,000. Major projects in the funding stream at NRGNPP for the approaching year include repairs to the Rend Trail and bridges, as well as to Cunard and Glade Creek roads. Estimated costs for these projects combined is $23.5 million, she pointed out. At the Gauley River NRA, the major project will be rehabilitation of the Gauley Tailwaters Campground, pegged at $196,000. Federal highway work is currently proceeding along Cunard Road, according to West. Two recently-completed projects at New River include repair and replacement of portions of the Kaymoor steps on the Kaymoor Miners Trail, and painting and replacing door and window facings at the historic Thurmond depot. More detailed information about park infrastructure projects can be found at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/maintenance-backlog.htm. Support for the national parks comes from several fronts. The Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the primary philanthropic partner and has a mission to enhance, support and promote the three parks, said West. The Friends raise funds for projects that benefit the park; two recent examples are the installation of raft blowers for private boaters at the Cunard river access on the New and tailwaters access on the Gauley, and bike pump stations at the Arrowhead and Rend trailheads. They are a huge supporter of the Camp Brookside Environmental Education Center and have done many things to benefit that facility, said West. They also assist the park with public programs and represent the park at various events such as Bridge Day. For more information or to become involved, the Friends website is www.friendsofnewriver.org. Assistance arrives from other segments of society, too. Volunteers are varied and perform a variety of functions, either as individuals or members of a group, said West. The New River Alliance of Climbers work on trails associated with popular climbing routes, scouting groups do various projects, and New River Conservancy conducts river cleanups. The park also has a Adopt-A-Trail program where individuals or groups can monitor trails, do trash cleanup and other related activities. Active Southern West Virginia also works directly with the park in providing recreation-based programming through its Get Active in the Park program. Community captains lead hikes, standup paddle board, climbing and various other community outreach programs. An ongoing proposal that is geared toward removal of some structures of historical prominence in the region has created much debate in recent months. If removal of structures goes forward, that project will not chip away at funds required for other projects in the park, West said. These funds were provided through the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund targeted to reduce deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks, said West. Priority was placed upon removal of deteriorating, underutilized and unsafe structures. We cannot use these funds in any other way. According to West, the park is currently reviewing comments to the environmental assessment phase which lists the three alternatives that have been proposed. Public responses that provide a viable alternative or question the accuracy of the analysis are being considered in the final decision, she said. Email: skeenan@register-herald.com; follow on Facebook The Navy relieved the commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Shreveport, Louisiana, on Friday, making him the second commanding officer the service has relieved this month. Lt. Cmdr. Adam Sandifer was relieved of his duties by Rear Adm. Michael Steffen, commander of Navy Reserve Forces Command, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, the service said in a brief release. The Navy maintains the highest standards for commanding officers and holds them accountable when those standards are not met, the service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Sandifer is noted as holding the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy release, an Aug. 19 post on the NRC Shreveport Facebook page describes a lieutenant commander Sandifer as promoting to commander. The Navy release did not provide additional details on Sandifers dismissal. The service uses the loss of confidence statement as a blanket term when relieving commanding officers. Sandifers dismissal comes less than three weeks after the Navy relieved another commanding officer of a reserve center. On Dec. 3, the Navy relieved Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Bourque as the commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne, Wyoming. Sandifer, who assumed command of NRC Shreveport in March 2024, has been temporarily reassigned to Navy Personnel Command, the Navy said. Lt. Cmdr. John Perez has temporarily assumed leadership of NRC Shreveport. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed in August 2024 that a photograph of a large crowd of supporters welcoming Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris to Detroit on Aug. 7 was doctored. Trump falsely wrote on Truth Social that the crowd did not exist because she A.I.d it. Multiple independent news sources, including Reuters and the BBC, confirmed that the photograph was not created by artificial intelligence. The large crowds at other Harris rallies also suggested that this turnout was not an anomaly. But minuscule details such as the apparent lack of reflections on the plane made some conspiracy theorists skeptical. Trump himself came under fire after fake, AI-generated images made by his supporters of him amid crowds of smiling Black supporters circulated. But even if Trump seems willing to share fake images, he does not have a monopoly on the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a bullet grazed Trumps ear on July 13, for instance, some people including those who identified as anti-MAGA activists shared social media posts and memes asserting the false idea that the assassination attempt was staged. These kinds of accusations that fake-looking images are real, that real-looking ones are fake have been a common feature in politics, particularly among extremists, especially since the early 20th century. Thats when it first became technically possible to routinely print photographs in newspapers and magazines. During this era, a new form of media blossomed, as magazines began using photographs, rather than just drawings, for illustration purposes. These magazines were particularly popular during the Weimar Republic, a government in power in Germany from 1919 through 1933, before the rise of the National Socialist German Workers Party, most often known as the Nazi party. During the 1920s, Germany experienced an unstable economy, parliamentary paralysis and an increasingly polarized society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this economically and politically tumultuous time in Germany, photo manipulation in popular news publications particularly one run by the Nazis was rampant. A page in the Illustrierter Beobachter, a Nazi publication, shows jokes, riddles and a crossword puzzle with Nazi swastika symbols. HathiTrust/Public Domain The rise of the Nazis publication I am a scholar of Germany, and as part of my research on Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, I have been researching an idiosyncratic Nazi propaganda magazine called the Illustrated Observer or, in German, the Illustrierter Beobachter. The Nazis, who formed as a political party in 1920, started publishing this magazine in 1926. The magazine, published through 1945, provides valuable historical context for understanding todays political mudslinging about fake and doctored photos. It also shows how, left unchecked, publishing fake information could potentially contribute to dire political consequences, such as a rise in fascism. As the Illustrated Observers name suggests, it belonged to a genre of publications that Germans call Illustrierten, literally translating to illustrateds in English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These magazines included serious news stories and photojournalism, but also short fictional stories, jokes, cartoons and crossword puzzles. And because of advances in printing technologies, they also included lots of photographs. These glossy, stylishly illustrated tabloids were so popular in Germany that the most popular publication, the Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung or Berlin Illustrated Newspaper had a circulation of 1,844,130 copies each week by 1929. The actual readership numbers surpassed this figure, as multiple people in homes, hotels and cafes in Germany would share copies of the newspaper. Who lies? In July 1926, the Illustrated Observer published a spread that included eight large photographs of a Nazi rally held in the town of Weimar. It included one photo that was taken with a wide-angle camera lens that exaggerates the crowds size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside this camera trick, the Nazis also used misleading captions and photo cropping to skew how people would likely interpret this and other photographs. The Nazis were still a small political party in 1926, but they were steadily gaining power, and this sort of photographic trickery helped fuel their rise. The caption for the photo that shows a crowd of people at the Nazi rally hatefully shouts: Who lies? Photography or the Jewish newspapers? With this question, the Illustrated Observer aimed to discredit centrist newspapers, which accurately reported that the rally was a noisy and violent affair attended by hooligans, whom one journalist mocked as Hitler-people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months later, the Illustrated Observers Christmas 1926 issue included a story headlined The Jews and their servants. A tightly cropped photo showed U.S. President Calvin Coolidge surrounded by about a dozen rabbis, who were dressed conservatively and had top hats and thick beards, traditional for Orthodox Jewish men. But this was not the full story. The photograph was cropped, and the original image showed a much larger group portrait of more than 100 people who attended a religious Zionist meeting at the White House. Through cropping and misleading headlines, the Illustrated Observer falsely tried to show that a small, conspiratorial group of Jews controlled the American president. An image of Calvin Coolidge with rabbis in the publication Illustrierter Beobachter in 1926 is accompanied by the German headline that translates to The Jews and their Servant. HathiTrust A flashback to the 1920s These kinds of photo manipulations were common during the final years of the Weimar Republic, Germanys first but ultimately failed experiment with democracy that left the doors of power open to the Nazi takeover in January 1933. The Nazis effectively used a visually striking mix of incendiary words and images in their magazine to constantly sow the seeds of doubt among readers. It was hard to know which photographs were real and which were fakes and, thus, who was telling Germans the truth and who was not. This practice eroded confidence in the news, fueled further conspiracy theories and made it hard to know which political party to trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These conflicts from a century ago will sound familiar to people following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Now, there are also claims of doctoring images, angry rebuttals, accusations of media bias and an intense, conspiratorial fixation on details that supposedly expose certain images as fakes. To some, the knowledge that the current political trend of photo doctoring is not new may make it easier to dismiss this as a fact of life in politics. But to others, the ominous historical consequences of unchecked photo manipulation might be too significant to ignore. 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: Daniel H. Magilow, University of Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Daniel H. Magilow receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities in the form of a faculty fellowship. a window sign reads "Board of Elections Operations Center" (Photo: Clayton Henkel) The state Board of Elections on Friday dismissed the county-level protests four Republican candidates filed contesting Novembers election results. Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffin, state Rep. Frank Sossamon, and Senate candidates Stacie McGinn of Mecklenburg County and Ashlee Adams of Wake, filed multi-faceted protests of election results in their attempt to win close races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin is trying to unseat Democratic incumbent Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs. An initial count of all ballots and a machine recount have him 734 behind. Democrat Bryan Cohn leads Sossamon in a House district that covers Vance and Granville counties. Cohns victory would mean Democrats have broken the GOP supermajority in the House. County boards of election had to decide whether their totals included votes from people who died before Election Day, people who were not registered, or people serving felony sentences. In addition to those voters, McGinn protested 202 absentee ballots submitted by people she claimed do not live in Mecklenburg County. A private investigator scoured internet sources, including whitepages.com and LinkedIn, and went to some voters addresses to try to figure out where they lived. The Mecklenburg County elections board dismissed those protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Whalen, a lawyer representing the Democratic candidates and the state Democratic Party, told the Board that McGinn did not give timely notice to the voters whose residency she challenged. The Republican candidates submitted bulky lists of suspected ineligible voters. Counties had already removed many of the ballots the candidates questioned, Board attorney Adam Steele said. In a 3-2 vote, with Democrats in the majority, the Board determined that ballots under protest would not determine election outcomes. Counsel for all the protesters have all conceded that the matters before us today are not outcome determinative, said Board Chairman Alan Hirsch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Stacy Four Eggers IV, a Republican, said the Board was rushing a decision. While the results of the county investigations on their own wouldnt determine the winner of the Supreme Court race, he said, they ultimately could, depending on the outcome of litigation over more than 60,000 ballots still in question. While the totals questioned on the county level are relatively small, Griffin is suing to have another 60,000 ballots thrown out. Griffins lawsuit over counting those ballots is now in federal court. Griffin maintains that more than 60,000 voters are not legally registered because they did not include drivers license numbers or partial Social Security numbers on their registration forms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Griffin and the Republican legislative candidates 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. Griffin also wants absentee votes of military and citizens living overseas thrown out because they did not submit photo ID with their ballots. The state Board on Dec. 11 rejected those protests. Judge Jefferson Griffin (Photo: NC Courts) This week, Griffin asked the state Supreme Court to throw out those ballots, but before the court could consider his request, the state Board moved the case to federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, a federal judge denied Griffins request for a temporary restraining order. Meanwhile, voting rights groups are making public their opposition to Griffins attempts to throw out votes. Their efforts include a billboard in Raleigh drawing attention to Griffins efforts that features the judges image and the words Jefferson Griffins campaign to toss our votes is an injustice. The votes have been counted, and counted again. The results are confirmed. The people have spoken. Now, Jefferson Griffin should honor the will of the voters rather than focus on disenfranchising large numbers of them, Gino Nuzzolillo, campaigns manager with Common Cause North Carolina, said in a press release. Our coalitions public information campaign will continue until Griffin ends his shameful attempt to undermine the will of voters. Its time to respect the election outcome and let North Carolina move forward. RALEIGH, N.C. (WATE) The reopening of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line has been delayed after an additional chunk of asphalt fell from an eastbound lane of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge. The North Carolina Department of Transportation initially aimed to reopen the interstate in the first week of January following severe damage from Hurricane Helene. The new damage will delay the opening until the area can be deemed safe for drivers. NCDOT says wet weather and freeze-thaw conditions contributed to the slide. THP: Suspect dead after standoff on I-40 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an unfortunate situation, NCDOT Division 14 Engineer Wanda Payne said. Its a new hurdle that we have to overcome in order to provide a safe facility for the travelling public. Engineers were at the slide on Thursday working to determine the best path forward to stabilize the new location. NCDOT said the location will be monitored as it gets colder and engineers will recommend additional stabilization if necessary. The Pigeon River washed away the interstates eastbound lanes in four long swaths during Hurricane Helene. Wright Brothers Construction, with GeoStabilization International as a sub-contractor, is securing the westbound lanes of I-40 in the gorge. The aim is to open one lane in each direction from Harmon Den to the state line. The speed limit will be set to 40 miles per hour over a 9-mile stretch of the gorge in Tennessee and North Carolina. It is unclear when I-40 could reopen and NCDOT is working with Wright Brothers Construction on a supplemental agreement for the new repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to open the corridor as soon as it is safe to do so, Payne said. We know it is a critical route for folks who live here, visit here and travel through here. Find live traffic conditions: TDOT Smartway Map Detours are in place for those going to North Carolina or coming from North Carolina to East Tennessee. In addition, trucks with trailer or single units over 30 feet long are prohibited from taking US 129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon, between Tennessee and North Carolina. All commercial vehicles are not allowed to take US 441/Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Truck drivers who do so are subject to a citation and a fine of up to $5,000. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) Michael Lester was inside his home when he heard a loud noise. Thats when he looked out his back window to see billowing black smoke and dialed 911. It looked like it was coming from above my neighbors house, Lester said. So I had run across the street and I was kind of pounding on the door just kind of worried what was going on with them. And a car had pulled up it was two older guys and they said they had just watched a plane go down. Investigators are working to figure out how a single-engine plane fell from the sky, killing its pilot. The aircraft came down around 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Aurora. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That single-engine plane crashed in between two homes. Lester said he had no choice but to wait for first responders because of the intense flames. It really wasnt until I went around the shed and (saw) the tail of a plane that I had any idea, Lester said. East Aurora Police confirmed the only pilot of that single-engine plane died in the crash. Authorities told WIVB News 4 the pilot alerted the Buffalo Airport to a mechanical problem shortly before crashing. On Saturday, the pilot was identified as Paul S. Marsh, who was reportedly traveling to visit family in White Plains, N.Y. from his hometown of Lansing, Mich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents responded to the scene in a helicopter, and agents were on patrol when airport air traffic controllers asked them to respond to the scene. NTSB investigators are working to figure out what went wrong. Latest Local News Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A 911 call from two teenagers ends with four people shot, two dead. Officers responded to the home near Hefner and Rockwell around 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Police tell News 4 they were met with gunfire by the suspect. Neighbors were in disbelief after hearing what happened, saying its usually a quiet neighborhood. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: UPDATE: Two people killed, two others injured after NW OKC shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cry for help from a kid on a 911 call broke that silence, leaving an eerie feeling for those who live close by. child on the phone said dad had a machete, another child said dad had a gun, dads not supposed to be there. That was from the call made to 911 Friday afternoon, from the children inside of the northwest Oklahoma City home. can hear a male in the background yelling at them, a female saying please, a child saying sorry. When officers arrived there, police say they were immediately met with gunfire. Officers arrived as they approached the home, said Capt. Valerie Littlejohn, with Oklahoma City Police Department. They were ambushed by the suspect. One of the officers did get hit by the suspects gunfire as well. That officer was transported to an area hospital and is going to be okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two officers returned fire, shooting and killing the suspect. Inside of the home, police found two others who had been shot by the suspect. Both of them were transported to area hospitals, Littlejohn said. One of those victims did die there at the hospital. The other one is in stable condition. Police say both of those victims appear to be teenagers. Neighbors telling News 4 they are in shock. Its been very peaceful, Joshua Wheeler, neighbor said. I actually kind of moved away to get away from some noise. So, yeah, a little shocking to come out here and see this. Now, grieving relatives and friends are left trying to comprehend why this happened, especially so close to Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart goes out to everybody, Wheeler said. You know, everyones gonna be affected, obviously, in the neighborhood, much less the families and, you know, relatives. This is an on-going investigation, News 4 will provide updates when 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) This storm hit at a bad time when many are traveling for the holidays, making the roads in NEPA busier than usual. 2822 News Reporter Gianna Galli was out in those conditions Friday with what parts of Luzerne County looked like. In Wilkes-Barre, conditions are calm and roads are cleared, but a little more down south in Sugarloaf Township, travel has been a challenge for most of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing snow, slick roads, and temperatures in the 20s was quite a shock for Massachusets resident Don Bisbano, who just spent the last few days at Disney World in Florida. I didnt know it was going to snow here. All of a sudden, it started snowing in Maryland and I was like, Oh God,' Bisbano explained. Maryland was the second stop of his 20-plus hour trip back home to Massachusetts for the holidays. An unscheduled pit stop, the Hampton Inn in Sugarloaf Township was his stay for the night on Friday. I was driving up here and I was like okay Im going to drive back down someday in January again and then Im not driving back up, Bisbano added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PennDOT issues speed restrictions as snow falls in NEPA Thousands like Bisbano are just trying to get where they need to go for this holiday season, but coming through a winter-style storm in NEPA has made the trip challenging. And the last hour was a long hour, said Diji Tucker from South Carolina. Diji Tucker, his wife, and dog Lilly are also getting a room for the night on their way to New England to visit family for Christmas. Traveling has been great until we got to Harrisburg and it was snowing just like this, Tucker said. They started their travels at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning and arrived at the inn around 7:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their journey to their daughters home still has a ways to go. Once we get to her house we arent going anywhere, Tucker continued. PennDOT is urging drivers to drive safe, sober, and slow down. Their crews are out working to take care of the roads, brining, salting, and monitoring. Take it from Tucker, who knows hes got a long day of travel ahead. Hes confident PennDOTs got the roads covered. Yall are so good about getting plows and sand and salt, and all of that. We have none of that, Tucker added. PennDOT also has restrictions and reduced speed limits on Interstates 80, 81, 84, and 380. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. One thing Donald Trump loves to say is that he knows how to make a deal. Even for our allies, sometimes the art of the deal can feel like a shakedown. And lately, Canada is the ally thats been caught in Trumps line of sight. The president-elect has been trolling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media, calling him the governor of Americas 51st State and threatening to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports if they dont step up their game on border security. Adding to the drama this week, Canadas government nearly imploded when Chrystia Freeland, Trudeaus deputy prime minister and finance minister, resigned, citing Trump as a threat. In a scathing letter posted on X, Freeland said President-elect Donald Trumps aggressive economic nationalism poses a grave challenge. In an interview with the Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Kirsten Hillman, Canadas ambassador to the U.S., downplayed any whiff of tensions between Canada and the U.S. I think that the president-elect is having a bit of fun, Hillman said. Canada can take it. You know, we have a strong sense of who we are and we can dish it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., she says, is like family. And Hillman knows the president-elect well. During his last administration, she was instrumental in negotiating Canadas side of the United StatesMexico-Canada agreement. And she flew down to Mar-a-Lago with Trudeau just a few weeks ago for that diplomatic dinner. As close neighbors, the two countries have a lot of common interests, Hillman said, from border control to the fentanyl crisis to economic security. The president-elects mentions of tariffs, she says, focused the mind and helped Canada make decisions faster than they were happening within our bureaucracy. Is that diplomatic double speak? Or is Trudeaus government actually pleased to be riding shotgun with Trump along the northern border? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conversation has been edited for length and clarity by Deep Dive producer Kara Tabor and senior producer Alex Keeney. You can listen to the full Playbook Deep Dive podcast interview here: First and most important question. I heard you are a big fan of The Diplomat on Netflix. What tactics have you secretly stolen from Keri Russells character on the show? Excellent question. So what I love about that show is that everything that happens in the show could happen and does happen, but often in a less glamorous way. Like I, for one, dont have a private jet that jets me around. And I actually dont have anyone to pack my suitcase for me. But OK, so one thing that I think is quite realistic is this show talks a lot about or you see a lot of information being shared, like important, secret intelligence. And that does happen. It doesnt often happen when youre wearing a ball gown and carrying a glass of champagne around an art gallery in Paris. It could, but more often, it happens in dark, secure boardrooms that have big metal doors and youre wearing a black suit and a white blouse. But in all seriousness, you guys have a lot going on in Canada and the possible next phase of the relationship between the United States and your country. For example, incoming President Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 25 about a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and services. Four days later, you and Prime Minister Trudeau are in Mar-a-Lago meeting with folks and talking to him. Lets talk about this: How is your country preparing for the different types of relationships youre going to have to have when Donald Trump takes office? So first of all, that preparation has been ongoing for quite a long time. In advance of the election, we were involved in a very systematic effort to get out and reinforce relationships with Republicans and Democrats, traveling the country, making sure that we are making the connections that we need, talking to the people that are advising the Biden team and the Trump team the Biden team was easier because theyre already in the White House and we know who they are and then eventually, Vice President [Kamala] Harris team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And building relationships, by the way, is not just like meeting people, and saying, Hi, and Im the ambassador. And heres some things that are interesting to talk about. It is very targeted towards understanding what their goals are: What are their policy priorities? What are they trying to get done if theyre elected? And in that conversation of understanding their goals and and gathering information, planting seeds with as many people as possible here in D.C., and across the country about what we can do together and how Canada can contribute to achieving the goals of the administration, [even if] we didnt know who was going to win. So now we are in the process of activating and working with those relationships, and hopefully nurturing the seeds that weve already planted. It is a Washington thing, but Ive now met 42 governors. I spent a lot of time in places that are very reliant on Canada, either where theyre the best customer or we have massive investments, but they maybe dont know it and they dont think of us that often. So, you know, West Virginia, South Carolina, Texas and Arizona I spent a lot of time in places that are nowhere near the border but have massive economic, security, military or whatever relationship with Canada. And were now using a lot of that information as we go forward. One of the things that we as reporters realized when covering the first Trump administration and his campaigns is that his policy priorities can sometimes shift. His goals can seem unclear at times. So when you were having those conversations with leaders around the United States, what was the clarity that you actually got? Its interesting that you say that because I dont think the policy priorities of the Trump administration are unclear at all. I think hes doing exactly what he said he was going to do while he was campaigning. His priorities are the border and migration. Individuals, but also drugs fentanyl which Canadas very, very eager to be working with the Americans on. We have a huge fentanyl crisis in Canada as well. Energy dominance. Hes sort of moved from energy security to talking about energy dominance, which is something more muscular, stronger than just energy security. Tariffs and economic tools that matter to him. So the things that he has been talking about that relate to us, that will matter for us in our relationship with the United States, I think have been pretty clear all along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what people react to is the manner of communication were just back to a very direct style of communication, a very sort of clear focus on his priorities and a style thats a bit irreverent and a bit [like] its meant to kind of unsettle. But nobody should be surprised by this. I dont think that the priorities are different. And I dont think his manner of communicating with Americans and with the rest of us I think its what weve seen before. So I feel like Canadas not particularly on the back foot on this, were seeing what I think we thought would start to play out. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland left Trudeaus government citing disagreements over how the prime minister dealt with the tariff threat from Trump. Some people thought that this was going to be the end of Trudeau. He seems to still be in office. But right after Freeland left, we started hearing about your governments new plan to spend, I think it was an extra $1.3 billion in border security; we started hearing about this joint strike force on the border between the U.S. and Canada things that are clearly getting at what President-elect Trump was saying in his messages. What Ive heard from some American leaders is that this is what folks mean when they say that Trump is dominant on the world stage. He makes people do things. Is that something that you guys are feeling? Like you are forced to deal with these issues now, because Trump was so clear about what would happen if you didnt? Obviously, a threat of a 25 percent tariff on a half-trillion dollars worth of trade a year, which is what Canada exports we have an almost trillion dollar trading relationship, thats about a $2.5 billion a day in trade and so having a 25 percent tariff on that is what gets everybodys attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, to your first point: Absolutely. It got everyones attention. On the border though, I have to say that having the border as the issue that the president-elect wanted to work on with us right off the bat is a welcome development. And people may not perceive it that way. Welcome because you guys wanted to work on it and the Biden folks didnt want to? No, because we were working on it already in Canada. Canada has, as I said, a massive fentanyl crisis. Sometimes we have more Canadians dying per capita per day than you do in the United States. And I dont know if thats necessarily well understood. The fentanyl precursors that we get largely come from China. But we are eager to work with the U.S. in a stronger way to try and figure this out. There is zero trafficking of fentanyl from Canada to the United States; it does not happen. There is illegal migration that happens between our two countries. I dont want to suggest otherwise in both directions, but it pales in comparison, obviously, to what you guys experience at the southern border. Like, a bad weekend at the southern border represents the entire year of illegal migration between the United States. So, one, the border is working well and we feel that it is well managed, but we were already quite eager to do more because we feel that the threats of, in particular, drug trafficking are not going to diminish. And so, when the prime minister and I and others went to Mar-a-Lago to discuss these issues, we were eager to say, OK, what more can we do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And [after] the announcement that was made this week, we went back to Canada, we looked at the things that we were planning to do, and we accelerated. I mean, to be fair to the president, I think that he certainly gave everybody the focus of mind to accelerate and make decisions faster than they were happening within our bureaucracy. But it wasnt like anything that was announced wasnt well within Canadas domestic interests anyway, that we wouldnt have wanted to do anyway. And we are very happy and eager to cooperate more with your police services, your intelligence services. So all of that is very good. So very happy to have had that conversation, and [give] credit where credits due. Clearly, migration and some of these things are issues that are top of mind for Donald Trump and always have been. President Biden and his administration have been criticized even from people in their own party that it hasnt been that same level of importance for them. Does it feel like a simple push from Joe Biden or Antony Blinken or whoever from the Biden administration could have fixed some of these things earlier on? Were they not interested in fixing some of these problems? No. To the contrary. When President Biden came to Canada a couple of years ago, we amended this treaty that we have between our two countries that allows us to send illegal migrants back to each others country if they come across the border. ... So this had an incredibly positive effect on disincentivizing illegal migration between our two countries. And [Biden] did that and it made a very big difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also managed the border during the Covid crisis, which was complicated and I think very effective. But sadly, the criminality out there is not diminishing. And so we need to be constantly upping our game. But were also very pleased to be able to have maybe deeper partnerships in the law enforcement space with the incoming administration, which I think is a priority for them. So were happy to do that. So its not to say that its better. Its just evolving with the times. You talked about Donald Trumps irreverent style of communication. After Trudeaus meeting with him at Mar-a-Lago, he put on Truth Social that, 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. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!! Then, he called Prime Minister Trudeau the Governor of the the Great State of Canada. How do you read those things? Does it feel like hes minimizing you guys as a country? I think that the president-elect is having a bit of fun. He started a joke during that dinner. And just to put it into context, this was really large. It was over Thanksgiving weekend. There was a lot of socializing. There was a lot of joking back and forth and that joke got picked up. And I think hes enjoying continuing to run with it because its getting attention. You dont find it disrespectful? No, its not. I mean, look, Canada can take it. We have a strong sense of who we are. We can dish it out. We can take it. And at some level, I actually have to say, we often think of Canada and the United States as being like family, like cousins or siblings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it feels a bit like sibling ribbing, which always comes with a bit of a tinge of pointedness, but ultimately is an expression of comfort in the relationship. So I dont find it insulting. What it sounds like to me is that during the first Trump administration, his tweets often came off as cause for alarm. But now youre just used to it, because, like you said, its just ribbing. So what you and other leaders seem to want to do this time around is dig underneath the message and dig underneath the joke and find out what Trump is actually trying to get at. Yeah. And as I say, hes a leader who has very distinct goals and very clear priorities. And Ive been here in D.C. for seven years. Ive been leading the embassy here for five. And weve learned a lot about who he is. So we understand [his political and policy convictions] much better. We also understand him as a person. People might find this surprising, but Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump have a level of congeniality between them that maybe isnt obvious to outsiders. But they enjoy talking about politics; they enjoy talking about their families; they enjoy talking about sort of the world stage and whats going on there. Theyre two G7 world leaders, right? Theres a lot they can talk about. And theyve known each other a long time. And I think that is a big advantage to both our countries. Youve spoken about your seven years in Washington and the 42 governors youve met, but there is a new challenge with this new administration, which is that a lot of power seems to exist outside the normal channels. For example, Elon Musk seems to have the presidents ear. He had a big role in tanking this weeks continuing resolution. So Im curious, how do you deal with that? Thats a terrific question. And. It just goes to show the dynamism of diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we were preparing for the incoming administration, we did look to some of the people that we knew were close to President-elect Trump. And some of those are in his orbit, but some we didnt predict. So as I said earlier, we kind of mined the relationships that wed already created. But when there are new ones, we talk to Canadians. There are millions of Canadians in business, in academia and across our country that interact with Americans every day. So what I do is I reach out across our community, maybe our sub-federal leaders or our business leaders or some of our innovators, some of our scientists it depends on the person but you just try and understand where Canada might have a connection with some of these people. We are a smaller country. We are 43 million people. And so you can mobilize a lot of our country to make those connections where it may be harder for some of us who just have never crossed paths with them before. Youve dealt with different types of presidencies and different types of administrations changes from Obama, to Trump, to Biden, to Trump again, to whatever comes next. What is the throughline that you find when dealing with our country? What is the thing that no matter what person is in charge of the country, is the same thing about America? Thats a great question. Americans are proud. Energetic. Ambitious. Vocal. They are deeply proud to be Americans, even when theyre irritated with one thing or another. And I admire that greatly. I admire American ambition greatly. My youngest son spent his last two years of high school here, his junior and senior year, and I think it was incredible for him to do that because he was in an American school and he really got to see these traits of the American people that are at the core of the leadership that you play in the world. And I mean that very sincerely. This is a country of fiercely intelligent, engaged, proud, dynamic and ambitious people. The American dream is a real thing. And people who are new to the country have it. But people who have been here for a long time have it, too. And I admire it greatly. That is the throughline. And I think, from the perspective of Canada-U.S. relations, the throughline is that we are both countries greatly blessed to have each other as neighbors because there are a lot of countries around this world whose neighbors wish them ill, or do them ill. And we have a 5,000 mile border that anchors the most prosperous economic region in the world, probably the most secure region in the world and our relationship is only getting deeper. Something thats been interesting over the last few weeks is seeing Canadian leaders on American cable news talking about foreign policy. For example, Doug Ford, Ontarios premier, threatening to switch off power for Americans; and Danielle Smith, Albertas premier, playing good cop and announcing this new border security program. Whats it like having local officials publicly offering foreign policy advice about the relationship that youve helped to manage? One of the big differences I find in Washington between myself and almost all of my ambassador colleagues is the way in which I deal with the American government, which is, more often than not, on domestic policy, not international policy. We have 18 agencies located here at the embassy, and the vast majority of them deal with domestic policy. I work with [Alejandro] Mayorkas and [the Department of Homeland Security] more than with the State Department, hands down. Of course we talk about international affairs, but it is a very domestically-focused partnership. So those premiers who are talking about things that fall not exclusively, but partly in their areas of jurisdiction, are to be expected. And I think that they feel that they have important voices to bring to the American people, and I support that, I really do, because I think it was Condoleezza Rice who coined the phrase that Canada-U.S. relations are more about condo issues than anything else, because we have this common territory, and so we have to work out our condo issues. I think that the border, our electricity grid and our electricity relationship those are both condo issues. They obviously have a bearing on our international relations. But it is different than my colleagues from Europe or Asia its just different. To put a finer point on it, it feels like theyre freelancing, right? Is that helpful as youre trying to continue to build this strong relationship? It feels unhelpful. Well I know Im pushing the limits of our diplomatic language. Theres no doubt in my mind that every sub-federal leader in Canada is trying to be helpful and is eager to make it clear that we are, at the same time, a very close partner who will do what we can to make sure that we are the best partner that we can be. But at the same time, we do expect in return that good partnership coming back our way. I think thats the best way to say it. Canada will absolutely lean in to the success of the incoming administration in every way that we can, and it is in our national interest to do so and we want to do so. Theres no country in the world that wants a strong America more than Canada, right? So were here for that. But at the same time, we also have an expectation that a strong Canada is good for the United States. Listen to this episode of Playbook Deep Dive on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) According to Theres Hope Disaster Relief Ministry, if anyone wants to help North Carolina out this Christmas, people have until December 20 at 6 p.m. to get those donations to Maranatha Baptist Church, located at 3200 Casey Road in Newburgh. The church is behind Castle High School. Event organizers say the Theres Hope Disaster Relief Ministry will once again be collecting items for disaster relief to transport to the Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina areas that were most devastated by Hurricane Helene. Recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Items the group is receiving to transport are: Water Breakfast food Microwavable ravioli Microwavable mac and cheese Empty spray bottles Smoke detector Carbon monoxide detector Mens deodorant Small bottle detergent Small boxes trash bags Batteries in all sizes Dried pinto beans Canned fruit Canned yams Canned potatoes Alfredo sauce Spaghetti sauce Noodles Hot cocoa Cooking oil Baking ingredients Sugar Event organizers say people may also donate monetary gifts. These can be either cash or checks payable to Maranatha Baptist Church. The suggested memo line is Theres Hope disaster relief. Organizers say any donated monetary gifts will go toward travel cost, purchasing additional supplies or aiding the volunteers on the ground in Tennessee or North Carolina. Chandler home destroyed by fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truck and crew will be departing on December 21 at 7 a.m. Organizers are working and corresponding directly with Little Ivy Baptist Church Mars Hill, North Carolina. An event organizer said, Thank you to those who have donated, prayers are always needed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Dec. 20New Hampshire's population topped 1.4 million residents this year, putting more pressure on housing but bringing in more potential workers. "Growth is not something we can afford to fear," Michael Skelton, president & CEO of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, said in an email. "It's key to our future prosperity," he wrote Friday. The state gained 6,800 people in the past year as of July, for a total of 1,409,032 residents, according to an analysis of Census data by Ken Johnson, senior demographer with the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flow of people moving from other states to New Hampshire has slowed recently, Johnson said in an email. "In contrast, immigration has increased," he said Demographic trends have repercussions on housing and workforce needs. The availability of workers has been the top challenge facing the business community for the past three years, according to Skelton. He noted that 27% of the state's workforce is now 55 or older, ranking New Hampshire 50th in the nation. "Without population growth, sustaining the incredible quality of life we all value and ensuring the state's ability to compete economically will be seriously challenged in the years and decades to come," Skelton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More legal immigration and worker visa programs would bring in more workers, Skelton said. A larger population will bring a boost to many businesses. "Obviously, we're hopeful that younger folks move back to raise a family and join the workforce," said Mike Somers, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association "As more people move in, obviously there's more mouths to feed," Somers said. "Certainly whether casual dining or special occasion dining or they want to go up north for an adventure to get away, that's all positive for our industry," Somers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Population gains will "keep pressure on" the housing industry, he said, but he's encouraged to see new housing "going up all over the place." New Hampshire recorded 3,360 more deaths than births last year, according to Johnson. "This continues a trend of natural decrease that began before the pandemic," he said. The state netted a gain of 4,889 people moving here from other states, according to Johnson. "However, immigration (4,290) also played a significant role," he said. For New Hampshire and Maine, "Future migration patterns are of increasing importance to each state because their older populations and lower birth rates diminish the likelihood of future natural increase," according to a two-page report penned by Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 2020 and 2024, Maine and New Hampshire's population gains have been the largest in the region, Johnson wrote. New England's population gain of 123,000 between July 2023 and July 2024 was its largest in recent years, according to Johnson. "International immigration accounted for the entire population gain, offsetting an excess of deaths over births and an outflow of domestic migrants to other U.S. destinations," according to Johnson's report. Vermont was the only New England state to lose population last year. (NewsNation) Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist and popular right-wing social media streamer, claims he was the target of a would-be assassin who was later shot by police near Fuentes suburban Chicago home this week after the man allegedly killed three people in downstate Illinois. Fuentes wrote on the social media platform X that the man parked his car in front of his house and approached his door with a pistol and what appeared to be a crossbow. In the post, Fuentes included security camera footage showing the man approaching his door wearing a motorcycle helmet. Fuentes wrote in the post that he was livestreaming at the time and said the man called his name after ringing the doorbell and trying the doorknob. His account of the event lines up with a police report saying that the suspect in the downstate shooting had been shot by police near Fuentes home Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation local affiliate WGN reported that the man, who was identified as John R. Lyons, refused to obey police commands and began shooting at police. Officers returned fire and killed him just after 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years for Delphi murders The Chicago Sun-Times reported that officers responded to the block where Fuentes lives for the report of a man with a gun. Police said that the man had previously run into another home, killed two dogs and then ran into a yard in Fuentes block. The resident of the home where the dogs were killed told WGN that he found Lyons in his basement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I turned on the light the guy was standing at the end of the basement and just started shooting. He shot, shot, shot. I blocked my son and I told him to get upstairs and get his mother and get out of the house. He ran. He was fast, and by the time I was running, he was chasing me through the basement shooting, Scott Wishecoby told WGN. Multiple media outlets reported that Fuentes address was made public after he reportedly had an altercation in November that took place outside his home. The report said Fuentes address was leaked over a controversial social media post. Luigi Mangione held in same jail as Diddy Last night an armed killer made an attempt on my life at my home, which was recently doxed on this platform, Fuentes wrote X on Thursday. The gunman carried a pistol, crossbow, and incendiary devices. I believe he intended to kill me. He is now dead. I am okay! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that they believed Lyons was the suspect in the slaying of three people near Champaign, Illinois, earlier on Wednesday. Court records obtained by WGN showed that Lyons was in a dispute with one of the three family members killed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A nine-year-old child is among the five people killed in the car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg, prosecutors said during a press conference on Saturday afternoon. The other four victims are adults, said Horst Walter Nopens, the head of the local public prosecutor's office. Another 200 people were injured, many of them seriously, when a man ploughed a car through the crowd at the Christmas market on Friday evening, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the director of the Magdeburg police department, Tom-Oliver Langhans, the man used an escape and rescue route to reach the central square, with the whole incident lasting about three minutes. The suspect, who has been identified as Taleb A according to German privacy laws, was arrested at the scene and is being interrogated in police custody, Nopens said. He is being investigated on five counts of murder and 200 counts of attempted murder with grievous bodily harm, Nopens said. According to the current state of the investigations, the suspect was a lone perpetrator, police said. City defends security concept The emergency route said to have been used by the suspect to reach the Christmas market was not protected by barriers, according to the city administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The route had been designed to allow rescue services to access the square in the event of an emergency, said city official Ronni Krug during the press conference. However, police forces were stationed as the incident unfolded on Friday evening, meaning the entrance had not been left unprotected, he added, defending the security concept in place at the market which he said had "proven itself over many years." The security concept had been repeatedly adapted and created "to the best of our knowledge" and was last tightened in November, Krug said. Suspect is Islam-critical activist Taleb A is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia, known as an Islam-critical activist. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: "My advice: don't ask for asylum in Germany." The motive for the crime is still unclear, but the suspect may have been unhappy with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany, Nopens said. Taleb A arrived in Germany in 2006. Dpa has learned that he applied for asylum in February 2016 and was granted political refugee status in July of that year. According to a spokeswoman for health company Salus, the suspect worked as a specialist in psychiatry in the forensic psychiatric ward in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg. Saudi Arabia warned Germany about suspect Saudi Arabian security sources said they had warned Germany about the suspected attacker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riyadh had requested the extradition of the suspect, but Germany had not responded, they said. They said the man was a Shiite Muslim who comes from the city of Al-Hofuf in eastern Saudi Arabia. Shiites are a minority in the country, making up only around 10% in the majority Sunni nation. There are repeated reports of discrimination against Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia. German politicians to attend memorial service Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other top officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, were in Magdeburg on Saturday, visiting the scene of the tragic event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz called the incident a "terrible, insane act." "There is no place more peaceful and joyful than a Christmas market," Scholz said. "It is a horrific act to harm and kill so many people with such brutality in such a place." He called for a comprehensive investigation, saying the perpetrator, his actions and motives must be understood in detail and the appropriate criminal charges must be brought. Scholz also called for social cohesion, saying it was important to him "that we as a country stay together, that we stick together, and that we hook under each other, that hatred does not determine our togetherness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who sow hatred must not be allowed to get away with it, he said. Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff said the site would "always remain associated with the history of the city of Magdeburg," as he visited the scene. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT), with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier due to attend. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Police in other cities with Christmas markets are now on high alert. In Stuttgart, a police spokesperson said that police forces on the ground had been made aware of the situation. In Berlin, a spokesperson said that there would be an increased police presence at Christmas markets. VELARDE, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico State Police (NMSP) arrested a man in Rio Arriba County on Thursday who was wanted on multiple violent felony warrants. Daniel Romero, 43, had warrants including homicide by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and tampering with evidence. Albuquerque police arrest man accused of $10,000 Pokemon card theft The NMSP Crime Suppression Bureau and Uniform Bureau Officers arrived at Romeros residence at 1040 Private Drive and, with the assistance of the NMSP Tactical Team, took Romero into custody without incident. He was booked into the Rio Arriba County detention Center on the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicide by Vehicle (Reckless Driving) Leaving the Scene of An Accident (Great bodily Harm or Death) Tampering with Evidence Larceny (over $2,500) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny (over $2,500) Aggravated Battery (great bodily harm) Breaking and Entering Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer (2 counts) Unlawful Carrying of a Deadly Weapon Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer (Deadly Weapon) Possession of a Firearm or Destructive Device by A Felon Shooting At or From a Motor Vehicle Possession of a Controlled Substance (5 counts) Aggravated Fleeing of a Law Enforcement Officer Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. As fall semester drew to a close, three of Emorys schools held ceremonies for their December graduates. On Dec. 13 and 14, Emory's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and Emory University School of Law celebrated the accomplishments of their students during winter graduation ceremonies. Emory School of Medicine held ceremonies for Physician Assistant (PA) and Anesthesiology Assistant (AA) program graduates on Dec. 12, 13 and 16. The School of Nursing hosted two ceremonies to honor its graduates: the Winter Diploma, Pinning and Awards Ceremony for pre-licensure Master of Science in Nursing (MN) and Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) graduates, and the Winter Diploma and Awards Ceremony for its post-licensure Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), post-graduate certificate and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students. This semester, the nursing school graduated 152 pre-licensure students and 185 post-licensure students who will enter the nursing workforce for the first time, continue their nursing careers in leadership roles or another specialty, or begin another nursing degree program. A total of 22 students graduated during the School of Laws ceremony, including those who earned the Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Master (JM), Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree. A reception for the graduates and their guests followed the event. The School of Medicine PA and AA commencement ceremonies celebrated graduates who will go on to become critical members of health care teams at esteemed institutions across the country. School of Law photos by Tom Smarch. School of Nursing photos by Kennedy Gooden. The town of Strafford has been trying to save its general store from closing for over a year. Its potential saving grace? None other than Strafford native Noah Kahan. To Annie Penfield, a member of the Strafford Community Trust, Coburns General Store has everything the town needs to thrive. She says the distinctly 1880s style shop serves as a grocery store, laundromat, bank, post office and gathering space for the community. Youll run into your neighbors that you dont ordinarily see, and it makes it the glue that holds us together, said Penfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years ago, the family-run store was put up for sale by its owners who hoped to retire. Fearing the store would close, leaving residents without essentials like groceries, Straffords residents created a non-profit to gain community ownership. Now, the town trust is aiming to collect $1.8 million to become the stores landlord. If the community owns it, the community has a say about what the store is going to look like, what its going to carry and the services it will provide, said the trust member. Trudi Brock, the Trust President, says, at first, the store got little interest from proprietors, but then the unimaginable happened Coburns made it into the New York Times. Less than a month after the articles publication, the store now has 11 potential candidates for a proprietor. 80-year-old store owner, Melvin Colburn, says he is touched by how much love the community and Kahan have been showing his business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our strong hope is whoever takes over loves the store as much as we do, he said. Brock says the trust is close to reaching its financial goal and could have a proprietor as soon as April. But the last step to ownership, she tells me, will be in the hands of the community. The town still needs to raise $150,000 to make the final purchase of the building. Were hoping the community will step in at this point and get us to the finish line. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The story of a Portland cancer survivors stolen prosthetic leg caught the attention of someone 1,900 miles away who now wants to help the victim. Randy Titony is the executive director of the non-profit Limbs for Life Foundation in Oklahoma City. He saw the KOIN 6 News story about the leg theft earlier this week and contacted us. The original leg that was stolen is still missing. The prosthesis, stolen from a car on December 8 near Southwest 11th Avenue and Southwest Columbia Street, is valued at $8,000 and includes a metal knee joint and running blade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elk raised by Oregon cows accepted by local elk herd Now Limbs for Life is offering to fully cover the cost of the replacement. I understand the ramifications, the pain, that goes into when someone loses a limb, Titony told KOIN 6. Its not just them, its their family, its their friends, its their livelihood and every single day is a struggle of some sort. The 20-year-old whose prosthetic leg was stolen told KOIN 6 hes overwhelmed by all the support. Limbs for Life said theyre working on getting the replacement to him within weeks. Crime Stoppers of Oregon is still offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN) American Airlines is now adding nonstop flights from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, according to a news release from Blue Sky News. American will begin nonstop flights between Pittsburgh International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with daily service operating year-round starting on April 4. Americans daily flights will operate with the following schedule: Flight AA814 will depart from LAX at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and arrive at PIT at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Time. Flight AA814 will depart from PIT at 5:57 p.m. ET and arrive at LAX at 8:05 p.m. PT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines previously flew the PIT-LAX route until February 2017. The new flight will add over a third more capacity and double the number of first-class seats. Along with American, Breeze Airways plans to increase its existing Los Angeles service from twice a week to five times a week by early June, further expanding capacity on the PIT-LAX route. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) The North Kingstown Police Department joined dozens of children for a Shop with a Cop event on Saturday morning. The program was organized in collaboration with Walmart, the North Kingstown School Departments Office of Family Learning, and North Kingstowns Police Union IBPO Local 473, was held at Walmart on Ten Rod Rd. The Office of Family Learning has chose 30 families, totaling 50 children, to take part in the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart pledge up to $25 dollars for each children to select one toy, with IBPO Local 473 matching that offer, bringing the total to $50 per child. The North Kingstown Police Department thanked Walmart, IBPO Local 473, and the North Kingstown School Departments Office of Family Learning for their contributions to this event. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials with the North Little Rock Police Department said that two suspects in a deadly November shooting have been arrested. Police said that both 18-year-old Jarquez Butler and 21-year-old Devontaye Hayes have been taken into custody in connection with the death of 21-year-old Giovanni Castillo on Nov. 12. North Little Rock police searching for two suspects in MacArthur Drive deadly shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on social media on Friday, police said that Hayes was arrested at an apartment complex in Little Rock by members of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the officers from the NLRPD. He is being held without bond and is facing charges including capital murder and aggravated robbery. Police also said that Butler turned himself in at the North Little Rock Justice Center and is being held without bond and is facing charges of capital murder and aggravated robbery. North Little Rock police identify victim in Tuesday night shooting Both Hayes and Butler are being held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A North Texas man has been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the United States Capitol, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington, D.C., said in a statement. Daniel Dustin Deneui, 51, of Colleyville, was charged in a criminal complaint with numerous crimes related to the riot, officials said. Among the charges are assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deneui is seen in third-party video trying to break window shutters near the Senate Wing Door, as well as hitting officers with a flagpole, officials said. The case is being investigated by the FBIs field offices in Fort Worth and Washington, and assistance was provided by the U.S Capitol police, according to the statement. Since Jan. 6, 2021, over 1,500 people in almost all 50 states have been charged in connection to the riot, officials said. Dec. 21BEMIDJI, Minn. Home building, philanthropic growth, new business grants and further work with communities are all high points from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Fiscal Year 2024, said three members of the organization. The impact report for the past fiscal year, from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, has been officially released, detailing stories of success across northwest Minnesota communities. While the full breadth of what the NWMF does can be hard to fully explain, the organization of the report will hopefully help people better understand it, said Bethany Wesley, communications director. "It came together really well," she said. "From a personal standpoint, looking at what our team did in FY24 was extremely successful. It was impactful work that will have long-lasting impacts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NWMF gave out 138 mission-driven grants through the year, adding up to more than $4 million, and 25 business loans totaling $843,009. Within the organization's family of funds, which are funds the NWMF helps communities and other individuals create and manage, 19 have been added, bringing the total up to 446. The Northwest Small Business Development Center, which provides no-cost consulting to entrepreneurs and small businesses, served 381 clients. Two new subsidiaries of the foundation the Northwest Community Impact Corporation and North Star Neighbors have also gotten a start in the last year, the latter of which is already setting up new housing and planning for more. Two new grant programs have also given a boost to the organization's ability to fund business growth. The Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program helps fund projects like property improvements and building renovations, and the PROMISE (Providing Resources and Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs) Act, created by the Minnesota Legislature in partnership with the Department of Employment and Economic Development, gives one-time grants to businesses and qualified nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two newer grant opportunities have contributed to the total $3,268,846 given away in grants in support of businesses for fiscal year 2024, much higher than the usual amount. Grants in support of children and families totaled $613,700 and grants in support of community reached $231,350, which is on par with previous years, Wesley said. The state chose to share the grant program with the NWMF and other Minnesota initiative foundations because it saw them as good partners in being able to mobilize funding into communities, said Karen White, president and CEO of the foundation. "With our being rooted in community, our connections in community, we are able to really get the word out that this funding is available, what the uses are, who would be eligible, and then bring in those applications and being able to then process those and move that funding through," she said. Two new subsidiaries of the NWMF formed in 2023 are also solidifying their presence within the foundation. The Northwest Community Impact Corporation, which is about supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses that have barriers to traditional capital and services by accessing additional federal funding, has done some initial lending and has just received a federal grant to increase staff capacity and further growth, White said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Star Neighbors focuses on creating affordable homes, said Cory Boushee, director of programs. Phase one included getting started on four homes in Thief River Falls and two in Red Lake Falls. "We're really excited to kick off phase two," Boushee said. "We'll be building four homes in East Grand Forks and four homes in Roseau, and those homes will be made affordable to families making under $90,000 a year." Other philanthropic efforts and work to combat homelessness were also on the docket for FY 2024, as well as adding 19 more funds to the now 446 funds NWMF manages for communities across northwest Minnesota. Looking to the future, the three members said they want people to know NWMF is a community foundation. "We're here to serve the community, so we really welcome people to contact us, communicate with us," Boushee said. "We love to be in the community. We need those folks to reach out to us so we can learn how we can help." The Northwest Minnesota Foundation's official website contains more stories of what the foundation has done throughout the year. Workers in part of the center of the Hanford nuclear site were ordered to take cover indoors at 4:50 p.m. Friday. A large holding tank with ammonia vapor was discovered by workers to be leaking near the vitrification plant in the 200 East Area, according to the Hanford Emergency Operations Center. The tanks valves were closed when the leak was detected. Workers in that area were told to go indoors and shelter in place with doors, windows and ventilation closed until the take cover was lifted at about 6:40 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other workers at the site were told to avoid the 200 East Area, which is about seven miles from the Columbia River and 22 miles north of Richland. Environmental cleanup is underway at the 580-square-mile Hanford nuclear reservation. The underground radioactive waste storage tanks and the vitrification plant are in the center of the site. The Hanford Patrol established a 100-foot isolation zone around the area of the leak and planned to monitor it remotely through the night. Additional actions will be considered in the morning. The 200 East Area and the 200 West Area are in the 75-square-mile plateau in the center of the 580-square-mile site and have underground tanks holding a total of 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous chemical waste. The waste is left from the past production of plutonium from World War II through the Cold War for the nations nuclear weapons program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 200 East Area also has the vitrification plant, which is being built and commissioned to treat the tank waste for disposal. The parts of the plant that will treat the least radioactive of the waste are currently being commissioned and no radioactive waste will be brought into the plant until next year. About 75 workers were at the vitrification plant, formally called the Waste Treatment Plant, late Friday afternoon on shifts scheduled to end at 6:30 p.m. The vitrification plant at the Hanford nuclear reservation site in Eastern Washington. The Low Activity Waste Facility is the largest completed building. The number of workers at the 200 East tank farms was not immediately available, but numbers likely would have been low since most employees there work 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the vitrification plant is treating waste, it will release oxides of nitrogen into the Low Activity Waste Facilitys exhaust system. Ammonia is used to cause a chemical reaction that significantly reduces the level of oxides of nitrogen to meet air permit levels. The plant has two tanks, each approximately 24 feet long and 7 feet in diameter, with a capacity of 6,000 gallons of liquid ammonia each. An ammonia leak was detected Friday from one of the large storage tanks at the Hanford site vitrification plant and workers in the area were ordered to take cover. The tank had been charged, but held only ammonia vapors. When waste treatment begins, about 7,600 gallons of ammonia will be stored at the vitrification plant at any given time and about 6,000 gallons of ammonia will be used per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vitrification plants chemical safety management program identifies anhydrous ammonia as a potential hazard. The Low Activity Waste Facility at the Hanford vitrification plant is one of four large facilities that make up the treatment plant. A two-story annex on the building houses a control room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ammonia can cause chemical burns upon skin contact and lung damage if inhaled in large quantities. Additionally, it is a cryogenic hazard, meaning it can cause clothing to freeze and stick to the skin of the person exposed, according to Bechtel National, the Department of Energy contractor building and commissioning the plant. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a distinct, pungent odor and is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer, in household and industrial cleaning products, in refrigeration systems, and in the production of plastics and textiles. PRNewswire San Francisco (California), December 21: Giift (Empuls) (formerly known as Xoxoday) has been recognized in the 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Voice of the Employee (VoE) Solutions for the second consecutive year. "We think this recognition highlights the platform's growing global presence, its advancement in AI-driven employee engagement solutions and evolution in addressing complex engagement challenges faced by enterprises." As stated by Gartner, "Measuring employee sentiment and taking actions to improve employee experience are hurdles for many enterprises. HR leaders supporting employee engagement surveys and other continuous listening programs can use this guide to track emerging trends (including GenAI use cases) and available solutions." At the forefront of innovation, Empuls has integrated AI as a core capability across its platform, leveraging sophisticated natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques. The platform employs generative AI for advanced data summarization, storytelling, and recommendation generation, setting new standards for employee experience management. "In our view, this continued recognition from Gartner validates our approach to AI-driven employee engagement and our expansion into the North American market," said Kushal Agrawal, CMO at Xoxoday. "As organizations worldwide grapple with measuring and improving employee experience, Empuls offers a unique combination of cutting-edge technology and professional services that bridge the gap between employee feedback and recognition and address the complex engagement needs of U.S. enterprises." For more information about how Empuls can transform your organization's employee engagement approach, visit https://www.empuls.io/.*Empuls formerly known as Xoxoday To read the Gartner Market Guide for Voice of the Employee Solutions, please visit: https://www.gartner.com/document-reader/document/6000803 (Accessible to Gartner subscribers only) GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 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. About Xoxoday: Empuls is a Xoxoday product. Xoxoday (formerly Giift) is a leading SaaS provider offering a comprehensive suite of products designed to digitize "Rewards, Incentives, and Loyalty" programs. These tailored solutions cater to a wide range of groups, including customers, influencers, trade partners, sales teams, employees, gig workers, and after-sales staff. Trusted by over 5,000 businesses across four continents--from startups to Fortune 500 companies--Xoxoday operates nine offices worldwide and adds over 100 new clients each month. Learn more about its innovative solutions at www.xoxoday.com. For media inquiries, please contact: Mary Reddy K Mary@xoxoday.com 9849653503 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2579503/5074553/Xoxoday_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) An upstate New York father and his adult son have been convicted in a kidnapping and forced marriage plot involving their daughter and sister, federal prosecutors announced Friday. Khaled Abughanem, 52, and Adham Abughanem, 28, both of Lackawanna, just south of Buffalo, were convicted of confining the victim for approximately 16 months, with the intent to force her into an arranged marriage in Yemen. The young Abughanem was also convicted of threatening to slaughter his sister in retaliation for information she gave to a law enforcement officer related to the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the victims family tricked her into traveling from New York to Yemen in an attempt to force her into an arranged marriage. The Abughanems also discussed killing her if she did not abide by their wishes, according to the criminal complaint. The familys plan to force the victim into marriage began in September 2021. The young woman had traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to stay with her fiance out of fear she could be forced to enter into a non-consensual marriage. Both men then flew to Mexico to kidnap the victim and bring her back to the U.S. before conspiring to transport her from Buffalo to Yemen, where she was held for more than a year, denied freedom of movement and communication, physically assaulted and had her life threatened, said Trini E. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. In the trial earlier this month, the woman, a former architecture student at the University of Buffalo, described how her father brutally beat her with his fists, feet and a belt to the point she thought she was going to die, reported local station WGRZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She only managed to escape in April 2023, at which point she was able to contact her fiance, who reached out to authorities and the nonprofit Unchained at Last, a survivor-led organization dedicated to ending forced marriages. She was eventually able to speak with the FBI, who arranged for her to fly back to New York from Yemen. But when she finally landed at JFK on April 6, 2023, the womans sister seemingly appeared out of nowhere and tried to snatch her from federal agents. A surveillance photo from that encounter was shown during trial. On Friday, a federal jury convicted Khaled and Adham Abughanem on two counts each of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country, which could result in a life sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men deny the accusations, according to The Buffalo News. Another one of the victims brothers, 34-year-old Waleed Abughanem, pleaded guilty earlier this year to misprision of felony, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Khaled and Adham Abughanem are scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2025. The innocent Brooklyn restaurant worker killed by a disgruntled patron who wildly fired off shots from his car early this month didnt deserve to die like that, his wife told The Post Friday as the NYPD released photos of the fleeing suspects ride. Frankley Duran, 36, was trying to close the gates of Room 1Hundred a restaurant on Jamaica Avenue near New Jersey Avenue in East New York just after midnight on Dec. 2 when a motorist opened fire at the dining spot, according to cops and surveillance video obtained by The Post. Duran, who was struck in the head, was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries two days later, authorities said. Frankley Duran, 36, was killed when a disgruntled patron opened fire outside Room 1Hundred a restaurant on Jamaica Avenue near New Jersey Avenue in East New York, cops and sources said. Brigitte Stelzer/copyphoto Everything just happened in an instant, Durans wife, Yesmel Tejeda, 38, told The Post Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way that happened, he didnt deserve to die like that, and Im hoping the police and the communities and everybody finds that person, because this is something that all of us, were gonna get through, but with time, with time. The shooter had flipped out over an unpaid $280 bill at the restaurant, Tejeda said. The enraged man then got into his 2016 Chrysler with New York plate LAL 7188, callously fired toward the eatery hed just left and sped off, cops and sources said. Duran who sources say had no criminal history and was not involved in the initial mayhem collapsed to the ground as the car turned right onto Marginal Street East, the brief clip shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tejeda, who had been married to Duran for two years and planned to start a family with him next year, said her husbands co-worker called her to tell her what happened. They told me, Oh, something happened to Frankleyso Im thinking he was a little drunk, Tejeda said. So I was like, Can you put him on the phone right now? I was like, so mad. And they told me, Oh, he cant talk right now. Im like, [What do] you mean he cant talk right now? I think my blood pressure went down. Everything just happened in an instant, Durans wife, Yesmel Tejeda, 38, told The Post Friday. The way that happened, he didnt deserve to die like that. Brigitte Stelzer She said she rushed to the hospital to be by her husbands side. I know that he knew that I was there, she said. I know that he knew that I was there. Yeah. I know that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tejeda said police have described the investigation around her husbands death as a complicated case. So they say that they want to have all the evidence together, she said. And Im like, what do you mean? Theres cameras everywhere. The NYPD released released photos of the fleeing suspects vehicle. NYPD So thats the part I dont understand, Tejeda added. I really want the whole community and people to get connected so they can find [the suspect]. The couple had planned to visit family in the Dominican Republic for the holidays, she said. And because of that terrible incident were not there, Tejeda said. Right now Im just giving myself some time. Because this its been too much. It has been way too much. Tejeda said she wants the whole community and people to get connected to find the suspect. NYPD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tejeda lit up for a moment when asked how she met her husband. We met in a restaurant, she recalled. I used to go buy food every day and I used to mind my own business, and he was there, and he used to see me every day. So one day he approached me, and I was at the cashier, and he told the lady, You know what? Im gonna pay her bill. Im like, Excuse me? And he [said], Yeah, and since that day [we were together]. Tejeda and Duran had planned to visit the Dominican Republic for the holidays. Obtained by NY Post She described her slain husband as a good guy, an amazing guy, good husband, a good son, a good brother [and] a good part of the community, a good person. The NYPD released two images of the suspects getaway ride Friday morning, in a bid for tips from the public. Anyone with information on Durans murder is asked to call NYPD Crimestoppers. Gregory P. Mango Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips. The NYPD will flood Big Apple holiday markets following a suspected terrorist attack at a Christmas market in Germany Friday that left at least two dead and dozens injured. Rebecca Weiner, NYPD deputy commissioner of counterterrorism and intelligence, said additional cops will patrol the markets out of an abundance of caution and to make people feel safe in an interview with ABC 7 New York. The NYPD will flood holiday markets with police after the terrorist attack in Germany. Bloomberg via Getty Images This is a very festive time, its a very busy time in the city and we are going to make sure all our holiday markets, all our holiday activities are protected so New Yorkers will see an enhanced presence of officers around Christmas markets, she told the station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourists at the Bryant Park Holiday Market welcomed the beefed-up police presence Friday night. Police will be stationed across holiday markets out of an abundance of caution. TNS In our time being here, we have seen a lot of NYPD in the city, so it does make me feel a little safer, Sharon Ramon, 42, of Vermont, told The Post. Even if there isnt a cop standing next to me right now, Im sure theres one a block or two away. She was horrified to hear about the attack in Germany, but said it wont stop her from buying holiday gifts. Like anywhere else, nobody at that holiday market expected that to happen. Robin Phillip, 30, who was visiting from Atlanta, echoed those sentiments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say I feel safe here, he said. I have my family with me and as long as they feel safe thats all that matters. He called the German massacre terrible. I couldnt imagine that happening here though. The NYPD stressed there was nothing linking the attack in Germany to New York City. We want to reassure New Yorkers that we are going to be protecting our infrastructure and our events over the course of what we hope to be a calm, happy and healthy holiday season, Weiner said. The announcement came hours after a 50-year-old Saudi doctor tore through the busy market in Magdeburg, striking scores of people where hundreds were gathered, according to local officials. He has yet to be named. The nation's largest police department is embroiled in a high-level shakeup amid the crisis engulfing Mayor Eric Adams and his administration. On Friday night, the highest-ranking uniformed officer of the New York City Police Department abruptly resigned as he faced accusations of sexual misconduct. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey turned in his retirement papers as the New York Post was about to publish a story about a female subordinate's claim that Maddrey, at police headquarters in lower Manhattan, demanded sexual favors, and received them, in exchange for approving overtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an ABC News source, the city first learned of the allegations against Maddrey when contacted by the Post for comment. "Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter," the NYPD said in a statement earlier. PHOTO: In this Oct. 2, 2024, file photo, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey is shown at an NYPD Security Briefing in New York. (Lev Radin/Sipa USA via AP, FILE) The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said it is investigating the allegations against Maddrey. "These are extremely serious and disturbing claims that allegedly occurred at N.Y.P.D. headquarters in Manhattan," a spokesperson for the DA's office told ABC News. A spokesperson for the mayor's office said Saturday, "We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure no high ranking officers are using their power inappropriately. We will refrain from commenting further to avoid jeopardizing either investigation." In the wake of the stunning allegations against Maddrey, Tisch also removed the head of the department's Internal Affairs Bureau on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relieved of command was Chief Miguel Iglesias, who notified the Department of his intent to retire, Tisch said. Edward Thompson, a 38-year veteran of the force, will serve as interim chief as the ongoing personnel shakeup continues, Tisch announced. "Above all else, the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau must always be dedicated to preserving integrity and rooting out corruption in all its forms," Tisch said in a statement. "It is an essential function that is crucial to maintaining honor and nobility in the profession and preserving public trust. Chief (Edward) Thompson is up to the task." The allegations involving Maddrey are also under criminal investigation by New York City's Department of Investigation, sources told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maddrey's tenure has been tumultuous. An oversight board recommended that he should be punished for interfering with a 2021 arrest. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell approved the discipline but her successor, Edward Caban, dismissed the case. Maddrey has previously faced accusations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, which he has denied. MORE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams' phone seized after indictment by federal grand jury: Sources On Saturday, Tisch named John Chell as acting chief of department, charged with overseeing the NYPD's crime-fighting strategies, quality of life initiatives and operational plans. Chell most recently served as chief of patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, 64, was indicted in September on federal corruption charges, pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He will stand trial in April 2025 on the charges. "I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a targetand a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," Adams said in a statement on Sept. 25. Caban and other top city officials have resigned amid the federal probe and some of them also face criminal charges. Attorneys for Caban said he was not the target of the investigation and that he would "cooperate fully" with the government. Lawyers for Maddrey and his accuser did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment. NYPD embroiled in high-level shakeup amid sexual misconduct claims, Eric Adams probe originally appeared on abcnews.go.com BROOKLYN (PIX11) This week, our viewers generosity really made it happen. After quickly repairing a Brooklyn mother of four, the NYPD and Santas helpers delivered a special gift to her children. More Local News PIX11 News first met Taish Guzman back in November. She tagged us for help on TikTok because she was tired of cleaning up the water from a bad leak in her living room, where she always puts her Christmas tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City quickly fixed the problem. The NYPD and the First Responders Childrens Foundation surprised the family with gifts. A special thanks to Detective Tanya Duhaney and the president and CEO of the first responders, Childrens Foundation Jillian Crane, for all the toys and for making this magic moment happen. Two moms living in the same building in Lower Manhattan are on a mission to help 800 families with the Salvation Army. They are delivering holiday wishlists to needy families. Times Square had a unique distribution, and a special thanks to the powerhouse moms Lissa Hussian and Jessica Grunfeld for making it happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, it was Jersey Citys PAL December to remember. This week, more than 50 children received a $200 shopping spreethanks to the Kid City Stores of Jersey City, Senator Angela McKnight, the Paul and Phillis Fireman charitable foundation, and community champions Myesha and Elvis Foster. If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at monica@pix11.com Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) The City of Oceanside this past year joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network, and in an effort to learn what the older population needs from the city, surveys will be collected through the first week of January. The City of Oceanside has partnered with the Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity at the San Diego State University Social Policy Institute, with funding from the San Diego Foundation, to develop a five-year action plan to help improve the livability for older adults in Oceanside. New Junior Seau mural unveiled in Oceanside Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Oceanside joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network on April 7, 2024, and announced on Friday the city is collecting surveys to identify priorities and challenges that older adults and those living with disabilities are facing in the community. Oceanside residents can fill out the survey online at Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management until Jan. 6, 2025. Residents can also pick up a survey at any City of Oceanside senior center, recreation center, library, or community resource center. AARP has identified eight domains of livability for Oceanside to focus its action plan Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Work and Civic Engagement, Communication and Information, and Community and Health Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how you can get a free ride on NYE in San Diego In 2024, the City of Oceanside received a 53 overall livability score, which is in the top half of communities nationally, according to the AARP Age-Friendly Network. Oceanside had a score of 61 in the category of neighborhood, which includes access to parks, libraries, grocery stores, and crime rates. Oceanside also excelled in the health category, with a score of 65 due to lower rates of obesity, smoking, and healthcare professional shortages as well as higher access to exercise opportunities. According to AARP, the age-friendly designation means a communitys leaders have made the commitment to actively work toward making their town, city, county or state a great place to live for people of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This process will help define how we approach policies and planning with an age-friendly lens, said Manuel Gonzalez, Oceanside Director of Parks and Recreation. It is critical that our action plan is reflective of the entire Oceanside community so we are working hard to ensure that we are inclusive and engaging with our most vulnerable populations. Googles Year in Search 2024: Heres what San Diegans searched for this year Oceanside community members make up the Advisory Group of Age Friendly Ambassadors that will help guide the development of the action plan. Anyone interested in becoming an Age Friendly Ambassador can call 760-435-5561 or e-mail RecAdmin@oceansideca.org. Oceansides senior population is growing exponentially, and it will be increasingly important that we are intentional in how we think about infrastructure and services so that Oceanside is a place where people can age on their own terms, said Gonzalez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego County joined the AARP network in 2016 and the state of California joined the AARP Network in 2021. Hundreds of towns, cities and counties across the country have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities or received a quick-action AARP Community Challenge grant. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) The City of Odessa announced Friday evening that it has restored its utility billing system, allowing residents to pay bills in the same way as before. The City said since most residents did not receive a November bill, those residents will be receiving a combined November and December bill. However, the City said it will not be charging late fees or turning off anyones water through April 1, 2025. To avoid long lines and in-person credit card fees, the City encourages residents to use its pay-by-phone system or pay online. To set up a payment plan, residents can call 432-335-3204 or visit the City of Odessa website here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more details on how you can pay, please visit the City of Odessas website here. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Odessa Billings and Collections Team at 432-335-3204. 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. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) First responders were at the scene of a collision and vehicle fire that happened shortly before rush hour on Friday. Pete Piringer, a spokesman with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) said the incident happened in the area of Flower Hill Way and Snouffer School Road at around 4:45 p.m. Police looking for man who stole power tools, power equipment from businesses across Fairfax County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said an officer was responding to an unrelated call when a vehicle crashed into their cruiser, which had its airbags deploy before catching fire. The officer was temporarily trapped inside the cruiser. Another responding officer was able to help remove the officer from the cruiser. The officer was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle involved was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. VILLE PLATTE, La. (KLFY) Louisiana State Police confirm there was an accidental discharge incident involving the Ville Platte Police Chief today. State police said the incident is being investigated by the Evangeline Parish Sheriffs Office. No other details were provided by state police. Ville Platte residents are reporting that the police chief and two others were injured in an accidental shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents told KLFY that two people called the Ville Platte police chief about a suspicious bag left at their home. The police chief allegedly discovered a sawed off shotgun in the bag. Residents claim that when the police chief went to remove the firearm from the bag, it went off and injured himself and the two people. Ville Platte Police Chief Perry Thomas told KLFY that he was not injured in the incident. He confirmed that the weapon was a sawed off shot gun. According to the Evangeline Parish Sheriffs Office, the weapon was in a gun sock. This report will be updated as information becomes available. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Dec. 21OREGON The Ogle County Board voted 13-11 Tuesday to approve a special-use permit for a solar project in Haldane, between Forreston and Polo, after a lawsuit filed by the petitioner. The company, Cenergy Power, previously requested a permit for a 5-megawatt community solar project in Lincoln Township on agricultural-zoned land, a request that was unanimously denied by the board in April because of the land's high Land Evaluation and Site Assessment score for agriculture use. LESA is a land evaluation method that uses a rating system to assess the agricultural value of a piece of land, considering the quality of soil and other factors such as location and surrounding land use. The board passed a resolution in March declaring its intent to support high-quality farmland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the denial of the permit in April, Cenergy Power decreased the size of the site plan to avoid the higher-quality soils in the southeast corner of the property and resubmitted it. The company also filed a lawsuit against the county for inappropriate denial based on an Illinois law, enacted in January 2023, that requires counties and municipalities to adopt statewide standards for utility-scale solar and wind facilities. The lawsuit was temporarily suspended after the county agreed to reconsider the petition. "The land on this property is highly productive, and even though they minimized the impact of the land, it's still very high-quality land," board member Ben Youman said. "It's all good land up in there, and I just have one heck of a time bending over for them just to take good land," board member Lyle Hopkins said. "The County Board voted to support agriculture and preserve it. There's other places and rougher ground where these things can be placed. Why take good farm ground and put these things on it?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county hired a law firm for the issue that said although Cenergy Power could have a case, it would have low likelihood of winning, especially because of the state's current political climate, Youman said. Ogle County State's Attorney Mike Rock said that fighting it would be "incredibly expensive and time consuming." It could cost the county between $300,000 and $500,000. "As far as policy, does Ogle County want to be the tip of the spear fighting the governor's zoning power grab?" Rock said. "The state took everything away. Do we want to be the county to fight it? This would be framing this zoning issue for the whole state if this is the fight you want to take." After the approval, the board heard from Haldane resident Mike Bowman, who was against the solar farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My north view is going to be this solar farm for the next 25 years, which by all aspects is the rest of my life," Bowman said. "I can't put up a visual barrier. My view right now is a beautiful cornfield with the Haldane Cemetery on the north edge of it. I'll no longer be able to see the cemetery, where I have a whole lot of friends and family buried. "Dirt is important to everybody in this room, everybody in this county, because we live by what happens with agriculture. One way or another, agriculture is tied to every one of us." "It's very unfortunate that when our constituents are so strongly opposing this, we have to weigh our decision on the lawsuit," board member Marcia Heuer said. "In this day and age, that is so sad." Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is chairing the 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council which is underway in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The participants in the meeting include the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha. The Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana are also present in the meeting along with the Finance Ministers of States/UTs, Secretary of Department of Revenue, Chairmen and Members of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and other senior officials of the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry's post on social media X added, "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the 55th meeting of the GST Council, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today." The GST Council, consisting of the Union Finance Minister and representatives from all States and Union Territories, was established to make decisions on various aspects of GST, including tax rates, exemptions, and administrative procedures. Though official agenda for the meeting is not in public domain, but sources asserted that the proposed rationalisation of GST rates on health and life insurance products will be on the agenda in Saturday meeting. Sources had said that the Group of Ministers on insurance, chaired by Bihar Minister Samrat Chaudhary, has submitted the report to the GST Council. The Group of Ministers was tasked to look into GST rates related to medical insurance and come up with a report so that the GST Council could take up the matter. Both life insurance and medical insurance premiums attract a GST rate of 18 per cent. GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, which is a Constitutional body comprising representatives from States/UTs and the Centre. Many leaders from opposition-ruled states have requested Finance Minister Sitharaman to reduce GST on medical insurance and premiums. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is one of them. The INDIA alliance leaders held a protest against the Central government outside the Parliament during the monsoon session of Parliament in August, demanding to roll back GST on health and life insurance products. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also joined the protest. The issue of GST on life and health insurance was placed before the GST Council in its 54th Meeting held on September 9, 2024, in New Delhi. After detailed deliberations, the GST Council recommended to constitute a Group of Ministers (GoM) to holistically look into the issues pertaining to GST on life insurance and health insurance. (ANI) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Twenty people have a new outlook on life after a successful living kidney donor transplant chain. The chain was conducted at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Lead surgeon, Dr. Amer Rajab, notes the joy of completing these transplants. I am extremely happy, I mean, literally, I dont know how to explain it, but literally you when you see it, you get your reward immediately, Dr. Rajab said. I mean, when you see these patients, literally, you are not waiting a month or week or a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was one of the nations largest single-institution living kidney donor transplant chains in one week. The process started in October and was done with 10 living donors and 10 recipients. One of the recipients, Patricia Petrini, went through this journey with her friend of twenty-five years. Petrinis friend, Carley Fontana, was not her donor but wanted to do everything she could to help her find one. She was not a match, but she went through this journey with me to do all the testing to see if she was compatible with me, to give a kidney to someone else so I could get a kidney from someone, Petrini said. For Fontana, it was her mission to do everything within her power to help save her dear friends life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they called me back and said, we havent found a direct match for her, would you be interested in participating in the paired donation program? I said of course, Fontana said. If this is going to be her shot to get a kidney, Im all over it. The hospital performed twenty procedures in two days. Each day, five donor and five recipient surgeries were done. On Thursday the group came together to celebrate this accomplishment, and for Fontana, it was a heavily emotional experience. Meeting the person that actually helped save their lives was amazing, Fontana said. It is an unbelievable feeling to know that my wanting to help my friend actually helped ten other people who desperately needed kidneys. Though the OSU Wexner Medical Center is grateful and proud of its work, they continue to urge others that the need for kidney transplants is great, and if you are willing to help change someones life for the better, do not hesitate to give. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is over 100,000 people waiting for organs in the United States, Dr. Rajab said. Over 100,000 So many people die waiting for an organ, you know, and live donation it, no question. Fill that gap significantly. For more information on how you can be a part of the living kidney donation chain, visit the OSU Wexner Medical Center website by clicking here: Living Kidney Donation I Ohio State Medical Center Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. OKLAHOMA COUNTY (KFOR) Oklahoma County leaders announced Friday that there is a date for mediation with Oklahoma City to agree on a new jail site location. This is said to happen before a December 31 deadline, after which residents could lose out on a mental health facility to go alongside it. We dont want a damn jail here, said Robert Koon during public comment Friday. Many leaders throughout the county spoke out Friday against the proposed location near Southeast 15th and East Grand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement | CATCH UP HERE > On-going jail site battle could cost taxpayers > This comes after the city announced Tuesday that it plans to proceed with finding a new jail site and called for third-party mediation. Minutes later, commissioners voted to move forward with a lawsuit against the city council. A mediation has been scheduled for next week, and the council will have elected representation present, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in response to Fridays announcement. The council looks forward to the conversation and is very hopeful it will be productive. Im just going to be open with everyone here, we already spent $21 million at that site. We cannot enter mediation on a different site, announced Oklahoma County District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson. We will enter into the mediation as long as a different site isnt discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern has been that an agreement has to happen before the December 31 deadline as that is the ending date that around $40 million in ARPA funding has to be appropriated. The county told News 4 they are set to have a December 26 special meeting to go through a list of organizations and projects that would get the money if the city doesnt agree to the site. That $40 million isnt going anywhere, as Ive said many times, said Commissioner Davidson. We will then pick where that money will go. Give those ARPA dollars to the non-profit world and other cities who would use that money in that manner. | MORE HERE > OK Co. Commissioners vote to secure federal funds for mental health facility at jail site > Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im asking the commissioners to not waste this money holding it back for this facility that you cant even afford to build, said Del City Mayor Floyd Eason during public comment Friday. Mayor Eason has been one of many leaders near the proposed site who has been against it. This isnt going to smoothly pass on down the road. Were going to end up fighting this, said Mayor Eason. To continue to build a mental health and jail so close to schools, neighborhoods, daycares, parks, and a special needs living center is careless, said Gina Standride, a school board member for Mid-Del public schools. Building on the back of our youth is dangerous. District 1 was not represented today. To send a commissioner to negotiations with Oklahoma City who has so many ethical questions raised about him should not be trusted to negotiate on behalf of citizens. Del City and Crooked Oakj citizens have been deemed least, last, and lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney Generals Office issued a letter of counsel last week. It stated a court would likely grant immunity to the county in the case. Commissioners claim they have superior sovereignty over the piece of land. Commissioners have argued that they want the city to design a special permit and they are offering a bus stop if the city maintains it and operates it. December 23 is when the commissioners said that they would hold a special meeting to discuss where the funds could go if the city doesnt agree. Then on December 31, the city is expected to hold a council meeting where they would have to decide. Commissioner Davidson said they would have the last rubber stamp of approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma City Council meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. December 31 while the deadline is set for midnight later that 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. (NewsNation) Oklahoma is giving Donald Trumps plan of conducting mass deportations a boost. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Operation Guardian last month in a bid to deport incarcerated immigrants illegally in the U.S. back to their country of origin. Stitt has appointed Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton to lead the operation. The safety of every Oklahoman is my top priority. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure criminals who are here illegally dont bring harm to Oklahomans, Tipton said in the release last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you fly with pot? Heres what the TSA says Oklahoma taxpayers are paying to keep illegal immigrants incarcerated because the Biden administration has refused to enforce the law. This must end now. Stitt says Oklahoma states prisons right now are currently holding around 526 immigrants illegally in the U.S., costing it around $32,000 in taxpayer funds. Were going to walk through exactly who they are to make sure we are serving justice, but were also getting these folks back to the Trump administration to do their job and get them out of the country, Stitt told NewsNation. Tipton told NewsNation that migrants who have committed serious crimes like rape and murder will finish out that state sentence before being turned over to ICE custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump border czar: 100K beds, more ICE agents needed for deportations He also told NewsNation exclusively that they plan to expand Operation Guardian to target migrants who have committed crimes, have served their state sentences and been released and are still in the state of Oklahoma. The plan is to detain those individuals and hand them over to ICE custody. Gov. Stitt told NewsNation that when it comes to migrants in the state not committing crimes and paying taxes, those individuals would not be targeted. People that are trying to chase the American dream, that are paying taxes, that are part of the community; we want to make sure that they have a way to work here legally, Stitt added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. 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? The leaders of the Senate and the House budget committees got their first look at what could be the Oklahoma budget for fiscal year 2026 on Friday. The best way to describe that view is one word: flat. Friday afternoon, the Oklahoma Board of Equalization certified an estimate of $8.662 billion in general revenue collections for FY26. Because the Oklahoma Constitution only allows the Legislature to spend 95 percent of that amount, lawmakers would have $8.229 billion for the next fiscal year. That figure, records show, is about 1 percent lower than last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BOE report also showed the state with $4.6 billion in savings. Those funds include more than $2 billion in the Constitutional Reserve Fund and the Revenue Stabilization Fund, about $1.36 billion in unspent funds and a total of $1.2 million in the Education Reform Revolving Fund and the FMAP Rate Preservation Fund. Five of the seven-member board voted in favor of the estimates. Two members, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and Attorney General Gentner Drummond did not attend the meeting and did not vote. Drummond said he didn't attend because he didn't trust the estimates. In a media statement issued just as the meeting began, Drummond said he "lacks confidence in the budget numbers provided by the Stitt Administration" and called for increased legislative involvement in the process.I come from the private sector, where you dont play games with your budget, Drummond said in a news release. After sitting through several of these meetings, as well as briefings from the Governors chosen staff, I can tell you that I have no confidence in the accuracy or completeness of the Governors budget numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond pointed to the December 2023 report as an recent examples of discrepancies and inaccuracies that eroded his confidence. "In December of 2023, the Board of Equalization was told there would be $8,976,523,862 available for appropriation in FY25. By February, 10 days after the Governor laid out his budget priorities, that number had increased to $9,037,537,501," Drummond said. "This increase bolstered the Governors argument for a proposed income tax cut." More: New budget chiefs say they want to see revenue projections before committing to tax cuts Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur attends a State Board of Equalization meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Im all for lowering the tax burden on Oklahoma families, but lets not play political games with the budget numbers," Drummond said. "Lets have an open and transparent process where the numbers dont change just because the Governor wants them to.Drummonds announcement comes after being the lone no vote in the Board of Equalization meeting in February. At the time, Drummonds office said his no vote was a reflection of his lack of confidence in certain revenue estimates that were provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Drummond questioned the revenue estimates, House Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Trey Caldwell, a Republican from Lawton, said Friday's estimates show state revenue flattening. "My gut reaction is that we're seeing a flattening of the explosive revenue growth that we saw for a couple of years," he said. "We're seeing (the revenue) being much more stable. I think we have a strong cash position." With more than $4 billion in reserve, unspent and savings, state lawmakers Caldwell said, are well prepared for any economic downturn "that may or may not occur in the near or far future." "I think the state is very strong in that position," he said. "Though there may be some disagreements on what is readily available, I think we are well prepared. I think we have a lot of options for one-off or single year type infrastructure projects." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, even with the flat revenue outlook, Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, is expected to again push for a tax cut. Last year, during his state of the state speech, Stitt called for a .25 percent reduction in the personal income tax rate. Friday, Stitt said he would make that call again. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd attends a State Board of Equalization meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. While Stitt continues his push for a tax cut, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Policy Institute, a statewide think tank, said lawmakers should not view estimates "as a green light to move forward with future revenue cuts in the form of poorly planned tax cuts." "Lawmakers should modernize existing tax credits that put money into the pockets of the Oklahomans who need it most, while also protecting vital state revenue," wrote Aanahita Ervin, a fiscal policy analyst for the institute. "These targeted tax credits are the most fiscally responsible way for lawmakers to deliver tax relief to Oklahomans who need them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If lawmakers want to reverse Oklahomas high poverty rate, they should allocate our tax dollars to help everyday Oklahomans support their families," Ervin wrote. "This includes investments in workforce training, job creation, child care, health care, and many other public services that have been shown to move the needle on poverty. These services remain underfunded in Oklahoma." For his part, Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, a Republican from Perry, said the estimates give lawmakers an idea of the future budget outlook. Like Caldwell, Hall said the state hasn't seen a great deal of growth. He said he was looking forward to the extra two months worth of data that will be collected by the BOE before its February estimate. "Still I think what you're seeing is the residual effects to the largest tax cut in state history last year," he said. "I think you're seeing the effects of a reduction in oil prices. I think you're seeing sales tax collections are starting to go down." Hall said lawmakers would have to take the state's economy, its current revenue sources and the impact of the Trump Administration into consideration as they develop the FY26 budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is still a lot in play until we get the February estimates," he said. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt attends a State Board of Equalization meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Drummond: 'No confidence' in equalization board's FY26 budget estimate OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Three Oklahoma Republican lawmakers are challenging a $127 million OG&E rate increase that was previously approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. State Representatives Tom Gann (R-Inola), Kevin West (R-Moore), and Rick West (R-Heavener) challenged the increase because it had been approved partly due to a yes vote from embattled Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oklahoma Supreme Court denies petition against Todd Hiett Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the three lawmakers announced that they are taking their case to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, after losing their initial challenge accusing Hiett of violating Oklahomas ethics rules. While Hiett has not been charged with a crime, he has faced pressure to resign over accusations of sexual misconduct and drunkenness. The alleged victim works for a major utility company. Its currently unclear if the Oklahoma Supreme Court will hear this appeal. The Gann, West, and West released the following joint statement addressing the appeal on Friday. Less than two weeks ago, on December 9, the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied our petition seeking to prohibit Todd Hiett from hearing Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims/witnesses of his alleged crimes. But we were encouraged by comments in the justices written opinions. Two days later, in response to comments from Justice Dana Kuehn, Gann sent the Oklahoma Ethics Commission a six-page supplement to his original Sept. 10 complaint filed against Commissioner Hiett. It documents with 250 pages of exhibits more than 15 additional occasions of Hiett allegedly violating State Ethics Rule 4.7 since the original complaint was filed. Ethics Rule 4.7 prohibits state officers from participating in matters in which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Today, in response to comments from Justice Douglas L. Combs made on December 9, we have filed an appeal at the Oklahoma Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Oklahoma Corporation Commissions recent order granting Oklahoma Gas and Electric a $127 million rate increase. Hiett cast the deciding vote in that case, even though we believe state ethics rules say he should not have participated. OG&E employs attorneys who hosted a party on June 21, 2023, where Hiett is alleged to have committed multiple criminal acts, including drunk driving, sexual harassment and indecent exposure. In this appeal, we also are challenging the OCCs one-page audits of the utilities 2021 Winter Storm bonds. Although all three of us voted against the securitization legislation in April 2021, we do not believe the law allows the Corporation Commission to invent its own definition of the word audit, or meant for the utilities to audit themselves. The Oklahoma Accountancy Act provides auditing standards for a reason. Our pursuit of justice and transparency and respect for the law and the Constitution on behalf of Oklahoma utility ratepayers continues. State Representatives Tom Gann (R-Inola), Kevin West (R-Moore), and Rick West (R-Heavener) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An Olathe, Kansas man is sentenced for a deadly crash involving a motorcyclist in 2021. Johnson County Judge Christina Dunn on Friday sentenced Ruben Rodriquez to 38 years and four months in prison. Back in July, a jury found Rodriguez guilty of reckless second-degree murder for the crash that killed Dade Smith on November 18, 2021. According to court documents, there was a fight between Rodriguez and Smith leading up to the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric DeValkenaeres sentence commuted in Cameron Lamb killing Rodriguez and Smith were forced to leave a FedEx facility where they had been working together after an argument. Both men were package handlers, and it was their first day doing comprehensive work for the facility. According to FedEx, Rodriguez had threatened to fight Smith in the parking lot during their argument. Court documents said that other employees reported that Rodriguez said he wasnt afraid to catch another felony. Both men left the facility around the same time. Smith left on a motorcycle and Rodriguez left on a Cadillac Escalade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police got footage from the crash on the dashcam in Rodriguezs Escalade. Rodriguez left the facility before turning around and coming back. As he finished turning around, police said you could hear and see Smiths motorcycle in the dash camera footage. Rodriguez slowed down to 11 mph before pulling into a businesss driveway in front of Smith. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Smith crashed and fell into Rodriguezs vehicle. Smith died at the scene. Rodriguez told police he turned around to ask FedEx human resources a question and that he thought the motorcycle was far enough away that he could turn safely. He also stated he thought the parking lots were connected when asked why turned into the business and not FedEx. Rodriguez denied knowing Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Dec. 20A Bethany woman is dead, and four people are in the hospital after a DeKalb County crash Thursday afternoon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred around 3:45 at the intersection of Missouri Routes 6 and 31, five miles north of Clarksdale. An 18-year-old Bethany man driving three passengers from the same town in an SUV did not stop at the intersection stop sign and hit a pickup truck driven by a 31-year-old Clarksdale man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 37-year-old woman riding in the SUV was pronounced dead by the DeKalb County Coroner just after 4:30. The SUV driver suffered serious injuries, as did a 40-year-old man and 15-year-old girl riding with him. The Clarksdale driver suffered serious injuries as well. EMS took the men to Mosaic in St. Joseph and the teenage girl to Children's Mercy. According to the crash report, only the Bethany driver and his 40-year-old passenger had seatbelts equipped. Washington (DC News Now) Maryland Congressman David Trone (D) is reflecting on his time in Congress. Rep. Trone has represented Marylands 6th congressional district since 2018. Trone discusses the most rewarding part of his job, what he wished he could have passed, and whats next. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) One person was sent to the hospital with critical injuries after a single vehicle crash in downtown Austin Friday, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media. Around 7:30 p.m., ATCEMS said it responded to the crash on North Lamar Boulevard and West Sixth Street. Medics on scene found one unconscious person entrapped in a vehicle, the agency said. The Austin Fire Department also responded for the vehicle rescue and extricated one person from the vehicle, the agency said on social media. Medics said that person was transported to Dell Seton as a trauma alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, expressing profound gratitude to the brotherly nation of Pakistan and to the Prime Minister personally, following Azerbaijan's unanimous election as a member of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. Prime Minister, My dear Brother, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 organization during the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 19 December 2024. It is quite remarkable that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, has adopted a decision on expansion for the first time. This historic decision, which is an indicator of international trust in Azerbaijan, is a source of special pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijans candidacy is a manifestation of our strong relationship of friendship and cooperation, unity, and solidarity with every member country of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member states, will contribute to the mobilization of efforts for the protection of the fundamental principles of D-8, deepening of cooperation within the organization, promotion of our common interests, strengthening of Islamic solidarity, and its transformation into a great power. It is gratifying that the Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations are based on mutual trust, respect, and support, and are enriched with new content day by day. We attach special importance to continuously expanding our multifaceted cooperation and strategic partnership with brotherly Pakistan in political, economic, trade, transport, military-technical, humanitarian, and other areas. My state visit to your country in July this year opened a new page in the history of our relations, and I have the warmest memories of that visit. I appreciate your visit to Azerbaijan to participate in COP29, our meeting, and exchange of views in an atmosphere of friendliness, sincerity, and mutual trust. I look forward to your state visit to Azerbaijan in 2025 and am sure that it will give a strong impetus to the strengthening of our fraternal relations and the further deepening of our fruitful joint activities. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wishing you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Pakistan," the letter reads. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday inaugurated India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This stretch has been developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CSIR - Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental. The use of lignin as a sustainable binder marks a significant breakthrough in flexible pavement technology, addressing the challenge of bitumen scarcity and reducing India's dependency on imports, which currently constitute 50 per cent of the total supply. This innovation contributes to global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, mitigating stubble burning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70 per cent compared to fossil-based bitumen. Leveraging India's abundant lignocellulosic biomass, this development aligns with the nation's vision for sustainable industrial growth. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari emphasised that fostering advancements in green technologies and promoting industrial sustainability aligns with Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted that this initiative paves the way for large-scale domestic production and a self-reliant, sustainable future for India. Speaking to the media after the event, Gadkari said, "There are 400 projects in the country to make CNG from biomass...CNG is much cheaper than petrol, and the pollution caused by CNG is also less than petrol... CNG saves a lot of money...farmers will benefit a lot from this."Earlier, the Union Minister, speaking in Jaipur informed that currently, 400 projects are in process, and 40 of them are already completed. CNG is being produced from parali in these projects and this has resulted in the use of a total of 60 lakh tonnes of parali, which has helped reduce pollution, he stated. He further added that due to the burning of stubble in Punjab and Haryana, there is a problem of pollution in Delhi. "Now we are making CNG from the rice straw...Now the farmers, who are the 'annadata' and 'urjadata,' will become 'bitumendata'... This will help in creating value from waste and benefit the farmers also," he added. (ANI) With less than twelve hours to go until a lapse in federal funding will force a government shutdown, House Republicans arent sure who to listen to. House Speaker Mike Johnson failed to whip votes for a Thursday evening bid to fund the government. That bill came after Trump sunk a deal agreed upon by bipartisan leadership in both the House and Senate. The second attempt, spearheaded by Johnson, lost by a vote of 174-235, with nearly 40 Republicans jumping ship. President-elect Donald Trumps demand on Thursday that all Republicans should vote yes on the second bill fell on deaf ears. Some of Trumps most ardent supporters voted against the bill, which included a Trump demand to suspend the debt ceiling for the first several years of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson is still trying to hammer out a deal as of Friday evening, but Trump and his campaign financier Elon Musk seem willing to let the government flounder. Johnson announced on Friday afternoon that a "Plan C" deal was done. The new proposition would split a resolution to continue funding the government, a farm aid bill and a disaster relief bill into separate votes, caving to the demands of some GOP reps who voted down the first package. We will not have a government shutdown, Johnson told reporters. Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said that the package could be dead in the water, arguing that Musk pulls the strings in the lower chamber and could tank the bid with a post to social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may not pass the House because all it takes is one tweet from a billionaire 15 minutes from now, and House Republicans will go running for the hills, Murphy told CNN on Friday. Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, theyre in charge of our government right now, it seems. Chris Murphy on the latest House Republican funding plan: "This may not pass the House because all it takes is one tweet from a billionaire 15 minutes from now and House Republicans will go running for the hills. Musk and Ramaswamy are in charge of our govt right now it seems" pic.twitter.com/hrcoSv5IiC Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 20, 2024 The man Democrats have dubbed President Musk has exerted his influence to stop previous budget deals. During a day-long tirade on X against the original deal, Musk argued that the House should shut the government down until Trump is sworn in as president. All this back-and-forth has made a deal seem unlikely. Democrats arent willing to hand Trump a political win on raising the debt ceiling, and the GOPs hardline fiscal hawks are even less likely to budge. Given the stacked odds of getting what he wants, Trump has come around to Musks contention that the whole apparatus of government should grind to a halt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, Trump said in a pair of posts to Truth Social on Friday. Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling. Without this, we should never make a deal. Johnsons congressional allies seem unconvinced the speaker can rally the troops before a midnight deadline to fund the government. South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, who voted in favor of the collapsed Trump-Johnson deal on Thursday evening, told reporters that a technical shutdown was a strong possibility as in-fighting persisted. Johnsons stewardship of the House might be up for renegotiation, too. Trumps allies are increasingly critical of his leadership, with some suggesting Musk might be a better fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene of Florida endorsed the co-head of the as-yet unofficial Department of Government Efficiency for the role on Thursday, denouncing Johnsons support for higher spending. 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. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, sees a future where either Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy hold the gavel in the House. I don't think the speaker is going to remain in power, he shared with Fox News. We need bold new leadership. Lee: I don't think the speaker is going to remain in power.. We need bold new leadership, outside leadership and I think it needs to be a doge speaker. Needs to be either Vivek Ramaswamy or Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/W7TrN0Ptjq Acyn (@Acyn) December 20, 2024 White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested on Friday that any shutdown would be the GOP's to own, regardless of who controls the presidency. They created this mess, Jean-Pierre said. Republicans decided togive space to their billionaire friends and not put the American people first. That's what is happening. Rahm Emanuel whom David Axelrod is pushing to become the new chair of the Democratic National Committee believes he knows whats wrong with the Democratic Party and how to fix it. In a recent interview with Ezra Klein, Emanuel lamented that Democrats use language to feel good about ourselves, not to communicate. We all think were applying to be adjunct professors at a small liberal arts college. We dont listen to people. We tell them how to eat their peas. Many Democrats have commented on this elitism. But Emanuel went further when Klein asked, If you were advising a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair working on candidate recruitment, who are you looking for? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think independence is a streak that Im going to look for, said Emanuel. Give me somebody that ran against the grain, said publicly what people are thinking so their independence is a quality that gives them kind of the anti-establishment, the anti-elite tone. To me, independence, saying things that arent politically correct, willing to take on not just X interest group or whatever but even your own partys interest group or leadership to me, thats the gold mine I want to go work in. Rahm is right. Political independence is a gold mine. I know because Ive been pickaxing for 30 years! Independents are now the largest group of voters. For the first time ever, they have tied Republicans and exceeded Democrats in presidential turnout. And the independent mindset politically incorrect, anti-establishment, anti-elitist, pro-innovation, anti-identity politics and pro-people is shaking up politics as usual. Its a mindset that has been growing steadily since John Heilman pointed out that Barack Obama was the first independent president since George Washington. But Rahm has a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party hates independent thinking, independent organizations, independent voters and independent reform. Its baked in. And unless the party adopts a new posture toward the broad independent movement and independent mindset, Rahms vision will remain a pipe dream. The Democratic Party did not just campaign against No Labels and Robert Kennedy Jr. they waged scorched-earth campaigns to destroy them. No Labels was harassed by Democratic operatives with East German efficiency. Kennedy was denied the right to debate President Biden and was eventually driven out of the Democratic Party. As an independent, he was prevented from appearing on the ballot by legions of Democratic Party lawyers. The Democratic Partys No.1 priority in 2023 and early 2024 was to shield Biden from any challenge from inside or outside the party, and they succeeded to their own detriment. Joe Rogan, Dean Phillips, Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Andrew Yang and Robert Kennedy were all at one time Democrats or Democrat-adjacent. All have been expelled by this destroy dissent posture. Rather than create space for debate on school vouchers, transgender medical care, border security, universal basic income and foreign wars, the Democratic Party banishes people who dont toe the party line. Rank-and-file independents fare no better than influencers. In 2024, the Democratic Party cancelled their presidential primary, preferring to first insulate Biden and then crown Harris. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) said, This is a disaster and was ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats aggressively opposed ballot referenda for open primaries across the country and adopted an official policy of if you want to vote in the primaries, you need to join the Democratic Party. Thats not smart if you want to attract independent-minded candidates. Rahm, if you want to gain access to the gold mine, your party needs to stop attacking the gold miners. The Democratic Party should welcome independent political initiatives and candidacies because healthy competition lifts all boats. It should support a primary system that cannot be cancelled by a few insiders and includes independents. It should embrace debate. If the party does that, maybe, just maybe, Rahm will be able to recruit independent-minded Democrats to run for office. Maybe the Democrats will get the message, but Im not holding my breath. Im heading back into the gold mine. Because thats where more and more Americans are hanging out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Opdycke is the President of Open Primaries, a national election reform organization. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While analyzing the tailspin of the Biden presidency and the failed campaign of Kamala Harris, few pundits have questioned that militarism is a political necessity as well as a vital tool of U.S. foreign policy. Harris checked a standard box at the Democratic National Convention when she pledged to maintain the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. Yet the erosion of the Democratic Partys base is partly due to the alienation of voters who dont want to cast their ballot for what they see as a war party. That perception is especially acute among the young, and notable among African Americans. Many have viewed President Bidens resolute support for the Israeli war in Gaza as a moral collapse. When Harris remained loyal to it during the fall campaign, her credibility sank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Events in recent weeks have done nothing to reassure those repelled by the Democratic administrations approach. Bidens purported 30-day deadline for Israel to start allowing adequate food into Gaza expired shortly after the election without Israeli compliance while the humanitarian disaster in Gaza actually became worse than ever. Bidens White House pretended otherwise. The ongoing hellish realities for Palestinian civilians in Gaza caused 40 percent of Senate Democrats to vote for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) post-election resolution to block $20 billion worth of military aid to Israel. But near the end of November, Biden followed up by greenlighting an additional $680 million in arms sales to Israel. While Republicans remained in lockstep for arming Israel, the budding dissent from congressional Democrats remained ineffectual. On Ukraine war policy, dissent has been rare from Democratic lawmakers. Two years ago, 30 progressive House Democrats sent a letter to Biden that suggested a proactive diplomatic push could be useful for achieving a ceasefire but they quickly withdrew the letter after an angry backlash from hawkish leaders in their own party. (Republican lawmakers are split on Ukraine policy many want the U.S. to recklessly confront China instead of Russia.) Few Democrats have mustered more than feeble caveats about open-ended military aid to the Kyiv government, merely watching as the Biden administration repeatedly crosses its own red lines on such matters as approval of longer-range Ukrainian missile strikes into Russia. For the Ukraine war, in the lexicon of high-ranking Democrats, diplomacy has been a dirty word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the president has accelerated the war train (sometimes hailing more war production as good for the U.S. economy), with party leaders providing fuel and Democratic constituents confined to the caboose. The opinions of the party faithful count for little. Polling has made clear that an overwhelming majority of Democrats want a U.S. arms embargo against Israel. On Ukraine, a poll early this year found that while less than one-fifth of Democrats wanted to end all military aid to Ukraine, upwards of half wanted to make it conditional on diplomatic talks, a stance firmly rejected by the administration. Fond of telling the world about the imperative of a rules-based order to stop cross-border aggression, Biden and his secretary of State, Antony Blinken, rationalize breaking the rules at will. This year, in the Middle East, the U.S. launched bombing attacks on Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Objections from leaders of the presidents party have not been audible. The Democratic Party deserves its image as a party of war. To explore possibilities for how that might change will require a candid assessment of how that image came into focus in the 21st century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after Barack Obama became president in 2009, he made the war on terror explicitly bipartisan. With the Democratic Party in tow, he tripled the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, peaking at 100,000 in 2010 swiftly escalating a war inflicting widespread carnage in rural areas out of media sight. In Iraq, the war effort persisted as the number of U.S. boots on the ground slowly declined. Meanwhile, Obama stepped up drone attacks in Yemen, Pakistan and Somalia. And with disastrous consequences for Libya, Obama had the United States lead NATOs seven-month bombing onslaught of that country in 2011, incubating terrorism that expanded far beyond its borders. Today, the most powerful Democrats are well attuned to the dominant media messaging and the agendas of megadonors, establishment think tanks, Pentagon contractors and their lobbyists swarming Capitol Hill. With the military budget approaching $1 trillion, along with multibillion-dollar weapons shipments to allied nations, corporations of varied sizes make huge profits from war. And revolving doors between arms sellers and government arms buyers never stop spinning. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin came to that job in 2021 from the board of Raytheon Technologies (now RTX), one of the nations largest military contractors. As the New York Times noted, he was also a partner in an investment firm that has been buying small defense firms. The revolving also often spins in the other direction, with officials going from Congress or national security positions to lucrative jobs as lobbyists or members of corporate boards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, most Democrats in Congress fearful of soft-on-defense charges from Republicans have assumed that militaristic policies are smart politics. But public support for such policies has waned, a fact that Donald Trump shrewdly exploits by baiting Democratic leaders as warmongers when he isnt excoriating them as wimps. In the wake of the Harris defeat, the party is now close to leaderless, which is just as well. When the Democratic National Committee elects its new chair on Feb. 1, replacing the current Biden loyalist Jaime Harrison, the opportunity exists to begin shaking the party loose from its hidebound foundation. Conditions may soon shift for the Democratic Party to start moving beyond its war culture. But that will require a willingness to challenge the assumptions of elected Democrats who are in sync with what Martin Luther King Jr. called the madness of militarism. Norman Solomon is co-founder of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. His book War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine was published in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Georgia appellate court ruled Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her entire office are disqualified from prosecuting the case that accuses then-President Donald Trump who lost the 2020 election of trying to interfere with our states election. At issue was a personal relationship that the district attorney eventually admitted that shed had with Nathan Wade, whom she had assigned as a special prosecutor to the case. Though the trial court had criticized Willis but allowed her and her office to continue the prosecution, two of the three judges on the three-judge panel wrote Thursday, After carefully considering the trial courts findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office. Later that same day, Willis office filed a notice of its intent to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court. But this case is likely over. As a former assistant district attorney in Fulton County who has dedicated my career to pursuing justice, the decision to disqualify Willis and her entire office from the Trump case strikes me as more than just a legal setback; its a profound disappointment for our justice system and the citizens of Fulton County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having served as a Fulton County prosecutor and as a prosecutor for the city of Atlanta, and having challenged Willis for her position in this years Democratic primary, I understand the immense responsibility that comes with wielding prosecutorial power. Public trust isnt just earned through the cases we choose to pursue, but its also earned in the way we conduct ourselves and manage our offices. Whether you agree with the court disqualifying Willis or not, the court wouldnt have been in a position to make that decision if she hadnt hired Wade in the first place. Several of my former colleagues were well equipped to do the work she hired Wade to do. The disqualification of DA Willis and her office doesnt just impact this single case as significant as it is. It undermines public confidence in our justice system and raises legitimate questions, yet again, about her prosecutorial judgment. The relationship between Willis and Wade, along with the financial arrangements surrounding his appointment, created an appearance of impropriety that could have and should have been avoided. At an April debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club that Willis declined to attend, I stated then that her hiring Wade was a waste of resources: When you pay one attorney $1 million to handle a case, it hurts everyone else in Fulton County, I said at the time. I said we had to carry out the prosecution against Trump and his co-defendants while addressing everything else affecting Fulton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appellate court removing the office from the case because of Willis relationship with Wade is particularly frustrating because it shifts focus away from the serious underlying allegations and onto the prosecutors personal conduct. Its even more frustrating because Willis had previously been disqualified from prosecuting a target in this same case. She was disqualified from prosecuting Republican Burt Jones (a state senator who was later elected lieutenant governor) because she had hosted a fundraiser for his opponent, a former Fulton County District Attorneys Office colleague. The citizens of Fulton County deserved better. We deserved prosecutions that would stand or fall on the merits of evidence, not collapse due to preventable personal conflicts of interest. RICO prosecutions are meant to address organized criminal enterprises that threaten our communities. Typically, RICO cases are complex, lengthy and expensive. In addition to being disqualified from the RICO case involving Trump and his co-defendants, Willis and her office effectively lost the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. The main defendant pleaded guilty and was effectively sentenced to time served, but that should count as a loss given how much time the state wanted him to serve, how long the case took to prosecute, how much the prosecution cost, other co-defendants being acquitted and it ending with a plea deal from the main defendant that could have been accomplished two years ago. That case, the longest trial in the history of Fulton County, left taxpayers with nothing but a huge bill, an extensive case backlog, and an overcrowded jail. When such cases falter due to prosecutorial missteps (for example, a secret ex parte meeting with a judge and a prosecution witness) it can affect public perception of all RICO prosecutions, potentially making future cases more difficult to pursue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving forward, the Trump case should serve as a stark reminder that the integrity of our justice system depends not just on what we do, but how we do it. Prosecutors should be beyond reproach and must maintain the highest ethical standards, especially in high-profile cases where public trust is paramount. While this outcome is not surprising, its still disappointing. It should motivate us to demand better from our public officials. The citizens of Fulton County deserve prosecutors who not only pursue justice vigorously but do so with unimpeachable integrity. Only then can we ensure that justice is truly served. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Greece is the birthplace of democratic values, Kimberly Guilfoyle pointed out on Instagram after being nominated as ambassador by president-elect Donald Trump. Greece is also the birthplace of drama, which makes it a perfect fit for the two-time divorcee and dumped fiancee of Donald Trump, Jr. Subject to senate approval, this appointment could be seen as either a consolation prizeor a banishment from Mount Olympus. Once a member of the high-flying Trump inner circle, Guilfoyle has tumbled to earth like Icarus. Guilfoyle, 55, and Trump Jr., 46, went public with their romance in 2018the same year he divorced his then-wife Vanessa with whom he shares five children. Together, the shiny-new MAGA power couple purchased a 7-bedroom, 12-bathroom home in Jupiter, Florida for $9.7 million. Presumably, Guilfoyle is rattling around that home, using a different bathroom for every pee while Trump Jr. vacations in Italy with new girlfriend Bettina Anderson who was born around the time that Guilfoyle headed to college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These plot twists could make Guilfoyle laugh or cry, which brings us back to Greek drama. As early as 600 B.C., the Greeks divided drama into comedy and tragedy. Tragedy focused on lost love, hubris, and revenge while comedy tackled vanity, foolishness, and fart jokes. Both apply to Guilfoyles current situation. This duality has stalked Guilfoyle for years, illustrated by two persistent images of the disgraced former Fox News host. The first is a behind-the-scenes clip of Guilfoyle at the ellipse on January 6, 2021. Along with then-President Trump and daughter Ivanka, Kimberly waits for the event to begin as the 1980s platinum hit Laura song Gloria pulsates in the VIP tent. Trump Jr. records the historical moment, zeroing his phone lens on Guilfoyle whos wearing a kicky cape and a pound of makeup. She appears to be in high spirits (perhaps because she was about to pocket $60,000 for a two-minute speech) so when her then-boyfriend calls out to her, she shimmies for the camera. In that brief clip, Guilfoyle comes across as plucky and sexy. Guilfoyles other unforgettable image is more ominous. At the 2020 Republican National Convention amid the pandemic, Guilfoyle takes the podium and awkwardly attempts to fill the void with her larger-than-life personality. She speaks too quickly and too loudly, before throwing her arms out at the end and proclaiming, The best Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement is yet to come! In this brief clip, Guilfoyle appears to be taunting the gods with hubris. So lets try on both dramatic masks and try to predict two possible outcomes for Guilfoyle as she heads to Greece. Comedy Mask Guilfoyle could well be heading into her own romcomthink My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Eat. Pray. Love. Although in this case, the eating might be suppressed by semaglutides, the praying is definitely Christian, and the love is transactional. In this scenario, the former First Lady of San Francisco would be following in the footsteps of former First Lady of the United States Jacqueline Kennedy who recuperated from the loss of her assassinated husband (tragedy!) by marrying froggy Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (comedy!) Aristotle Onassis and his wife, the former Jacqueline Kennedy, aboard their yacht the Christina, shortly before sailing to Martinique. / Bettmann / Bettmann Archive A Greek billionaire with a yacht would suit the gal in the kicky cape. Or perhaps Guilfoyle will set her sights on royalty. Sadly, Prince Constantine Alexios of Greece dropped out of the market in June when he married American model Brooks Nader. Still, Guilfoyle can always catch someone on the rebound. Shipbuilder extraordinaire George Economou is currently divorced and might be intrigued by someone who has juicy stories about Americas reigning family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe Guilfoyle has banked enough of her own money to throw in with a dock worker who smells like fish but looks like Adonis. Spending days in the US Embassy and nights on the beach could lead to Guilfoyle finding an inner peace that she never knew before Dimitrios. Tragedy Mask Remember Medea? In Euripides story of betrayal, Medea helps Jason find the golden fleece before he follows the wishes of his father King Aeson and dumps Medea for a princess. Enraged, Medea poisons a bunch of people, including her own sons with Jason because thatll show him! Somehow Medea survives, escaping via divine chariot to Athens, which is also the location of the current US embassy. If Trump is Olympian Zeus, soaking up the mortals' acclaim, Kimberly Guilfoyle had a particularly uncomfortable place in the pantheon at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee when she stood beside her fiance Don Jr. with his new love right behind her in red. / Brian Snyder/Reuters Guilfoyle could also follow in the footsteps of Medusa, a priestess who was known for her raven hair until she angered Athena who turned those locks into snakes. (Talk about extensions.) From then on, men who looked at Medusa turned into stone. Its hard to say whether the fates been kind or cruel to Guilfoyle. She might be Icarus, crashing into the ocean. Or she might follow another Greek myth and bounce back from being burned by Trump Jr. like a cackling phoenix rising from the ashes. Guilfoyle now gets to contemplate her fate from Greece itself after a political odyssey which took her from the arms of Newsom in the west to Trump Jr. in the east. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Trump Jr. has repeatedly praised Guilfoyle since moving on to Anderson and insists that he and his ex will always care for each other. This deep loyalty could stem from a special bond, as Trump Jr. put it, or perhaps a non-disparage clause that was added to an NDA agreement that was negotiated prior to the breakup. (Guilfoyle is a lawyer, after all.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guilfoyle re-invented herself after divorcing liberal darling Gavin Newsom, Governor of California and, its easy to imagine the soon-to-be Madame Ambassador doing so again. Will her Greek odyssey be consumed with new-found love or ancient revenge? Will she become a raven-haired Greek princess or a snake-y-haired gorgon? At this point, only the Fates know whether the best is really yet to come. I tell people I dont believe in the afterlife, but in reality Im a 39-year-old woman who asks her dead mother for favors from time to time. The same dead mother who could not be saved by either religion or science. Whom chemo just killed faster. Whose only discernible reaction to the most solemn of prayers at Notre Dame was to drown in her own mucus and lose control of her bowels. I know the idiocy of asking her now, around the anniversary of her death, to keep my son alive. But I do it anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is Christmas-time after all. And we are spending the holiday trapped inside what feels like a medieval torture device that no one can see. All smiles and Happy Holidays on the outside, secretly checking the price of burial plots on the inside. Politely fending off questions from annoying neighbors about our plans for the New Year without coming right out and saying I dont know if my kid will be alive that long. That hes got only a couple years left to live unless an urgent bone marrow transplant can save him. Though it might also kill him, so its a toss-up in the most extreme sense of the word. This is why were not making any New Years resolutions, Carol. In between wrapping presents for my son, I fire off frantic emails to doctors in Minneapolis and Chicago asking if a donors been found yet for his bone marrow transplant. (Spoiler alert: not yet). Allison Quinn with her son, Aedrik. / Supplied And in between those emails I read private messages sent to me on Facebook by other mothers whose sons underwent a transplant for this disease and hope begins to swell in my chestuntil I get to the last line where they say, Oh yeah, and also, unfortunately my son didnt make it. And he thrashed around a lot too because there were those perforations in his guts from the chemo drugs but best of luck. Hugs to you and your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres an absurdity to buying Christmas gifts for someone you know damn well might not live long enough to use them. I still remember the bittersweet grin my mother gave me after opening my final Christmas gift to her when I was in college, an anthology CD we both knew shed never get the chance to listen to. The chemo had done nothing to stop her lung cancer and she spent that holiday season consoling her own elderly parents about her flesh-and-bones appearance. She died less than two weeks later, at the age of 54. Here I am reliving the same Christmas paradox with my son almost exactly 20 years later. The boy I thought would live forever by sheer force of the light in his eyes. Whose futures been blotted out by a deadly brain disease. He asks for a gaming chair and desk that he might have only two weeks to use and my but well be moving into the hospital soon evaporates in my throat. Then I purchase him the new Nike sweatpants he wanted in a size far too big, stumbling in my head over the trusty Hell grow into them line that us parents so often say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is nuts, I think, this pretending everythings OK. But perhaps the bigger absurdity is ever thinking life was guaranteed to begin with. The absurdity in me writing this column now about a child facing terminal illness as if there were some unspoken cosmic clause whereby children would be immune. The absurdity in treating death as if it were some outrageous insult to humanity, an injustice rather than a given. Why did I ever assume hed graduate high school and go off to college? What made me so sure growing up was guaranteed? We smile and nod knowingly when children buy into things like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, envying their ability to believe in such comforting nonsense. But were not so different, us adults. We pay lip service to our own kind of Santa Claus all the time with things like five- and 10-year plans, and college savings, and subtle thoughts like, Hell grow into them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So maybe the gaming chairs not so absurd. I dont know if my son will still be with me next Christmas, or if hell reach his ninth birthday next May. But hes just a few feet away from me right now and hes busy booby-trapping our home for Santa. What kind of booby traps are we talking? I ask. Here, he says, handing over a clump of Post-It notes. Do not touch, I wipe my butt with this (but no poop), reads one. Do not touch, its snot, it fell from my nose, reads another, complete with a fresh booger. Are you trying to gross Santa out? I ask. Oh, stop! I know youre Santa!, he says. I thought youd touch the booger and scream and then I could catch you in the middle of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon closer inspection of our home, I find several more strategically placed boogers on the wall, along with a spot that appears to have been colored ever so lightly with a brown crayon by someone who also wrote FART in the faintest shade of #2 pencil. Is this for me too?! I ask, feigning indignation to the delighted cackling of an 8-year-old who is, at this moment, very much alive. I didnt get it back when my mother was dying, when she asked if I believed in heaven just before the cancer ate through her vocal cords. Twenty-year-old me didnt even blink before firing off a resounding, No. She said she begged to differ. Heaven was real, as silly as it sounds, and that much she knew. And I know what she meant now. Its right f---ing here, at least temporarily. That otherworldly paradise that sounds like blatant bulls--t with its promises of warmth and love beyond human comprehension is right f---ing here and its in my kids boogers and butt jokes and memorialized farts. The sudden collapse of the long-established Assad family dictatorship in Syria changes the balance and constellation of competing forces in the Middle East. For many years, the Syrian government has been a client of Russia, and before that, the Soviet Union. Turkey has also intervened, mainly in pursuit of the Kurd minority regarded as dangerous. In 2016, Ankara and Moscow brokered a ceasefire in Syria. They intervened again to damp down provincial violence in 2020. Vladimir Putins decision in 2015 to intervene with military forces in the brutal combat in Syria has led to sustained expansion of Russias influence in the region. In the short term, Moscow greatly increased the staying power of the just-overthrown regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, Moscow has been preoccupied with secure national borders, especially in Eastern Europe, and generally abstained from sending military forces long distances. This traditional approach was abandoned by Putin, who became a daring military gambler in the Mideast. Russia has a long history of involvement in the volatile region, especially Syria. The profoundly serious Suez Crisis of 1956 resulted in sharp rupture among Western allies, as the Eisenhower Administration refused to support a combined military assault by Britain, France and Israel to retake the Suez Canal and seize the Sinai Peninsula from nationalist Egypt. From that time until the end of the Cold War, Moscow had significant influence. Hafez al-Assad, father of Bashar al-Assad, helped instigate a successful 1963 coup. By 1970, he consolidated his position and ruled until 2000. Ironically, given later developments, he was generally regarded as relatively moderate and an economic modernizer, though in the context of a dictatorship. Syria developed a close military partnership with Egypt, and the two nations went to war together against Israel in October 1973. The Yom Kippur War also witnessed American-Soviet nuclear confrontation. This crisis was arguably as serious as the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, though conducted almost entirely outside public view, in great contrast to the confrontation over missiles in Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Watergate domestic political crisis colors recollections among some Nixon administration officials. Nevertheless, reasonable conclusions can be drawn. First, Nixon aggressively pursued the essential need to get aid to Israel. At the same time, Israel was successfully pressured to show restraint regarding encircled Egyptian forces. In short, vital U.S. interests in the region were clearly recognized and protected. Second, visible actions were taken to demonstrate U.S. military resolve: B-52 bombers were moved from Guam to the U.S., and the Armys 82nd Airborne Division was placed on alert. Third, the U.S. ultimately did not pursue a proposed joint condominium proposed by the Soviets. Interests were too divergent on both sides. This bears on Putin efforts for international collaboration regarding Syria. Moscow saw no reason to involve the U.S., but that may now change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter brokered peace between Egypt and Israel. President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker initiated complex negotiations which resulted in partial Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation. Moscow was involved. President Barack Obama and his administration pursued a largely rhetorical approach to the ongoing brutal Syrian civil war. A declaration that use of poison gas by Syria would lead to military retaliation proved hollow. Putin immediately seized the opportunity and secured a Damascus declaration abandoning chemical weapons. This marked the end of serious U.S. influence. Obama Administration fecklessness does not argue for intervention now. Rather, the new Trump Administration should carefully evaluate U.S. national interests and act accordingly. The campaign to bring Austin Tice home started long ago, in August 2012. Soon after, his family, the government, employers and a small but determined group of skilled supporters were deeply involved. None of them, least of all Austin, could have known this ordeal would last more than 12 years. The Tice family made a decision in 2012 that Austins lead advocates would be his mom and dad. Debra and Marc Tice wanted their children to live their lives and not be defined by what had happened to their elder brother. This has proven to be a good strategy. The Tice siblings are an impressive lot. They have achieved much in their lives and exhibit admirable confidence, strength and a surprisingly robust sense of humor. The parents have done an amazing job advocating for their sons release but are starting to show the emotional damage that comes from an unprecedented 12-year campaign. This month all 17 members of the extended Tice family came to Washington in an effort to push for Austins release. It was a formidable show of force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With President Joe Biden on his way out of office amid the growing turmoil in Syria, there was a small window of opportunity. Transitions between administrations often become quiet periods of several months for hostage cases. But, Austin may not have months to spare. In the summer, when Biden announced he would end his presidential campaign, Debra Tice looked at calendars and planned a date in December when the family could all gather in Washington, D.C. from Australia, London, Texas and Tacoma, Washington. With the 2024 election settled we hoped we could use the time to make sure Austins recovery was on Biden's list of legacy projects. And why shouldnt it be? No journalist has ever been held as long. Austin is not only a Polk Award winning journalist, but a Marine veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, law student, Eagle Scout and Texan. Syria might as well be holding America itself hostage. Biden has a genius for pulling together complex diplomatic deals like the Russia prisoner swap in August. He would need all that skill and experience to succeed in bringing Austin home. As Dec. 6 approached time itself felt like it was accelerating. Shortly after the Tices arrived in the Capitol, Damascus fell. The careful plan was in the wind. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, one of the biggest obstacles to Austins freedom, fled to Russia. Cell doors were opening. The hunt for Austin was on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this seemed possible when I had coffee with Debra Tice in the summer. One of the most challenging aspects of advocating for detained journalists is that change can overtake planning. Schedules changed. Plane flights were canceled. There were Tices on every TV outlet in D.C. They were pounding their talking points: The U.S. must ask Russia to get Assad to tell where Austin is; the U.S. must ask Israel to stop bombing Syrian prison locations: the U.S. must engage with the new emerging government of Syria; our brother is alive; we have confirmed sources; we miss him; we want him home. This is how it is for the family. They must be the messengers. But in a way we all lose something when a journalist is jailed. The U.S. system depends on citizens having information about the world. When a journalist is taken, that information becomes harder to find. Hostage takers throw sand in the gears of democracy. The jailing of journalists like Austin Tice, Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva affects our world in other, unexpected ways as well. Superpowers like the United States have long survived on their ability to project power. We do not have to fight for everything we want. We just need to show we were ready or able to fight. The ability to project power settles many disputes and saves lives. It gets things done. But our inability to bring journalists like Austin home undermines that perception of power, too. While little can be done to deter hostage taking, there are a few important proposals being considered. U.S. courts are starting to award large judgments to families who sue the countries that take hostages, but there is no mechanism for families to collect. Without such a mechanism, these judgments do not act as deterrents. The U.S. can and should do more here to identify and freeze the assets of those culpable. Experts believe this would greatly reduce hostage taking. Doing nothing is not a policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club, where I currently serve as director, has proposed that the government should revise its policy on hostages and immediately give a presumptive declaration of wrongful detention when journalists are targeted. Recently, Gershhovich was held for 13 days before the U.S. government declared him wrongfully detained. Kurmasheva, another U.S. journalist, was jailed in Russia for 250 days and only upon release was declared officially wrongfully detained. In other words, there are plenty of things the U.S. government can do to better protect American reporters working overseas and plenty of reasons for them to do so. But first, lets bring Austin Tice home. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Support for the democratic opposition to Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro is among the few international policy matters that have unified Democrats and Republicans in recent years, and it is imperative to maintain that consensus as a new administration assumes power in Washington. The parties might disagree on the particulars of policy toward Venezuela, but there is no path to restoring democracy there that doesnt keep the internal opposition in the lead. It is not certain, however, that the Trump administrations approach to Venezuela will prioritize the promotion of democracy, let alone sustain the countrys opposition as the principal protagonists in the effort. On the one hand, the selection of two vocal Florida critics of Maduro Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of State and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as national security advisor has raised expectations of a return to the so-called maximum pressure policy of Donald Trumps first term and tightening of economic sanctions intended to trigger the collapse of the Maduro regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro, however, hopes he could reach a deal with Trump in which Venezuela accepts the return of undocumented migrants in exchange for maintaining licenses for U.S. and foreign oil companies to operate in the country without having to make concessions linked to his stealing the presidential election in July. Maduros expectations have likely been heightened following Trumps appointment of Ric Grenell to serve as presidential envoy for special missions to work on Venezuela, among other matters. Shortly before the 2020 election, then-President Trump dispatched Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany and director of national intelligence, and Blackwater security firm founder Erik Prince to negotiate with a Maduro envoy in Mexico City. The encounter led the Venezuelan leadership to believe an accommodation with Trump was possible. While that episode and Trumps history of expressing admiration for authoritarians and trying to overturn his own election loss may make a deal with Maduro seem palatable to the incoming president, any agreement that fails to account for the landslide election victory over Maduro of Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition standard bearer, should generate bipartisan resistance in Congress and dissent within the new administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policymakers familiar with Venezuela recognize that the only way to curb illegal migration from the country, as well as reduce the presence there of hostile powers like China, Russia and Iran and end its role as a hub for drug trafficking and other transnational criminality, is through the establishment of a government that respects human rights and creates a more favorable economic environment. The precise mix and sequencing of pressure and inducements that would have the highest likelihood of success is subject to legitimate debate, and anyone involved in Venezuela policy in recent years should approach the issue with humility. Trumps sanctions-based policy in his first term left the Venezuelan people poorer, the opposition weaker, and Maduro further ensconced in power, thereby spurring greater migration. The Biden administrations emphasis on diplomacy and economic inducements allowed for the July election to proceed and the opposition to expose Maduros illegitimacy, though the policy has thus far failed to dislodge the dictator. This history underlines the United Statess limited ability to alter the autocratic behavior of Maduros regime and could provide fodder to Trump to de-emphasize democracy promotion, but it does not mean the United States should abandon the goal. Washington can still help advance democracy in Venezuela by pairing diplomatic initiatives with efforts to bolster the internal opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the reasons Trumps first-term Venezuela policy failed was that the recognition of National Assembly head and opposition leader Juan Guaido as president in 2019 and other steps to diplomatically isolate and economically weaken the regime were not matched by sufficient internal political pressure on the government. Achieving that today is no easy task either of course. The Venezuelan opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, has already done more than anyone could have expected. After Machado, the winner of last years opposition presidential primary, was unconstitutionally banned from running, she and the countrys democratic leadership aligned behind Gonzalezs candidacy. Despite an unfair and repressive political environment, Gonzalez won by about 2 to 1. The regime fabricated results, declared Maduro the victor, and then unleashed a wave of repression, jailing opposition supporters, coercing Gonzalez into exile and compelling Machado to go into hiding. Today, Venezuelans are fearful and disinclined to protest in person, but still hopeful Gonzalez will be inaugurated as the countrys rightful president when Maduros current term ends on Jan. 10, 2025. And opposition leaders have not given up on inducing the regime to negotiate a democratic transition by offering incentives, including some form of amnesty for certain crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But democracy activists need international support to intensify public pressure on the regime from within Venezuela. Foreign governments and international organizations can help get political prisoners released, allow Machado and other leaders to operate in the open, and maintain opposition unity, as well as increase access to reporting by independent journalists and employ creative organizational techniques used by successful democratic movements in other authoritarian countries. Such efforts would have to be carried out with special care given a new Venezuela law regulating non-governmental organizations intended to restrict support for civil society. In spite of such pressure, many courageous Venezuelans are prepared to stay engaged in the battle for democracy and human rights from within Venezuela. The United States can help if it reinforces their role. Mark Feierstein, a senior advisor with Albright Stonebridge Group, was special assistant to President Obama and senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs on the National Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. I once had the honor to work as a principal at one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Years before that, I worked on three presidential campaigns. As the 2024 presidential campaign played out between first former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden and then Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, I thought often about those two experiences, because of the unethical and un-American lawfare strategies rolled out continuously against Trump. Not only were these seemingly coordinated strategies unprecedented in presidential politics, but they were truly chilling. Almost everyone in the Democratic Party and on the left be they politicians, the media, academia and certain judicial officials seemed to be in on this grift to usurp the will of the American people via laughable legal challenges, charges and strategies that would have been universally condemned were they leveled at anyone other than Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As these multiple lawfare tactics played, my overriding thought was that Trump better have a first-rate legal team behind him. As it turns out, they were better than first rate. In many critically important ways, they saved the campaign and the candidate. And they had to be first rate because they were facing a stacked deck and up against the full force of the Department of Justice. For it was there that Special Counsel Jack Smith filed broad indictments against candidate Trump the overwhelming favorite for the Republican nomination in both Washington and Florida that were overly reliant on novel criminal theories and selectively applied against Trump. Knowing that, Trump leaned heavily on senior legal adviser Boris Epshteyn, one of his most loyal and long-serving confidantes, to lead the recruiting and coordination of a top-tier legal team to fight back against the mounting Democrat-led lawfare campaign. As a savvy behind-the-scenes operator, Epshteyn quickly assembled an exceptional and highly motivated team consisting of Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, John Sauer, Will Scharf, John Lauro and Steve Sadow. Once in place, the team found itself running a parallel public relations campaign in conjunction with the ever-ramping presidential primary while coordinating 24/7 with campaign leaders Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita as well as as well as campaign communicators Steven Cheung, Jason Miller, Aaron Harison and legal spokesperson Alina Habba. On top of that, Epshteyn had to figure out in a hurry how to play four-dimensional chess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, he and the team had to prepare their candidate for a contested GOP primary; next, the general election against Biden; then against Harris; against the Biden-Harris Department of Justice; a special counsel in DC; a district attorney and judge in Manhattan; a district attorney in Georgia; the state Supreme Court in Colorado; and the secretary of State in Maine. All of the individuals prosecuting these cases against Trump had seemingly done so to unconstitutionally weaponize the law against him to both derail his campaign and destroy his personal and financial life. To prevent that, his legal team rushed into battle on multiple fronts. Blanche, whom Trump has since nominated to serve as deputy attorney general, took the lead on the Florida and Manhattan cases and also served as co-counsel in the D.C.-based Jan. 6 case with attorney John Lauro. Sauer and Scharf were retained to lead Trumps appellate team and were the masterminds behind the successful immunity appeal to the Supreme Court. High-profile attorney Steve Sadow would lead in the Fulton County, Georgia case against District Attorney Fani Willis (D), whose case quickly found itself stuck in the mud after her unethical romantic relationship with a deputy was revealed in pre-trial court motions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, failure by the legal team was not an option. It was all or nothing. Win the race or possibly be sent to jail by the so-called protectors of our democracy, as the Democrats repeatedly labeled themselves. In the iconic 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the Jefferson Smith character (Jimmy Stewart) is under constant assault by corrupt special interests, politicians and members of the media all looking to destroy him and his populist message for their own biased and greedy reasons (sound familiar?). As Smith prepares to fight to clear his name, a reporter played by Jean Arthur tells him, Its a 40-foot dive into a tub of water, but I think you can do it. The Trump legal team was forced to make multiple 1,000-foot dives into thimbles of water as they fought back against one invented legal scheme after the other. Time and again, the team prevailed. Be it twice with the Supreme Court; state and city jurisdictions; or, of late, against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos. While the lawfare campaign has largely been defeated, the two state cases in Manhattan and Georgia retain faint heartbeats in the face of strong reasons for dismissal. In Manhattan, Judge Juan Merchan has a dismissal motion awaiting a decision on his desk. Will he do the right thing and clear the slate, finally ending this charade and travesty of justice? In Georgia, the Court of Appeals just disqualified Willis and her team from prosecuting Trump. An indictment that should never have been brought is now all but over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the good of the country, these cases need to end. As we await those final outcomes, it must be noted that Trumps unheralded legal team continually executed the proper moves at the right times on that four-dimensional chess board. And because they did, Trump himself was able to declare, checkmate. It is a legal campaign for the history books. Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 21: Milaap, India's leading medical crowdfunding platform has launched a vital resource for patients and caregivers seeking medical treatment in Hyderabad. Titled "Making Healthcare Accessible in Hyderabad: A Caregiver's Handbook," this comprehensive guide is designed to help individuals navigate the city's extensive healthcare network with ease and confidence. The handbook was officially unveiled by Guest of Honour Ms. Divya Devarajan, CEO of SERP & Prajavani State Nodal Officer, Government of Telangana, during the Prajavani sessions held at Praja Bhavan. Developed with support from the Telangana State, Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare's office, the initiative aims to ensure widespread impact and improve accessibility for individuals facing medical challenges while seeking treatment in the city. At the launch, Ms. Divya Devarajan, said, "There is a problem faced by two kinds of people - one is people who come from outside the state, and people within the state who come from other districts but are not aware of all the health care infrastructure available in the city. Hyderabad is known for its hospitals, yet when they come here, they don't have access to this information. This is not only a guide for patients, but also for patient-care providers who might be accompanying them and also to all those people who want to help. I think what Milap is doing is a really commendable initiative. We coordinated and helped link them with the right departments, and the health department provided them with maximum support. I'm so glad that a very good booklet has come out of it. And I hope we will keep updating it so more information will come about and we'll be able to help with that." Anoj Viswanathan, Founder of Milaap, said, "When a diagnosis hits a patient, it is not just one person but the entire family. It's a journey filled with questions--questions about the course of treatment, the appropriate hospital, and often the need to relocate to a new city, sometimes with young children. This brings with it so many uncertainties and a sense of instability. The fear of the treatment itself can sometimes take a back seat to managing these overwhelming logistical and emotional challenges. Moving to a new place means not only adjusting to a new language and shelter but also navigating a completely new way of life, far from the comfort and protection of home. This handbook is designed to help people address these challenges and give them the confidence to navigate this journey with greater ease and assurance." Highlights: - Divya Devarajan, SERP CEO & Prajavani State Nodal Officer, Government of Telangana, launched the comprehensive resource designed to guide patients and caregivers through Hyderabad's healthcare system. - Hyderabad witnesses over 20 lakh patients every year, drawn by its advanced medical infrastructure, renowned healthcare professionals, and innovative treatments. The Caregivers Handbook, an initiative of Milaap, was backed by the Government of Telangana to ensure ease of accessibility to patients looking for treatment in Hyderabad - Milaap, having raised over INR 1530 crores, impacting more than 3.6 lakh patients, continues to support individuals seeking healthcare by providing essential resources like the caregiver's handbook He added, "Creating this handbook has been an incredibly valuable experience for us at Milaap. Collaborating for research with the Telangana government allowed us to ensure that we provide accurate and comprehensive information, empowering patients and caregivers to navigate Hyderabad's healthcare landscape with confidence. We are extremely grateful to Divya Ma'am and others for guiding us to put this together." Over the past decade, Hyderabad has become a trusted medical hub, attracting patients from across Telangana and beyond. The city also welcomes over 200,000 international patients annually, solidifying its position as one of India's top destinations for medical tourism. It boasts a strong healthcare ecosystem with world-class hospitals and specialized centers offering advanced medical technologies and expert care. Renowned government and private institutions like Osmania General Hospital, Niloufer Hospital, CARE Hospitals, KIMS, and Apollo Health City excel in fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, organ transplants, and pediatric care. With cost-effective, high-quality treatment and top-tier healthcare professionals, Hyderabad is a preferred destination for specialized care across over 30 clinical specialties, including Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurosciences, and Organ Transplants. In addition to logistical support, the handbook ensures access to reliable resources. It includes information on trusted blood banks, medical centers, and other essential services, helping patients and their families connect with the right providers during their stay in Hyderabad. The handbook, available in multiple languages including English, Telugu, Hindi, and Bengali, can soon be accessed on Milaap's platform and will be distributed through hospitals, NGOs, and support groups across the city. About Milaap: Milaap is India's most trusted, free crowdfunding platform for personal and social causes, particularly healthcare and related needs. It empowers individuals facing financial hardship to raise funds for essential needs, including tertiary healthcare, education, and community initiatives. Milaap leverages technology to ensure a seamless and transparent giving experience. Anyone in India can create a fundraiser, connecting with a vast online community to raise funds efficiently and securely. Milaap has funded over a million projects across India, with the support of donors from over 130 countries. It has become the preferred platform for individuals to raise and contribute funds towards their cherished causes in India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) This article was originally published in The Conversation. In teaching, fidelity refers to closely following specific procedures for how to teach a lesson or respond to student behavior. For example, following a curriculum to fidelity might mean a teacher is required to read from a script, use a certain tone or expression, or teach from a designated page in a guidebook on a specific day. In the past 20 years, teachers have experienced diminished control over what and how they teach. Simultaneously, the idea of teaching to fidelity has increasingly become the norm. Today, policymakers commonly suggest that fidelity is synonymous with good teaching. While prevalent across the country, this kind of micromanaging is more common in urban and rural schools that serve low-income and minority students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a former elementary school teacher and I now study how teachers make ethical decisions. This includes how they observe their students and try to help them regardless of whether their decisions align with a prescribed curriculum. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In a recent study, I interviewed 12 teachers, primarily in rural towns in the Northeast, about how they deal with problems that arise in the classroom every day. They discussed how they came up with responses based on best practices they had learned in school from resources such as books and videos. They also spoke of techniques they learned in professional development workshops. Of the nine who worked in public schools or publicly funded child care centers, however, all but one of the teachers were influenced by pressure to follow a curriculum to fidelity. This pressure came from administrators in the form of threats of punishments and even job loss, as well as from colleagues who questioned when they taught a curriculum differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My study echoes previous research demonstrating that fidelity interferes with teachers capacity to best serve students. It also prompts many qualified teachers to leave the profession. How fidelity affects teachers The term fidelity comes from the sciences and refers to the precise execution of a protocol in an experiment to ensure results are reliable. However, a classroom is not a lab, and students are not experiments. As a result, teachers and teacher educators have long decried fidelity and the impact it has on them and their students. One participant in my study, a fourth grade public school teacher, described an oppressive environment at her school: They were really driving the curriculum down our throats. We need to meet this at this date. And everyone should be at this lesson at this date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This counteracted what she was taught in college every student is different, and every classroom is different. Not all teachers will be on the same lesson on the same day. A kindergarten teacher in the study also described being boxed in and forced into a mold. Students face the consequences of following a curriculum to fidelity. For example, this kindergarten teacher described how when she was teaching preschool her students who lived in a rural area did not understand references to crossing busy city streets in a book she was required to read as part of the curriculum. She brought her students outside to the parking lot to practice street crossing and listen to the noises of local traffic. This was not part of the curriculum. Had the teacher followed the curriculum to a tee, the students may not have been able to grasp the lesson from the book. When teachers are trusted and given greater flexibility, they teach better. They also feel more supported. The fourth grade teacher in my study began to feel she could better meet the needs of her students only when she changed schools and principals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of her new placement: My administrator is always saying, If theres anything that you feel your students need, then do it. If it doesnt completely align with the expensive curriculum weve invested in, thats okay, she said. Its been a weight lifted off my shoulders. A new path forward Research shows that flexibility in teaching methods and curricula allows teachers and students to participate more fully in the learning process and even promotes a more democratic society. Instead of mandating that teachers stick to the curriculum word for word, schools can implement these more flexible approaches: 1. Trust teachers. Asked why they want to teach, prospective and current teachers say they care deeply about children and want to help them. Working with teachers should begin with the belief in their good intentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Follow the evidence. Learning is complex, and educators knowledge of how students learn evolves as new research comes out. When following a specific curriculum to fidelity, teachers are sometimes required to use methods that are no longer evidence-based. In fact, teachers have been forced to follow a curriculum to fidelity even when they have evidence that the curriculum is interfering with student learning. 3. Allow teachers to tweak curriculum to meet their students needs and experiences. For example, in most instructional materials, white authors and protagonists are overrepresented. Effective and ethical teaching requires that teachers support and incorporate their students cultures into their lessons, meaning they may have to make changes to a curriculum. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Hungary is negotiating with Russia and Ukraine to maintain gas supplies even though Russian gas is now being imported through the TurkStream pipeline, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday, 21 December. Source: Reuters Details: Orban added that he did not want to give up the route through Ukraine. The pipeline running via Ukraine is one of the last major routes for Russian gas to Europe, but it is set to be closed at the end of this year, as Kyiv has refused to extend a five-year transit agreement that supplies gas to Slovakia, Czechia and Austria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are now trying the trick ... that what if the gas, by the time it enters the territory of Ukraine, would no longer be Russian but would be already in the ownership of the buyers," Orban said at a briefing. "So the gas that enters Ukraine would no longer be Russian gas but it would be Hungarian gas." Orban stated that negotiations are ongoing, and it remains unclear whether Russia and Ukraine will reach an agreement. However, Hungary is determined not to abandon the Ukrainian gas transit route. Hungary imported about 7.5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline this year and additional volumes through Romania. Orban said Hungarian domestic gas production is around 1-1.5 billion cubic metres. Support UP or become our patron! Hungary is in talks with Moscow and Kyiv hoping to keep open gas shipments via Ukraine, the countrys Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Dec. 21. Ukraine has said it will not extend the transit agreement for Russian gas through its territory, set to expire on Dec. 31. The decision has prompted concerns from Hungary and other nations, and Orban has now hinted at a potentially unconventional solution to keeping the route open for Budapest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are now trying the trick ... that what if the gas, by the time it enters the territory of Ukraine, would no longer be Russian but would be already in the ownership of the buyers," he said in comments reported by Reuters. "So the gas that enters Ukraine would no longer be Russian gas but it would be Hungarian gas." Its not known how the proposal has gone down in Moscow and Kyiv, but President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine would not allow Russia to earn additional billions from gas exports while continuing its full-scale invasion. Hungary is broadly seen as the most Moscow-friendly country within the EU and NATO, repeatedly obstructing aid to Kyiv and sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has also repeatedly visited Russia throughout the full-scale war, a step that his European colleagues avoided. Along with Slovakia and Austria, Hungary remains reliant on Russian gas, paid for through the now-sanctioned Gazprombank. Read also: Fico criticizes Zelensky over refusal to extend Russian gas transit, warns of crisis Hungary receives roughly 4.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas on an annual basis under a 15-year deal signed in 2021. Earlier this month Hungary requested the U.S. to provide the country with a sanctions waiver to further continue payments for Russian natural gas imports through Gazprombank, Szijjarto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States introduced new sanctions on Nov. 21, targeting dozens of Russian banks, including Gazprombank, securities registrars, and financial officials. "Yesterday, we filed our request with the relevant American authorities that calls for Gazprombank being granted an exception from sanctions when it comes to payments for natural gas," Szijjarto said, amid a visit to Washington ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. After the sanction were initially announced, Szijjarto said on Nov. 22 that sanctions marked an "attack on our sovereignty," deeming the implementation as a "threat to energy security." The U.S. had previously refrained from targeting Gazprombank to allow European countries to continue paying for Russian gas supplies, as the bank is the primary channel for energy-related payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the past restraint, the U.S. Treasury Department said that the most recent sanctions "will make it harder for the Kremlin to evade U.S. sanctions and fund and equip its military." The Financial Times noted in its reporting that Russia used Gazprombank to purchase military equipment, pay soldiers, and compensate the families of those killed in the war in Ukraine. The new U.S. sanctions are intended to close one of Russia's few remaining avenues for international banking, barring Gazprombank from conducting transactions in dollars. Read also: Russia buys acceptance with cash, plunging economy into uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) called on the Georgian government to take action to improve its electoral processes in its final report on Georgia's October parliamentary elections, published Dec. 20. The pro-Russian Georgian Dream party claimed a sweeping victory in the Oct. 26 elections amid widespread allegations of fraud and intimidation. The disputed results triggered mass demonstrations in Tbilisi. Georgia's laws provide "an adequate basis for democratic elections," but recent legislation "marked a step backwards" and election day was characterized "by a tense atmosphere and widespread intimidation of voters," the OSCE report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OSCE also cited unequal financial resources, a polarized media landscape, and the underrepresentation of women as issues undermining the election. "Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process," said Eoghan Murphy, who led the OSCE election observation mission to Georgia. "To safeguard the democratic principles currently at stake in Georgia, it is imperative that the authorities urgently address all concerns." The report recommends a number of steps the Georgian government can take to reform its electoral system. These include preventing voter intimidation, undertaking a comprehensive legislative review, changing the process for appointing election commissioners, improving campaign finance oversight, and guaranteeing vote secrecy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) does not recognize or endorse any elections, but instead provides assessments of electoral processes in order to let voters form their own conclusions. Opposition parties in Georgia refused to recognize the result of the Oct. 26 parliamentary vote and said the election was stolen. A Tbilisi court in mid-November dismissed 11 lawsuits filed by opposition parties and civil society groups challenging the result, and Georgia's Central Election Commission confirmed Georgian Dream's parliamentary victory on Nov. 16. The ruling party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, has led Georgia closer to the Kremlin while hindering its accession to the European Union. The controversial foreign agents law adopted earlier this year led the EU to effectively freeze Georgia's accession process. The parliamentary elections and ensuing political crisis sparked a wave of large-scale demonstrations in Tbilisi. A second round of protests kicked off when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia's integration into the EU could be postponed until 2028. Read also: Protests in Georgia, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Over 12,340 civilian deaths have been recorded in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Izumi Nakamitsu said during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Dec. 20. The U.N. report on casualties comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin escalates threats against Ukrainian cities, including threatening on Dec. 19 to launch an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) against Kyiv. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded civilian casualties in Ukraine from Feb. 24, 2022 to Nov. 30, 2024, Nakamitsu said. Over 12,340 civilians were killed and more than 27,836 were wounded during that period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. found that in 2024, aerial bombs and long-range weapons caused a greater number of casualties than in the previous year, Nakamitsu said. Aerial bombs killed 341 civilians and wounded 1,803 between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, according to data from the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. The figures represent a threefold increase in deaths and sixfold increase in injuries from 2023. The OHCHR also found that 42% of Ukrainian civilian casualties in the month of November resulted from Russian attacks with long-range weapons, a "significant increase" from prior months. Russia intensified aerial strikes against densely populated Ukrainian cities in October and November 2024. Drone strikes surged to record levels and Russia dropped at least 100 guided bombs per day nearly every day between Nov. 1-20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repeated attacks against residential neighborhoods in large cities, including Kharkiv, Odesa, and Sumy, led to high numbers of killed and injured victims. Russia on Nov. 21 launched an Oreshnik missile against the city of Dnipro, supposedly as a response to the U.S. and the U.K. lifting restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes inside Russia. Putin has since used threats of Oreshnik strikes to intimidate Ukraine and scare off Western support for Kyiv. Nakamitsu said that Russia's escalating attacks are cause for "grave concerns." Read also: Its excruciating Ukrainians describe surviving Russian attacks that cost them health, loved ones, and homes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Three civilians have been killed and 19 injured in Donetsk and Kherson oblasts on 20 December. Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Military Administration Details: In particular, the Russians killed one resident of Donetsk Oblast in the city of Kostiantynivka. Eight others were injured in the oblast during the day, including three in Pokrovsk, three in Sloviansk, one in Kostiantynivka and one in Lyman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russians targeted critical and social infrastructure, as well as residential areas of various settlements in Kherson Oblast. They damaged 34 high-rise buildings and 29 houses. The strikes also destroyed gas pipelines, utility buildings, garages, a warehouse and cars. Two people were killed and 11 others injured due to Russian aggression. Support UP or become our patron! Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be used to help reduce crime and protect victims in Beaver County. More than $702,000 was granted to Beaver County to protect crime survivors and at-risk youth. The money will also improve the countys probation and parole services to prevent future crimes. Beaver County has a strong network of local officials, criminal justice workers and social service professionals committed to protecting the rights of crime survivors and at-risk youth and providing successful probation and parole resources, Rep. Rob Matzie said. But the programs they administer require a steady flow of resources. The new funding will ensure those supports continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is how Matzie said the money will be divided: $266,977 to Beaver County Commissioners to strengthen adult probation and parole services. $250,000 to The Prevention Network to support the ongoing delivery of intervention, prevention, education and treatment services for at-risk youth. $138,240 to Beaver County Commissioners to support programs aimed at protecting crime victims rights. $47,000 to A Childs Place to support services involving identification, prevention and prosecution of child abuse. The money came from a grant provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Click here to learn more about the commission. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW LOS ANGELES Los Angeles health officials are investigating a norovirus outbreak after around 80 people were sickened after eating raw oysters at an event to showcase the citys best restaurants. The Los Angeles County Department of Health said that people got sick after attending an event on Dec. 3, and that oysters have been recalled. Those sickened attended the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants event at the Hollywood Palladium, a theater on Sunset Boulevard, the newspaper reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times event was to be attended by the some of the city's best chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, the newspaper announced in promoting it. The recalled oysters are Fanny Bay Select oysters and Fanny Bay XS oysters from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co. with a pack date of Nov. 25 or later, the health department said. The recall was issued on Dec. 13. A recall notice from the California Department of Health said that the oysters were harvested from multiple sites in British Columbia. It said the oysters were also under the brand name Buckley Bay and Royal Miyagi. The Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 18 warned restaurants and retailers in 14 states and the District of Columbia to not serve or sell oysters recently harvested in parts of British Columbia because of potential norovirus contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles County health department said it is continuing to investigate the outbreak. Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include stomach pain, body aches and fever. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says on its website. It's the most common foodborne illness in the United States, it said. Oysters and other shellfish absorb the virus in their bodies when sewage gets into oceans and the virus is introduced into the water that the shellfish live in, the Washington state Department of Health says in its warnings about the illness. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Times did not immediately respond to a NBC News request for comment late Friday afternoon, but spokesperson Hillary Manning told the Times in its own report on the issue that a Santa Monica shellfish company sourced the oysters and provided it to one of the restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have produced culinary events for many years and take food safety very seriously, Manning wrote in an email to the Times. As is the case with each of our events, we had protocols in place and, based on an inspection from the L.A. County Department of Public Health, we were in compliance with all relevant safety standards. We also know the care that each chef and restaurant takes in preparing and serving food to our community. The 101 Best Restaurants List was created in 2014 by the newspapers restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who won a Pulitzer Prize and who was a local celebrity himself. Gold died in 2018 at the age of 57. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Dec. 20GRAND FORKS In her winter commencement address, speaker Nicole Poolman told UND's latest batch of graduates to pursue important work over their own importance. Six hundred fourteen undergraduates and 256 graduate students were eligible to walk the stage of the Chester Fritz Auditorium at Friday's three ceremonies. Ella Henry, a vocal performance major, opened commencement proceedings at the 1 p.m. ceremony with a rendition of "America the Beautiful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University President Andy Armacost saluted administrators, faculty, international students, event staff and current and former military service members in his remarks. Jalen Decoteau, graduating with a bachelor's degree in visual arts, said he'd switched from studying education to the arts, and planned to pursue a master's degree in fine arts in order to teach in higher-ed. "I decided to do what I'd rather do, that's important to me, instead of something that would be easier to find a job in," the Belcourt, North Dakota, native said. Krysta Ronning, 32, graduated with a bachelor's degree in general studies. She taught special ed at West Fargo Public Schools while completing her degree, and said she now intends to pursue a master's degree focused on special education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're never too late to go back to school," she said. Poolman, a longtime educator who served in the North Dakota Senate for a decade, offered a relatively brief address. She drew a comparison between people who do important work and those who seek to be important, quoting T.S. Eliot's observation that the latter are responsible for "half the harm done in the world." "How true that feels in today's society," she said. "People running for office who want to feel important, influencers and wannabe influencers, trying to be important." She offered as a counterpoint her college mentor, Dan Sheridan, a longtime professor and English Department chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of her college career, Poolman shared, she was struggling with mental health issues and unsure whether she would complete her degree. She had dropped out of school for a time. Sheridan, she said, welcomed her back, and encouraged her through her studies. When she missed class to have a baby, he was unfazed except to insist she tell the class about becoming a parent. Though he was a prominent faculty member and administrator, he taught at the college as well as in Grand Forks' public schools because, Poolman said, he considered it more important than his other responsibilities. "In my many years as a public-school educator, I have been committed to showing my students especially those who lose their way or don't fit the mold of a good student the compassion and support Dan Sheridan showed me all those years ago," Poolman said. "I am kind to them because he was so very kind to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheridan, she said, did not think of himself as important, but did think he did important work. Many of the graduates in the Chester Fritz Auditorium have signed on for careers doing important work, Poolman noted, as teachers, nurses, engineers, and researchers. But everyone, she said, had a chance to make the world a better place. "We're counting on all of you to be a little more like Dan Sheridan," Poolman said. Dec. 20WILKES-BARRE Through bipartisan efforts between the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PennDOT this week announced that due to changes established in Act 60 of 2024, the annual income threshold for a retired Pennsylvanian to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee was increased, allowing more people to be eligible for this benefit. Additionally, some veterans may now be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees. "We're glad that these changes in the law help make things a little easier for older Pennsylvanians and our veterans," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration are committed to working with the General Assembly on commonsense changes like these that have a direct, positive impact on people's lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. Beginning Dec. 16, 2024, the annual income threshold increased to $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments. "As we age, many of us find ourselves hitting the road less, yet paying the same registration fee as those who drive more frequently," said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. "With the changes to the annual income limits, these reduced fees will enable more older adults to save some money to spend on other necessities while still having peace of mind on their vehicle's registration." For qualifying customers to receive the reduced vehicle registration fee of $11, they must complete and submit Form MV-371, "Application for a Retired Person's Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers should attach the completed form to their invitation to renew and return it to PennDOT to be processed. The $11 annual fee will be applied after the application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website. Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA, said, "Many veterans who have served our nation have sacrificed to a level most will never experience. Efforts like eliminating registration and title fees for eligible veterans sends an important message that Pennsylvania has not forgotten all you have done while in uniform." Rep. Watro wants more state authority to address public safety threat posed by unidentified drones In light of recent reports of drone sightings, Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, is co-sponsoring a resolution that urges the federal government to provide state and local governments with the legal authority to take immediate action when unidentified drones threaten public safety and privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many residents have contacted my office to express their concern about the mysterious drones spotted over eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York," said Watro. "I share those same concerns, especially regarding the lack of information from the federal government about the origin of the drones and their purpose. So far, we are only being told the drones pose no threat to public safety or national security. However, that is not enough. It is very disappointing that we are not getting more detailed information to help ease public anxiety." In response to the drone sightings, one of Watro's House colleagues, Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton), has introduced a resolution, which he is co-sponsoring, that urges the federal government to provide state and local governments with the legal authority to take immediate action when unidentified drones threaten public safety and privacy. "I encourage Gov. Josh Shapiro to address this issue quickly and speak with President Joe Biden about empowering the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania so we can take action," Watro added. Drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and states have very limited authority to regulate their operations. Generally, the federal government has exclusive authority while the drone is within airspace, and states have limited authority to regulate where the takeoff and landing occurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania does have two laws that specifically address the use of drones. One prohibits a person from using a drone to conduct surveillance in a private place, using in a manner that could cause bodily injury, or to deliver contraband. The second law preempts any municipal ordinance regarding the ownership or operation of drones. Rep. Ryncavage: President Biden's clemency order abandons all Pennsylvania values Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township, this week echoed the recent calls of his House Republican colleagues regarding President Joe Biden's recent decision to commute the prison sentence of former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan and co-conspirator Mark Ciavarella. "The recent action of the president is utter nonsense and yet another disservice to the children and families that have already suffered," Ryncavage said. "Granting clemency is another way of condoning this terrible, unforgivable behavior, and I for one will not be silent and support anything that pays homage to a man who all but turned a blind eye to these heinous actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conahan and Ciavarella were found guilty in 2010 of conspiring to funnel juveniles to for-profit detention facilities in exchange for $2.8 million in kickbacks. The scheme affected thousands of young people, many of whom were first-time offenders convicted of minor infractions like truancy or jaywalking. Conahan had 20 months remaining in his sentence. Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak wrote a recent letter to Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti formally requesting that 'President Biden Expressway' revert back to Spruce Street. Rep. Walsh calls for renaming of 'President Biden Expressway' after clemency granted to 'Kids-for-Cash' judge Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, this week called on Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti and Scranton City Council to change the name of the President Biden Expressway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In light of the recent decision made by the Biden administration to commute former Judge Conahan's sentence, I implore city officials and Mayor Cognetti to remove President Joe Biden's name from the expressway sign that leads to the heart of the 'Electric City's' downtown area," Walsh said. "The children affected by Conahan's actions of nearly 15 years ago are now adults suffering in their own 'mental' prisons due to his deeds of self-fulfillment. Crimes against children are everlasting, and there is no escape from the irreparable damage these predators caused by their actions. "The commutation of Conahan's sentence by President Biden exonerates the behavior of people in leadership roles in perpetuity and makes the 'Kids-for-Cash' program acceptable in the minds of future predatory agencies and people. "At a time when local government leaders can show their constituents that they are on the side of the people, there has never been a better opportunity than this current situation. This is not a left versus right issue, it is right versus wrong. Children on both sides of the aisle were damaged by Conahan. I am simply asking elected officials in Scranton to now 'do the right thing.'" Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. Amrit Lal Meena, Chief Secretary of Bihar, on Saturday praised the efforts of the state government to solve the connectivity challenge, adding that the Public Works and other departments are working to minimise the travel distance within the state. "Bihar has seen significant changes in the last 15-20 years, which are visible to everyone. The Chief Minister's goal of making it easier to travel from any corner of the state to the capital, Patna, has been achieved. Now, the Public Works and other related departments are working on further reducing this travel time," he added. The Bihar Chief Secretary further stated that the Ganga River had just 4 bridges before 2005; now the number has reached 14. The connectivity challenge that was there earlier has now been resolved, and it is benefitting every sector, he stated. Talking about the success of Bihar Business Connect 2024, Meena stated that the state has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of around Rs 1.81 thousand crores with over 400 investors across various sectors during the summit, which took place on 21-22 December in Patna. He stated that the renewable energy sector received the most response. In addition, there are significant investment opportunities in sectors like food processing, textiles, information technology, plastics, and more, he stated. Going further, Bihar Chief Secretary expressed his confidence that the MoUs signed during the business summit will be converted into the actual implementation of the projects, as half of the previous year's MoUs worth 53 thousand crore have been successfully converted into the actual project. Meena informed us that the state has established a state investment promotion board that takes care of the investments in the states and inspects the proposals every week. He stated that the state has created a single-window clearance system and project monitoring system for the facilitation of the investors. "Officials are given training and instructions to facilitate investment proposals in the state so that employment can be generated and ways of investment can be developed," he stated. The Bihar Business Connect 2024 connected industry leaders, government officials, and experts to foster partnerships and collaborations. During the two-day summit, the leaders engaged in meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions with industry leaders to explore investment opportunities in Bihar. (ANI) KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday dismissed as unfounded and "devoid of rationality" assertions by a senior U.S. official that its missile programme could eventually pose a threat to the United States. Earlier this week, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missiles made it an "emerging threat". Finer's comments, which came a day after Washington announced a new round of sanctions related to the ballistic missile programme, underscored the deterioration in once-close ties between Washington and Islamabad since the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing Finer's remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the perception of an alleged threat was "unfortunate". "These allegations are unfounded, devoid of rationality and sense of history," the ministry added in a statement. The ministry said its strategic capabilities were solely for defending its sovereignty and maintaining regional stability, and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country. It also highlighted Pakistan's long history of cooperation with the U.S., particularly in counter-terrorism efforts, and reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively on all issues, including regional security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between the United States and Pakistan have seen significant ups and downs. The countries collaborated during the Cold War and in the fight against al Qaeda after 9/11. However, ties have been strained due to coups in the South Asian country by Pakistan's military, support for the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule in Afghanistan, and over the nuclear weapons programme. (Reporting by Gibran Peshimam and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Helen Popper) By Ariba Shahid KARACHI (Reuters) -Twenty-five civilians were sentenced by a Pakistani military court to periods of two to 10 years of "rigorous imprisonment" in connection with attacks on military facilities in 2023, the armed forces' media wing said on Saturday. The ruling underscores concerns among supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan that military courts are going to play a bigger role in cases involving the 72-year-old, who is facing multiple charges including allegedly inciting attacks against the armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Khan supporters stormed military installations and torched a general's house on May 9, 2023 to protest against the former premier's arrest by paramilitary soldiers. At least eight people were killed in the violence. The military's Inter-Services Public Relations office said the sentences handed down on Saturday were an "important milestone in dispensation of justice to the nation". "It is also a stark reminder to all those who are exploited by the vested interests and fall prey to their political propaganda and intoxicating lies, to never take law in own hands," it added in a statement. Others charged over the violence were being tried in anti-terrorism courts but justice would only be fully served "once the mastermind and planners ... are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land," the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling comes days after Khan was indicted by an anti-terrorism court on charges of inciting attacks against the military. An army general who served under him as his spy chief, Faiz Hamid, is facing a military investigation on the same charges. Pakistan's Supreme Court last week allowed military courts to announce verdicts in concluded trials of nearly 85 supporters of Khan on charges of attacking army installations, however it made such verdicts conditional on the outcome of appeals against the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians. The court last year provisionally allowed military courts to try civilians. (Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi, additional reporting by Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar; Editing by William Mallard and Stephen Coates) Palm Beach Police have arrested a Georgia man employed by a luxury yacht docked in West Palm Beach on a charge of sexual battery, with officers telling a judge that the man has a history of similar incidents at popular high-end destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Officers took James "Jack" Robert Magruder, 33, whose address is listed on an arrest report as Safe Harbor Rybovich marina with a permanent address in Millen, Georgia, into custody Nov. 25. He pleaded not guilty and is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail without bail, according to court records. Citing in part Magruder's ability to travel overseas for work and a pattern of reckless behavior with women extending from New Zealand to Rhode Island that could pose a danger to the community, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office asked Circuit Judge James Nutt to hold Magruder in jail until trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nutt approved that request during a Dec. 2 hearing, a decision that could keep Magruder in custody for months. Magruder's attorney, Robert Malove, has asked Nutt to reconsider his decision, records show. As of Thursday afternoon, Malove had not responded to a Daily News request for comment. Sexual battery followed three dates and a kiss, woman tells police According to Magruder's Palm Beach arrest report, the woman who reported that she was raped first matched with Magruder on a dating app Nov. 10. After talking, the pair agreed to meet for a date the next day at Benny's on the Beach restaurant in Lake Worth Beach, the report said. The woman and Magruder had another date Nov. 15, where they met at Kapow Noodle Bar on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach and then went for a ride on Magruder's motorcycle before kissing at the end of the night, the woman told police. During a third date Nov. 18, the woman and Magruder went to Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach and had dinner at Elisabetta's restaurant in West Palm Beach, where Magruder booked a hotel room at The Ambassador Palm Beach Hotel & Residences on South Ocean Boulevard, police said. Palm Beach Police arrested a Georgia man Nov. 25 on a charge of sexual battery. The man works on a luxury yacht that was docked at the Safe Harbor Rybovich marina in West Palm Beach. When Magruder and the woman arrived in the room, they began to be intimate, the woman told police. When the woman asked Magruder to get a condom she showed text messages to police where the two talked about using protection he refused, and told her that they would "lose the connection," the arrest report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, the woman said, Magruder grabbed the woman's throat and started to choke her, adding that he loosened his grip when she told him to stop. Magruder later told the woman to turn onto her side so they could cuddle, the arrest report said. The woman told police that when she did, Magruder began to assault her and continued, even though she told him to stop. Afterward, she took a shower and Magruder accused her of having "a mental breakdown," the report said. The next morning when they woke up, Magruder once again assaulted the woman, the report said. Woman reported incident to Butterfly House, recorded call with accused That day, the woman contacted Wellington Regional Medical Center's Butterfly House, a certified rape crisis center. There, the woman met with a sexual-assault nurse examiner and an advocate from Palm Beach County's Victim Services department, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, the woman called Magruder while the call was recorded via phone and audio by investigators, records show. During that call, the woman confronted Magruder and told him she didn't feel comfortable not using protection, the arrest report said. Magruder apologized to the woman, telling her could sense she was uncomfortable, the report said. The woman continued to confront Magruder, telling him she had never had a man "not stop when I've asked him to stop," the report said. Police alert court to past incidents involving women in U.S., abroad Police noted that during a previous conversation, Magruder told the woman he was leaving soon as the yacht on which he worked was preparing to travel to Saint Kitts in the West Indies, an island 1,300 miles southeast of Miami. During a check of Magruder's criminal history, police found that he had been arrested in Statesboro, Georgia; Newport, Rhode Island; Los Angeles, California; and Aspen, Colorado. The arrests took place from 2017 to 2019, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2019 report from Aspen Daily News shows that he pleaded to guilty to misdemeanor charges of posting a private image for harassment and violation of a protection order. Magruder received concurrent 60-day jail sentences with credit for 24 days of time served, in addition to three years of probation to be served in New Zealand. Records of the outcomes of the cases from Georgia, Rhode Island and California weren't immediately available. Police also found YouTube videos that detailed allegations against Magruder from other women who said he abused and raped them, the arrest report said. The report included screenshots of posts from LinkedIn in 2022, where members of the yachting community warned others about the allegations against Magruder. Anyone with information about Magruder may call the Palm Beach Police Department at 561-838-5454. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who feel they are victims of sexual battery can call the Palm Beach County Victim Services 24-hour helpline at 561-833-7273. Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Police: Luxury yacht employee sexually battered woman Over a dozen parents and concerned residents stood outside of Westfield High School on Friday afternoon holding signs to tell Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith that they don't want him there. Parents said Beckwiths brand of being an outspoken champion of culture war issues and his specific comments about LGBTQ people and immigrants make them worry about having him around students. Beckwiths dangerous rhetoric toward, youth, and all marginalized communities, is scary to have inside Westfield schools and not something Hoosiers should be elevating, said Westfield parent Stacy Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckwith was at Westfield High School on Friday to attend a presentation from the schools agriculture science program on the impact it's had on students possibly going into the agricultural sciences after high school. Beckwith was listening to the presentation along with Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and state Rep. Hunter Smith, according to Westfield Schools director of community engagement Ashley Knott. Students were excited to present to these elected officials and showcase their experience and knowledge, Knott told IndyStar. How the controversy started: Beckwith threatens to 'strip away' funding from Westfield schools after they uninvite him Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckwith originally was meant to speak at Westfield High School in November, but after enough parents spoke out with concerns to school leaders, the talk was canceled. What ensued after was a tense back and forth between Beckwith and district leaders, with Beckwith posting on social media threatening to strip away funding from the district. Beckwith doesnt have direct control over school funding and would have to work with lawmakers to make that a reality. Once Beckwith is sworn in as lieutenant governor in January he will oversee multiple state agencies, including the Indiana Department of Agriculture. However, Westfield school parents like Bec Rudolph-Burleigh would have preferred that the district listen to parents like they did the first time around. Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith attends Org Day, or organization day, ahead of the upcoming legislative session at the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Indianapolis. I think it's absolutely insane that our school district would allow somebody who not only has said such insulting things about our community and our parents, but also has vowed to defund our school, and they're still allowed to have access into the school, said Rudolph-Burleigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Beckwith was originally disinvited, he accused Westfield High Schools principal of being super far left and has said the schools are pushing woke crap. More school news: State board approves final diploma redesign, new requirements boost work-based learning But Collins said she isnt worried about that and is happy with the education her children are getting at Westfield. Our children are taught about human rights and values and Im not against that, Collins said. Other Westfield parents, like Chadwick Collins, said if Beckwith really cared about upholding parents' rights in schools, then he would have stayed out of the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When parents voiced their concern and a decision was made, he was upset about it and didnt respect our choice, Collins said. If its about parent choice, it's about parent choice, even when we disagree with the lieutenant governor. Beckwith did not respond to multiple requests for comment from IndyStar on Friday. Keep up with school news: Sign up for Study Hall, IndyStar's free weekly education newsletter. Rudolph-Burleigh was one of the organizers of Fridays protest and hopes that their presence shows Beckwith that the Westfield community does not want his rhetoric to influence students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We love our students, we love our trans students, we love our female students, we love our immigrant students, Rudolph-Burleigh said. We love all of our students, and we are here to show support for them and his hate can't touch that. IndyStar reporter Brittany Carloni and Kayla Dwyer contributed to this reporting. Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Westfield parents protest Micah Beckwith's visit to high school ST. LOUIS The largest party supply store in the United States plans to close the doors to every store. According to CNN, Party Citys CEO shared the news with corporate employees Friday during a video conference. FOX 2 visited the location in Olivette Friday, which was still open in the afternoon. The store manager directed our questions to the companys corporate office. CNN reports corporate employees were told Party City is winding down operations immediately. Those workers were reportedly told Friday was their last day on the job and that they wouldnt receive severance pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Party City employees received letters stating they would lose their jobs when the company officially closes stores on Feb. 28. Shoppers we spoke with were surprised by the news. There are a lot of locations, which I was also surprised about because I dont know why there are so many Party Citys. But I guess its a little devastating just for my childhood self, Bella Shawel, shopper, said. There are 13 Party City stores in Missouri and one in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Officials with the Missouri Department of Labor tell us theyve not yet received notice from Party City about the closures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Dec. 20SUMMIT, Ky. Penn Station East Coast Subs, the fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its variety of made to order hot and cold subs, fresh-cut fries and fresh-squeezed lemonade, has announced the grand opening of its newest location at 8412 U.S. Route 60, in Summit, Kentucky. The new location is the fourth owned by Penn Station multi-unit franchise owners, Tom Wright and Ann Vanover, who have locations in nearby Ashland and Morehead, Kentucky. The business partners bring decades of combined business and restaurant experience to their Penn Station franchise. Wright, a lifelong resident of Greenup County, is no stranger to the restaurant industry, having grown up helping at his family's iconic Wright's Drive-In. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Restaurants have always been in my blood," said Wright. "I've had several careers and built successful businesses, but there's something special about partnering with a franchise to bring great food and a great experience to your community. Penn Station is the best sandwich in the business, and I'm proud to introduce it to Summit." The Summit location features a drive-up pickup window, offering added convenience for customers. Wright personally designed the building, which reflects his forward-thinking approach to serving the needs of a rural area. EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced temporary restrictions to the speed limit on several roads have been lifted. How much snow will Pennsylvania get Friday into Saturday While PennDOT crews have been working to treat the roadways, their priority is to keep the roads passable, not completely free of snow and ice. PennDOT asks drivers to give plow trucks plenty of space when traveling and to never try to pass a truck while its spreading winter materials or plowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities advise drivers to prepare an emergency kit for their vehicles which should include the following: Non-perishable food Water Blanket Small shovel Warm clothes When assembling an emergency kit, travelers should also include items for the special needs of passengers, such as baby food, pet supplies, or medications. Get the latest on speed limit restrictions, road conditions, and closures on 511PA.com. You can also stay up to date on the latest weather alerts by using the Eyewitness Interactive Radar. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Andreas Wolochow via Shutterstock Alexander the Great built an empire that stretched from the Balkans to India in just 13 years, when he was king of Macedonia. His conquest started in Persia, where he battled King Darius III's forces in what is now Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Egypt. After defeating the Persian Empire he moved further east, conquering land in what is now Afghanistan and Pakistan. After entering what is now India his troops mutinied. Alexander then turned back but became ill and died unexpectedly in Babylon , in what is now Iraq, in 323 B.C. When his empire fell apart after his unexpected death, his officials and generals took over parts of it , and Greek language and culture thrived across the Middle East for centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what if Alexander had been defeated by the Persians from the get-go? How would history have unfolded? Historical records indicate that this nearly happened. In the first major battle Alexander fought, at the Granicus River in Turkey, a Persian satrap (commander) named Spithridates nearly landed a blow to Alexander's head, Frank Holt , a professor emeritus of ancient history at the University of Houston, told Live Science in an email. So what would have happened if Alexander had failed and the Persians triumphed? Related: Why didn't Alexander the Great invade Rome? If Alexander the Great had been defeated, we'd live in an unrecognizable world "In short, if the Persians defeated Alexander, the world might be unrecognizable," Nikolaus Overtoom , an associate professor of history at Washington State University who has studied and written about Alexander extensively, told Live Science in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Alexander's conquests and the time period afterward ushered in the "Hellenistic" age. "This was a period of immense cultural, economic, and geopolitical exchange, change, and growth, where Greek civilization had a major influence on developing societies from Spain to India," Overtoom said. People in that region used a common language known as Koine Greek, which became the "lingua franca of the Hellenistic Age to facilitate the exchange of communication, commerce, and ideas," Overtoom said. If Alexander had failed, would Christianity have spread? If Alexander had been defeated, Christianity which did not appear until more than three centuries after Alexander's death may have died off before it could spread widely. "Koine Greek was the language used to write down and share the early teachings and thoughts of Christianity, and it was used to rapidly share the messages of Christianity across the Mediterranean and Middle East," Overtoom said. "If there is no Hellenistic Age, then Koine Greek does not become the lingua franca of antiquity," he said. "If Koine Greek is not available to the early Christians because of this, then they have to use a less effective and well-known language for their writings and preaching, and if that is the case, then Christianity is not nearly as successful and perhaps does not become a world religion." In fact, it may not have even survived in a highly competitive intellectual and spiritual space in the first to fourth centuries, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other scholars agreed that Christianity may not have become as widespread, and Larry Tritle , a professor emeritus of history at Loyola Marymount University, said that Christianity may not have survived until present day if the Persians had defeated Alexander. A marble bust of Alexander the Great against a black background. Many other changes History would have changed in myriad other ways if Alexander had been defeated by the Persians. "A 'Pax Persica' [Persian Peace] renowned for its tolerance" likely would have prevailed from the borders of Greece to India," Holt said, as Persia would have continued to control much of the Middle East with people free to practice their own religions and cultural customs. The Persian Empire's capital, Persepolis, which Alexander's forces captured and razed, "would rival Rome and Athens as the greatest of ancient cities, its ruins one of the wonders most visited today by wide-eyed tourists," Holt added. "There would have been no scattering of Greek settlers into cities across the east no Alexandria in Egypt, no Kandahar, etc.," Holt said. "The so-called Hellenistic world, that extraordinary amalgam of histories and cultures, could not be created without these new settlements drawing the Greeks ever eastward in droves." The Ptolemies, who led a dynasty in Egypt that lasted nearly three centuries, would never have taken over Egypt, and Cleopatra VII would not have been a famous queen, according to Holt. What if Alexander the Great had been defeated by the Persians but a bit later If Alexander were defeated by the Persians at the Battle of Gaugamela, which took place in northern Iraq in 331 B.C., then history would still be dramatically, but not completely, altered, Holt noted. By then, Alexander had taken Egypt and founded Alexandria, and this city may have still thrived, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the defeat had come later still such as when Alexander was fighting against Bessus, who became the self-proclaimed Persian king after Darius III was killed then history would also have been different. RELATED MYSTERIES Where is Alexander the Great's tomb? Did Alexander the Great have any children? What was the largest empire in the world? "Could Bessus have rebuilt Persepolis or regained control of Egypt and the Levant?" Holt wondered. The Levant is a land in the eastern Mediterranean and includes what is today Israel and Lebanon as well as parts of Syria, Jordan and other nearby areas. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh will attend an Investor Meet in New Delhi on December 23, where he will meet leading industrialists and investors from across the country. The Chhattisgarh government will highlight tourism opportunities in Bastar during the Investor Meet, aiming to boost the state's industrial and economic growth, as per an official release. The Chief Minister will present Chhattisgarh's new Industrial Policy 2024-30, which includes several investor-friendly provisions designed to attract investments into the state. CM Sai will explain how Chhattisgarh offers excellent opportunities for various industries. The new policy focuses on modern sectors like iron ore, steel, green hydrogen, and artificial intelligence, offering special incentives for these industries. The Chief Minister will also highlight investment opportunities in regions like Bastar and Naya Raipur, where strong infrastructure and supportive schemes are being developed for businesses. The Investor Meet is expected to see participation from prominent industrialists and investors eager to explore opportunities in Chhattisgarh. This event is crucial for driving the state's industrial and economic growth, positioning Chhattisgarh as one of the top investment destinations in India. In addition, the state government will showcase the potential for tourism development in Bastar. Chhattisgarh's industrial policy has opened new doors for both tourism and industrial growth in Bastar, creating a master plan to drive the region's development. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Bastar, remarked that its beauty surpasses even Kashmir. This statement has brought national attention to Bastar's immense potential, offering a new identity to the region. Earlier on December 19, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai 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. (ANI) OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) The Owensboro Police Department has arrested 26-year-old Preston Smith in connection to a stabbing near the Cadillac Motel. The arrest comes just days after a fire broke out at the motels restaurant. Theres always something going on up there. The law needs to patrol through here more, says Gary Boone, a motel guest. People at the Cadillac Motel are wondering what may have happened to a man, following reports of a stabbing on Thursday night. Just after 9 p.m., Owensboro police say a man was found bleeding at a bus stop two minutes down the road. By noon the next day, Smith was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Supreme Court sides with police who entered a home with no warrant saw the law and asked them why they said two got into it down there,says Boone. It doesnt surprise me. The main thing is meth. 75% of the people here are on meth, says James Thompson, a motel guest. OPD believes its an isolated incident. The victim had a severe cut on his hand and wrist. Before the night was over, a tourniquet was tied and he was flown to Louisville. I think it was wrongwhat happened last night. I mean Tyson was a friend of mine. Hes a good guy, and he would take care of anybody who needed him. says Dana Lanham, another motel guest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPD hasnt revealed the identity of the victim, but several people refer to him as Tyson, including the owner of the motel. They used multiple witness accounts and evidence, and Smith was actually located in one of the motel rooms. While people are waiting to learn about his current condition, a second investigation is a little further along in the parking lot. The Cadillac Restaurant burned down 3 days earlier. I mean it was crazy, like, I opened the door right there and it was just fire huge, says Lanham, a motel guest who also used to work at the restaurant. Officials say about 20 people are now unemployed ahead of the holidays, and 75 years of history are left damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes me ill. Were devastated we dont know what were going to do. We might have to move to Tennessee. We might have to live outside in the cold, says Lanham. At 76-years-old, the owner says hes not sure he wants to go through the trouble of rebuilding, but hes saddened for the community. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Maryland Independent Investigations Division is investigating after an officer in Charles County shot someone on Friday evening. The Charles County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said in a post on X at 5:13 p.m. that a person was being taken to the hospital with critical injuries after an officer shot them in the 7300 block of Tottenham Drive in White Plains. Whats Going Around | Whooping cough cases rising Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No officers were injured in the incident. This is a developing story. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Dec. 20WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement after the passage of the American Relief Act to fund the federal government: "Minutes ago I voted in favor of a good, clean bill to get us into Donald Trump's presidency. We worked hard to ensure conservative wins, especially supporting our Texas farmers and ranchers. This bill wasn't everything I wanted but it was enough to buy us time until the cavalry comes in January." LARGO, Md. (DC News Now) The University of Maryland Medical Center got a special surprise as they watched Santa scale down the side of the hospital. The plan was I had my sleigh and I was going to take a chimney, but theres way too many chimneys in the hospital, Lt. Nicholas Fiore said. So I asked for help from the emergency service team from the police department and they were able to come down and help me set up and rappel down the building. For the last several years, the Prince Georges County Police Department has used this as a way to spread holiday cheer in the days leading up to Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takoma Park completes final fall leaf collection day; how to dispose of yard waste year-round We dont always have the opportunity to showcase our commitment and dedication to the community, so we look forward to these opportunities where we can come out here and share this experience with the community, Fiore said. As they stopped and showed their appreciation for the hospital workers, they also reminded the community that they will make sure everyone is safe going into the holidays. We just want to let you know that were out here, we have your back, you can always call us, and were just happy to help you, Fiore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. For a moment, it looked like Congress would actually enact reforms of controversial pharmacy benefit managers after several years of introducing bills and holding hearings. But it was not to be. The slate of measures that would have injected more transparency into the industry and changed some of its practices were stripped from the massive bipartisan government funding package that was torpedoed by President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday. The final, vastly slimmed-down legislation, which prevented the federal government from shuttering, was signed by President Joe Biden on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the efforts to overhaul the PBM industry will likely continue next year. Trump blasted the industry at a recent news conference at Mar-a-Lago, after saying that Americans pay too much for drugs. We have a thing called the middleman. You know the middleman, right? Trump said at his Florida estate. The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they dont do anything except theyre a middleman. Were going to knock out the middleman. Health care industry middlemen Pharmacy benefit managers serve as middlemen between drug manufacturers and insurers, employers and governments. They negotiate rebates from pharmaceutical companies, determine which medications are covered by insurance plans and pay pharmacies. But they have raised the ire of Congress and others with their opaque practices. The now-dead funding deal would have required PBMs to provide more information on the rebates they negotiate and retain, as well as what they pay for drugs and how much they compensate pharmacies. It would have removed the connection between the price of drugs and the compensation the PBMs receive in Medicare Part D drug plans and shifted the payment model to flat fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement would also have required the industry to pass along all rebates to health plan sponsors, which include insurers and employers, in the commercial insurance market. It would have effectively eliminated so-called spread pricing in which the PBMs withhold part of the payment they receive for drugs from pharmacies in Medicaid. The effort aimed to increase transparency and change the industrys compensation structure, said Ross Margulies, partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, a law firm specializing in health care. The concern has been that PBMs may be incentivized to prefer higher-cost drugs since they can negotiate larger rebates on them. The PBM trade group argued the legislation would have weakened their ability to lower drug costs and could have resulted in higher premiums for senior citizens. This bill does nothing to lower costs, nothing to improve pharmacy access, nothing to benefit patients, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association said in a statement earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But opponents of the industry said they were left disappointed by the removal of the provisions. PBM reform would rein in the big health insurance lobby, save taxpayers $5 billion, and throw a lifeline to the thousands of small, family-owned pharmacies that are on the brink of closure, B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, said in a statement Friday. Federal Trade Commission lawsuit Congress is not alone in trying to curb PBMs practices. The Federal Trade Commission in September sued the largest PBMs CVS Healths Caremark Rx, Cignas Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Groups Optum Rx for allegedly inflating insulin prices. These three companies administer about 80% of all prescriptions in the US, according to the FTC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of Americans with diabetes need insulin to survive, yet for many of these vulnerable patients, their insulin drug costs have skyrocketed over the past decade thanks in part to powerful PBMs and their greed, Rahul Rao, deputy director of the FTCs Bureau of Competition, said in a statement at the time, adding the agencys action marks an important step in fixing a broken system a fix that could ripple beyond the insulin market and restore healthy competition to drive down drug prices for consumers. The industrys trade group argued PBMs are reducing insulin costs by leveraging greater competition. The FTCs action ignores significant progress PBMs have made lowering costs in the insulin market and is yet another example that the agency is running a biased investigation with predetermined anti-industry outcomes, the association said in a statement. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Shlomi and Orly Alexander, the parents of Miami Beach twins Alon and Oren, attended Miami federal court on Friday to lend support to their sons, who along with older brother Tal are charged with conspiring to commit sex-trafficking involving dozens of women in New York and South Florida. Prosecutors seek to transfer the trio to federal court in New York City, where theyve been charged with conspiring to commit sex-trafficking and two related rapes between 2010 and 2021. Their parents showed up to support their sons at the brief hearing, as they have in previous hearings in both state and federal court. Read More: Judge sets bond hearing for Dec. 20 on sex charges In one case that has already had a bond hearing, the brothers parents also have offered to secure a $115 million bond for son Tal with their home in Bal Harbour. That proposal also would include a Miami office building and three waterfront residences in Miami Beach belonging to each of their sons. A magistrate rejected that proposal earlier this week but the brothers defense attorneys are seeking to reopen the request. A separate bond hearing for the twins has been set for Dec. 30. Orly Alexander, the mother of twin brothers Alon and Oren Alexander walks out of the James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building after a hearing in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024. Shlomi Alexander outside federal court in Miami on Friday after a hearing on sex charges against his two sons, Alon and Oren Alexander. A third son, Tal, also faces similar charges. Prosecutors are seeking to transfer all three to New York. Shlomi Alexander and Orly Alexander, leaving Miami federal court, have offered to put up their own home in Bal Harbour as part of a proposed $115 million bond for one of their sons. A magistrate rejected their proposal earlier this week. Howard Srebnick, left, and Joel Denaro, attorneys for twin brothers Alon and Oren Alexander, walk out of the James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building after hearing in Miami, Florida, on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The reopening of Pinellas County parks and beaches has been slow moving since hurricanes Helene and Milton battered the coastline, and some areas will likely not be complete for several months.But most locations will reopen by January, the county said last week. Sand Key Park and Indian Shores Beach Access are scheduled to reopen Saturday. Lake Seminole Park is scheduled to reopen Dec. 28. Fred Howard Park in northern Pinellas is open, but the beach and causeway, including beach access areas at Redington Shores and Madeira Beach, remain closed. Indian Rocks Beach Access parking is open but the beach is closed. Honeymoon Island State Park is partially reopened with reduced capacity, but the restrooms are closed. Caladesi Island State Park and overnight accommodations are still closed, according to the parks webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer Curtis, deputy director of parks and conservation resources for Pinellas County, said the countys parks will return to normal soon. Its just a lot of effort to get it there, Curtis said, and thats a lot of effort that we as a department have not had to address before because we have not seen damage like this from storms before. Fort De Sotos East Beach and Area 3 of its campground reopened Thursday, and Nancy Ferreira, who lives in Rhode Island and St. Petersburg, was ready to enjoy the sun at her very favorite beach. Theres something about Fort De Soto, she said. Thats why Im here on the opening day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the parks boat ramp and causeway are open as well, areas north of the park headquarters, including North Beach and the sand bar, are closed. Fort De Soto Parks reopening has been a multi-phase process, Curtis said. Cleaning up debris, like palm fronds and tree branches, was fairly quick and has been mostly complete for about two weeks. The next phase in that process was beach cleanup, which typically involves crews picking up debris off the beach. But Hurricane Milton covered all of the debris left over from Helene in sand, Curtis said, slowing down the clean up and burying the wreckage. Crews are pulling back 24-plus inches of sand to remove furniture, refrigerators, windows and more, Curtis said. The longest phase of the recovery effort will be fixing roadways and amenities more than 250 picnic tables need to be replaced, and a sea wall near the fort needs to be repaired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres ongoing projects like that, that well be dealing with into a year from now, Curtis said. As beaches reopen, Curtis cautioned residents and visitors to be mindful of floating debris and alert park rangers to anything that needs to be cleaned up. Swim zones on the beach side are also still in effect, he said. For boaters using ramps, particularly at Fort De Soto and War Veterans Park, there arent floating docks to easily access boats, but they are open to use at your own risk, Curtis said. Jill Silverboard, deputy county administrator, said at a County Commission meeting on Tuesday that Lake Seminole Park still requires a lot of work, and Madeira Beach, which may not reopen until Memorial Day, suffered the most damage. I was by there last week, Silverboard said. It looks terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madeira Beach lost its seawall and suffered other damage, like a collapsed sidewalk. Portions of the beach may be completed in advance, Silverboard said, and the county will open what it can. Curtis said the major restoration projects, like those at Madeira, cause some of the reopening delays because they involve working with more teams, as well as state and Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations. We dont want to just put a Bandaid on something knowing that next years hurricane season is right around the corner, Curtis said. If we dont fix things the right way, we potentially create bigger problems. Deb Wright, 71, is a camp host at Fort De Soto. Wrights body has kept the score of hurricane cleanup since she arrived Nov. 1. She has cuts and scrapes down her arms and legs from cleaning, cutting and hauling wood. But it was all a happy time, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I got here, it was just heartbreaking, she said, and there werent enough people to assist with the cleanup. Thirty-foot trees blocked the gravel roads, and the water was three-feet high, she said. Wright said crews were just finishing cleanup on Thursday. Last year, she said when she came to help after hurricane season everything was open within two weeks. Regardless, Wright said she was relieved to have a portion of the campgrounds open to the public again. On Thursday, a raccoon scampered around Wrights set-up while she cooked marinated chicken on the grill. We did it, she said, with relief. CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) As Pinellas County officials continue to assess the damage left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, unincorporated residents can now view their substantial damage letters online. The county announced a new online tool on Friday that allows unincorporated residents to download their letters as soon as they are completed. City of Tampa completes all hurricane debris pickup days before Christmas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also launched a new text update system to notify homeowners about opportunities to apply for financial aid. The State of Florida expects more than $400 million to become available in the coming months for those looking to rebuild or elevate their flood-damaged homes. Pinellas County officials said Friday more than 1,600 initial substantial damage assessment letters have been mailed to unincorporated homes. However, there are still more to go. As of Friday, Dec. 20, the county was still in the process of completing assessments on impacted properties in unincorporated areas. Only those which have been completed will appear in the online system. An initial substantial damage assessment involves an inspection of homes in the countys flood hazard area and includes both the exterior and interior of the residence, when made available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular Clearwater park to reopen on Saturday Officials said the FEMA estimator tool is used to determine the percentage of damage to certain parts of the home. A home is considered substantially damaged when the cost to fully repair the residence equals or exceeds 49% of the actual cash value of the structure. In that case, the home will have to be elevated or rebuilt to meet current flood safety standards, authorities said. Homeowners will be able to apply for permits for minor repairs. According to Pinellas County officials, more than 1,500 storm-related permits have been issued to date. Letters are being sent to the mailing address listed in the Pinellas County Property Appraiser records but can also be found online by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinellas County residents can stay informed about millions in upcoming financial assistance by texting RECOVER to 888777. Officials said it may take months or even years for these programs to be fully implemented, based on past similar experiences of other Florida communities, but applications are expected to open soon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. At a news conference Friday morning at the Department of Public Works 3rd division facility in Hazelwood, DPW workers along with the mayor outlined their plan of attack for winter weather this season. Mayor, I know when you came into office, you asked us to go get it, but I got to say I feel like we are ready to get whatever comes our way, said DPW Director Chris Hornstein. While its been relatively mild the past couple of years, DPW workers said Friday they are prepared for the worst, and they outlined their top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is to treat every street and the operative word is treat, treat every street within 24 hours of the last snowflake, said DPW Deputy Director Bill Crean. Crean said crews will pretreat streets with brine, and use salt with magnesium chloride thats good to 20 below zero. And theyve eliminated that automatic salt controller 11 Investigates first exposed under the Peduto administration six years ago, after DPW salt truck drivers complained it wouldnt allow them to drop the right amount of salt. The city has returned control of salt to the drivers. They know the streets better than anybody I know, and so providing that opportunity to put the how much salt needs to go on which street back into their hands only makes our city safer, said Mayor Ed Gainey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once again this winter, there will still be no 4th division public works facility in the South Hills, arguably the most difficult area of the city to treat. It probably has the most challenging assignment, just in terms of hills, types of streets, narrowness of streets, what have you, the South Side Slopes, said Hornstein. That facility in Knoxville was supposed to be completed two years ago, but a number of problems including the discovery of an old mine delayed construction. It wont be finished until next winter but officials say two nearby salt piles including this one on Route 51, along with the strategic staging of salt trucks has led to fewer complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 311 (calls) that we get from those areas, Brookline, Carrick, South Side Slopes just in the last two years, weve seen a dramatic reduction, said Hornstein. DPW officials also reminded drivers to leave enough room for salt trucks and they asked residents not to shovel the snow from the sidewalks and driveways back into the streets. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PLAINFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) A civilian dispatcher was arrested on Saturday in Plainfield after police discovered that she was using a state database to gain information for personal use, according to the Plainfield Police Department. Former Yale New Haven Hospital nurse pleads guilty to stealing vials of medication Danielle Branch, 38, of Moosup was charged with computer crimes in the fifth degree. Officers said that Branch misused the Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) to gather information for personal use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was released on a $25,000 court set bond and is scheduled to appear on Jan. 6. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. 'Spiderman: Far From Home' actor Tom Holland is all set to star in Christopher Nolan's next film. Although he is excited to be working with the Oscar-winning director next, the actor admits that he has no idea about the film as everything is still under wraps. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Holland appeared on the podcast Dish where he revealed that the shooting of the film has not started yet. "It hasn't started shooting, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't know anything about it," Holland said on Tuesday's episode of the podcast Dish. Holland continued to explain how the film's details are under wraps: "I'm super excited. Everything is very, very hush-hush. I met with [Nolan]. It was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it was, and I'm sure when he's ready he'll announce what it is." Nolan wrote the screenplay and will be directing the movie, which Universal Pictures will distribute. The studio has set a release date of July 17, 2026. Nolan is producing the film alongside his wife, Emma Thomas, under their Syncopy production company This film will reunite Nolan with Universal, the studio that distributed his Oscar-winning film, 'Oppenheimer'. Nolan won Best Director and Best Picture for producing the movie, which earned a staggering 976 million dollars worldwide. Matt Damon will also play a prominent role in the film. Although Damon has collaborated with Nolan in 'Oppenheimer 'and 'Interstellar' (2014), this will mark Holland's debut with the acclaimed director. Along with them, actress Anne Hathaway and Zendaya will also join the stellar cast of Nolan's next film. Holland and Zendaya have worked together in films like 'Spider-Man Homecoming', 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'. The two have been dating each other for quite long and confirmed their relationship in 2021. On working with Zendaya in numerous films, the 'Spiderman' actor said it's like a saving grace. "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." said Tom Holland in 'Dish' podcast. (ANI) On a recent Sunday on the far edge of the Outer Sunset, a cozy oceanfront neighborhood with rows of pastel bungalows, hundreds of people enjoyed a stretch of the iconic coastal road known as the Great Highway. A dad taught his kid how to ride a bike. A young couple strolled with their baby in a bassinet. Two surfers hauled their boards toward the crashing Pacific waves. A day later, the same swath of asphalt was covered with cars, transformed back into a commuter route for thousands of drivers who use the Great Highway to get to work, the airport, school or other parts of town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This two-mile stretch, known as the Upper Great Highway which starts at the tip of Golden Gate Park and runs south along Ocean Beach has become a political traffic jam in recent years, with locals clashing over how best to use the historic avenue as coastal erosion and sea level rise threaten its future. Division over the Upper Great Highway's fate adds to an ongoing debate between so-called urbanists who want to see the city develop more green space and promote public transportation, and those who rely on their cars and worry about traffic. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times) The dispute reached a new fervor in last month's election, when the majority of San Francisco voters approved a controversial ballot measure to permanently close the Upper Great Highway to cars and convert it into a full-time park, instead of a weekend-only promenade. The measure, Proposition K, passed with nearly 55% of the vote. The bulk of support came from voters on the city's east side, in neighborhoods closer to downtown and miles from the beach. Voters in the Sunset and Richmond districts, west side neighborhoods that will be most affected by the closure, overwhelmingly voted against the measure. The stark division added to an ongoing and very San Francisco debate between so-called urbanists who want to see the city develop more green space and promote public transportation and those who rely on their cars and worry about traffic. It's also sparked tension between old-timers clinging to their neighborhood's middle-class roots and other city residents who embrace the coast as an urban oasis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight could cost one local politician his job. Soon after Proposition K passed, opponents organized a recall petition against Supervisor Joel Engardio, a Democrat elected in 2022 to represent the Sunset and other west side areas who helped get Proposition K on the ballot. San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio, a Democrat elected in 2022 to represent the Outer Sunset and other west side neighborhoods, is facing a recall against for his support of Proposition K. (Jeff Chiu/Associated Press) Recall organizers say Engardio abandoned the neighborhoods he represents by backing an initiative his constituents clearly didn't want. "This recall is based on the fact that he just betrayed the district," said Vin Budhai, an Outer Sunset resident who campaigned against Proposition K and filed the recall petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budhai said residents fear that closing the highway will push traffic into the neighborhood, polluting the air and making the sleepy streets unsafe. He worries about workers who either can't afford to work from home or don't have the option to bike or take public transit to their jobs. "There's a conversation going around about how we should utilize our roads, but that conversation doesn't include the driver," he said. The recall petitioners are waiting to be cleared to collect signatures to qualify for the ballot in a special election before 2026. If it's successful, Engardio would become the latest in a string of local politicians who have been removed from office in the last three years. In 2022, San Francisco voters recalled progressive Dist. Atty. Chesa Boudin and three school board members over voter frustrations during the pandemic. In November, East Bay voters ousted two other progressives, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County Dist. Atty. Pamela Price. Read more: Two recalls on the Oakland ballot show frustration about crime 'boiling over' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engardio said that he was "humbled" by the votes in his district against Proposition K and that he was dedicated to working with the opposition to address traffic and road safety concerns before the Upper Great Highway closes to cars, possibly by next spring. But he also sees a unique opportunity to reimagine the historic highway in the face of climate change. Already, a southern extension of the Great Highway near the San Francisco Zoo is slated to close because of erosion and other environmental concerns. City officials estimate closing the Upper Great Highway to cars and rerouting traffic through other eastern roadways would add only three minutes to drive times. "Do we keep it as a road with less utility? Or do we turn it into an ocean-side park that could have huge benefit to generations of people and the local economy and be good for the environment?" Engardio said. "This has the potential to be transformational, not just for the Sunset but for all of San Francisco." Drama over the Upper Great Highway goes back to the pandemic, when city officials closed the road to cars as part of a broader effort to free up outdoor recreation space. In 2021, the city modified those rules to allow traffic during the week while reserving the road for pedestrians during weekends. The highway transitions into a park beginning at noon on Fridays and until 6 am on Mondays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the November 2022 election, advocates frustrated with the anti-car rules organized a ballot measure to reopen the highway to vehicles full time. Voters rejected the measure, Proposition I, with more than 65% of the vote. As a compromise after that election, the Board of Supervisors approved a three-year pilot program to keep the split use of the road. In June, Engardio and four other supervisors sponsored an ordinance to put Proposition K before voters, rather than having the 11-member board decide the highway's fate. "I felt that it is better for everyone to have an equal vote and equal say on what to do with their coast, because the coast belongs to everyone," Engardio said. Engardio said he had confidence that his district wanted a park. Many west side voters rejected the 2022 measure to reopen the road full time to cars, and a coalition of Outer Sunset residents campaigned for the weekend promenade and Proposition K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This idea came from Sunset residents. And Im the Sunset supervisor," he said. City officials recorded more than 420,000 weekend visits to the park in 2023, making it the third-most-visited park in the city, after Golden Gate Park and the Marina. A separate study from the city estimated up to 26,400 weekly visitors for a full-time pedestrian promenade. The San Francisco controller's office also estimates shutting down the road to cars could save the city up to $700,000 annually in sand removal and other maintenance issues that regularly close down the highway. Supporters of Proposition K celebrated its passage as a unique opportunity to transform the road into a park accessible to all people, with paved portions for the elderly or disabled, and teeming with native plants and restored sand dunes. And they're adamant that local businesses and restaurants will benefit from the increased foot traffic. "The temperature over the past few months on this issue has really overlooked the incredible positive opportunity that San Franciscans had," said Lucas Lux, an Outer Sunset resident and "Yes on K" campaign manager. "Youve opened the coast to be enjoyed by more people as part of daily life in San Francisco." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lux and other supporters of the new park hope it will eventually become as popular as the JFK promenade in Golden Gate Park. Voters in 2022 approved another measure to close it permanently to cars, and it has since become a favorite recreational road, now decorated with art installations, ping-pong tables, a piano and lawn chairs. But bitterness still simmers through the west side. Joggers and cyclists make their way along car-free John F. Kennedy Drive in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Matt Boschetto, who ran unsuccessfully for supervisor representing the nearby Inner Sunset neighborhood, said he sees the closure of the Upper Great Highway as San Francisco abandoning working-class people. "I'm not trying to silence urbanist views and people who want to see more open spaces and people who are concerned about the climate and concerned heavily about housing," he said. "But you also gotta respect the other view of San Francisco as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boschetto ran a campaign committee against Proposition K that raised roughly $239,000, with at least $65,000 from Boschetto's family members. In comparison, a committee backing Proposition K raised more than $780,000, including $350,000 from Jeremy Stoppelman, co-founder and chief executive of Yelp. "We did the best we could," Boschetto said. "I feel like maybe history might not be on our side, but morally I feel like it was a victory in a lot of ways. I think it's really mobilized the west side." The California Coastal Commission this month voted to grant San Francisco's permit to make the road into a park. Opponents were disappointed but said they hope Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie, who takes office in early January and opposed Proposition K, slows implementation of the closure. Read more: Can Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie be San Francisco's change agent? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Lurie said that he was "committed to respecting and upholding the will of the voters" and that his administration "will work hand in hand with residents on both sides to ensure that the measure is implemented thoughtfully." As for Engardio, he said he is also dedicated to spending the next many months working with outraged voters to address road safety and traffic concerns. He said he respects the "democratic right" to organize a recall against him, but hopes that voters consider how he has worked on other issues important to the district during his time in office, including public safety and organizing popular night markets to support local businesses. "At this point, I have to only look forward," he said. "I cant undo the past." 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. Moments before sentencing another suspect connected to the March ambush at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, 4th District Judge Nancy Baskin told the young woman that she has a chance one that doesnt come often to reinvent herself. This needs to be the conviction that causes you to reinvent yourself, to be different, to act different, Baskin said, to associate only with people who are going to move you forward versus people who are going to bring you back into the courtroom. Tia Garcia, one of four people tied to what police called a brazen and violent attack that freed a prisoner, broke down in tears after being sentenced to up to 25 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 10 years. The Twin Falls resident will receive credit for the nine months shes spent in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Skylar Meade, an Idaho man serving a minimum 10-year prison sentence at the states maximum security prison, and co-conspirator Nicholas Umphenour coordinated Meades escape at the Boise hospital. The incident involved gunfire and left three correctional officers injured, one of whom was mistakenly shot by a responding Boise police officer. Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Heather Reilly said that Garcia was instrumental in the escape. The gun used to shoot two of the officers was provided by Garcia, and Meade and Umphenour escaped in her car. Now she certainly wasnt involved in the actual escape, but had she not provided them with the method and means, it may not have happened, Reilly added. They may have found someone else maybe not. The two men, who knew each other from prison, evaded law enforcement for 36 hours before they were found and arrested in the Twin Falls area alongside another woman. The men are now linked to two North Idaho homicides one in Nez Perce County and another in Clearwater County that happened in that window, according to Idaho State Police. Nicholas Umphenour and Skylar Meade are under investigation for several crimes including the homicides of two men. Both Meade and Umphenour, who were sentenced for their crimes in Ada County, are now in custody at the Nez Perce County Jail awaiting capital trials on first-degree murder charges in the killing of 83-year-old James Mauney. Prosecutors have yet to file charges against the men in the death of 72-year-old Gerald Don Henderson, but police have repeatedly said that the investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final suspect, 53-year-old Tonia Huber, was arrested alongside Meade in March. They fled from police in a Chevy pickup truck, at times driving up to 100 mph, until Huber drove into a Twin Falls Walgreens parking lot off of U.S. 93, where an officer struck the vehicle to handicap it and was able to arrest them, according to a Twin Falls Police Department affidavit. Umphenour was arrested separately on the same day. Huber, of Filer, pleaded guilty in November to two felonies, possession of a controlled substance and harboring a wanted felon, in exchange for the remaining felony charge of attempting to elude a police officer to be dismissed, according to a plea agreement. Huber agreed to testify against Umphenour and Meade. Shell face sentencing in January. Tia Garcia listens to her defense attorney during her sentencing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. I know Im more than all of this, and this isnt who I want to be, she said in court. Im going to use this time to find and better myself. I still played a part: Garcia apologizes for her actions Garcias time in prison wont be wasted, she told the court Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement read by her public defender before sentencing, Garcia apologized and said that no matter the punishment, shed accept it. Im not sure how I let myself end up back here, she added. There are no excuses for any of the choices Ive made. I didnt know to the extent of what was going on, but regardless if I did or didnt know, I still played a part, and for that, I am truly sorry. Nicholas Umphenour, 29, appears in court Friday with his lawyer for sentencing in the Boise hospital ambush that allowed IDOC prisoner Skylar Meade to escape custody. The prosecution said Garcia minimized her involvement in Umphenhour and Meades plans. Text messages between Umphenour and Garcia presented in court showed she was aware of their plan and even encouraged Umphenour to make sure he got his rest the day before the shooting to get his head right so no mistakes are made. It defies logic that Tia wouldnt know exactly what they were talking about, Reilly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Wollen, Garcias attorney, argued that she was used by Umphenour and that Garcias traumatic childhood played into her need to seek validation and affection from him. Wollen said that Garcia was dealt a very bad hand right from birth, as she was abandoned by her mother and abused during her childhood. She knows that she is responsible in many ways for what went down at Saint Alphonsus on that day, Wollen said, and that is something that she has been thinking about very seriously for months and months. Seattle police arrested a murder suspect early Saturday morning after a King County Metro driver flagged down officers near 3rd Avenue South and South Main Street. The driver informed police that Richard Sitzlack, the suspect in the stabbing death of a King County Metro bus driver, was believed to be on board the bus. Officers located Sitzlack asleep in the back of the vehicle. Additional patrol units were called to the scene, and Sitzlack was taken into custody at 4:51 a.m. without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his arrest, Sitzlack was transported to Seattle Police Headquarters, where homicide detectives interviewed him. He will be booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Murder as the investigation continues. HONOLULU (KHON2) At approximately 10:50 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, a man was killed in a hit and run in Makaha. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Police said the man was hit by a vehicle and left to die on Makaha Valley Road. HPD investigates drive-by shooting in Waianae The driver allegedly did not stop to help the victim and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news As the investigation continues, anyone with information is asked to call the Honolulu Police Departments Traffic Division at 808-723-3413. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A police captain was criminally charged following an incident in a park where witnesses allegedly saw him strangling a woman while he was off duty, originally reported by our news partner WCPO Cincinnati. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Captain Brian Norris has been charged with assault and disorderly conduct, the Cincinnati Police Department says. Norris police powers have been suspended pending the outcome of the case, he will be doing administrative assignments in the mean time. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I stand by my decision to have an external agency investigate this situation, said CPD Chief Teresa Theetge. It is imperative to have a fair and impartial investigation when any high-ranking member of our agency is alleged to have engaged in misconduct. Captain Norris is entitled to due process and we will await the outcome of this case. Norris has been under investigation since Oct. 24 after reports of the alleged assault at Washington Park. The incident was caught on video by a witness. In an incident report filled out by Cincinnati police about the alleged assault, an officer wrote that a witness Norris drag the victim out of a vehicle while holding her in a choke hold. Witness stated that the suspect was on top of the victim, continuing to strangle the victim with his hands. The report also says the alleged victim told responding officers she would only speak if their police body cameras were off. Documents say she told officers he is CPD. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police have identified a man who died last weekend in Bay St. Louis after authorities say he showed up armed at an ex-girlfriends home and was shot by a family member. Interim Chief Alvin Kingston identified the man who died as Renelder Charles of Bay St. Louis. Police were called at 9:30 p.m. Saturday to the 900 block of Bookter Street and found Charles suffering from a gunshot wound, Kingston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Charles arrived at the home of his ex-girlfriend in violation of a domestic violence protection order. He allegedly became aggressive, argued with her and held a gun in a threatening manner, police said. Kingston said the father of the womans children was visiting the home and was also armed. Police said last weekend that an armed family member at the scene shot Charles in fear for their life and others. Kingston said Friday that police had not arrested anyone in the case. All parties involved in this shooting incident knew each other and are accounted for, Kingston said last weekend. We are not searching for any suspects. Charles was brought to a local hospital, where he died. The Bay St. Louis Police Department is asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (228) 467-9222 or the Hancock County Dispatch Center at (228) 255-9191. Police said anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com, by telephone at 1-877-787-5898 or by using the Crimestoppers P3 TIPS app on a mobile device. WOODBRIDGE, Va. (DC News Now) Police are investigating an attempted home invasion in Woodbridge Friday. The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) said officers were in the 2300 block of West Longview Dr. investigating an attempted home invasion. PHOTOS: Owl drops in through chimney of Arlington home to become Christmas trees new star PWCPD said this incident appears to have been targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police responded to a disturbance call and arrived to a man found dead Friday night in NW OKC. Authorities say the incident happened Friday night around 6:30 p.m. near NW 4th and Kentucky. Police say they received a call about a disturbance with shots fired. Upon arriving they found a man dead. There is no information on the suspect or the shooting at this time. The investigation is still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DENVER (KDVR) Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred in Boulder Friday evening, the Boulder Police Department announced in a post on X. You may soon see a limit on new gas stations in Denver, in effort to address housing crisis Shortly after 8:30 p.m., Boulder police were called to a field near the 1000 block of Arapahoe Avenue. When officers arrived they found a man who had been stabbed multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, 36, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and was in stable condition as of Saturday morning. According to a press release from the police department, witnesses said they saw the suspect run away from the area. Police found the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Darrell Nelson Persson, and took him into custody at 8:41 p.m. He was booked on a charge of first-degree assault. Detectives do not believe the two men, who are both unhoused, knew each other. The initial investigation indicates that the stabbing happened after an argument over drug use and fire inside a tent, the police department said. The police department said it obtained search warrants for tents and property believed to be associated with those involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Actor Mushtaq Khan, who was reportedly kidnapped on November 20, held a press conference to share details about the harrowing experience, describing it as something straight out of a film. "Since childhood, we've heard stories and seen in movies how a rich man's son is kidnapped. I never imagined something like this could happen to me, but it did," Mushtaq told the media on Friday. Mushtaq recounted how, following his memorable role in the film Welcome, he began receiving numerous invitations to events as a chief guest, often accompanied by honorariums and incentives. In late October, he was contacted by a man named Rahul Saini, who claimed they had previously met in Noida. According to Mushtaq, Rahul invited him to an award function for senior actors, offering Rs. 75,000 for his appearance, with an advance payment of Rs. 25,000. "Rahul Saini called me in late October, saying they wanted me as the chief guest for an award show honouring doctors, army personnel, and athletes. He agreed to my fee of Rs. 75,000 and even transferred Rs. 25,000 in advance," Mushtaq said. On November 20, Mushtaq flew from Mumbai to Delhi, expecting to attend the event. However, after landing in Delhi, he was picked up by a driver who unexpectedly drove towards Meerut instead of the designated venue. Eventually, two armed men confronted him, covered his face, and took him to a room where six others awaited. The kidnappers demanded Rs. 1 crore as ransom. "They demanded Rs. 1 crore and began discussing how to collect the money. When I told them I didn't have that much, they couldn't believe it. They said, 'You've worked with Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn. How can you not have money? And what about your film Gadar? It earned Rs. 500 crore; you must have been paid at least Rs. 5 crore.' They assumed actors are always swimming in money, but I told them that's not how it works," Mushtaq explained. During the press conference, Mushtaq revealed how he realised his life was in danger and decided to escape. He managed to break free from his captors and immediately reported the incident to the police. Mushtaq Khan is a well-known character actor in Bollywood, with a career spanning decades. He is celebrated for his comedic roles in films such as Welcome, Gadar, and Baadshah. (ANI) Pittsburgh police have released photos of the person accused of vandalizing multiple Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy vehicles. Nearly an entire fleet of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy vehicles was vandalized at the Frick Environmental Center. The nonprofit said three separate acts of vandalism happened over the course of the last two-and-a-half weeks, with the most recent incident occurring early Tuesday morning. >> Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy vehicles vandalized, sustaining $50,000 worth of damage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of seven vehicles in the fleet sustained damage, estimated to be upwards of $50,000, with at least one of the trucks likely totaled. The damage includes smashed windshields, dented doors, shattered windows and more. Friday, Pittsburgh police released surveillance photos of the man they say is the suspect in the vandalism. Anyone with information on the suspects identity is asked to call Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Zone 4 plainclothes detectives at (412) 422-6520. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Police in Anaheim are asking for the publics help to find the person who attacked a local business owner and left them with major injuries. The attack happened on Dec. 9 around 10 p.m. at a store near the intersection of Anaheim Boulevard and South Street, police said. According to the Anaheim Police Department, a man attacked the business owner inside the store. The unidentified victim suffered serious injuries that police officials described as severe. Anaheim police are searching for the person who assaulted a business owner, leaving him severely injured on Dec. 9, 2024. (Anaheim Police Department) Anaheim police are searching for the person who assaulted a business owner, leaving him severely injured on Dec. 9, 2024. (Anaheim Police Department) On Friday, the Police Department released two images of the suspect with a plea to the public for help locating him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any information you have could help us bring justice in the case, the Police Department wrote in a post to Instagram. Your assistance is appreciated. Anyone who might recognize the man is urged to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714- 765-1900. Anonymous tips can be made online or by calling Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Kokomo Police Department is asking the public for help identifying and locating a man they believe robbed a woman at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon near downtown. According to a KPD media release, officers responded around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday to an armed robbery that occurred by the railroad tracks near the 400 block of North Apperson Way. Upon arrival, police discovered the alleged victim, a 29-year-old female, was walking home after leaving the Storybook Express convenience store and was near the railroad tracks when a male reportedly approached her with a gun, per the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman also told investigators a struggle ensued, and she was allegedly struck in the face, thrown to the ground and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash. The male then reportedly took off running southbound down the railroad tracks, according to police in the release. The alleged suspect whom the woman told police followed her after leaving the store was described as a taller Black male with a medium build and shoulder-length dreadlocks, per the release. He was also described at the time as wearing a dark-colored coat with black pants, and further investigation into the incident led police to obtain surveillance footage, which they believe shows a man who matches that description inside the convenience store around the time of the incident. Anyone with additional information on this mans identity or whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Dustin Spicer at 765-456-7194 or the KPD Hotline at 765-456-7017. You can also submit tips anonymously by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS, downloading the Kokomo PD mobile app or texting TIPKPD to 847411. People are decorating more than just their houses and trees this holiday season; theyre putting Christmas lights on their cars. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to Florida law, putting lights on your car isnt illegal, but there are parameters. For example, red, white, and blue lights are prohibited for normal drivers. Flashing lights are also illegal except when using your turn signal or headlights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having Christmas lights on your car could cause distracted driving, which is illegal. Distracted, driving could result in death. I mean thats the most important one, Boynton Beach Police Officer DJ Hall told CBS12 News. We hate seeing that. Especially during the holiday season, its not something we want to see. So anyway, we can alleviate any distracted driving is a big plus. If you arent careful, you could get something worse than a lump of coal for Christmas: a ticket. Boynton Beach police said the ticket could cost you over $100. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BELLEVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) Police in Wisconsin referred a 12-year-old to Dane County Juvenile Court after a student reportedly planned to harm school staff members. According to the Belleville Police Department, police officers responded to the Belleville School District Office around 3:23 p.m. after officials stated they had received tips from students that a classmate had plans to harm staff members and themselves. Sheriff: Wisconsin man arrested for child pornography while in Florida on a work trip Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After investigaton, the police referred a 12-year-old Belleville resident to authorities with the Dane County Juvenile Court for violatins of the following: Disorderly conduct Terroristic threats The police and school officials determined that there is no further threat to any safety of the school or community. The student is in their parents custody, who have been told that the child is not allowed on school property until officials have determined the next steps. Since the incident, Belleville police officers have provided extra security during and after the school day as well. School official: Wisconsin shooter was new student at Christian school, victims had deep ties Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are pleased students have taken to heart the safety of their environment and the importance of if they see or hear something that causes them concern to immediately report it to school officials or police, Interim Police Chief Chris Hughes said via release. No more details are available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A view of the Maryland State House with School Street in the foreground. Stock.adobe.com photo by Jeff66/Wirestock Creators. Matthew J. Schindler, a former Hagerstown City Council member, is poised to join the Maryland House of Delegates in January. Schindler was the unanimous choice of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee Thursday night when party leaders met to recommend a replacement for former Del. Brooke Grossman (D-Washington), who resigned earlier this month. Schindlers name has been forwarded to Gov. Wes Moore (D), who has the final say on Grossmans successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schindler, 41, spent nine months as an appointed member of the council, losing a bid for a full term in November. In an interview Friday, Schindler said he was inspired to seek the House seat in part because of all the talk on the council about the citys legislative priorities in Annapolis. It became very evident through my work on the Hagerstown City Council how the success of municipalities like ours depend on what happens at the state level, he said. Schindler, who does IT and cybersecurity work for a bank in his day job, beat out four other Democrats who sought the appointment: Pieter Bickford, an ex-member of the Washington County Board of Education and former news anchor on WHAG-TV; Tereance Moore, a business consultant; Aitza Haddad Nunez, a public school teacher and member of the Governors Commission on Hispanic Affairs; and Peter E. Perini Sr., a former Hagerstown City Council member and ex-county Democratic chair. Grossman, who was elected in 2022 to represent District 2B, which is centered in Hagerstown, resigned because her family is moving out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seemed very serendipitous when the news broke about Del. Grossman, Schindler said. The House seat seemed to be the perfect fit. Schindler will have to run a potentially competitive race for a full term in 2026, but for now, he said hes focused on getting up to speed for the 2025 legislative session, which kicks off on Jan. 8. Im excited to get to work. Veteran legislative team seeking four more years Speaking of 2026 legislative races, lawmakers from District 21 representing parts of Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties Sen. Jim Rosapepe and Dels. Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman and Joseline Pena-Melnyk, all Democrats are out of the gate early, announcing Friday that all four would seek another term in 2026, and that they would run as a team. With the threats posed to our people by the MAGA Republicans in Washington, we need to put Marylanders first, the lawmakers said in a joint statement. We need to protect our neighborhoods, our workers, our seniors, our small businesses, and our children. Well do that for the next two years and are ready to continue the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 21 has a seasoned and powerful delegation. Rosapepe, the vice chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, was elected to the Senate in 2006 and also spent 10 years in the House, with a stint as U.S. ambassador to Romania in between. Barnes, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was elected to his seat in 2006, and Pena-Melnyk is the chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. She was elected to her seat in 2006 after serving on the College Park City Council. Lehman was elected to the House in 2018 after serving two terms on the Prince Georges County Council. Along with their joint statement, the lawmakers individually laid out their priorities and accomplishments, with providing opportunity, affordability and stability a unifying theme. Acevero for Henson in District 30 Senate scrum As she competes for the District 30 Senate appointment, Del. Shaneka Henson (D-Anne Arundel), like her principal opponent, Del. Dana Jones (D-Anne Arundel), continues to roll out endorsements. The latest for Henson comes from Del. Gabriel Acevero (D-Montgomery), a leading progressive voice in Annapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black women have long been unsung architects in the fight for justice, Acevero said on social media. Shaneka Henson exemplifies this leadership. Her dedication to uplifting those whose voices are often silenced resonates deeply with the shared fight for dignity and justice that unites Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. Acevero also called Henson a vital voice in Annapolis, and a proven leader. Henson and Jones are vying to replace outgoing Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D), who will be sworn in to Congress on Jan. 3. The Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee is accepting applications from people interested in seeking the appointment through 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. It has yet to announce when it will interview the candidates and vote to recommend a replacement to Moore, who makes the selection. OMalleys march As he seeks to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley has issued a fundraising appeal for a political committee hes created called Win Back Our Country. An emailed fundraising solicitation links to a 2-minute OMalley video outlining how he plans to renew the Democratic Partys message, strategy and tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your donation will help me to reach all of the voting DNC members with my plan to rebuild, reconnect, re-engage, and win for the Democratic Party and share this critical message: I am the experienced leader our Party needs who is ready on day one to tackle our complex challenges, bring our big tent coalition together, and win elections across the country and at every level of government, OMalley writes. Americas future and the future of the Democratic Party depend on our work right now. Thank you for your belief in me. OMalley is one of at least half a dozen men vying to be the next DNC chair, though other candidates could still enter the race. The 400-plus voting members of the national committee are scheduled to elect their next chair when they meet in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 1. Harry Dunns new target: Kash Patel Fresh off his time on the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats, former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who ran unsuccessfully for Marylands 3rd District congressional seat earlier this year, has a new goal: Stopping the nomination of Kash Patel to be FBI director. Patel, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has vowed to use the federal government to go after Trumps perceived enemies, and this has given Dunn, who has been preaching the pro-democracy gospel since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, a new mission. Dunn met on Capitol Hill this week with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, one of the few congressional Republicans willing to criticize Trump, to press his case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunn in a statement said he came away convinced that Murkowski is committed to ensuring that the FBIs leadership upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and independence. This nomination is disrespectful to the honorable law enforcement officers who serve our country, Dunn continued. The FBIs mission requires unwavering impartiality and trust from the American people. Appointing someone with a history of radical partisanship, disqualifying scandals, and limited law enforcement experience jeopardizes the integrity of the Bureau and undermines public confidence in one of our nations most critical institutions. Washingtons new role Baltimore Citys state senators have elected Sen. Mary Washington (D) to serve as their chair for the next two legislative sessions. She represents the 43rd District, which runs roughly from the campus of Johns Hopkins University to the campus of Towson University in Baltimore County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chair, I look forward to focusing on the best ways to leverage our collective strengths to ensure that we continue to pass laws during our time together in Annapolis that benefit all Marylanders and deliver meaningful results for the Baltimore residents, businesses, and institutions we serve, Washington said in a statement. Shell work alongside Del. Melissa Wells (D), the new chair of the citys House delegation. Arcadia Councilmember Eileen Wang. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) An Arcadia City Council member is the fiancee of a man charged by federal prosecutors this week with acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government by attempting to influence local politicians, according to court records and interviews. The personal relationship between Eileen Wang, elected two years ago to the council of the San Gabriel Valley suburb, and Yaoning Mike Sun deepens questions around what Wang knew about an alleged plot to push pro-China policies, particularly regarding Taiwan. In the criminal complaint against Sun, prosecutors referred to a local politician, "Individual 1," alleging that Sun and his Chinese government contacts were cultivating the politician in hopes that she would rise in politics and help them strengthen China's influence in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two sources familiar with the investigation identified Wang as Individual 1. The complaint described Sun as Individual 1's campaign manager and business partner and said the address Sun had registered with the DMV was a home owned by Individual 1. Prosecutors have not charged Wang with a crime. A source familiar with the case, who spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity, said there was no evidence at this time that Wang knew of the alleged Chinese government activities. Wang did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The complaint described extensive interactions between Sun and John Chen, also known as Chen Jun, who was sentenced to federal prison last month for acting as an illegal Chinese agent and plotting against Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China. The two discussed sending detailed information about Individual 1, including her connections to other U.S. politicians, to Chinese government officials, according to messages federal investigators found on Chen's phone and described in the complaint. According to the complaint, Sun's LinkedIn listed him as head of U.S. News Center, a media site he runs with Wang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records also reveal close ties between Wang and Sun. The two are registered on several business filings together, including for the American Southwest Chamber of Commerce, an association intended to promote communication of American southwest people of China, according to incorporation filings. Read more: Chinese government planted agent in SoCal with mission to influence local government, feds allege Michelle Wu, who worked for the chamber of commerce, sued both Wang and Sun for defamation last year. Wu alleged in the lawsuit that the two had unjustly accused her of stealing money from the group, which she denied. As part of that lawsuit, Wang stated in a court document that she was engaged to Sun. Wu said in an interview that the couple had been together since about 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against Sun sent shock waves through the San Gabriel Valleys large Chinese community, where both Sun and Wang have established high profiles in recent years Wang through elected office and Sun for organizing community events. He has a big name in the Chinese community," said Daniel Deng, an attorney in Rosemead who represents many Chinese clients. "He's been very active in Southern California for a long time." Residents said Sun threw and promoted numerous events in the community, including a Lunar New Year festival in the San Gabriel Valley. He was considered quiet and not especially active politically. One resident said the allegations that he was working with Chinese government officials went off like a bomb in the community. Deng said he saw Sun and Wang in the lobby of the Sheraton in San Gabriel on Wednesday evening, leaving the Miss Asia International 2024 Pageant with another Arcadia City Council member. He said he got to know them when Wang ran for office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My friends this morning, they said, 'Mike got arrested!'" Deng said Thursday. "I said, 'This is not possible. I saw them last night.'" Speaking with The Times last month for a story about Asian American voters , Wang said she moved to Southern California from China 30 years ago. Her mother was a Chinese medicine and acupuncture doctor and her father was a physician in Sichuan province before working at USC, she said. The complaint alleged that Chen directed Sun to prepare an update to the Chinese government on Individual 1s election. Sun responded with a short biography of the politician, noting that she immigrated to the U.S. from Chengdu a city in Sichuan in 1995. Wang, a mother of two, said she has been rooted in Arcadia for the last 18 years. Two people who know her said that before she entered politics, she was mainly known for running an after-school program in Arcadia called Little Stanford Academy . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang said she did five rounds of door-knocking in her district during her 2022 campaign and decided to switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party, swayed by housing policies espoused by the left that voters seemed to need, such as rental assistance. Wang beat Sheng Chang, a longtime council member, for a seat on the council in the majority-Asian city. She said she became the Arcadia City Council's first female member from China, as well as its first Asian American Democrat. After the Nov. 5 election, the council became all Asian American possibly a first in California, according to council members. Read more: In Arcadia and Temple City, Asian American voters fueled gains for Trump "I talked with my district I realized people needed me," Wang told The Times last month. "I needed to do something for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada has painted the case as part of a pattern of the Chinese government seeking to influence local officials who are not yet on the national stage but could be soon. According to the complaint, Chen asked Sun to prepare a report on Wang's election for Chinese government officials and referred to the council member as a new political star." This year, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) honored Wang as one of the 2024 Congressional Women of the Year. According to a press release, the award is given to women nominated by people in their own cities and communities. Its unclear who nominated Wang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued Saturday, Chu cited Wang's record of public service as the "first Asian American woman elected to the Arcadia City Council in 119 years. She was a leader in the community, helping to establish a new Health committee, supporting new affordable housing projects and implementing crossroads pallets at street intersections." "When we honored her, the entire city council and the leaders of the Arcadia community came out to support her," the statement said. "I do not personally know Mike Sun, nor does my husband. We have seen him accompany her to events, but we have never engaged in a conversation with him." Maybe they perceive Eileen to be their future star, said Joaquin Lim, who served for 17 years on the Walnut City Council, noting that the Chinese government has little to gain from a politician who never moves up from the local level. That's one of the angles an anticipation of this person running for higher office, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lim said he wasnt surprised to hear about the indictment, noting a flood of headlines recently about the Peoples Republic of China trying to curry favor with local politicians across the world. In September, prosecutors charged a former aide to the New York governor with using her position to benefit the Chinese government and block access for officials from Taiwan, which China considers part of its own territory. This is not just happening in America. It's happening in England. It's happening in Australia, it's happening in Canada," Lim said. When I read about Eileen, I said, OK, well, I'm just surprised, in this case its the San Gabriel Valley. San Gabriel Mayor John Wu was elected around the same time as Eileen Wang. He said he has seen her at events in the region including for groups that have strong ties to Taiwan and has never had any suspicions about her. He finds it hard to believe she would be caught up in any of this. "In my view, there's no need for any foreign government to interfere with local politicians or elections," Wu said."Local governments are focused on community and decisions like determining which road we should pave and how we allocate a budget." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Wu is concerned that the situation could unfairly cast suspicion on local Chinese American politicians. "That could jeopardize the whole effort that Chinese American elected officials have been doing for years to serve the community," he said. "It could cause a whole generation's efforts to disappear." 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. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis on Saturday again condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, a day after an Israeli government minister publicly denounced the pontiff for suggesting the global community should study whether the military offensive there constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people. Francis opened his annual Christmas address to the Catholic cardinals who lead the Vatican's various departments with what appeared to be a reference to Israeli airstrikes on Friday that killed at least 25 Palestinians in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yesterday, children were bombed," said the pope. "This is cruelty. This is not war. I wanted to say this because it touches the heart." The pope, as leader of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, is usually careful about taking sides in conflicts, but he has recently been more outspoken about Israel's military campaign against Palestinian militant group Hamas. In book excerpts published last month, the pontiff said some international experts said that "what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide". Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli sharply criticised those comments in an unusual open letter published by Italian newspaper Il Foglio on Friday. Chikli said the pope's remarks amounted to a "trivialisation" of the term genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's foreign ministry said that Israel was defending itself against the cruelty exemplified by Hamas militants "hiding behind children while trying to murder Israeli children," holding 100 hostages and abusing them. "Unfortunately, the Pope has chosen to ignore all of this," the ministry said, adding that the "death of any innocent person in a war is a tragedy." "Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, while Hamas makes extraordinary efforts to increase harm to Palestinian civilians," the ministry said. Francis also said on Saturday that the Catholic bishop of Jerusalem, known as a patriarch, had tried to enter the Gaza Strip on Friday to visit Catholics there, but was denied entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patriarch's office told Reuters it was not able to comment on the pope's remarks about the patriarch being denied entry. The Israeli military said on Saturday the patriarch's entry had been approved and he would enter Gaza on Sunday, barring any major security issues. Aid from the patriarch's office entered last week, the military said. Israel allows clerics to enter Gaza and "works in cooperation with the Christian community to make it easier for the Christian population that remains in the Gaza Strip including coordinating its removal from the Gaza Strip to a third country," a statement from the military said. The war began when Hamas-led Palestinian militants attacked southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's retaliatory campaign, which it says is aimed at eliminating Hamas, has killed more than 45,000 people, mostly civilians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The campaign has displaced nearly the entire population and left much of the enclave in ruins. Israel says that at least a third of the dead have been militants and says it tries to avoid harm to civilians but is battling militants who it accuses of embedding among the population in dense urban areas. Hamas rejects this. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Editing by Frances Kerry, David Holmes and Alistair Bell) VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis, who has just turned 88 and has been suffering from a heavy cold, will lead the regular Sunday Angelus prayer from inside his residence as a precaution, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday. The decision was taken in view of cold weather in Rome and the pope's commitments in the coming Christmas week, it added. Francis, who has been pope since 2013, had complained about the effects of his cold during an audience on Friday, but earlier on Saturday he was well enough to deliver his annual Christmas address to cardinals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pope will give the Angelus on Sunday from the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta quarters where he lives, rather than addressing pilgrims from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. Francis has suffered spells of ill health in recent years. When he was 21, the then Jorge Bergoglio developed pleurisy and had part of one of his lungs removed in his native Argentina. He has suffered from influenza and related problems a number of times since the start of 2023, cancelling a planned trip to the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai last year because of the effects of flu and lung inflammation. He delivered the Angelus from Santa Marta last December as he recovered from that bout of flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coming days are expected to be particularly intense because in addition to the regular Christmas services, the pope will also mark the start of the Holy Year or Jubilee on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The pope is scheduled to open the bronze door of St. Peter's Basilica, which symbolises the doorway of salvation for Catholics and is normally sealed, for the start of the Jubilee. Such Holy Years are normally held every 25 years and this one is expected to attract millions of additional visitors to the Vatican and Rome. (Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Helen Popper) ROME (AP) Pope Francis is suffering from a cold and will deliver his Sunday blessing from indoors, the Vatican said, announcing the precautions ahead of a busy Christmas period and launch of the Holy Year that will sorely test Francis' stamina and health. The Vatican cited the cold temperatures outside and Francis' strenuous week ahead, after a wheezing and congested-sounding pope delivered his annual Christmas greeting to Vatican bureaucrats earlier Saturday. Francis, who turned 88 this past week, on Tuesday is due to inaugurate his big Holy Year and preside over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations in St. Peter's Basilica. On Thursday, he is scheduled to travel to Rome's main prison to inaugurate the Jubilee there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis has long suffered bouts of bronchitis, especially in winter. In 2023, he ended up the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics. He had part of one lung removed as a young man and frequently seems out of breath, especially after walking or exerting himself. Criticism of gossip He took several minutes to catch his breath on Saturday, when he delivered his annual Christmas greetings to Vatican bureaucrats and lay employees. Once again, he used the occasion to admonish the backstabbing and gossiping among his closest collaborators and urge them instead to speak well of one another. A church community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the life of humility, renouncing evil thinking and speaking ill of others, Francis said. Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens peoples hearts and leads to nothing. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beware of this, he added. By now Francis annual Christmas address to the priests, bishops and cardinals who work in the Vatican Curia has become a lesson in humility - and humilitation -- as Francis offers a public dressing down of some of the sins in the workplace at the headquarters of the Catholic Church. In the most biting edition, in 2014, Francis listed the 15 ailments of the Curia, in which he accused the prelates of using their Vatican careers to grab power and wealth. He accused them of living hypocritical double lives and forgetting due to spiritual Alzheimers that theyre supposed to be joyful men of God. In 2022, Francis warned them that the devil lurks among them, saying it is an elegant demon that works in people who have a rigid, holier-than-thou way of living the Catholic faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Francis revisited a theme he has often warned about: gossiping and speaking ill of people behind their backs. It was a reference to the sometimes toxic atmosphere in closed environments such as the Vatican or workplaces where office gossip and criticism circulate but are rarely aired in public. Francis has long welcomed frank and open debates and even has welcomed criticism of his own work. But he has urged critics to tell it to his face, and not behind his back. Francis opened his address Saturday with a reminder of the devastation of the war in Gaza, where he said even his patriarch had been unable to enter due to Israeli bombing. "Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual appointment kicks off Francis busy Christmas schedule, this year made even more strenuous because of the start of the Vaticans Holy Year on Christmas Eve. The Jubilee is expected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to Rome over 2025, and Francis has a dizzying calendar of events to minister to them. A gentler message for lay employees After addressing the Vatican prelates, Francis issued a less critical address to the Vaticans lay employees who gathered in the city state's main audience hall along with their families. Francis thanked them for their service and urged them to make sure they take time to play with their children and visit grandparents. If you have any particular problems, tell your bosses, we want to resolve them, he added at the end. You do this with dialogue, not by keeping quiet. Together well try to resolve the difficulties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an apparent reference to reports of growing unease within the Vatican workforce that has been called out by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees, the closest thing the Vatican has to a labor union. The association has in recent months voiced alarm about the health of the Vatican pension system and fears of even more cost-cutting, and demanded the Vatican leadership listen to workers concerns. Earlier this year 49 employees of the Vatican Museums the Holy See's main source of revenue filed a class-action lawsuit in the Vatican tribunal complaining about labor woes, overtime and working conditions. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a good detention centre would be built in Mumbai to keep illegal Bangladeshi migrants as they could not be held in jails directly. CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "In recent times we have seen that in drug cases, illegal entry cases, illegal Bangladeshis, they are all foreign nationals and they cannot be kept directly in our jails. They have to be kept in detention camps, so BMC has given us land to build detention camps. But that land does not conform to the norms of detention camps. So we have asked BMC for another land. So, a good detention centre will be built in Mumbai" Earlier Thane police's anti-human trafficking cell arrested a Bangladeshi couple living illegally in Kalyan, officials said on Friday. According to Thane police, the couple, identified as Sabuj Sanowar Shaikh and Bishti Sabuj Sheikh, crossed the Indo-Bangladesh border illegally. They were arrested during a raid by police in the area on Thursday. Police said that the couple has been booked under various sections of the Passport Act and Foreigners Act by the Thane police's crime branch. A case has also been registered against the landlord of the house, identified as Mustafa Munshi, who rented them his house despite being aware that both husband and wife had entered India illegally, the police added. (ANI) Pope Francis reflected on the devastating consequences of the Gaza war in an address at the Vatican on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the bombing of children in the Gaza Strip the previous day. "This is cruelty. This is not war. I want to say this because it touches the heart," said the visibly moved pontiff, who leads the Catholic Church's 1.4 billion members worldwide. The Pope also noted that Israeli airstrikes had prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the highest representative of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, from entering Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yesterday, the patriarch was not allowed into Gaza, as they had promised," he told members of the Roman Curia, the Vatican's central administration. On Friday during an interview, Pope Francis described the Gaza war as involving "criminal acts," also drawing parallels to the war in Ukraine. He criticized actions in both conflicts that defy the rules of conventional warfare, calling them "not warfare, but criminal acts," according to the Vatican News portal. Since October 2023, Israel has been fighting against the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in Gaza, where, according to Palestinian figures, more than 45,100 people have been killed so far. The war was triggered by the massacre of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages on October 7, 2023 in Israel by Palestinian militants and other groups from the coastal strip. RAVENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) A top dog K-9 officer duo helped the Portage County Sheriffs Office nab another suspected car thief who thought he got away. All of it was caught on body and dashboard camera. Browns star DE Myles Garrett sends strong message to struggling team: Im not trying to rebuild It happened Thursday afternoon at about 3 p.m. The Haasz Automall noticed a Dodge Durango was missing from the lot in Ravenna Township then spotted a 17-year-old employee taking off in it and refusing to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs deputies responded and a pursuit began across the county. Authorities said the teen was driving so fast and erratically that deputies had to call off the pursuit. He was driving through peoples yards, blowing through red lights without even slowing down, said Capt. Robert James. But the search wasnt over. Deputy Dale Murray and his K-9 Hector spotted the Durango abandoned at an apartment complex in Streetsboro and the 3-year-old Dutch shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix couldnt wait to go to work. He helps on traffic stops. Hes trained in narcotics, trained in tracking, article searches and things like that, said James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hector has been with the department since 2022 and has already been utilized in more than 76 deployments, 350 traffic stops, contributing to 155 additional assists and supporting 27 warrant services. Last September, he even helped catch a runaway inmate and was awarded a nice steak after the suspect punched Hector in the face so hard he drew blood. So we like to reward them so they know they did a good thing, he said. But Hector is 70 pounds of muscle and pure of heart. Back at the chase Thursday, he quickly sniffed out the car thief suspect, tracking him for about 200 yards across grass and pavement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then just his presence and fierce barking led to the teenager surrendering peacefully. Aurora closes land purchase at former Geauga Lake, SeaWorld We arrested him on scene and transported him to the juvenile detention center where hes looking at charges of theft of a motor vehicle and things like that, James said. Coincidentally, this weekend, deputy Murray and K-9 Hector are receiving the prestigious Top Dog Award from the sheriffs office because of their service going above and beyond the call of duty this past year. To celebrate, they say theyll once again be treating this special K-9 to a delicious steak courtesy of Duma Meats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can I say it? Hes been an absolute blessing to our department, James said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Dec. 20Hundreds braved the biting cold to gather in Monument Square Friday night, mourning the roughly 50 homeless people who died this year in Greater Portland. Before reaching Monument Square, the crowd snaked up Preble Street, led by bagpipes and tailed by a beating drum. Most held electric candles glowing with orange and white flames. The solemn scene marked Portland's 2024 Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil, organized by the nonprofit Preble Street and co-sponsored by the city, Greater Portland Health, MaineHealth and Northern Light Mercy Hospital. The vigil and procession are held annually around the winter solstice "the longest night of homelessness," organizers say which this year occurs around 4 a.m. Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is "a time for us to join together and focus on the solutions that Maine's most vulnerable people need," including increased shelter beds, housing-first solutions and affordable housing options, Preble Street Deputy Director Daniella Cameron said in a written statement before the event. The vigil has been held for about three decades. In Greater Portland, at least 49 homeless individuals died this year, Preble Street said in a statement. Their causes of death ranged from chronic medical conditions, to overdose to suicide. They were 52 years old on average, Preble Street said. The average life expectancy of homeless people is between 42 and 52 years old, according to an analysis by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Brown, founder of Hope Squad Maine, an outreach program supporting southern Maine, welcomed attendees with a poem. Brown said he also works at a funeral home and is often responsible for transporting bodies on their "last ride." "Even though we are sure you had moments where you felt so adrift, we want you to know your presence here was truly such a gift," Brown recited for the crowd. "No one is ever truly homeless that has a home in our heart." As Brown spoke, the first names of some of those who died were projected onto the concrete base of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. To his left, a grid of 50 tea candles sat unlit. Billie-Jo Burgess, who was homeless for years before moving into an apartment at Preble Street's Huston Commons, said she lost more than 20 friends this year but that was just a fraction of the more than 200 she's grieved since she began living on the streets around 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're tired. ... Some just give up," Burgess told the crowd, speaking through tears. "I can't even tell you all the names." She lit the first candle in honor of her friend Brett Staples, who was killed after being hit by a train in August. One by one, volunteers lit the remaining candles and named those lost. MaineHousing, the quasi-government agency that oversees affordable housing programs, does an annual count of homeless people throughout the state each January. Last year, surveyors counted nearly 2,700 people on Jan. 23, according to results released over the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,250 of those people were found in Cumberland County, but it was not clear how many of them were in Greater Portland. Friday's vigil concluded with a performance by the local performing group The Vigilantes, who sang a modified version of Ralph McTell's "Streets of London." "Have you seen the couple at the farmers's market searching for bottles, wearing worn out shoes?" They sang. "Yesterday's heartache never makes today's news." As the band played, a cold wind began to blow, extinguishing most of the tea candles. Copy the Story Link A televised memorial service and benefit concert were held in Prague on Saturday to commemorate the deadly shooting that took place at Charles University in the Czech capital one year ago. The event was held at the Church of the Holy Saviour with performances of specially composed works. In addition to the families of the victims and survivors, Czech President Petr Pavel attended the service. "We keep asking ourselves: why?" said David Fribert, who represented the bereaved at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the service, participants and members of the public gathered for a minute's silence at the scene of the attack in the city centre. On December 21, 2023, a student armed with an assault rifle killed 14 people and injured a further 25 in a university building on Jan Palach Square before shooting himself. According to the authorities, the gunman had killed his father at home before the mass shooting in central Prague and shot dead a man and his daughter in a city forest a week previously. The donations collected at the benefit concert are to go to a mental health foundation that supports children and young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A centre for resilience has been set up at the university to help people dealing with crises. "The past year has taught us the importance of standing together and overcoming evil, problems and pitfalls together," university rector Milena Kralickova said. A preschool teacher is dead and multiple others injured after a multi-car crash outside a school in Texas. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, Dec. 19, as parents picked up their students after a holiday performance at the Excelled Montessori Plus, a preschool and daycare in Bexar County. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said during a news conference that "one of the parents, it appears, loaded her children into her vehicle and for whatever reason, accelerated into the building, into another car." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She, in turn, pushed that other car, and then both cars ended up hitting a fence where on the other side of that fence, several children were playing, and one faculty member was there with the children as well," said Salazar. Related: After Living with Lupus Since She Was 16, Bride Gets Unexpected Health News Days Before Her Wedding (Exclusive) Salazar said the collision caused the teacher, later identified by Excelled Montessori Plus as 22-year-old Alexia Rosales, to be pinned under one of the vehicles "for some time." "Fire was able to get out here, and they were able to lift that vehicle using a hydraulic lift," said Salazar, but Rosales died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff said that at least five children were transported to the hospital in various conditions. KENS 5 and KEYE-TV report that another teacher was also transported to the hospital for medical care. Three children were treated and released from the hospital on Thursday afternoon, per KENS 5. According to a press release from Bexar County Emergency Services District 4 Fire & Rescue, three additional patients refused transport, and 10 others were triaged and treated by responders at the scene. Related: 90-Year-Old Grandmother Is Ready for Romance After 63-Year Lavender Marriage. 'I Get to Live My Truth Now' (Exclusive) GoFundMe Alexia Rosales Alexia Rosales As for the condition of the parent who accelerated into the building, Salazar said during the news conference that "she is okay." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She does have a past medical history that may have contributed to this. But, at this point, we dont believe that it has anything to do with intoxication or any sort of criminality," he said. "It's a possibility there may have been some sort of a medical issue that took place, and so at this point, I don't know that there'll be any criminal charges being brought," continued Salazar. "At this point it appears to be just a very tragic accident." Rosales is remembered by Excelled Montessori Plus as a "bright light" whose "smile, laughter, and boundless love for the children and everyone around her made our school feel like a second home." 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 impact on our community is immeasurable, and her absence leaves a hole in our hearts," the school, which made a GoFundMe to raise funds for her family, said in its announcement. Read the original article on People Elon Musks unmatched ability to weaponize his social media platform, X, against politicians who defy his wishes came into focus Thursday, as Musk helped kill a bipartisan agreement to fund the government beyond Friday. Thats led some critics of President-elect Donald Trump to highlight how secondary he appears in comparison to Musk, as President Musk references proliferate online. Democrats and their allies have taken up the moniker and shared images depicting Trump as Musks servant or sidekick. Take this picture posted by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, for example: Well today the House Republicans will decide who their master is you cant serve two! Is it the South African Oligarch or the people that elected us? Time is ticking! Trump has made his decision pic.twitter.com/j8btknbB38 Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) December 20, 2024 More examples here, here and here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Team Trump doesnt seem happy about all this mockery and talk of Musks power. In a post on Thursday to the social media platform he owns, Musk tried to downplay claims hes running the Republican Party, despite his hourslong tweet storm slamming the bipartisan deal House Speaker Mike Johnson had struck. And Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a statement to multiple media outlets on Thursday, trying to quell the President Musk talk and insisting that Trump is still in charge of his party. As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the [continuing resolution], Republicans echoed his point of view, Leavitt said. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop. But if your spokespeople are having to issue public declarations that no, really, youre the one in charge, then its only because that isnt as obvious as it should be. Needless to say, Musk is not actually president (and under the Constitution, as currently written, he cant be, as someone who isnt a natural-born citizen). One problem for Trump is that he has billed his massive wealth and huge audience as indicators of power, in politics or out. Remember when he ran for president against Hillary Clinton and claimed that his wealth afforded him control over every politician to whom hed donated? And remember when, around that same time, he bragged about his large social media following? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tables, it appears, have turned. Now Trump is the establishment politician he used to condemn, whose power is eclipsed by a well-heeled outsider. And he seems every bit as willing to engage in some quid pro quo with his wealthy benefactors including Musk as he portrayed the Clintons to be. Musk has substantially more money than Trump and, thanks to his acquisition of Twitter, a much louder megaphone. The Washington Post recently published a report that showed Musks audience on social media dwarfs all other politicians, Trump included. So despite the fact that Musk isnt the president, it seems pretty clear that, if wealth and influence are the measure of power that Trump claimed they are, its Musk whos in a position to steer the ship that is the Republican Party. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Prince Harry has raised concerns over the NYPD's handling of the May 2023 paparazzi car chase involving him and Meghan Markle, suspecting a potential "cover-up." No charges have been filed despite the duke's requests for arrests or formal explanations. The couple also denied claims that the incident was a publicity stunt, citing genuine safety fears. Additionally, Prince Harry continues to challenge a UK ruling denying him police protection after he and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals. Prince Harry Challenges NYPD's Handling Of Paparazzi Chase Investigation MEGA Harry is reportedly questioning the handling of the New York Police Department's investigation into the "near-fatal" paparazzi car chase involving him and Meghan Markle in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Daily Mail, a member of Harry's security detail sent formal letters to senior officials at the NYPD, highlighting the duke's concerns about being "intentionally misled" and suspecting a potential "cover-up." In September 2023, John Hart, the NYPD's chief intelligence officer, reportedly informed London authorities that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any arrests related to the incident. From the outset, New York's police force appeared to downplay the Sussexes' allegations after Harry and Markle had claimed through their representative that the chase was a "relentless pursuit" involving "highly aggressive paparazzi" and lasting over two hours. They also alleged that the incident resulted in "several near collisions" with other vehicles, pedestrians, and NYPD officers. The Duke Presses For Paparazzi Arrests, Plans Formal Complaint Over NYPD Investigation MEGA The NYPD addressed the car chase incident through a spokesperson, stating that "no collisions, injuries, summonses, or arrests were reported." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police insider also informed the New York Post that "no 911 calls or collision reports" were filed, adding that the pursuit "definitely wasn't two hours." By December 2023, Hart reportedly informed London authorities that sufficient evidence had emerged to justify arrests, though no charges or arrests have been made in connection with the case. According to the Daily Mail, Touchstone, the security firm employed by Harry and Meghan, contacted Hart on December 21, 2023, stating, "I am writing on behalf of the Duke of Sussex as he has asked that certain things be taken care of by this Friday as it relates to the incident last May in NYC before he moves forward with an official complaint to the Manhattan District Attorney's office." The statement continued: "He would like the arrests of the paparazzi to happen or have an official letter stating why they have not been arrested or a letter from the DA's office on why they haven't accepted charges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The correspondence also highlighted Harry's intent to file a "formal complaint" about the NYPD's management of the investigation. Prince Harry Denies NYC Car Chase Was A PR Stunt, Escalates Concerns To Governor Newsom MEGA The Touchstone representative also informed Hart that Harry had contacted California Governor Gavin Newsom to escalate his concerns with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. In response, Hart reportedly stated, "Okay based on this, we will refer all case updates or lack thereof only through counsel." He added, "Please let us know if they have any further travel to the NYC region we will continue to provide coverage reflective of the October visit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry and Meghan insisted that the New York City car chase was not a publicity stunt and that their fears were genuine. Their spokesperson echoed the sentiment: "Respectfully, considering the duke's family history, one would have to think nothing of the couple or anybody associated with them to believe this was any sort of PR stunt." They added: "Quite frankly, I think that's abhorrent." The Duke Reportedly Used His Phone To Gather Evidence During The 'Near Fatal' Car Chase MEGA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry and Meghan's spokesperson confirmed at the time that the couple and the duchess' mom, Doria Ragland, were in a "near fatal" car chase. The incident happened after the trio flew to New York to attend the Foundation Women of Vision Awards. A source claimed to Page Six that one of the paparazzi hit a car during the chase, while another almost hit an NYPD officer in the commotion. They said, "It started with 12 paparazzi, then ended with four chasing [Meghan, Harry, and Doria]. Their security tried their best to lose [photographers]." The insider also revealed that the prince used his phone in the car to take videos of the paparazzi chasing them. Their security also recorded several videos to gather evidence for the New York police. Prince Harry Challenges UK Ruling On Police Protection, Citing Family Safety Concerns MEGA Harry and Meghan are also battling security concerns in the UK following a decision by London's High Court, which ruled that the Sussexes would not be allowed to utilize publicly funded police protection during their visits to the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The duke reportedly planned to appeal the ruling as he stated in February 2022 that he did not "feel safe" in the UK, alleging that his family had been subjected to "well-documented threats" from neo-Nazi and extremist groups. Harry, who has invested millions in private security, reportedly proposed covering the cost of additional police protection himself to avoid burdening British taxpayers. However, the offer was allegedly "dismissed." During his legal battle with the Home Office in December 2023, the father of two emphasized that he still considered the UK his home and wished his children would share that sentiment. According to Page Six, he stated that this would only be possible if their safety could be assured while "they are on UK soil." The Governments VAT raid on private schools is discriminatory against certain pupils, the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has claimed in a legal challenge. The lobby group, which represents more than 1,400 private schools, filed a judicial review claim against Sir Keir Starmers flagship education policy on Friday. In a High Court legal challenge, the ISC alleged the Governments plans to hit private schools with VAT from Jan 1 undermined the human rights of some children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six families will take part as case studies. They include children with special educational needs or disabilities (Send), a vulnerable girl in a single-sex school, minority Jewish and Muslim families, and foreign nationals in bilingual schools. Their identities are expected to remain anonymous. The Telegraph understands they will argue that the Governments plans to add 20 per cent VAT to school fees could price them out of private education and into the state sector, where their needs cannot be met. The ISC has called for its High Court legal bid to be heard on an expedited basis, warning that the introduction of VAT in January is already being felt far and wide, forcing families to weigh up their options. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, said: Throughout the debate over charging VAT on education, we have consistently said that the diversity within independent schools has been ignored by policymakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the Governments blanket approach, the impact is likely to be felt immediately by many families and children, many of whom have chosen an independent school for reasons including faith, SEND support, dual-language learning or single-sex education. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is named as the defendant in the High Court claim, since the VAT raid is a tax policy being handled by the Treasury. She has 14 days to submit a defence, with the ISC hoping a judicial review could take place in the first quarter of 2025. Even if successful, the legal challenge will not be able to halt the VAT policy in its tracks or reverse it. Families having their choice removed However, victory in the High Court would rubber-stamp private schools concerns that the policy is discriminatory towards certain pupils, and could apply pressure on ministers to grant further exemptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Robinson said the private schools group was seeking a declaration of incompatibility by the High Court, in a bid to protect families who are having their choice removed from them by this policy. The legal challenge will hinge on claims the tax raid undermines some pupils human rights under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998. The ISC will also argue that Labours VAT policy will have a wider impact across independent education. The Telegraph understands this may include claims that the tax raid is discriminatory against private schools more generally, since it treats them differently to other education providers including universities who are not charged VAT on fees. It would ultimately be up to the Government to decide what it would do next, and ministers could ignore any ruling. A hammer blow Private schools have criticised the Government for rushing through its VAT policy with little time to prepare, with many warning it will deal a hammer blow to those already struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faith schools are among those warning they will be disproportionately affected by Labours plans since their needs cannot be as readily met in the state school sector. Motty Pinter, director of Chinuch UK, which represents more than 80 Orthodox Jewish schools, told The Telegraph last week that effectively what theyre doing is pricing us out of an education according to our religious beliefs. The Telegraph understands that an Orthodox Jewish pupil will form one of the case studies in the judicial review. It will also include a family that chose a private girls school for a specific reason relating to their daughters vulnerability, and who have no other single sex provision in their local area. A Muslim family and a child with severe special educational needs are also expected to serve as case studies, plus a bilingual family whose school teaches the curriculum of their home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph revealed in September that a diplomatic spat had broken out over the VAT raid, with the French, German and Spanish embassies all pushing the Government for an exemption for bilingual schools. Ministers have so far only announced a reprieve for Send children in receipt of tailored care plans, plus a boost to financial support for military families who put their children in private schools while they travel for work. The Treasury hopes the tax policy, plus plans to remove business rates relief for private schools in England with charitable status, will raise more than 1.8 billion each year by the end of the decade. Labour has pledged to spend the money on measures to improve standards in state schools, including by recruiting 6,500 new teachers by the end of this Parliament. A government spokesperson said: We do not comment on potential litigation matters. 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. United States President-elect Donald Trump is staying true to his self-given moniker of tariff man. This time, hes taking aim at some of the worlds fastest-growing major economies in the weeks before his inauguration. Earlier this month, he singled out the BRICS nations, threatening them with 100% tariffs if they form a new currency or replace the US dollar with a different tender altogether. India, a founding BRICS member, is powerful and central to the intergovernmental organization, that also features China and Russia among others. Like other countries, India has been targeted by Trump, who called New Delhi a very big abuser of the bilateral trading relationship during a campaign event in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even during his first administration, Trump applied tariffs on steel and aluminum that set off a cascade of retaliatory moves. He eventually also stripped the country of preferential trade status, removing a designation that exempted billions of dollarss worth of the countrys products from US tariffs and igniting anger among Indian officials. But despite all that, the president-elect enjoys a warm personal relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two men praised each other enthusiastically four years ago, when the president visited Modis home state of Gujarat. Observers say that rapport is likely to serve India well during Trumps second term. The other original BRICS members Russia, China and Brazil are known to be anti-American in sentiment, Harsh Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation in the Indian capital, told CNN. India remains one country which is not. New Delhi is an outlier within the group and that could put it in an advantageous position, particularly given its heft, to quash any talk of de-dollarization, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea, a long-held ambition for some members, could in theory see the group move away from using the greenback and seek to build either a new currency or transition to another tender altogether. Using other currencies could allow member countries to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. Having Trump breathing down BRICS neck saying, dont go down that road, gives India more space to maneuver, Pant added. It allows India to say the group should tread carefully to avoid provoking a very reactive United States, Pant said. Indias foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said this month that India had no interest in weakening the US dollar. Quite positive There is still considersable pro-Washington sentiment in the Indian capital. China, and the belief that the US is on a collision course with the Asian superpower, is driving the relationship between Washington and India, according to some observers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His first term was quite positive, and the relationship that he ended up having with Modi also worked well for India, and therefore there is a sense that the second term might not be as disruptive, Pant said. Modi and Trump burnished their personal ties during Trumps first term. Modi was feted at a rally in Texas in September 2019 titled Howdy Modi. The favor was returned for President Trump in February 2020 when 125,000 people turned out for the Namaste Trump rally in Ahmedabad. Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Centers South Asian Institute in Annapolis, Maryland also believes that an incoming Trump administration may afford India some rapprochement compared with the Biden years, particularly over issues like Ukraine and human rights. The world views of Trump and Modi are much closer, they converge a lot more than the world views of Biden/Obama and Modi, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Ukraine, he added, neither Trump nor Modi has criticized President Vladimir Putin for the invasion in 2022 and both have recently called for peace. Trump has said he would end the war in 24 hours, and Modi offered his help to broker peace when he visited Moscow in July. Transactional ways Yet that is not likely to totally absolve India from the occasional turbulence associated with a Trump administration. A universal tariff of 10% threated by Trump would impact India, Kugelman said, in part because India enjoys a trade surplus with the US. Trade between the two sides has heavily favored New Delhi, according to United States data. Over the past two years, the US has imported about twice as much as it has exported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing hub for companies such as Apple, especially as it seeks to build its supply chains outside China. In the first 10 months of this year, the US has imported $73 billion from India, compared with the $35 billion it has exported to the country. Kugelman and Pant agree that the trade imbalance would create headaches for New Delhi, but not ones that are insurmountable. Instead, it might make discussions about deals or policy more transactional. This is just how Trump rolls, so even strategic partners like New Delhi will have to adjust to that, said Kugelman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is a deal maker, said Pant. Its always about give and take. So, the long-term approach to policy making has to give way to more ad hoc approaches whats the deal you can cut now, rather than looking five years down the line. Officials attend an inauguration ceremony at Chabahar Port in Chabahar, Iran on February 25, 2019. - Anadolu/Anadolu/Getty Images Pant points to a 2018 waiver given to New Delhi by Washington over the Chabahar Port in Iran. The exemption was needed following the reimposition of sanctions on Iran. The restrictions forced all US companies, foreign firms and countries from doing business with Iran. New Delhi had signed a 10-year, $500 billion agreement with Tehran to run and operate the port, which India sees as a vital trade route to Central Asia and Afghanistan bypassing its archrival Pakistan. The waiver formed part of Donald Trumps then South Asia policy. In a 2017 speech, he called on India to assist the US with more economic help to Afghanistan. He used highly beneficial trade between the two as a bargaining chip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are able to put your interests transparently, and if youre able to do business with him, then you may not be as worse off, Pant added. India has demonstrated it is able to walk the fine line between staying on the good side of Trump while also pursuing its own interests. Time will tell if that can be replicated, but the view from New Delhi appears to be optimistic. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Himachal Pradesh State Assembly Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur hit out at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and said that the decision to recruit guest lecturers in government schools and colleges is a betrayal with the youth. Jairam Thakur said, "Congress had promised they would give 5 lakh government jobs in the state. The CM and Deputy CM said this before the Vidhan Sabha polls. In contrast, they have dissolved all vacant posts lying since the last two years, more than 10000 outsource workers have been fired. The outsourced staff are not getting salary since the last 5 months. They have started a new policy of guest teachers' recruitment, this is a betrayal with the youth. Only the privileged are getting jobs." Earlier the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Himachal Pradesh State Committee, strongly condemned the state government's decision to recruit guest lecturers in government schools and colleges. With over 12,000 vacant positions across these institutions, this policy, according to the party, will not only degrade the quality of education in the state but also exploit the educated youth, said a press release. The Party State Committee stated that the current Congress government is following the same policy as the Modi government at the centre and blindly implementing the New Education Policy. The party emphasised that education and healthcare are fundamental drivers of the socio-economic progress of any country and state, and the government must not compromise on these sectors. Permanent recruitment should be made to fill the vacant positions, ensuring that no school, college, or healthcare institution is understaffed. Only through such measures can these institutions provide quality services, said a press release. As per the press release, furthermore, data reveals that more than eight lakh educated, unemployed youths are awaiting jobs in the state, with many others preparing for competitive exams after qualifying for the UGC-NET/TET. The government's decision to hire guest lecturers instead of making permanent appointments, the CPI (M) asserts, is a betrayal of the state's young, talented workforce. The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of the guest lecturer policy. CPI (M) State Committee also criticised the legislation introduced by the Congress Government in the state assembly during the winter session, specifically "The Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Government Employees Bill, 2024." Referring to the Supreme Court's judgement in the case of Direct Recruit Class II Engineering Officer's Association Versus State of Maharashtra and Others (1990), the party pointed out that the court had ruled that if an appointment is made after considering all eligible candidates and the appointee remains uninterrupted in service until regularisation, the officiating period must be counted for seniority and also highlighted that various other judgements, including those from Himachal Pradesh's own High Court, have affirmed that services rendered on a contract basis should be counted for seniority, pension, and increment, the release stated. In light of these facts, CPI (M) demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill, which was introduced "hastily and without proper consideration". The party further pointed out that in 1974, when the state's population was around 36 lakh, the number of employees stood at 1.76 lakh. Today, with the population more than doubling, the number of employees has only increased to 1.86 lakh. This significant shortfall in staffing has detrimental consequences for public services. The party's solution is clear: the government must immediately fill all vacant positions with a permanent recruitment drive, cease the exploitation of educated, unemployed youth through contract and guest teacher policies, and ensure that the state's public services are adequately staffed, said the release. (ANI) The second floor of the yellow Craftsman house in the heart of Tacomas Proctor District has been a restaurant for 30 years, and the ground floor has been home to a yoga studio for more than a decade. Things will change at the end of the month. Tuladhara Yoga, which bought the studio that was Tacoma Yoga in 2019, will host its final class Dec. 23. The Snug Pub, originally planned for the existing restaurant space upstairs, will instead take over the whole building, focusing on the main floor. Ann Evans, the wife of late Tacoma civic leader and Proctor booster Bill Evans, remains the owner of 2717 N. Proctor St. Her son, Paul Evans and his wife Andrea, are behind the family-friendly pub concept. They are planning a menu that blends burgers, sandwiches and four pizzas with Irish classics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No pub could be a pub without shepherds pie, said Andrea Evans in a December phone call, but she added it wont be wholly traditional. They are also planning some unusual items like rattlesnake sausage on pizza and in pasta, a nod to the myth that St. Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland. (Historians say the island had been snake-free since at least the time of the ice ages, and scholars surmise that the St. Patrick legend was a religious allegory against the pagans.) The couple owns a home-remodeling company, but they have long considered opening a pub. Paul grew up visiting his mothers family dairy farm in Ireland, where he learned of snugs, a partitioned room where guests particularly women, in an era that considered such a sight uncouth could drink in peace. He just had a dream, before we even met, that he wanted to open up a pub called The Snug, recalled his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They imagined The Snug Pub on the second floor, which most recently was home to Crudo and Cotto, a contemporary Italian restaurant specializing in seafood that closed in February. Prior to that, it had been a soul-food spot and, for most of its life, a bistro best known as Old House Cafe under Bill Evans purview. As the younger Evans family got to work this spring, they encountered some unexpected challenges bringing the building up to code, according to Andrea. They demolished the deck, in anticipation of constructing a new one with a covered portion upstairs, but had to abandon that plan. Then they learned the kitchen would require substantial upgrades to do what they wanted, and capacity would be lighter than they hoped. The future home of The Snug Pub shown on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Tony Overman/toverman@theolympian.com YOGA STUDIO CLOSING TO MAKE WAY FOR RESTAURANT Meanwhile, the yoga studio had muddled through months of on-and-off construction, according to owner Alicia Barrett, who also operates studios in Gig Harbor and Lakewood. If someone is practicing yoga and theres a construction site above you, its detrimental to the business, she said in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tacoma studio lost about half of its students. Barrett spoke with the Evans but felt she was given little recourse. Then, on Nov. 1, she received a letter informing her that the business, on a month-to-month lease, would have to vacate the main floor by Dec. 31. She was offered the upstairs, which Andrea Evans confirmed, but Barrett would have been responsible for all tenant improvements, which she said was not a viable option. Construction was going to continue downstairs instead of upstairs, she added. This news is truly heartbreaking, as this location has been a beloved part of the Proctor community for over a decade, she wrote in an official announcement shared just before Thanksgiving. When I took on this responsibility during the pandemic, I was deeply committed to keeping this community together, and that commitment remains my priority today. Barrett is actively seeking a new permanent location in Tacoma, but she estimates it will take several months. Many of the Proctor studios students walked or biked to class, she told The News Tribune. The Proctor building, shown here just after Crudo & Cotto opened in 2019, looks different today. The Evans demolished the deck but are planning outdoor space with unique outdoor features for The Snug Pub. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com In the interim, Tualdhara will take up temporary residence in the natural light-filled back room of Manuscript and Dialogue in the Stadium District. As of Jan. 6, we will be able to offer most of our original class times, with some exceptions. Members will also receive a 10% discount at the attached restaurant. Those with memberships or passes can also visit the Lakewood or Gig Harbor studios, or hit pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about the studio closure, Andrea Evans said that the reality of a shared-use space one being a yoga studio and one being an Irish pub thats definitely a hard mixture ... They have a lot of faithful students. Wherever they end up, I hope it goes really well. She also pointed to the limitations of having a restaurant on the second floor, including accessibility only via stairwell. Since the last days of Old House Cafe, she continued, Every restaurant that has occupied the space has really struggled to survive. It doesnt lack for foot traffic, but it needed some redesigning. So thats kind of an approach were taking, too Were builders, so this is what we do. THE SNUG PUB 2717 N. Proctor St., Tacoma Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: family-friendly Irish-American pub planned for main floor; target opening Spring 2025 Follow Tuladhara Yoga for updates on a new Tacoma studio and class times at Manuscript, 203 St. Helens Ave. The studios at 7304 Lakewood Dr. W. in Lakewood and at 4641 Point Fosdick Dr. in Gig Harbor will continue. (PUEBLO, Colo.) The Justice Department recently announced the addition of Pueblo as one of five new sites for a partnership initiative to improve safety and reduce violence, according to the Pueblo Police Department (PPD). The Justice Departments National Public Safety Partnership provides sites with coordinated training, technical help, and a range of targeted violence reduction resources from the Departments programmatic and law enforcement components. The program was created in 2014 and formally adopted by the Justice Department as an intensive training and technical assistance protocol in 2017. Pueblo joins DeKalb County, Georgia; Seattle, Washington; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Tampa, Florida. The program works with jurisdictions of different sizes and diverse needs to support customized and data-driven strategies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPD said the program focuses on eight core areas; community engagement, constitutional policing, crime analysis, criminal justice collaboration, federal partnerships, gun violence, investigations, and technology. 67 cities have participated in the program to date. This is just another example of how we are trying different strategies, combined with good old-fashioned police work, to make a difference, explained Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller. I am excited as we develop and share more about this incredible opportunity in the coming months. Reducing violence and focusing on public safety is a top priority for the City of Pueblo, so I am grateful our community is one of five chosen to participate in the PSP program with the Department of Justice, said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham. This is a unique opportunity to see how other cities focus on addressing similar issues and to have support from the DOJ. Well be able to work collaboratively within our own Pueblo Police Department and alongside the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office, the District Attorneys Office, and other community partners to address violent crime in Pueblo. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called for an increase in the country's defense budget, citing Russia as a key reason, German outlet Spiegel reported on Dec. 21. "From 2028, we need a defense budget of at least 80 billion, more likely 90 billion euros a year to meet the demands we have due to the worsening security situation," Pistorius said, "If Putin attacks, we need to be able to wage war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pistorius is the Social Democratic Party's defense minister in Chancellor Olaf Sholtz's government, and had already expressed similar thoughts in November, quoted by Ukrainian media UNN. "Our security is a fragile asset. Germany must accelerate and invest more in its military capabilities," the German defense minister warned on Nov. 23. Now he has come out in favor of a reform of the debt brake in order to increase funding for military defense. "I think it is politically wrong to cling rigidly to the debt brake in this situation," Pistorius said. "If we finance the necessary expenditure for our defense from the normal budget, it will stifle the state's ability to act." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pistorius also believes that the Bundeswehr (the German Army) could be deployed if peacekeepers are required to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine. "As the largest NATO country in Europe, and the largest economy in Europe, Germany cannot stand by and do nothing," Pistorius said. But he made it clear that "as long as the war is not over, there will be no German soldiers on Ukrainian soil." Pistorius had already advocated to push for a larger defense spending in July, as he considered the planned increase insufficient. This follows Trump's foreign policy team informing European officials of his plan to push NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, compared to the current 2% requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia buys acceptance with cash, plunging economy into uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Dec. 21While a series of atmospheric rivers are expected to land in Northern California this weekend, forecasters are saying that San Joaquin County may not be drenched until early next week. Katrina Hand, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Sacramento Office, said the majority of the precipitation anticipated Saturday will be seen north of Interstate 80. "We're expecting to get a quarter-inch or less of rain for Sacramento and southward," she said. "As we move into early next week, there will be about half an inch to an inch and a half of rain for the northern San Joaquin Valley Monday or Tuesday." An atmospheric river is a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere that's responsible for producing significant amounts of rain and snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NWS said Lodi would experience showers today likely before 2 p.m., and temperatures will be in the high 50s. There's a 40% chance of showers Saturday night, primarily after 10 p.m. with temperatures dipping to the low 50s. On Sunday, there's a 50% chance of showers before 10 a.m. , and temperatures will be in the low 60s with mostly cloudy skies. More rain is expected Sunday night. Monday will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-60s, and rain is again expected after 10 p.m. Showers are forecast to hit the area before 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day will be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid 50s. More showers will be likely on Dec. 26, the NWS said. Dec. 21Storms will deliver the needed precipitation but most of north central Idaho and southeastern Washington are expected to have a wet rather than white Christmas. The first of back-to-back-to-back storm systems will begin arriving this afternoon. Another will follow Tuesday and the last one is forecast for Christmas Day, according to meteorologist Steve Bodnar at the Spokane office of the National Weather Service. "It's going to be several rounds of precipitation," he said. "Unfortunately, they are going to be fairly mild weather systems. So we are looking at rain for the most part in the Lewiston area and most areas surrounding Lewiston.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Higher areas on the Palouse and Camas Prairie could see light snow as the individual systems exit to the east. But Bodnar said any snow will be short-lived. The snow level will be about 3,000 feet. For reference, Moscow sits at 2,579 feet above sea level and Grangeville is at about 3,400 feet. Lewiston is only 745 feet above sea level at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. The upside to the rain is that Christmas travelers should have roads that are mostly free of ice and snow. The exception to that will be the passes in the Cascade and Bitterroot mountain ranges. Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM "It will kind of be one and off, switching between snow and rain through Monday and as we start to get into next week, there could be more moderate impacts as far as snow on the passes," Bodnar said. "The systems will be trended a little cooler so that would be primarily all snow for the passes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skiers and snowboarders should have plenty to like. Storms last month laid down a good base for most of the larger resorts. Although the first part of December was dry, snow has returned. Brundage Mountain received five inches on Wednesday and all of its runs and lifts are open. The Clearwater Mountains are holding a snow/water equivalent that measures 99% of average and the Salmon River basin to the south sits at 108% of average. The Blue Mountains that stretch from Northeastern Oregon into southeastern Washington have a snowpack that measures 138% of average. Bodnar said the longer term crystal ball is a bit foggier. Meteorologists still believe a La Nina weather pattern is establishing itself in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and the January through March forecast may see below normal temperatures and above average precipitation. But Bodnar cautioned "there is still a lot of uncertainty." Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com. Dec. 21Storms will deliver the needed precipitation but most of north central Idaho and southeastern Washington are expected to have a wet rather than white Christmas. The first of back-to-back-to-back storm systems will begin arriving this afternoon. Another will follow Tuesday and the last one is forecast for Christmas Day, according to meteorologist Steve Bodnar at the Spokane office of the National Weather Service. "It's going to be several rounds of precipitation," he said. "Unfortunately, they are going to be fairly mild weather systems. So we are looking at rain for the most part in the Lewiston area and most areas surrounding Lewiston.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Higher areas on the Palouse and Camas Prairie could see light snow as the individual systems exit to the east. But Bodnar said any snow will be short-lived. The snow level will be about 3,000 feet. For reference, Moscow sits at 2,579 feet above sea level and Grangeville is at about 3,400 feet. Lewiston is only 745 feet above sea level at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. The upside to the rain is that Christmas travelers should have roads that are mostly free of ice and snow. The exception to that will be the passes in the Cascade and Bitterroot mountain ranges. St. Joseph Medical Center nurses represented by Washington State Nurses Association have ratified a new contract. Bobbi Nodell, marketing and communications manager for the union, told The News Tribune via email on Friday, The contract was ratified overwhelmingly by 93.6% of those voting.. The union represents 1,250 registered nurses at the Tacoma hospital. Details released ahead of the vote by the union stated that the initial contract agreement, reached Dec. 12, would provide the highest wages for registered nurses in Pierce County and will give nurses from other countries such as the Philippines, India, Ghana full credit for years worked, instead of half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The base wage will increase from $42.50 (current) to $46.02, according to the union, which noted, A nurse on the base step today would experience a 31.41% pay increase over the life of the contract. Across the board, We negotiated a raise that kicks in Jan. 5 of 4.75% plus $1.50, explained Pamela Devi Chandran, director of Legal Affairs and Strategic Initiatives with WSNA, in response to questions from The News Tribune. Next November, nurses will receive a 4% increase; November 26, nurses will receive a 4% increase, Chandran added. The union noted that the agreement included protections from workplace violence, including weapon detectors and locked units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract also addressed staffing issues, and Juneteenth now will be a recognized holiday. This agreement is a testament to the St. Joes nurses and their determination, said Chandran in a statement. Chandran also noted that international nurses will now be paid equally based on years of registered-nurse experience. The agreement came after 14 bargaining sessions, an informational picket, and a 10-day notice to strike from two units, the union stated ahead of the vote. The nurses had been working without a contract since Oct. 31. St. Joseph is part of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health network, and Toby Sutton is chief human resources officer with the system. In a statement sent in response to request for comment from The News Tribune, Sutton stated: We have successfully reached a fair contract agreement with WSNA at St. Joseph Medical Center. We want to commend all parties involved for productive negotiations over the last several months to get us to this day. Sutton added, Delivering high-quality care and creating a strong workplace culture remains our collective goal. A Raleigh officer investigated after a post on his social media account called Juneteenth a made-up holiday was suspended in September before retiring earlier this month, according to recently released public documents. Daniel Twiddy, a member of the Raleigh police department since 2009, was suspended on Sept. 4, according to the documents, which dont explain why or for how long. The 38-year-old senior officer retired on Dec. 1, the documents say. North Carolina law severely restricts what information can be shared about officers and other government employees. Its unclear if the suspension, which was not announced to the public, was linked to a temporary post on Twiddys Instagram in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer was considered controversial by some before that. Families and civil rights activists have been critical of Twiddy since he shot and killed 24-year-old Akiel Denkins in Southeast Raleigh in 2016. Twiddy contended that Denkins reached for his gun, and District Attorney Lorrin Freeman concluded that Twiddy was justified in shooting Denkins four times while arresting him for failure to appear in court on a felony drug charge. Denkins family contended he was shot in the back and treated unfairly. Freeman said the physical evidence supported Twiddys description of events. Akiel Denkins and his son, Kashmere. Instagram post sparks outrage Twiddys June social media post was screenshot and shared on social media by several outraged people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juneteenth is a made-up holiday, read the caption on an Instagram photo of Twiddy drinking a beverage at a Hilton Head Island resort. Today is my birthday and its been that way for 38 years. Youre welcome for the day off. Juneteenth is, in fact, a celebration of the emancipation of freed slaves and has been recognized by North Carolina since 2007. In 2021, it became a federal holiday. Raleigh police officials in July said they were investigating the post and had put Twiddy on administrative leave, The News & Observer reported. Chief Estella Patterson sent out a statement then saying she appreciated the people who reported the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expect our employees to hold themselves to the highest standard of excellence that reflects favorably upon the organization, both on and off duty, the statement said. When a News & Observer reporter this week asked police officials how long Twiddy was suspended, and the reason for two recent raises, Lt. Jason Borneo said he couldnt answer and forwarded the questions to a city portal for public records requests. The News & Observer also asked Raleigh police to forward a request for comments to Twiddy, but did not receive a response. Emancipate NC, N.C. Black Alliance and Forward Justice in October held a press conference contending that Twiddy had been demoted and arguing more disciplinary action should be taken. They also demanded more transparency in the police departments discipline process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employment records do not indicate that Twiddy was demoted. The records do say he received a raise on July 13 that boosted his annual salary to $77,088 and then another on Sept. 21 that increased it to $80,942. Twiddy was named in a 2022 lawsuit between the city and three families involving a no-knock raid on the wrong house. Twiddy was eventually dropped as a defendant in the lawsuit, which the city settled with the families for $350,000 in June 2023. Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove said she believes the people of Southeast Raleigh, with its substantial population of Black residents, are safer with Twiddy retired. However, the lack of transparency about the disciplinary steps taken for troubled officers will continue to breed distrust with the Black community, Blagrove said. Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism. KANSAS CITY, Mo. That feeling of deja vu isnt welcome at one metro BMX park. Owners at Raytown BMX, which sits on Frost Avenue in Kansas City, have complained to police theyve been robbed four times this year. The last came in recent days, when burglars took 20 bikes, meant for kids who cant afford them otherwise. One of the tracks owners estimates theyve lost $20,000 to burglars this year. Eric DeValkenaeres sentence commuted in Cameron Lamb killing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PaKou Her, one of Raytown BMXs owners, said her family is still reeling from a theft on December 6th, when someone wheeled a trailer onto track property, and stole everything they could. That includes a series of loaner bikes, which are used by kids who are just learning to ride BMX, or for riders who cant afford a bike. Her said burglars also took lights, speakers, and a few expensive items used to manage the tracks starting gates for races. It feels like a real violation. I think its fair to say its frustrating and absolutely infuriating to think now we have to spend what little money we had, and I promise you, were not rolling in money here, Her said. This incident is the fourth time Raytown BMX has been robbed in 2024. A KCPD spokesperson said gates at the track have been damaged, and crooks took lawn equipment, too, not to mention the bikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre stealing from babies. Youre stealing from kids that just want to ride their bicycles, and its not fair, Courtney Specht said on Friday. Judges ruling overturns Missouris near-total abortion ban Specht, whose teenaged son, Eli, is a nationally-ranked BMX rider, has been coming to Raytown BMX for years. She knows how much the loaner bikes mean to new BMX riders. Those serve families that are not able to afford bikes on their own or arent ready to make that kind of commitment. BMX is a lot more than a stick-and-ball sport. Those costs are really insurmountable, Specht added. Raytown BMX operators arent sure why theyre being targeted. Her said some of the items that have been stolen would only be useful to someone operating a BMX track, leading her to wonder if someone at another track isnt involved somehow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has been set up to help this non-profit recover some of the bikes. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android If you know who might be behind these robberies at the BMX track, please call Kansas City Crimestoppers tips hotline at (816) 474-TIPS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. In northern Gaza, trauma and terror engulf all Los Altos, Calif.: The human suffering unfolding in northern Gaza is incomprehensible. Yehya Qasem, like many others, witnessed the horrors of Israeli airstrikes, with his familys town of Jabaliya facing repeated invasions and attacks. Amid Israels ongoing siege and bombardment since Oct. 7, Gazas northern region has seen thousands of civilians trapped under rubble, denied medical care and subjected to starvation. Israels ground offensive, paired with airstrikes, has intensified in recent months, devastating Gazas infrastructure. Hospitals such as Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda struggle to treat the injured while lacking vital supplies. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who continues working despite being injured, describes the dire situation: We dont even have a single ambulance to transport the injured. The ongoing siege prevents rescue teams from reaching survivors, leaving them without hope. Meanwhile, families like that of Amal Almasri endure unimaginable trauma. After her home was bombed, Almasri was forced to give birth while struggling with severe malnutrition. The Israeli military then separated her from her husband, Yousef, under the guise of evacuating civilians. The family was torn apart, with Almasri and her children fleeing south while her husband was detained, later injured and used as a human shield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragically, Ramez Abu Nasser lost his mother and two brothers in an airstrike on Nov. 4. Trapped under rubble, he could only dig helplessly, his parents cries for help forever etched in his mind. The familys suffering exemplifies the cruel and ongoing trauma faced by Gazas civilians. The current actions of the Israeli military in northern Gaza constitute grave violations of international law. As the violence escalates, the world must demand an immediate end to these atrocities and hold those responsible, like Israel and the United States, fully accountable for these horrific war crimes. Jagjit Singh Revealing subtext Bronx: Your article on the Israeli attack on the Palestinian people in Gaza shows its bias by referring to Israelis held by Hamas as hostages and Palestinians held by Israel as prisoners. Once again, you fail as a newspaper. Richie Nagan Plenty smart Palm Coast, Fla.: To Voicer T.S. Fallani: You call us uneducated racists (not!), but we were smart enough to vote out the most corrupt, inept administration in the history of this country. Fallani sounds like the racist to me. D.A. Weinberg Right back at you Hicksville, L.I.: Once again, Voicer T.S. Fallani attempts to prove intellectual superiority by labeling all 77 million Trump voters stupid. She talked of being easily tricked this from a lefty who honestly believed President Biden was mentally capable during his tenure, when anybody with half a brain could see he was not. And who is the real bigot? You come off as one of the most hateful, condescending individuals I have come across in the Voice of the People, and I have been a reader for more than 50 years. There is a reason your party got their butt whooped, and all you have to do is look in the mirror and see the reason. John Gelormino Venue shopping Bayside: Luigi Mangiones smartest move to date was waiving extradition and facing state charges in New York. Its a well-known fact that cop killers and mass murderers never face the death penalty here, so neither will he. If only we had politicians who stood up to these murderers and gave them what they deserved. Enjoy life in prison with all the luxuries it affords even free health care, no doubt better than what you had! Karen Sabatini Extradition entourage Bradley Beach, N.J.: I just had to laugh viewing the picture of Luigi Mangione being extradited from Pennsylvania to New York. As a retired NYPD detective, even I would say that was overkill! Why was the mayor there? My partner and I performed many extraditions, some guys more dangerous than Luigi, with no fanfare. Just so ridiculous. Patrick Freeman Too much ado Hamden, Conn.: The CEO killer show was on full view on his transport from Pennsylvania. Cops with body armor and machine guns, helicopter rides to NYC, shameless photo ops with Mayor Adams walking behind the procession, exactly where he didnt belong. This murder suspect should have been shackled in a van for the ride to NYC and not treated like the star of the show. Shameless photo ops. Chris Lyons Mixed messages Flushing: What hypocrisy! On the front page of the Dec. 19 edition is More soldiers in subway, yet on page 2 there is a photo op of Gov. Hochul with law enforcement and the MTA CEO in front of a huge sign saying, Crime is down 42% Query: If crime is down 42%, why the need for the National Guard in NYCs subway system? Martin Goldman Fourth estate Manhattan: S.E. Cupp has her dander up and rightfully so (The press must resist Trumps bullying lawsuits, column, Dec. 19). Justice courses through my veins. I urge all newspapers, and especially their readers, to stand up strong for the freedom of the press. Newspapers have the lungs and the chops to hold politicians feet to the fire the politicians who are supposed to represent the will of the people. Newspapers shine their ready spotlight on bullying politicians, eviscerating the bullys inherently flawed position. That light shines just as bright on do-nothing politicians. Newspapers enrich our lives. Freedom of the press is essential for true justice. Susan A. Stark Pliant press Hartsdale, N.Y.: S.E. Cupp makes a number of important points in her article about the U.S. press and its over-compliant relationship with incoming President Donald Trump. But it makes me wonder: Does the press have a backbone left or are they merely there to bend for MAGA and report the latest outrage thereof? I have a suggestion: If Trump, as he says he will, pardons the Jan. 6 terrorists who attempted to interrupt the transfer of the presidents office, will the Daily News or any U.S. newspaper publish a complete list of all those convicted of crimes related to that effort? After all, criminal convictions are a matter of public record, just like those lists of unclaimed funds we get in our paper. So, lets see the reaction of our reputed-to-be free press when our new president frees a bunch of terrorists. Norman E. Gaines Jr. Policy of polarization Woodstock, N.Y.: To Voicer Ron Beaty: I have no idea where you got the idea that Drumpf has spurred depolarization, at least not in D.C. He successfully blocked the spending bill, much like he blocked the passage of a bipartisan border bill because it would give the Dems a win the country be damned and he wasnt even the president-elect! I certainly wish Drumpf wasnt who he is, but as long as hes in control, there wont be compromise because he will prevent it. Suzanne Hayes Kelly Better, but barely Scarborough, N.Y.: The Democrats will return to power not by their own merits, which are few and far between, but because of the relentless malfeasance of the Republicans, highlighted by Trumps Klown Kabinet selections and his willingness to shut down the federal government. Thomas F. Comiskey Anti-enforcement Tomkins Cove, N.Y.: The Dec. 19 editorial, IRS cuts make Uncle Sam lose money, could just have been titled Republicans want to defund the police. After all, thats what the IRS is in essence, the tax police who serve a valuable obligation to the citizenry. Congress has passed laws detailing what must be rendered unto Caesar; the IRS mandate is to ensure Caesar gets his due. To allow corporations and billionaires to thwart what legitimately belongs to Caesar, i.e. U.S. citizens, is morally repugnant by underfunding their constitutional mandate. Doug Slotolowicz Security breach Fairfield, Conn.: People are going nuts over drones, yet elected a president who kept our nations top military secrets in a bathroom at a country club. Go figure. Stephen Johnson The death toll in the tanker truck collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur on Saturday rose to 14, as confirmed by DCP West Jaipur, Amit Kumar. The Friday accident, which resulted in a massive fire, involved a truck loaded with chemicals colliding with a tanker carrying LPG and other vehicles. Prior to DCP Kumar''s confirmation, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, the Principal of SMS Medical College, told ANI in the early hours that 13 people had lost their lives in the accident so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, the Prime Minister''s Office expressed grief, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected." The PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Meanwhile, on Friday, Dr Sushil Kumar Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, provided further details, confirming that seven people had died and 10 to 12 others had been injured. He noted that over 60 percent of the victims sustained burns, with around 28 patients admitted to the hospital, six of whom are on ventilators. Earlier, Kumar described the incident as "horrific," explaining, "The accident and subsequent fire occurred in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur early today on the main Ajmer Road. Nearly two dozen vehicles caught fire, and many trucks and trolleys were reduced to ashes. The accident took place near a petrol pump." He added, "The fire started due to a collision involving several vehicles one after the other. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fire." (ANI) A realtor died in a crash after police say an underage drunk driver ran a red light going 100 mph in Chamblee. The crash happened Sunday around 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Buford Highway and Chamblee-Tucker Road. Police said 20-year-old Christian Fernando Irias-Ruiz ran the red light and T-boned another car, killing the driver. Family and friends have identified the victim as 37-year-old Jimmy Chang. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Its devastating for all the family right now, still cant process that hes gone, Jimmys brother, Jason Chang told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers. He impacted a lot of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irias-Ruiz and two of his passengers were hurt in the crash. The driver of a third car at the intersection also had minor injuries. Irias-Ruiz faces multiple charges including homicide by vehicle in the first degree, DUI, reckless driving, speeding and possession of alcohol by someone under 21. Police said the 20-year-old was also driving with no insurance, no license, and a suspended registration. Its not going to bring my brother back, but hopefully justice will be served, Jason Chang said. Were kind of at a loss of what to do now. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chang worked as a realtor and served as president for the Atlanta chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. Since joining the AREAA Atlanta Chapter in 2017, Jimmy has been an integral part of our community, demonstrating unwavering kindness, dedication and leadership -- all in a style that is uniquely Jimmy, AREAA said in a statement. There is a GoFundMe set up for Changs family. You can click here to donate. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The German Red Cross (DRK) has received a dramatic reduction in donations in 2024 compared to last year, its president said, despite numerous crises around the world. So far, the charity has received 40 million ($41 million) compared to 99 million in 2023, DRK President Gerda Hasselfeldt told the Saturday edition of the Rheinische Post newspaper. "We are seeing a significant decline, which concerns me in view of the humanitarian situation worldwide," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasselfeldt attributed the comparatively higher donations in the previous year to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and neighbouring Syria, among other problems. More than 60,000 people were killed in the quakes in February 2023. After a comparatively restrained year for donations in 2024, the DRK chief is now hoping for more in 2025 "to be able to help as many people as possible." Of the donations in 2024, 10 million went to Ukraine. This winter will be the hardest for the population so far, also because large parts of the infrastructure have been destroyed, said Hasselfeldt. The DRK has adjusted its aid accordingly and is now also delivering mobile boilers. The DRK president described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "catastrophic." She said, "There is a lack of reliable access to people in need of help, both in terms of delivering goods across the borders and within the Gaza Strip." Hunter College has devolved into a hostile work environment for Jews over its administrations refusal to crack down on antisemitic protests, the CUNY schools Jewish studies director alleged in a fiery federal suit. Leah Garrett, who heads the schools Jewish Studies Center, ripped the public universitys leaders for turning a blind eye to antisemitic demonstrations across its Upper East Side campus in the aftermath of Oct. 7 including allowing students to brandish posters with blood dripping from a Star of David and demanding Zionists be expelled, according to the suit filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday. After Oct. 7, I was horrified and distraught to see that immediately on the campus of Hunter, there was a pervasive and compelling and constant series of anti-semitic things that I had to deal with, that my students had to deal with, that my faculty had to deal with, Garrett told The Post. Hunter Colleges Jewish Studies Center director Leah Garrett sued the school for turning a blind eye to antisemitism that has turned her workplace into a hostile environment. hunter.cuny.edu The administration was doing literally nothing to stop it, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2023, the leadership at Hunter College dragged their heels for hours after Garrett begged them to cover up swastikas drawn on Israeli hostage posters around campus, claiming their hands were tied over bureaucratic and legal reasons, according to the suit. Months later, CUNY leaders failed to address the professors safety concerns after an anti-Israel student group at the college published the professors photo on social media, and at least one student emailed her an antisemitic message claiming Satanists were more moral than Jews, the complaint read. Garrett, who was hired by Hunter College in 2018 and earned $172,710 in fiscal year 2023, was left to navigate an increasingly hostile work environment and forced to shoulder the additional burden of acting as the sole academic advocate for Jewish students and faculty, according to court records. CUNY violated Garretts civil rights and violated her contract by allowing antisemitism to run rampant on campus, in addition to acting negligently, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully, this lawsuit will shine a bright light on yet another CUNY dumpster fire, said City Councilman Kalman Yeger (D-Brooklyn), who recently co-authored a scathing letter to CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez calling for a probe into an anti-Israel professor who allegedly helped organize a destructive rally at City College in April. Hunter College students have held posters dripping with blood from a Star of David and called for the expulsion of Zionists. Adam Gray for New York Post Garrett is seeking damages, with the amount to be determined at trial, and is being represented by the Lawfare Project and the firm Alston & Bird. A Hunter College spokesperson declined to comment on pending ligation, but said the school has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate of any kind. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Congress has reached a funding deal, avoiding a government shutdown. However, with that comes some bad news for SNAP recipients. Protections for stolen SNAP benefits expire on Friday. For many Oklahomans, SNAP benefits are a lifeline ensuring food on the table every month. Through a recent crime on the rise, recipients are finding their accounts drained by scammers. Youre talking about a family losing, you know, $800, potentially $400, whatever it is its most of their food budget, said Chris Bernard, president/CEO, Hunger Free Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States have been able to use federal funds to replace stolen benefits, but without action from Congress that money will go away The first bipartisan bill to fund the government extended the reimbursement. The second trimmed down bill that failed Thursday did not. House passes bill to avert government shutdown after whirlwind funding fight Fridays bill that passed also did not include an extension. If somebody has something stolen from them through no fault of their own and its a federal benefit and really its the federal governments job to protect those benefits, then we should be replacing them so those people have access to the food they need and are entitled to, said Benard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernard believes the funding is common-sense. The fact that we havent said SNAP recipients deserve the same protections as any American with a bank account, if you are hacked and your money is stolen, your bank replaces it and SNAP should be the same way, said Bernard. Since September, Oklahoma Human Services has replaced over $6 million in stolen benefits. This month alone, theres been over 7,000 requests, but without congressional action they are no longer able to process them. You need to call your elected officials in D.C. and tell them this is an issue you care about and you want to see it in. we dont know who decided they wanted it out, were not privy to those conversations, but all it takes is a few members of a delegation to say we want to back in and it probably gets there, said Bernard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunger Free Oklahoma says Congress needs to make a fix and bring back the funding for replacement benefits. Oklahoma Human Services sent the following statement regarding SNAP benefit funding. Oklahoma Human Services understands SNAP benefits are critical to keeping food on the table for many families, especially during the holidays. We are grateful to our federal partners for the opportunity to replace benefits stolen due to cloning, skimming and phishing through today. We encourage SNAP clients who have experienced benefit theft due to these reasons to continue to request their benefits be replaced by: Calling (405) 522-5050 Visiting their local Human Services Center Unless additional funding is approved by the federal government to allow replacement of stolen benefits, our ability to process requests for replacement will end at close of business today. However, it is important that SNAP clients who have experienced benefit theft continue to submit replacement requests in case a continuing resolution is approved. Oklahoma Human Services Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Dec. 21The Ohio General Assembly ended its legislative session this month with a flurry of last-minute activity, passing bills impacting many different aspects of Ohioans' lives. Republican supermajorities in both the House and the Senate put the GOP in the drivers seat to pass legislation, tempered by conflict between leadership of the two chambers. Here is a summary of notable legislation passed by Ohio lawmakers in lame duck session that will become law if signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents Bill of Rights/Religious education: A divisive bill that passed was House Bill 8, which contained the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" and a bill to mandate public school districts to allow students to attend third-party religious instruction during the school day. 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. The bill was amended to include a requirement that 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, which polarized Democrats, who argued that the law would disrupt students' school days and burden teachers. The final bill was approved 24-to-7 in the Senate, with one Republican objector, and 57-to-31 in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expanded school expulsion powers: A bill to give school districts greater control over how to punish students who pose "imminent and severe endangerment" to others passed both chambers Wednesday night despite Democrats' concern that the bill vests too much power in superintendents. Disbanding villages: A 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. Under House Bill 331, villages that fail the audit will be subject to a vote among its residents to dissolve the village's government entirely. The bill passed with bipartisan approval. Drivers license suspensions: Ohio lawmakers compromised on a measure to limit the circumstances in which Ohioans can have their license suspended as a form of punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under House Bill 29, which passed both chambers with bipartisan support, Ohioans will be at significantly less risk of license suspension for drug offenses, failing to pay court fines, failing to pay child support, and school truancy. Hospital security: Lawmakers agreed on a measure to address hospital violence and require hospitals to begin tracking incidents of violence. House Bill 452, passed with bipartisan support, would require hospitals to establish a security plan for preventing workplace violence and managing aggressive behaviors, along with a workplace violence incident reporting system. The bill is sponsored by state Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, and state Rep. Rachel Baker, D-Cincinnati. New powers for Ohio AG: Lawmakers approved a bill that will give Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost new authority to reject statewide, citizen-proposed ballot initiatives based on their title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new power was folded into House Bill 74. It comes just months after Yost was unanimously told by the Ohio Supreme Court that he overstepped his authority when he rejected a proposed citizen amendment to broaden voter-rights based on its title. Penalties for OVI, vehicular homicide: Ohio law will soon be updated to increase the minimum criminal fine for OVI infractions by $190; allow courts to more immediately mandate car breathalyzers for OVI offenders; increase the mandatory minimum prison time for aggravated vehicular homicides that were caused by a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and increase the maximum fine for an OVI-related aggravated vehicular homicide to $25,000. The changes come under House Bill 37, which cleared both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. Public records of public employees: With Wednesday's approval of House Bill 265, police and firefighters will soon have their work schedules shielded from public records laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was amended following a Dayton Daily News report to keep those records accessible to journalists, given that public employee timesheets and payroll records have been used by this news outlet and others to investigate concerns such as public employees misreporting their time, working a second job while on the clock, or taking excessive vacation time or overtime. "Grooming" a criminal offense: Ohio officially codified a new criminal offense of 'grooming.' House Bill 322, approved with bipartisan support, makes it illegal for an adult to engage in a pattern of conduct with a minor under 16 years old that would make a reasonable person believe the adult is trying entice, coerce or prepare the minor to engage in sexual activity. Violating the law would constitute a minimum of a second degree misdemeanor, which carries the potential for up to 90 days in jail. However, the punishment can increase in a variety of scenarios. For example, if a victim is under 13 years of age, or if the offender used alcohol or drugs in the act, it would be a fifth degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulating drones: Ohio House Bill 77 will regulate use of unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs, or drones in state law. 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. 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." The bill also authorizes local governments to establish their own ordinances on private drone use in or above parks or other public property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mental health in schools: Following passage of amended Senate Bill 234, Ohio will soon require new school ID cards, planners and electronic portals to include information about the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached by dialing 988 in all states. Institutions of higher education will also be required to provide information to new students regarding the state's existing process for establishing mental health "power of attorney," as White likened it, for newly-independent students in case of a debilitating mental health episode. Group homes: Group homes for foster children will face additional reporting requirements and state oversight after a bill designed to address problems in Montgomery County cleared the Statehouse. Among other things, the bill sponsored by White and state Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp. sets up reporting requirements to the state when a child under the care of a group home receives emergency medical care or when law enforcement officers have investigative interactions with the foster child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also tells the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to divide the state into regions, determine the ideal number of group homes in each region, and establish incentives to help draw group homes into those regions, potentially cutting down on the over-saturation Montgomery County has experienced in recent years. Anti-SLAPP bill: Ohio lawmakers passed Senate Bill 237, meant to address the practice of deep-pocketed plaintiffs bringing expensive lawsuits against others that aren't likely to win because of the First Amendment, but can be costly for defendants. Such suits are often referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP suits. Under the bill, a defendant would be able to bring a motion to dismiss the case and provide evidence to the judge that proves that the lawsuit is baseless. If the judge agrees that the complaint is baseless, the case would be thrown out. If the judge allows the case to continue, everything would continue as usual. Open enrollment for military families: Ohio lawmakers passed legislation allowing military families to enroll in nearly any Ohio public school regardless of where they live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, Senate Bill 208, requires Ohio's public schools to allow open enrollment for military families with some exceptions such as if the district is at capacity. Hospital transparency: Lawmakers unanimously passed House Bill 173, which will require all Ohio hospitals to maintain a public list of the prices hospitals charge for standard items or services. Maternal, infant health: A bill meant to spend $35 million to improve infant and maternal mortality rates and developmental outcomes in Ohio was gutted by the Senate in the final weeks of lame duck and passed without its fiscal appropriations. Bill sponsor Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, told this outlet that she's "disappointed that a lot of the great, move-the-needle policies are not in the final version" of House Bill 7, but noted that she's optimistic her original spending requests will be included in Gov. Mike DeWine's proposed budget in 2025. The remaining provisions of H.B. 7 set to become law include a few procedural regulations, including one placing reporting requirements on the state's efforts to modernize and spread the word about its food stamp program for women, infants and children (WIC), given that only 41% of Ohio moms and young children who qualify for WIC actually receive the benefits, White said. Ballot issue: One measure lawmakers passed will go to Ohio voters instead of the governor's desk. House Joint Resolution 8 puts a statewide ballot initiative on the May 2025 ballot to ask voters for the permission to issue $2.5 billion in bonds to fund bridges, roads and other capital projects over a 10 year period. ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... Dec. 20Rep. Chellie Pingree called for an end to the "dysfunction and chaos" on Capitol Hill Friday with a shutdown of the federal government set to take effect at midnight Friday. Pingree, a Democrat representing Maine's 1st Congressional District, joined nearly all other Democrats and a few dozen Republicans in the House of Representatives in voting against a latest spending plan proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday. Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, also voted against the plan. That vote came after President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk urged Republicans to reject an earlier deal that would have funded the government through mid-March. Pingree was prepared to support that plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Congress faced a midnight deadline to pass a spending plan or risk a government shutdown. In a written statement Friday, Pingree said that lawmakers who voted against the latest plan Thursday were concerned about impacts on the national debt after Republicans led by House Speaker Mike Johnson included a debt-ceiling increase at the behest of Trump. "Now, we're just hours away from the government shutting down, less than a week before Christmas," Pingree said. "Millions of people will be impacted by this Republican dysfunction and chaos. Families will struggle. Communities will suffer." This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link The Republican-controlled U.S. Congress briefly reached a bipartisan agreement on a continuing budget resolution this week, which would have averted a federal government shutdown and, at the same time, pushed a full budget deal to January, after President Donald Trump has been sworn into office. That plan, however, was derailed after Trump announced his opposition to it. Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole, who chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee, said the committee released H.R. 10445, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole initially said he hoped the bill could be heard this week. However, late Wednesday evening, Trump came out against the plan, effectively scrapping it. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told CNN that the plan would require a new agreement. On Friday, House leaders said they had developed a compromise that include three separate pieces of legislation. The U.S. House was scheduled to vote on a stopgap funding bill between 4 and 4:30 p.m. on Friday. More: A government shutdown could make Trump transition 'chaotic' Cole's plan followed a very public demonstration by several members of the GOP's right wing, who opposed the bill and directed their anger at House Speaker Mike Johnson. Missouri Republican Rep. Eric Burlison told ABC News that the speaker's funding plan the House resolution was a "total dumpster fire.I think it's garbage, Burlison said. He said he shared those frustrations with Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole countered that the GOP will "soon have the opportunity to chart a fiscally responsible path forward and advance our American First agenda." In a news release announcing the measure, Cole said: While a continuing resolution is not ideal, this strategy ensures President Trump has a voice in shaping the final FY25 bills. Importantly, it averts a costly government shutdown that would only serve to handcuff the start of his new administration. Cole's original measure, about 1,500 pages long, included a one-year extension on the federal farm bill, about $100 billion in disaster relief and another $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers. Still, while the new measures currently being developed by House Leadership will keep the government funded for a while, eventually Congress will have to turn its attention to a full budget and issues such as agriculture, which will have a major impact in Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On the ag bill, Congressman Frank Lucas will have a huge influence," Cole said in an interview with The Oklahoman. "In fact, he is back on the ag committee because the current chairman wanted him on there to help figure out how to pass the bill." Cole said the ag bill had to be bipartisan and that Lucas "was the master of that." "He's going to have a huge impact for our (ag) producers," Cole said. He said Lucas will also play a key role in passing funding measures for disaster relief. "It will be billions of dollars," he said. More: Government shutdown live updates: Funding deal takes shape. Can it pass? Tom Cole also focused on Oklahoma's federal funding Still, while Cole said his role as chairman of the appropriations committee requires him to look at the budget with a national perspective, he said he is also in a position to make sure his home state receives its share of federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an example, Cole said he would push to make sure Oklahoma's military installations Tinker Air Force Base, Fort Sill, Vance Air Force Base and even the McAlester Ammunition facility were properly funded. "We've tried to do that over the years, but we're uniquely positioned now to do it," he said. He said he has the opportunity to focus on other areas in Oklahoma, not just military, where the state "has the chance to do nationally significant work." Cole said the best way to ensure funding for the programs was to learn about the program and understand how it benefits the state and the country. "The way it works is to know the programs that are there, to understand the assets you have in your state and to bring those things together," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts Cole isn't the only member of the state's congressional delegation who supports increased military spending. On Wednesday, the state's senior Senator, Republican James Lankford, issued a media statement announcing his support for the FY 25 National Defense Authorization Act. That bill, Lankford said, supports Oklahomas military installations, prioritizes our national defense and strengthens our partnerships with allies abroad. Today, I voted to put Americas servicemen and women first by supporting the National Defense Authorization Act," Lankford's statement said. "I worked to include key provisions in this bill that will not only support our service members in Oklahoma but also military families across the nation. Members of the armed forces put their lives on the line to defend our nation. I will continue to stand strong to make sure they have the funding, support, and equipment they need to succeed." Cole said one of his goals was to ensure the state's military programs "don't go away when I go away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're building it on a legacy. Oklahoma is a very federal-heavy state and no place more than this district," Cole said, speaking about his Congressional District, CD 4, which includes the military installation and the University of Oklahoma. He predicted the next legislative session would be highlighted by tax policy but added that legislation coming out of the appropriations committee would have to be bipartisan. "We have to build a bipartisan coalition to pass the bills that fund the government in a very partisan era and a highly polarized era," he said. "Part of your base won't vote for any spending bills at all as if the government could run without the big ask." To pass a budget, he said, Republicans have to get 60 votes in the Senate and when those bills come back, Cole said he expected to lose votes for the measure because it now includes changes made by Democratic senators from his Republican base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can pass a partisan bill, but they have to change in the Senate and when they come back I'll lose part of my right wing that doesn't like the changes," he said. "And I've got to be able to work with Democrats to replace those votes." As of press time, the lawmakers had not released a new budget proposal. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, GOP continue negotiating budget Planned Parenthood provides a majority of abortions in Oregon. (Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle) LaDonna Princes new reproductive care clinic in Illinois was supposed to be open more than a year ago. Prince and her staff were prepared for Indiana to ban abortion, and started trying to move operations to Danville, Illinois, in 2023. Its about 90 minutes across the border from her old clinic in Indianapolis, which provided abortion care for more than 40 years before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and allowed states to regulate abortion access. Today, 12 states including Indiana have a near-total ban on abortion, and four states have a six-week ban, before many people know they are pregnant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that abortion access nationwide may be threatened by the second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Republican-controlled chambers of Congress, Prince is determined to open the clinic at the beginning of 2025. Its scary, to be honest with you, Prince said during a press conference in early December. Its just really frightening. Princes clinic, Affirmative Care Solutions, is one of a few independent clinics in the country that will open while many others have closed their doors for various reasons. According to a new report released by the Abortion Care Network, 76 brick-and-mortar independent abortion clinics closed between 2022 and 2024, 11 of those in 2024 alone. The report also showed that 70% of the closures in that two-year period were in the South or Midwest. Besides those forced out because of a statewide ban, the report said staffing issues and lack of funding have been the driving factors for others to close their doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That lack of funding is widespread for abortion care. Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country have reported a downturn in donations and cuts in state funding that have put them in precarious positions. The Abortion Care Network reported in August that their donations decreased by one-third. The Network provides grants for infrastructure projects that help keep clinics afloat, such as building repairs, supplies, equipment and security. Approximately 58% of all abortions in the United States take place at independent clinics rather than a Planned Parenthood affiliate or a hospital, the report said, and more than 60% of clinics that provide abortions after the first trimester are independent. The only clinics in the country that provide terminations after 26 weeks are independent as well. The vast majority of abortions take place in the first trimester, but third trimester care is sometimes necessary. Kentucky clinic co-owner tries to open quickly again While Illinois has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country, Prince quickly met resistance from the local government, including the mayor, who cast a tie-breaking vote to pass a city ordinance meant to block the clinic from providing abortion services in Danville. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. told local news outlet WCIA at the time that the ordinance was in response to the clinic moving in, saying, This is not any kind of comprehensive health for women. This is literally just an abortion clinic. The ordinance is unenforceable because of state law, Prince said, but that hasnt changed the attitude among local government officials. All of that preceded an attack on the clinic by a 73-year-old man who crashed his truck into the building and tried to set it on fire as it was under renovation in May 2023, causing more than $500,000 in damages and further delaying the clinics opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Prince tried to hire a plumber, only to have him tell her he wouldnt do any work for her because he didnt believe in abortion. Its not easy to find people who are even willing to do the work, and its a business thats not even open yet, she said. The Abortion Care Network provides grant funding for infrastructure needs at independent abortion clinics, and in the report, the organization laments all of the recent clinic closures because once a clinic closes, it is often exceedingly difficult to reopen, even in a state with laws that allow broad access. For that reason, at least one independent clinic in a state with a near-total abortion ban is trying to retain its existing infrastructure so that opening would be easier if abortion becomes legal again. Ona Marshall, co-owner of EMW Womens Surgical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, said the center provided medication and procedural abortion care for 43 years before it was forced to close, and it provided the vast majority of abortions in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall cited a new lawsuit filed in Kentucky in November seeking to overturn the states ban, saying that was good news that could ultimately allow the clinic to reopen someday, but those court proceedings can take years. In the meantime, she is trying to keep the pieces of the clinic together to be able to quickly open again if that day comes. Once you give up a license in a hostile state, depending on whether theres an anti-abortion governor, they may deny you a license for no valid reason, which requires months of additional court challenges with no guarantee of winning, Marshall said during the press conference. You are taking a large personal and financial risk in a highly unstable and politically charged environment, so its just critical to try to keep as many clinics open as possible. Amanda Zurawski, Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua and Hadley Duvall speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. (Andrew Roth for Michigan Advance) Galvanized by a pivotal election almost two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections, patients, doctors, and activists in 2024 fought for renewed and expanded reproductive rights, while others pushed for more restrictions. These are some of the people and organizations that impacted reproductive health law and abortion access this year. Women with wanted pregnancies affected by abortion bans In state legislatures, before Congress, in court, in presidential campaign ads, and on stage at the Democratic National Convention, women all over the country have been reliving some of the worst moments of their lives in an effort to roll back abortion restrictions that have changed reproductive health care in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year after Kentucky banned abortion, Hadley Duvall started talking publicly about how she was raped at 12 by her stepdad, who got her pregnant. She advocated for abortion rights in re-election campaign ads for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023 and this year appeared in national campaign ads for Democrats. Kaitlyn Joshua, of Baton Rouge, represented many Louisiana women at this years Democratic National Convention, telling whats becoming an increasingly common story of not being able to access miscarriage treatment after the state passed a strict abortion ban. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill subsequently challenged Joshuas story on social media. Kristin Lyerly, an OB-GYN from Wisconsin, is one of many doctors across the country who have sued over state abortion bans they say have changed medical practice. Lyerly this year participated in a civic engagement experiment in Madison, where strangers came together and shared the life experiences that inform their abortion views. Even when abortion rights were protected under Roe v. Wade, Lyerly said she was almost forced to give birth to a stillborn, in lieu of a less invasive abortion procedure. She also ran a reproductive-rights-focused campaign as a Democrat in a conservative-leaning congressional district, a race she lost. Allie Phillips ran as a Democrat for a seat in the Tennessee legislature after the states abortion ban kept her from terminating a nonviable pregnancy in her home state, leading her to travel to New York City for care. She lost the race but said in November that she plans to continue fighting for reproductive rights, and announced her new pregnancy. Phillips is a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit with other affected women and physicians to clarify the states medical health exceptions. A three-judge panel ruled in October that doctors cannot be penalized for performing an emergency abortion to save a patients life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Zurawski developed sepsis in Texas after her water broke at 18 weeks and doctors waited for days to terminate her pregnancy, fearing prosecution under the states strict abortion ban. Shes since become an outspoken abortion-rights advocate. She campaigned heavily for abortion-rights candidates this year and said she wants to continue working in politics. The Charlotte Lozier Institute The high-profile federal lawsuit over medication abortion was made possible in part by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the anti-abortion political powerhouse Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Data from the institute featured prominently in the plaintiffs case for revoking the federal drug approval of mifepristone and was directly used as part of U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks reasoning for granting the doctor-plaintiffs standing. The researchers found a significant jump in Medicaid-funded emergency room visits following a medication abortion over two decades, which also corresponds with an increase in access to medication abortion overtime. Public health experts told States Newsroom that the researchers inflated their findings, and appeared to conflate all emergency department visits with serious adverse events like sepsis. Their conclusions contradicted a large body of research showing a low rate of serious adverse events after taking mifepristone, prompting further scrutiny from curious scientists, as well as the academic publishing house that published it. In February, Sage retracted three studies produced by Charlotte Lozier researchers and published in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology between 2019 and 2022, after a reader-prompted investigation found flaws in the studies methodology and data representation. The team behind the studies included Charlotte Lozier vice president and director of data analytics James Studnicki and longtime anti-abortion researchers, including the then-CEO of one of the plaintiff groups in the medication abortion lawsuit. They sued Sage, saying the retractions were unjustified and politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected the abortion medication lawsuit this past summer not on the merits of the case, but on the issue of the doctor-plaintiffs standing. Anti-abortion activists vowed to find a different plaintiff who could potentially persuade the court that abortion pills are too dangerous. After the Supreme Court remanded the case to the lower court, in October, intervening states Idaho, Kansas and Missouri amended their complaint, which no longer cites the retracted studies papers but instead cites a new paper from Studnicki and fellow Charlotte Lozier researchers, making similar claims. The Alabama Supreme Court A common fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization, was thrust into the national spotlight in February after the Alabama Supreme Court decided, 8-1, that frozen embryos should be considered children, in a wrongful death lawsuit over the embryos accidental destruction. A lower court had dismissed the claim, ruling that embryos do not meet the legal definition of children. But in the majority opinion siding with the couples who sued the Mobile fertility clinic, Justice Jay Mitchell cited a 2018 state constitutional amendment ensuring the protection of the rights of the unborn child. He also cited an 1872 law allowing for civil lawsuits for the wrongful death of children, and argued that it does not explicitly include an exception for frozen embryos. Mitchell reasoned that the law applies to all children, born and unborn, without limitation. Chief Justice Tom Parker, an influential conservative Christian activist, cited biblical texts in his concurring opinion, writing, even before birth, all human beings bear the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, many IVF clinics in Alabama shut down until the state legislature passed a bill in March that extended criminal and civil immunity to IVF clinics for operations. This created major issues for families spending tens of thousands of dollars on a time-sensitive treatment. Alabamas ruling also created a fear among families struggling to conceive in other states with abortion bans and showed that the fertility treatment is broadly supported by voters from both political parties. Republicans updated their national party platform to include support for IVF access. During his presidential campaign, President-elect Donald Trump promised: your government will pay or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for all costs associated with I.V.F. treatment something he likely couldnt do without congressional action. Meanwhile, GOP members of Congress have largely opposed IVF protections and access bills. Mark Lee Dickson and Jonathan Mitchell This year, attorney Jonathan Mitchell and pastor Mark Lee Dickson together experimented with ways to prevent out-of-state abortions, using their home state of Texas as the primary testing ground. Mitchell, a former solicitor general of Texas, used a little known state rule to depose abortion funds, doctors, and women who left the state for an abortion. As the Texas Tribune reported, the actions created fear and confusion but have not resulted in charges. Mitchell previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against women who allegedly helped their friend obtain medication to terminate a pregnancy, which has since been dropped. Through their Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn project, Dickson and Mitchell helped pass approximately 80 ordinances in cities and counties, mostly in Texas, but also in strategically located cities in abortion-access states, like Illinois and New Mexico. Some of the ordinances say a doctor in a state where abortion is legal cannot perform an abortion on a resident who lives in a town that has passed one of these laws. Some of the ordinances ban the use of that towns highways to drive someone to an out-of-state abortion clinic. And some invoke a dormant federal anti-obscenity law known as the Comstock Act, which they say the federal government should enforce to mean that abortion pills cannot be transported through the mail. Just like Texass 2021 six-week abortion ban that Mitchell and Dickson helped design, many of these ordinances are unenforceable by the governments that pass them, instead allowing for private citizens to sue other residents or medical professionals for aiding and abetting an abortion. The activists experienced a major loss on Election Day with the majority of voters in conservative Amarillo, Texas, voting down a ballot measure blocking abortion-related travel on its highly trafficked roads. But just before the end of the year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion drugs to a Texas resident, which Dickson told States Newsroom is a win for the anti-abortion movement. He said that in 2025 he plans to push for local anti-abortion ordinances in Arizona and Missouri, which reversed their abortion bans in November. Pankaj Arya, advocate of 10-year-old influencer Abhinav Arora said on Saturday that the next date of hearing in the alleged trolling case is January 3. The complaint was filed by advocate Pankaj Arya on behalf of Arora against YouTubers for allegedly trolling him on social media. "We had a hearing in the Court today. The legal proceeding is underway...The next date of hearing has been scheduled for 3rd January," he said. Elaborating on the case, Advocate Arya told ANI, "A bunch of people have started a campaign against Abhinav Arora and Sanatana Dharma. We have come to the court against this. We will not spare them, even if we have to go to the Supreme Court or the High Court. We have demanded an FIR against these YouTubers." Earlier in October, family Abhinav Arora claimed that he received a life threat from Lawrence Bishnoi's gang. Speaking to ANI, his mother, Jyoti Arora said that Abhinav has not done anything other than devotion that he has to tolerate so much. "Efforts are being made to do our social escalation through social media. Abhinav has not done anything due to which we are getting threats...Abhinav has not done anything other than devotion that he has to tolerate so much," she said. "We received a call message from Lawrence Bishnoi group today where we were being threatened that Abhinav would be killed. Last night, we got a call that I missed. We received a message from the same number today that they would kill Abhinav," she added. Notably, Abhinav Arora is a spiritual content creator from Delhi who claims that his spiritual journey began when he was just three years old. (ANI) Dec. 20Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden of Maine joined more than 350 lawmakers in support of a new resolution to fund the government for roughly three months helping stave off a potential government shutdown just hours before the deadline. The House passed the continuing resolution 366-34 around 6 p.m. Friday, just hours before a midnight deadline to avert a shutdown. The new bill funds the government through March 14. The bill still awaited approval by the Senate as of 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine's representatives both noted that the latest deal dropped a controversial suspension of the national debt ceiling, which was included in a plan backed by President-elect Donald Trump Thursday night. "The dysfunction and uncertainty we and the American people endured over the past few days thanks to Republicans, Donald Trump and Elon Musk was entirely avoidable," Pingree said in a written statement. "While far from perfect, the passage of this bipartisan funding package is essential to ensuring that the government remains operational, and that critical programs supporting hard-working Americans and their families continue uninterrupted." The accepted deal left out certain provisions of previous versions that Golden had opposed, including the debt-ceiling suspension and a pay raise for members of Congress. "Instead, we're simply ensuring we avoid a disruptive and costly government shutdown, supporting those who have experienced natural disasters including at home in Maine and extending the Farm Bill to provide stability for American farmers," Golden said in a written statement. "This (Continuing Resolution) strikes the balance that we should have been aiming for all along." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pingree, a Democrat representing Maine's 1st Congressional District, joined nearly all other Democrats and a few dozen Republicans in the House of Representatives in voting against a spending plan proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday. Golden, D-2nd District, also voted against the plan. That vote came after Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk urged Republicans to reject an earlier deal that would have funded the government through mid-March. Pingree was prepared to support that plan. On Friday, Congress faced a midnight deadline to pass a spending plan or risk a government shutdown. While Pingree celebrated the the passage generally, she was disappointed to see funding for health care provisions, including cancer research and substance abuse disorder treatment, cut from the version that passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also criticized Republicans for attempting to blockade the process. "I share the frustrations of many of my colleagues that, under Republican control, Congress has been unable to pass bipartisan agreements, let alone full-year funding bills," Pingree said. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link By Mrinmay Dey (Reuters) - Party City, which has been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States on Saturday for the second time in two years as it plans to wind down its retail and wholesale operations. The retailer, which has been in business for over 40 years and sells party supplies from themed decorations to Christmas costumes, said that all of its 700 stores in the country would remain open as it commences a going-out-of-business sale. The company along with certain of its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. In a filing with the court, Party City Holdco listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion and estimated to have more than 10,000 creditors. Party City Holdco's senior lenders would provide the retailer with financial support necessary to fund operations through the wind-down process, the Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey-based company said in a statement. Troubled retailers often seek bankruptcy protection during the holiday season to take advantage of any cash infusion provided by recent sales. Party City, which operates both brick-and-mortar stores and an e-commerce website, said it would retain most of its 12,000 employees during the sale period to assist with the wind-down process. The company first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in January last year. Later that year it reached a plan to exit bankruptcy, which saw a cancellation of about $1 billion in company debt. The company has suffered since the pandemic due to lockdowns and store closures, along with inventory shortages and tight helium supplies due to global supply chain disruptions. Amscan, a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of celebration products that is operated by Party City Holdco, also filed for bankruptcy on Saturday. (Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Frances Kerry) ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A retired Robeson County principal and now-former Darlington Middle School teacher was arrested in Columbus County on child sex abuse charges, authorities said. Paul Nelson Locklear, 53, of Pembroke, is charged with one count of sexual activity by a substitute parent, one count of attempted sexual activity by a substitute parent, three counts of indecent liberties with a minor, one count of child abuse sexual act, nine counts of crimes against nature and four counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. Hes being held at the Robeson County Detention Center on a $2 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darlington County Public Schools spokeswoman Audrey Childers said on Saturday Locklear is no longer employed by the district, and officials are cooperating with investigators. The Darlington County School District was made aware of charges by the Robeson County Sheriffs Office against an individual who worked at Darlington Middle School. That individual is no longer employed by the school district. DCSD will cooperate fully with Robeson County law enforcement in their investigations, she said. Authorities launched their investigation in August after a juvenile placed in Locklears foster care ran away and contacted the sheriffs office. Officials said the discovered additional victims and allegations dating back to 2022. The Robeson County Sheriffs Office juvenile division is investigating. The Robeson County District Attorneys Office, FBI and Columbus County Sheriffs Office assisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the case(s) is asked to contact (910) 671-3170. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch The most traditionally predictable legislative cycle in politics keeps getting harder to predict. Yesterday I ran through how must-pass spending bills typically become law nowadays when Republicans control the House. The speaker tries to find a compromise that can unite his conference, discovers that fiscal conservatives wont support anything, then has to make a deal with Democrats that leaves the eternally furious populist right, well, furious. The bill passes with bipartisan support and then, a year or so later, we do it all over again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its become so standardized that it deserves a Schoolhouse Rock episode. This time is different. A compromise bill backed by Speaker Mike Johnson and his Republican majority was en route to passage when the richest person whos ever lived piped up and incited a last-minute grassroots revolt against it, sinking it. (America is also overdue for a Schoolhouse Rock episode on oligarchy.) Johnson then offered a new bill that included many of the same provisions but tossed in a two-year extension of the debt ceiling to make Donald Trump happy. Dogmatic fiscal conservatives like Rep. Chip Roy were appalled and vowed to oppose it, but Trump and his prime minister, Elon Musk, endorsed the proposal. And to make sure the House GOP understood that he meant business, Trump hopped onto social media on Thursday afternoon to attack Roy and encourage a primary challenge to the Texan in 2026. One might have thought that would be enough to minimize Republican defections during the floor vote. After all, the predictable result whenever Trump brings down the hammer on his party is that everyone, or nearly everyone, rolls over. A few truly committed deficit hawks like Roy and Rep. Thomas Massie might hold out for a while, but the rest of the conference would cower as usual. When Johnson called the roll on his Plan B legislation on Thursday evening, I assumed all but a handful of Republicans would support it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No fewer than 38 of them ended up voting no, Trumps and Musks support be damned. The bill went down in flames. A surprisingly unpredictable process had taken another unexpected turn. The spirit of the Tea Party, supposedly exorcised by Trump in 2016, had returned to haunt the GOP for a night. Why? And is it back for good? Two theories. The simplest explanation for the floor revolt is that Trumps sudden demand for a debt-ceiling hike triggered House fiscal hawks ideologically in a way that no other budgetary measure would or could. Using the debt ceiling as leverage to extract spending cuts is part of their political DNA. It was the centerpiece of the Tea Partys boldest act of brinkmanship during the Obama administration. Populist conservatives have been willing to betray nearly everything they ever believed in order to serve Trump, but asking them to raise the debt ceiling without reducing spendingsix months before its necessarycontradicts their stated governing ethos so starkly that even they couldnt resolve the cognitive dissonance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some House Republicans have never voted to raise the debt ceiling, in fact. Now their leader is asking them to extend it until 2029 or to repeal it altogether in order to liberate him from any fiscal constraints during his second term as president. To make matters worse, some of the rights favorite members of Congress demanded major concessions from President Joe Biden in exchange for hiking the debt ceiling as recently as last year. There is a limit to GOP hypocrisy on spending, it turns out. Its like the speed of light, seemingly boundless but not quite. So thats one theory of what happened on Thursday. The debt ceiling is a singular bugaboo for fiscal hawks, a political third rail that Trump foolishly asked them to touch. They couldnt do itbut that doesnt mean they wont go along with most anything else he wants to do on spending in a second term. If thats the case then the resistance they demonstrated to Johnsons Plan B likely wont recur during the next administration. It was a one-off. Another theory circulating among political junkies, though, is that the Tea Party never went away entirely. The bottom line is theres still a significant bloc of GOP votes thats anti-establishment in the small-government way more than the pure Trump way, Semafors Benjy Sarlin observed, which means the [next House] majority is going to be functionally nonexistent a lot of the time. Elections analyst Sean Trende agreed: Even in 2010 there was a split between the populist Tea Party wing and the purifying Tea Party wing and it is busting wide open before our eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If thats true then Thursday evenings vote wasnt a one-off. Small-government populists are much diminished since their 2010 heyday, but there are still enough of them left in the House to drive the agenda, perhaps, given how narrow the GOPs majority next year will be. On this theory, the revolt against Johnsons bill wasnt a narrow Pavlovian reaction to the debt ceiling; it was a broader shot across the bow of Trumps White House to let everyone there know that runaway deficits wont be tolerated in a government controlled by Republicans the way they were in 2017-18. If the White House wants more tax cuts, it had better be prepared to deal on spending. And if Trump thinks he can browbeat them into submission the way he tried with Roy yesterday, he may be mistaken. Theres strength in numbers: He might be able to focus the base on primarying a few dissident conservatives. But 38 of them? For doing what the partys been promising to do since Reagan 1.0? Sarlin and Trende are right that there are many House Republicans who are primarily Trumpist (i.e. culturally populist) and some who are primarily purist (i.e. fiscally conservative), and that the vote on Johnsons new bill pitted them against each other. But I think thats too simple. Theres a third group, and whether we see future revolts over spending during Trumps term may depend on whom they feel they owe their allegiance to. Which brings us back to Prime Minister Musk. The third faction. The third group are Republicans who dont care much about spending per se but are eager to glom onto whatever the rights next anti-estalishment fad might be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not sincere fiscal hawks like Roy and Sen. Rand Paul. Theyre not earnest Trump worshippers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Theyre whatever they need to be to protect their right flank ahead of their next primary. Until this week, the safest way to be what you needed to be to keep populist voters off your back was to blindly follow orders from Trump. But as of Wednesday, thats no longer true: In some cases going forward, following orders from Elon Musk might be the safe play. And as it happens, Elons top political priority right now is shrinking government. We can thank Trump for that. When he created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for Musk (and Vivek Ramaswamy), he staked Musks ego on his ability to find trillions of dollars of spending in the federal budget to cut. By doing so, he made fiscal conservatism politically relevant in a way that it hasnt been for almost a decade. Elon has an enormous popular following; now that his reputation is invested in reducing the size of the federal government, tens of millions of his fans will be invested in it too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which would be fine for Trump if he were devoutly committed to cutting spending. He isnt. He wants as few constraints on his agenda as possible in his second term, which of course is why hes suddenly made eliminating the debt ceiling a priority. You dont push something like that if youre keen to make government smalleron the contrary. Yet by putting Musk in charge of DOGE, hes handed the second-most influential figure on the American right a mandate to make spending cuts a matter of intense political interest for grassroots populists. Er, why would he do that? Chris Hayes of MSNBC savored the irony: The [J.D.] Vance version of MAGA-ism leaves behind the (largely unpopular) austerity fetish and deficit/spending rhetoric of the Tea Party, one of Trumps successful innovations. But Musk is intent on bringing it all back! Sarlin went further by noting that theres reason to think Elons agenda might win out over Trumps in the long run. Trumps a lame duck, which is one less commented-on aspect of his next four years, he said. If youre [a Republican] looking to cultivate a brand as a conservative warrior, which seems the safer long-term bet if you have to chooseTrumps support or [Musks] PAC money? By making a figure with so much cultural influence his de facto budget czar, Trump has created a needless risk to Trumpism. It might be the first major mistake of his second term and the best thing to happen to fiscal conservatives since the Tea Party wave in the 2010 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you believe that Elons commitment to responsible spending is sincere and durable, then the political incentives for the third House Republican faction I described earlier could get interesting in Trumps second term. With Musk supplying them with political cover and populist cred, soft fiscal hawks might be emboldened to become harder. We really might see more floor revolts against irresponsible spending championed by the Trump White House. Thursday wouldnt be a one-off. I dont believe Musks commitment is sincere or durable. A poster, not a conservative. The thing to remember about Elon is that hes still relatively new to thisright-wing politics, red-pilled populism, Trumpism vs. conservatism, all of it. Hes not some Reaganite fiscal warrior whos been yearning for years to impose spending discipline on our profligate government. Hes a CEO who prides himself on his ability to identify dead weight in his operations and to cull it. Thats the root of his interest in DOGE, I suspect: Its a business challenge, not a deeply rooted ideological commitment of the sort Chip Roy and Rand Paul feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And because those roots arent deep, the odds are good that hell grow frustrated and bored with it and eventually move on. Musks turn to the right politically is also impossible to separate from his manic use of social media, making it difficult to tell cause from effect. Scroll through his Twitter timeline and youll find him posting at a remarkable clip for a man of unimaginable wealth who leads three major companies and a government commission. With the money hes made, Elon could do anything he likes; somehow the thing he most likes to do is tweet. Is he an avid political social media user because hes just that committed to his right-wing views? Or is he that committed to his right-wing views because hes an avid social media user, addicted to the adulation populists have showered on him for becoming a reliable contrarian critic of the liberal establishment? Yesterday I compared his sinking of Mike Johnsons bill to a prank that a mega-rich egomaniac might play to amuse himself, but thats not quite right. More likely is that Musk, the social media junkie, got caught up in a favorite pastime of right-wing slacktivistsscreeching about how the latest legislative compromise between Republicans and Democrats is an unforgivable betrayal of The People and distorting its provisions to suit that narrative. Its not that the spending in the bill offended him deeply, perhaps; its that House Republicans are a favorite whipping boy of populists who arent allowed to criticize their partys leader and their irresponsible spending habits are always a convenient pretext to lash them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe Elon attacked the bill for the same reason other MAGA influencers didto bank populist credibility with his social media followersbut forgot that hes, you know, Elon Musk. Hes not a slacktivist. House Republicans are afraid of him and have good reason to be, so the bill tanked. Oops. If you think Im underestimating how serious he is about spending, consider that he followed his hourslong tirade against the compromise bill on Wednesday by meekly endorsing Mike Johnsons Plan B, which included much of the same spending and would have raised the debt ceiling through the end of 2027. To justify it as an upgrade, Elon was reduced to lamely comparing the number of pages in the first bill to the number in the second. Thats not serious. In fact, if you had to categorize Musk as primarily a cultural populist or a fiscal conservative per the distinction drawn by Benjy Sarlin and Sean Trende, youd surely categorize him as the former. It was Musks hostility to the woke mind virus that drew him to the right. Since becoming a MAGA hero, hes amplified populist anxiety about the Great Replacement (including the supposed role of Jews in orchestrating it), the alleged dangers of the COVID vaccine, and election-rigging. On Friday morning he took time out from his effort to muscle the House GOP to post, Only the AfD can save Germany, referring to a far-right political party in that country that somehow keeps stumbling into scandals involving Nazism. Hes not the second coming of Ronald Reagan. Hes a Twitter chud who happens to have $450 billion. Its not cutting spending to which hes devoted, its finding vectors to demagogue right-wing scapegoats like the House GOP to earn cheers from the cheap seats. To understand how deeply confusedor nihilistichis populist cohort has become about the policies it ostensibly supports, take an Excedrin and have a look at some of the idiotic replies Chip Roy received on Musks platform when he tried to explain why he opposed Johnsons Plan B. Populist politics, in practice, isnt about advancing any spending agenda. Its about defining enemies and bludgeoning them with any weapon to hand. Thats what Musk did when he tanked Johnsons first bill on Wednesday, I think. If Im right about all of that then, no, there wont be any Elon-backed House floor revolts against Trumps spending over the next four years. Musk may sincerely prefer a more fiscally responsible government in principle, but he isnt going to risk alienating a gigantic chunk of his social media following by going to war with Trump over it, no matter how indifferent the new president ends up being about DOGEs work. If the third faction in the House GOP is forced to choose between serving Trump and balancing the budget, Elon wont push them. Theres no doubt which theyll choose. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Washington-based organization striving to minimize arson is offering a reward to those who provide tips in connection to the Vancouver drop box fire investigation. In partnership with NW Insurance Council, the Arson Alarm Foundation revealed it will dole out $5,000 to the individual who shares information that could lead to the conviction of the suspected arsonist. One of Downtown Portlands courthouses could be sold by federal officials Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This brings the total reward to $30,000, more than a month after the Federal Bureau of Investigations Seattle and Portland Field Offices offered a $25,000 prize for assistance with the case. Arson impacts everyone, causing devastating damage to lives and property while increasing insurance costs for the entire community, NW Insurance Council President Kenton Brine said in a statement. We strongly urge anyone with information about this and other fires in the area to come forward and contact the FBI or the Arson Alarm hotline. The investigation stems from an incident on Oct. 28, when Portland Police Bureau responded to a ballot box fire near the Multnomah County Elections Division office around 3:30 a.m. About 30 minutes later, the Vancouver Police Department responded to an arson report at a ballot box on 3510 SE 164th Ave. Earlier that month, VPD also removed a suspicious device found near another ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office held a press conference to announce the three incidents were targeted, intentional and possibly connected to each other. Gresham police: Armed and dangerous stabbing suspect sought Portland police described the suspect as a Caucasian male between 30 and 40 years old. The agency said he either had very short hair or was balding, with a thin-to-medium build and a thin face. Authorities noted he was wearing a dark shirt and is likely highly knowledgeable in both metal fabrication and welding. According to PPB, the suspect drove a 2001-2004 Volvo S60 that is more matte in color than a standard shiny finish in places. The vehicle had a tan or light gray interior, an after-market grill without the Volvo emblem, dark wheels, unpainted body trim and no front license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. One of the hottest rising stars in jazz will perform in metro Detroit this weekend. Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin is riding high after receiving her fourth and fifth Grammy nominations last month, both for her latest album, Phoenix: Reimagined, a follow-up to last years Phoenix. On Saturday, shell play a Christmas concert at Bloomfield Hills Christ Church Cranbrook. Grammy-nominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin will play a holiday concert at Christ Church Cranbrook on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Ill be playing some of my music from Phoenix: Reimagined, maybe a couple from Phoenix, and Ill be doing some special Christmas works with my own style and flavor, she said of the concert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin, a whirlwind of creativity, knew from an early age she wanted to play sax. At my school, they gave you an option to choose between band, chorus and art. Ill let you know chorus was not going to work out, so I went to art, and it seemed pretty awesome. But then I went into the band room. My neighborhood was predominantly Latin, and it seemed like pretty much every day or night, there was some kind of big block party, so there was always music; there was always dancing. That was a big part of the culture growing up in our neighborhood. So when I went into the band room, I saw a saxophone and I told the teacher, Oh, yeah, I want to play that. He said there were no more saxes, and he showed me a trombone. And I was like, Oh, no! I asked who the sax players were in his band, and he listed them all. I went up to them individually, and finally, I ran into one that was a young lady. I asked her, Do you like the instrument, or would you be interested in trading? She asked what I had to offer. I said, I have four packs of Oreos, and she took them! I took the saxophone right there, went right back to the guy, and said, Im ready! Popular right now: Midtown Detroit's beloved Temple Bar reopens after May facade collapse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost immediately, Benjamin cut her teeth playing professionally with Latin dance bands throughout her neighborhood. We were the young kid band to play for the parties and stuff, she said. Fifth Avenue used to have a Dominican Day parade, a Puerto Rican day parade; we would play on the little floats. We were playing in the Port Authority and the bus station, in the nursing homes, anywhere they would give our school program a show. Three to four times a week, I had a show. That was a highlight for me. It was exciting. The first time you hear an audience applaud, the first time you feel them respond to something that youre doing. At that age, that makes you realize theres a general exchange that youre going to have with these people. It gave me a drive to keep practicing and getting better, to keep growing that relationship. Now, with five Grammy nominations under her belt and the eyes of the industry upon her, Benjamin is excited to return to Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No lie, its one of my favorite places to be, she said. Ive played twice at the Detroit Jazz Festival. My first teacher was (Detroit-based saxophonist) James Carter. Regina Carter (James cousin, a jazz violinist) is a huge mentor of mine. (Detroit saxophonist) Kenny Garrett theres a long, long history out there of really gutbucket, greasy sax coming out of Detroit. Detroit has the best horn players! And the audiences there still have a love and appreciation for the music that I dont think the other states do. Lakecia Benjamin will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Grammy-nominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin to play Christmas concert SEOUL (Reuters) - Demonstrators supporting and opposing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held rival protests several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday, a week after he was impeached over his short-lived declaration of martial law. Yoon's presidential powers are suspended but he remains in office. He has not complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law, which he declared late on Dec. 3 and rescinded hours later, constituted insurrection. He has also not responded to attempts to contact him by the Constitutional Court, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers. The court plans to hold its first preparatory hearing on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday's pro- and anti-Yoon protests were held in Gwanghwamun in the heart of the capital. There were no clashes as of 4 p.m. (0700 GMT) Tens of thousands of anti-Yoon protesters, dominated by people in their 20s and 30s, gathered around 3 p.m., waving K-Pop light sticks and signs with sayings such as "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes. "I wanted to ask Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," said 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo. Several thousand pro-Yoon protesters, chiefly older and more conservative people opposing Yoon's removal and supporting the a restoration of his powers, had gathered since around midday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These rigged (parliamentary) elections eat away at this country, and at the core are socialist communist powers, so about 10 of us came together and said the same thing - we absolutely oppose impeachment," said Lee Young-su, a 62-year-old businessman. Yoon had cited claims of election hacking and "anti-state" pro-North Korean sympathisers as justification for imposing the martial law, which the National Election Commission has denied. (Reporting by Jisoo Kim, Joseph Campbell, Minwoo Park; Writing By Joyce Lee; Editing by William Mallard) Dec. 20Amid a challenging national landscape for higher education enrollment, Riverland Community College has experienced exceptional growth. According to a release from the college Friday, for the fall semester 2024, which concluded Friday, Riverland's enrollment is nearly 10% higher than the same date last year, currently at 1,094 Full-Year Equivalent (FYE) compared to 995.05 FYE on Dec. 2, 2023. This growth significantly surpasses the Minnesota State system's overall increase of 5.64%. Enrollment figures for the spring semester, which begins Jan. 13, are equally encouraging. While Riverland is still enrolling students, the total as of Dec. 2 is 752.07 FYE, an 8.86% increase compared to this time last year. These gains align with the Minnesota State system's strong performance, which is currently seeing a 12.51% system-wide increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson of Minnesota State attributed the system's success to its commitment to affordability, accessibility, and community engagement. "We believe the increase in enrollment was driven by a number of factors," Olson said. "Quality academic programs; keeping our colleges and universities the most affordable, most accessible higher education options in the state; and outstanding relationships with the communities we serve were clearly among the keys." The impact of Riverland's growth is felt across its various campuses and learning platforms. Online learning continues to be a significant driver, with over 741 FYE enrolled across summer, fall, and spring semesters, showcasing the flexibility Riverland offers its students. Additionally, specialized programs such as Farm Business Management and partnerships with 29 area high schools contribute to its broad appeal and growing enrollment figures. This growth places Riverland among the top-performing colleges in the state. This success is also reflected in statewide data. According to a November report by Ethan Nelson of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Riverland has grown its enrollment by 18.5% since 2020, ranking among the top Minnesota State colleges for growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riverland changed leadership during the period of enrollment increase. In 2023, following the retirement of longtime president, Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Dr. Kathleen (Kat) Linaker became Riverland's president. Linaker attributes this success to a combination of innovative strategies and a commitment to excellence. "Our faculty, staff, and community partners have worked tirelessly to create accessible, high-quality educational opportunities," she said. "This growth reflects our desire to meet students where they arewhether online, on campus, or in their communities." As Riverland Community College continues to expand its reach and impact, its success stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a deep-rooted commitment to educational excellence. Riverland remains a vital contributor to the state's educational and economic landscape. Some American politicians, bribed by Armenian lobbies, continue to disgrace themselves and the country they represent. These politicians, who cannot even locate Armenia on a map, present so-called statements or resolutions prepared by unknown sources. These so-called "documents" are so biased and unfounded that they cause nothing but disgust. Reading them, one can conclude that through these black sheep politicians, a mighty country like the USA is belittled as much as being a tool for Armenians. Recently, two American Senators, Gary Peters and Bill Cassidy, introduced such a resolution, more precisely a scribble. Needless to say, the so-called resolution was full of biased and unfounded accusations. It is crystal clear that either these black sheep politicians at the US Congress did not prepare the so-called resolution themselves, or they are ignorant of their history. Otherwise, they would not use phrases like "Whereas the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh have continually sought to exercise their right of self-determination and established a government separate from Azerbaijan." Everyone knows that when the Southern States sought self-determination and departed from the USA, Washington declared war against them and quashed their self-determination. It seems these politicians, who do not know where Garabagh is located, forget about this. Additionally, it seems they also forgot that even today, after 150 years, the flag of the Confederate is prohibited from being hoisted in the USA. Or maybe they are too egotistical to think that self-determination cannot occur in their country but can be acceptable in other countries. Here, we would like to remind these politicians of the proverb: "What is good for the goose is good for the gander." Unfortunately, the accusations are not limited to the aforementioned one. The resolution reads, "Whereas, on December 12, 2022, the Government of Azerbaijan initiated a gruelling blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh that deprived the regions population of food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities for nearly 10 months." No American has the right to voice such an accusation. First of all, blocking Garabagh is a barefaced lie. Azerbaijan never blocked Garabagh. Only eco-activists did not allow trucks carrying natural resources from Garabagh. Vehicles carrying daily necessities passed freely. Even Azerbaijan's Red Crescent Society sent humanitarian aid to Garabagh, which separatists blocked. Besides, there are numerous reports about the creation of a black market by the separatist leaders. Secondly, it is well known that dozens of countries worldwide are under US sanctions, and the citizens of these countries are deprived of medicines, food, and other necessities. So, how can a senator from a country that deprives millions of people of their daily needs accuse Azerbaijan of something that did not happen? However, claiming on September 19, 2023, the Government of Azerbaijan launched a full-scale military offensive against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh that took the lives of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians is even more ridiculous. Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and did not invade other countries, unlike the USA. Unlike the said Senators, people worldwide do not suffer from amnesia and recall very well how America invaded countries like Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It is interesting to consider whether the Senators know how many Vietnamese died from American chemical weapons or how many Iraqis and Afghans were killed. As for the so-called 100,000 Armenian refugees from Garabagh mentioned in the resolution, it once again confirms that the resolution is manipulated, biased, and hypocritical. First of all, it should be noted that Azerbaijan did not expel anybody from Garabagh. Azerbaijan introduced a reintegration policy for Armenians living in Garabagh. However, the separatist clique in Garabagh and their supporters in Yerevan hindered the process and forced people to leave Garabagh. All countries in the world fight against separatism and illegal migration. Even the laws against separatism and illegal residence in the US and Armenia are much stricter than in Azerbaijan. On the contrary, Armenia expelled local residents of different origins living in Garabagh in the 1990s. Over one million refugees and IDPs have been living in Azerbaijan for over 30 years. However, the same black sheep in the USA have never voiced the fate of these refugees and IDPs. Needless to say, such politicians harm the reputation of their country. When elected officials engage in actions that are perceived as biased, unfounded, or influenced by external lobbies, it undermines the integrity of their office and erodes public trust. The introduction of resolutions based on manipulated information not only discredits the politicians involved but also tarnishes the image of the institutions they represent. It is crucial for politicians to base their actions on accurate information and genuine concern for justice and human rights, rather than succumbing to external pressures or personal biases. Only through integrity and accountability can they truly serve the best interests of their constituents and uphold the dignity of their nation on the global stage. Advocate Upender, representing former Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao, on Saturday accused the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of being motivated by 'political vendetta.' The case relates to alleged financial irregularities connected to the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023. Upender underlined that the Telangana government organised the race to create employment and attract investment, and reduce environmental pollution. He also pointed out that after the first race, the sponsors backed out, leaving the government to take responsibility for the funds to ensure the event's success. Further, the advocate slammed the registration of the FIR, despite the long delay since the new government took office. "The Telangana government had organised the Formula E race to provide employment to the students, bring investments to Telangana and reduce environmental pollution. This is a world-famous event that happens in various countries. With the aim of organising such an event in Telangana, KTR, who was the minister at that time, made an agreement. As per the agreement, one race was organised here wonderfully. However, when it came to the second race, the sponsors backed out as it was not working out for them," Upender said. KTR's advocate added that the minister took responsibility for the funds."So, KTR, as a minister with the intention that the fame of Telangana should not be tarnished, said that the Telangana government would take responsibility of the funds and even gave some money to them (Formula E organisers) in this regard. Based on this, ACB got a complaint on the 18th (December) and registered an FIR on the 19th (December). When any complaint is received, the investigating officer should first do some investigation into which sections can be booked. However, it was all done in a single day," he said. "Also, it has been 1 year since the new government was formed. What is the reason for this inordinate delay for this case? So, there is a political vendetta in this case. Taking all this into consideration, the Court has given orders to not arrest KTR for the next 10 days. It also gave the prosecutor 1 week's time to file a counter. They said that they would do some investigation during this 1 week and file a counter," Upender added. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against former minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) and others over alleged financial irregularities linked to the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023. This comes after the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against BRS leader KTR and others in the Formula-E funding case. The Telangana ACB on Thursday registered a case against BRS working president and MLA Rama Rao over alleged payments, some of it in foreign currency without approvals, to conduct the Formula E race in Hyderabad during the previous regime. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma recently approved the registration of a case against KTR regarding the matter. The FIR lists KTR as the primary accused, with senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and retired bureaucrat BLN Reddy named as the second and third accused, respectively. The case was filed under applicable sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with provisions of the IPC related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy. (ANI) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) A dentist in Rochester will spend 15 years behind bars after he was sentenced for stealing drugs from patients and performing surgeries without proper pain management. Phillip M. Jensen, 64, was sentenced on Dec. 18, specifically for stealing fentanyl from his patients, injecting them with adulterated drugs and performing surgery without proper pain management. He has also been ordered to pay a $200,000 fine. Hoopeston arsonist sentenced to 10 years in prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office of the Central District of Illinois said in a release Friday afternoon that Jensen previously pleaded guilty to two counts of drug diversion, two counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, one count of tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters in August 2024. Prior to having his license suspended in 2022, he specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery and started stealing fentanyl from his patients as early as December 2019. This conduct first came to light when his staff started noticing patients who were moving, moaning and otherwise showing signs of pain and distress during surgery. Jensen admitted that he stole at least half of the fentanyl in every vial in the practice. He acknowledged removing the safety caps, withdrawing at least half of the fentanyl in the single-use vials, refilling the vials with saline and gluing the caps back on to the vials. In a further effort to hide what he had done, Jensen made false entries into his surgical records claiming that he had given quantities of full-strength and unadulterated fentanyl to his patients to control their pain. He further billed both public and private insurance for these surgeries utilizing these same falsified records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, Jensen stole over 40 grams of fentanyl for his personal use through his fraud. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government presented evidence of Jensens lengthy history of addiction, his previous efforts at treatment and his decision to prey upon his patients by stealing the drugs that were meant to provide them with comfort during surgeries. Far-right commentator Fuentes claims Mahomet homicide suspect attempted assassination against him The government presented evidence of the elaborate steps Jensen took to disguise his theft and how his theft of this pain medication affected his patients. During the hearing, Judge Lawless heard from several of the more than 99 identified victims of Jensens fraud, including the statement of a mother who discussed looking into the face of their child immediately following the surgery as the child cried and state they had felt everything. When Jensen realized the child was awake, he struck her in the head with an instrument and completed the surgery, which involved the extraction of multiple teeth as well as the shaping and smoothing of the bones in her jaw while she was conscious and lacking pain management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the conclusion of the hearing, Lawless rejected Jensens argument that he was less culpable than an average drug dealer. She noted that Jensen profited from his crimes and state that while a dealer provides drugs to knowing and willing participants, he provided diluted drugs without the consent or knowledge of his victims. Lawless also noted that Jensen was a physician who used his position of trust to hurt others. She concluded by asking, If you cannot trust your doctor, who can you trust? This case represents the commitment of the Department of Justice, both in the Central District of Illinois and beyond, to protect and defend the public from those that would prey upon them, said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. People are never as vulnerable as when they place their faith in a health care provider to not only treat their condition but to administer anesthesia and pain medicine during that treatment. Jensen abused that faith and hurt others in the process. Man arrested in Tennessee after hit-and-run of Rantoul teen last month Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Jensen in February 2022 charging him with twenty felony counts. He was originally released on bond, but a warrant was issued in July 2024 for violation of the terms and conditions of bond after he stalked and harassed a potential witness in the case. Jensen was detained at the time, and he has since remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service. Health care professionals who tamper with patient medications create a risk of harm to patients, and also put at risk the trust that U.S. consumers have in those who provide their medical care, said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administrations Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. Lawless, in imposing the 15-year sentence, rejected Jensens arguments for a lower drug weight and noted the egregious nature of his conduct. On top of the $200,000 fine imposed, Lawless ordered Jensen to repay the government for the costs of the expert witness it had to hire. Additionally, Jensen lost his medical license as a result of his conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit and the Springfield Resident Office, which focuses on cases involving pharmaceutical controlled substances diverted from the legal chain of commerce to the illegal drug market, investigated this case in conjunction with: Sangamon County Sheriffs Office United States Food and Drug Administration Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution. Medical professionals who violate their oaths to do no harm must be held accountable, said Sheila Lyons, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Division. The DEA will continue working to keep Illinois families safe from medical professionals who illegally divert opioid painkillers from legitimate medical supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) A rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv overnight, leaving 16 people injured by shattered glass, the Israeli military said Saturday, days after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi rebels who have been launching missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Another 14 people had minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens sounded before dawn, the military said. The Houthis in a statement on Telegram said they had aimed a hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target that they did not identify. Israel's military said it was investigating, adding that we emphasize that aerial defense is not hermetic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flash of light, a blow and we fell to the ground. Big mess, broken glasses all over the place, said Bar Katz, a resident of a damaged building. The Houthis media office later reported airstrikes on Yemens Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command facility operated by the Houthis, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X. The attack on Tel Aviv came after Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida killed at least nine people Thursday. The strikes came hours after a missile from Yemen hit a school building in central Israel. The Houthis also claimed a drone strike targeting an unspecified military target in central Israel that day. Israel's military says the Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the 14-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and say they wont stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli strikes Thursday caused considerable damage to the Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Hodeida port has been key for food shipments into Yemen in its decade-long civil war. Israeli strikes in Gaza kill a dozen children Mourners in Gaza held funerals for 19 Palestinians 12 of them children killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight. One strike hit a residential building in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least seven, including five children and one woman, and injuring 16 others, health officials said. In Gaza City, a strike on a house killed 12, including seven children and two women, according to Al-Ahli Hospital where the bodies were taken. One man cradled a tiny shroud-wrapped body as mourners gathered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Saturday, al-Awda Hospital said an airstrike hit a house in Nuseirat and killed four people including two children, with 14 other people wounded. Israel's military said it was checking the report. And Saturday night, large explosions could be seen on the Gaza skyline. Five bodies arrived soon afterward at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. More than 45,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, when a Hamas attack in Israel killed about 1,200 people and triggered the war. Gaza's Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said more than half of fatalities are women and children. Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian deaths in Gaza. It says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northern Gaza hospital says it is told to evacuate The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in largely isolated northern Gaza said in an online message late Saturday that Israel's military had told the facility to evacuate. Dr. Husam Abu Safiyeh asserted that the intensive care unit, maternity ward and other departments were being targeted, and said evacuating would mean transferring 66 patients. Israel's military in response to questions said it was not aware of any strikes in the area of the hospital at this time. There was no immediate response to questions about the reported evacuation order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza's Health Ministry earlier reported continuous gunfire and Israeli shelling near the hospital, and it issued an urgent appeal for medical and food supplies to be delivered to the facility as Israel's military pressed its latest offensive. Safiyeh has said the facility faced severe shortages including of food and asserted that requests for essential medical supplies and ways to maintain oxygen, water and electricity systems "have largely gone unmet. Aid groups have said Israeli military operations and armed gangs have hindered their ability to distribute aid. The Israeli military organization dealing with humanitarian affairs for Gaza said Saturday it had led an operation delivering thousands of food packages, flour and water to the Beit Hanoun area in the north.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A killing in Syria Iran on Saturday said unknown gunmen killed a local staffer of the Iranian Embassy in Syria in Damascus last Sunday, the official IRNA news agency said. Its report quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying terrorists opened fire on Davood Bitarafs car. It did not say what he did with the embassy. The shooting happened the day that opposition fighters took Damascus and ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Baghaei said Iran considers Syrias interim government responsible for finding and prosecuting those behind the killing. Iran had been a key Assad ally. ___ Shurafa reported from Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Elena Becatoros in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, and Natalie Melzer in Jerusalem contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Rockford Police arrested Adam Grande, 35, for allegedly shooting a firearm at a house on two different occasions. On Dec. 8, around 1:19 a.m., officers were called to the 700 block of North Sunset Avenue because a ShotSpotter reading showed 15 rounds were fired in the area. The victim told authorities the incident started over gas money. The victim said she rode with Grande and another woman to Janesville, Wisconsin. The woman left the vehicle and started arguing with a male resident of the home about owing her gas money, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the woman left the house, the victims heard gunfire ring out, hitting their home, reports said. The next day, around the same time, authorities were called to the same address for more shots fired at the residence. On Dec. 9, around 11:47 a.m., SCOPE officers pulled over a gray Kia Optima for an insurance violation. Police identified the driver as Grande. Police found a firearm and took it as evidence because Grande did not have the firearm encased, according to court documents. Grande had a FOID card but did not have a concealed carry license. Police said they determined from further investigation that Grandes firearm was linked to the shootings on Dec. 8th and 9th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grande is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm at a building. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Santa and some elves from City First Church helped deliver presents to students at Constance Lane Elementary on Friday. These gifts were thanks to City First Churchs Christmas Hope Initiative. City First has also given gifts to Ellis, Conklin and McIntosh elementary schools. With the help of some volunteers, a total of 3,000 Christmas gifts have been gifted to students. The church said this is a way to make sure that all children get a present this Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many students that will walk in today, this is the only present that theyll receive for Christmas, said Executive Pastor of Family Ministries Page Flock. So, being able to come to the school and be a support to the school, and then also families as well, providing a gift today. The initiative was also supported by several community partners and individual donations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANGUILLA, Miss. (WJTV) Seven Rolling Fork families, who lost their homes to a devastating tornado in March 2023, celebrated a fresh start as new homeowners. Its a blessing that they came through to help us, because without them and without the good Lord, you know, there is no telling where we would be, said Margaret Anderson, who received a new home on Friday. The families were given new, fully furbished mobile homes in Anguilla. The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and nonprofits have been crucial in purchasing the homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes a lot of work. It takes a lot of evaluation of what their needs are. You know, do they have a place or do they not have a place? Where are you staying? Trying to find them stoves or refrigerators and beds and couches. It takes a lot of legwork on the ground to make sure that this is successful, said Pam Chatman, director of Boss Lady Economic Planning Development. Photos: US storms bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California The homes were possible thanks to a donation of more than $35,000. Retired General Samuel Nichols, Jr., and his wife, Linda, donated $28,000. Its about taking care of Gods people, just great American citizens. Having served the U.S. military for almost 40 years, you see different things throughout the country. People who have and the have nots, and the people who have not are the people who should have just like anybody else. So, this was the very simple, just to raise money, to give these people hope to go on, said Nichols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA also played a large part in helping to assist the tornado victims. The new homeowners are grateful for a new place to call home and those who made it possible. We just want to thank everybody that has done what they have done for us from emergency management people, that gave us the information we needed to have. And like I said, FEMA and all of their workers. And its just been a blessing. And I just thank God for every last one of them. They were so loyal and so kind to us. You know, people dont have to be kind to you. But they were so kind to us, said Martha Morris, who received a home. A $6,000 check was also donated out of Australia. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Weather Forecast Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A Romanian jailed for seven years for a violent robbery has avoided deportation after claiming that it would breach his rights to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Ionut-Mihai Sofroniei, 30, claimed that the Home Offices attempt to remove him because of his criminality was a breach of his Article 8 family rights under the ECHR. The former construction worker claimed he merited protection against deportation on the basis that he had lived in the UK for a decade, had married a Lithuanian in Britain and had a baby daughter by her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a move that strengthened his claim, Sofroniei also submitted an application for EU settled status in the UK the evening before his claim against deportation was heard by an immigration judge. The application was outside the grace period but Sofroniei claimed he had been unable to lodge it earlier because he had been in custody. Sofroniei had been freed from jail shortly before the hearing after serving seven years for robbing a prostitute and her co-worker of their takings. The tribunal was told Sofroniei and his two associates subjected the pair to violence during a 20-minute ordeal as they ransacked the property in search of money and other goods. Immigration tribunals not fit for purpose His appeal against deportation was granted by a lower immigration tribunal although that has now been referred back to it to be reconsidered because of an error of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will intensify demands for the UK to quit the ECHR. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said: Yet another jaw-dropping example of a foreign criminal abusing our farcical membership of the ECHR and taking advantage of immigration tribunals that are not fit for purpose and clearly full of wokies. More robust evidence that we must leave the ECHR and fundamentally reform our broken immigration system. It follows the Telegraphs revelation of how a Turkish crime boss said to be one of Britains biggest drug dealers won his human rights battle against deportation. The man, who was jailed for 16 years for plotting to supply heroin across the UK, won the right to remain 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 70-year-old drug dealer, who was granted anonymity, also 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. Exceptional case Sofroniei came to live in the UK in 2015 as a steel fixer and received his first conviction just two years later. In February 2020, he was found guilty of the robbery for which he was jailed for seven years. He was served with notice that he would face deportation which he challenged as a breach of his Article 8 rights under the ECHR. It was not until July 2023 that he was told that he would be deported. The hearing was scheduled for Dec 12. At 6pm on Dec 11, Sofroniei applied to join the EU settlement scheme, even though the deadline for doing so had passed on June 30 2021. Nonetheless, the judge decided that he was covered by the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Largely for that reason, the judge found that this was an exceptional case which should be allowed under Article 8 ECHR, the court documents said. An upper court judge ruled that the case should be reconsidered although he also accepted that applying outside the grace period did not shut the door to Sofroniei securing UK residence. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A commission from the Russian Ministry of Defence arrived at the 1196th Motorised Rifle Regiment, stationed in the occupied territory of Kherson Oblast, due to issues with poor discipline, Ukrainian partisan movement said. Source: Atesh, a military partisan movement in the occupied territories of Ukraine, with reference to sources in the Russian military Details: Atesh noted that the commission's visit is directly linked to the rising incidents of sabotage targeting Russian boats and the increasing number of suicides among the Russian military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These incidents "undermine the discipline and combat capability of the units," and the Russian command views them as a serious threat. The Russians are reportedly concerned that such issues could disrupt plans for their offensive on the right bank of Kherson Oblast, which remains under Ukrainian control. Support UP or become our patron! The United Nations has officially recorded that the Russians have killed 12,300 Ukrainian civilians and injured over 27,800 others since February 2022. Source: Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, during the UN Security Council meeting on 20 December Details: Nakamitsu said most civilian casualties have been caused by Russias use of long-range weapons. Such attacks accounted for approximately 42% of civilian deaths and injuries in November, which is significantly higher than in previous months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nakamitsu also cited data from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine for 2024. Russian aerial bombings killed 341 civilians and injured 1,803 others between 1 January and 30 November. These figures are three and six times higher, respectively, than last years numbers. Quote: "Between 24 February 2022 and 30 November 2024 the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights recorded over 12,340 civilians killed and more than 27,836 civilians injured in Ukraine." Support UP or become our patron! Two Russian airports were put under flight restrictions early Saturday after authorities alleged an attack by Ukrainian drones, according to state-run news agencies. The state-owned RIA Novosti agency reported that Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency announced a temporary block on landing and takeoff at Kazan International Airport and restrictions at Gagarin Airport in the city of Saratov -- both in the southwest of the country. Kazan is more than 600 miles from the closest Ukrainian-controlled territory. Saratov is more than 350 miles from Ukrainian-held territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press service of the head of the Tatarstan region -- of which Kazan is the largest city -- said authorities recorded eight drones attacking the city, with no reported casualties, according to the state-run Tass news agency. PHOTO: This video grab taken from footage released by the Mayor's Office of Kazan on Dec. 21, 2024, shows officials in front of a damaged residential building after a drone attack in Kazan, Russia. (Handout/Telegram / @kzn_official/AFP via) MORE: Putin says West's air defenses have 'no chance' against Russian ballistic missile "One was at an industrial enterprise, one was over a river and six were at a residential area," the press service said, as quoted by Tass. Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin said that fires were reported in houses in three districts of the city and announced selective evacuation of schools where it was deemed necessary, Tass reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov wrote on Telegram that the region was subjected to "a massive UAV attack." "All forces have been deployed," Minnikhanov added. "The most important thing is not to panic. We have instructed the government to inform the population about evacuation sites in a timely manner." PHOTO: People take shelter in a metro station during an air raid alarm in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 20, 2024. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) MORE: North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk adapting after 'serious losses,' Ukraine says Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed six Ukrainian drones over the city, which it said were "flying in three waves from different directions." Three were shot down and three defeated using electronic warfare measures, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, the ministry said it shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory. Ukraine's air force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 113 drones into Ukraine overnight, of which air defense teams shot down 57. Another 56 went missing due to "active countermeasures" by Ukrainian defenders, the air force added. Air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine on Saturday morning with the air force warning of a "threat of the use of ballistic weapons throughout the territory of Ukraine." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that the latest destroyed an oncology center in the southern city of Kherson and damaged apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Kyiv was targeted by ballistic missiles, while Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, the Dnipropetrovsk region and the Donetsk regions all reported shelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven people were reported injured in Zaporizhzhia and six in Kharkiv, officials said. "This is the Russian terror we are countering," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "I am grateful to our partners who continue to stand with Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. Together, through our collective strength, we will secure a lasting peace." Saturday's attacks followed a combined missile and drone strike on Kyiv early on Friday, which the Kyiv City Military Administration said caused significant damage to buildings in the city center and killed at least one person. The strike also damaged several foreign embassies, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tkhiyi told journalists on Friday. Tkhiyi described the attack as "barbaric." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News' Natalya Kushnir, Anastasia Bagaeva and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report. Russian airports disrupted after 'massive' overnight drone exchange with Ukraine originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Russia attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia the evening of Dec. 20, injuring four people, including a 12-year-old boy, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. The attack damaged a 9-story apartment building in the city, Fedorov said. Three women and a 12-year-old boy sustained injuries in the attack. Fedorov did not disclose details about their condition. The same night, a Russian drone attack targeted a residential building in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, also injuring a 12-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zaporizhzhia is a frequent target of Russian attacks. A missile strike against the city on Dec. 10 killed 10 people and injured 22. The attack also destroyed a private medical clinic and damaged several buildings. Less than a week before that, an aerial bomb attack against the city on Dec. 6 killed 10 people and injured 24, including two children. The Ukrainian military has been building heavy fortifications near Zaporizhzhia in preparations for a potential Russian offensive in the region. Read also: Russian missiles strike Kyiv on the eve of holiday season (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Devotees performed puja at a recently discovered Hindu temple in Aligarh, following its restoration after being neglected for years. Activists have launched a campaign to identify and restore such temples. Speaking to ANI on Friday, an activist said, "In the past riots, Hindus from this area fled, leaving this temple neglected. We're now conducting a campaign to identify such temples. This is the second temple. Cleaning and worship have been performed today in this temple." Another activist told ANI, "Yesterday this place was cleaned and in the same sequence today, Hanuman Chalisa was recited and Hanuman's Aarti was performed. We will also ensure that every day people of Sanatan Dharma take care of this temple and come here to perform the puja and rituals." As a precautionary measure, police personnel have been deployed outside the temple premises. Earlier, on December 20, prayer rituals were held at the Shiv-Hanuman temple in Sambhal. The temple, which had remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 following efforts by the administration. The temple was uncovered during an anti-encroachment drive led by local district police and administration. During the restoration process, three idols were found near a well close to the temple. These idols are now being preserved as part of the efforts to restore the temple to its original splendor. On December 18, Geeta Pradhan, a former member of Uttar Pradesh's Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission and a BJP leader, visited the temple to offer prayers. On December 15, Sambhal's Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar and District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya also visited the newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple to offer their prayers. Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed that the temple had reopened after 46 years, explaining that the closure was due to the absence of a resident priest. (ANI) Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Kharkiv on Dec. 20, injuring at least six people, including a child, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The drone hit a 9-story residential building in the city's Saltivskyi district late in the evening, authorities said. The attack damaged several apartments and caused a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six people were injured in the attack, including a 12-year-old child. Emergency responders rescued three people from the rubble. Rescue operations are still ongoing at the site. A second drone attack the evening of Dec. 20 caused minor damage to several homes in the city's Kyivskyi district, regional police reported. Located less than 30 kilometers from the Russian border, the northeastern city of Kharkiv has suffered relentless aerial attacks over the past two years of Russia's full-scale war. Moscow often targets densely populated neighborhoods with missiles and glide bombs. A Russian missile attack on Nov. 25 targeted central Kharkiv, injuring over 20 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian missiles strike Kyiv on the eve of holiday season (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian embassy in London criticized the U.K.'s plan to transfer more than two billion pounds ($2.5 billion) to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, calling it a "fraudulent scheme." In October, the U.K. announced it would provide Ukraine with a 2.26 billion-pound loan as part of a broader package from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. The funds, backed by frozen Russian central bank assets, are intended to support Ukraines military, purchase weapons, and rebuild damaged infrastructure. The loans were agreed upon in July by G7 leaderscomprising the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Statesalong with senior European Union officials. The majority of the frozen Russian assets are held in EU countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are closely following UK authorities efforts aimed at implementing a fraudulent scheme of expropriating incomes from Russian state assets 'frozen' in the EU," the Russian embassy said on social media. U.K.'s Defense Minister John Healey confirmed the funds would be dedicated solely to Ukraines military. He noted that the money could help Ukraine develop drones with ranges surpassing some long-range missiles. Russias embassy described the plan as illegitimate. Last week, Russias Foreign Ministry accused the United States of "robbery" over its transfer of frozen Russian assets as part of the G7s $50 billion loan package for Ukraine. Read also: UK announces $283 million military aid package for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces killed a man during an attack on the village of Tomyna Balka in Kherson Oblast on the morning of 21 December. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Sadly, a 69-year-old man was killed as a result of the strike. He sustained fatal injuries." Background: The Russian army launched a hour-long large-scale attack on the city of Kherson on the morning of 20 December, killing two people and injuring 11, various sources reported. Prokudin reported that within 40 minutes, about 1,000 shells had fallen on Kherson alone, with hits in all districts of the city. Kherson Oblast Military Administration noted that the Russians targeted residential areas and social and critical infrastructure. Support UP or become our patron! LONDON (Reuters) - The Russian embassy in London on Saturday described Britain's planned transfer to Ukraine of more than 2 billion pounds ($2.5 billion) backed by frozen Russian assets as a "fraudulent scheme". Britain said in October it would lend Ukraine 2.26 billion pounds as part of a much larger loan from the Group of Seven nations backed by frozen Russian central bank assets to help buy weapons and rebuild damaged infrastructure. The loans were agreed in July by leaders of the G7 - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S. - along with top officials from the European Union, where most of the Russian assets frozen as a result of the war are held. "We are closely following UK authorities' efforts aimed at implementing a fraudulent scheme of expropriating incomes from Russian state assets 'frozen' in the EU," the Russian embassy in London said on social media. British Defence Minister John Healey said the money would be solely for Ukraine's military and could be used to help develop drones capable of travelling further than some long-range missiles. The embassy added: "The elaborate legislative choreography fails to conceal the illegitimate nature of this arrangement." Russia's Foreign Ministry last week described the U.S. transfer to Ukraine of its share of the G7's $50 billion in loans as "simply robbery". ($1 = 0.7956 pounds) (Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Hugh Lawson) SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Webb Road Flea Market is set to reopen Saturday, a week after a fire destroyed one of the main buildings and the inventory of more than a dozen vendors. A fire broke out around 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The flames leveled one of the 10 main buildings on the property. Rowan County fire investigators are still working to determine the cause. Crews are creating a temporary selling space with tents for the impacted vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb Road General Manager Chris Stephens said about 20 vendors rent space in the building. Were just heartbroken that this happened, he said. They lost all their goods and, you know, were just trying to do our best to get them back in business. Im sure its going to be hard for them to overcome the emotional impact that this has had on them. Fire rages at the flea market off I-85 Dec. 15. Stephens said about half of the vendors will not reopen for the upcoming weekend. Some have no inventory left, others are taking the time to rest at the end of the year. Al and Nancy Parker are among the sellers who lost property in the fire but will not reopen in 2024. They have been selling at the market off Interstate 85 for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really, really sad because we poured our heart and soul into this business, Al Parker said. He said they still had some inventory left in a warehouse off-site, but theyre not sure when they may return to the flea market. Nancy Parker said this is not the first time they have had to recover from a fire at the flea market. Multiple buildings caught fire on the property in 2010. The cause of that blaze remains undetermined. Charges dropped against 3 in Salisbury skydiving trip credit card fraud case She said shes found a silver lining among the devastation. There are always two sides. Were alive. Were happy. Were together, Nancy Parker said. Our family is supported. Our customers have even supported us. And that is that tells us how much our value is not just in the product we sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another vendor, Jeremy Burris, said he was moved by the outpouring of support he received from competitors. It kind of gave us optimism moving forward and really changed our mindset, he said. The generosity inspired a chain reaction. Were working with the flea market and some other vendors this weekend to try to put together like 10 percent of our proceeds to help the other vendors out, hopefully get them back on their feet, Burris said. The financial impact to each seller varies. Some vendors bring their goods to market each weekend, others choose to store their wares on property full-time. Stephens said the owners have insurance for the facilities, but its up to the vendors to insure their property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said managers are in talks with contractors about constructing a replacement for Building B. He did not have an estimated timeline for when the new building may be open. Were going to do it as fast as we can, Stephens said. Weve got our plans to get things rolling and get the plans done. He said its unclear yet if the new structure will be an enclosed building or an open shelter. The market is set to open Saturday at 8 a.m. The Webb Road Flea Market is located at 905 Webb Road in Salisbury. Its regular hours of operation are Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 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 Queen City News. Dec. 20WILKES-BARRE Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, divisional commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, this week said the generosity of the community fuels life-changing support for neighbors facing crisis. "While a portion of the funds we collect during the Red Kettle season provide holiday assistance to families, much of it sustains our services throughout the year," Ashcraft said. "Your donations will help us feed families facing food insecurity, offer children enriching after-school programs, provide essentials to disaster survivors and much more." Donors to Salvation Army Red Kettles in Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware could see their contributions doubled on Saturday, Dec. 21, as part of a Divisional 2024 Kettle Match Challenge to support local neighbors in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashcroft said the Salvation Army Wilkes-Barre Corps and all other Corps in eastern Pennsylvania are participating in the match. The match applies to both in-person Red Kettle and Virtual Red Kettle donations. The Salvation Army Red Kettles are staffed by volunteers and employees from local jurisdictions, known as Corps. Each Corps in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division will be eligible for matching funds up to $3,000. Funding for the match will come from an anonymous donor. Ashcraft said the kettle match comes at a critical time as the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division is experiencing a decrease in donations as much as 38.38%. "The Kettle Match Challenge offers an opportunity for the community to amplify their contributions to help their local Corps reach their Red Kettle Campaign's fundraising goals to meet the increase in requests for assistance," Ashcraft said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Red Kettle donations stay within the community where they are received, supporting programs and services year-round. Last year's Divisional Red Kettle Campaign raised $3,294,995.23, which provided 7,569,988 meals, housed 307,361 individuals and distributed 181,512 toys to children during the holiday season. To support The Salvation Army this Red Kettle season, donate online to a Virtual Red Kettle or text KETTLE to 31333. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. (COLORADO SPRINGS)The Salvation Army said some families received the wrong gifts during its annual Angel Giving Tree program and is asking anyone impacted to contact them. According to the Salvation Army, nearly 500 families were blessed with over 5,000 toys on Thursday. However, mistakes occurred, and some toys were not given to the right families. We are committed to ensuring that all the toys get into the hands of needy children and families in time for Christmas and encourage any families receiving the wrong toys to contact or come to The Salvation Army to exchange the toys, writes the Salvation Army in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families are encouraged to reach out to the Salvation Army at (719) 636-3891 or visit its 908 Yuma Street location. The Salvation Army said it is taking proactive steps to address any concerns and maintain the integrity of the program. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Salvation Army of Augusta needs 50-thousand dollars to meet its goal of 235 thousand for its Red Kettle Campaign. With only three more days left of the red kettle campaign, the Salvation Army and its bell ringers are trying to close the gap to meet this years goal. This is crucial to help support programs that serve the community all year. This is typically the time of year where people are in the spirit of giving and really want to give the most but a lot of us out still dealing with rebuilding our homes and buying new cars, and its hard to, you know, restabilize your life and also think about donating, said Janelys Villalta, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Salvation Army Augusta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Salvation Army understands that the community is still suffering from Helene and thinks this is a big reason why donations are not where they usually are this year. But they have one Bell Ringer who is bringing joy to those who have seen him. I wasnt expecting it, but almost every day, I get like 10/20 people walk up to me and be like, you know your viral on Facebook, right, said Shawn PandaStar, Salvation Army bell ringer. PandaStar started bell ringing as a way to get back into the community. Previously, I just came from Vegas from chasing a singing dream out there, just being a bus signer and performing stuff. So, I already had the speaker and microphone. So, I just decided to come out, plug it up, and if somebody tells me to stop, Ill stop, said Pandastar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He started just ringing the bell but wanted to bring what he loves to do and bring a smile onto peoples faces. Every now and then theres someone who dont like my songs or music or whatever but for the most part just turn my head, and I see people walking and they start dancing and smiles just light up on their face, said Panda star. The Salvation Army is thankful to have him be able to show joy to people this Christmas season. We have actually tons of messages coming in about him. People just saying that theyre so happy that he has so much Christmas cheer, and were really grateful to him too, said Villalta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to donate online, you can go to their website, or you can go in person on Saturday, December 21, Monday, December 23, and Christmas Eve at stores like Bass Pro, Belk, Food Lion, Hobby Lobby, Kroger, Sams Club, and Walmart in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta, Thomson, and Waynesboro. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A member of the board of supervisors in Californias second-largest county abruptly resigned Friday, citing safety concerns after leading an effort to protect people from deportation. Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas, who represents a heavily Hispanic district that stretches to the U.S.-Mexico border, released a statement on social media sharing her decision to conclude my tenure as County Supervisor, completing my first term this January 6, 2025. She won reelection in November, taking more than 62 percent of the vote in her race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to personal safety and security reasons, I will not take the oath of office for a second term, she said, without providing details. As board chair, Vargas received fierce online criticism for backing a measure that sought to prevent county resources from being used to support federal immigration enforcement. The measure passed this month 3-1 but the county sheriff, Kelly Martinez, said she would not honor the policy, which is intended to help shield people from the mass deportations promised by President-elect Donald Trump. Vargas was also named in a claim against the county alleging racial bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griselda Ramirez, Vargas spokesperson, declined to provide any more details beyond the supervisors statement and said she would not be available for interviews. There are no known or active threats towards Chairwoman Nora Vargas or any of the County Supervisors, said Kimberly King, a spokesperson for the San Diego County Sheriffs Office. The San Diego County Sheriffs Office takes all threats to any citizen seriously, King said. In recent years, we have noticed an increase in contentious public meetings and less civility in general. Some of these interactions rise to the level of threatening behavior and criminal conduct. We investigate these incidents thoroughly and take appropriate action. Vargas has faced scrutiny over a county discrimination claim and complaints from constituents who feel she hasnt been responsive to their concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former county registrar of voters Michael Vu said in an October claim for damages that Vargas didnt support his bid to become chief administrative officer because of his race. Vu alleged Vargas told retiring administrative officer Helen Robbins-Meyer that we need a Hispanic or Black to fill her job, Voice of San Diego reported. In a statement to the outlet, Vargas welcomed an investigation and denied making statements that promote or condone discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. In late November, Voice of San Diego also reported that some residents in Vargas district were frustrated about her lack of responsiveness when they raised issues with homelessness, drug overdoses and Tijuana River sewage pollution. Marvel Harrison of the the Tijuana River Pollution Task Force was among those displeased with Vargas time in office, saying she had given such mixed messages on the issue and was not respected by a lot of people in the South Bay. Even so, Harrison hadnt heard even whispers of threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was preparing to work with Vargas during her second term and was shocked to hear about her decision to step down. I think it was remarkable how well-kept it was, she said. People were really taken aback. The Mau Forest in Kenya is one of the region's most important natural resources. Yet despite this, deforestation is happening there at an unsustainable rate, leading many to worry that irreversible damage is being done. What's happening? Mongabay reported the forest has lost over 25% of its tree cover in the last 40 years due to human pressures. They specifically cited data from the Global Forest Watch, which found that rates of deforestation ramped up even higher in 2023 and 2024. This is largely attributed to agricultural expansion, which is often accompanied by slash-and-burn techniques. Slash-and-burn utilizes fire to clear lands for cattle grazing and crop cultivation, and research found these fires accounted for 14% of the forest loss between 2012 and 2017, per Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cited researcher Stefanie Mehlich, who wrote: "The Mau Forest region is one of many examples where protection status does not guarantee protection of the forest ecosystem, prevention of excessive resource extraction, or illegal human activity." Why is deforestation so concerning? The Mau is critical for East Africa as a water catchment; without it, millions of people would lose their water supply. Trees soak up water through their leaves and roots, naturally filter it, and return it to the water supply via the air and the ground. This means that forests allow much more clean, fresh water to be available for human consumption than the equivalent amount of unforested land, as the European Forest Institute explains. Losing tree coverage also leads to other ecosystem-wide issues like soil erosion, flooding, wind damage, and drought. And at a time when reduced rainfall and low water levels are already threatening crops, Mongabay explained, every square acre of Mau that is lost makes a difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the flora and fauna in Mau are in danger of losing their habitat, undermining the life-sustaining biodiversity of the entire region. Several rare plants and species are at risk, including the African bush elephant, African golden cat, and bongo antelope. What's being done to preserve Mau? Several local groups in Mau, like the Paran Women Group and Bamboo Junction, are working to combat deforestation via direct reforestation efforts, as well as through education and poverty reduction. Mongabay quoted Wilfred Sanlam with Bamboo Junction, who said, "Poverty in this area is driving deforestation, but we are trying to educate the community on the dangers of cutting trees." Similar efforts are underway in forests around the world, from the Amazon to Germany to Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research has found that both reforestation and allowing for natural regrowth can be highly effective. And people have no shortage of ideas, from dropping seeds in hard-to-reach areas using drones to employing community members as forest-stewarding beekeepers. 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. Christmas was celebrated with delight by students all around Kerala, who displayed their distinct customs and lively unity. From Sree Kerala Varma College's sincere friendship to St Thomas College's joyous fine arts festival, the celebrations mirrored a common spirit of joy and unity. Kerala's colleges brimmed with festive energy as students celebrated Christmas with joy and enthusiasm. At St Thomas College, the annual Christmas celebration took on special significance as it followed the conclusion of the college's fine arts festival. Speaking to ANI, Shri Ranjani a final-year student from St Thomas College said, "Christmas in college is always special, and as this is my final year, it feels even more memorable." "The festival brings everyone together in shared celebrations, adding joy to the year's end," Ranjani added. Meanwhile, at Sree Kerala Varma College, students added a unique cultural touch to their Christmas festivities. Afreen, a third-year BA Hindi student from Thrissur, expressed her excitement, stating, "Christmas is a day we celebrate with immense joy and togetherness, both with friends and family. It holds a special place in our hearts." The students of Kerala Varma College also opted for traditional attire, reflecting an authentic way to commemorate the occasion. "We chose this unique outfit for our final-year celebration, making the moment even more special," a group of students told to ANI. As the end-of-year festivities brought smiles and unity, students cherished the chance to celebrate with their peers, fostering bonds and memories to last a lifetime. Meanwhile, preparations were underway for the Christmas festival in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore where a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree has been displayed at a mall in the city. Christmas is an annual festival, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar around the world. It is believed that Joseph and Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, considered to be the son of God, on December 25 in Bethlehem. Jesus of Nazareth was a spiritual leader whose teachings formed the foundation of Christianity. Christians, especially Catholics, arrive at churches for Midnight mass, which is followed by greeting friends and family. The places of worship are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass service. (ANI) Saturday morning, a satellite built on our Space Coast is now in space after lifting off from California. The satellite will honor the life of Lauren Boss. Boss is a 21-year-old Merritt Island woman who died of sudden cardiac arrest. Her portrait, along with her favorite scripture, is now forever etched into the side of a Sidus Space Satellite. Read: Launch of Sidus Space satellite to honor Lauren Boss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sidus Space has named its satellite, LizzieSat2, Lauren for Lauren Boss. The satellite was aboard SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base around 7 a.m. on Saturday. The Lauren Boss Legacy Foundation has since been created in honor of Lauren. Its mission is to educate and raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, 23,000 young people die every year from sudden cardiac arrest. Its the leading cause of death on school campuses, according to the AHA. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Following Friday evening's car rampage at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, a memorial service is to be held in the central German city's cathedral on Saturday at 7 pm (1800 GMT). Magdeburg's Mayor Simone Borris tearfully told journalists that she wanted to give those affected, relatives and citizens an opportunity to mourn. "We will need a long time to grieve," Borris said, visibly stunned. "We will deal with all of this comprehensively." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff, an adult and a small child were killed and 64 people were injured. Haseloff said the casualties included both slightly and seriously injured victims. Flags in the country were being flown at half-mast. A 50-year-old doctor from Bernburg was arrested as a suspect. According to earlier information, he is a lone offender and was not previously known to the authorities as an Islamist, Haseloff said. The man was from Saudi Arabia, had first come to Germany in 2006 and had an indefinite residence permit. According to the premier, the perpetrator sped through the crowds at the market in a hire car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite widespread references to an attack, Magdeburg's police said that it was not yet possible to conclusively classify the incident. The background to the offence is part of the ongoing investigation. Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about the man suspected of carrying out the incident at the Magdeburg Christmas market, according to Saudi Arabian security sources. Saudi Arabia requested the extradition of the suspect, named under German law as Taleb A., but Germany had not responded, the sources said. They said the man was a Shiite Muslim who comes from the city of Al-Hofuf in eastern Saudi Arabia. Shiites are a minority in the country, making up only around 10% in the majority Sunni nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are repeated reports of discrimination against Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia. German authorities were alerted about the man about a year ago, dpa has learned, however the nature of the warning is currently unknown. The detained suspect is a 50-year-old doctor, authorities said. He is known as an Islam-critical activist and arrived in Germany in 2006. Dpa has learned that he applied for asylum in February 2016 and was granted political refugee status in July of that year. MyAngel Walker, 18 - Screenshot: Facebook South Carolina police have arrested and charged two suspects in connection to the murder of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker. According to officials, Walkers family filed a missing persons report after the teen didnt show up the work on Thursday (Dec. 12). - Phenix S Halley Read More A grieving mother is searching for answers after a fatal shooting in Cleveland left both of her children dead. Police say Mariana Grier, 21, and Antwon Grier, 20, were shot following an altercation between the daughter and a separate group of women. - Phenix S Halley Read More TaHaley Payton vanished in November during a trip to North Carolina celebrating her 22nd birthday. Almost four weeks later, Payton was found dead, and her family is seeking answers especially since things dont seem to be adding up. - Phenix S Halley Read More Natravien Landry (left) charged with the murder of Andre S. Stewart Jr. (right) - Screenshot: Lincoln County Detention Center, Facebook Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Army National Guard soldier was charged with murder following a shooting which led to the death of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr. According to U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, the U.S. Marshals Service took 25-year-old Natravien Landry into custody on Saturday (Dec. 14), and now the Army National Guard soldier awaits another court hearing after a love triangle went terribly wrong. - Phenix S Halley Read More Screenshot: Video: Osceola County Sheriffs Office Two Fla. parents were taken into custody after Kissimmee police were made aware of alleged child abuse claims. Now, both Lance Eugene Rachel and his wife, Kimberly Corene, face child abuse charges connected to a domestic incident from Saturday (Dec. 7), according to a statement made by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Kevin Mazur (Getty Images) Tony Buzbee hasnt had a break since he started representing alleged Sean Diddy Combs accusers. A civil lawsuit against Diddy and Shawn Jay-Z Carter alleging the rappers raped a 13-year-old Jane Doe in 2000 has gotten messy over the weeks. Ironically, the Texas attorney is now facing a Jane Doe of his own in a new lawsuit against him. - Phenix S Halley Read More Photo: Al Drago (Getty Images) Washington, D.C. officials have officially charged two people in connection to a Monday (Dec. 16) incident that left a young girl hospitalized. Police say it all started when a mother left her two children at home with a family friend and an older sibling. - Phenix S Halley Read More Markham David Bond, 61, pictured robbing a Brinks truck at gunpoint. - Photo: X/ @USAO_LosAngeles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prison is meant to rehabilitate criminals who are ready to turn over a new leaf and reenter society, but it seems like even 26 years in prison wasnt enough to change 61-year-old Markham David Bonds life around. - Phenix S Halley Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned the deadly attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, which left five dead and around 200 injured, as a "terrible, insane act." "There is no place more peaceful and joyful than a Christmas market," Scholz said at the scene of the crime. "It is a horrific act to harm and kill so many people with such brutality in such a place." He spoke as the death toll rose to five when a car ploughed into the crowd at the Christmas market. More than 200 people were injured. (L-R) Reiner Haseloff, Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, Volker Wissing, German Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Steffi Lemke, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection, and State Parliament President Gunnar Schellenberger visit the site of the fatal attack at Magdeburg's Christmas market. The previous evening, a driver drove into a crowd at the market, causing several fatalities and injuries. Jan Woitas/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are due in Magdeburg on Saturday, hours after at least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 were injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market. The attack in the central German city occurred on Friday evening. The suspect, 50, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, according to state premier Reiner Haseloff. He said the suspect drove a rental car into the crowd at the Christmas market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT). The suspect, who remains in police custody, is originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency, Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister said. Many questions remain unanswered, primarily the motive for the alleged attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authorities still assume that it was a lone perpetrator. Security sources told dpa on Friday that the suspect had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. However, the suspect is reportedly known for his criticism of Islam. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: "My advice: don't ask for asylum in Germany." People mourn in front of St. John's Church for the victims of the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, where a driver rammed into a group of people. Matthias Bein/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are due in Magdeburg on Saturday, hours after at least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 were injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market. The attack in the central German city occurred on Friday evening. The suspect, 50, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, according to state premier Reiner Haseloff. He said the suspect drove a rental car into the crowd at the Christmas market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT). The suspect, who remains in police custody, is originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency, Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister said. Many questions remain unanswered, primarily the motive for the alleged attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We still don't know the background to the crime, we are considering everything," a police spokeswoman said. The authorities still assume that it was a lone perpetrator. "At the moment we have no evidence of accomplices," said a spokeswoman. The police are carrying out searches, including in Bernburg. The car went some 400 metres, according to Bild newspaper, citing the police. Security sources told dpa on Friday that the suspect had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. However, the suspect is reportedly known for his criticism of Islam. He has made erratic accusations on social media and in interviews, claiming German authorities are not doing enough to combat Islamism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously an advocate for Saudi women fleeing their country, he later advised against seeking asylum in Germany, writing on his website in English and Arabic: "My advice: don't ask for asylum in Germany." A cell phone video is said to show the arrest. In the clip, a police officer points his gun at the suspect and tells him to lie down: "Hands behind your back!" and "Stay down!" The man lies down on the ground next to a black car, which is visibly damaged and follows the instructions. It then shows reinforcements arriving, with several police officers jumping from a patrol car and surrounding the suspect on the ground. The officer instructs his colleagues not to get too close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, some 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Police in other cities with Christmas markets are also on high alert. In Stuttgart, a police spokesperson said that police forces on the ground had been made aware of the situation. In Berlin, a spokesperson said that officers are on higher alert at Christmas markets. The chaotic scenes recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years ago in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. A police cordon seals off the crime scene at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Almost eight years to the day after the terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market at the Memorial Church, a man drives into a crowd of people in Magdeburg. Matthias Bein/dpa Following Friday's deadly car ramming on a busy Christmas market in Magdeburg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is to travel to the city on Saturday. "The chancellor will visit tomorrow and assess the situation here with us and will certainly not only mourn with us, but also discuss the necessary measures," Reiner Haseloff, premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt where the incident occurred, told reporters. "And I can imagine that the federal public prosecutor will also take action due to the seriousness of this attack," Haseloff added. At least two people were killed and more than 60 others injured after a car ploughed into the crowded market in the early evening. Emergency services are on duty at a tent for the injured at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. Heiko Rebsch/dpa Emergency services, fire department and police are on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Heiko Rebsch/dpa Classroom War Class is in session, kids. Only the teacher's not in attendance. On Monday, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools approved an application for an unorthodox virtual academy. Its selling point? There are no traditional human instructors. Instead, the bulk of the lessons will be handled by an AI program, KJZZ reports. The establishment, Unbound School, is part of a network of charter schools that also operate in Texas and Florida under the name Alpha School. Using its buzzword-laden "2 Hour Learning" model, it promises to teach kids at twice the pace of classrooms led by those stodgy old pedagogues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps just as disarming as its credulous reliance on AI to intellectually nurture children at a critical stage of their development the school is initially teaching kids in fourth through eighth grade is the institution's eagerness to totally do away with flesh and blood teachers. "Imagine starting a school and declaring, 'We won't have any academic teachers.' We did exactly that!" reads the Alpha School's white paper, as highlighted by our sister publication Popular Science. Course to Water Kids attending these schools start their day with two hours of instruction on topics led by the Unbound's purportedly specialized AI program, which can allegedly adjust the learning plan as it goes to tailor to how a child is doing on each subject. The AI is supposed to be different from the likes of OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini models and more suited for teaching, according to KJZZ. The specifics on this are hazy, though, and it's unclear whose technology undergirds this AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be adults present to supervise the children, but not to provide instruction just "motivation" and "emotional support," the report said. To fill these roles, as PopSci found, the charter schools want people who think of themselves as "brand consultants." After their AI inculcation session, the kids are let loose to work on extracurricular tasks where they can apply the wisdom they gleaned from a machine learning model. "The morning is taken over through our AI learning, and in the afternoon they get the opportunity to really hone in on those life skills," Dean of Parents Tim Eyerman told KJZZ life skills being stuff like teamwork, entrepreneurship, leadership and social skills. Prof in the Pudding Using AI as the primary means of instructing children is questionable at best, and dangerous at worst. All large language models have a tendency to "hallucinate," or to make up facts. The risk of them providing incorrect information maybe even more authoritatively than a human teacher would is unavoidable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, AI models frequently go off the rails, defying their own instructions. Sometimes that looks like the models breaking character and saying horrendous stuff they're not supposed like in the case of chatbots on the platform Character.AI that emotionally abused young teens, encouraging eating disorders and suicide. Above all, there's nothing to suggest that an AI will understand the nuances of dealing with children better than a human would, let alone a professional in that field. More on AI in education: UCLA's AI-Based Literature Class Ridiculed for Incomprehensible AI-Generated Textbook Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissioner of Police (CP) Suresh Singh Dev Dutta held a discussion regarding the functioning of the anti-burglary squad, during which he underlined the importance of community cooperation in strengthening security. During the discussions on Friday, he urged apartment residents to install more CCTV cameras in their societies and assured that the police would be present near the apartments to ensure safety. "We held a discussion regarding the functioning of the anti-burglary squad. We urge apartment residents to cooperate with the police and install more CCTV cameras in the societies. We will be present near the apartments.. This is an initiative to ensure the security of people living in societies... We appeal to people to keep supporting the police and taking preventive measures to stay alert.." the Police Commissioner said while speaking to ANI. Additionally, Dev confirmed that crime scenes in the state had been reviewed, and it was noted that the state had seen a reduction in cases of murder, dacoity, burglary, snatching, and crimes against women. "We reviewed the data till November 24, and after comparing the cases, we noticed that there has been a decline in cases of murder, dacoity, burglary, snatching, and crimes against women since last year. Miscellaneous crimes have increased, and people have been registering FIRs for the same," Dev added. Taking to social media platform X, the Odisha Commissionerate shared a post about the review meeting chaired by the Police Commissioner. "Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Suresh Singh chaired a review meeting on the crime investigation and control situation in the Commissionerate area. The meeting was attended by officers in charge of all the police stations in the area. On this occasion, the magazine 'Bastiku Chal' was released to the public," the post read. Meanwhile, the Rourkela Police also launched the Operation Surakhya to strengthen the surveillance in the city and prepare an updated database of the offenders. "Operation Surakhya launched by Rourkela police to strengthen surveillance over 1340 habitual offenders and prepare an updated database of their fingerprints and photos. History sheets and Hazira registers also updated to ensure deterrence against crime," the post read. (ANI) Blood Drive Future space travelers will have to get creative to build structures on the surface of Mars. Sending all the necessary construction materials across over 140 million miles of space wouldn't just be a gargantuan undertaking, but it would be prohibitively expensive as well. Instead, scientists have long proposed making use of the existing Martian soil to construct permanent structures. In a paper accepted for publication in the journal Acta Astronautica, a team of researchers from Kharazmi University in Tehran, Iran, investigated eleven different types of Martian concrete or cement "based on available resources and technologies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And one of them stands out, to say the least: AstroCrete, a previously proposed substrate made from Martian regolith mixed with the bodily fluids the literal blood, sweat, and tears of future Mars inhabitants. Construction IV The idea of using blood to reinforce mortar dates back to the ancient Romans. "Although it is a bit strange, blood can be utilized to create strong concrete or bricks for onsite construction on Mars," the researchers wrote in the paper. "After the arrival of the first Martian inhabitants and their placement in primary structures, which can include inflatable structures, the combination of tears, blood, and sweat from the inhabitants, along with Martian regolith, can be used to produce a concrete known as AstroCrete." The unusual material was first proposed by researchers at the University of Manchester in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Scientists have been trying to develop viable technologies to produce concrete-like materials on the surface of Mars, but we never stopped to think that the answer might be inside us all along," said Aled Roberts, from the University of Manchester, in a statement at the time. A special protein in human blood called human serum albumin (HAS) serves as a "vivo binder" to create a form of concrete. Meanwhile, urea, a nitrogenous product extracted from urine, could make the material even stronger. According to the Iranian team of scientists, a single crew member could produce sufficient HAS to "construct a small habitat for another crew member" in just 72 weeks. Best of all, the University of Manchester scientists claim that AstroCrete could be 3D printed in place, making construction even simpler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from relying on the blood, sweat, and tears of astronauts, the Iranian scientists also proposed combing the Martian landscape for calcium carbonate to create a lime mortar. Alternatively, the abundant sulfur deposits on the planet's surface could also be used to craft "sulfur concrete," a corrosion-resistant material that "can be used in salty and acid environments." More on AstroCrete: Scientists Suggest Mixing "Astronaut Blood" With Mars Dust to Create Horrific Shelters SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) The Scottsboro Police Department (SPD) is asking for the publics help in identifying a man involved in a vehicle theft. In a post on social media, SPD asked for help identifying a man in a vehicle theft investigation. Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upholds death sentence in Marshall County triple murder case The department shared several photos of the man: (Scottsboro Police Department) (Scottsboro Police Department) (Scottsboro Police Department) A Scottboro Police Spokesperson said the theft happened on Wednesday. He said the owner of the stolen vehicle met with the man in the photos to sell the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD said the owner was provided with a check that was later found to be a forgery. The department said the vehicle was later recovered but it is still working to identify the man who used the forged check. Scottsboro Police said that if you know the man in the photos please contact Capt. Zackie Gant by calling (256) 574-4468 and dialing extension 340 or by calling (256) 574-3333. The department said tips can be made anonymously. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) People are continuing to call to remove President Joe Bidens name from highway signs in Scranton. This comes after the president granted clemency to Michael Conahan who was involved in the Kids for Cash scheme. Conahan and Judge Mark Ciavarella were sent to prison for the scheme where they accepted millions of dollars in kickbacks to send kids to detention centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Scranton officer charged with rape of students Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti reacted on Friday to the controversy of changing the signs. We will continue to appreciate President Bidens legacy of public service, and while the commutation is unfortunate and certainly a mistake, it does not erase President Bidens contribution to his country, or to this area. So again, I think these are two separate issues, and those calls on the street and the expressway are not new, Mayor Cognetti explained. Cognetti says this has been a controversy since 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. (WFRV) One of the people responsible for an overdose in Ripon was sentenced to prison on Friday, according to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney. According to Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, Joseph Schmidt-Rehbein was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for his role in an overdose death back in 2023. Schmidt-Rehbein was also given ten and a half years of extended supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff: Wisconsin man arrested for child pornography while in Florida on a work trip The victim had a fentanyl toxicity level of 4.0 ng/mL in his system at his death, according to officials. Toney said that helps save another life by taking a drug dealer off the streets: No amount of prison is ever enough for a parent that had to bury their child from a fentanyl overdose. We pray it offers them justice and helps save another life by taking another drug dealer off our streets. Fentanyl continues to devastate our communities and we stand with all families that have been impacted by the opioid epidemic and deadly effects of fentanyl, especially as they feel the loss of a loved one during this Christmas and Holiday season. Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmidt-Rehbein was not the only one sentenced for this incident. Maison Springston was sentenced to seven years in prison and Donavyn Mueller, who reportedly was the primary source of the drugs, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7. The case was investigated by the Ripon Police Department. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. CHEYENNE Secretary of State Chuck Gray announced Thursday morning he is working closely with Wyoming lawmakers to promote his election integrity proposals in the upcoming 2025 general session, which include a statewide ban on ballot drop boxes and requiring proof of citizenship. During a press conference in the rotunda of the state Capitol, Gray laid out his priorities for the legislative session, at least one of which has been previously shot down by Gov. Mark Gordon. These proposals include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Requiring proof of both U.S. citizenship and Wyoming residency at voter registration * A statewide ban on ballot drop boxes and ballot harvesting * Requiring true photo ID as voter ID * A ban on Zuckerbucks and other third-party funding administration * Improving voter list maintenance statutes * Requiring hand verification of voting machines With a Wyoming Freedom Caucus majority in the House of Representatives following the general election, Gray said hes confident he will have probably 35 votes at least out of the 62 members in the lower chamber in support of his proposed legislation. Rep. Chris Knapp, R-Gillette, the next chair of the House Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee, and incoming freshmen Cheyenne Republican Reps.-elect Steve Johnson and Gary Brown were also present at the conference and spoke in support of Grays proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know firsthand the work it takes to bring these bills to the finish line, Gray said. And were ready to help in carrying out this work, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, and helping the Legislature and working with them on these pieces of legislation. Knapp, who is currently a sitting member of the Corporations Committee, said there were several issues discussed by committee members this past interim that addressed affordable housing and business fraud, but election integrity failed to be one of them. Abraham Lincoln once said elections belong to the people, and we have an obligation as elected officials, Knapp said. And Im talking about the Legislature. Im talking about the Secretary of State, the governor, Im talking about the many clerks we have across this great State of Wyoming, we all have a responsibility. Both Johnson and Brown recalled meeting with voters on the campaign trail who have lost confidence in Wyomings elections. Brown, who is assigned to the House Corporations Committee in the new 68th Legislature, said some Cheyenne residents were too discouraged to cast their vote because of this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people told me, as I went door to door, that they werent going to vote anymore because they just didnt believe in the process, Brown said. I said, You know, we need your vote, because if we can get the people in there that will support what you want done, you can count on it. Ban on ballot drop boxes Wyoming law (W.S. 22-9-113) requires all ballots to be mailed or delivered to the clerk. Earlier this summer, Gray sent a letter to all Wyoming county clerks calling for the removal of ballot drop boxes, which he found to be in violation of this statute. Its actually a beautifully constructed section of the election code that all absentee ballots shall only be mailed or delivered to the clerk, and you cant deliver something to an inanimate object, Gray said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laramie County installed its ballot drop box outside the Laramie County Governmental Complex on Carey Avenue in 2020, and there are less than 10 ballot boxes used in counties across the state. Laramie Countys ballot drop box is equipped with a 24-hour camera system, locks and seals. If a seal is broken, it alerts the clerk that the box has been tampered with. Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee previously told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle she had received a lot of correspondence from voters who were grateful for the ballot drop box. They could deliver their ballot securely, they could deliver it independently, Lee said in a previous interview. Some of them had health concerns, and they really were glad that they were able to get that ballot to us without having to come into the office. On Thursday, Gray said the use of unstaffed and unattended ballot drop boxes is not in the best interest of the state of Wyoming and lacks statutory authorization. He added that two counties removed their ballot drop boxes in the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of ballot drop boxes is within the authority of the county clerk, not the secretary of state. However, Gray said he is requesting that the Legislature take immediate action to explicitly ban ballot drop boxes. While our administration, working with counties, has reduced the number that used drop boxes in the 2024 election, I believe it is necessary to take action to completely ban them, Gray said. Knapp said there will be a bill coming to the 2025 general session that proposes a statewide ban on ballot boxes. Ballot drop boxes also relate to Grays concern with ballot harvesting, which is the process of collecting absentee or mail-in ballots and delivering them to the clerk. Weve seen the problems nationwide of third parties harvesting ballots and how that can interact with ballot drop boxes, and thats why we need to ban ballot harvesting, Gray said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proof of residency The secretary of state addressed a new voter registration rule that was proposed by his office earlier this year, and later vetoed by Gov. Gordon, that would have required a registered voters residential address to match the address listed on their valid Wyoming drivers license or state-issued ID card. Currently, a person who registers to vote in Wyoming must provide a valid drivers license. If they do not have one, they have to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number and an additional acceptable ID. In his veto message, Gordon agreed that only Wyoming residents should vote in Wyoming elections. However, he argued Grays proposed rule change exceeded his authority as secretary of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gray said Thursday that he took issue with this analysis and firmly believes state statute not only allows for providing proof of Wyoming residency, but actually requires verification of state residency. In light of this troubling veto, I am seeking explicit rule making authority to ensure Wyomingites, and only Wyomingites, can vote in Wyoming elections, Gray said. One issue thats previously been brought up in debates over proof of residency is how it could discourage some qualified voters from participating in elections, such as college students and senior residents living in nursing homes. However, Gray promised his office would work to ensure eligible voters would continue to be able to cast their vote in elections. Thats pivotal to me, and we have to make sure we achieve that balance, Gray said. The 2025 general session will begin on Jan. 14. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule. While there have been bursts of deadly sectarian violence in the days since Assad was ousted, its nothing close to what was feared after nearly 14 years of civil war. Much credit for the relative calm so far is being given to the Islamic militant group that led the insurgency against Assad and is helping to rebuild the country and unite its many factions. The group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS had ties to al-Qaida, but it has vowed not to discriminate against any religion or ethnicity, and it has denounced revenge killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days since Assads fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and experts who monitor Syria. The vast majority have been from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam that the Assad family adheres to. Given the key role Alawites played in Assad's brutally repressive government, experts had expected sectarian violence to be more widespread. But HTS has worked to reduce tensions in villages where revenge killings as well as looting and harassment have taken place, according to local activists. Whether peace and pluralism will prevail longer-term remains to be seen, experts caution. The extent of the reprisals has been quite limited," said Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut. "We hope this violence will not escalate, leading to an outburst of civil strife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Assad familys 50 years of iron-fisted rule, Alawites held many top positions in the military and in the intelligence and security services, which ran prisons where thousands of people accused of anti-government activities were tortured and killed, according to human rights groups. The interim government led by HTS has vowed to gather evidence and hold trials in a special court against former officials who oversaw, or worked in, Assad's notorious prisons. It has also promised amnesty for other government workers and former members of the military, some of whom have started handing in their weapons. If we want to establish social peace there must be justice, and there is no justice without accountability, said Obeida Arnaout, a spokesman for the interim government. Those who have blood on their hands will get no amnesty. The interim government has urged reconciliation among the countrys different ethnic factions mainly Arabs and Kurds and mutual respect among its religious groups. Three-quarters of Syria's 23 million citizens are Sunnis, one-tenth are Alawites, and the rest are a mix of Christians, Ismaili Shiites and Druze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Assad, Syrians enjoyed religious and other freedoms. Men and women mingled freely at beaches and other public places; restaurants served alcoholic beverages; and women held senior posts in government. Now that power resides in the hands of HTS, many Syrians as well as Western governments and human rights groups are concerned the country could be transformed into a theocracy. So far, the HTS-led coalition has not imposed any strict religious rules, such as forcing women to wear veils, and it has allowed journalists from around the world to report freely. Over years of control in the northwest Syrian province of Idlib, HTS allowed Christians and Druze to practice without interference. HTS is led by a former al-Qaida member who has renounced extremism and spent years working to remake his public image, depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. Still, the United States, other Western countries and the U.N. still consider HTS a terrorist organization a branch of al-Qaida in Syria, but with a different name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the top priorities of HTS and its leader Ahmad al-Sharaa -- is to get the terror designation removed, which could then lead to economic sanctions against Syria being lifted. U.S. officials say al-Sharaas public statements about protecting minority and womens rights are welcomed. But they are skeptical he will follow through on them in the long run. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last weekend that the U.S. is in contact with HTS and that its "message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and were prepared to help them do so. Since Assad fled the country, at least 72 men and women have been killed in sectarian violence, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in Britain. It says the killings occurred in four religiously mixed provinces Hama and Homs in central Syria, and Tartus and Latakia along its eastern coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunmen stormed the village of Bahra in Hama province on Dec. 9, and killed a dozen Alawites over three days eight of whom were from the same family, according to a resident of the village who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. In nearby Mouaa, six men were killed, and in Um al-Amad, a man and his son were shot dead, the resident of Bahra said. The three villages are now almost empty after the most residents fled to the Alawite heartland, in the coastal province of Tartus, the Bahra resident said. The reason why I am speaking is to try stop the killings, he said. In the Assad stronghold of Masyaf, gunmen last week kidnapped Muhieddine al-Haybe, the brother of a Shiite cleric who fled the town in Hama province shortly after the fall of Assads government, according to an anti-Assad activist who would only provide his first name, Hussein, out of concern for his safety. He said al-Haybe's body and three other unidentified dead bodies were later found near a military post. A third person from the area said the situation was tense for days until HTS hosted a meeting over the weekend that brought together Sunni and Alawite dignitaries from nearby villages, including Rabia, Tizin, Metnine and Mouaa. By the end of the meeting, the participants reconciled and agreed to end any acts of violence, according to this person, who is Alawite and insisted on anonymity out of fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were also the victims of the regime, the person said, adding that the Assad government did not offer civilian jobs to Alawites, which put pressure on them to join the military and security services. The man said his house was looted and his six cows were stolen. There have been reports of al-Sharaa himself trying to keep the peace among Syrias many factions. Syrian media reported that he met in Damascus on Monday with a delegation from the Druze community and told them that his goal was to unite Syria and create a free society. Some Syrians say there might have been more sectarian violence in the aftermath of Assad's ouster had his forces mounted a serious fight against HTS and other militants behind the insurgency. Instead, Assad's army essentially melted away and chose not to defend his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are witnessing some sectarian incidents, but they are all individuals acts, said Rayan Maarouf, an anti-Assad activist who is a member of Syria's Druze minority in the southern city of Sweida. ___ Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb contributed from Damascus. A suspect is in custody and the search is on for another after a security guard opened fire on them while they were trying to break into a multi-million dollar home in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Beverly Crest. According to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, officers responded to a call for service in the 2500 block of Summitridge Drive, which is located in a gated community south of Mulholland Drive, at approximately 7:18 p.m. Friday. When they arrived, they located an armed security guard who shot at two suspects trying to break into a residence, the spokesperson stated. The guard mentioned to officers that he saw the suspects with weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four suspects rear-end, kidnap man and burglarize his home in Riverside County The guard fired at the suspects, neither of whom were struck, the spokesperson added. The suspects then fled the area. An armed security guard opened fire on two suspects trying to break in to a mansion in Beverly Crest, police say. Dec. 20, 2024. (Sky5) An armed security guard opened fire on two suspects trying to break in to a mansion in Beverly Crest, police say. Dec. 20, 2024. (Sky5) An armed security guard opened fire on two suspects trying to break in to a mansion in Beverly Crest, police say. Dec. 20, 2024. (Sky5) An armed security guard opened fire on two suspects trying to break in to a mansion in Beverly Crest, police say. Dec. 20, 2024. (Sky5) An armed security guard opened fire on two suspects trying to break in to a mansion in Beverly Crest, police say. Dec. 20, 2024. (Sky5) Video from Sky5 shows a heavy police presence in front of the luxury home on Friday night as officers canvassed the scene for clues and set up a perimeter. One of the suspects was located and taken into custody, the spokesperson confirmed, adding that he was bitten by a K9 officer as he was being detained. Southern California woman survives attack, attempted abduction The second suspect remains outstanding as of 5 a.m. Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No description was immediately available, and no further details were disclosed. Sam Bader and Alexis Lewis 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 KTLA. Nearly 3 million Americans will receive full Social Security benefits under legislation now on the desk of President Biden, who is expected to sign it early next week. Passed in the waning hours of the current Congress more than a week ago, the Social Security Fairness Act landed at the White House on Friday. Decades in the making, senators voted 76-20 for the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate two federal policies that prevent nearly 3 million people, including police officers, firefighters, postal workers, teachers and others with a public pension, from collecting their full Social Security benefits. The Senate held its first hearings into the policies in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Senate finally corrects a 50-year mistake," proclaimed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, after senators approved the legislation at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, December 21. President Biden will hold a signing ceremony for the measure on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, according to a post on social media by the National Association of Police Organizations, or NAPO. The advocacy group's leadership had been informed of the coming event by the White House, NAPO said in a Dec. 30 announcement. The development was echoed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, which said that Biden would sign the bill on Monday, at 10 a.m. EST, and that Edward Kelly, IAFF's general president, had been invited to the signing. "The IAFF has been working on the issue for years, and Mr. Kelly has been present on Capitol Hill lobbying for the WEP/GPO repeal," an IAFF spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not respond to a request for comment. NAPO also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Democrats uniformly voted for the measure, while Republicans in the Senate were split, with 20 voting to pass it and 20 voting against it. Four senators did not vote, including California's Adam Schiff, a Democrat; Joe Manchin, an independent from West Virginia; and two Republicans Marco Rubio of Florida and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance of Ohio. Congressional passage came down to the wire. After garnering bipartisan approval in the U.S. House in November, Senate approval came at about 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, just ahead of a continuing resolution to keep the government from shutting down. The votes marked the final ones cast by senators in the 118th Congress before the next Congress is sworn in on January 3. "Social Security is a bedrock of our middle class. You pay into it for 40 quarters, you earned it, it should be there when you retire," Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who lost his seat in the November election, told the chamber Wednesday ahead of one of multiple votes to advance the bill. "All these workers are asking for is for what they earned." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators rejected four amendments and a budgetary point of order that would have derailed the measure, given the small window of time left to pass it. Republicans who spoke against the bill largely objected to its cost, noting that the measure would accelerate the Social Security trust fund's projected insolvency by about six months, now estimated to be roughly a decade away. Senate supporters of the bill, including Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy, argued that while Social Security's funding shortfall needs to be addressed, that shouldn't be done at the expense of retirees with public pensions. When will the Social Security Fairness Act go into effect Once signed into law, the legislation's effective date involves Social Security payments for months after December 2023, according to the text of the bill. Still, calculating what folks are due, not to mention retroactive payments, may not be simple or quick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Social Security Administration is awaiting the possible final enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act into law and rules for implementation. We will provide more information on our website, ssa.gov as it becomes available," a spokesperson said in an email. The new law would come at a time when the Social Security Administration is operating with its lowest staffing level in more than 50 years, or since 1972, with a hiring freeze recently put in place, a spokesperson noted. Congress rejected the White House budget office's request to increase its funding, first in September and again last week, leaving it flat. The bill's passage is "a monumental victory for millions of public service workers who have been denied the full benefits they've rightfully earned," said Shannon Benton, executive director for the Senior Citizens League, which advocates for retirees and which has long pushed for the expansion of Social Security benefits. "This legislation finally restores fairness to the system and ensures the hard work of teachers, first responders and countless public employees is truly recognized." What is the Social Security Fairness Act? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two federal policies the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) that reduce Social Security payments to nearly 3 million retirees. That includes those who also collect pensions from state and federal jobs that aren't covered by Social Security, including teachers, police officers and U.S. postal workers. The bill would also end a second provision that reduces Social Security benefits for those workers' surviving spouses and family members. The WEP impacts about 2 million Social Security beneficiaries and the GPO nearly 800,000 retirees. var pymParent = new pym.Parent( "chart", "https://cbs-news-data.github.io/wep-gpo_ai2html/", {} ); The measure, which passed the House in November, had 62 cosponsors when it was introduced in the Senate last year. Yet the bill's bipartisan support eroded in recent days, with some Republican lawmakers voicing doubts due to its cost. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the proposed legislation would add a projected $195 billion to federal deficits over a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President-elect JD Vance of Ohio was among the 24 Republican senators to join 49 Democrats to advance the measure in an initial procedural vote that took place Wednesday. Without Senate approval, the bill's fate would have ended with the current session of Congress and would have needed to be re-introduced in the next Congress. Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack Suspected driver who slammed truck into New Orleans crowd is dead, sources say What's known about possible explosives, suspect after truck slams into New Orleans crowd Mary Annette Pember ICT The push for U.S. accountability for the creation and operation of Indian boarding schools rolls on in the final days of the current Congressional session with Senate passage of a bill to establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii who serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, announced the bipartisan legislation had passed the Senate on Friday, Dec. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM. CONTRIBUTE TODAY. The bill now heads to the House for further consideration, though it wasnt clear the likelihood it could win full passage this year. "We are overwhelmed with tears of joy as S-1723 moves one step closer to becoming law, said Deborah Parker, chief executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition said in a statement shared with ICT. This is a moment we've waited for so long one that brings hope and healing to Native American communities, children, and survivors of this dark chapter in our history, Parker said. We urge the House to act swiftly and pass this bill before Congress adjourns, so the truth can finally be acknowledged, and the healing can truly begin. This is a long-overdue step toward justice for those who have suffered for generations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related story: Outgoing Congress moves to protect Indigenous children The legislation would establish a federal commission to investigate, document and acknowledge injustices supported by the federal government during the boarding school era, which began in the 1800s with a plan for forced assimilation of Native children. The hope is that the act, if approved, would help begin the healing process for survivors, descendants and communities that continue to experience intergenerational trauma as a result of the destructive policies. The Biden administration has taken unprecedented action to recognize the fallout of the assimilationist policies, including supporting Secretary of the Interior Deb Haalands two-part boarding school initiative investigation. Haaland, Laguna Pueblo, was the first Native American to sit in a presidential cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden also issued an historic apology in October for the U.S. governments role in creating and operating boarding schools. He has since announced creation of a national monument on the site of the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, whose harsh policies served as the model for Indian boarding schools across the U.S. and Canada. Murkowski thanked Schatz in the statement and recognized the healing coalition, advocates, survivors and their families for working on the legislation. As a committee, we have worked diligently on this bill because for far too long the dark legacy of the Indian Boarding School Era was unrecognized and unacknowledged, said Murkowski, who co-led the legislation with its author, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts. I have heard numerous stories from those who attended boarding schools some from the state of Alaska, some outside of the state, Murkowski continued. I thank all those whove uncovered those scars and shared their painful experiences on the need for this Commission, which will provide a process for communities to share truth and pursue healing with the goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the boarding school healing act are scrambling to secure passage of the companion bill in the House of Representatives before the session ends and a new Congress is sworn in next year. The office of the National Congress of American Indians issued a call Friday via social media for citizens to call leaders of the House urging them to pass the bill during this session. NCAI leadership noted that this may be the last chance the boarding school healing bill will have for years to come. In its waning hours, the Biden administration has supported a flurry of Native-positive legislation and agreements, including Department of the Interior agreements with the U.S. Library of Congress and the Smithsonians National Museum of American History to preserve boarding school survivors stories as part of the Indian boarding school initiative. And earlier this week, the Senate gave final approval to the Native American Child Protection Act. The bill is now headed to the presidents desk for his signature. It would reauthorize, revise and expand parts of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act enacted in 1990. The original programs were never fully funded. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhupen Kumar Borah on Saturday wrote a letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the death of Congress worker Mridul Islam during a protest march by Congress workers to Raj Bhavan on December 18. Borah has alleged that Mridul Islam, a young advocate and a Congress worker, lost his life due to police high-handedness. In a letter dated December 21, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President said, "As you would be aware, a young and promising advocate, Sri Mridul Islam, lost his life to police high-handedness during a march by Congress workers to Raj Bhavan, on the 18th of December 2024." "As would be attested by numerous media outlets that were present on the spot, Sri Islam's tragic death is a direct result of the overuse of force by Assam Police," he added. Borah expressed that the death of the young advocate is a great tragedy, noting that the deceased leaves behind an unemployed widow and two small children. "Whatever our political differences, the death of a political worker in the service of democracy, at the hands of the state machinery, is a matter of great tragedy," " the letter read. Borah also requested the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to provide a government job to the widow of the deceased in her home district of Kamrup (Rural). "Sri Islam leaves behind an unemployed widow, Smt Hamida Parbin, and two small children. Therefore, on compassionate grounds, I request you to grant a suitable Government job to Smt Hamida Parbin, in her home district of Kamrup (Rural) as per her qualification. In terms of educational qualifications, she has completed her Higher Secondary (Arts) exams; and her particulars are attached herewith," the letter read. Notably, Congress leaders and workers held nationwide protests on Wednesday, including marches to Raj Bhavans in Jammu, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Patna. The protests were held to raise concerns over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about BR Ambedkar, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleged inaction on the Adani controversy, and the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Two Congress party workers lost their lives during nationwide protests called by the party on Wednesday. (ANI) WASHINGTON, D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Prior to House lawmakers passing a third attempt at the budget bill, senators from the Carolinas were adamant they will not support any proposal that fails to provide adequate relief to Hurricane Helene victims. The people of North Carolina, the people of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, the list goes on, Tennessee, need relief today, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis told reporters on Capitol Hill. House passes bill to avert government shutdown after whirlwind funding fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement N.C. Junior Sen. Ted Budd said it was ridiculous that western North Carolina has waited 83 days for federal relief funding. During a press conference alongside Tillis and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, Budd said residents are still living in tents, waiting on delayed trailers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Two previously proposed budgets set aside more than $100 billion in relief. $9 billion of that is expected to go to North Carolina. Senators Tillis, Budd and Graham say they have President-elect Donald Trumps assurances that he too wants a bill that provides relief to storm-impacted areas. I agree the (continuing resolution) had things in it, it should not but disaster relief is an absolute must to get my vote and support, said Graham. Right now, Congress is working with a midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown. House Speaker Johnsons chamber met that deadline, with the Senate on the clock Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC Congress members concerned about lack of disaster relief funding in proposed budget facing imminent deadline We will meet our obligations for our farmers who need aid, for the disaster victims all over the country and for making sure that military and essential services and everyone who relies upon the federal government for a paycheck is paid over the holidays, Johnson said. The Hill reports there could be impacts if that deadline is not met. Travelers could see longer waits at the countrys airports, including at Charlotte Douglas International during a busy holiday travel season. FEMAs work in Western NC would continue, but the agencys longer-term projects could be delayed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee condemned the Supreme Court for an ethical crisis of its own making in a new report released Saturday. The report follows Democrats 20-month investigation into the courts ethics, spurred by ProPublica reports last year detailing how Justice Clarence Thomas accepted various luxury gifts and trips from a billionaire while on the court. In particular, the majority staff report critiques Thomas, Justice Samuel Alito and the late Justice Antonin Scalia, all prominent conservative justices, claiming they violated their legal obligations by not disclosing gifts or failing to recuse from certain cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any claim that the Court can adequately police itself is belied by the fact that the Court has not taken meaningful action to address ethical misconduct and no justice has faced consequences for unethical behaviordespite dozens of credible allegations of misconduct by multiple justices over decades, the report states. An enforceable code of conduct for the Supreme Court is essential in light of the Courts failure to police itself, it continued. Democrats have pushed the Supreme Court to strengthen its ethics standards for years, but revelations of Thomass trips and other ethics controversies sparked renewed interest as public trust in the court plummeted. The number, value, and extravagance of the gifts accepted by Justice Thomas have no comparison in modern American history, the report states, critiquing the judiciarys policymaking body for not taking further corrective action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas has denied wrongdoing and said he was not previously obligated to disclose the trips, provided by billionaire Harlan Crow, under a personal hospitality exception that has since been clarified. On a personal note, Kathy and I are saddened that our dear friends, Clarence and Ginni Thomas, have been subjected to these baseless smears for the past two year, Harlan Crow said in a statement. They are good and honorable people and no one should be treated this way. In response to the pressure, the justices ultimately adopted a statement of ethical principles last November. Democrats have criticized it for including no binding enforcement mechanism, as opposed to the code in place for other federal judges. The new report reups Democrats calls to pass legislation that would create an enforceable ethics code. Republicans blocked the bill, expressing confidence in the justices to police their own ethics and view Democrats investigation as a partisan attempt to tear down the conservative-majority court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas and the other justices did not return a request for comment sent to a court spokesperson. Mark Paoletta, a close friend of Thomas whom President-elect Trump has selected for a senior role in the Office of Management and Budget, called the report pathetic and criticized Democrats for releasing it the Saturday before Christmas. When they come back, they will thankfully be in the minority. Good riddance, Paoletta wrote on X. Updated at 3:37 p.m. EST Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee laid out a string of alleged improprieties by the Supreme Courts conservative-leaning justices in a scathing new report on the courts ethics issues released Friday. The Supreme Court has mired itself in an ethical crisis of its own making by failing to address justices ethical misconduct for decades, the 93-page report says, laying out alleged misconduct by Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and the late Antonin Scalia. The report alleges that the three justices separately failed to appropriately disclose lavish gifts and trips from wealthy benefactors, often including those with business before the court. Thomas, in particular, accepted millions of dollars in gifts from wealthy benefactors for nearly his entire tenure on the court, the report says, adding: The number, value, and extravagance of the gifts accepted by Justice Thomas have no comparison in modern American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats accuse Thomas of violating federal law by failing to recuse himself in cases that involved the political interests of his wife, Ginni Thomas, including the attempt to subvert the 2020 election results. Alito also engaged in conduct that created an appearance of impropriety, according to the report, citing the flags flown by his wife on their properties in response to the 2020 election interference effort. The report says that people who sought to gain influence with the court used gifts to access justices, and that justices repeatedly failed to identify conflicts of interest or to recuse themselves in related cases taken up by the court. The Supreme Courts public information office did not immediately respond to MSNBCs request for comment. Fridays report is a culmination of a 20-month investigation by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee. But with Republicans set to take control of the Senate in January, its unlikely the findings will go anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats have pushed for a binding code of conduct for the justices amid reports of ethical lapses by the court. But Democrats have repeatedly run up against objections from their Republican counterparts, who claim they are attempting to delegitimize the conservative-majority court for its rulings on gun rights, abortion and other major cases. In June, Republicans blocked a vote on a Senate bill that would have required the court to adopt an enforceable code of conduct. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate passed legislation early Saturday to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year. The bipartisan bill, which next heads to President Joe Biden, will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from work in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put further strain on Social Security Trust Funds. The legislation has been decades in the making but the push to pass it came together in the final weeks and was completed in the final minutes that lawmakers were in Washington before Congress resets next year. All Senate Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans, voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of 76-20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of retired teachers and firefighters and letter carriers and state and local workers have waited decades for this moment. No longer will public retirees see their hard-earned Social Security benefits robbed from them, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The bill repeals two provisions the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset that limit Social Security benefits for certain recipients if they receive retirement payments from other sources such as the public retirement program for a state or local government. Social Security is a bedrock of our middle class. Its retirement security that Americans pay into and earn over a lifetime," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat who has pushed for the proposal for years and will leave Congress after losing reelection. He added that the current restrictions make no sense. These workers serve the public. They protect our communities. They teach our kids. They pay into Social Security just like everyone else." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who currently have reductions in their Social Security benefits under the exceptions would soon see a boost in their monthly payments. But those increased payments would also add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Social Security Trust Funds were already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035, and the change will hasten the programs insolvency date by about half a year. A typical dual-income couple retiring in 2033 would see an additional $25,000 lifetime reduction in their benefits, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Many of the bill's opponents acknowledged that the current reductions are not fair to public service retirees, but said they could not support the bill when the entire program faces challenges. We caved to the pressure of the moment instead of doing this on a sustainable basis, said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who opposed the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy changes will also heap more work on the Social Security Administration when the agency is already at its lowest staffing level in 50 years. The agency currently has a staff of about 56,400 the lowest level since 1972, according to an agency spokesperson even as it serves more people than ever. The stopgap government funding bill that also passed early Saturday did not include increased funding for the agency, which is currently in a hiring freeze. Still, Republican supporters of the bill said there was a rare opportunity to address what they described as an unfair section of federal law that hurts public service retirees. They have earned these benefits. This is an unfair, inequitable penalty, said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican. GOP supporters of the bill also said they would return to work on larger fixes to Social Security. President-elect Donald Trump, however, has said he will not touch the benefits, even as his administration looks to make deep budget cuts elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans are nonetheless working on ideas that would put the program on better financial footing, but also inevitably require a scale-back in benefits. One fiscal hawk, Sen. Rand Paul, pushed Friday for a proposal to gradually raise the Social Security retirement age to 70, although a vote to add that provision to the bill only received three votes in favor of it. There's so much riding on us getting this right and having the courage to fix Social Security over the next few years, Tillis said. We will rue the day that we failed to do it. WASHINGTON The Senate passed a bill early Saturday morning that will avert a costly government shutdown by keeping it operating into March and provide more than $100 billion in disaster aid for storm-wracked states across the country. The 85-11 vote on the legislation followed days of chaos in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which struggled to reach agreement on a spending bill after objections to certain provisions from President-elect Donald Trump and mega-billionaire Elon Musk. In the end, Democrats denied Trump a key priority: a hike in the governments borrowing authority that he demanded to make life easier for himself as he prepares to pass another round of costly tax cuts during his second term in the White House. Trump even threatened to find primary election challengers for GOP lawmakers who opposed hiking the debt ceiling but was rebuffed by the overwhelming majority of his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump stayed quiet as the Republican yea votes in the House 170 of them rolled in on Friday and was reportedly unhappy the bill didnt contain his main demand, according to Semafors Burgess Everett. The president has been very vocal about what he wants. He wants a debt limit, he wants it done before he gets into office and the first thing hes asked us to do, we are not able to deliver. Thats a problem, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a top Trump ally, told HuffPost. But Democrats didnt get everything they wanted, either. Republican lawmakers, under pressure from Musk and his army of supporters on social media, stripped from the bill several provisions that had bipartisan support, including prescription drug reforms, pay hikes for members of Congress, expanded restrictions on U.S. investments in China and legislation that would crack down on revenge porn and hidden resort fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement on Friday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown here at a Hanukkah event at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 17, says there are wins for American families in the newly passed government spending package will resurface. ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images The bill now heads to President Joe Bidens desk. The White House said he would sign it into law. Musk also celebrated the bills passage on X, his social media platform, crediting House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for paring down the size and cost of the bill substantially. The Speaker did a good job here, given the circumstances. It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces, he wrote in one post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, meanwhile, vowed to take up the jettisoned provisions in the next government funding bill in March. They also accused Republicans of kowtowing to Musk by killing a bipartisan provision that could limit his businesses ability to operate in China. As the CEO of Tesla, Musk has extensive business connections to China, and his business has a major manufacturing plant in Shanghai. Its interesting that there were a bunch of provisions that would have impacted corporations bottom lines and billionaires bottom lines that didnt make it into the final bill, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. I kind of think thats going to be the story in 2025, is that billionaires are going to decide what Republicans support and what they dont. Related... The Senate voted overwhelmingly in the early hours of Saturday to pass legislation to boost Social Security benefits for more than 2 million Americans. The legislation will repeal two statutes that have reduced payouts to state and local police, firefighters, teachers and other public sector workers and their spouses for years. The legislation passed by a vote of 76-20. President Biden is expected to sign it into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the bills sponsor, said it would address horrendous inequity. She highlighted the plight of teachers in Maine who worked their whole careers in the public sector under a state retirement system that did not include Social Security and as a result received a fraction of the Social Security benefits earned by spouses who worked in the private sector after they died. Collins has been working on the issue for more than 20 years, and first introduced the bill in 2005. The bill will help more than 20,000 people in her home state. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) talked about his former high school civics teacher, Ms. Betty, who saw her husbands Social Security benefit cut to a fraction of what she expected because she spent her life working in public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When her husband passed away, her husband worked at [an] Exxon refinery her Social Security was cut to a fraction because she had worked in the public sector as a teacher, he said. Cassidy said his former teacher would have received better benefits in retirement if she had never worked at all. The legislation will increase benefits for more than 70,000 people in Louisiana. The bill, the Social Security Fairness Act, will repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted in 1983, which reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who receive government pensions not covered by Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO), enacted in 1977, which reduces benefits for spouses, widows and widowers whose spouses receive public sector pensions. Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio), the bills Democratic sponsor, said the legislation would help bus drivers, teachers and cafeteria workers in the public schools system. He talked about a woman who drove a bus for disabled children in Lawrence County, Ohio, for 40 years whose Social Security benefits would be reduced from $2,100 a month to $500 a month under current law. The Congressional Budget Office projects the legislation will add $196 billion to the federal deficit over the next 10 years and speed up Social Securitys projected insolvency by six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators passed the measure after defeating an amendment sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to offset the cost of the expanded benefits by gradually raising the retirement age from 67 to 70 over 12 years. If we give new people more money, we have to take it from somewhere. We have to either borrow it or print it, but it has to come from somewhere, Paul said. You cant just push the bankruptcy of Social Security and say, Well, yeah, it will go bankrupt in about nine years but maybe I wont be here, he said. Shouldnt we care about the future of Social Security? Paul said the vote on his amendment would reveal who are the truly fiscally responsible people in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), another fiscal conservative, argued that WEP was enacted to fix serious problems in how Social Security benefits were calculated, asserting that prior to its implementation individuals with mixed careers in the public and private sectors often received more in Social Security benefits than they were entitled to receive. He acknowledged that the laws designed to keep people from receiving more than they earned in benefits may have needed to be fine-tuned but argued that repealing WEP and GPO altogether would return the nation to a broken model that unfairly rewards some at the expense of others. He argued the bill would force the 96 percent of the workforce that contributes to Social Security to subsidize overly generous benefits for the 4 percent of the workforce, those who do not participate in Social Security and instead contribute to noncovered pensions. Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, applauded passage of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress broke a promise 40 years ago to millions of Americans when it enacted the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, Kelly said. Today, U.S. senators from both parties joined to right that wrong, ensuring that retired fire fighters and other dedicated public servants get the Social Security benefits theyve paid into and earned. The legislation passed the House last month by a vote of 327 to 75. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (AP) A nearly two-year investigation by Democratic senators of Supreme Court ethics details more luxury travel by Justice Clarence Thomas and urges Congress to establish a way to enforce a new code of conduct. Any movement on the issue appears unlikely as Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate in January, underscoring the hurdles in imposing restrictions on a separate branch of government even as public confidence in the court has fallen to record lows. The 93-page report released Saturday by the Democratic majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure form: a private jet flight to New York's Adirondacks in July and jet and yacht trip to New York City sponsored by billionaire Harlan Crow in October, one of more than two dozen times detailed in the report that Thomas took luxury travel and gifts from wealthy benefactors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court adopted its first code of ethics in 2023, but it leaves compliance to each of the nine justices. The highest court in the land cant have the lowest ethical standards, the committee chairman, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, said in a statement. He has long called for an enforceable code of ethics. Republicans protested the subpoenas authorized for Crow and others as part of the investigation. No Republicans signed on to the final report, and no formal report from them was expected. A spokesman for Crow said he voluntarily agreed to provide information for the investigation, which did not pinpoint any specific instances of undue influence. Crow said in a statement that Thomas and his wife Ginni had been unfairly maligned. They are good and honorable people and no one should be treated this way, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Mark Paoletta, a longtime friend of Thomas who has been tapped for the incoming Trump administration, said the report was aimed at conservatives whose rulings Democrats disagreed with. This entire investigation was never about ethics but about trying to undermine the Supreme Court," Paoletta said in a statement posted on X. The court did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thomas has said he was not required to disclose the trips that he and his wife took with Crow because the big donor is a close friend of the family and disclosure of that type of travel was not previously required. The new ethics code does explicitly require it, and Thomas has since gone back and reported some travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report traces back to Justice Antonin Scalia, saying he established the practice of accepting undisclosed gifts and hundreds of trips over his decades on the bench. The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and retired Justice Stephen Breyer also took subsided trips but disclosed them on their annual forms, it said. The investigation found that Thomas has accepted gifts and travel from wealthy benefactors worth more than $4.75 million by some estimates since his 1991 confirmation and failed to disclose much of it. The number, value, and extravagance of the gifts accepted by Justice Thomas have no comparison in modern American history, according to the report. It also detailed a 2008 luxury trip to Alaska taken by Justice Samuel Alito. He has said he was exempted from disclosing the trip under previous ethical rules. Alito also declined calls to withdraw from cases involving Donald Trump or the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol after flags associated with the riot were seen flying at two of Alito's homes. Alito has said the flags were raised by this wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas has ignored calls to step aside from cases involving Trump, too. Ginni Thomas supported Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election that the Republican lost to Democrat Joe Biden. The report also pointed to scrutiny of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who, aided by her staff, has advanced sales of her books through college visits over the past decade. Justices have also heard cases involving their book publishers, or involving companies in which justices owned stock. Biden has been the most prominent Democrat calling for a binding code of conduct. Justice Elena Kaganhas publicly backed adopting an enforcement mechanism, though some ethics experts have said it could be legally tricky. Justice Neil Gorsuch recently cited the code when he recused himself from an environmental case. He had been facing calls to step aside because the outcome could stand to benefit a Colorado billionaire whom Gorsuch represented before becoming a judge. The report also calls for changes in the Judicial Conference, the federal courts oversight body led by Chief Justice John Roberts, and further investigation by Congress. The Vice President of India's official handle shared the images of the celebration. "Hon'ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, joined the Rajya Sabha Secretariat employees in celebrating Christmas at Vice-President's Enclave today. #Christmas #RajyaSabha," the post reads on X. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended a Christmas celebration at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian in Delhi, where he received a warm welcome and interacted with prominent members of the Christian community. "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. During the celebration, PM Modi also lighted candles and witnessed several programs. Christmas is an annual festival, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar around the world. It is believed that Joseph and Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, considered to be the son of God, on December 25 in Bethlehem. Jesus of Nazareth was a spiritual leader whose teachings formed the foundation of Christianity. Christians, especially Catholics, arrive at churches for midnight mass, which is followed by greeting friends and family. The places of worship are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass service. 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) Joshua James earned his Purple Heart in 2007, when an IED tore through a bridge he was crossing in Baghdad leaving him severely wounded with a traumatic brain injury. He returned his medal to the government in a manila envelope after pleading guilty to scheming with Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, to keep Donald Trump in office by force after the 2020 election. James arc from war hero to central player in a seditious conspiracy and his bid for redemption by cooperating to help convict dozens of his former compatriots formed the backdrop Friday of a sentencing hearing that also served as a somber coda to the Justice Departments four-year quest to punish those who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The institutions that protected democracy on Jan. 6 cannot and will not forget, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Edwards, who cast James sentencing as a chance to cement the threat to democracy in Americas long-term national memory and to turn the page and allow this country to start to heal. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta acknowledged the wrenching conflict of James life, calling him a true American hero who was led astray. For James extraordinary cooperation, Mehta sentenced him to three years of probation. And the judge used his remarks to highlight the dozens of Jan. 6 defendants who are military veterans and have described being left to endure emotional and physical traumas with limited support. But James, he said, ultimately made his own decision to turn against democracy and join the Oath Keepers in a plot to violently prevent the transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what people need to wrap their heads around, Mehta said, about how close we came on a knifes edge between what happened on Jan. 6, which was bad enough, and something far worse. James joined the Oath Keepers in 2017 but his involvement intensified in 2020 when he became a close ally of Rhodes, who Mehta has repeatedly described as an ongoing threat to the country. Rhodes, the judge said, preyed on disaffected members of the military and enlisted them in his far-right project to keep Trump in power by force. James, who led the groups Alabama chapter, became a top ally in that effort, encouraging others to bring weapons to Washington ahead of Jan. 6, where they were ostensibly traveling to provide security for top Trump allies. James was assigned to protect longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone, and James was with Stone on the morning of Jan. 6. But after pro-Trump rioters breached the Capitol, James and other Oath Keepers raced across the city to join the melee, forcing their way into the Capitol rotunda and clashing with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is my fucking building! This is not yours! This is my Capitol! James shouted amid the chaos. A tearful James apologized profusely for his conduct, describing himself as deeply ashamed and embarrassed for my actions in the Capitol. What I did was not an expression of patriotism, James said. Mehta emphasized that James gravest crime was not his actions in the Capitol but his weekslong plotting with Rhodes, a plan that included amassing an arsenal of firearms in the D.C. suburbs that Rhodes could deploy at a moments notice. After his arrest, James quickly began cooperating with prosecutors and became the first Jan. 6 defendant to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy, a decision prosecutors credited with leading several other Oath Keepers to follow suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James never testified in any of the subsequent Oath Keepers trials including Rhodes which Edwards said was in part because James traumatic brain injury made him volatile when in stressful situations. James lawyer, Joan Robin, emphasized that James cooperation particularly after his guilty plea became public led to threats against him and his family, the loss of his military benefits and his military honors, including the Purple Heart he once considered his proudest achievement. The medal for his Army service, Robin said, was sent to my office in a small manila envelope to be forfeited to the government. He would probably serve years in prison if he could get that back, Robin said. Explosives were set off in crowded areas in several Russian cities on Saturday, 21 December. Several suspects have been detained. Source: Russian service of Radio Liberty; Russian state-owned news agency TASS; Telegram channels Details: The Fort shopping centre in northeast Moscow had to be evacuated when an explosion occurred in an integrated government services centre located there. One person was taken to hospital, a woman who tripped and fell during the evacuation, the Mash Telegram channel reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another integrated services centre and a shopping mall were evacuated in Korolyov, as was a post office in Khimki, Moscow Oblast. Several windows shattered and the ceiling caught fire following the explosion at the Helios shopping centre in Korolyov. Three suspects were detained in Moscow, Korolyov and Khimki. In the first case, a pensioner apparently set off a firecracker, acting on the instructions of people who had extorted 120,000 roubles (approx. US$1,165) from her. In the second case, the 64-year-old suspect is said to have attempted to set off explosives at a police station. The suspect in Khimki is aged 70. Meanwhile in St Petersburg, two elderly women apparently tried to set fire to a police car at the behest of telephone fraudsters. They have been detained. A criminal investigation has been opened into the attack, TASS reports. There was also an explosion inside a branch of Sberbank in St Petersburg: according to early reports, an improvised explosive device may have exploded inside an ATM. No injuries were reported. The Mash na Moyke Telegram channel reported that a flammable liquid had been poured into the ATM. The outlet posted video footage from a surveillance camera. The suspect is an elderly woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar incident occurred in Krasnoyarsk last night according to Sibir.Realii, a Radio Liberty project focused on current affairs in Siberia. The authorities said the suspect in the ATM arson case had been the victim of a telephone scam. According to the Baza Telegram channel, there have been at least 13 separate cases of arson across Russia in the last two days, involving cars, fireworks and buildings. Support UP or become our patron! How many years does it take to track down a killer who doesnt really exist? Two years, police in Germany found out in 2009, after it was revealed that one of the countrys most untraceable killers was, in fact, non-existent. The case of the Phantom of Heilbronn turned out to be one of history's most embarrassing. German law enforcement, having spent two years and well over 16,000 overtime hours investigating dozens and dozens of crimes they thought to be connected, found out that the "culprit" they had in mind was a figment of faulty DNA samples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time magazine reported that police across the country were convinced a female serial killer was in their midst for more than 16 years, with DNA evidence tying the mysterious suspect dubbed the Phantom of Heilbronn all the way back to a 1993 murder. But in 2009, a discrepancy during a DNA test began to shine light on the real culprit: an innocent factory worker in Austria, whose DNA happened to have wound up on swabs used by German investigators in every instance. Fifteen years later, PEOPLE is taking a look at how the bizarre case unfolded. BERND WEISSBROD/DPA/AFP/Getty Theresienwiese Fairground crime scene Theresienwiese Fairground crime scene The Phantom of Heilbronn News of the Phantom of Heilbronn first spread across Germany and throughout Europe in 2007, when a 22-year-old police officer in the southern city of Heilbronn was murdered and DNA recovered at the scene matched a number of other crimes throughout Germany. Police traced the suspects DNA to 40 crime scenes throughout the country, as well as Austria, leading the public to dub her the "Phantom of Heilbronn" and "The Woman Without a Face," according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what may have been a red flag in retrospect, police tied the Phantom to a wide range of crimes: six murders and a multitude of thefts and break-ins, ranging from schools to car dealerships. According to Time, the supposed Phantom killer had also collaborated with accomplices from Serbia, Slovakia, Albania, and Romania, among other people. In every instance, people already behind bars for those crimes denied they had a collaborator who matched the profile of the Phantom. Years of Searching, But No Results Time reported that German polices two-year search for the Phantom stretched to Austria and France. According to the BBC, police also offered a 300,000 reward for information leading to her arrest. In 2009, police finally began to suspect something far more embarrassing had been taking place, according to The Times of London. Investigators testing DNA on the charred remains of a male asylum-seeker in France found that, surprisingly, the DNA matched that of the "Phantom of Heilbronn. Obviously that was impossible, as the asylum-seeker was a man and the Phantoms DNA belonged to a woman, Ernst Meiners, a spokesman for the public prosecutors office in Saarbrucken, Germany, told The Times. That aroused suspicions that the materials were contaminated. What Really Happened Now, with suspicions turned solely on themselves, police began to investigate what they could be doing wrong when taking DNA samples. According to the BBC, police soon realized that every DNA sample for the crimes in question dating back to 1993 matched a female factory worker in Bavaria, Austria. The factory where she worked produced cotton swabs that had been used for DNA collection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the police union in Baden-Wurttemberg called it a very embarrassing story, according to The Times. 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 factory behind the cotton swabs clarified that their products were for medical purposes and not qualified for DNA testing, according to the publication, which also reported that although cotton swabs are disinfected before leaving the factory, disinfecting them does not remove DNA. DNA analysis is a perfect tool for identifying traces, Stefan Konig from the Berlin Association of Lawyers concluded in an interview with Time in 2009. What we need to avoid is the assumption that the producer of the traces is automatically the culprit. Read the original article on People By Gerry Doyle SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Seven Chinese citizens were arrested on charges of illegally entering Guam around the time the U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted a key missile interception test using a new radar, the island's Customs and Quarantine Agency has said. The agency said at least four of the people arrested on Dec. 10-11 were found "in the vicinity of a military installation". Guam has many such installations, including Andersen Air Force Base, where the Dec. 10 missile test was conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Conducting espionage against U.S. military facilities, especially those with missile launch capabilities, could provide the PRC with potentially valuable intelligence," the Institute for the Study of War said in a report on Friday. Guamanian authorities said that all of the Chinese nationals arrived on the same boat from Saipan, and that the investigation was ongoing. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States plans to create an air and missile defense network at 16 sites around the island to deter any missile attack on Guam by making it too complex and resource-intensive to carry out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan aims to integrate the most advanced U.S. missile defense systems and radars, and could cost as much as $10 billion over the next decade. The Dec. 10 test was successful, and the Missile Defense Agency says up to two interception tests could be conducted each year. (Reporting by Gerry Doyle; Editing by Stephen Coates) Dec. 20U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said "unelected billionaire" Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump brought the Capitol to the brink of a federal government shutdown by making cynical, false claims to further Trump's political agenda. During a telephone interview Friday afternoon, the New Hampshire Democrat noted that several Granite State projects hung in the balance, including disaster relief funding for the U.S. Coast Guard, farmers and industry along with critical grant money for the state's community health centers. "All of this was driven by an unelected billionaire who was puffing up his chest and an incoming president who didn't want to have the crushing federal debt take place on his watch," Shaheen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had opposed in part the first state government shutdown ending plan because it didn't include raising the federal debt ceiling. "President-elect Trump is desperate to have the debt ceiling go up under President Biden's watch, not his own," Shaheen began. "Why? That's because Trump intends to bring (legislation) to Congress making permanent his tax cuts for the 1% super wealthy that estimates are will add at least $4 trillion and as much as $10 trillion to the debt." Late Friday afternoon, the U.S. House approved the third proposed deal to avert a shutdown. The Senate was expected to pass that bill later Friday night. Trump didn't get all he wished for; the final deal does not raise the debt ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaheen criticized Musk for having spread on X, his social media platform, the false claim that the package included a 40% pay raise for members of Congress. The initial proposal that Trump and Musk opposed included a 2.5% cost-of-living increase which would be the first one in 15 years. "In the height of hypocrisy, when Elon Musk's company, Tesla, was on the brink of going under, then-President Barack Obama made sure he was able to secure a loan to stay in business," Shaheen said. "Now we see Musk risking so many federal workers who could face payless paydays and also nonprofits and other federal grant recipients whose very survival depends on the federal government to continue to operate normally." Shaheen said avoiding the shutdown would help advanced-technology legislation and contracts critical to submarine maintenance that affect many New Hampshire companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson and Musk blamed House Democrats after a fix-it bill failed last Thursday, 174-234. Only two Democrats supported it, but 36 House Republicans bucked Trump and opposed it. "A super fair & simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor. Therefore, responsibility for the shutdown rests squarely on the shoulders of @RepJeffries," Musk wrote on X, referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu said earlier Friday he had been consulting with state agency heads about making plans in the event of a brief government shutdown. "We're going to be fine; we've seen this movie before," Sununu said during an appearance on the Good Morning with Jack Heath radio talk show Friday. klandrigan@unionleader.com BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Some Bay County charities and non-profits received checks on Friday from a local business supporting their missions. Sharkys Beachfront restaurants event series, Bay Helping Bay raises money for local foundations. Three organizations are getting this years donations. Stuff the Bus, Humble House Ministries, and Rooms With A Purpose. Bay County Sheriffs Office arrested wanted California fugitive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharkys collected their total sales from December 12, which was over $8,000. The organizations receiving the money didnt know what the total amount would be until the check was revealed. Local non-profits said the money will help them serve the community. Our hope is to eliminate the need for toys on Christmas morning. And so we work with local agencies to make sure that all the needs for all the kids are provided here through those local entities, Stuff the Bus Skip Bondur said. I have been contacted today by 8 different families. So, you know, this came at a perfect time, Rooms With A Purpose Executive Director Sherry Melton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think your non-profit or foundation could benefit from Bay Helping Bay, 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 mypanhandle.com. Dec. 20Joseph Shepard, president of Western New Mexico University for 13 years, agreed Friday to resign from office effective Jan. 15. In exchange for his resignation as president, Shepard will receive a lump-sum payment of $1.909 million by Jan. 15. Western's board of regents authorized the payment in a 5-0 vote without mentioning the amount. The total is roughly equivalent to what Shepard would make in five years as president. In addition, the regents guaranteed Shepard a professorship in the School of Business that will pay him at least $200,000 a year for five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shepard, 60, faced heavy criticism for a year over public expenditures for international travel and purchases of furnishings for the president's official residence. In discussing his resignation with the board during a special meeting on Zoom, Shepard said he had been slandered by critics. "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on," he said before reciting a list of his grievances against critics and his accomplishments as president. The five-member board of regents unanimously approved a separation agreement with Shepard while simultaneously authorizing a new contract for him as a faculty member. No mention of Shepard's duties, salary and terms of his faculty appointment were discussed publicly by the regents. The New Mexican has requested his separation agreement and his latest employment contract. Fuller details about the end of Shepard's presidency are forthcoming in Milan Simonich's Ringside Seat column. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) One person was detained and one person was sent to the hospital after law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting at the Clackamas Town Center on Friday afternoon, authorities said. PGE rate increase: Portland residents will likely see 5.5% hike in 2025 The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said that while the investigation is ongoing, there is no ongoing danger to the public. In addition, they said Clackamas Town Center remains open for normal business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies responded just before 3 p.m. on reports of a shooting near the shopping center in the south parking area. When they arrived, they found what they believed to be the section of the parking lot where the shooting took place. A person of interest was detained for questioning. One person was transported to a nearby hospital with what appears to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a release. Authorities initially asked people to avoid the area surrounding the mall while the investigation took place and multiple units responded to the scene. The shooting took place outside the mall. But for some shoppers, it was a painful ordeal that happened at a place where people expect to feel safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to do some shopping across the street at Target and when I exit, I seen all the police cars and the police tape and a lot of flashing lights, said Charles Jordan. I think most people come to this area and it seems like its less likely to have any kind of hullabaloo. Clackamas County Sheriffs Deputy Ross Clemson acknowledged the incident was a grim reminder of when a gunman killed multiple people inside the mall over a decade ago. Our deputies havent forgotten what happened here 12 years ago, Clemson said. On December 11, 2012, a 22-year-old man wearing a hockey mask and tactical gear opened fire on holiday shoppers in the Clackamas Town Center, killing two adults, wounding a 15-year-old girl and then turning the gun on himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other shootings have happened at the mall since then. Specifically, three shootings happened with no injuries reported each time in 2018, 2022 and in April of 2024. On Friday, TriMet announced the MAX Green Line may experience delays due to the law enforcement activity. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies came together to host The Jerry Critchelow Memorial Shop with a Trooper in Ohio County. KSP Post 16 hosted their annual Shop with a Trooper program at the local Walmart in honor of retired trooper Jerry Critchelow, who passed away in 2022. It is said Critchelow was instrumental in its success for decades. Officials say approximately 138 families were paired with law enforcement officers from KSP, Beaver Dam Police Department, Hartford Police Department, Ohio County Sheriffs Department, Ohio County Constables, Kentucky Probation and Parole and local telecommunicators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is said around $140 was allocated for each kid with shopping lists including: Coats Pants Shirts Shoes Hats Gloves Toys Officials say the program is designed to assist children in need during the Christmas season. Check out some photos from the event below. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Secretary General Abhay Singh Chautala arrived on Saturday at the Teja Khera farmhouse in Sirsa, where the mortal remains of his father, former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, have been kept for the last respects. OP Chautala passed away on Friday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. His last rites will be conducted with full state honours at 3 pm today. Earlier, Abhay Chautala expressed grief over the demise of his father, calling him a guide and the 'messiah' of the farmer-labour class."My father, our guide, the messiah of the farmer-labour class and Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala ji, who lived in every heart of Haryana, passed away today at 12 noon. This is not just a loss for our family but a personal loss for everyone for whom he dedicated his entire life. His struggle, his ideals and his thoughts will always remain alive in our hearts," he wrote in a post on X. "His last rites will be held today from 8 am to 2 pm at Tejakheda Farm House. His last rites will be performed at 3 pm," Chautala added. Earlier, the Haryana government declared a holiday for all schools in the state today following the demise of the INLD supremo. The Directorate of School Education, Government of Haryana, issued a notice stating, "As per the fax message received from the Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, dated December 20, the state has decided to observe three days of mourning in view of the death of Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala, Ex-Chief Minister of Haryana, on December 20. The Haryana government has declared a public holiday in all state offices as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Accordingly, a holiday is declared in all schools of the state on December 21. All DEOs and DEEOs are requested to ensure compliance with the above orders." The government has decided to accord the state funeral to the departed leader on December 21 at 3 pm at Teja Khera farm, Sirsa. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described INLD leader Prakash Chautala as a visionary leader and stated that he will always be remembered for his contribution to the politics of the state. Paying his tribute, CM Saini said, "I express my deep condolences on the demise of senior leader Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala ji. With his demise, a chapter of Haryana politics has come to an end. His contribution to Haryana politics will always be remembered. Chautala ji's personality was a symbol of simplicity and struggle." (ANI) Republican lawmakers say Congresss near brush with a government shutdown shows that House Republicans do not have a functional majority, giving them a bad feeling about how difficult it will be to pass President-elect Trumps agenda in 2025. While Republicans in both chambers broadly agree on the need to secure the border and extend Trumps expiring tax cuts, GOP senators fear that passing legislation to accomplish those goals, as well as raising the debt limit and cutting federal spending, will be enormously difficult next year. Republican senators say the turmoil within the House GOP conference this past week shows Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will face an enormous challenge in passing two budget reconciliation packages and debt-limit legislation in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to be really hard in the House because they just simply dont have a working majority, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). The GOP is hoping to move two packages on border security, domestic energy production and taxes through special budgetary rules that sidestep a Democratic filibuster in the Senate. The problem, GOP senators worry, may be the House, where Republicans will only have a majority of one, two or three seats, depending on vacancies. At least two House lawmakers are headed to the Trump administration, while former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is not expected to take his seat in the next Congress. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) warned that reconciliation is not easy, referring to the special budgetary process that can be used to circumvent a Senate filibuster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to fit things in, she said. Weve seen that demonstrated before. Trumps effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act during his first year in office failed in 2017 after three Republican senators Murkowski, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) voted against the repeal bill that GOP leaders had tried to advance under budget reconciliation. When you have challenges in your own organization from the very get-go nobody said its going to be easy, Murkowski said of how divisions within the Senate and House GOP conferences might derail some of Trumps priorities. Next years going to be challenging, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans say they lost confidence in Johnson after he unveiled a 1,547-page stopgap government funding package that immediately drew the opposition of President-elect Trump. Its such an embarrassment, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said of the swift collapse of the first stopgap funding package, which Johnson had negotiated for weeks. If they cant manage the CR, how is he going to manage reconciliation? Its bad. It bodes badly, Hawley said of Johnsons handling of the year-end spending debate. Hawley declared he has zero confidence in Johnson and urged House lawmakers to consider a leadership shake-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have a vote in the House but Id strongly urge them to choose someone competent, he said. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said he thinks a change in House leadership next year now appears inevitable. Were going to need new leadership. Weve got new leadership in the Senate in the coming year. And I believe that the writings on the wall, unless Im just mistaken, it seems to me that new leadership in the House is almost inevitable, Lee told The Benny Show. He said the process of government had become needlessly chaotic. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said putting together complex budget reconciliation packages to secure the border, expand domestic energy production, cut taxes, cut federal spending and possibly increase the debt limit will be much tougher than passing a stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The level of complexity and risks that have to be managed are very, very high trying to get a lot done in an environment where you dont have a lot of margin for error in terms of getting voting blocks, he said. Tillis said he hoped things would settle down a bit in Washington once we transition into next year and we can have more conversation with some of the people driving initiatives from the [Trump] administration. Johnson came under a barrage of fire on Tuesday and Wednesday after he unveiled the first version of a package to fund the government, provide disaster relief and help farmers. He drew especially intense fire from billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who is heading Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, before Trump himself announced he would oppose the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills swift collapse and Trumps surprise demand for Congress to raise the federal debt limit only a few days before federal funding was set to expire left lawmakers heads spinning. Oh, this is the way its going to be next year, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) quipped to reporters as he left the Capitol on Wednesday evening, hinting that he expects next year to be a roller coaster ride. Republican lawmakers are nervously anticipating a battle royal next year over raising the debt limit. Johnson and other House Republican leaders on Friday worked to secure agreements from rank-and-file GOP lawmakers to agree to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion in next years first reconciliation bill in exchange for $2.5 trillion in cuts to mandatory spending programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peggy Bailey, the executive vice president for policy and program development at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said those pledged cuts could come from the part of the budget that includes Medicaid and food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who is retiring from Congress, said theres broad agreement among Republicans about the need to secure the border and extend the expiring 2017 tax cuts. But he warned that the debate over raising the debt limit and to cut deeply into mandatory spending is likely to spark big fights within the GOP next year. Budgets and [spending] priorities are going to be tough, and debt limit will be very difficult. I think thats why President Trump has made that his cause celebre, Romney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump upended the spending debate Wednesday on Capitol Hill by demanding that Republicans add a two-year extension of the debt limit to the stopgap funding measure. He made it clear that he didnt want Democrats to use the debt limit as leverage next year to extract concessions on spending or other issues. Trumps demand for Congress to deal with the debt limit before he takes office may also signal that the incoming president recognizes it will be a tough issue for his party to handle next year. A Republican senator who requested anonymity to speak warned the tax package will also be a heavy lift, given the razor-thin House GOP majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax packages are always hard, all you have to do is say SALT, the lawmaker said, referring to the cap on state and local tax deductions that House Republicans from New York and other areas with high local taxes want to raise or eliminate in next years tax package. The cap on SALT deductions is an issue that divides Republicans, as many GOP lawmakers view SALT deductions as sops to rich people in expensive blue states. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAIRFIELD GLADE, Tenn. (WATE) A man missing from Fairfield Glade was found safe in Kentucky after a Silver Alert was issued for him. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said John Orr, 85, was found safe in Lexington, Kentucky after being last seen on Wednesday. Previously, the TBI said Orr had a medical condition that could impair his ability to return safely without assistance. Anyone with information about his location was asked to call Fairfield Glade Police at (931) 484-6176 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. Authorities say nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year. Thats five people for every 100,000. Check this list of people missing from East Tennessee to see if you can help locate someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man was given a 25-year prison sentence Friday for his role in a fatal Dec. 2023 shooting. According to court documents, Faron Starr, 39, was sentenced on Dec. 20 on charges of attempted murder and going armed with intent. He entered an Alford plea to the former on Oct. 18 meaning he accepted punishment for the charge without admitting guilt outright and pleaded guilty to the latter on Nov. 7. Faron Starr (Courtesy: Woodbury County Sheriffs Office) Starr was originally accused of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Nathaniel Parker III in Dec. 2023. Court documents say that on the night of the shooting, Parker was staying at an apartment in the 500 block of 9th Street when Starr confronted him and then shot him after some sort of argument over money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 6, 2023, Starr was arrested during a traffic stop. He was booked into the Woodbury County Jail and held on a $1,100,000 bond. South Dakota DCI says Yankton officer-involved shooting justified The Sioux City Police Department told KCAU 9 at the time that two other persons of interest who were arrested had been interviewed and would not face any charges relating to the case. As part of the Alford plea, the charge of first-degree murder was downgraded to attempted murder. Starr will become eligible for parole after serving 70 percent (or 17-and-a-half years) of his sentence. Recently, Starr had several charges dropped in an unrelated stabbing case after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled to suppress an alleged confession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SLOCOMB, Ala (WDHN) A Slocomb woman accused of shooting and dismembering her boyfriend with a chainsaw is asking a Geneva County judge to rethink granting her a chance to make bond, claiming she has a non-violent nature and health issues. Joselina Elizabeth Lopez is being held without bond in the Geneva County Jail on one count of intentional murder. She is charged in the death of 41-year-old Benito Guzman. Lopez was denied a chance for bond during an Aniahs Law hearing in early September, just a few days after her arrest. An Aniahs Law hearing is used for Alabama judges to hear evidence and gives judges the discretion to deny bond for people accused of violent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Lopezs first attempt at bond being squashed, she is asking Geneva County Judge Stephen Smith for a second chance. In a handwritten letter to Judge Smith, Lopez says she does not feel like a bond hearing for violent offenders applies to her due to her particular case, size, gender, and race. She is asking the judge for a reasonable bond. I have proven to not be a threat to myself or others, Lopez wrote. I do not have a criminal background because I have always abided by the law of the United States of America. Lopez also says she recently had a kidney transplant and needs ongoing care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Tony Helms said Lopez had the transplant around two years ago, and the Geneva County Jail is picking up the costs of her anti-rejection medicine for her new kidney. You can see the full letter in the video below: In Judge Smiths initial order denying Lopezs bond, he wrote the evidence against her was clear and convincing and that she may be a danger to herself and others. Geneva County deputies found Guzmans dismembered body in a car behind his house around Grady Garner Road and New Hinson Road in the Fadette community on Tuesday, August 27. Deputies were called to the home after Guzmans boss filed a missing persons report when he didnt show up for work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigator Philip Shuler with the State Bureau of Investigation said when deputies arrived on the scene, they noticed a strong odor coming from the car and, after looking inside, found a chainsaw with human flesh still in it, along with Guzmans body. The body was in around 10-15 pieces, stuffed in garbage bags, and placed in the backseat and trunk. The investigator said it is believed Guzman was shot five times before being dismembered inside the home, placed in garbage bags, and put in the car. Prosecutors and investigators believe Lopezs and Guzmans 4-year-old child, who has autism and birth defects, may have been in the home at the time of the murder and dismemberment. According to the investigator, after finding the body, officers began searching the home and discovered a pistol, a hatchet, two knives, two other chainsaws, and various receipts showing she purchased tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has allegedly offered him a 500 million bribe from Russian assets in exchange for supporting Ukraines NATO membership. Source: Politico Details: Fico claims that they discussed Slovakias financial losses due to the halt of Russian gas transit during a meeting with Zelenskyy at the European Union summit. Quote: "Fico said that after he told Zelenskyy that Slovakia could lose about 500 million in gas transit fees a year, the Ukrainian president 'asked me if I would then vote for NATO membership if he gave me 500 million of Russian assets, and of course, I said never'." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Fico told reporters that Zelenskyys alleged proposals behind closed doors were "absurd" and suggested Ukraine had caused harm to the EU member states economy. "We are demonstrably facing a gas crisis thanks to President Zelenskyy," Fico stated during a press conference before the summit, though he did not clarify his remarks further. Previously, Slovak media reported Fico's account of a discussion with Zelenskyy regarding Russian gas transit through Ukraine. "We have differences on the issue of gas transit through Ukraine. I asked him whether he would be ready to transit other gas besides Russian gas," Fico said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that Zelenskyy ruled out the possibility that Ukraine could transit any gas. "He asked if we could imagine paying for gas that finances the war," Fico described the conversation. "We see no reason to pay more for gas due to geopolitical circumstances," the Slovak prime minister stated during a press conference on 13 December, accusing the West of exerting pressure regarding gas transit. Zelensky criticised Slovakia in response, saying: "It is shameful to talk about money when we are losing lives." Background: The transit contract between Ukraine and Russia is set to expire on 1 January 2025. Ukraine stated it does not plan to extend the agreement. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed to his Slovak counterpart that Kyiv is ruling out the possibility of renewing the transit deal with Gazprom but emphasised that Ukraine is open to transporting gas through its system if it is not sourced from Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine would not consider renewing the Gazprom agreement or transit Russian gas disguised as Azerbaijani gas. The European Union has prepared for the cessation of transit. The share of Russian gas in Europe has decreased to 6%, with only 4% transiting through Ukraine. EU Commissioner for Energy Dan Jrgensen confirmed that the EU is actively preparing to end all gas cooperation with Russia, stating, "Our main priority is to completely sever energy ties between the EU and Russia". Support UP or become our patron! Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may soon travel to Moscow to engage in talks with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin on gas supplies after 2024. Source: Euronews Serbia, a Serbian branch of pan-European television news network Euronews, citing Vucic in an interview with Serbian media, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Serbian president said he had "learned unofficially" about Fico's visit to Putin next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Robert Fico will meet with Putin on Monday [23 December ed.] as the leader of a European Union country, which, I don't have to tell you what kind of reaction will cause among other European leaders from the EU," Vucic said. At the time of this report, Bratislava did not comment on Vucic's statements. If Fico does visit Russia, it will be his first trip to the country since returning to power in 2023. He will also become the third European leader, after Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, to visit Moscow since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slovakia has repeatedly tried to achieve an extension of the agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the transit of Russian gas, which is due to expire in 2024. In a conversation with Fico this week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that Kyiv opposes the continuation of the transit deal with Russian Gazprom, but added that Ukraine was willing to transport gas through its natural gas transmission system if it is not from Russia. On 19 December, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine was not considering renewing the agreement with Gazprom on the transit of Russian gas to Europe, and made it clear that Kyiv would not agree to pump Russian gas under the guise of Azerbaijani gas. Support UP or become our patron! Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will travel to Moscow next week to hold talks on gas supplies with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Dec. 20. "Robert Fico will meet with Putin on Monday as the leader of a European Union country, which, I don't have to tell you what kind of reaction will cause among other European leaders from the EU," Vucic said in an interview with Serbian media. Vucic said he had "learned unofficially" of the upcoming visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has said it will not extend the transit agreement for Russian gas through its territory, set to expire on Dec. 31. The decision has prompted concerns from Slovakia, Hungary and other nations, and Fico on Dec. 20 warned of a looming gas crisis. President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed the refusal during a press conference on Dec. 19, saying that Kyiv would not enable Moscow to earn additional revenue while continuing its war. At a European Union summit, Fico criticized Ukraines position, saying: "We are demonstrably facing a gas crisis thanks to President Zelensky." He also suggested that Bratislava might consider "reciprocal measures" if Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia is halted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Orban says Hungary proposing trick to keep Russian gas shipments via Ukraine Slovakia has a long-term contract with Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom and estimates alternative arrangements could cost an additional 220 million ($228.73 million) in transit fees. The issue highlights ongoing dependence on Russian gas in several EU members, including Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, despite efforts to diversify energy sources following Russia's full-scale invasion. Earlier this year, the EU implemented its first sanctions targeting the Russian gas industry, focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the matter during his annual press conference on Dec. 19, confirming the end of the contract and expressing confidence in Gazprom's resilience. This contract will no longer exist. Everything is clear. We will survive, Gazprom will survive, Putin said. Slovakia, which has a long-term contract with Russian oil giant Gazprom has been trying to keep receiving gas through Ukraine, saying buying elsewhere would cost 220 million euros ($228.73 million) more in transit expenses. Read also: For first time, Ukraine attacks Russian positions using solely ground, FPV drones Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A social media influencer who collided head-on in a Fourth of July crash in Malibu has been sued by the family of the ride-share driver killed in the fatal crash, alleging the influencer was "severely intoxicated and impaired" at the time. Summer Wheaton was driving a 2019 Mercedes-Benz when, according to authorities, the vehicle crossed the center median on Pacific Coast Highway and crashed into a 2020 Cadillac. The social media influencer, who describes herself as a "wellness advocate," attended a Fourth of July party at the famed restaurant Nobu before the crash and is accused in the suit of driving under the influence of "intoxicating substances." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was filed Dec. 3 by the family of Martin Okeke, who was killed in the crash. Attorneys representing Okeke's family did not respond to The Times' requests for comment. Formerly a licensed real estate agent, Wheaton describes herself as a "founder, speaker and wellness" advocate in her website, where she supports healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Wheaton has amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram but made her account private days after the fatal crash. Read more: Hit-and-run victim was struck three times on Pacific Coast Highway On Tuesday, she made a public post for the first time in months, sharing a video where she said, "The last few months have been hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You know that feeling when life seems like it's all falling apart, but somehow it's a start of something really beautiful? Well, that was me," Wheaton says in the video that shows her looking into a mirror and showing a scar on her arm. "I went through moments where I truly didn't know how I'd pull through." She then goes on to promote a "faith-based planner" that she is selling for $34.99. Wheaton did not return messages seeking comment. No criminal charges have been filed in the crash. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sgt. James Arens said the case is still under investigation, and detectives are working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office to consider possible charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also names Nobu Malibu, the Hwood Group LLC and DBDJ LLC as defendants in the case, alleging that Wheaton was hired to attend the party along PCH and was "expected to consume intoxicants." An attorney representing Nobu said Wheaton was not hired or contracted by the restaurant. Representatives for Hwood Group and DBDJ did not respond to The Times' requests for comment. Hwood Group regularly hosts a Fourth of July party at Nobu Malibu, dubbed Red, White & Bootsy. A hospitality and marketing company, Hwood Group hosted the event, featuring celebrities that included Mike Tyson and Wiz Khalifa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But four days before the party, the city of Malibu rescinded the permit for the event, citing concerns about traffic and safety. The lawsuit also alleges Nobu and the hosts continued marketing the party and ultimately held the event despite having the permits revoked by the city. Attorneys for the popular restaurant contend that the city's decision to rescind the permit was unfounded, said Benjamin Reznik, an attorney representing Nobu. Read more: A car plunged off a 1,000-foot cliff near Malibu. Where are the occupants? Reznik said Nobu abided by the city's initial conditions for the permit, and has appealed a fine that was issued. A decision on the appeal has not yet been made by the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Reznik said, Nobu agreed that guests would be shuttled to Nobu and that there would be no on-site parking. The lawsuit, however, alleges that Wheaton drove herself to the event, and that the defendants returned Wheaton's car keys to her at the end of the event even though she had become "severely intoxicated and impaired." Reznik said the event did not have any valet service, and that Nobu has reviewed and provided surveillance video of the party to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. "We did not have her keys, we did not park her car," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows that Wheaton attended the party, he said, but there was no obvious sign that she was intoxicated when she left. "If that is her, then that person that walked out did not walk out intoxicated," Reznik said. Reznik said the video also shows that Wheaton left Nobu some time before the crash occurred, and it's unclear if she left the area or went to a nearby restaurant or bar during that time. Reznik said there was a "time gap" between the time she left and the crash, but he was unsure how much time had elapsed. Officials for Nobu have not yet had a chance to review the lawsuit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges Wheaton "failed to keep a proper lookout, drove at an excessive speed, and made an unsafe lane change, causing a head on collision." Okeke suffered severe injuries and later died. A picturesque and famous stretch of highway with views of the ocean, Pacific Coast Highway has been the site of numerous deadly crashes. The city of Malibu has announced several road improvements with the help of Caltrans to improve safety. On Thursday, the city announced it was working with Caltrans to relocate street parking in some areas of the 21-mile stretch of road, and also creating bike lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okeke's family is seeking unspecified damages to be determined at trial. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President Musk How is it that Elon Musk has veto power from his fake government position, already exerting his will on Congress concerning the funding bill before Donald Trump is even inaugurated? If this craziness doesnt deeply disturb everyone on both sides, it should. If its broke ... Since Donald Trump claims he is going to magically fix every problem in the world, why is he not vowing to fix our totally rigged, crooked and unfair elections system? Nice try President Biden, on purpose, put the entire Democratic party out to pasture. No product, just rebranding of losers again. Jobs creator President Trump is creating jobs already. He has appointed/rewarded his family members, donors, and famous people who supported him. Herschel Walker is now the Ambassador to The Bahamas. No end? Is there no end to political lying? Trying to change history, and the things weve seen happen before our very eyes is unconscionable and Donald Trump hasnt even taken office yet. He won For all the whining and gnashing of teeth in Sound Off, Donald Trump was the clear winner over Vice President Harris across the nation. The country saw four years of Trump and four years of Harris and decided it preferred the former over the latter. Richie Rich Elon Musk contributed $277 million to Donald Trumps campaign and he has made $200-plus billion since Trumps election. Besides Tesla, he has Space X, which is dependent on government contracts. How much has your salary increased? These contracts come from taxpayers money. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party, Congress candidate for Delhi Assembly polls Sandeep Dixit said on Saturday that they only use the name of Purvanchal to do politics when elections come. "What have these two parties specifically done for the people of Purvanchal? Suddenly, when elections approach, AAP and BJP start talking by taking the name of Purvanchal. This is just their internal political fight. When the Congress government was in power, we built at least 8,000 flats in Narela, which were meant for transit labourers. Those houses, which were under the Delhi government, were demolished," Sandeep Dixit told ANI. "These two parties only use the name of Purvanchal to do politics when elections come. I condemn this," he added. Dixit also attacked the AAP supremo and said that Kejriwal's mindset is "Anti-Dalit" and when he highlights Bhagat Singh or Ambedkar, he does it only for his political gain. "Whether Kejriwal highlights Bhagat Singh or Ambedkar, he does it only for his own political gain. He does not have any genuine connection with any community. His mindset is anti-Dalit. Many people may keep pictures, but do you follow their ideas? A JD(U) minister asked them who the biggest Dalit leader in their party was. Before he entered politics, he was a part of every protest against reservations. He used to go there and, as government officials, would oppose the policies of the government," the Congress leader said. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal on Friday accused the BJP of conspiring to delete the names of Purvanchalis from electoral rolls ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections due in February. Kejriwal also alleged that BJP President JP Nadda had compared Purvanchalis living in Delhi to Rohingyas in Parliament. He said that the AAP will not allow the deletion of names from the voters' list. "I want to tell people of Purvanchal that we won't let anyone's name get cut. We respect you and we will give respectful life. If BJP people come to your house, don't tell them your name and don't show your voter ID card. Don't keep any contact with BJP, they might be asking for details from you to cut your name...JP Nadda ji had compared the people of Purvanchal to Rohingyas inside the Parliament two days ago," Kejriwal said in a press conference here. After Kejriwal claimed that BJP President JP Nadda had compared Purvanchalis living in Delhi to Rohingyas in Parliament, in a counter-allegation, Patra said Nadda was born in Patna, a Purvanchal area and he knows Purvanchali better than anyone. "The way AAP MP Sanjay Singh compared Poorvanchali voters with Rohingyas and people from Bangladesh in Parliament shows Arvind Kejriwal's uneasiness because he knows he is going to lose the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections... The people of Delhi will not forgive him for corruption," Patra said in the press conference on Friday. Further, speaking on BJP leader Navya Haridas challenging Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Wayanad win in the Kerala High Court, Sandeep Dikshit said that anyone can go to the court. "Since Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came to the Parliament, she has been speaking effectively and attacking the BJP with impact. We expected that they (BJP) would fabricate cases as you have seen they have fabricated a case against Rahul Gandhi also...If the matter is in the court then it will see whether the case is right or not," he said. (ANI) Two 23-year-old Southern California men have been indicted for allegedly defrauding investors out of more than $22 million in cryptocurrency, according to authorities. Gabriel Hay of Beverly Hills and Gavin Mayo of Thousand Oaks are accused of collecting investments for nonfungible tokens, or NFTs, and digital asset projects with no intention of sticking around to see those efforts realized, prosecutors said. The U.S. attorney's office says that from May 2021 to May 2024, they and an unnamed co-conspirator collected $22.4 million from multiple "rug pull" schemes in which a token or project creator collects investor funds, but then abandons the project while keeping the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges Hay and Mayo falsely claimed one NFT project, called Vault of Gems, would be the first "to be pegged to a hard asset," telling investors that the project would work with jewelers around the world and had "already started making [its] own exchange" for jewelry retailers to use. Read more: Before investing in crypto, check out California's new scam tracker "What's happening?" asked a November 2021 post by the Vault of Gems X account. Confusion and frustration followed in the replies, which included the allegation that Hay and Mayo had deleted parts of a community Discord channel where investors gathered. "What's happening is that you pulled and stole over a million dollars," one person commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cryptocurrency is a type of digital money run through a online network without a central authority backing it, like a bank or government institution. The largest cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but others exist like Ethereum and Solana. Hay and Mayo are accused of transferring cryptocurrency from their projects into their own wallets as part of their schemes. NFTs are unique items that can serve as proof of ownership in a digital world where things are easily copied. Read more: 'Pig butchering' crypto scheme costs San Jose man $170,000. Scammers wanted even more, prosecutors say Prosecutors allege Hay and Mayo repeated similar "rug pull" schemes several times, with projects titled Faceless, Sinful Souls, Clout Coin, Dirty Dogs, Uncovered, MoonPortal, Squiggles and Roost Coin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fraudsters take advantage of new technologies and financial products to steal investors hard-earned money," Principal Deputy Assistant Atty. Gen. Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The department is committed to protecting investors and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud involving cryptocurrency and other digital assets and bring offenders to justice. In a separate charge, prosecutors allege Mayo and Hay stalked and harassed one of their project managers after he publicly connected them to a fraudulent project. When their unnamed project manager revealed them to be the true creators, the indictment says Mayo and Hay sent threatening emails, texts and social media messages to him and his parents, posing as lawyers threatening legal action and investors to force him to take down and recant his messages. One email threatened to falsely accuse his parents of lewd sexual behavior, according to the indictment. Read more: Crypto mogul known as 'The Godfather' used L.A. deputies for extortion, feds allege Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Instagram message sent to the project manager nearly two years later in September 2023 read: "Don't think we forgot about you... Get ready to get destroyed," the indictment states. Mayo and Hay are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of stalking. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on each conspiracy and wire fraud count, and a maximum of five years for the stalking count. 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 Southern California woman recalls the terrifying moment she was Tazed and attacked during an attempted abduction. The incident happened on Dec. 18 as the victim, Erin Quinn, a Temecula resident, said she was picking up toys for a local holiday toy drive. That morning, she received a text message from an unknown number with a 213 area code. The texter claimed to be an elderly woman named Connie who asked Quinn to pick up toys for a holiday toy drive she was participating in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quinn agreed to help and was told to meet the texter at a property located on Memory Lane in Winchester. When she arrived, she was walking to the front door when she received another text asking her to stay in her car as someone would bring the toys outside. Quinn, who had left her car unlocked, said she obliged and walked back to her car before getting back into the drivers seat. The victim, Erin Quinn, shares her story with KTLA on Dec. 20, 2024. Text messages from the attacker pretending to be an elderly woman looking to donate toys for a holiday drive. (KTLA) Text messages from the attacker pretending to be an elderly woman looking to donate toys for a holiday drive. (KTLA) Erin Quinns vehicle was damaged after she crashed during an attempted abduction in Riverside County on Dec. 18, 2024. (Erin Quinn) Erin Quinns vehicle was damaged after she crashed during an attempted abduction in Riverside County on Dec. 18, 2024. (Erin Quinn) The victim sustained head injuries from being repeatedly Tased during an attempted kidnapping and assault in Riverside County. (Erin Quinn) The victim was left with bruising on her body following an attempted kidnapping and assault in Riverside County. (Erin Quinn) The moment she sat down, she said someone grabbed her hair from behind her seat and attacked her. Someone had snuck into her car during the short time she was away. Someone grabs my hair and puts a Taser to my head, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fearing for her life, Quinn said she tried running away, but wasnt strong enough to escape the female suspect. She kept honking her horn, hoping someone would hear her, but nobody came. Then, Quinn said her attacker ordered her to drive. She had me drive and shes got the Taser on my head, pulling my hair and telling me to drive, she recalled. The suspect reportedly threatened to attack Quinns children and mother next. Quinn kept driving and they eventually arrived at a construction site. She claimed several bystanders witnessed the hostage situation but did not intervene. Nobodys doing anything, so I start driving [again] and as Im driving, [the suspect] is Tasering me and pulling my hair and it caused me to crash my car, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her SUV was smashed on the drivers side, they came to a stop and thats when she got a closer look at the attacker. She said she instantly recognized the woman as a former housekeeper who had worked for her. The woman had reportedly disguised herself with a blonde wig. Both women got out of the car and began scuffling. Quinn said she bit a piece of her attackers finger off during the altercation. Eventually, a bystander ran over to help before the suspect fled the scene. My brain was jolting so bad and my body was shutting down and I thought either I was going to die or I was going to pass out, Quinn recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was left with injuries to her head and bruising on her arms and legs. She said the entire ordeal was a living nightmare. I am completely terrified, Quinn said. I dont know why she would do this. The incident was reported to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department who confirmed they are investigating the case as a potential kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. The suspect, whose identity was not released as no formal charges were made, remains at large. Quinn said shes thankful to be alive and hopes the suspect is caught soon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Congress avoided a government shutdown after passing a spending bill that was revised from an original version, which Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump sank. After a wild week of last-minute revisions and negotiations, Congress passed a shorter spending bill in the middle of the night early Saturday, averting a government shutdown. The result was legislation that ran just over 100 pages. In addition to funding the government at current levels until mid-March, it provides $110 billion in aid for natural disaster survivors and farmers, while granting an extension to the farm bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, the original version of the spending bill that was negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson and congressional Democrats was more than 1,500 pages. The change came after Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump blew up what had looked like a done deal, raising the odds of a government shutdown. On Wednesday, Musk ripped the bipartisan spending package, calling it one of the worst bills ever written and demanding that it be killed. Trump joined in and threatened any Republican who voted for it, forcing Johnson to scrap the bill that he was defending earlier. On Thursday, a shorter version backed by Trump failed to pass the House as a bloc of conservative Republicans rejected his demand to increase the debt limit, which wasn't in the earlier bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill that cleared Congress early Saturday ditched the debt-ceiling boost while also cutting other provisions. But Brian Riedl, a senior fellow at the conservative-leaning Manhattan Institute think tank, told the Washington Post that despite slashing the page count, the new funding deal won't translate to much savings for taxpayers. That's due in part to the fact that some of the language that was taken out wasn't directly related to the budget, as must-pass bills often get unrelated "riders" attached to them. Here's what else came out of the spending package. The original bill sought to reform pharmacy benefit managers, who are the middlemen between drug manufacturers and insurers, by requiring more transparency on prices while tightening pricing requirements in Medicaid and Medicare plans. PBMs have come under more scrutiny lately, and even Trump called them "rich as hell." Lawmakers also denied themselves a pay hike as the initial spending package called for a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment to their base salary of $174,000 a year. It would have been their first raise since 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other provisions that were dropped include a crackdown on "junk fees" charged by ticket sellers and hotels, criminalization of deepfake "revenge porn," further restrictions on U.S. investments in China, funding for pediatric cancer research, and reimbursements for recipients of foods stamps who had their benefits stolen. While the spending bill also removed language to give the municipal government of Washington, D.C., greater control over RFK stadium, the Senate approved that in a separate vote via a stand-alone bill. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com HONOLULU (KHON2) Leaders in the US Senate just announced theyve agreed to expedite a spending bill that avoids a government shut-down. The bill also includes much needed aid for victims from the Lahaina wildfire. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Its down to the wire for lawmakers in Washington to avoid a government shut down. The US House passed the bill earlier Friday with no plans to suspend the debt limit despite President-elect Trumps demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wanted to tank this whole package, and he was unable to, said Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz. And I think thats, you know, good for the country that we have three branches of government. And whether you like Donald Trump or dont like Donald Trump, you do not want one branch of government to be in charge of the entire system. In Hawaii, a government shut down would close national parks such as Pearl Harbor, Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. State helps provide housing for guests in need Essential workers like TSA would continue working without pay. But officials warned that travelers should expect longer wait times, especially during the holiday travel season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres any member of congress, especially the Biden White House, that wants to see everybody celebrating Christmas furloughed and without paychecks coming in the near future, said Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda. You can imagine the disruption this would have at every single level. The legislation extends government funding until March, giving $100 billion to states hit by disaster including $1.61 billion to Maui to help rebuild from the Lahaina wildfire. Money would go towards water infrastructure, repairing roads, small business loans and housing. W we have to just focus our minds and understand that lots of people are still suffering, said Schatz. And so every time we, you know, delay, thats another day where a family cant get back on their feet. And so weve got to get this housing going as quickly as we can. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You That is something that for many of us very close to home, we need that aid, said Tokuda. We need that aid to come home. And we will keep fighting for that aid and then some as we go forward into the next Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A convicted felon from Springfield was in court on Thursday to face several drug and gun charges. The Department of Justice said 46-year-old JoPaul McKreith is a convicted felon and allegedly had cocaine and fentanyl between March 15 and May 2 with the intent to distribute. On May 2, McKreith was also located by law enforcement with a machine gun and ammunition. Massachusetts felon sent to prison for drug and firearm charges after caught driving over 85MPH Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKreith was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 16. On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to the following charges: Four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine Aiding and abetting and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl Aiding and abetting Felon in possession of a firearm Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes Unlawful possession of a machinegun McKreith faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) Jenn Edginton has been announced as the new director of the Illinois State Museum in Springfield. Edginton has been the interim director of the State Museum since February 2023, and she started there in January 2021 as the director of interpretation. Before her work with the Springfield Museum, Edginton worked at the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Naper Settlement and the Kenosha Public Museum. Outside of her museum work, she serves on the Leadership Nominating Committee for the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and on the Illinois America 250 Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois businesses to require notice before auto-renewal in 2025 Edginton also used to serve as the chair of the education and interpretation subcommittee of AASLH in 2022 and 2023 as an advisor on the AASLH 250 Field Guide. She was an accredited author in the book Interpreting the Civil War at Museums and Historic Sites as well. Prior to her work career, Edginton began her college studies at Michigan State University and received a degree in anthropology and a certificate in museum studies. After this, she received a masters degree in education from the University of Kansas and a Doctorate of Education in First Nations education from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Located at 502 S. Spring St., the State Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free and those interested can go online for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. (KRON) The South San Francisco Police Department provided an update on the adult trespasser who scaled a fence to enter South San Francisco High School. The department said at 12:24 p.m. on Friday, police were conducting a narcotics investigation on the 300 block of El Camino Real. SSFPD said during the investigation, a person officers began to interact with fled on foot to South San Francisco High School, where they stopped in a classroom. The South San Francisco Police Department said it is investigating an incident of an adult trespasser at South San Francisco High School which placed the school on secure campus status temporary lockdown on Friday afternoon. One person killed in Redwood City vehicle highway crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This prompted the high school to be placed on secure campus status. Police said the school did not have a complete lockdown due to the students being safely evacuated from the classroom. SSFPDs Crisis Negotiations Unit and Crisis Response Team Mental Health responded to the school. The teams spoke with the trespasser for a total of four hours to de-escalate the matter. The individual voluntarily left the classroom, police said. The trespasser was taken into custody and later transported to a medical facility. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTSMOUTH- Shawnee State Universitys Office of the President has announced Jamie Barker will become Shawnee State Universitys Chief External Relations Officer beginning January 1, 2025, responsible for Government, Corporate & Community Relations. Jamie understands the needs of students, families, and businesses in Appalachian Ohio, SSU President Eric Andrew Braun, said. He has spent his career building relationships that foster true collaboration as we all work together to strengthen Shawnee State and its impact to all who live, work and learn here. Mr. Barker joined SSU this year to serve as Director of the SSU Center for Appalachian Public Policy and to support external relations for the College of Health & Human Services. He brings vast experience in government relations, constituent engagement, regional politics, and education to the role. As a former high school teacher, township trustee, and Southeast Ohio District Director for the Office of US Senator Rob Portman, Jamie has built impressive relationships throughout Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our legislators, business leaders, and community partners recognize and support Shawnee State University and the significant contributions we make to the region, said Barker. They believe in our mission, and I look forward to working with people throughout Ohio to strengthen relationships and amplify the Shawnee State University story. As Chief External Relations Officer, he will communicate directly and regularly with elected and government officials and a range of university partners to advocate for the advancement of higher education in our region. He will also work with SSU leadership to develop comprehensive strategies to build relationships with regional employers and our community and develop internal structures to support these efforts. Barker earned a Masters Degree in Social Science and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. ST. LOUIS The City of St. Louis announced an employment change for the role of corrections commissioner Saturday morning. Officials tell FOX 2 that St. Louis has ended the employment of Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah as Corrections Commissioner. Today, Jennifer Clemons-Abdullahs employment with the City of St. Louis was separated effective immediately. Tammy Ross is currently acting as the Commissioner of Corrections, said Conner Kerrigan, a spokesperson for the City of St. Louis Mayors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city had no further comment on the decision. FOX 2 previously reported that Clemons-Abdullah was on leave from her role as of Sept. 19. At the time, no official explanation had been provided for her sudden leave. Clemons-Abdullah was appointed by Mayor Tishaura Jones nearly three years ago. According to a September FOX 2 report, Clemons-Abdullah has faced mounting criticism over her tenure, which has been marred by jail riots, poor inmate healthcare, multiple deaths, and a hostage situation. This is a developing story. FOX 2 will update 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 FOX 2. Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday morning said that he would make an important announcement about Dr BR Ambedkar amid chaos over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, said that he will announce in honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar in a presser at 1:00 PM today. "Amit Shah Ji and BJP insulted and mocked Baba Saheb in the Parliament. In response to this, today I am going to make a big announcement in honour of Babasaheb. Press conference at 1 pm," Kejriwal posted on X. Earlier, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday adjourned sine die shortly after it began proceedings for the day after a massive Parliament scuffle over the Ambedkar remark with ruling and opposition camps clashing with each other, leaving two BJP MPs injured and resulting in an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. This comes after Amit Shah, in his address in the Rajya Sabha at the conclusion of a two-day discussion in Rajya Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution on Tuesday, 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 7 lives," he said. Following this, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside the parliament on Thursday morning. 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 in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Leaders from both sides alleged pushing and shoving by each other, while two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured. Both the MPs were rushed and admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Earlier, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Rahul Gandhi 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. Meanwhile, Congress chief 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 a 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 the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha, alleged that Amit Shah interacted with the media yesterday without looking at facts about his remarks pertaining to Ambedkar. With both the BJP and the Congress registering counter complaints in the case of alleged assault during the chaos outside Parliament on Thursday, the Delhi Police on Friday transferred both cases to the Crime Branch. While the Police have registered an FIR against Lok Sabha LoP in the case of the complaint filed by the BJP it is yet to register an FIR based on the complaint of Women MPs of the Congress. The winter session of the Parliament concluded today. Both Houses were adjourned Sine Die after uproarious scenes. (ANI) The last of a trio charged with stealing more than 100 pounds of copper wire from St. Paul streetlights in January has been sentenced to probation, as the two others were before him. August Htoo, 33, of St. Paul, received the sentence Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court after pleading guilty in May to aiding and abetting first-degree criminal damage to property. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Htoo was given a stay of imposition, meaning the felony conviction will become a misdemeanor as long as he follows conditions of two years supervised probation. A second charge of possession of burglary or theft tools was dismissed. He had served 171 days in jail after his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, just before midnight Jan. 25, St. Paul police saw a vehicle in the parking lot of a park near Mississippi River Boulevard and Summit Avenue; the park closed at 11 p.m. Police investigated the vehicle given an increase in streetlamp wire thefts in the area involving multiple suspects with lookouts stationed in vehicles in nearby parking lots, the complaint said. Police determined the minivan had been involved in a wire theft incident in September. Nay Thar, 37, of St. Paul, was in the passenger seat, while Htoo and Chastity Lynn Morris, 30, of Minneapolis, were in the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer saw a crowbar near the center console, tin foil with what appeared to be dark residue and tools consistent with wire theft on the floor, the complaint said. More than 100 pounds of rolled-up wire was in the back of the van. Police found that Htoo had a wire cutter, wrenches, a roll of electrical tape and screw bit. Thar had a drill bit in his pocket. Morris told police she fell asleep in the rear of the van and woke up when they were parked in the lot. She said she wasnt familiar with metal scrapping for money. Police discovered three streetlights with wires hanging out of them near the parking lot, and none of the lights in the lot were working. They found about 30 nonfunctioning streetlights with covers open and wires exposed or hanging out in the area of Summit Avenue and Mississippi River Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thar and Morris were charged with the same two counts as Htoo. In September, Thar was given a stayed one-year prison sentence and put on probation for three years after pleading guilty to the criminal damage to property charge. He had served 93 days in jail after his arrest. Morris pleaded guilty to possession of burglary or theft tools and was sentenced last week to three years of probation. Her plea deal also includes a stay of imposition. She had served 111 days in jail. Rising costs St. Paul had spent just over $1 million this year to repair and replace streetlights and traffic signals damaged by copper wire theft, as of the beginning of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city council recently approved an additional $500,000 for St. Paul Public Works for this year, which has included hiring a dedicated seasonal, full-time electrician crew to repair damaged streetlights. The problem has skyrocketed in recent years: Restoring lighting from wire theft cost the city $98,588 in 2019, $104,595 in 2020, $294,494 in 2021, $453,172 in 2022 and $1.2 million last year, including labor, materials and equipment. Related Articles A day after the St. Paul City Council unanimously voted to override the mayors line-item vetoes of next years budget, its unknown what will happen next because both sides are offering different legal interpretations. Mayor Melvin Carters office said Friday it will have the citys Office of Financial Services upload its version of the 2025 budget to the citys financial system, so funds are ready on Jan. 1. Meanwhile, Council President Mitra Jalali said Friday that their version of the budget is complete. Theres no more procedural back and forth to be had. The councils position is we have acted within our authority to override (the) very last minute vetoes that we got from the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota Department of Revenue says local governments must submit their property tax levy report to them by Dec. 30 each year. The St. Paul city council approved the 2025 budget on Dec. 11 that set the property tax levy at 5.9%. Carters line-item vetoes on Wednesday dont change the levy, but move funds around within the budget. Carter points to the St. Paul City Charter, which says adoption of budgets and certification of the tax levy are to happen no later than 12 days before the date requiring property tax certification in accordance with state law. Subtracting 12 days from Dec. 30, Carter said Thursday that the city council would have needed to take action on Dec. 18, which was Wednesday. Views outside city hall Peter Butler, who was a city of St. Paul financial analyst 20 years ago, wrote in a Thursday night email to the city council that they properly met the requirements of the city charter when they adopted the budget and certified the levy on Dec. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A veto is an action regarding the mayors role in approving any council-adopted resolution or ordinance. Overriding the mayors veto essentially means that the budget adopted on Dec. 11, 2024, is now approved, wrote Butler, who most recently led the effort in St. Paul to move municipal elections from odd years to even years so they overlap with presidential elections. Kathy Lantry, a long-time former city council member and president, said when Randy Kelly was mayor from 2002 to 2006 they had some real disagreements about the budget, but it never get to the point where the budget is now because we were going to run out of time, and then its all this legal back-and-forth that nobody wanted to deal with because, the fact is, the city has to operate. She said she doesnt know whos in the right and how it will be resolved. Still, the city budget is flexible within the amount that is budgeted, Lantry said, and St. Paul city charter says the mayor shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments. Its called a strong mayor system for a reason, Lantry added. Council not looking at legal action Asked Friday if the council was looking at taking legal steps over the budget, Jalali said theres no legal action that I can see that can be taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the last of this many stop train ride, and its come to the station, she said. I cant speak for the administration, but thats not even in the realm of being contemplated from council because we have acted in our powers and finalized the budget. The mayors office, meanwhile, is finalizing operational planning for 2025 as detailed in the mayors letter to the city council including instituting a hiring and contract freeze, Emily Buss, Carters director of communications, said in a statement. The citys Office of Financial Services is submitting budget documents as of the Dec. 18 deadline, per charter and state law. The city will submit all required certifications to the county and state by Dec. 30. The budget approved by the council on Dec. 11 holds next years 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 included $1.2 million in cuts to planned police funding, with council documents identifying non-emergency police overtime as the likely source. Vetoes Carters vetoes canceled nearly $2 million in spending to remodel city council offices, among other planned expenses. He said he would use that money and additional savings to preserve funding for the police departments overtime spending and fund a director-level position for the citys Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city council unanimously reversed each of Carters vetoes in a Thursday afternoon meeting. Carter wrote in Wednesdays letter to the city council that Office of Financial Services staff had reviewed the councils 2025 adopted budget and identified significant issues, principally including the use of $2,396,503 in unattainable savings to finance core city operations. Related Articles He emailed the city council about his concerns on Monday, along with an urgent request for the council to take action to its budget during its Wednesday meeting, he noted in his letter that day. He said he received no responses to the Monday email and the city council adjourned its Wednesday meeting without budget changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the legal deadline for final decisions pertaining to next years budget is established by City Charter as (Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024), 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, he wrote. Jalali said the councils working relationship with the mayor remains intact. The budget is 99% agreements or acceptance of what council passed and responded to, she said. There are so many investments the mayor proposed that we wholeheartedly said yes to and will implement together. Weve passed a budget for our community going into next year. STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) The Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) announced a major drug bust. Officials said that they recovered a kilogram of cocaine, around 35 pounds of marijuana, 1,000 THC vape pens, 100 ecstasy pills, three handguns, 60 boxes of ammo and $9,800 in cash from a home in Rappahannock Landing during a search warrant on Thursday. (Image courtesy of the Stafford County Sheriffs Office via Facebook) Police looking for man involved in crash that killed 63-year-old in Nokesville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCSO said that two men 22-year-old Gesiah Hill and 24-year-old Henry Rojas were stopped for a traffic violation in New Mexico on Dec. 15. Authorities there saw some items that were of interest to the Stafford County Sheriffs Office Special Investigations Unit. Detectives in Stafford County obtained a search warrant for Hill and Rojas home on Dec. 19. Responding SWAT and Drone teams helped recover all of the listed items. Hill was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm with the drugs and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and held without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rojas was charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs and held on a $5,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Starbucks baristas went on strike at several stores in Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles on Friday, with their union warning the walkouts could spread to hundreds of cafes by Christmas Eve if the coffee giant does not meet workers demands at the bargaining table. In Chicago, baristas at the companys store at 5964 N. Ridge Ave. in Edgewater, one of the first in the city to unionize more than two years ago, were on strike Friday morning. Also on strike were baristas at 2101 W. Armitage Ave. in Bucktown and at 4553-4557 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square, local organizers said. Outside the city, baristas at one cafe each in Evanston and Des Plaines were on strike. The union said the company had offered baristas an economic package that included no immediate new wage increases for union baristas and a guarantee of only 1.5% in future years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has repeatedly pledged publicly that it intended to reach contracts by the end of the year, but it has yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal, Starbucks Workers United said in a news release Thursday evening. In a statement, Starbucks spokesperson Jay Go-Guasch accused union bargainers of prematurely ending bargaining sessions earlier in the week. We are ready to continue negotiations to reach agreements, Go-Guasch said. We need the union to return to the table. The strikes this week come three years after baristas won their first election at a cafe in Buffalo, New York, and more than two years since the Starbucks union push came to Chicago, where baristas first voted to unionize in May 2022. Starbucks Workers United said it now represents more than 11,000 workers in more than 535 cafes nationwide across 45 states and Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union accused the company of backtracking on a February agreement to come together on a foundational framework to finalize a first contract and resolve legal issues between the union and company. Prior to the February agreement, union baristas had long accused the company which has faced a litany of allegations of labor law violations from organizers and federal labor officials throughout the union campaign, including in Chicago of stonewalling negotiations. Starbucks said Friday morning that the overwhelming majority of its more than 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores remained open and were serving customers as normal. The union said more than 10 stores were shut down. When youre in a city like Chicago, $15, $20 an hour just does not cut it, said Shep Searl, a longtime Starbucks barista and a member of the unions bargaining team. Searl spoke from the picket line outside the Edgewater store on Friday. We deserve a living wage, and we deserve what is a living wage in 2024, 2025, not what was a living wage in 2013. Starbucks said that the 1.5% raise guarantee was only a floor for future raises, not a ceiling. The company said its baristas make an average wage of more than $18 an hour, and that the unions wage proposals would grow the minimum wage for hourly workers by 64% immediately and by 77% over the course of the three-year contract, which the company described as not sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, barista and bargaining delegate Michelle Eisen said the companys characterization of the unions wage proposals were misleading and they know it. Go-Guasch said it was disappointing the union had not returned to the bargaining table given progress the two sides, which she said had met in more than nine bargaining sessions since April, had made already. Weve reached over 30 meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many economic issues, Go-Guasch said. Teddy Hoffman, a barista bargaining delegate for the striking Edgewater store who was picketing Friday morning, said the company had previously offered annual raises of at least 1% before moving its offer to a minimum of 1.5%. Hoffman, who said he has worked at Starbucks for nine years, called the offer blatantly disrespectful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has met us halfway on a lot of the non-economic stuff, Hoffman said. So it makes it all the more clear with their response to our economic package that its not that they cant, they just wont. Starbucks baristas have struck intermittently in Chicago and elsewhere since the union push began. Over the last two years, workers have struck some union stores on the companys annual Red Cup Day holiday promotion. Hoffman said this year the union had called off Red Cup Day practice pickets protests that take place when workers are not on strike in a show of good faith to the company. This years strikes come a day after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters launched a series of holiday-season strikes of Amazon delivery drivers nationwide, including in northwest suburban Skokie. Love Starbucks holiday drinks? This week, you may not get them. Starbucks Workers United announced baristas will strike starting Friday in three key markets Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago. The union said the move is in response to the coffee chains failure to bring viable economic proposals to the bargaining table and to resolve hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practice charges. Starbucks workers and allies strike and picket on Nov. 16, 2023, in Seattle. The union represents over 500 union stores and over 10,500 union workers, according to its website. Starbucks has nearly 10,000 company-owned U.S. stores, The Associated Press reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year but theyve yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal, the group wrote on X. This week, less than two weeks before their end-of-year deadline, Starbucks proposed no immediate wage increase for union baristas, and a guarantee of only 1.5% wage increases in future years. The group said baristas starting Friday morning will embark on five days of escalating strikes that could spread to other cities through Christmas Eve unless Starbucks honors our commitment to work towards a foundational framework. Starbucks, which is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It comes as the Teamsters union announced Thursday strikes at several Amazon delivery facilities, amid the peak holiday delivery rush. This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. This article was originally published on TODAY.com (Bloomberg) -- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers pursuit of closer ties with China has raised private questions from Donald Trumps incoming administration, European diplomats and even some senior British officials. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a courtship that risks leaving Starmer isolated among his allies. Last month, he became the first British premier to meet with President Xi Jinping for seven years and next month Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is due to meet top officials in Beijing early with priorities that include deepening financial ties between Shanghai and the City of London. The new Labour government is trying to fix a relationship that has gone from a golden age in 2015 under the then-Conservative prime minister, David Cameron, to outright gloom. Ties all-but froze following Beijings crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, its support for Russias invasion of Ukraine and a wave alleged cyberattacks and spying operations in Britain. Starmer is eager to tap the worlds second-largest economy to help make post-Brexit Britain greener and more productive. But hes going against the political currents in Brussels and Washington, where British allies have increasingly come to the view that Chinese ties bring more threats than opportunities. Last week, those risks returned to the fore as it emerged that a Chinese business adviser to the kings brother, Prince Andrew, was barred from the UK over security concerns. Starmer said in response that while national security was his priority, the governments China policy would be based on Three Cs: Cooperate, challenge and compete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early signals from Downing are that its keen to emphasize the first C. Foreign Secretary David Lammy went ahead with a visit to Beijing in October, even after China launched widespread military exercises around democratically governed Taiwan. Starmer passed up a chance to condemn the sentencing of Hong Kong democracy advocates hours after his meeting with Xi. That has left key Western officials in particular Trumps team, but also European nations questioning Starmers China stance, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity disclosing private discussions with UK allies. This government appears to be placing its China strategy firmly out of sync with Europe and the US on a variety of issues ranging from tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, forced labor-screening on goods coming from Xinjiang, to the adoption of a foreign agents register, said Sam Goodman, senior policy director at the China Strategic Risks Institute in London. Reeves is seeking closer cooperation centered on financial services and clean energy during her Jan. 11 visit to Beijing. City of London firms, in particular HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc, have lobbied for better relations after Camerons pint-glass-clinking with Xi gave way to rounds of sanctions and countersanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing is awkward just nine days before Trumps inauguration. Members of the president-elects team have expressed concerns to Starmers administration that the UK shouldnt let China see it as a weak point in Western resolve, some of the people said. The Americans dont see the UK going all-out to boost ties with China as consistent with its claim to be Americas No. 1 ally, one said. A hint of that divide came in October, just ahead of Trumps election. Florida Senator Marco Rubio later named as Trumps pick for secretary of state warned that Starmers deal to give Mauritius control of the Chagos Islands, where a key US military base is located, posed a serious risk and would aid Beijing. While Starmer has tapped his close ally, Peter Mandelson, as his US ambassador in a bid to deepen relations with Trump, the incoming envoys long advocacy for closer China ties may not endear him to the new US administration. Some senior European Union officials have also questioned the timing of the UKs outreach to Beijing when the Commission and several EU states have pushed a tougher approach, particularly over the Asian nations support for Russia, some of the people said. One EU diplomat asked how the UK could seek closer economic ties just weeks after ramping up sanctions on Chinese firms accused of arming the Kremlins war in Ukraine. Some European states have also privately noted that the UK is an outlier in not following the EU and US lead on imposing tariffs on electric vehicles from China. Theres also a risk of alienating other allies. Starmer appears to be expending more effort on defining how to deal with China than strengthening Indo-Pacific alliances with Japan and Australia, according to Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in East Asia at Kings College London. That defines a sense of uncertainty some allies are having, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ally of Starmers rejected the claim that he risked upsetting allies, noting that Australian premier Anthony Albanese had overseen his own thaw in relations with Beijing this year, albeit while US President Joe Biden was also seeking to stabilize ties with China. The prime minister faces critics at home, too. The Home Office is said to disagree with his expected decision not to put China on the so-called enhanced tier of Britains foreign influence registration program, which would have imposed tougher restrictions on business with Beijing. Some senior UK officials are wary of Starmers approach, citing ongoing espionage and cybersecurity risks and escalating Chinese activity aiding Russias war in Ukraine. Those challenges were more significant than ever, they said. An ally of former premier Rishi Sunaks said that as chancellor and then prime minister, he had rejected proposals from Treasury officials to agree a closer economic and financial relationship with China. By contrast, Starmer and Reeves appear to have accepted them, they said, fueling a narrative that the prime minister allows the Treasury to drive policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One senior government official characterized Starmers China policy as a shot in the dark. They conceded it was far from certain whether the UK would see any tangible economic benefit from the thaw, but argued it was worth trying in the pursuit of much-needed growth. It appears that the UK governments policy is to deepen trading relationships with the US, EU and China simultaneously, said Simon Finkelstein, a former Treasury and Foreign Office adviser. Unfortunately, this strategy appears to forget that Donald Trump is becoming president next month. Based on his experiences working with the first Trump administration, Finkelstein predicted the president would try to force an us or them choice. Sooner or later, Starmer will have to pick a side. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A new tech startup is putting a twist on the virtual power plant by aggregating and selling renewable grid-scale energy storage assets to help fill the gaps in this growing sector. Philipp Man is a former watch trader and current CEO of Terralayr, a company he co-founded with Ludwig Wurlitzer. He explained to TechCrunch, "We aggregate grid-scale energy storage assets, we bundle them, we virtualize them, and then we sell off the capacity between 15 minutes and 15 years." For buyers, this "power trading" can help fill gaps in their output, the publication explains. For instance, Terralayr is launching in Man's home country of Germany, according to TechCrunch. Power providers are asked to predict how much electricity they'll generate over the next 24 hours. If they miss the mark say, due to unexpected clouds that decrease a solar farm's output they can be penalized. Terralayr can step up as a solution to bridge the gap and avoid penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terralayr also manages batteries in a system that Man describes as similar to an exchange. "Our pitch is like, we're not traders," he told TechCrunch. "We don't trade at all. In fact, we will just find the best buyer for your capacity." Renewable energy solutions like solar and wind continue to expand across the globe. For instance, some of the world's biggest companies, like Microsoft, Walmart, Apple, and Meta, are investing big in solar energy. Plus, rural towns in Virginia are tapping into the power of solar and reducing their dependence on coal, while Tokyo is set to soon require most new buildings to include solar panels. These sectors help save people money by reducing energy costs. For instance, solar power is now the "cheapest source of electricity in history," according to Carbon Brief, citing a report from the International Energy Agency. Meanwhile, solutions like those offered by Terralayr can help ensure a steady stream of this clean, affordable power for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus, renewable energy is an important tool to help us reduce planet-heating pollution. You can help by installing your own solar panels or enrolling in community solar. As for Terralayr, Man told TechCrunch that its solutions may soon be coming to the United States. Would you want EV-charging roads installed in your town? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "We believe this is a generational opportunity," he said. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. State officials this week announced new rules governing advance notice of pesticide applications, possibly resolving what had been a contentious debate between growers and farmworker advocates, especially in Kern County. Starting March 26, residents will be able to find out ahead of time, by personal notification or by checking a state website, when plans are filed to apply a hazardous or drift-prone pesticides. The system unveiled Thursday after years of consideration partly addresses farmworker advocates' demands for more information about hazardous chemical applications near homes, parks or other sensitive sites. But the changes stop short of providing the precise location of where the spraying or fumigating will take place, which had been a central demand of advocacy groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "California has taken a step in the right direction, but what we really need to know is whether an application is planned for next door or a mile across town," Salinas teacher's assistant Noemi Chico said in a news release Thursday by Californians for Pesticide Reform. The group took hope in a provision creating a three-year process of public comment, during which the state Department of Pesticide Regulation's new Environmental Justice Advisory Committee may find that the rule should be revisited. CPR Co-director Angel Garcia said in the release that the state's commitment to review and possibly improve the regulation later is a key part of the new rule, adding, "this provision gives some assurance that the program can be fixed if it's not working." As it stands, information required to be made public by growers or their representatives identifies the location of the pesticide application within about half a mile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmworker groups had insisted they needed a better idea of where pesticides will be applied so they could take better precautions to avoid exposure. But farmers have objected to disclosing that level of detail, saying it would invade their privacy and could lead activists to interfere with spraying and fumigation work important to the control of damaging pests and plant diseases. The debate originated in Shafter in 2020, when a state-formed committee of local residents pushed unsuccessfully for a similar notification system that was opposed by local growers. The conflict led DPR to propose the statewide notification system. Kern County Agricultural Commissioner Glenn Fankhauser, who took criticism from farmworker advocates when he resisted calls four years ago for a detailed local notification system, noted in an email Friday the new rules will not require county growers to take any steps they aren't already required to take. "It simply creates a state website for interested parties to visit to gather information," he wrote. The rules call for posting the time and date of planned pesticide applications. The information must be filed at least 48 hours before application of a soil fumigant, and no less than 24 hours prior to use of all other pesticides required under the rule. BOSTON (WWLP) This week on Beacon Hill, there was a flurry of activity as the end of the session drew near. While the holidays are quickly approaching, lawmakers still made progress this week, including the passage of a substance use disorder bill, although it did not include a controversial provision that would have allowed for safe injection sites. A growing group of advocates called for an audit of the state legislature this week, including some of the original signers of the petition that became ballot question 1, which gave the auditor the authority to examine the legislatures finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Some signers say they will be plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the legislature if they continue to refuse an audit. Ollies Law took effect this week, named after a Longmeadow dog who died from injuries sustained at doggie daycare. The fact that other animals will be protected in his name is, I think, just the best thing that couldve come from this tragedy, said Amy Baxter, Ollies owner. Ollies law goes into effect in Massachusetts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This law puts safety regulations in place at doggie daycares, keeping your pets safe. State officials and community members celebrated Hanukkah on Wednesday evening and addressed rising incidences of antisemitism in the state. I want to be clear, as always, that Massachusetts cherishes and stands with our Jewish community, which our Jewish brothers and sisters, we will not tolerate antisemitism wherever it appears, said Governor Maura Healey. Hanukkah runs from sundown on December 25 to sundown on January 2. Expect quieter days on Beacon Hill next week, as lawmakers head home for the holidays ahead of the end of the session on December 31. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Security forces have conducted search operations in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts of Manipur ensuring safe and free movement of vehicles in the region. In a post on X, Manipur police said, "Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts." "Movement of 177 and 241 nos. of vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles," it added. The Manipur Police further mentioned that a total of 108 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur. "Both in the hill and the valley and no one was detained by Police in connection with violations in different districts of the State," the police said. Earlier, security forces arrested two individuals in Churachandpur district and seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition during search operations, officials confirmed. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jangneu Haokip (33) and Lililan Haokip (42), both residents of Lamzang village in Churachandpur. The recovery included a 9mm carbine machine gun with a magazine, a pistol with a magazine, 123 live cartridges, a four-wheeler, and two mobile phones. In a post on X, Manipur Police said, "On December 19, security forces arrested two individuals from Lamzang Village, Churachandpur District. They are identified as Jangneu Haokip (33) and Lililn Haokip (42)." "Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. During search operations, the following items were recovered:- one .303 rifle with one empty magazine, one 9mm pistol (country made) with one empty magazine from Maukot village, Churachandpur District," Manipur Police said on X. The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, last year, against the Manipur High Court's directive to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. Violence has gripped the entire state since May now, and the central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) HORRY COUNTY, S.C (WBTW) South Carolina lawmakers are less than a month away from the new legislative session and some are already looking to strengthen protections for domestic violence victims. One proposed bill would allow courts to place ankle monitors on abusers, alerting victims if their abuser comes within a certain distance of them. Right now, South Carolina does not have a state mandated law allowing courts to put ankle monitors on those facing domestic violence charges. With this proposed bill though, a judge could choose for a defendant to either pay bond or pay for an ankle monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre actually just adding that layer of protection so they can go on with their daily lives and not be in fear constantly, Rep. William Bailey said. Bailey, who represents Little River introduced House bill 3028. A bill he says hes been trying to get it passed for five years. He says since then, other states have passed similar bills. Between the period of time when someone is arrested for domestic violence and when they actually go to court, thats the most vulnerable time that there could be for additional violence to occur, he said. House speaker pro tempore Tommy Pope of York County recently signed on as a co-sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey says the ankle monitor would alert a victim through text or email if they get within a certain distance of their abuser. He says it would protect victims in any kind of domestic violence situation, no matter how severe. 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson says Horry County already has a similar law in place, but this bill could help smaller areas of the state with fewer resources. It certainly moves the rights a lot further to the victim than a lot of these things really just focused on the defendant, Richardson said. Domestic violence survivor Melissa Snyder says a bill like this shouldnt stop at the state level and should be passed at the federal level, holding all abusers accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says she spent a long time running from her abuser and because she recently started a non-profit, Stop the Silence, she says shes grown closer to the community and finally feels like she doesnt have to run anymore. You just live in paranoia all the time because you think somebody is coming to hurt you and your kids, she said. And putting an ankle monitor on these abusers could stop that, could save a life. What is the harm in actually putting it on them? Theres not. Lawmakers meet on Jan. 14 and Bailey says he hopes to finally get this bill across the finish line. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. MDARD photo The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding pet owners that as they make preparations for holiday gatherings and celebrations to keep their four-legged loved ones healthy and safe. Our holiday celebrations often involve the whole familyincluding our pets. As we plan our festivities, we want our pets to be comfortable and calm, said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland. There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this season, including keeping them away from fatty foods and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department offers six tips to keep pets safe this holiday season: Avoid feeding pets people foods. Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitiseven when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets. Also, bones can cause injury and illness. Keep holiday decorations out of reach. Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and lights may make for a beautiful display but also can catch a pets eye. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles, potpourris and some festive flowers/plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias. Make sure pets have proper identification. With all the holiday activities, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home. Have a quiet space for your pets. Holiday celebrations can be loud and overly stimulating for pets, making it important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time. Ensure your pet is fit for travel. If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go. Destination states, countries, commercial carriers and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agricultures Pet Travel website or on MDARDs animal movement website. Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick. When pets travel or encounter other people and animals, they can be exposed to contagious diseases, which is why ensuring they are fully vaccinated is so important. Also, if sick, pets can equally spread their germs to others. Keep your pet at home and away from other animals if they exhibit any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian for further care. Overall, be sure to discuss travel or boarding plans with your veterinarian to determine how best to protect your pets from disease. Based on their risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations. Anyone with concerns about their pets health now or beyond the holidays, is advised to contact their veterinarian. Dec. 20State police arrested a Cordova man Thursday who has escaped arrest several times on a long list of charges including vehicular homicide. Officers arrested Daniel Patricio Romero, 43, during a tactical operation at a house in Velarde, according to a news release from the agency. Officers had previously "gathered intelligence" on the whereabouts of Romero, who has been known by the nickname "Oso," New Mexico State Police wrote. Romero "exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident," police wrote. He was booked into Rio Arriba County jail in Tierra Amarilla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romero has evaded law enforcement several times in recent months, according to police affidavits filed against him. Officers say he drove away from state police who attempted an arrest operation at a house near Picuris Pueblo on N.M. 75 in early November, later abandoning his car on the side of the highway. Weeks beforehand, Romero had fired at Espanola police officers while leading them on a 110 mph chase out of the city on N.M. 76, according to another affidavit. Romero faces a slew of felony counts, including homicide by vehicle, tampering with evidence, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, larceny, aggravated assault upon a police officer, shooting at or from a motor vehicle and at least five counts of drug possession. Police allege Romero was responsible for a 2021 hit-and-run crash that killed road worker Mario Armando Rascon-Estrada, who was struck while he was working in an orange safety vest on the side of El Llano Road in Espanola. Espanola police filed the charge after reviving an investigation into Rascon-Estrada's death in 2023 and matching Romero with DNA evidence taken from inside a pickup truck that was left at the scene. STATEN ISLAND (PIX11) Amazon workers at the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island joined in the nationwide strike against the tech company on Saturday morning. The Staten Island warehouse is the latest to join in the strike after the DBK4 warehouse in Maspeth, Queens. More Local News Thousands of Amazon workers in New York, Atlanta, California, and Illinois are picketing as a result of the companys reported refusal to negotiate contracts with the union after a deadline of Dec. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union has been fighting for higher wages, improved benefits, and safer working conditions for warehouse workers. 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. 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. PIX11 News reached out to Amazon for a statement and received the following response from Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Amazon Teamsters at Staten Islands JFK8 warehouse are joining their brethrens historic strike against the retail giant in the days leading up to Christmas. When the clock strikes midnight Saturday morning, workers at Amazons largest union facility will team up with a protest that includes laborers at Amazon operations in Queens, Atlanta, San Francisco, southern California and suburban Chicago. It takes real courage to stand up to a corporate bully and Amazon Teamsters are doing just that, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said in a statement about the growing protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union accuses the $2 trillion company of refusing to bargain with workers who voted to become Teamsters. Workers accuse Amazon of failing to meet a Sunday deadline by coming to the negotiating table. Workers at seven Amazon facilities walked off the job Thursday to hold out for better compensation and safer working conditions. The union claims to represent 10,000 Amazon workers across 10 locations. Its not clear how many of them are on the picket line or when theyll return to work. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters says it speaks for some Amazon drivers and warehouse workers. Teamsters comprise roughly 1% of Amazons total workforce, according to CNN. Amazon reportedly takes issues with some of those workers being categorized as employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon said Thursday it didnt expect the Teamsters strike to impact holiday gift deliveries. 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, a spokesperson for Amazon said in a statement to the Daily News Friday night. 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 claims the protesters arriving at their sites are mostly outsiders not Amazon employees or partners. The company says the Teamsters union is creating an inappropriate and dangerous situation for Amazon employees by saying otherwise. The Teamsters union accuses Amazon of viewing workers as expendable resources who are the ones being threatened and intimidated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Amazon workers are on the picket lines right now and more workers are taking action because they have had enough of this companys abuse, the union said in a statement to the Daily News. With News Wire Services JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Officials with the National Forests in Mississippi are encouraging the public to be aware of bears after recent black bear activity in the states forests. We want everyone to stay safe and be bear aware in the great outdoors, said Shannon Kelardy, Forest Supervisor. Black bears have an exceptionally keen sense of smell. Hikers are encouraged to pack all food and personal items that smell, like toothpaste and soap, in a bearproof container so bears and other animals cant detect the scents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most bears are naturally wary of humans and tend to avoid them. However, bears are always searching for food. They can learn to associate people with food. Largest black bear in Mississippi history collared by MDWFP To help reduce bear encounters, overnight campers at recreation sites and hikers on trails are encouraged to use permanent food storage methods, which include: Campground canisters Cable systems Metal poles with arms Bear-proof metal boxes Its important to remember, many people never encounter a bear, but if you do, heres some simple advice: Do not run. Remain calm. Group together and pick up small children. Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human. If the bear approaches, try to scare it away by making yourself appear larger (stretch your arms overhead) and making loud noises. Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bear spray is available at many outdoor retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi State launches public survey on black bears To avoid a bear encounter, stay away from a bears favorite food sources, such as berry patches, decaying logs filled with insects, and lakes or rivers teeming with fish. Additionally, stay alert by avoiding headphones and approach blind corners on the trail with caution. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. President-elect Trumps onetime White House adviser Steve Bannon said in an interview he supports increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Im for a dramatic increase in corporate taxes. We have to increase taxes on the wealthy. For getting our guyss taxes cut, weve got to cut spending, which theyre gonna resist. Where does the tax revenue come from? Corporations and the wealthy, Bannon said during an interview with Semafor that was published Friday. And when they start squealing, we have a conversation, the conservative media personality added. Were all partners in this, everybodys going to take a little pain, but the working people are going to take less pain than you guys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the campaign trail, Trump, Bannons former boss, said he wants to extend many provisions in his 2017 tax legislation, his signature economic achievement during his first White House term. He also vowed to slash taxes on tips and Social Security. Trump has also shown support for dropping the corporate income tax rate to 15 percent. The incoming president also said he would impose tariffs on goods coming into the country as a way to bolster domestic manufacturing and greater investment in American jobs. Bannon reiterated his strong support for some of those economic proposals during the interview. On the economic side, it is things like taking on tech, no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, no tax on overtime, and driving the benefits to working people, to the middle class, he said when discussing populism on the right. Over the last 30 or 40 years, if you look at total returns from productive activity, more returns have gone to capital than have gone to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bannons War Room Podcast host shared a similar stance on taxing the wealthy and corporations while addressing GOP supporters at the New York Young Republican Club annual gala this past weekend. And I hate to say it, youre gonna have populous tax cuts on no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, no tax no tax on overtime. To make up that gap, I hate to say this, I know it, you got a bunch of still Republican orthodox folks out here. Youre gonna have to raise taxes on the wealthy, Bannon said Sunday. Hey. Both parties got us into this, he added. Only the populist nationalists could get it out. But you know what? The neoliberal neocons are going to have to pay for what happened. Progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) agreed with Bannons stance on increasing taxes on companies and wealthy individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon is absolutely right that we should tax stock buybacks and corporations more and that executives sucked up this money for shareholders instead of building new factories, Khanna wrote in a Friday post on social platform X. Thats the story of Intel and Boeing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A mother in the District is speaking out after she says her sons substitute teacher posted a video of him online with a disturbing caption. Briana Grahams 5-year-old son, who is autistic and nonverbal, is a student at Bridges Public Charter School in Northeast D.C. She said this week school officials shared a printed-out screenshot of a video with her. My son was on the ground with an emoji on his face. The caption reads, I wanna sock this little n-word to sleep, Graham shared in an interview with DC News Now on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where can I ice skate in DC, Virginia, Maryland? Graham said she was disheartened by what she saw and by the school systems handling of the situation. She said it took days for her to get a real response from the school. Emails sent to Graham, and shared with DC News Now, say the substitute no longer works for Bridges. She still hasnt seen the full video. I was terrified when I saw that. I know Im only being provided a piece of it. That means its much worse, Graham said. She added that her son hasnt been acting like himself recently. For the last month and a half, he has been expressing behaviors to me, behaviors leading me to believe my son has been continuously neglected and abused at Bridges Public Charter School, said Graham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for what comes next, Graham is seeking out legal options and has filed a report with D.C. Police. For now, she is keeping her son enrolled at Bridges. As much as I would love to up and run, I dont want to keep going through this at other schools. I think this stops now and its my duty to see it through, said Graham. DC News Now made attempts to reach the former substitute teacher and Bridges Public Charter School for comment. There was no response as of the time of publication. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. SIOUX FALLS, SD Welcome to winter! While today will feel like the new season in eastern and central KELOLAND, the same cannot be said out west. Were going to be looking at a mainly quiet day across KELOLAND, but western South Dakota will be getting in on an unseasonably warm day with temperatures climbing well into the 50s and even near 60 at times. Milder temperatures will remain in place to the west and gradually spill eastward as we head into the day on Sunday as well. While much of the day is quiet, we do need to watch northeastern KELOLAND as we head into the evening and overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A clipper system will move into North Dakota during this time, but some of that moisture may clip the northeastern corner of South Dakota with a wintry mix. Please be mindful of slick roads during this time. After this, we quiet down as we head through the upcoming holiday week. Little if any moisture comes along through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so those of you that may be dreaming of a white Christmas will likely have to keep dreaming and hope that the snow we did receive can last until then. Beyond the 7 day forecast, odds for above average temperatures remain favoredas 2024 will likely end on a milder note. Heres a look at your extended forecast: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft of the country's first basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector, Azernews reports, citing Xinhua. The law will be conducive to creating a law-based environment that is favorable to the growth of all economic sectors, including the private sector, said He Rong, minister of justice, while explaining the draft on Saturday during the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature. The draft private sector promotion law covers areas such as fair competition, investment and financing environments, scientific and technological innovation, regulatory guidance, service support, rights and interests protection and legal liabilities. Lawmakers agreed that 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. The draft has incorporated suggestions solicited from representatives of the private sector, experts, scholars and the general public, He said. Congress leader Sachin Pilot visited SMS Hospital in Jaipur to meet the victims of the recent fire incident and take stock of the situation on Saturday. Speaking to the media persons, Pilot said, "The injured people are being provided with the best available facilities. It is a tragic incident. This incident must be investigated to know the reasons behind it...As the population and means of transport are increasing, so is the number of accidents. The government has to take this matter seriously and whether safety norms are being followed or not...Not only the government, but the whole public has to follow the norms to avoid such incidents." He further stated, "Our government has provided some financial assistance to the affected individuals, and if necessary, the assistance should be extended not only by the state government but also by the central government. Many of these victims were working-class individuals, and they should be helped as much as possible." The Friday accident, which resulted in a massive fire, involved a truck loaded with chemicals colliding with a tanker carrying LPG and other vehicles. The death toll in the tanker truck collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur on Saturday rose to 14, as confirmed by DCP West Jaipur, Amit Kumar. SMS Hospital Superintendent, Sushil Kumar Bhati, confirmed that "14 patients have died so far in the incident. A total of 26 patients are under treatment, some of whom are in critical condition and on ventilators." Dr Bhati emphasised that "All doctors are trying their best to treat the victims and minimise mortality, but some patients are very serious. The entire medical team has been mobilised, and additional staff has been arranged across various specialities to ensure the best possible care." Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office expressed grief, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected." The PM also announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. (ANI) Pouty prince. Prince Andrew is reportedly sulking and refusing to walk the two corgis he inherited from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as he faces a scandal over his connections to an alleged Chinese spy. The disgraced duke, 64, has resorted to delegating the dog duties to flunkies, according to The Sun, rather than exercise the pets himself on the grounds of Royal Lodge, the massive Windsor estate his brother King Charles III has tried and thus far failed to evict him from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes so down and demoralized he hasnt even been able to get himself motivated to take the dogs for a walk, an insider allegedly told The Sun. Prince Andrew with royal corgis as they await the cortege ahead of the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II held at St Georges Chapel on September 19, 2022 in Windsor, England. Getty Images He used to do it regularly but recently he cant even bring himself to go out. The Duke of York shares custody of the dogs with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 65. Though divorced, the former couple live together and both inherited the late Queens pups Muick and Sandy upon her death in September 2022 at the age of 96. The monarchs affinity for corgis was world-renowned, with the breed eventually becoming synonymous with the late Queen. Queen Elizabeth II, 2020. Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II had over 30 corgis and dorgis in her lifetime. PA Images via Getty Images Over the course of her life, she owned more than 30 corgis and dorgis (a cross between a Welsh corgi and a dachshund). Though in her final years she had only the two which now belong to Andrew and Sarah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Queens canine bequeathal to the Duke and Duchess of York was fitting, given that Andrew gave the corgis to his mother during the COVID lockdown to boost her spirits, and that Fergie was often seen joining Her Majesty for long walks on the grounds of Windsor Castle in the final years of her life. Queen Elizabeth II with one of her corgis, 1970. Bettmann Archive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, Duke of York leave after attending the Thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2022 in London, England. Getty Images In addition to the corgis, Andrew and Sarah also share custody of five other dogs all of which the duke reportedly dispatches to his flunkies to be walked as he is so fed up, according to The Sun. Allegedly dubbed the Duke of Hazard by palace staff, Andrew has faced a series of shocking scandals in recent years that have seen him relegated to the sidelines of royal life. His most recent imbroglio centers on his connections to a man accused by the British government of being a Chinese spy. Prince Andrew, Duke of York reacts as he arrives at St. Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, to attend the Easter Mattins Service, on March 31, 2024. AFP via Getty Images According to a ruling from Britains High Court issued earlier this week, Andrew was prepared to enter into business activities with the alleged spy, Chinese businessman Yang Tenbo, also known as Chris Yang, who the court said gained an unusual degree of trust with the beleaguered prince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Courts decision, which stemmed from a national security investigation, also revealed that British intelligence agencies worried Yang sought to gain influence over a member of the royal family. Yang, who has been banned from the UK, has denied he is a spy. Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, take part in the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Getty Images Prince Andrew has denied any impropriety on his part, stating that nothing of a sensitive nature was discussed with Yang and that their meetings occurred through official channels. However, the dukes denials have done nothing to assuage the royal familys concern that he represents a clear and present danger to the monarchy. At the urging of his ex-wife and royal courtiers, the prince bowed out of attending both King Charles pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday and the royal familys Christmas day celebration at the Kings country estate in Sandringham. QUEENS (PIX11) Tenants of a Sunnyside, Queens apartment building destroyed in a fire one year ago chanted fix our homes! at a rally Friday night. Residents of more than 100 apartments at 43-09 47th Avenue were displaced on December 20th, 2023, when a five-alarm fire tore through part of the building. The building is still not inhabitable. The NYC Fire Marshal determined it was started by a contractor illegally using a blow torch inside a vacant apartment to remove paint from a door. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 70 of the 109 units are rent-stabilized or rent-regulated. Displaced tenants have been paying $1 monthly for the burned-out apartments to keep their leases active under the law. Melissa Orlando, a tenant organizer for the building, told PIX 11 News, If youre on a limited income, theres no place for you to go. You cant go and find a rent-stabilized apartment. Its nearly impossible, so many tenants are facing severe hardship. Were tired, were frustrated, and we need A&E to take action to repair our homes. City Councilwoman Julie Won, who represents the area, said, Its the same throughout all the boroughs when theres a fire. They take as long as possible to try to push these tenants to try to find new homes, so this way, when they leave, so do those rent-stabilized apartments. Tenant Judson Jones and his wife Krista not only lost their apartment and sentimental possessions, but both of their cats died. Jones said, We found them under debris, under piles of rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, A & E Real Estate said: Every day this building sits empty is a loss for us, and a hardship to the families that called it home. Since the insurance company took complete control of the rebuilding process, it has slowed to a crawl. We are applying every pressure we can to get this process moving and have petitioned the New York Supreme Court to step in and resolve these issues. At the same time, weve worked closely with Borough President Donovan Richards to further extend temporary housing, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities affected by the fire. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and A&E Real Estate announced a Friday plan to provide 13 Sunnyside displaced households with an additional six-month temporary housing agreement. This third round of temporary lease agreements will run through July 15, 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 PIX11. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) Springfield police announced an arrest in connection to a homicide earlier this month. On Dec. 19, the Springfield Police Division reports officers apprehended a suspect relating to a fatal stabbing that took place Dec. 3. Police found the suspect near the intersection of Mitchell Boulevard and North Belmont Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Suspect allegedly kills self after wounding officer trying to serve warrant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were first called a parking lot in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Avenue around 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 3. In the parking lot, they found 35-year-old Darrin Polluck dead from several apparent stab wounds. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. He is being held in the Clark County Jail. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said a suspect in a fatal hit and run in October has been arrested. Deputies were searching for Mario Mendez who is accused of fatally hitting Monique Maes in a crash that also injured her two children. Mendez was arrested in El Paso, Texas. Albuquerque police arrest man accused of $10,000 Pokemon card theft by: Jordan Honeycutt He is facing numerous charges including homicide by vehicle and two counts of child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The man suspected of driving a car into a Christmas market in Germany is an exiled Saudi doctor who praised far-Right politicians for combating the Islamisation of Europe and pledged to take revenge for the harassment of female refugees. Five people have died after a BMW drove at speed into shoppers in Magdeburg on Friday night, and dozens more were critically injured. In a five-minute audio message posted online shortly before the terror attack, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen said he held the German nation responsible for crimes including the killing of Socrates in Athens in 399 BC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to compare socialism and liberalism and accused the German authorities of stealing a USB stick from his post box. Signing off the message on his X, formerly Twitter, account, Abdulmohsen said he held the Germans responsible for what I am facing. A still from a video shows a German police officer confronting the Magdeburg attacker The message appeared to air grievances accumulated over years about mass immigration, legal difficulties, and a court battle with a refugee charity. Abdulmohsen, 50, arrived in Germany in 2006 and lives in Bernburg, about 30 miles from Magdeburg, local media reported. After settling in Germany he became active in Saudi refugee circles, describing himself on multiple social media accounts as an ex-Muslim concerned with the rights of women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his erratic behaviour caused some other activists to warn against working with him. Nora Abdulkarim, a Harvard-based scholar of Saudi feminism who met Abdulmohsen in 2017, said at the time he should be avoided because he had issues and that there is something wrong with his mind. Ms Abdulkarim said on Saturday that she believed the grievance Abdulmohsen referred to in his last messages related to a legal dispute with a charity for atheist refugees that he had accused of taking advantage of Saudi women. The BMW drove at speed into a crowd of shoppers - five people had died by Saturday afternoon, with dozens more critically injured - Hendrick Schmidt/DPA via AP I first encountered Taleb in 2017 while looking into the case of Saudi asylum-seeker, Dina Ali Lasaloom. En route to Australia, she was stopped in transit in Manila, Philippines, and forcibly returned home on April 11, 2017, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the Dina Ali case, I wasnt comfortable with Talebs style, shall we say. I noted ego, paranoia, aggressiveness, unclear and at times suspicious access to information, questionable ethics in terms of activist methods, and emotional instability. The Saudi Arabian authorities also reportedly warned the German security services three times about Abulmohsen, although it it is unclear what was contained in the warnings. Over the years, Abdulmohsen appeared to become increasingly angry with the German government, public, and legal system. In one tweet he wrote: I have to admit that I was deceived by western Leftists. I thought they welcome refugees because they care for human rights. But my experience in Germany showed me that they welcome refugees because they want to Islamise Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real hero is this man, he added, quoting a tweet from Geert Wilders, the far-Right Dutch politician, that read: Islam is a lie. Mohammed is a criminal. The Koran is poison. Two police officers stand guard at the scene of the attack in a Christmas market on Friday - Filip Singer/EPA-EFE He also voiced support for Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and Alternative for Germany, the far-right anti-immigration party. His concern about immigration and Islam appeared to run in parallel with a specific grievance against Germany and the German public, including threats of revenge. In a post in December 2023, Abdulmohsen wrote: Germany is the only country other than Saudi Arabia that chases female Saudi asylum seekers all over the world to destroy their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote: Revenge will come soon. Even if it costs me my life. I will make the German nation pay the price of the crimes committed by its government against Saudi refugees. In another post, he wrote: If you are [a] concerned German citizen then demand justice now. If you are not concerned, then okay, but dont complain later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Saudi woman tried to alert police to Abdulmohsens plan to kill random German citizens in September 2023, but mistakenly emailed the police in Berlin, New Jersey, rather than in Germany, Die Welt reported. In November this year, Abdulmohsen posted a four-point manifesto from the Saudi liberal opposition that demanded Germany protect its borders from illegal immigration, repeal laws banning defamation of the religion, and reform its libel laws. He said Angela Merkels decision to open borders to refugees in 2015 was a plan to Islamise the country and demanded Germany ban a charity called Atheist Refugee Relief. Abdulmohsens dispute with that charity appears to be at the root of his claim that Germany harassed female Saudi asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to previous posts, he had accused the Cologne-based group of exploiting Saudi women and was fighting a court battle with it. The alleged theft of the USB stick, which is not explained in comprehensible form in his last audio message, appears to be linked to this case. In November, Abdulmohsen wrote on an Arabic language forum: If I am assassinated, the culprit is [the] German authorities. And if they accuse Daesh, that is a lie because I havent received any serious threats from Islamists over the 9 years of my rights activism on Twitter. Last year, I received serious threats from supporters of [the] Saudi government and I reported them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then a year has passed and I havent faced any harassment, except from German authorities due to my insistence on exposing a corrupt organisation that the German police created specifically to destroy Saudi atheist asylum-seekers. On social media, some claimed Abdulmohsen was in fact a supporter of Hamas, pointing to a post on X where he said We will return Hamas to Gaza and if you like we can bring Hamas to your home so you can taste it. But the post, in Arabic, matches several others where he uses Hamas as a threat, casting it as the exemplar of all that is wrong with Islamic extremism. In another example, he says: Hamas rule over Gaza means you are the first person to be executed for your writings. This is in addition to the women, gays and atheists who contact me from Gaza asking me to help them get asylum. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A woman who is suspected to have been driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs crashed her vehicle Friday night on Interstate 5 in Seattle and injured her passenger, according to the Washington State Patrol. The passenger, a 49-year-old Buckley woman, was transported to Harborview Medical Center. Trooper Rick Johnson said in a post on X that she suffered broken bones. The driver, a 47-year-old Bellevue woman, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular assault, according to a news release from the State Patrol. She was not injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers said the driver was traveling south on the interstate in a 2002 Dodge Caravan approaching Interstate 90 when she left the roadway to the left and struck an attenuator, also known as a crash cushion, where an on ramp to I-90 East splits from I-5. The vehicle was totaled. The on ramp was closed due to the collision, which was reported at 9:13 p.m.. Troopers said the roadway was shut down for more than four hours. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) An investiture ceremony was held on Friday to swear in Michael D. Simms as a judge for the 21st Judicial Circuitrepresenting Monongalia County. It was a long journey to get here, Simms said. A difficult, long campaignbut a wonderful campaign. Simms said that throughout the course of campaigning for this position, he got to meet so many people across all parts of the county. I feel so honored and fortunate that everyone put their trust in me for this important position, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simms is a West Virginia native, born and raised in what he described as a more rural part of the state. He has been practicing law for close to 20 years, with 17 of those years spent running his own practice in Monongalia County. West Virginia 2024 General Election had highest voter turnout since 1960 Ive helped a lot of people put their lives back together in this countyI love this place. Its a great place to raise kids, its a great place to enjoy the outdoors, and we have a tremendous legal system here, Simms said. Our bar association is strong, we have excellent circuit court judges, excellent magistrates. Some of Simms campaigning consisted of getting to know people in Monongalia County at several different events including dinners with them, bingo and fairs. He said that by doing this, he felt people could get to know him and would feel comfortable placing their trust in him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody matters and everybody has the chance to be touched by circuit court, Simms added. So you need to know who your circuit court judges are. During the investiture ceremony, Judge Simms took an oath administered by former Judge Phillip Gaujot. Several of Simms family members came out to support him, including his wife and parents, among other members of the local community. Simms will officially assume his position on Jan. 1, 2025, and he will serve an eight-year term. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) About $41,000 worth of drugs was seized during an investigation into child pornography in Sweetwater, leading to a mans arrest. On Wednesday, December 18, the Sweetwater Police Department initiated an investigation into a child pornography case. During the investigation, police obtained search warrants for the suspects vehicle and home. Sweetwater PD reported that they seized approximately $41,000 in illegal drugs, along with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marijuana THC Wax THC vapes and candies THC Edibles Mushrooms LSD Methamphetamine Ketamine MDMA (also referred to as Ecstasy or Molly) Four cellphones A hard drive A laptop Three firearms A notable amount of currency As a result of the investigation, Marcus Malcolm Wilson was booked into the Nolan Country Jail and charged with: Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography Five counts of Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Four counts of Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Delivery of Marijuana Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available. BigCountryHomepage.com will update as new information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A Swissvale woman is speaking out on the dangers of a Librela, after the FDA announced a warning about adverse events related to the drug. Lauren Spagna lost her dog, Sydney, a Jack Russell terrier she adopted in 2012. Within 48 hours he was catastrophically ill, within three days he was dead, Spagna said. In September, she took him to the vet for help with his osteoarthritis. He had started to struggle going up and down steps with osteoarthritis. Going for walks he could walk for an hour, pull me over, go full speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spagnas veterinarian suggested a newer drug that the FDA approved to help with pain associated with osteoarthritis. The vet said this drug was new, risk free, no side effects, its a miracle drug, dogs are acting like puppies again, Spagna said. Less than 48 hours later his legs were giving out, he was vomiting bile. I carried him downstairs like a rag dog doll. I carried him into the emergency vet like a rag doll. They said he was in agony and when they did an ultrasound, they found he had pancreatis and all his organs were swelling. I had to make the loving but horrific decision to end the suffering. Spagna said they euthanized the dog that Sunday, just days after the injection. She said the dogs bloodwork, which was taken before the injection, was great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bloodwork was taken again at the vet hospital. 48 hours after he had the injection and bloodwork the vet was really happy with, they had run his bloodwork multiple times, the red blood cells kept falling apart, they couldnt get readings. He was catastrophically ill. He had immune mediated anemia. They gave him IV fentanyl. The FDA released a warning about Librela to veterinarians, posting a letter on their website: Dear Veterinarian Letter notifying veterinarians about adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection) | FDA It explains adverse events reported in dogs of various ages treated with Librela since its release in 2023. The adverse events identified and analyzed include ataxia, seizures, other neurologic signs, including but not limited to, paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence; polyuria, polydipsia, and in some cases, death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren passed her records on to Zoetis, the drug manufacturer, who sent her a check for $1000 dollars to help cover vet bills. We reached out to Zoetis and they tell Channel 11, We remain confident in the safety and effectiveness of Librela for controlling osteoarthritis pain in dogs, and in the science, safety and regulatory rigor behind these products. Since launching in Europe over three years ago, Librela has been used effectively with millions of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis pain. With more than 21 million doses distributed globally, no single sign reported in an adverse event is classified as more than rare, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) categorization. We understand that when your dog experiences an adverse event, these statistics are a small consolation. We are deeply committed to listening to and working with veterinarians and pet owners, and we take very seriously our obligation to gather as much relevant information as possible when potential adverse events are reported to us. We do this so we can ensure the ongoing safety of our products and so that we can report these events to the appropriate regulatory agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The significant majority of the feedback we have received from vets and pet owners continues to be positive. Veterinarians are the best source of guidance and information for pet owners, and we continue to recommend that pet owners speak to their vets about any questions or concerns they may have. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Bharatiya Janata Party workers on Saturday welcomed party MLC CT Ravi as he arrived at the party office in Bengaluru after the Karnataka High Court granted him bail in a 'derogatory' remarks case filed by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Hebbalkar has alleged that CT Ravi used derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council. The decision came after the court's single-judge bench, headed by Justice MG Uma, issued an interim order for his release. Ravi had been arrested following allegations stemming from a complaint by Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, which led to the legal action. Speaking after securing release CT Ravi in a statement said, "Our custodian was Chairman, when our custodian clearly said and gave ruling a false case was filed against me and they treated me like a terrorist, let them introspect what have they done, I'm not doing well as I didn't eat properly last night and in the morning. It's a win for the truth, this High Court order clear message that we all must follow the law. Though there was no proof against me I was arrested." CT Ravi's son, Swarthak Surya called it a "big relief" and affirmed his faith in the judiciary. He further said that he had unwavering faith in his father's innocence in the case and he would never use such language for anyone, especially women. "I was shocked when I heard the allegations. I know my father, he would never use such abusive language for anyone, especially women. He treats everyone with respect, whether young or old. I never doubted my father for a moment," Surya told ANI. "There were a lot of emotions in the last 24 hours. I was worried a lot, especially when I saw that he was arrested. I do not even understand why was there such a sudden arrest. Especially considering the fact that he even had a head injury. When he was released, it was a big relief," he added. Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar addressed the alleged derogatory remarks made by CT Ravi during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session. Speaking to reporters at her residence in Belagavi, she expressed distress over the incident. Hebbalkar recounted, "After completing the protest (against the remarks of Amit Shah), I was sitting quietly in my seat. At that time, CT Ravi called Rahul Gandhi a drug addict. In response, I asked, 'Even you have been in accidents--does that make you a murderer?" (ANI) A Tacoma man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault for fatally shooting his girlfriend and then pointing the gun at one of her three children was sentenced Friday to 23 years, four months in prison. Tellieun Marquez Harveys defense attorney, Jennifer Freeman, said her client had been diagnosed with schizophrenia a year before the shooting, was not on his medication and was actively psychotic when he shot and killed 24-year-old Elisia Simpson on May 16, 2022. Freeman told the court she believed Simpsons murder wouldnt have occurred if Harvey had been taking his medications. Freeman said Harvey was having command hallucinations at the time telling him to kill the victim, and that he had to do so to get his soul back. She said her client acknowledged he will need to be on medication for the rest of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harveys mental competency to assist in his own defense was called into question during his criminal case, court records show, and a judge ordered him to undergo two 90-day periods of competency restoration at Western State Hospital before he was declared competent to proceed. It was a challenge for prosecutors to decide whether to take the case to trial on the original charges of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. Deputy prosecuting attorney Bryce Nelson said doing so would have meant putting a 7-year-old girl on the witness stand to testify about what would be the worst event in anyones life. Simpsons three children, ages 2, 3 and 5, were in the apartment on Pacific Avenue when Harvey, then 21, shot and killed the mother. Nelson said the children were left alone in the residence for some time until they went out onto a balcony and flagged down a passerby who called 911. Tacoma Police Department officers found seven .40-caliber shell casings on the floor of a bedroom where Simpson was found, according to charging documents. Simpsons face was severely swollen and bruised, and she had multiple wounds on her left side. Elisia Simpson, 24, was found dead in her Tacoma apartment Tuesday, May 17, 2022. She was a mother to three children. The 5-year-old girl later told forensic interviewers she was in her bedroom watching Shrek when she heard her mother and Harvey arguing. The girl said she heard gunshots, and then Harvey entered her room and pointed a black handgun directly at her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses saw Harvey leave the apartment at 6:30 a.m. and provided photos of him to investigators along with the license plate number of the car he left in. Police later interviewed Harveys mother, who said hed been acting strangely and that she had taken him to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup for treatment. Investigators learned Harvey was transferred to Wellfound Behavioral Health Hospital in Tacoma, where police arrested him. Discussion between prosecutors, the victims family and the defense about whether it was worthwhile to have Simpsons daughter testify led to an agreement that avoided trial, with Harvey pleading guilty to lesser charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault. Nelson said prosecutors agreed to recommend a 23-year sentence. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Susan Adams said what Simpsons daughter experienced was beyond comprehension. The girl was fortunate to not have suffered the same fate as her mother, the judge said, but she said the girl would carry this with her for the rest of her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said the defendants mental health issues did justify a less severe punishment, which he was afforded through the amended charges. But she said she saw no reason to sentence Harvey to anything other than the high end of the range, four months longer than the recommendation. He is going to spend two-plus decades in prison for these horrific crimes, and rightly, deservedly, Adams said. Like a superhero Before the judge handed Harveys punishment, she heard from three of Simpsons siblings who described how their sisters murder had shattered their family. Alice Simpson, who attended the hearing via Zoom, told the court that she had been in denial about her sisters death the past few years, still texting and calling her in hopes she might answer. She said no amount of time Harvey could serve would undo the damage or take away her pain, but she wanted Harvey to at least regret tearing her family apart and feel the pain he caused them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another sister, Willow Jackson, 16, said Simpson was like a second mother to her and was the strongest person she knew. She was sort of like a superhero, always helping everyone else and never letting anyone be her superhero, Jackson said. Knowing that her sisters life was taken in such a cruel and senseless way left Jackson questioning the goodness in this world, she said, and it has robbed her of her ability to feel peace. Our family has been shattered by her death, Jackson said. I miss my sister every day, and I wish she were here to see the young woman Im becoming. I hope through this process, my sisters voice is heard, and her life is honored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William Simpson told the court he couldnt see a world where Harveys crime could be remedied. He said Simpson was the cornerstone of everything that was good about their family, and now all of their outlooks had changed. There is nothing that can be done, William Simpson said. But at least hell be somewhere else. Somewhere else far away. When it was Harveys turn to speak, he said he was sorry to Simpsons family for what hed done and was remorseful for the pain hed caused. He said he did a terrible thing. I deserve the punishment Im getting, Harvey said. If I could change things, I would. Tellieun Harvey appears in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, to be sentenced on a second-degree murder charge for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Elisia Simpson, in 2022. Resources for domestic violence Visit familyjusticecenter.us or call 253-798-4166 to contact the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, whose website features a list of partner organizations that also provide services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a list of domestic-violence victim advocacy programs in the state, visit wscadv.org/washington-domestic-violence-programs. For national or regional hotlines, visit wscadv.org/get-help-now. The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violences friends and family guide can be found here: wscadv.org/resources/friends-family-guide. A printable guide in English or Spanish is available here: wscadv.org/resources/printable-friends-family-guide. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 if you or someone you know is suffering abuse. Visit thehotline.org to chat or text with an advocate or more information. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Corporal Carlos Brito returned to Tampa General Hospital on Friday for the first time after a man intentionally hit him with a car, almost causing him to lose his life, over a year ago. Unlike his previous visit, the reason for Britos return was a happy one as he was the guest speaker at TGHs Perioperative Transition Programs graduation. Credit: Tampa General Hospital Credit: Tampa General Hospital This extensive nine-month training course helps nurses become better prepared for the operating room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corporal Brito shared his gratitude for the hardworking staff of the hospital where he spent five weeks and underwent 11 surgeries since his injury last November. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. UPDATE: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man as 51-year-old Grady Evan McIntosh. ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) A man has died following an officer-involved shooting early Saturday morning in Erwin, the Erwin Police Department reports. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating the shooting. According to a release from Erwin Police Chief Regan Tilson, officers responded to a noise complaint regarding a home in the 600 block of Maple Avenue at around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. The TBI specified in a release that the noise complaint was reportedly due to a barking dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TBI said when officers approached the front door and knocked, they reported hearing a shotgun rack before the door opened. The individual racked the shotgun and announced to the officers who had clearly identified themselves as police officers that he had something for them,' the release from Tilson states. Buffalo Disaster Relief purchases former Budget Inn motel to help displaced Hurricane Helene victims The release from Tilson said that police directed the man to drop the gun, and the man pointed the gun at officers. The TBI said at least two officers fired upon the subject, and no officers were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police on scene then rendered aid to the man until he was transported to the Johnson City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the release from Tilson said. A TBI spokesperson confirmed Saturday morning that agents responded to Erwin at the request of First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney, and Tilson said the Erwin Police Department will not issue any further statements. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Teamsters Local 25 successfully delivered two trucks of holiday toys in time for the Boston Gives Back: A Winter Wonderland event. On Friday, December 20, Teamsters Local 25 volunteers arrived at the Bolling Municipal Building with two trucks filled with toys for children attending the Boston Gives Back event the next day. This annual family celebration featured games, activities, and educational opportunities for children and families to learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This toy delivery was part of an expanded effort led by Mayor Michelle Wu to meet the growing need for toys for children in Boston facing hardships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a release, the Teamsters Local 25 Holiday Toy Drive has been a cherished tradition, providing toys to children in need each year. Teamsters Local 25 was proud to partner with the City of Boston for this years event, ensuring that the holiday season was brighter for many local families. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A 14-year-old girl who alleged that she was lured into a sextortion scheme helped police set up a sting at a park, leading to the mans arrest. According to a criminal complaint, officers arrested 18-year-old Thomas Herdman on Dec. 11 in the Hilltops Westgate Park after receiving reports of a meeting between him and the girl, who had told police she was a sextortion victim. The girl reported that she had received a text from Herdman after she responded to an Instagram message offering money for nude photos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House and Senate bills pass, fail in final statehouse session of the year After she complied, Herdman directed the victim to produce more photos and videos for payment. He reportedly then threatened to expose her publicly and ruin her life unless she performed sex acts on him, setting the meeting time. He was apprehended by police while attempting to leave the park. An investigation and search warrant found the images and texts on Herdmans phone. In the texts, the girl told Herdman that she was only 14 and scared. A SWAT unit arrested him again Thursday at his residence. Herdman admitted to receiving and distributing sexual material and threatening the victim, records show. A Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Herdman a $250,000 bond on felony charges of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, illegal use of a minor with nudity oriented material, extortion and attempted felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Exploited Children Unit reminds parents to monitor their childrens online and social media activity. Please speak regularly with them about online safety. Parents and children can find information and educational assistance at NCMEC.org, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Lakewood teenager who was 16 when he fatally shot a friend while playing with guns inside a home near American Lake was sentenced Friday to a little more than three-and-half years in state custody. David Raul Maldonado, now 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in November for recklessly causing the June 22, 2023, death of 16-year-old Desmin Jarrett. The punishment Pierce County Superior Court Judge Susan Adams imposed was below the standard range for defendants prosecuted in similar cases. That decision was recommended by prosecutors and the defense, and Adams said it was supported by the fact that higher courts have clearly set out that the acts of youth are different from adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said in deciding Maldonados sentence, she had to consider factors of immaturity and impetuosity, the defendants environment, family circumstances, peer pressure and factors that support successful rehabilitation. You were a young man making foolish, impulsive decisions, Adams said. Unfortunately, you had guns at your disposal, and a terrible, terrible tragedy, terrible, terrible thing took place. The defendant will serve his sentence in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. In Washington, people sentenced for crimes committed before they are 18 go to juvenile rehabilitation with that state agency until age 25, when they would transfer to the Department of Corrections. Maldonados defense attorney, Bryan Hershman, described his client as a good student and multi-sport athlete who had fought through hardships in his life such as the incarceration of his mother when he was young. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershman said Maldonado would prove to Adams and the community that hes a good man, and that the judge would never see him in court again. Maldonado met Jarrett not long before the shooting occurred, Hershman said. At the time, Maldonado would go over to Jarretts house to smoke cannabis and play with guns that were in the house. Thats how this happened, Hershman said. He fled the scene, freaked out, then turned himself in because he realized what he had done. According to charging documents, Lakewood Police Department officers were dispatched to the incident at about 6:44 p.m. after a 911 caller reported that their son had been shot accidentally. Jarrett was transported to Madigan Army Medical Hospital, where he was declared dead that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In interviews with detectives, Jarretts mother allegedly reported that her son was with three friends in the living room when the shooting occurred, and she had been upstairs watching TV in her bedroom. When she heard the gunshot, she came downstairs and saw one of the friends performing CPR on Jarrett. The others had run off. The friend allegedly told detectives that Maldonado was sitting on the couch when he initially racked the handgun, pointed it and pulled the trigger, but it did not fire. Maldonado racked the gun again after the friend reportedly told him not to mess around and to be cautious in case there was a bullet in the chamber. But Maldonado pointed the gun again and pulled the trigger, striking Jarrett, who was standing in front of him. A police investigation pointed to the shooting being a murder rather than an accident, and they identified Maldonado as a suspect before he surrendered at the Lakewood Police Department the day after it occurred. Prosecutors then charged him with first-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The murder charge was amended to manslaughter before Maldonado pleaded guilty Nov. 1. Deputy prosecuting attorney Maureen Goodman wrote in a court filing that the state believed the change reflected the defendants conduct in the shooting. Goodman said in court Friday that the victims mother was notified of the hearing and decided not to attend. Hershman also said that Jarretts family had reached out to Maldonado in a compassionate fashion. I dont know how people summon that kind of strength, Hershman said. Maldonado, who has been out of custody on electronic home monitoring since July 18, 2023, sat quietly throughout the hearing in a gray dress shirt and tie. Friends who attended the hearing in support of him filled nearly two rows in the gallery behind him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it was his turn to speak, Maldonado said he couldnt express how sorry he was for what happened. He said he thinks about it often, and he cant really change anything. I know Im going to do better, he said. A missile fired from Yemen hit Tel Aviv overnight into Saturday, Israeli authorities said, in a rare instance of a failed interception over the city. Israels military said the projectile landed in Tel Avivs southern Jaffa area, adding that attempts to intercept a missile from Yemen failed shortly after sirens sounded in the area. More than a dozen people sustained minor injuries, according to emergency services, but no fatalities were reported. Israels second-largest city, Tel Aviv is the countrys commercial and diplomatic center. Direct hits from projectiles fired at the coastal city are rare, due to Israels extensive air defenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the strike, the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen said they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile labeled Palestine 2 at an Israeli military target in the Jaffa area early on Saturday. The missile struck its target accurately and the defenses and interception systems failed to intercept it, the militant group said in a statement. At least 16 people sustained minor injuries from glass fragments that broke in nearby buildings, Israels Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said. In addition, 14 victims were treated for slight injuries they sustained seeking shelter, as well as seven panic victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Beth Shahai, 69, told the Reuters news agency that she heard sirens but the missile exploded before she had time to flee her home. The ballistic missile landed right behind our building, and all the windows blew in on the first, second floor, and the whole area. It was very frightening, she said. Since Israels war with Hamas in Gaza started in October last year, the country has come under fire from missiles and rockets from Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, both Iran-backed militant groups, as well as from Iran itself. Almost all of the projectiles have been intercepted by Israels air defenses. People gather at the scene of a missile strike that, according to Israels military, was launched from Yemen and landed in Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv, Israel, December 21, 2024. - Stoyan Nenov/Reuters Israels besiegement and bombardment of Gaza has led to tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian catastrophe, while its attacks on Lebanon have killed about 4,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have for months targeted ships in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest waterways, calling the attacks a response to the war in Gaza. The Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah are all part of an Iran-led alliance spanning much of the region, that has attacked Israel and its allies since the war began last year. They say they wont stop striking Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave. Hamass October 7 attack on Israel in which militants killed more than 1,000 people and took hundreds hostage sparked the more than 14 months of conflict. On Thursday, the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with shrapnel causing extensive damage to a school near Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, shrapnel from an intercepted Hezbollah rocket hit a building in the city. And in July, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv the first such strike on the city by the group. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CAIRO (Reuters) - At least 10 Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on two houses in the Nuseirat refugee camp and Deir Al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip, medics told Reuters on Saturday. Meanwhile, Gaza's health ministry said there was ongoing intense and heavy bombing of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which it said was occurring in an "unprecedented manner" and without prior warning. The hospital is one of only three barely operational medical facilities on the northern edge of the enclave, where the Israeli army has been operating since October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The bombing is being conducted with explosives and tank fire, directly targeting us while we are present inside the hospital departments," the ministry said. (Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi; editing by Timothy Heritage, Jason Neely and Jonathan Oatis) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Tenants of Atlantic Mills are taking decisive action to protect the Providence landmark from falling into what they fear could be the wrong hands. At a rally held at Riverside Park on Saturday, it was announced that a supermajority of tenants has formed the Atlantic Mills Tenant Union, demanding direct negotiations with the landlord to address their concerns about the buildings future. This move makes history as Rhode Islands first commercial tenants union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For tenants, however, saving Atlantic Mills goes beyond a fight for real estate. BACKGROUND: Tenants fight to preserve Atlantic Mills amid potential sale According to a petition created by a concerned citizen that launched in early October, preserving Atlantic Mills emphasizes its cultural significance to the community. To date, that petition has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures. It represents a rich tapestry of relationships and close community, many of which have found a comfortable dwelling hereour second home, the petition states. We have put our hearts and souls into this place. The newly-created union is not associated with the petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, Atlantic Mills, located on Manton Avenue, has served as a hub for numerous artists and small businesses. Hundreds flock to Olneyville for its Big Top Flea Market, while its commercial and industrial spaces house artist studios, furniture stores, a church and more. As of Oct. 16, the Providence Preservation Society, estimated the buildings occupancy was at 88%. Originally built in 1852 for the Atlantic Delaine Company, the mill produced wool muslin delaine and became a leading producer of worsted and cotton-wrap fabrics, employing over 2,000 workers at its peak. In August 2023, 12 News learned the city had entered into a purchase agreement for Atlantic Mills, aiming to buy or redevelop the property. The current owner is Howard and Eleanore Brynes LLC. MORE: Providence seeks to acquire, redevelop Atlantic Mills building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the deal fell through roughly a year later when the current owner declined to extend the agreement. The mill was subsequently relisted for $5 million. As of October, the sale remains pending with New York-based developer Eric Edelman, who told 12 News he intends to keep existing tenants, make improvements, and lease vacant spaces to stimulate economic development. In response to the union forming, Edelman said on Saturday that once we close on the building and are its official owners there will be direct contact with each tenant about their lease. We want to keep all tenants in good standing at the building, Edelman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A city spokesperson said Providence remains deeply invested in the outcome of the sale and future of the historic mill. The spokesperson added that the city has been in contact with the buyer who has assured the city that the flea market will remain at its location, existing leases will remain well below market rates, improvements will be made to property. This is a private property and transaction but the city will continue to monitor it closely given the community interest in the property, the spokesperson continued. As for if there will be any rent increases, Edelman said, Were still conducting the required due diligence and no decisions have been made on rent increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Olneyville Neighborhood Association described Atlantic Mills as a space for organizing and supporting residents and grassroots efforts. In a social media post, the association called it the last affordable, working-class space in Providence, urging the community to ensure its future remains under true community control. Our people must take the lead in shaping the mills future, ensuring it remains a hub for connection and collaborationnot profit-driven gentrification and displacement, the post continued. AHEAD: RI leaders persist in keeping Hasbro local amid HQ search Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants met Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Dilip Jaiswal at his residence on Saturday to discuss the irregularities that occurred during the 70th BPSC exam. Rohit, one of the aspirants, stated that Jaiswal had invited them to meet him and assured them that action would be taken. "We were asked by Dilip Jaiswal to meet him and he told us that action would be taken.. if action is not taken then we will be only left with two options.. our patience is now breaking down...we will have to come down to roads and start protesting.. they are deceiving the students... we will give them a time of two days... if they do not listen to our demands we will protest and the BPSC Chairman will be responsible for whatever occurs," Rohit told ANI. Further, he alleged that the BPSC had no credibility. The aspirant added, "BPSC has no credibility... they gave our papers late to us and are just unserious about everything... we will sit with five students and they can sit with five members of their body and debate with us... if they lose then the Chairman will have to resign." Meanwhile, Jaiswal said that the demands of the students had been heard. Jaiswal while addressing the media said,"I have heard the demands of the students and I have only advised them to not get into any politics.. BPSC is an independent body and they need to understand the demands of the students.. The body needs to sit down and think of a suitable solution and if they think the students are right, then they can form new decisions... The demands of the students need to be met and thoughtful decisions need to be taken." Earlier on December 18, the aspirants had protested and demanded a re-examination of the 70th BPSC examination. (ANI) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Local families in need got some big help ahead of the holidays. Merrill Lynch of New Mexico and its parent company, Bank of Albuquerque took 50 meals to the TenderLove Community Center on Friday morning. The facility provides free housing, job training, and other services to help people get out of homelessness. 12 Albuquerque pickleball and tennis courts now have new playing surfaces Merrill Lynch also brought toys for the children. All the kids and grandchildren of our clients, they are always looking forward to a day like this because they know that they can get gifts, you know from us that on Christmas day they can easily open, said CEO Debbie Johnson, TenderLove program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bank of America has provided aid to TenderLove for the past three 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The city of Terre Haute was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA). The funding will be used to enact the citys Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, an initiative to create new trail connections and encourage a more active community. Step one of this will be conducting a study in March 2025 on the feasibility of future plans based on existing infrastructure, collecting data, starting community engagement and developing the conceptual designs. The hope is to have trails connecting the National Road Heritage Trail to Deming Park and then Deming Park to Margaret Avenue along Thompson Ditch. Mayor Sakbun talks street re-striping and bench upgrades Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This grant represents a significant step forward in creating a healthier, more connected community and we are thankful for our partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, said Mayor Brandon Sakbun. This grant opportunity will allow our city to explore new ways to create infrastructure that will positively impact the health and well-being of the people of Terre Haute. The study is set to finish around December of 2025 and the city said it will engage with citizens during the 10-month process to make sure they are upholding their needs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Robert Roberson, a Texas man on death row convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter in 2003, was not in attendance to testify at the Friday hearing of the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. It was not a surprise to the lawmakers in attendance after the Texas Attorney Generals Office filed a motion Thursday night to try and block Roberson from being transported to Austin to testify. The House Committee subpoenaed Roberson on Dec. 10 and compelled the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to transport him to the Capitol building, but the Texas Office of Attorney General filed a protective order in a Polk county district court to block that. The filing argued transporting Roberson to the Capitol would create security risks and said the House Committee did not follow procedural rules to issue the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Republican and Democratic House members on the committee took the chance Friday to sound off against the move by the OAG. Its filled with dishonest and factually disprovable claims about the process we have engaged in, Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said about the OAGs filing at the start of the hearing. State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, said the legal move by the attorney general is setting a bad precedent. The attorney general telling a standing committee of the Texas House that we cannot communicate with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Leach said. I will be damned if Im going to sit idly by and let my children, your children and your grandchildren inherit a state where potentially innocent life can be taken from them by the government absent fair trials and absent due process, State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion from the OAGs office asked the judge in the Polk County court to delay action until Jan. 13, 2025, because Paxton will be out of the country. Lawmakers said this is an attempt by Paxton to push this back because after Jan.14, 2025 the start of the new legislative session, the House Committee will be disbanded. Leach suggested at the end of the meeting the committee invite Paxton to testify in early January before the committee is disbanded. He added Paxton can join the hearing online since he will be out of the country. A bipartisan group of lawmakers believe outdated science was used to convict Roberson more than two decades ago, and they believe he deserves a second trial. The state of Texas has a junk science law which allows prisoners to challenge their convictions if new scientific evidence shows the evidence used against them was flawed. Roberson was scheduled to be executed earlier this year but it was halted when the House Committee subpoenaed Roberson to testify before them a week after his execution date. Last minute legal battles halted the execution for now. The Texas Supreme Court said in a filing that a legislative subpoena could not be used to block a scheduled execution, but if it did not affect a scheduled execution then it can be allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robersons execution date has not been rescheduled. The district attorney in Anderson County would have to request an execution date and that has not happened yet. Mark Donnelly, a former senior advisor to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who assisted the Texas House of Representatives with the investigation of Paxton that led to his impeachment trial, said the legislature has the right to explore all types of information that would be under their purview to help them enact and tweak legislation. Donnelly said the ruling from the Texas Supreme Court in November essentially said one branch of government can not take some action that interferes with the procedures of another branch of government. Trying to limit the sources from which they can seek information definitely poses a risk for the long-term ability for any committee, or the legislature, to further their legislative functions, Donnelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla (WKRG) Three men from Texas are accused of robbing ATMs in at least three states, according to an SRCO Facebook post. Wednesday, deputies pulled over a vehicle in Pace and claim the vehicle was linked to a series of ATM burglaries. The sheriffs office says the men are based out of Houston. A search of the vehicle revealed a trafficking amount of fentanyl powder, 24 bags of synthetic cannabinoids (or spice), marijuana, and ATM burglary tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18-year-old Andrew Bishop, 19-year-old Brad Fokam and 20-year-old Dylon Thomas are each charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession of synthetic drugs with intent to sell and possession of controlled substances. Fokam and Thomas were also charged with providing false identification to law enforcement. The sheriffs office say these men are connected to a Texas-based group that has burglarized ATMs in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The sheriffs office says the Houston-based group would jam a bank machine with a glue-covered card. Then theyd wait for a technician to come and repair the machine and rob the technician once the machine is opened. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) The Marshall Police Department (MPD) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday. According to a release from Marshall PD, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Interstate 20 at around 1:20 p.m. after receiving a call reporting a disturbance. When officers arrived, they encountered an individual who was allegedly armed with a handgun. Officials said officers attempted to deescalate the situation through negotiations, despite these efforts, the individual reportedly shot at officers with a handgun and an officer returned fire, striking the individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical personnel from the Marshall Fire Department attended to the individual before the being taken to a local hospital. Officials said the individual remains in stable condition. Chief Cliff Carruth has requested the Texas Rangers to lead an independent investigation into the incident, per MPDs policy. More details will be released as they become available along with the persons identity after formal charges have been filed, the police department said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Truth Bomb As more and more rich people rush to buy and build bomb shelters, experts suggest they're little more than a psychological defense mechanism for wealthy people who want to feel a shred of control in an unpredictable world. As the Associated Press reports, the bunker business was worth $137 million last year and is slated to grow to $175 million by the end of the decade, per analysis from BlueWeave Consulting. According to experts who spoke to the outlet, however, these shelters do more to address atomic anxieties than nuclear realities. After all, you're eventually going to need to crawl out of your bunker and face the horrific situation back on the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bunkers are, in fact, not a tool to survive a nuclear war, but a tool to allow a population to psychologically endure the possibility of a nuclear war," explained Alicia Sanders-Zakre of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Radiation after a nuclear bomb detonation, as Sanders Zakre described it, is a "uniquely horrific aspect of nuclear weapons." Even those who survive the fallout, which involves radioactive particles raining down on the area surrounding the blast, will be unable to escape its long-lasting, intergenerational health effects like those seen in Chernobyl after its reactor meltdown nearly 40 years ago. And that's without getting into starvation, thirst, and the breakdown of social order. "Ultimately," she said, "the only solution to protect populations from nuclear war is to eliminate nuclear weapons." Shelter Skelter Despite the promises made by companies catering to so-called "doomsday preppers," nonproliferation expert Sam Lair told the AP that such efforts are likely futile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even if a nuclear exchange is perhaps more survivable than many people think, I think the aftermath will be uglier than many people think as well," Lair, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, said. "The fundamental wrenching that it would do to our way of life would be profound." As Lair pointed out, politicians used to urge the citizenry to build their own bomb shelters half a century ago. Now, the "political costs incurred by causing people to think about shelters again is not worth it" though that sort of concern clearly doesn't extend to the big business of bunkers. While doomsday prepping is now as American as apple pie, the revival of bunker culture isn't limited to our shores: over in Switzerland, where each resident is guaranteed a spot in a bomb shelter in the case of nuclear war, the government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to update its vast array of Cold War-era bunkers. More on nuclear anxiety: US Military Alarmed by Russian Nuclear Weapon Platform in Orbit With six hours left before a government shutdown, the U.S. House came up with a compromise that both Republicans and Democrats could agree on, and that includes disaster relief aid for victims of Hurricane Helene. The bill extends government funding until March 14 and provides more than $100 billion in disaster relief aid and $10 billion for farmers, but strips out President-elect Donald Trumps request to extend the debt limit. Thirty-four Republicans voted against the bill, including Rep. Dan Bishop, a Republican from North Carolina; Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, voted present. All other lawmakers from North Carolina supported it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate quickly approved the bill, sending it to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature. Sen. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, Republicans from North Carolina, backed the measure. Both were on the House floor to watch the vote there. Im proud to have worked alongside my Senate colleagues to secure this critical funding for Western North Carolina, Tillis said in a news release after the Senate vote. I remain committed to working with the outgoing Biden Administration and the incoming Trump Administration to ensure these resources reach Western North Carolina as expeditiously as possible. This is a significant downpayment to help make Western North Carolina whole again. It is going to take years to fully recover after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Budd said in a release Saturday. I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the resilient citizens of the western mountains as they undertake the difficult job of rebuilding. They will never be forgotten as long as I have anything to say about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina is set to gain $9 billion in aid to help those impacted by Helene, a devastating storm that struck Western North Carolina in late September, killing 103 people in the state and leveling towns and communities. Biden, Tillis and Budd urged Congress to return early to aid victims, shortly after the storm hit, but 85 days passed without Congress passing any additional financial funding for victims of the storm. Tillis, Budd and Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, agreed in a news conference Thursday that disaster aid for the Carolinas was a priority in this legislation for Trump, who had help dismantle two earlier versions of the legislation Tillis and Graham threatened to filibuster on the Senate floor if any other form of the bill came over that didnt include disaster aid for their states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at moments throughout Thursday night and into Friday that seemed possible. Speaker Mike Johnson struck an agreement with Democrats when he released the first version of the bill, but Trump, billionaire Elon Musk and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy began posting on social media their displeasure of it, which caused the first two versions to be thrown out or defeated, despite Trumps support of the second version. Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat from Greensboro, blamed Musk in a news release Friday night for how close the country got to a government shutdown, and said Democrats prevented that from happening. Thats why today, I voted in favor of a continuing resolution to fund the government through March, deliver vital disaster relief to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene, and avert a disastrous shutdown during the holiday season that could have had severe economic consequences and harmed hardworking people all across our district and all across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat from Cary, said in a news release that Americans needed the government to stay open and North Carolinians needed the disaster aid and support for farmers. This legislation is far from perfect, and many crucial, bipartisan provisions that I support were removed from the final bill, said Deborah Ross, a Democrat from Raleigh. However, Western North Carolina has been waiting for federal assistance to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and this package will deliver the aid that families, small businesses, childcare centers, seniors, and so many more need. The road to recovery will be long, but this package is a crucial first step. She urged senators to pass the bill. If they dont, Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat from Snow Hill, was already looking at who in his district would be directly impacted: 6,700 federal workers, 46,000 veterans and 174,000 seniors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he voted for the legislation because of what it provides his constituents in rural Eastern North Carolina. Its do-or-die for our farmers, Davis said. Many are at their wits end, and the economic assistance in the continuing resolution will be the difference between whether family farms are forced to close. The continuing resolution also addresses healthcare, essential services, and aid for western North Carolina. I stand with our farmers, western North Carolina, and families across America. On Saturday, members of the Tewksbury Fire Department responded to a commercial garage structure fire that was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm response, prompting mutual aid to the scene. Crews were dispatched around 9:30 a.m. to 464 Woburn Street to a commercial garage, home to multiple autobody shops. Upon arrival, crews faced heavy fire from two ends of the garage unit. They immediately began to attack the fire but quickly struck a third-alarm for additional units for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the owner of Sullivans Auto Parts, he heard an explosion in the bay next to him. Crews were able to contain the damage, (smoke, fire, and water) to 5 of the 14 bays. Crews battled the fires for 2 hours before finally extinguishing them until 11:30 a.m. However, at least two businesses, including Sullivans Auto Parts, are total losses. According to Tewksbury Fire, three vehicles were destroyed, and several other cars were damaged. I just really hope that they all get to rebuild. Thats their livelihood over there, and its tragic at this time of year, explained Suzanne Cipollo, who takes her car to a mechanic to an auto body shop affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One worker suffered minor injuries, they were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and then released. Fire crews remained on scene until 2 p.m. to monitor hot spots. Tewksbury Fire is currently investigating the cause of the fire. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Union Minister Amit Shah chaired the 72nd Plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) on Saturday. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the commencement of the session via a post on X. The session is being held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala. https://x.com/DrManikSaha2/status/1870353796657713659 According to the Tripura CM, the session will focus on important discussions related to the growth and development of the northeastern region of India. "The 72nd Plenary of NEC chaired by Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, begins at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. In the presence of Union Minister for DoNER JM Scindia & Union MoS for DoNER Sukanta, Governors, HCMs & high officials, joined the important NEC Meet that aims to discuss various matters including growth & prosperity of the NE region," CM Shah's X post read. Earlier today, the CM also welcomed the Chief Minister and Governors of the North eastern states for the 72nd Plenary session of the North Eastern Council, as per a release from the Chief Ministers Office. (CMO) This is the second time when Agartala has hosted the plenary since 2008 underscoring the city's growth in the regional development discussions. Meanwhile, on December 20, the Tripura Police made extensive security arrangements in Agartala ahead of Amit Shah's visit. State Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan stated that central forces had also been deployed for the security arrangement. "It is a matter of great pride for us that high-level dignitaries are visiting. Extensive security arrangements have been made during this time. Large-scale deployments have been carried out, checkpoints have been set up, and routes have been earmarked. Detailed deployments have been made at all sensitive venues. Central forces have also been utilized," Ranjan told ANI. He further said that border security has been strengthened in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF). "Patrols have been intensified outside the city, and checkpoints have been increased. Border security has been strengthened in coordination with the BSF, and patrolling has been enhanced in those areas as well. Every effort is being made to ensure that this event is conducted smoothly and efficiently," the DGP said." Comprehensive traffic arrangements have also been made, with management planned in such a way that no one faces any inconvenience. "We will make every effort to ensure the program is conducted successfully," he added. (ANI) BARTON, N.Y. (WETM) Three people are dead and two others were injured after a two-vehicle crash in Tioga County, NY, Friday afternoon, according to information from New York State Police. Around 1:26 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, a call came in for a head-on crash involving an SUV and a pick-up truck on state Route 34 in the town of Barton just north of Waverly, state police report. It was found that the SUV was driving north on Route 34 when it crossed over into the other lane and hit the pick-up truck that was traveling south head-on. Four people were inside the SUV while one person was inside the pick-up truck, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original Post: Two-car crash in Waverly shuts down north and south lanes The driver of the pick-up truck, a 68-year-old man from Athens, PA, was declared dead at the scene along with a 41-year-old male from the Bronx who was sitting in the backseat of the SUV. The second backseat passenger, a 38-year-old female from the Bronx, later died at the hospital. The driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old female from the Bronx was taken to the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre in critical condition. The front passenger of the SUV, a 56-year-old male from the Bronx was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, troopers said. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Image of the SUV. Credit: New York State Police Image of the pick-up truck. Credit: New York State Police Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. The new year will mean a special election for a City Council seat in Gulfport, as Ward 5 Councilman Myles Sharp announced his resignation Friday in a letter to Council President Rusty Walker. The attorney said Tuesday that he has been winding down work at his law office to take a new job in January and planned to resign. He has not yet disclosed where he will be going to work. His resignation comes while a Circuit Court petition is pending that asks a judge to order the city to replace Sharp in a special election. In the petition, Gulfport attorney Delaney Mecham says Sharp vacated his seat when he moved outside Ward 5 around July of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Sharps family sold their house and moved out of the ward, Sharp rents a condominium in Ward 5. The council has previously decided against taking action. Sharp said he made his decision to resign before learning of the petition. Timing means special election Sharp said that he wrestled with whether to resign before December ended or to wait. Had he waited, the City Council could have appointed someone to temporarily represent Ward 5. In the end, Sharp decided his resignation will take effect at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 30. State law says a special election must be held if more than six months remains on a City Council term. Regular municipal elections will be held statewide this spring and new council members take office July 1. Sharp explained his decision in the letter: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have genuine concerns that the prospect of an appointment could result in a stalemate with a 3-3 divided council, which would effectively leave the seat empty and the people of Ward 5 without a voice. While I recognize that a special election would put a burden on the city, I cannot let that outweigh the very real possibility that Ward 5 would be without representation should the council be unable to agree on an appointment. Additionally, the residents of Ward 5 should have the opportunity to choose their representative. Sharp, who is nearing the end of his third term, said in the letter that he appreciated the opportunity to serve his hometown and was proud of its progress, including the opening of the Mississippi Aquarium and millions he helped save the city by overhauling bond issues and taking other measures. The now disgraced and disbarred attorney Tom Girardi must surrender to federal authorities early next year for a medical evaluation at a federal prison in North Carolina, a judge ruled Friday. The decision by U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton amounts to a procedural interlude after the 85-year-old Girardi was convicted of wire fraud in August. Girardi was to be sentenced Friday, with prosecutors seeking 14 years in prison and one of his former clients had flown in from Indonesia to witness the proceeding. But his defense attorneys had argued that Girardi's dementia and ongoing cognitive decline warranted keeping him out of prison and in the memory care ward of his Orange County nursing home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To resolve the dispute, Staton canceled the sentencing and held a hearing Friday where she ruled that Girardi must turn himself in to U.S. Marshals on Jan. 7 and be flown to the federal prison in Butner, N.C., an advanced medical facility for inmates. Girardi is supposed to remain there for up to 30 days as prison staff observe him and evaluate whether prison, or another suitable medical facility, is the appropriate site to serve out a sentence. After the evaluation, the judge said she would review the findings of the Bureau of Prisons and hold another hearing before rescheduling a sentencing hearing. Read more: Tom Girardi found guilty of wire fraud: 'It wasn't a hard decision,' juror says "I was pretty ready to proceed with sentencing," the judge said. But after attorneys raised in recent days the prospect of Girardi serving time in a medical facility, Staton said she spent her weekend researching the issue. "The legal statute is relatively clear, it's just the logistics of it" were not, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Girardi's defense attorneys opposed the 30-day period in federal custody, arguing that it was tantamount to incarceration. Deputy Federal Public Defender Samuel Cross asked the judge to instead have his client observed in his current nursing home, saying he has "special needs." "We expect him to deteriorate and not do well there," Cross said of the Butner complex. He also lamented that North Carolina was "as far as possible" from the Orange County facility where Girardi has resided for years. Cross also expressed concerns that Girardi's cross-country transport would be disruptive to his client, with bus or plane stops along the way that lengthened the journey. Assistant U.S. Atty. Scott Paetty countered that the staff in North Carolina and with the U.S. Marshals were "well-versed" in handling someone with Girardi's needs, saying there was round-the-clock skilled nursing. "It's the highest priority case that Bureau of Prisons has," Paetty said at one point, adding that the agency's chief psychologist was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Tom Girardis underlings warned of likely criminal charges, federal agent testifies The judge said she would make clear in her ruling that Girardi would be flown out the day of his surrender and taken via plane directly to the East Coast. Girardi was found guilty in August 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 himself and his now-estranged wife, reality TV star Erika Girardi. In advance of his trial, Girardi's defense attorneys had contended that their client was mentally incompetent and suffered from a form of dementia. Staton disagreed and said that Girardi was cognitively impaired but competent and even showed signs of exaggerating his dementia symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Girardi's law firm, Girardi Keese, was run like a Ponzi scheme, where clients' settlements were misappropriated to cover other law firm debts or finance his lavish spending. The firm collapsed in late 2020 amid evidence that he stole settlements from widows and orphans in an Indonesian plane crash, and hundreds of former clients and vendors came forward saying they were collectively cheated out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Girardi testified in his own defense, where some of his alleged cognitive impairments were on display to the jury. Every client got every penny that every client was supposed to get," he told jurors. Is your law firm still open, Tom? Cross asked. Yes, Girardi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors convicted him after four hours of deliberation. 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. Each year, holiday scammers get more savvy. After this years record-breaking billion-dollar Cyber Monday, the FBI issued a warning not to fall for deals that may seem too good to be true. Last year, non-payment and non-delivery scams cost Americans over $309 million, not including the $173 million in credit card fraud. AARPs 2023 holiday shopping scam and fraud survey reported that nearly 80% of consumers had fallen victim to a scam, a 10% increase from the previous year. Margarita Alvarez, senior vice president of consumer risk programs at Wells Fargo, told USA Today that scammers hope consumers are too distracted by the holidays to notice the legitimacy of their purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You also have scammers out there working to be able to capitalize on the higher volume of transactions that are occurring and that leads our customers to be more susceptible to these scams, Alvarez said. The Better Business Bureau emailed the Deseret News a press release compiling some of the top scams holiday shoppers fall victim to. Here are five to watch out for: In-demand items: Scammers are keeping up with the trends, too. So when parents wait until the last minute and the toy they are supposed to buy isnt on the shelf, the BBB says to be very careful about buying from resellers. According to Toy Insider, some of the hottest gifts include the Miss Rachel speak-and-sing doll, Godzilla RC and a Batman Ultimate Transforming Batmobile. Fake charities: Arguably, the most heinous scams during the holidays are those perpetrated by con artists posing as charities. A First Orion survey found that nearly 1 in 3 surveyors received calls from charity scammers during the holidays. Making matters worse is that nearly half of all respondents said that theyre more likely to talk to an unknown caller about charities or donations during the holidays, and 42% of people said they were the victim of scam call to their mobile phone that resulted in the loss of personal information or financial loss. Some estimates predict that 21 million victims will lose $10 billion (combined) this holiday season, according to the survey. False shipping notifications: You have a USPS parcel being cleared, due to the detection of an invalid ZIP code address. the parcel can not be cleared, the parcel is temporarily detained, please confirm the zip code address information in the link within 24 hours A word-for-word message I received while writing this article. As consumer spending online becomes more popular, phishing emails and texts have become more common. BBBs advice: Never click a link in a text or email that youre not expecting. If you want to track a package, find the original email or text confirmation you received directly from the store and use that link. Free gift cards: Nothing in life is ever free. Even free samples at Costco cost you a yearly membership. If you receive a message saying you won a gift card, play it safe and send it to the spam folder. Part-time holiday jobs: People ages 23 to 44 were the most likely to fall victim to fake employment opportunities. According to BBB, it was the second riskiest scam type in 2023, and employment scams had a median dollar loss of $1,995, significantly higher than the overall median dollar loss of $100 reported for all scam types. The moral of the story is if it seems too good to be true, take a second look. Dec. 20Top Maine Republicans are seizing on a letter of no confidence sent this week by employees to Office of Child and Family Services Director Bobbi Johnson to renew calls for sweeping changes to the state agency. In a joint statement Friday, leaders in the House and Senate said the concerns raised by the 145 workers who signed the letter underscore the importance of major reforms. "Protecting our most vulnerable children is the fundamental function of OCFS, but year after year we continue to see the same story inadequately trained and supported workers spread too thin," said Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart of Presque Isle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Added House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor: "After the department's horrific failures over recent years, it's appalling that these workers have to take this step to have their concerns acknowledged." The letter of no confidence, which also calls on Gov. Janet Mills to immediately replace Johnson as head of the agency, was signed by about 25% of unionized employees. The complaints centered on the issue of using hotels to temporarily house children in state custody until a better placement can be found. It's been an ongoing issue for years, but employees say the problem has become more acute and more dangerous for workers. And they say their concerns are not being heard internally. Both Mills and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes responded to the letter by defending Johnson and criticizing the union. "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," Mills' spokesman Ben Goodman said in an email Thursday. "The governor knows Director Johnson is committed to working collaboratively to address this issue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was selected to lead the Office of Child and Family Services in January, a few months after former director Todd Landry resigned amid criticism. The agency has struggled for many years to keep up with an increase in child abuse and neglect reports. State and federal audits, as well as reports from the child welfare ombudsman, have pointed to poor training and high staff turnover as major challenges. Johnson has been with the agency for 28 years and started as a frontline caseworker. Friday's statement from Republicans comes just weeks before the next legislative session begins. Already, Sen. Jeff Timberlake, R-Turner, has said he plans to bring back a bill that would separate the Office of Child and Family Services from DHHS, but there could be additional bills designed to improve the agency. Copy the Story Link The New York Police Departments chief of department abruptly retired after a bombshell report claimed that he had preyed upon one of his employees, allowing her overtime opportunities in exchange for sexual favors. Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, 53, stepped down Friday, shortly after Lt. Quathisha Epps publicly accused him of demanding sexual favors from her, the New York Post first reported. He wanted to have anal sex, vaginal sex, oral sex, Epps told the outlet. He was always asking me to kiss his penis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epps, who has been working at the agency since 2005 and recently had an administrative job in the chief of departments office, was NYPDs highest-paid employee in fiscal year 2024, making upward of $400,000, publicly available records show. While the 51-year-old was making a base salary of $172,000, she earned $204,000 in overtime pay as well as an additional $26,000. Meanwhile, her boss, Maddrey the agencys top uniformed officer, made $292,000 in base pay this year, records show. Maddreys sexual demands began in June 2023 when he became chief of department, Epps told the outlet. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey speaks during NYPD press conference after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, in New York City on December 4. He abruptly resigned after allegations surfaced about demanding sexual favors from his inferior in exchange for overtime pay (REUTERS) Maddrey, who is married, was allegedly sitting at his desk wearing just a white undershirt and unzipped uniform pants when he told her he dreamed about f***ing me in my a**, Epps claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recalled responding: I said, But Chief, youre the Chief of Department. He rubbed his chest. . . His work pants were open. He was like: But Im still a n***** and you look good. He then asked her to go to the back of his office where he had a couch, she claimed. He bent me over the arm of the couch and when I tried to back away but he was telling me Just let me put it in a little bit, she told the outlet through tears. He then grabbed K-Y Jelly from a locker near the couch and rubbed it on himself before he forced himself into her despite her pleas for him to stop, Epps said. He inserted himself, and he kept forcing it and forcing it, she alleged. And I kept asking him, Can you please stop? Then I stopped asking him to stop, and I asked him to just slow down. Can you please just slow down? Youre hurting me! Youre hurting me! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recalled him saying: Im not trying to hurt you, baby. Im not trying to hurt you. The pair had sexual intercourse about 10 times after that, she told the outlet. Sometimes the top uniformed officer texted Epps three letters: DAP. It stood for dat aint pussy, meaning he wanted anal sex, she said. Other times, she recalled he would enter her office and ask me to kiss it, referring to his penis. Maddrey had a wish and a command, meaning Epps would have to comply with what he wanted, she told the outlet. He asked her to strip in her office, to pay for a trip for Maddrey and his wife to Miami, and to give her Lower East Side apartment to his girlfriend despite it being in Epps childrens names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tried to break free from Maddrey but feared she wouldnt be believed. I think hes a predator, Epps told the Post. Hed say, Were going to save your house. Like hes rescuing me. When hes really just f***ing me. Lt. Quathisha Epps reportedly received thousands in overtime pay after her boss demanded sexual favors (LinkedIn) After trying to distance herself from Maddrey, she was retaliated against and exposed to be a high overtime earner, her lawyer Eric Sanders told the Post. She was suspended for 30 days and is being probed over the exorbitant overtime pay, sources told the outlet. The magnanimous overtime pay began years earlier, though, when Epps had told Maddrey then chief of patrol that she was struggling financially. I told him I was about to lose my home, she told the outlet. He told me I could do whatever overtime I needed. He told me I was like his sister. But he also told her she could help him with favors outside of the office like helping out his girlfriend, who was another NYPD employee, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the overtime was to take care of his girlfriend, which included apartment hunting with her and buying household items for her, Epps said. Epps intends to file a notice of claim with the city comptrollers office Saturday, Sanders told the Post. Sources previously told the outlet that she submitted paperwork for retirement this month. The Independent has reached out to Sanders office for comment. What a convenient time to accuse somebody of misconduct after shes caught stealing time, Maddreys lawyer Lambros Lambrou told the Post. Shes obviously drowning and in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver. She wants to take down as many people as she can. This is completely meritless, and we deny every aspect of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has reached out to Lambrous office for comment. This isnt the first time Maddrey has been accused of sexual misconduct. Tabatha Foster, a retired officer who used to work under Maddrey, filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2016 in federal court. That suit was dismissed and was brought to New York Supreme Court. She claimed that while they had engaged in a consensual relationship, she felt that she had no choice but to acquiesce because of Maddreys position of authority over her, filings say. On one occasion, after she retired, Maddrey began slapping, punching, and pushing her to the ground with his knee pressed to her back to the point where she could not breathe, the complaint says. He also pointed his gun at her. A judge ultimately dismissed the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD confirmed to The Independent that Maddrey had resigned and that the department will investigate Epps claims. Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter, a NYPD spokesperson said in a statement. Chief of Patrol John Chell will serve as interim chief of department, Pix11 reported. TOPEKA (KSNT) A Topeka woman is speaking out after religious missionaries were mocking Chinese people in front of her home. Jennifer Lee-Davis wasnt home when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints commonly referred to as Mormons came knocking. Based on the audio captured by her Blink camera, it does not appear the men were aware Lee-Davis is Chinese. If thats how theyre going to say things about Asian folks, Lee-Davis said, then how are they speaking about those that are Black and brown? They dont have the best history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas native was referring to the Mormon churchs well-known reputation for racial discrimination. Any time youre mocking anybodys culture, she said, thats racism. And this day and age its really important we check each other on that because its hurtful. It didnt necessarily hurt my feelings. It made me angry. Lee-Davis posted the video to social media after the Dec. 19 incident. Shortly after, she received a message apparently from one of the men involved. Hey Jennifer, these are the missionaries that were on your doorstep. We apologize for our actions and words. We know that what we said is wrong and that there may not be anything that we can do to make it up to you. Again, we are so sorry. We want to know if there is anything we can do for you and your family? Message sent to Lee-Davis on social media Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee-Davis said its not a sufficient apology. If youre trying to bring your religion or your faith to people thats the last thing you should probably do is say something racist, she said. The appropriate way to deal with it isnt just to send some little Im sorry, but you really need to be loud about how youre going to fix it. See Clemency for Christmas: Gov. Kelly commutes Manhattan mans sentence 27 News called and emailed the media contact for the church around 11:00 a.m. and again around 3:00 p.m. for comment. A message was also sent to the person who sent the apology to Lee-Davis. At the time of publishing no one had returned the calls or messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Putting what seems like an appropriate end to one of the most depressing years in recent political history, the Conservative Party is determined to undermine its new leader. Kemi Badenoch, having been in her post for a matter of weeks, is being subjected to criticism and backbiting by parliamentary colleagues and their media hangers-on who criticise her for take your pick asking the same question too often or asking too many different questions, focussing on the wrong issues or being unfocussed in her attacks, being too abrasive, or not being aggressive enough in her pursuit of the Starmer debacle Now I have no way of knowing whether her approach to the leadership is going to succeed. This is a historical moment which is unprecedentedly difficult to call: a government with a huge majority which ensures its survival for at least five years but which is not, and never was even at the time of its landslide victory, popular with the electorate. A Conservative Party that became so discredited in government that the immediate task of functioning as an opposition is unimaginably complicated, involving, as it must, repudiation of past leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Add to that the existence of a challenger from its own ideological side of the fence. Reform UKs hubristic claim to take over the territory means that the Tory party must defend itself on two fronts. This is a place we have not been before in living memory and anyone who says that he knows what will happen next is a fool. This is where Ms Badenoch starts. The bitterness of the factional fighting within the Parliamentary party was never going to evaporate quickly enough to make an obvious path for any new leader but the campaign to derail her seems perversely, and gratuitously, damaging to the partys own credibility. Not only is there no attempt to heal or even cover up the divisions that destroyed the partys credibility in office: there seems to be a positive determination to make this a fight to the death. But the death in question may not be solely that of a party which might have been indeed, should have been seen as a repository of what was still sound economic principle and political sense. There is something much worse going on here than a collapse of confidence in the Tories. Given that Starmers Labour is already (amazingly after only six months) so extraordinarily discredited, there is now a genuine moral need for a credible opposition. If the governing party is infuriatingly shambolic while the main Opposition is turning on its own leadership and tearing itself apart, then the disillusionment must inevitably extend to the democratic process itself. The British electorate, normally so admirably phlegmatic and rational, is reaching the end of its tether. I genuinely believe that much of the support for Reform is not so much a shift from the traditional party of the Right to a new more convincing one, but a gesture of rage and despair at the futility of politics itself. Nothing is more damaging to democracy than hopelessness: the idea that no one can offer solutions with enough conviction to carry them through. All this cynical, self-indulgent infighting, coincides, as it happens, with the emergence of the most overt global power struggles since the end of the Cold War. There are currently systematic campaigns being waged against the Western democracies by malicious actors on two fronts. In the case of Russia, which was given the distinct impression by the Obama administration that the West was no longer interested in an international role, it is explicit and sometimes deranged. Its former president, Dmitry Medvedev, declared last week that the editors of The Times were now legitimate military targets because of the papers stance on the killing of a Russian general by Ukraine. Was any Western newspaper editor ever openly threatened with assassination even at the height of the Cold War? This is obviously ridiculous but the programme of cyber deception, sabotage and infiltration with which Putin attempts to create anarchic confusion is not. That is dangerously subversive and sometimes virtually impossible to trace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russia gets on with its brazen murder of renegades and old enemies on Western soil, and its tireless attempts to destabilise the functioning of Nato countries, another more subtle and insidious operation emerges with the rise of Chinas ambitions. Xi Jinpings version of Communism is a quite new thing for which the West, still immersed in its old Soviet era assumptions, was not equipped. It is not, in truth, communism in any sense that Marx would have recognised. It is aggressive, imperialist state capitalism. Xi is not engaged in a battle of minds: an ideological struggle to convert the world to his nations belief system. He just wants to buy it up. After generations of submission to western economic supremacy, he seeks to make China the new economic hegemon of the coming century. To do this, he uses all the means of exploitation slave labour, the theft of intellectual property and the ruthless encouragement of Third World debt dependence for which the West is now disgraced. China is in an awkward bind, of course. Because they are actually capitalists hoping to seize global power in real commercial terms, rather than old style Leninists who ran their government with a currency that was meaningless outside its own borders they cannot afford to bankrupt their trading partners or their customers. So their subversion is far more subtle and duplicitous than the belligerent rants coming out of Russia. The Chinese spokesmen who become incensed when their spies are identified and who deny that they are any threat to our society even as they threaten unspecified revenge for these insults must play a careful hand. What they are proposing must always be sold as cooperation and support for our industries, our scientific research and our experimental ventures. They believe that the ascendancy of the West financially bankrupt and so morally confused that it cannot even define what a woman is can be taken without a fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is where we find ourselves at the end of this inglorious year. 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. CHEYENNE A local woman accused of stealing roughly $30,000 from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1881 Auxiliary was arrested on a second felony theft charge following a court appearance Thursday. Cheryl K. Shannon was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court on charges of felony theft and forgery. According to the affidavit regarding her original charge, she stole $30,000 from the Posts Auxiliary by making unauthorized bank withdrawals using a bank card issued to her as treasurer for the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shannon was unprepared for her hearing, appearing in front of Judge Antoinette Williams without a lawyer. Shannon claimed that the Cheyenne Police Department still had her purse, wallet, phone, credit cards and checkbook in evidence from her Dec. 6 arrest. While Shannon repeatedly insisted that this had inhibited her from hiring a lawyer, interrupting the court to reiterate her point, Judge Williams told her that her reasoning wasnt good enough for the court, and she needed to figure it out. Williams rescheduled Shannons hearing for Dec. 30 at 11 a.m., giving her 10 days to hire legal representation, and court went into recess. Before Shannon could leave the courtroom, however, she was arrested on a second felony theft charge regarding similar actions at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAV contacted CPD on Dec. 9 to report fraud, stating that Shannon allegedly stole $38,560 from the group while also being its treasurer, which she admitted to Detective Hedum, according to her booking sheet. Shannon had been stealing money from the DAV for approximately the last two years by withdrawing money from their account using a DAV debit card, according to the booking sheet. According to the arrest affidavit for the Post Auxiliarys charges, Shannon withdrew $24,800 between January and September of this year, according to statements made to Officer Townsend in October. Shannon was issued a bank card to enable her to fulfill her duties as treasurer, which was only to be used in case of emergency. She instead used the card to make unauthorized withdrawals from which the funds were not used for any of the authorized purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fraudulent ATM transactions were covered by forged receipts that presented an inaccurate account balance. Shannon admitted to using the card to steal approximately $30,000 and forging bank documents to present to trustees statements during quarterly audits. Shannon was initially arrested on charges of felony theft and felony forgery (making), both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Her second arrest was on a charge of felony theft, which is also punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Bond for her initial arrest was set at $5,000 cash or surety, which has been posted. The bond status of her second arrest has yet to be filed with the court. Reflecting on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that Ram Mandir was a movement in the history of the nation and not only BJP and PM Modi contributed to it, but everyone including RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP and even Congress contributed to the movement. Speaking to ANI, Raut lashed out at Bhagwat and said that he is the one who brought such people to power and should take responsibility now. "Ram mandir was a movement in the history of this nation. I believe everyone contributed to that movement. Not only BJP and PM Modi contributed to it but RSS, BJP, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Congress also contributed to the movement...It is right that no one can become a leader just by constructing a temple. This nation is a temple, you should build it...Mohan Bhagwat, you are the one who brought such people to power. So now, you take the responsibility," Raut said. On Friday, Mohan Bhagwat urged for unity and harmony in the country, stressing that divisive issues should not be raised to create enmity, even as he highlighted the importance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a symbol of Hindu devotion. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav in Pune on Thursday, Bhagwat said, "Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram temple, and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus." However, he cautioned against creating divisions. "But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country," the RSS chief added. Highlighting India's diverse culture, Bhagwat said, "We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country." Bhagwat also spoke about Hinduness as an eternal dharma, stating that the Acharyas of this eternal and Sanatan dharma follow the "sewa dharma," or the dharma of humanity. Addressing the audience, he described Sewa as the essence of Sanatan Dharma, transcending religious and social boundaries. He urged people to embrace service not for recognition but for the pure desire to give back to society. (ANI) Dec. 21BEMIDJI TrekNorth Junior and Senior High School has long sought to recognize and honor Indigenous culture through its programming, but this year's efforts prove a bit more official. A dedicated American Indian Education Coordinator at the helm for the first time in the school's history, Leech Lake Band member Samantha Fairbanks credits her past experiences in social work and art for her interest in the position once she could hit "apply." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once I saw the listing, I was just like 'Oh, that sounds stable,'" she said lightheartedly. "I was already familiar with Indian Education, so seeing the job description that TrekNorth had posted, I knew I could do that, as well." Legislation passed in 2023 states that any district or participating school that conducts American Indian education programs must employ one or more full-time or part-time dedicated coordinators in a district with 100 or more state-identified American Indian students enrolled in the district. Additionally, a participating district or school must provide American Indian culture and language classes if at least 5% of students are American Indian students or if 100 or more students are identified as American Indian. TrekNorth's current Native American population clocks in at roughly 57% of the student body with 21% residing in towns located on tribal nation land. Such stats would necessitate Fairbanks' hiring as the role was previously taken on by staff with other responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would always be the assistant principal or principal that would have that role. The law changed so that it had to be a designated person," TrekNorth Director Erica Harmsen said. "You can no longer have (the coordinator) also teach or have an administrative role, which is why we have Samantha." Through Fairbanks' role, a smattering of activities seek to encourage interconnectedness and cultural awareness among the entire student body. Fairbanks noted a cultural significance of art that is present in much of the programming. "A lot of what I do is based through art, and through art, we can bring a lot of culture to the school because our art forms have culture entwined into them," she said. "They bring a lot of different teachings." One such activity is monthly paint nights, which each recognize one of the seven Grandfather Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth. Paint nights are open to all families and have proven quite popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll have anywhere from 30 to 50 people come to a family paint night," Fairbanks noted. "It's a big ordeal." Every other week provides three after-school chances to complete cultural activities with crafts being reserved for Tuesdays, drum and dance on Wednesdays and other activities on Thursdays. TrekNorth students Giada Goodwin and Karina Guardipee frequent the craft nights and have enjoyed learning different techniques related to beading for a variety of projects namely ornaments and earrings. Student Donald Kingbird-Tejohn persisted in his efforts to bring the drum and dance activity to the school considering his involvement with drum groups and powwows. Bringing this to others has allowed him to share his knowledge with his peers as well as learn more about his own culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It feels good to learn different styles of singing because there's southern and northern styles that are different," Kingbird-Tejohn detailed. "They're unique in their own way." Alongside bi-weekly programming, Fairbanks advises the Native Youth Council which plans events aimed to represent the student body. The group most recently hosted a holiday craft fair fundraiser on Dec. 14. "They make sure that we're doing what the students want," Fairbanks said. "If the students want cultural activities or if they want family nights, we can definitely do those through the Native Youth Council." Parents also maintain involvement with TrekNorth's programming through the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The parents will let us know what they want to see here for their students, and we try our best to bring that to TrekNorth," Fairbanks added. "That is how we started our culture and language classes in the 2021 school year." Moving into the future, Fairbanks and Harmsen hope to increase involvement in the Native Youth Council and continue programming that addresses key goals related to American Indian Education set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education. "The program is really meant to support American Indian families through academics, attendance and college readiness," Harmsen said. "Everything that Samantha has created this year is in support of that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impacts of TrekNorth's programming extend to staff, students and families alike, an aspect that Kingbird-Tejohn appreciates. "It's a way to express our culture, to express who we are and learn more about the culture," he left off. "It took seven generations to be taken away, and it'll take seven generations to bring it back to the people." Troop pay is no longer in jeopardy after Congress approved legislation early Saturday to keep the government funded through mid-March and prevent a holiday season government shutdown. Passage of the bill in the Senate came right up to the precipice of a shutdown heightening anxiety that service members could miss paychecks due to them at the end of the month at a time when financial stressors could be adding up because of the holidays. With the stopgap spending measure approved by the Senate shortly after midnight, technically occurring right after government funding expired but before any shutdown could be put into effect, troops' paychecks scheduled for Dec. 31 will be uninterrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Ospreys Cleared to Fly Again, But Problematic Gearbox Gets More Scrutiny House Republicans spent the last few days scrambling to come up with an alternative plan to extend federal funding and keep the government open after President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a close ally of Trump's, trashed a previous bipartisan deal on a stopgap spending measure. By Thursday afternoon, House Republicans came up with a plan that Trump and Musk supported. But almost all Democrats and 38 Republicans voted against that plan, sending GOP House leaders back to the drawing board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the political back-and-forth, the Pentagon warned of serious consequences to the military during a shutdown, including the fact that troops would have to continue working while facing the possibility that the paycheck scheduled to go out at the end of the month would be delayed. "Objectively speaking, a lapse in funding will cause serious disruptions across the Defense Department," Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a news conference Thursday as he said the department was urging lawmakers to come to an agreement. Other major effects of a government shutdown on the military would have included restricting travel unless it's essential for national security, shuttering some on-base day care centers unless they are "required for readiness," limiting elective medical care, and canceling some recreational activities during the holiday season. The bill that was ultimately approved was essentially the same as the one voted down on Thursday, minus an extension of U.S. borrowing authority that Trump had demanded. It is also very similar to the original bipartisan agreement that Musk and Trump trashed, minus some policy provisions that they took issue with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bill, the government will be funded through March 14 at the same levels it currently is. One major difference between that passed and what was originally proposed earlier this week is that the final bill does not include a provision to transfer a fighter jet squadron to the Maryland National Guard. Related: Troop Pay Could Be Delayed Under Elon Musk-Inspired Government Shutdown Chris LaCivita, who helped lead Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign, called Lord Peter Mandelson an absolute moron after learning that the incoming U.K. ambassador to the U.S. once said Trump was little short of a white nationalist. In a post on X, LaCivita condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmers choice to replace Dame Karen Pierce, which was reported first on Thursday by British paper The Times. This UK govt is special, LaCivita wrote. Replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moronhe should stay home ! SAD! Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and little short of a white nationalist. This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron - he should stay home ! SAD! Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and little short of a white nationalist https://t.co/EpegH7FbMw Chris LaCivita (@ChrisLaCivita) December 20, 2024 Mandelsons comment about Trump was made to an Italian journalist in 2019, according to The Telegraph. The year prior, Mandelson called Trump a bully during an interview with the Evening Standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement accepting his appointment, Mandelson said, We face challenges in Britain, but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities. A member of the Labour Party who has held a variety of roles in government since the 1980s, Mandelson garnered headlines last year for being mentioned in a Jeffrey Epstein-linked lawsuit. That July, the U.S. Virgin Islands filed a suit alleging that the now-dead sex offender would refer ultra-wealthy clients to JPMorgan, including the U.K.s Prince Andrew, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former White House adviser David Gergen. Among those listed in the suit was Mandelson. PHOENIX As Congress struggles over a deal to keep the government open, the message coming from the beating heart of Trump world is clear-cut: Dont compromise. Speakers at a conference of conservative activists here this week said that Donald Trumps election victory should be a warning to those who try to block his agenda Republicans and Democrats alike that they need to give way. We dont need partisanship now; we need hyperpartisanship now, Steve Bannon, a former Trump White House senior adviser, told a raucous audience gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center for AmericaFest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow live politics coverage here Mocking the efforts by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to strike a bipartisan agreement that would avert a government shutdown, Bannon said: The conversation is over. President Trump came back from the political dead and on the shoulders of the most powerful populist movement in the history of the world won a landslide victory. We have nothing else to discuss, he continued. Its only about the execution of President Trumps plan. Trump has said that unity will be the theme of his inaugural address on Jan. 20. But those close to him sounded a triumphalist note at the Turning Point USA event, suggesting the MAGA movement wont brook any concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another speaker, Donald Trump Jr., took aim at the 38 House Republicans who voted against a spending measure that aligned with his fathers priorities. He urged the grassroots activists to primary the hell out of Republican lawmakers who impede the president-elects policy goals. In Washington, the younger Trump said, Its not just the Democrats that are our foes. Its a vast majority of the Republicans. Just because they have the R next to their name doesnt mean anything anymore, he added. Honestly, the Republican Party of a few years ago is gone. This is now the America First party. Donald Trump is in charge! Little gets done in Congress absent bipartisan cooperation. Republicans will hold slim majorities in Congress when Trump takes office. Under Senate rules, major legislation often requires 60 votes, a super-majority that isn't possible to reach without support from both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In trying to negotiate a compromise that would keep the government up and running, Johnson is looking for the elusive sweet spot that would appease Trump while also garnering enough votes to pass. But coming off an election that saw Trump capture each of the seven battleground states, the MAGA movement is in no mood to see Johnson bend. In a call-and-response, Bannon asked the crowd if Johnson should be speaker. No! people shouted. The political class is infected with a malignant cancer, he said. That cancer is bipartisanship, right? Already, there are questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his position as speaker when the new Congress convenes next month. A number of conservatives on social media were floating tech billionaire Elon Musk who, along with Trump, helped tank the bipartisan government funding bill this week as a possible replacement. (Technically, the speaker does not need to be a sitting member of Congress.) Audience members react as Bannon takes the stage at AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix on Thursday. The speakers at AmericaFest also called for the Senate to confirm Trump's Cabinet picks. Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host and a Trump ally, described opponents of Tulsi Gabbards nomination for director of national intelligence as threats to the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any Republican senator who votes against Gabbard is an enemy of the United States. Period, Carlson said. Gabbard is one of several Trump picks who have come under tough scrutiny. Dozens of former national security officials signed a letter criticizing her selection, saying she lacked the necessary experience and questioning whether she could offer unbiased intelligence analysis. When Gabbard ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, Russian state propaganda often portrayed her candidacy favorably while denigrating that of Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates at the time, according to research from the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a think tank in Philadelphia. Trump Jr. urged the crowd Friday to exert pressure on Congress to advance his fathers plans. He singled out Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who has been deliberating over whether to support Pete Hegseth, the president-elects pick for defense secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call them out. Call their offices. Put on that pressure, Trump Jr. said. "Make them feel the pain. Joni Ernst learned this a little bit the hard way. ETP. Education through Pain. Who will take over the MAGA movement after Trump leaves office is unclear. Trump is limited to only one more term, though Bannon, for his part, seemed undeterred. "Trump 2028!" he said as he finished his speech, drawing a roar of approval from the crowd. Trump Jr. then took the stage. "Well, guys, I want to thank Steve for that pre-endorsement for 2028." More cheers. "Kidding, I'm kidding," he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Donald Trump has yet to arrive in Washington, but he is already confronting the limitations of his electoral mandate. Trumps eleventh-hour attempt to blow up a carefully negotiated bill to keep the government funded into March did not achieve the outcome he had sought: clearing a debt ceiling battle looming early in his next presidency. It did, however, expose a lingering rift among House Republicans that had been hiding behind the GOPs post-election euphoria and made clear Trumps sway over his own party remains far from absolute. In a stunning turn, 38 Republicans defied the president-elect on Thursday. By early Saturday morning 48 hours after Trump threatened primary challenges for anyone who supported funding the government without eliminating the debt limit 170 House Republicans and dozens of GOP senators voted for just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chaotic episode one month before Trump returns to the White House served as a reminder that governing has foiled plenty of successful politicians, and it foreshadowed the challenges ahead for Trump as he navigates a narrow House majority and a Senate full of people who expect to outlast the president-elects four years in Washington. Trump has asserted his decisive November victory should clear any roadblocks standing in the way of his agenda. He has demanded fealty from fellow Republicans while often overstating the breadth of his win. Though he is the first Republican in a generation to win the popular vote, Trump ended up with less than 50% of the country behind him and his Electoral College margin was sizable but hardly historic. The beauty is that we won by so much, Trump told Time Magazine in a recent interview. The mandate was massive. Yet, Trump in the last month has already faced several high-profile defeats at the hands of his own party before even taking office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect appeared this week to punt on an effort to get his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, a US Senate seat in the face of quiet but unwavering opposition from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In the weeks after President-elect Trump tapped Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, DeSantis had faced intense public pressure to appoint her as a replacement, with Elon Musk (and his mother) and other MAGA-aligned Republicans publicly lobbying for her. Multiple sources with knowledge of their recent interactions told CNN the president-elect had made his preference known to DeSantis through private back channels. DeSantis relayed back to Trump a delicate message: He had nothing against Lara Trump, but he felt the optics of appointing her to such a high-profile post were problematic and he was looking elsewhere to fill the seat. On Monday, the president-elect told reporters he didnt expect DeSantis to name Lara to the post and distanced himself from the campaign pushing his daughter-in-law all together. Ron is doing a good job, Donald Trump said. Thats his choice, nothing to do with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on Saturday, Lara Trump publicly withdrew from consideration for the potential vacancy, posting on X, After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate. President-elect Trump previously abandoned his first choice to serve as his attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, after it became clear the Florida firebrand lacked support to avoid a contentious and potentially unsuccessful nomination vote. Trump had long considered his pick to lead the Justice Department the most critical post in his Cabinet and now has settled for a fallback, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. One of Trumps top allies in the Senate, Floridas Rick Scott, overwhelmingly lost his bid to lead the incoming Republican majority to Sen. John Thune, who had previously encouraged his party to move on from the former president. While Trump didnt formally endorse in the race, Scott was publicly backed by many of the president-elects top allies, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of the pro-Trump group Turning Point USA, and billionaire Musk. Despite these setbacks, Trump has managed to assert himself as the predominant figure in his party ahead of his return to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Gaetz nomination faltered, Trump has marched ahead with a series of unconventional Cabinet picks that continue to test Republican senators. Trump has stood by former Fox anchor Pete Hegseth, his pick for secretary of defense, amid a cascade of damaging revelations, including a sexual assault allegation; concerns about his tenure leading a veterans charity; questions about past alcoholic consumption habits; and an unearthed email from his mother calling him an abuser of women. Hegseths mother retracted her remark during an appearance on Fox News, and Hegseth has denied many of the allegations raised against him. Republican support for Hegseth on Capitol Hill appears to have stabilized amid Trumps insistence, and senators so far remain open to Trumps other controversial choices to lead his government, including anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence. Trumps allies have demanded unquestioned loyalty from Republican lawmakers and have publicly threatened those who may consider defying the incoming president on any front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For every US senator out there, you must confirm Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, Bobby Kennedy, Pam Bondi and Trumps entire Cabinet, or you will face a primary challenger immediately, Kirk warned at a Turning Point USA event Friday in Arizona. By Friday evening, Trumps allies particularly his co-agitator, Musk had spun their derailing of the government funding vote as a victory. Musk, who posted dozens of times about the vote on his social media website, X, in recent days, shared a picture of the 1,500-page bill they helped kill next to a smaller stack depicting the bill that ultimately passed. Your actions turned a bill that weighed pounds into a bill that weighed ounces! Musk wrote triumphantly. Still, there are clearly frustrations building among Republicans that Trump has expended so much of his political capital (and their time) on quixotic causes before he is sworn in to office. Some publicly grumbled that Trump and Musk had not actually won any spending cuts in the smaller bill House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed through Friday with the help of Democratic votes. Others found their tactics to be confounding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will eat sh*t sandwiches which is budget bills and debt ceiling increases so that Trump has a great runway, Texas Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw said Friday, but youve got to plan ahead to do that. Just before the House voted Friday night, Trump lamented to one GOP lawmaker in a call that the spending deal couldnt include a hike in the debt ceiling, an issue that he knows now he will have to confront in his presidency. The debt limit is set to return in January, but lawmakers likely would have until mid-2025 to address the ceiling. The source familiar with the call told CNN that Trump seemed frustrated yet resigned as reality began setting in that despite his massive influence over the GOP, there are some issues that some conservatives will not bend on for him. Lawmakers on Friday finally convinced Trump he couldnt achieve his goal without a costly shutdown. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota told reporters that he wasnt surprised the debt limit a legal cap on how much the federal government can borrow that takes an act of Congress to lift wasnt addressed in the short-term funding package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a pretty valuable commodity for the Democrats to give up. And so Im sure theyll want a pound of flesh someplace to address that it has to be expected theyll try it, he said. Trump allies, though, are signaling this is only the beginning. If you think the last 48 hours have been unique, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said Friday on his podcast, every day coming in when President Trump takes over is going to be like this. This story has been updated with new developments. CNNs Lauren Fox, Kristen Holmes and Andrew Millman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Republican-controlled House passed a shaved down bill 366-34 on Friday to avoid a government shutdown by midnightmarking a key (if temporary) win for Speaker Mike Johnson, Democrats, and Elon Musk, but not for President-elect Donald Trump. The legislation, which will temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid until March 14, 2025, left out Trumps wish for a debt limit increase. Now as the bill heads to the Senate for approval, Republicans could face Trumps ire when he takes officebecause he didnt get what he wanted for Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scrutiny around Johnsons ability to be a successful speaker was raised Thursday as the Trump-backed version of the bill failed to launch in the House. Yet Johnson seemed in good spirits as the legislation passed and addressed the media immediately afterward. This is a good outcome, Johnson told reporters Friday after the third and final version of a temporary funding bill passed. He added that he was in constant contact with President Trump throughout negotiations. I think [Trump] certainly is happy about this outcome as well, he said. .@SpeakerJohnson: "We are excited about this outcome tonight. We're grateful that everyone stood together to do the right thing...We are setup for a big and important new start in January...We encourage a swift passage in the Senate now. They need to do their job." pic.twitter.com/Zye56FJIDM CSPAN (@cspan) December 20, 2024 Speaker Johnson also said he checked in with Elon Musk, who used X to rally MAGA followers into supporting a government shutdown with false and neglectful information, claiming in one post that the bill included a 40% pay increase for Congress. 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 We talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, Johnson said, lightening the mood with a joke: I said, You want to be speaker of the House? I dont know its the hardest job in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that it was actually the House Democrats who successfully funded the government in a victory for the American people. House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy and hurting working-class Americans all across the land, he added. With the clock ticking down to the Saturday deadline, the Senate is expected to pass the bill Friday and send it to President Biden for signing. Johnson said its all up to the Senate now. We encourage a swift passage in the Senate now. They need to do their job, he said. Donald Trump has been warned that Republican resistance to ending government spending restraints could scupper his mass deportation plans. The majority of Republicans defied the president-elect on Friday evening to support a funding bill that would keep the government running until March without suspending the federal debt limit. Mr Trump has sought to halt the cap to give himself scope to embark on ambitious spending schemes when he enters the White House next year, while avoiding a draining congressional fight to adjust it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But fiscal conservatives in his party are concerned about the trillions in debt that the US has accumulated, which means it is now spending more on interest payments than its defence budget. The rebellion cast doubt on whether Mr Trump will be able to fulfil his election campaign promises, which included the largest deportation programme in US history with no price tag and a range of tax cuts. Marc Short, the president-elects former legislative affairs director, warned that the last 24 hours does not portend well for his proposed border and tax policies. Mike Johnson negotiated the original bill that was effectively killed by Mr Trump on Wednesday - Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg On Wednesday, Mr Trump came out against a bipartisan government funding deal that was negotiated by Mike Johnson, the House of Representatives speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He effectively killed the bill by declaring it ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive as he demanded that Republicans support plans to suspend the US borrowing limit. Anything other than a temporary funding bill without Democrat giveaways combined with an increase in the debt ceiling is a betrayal of our county, he declared in a statement on his Truth Social platform. However, a proposal to suspend the debt limit for two years failed spectacularly on the House floor on Thursday when 38 Republicans joined the Democrats to vote against it. Hours before the deadline on Saturday morning, Congress finally passed a deal that would keep the government funded until March without lifting the debt ceiling precisely what Mr Trump had railed against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Areas of the federal government would have run out of money almost immediately without the bill, furloughing thousands of workers and stalling non-essential government programmes. Mr Trump had previously said that if there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now under the Biden administration not after Jan 20 under Trump. It raises questions about the extent to which Mr Trump can control his party, even while riding the high of an election that saw him win the popular and electoral college vote over Kamala Harris and the Republicans take both houses of Congress. Some have suggested that opposition from fiscal conservatives concerned about ballooning debt and interest payments will block the president-elect from implementing his ambitious policy agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich McCormick, a Republican congressman from Georgia, said he understood Mr Trumps concern that a debt ceiling fight will delay the implementation of his agenda. But to make America great again, we have to end business as usual in Washington right here, right now, he wrote on social media. A figure close to Mr Trump told Politico that they feared he was becoming distracted by the wrong fights and compared his attempt to suspend the debt ceiling to his failed bids to kill ObamaCare, the health insurance reforms, during his first term. Eric Burlison, a Missouri congressman, told CNN that he had promised his constituents he would not vote to raise the borrowing limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love Donald Trump but he didnt vote me into office, my district did, he said. No price tag on Trump agenda Days after his election victory, Mr Trump said that there would be no price tag on his plans for mass deportations, which will probably involve constructing tens of thousands of detention centres. A report from the American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration group, estimated that deporting one million migrants a year would cost at least $88 billion. Mr Trump also pledged to renew the tax cuts he introduced in 2017 at a cost of around $4 trillion and remove taxes from tips, overtime and social security. In a further headache for the incoming president, Republicans only succeeded in winning a razor-thin majority in the House with 220-215, which will shrink even further since three members were offered jobs in his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was in June last year that Congress agree to halt the US $31.4 trillion debt limit until Jan 1 2025. The final funding bill removed more than 1,000 pages of policy when Mr Trump and Elon Musk, his close ally and Tesla billionaire, came out against the deal. Among the scrapped measures were restrictions on US investments in China, policy aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and rules clamping down on deceptive advertising of tickets for events, according to Politico. Congressional Democrats largely supported the final package but complained about how Mr Trump and Mr Musk had pressured Republicans into backtracking on their original deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Murphy, the Connecticut senator, said: It feels to me there were a lot of things that were not great for billionaires and corporations that dropped out of this bill. And I dont think thats a coincidence. 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. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday tapped Mark Burnett, the producer of The Apprentice, to serve as the special envoy to the United Kingdom. Burnett formerly served as chair of MGMs television studio and is a multi-Emmy-winning producer of several popular U.S. television shows, including Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice. With The Apprentice, Burnett was the architect of Trumps post-bankruptcy image and is largely responsible for Trumps rise in the national imagination as a high-powered Manhattan businessman. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role, Trump said Saturday in a post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett, who was born in the U.K., will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, Trump said. He has never held a diplomatic post. It is unclear how Burnetts responsibilities would differ from those of Trumps pick to be ambassador to the court of St. James, banker and donor Warren Stephens, who would be the main U.S. diplomat based in London representing Washington in front of the U.K. government. Typically, the position is a sleepy one, as most contact between both countries governments occurs at the direct official level. The U.K. and U.S. also directly and fully collaborate on all matters of espionage and intelligence collection. But the allusion to trade and investment suggests a possibility that Burnett could be tasked with promoting bilateral commercial ties between the U.S. and the U.K., which has long been a goal for Westminster since the U.K. left the European Union in 2020. Successive British governments have pushed for a free trade agreement between the United States and United Kingdom to make up for the economic losses experienced after the U.K. left the European Unions common market. Yet both the Trump and Biden administrations have slow-walked any discussion of a trade deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, President Joe Biden quashed hopes that his administration would broker a trade deal with the U.K. before the election, disappointing the government of then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, after encountering resistance from some Senate Democrats. Trump advisers, however, telegraphed in 2024 that a trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. would be a key priority for the administration. Trumps post did not specify whether Burnett would face a Senate confirmation process. Special envoys, by law, must receive Senate confirmation, but the Biden administration has, at times, gotten around that by tweaking job descriptions. Burnett, however, would likely face little resistance from Senate Republicans as he is not seen as a polarizing figure. President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he wants Mark Burnett, the British television producer who created The Apprentice, to serve as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his second term. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role, Trump said of his longtime friend in a statement shared on his Truth Social platform. Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Apprentice, of course, was the NBC reality show that launched Trumps name and brand from the New York regional tabloid scene to national and international fame when its first season debuted in 2004. Burnett is credited with burnishing the flaws in Trumps public image by downplaying his various failed business ventures and playing up his real estate holdings, so the network could present him as an icon of American capitalist achievement. Mark Burnett and Donald Trump appear together in September 2004 in Beverly Hills, California. Stephen Shugerman via Getty Images At the time, Burnett had already been instrumental to the launch of the Survivor franchise in 2000. He went on to create the hit entrepreneurial show Shark Tank which formerly starred billionaire businessman Mark Cuban, one of Trumps most high-profile detractors and produced other hits like Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Yet the reality TV mogul has been mostly quiet about his relationship with Trump in the time since he kicked off his 2016 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks before that years election, Burnett endured a public roasting during late night host Jimmy Kimmels opening monologue at the 2016 Emmys. Television brings people together. But television can also tear us apart. I mean, if it wasnt for television, would Donald Trump be running for president? No, Kimmel said before pinning the blame directly on Burnett, who was shown laughing in the audience. We dont have to watch reality shows anymore, because were living in one. Thank you, Mark, said an unsmiling Kimmel. Just weeks later, Burnett was moved to issue a statement claiming that he never supported Trumps presidential aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not now and have never been a supporter of Donald Trumps candidacy. I am NOT Pro-Trump, Burnett said in October 2016. Further, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign. The statement came days after Trump was revealed to have bragged that to be a celebrity meant you were free to grab women by the pussy. The diplomatic gig seems to indicate that Burnett and Trump have mended fences. Related... Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Saturday condemned vandalism of Hindu idols in Bangladesh and urged the current Yunus-led interim government to take concrete action. Speaking to ANI, Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal said, "At one time, when chants of Maa Kali used to be heard from every corner of Bangladesh, today at the same place, those Kali temples are being demolished, yesterday also 3 idols were broken. The Bangladesh government will have to take some concrete action. Violence against Hindus must stop." Notably, Police in Bangladesh arrested one person for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area on Saturday morning, officials said. "We have arrested one person early today for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area," said Abul Khair, Officer in Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station under northern Mymensigh district. Speaking to ANI, Khair informed that the accused is a 37-year-old male, named Azharul. He will be produced in court today. "The arrested person's name is Azharul (37). We will produce him to the court today," he told ANI. According to the police, the miscreants vandalised the heads of two idols of an under-construction temple in the Shakuair area. "Miscreants on Thursday night broke the heads of two idols under construction at a temple in the Shakuair area," OC said, without elaborating. Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, relating to violence in Bangladesh, informed that the 2, 200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh till October of this year. "2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases in Pakistan were reported till October 2024," he replied. He added that the Government of India has taken "serious" note of these incidents and expressed its concern to the Bangladesh government. "Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities," he stated. Notably, Bangladesh is currently facing a tumultuous period following a student-led movement that led to the ousting of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement was sparked by a series of violent incidents, including attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the demolition of Hindu temples. The situation in Bangladesh began to escalate in June 2024, when students from various universities in Dhaka united to demand reforms to the country's quota system for government jobs led to the ouster of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Following this, Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a former priest of ISKCON, was arrested by police from Dhaka Airport on November 25 on a charge of sedition in Bangladesh, sparking protests worldwide. Bangladesh also reported several attacks on Hindus and other minorities after Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government. (ANI) U.S. President-elect Donald Trump plans to continue military support for Ukraine, the Financial Times reported on Dec. 20, citing undisclosed sources. Three officials familiar with discussions revealed that Trump intends to keep supplying US military equipment to Ukraine after his inauguration. Trump's foreign policy team also informed European officials that he plans to push NATO allies to raise their defense spending to 5% of their GDP. NATO member states currently follow a goal of allocating 2% of their GDP to defense spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British officials noted that Trump sees providing weapons after a ceasefire as aligning with his "peace through strength" philosophy. However, he remains opposed to Ukraine joining NATO and advocates for an immediate resolution to the conflict. This contrasts with his earlier campaign rhetoric, where he suggested cutting off aid to Ukraine and pushing for peace talks. Trump has pledged to quickly bring an end to the war but has not provided details on how he plans to do it. He has not invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to his January inauguration but noted that Zelensky would be welcome if he chose to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine, US agree on date of peace envoy Kelloggs visit to Kyiv, official says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President-elect Trump chose Chad Mizelle, a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, to be the next chief of staff at the Department of Justice (DOJ). Mizelle, an ally of the incoming White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, will work alongside the president-elects choice for attorney general, Pam Bondi, Trump said Saturday in a post on Truth Social. He was previously an acting general counsel and chief of staff at DHS. Before that role, Mizelle was the counsel to the deputy attorney general at the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During my First Term, Chad was General Counsel and Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security, where he helped to secure our Border, and stop the flow of illegal drugs and aliens into our Country, Trump said. Chad is a MAGA warrior, who will help bring accountability, integrity, and Justice back to the DOJ. Mizelle is a chief legal officer at Affinity Partners, an investment firm formed by Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to his LinkedIn. He received his J.D. from Cornell Law School. Mizelles wife, Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, is a federal judge in Florida who was appointed by the president-elect. Apart from Mizelle, Trump announced another key selection for the DOJ on Saturday, picking Aaron Reitz, Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) current chief of staff, to head the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) next month. Aaron will lead OLP to develop and implement DOJs battle plans to advance my Law and Order Agenda, and restore integrity to our Justice System. He will be working with Attorney General Nominee, Pam Bondi, Trump said in a Saturday Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to serving to being in the Senate, Reitz was working as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons deputy. Shortly after Trumps announcement, Cruz took to social media to praise his chief of staff and congratulate him on the selection. Aaron has led my staff in DC and throughout Texas faithfully and with diligence and energy. He has an extensive record of fighting for justice, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, Cruz said Saturday on X. He will serve President Trump, AG Bondi, and the Department of Justice well, and aid in their mission to restore integrity, transparency, and honor to one of our nations most important institutions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President-elect Trump is asking a court to intervene in alleged sales of border wall materials, accusing the Biden administration of selling off the materials after it was required to do so by Congress. The new filing from the Trump team relies on reporting from the conservative Daily Wire, which said the Biden administration has been holding a fire sale of materials used to build the wall. But the articles claims conflict with language from last years defense policy bill, which required the administration to distribute or sell any unused border wall material something it complied with over the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, President Trump has filed an amicus brief in the Southern District of Texas requesting that a highly respected federal judge immediately stop the Biden Administrations reported fire sale of border wall materials at rock-bottom prices and order an investigation. Any attempt by Biden officials to obstruct President Trumps plan to build the Border Wall is unlawful, unconstitutional, and possibly criminal, as our brief argues, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. President Trump will not be deterred from Building the Wall. The filing is the latest in a lengthy court battle as well as congressional jockeying over Trumps border wall, and how and whether to fund and build it. Congress last year required the Biden administration to dispose of the unused border wall pieces, something an administration official said came in a provision that was authored by Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, included in the massive National Defense Authorization Act, allows for the sale or donation of the items to states on the southern border, providing they are used to refurbish existing barriers, not install new ones. The Department of Defense, however, said further sales cant be blocked because all the excess border wall material has already been distributed. Customs and Border Protection, Texas and California each requested and received materials months ago, an administration official said. The rest was sold to GovPlanet, which buys and auctions off government surplus. It is those materials, no longer in government possession, that are being sold off by the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the suit rests on arguments that the material held by the military was improperly transferred to the Department of Homeland Security something attorneys say admittedly, is not perfectly clear but could implicate other rulings for how that agency should handle the materials. That is material that should be used in future border construction, including under President Trump once he takes office in a month and the people who purchase the material know that, the suit claims. While Trump pushed to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico during his first term in office, only 52 miles of the 458 constructed under his presidency were new structures, rather than replacements. The stops and starts to the walls construction also left numerous regions that needed to be remediated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Biden sought to end construction of the border wall entirely, that also spurred legal challenges and in some cases funds were used to address partially completed construction while in other cases the administration was compelled to complete some segments of the wall. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with The Apprentice, is being tapped by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his upcoming administration. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role, Trump announced Saturday. Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like Survivor and The Voice, but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for The Apprentice, which first aired on NBC in 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run. The selection of Burnett continues Trump's trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both including his choice to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend, and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz. Trumps first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on The Apprentice and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a star. Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trumps television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first campaign from the buildings lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History," Trump wrote in his statement on Burnett, listing many of his biggest hits before adding, most notably, The Apprentice" and noting that Burnett has won 13 Emmy Awards! Later Saturday, Trump announced in a separate statement that he was picking casino magnate Tilman Fertitta as his choice to be U.S. ambassador to Italy. Burnett, meanwhile, will be a special envoy, posts usually filled by presidents for the world's traditional hotspots, including the Middle East where Trump has already said he'd like Steven Witkoff to fill the role. The United Kingdom, which has long enjoyed a special relationship with the U.S. that makes it one of Washington's strongest global allies, is not typically a candidate for such posts. But Trump has announced a series of special envoy positions to several top loyalists ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, including his former ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell who he chose as envoy for special missions. That announcement joined previous ones including Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, and Keith Kellogg to serve as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Trump previously announced on Dec. 2 that he was picking billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens for the more standard role of U.S. ambassador to Britain. That might raise questions about how a special U.K. envoy could overlap duties, but the president-elect said in his statement that Burnett will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. A man in a suit and blue tie standing behind a lectern with a sign saying Bitcoin 2024 Nashville Donald Trump, then the GOP candidate for president, gave a keynote speech on the third day of the Bitcoin 2024 conference at Music City Center on July 27, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. He had previously dismissed cryptocurrency as a scam but embraced it in his latest bid for a second term in the White House.(Jon Cherry/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trumps recent appointments and cabinet nominees are pointing to a four-year stint of deregulation in the tech industry, and lots of potential for competitive growth within the industry and globally, tech executives predict. Trump has made a handful of recent selections, both to existing positions, like chair of the Federal Trade Commission and chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and he has created new positions for his term, like the AI and crypto czar. There appears to be much more cohesion and support from within his camp to support a range of geopolitical, technology and innovation issues that were relegated in importance during his first term, software founder Yashin Manraj said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Trump has chosen FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to be the agencys next chairman, replacing Lina Khan, who fought Big Tech overreach during her tenure. Hes slated to be joined by antitrust specialist Mark Meador in his former position. Together, the pair will likely continue to scrutinize Big Tech agencies, but for issues of censorship which was a Republican talking point during the election. Earlier this month, Trump named cryptocurrency advocate and former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins as his pick for chair of the SEC, and appointed former PayPal executive David Sacks to a new role of AI and crypto czar, PBS reported. The move comes as Trumps view on digital currencies has evolved. During his first presidency, Trump called it highly volatile and based on thin air, but has since changed his tune. In September, he rolled out a new venture to trade crypto, called World Liberty Financial, and said during his 2024 campaign, that he aims to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the planet. And on Monday, Trump met with Japanese-based investment firm SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who announced a $100 billion investment into U.S. projects over the course of Trumps term, many of which will focus on artificial intelligence. Appointees setting the tone These tech industry appointees and connections lean toward traditional Republican deregulatory instincts, said Dev Nag, Bay Area-based founder and CEO of AI automation company QueryPal. Long-term care for aging Americans is a challenge transcending party lines, affecting millions of families who are struggling to balance caregiving with work and daily life. With a rapidly aging population and more than 105 million individuals serving as caregivers, the need for policy reform in long-term care has never been more urgent. Vice President Kamala Harris proposal to expand Medicare benefits to cover home health care was a promising solution not to be realized. This proposal, aimed at alleviating the emotional, financial, and physical burdens on caregivers, has broad potential bipartisan appeal. It would be a crucial step to addressing Americas caregiving crisis and President-Elect Donald Trump should champion it. Harris proposal targeted the sandwich generation adults who are simultaneously caring for both their children and aging parents. About 23% of American adults fall into this group. Many of these caregivers face difficult choices, such as reducing their working hours, quitting their jobs, or experiencing emotional stress while trying to meet the needs of multiple generations. By expanding Medicare to include home health care, Harris hoped to ease the burden on caregivers, allowing seniors to live with dignity in their homes, rather than being forced into costly and often impersonal nursing homes. Here in North Carolina, more than 1.7 million residents are over 65. The benefit to them and their families is clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current system is wildly inadequate. Medicare does not cover long-term home health care except in narrow circumstances, forcing families to pay out of pocket or rely on Medicaid if they qualify. The cost of care is staggering. A home health aide costs about $70,000 annually for 40 hours of weekly care, while nursing home stays range from about $100,000 to $117,000 per year. For the average Medicare beneficiary, whose income is roughly $36,000 annually, this is a near-impossible expense. Harris plan aimed to alleviate this financial burden by providing Medicare coverage for those who need assistance with basic activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing. The proposal noted wealthier seniors would contribute to the cost, making the plan fair and sustainable. By targeting financial assistance at seniors with modest incomes, this plan offers meaningful relief without overwhelming the federal budget. To fund the program, Harris proposed expanding Medicares drug price negotiations, implementing international tax reforms and introducing other cost-saving measures. While the estimated cost of the program was $40 billion annually, these funding mechanisms offer a practical way to implement such a plan without placing excessive strain on taxpayers. The urgency of this proposal is underscored by the significant financial and emotional toll caregiving takes on families. According to AARP, caregivers provide over $600 billion in unpaid labor each year, yet they are often unsupported by the current long-term care system. Harris plan would have provided financial and structural support for caregivers, enabling them to maintain their jobs and livelihoods while ensuring that their loved ones receive the care they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What made this proposal especially compelling was its potential for bipartisan support. The issue of aging care is not confined to party politics. A recent survey found that more than three quarters of Republicans and Democrats surveyed supported adding long-term care to Medicare coverage. Addressing the long-term care crisis is an area where lawmakers can find common ground, particularly given the growing recognition of the issues urgency. The expansion would be a long-overdue policy solution to a problem that impacts millions of Americans. It represents a rare bipartisan opportunity to tackle a pressing national issue. This is a chance for policymakers to set aside partisan differences and prioritize the well-being of millions of caregivers and aging Americans. Lets hope the Trump Administration can deliver. Nathan Boucher is Associate Professor of Public Policy, Medicine, and Nursing at Duke University. Amanda Tom faced the front entrance of Arizona's Medicaid agency in downtown Phoenix and got emotional as she used a bullhorn to speak about the toll that a massive fraud crisis has had on Indigenous people. "We trusted you," said Tom, a Navajo, Phoenix resident and member of the American Indian Movement's Phoenix chapter. "This is another form of genocide. This is not OK." Tom joined about 15 other Indigenous people on a two-mile walk Friday morning from the Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 N. 18th Ave., to Arizona's Medicaid agency, which is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS (pronounced 'access'), to bring attention to the damage that major Arizona Medicaid fraud has caused to Indigenous communities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The marchers wanted to highlight a 232-page class action lawsuit filed last week in Maricopa County Superior Court on behalf of an estimated 7,000 Native people and their families who, according to the lawsuit, have died, been injured or been forced into homelessness as a result of phony treatment centers that purported to help them overcome substance use disorders. The fraudulent schemes involved "scores of entities formed overnight" that should not have been awarded licenses, according to the lawsuit, which goes on to say that the state health department was licensing treatment providers without requiring them to prove they were covered by liability insurance a loophole and a display of "sheer incompetence" that allowed the fraud to thrive. The fraud disproportionately targeted Indigenous people enrolled in an AHCCCS program called the American Indian Health Program. 'I watched my daughter go through hell' Tom says her daughter was one of the people victimized by the schemes. She was in several sober-living facilities in the Valley that lured her with promises of money, clothes and gift cards, and gave her alcohol and drugs rather than helping her to get well, Tom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I watched my daughter go through hell," Tom said. Tom and others at the march said they are not discouraged that their number on Friday was small. Many Indigenous people are afraid of speaking out against the government, Tom explained, and those who receive benefits like AHCCCS and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as food stamps), are afraid of losing them, she said. "People are scared," she said. It doesn't take a lot of people to make noise and the purpose of the marches is to "make some noise," said Reva Stewart, founder of the Phoenix-based Turtle Island Women Warriors, a group that helps people victimized by the schemes and organized Friday's march. Among other things, Indigenous people want a formal apology for what happened, she said. Tarah Weeks, left, hugs Reva Stewart, the founder of Turtle Island Women Warriors on Dec. 20, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. They want to bring attention to a class action lawsuit filed on Dec. 13 by Indigenous individuals and families against the state of Arizona over the human toll of the sober living crisis. Tarah Weeks and Luvy Yonnie, both Navajo women who are members of a national Indigenous rights group of motorcyclists called Medicine Wheel Ride, say they want to see more public outrage about the crisis. Weeks said part of the problem is that there's a stigma about substance use disorder, and also that there's not enough awareness about the crisis and the personal stories of the people who have been harmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not just an Arizona issue," Weeks said. "It is national, affecting tribal people from across the country." At the Arizona Department of Health Services before the march began, Jared Marquez, who is an Apache tribal member, pointed a bullhorn at the building. "No more stolen people," he yelled. "No more stolen benefits," the group of marchers responded in unison. State agencies say Gov. Katie Hobbs took 'swift action' against the fraud The lawsuit does not seek a specific dollar amount since the attorneys can't be certain how many people were victimized by the fraudulent schemes and how many people fall into the four subclasses of the civil action wrongful death; injury; displacement (including homelessness); and services not rendered, meaning treatments that were billed to the state yet not provided to the patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While numerous criminal cases have been filed to prosecute accused fraudsters of bilking taxpayer money from AHCCCS, Stewart and the lawyers who filed the class action said not enough attention has been going to the humanitarian tragedy caused by the fraud. And, they said, a new $6 million grant program through Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' office would not come close to paying for the human harm. AHCCCS and the Arizona Department of Health Services this week issued a joint statement that says they are unable to comment on pending litigation but that "addressing behavioral health remains at the forefront of our efforts" and that Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs already has taken "swift action" against fraudulent providers, prioritized an emergency humanitarian response, and continued to prioritize operational reform. AHCCCS does not reimburse sober-living homes, but sober-living homes were critical to the fraudulent billing. Typically, the schemes worked this way, investigators said: Sober-living homes formed liaisons with outpatient behavioral health providers who were registered with AHCCCS, got reimbursed by AHCCCS, and who were licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The massive fraud is often referred to as Arizona's sober-living crisis. 'All we want is accountability' On May 16, 2023, Hobbs, along with tribal leaders and representatives of multiple state agencies, announced sweeping Medicaid fraud that is now estimated to have fleeced taxpayers of up to $2.5 billion over a period of approximately four years between 2019 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the news conference when the fraud was announced, Mayes characterized what had occurred as a "stunning failure of government." From 2019 to 2023, AHCCCS was writing checks to scammers who were effectively buying and selling patients in need of drug and alcohol treatment, evidence shows. The scammers used taxpayer money to purchase expensive homes, jewelry, clothing and cars for themselves and disproportionately targeted Indigenous people. Stopping the fraud earlier could have prevented dire outcomes beyond the loss of taxpayer money. The crisis targeted potentially thousands of people at their most vulnerable, many of them Native Americans who were far from home. Stewart said victims have come from multiple states, including New Mexico, South Dakota, California and Montana. The victims were promised help that never came. They were isolated from families and friends who feared they were missing or dead. They were lied to, threatened, blackmailed and plied with alcohol and drugs at their weakest moments. Some of them did die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its investigations, The Arizona Republic has found evidence that AHCCCS knew about the fraud and the harm it was causing as early as spring 2021. "All we want is accountability," shouted Navajo tribal member Hector Begaye, who works with Stewart, as he faced the AHCCCS building at 801 E. Jefferson St., and looked up at the windows facing the street. "You should be on this side with the people, not sitting behind your desks. We see you AHCCCS. We see you. ... We are not going away." Reach health care reporter Stephanie Innes at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @stephanieinnes. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Indigenous Arizonans demand accountability for sober-living crisis MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two Alabama men were arrested in connection to multiple Atoka, Tennessee auto burglaries, the Atoka Police Department confirmed. Paul G. Hinkle, 36, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in connection with two auto burglaries that occurred in Atokas Oak Creek neighborhood on the morning of November 25, where firearms were stolen. Using video surveillance provided by victims and neighbors, Atoka Police officers identified the suspects vehicle, as a blue/gray 2012 BMW X6 with black rims and Alabama tags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, this tied the suspect to additional criminal activities across the Mid-South. Further investigation by Atoka Police Department detectives revealed Hinkle was a convicted felon. MFD releases photos of potential suspect in catering business arson A BOLO (Be on the Lookout) alert was issued by the Atoka Police Department and it led to the vehicles seizure in Georgia, where several stolen weapons were recovered. The evidence also helped to identify the second suspect involved, 24-year-old Rashawn Taylor. Police say Taylor is also a convicted felon from Birmingham. Throughout their investigation, officers learned that this case extended beyond Atoka and into parts of Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collaborative efforts of Atoka Police Department detectives and partner agencies led to the arrests of both Hinkle and Taylor in Alabama by the U.S. Marshals. Both Hinkle and Taylor will face charges in other jurisdictions and will be returned to Tipton County to face Atokas charges of Burglary (Auto) 2 counts, Theft of Property, and Convicted Felon in possession of a weapon. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two Connecticut men have been found guilty of trafficking fentanyl after selling to undercover officers, officials said. Luis Salaman, 42, of New Haven, and Jesus Seguinot, 34, of New Haven, were found guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses by a jury in Bridgeport federal court on Friday. The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill, began on Dec. 9 with the jury returning guilty verdicts on multiple counts of a superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. According to the evidence presented during the trial, in October 2021, the FBIs Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury found Salaman and Seguinot guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Salaman faces a term of at least 10 years in prison, and Seguinot faces a term of at least five years in prison, officials said in a press release. Salaman faces enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony. Salaman has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022. Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, and is released on a $100,000 bond. This investigation was conducted by FBIs Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com At least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, authorities said. The suspect, who is in police custody, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg, said Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff, adding that a rental car was used to smash into the crowd. The man is believed to have acted alone, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister, said the suspect was originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency. Security sources told dpa the suspect is around 50 years old and had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. Authorities have yet to speculate on the motive behind the suspected attack. They have also not named him. "This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," said state premier Haseloff. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is located about 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chaotic scenes that unfolded on Friday recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. "We still have reason to be very vigilant and act consistently to ensure our security," Faeser said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Magdeburg, emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. Many people were rushed to the Magdeburg University Hospital, where a spokesman said staff had quickly geared up to handle a mass casualty event. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral on Saturday at 7 pm (1800 GMT). German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was expected to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg," Scholz wrote on X. "My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." Condolences also immediately began pouring in from abroad, with leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg all expressing their shock at the events in Germany. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her "thoughts are with the victims" after the "brutal and cowardly" attack, in a post on X. Von der Leyen, a German conservative politician who leads the EU's executive arm, called for the "act of violence" to be "investigated and severely punished." Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg after a car drove into a group of people. Heiko Rebsch/dpa Emergency services, police and firefighters are on duty to help injured people after a car drove into the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Heiko Rebsch/dpa A still image from a video shows special police forces on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Thomas Schulz/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Himachal Pradesh walked out of the Vidhan Sabha on the final day of the winter session on Saturday. Visuals showed the BJP leaders demanding answers to their questions and chanting the slogan "Jhoote bhashan nahin chalega, prashno ke uttar dene honge" (False speeches won't work, answers to questions must be given). Opposition leader and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that the BJP raised a question about why 1,865 schools had been denotified. "A question was raised on how many schools the present government had formed after their formation. On this, they told us that a total of 1865 institutes had been denotified by the Congress government out of which there were 1094 primary schools and a total of only 37 new institutes had opened.. 103 institutes had been opened separately.." Thakur said while addressing the media. Further, he said that when questioned about the reason for closing the schools, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the decisions were made on a need basis. "We wanted to knew the reasons for closing these institutes.. the CM told that the decision was taken on need basis. Another question that was raised was that when was the assessment done for the need basis? These institutions were closed soon after they took the oaths of CM and Deputy CM. Whatever they have done is biased and it's a political revenge....so we decided to walkout and we will continue to fight on this issue.." Thakur further stated. The former Chief Minister also accused Sukhu of breaking all records of dishonesty. "No Chief Minister has till day lied in a session and the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has broken all records today.. our government's main aim was to ensure that no student should go uneducated but the CM here went totally opposite against this..We will keep fighting," he asserted. (ANI) At least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, authorities said. The suspect, who is in police custody, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg, said Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff, adding that a rental car was used to smash into the crowd. The man is believed to have acted alone, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister, said the suspect was originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency. Security sources told dpa the suspect is around 50 years old and had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. Authorities have yet to speculate on the motive behind the suspected attack. They have also not named him. "This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," said state premier Haseloff. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is located about 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chaotic scenes that unfolded on Friday recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. "We still have reason to be very vigilant and act consistently to ensure our security," Faeser said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Magdeburg, emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. Many people were rushed to the Magdeburg University Hospital, where a spokesman said staff had quickly geared up to handle a mass casualty event. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral on Saturday at 7 pm (1800 GMT). Faeser and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg," Scholz wrote on X. "My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UN was "shocked" by news of the incident. "We extend our condolences to the families of the victims as well as the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany. We wish those injured a swift recovery," he said in a statement. Condolences also began pouring in from other leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg all expressing their shock at the events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her "thoughts are with the victims" after the "brutal and cowardly" attack, in a post on X. Von der Leyen, a German conservative politician who leads the EU's executive arm, called for the "act of violence" to be "investigated and severely punished." Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg after a car drove into a group of people. Heiko Rebsch/dpa Emergency services, police and firefighters are on duty to help injured people after a car drove into the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Heiko Rebsch/dpa A still image from a video shows special police forces on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Thomas Schulz/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least two people were killed, including a small child, and at least 60 injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, authorities said. The suspect, who is in police custody, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg, said Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff. The man is believed to have acted alone, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister, said the suspect was originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency. Security sources told dpa the suspect is around 50 years old and had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. Authorities have yet to speculate on the motive behind the suspected attack. They have also not named him. "This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general," said state premier Haseloff. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is located about 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. Many people were rushed to the Magdeburg University Hospital, where a spokesman said staff had quickly geared up to handle a mass casualty event. The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral on Saturday at 7 pm (1800 GMT). German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg," Scholz wrote on X. "My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the attack on X, without mentioning the suspect. "The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, wishing the injured a speedy recovery," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States was ready to provide assistance as recovery efforts and investigations continued, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. "Germany is one of our closest partners and strongest Allies, and we stand together with them today and in the weeks ahead. There is no place for violence in our societies," Miller said in a statement. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Germany in grieving the loss of life." Condolences also began pouring in from other leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric all expressing their shock at the events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her "thoughts are with the victims" after the "brutal and cowardly" attack, in a post on X. Von der Leyen, a German conservative politician who leads the EU's executive arm, called for the "act of violence" to be "investigated and severely punished." The chaotic scenes that unfolded on Friday recalled the events that took place almost exactly eight years in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. Faeser had recently made repeated calls for vigilance when visiting Christmas markets, although she said in late November that there was currently no concrete evidence of a threat. A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg after a car drove into a group of people. Heiko Rebsch/dpa Emergency services, police and firefighters are on duty to help injured people after a car drove into the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Heiko Rebsch/dpa A still image from a video shows special police forces on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Thomas Schulz/dpa Emergency services, fire department and police are on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Heiko Rebsch/dpa Advertisement Advertisement At least two people were killed, including a small child, and 60 injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening, authorities said. The suspect, who is in police custody, is a doctor who lives and works in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg, said Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff, adding that a rental car was used to smash into the crowd. He is believed to have acted alone, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamara Zieschang, the state interior minister, said the man was originally from Saudi Arabia, had been in Germany since 2006 and had permanent residency. Security sources told dpa the suspect is around 50 years old and had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist. Authorities have yet to speculate on the motive behind the suspected attack. They have also not named him. "This is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state, and for Germany in general," said state premier Haseloff. Magdeburg is a city of some 237,000 people in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is located about 150 kilometres west of Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chaotic scenes that unfolded on Friday recalled the events of almost exactly eight years in the German capital. On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist used a hijacked lorry to crash into a Christmas market in central Berlin. Twelve people were killed, with a 13th victim dying in 2021 as a result of their injuries. More than 70 people were hurt. The attacker fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police. In Magdeburg, emergency vehicles flooded the market in the centre of the city, not far from city hall. Medics treated injured people lying on the ground in front of the stalls. Tents were also set up where the hurt could be cared for. Many people were rushed to the Magdeburg University Hospital, where a spokesman said staff had quickly geared up to handle a mass casualty event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities of the two fatalities have not been revealed. "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X. "My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours." Scholz was expected to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday. Emergency services, police and firefighters are on duty to help injured people after a car drove into the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Heiko Rebsch/dpa A still image from a video shows special police forces on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, after a car drove into a group of people. (Best possible quality) Thomas Schulz/dpa Dec. 20MITCHELL Two of the four individuals charged in connection with the break-in at Mitchell High School in September have pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Brandon Spillman, 19, and Spencer Spillman, 18, both from Alexandria, were sentenced to two years of probation, a $500 fine, and a share of restitution following the incident. Both men were granted a suspended imposition of sentence, meaning their convictions will not be formally entered if they comply with the terms of their probation. They were also ordered to pay one-third of the restitution, totaling $21.63 $7.21 each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, the Spillmans were caught on video footage entering the high school on the night of Sept. 26, 2024, through an unlocked door during overnight hours. Mitchell Superintendent Joe Childs confirmed that the break-in resulted in the theft of about $100 worth of drinks from a cooler in the school's cafeteria. This is the third guilty plea in the case. Earlier this month, Chloe Dutchuk, another defendant involved in the incident, pleaded guilty and received the same sentence as the Spillmans. The fourth defendant, Matthew Ruff, who was also identified by an officer in the video footage, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Nov. 5, 2024. Ruff is scheduled for a jury trial in February 2025. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) Baton Rouge community members are teaming up to help families this holiday season. LSU senior and Arkel Constructors intern, Garrett Stuprich, said hes happy to spend his 23rd birthday in a satisfying way, giving his time to make this season special. He said he loves being able to give back to people and give them a chance to fill their plates. Theyve been so happy and thankful and joyful that were out here, actually giving them help and doing the right thing for them, said Stuprich. He said the spirit of the holidays is all around, as folks come by the Living Faith Christian Center on Winbourne Avenue, for a well-balanced holiday dinner. Weve been giving out chickens and then all the sides that come with chicken its been a lot! said Stuprich. His company and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank both sponsored the event at the Christian Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across town at the Wildlife and Fisheries building, the group Hunters for the Hungry, along with Wildlife officers, joined forces to give over a hundred pounds of deer meat to those who need it. We just want to make sure everybody has food on their plate, and as a department, if we can play a small role in that, were very grateful, said Madison Sheahan, Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Christmas giveaways in Baton Rouge offering free meals, gifts Anytime they [Wildlife and Fisheries] have game or fish that they have confiscated, thats illegal, they donate it to our program, mentioned Julie Grunewald, of Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana. Seth Hatsfelt with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says, In our eleven parish area, weve got over 60,000 people that were serving each month and this protein is going to go directly to those folks who need it most in our community, said Seth Hatsfelt, Chief Operations Officer of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Stuprich said hes glad Louisiana businesses are stepping up to help people who need it the most. Im very thankful. I just started working at Arkel, so its been great, he said. Grunewald said Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana is always looking for others to get involved. So if youre a hunter or fisherman with meat in the freezer to donate, head to the Hunters for Hungry website to see how you can help. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. A car ploughed into a crowd at a German Christmas market on Friday, killing at least two people, including a small child, and leaving almost 70 wounded in a lone wolf terror attack. The dark-coloured BMW crashed through barriers protecting the market in Magdeburg and drove straight into shoppers at 7.04pm local time. Video purportedly taken by a nearby camera showed a car mowing down pedestrians as it sped through a narrow alleyway with stalls on either side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People could be seen fleeing in panic as some attended to bodies left strewn on the ground. Police arrested the 50-year-old suspect who is a doctor from Saudi Arabia and has lived in Germany since 2006, the premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, said. The suspect had been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 23 miles (36 kilometres) south of Magdeburg, according to officials As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city, Mr Haseloff said. This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the atrocious attack. In a statement, Sir Keir said: My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack heinous and offered solidarity with the German people. The Kingdom condemns this heinous act and stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time, a statement from the ministry read. Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has called on Mr Sholz to immediately resign in the wake of the attack, and called the Chancellor an incompetent fool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magdeburg city officials said that two people had been killed, an adult and a small child, 68 were wounded, with 15 of those in critical condition. Read below to see how the event unfolded. 04:11 AM GMT This live blog is now closed Coverage will continue on Saturday morning please check back for updates. 02:47 AM GMT Doctor held over attack feared Islamisation Social media posts now under investigation suggest that the suspect held extreme anti-Islam views and had expressed fears about what he perceived as the Islamisation of Germany. He had also shared posts in support of the AfD, the right-wing nationalist party. Authorities have also confirmed that the suspect was not previously known for Islamist activity. 01:47 AM GMT Suspect had been granted asylum in Germany The man police arrested has been identified as a prominent spokesperson for refugees in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 50-year-old doctor is a respected figure in the Saudi exile community and had worked closely with asylum-seekers. He was granted asylum in 2016 as a political refugee and had since been employed as a psychotherapist in the eastern federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The man has been a trusted advocate within the refugee community, known for his work helping foreign women adapt to their new life in Germany, according to investigations by WDR and NDR news agencies. 01:08 AM GMT Saudi Arabia condemns the attack The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now issued a statement, slamming the heinous attack and offering solidarity with the German people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kingdom condemns this heinous act and stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time, the statement read. A 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia is in custody over the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg. 01:04 AM GMT Attacker acted alone Tamara Zieschang, interior minister for Saxony-Anhalt, called Friday one of the darkest days for her state. As things stand, we have two fatalities to mourn and a large number of injured, Ms Zieschang said. She confirmed the suspect was a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who had been granted a permanent residency permit after moving to Germany in 2006. According to our current information, he acted alone, Ms Zieschang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no information on other perpetrators. Everything else is the subject of further investigations. 12:48 AM GMT New close-up of arrest This photograph captures the moment police made the arrest. Officers had drawn their weapons and yelled at the driver to lay on the ground with his hands behind his back. A police van then pulled up to the scene, and a dozen officers rushed towards the suspect. German police arrest the terror suspect 11:51 PM GMT No bombs found The suspects car did not contain explosive devices, police have confirmed. The area around the car had previously been cordoned off. Investigators have since checked the car and declared it safe. 11:47 PM GMT Police consider suspects mental state, political views Police said they were still unsure of the motivation for the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security experts believe the suspect may suffer from psychological issues, possibly combined with political radicalisation. However, he is not known to have a prior record of Islamic extremism. We do not yet know the background to the crime, we are taking everything into consideration, a police spokeswoman told MDR Sachsen-Anhalt news service. 11:30 PM GMT Starmer: UK stands with Germany Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the atrocious attack. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected, Sir Keir said. We stand with the people of Germany. 10:50 PM GMT Pictured: Rescuers hug at the scene Emergency services faced a scene of devastation - AFP 10:25 PM GMT Pictured: Scene cordoned off Late into the evening, victims were being treated in tents or on the ground where they had been struck down A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg - Heiko Rebsch/Avalon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10:12 PM GMT Foreign Office closely monitoring situation The Foreign Office said it is closely monitoring the situation in Germany. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. Our thoughts are with all those affected. 09:55 PM GMT Latest casualty details released Magdeburgs city website currently states there are two fatalities with 68 people injured. Of those, 15 people are reported to be in a serious condition, with a further 37 moderately injured and 16 with minor injuries. 09:51 PM GMT Moment alleged attacker was arrested Footage reportedly shows German police arresting Magdeburg Christmas market driver after terror attack | Credit: Visegrad24/X 09:44 PM GMT Scholz to visit site German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit the region on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chancellor will come here tomorrow and assess the situation with us and will certainly not only mourn with us but also discuss the necessary measures, said Reiner Haseloff, the regional prime minister. And I can imagine that due to the seriousness of this attack, the Federal Prosecutor General will also take action, he added. 09:42 PM GMT Macron profoundly shocked Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said he was profoundly shocked by the attack. Mr Macron added that he shares the pain of the German people. 09:34 PM GMT More pictures from the scene: Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Magdeburg Christmas market in the city centre - Getty Images Europe Special police forces attend the scene - DPA 09:31 PM GMT Suspect is Saudi doctor, 50, based in Germany We have arrested the perpetrator, it is a man from Saudi Arabia... a doctor who has been in Germany since 2006, Reiner Haseloff, the state premier of Saxony-Anhalt, told reporters at the scene. From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we dont think there is any further danger for the city, he added. The suspect is reported to live in Bernburg, a town around 25 miles south of Magdeburg. Bild newspaper said he was working at a clinic in the city. According to the state premier, the perpetrator used a rental car registered to Munich. 09:25 PM GMT Incident being treated as terror attack Michael Reif, spokesperson for the city, has confirmed the incident was being treated as a terror attack rather than an accident. The pictures are terrible, Mr Reif said. My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I cant yet say from what direction and how far. Matthias Schuppe, regional government spokesperson, also confirmed Mr Reifs assessment. 09:17 PM GMT Death toll rises to two, including small child At least two people have now been confirmed dead, including a small child, Reiner Haseloff, Saxony-Anhalts prime minister, said. 09:06 PM GMT How the attack took place: 09:02 PM GMT Pictured: Armed police and ambulances at the scene Police and ambulances stand guard outside the scene of the suspected terror attack in Magdeburg - AFP 08:58 PM GMT Musk: Scholz should resign over attack Elon Musk has called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign in the wake of the Christmas market attack. Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool, he wrote on X. 08:46 PM GMT One dead, almost 70 injured, 15 seriously At least one person has been killed, 68 injured and 15 very seriously wounded, according to the latest figures released by Magdeburg city authorities. 08:40 PM GMT Explosive suspected to be in suspects car Police have cordoned off the city centre because an explosive device is believed to be inside the suspects vehicle, German public broadcaster MDR said, citing police reports. The vehicle is still at the scene. 08:33 PM GMT Suspect was from Saudi Arabia The suspect driving the dark BMW was reportedly a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, according to the Die Welt newspaper. Pictures, shared on social media, appeared to show the arrested suspect with his head on the pavement surrounded by armed police. 08:29 PM GMT Pictured: Paramedics help the injured A man is loaded into an ambulance at the scene 08:27 PM GMT Mapped: 08:26 PM GMT The car drove 400m into crowd The car was driven at least 400 meters across the Christmas market into the crowd, a police spokesman told German media. 08:24 PM GMT The aftermath of the attack Emergency services attend an incident at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany | Mick_O_Keeffe/X 08:23 PM GMT At least 11 dead, says report At least 11 people have been killed, German outlet Bild reported, without citing its sources. 08:15 PM GMT Scholz: Something terrible is to come Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned that something terrible is to come. The reports from Magdeburg suggest something terrible is to come. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours, he said in a statement. 08:10 PM GMT German party leaders react: Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and candidate for chancellor, has responded to the events, saying: This is very depressing news from Magdeburg. He added on X: My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all emergency services who are caring for the injured on site. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD party, also wrote: The images from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and injured. When will this madness end? 08:06 PM GMT Warlike conditions A man, who watched the car speed by as he worked on a burger stand inside the market, told German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung that the scene had turned into war-like conditions. Another eyewitness said lots of families had been in the fairy tale area of the market when the car slammed through the barriers. She said she just managed to jump out of its way with her child. 08:00 PM GMT Pictured: More ambulances arrive at the scene Emergency services attend an incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany - DPA 07:51 PM GMT Between 60 to 80 injured, say emergency services Magdeburg emergency services reported that between 60 to 80 people were injured in the attack. Several people were severely injured, a spokesman told AFP. 07:48 PM GMT Let the emergency services do their job On Instagram, Magedeburgs Christmas Market warned people to avoid the area. Please let the emergency services do their job and leave the market in an orderly manner!, a statement read. 07:46 PM GMT A terrible event This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas, Reiner Haseloff, Saxony-Anhalts prime minister, said, adding that he was on the way to see the scene himself. 07:44 PM GMT Neighbouring cities stepping up security The city of Halle, around 80km from Magdeburg, was preparing its hospitals to take in the injured. It also stepped up security measures at its own Christmas market immediately after the attack. 07:35 PM GMT Footage from the incident Videos circulating on social media show people lying on the ground and a massive police presence near the market. Emergency services rush to the scene after car ploughs into people at Magdeburg Christmas market | Credit: Quellgeist/X 07:34 PM GMT Several police cars at the scene At least nine police vehicles could be seen parked around the area with their lights flashing. A spokesperson for local police said: We do not yet know exactly what happened. 07:33 PM GMT European Christmas markets frequently targeted Christmas markets in Europe have been frequent targets for terror attacks and both France and Germany have stepped up security in order to protect the public. In 2016, a truck drove into shoppers at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and leaving 17 injured in an attack claimed by the Islamic State. Already this year, a series of security incidents at Christmas markets have raised concern. On December 1 in Schoneck, Saxony, the mayor and another individual were shot at with a Softair pistol. Three days later, a 37-year-old Iraqi national was arrested in Augsburg, Bavaria, for allegedly scouting the Christkindlesmarkt, and sharing Islamic State propaganda. In November, a 17-year-old German-Turkish national was apprehended in the northern town of Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, for planning a truck attack inspired by the 2016 Berlin market tragedy. And authorities in Mannheim and Frankfurt also arrested two German-Lebanese brothers on charges of planning attacks on local Christmas markets. A Syrian refugee went on a knife rampage in the city of Solingen in August, killing three people and sparking a national debate on immigration. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Germanys likely next Chancellor, called for a complete overhaul of the asylum system to face what he described as a national emergency. 07:23 PM GMT Terrorist attack just before Christmas Matthias Schuppe, a government spokesman in the province of Saxony-Anholt, said it was an attack in comments to local media. Bild newspaper reported that the incident was a terrorist attack just before Christmas! 07:19 PM GMT The scene in pictures A car crashed through barriers protecting the market in Magdeburg - DPA At least nine police vehicles are currently at the scene Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Kern County jury found two men guilty Thursday of first-degree murder in a gang-related shooting. Mark Anton Milner and Parrish Stinson, both 23, were both convicted of first-degree murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, participating in a street gang and carrying a loaded firearm as a member of a criminal street gang. Milner was also convicted of assaulting a person with a firearm and possessing a firearm as a past juvenile offender. Stinson was convicted of assaulting a person with a semi-automatic firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Kern County District Attorneys Office, the jury also found several gun enhancements to be true, including discharging a firearm resulting in death. A Shotspotter device detected 10 gunshots May 31, 2020, near South King Street and East California Avenue, the DAs Office reported. Officers from the Bakersfield Police Department responded to reports of a vehicle crashing while driving in the opposite lane near the intersection of Wallace Street and East California Avenue. Officers found the driver, Raul Dominguez, unconscious and suffering a gunshot wound to his chest. Dominguez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the DAs Office. Surveillance footage from a business located near the area of the shooting showed the victim driving into the business parking lot before getting assaulted by eight to 10 people, the DAs Office said. While the victim tried to flee, Milner, Stinson and a third person brandished their firearms and fired several rounds into Dominguezs vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the bullets went through the victims chest and was lodged into his right arm. Dominguez drove a few blocks before falling unconscious, the DAs Office said. Milner and Stinson were arrested June 23, 2020, after an investigation by BPD identified the two as the shooters. The sentences these two dangerous individuals face are a direct reflection of the severity of the brutal crime they committed, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a news release. Gang violence continues to tarnish our community, but it remains a top priority for this office to combat it and uphold justice. Milner and Stinsons sentencing is set for Jan. 21. They face life without the possibility of parole, according to the DAs Office. An airport in the Russian city of Kazan has suspended flights after Ukrainian drones hit several buildings, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Dec. 21. According to the outlet, eight drones attacked the city in the morning hours, with five of them hitting residential buildings across three districts of the city. Russian independent news outlet Meduza reported that four of the eight drones crashed into two high-rise residential buildings and one into a low-rise residential building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian state media Kommersant reported that the airports of both Kazan and the neighboring city of Izhevsk had suspended flights. The Kazan mayor's office has said that schools have been "selectively" evacuated, according to Meduza. No casualties have been reported at this time. Russian state media outlet Tass reported that a drone attempting to attack an industrial plant "missed its target," according to the press service of the governor of Tatarstan, the republic in which Kazan is located. Kyiv has intensified its drone strike campaign on Russian territory, targeting military and industrial facilities to weaken Russia's war effort in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 25, drones operated by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) struck an oil depot in the western Russian city of Kaluga.These attacks follow Ukraine's first use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles against Russia and subsequent launches of UK-made Shadow missiles, made possible after Washington eased long-range attack restrictions. Read also: For first time, Ukraine attacks Russian positions using solely ground, FPV drones Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) With Christmas around the corner, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is raising awareness about the following closures ahead of one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. US-54 & State Line Project Monday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Jan. 3 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. 54 south- and northbound from State Line Road reduced to one lane. Crews will be working on demolition and preparation of the new turnaround of side shoulders. Paisano Bridge Replacement Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, through Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025, continuous closure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paisano (U.S. 85) eastbound between Doniphan and Executive closed. Crews will be working on demolition and bridge work. Pedestrian Facilities Improvement Project Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paisano (U.S. 62) west- and eastbound between Boone and Val Verde alternate lane closures. Crews will be working on installing signs, service poles and ground boxes. Dyer (BU 54) west- and eastbound between Titanic and Hercules alternate lane closures. Crews will be working on placement of sidewalks, ADA ramps and curb and gutter and installing signs. Dyer (SL 478) west- and eastbound between Ellerthorpe and Julian right lane closed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews will be working on installing signs, ground boxes, service poles and drill shafts. Borderland Expressway Project Monday, Dec. 30 through Friday, Jan. 3, (except Jan. 1) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Railroad north- and southbound and Dyer (BU 54) north- and southbound between project limits alternate lane closures. Crews will be doing asphalt paving work. Guardrail Repair Project Monday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. 54 northbound between Ellerthorpe and Fred Wilson right lane closed. Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. 54 southbound between Cassidy and Pershing right lane closed. Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paisano (U.S. 85) eastbound between St. Vrain and Loop- 375 (Border Highway) complete on-ramp closure to Loop 375 East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I-10 westbound between Santa Fe and Porfirio Diaz right lane and off-ramp closed at Porfirio Diaz. Friday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I-10 westbound at Copia exit complete off-ramp closed. Miscellaneous Concrete Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dyer (BU 54) southbound between Hercules and Gateway South alternate lane closures. Crews will be repairing the guardrail. Maintenance Monday, Dec. 23, Friday, Dec. 27 and Monday through Friday, Jan. 3 (except Jan. 1) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. 54 southbound at Long Bridge between Mesquite Hills and McCombs alternate lane closures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews will be sealing bridge joints. Alternate lane closed at Loop 375 (Transmountain) east and westbound between both picnic stations. Crews will be installing signs. U.S. 54 northbound at Kenworthy complete freeway closure. Detour Exit at Kenworthy Left lane closed between Kenworthy and Sean Haggerty. Crews will be installing delineators. Purple Heart Highway Sunday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 31, daily, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Purple Heart Highway (Loop 375) north- and southbound left lane closures between Montana Avenue and Iron Medics Drive. Crews will be paving in median. Loop 375 Widening Project Monday, Dec. 23, daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Americas Avenue (frontage road) northbound Pan American entrance ramp. Americas Avenue (frontage road) south to north turnaround at South Americas Avenue (truck port of entry) intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews will be installing concrete rail along new MSE wall. Thursday, Jan. 2 to Friday, Jan. 3, daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Americas Avenue (frontage road) northbound Pan American entrance ramp. Americas Avenue (frontage road) south to north turnaround at South Americas Avenue (truck port of entry) intersection. Crews will be installing concrete rail along new MSE wall. Saturday, Jan. 4, daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Americas Avenue (frontage road) alternating lane closures at North Loop underpass. Crews will be pouring a bridge deck. Continuous closure, beginning at 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americas Avenue (frontage road) southbound left lane and south to north turnaround UPRR Bridge. Crews will be working on installation of curb/sidewalk, guardrail, T-551 concrete barrier, and paving. Horizon (FM 1281)/Darrington Reconstruction Project Continuous closures from Monday, Dec. 9 through July 2025 Horizon Boulevard (FM 1281) hike/bike trail from Torrey Pines to Desert Mesa Drive will be closed indefinitely. Crews will be working on final subgrade, pavement operations and excavating ponding areas. Closure Links: West Area Project Closures I-10 Widening West Closures East Area Project Closures Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The U.S. announced Friday that Central Command Forces killed a top ISIS leader in an airstrike in Syria. CENTCOM confirmed another ISIS fighter died, too. This comes after the Pentagon said a round of airstrikes earlier this week killed about a dozen ISIS fighters. ISIS continues to maintain or to pose a significant threat, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. Ahead of Fridays announcement, Ryder said the U.S. doubled the number of its troops in Syria to about 2,000, mostly from the Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those forces focused on the defeat ISIS mission, he said. Ryder said these service members were there before the fall of Bashar al-Assads dictatorship, and now for the first time since the government collapse, top U.S. diplomats are on the ground in Syria, too. While thousands of Syrians rallied Friday in Damascus in support of the new government, the American diplomats met with incoming officials to make sure they protect minorities and reject terrorism. They stressed the immense importance of finding missing U.S. citizens, including Austin Tice, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tice, an American journalist, disappeared in Syria in 2012. Jean-Pierre said it remains one of President Joe Bidens top priorities to get him home. That is something that we certainly want to see, she said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. After the Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued an order to verify and identify illegal Bangladeshi migrant children in schools, Union MoS Harsh Malhotra on Saturday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party is giving patronage to Bangladeshi Migrants just for the sake of votes. "The BJP has been saying that the leaders of AAP are giving patronage to illegal Bangladeshi migrants just for the sake of a vote bank. Now when the public of Delhi has become aware of it, they are raising this issue," Malhotra told ANI. According to the MCD order, all the Heads of Schools have been directed to submit the report by December 31. The order has also been issued for all zones to take appropriate action to remove encroachment made by illegal Bangladeshi Migrants. "Education Department to take appropriate preventive measures to identify illegal Bangladeshi Migrants while giving admission in Municipal Schools. It is also requested that a proper identification and verification drive may also be undertaken to identify the illegal Bangladeshi migrant children in schools. All Zones to take appropriate action to remove encroachment made by illegal Bangladeshi Migrants," the order said. "The Public Health Department is requested to take all precautionary measures while doing Birth Registration and issuing birth certificates and shall ensure that no illegal Bangladeshi Migrants are issued certificates. In addition to this, they will also undertakean identification/verification drive to identify the registrants of birth certificates issued to illegal Bangladeshi Migrants," it added. Meanwhile, in a decisive step to curb the rising number of illegal Bangladeshi intruders in the capital, Delhi Police conducted a comprehensive operation in the E-44 Jhuggis of New Seemapuri on December 12. Acting under the directives of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, who has set a two-month timeline to identify and expel illegal intruders, police teams visited multiple slums, verifying residents' identity documents. (ANI) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The U.S. House passed a temporary spending measure Friday evening aimed at averting a government shutdown. The bill needed to be voted on by the U.S. Senate by midnight in order to avoid even a temporary shutdown. Hes obviously in danger: Family, friends speak out on disappearance of Huntsville real estate agent as police look for answers North Alabama U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-4th District, said the Republican caucus had an extended meeting Friday and reached broad agreement on a spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill continues government operations until March at the same spending levels, provides disaster relief and aid to farmers and temporarily extends the Farm Bill. Two previous proposals had failed to get enough support. The first bill, negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson was opposed by President-elect Trump and wasnt voted on. A second measure had Trumps support. It included an increase in the U.S. debt ceiling that Trump called for, but the bill was defeated. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. Aderholt said before Thursdays vote there appeared to be enough unity among Republicans to ensure its passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are now on the same page, by and large and I think for the most part I think that as long as we stick together this afternoon, and nothing unusual happens, then I think we can get to an agreement, he said. Aderholt also said the rejection of the much longer original bill was also a good thing. A concern, it was a 1,500-page document to do a CR (continuing resolution) for an extension of basically three months, Aderholt said. There were a lot of things put in that that probably should have been stripped out, so its nice to be able to vote on a bill that is much smaller. Huntsville-area U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-5th District, issued a statement following the spending bills passage Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill ensures President Trump can get to work on his America First agenda the second he takes the oath of office on January 20th, he said. This legislation authorizes critical aid for North Alabama farmers, ensures troops overseas get a paycheck this Christmas, and provides disaster relief for Americans recovering from hurricane devastation. President Trump was right that the original bill had wasteful additives from Democrats and special interest groups. Im glad to see my colleagues come together to pass this legislation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Civil rights attorney Mike Laux (right) is joined by members of the plaintiffs' side to a case challenging a section of the Arkansas LEARNS Act in Little Rock on Oct. 23, 2024. Left to right: Damon Hewitt, Austin Porter Jr., Maya Brodziak, Ruthie Walls, Mike Laux. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) A federal judge on Friday postponed a final decision on most of Arkansas motion to dismiss a lawsuit over the indoctrination portion of the governors education overhaul law. In a 60-page order issued shortly before 5 p.m., Judge Lee Rudofsky of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas in Little Rock said he was holding most of the states dismissal motion in abeyance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he granted the part of the motion involving the plaintiffs claims that Section 16 of the LEARNS Act on its face violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. He directed the plaintiffs and defendants to submit additional briefs on whether Section 16 as it is applied is discriminatory. Little Rock Central High School parents, students and teachers filed the lawsuit in March against Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. One of the plaintiffs, Ruthie Walls, teaches AP African American Studies, a course that received scrutiny after Sanders signed an executive order banning indoctrination on her first day in office. Similar language was later incorporated into the LEARNS Act. The state education department abruptly removed a pilot version of the AP course from its list of approved courses days before the start of the 2023-2024 school year last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the state and plaintiffs argued their case regarding the motion to dismiss in an October hearing that ended without a ruling from the judge. Walls said after Octobers hearing that, while the course is now fully accredited and students are earning AP credit for completion, she struggles to provide students with detailed explanations of the fast and rich curriculum because she isnt sure what falls under the states definition of Critical Race Theory, one of the subjects included in the anti-indoctrination provision. U.S. District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky (Courtesy photo) Rudofsky issued a narrowly tailored preliminary injunction in May preventing the state from enforcing the provision of the LEARNS Act that proscribes what can be taught in certain courses regarding race, gender and sexuality. The state appealed that injunction to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has decided it wants to hear oral arguments. A hearing date has not been set. Under the preliminary injunction Rudofsky granted in May, Arkansas teachers can discuss Critical Race Theory, but they may be disciplined for [compelling a] student to adopt, affirm, or profess a belief in a theory, ideology or idea (including Critical Race Theory) that conflicts with the principle of equal protection under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Reasons for delaying Rudofskys rationale in holding off on ruling on most of the states motion to dismiss involves waiting for the appeals court to resolve what he describes as unsettled legal questions regarding the free speech rights of teachers and students in a classroom setting. Much of his Friday order deals with whether the plaintiffs made compelling arguments for their claims that the LEARNS Acts anti-indoctrination provision on its face violates the equal protection clause and affects African Americans disproportionately. If discussing the idea and history of Critical Race Theory is allowed and only compelling a student to believe in Critical Race Theory is prohibited the Court struggles to understand how anyone is adversely impacted, Rudofsky wrote in one part of his analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge cites differing interpretations of the 14th Amendments anti-discrimination provisions in his reasoning on granting that part of the states motion to dismiss. Many Americans of good faith strongly believe that the answers to the racial problems we face as a country lie in governmental and societal color-blindness, he wrote. Treating people differently based on race is morally and often constitutionally abhorrent to such Americans, he says, and they believe suggesting that racism affects every part of society makes racial problems worse, not better. Other Americans of good faith, however, strongly believe otherwise, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To these Americans, he says, the answers to our racial problems lie, at least partially, in recognizing that race often matters, that certain groups (including African Americans) have long been discriminated against by both government and private society, and that active measures are necessary to rectify past injustices and present inequality. These citizens see treating people differently based on race as often morally and constitutionally acceptable or even obligatory, Rudofsky wrote. And they see an emphasis on racial identity, systemic racism and unconscious bias as necessary to dealing with the historic effects of racism, he added. These Americans see color-blindness as a pretense that reinforces racial inequality by refusing to confront systemic racism and unconscious bias. They believe there is a legal and practical difference between the use of race-conscious measures to harm (or exclude) disfavored groups and the use of such measures to help (or include) them, the judge wrote. In adopting the LEARNS Act, a majority of elected lawmakers seem to hold the colorblind view, he wrote. The plaintiffs seem to contend that applying the colorblind view to legislation is tantamount to discriminatory intent or purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not, Rudofsky wrote. Plaintiffs may not like the colorblind view. Plaintiffs may think that those who hold this view are wrong or ignorant or even naive. But thats a world away from intentional discrimination. The facts presented by the plaintiffs dont allow him to reasonably infer that discriminatory intent or purpose was a motivating factor in the enactment of the LEARNS Acts anti-indoctrination provision, he wrote in dismissing the plaintiffs facial equal protection claims. Fridays order gives defendants until Jan. 31 to file additional briefs on their motion to dismiss limited to the plaintiffs Equal Protection claims regarding the anti-indoctrination provision as it has been applied. Plaintiffs briefs on the issue are due Feb. 28, and the defendants reply brief on March 14. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Dec. 20The U.S. Senate approved a bipartisan bill Friday co-sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins to fund parks and outdoor trails in urban and low-income areas. The Outdoors for All Act, which passed unanimously, will help provide outdoor recreational opportunities for people in the country's largest cities by funding the creation and expansion of existing parks, open spaces, trails and playgrounds. Those spaces, according to a release, also help provide shade, tree cover and cleaner air. "Our state is fortunate to have abundant natural resources that allow Mainers and visitors to enjoy our pristine environment," Collins said in a written statement. "However, many Americans, particularly those living in urban and low-income areas, lack access to outdoor green spaces that give them the ability to experience the beauty of nature close to home. The bipartisan Outdoors for All Act will invest in these communities to support parks, playgrounds, trails, and other projects to help ensure Americans have outdoor recreation opportunities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The act codifies the Outdoor Legacy Partnership, which was created in 2014 to support urban parks in underserved areas of the country, and was included in the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences, or EXPLORE Act, which has already been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which for the first time allows tribal communities to access funding, now heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. A 2021 report by the Trust for Public Lands found that neighborhoods where most residents identify as people of color in America's 100 most populated cities have 44% less park acreage than predominantly white neighborhoods. Similar inequities exist in low-income neighborhoods. The approval was applauded by Maine environmentalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Access to the outdoors and parks connects people with nature, providing valuable social, emotional, and physical health benefits," said Anya Fetcher, lobbyist for the Natural Resource Council of Maine. "This bill will expand access to outdoor spaces for a wide diversity of people who live in both rural and urban places while supporting our nation's outdoor recreation economy." The funding is awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the National Park Service. It's funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Copy the Story Link Dec. 20When University of Idaho student Melanie Velazco Curiel presented her steel sculptures to students and faculty for her thesis, which honored the diversity and inclusion centers that shaped her college years, she had no idea she was about to walk into a meeting an hour later where the school's president announce the centers were being closed. Students were crying in that November meeting as UI President Scott Green told them that the Idaho State Board of Education wanted to scrap the centers supporting non-white, first generation or LGBTQ+ and that it was only a matter of time before the university would have to follow suit. Velazco Curiel was angry, she said. In her heart, she said, she somehow knew this would happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of the sculptures she had created by welding bits and pieces of steel together as part of the college's fine arts program came from the start of the battle by Idaho lawmakers to eliminate diversity statements and centers in public schools. They had succeeded before universities are no longer allowed to use diversity statements in hiring processes, according to a recent law signed by Idaho Gov. Brad Little. It caused Velazco Curiel to reflect on her journey of using the diversity centers, she said, but also to think about the students who have successfully overcome systemic obstacles and graduated with the guidance of the students and staff that work there. "You know what metal is? A really resilient and hard to work with material. And I thought, looking at all the staff from the offices, they reflect that," she said. "They're hard to break. They are resilient." On Wednesday, the education board voted unanimously to pass a resolution to effectively end diversity and inclusion centers across Idaho universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution, which states that "institutions shall ensure that no student resource or student success center serves students based on DEI ideology" and that colleges can't maintain or establish those centers, is set to be implemented across Idaho universities by June 30. The same day, the sign that says "Student Diversity Center" in University of Idaho's student union building was removed from above the doors. The pages which inform students about resources within the centers were taken off from the schools' website. One of the only centers left, which will be restructured to a violence prevention center, was the Women's Center a space that has served those in need of support or education on safe sex, stalking, domestic violence and more for 52 years. As Velazco Curiel sat in the Women's Center on Friday, she fiddled with her two sculptures she left there as an homage to it and the LGBTQ+ center. Other sculptures she dedicated to the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black and African American Cultural Center, both of which had been shut down this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Native American Center will remain open on campus due to federal regulations "I decided to make these as a love letter and a thank you to these offices because they've done so much for me, but also for a lot of other students," she said. " A lot of students and staff are feeling a sense of defeat." Velazco Curiel is a first generation college student of Mexican heritage, she said. She had a difficult time meeting students at the school until she began working in the Women's Center. The notion that the centers are excluding others is inaccurate, she said Friday. "I have seen quite a few men and straight people come into these centers, especially for our student diversity meetings ... There's folks who are white, Asian, queer folks who come into those meetings, and we just mingle, let folks know what's going on on campus," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To her, the point of having the centers is to represent those who might be underrepresented in a small town like Moscow. When Velazco Curiel began trying to discover her career path in school, she found guidance at the school in the diversity offices because they gave her a tour, helped her apply and "know what to do." She eventually chose to pursue computer science, but consistently felt isolated in a male-dominated field. "I thought as a woman, 'Oh my gosh, I'm a woman. I can't go in there. I'm not smart enough,'" she said. So when she told the staff at the Women's Center how she felt, it changed her perspective. "They helped me realize that it's not because you're a woman," she said. "You are not less than because you're a woman." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once Velazco Curiel decided she no longer wanted a career in computer science, it was the staff at the Women's Center who convinced her to follow her passions and dreams of creating art, she said, "and the rest was history." The sculptures for the LGBTQ+ Center and the Women's Center will be given to the school's library to be placed in a special collection, Velazco Curiel said. For the others, she is working with Dean of Students Blaine Eckles and the College of Art and Architecture to "find a more permanent place where they won't be in a box and collecting dust." Even the school's provost was so impressed by her talent, she said, that he asked her if she would make him of a sculpture of a man playing a tuba. After the fallout of the centers, Velazco Curiel went on to graduate this month. But she knew she wanted to do something a little extra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she was waiting in line to go up on stage to get her diploma, she tucked away a flag inside her gown she had painted. It read, "U of I needs DEI." "I thought, 'Okay, I have, I have to do something with this. It's not just about me, it's also for these folks who helped me a lot and for my fellow students,'" she said. "I'm not gonna disrupt anything. I just thought, 'I'm just gonna say my peace and let everybody else have their moment." Just before she walked on stage, she pulled out the flag. Velazco Curiel noticed a member of the administration lock eyes with her and look down. "She saw I had something in my hand," Velazco Curiel said, "and she tried to tug it away from me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a short game of tug-of-war, Velazco Curiel told the person "not to worry about it," and went on to flash the flag in front of the entire graduation ceremony. But no one did anything. UI President Scott Green greeted her on the way off the stage, and that was that. "I was honestly very terrified doing it, because I very much thought I was going to get tackled by security or something, or my degree was going to get revoked," she added. "But after I had taken my little photo with the diploma, I walked over and I got a lot of support. A lot of people were saying thank you from the audience, those sitting closest to the seating area for the graduates and also from the faculty who were sitting in the back." As for the Women's Center, staff will be moved around, but continue to serve students in a similar way, said the director of the center, Lysa Salsbury. Two staff members will be reassigned to the violence and prevention office, and Salsbury will continue teaching and remain involved, on her own time, in feminist grassroots organizations, she wrote in a Friday email. Velazco Curiel looked around Friday at the art on the walls of the Women's Center, the pamphlets of resources sitting on a shelf and all the little trinkets of buttons and pens sitting out on the table. She acknowledged it was bittersweet being there on its final day, as a few staff members looked on. "The school always refers to us as a Vandal family," she said. "Well, this is where I found my Vandal family." The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has partnered with a council and a private firm to work on designing future experimental fusion power plants. This collaboration includes the Science and Technology Facilities Councils (STFC) Hartree Centre and IBM. The partnership brings together fusion scientists and AI experts from the three organizations and aims to drive transformative breakthroughs in applying AI to fusion power plant design and experimental facility operations. The program supports the growth of the UKs fusion sector, addressing a need to "re-engineer design for the AI, exascale, and fusion delivery era. Fusion roadmap For the program, UKAEA, the UKs national organization responsible for researching and delivering fusion energy, will provide program requirements, domain expertise, and selected data from its JET and MAST-U machines. The partnership will also leverage IBM and STFCs expertise in AI alongside UKAEAs data and modeling capabilities to create foundation models capable of learning the fundamental dynamics of the experimental fusion data. "I am especially excited to see our team exploring together with the UKAEA and the Hartree Centre experts how we can use generative AI technologies to approach one of the most challenging problems of our time," said Juan Bernabe-Moreno, Director of IBM Research Europe, UK and Ireland. "It is certainly a testament to the kind of research we are driving in the UK for the greater good." Simulation of fusion powerplants Over the last five years, UKAEA and the Hartree Centre have grown a network of international collaborations designed to accelerate and de-risk the fusion roadmap. As a national computing center, the Hartree Centre focuses on the industrial application of exascale and high-performance computing through focused collaborations with US Exascale Computing Project partners across the US National Labs, according to a press release. "I am really very pleased that, thanks to our well-established collaborations with both IBM and UKAEA, we can now come together to address a key grand challenge and advance state-of-the-art in modelling and simulation of fusion power plants, thereby supporting the UKs ambition to become a global leader in clean energy innovation," said Vassil Alexandrov, Chief Science Officer, STFC Hartree Centre. Fusion energy has the potential to offer safe, sustainable, and low-carbon energy for generations to come. It could be transformative for energy security and important in the fight against climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combined with a long-term collaboration with IBM, and most recently the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, this tri-party collaboration is therefore expected to facilitate collaborative research and explore potential industrial applications of high societal impact for addressing the UKs fusion missions but also other, synergistic engineering applications particularly across the Net Zero energy sector, as per the release. "I am delighted that we are joining forces with IBM and STFC Hartree Centre to work on our ambitious programme aiming to deliver commercial fusion in the 2040s by exploiting the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence," said Rob Akers, Director of Computing Programmes, UKAEA. "IBMs expertise in complex systems engineering and supercomputing and the Hartree Centres expertise in democratising HPC and AI into the engineering sector, combined with UKAEAs leading R&D in fusion energy will be a powerful force for progress in this hugely important field." Thirty-four people have been evacuated from Syria in an operation carried out by Ukraines Defence Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Ministry: 31 Ukrainian citizens and three citizens of Syria who are relatives of Ukrainian citizens. Source: Ukraines Defence Intelligence on Telegram , People evacuated from Syria to Ukraine Photo: Ukraines Defence Intelligence Quote: "On 21 December 2024, 34 people 31 Ukrainian citizens and three citizens of Syria who are relatives of Ukrainian citizens and have permission to enter [Ukraine] were evacuated from Syria to Ukraine, via Lebanon, on an order of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and as a result of a successful operation undertaken by Ukraines Defence Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Ministry. There are 15 minors among the evacuees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: According to the report, the evacuees have landed in the Chisinau airport (in Moldova). They will continue their journey to Ukraine from there. Ukraines Defence Intelligence thanked the Lebanese side, the Sky Up airline, and the Moldovan government for help in preparing the evacuation mission. People evacuated from Syria to Ukraine. Photo: Ukraines Defence Intelligence If you need assistance, you can get in touch with the Ukrainian Embassy in Lebanon at +9615921668 or by emailing emb_lb@mfa.gov.ua. You can also call the Ukrainian Foreign Ministrys hotline at +380442381657. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has discussed the schedule for the supply of arms and equipment during a conversation with his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles. Source: Ministry of Defence press service on Telegram Details: The key topic of the conversation was the coordination of the schedule for the delivery of weapons planned for the next two months. Umierov thanked Spain for the previously sent HAWK systems, "which have significantly strengthened Ukraine's air defence". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Umierov: "I invited the Spanish side to join in equipping the new brigades of our Armed Forces. I also noted Spain's contribution to the training of the Ukrainian military, which is an important element of our cooperation." Details: In addition to the supply of weapons, the parties discussed the involvement of Spanish defence companies in joint projects in Ukraine, which could become a new stage of cooperation in the military-technical sphere. Background: On 19 December, Umierov had a telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart Nuno Melo. The minister suggested that Portugal consider allocating funds to finance Ukrainian production in 2025. The ministers also discussed cooperation on the supply of drones for the Ukrainian defence forces. Following the conversation, Umierov announced a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format) in January 2025. Earlier, it was reported that an additional meeting in the Ramstein format could take place in December, with the option of talks at the highest level being discussed. The Ramstein format 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, the vast majority of which are NATO members. Support UP or become our patron! Claims that air defense personnel are being reassigned to infantry roles due to troop shortages are "not credible, and incorrect," the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in a Facebook post on Dec. 21. The response follows the publication of a report by the Guardian on Dec. 21, that claimed highly trained air defense specialists were being reassigned to infantry roles, weakening Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The Facebook post said that while some soldiers from rear units have been reassigned to combat positions, this does not include air defense specialists "tasked with protecting Ukraines skies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reassignments involve military personnel from the Security Forces of Ukraine, some rear mobile fire groups, as well as personnel not involved in the maintenance and operation of high-tech armaments, and military equipment, the statement said. The General Staff also said air defense operations remain effective. The number of shot-down drones has not decreased, the statement said. The Guardian's report attributed this alleged shift to several factors, including a growing shortage of troops, Ukraine's refusal to lower the age of conscription despite U.S. insistence, and the deployment of older, less well-trained individuals to the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source told the Guardian the situation was reaching a critical level, expressing doubts about the air defense's ability to function effectively. The source also said that many of the redeployed personnel had specialized knowledge of air defense systems, but they were sent to the front lines without adequate preparation for combat roles. Mariana Bezuhla, a Ukrainian MP quoted in The Guardian's report, commented on the consequences of these alleged decisions on her Telegram channel on Dec. 21. These measures lead to a significant reduction in air defense units, leaving them staffed with inexperienced and older servicemen, she wrote, warning that this could "strain relations with the United States, as Ukraine struggles to mobilize enough personnel to replenish its losses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said that "transferring highly qualified air defense specialistssome trained in the Westto the front-lines without proper preparation increases the risk of classified information being compromised if they are captured. Its been a long time since our air defense operated at full capacity, and its quality has significantly deteriorated, she added, The news comes amid escalating aerial threats against Ukraine, marked by a Russian attack on Dec. 20. Five ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv, while other oblasts across the country faced widespread attacks. Just a day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to test Western air defenses by launching an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at the Ukrainian capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Last week, several Russian first-person view (FPV) drones struck a U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tank in the Kursk region, but the crew was able to survive. The vehicles commander lauded the American armor for saving their lives, but also highlighted some major vulnerabilities it has on todays drone-drenched battlefield. In particular, he offered important insights on how Ukraine is adapting its M1s to survive lessons that could prove very valuable for the U.S. Army in future conflicts. The drone attack was the first time that the crew survived multiple hits while inside a disabled Abrams, the tank commander told Rob Lee (@RALee85), a senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and Michael Kofman (@KofmanMichael), a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment. Actually, there were 4-6 direct hits. The crew survived, and even without injuries. God bless America. A video of that attack, by an FPV drone with a fiber optic cable, was posted on Russian telegram channels. It showed the Abrams rumbling down a snow-dusted roadway and then cut to it being struck by an FPV drone, which disabled the tank. The video then shows another FPV drone strike on the left side side just below the turret. All the strikes came within about two minutes, the commander, who is with the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, told Lee and Kofman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian telegram channels posted videos of fiber optic cable FPV strikes on a Ukrainian Abrams tank in Kursk oblast last week. Aside from a concussion, the crew survived without injury and made it back to friendly lines. @KofmanMichael and I spoke to the commander of the tank pic.twitter.com/piqapqvVMv Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 19, 2024 The crew survived thanks to a combination of the Abrams design and modifications the Ukrainians made after learning battlefield lessons the hard way, the commander explained. The Abrams was designed with so-called blowout panels on top of the turret. The panels are fitted over the ammunition storage compartment at the rear of the turret. They are designed to help vent the force of any explosion upward and away from the crew in the event the tank is struck in such a way that causes the shells onboard to detonate. Thanks to the fact that the ammo is completely separated from the crew, the crew has a chance to survive (unlike in the T series tanks), the commander exclaimed. The Abrams is a great tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A seemingly endless stream of videos have appeared online showing Russian tanks experiencing what has been colloquially referred to as turret tosses as the stored munitions inside its hull explode, sending the turrets flying into the air. You can see an example of that in the following video. One of the most epic turret tosses by a Russian tank, presumably T-90M https://t.co/4OX7d4V9jQ pic.twitter.com/kPeKZFzYNW Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) November 23, 2024 The tank also had a unique cope cage (actually, cope netting) and a lot more ERA than an average Abrams, the commander explained. At least one of the drones got stuck in the net. Two more missed several minutes before. They apparently hit the engine. They were unable to penetrate either the turret or the hull elsewhere while we were inside. Without the additional ERA and cope netting on top of the turret, we would have been smashed and surely dead by now without any chance, the commander extolled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While militaries around the globe have begun integrating cope cages and other anti-drone screens on their armor, the U.S. has not followed suit, at least yet. This tank, which belonged to the Ukrainian 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, survived FPV drones strikes in large measure because of the netting added to the turret. (Twitter screencap) Twitter screencap The commander offered several more takeaways about the Abrams. The most valuable advantage of the Abrams is that, when having much additional armor and a thorough approach, it saves human lives, even in dire conditions, he noted. If the U.S. provided the tanks with the original armor and the complete [M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT)] kits, this would make us more protected (although the top would still remain unprotected and we would need Kontakt-1, etc.), he posited, adding some advice for the Pentagon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American tankers should act promptly, he urged. Their tanks are too thin and vulnerable given the current threats on the battlefield. Protect your tanks urgently to avoid losses in potential near-future conflicts, taking into account our experience. A Russian drone operator prepares an FPV drone with a munition for launching. (Twitter screencap) The commander also dismissed concerns that the Abrams would be too heavy, even more so with two to three tons of additional weight from the added ERA tiles. In addition, he confirmed that Ukraine did not receive the latest version of the Abrams and they were sent the export version without depleted uranium armor. Before receiving their tanks, the 47th spent time training how to use them in Germany. The commander said while they were able to fire off a lot of rounds, the U.S. troops conducting that training did not have a full understanding of the challenges Ukraine would face fighting Russia. Well, we got a luxurious shooting practice (around 100 rounds fired by each gunner) and some good overall knowledge about the tank, he explained. But the American instructors AND military were completely unaware of the modern battlefield threats. And still are unaware (I communicate with some of the American tankers and try to share information with them). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the commander said his trainers are shocked that Russians can see us at night with thermal-vision recon drones (we were taught that we would be haunting the Russians who are blind at night), they do not understand at all the threat posed by the FPVs, etc. You can see a Ukrainian journalists report on that training in the video below. Ukrainian journalist Andrii Tsaplienko, in the background of which is the American Abrams M1A1 tank, on which Ukrainian military personnel are training on the territory of the German military base Grafenwer pic.twitter.com/jgpHJJW3lT MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) July 14, 2023 The U.S. donated 31 Abrams to Ukraine, which first arrived in September 2023. They were first seen in combat in February and the first images of one that was destroyed appeared online three days later. In August, Australia promised to send 49 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has lost at least 17 Abrams, according to the Oryx open-source tracking group. Of those, at least eight were destroyed, one damaged, seven damaged and abandoned and one captured. The actual figures are likely higher in reality because Oryx only tabulates losses for which it has visual confirmation. The Ukrainian Abrams tank that was said to have been attacked near Avdiivka as viewed from the top down through a handheld controller for a drone. (Via Twitter) The Ukrainian Abrams tank that was said to have been attacked near Avdiivka as viewed from the top down through a handheld controller for a drone. via X After the crew abandoned the Abrams, Russian FPV crews hit the tank with several more FPVs but the tank was not destroyed and might still be salvageable, the commander said. Because of recent advances, Russian forces may capture it. The commander and his crew made it back to friendly lines on foot. It was close to the Russian positions, he noted. We could not evacuate because the FPVs were coming one after another. When I finally could hear no sound, we just jumped out of the tank and ran to a treeline. They were tracking us, so a mortar started working with some more drones, but we crawled away through the treeline. In the end, in a spot still under FPV control, our company commander rushed in and took us away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its flaws, imperfect training and combat under conditions never imagined, the Abrams tank is a hit with its crews. We are in love with this tank and are immensely grateful to the United States, the commander said. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com A Ukrainian woman is among the injured at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, where a car drove into a crowd of people; she is in serious condition. Source: Ukraines Foreign Ministry Quote: "Among the victims of the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg is a Ukrainian citizen born in 1972. She is in a serious condition in a German hospital." Details: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the Ukrainian embassy in Germany and consuls are in touch with the clinic and are providing the necessary assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the evening of 20 December, a man drove his car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt federal land. Investigating authorities are currently assuming that the crime was committed by a lone criminal who has already been detained. According to the latest reports, the death toll from the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg has risen to five, with more than 200 people injured; many of them are in serious condition. German media have established that the attack on visitors to the Magdeburg Christmas market was carried out by a Saudi Arabian who openly sympathised with the Alternative for Germany party. German prosecutors are currently investigating the incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, defining it as premeditated murder and attempted murder. Support UP or become our patron! Ahead of the 2025 assembly elections in the national capital, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendraa Sachdeva on Saturday accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being the "kingpin" of Delhi's liquor scam. Sachdeva asserted that Kejriwal would be punished for his alleged involvement in the excise policy case. "It is clear that Arvind Kejriwal is the 'kingpin' of the Delhi Excise Policy scam and he has looted Delhi. We have been saying this since the first day that once you are out on bail, it is not evidence of your innocence. As the investigation progresses, Arvind Kejriwal is the culprit in this and will be punished," Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva told ANI. Sachdeva's statement comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute AAP Chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate sought permission to sanction Kejriwal's prosecution. This development follows months of investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy, which has been at the center of controversy and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the ED additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The petition challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5 by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri. Recently, the Delhi High Court issued a notice on the plea filed by AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, challenging the trial court's decision to consider the ED's chargesheet in the alleged excise policy scam. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia are currently out on bail in cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to the now-scrapped excise policy. According to the ED, the excise policy was deliberately designed with loopholes to benefit AAP leaders and encourage cartel formation. The ED has accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from liquor businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, including discounts, license fee waivers, and relief during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ED further alleged that the scam involved awarding wholesale liquor distribution rights to private entities with a fixed 12 per cent margin, in exchange for a 6 per cent kickback. Additionally, AAP leaders were accused of influencing the outcome of elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022. (ANI) A Ukrainian woman is in serious condition after a car plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on the evening of Dec. 20. The incident has claimed five lives and left over 200 people injured, many of them critically. Ukraines Foreign Ministry confirmed the woman's nationality on Dec. 21. "Among the victims of the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg is a Ukrainian citizen born in 1972. She is in a serious condition in a German hospital." Ukrainian consular officials are coordinating with the hospital to provide necessary assistance to the injured woman, according to the ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, reported that the driver believed to be acting alone, was detained shortly after the attack. Investigators are treating the case as premeditated murder and attempted murder. German media identified the suspect as a Saudi Arabian who reportedly sympathized with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Magdeburg's City official Ronni Krug expressed the communitys sorrow and shock over the car-ramming attack that left at least five people dead and over 200 injured. "We have been deeply shaken by yesterdays car-ramming attack," and added that no one in the citys administration "slept well" following the tragedy. Krug also announced the closure of Magdeburgs Christmas market in light of the Dec. 20 fatal incident for reasons that are "self-explanatory," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: German CDU party highlights support for Ukraine in election program, European Pravda reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he is "horrified by the atrocious attack" on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg which killed at least two on Friday evening. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected," Starmer wrote on social media platform X. "We stand with the people of Germany." At least two people were killed, including a small child, and 60 injured after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, to the west of Berlin, authorities said. An armored police vehicle of the "Survivor" type park in front of an apartment building in connection with the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the central German city. Sebastian Willnow/dpa The United Nations has expressed shock after a man drove a car into a Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg on Friday. "We are shocked by the news of the attack today in Magdeburg, Germany," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. "We extend our condolences to the families of the victims as well as the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany. We wish those injured a swift recovery." At least two people were killed, including a small child, and 60 injured in the incident, authorities said. Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa Security forces stand guard at the entrance of Magdeburg's Christmas market. Authorities report that at least two people, including a small child, were killed, and over 60 others injured in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the heart of the central German city. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa (The Hill) More than a dozen U.S. universities have issued guidance to their international students urging them to be back on campus before the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Trump. Trump has repeatedly threatened a mass deportation effort when he returns to office, potentially including revoking the statuses of many currently in the country legally. He has also threatened to nix the visas of students protesters, and, during his first term, he instituted a travel ban that left thousands stranded around the world. The immigration landscape is likely to change under the new presidential administration. This guidance is intended to inform and assist international students, faculty, and staff at Cornell University, the school said in a notice to students, singling out students from countries including Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are also warning that international students should travel with additional documentation of their connection to their American college. With the presidential inauguration happening on Monday, January 20, 2025, and uncertainties around President-elect Donald Trumps plans for immigration-related policy, the safest way to avoid difficulty re-entering the country is to be physically present in the US on January 19th and the days thereafter of the spring semester, Wesleyan University said. In the 2023-24 academic year, a record number of 1.1 million international students came to U.S. colleges to study. Trump has already threatened to revoke the student visas of radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners at our colleges and universities, and he has indicated that a military crackdown could be involved in his plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since our last message earlier in November, many of you have asked questions about potential changes to immigration policies, Harvard told its international students. Our recurring advice to those who share concerns about situations that would disrupt or delay your return from break is to budget time ahead of the semester start, prior to the January Martin Luther King holiday. Also sending out similar statements were Johns Hopkins University, the University of Southern California, Northeastern University, Brown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Haverford College, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Yale University, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University and the University of Connecticut. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) The University of South Alabama is expanding its housing options since seeing rapid enrollment on campus. National Transportation Safety Board releases preliminary report on fatal gyroplane crash at Foley airport To help house students, the school purchased the Traditions at South apartment complex for $20 million. The complex sits across the street from the campus on Old Shell Road and has 156 units and 560 beds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of South Alabama Marketing and Communications Director Jim Berscheidt said the school has noticed an increase in student population since 2022. With the increased population, he said the school struggled to house all their students. He and his students hope purchasing the apartment complex will help alleviate that. Well, the last two fall semesters, we have seen increases in enrollment, and that is especially true among undergraduate and incoming students, Berscheidt said. So those incoming freshmen need a place to stay. And we have large, beautiful facilities on campus, but were starting to need more space buying an apartment complex allows us to have immediate space where we dont have to worry about designing and building and doing all those sorts of things. GRAPHIC: Court documents outline grisly details leading to Saraland shootout with U.S. Marshals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its good because theres been like a huge influx of students, so like having more housing would be a good idea considering the fact that all the dorms are flooded and now theyre coming to Central House too, USA student Natalie Costanza said. So I think its a good idea to turn those apartments into dormitories. Berscheidt said the school will honor non-student leases until they expire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why is there not a rating on this post? There's not enough verified evidence for us to definitively confirm or debunk this rumor. Contact us if you have credible information to share. We'll update this post as necessary. Rumors about the cause of reported drone sightings in New York state and several other locations in the Northeast abounded toward the end of 2024. Around Dec. 14, claims (archived) began to circulate (archived) that high radiation levels in New York City were related to the drone sightings. X user @CaptCoronado wrote: "Alert: Radiation levels in NYC are spiking!! This is related to the drones!!" (X user @CaptCoronado) On Dec. 18, British tabloid the Daily Mail reported on high radiation figures registered in the Bronx and on the Upper West Side. The Mail used figures from the Geiger Counter World Map, a site for user submissions of readings from customers with GQ Electronics Geiger counters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said the raised radioactivity levels had fueled "conspiracy theories that the drones terrorizing the Northeast are searching for a missing nuclear warhead." The theory in question originated on the TikTok account of John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Unmanned, a manufacturer of custom remote aircraft systems. With statements like "My belief is they're trying to smell something on the ground: gas leaks, radioactive material, whatever," Ferguson tied drone sightings to theories of lost nuclear warheads, heavily suggesting those were what the reported drones were looking for. However, official figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not corroborate those from the Geiger Counter World Map and showed no notable spike in radiation levels in New York City on Dec. 18. We reached out to government agencies including the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Administration for their comments on Ferguson's lost nuclear warhead theory but found no proof in our initial research to support his claims. Hence, while the numbers the Mail report was based on were uncorroborated, we cannot rule out that there is a connection between drone sightings and radioactivity levels. Therefore, we have not applied a rating to this claim. As reported drone sightings rose from 3,000 on Dec. 10 to more than 5,000 on Dec. 15, U.S. government sources had yet to publish details about a single verified sighting. Officials repeatedly said no threats to public safety have been found. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Dec. 19 that authorities in New York had not detected "any public safety or national security threats" in relation to reported drone sightings. On Dec. 16, the FBI and other agencies said that investigated drone sightings to date were found to be "lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones." Reported Radiation Spikes Not Corroborated by EPA Numbers Numbers from the Geiger Counter World Map played a central role in these latest claims about drone activity in New York City. The map is based on user submissions. Owners of GQ Electronics Geiger counters can run the company's software to extract data from their units to submit to the map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GQ Electronics said via email on Dec. 21 that there had been "malicious data posting" on the Geiger Counter World Map in the past week. It added that website data was not officially verified, though, generally, "data with station name and automatically uploaded data" were more likely to be authentic. Neither of the NYC readings had this data. The numbers reported in the Mail article, 1,048 counts per minute near the Bronx and 175 CPM on the Upper West Side, could still be seen on the Geiger Counter World Map iPhone app on Dec. 19 (below). However, there was no indication as to when these readings were submitted or what time frame they covered. It was also not possible to contact the person who submitted the readings through the app or website. According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "depending on the elevation and the type of Geiger counter, a typical natural background radiation level is anywhere from five to 60 counts per minute or more." (Screenshots from GMCMap App) Taken Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. ET. The EPA also monitors radiation levels in the US. According to its dashboard, gamma radiation levels at its New York City monitoring station never exceeded 0.0062 milliroentgen per hour on Dec. 18. According to the EPA, this is within the range for typical terrestrial exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the two results are not directly comparable counts per minute do not measure a specific type of radiation and are generally a less accurate measurement than milliroentgen per hour the EPA's results found that radiation levels in New York City on Dec. 18 were within a typical range. We also reached out to the New York Department of Health to ask if it had received reports of high radiation levels in New York City on Dec. 18. We will update this report if we receive responses. Snopes has published several pieces on sightings of drones in the U.S., including our latest explainer and several videos allegedly showing drones in New Jersey. Sources: About Us - Saxon Unmanned. https://saxonunmanned.com/about-us/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @CaptCoronado. "Alert: Radiation Levels in NYC Are Spiking!! This Is Related to the Drones!!." X, 15 Dec. 2024, https://x.com/CaptCoronado/status/1868349318866120928. FBI National Press Office. "DHS, FBI, FAA, and DoD Joint Statement on Ongoing Response to Reported Drone Sightings." FBI, 16 Dec. 2024, https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/dhs-fbi-faa-and-dod-joint-statement-on-ongoing-response-to-reported-drone-sightings. Geiger Counter World Map. https://www.gmcmap.com/index.asp. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. GQ Electronics. https://www.gqelectronicsllc.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqXY8eF0DvCo3coKgvH_1UeTdghSnGAlp-9cxoGE_uiSU4PUl_l. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House, The White. "Background Press Call on the Ongoing Response to Reported Drone Sightings." The White House, 15 Dec. 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/14/background-press-call-on-the-ongoing-response-to-reported-drone-sightings/. @JimFergusonUK. " RADIATION SPIKES IN NY & NJLINKED TO MYSTERIOUS DRONES? ." X, 15 Dec. 2024, https://x.com/JimFergusonUK/status/1868397011441275173. @john.ferguson88. TikTok - Make Your Day. https://www.tiktok.com/@john.ferguson88/video/7448056936404225310. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Phelan, Matthew. "Radiation Levels in New York Spike amid Northeast 'mystery Drone' Wave." Mail Online, 18 Dec. 2024, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14207617/Radiation-levels-New-York-spike-mysterious-drones-terrorize-Northeast.html. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rascouet-Paz, Anna. "'Mystery Drones' Flying Over New Jersey? Here's What We Know." Snopes, 14 Dec. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/12/13/drones-new-jersey-what-we-know/. Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul | Governor Kathy Hochul. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-44. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. US EPA, OAR. About Exposure and Dose Rates. 23 May 2016, https://www.epa.gov/radnet/about-exposure-and-dose-rates. "What Is a Geiger Counter?" NRC Web, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/science-101/what-is-a-geiger-counter.html. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. White House on Drone Activity Around New Jersey | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5146028/white-house-drone-activity-jersey. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024. Updates: Dec. 23, 2024: This report was updated to include a statement from GQ Electronics. Dec. 20Two men have been sentenced to federal prison in separate firearms cases, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced Friday. Shelby Theriault, 31, received 24 months in prison for possessing an unregistered firearm after stealing a shotgun from a person who had given him shelter when he was homeless. Prosecutors said Theriault then sawed off the weapon and removed its serial number in January 2024. He had outstanding warrants from Colorado at the time of his arrest. "The defendant not only stole the shotgun from someone who provided him shelter, he sawed the shotgun and obliterated the serial number thus making it harder to detect his crime," said Young. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate case out of Nashua, Michael Brown, 49, also received a 24-month sentence for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Brown was found with a loaded 9 mm magazine during a traffic stop in Nashua in November 2023. Both men will serve two years of supervised release after prison. The cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. UPMC Hamot is celebrating a surgery milestone on Friday after their 1,500th successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The operation has been conducted at Hamot since 2012 and is a minimally invasive operation that helps patients whose heart valves are narrowing. UPMC Hamot helps new parents, newborns get in the Christmas spirit Before getting surgery, patients may have heart functionality issues which can lead to heart failure and increased risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spoke to the hospitals milestone patient this morning while he was recovering and learned that his wife had the same procedure done just weeks ago. Emmaus Ministries helping meet holiday shopping needs at annual Christmas store What happens is you start to feel like maybe you cant do what you used to doIt affects your chest so you know that theres something going on. The reason that you get the TAVR is because you need a new valve. Youre just not pumping efficiently enough, said Roger Janes, 1500th successful TAVR patient from Meadville. Janes added hell have to exercise 30 minutes a day for five days a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, he said he and his wife are looking forward to doing more of the things that they love to do. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The United States has accused China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, highlighting that Beijings actions contradict its claims of pursuing peace. Source: US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood during the UN Security Council meeting on 20 December Details: Wood emphasised that China's support for Russia goes against the principles of the UN Charter. Quote: "China has said in this Council that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, but if China were serious about that, it would use its influence to stop Russia from violating Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Wood stated that China continues to supply Russia with dual-use goods that bolster its defence industrial base. These include materials for bomb production, machinery parts and equipment for weapon factories, as well as drone and missile technologies. He stressed that Russia uses Chinese-made products to attack civilian targets and infrastructure in Ukraine. Moreover, Chinese companies are reportedly assisting Russia in developing and manufacturing long-range drones. "By continuing to permit these exports, Beijing telegraphs tacit approval of Russias war," Wood noted. Wood also criticised China for failing to use its influence constructively, instead providing political cover for Russia, echoing Kremlin propaganda and effectively disregarding the UN Charter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "If China truly wants a 'peaceful resolution' to Russias war against Ukraine, it must end its supply to Russias war machine, impose sanctions on Russia, call on Russia to withdraw its troops, and lead the international community as a permanent member of this Council responsible for safeguarding the principles of the UN Charter." Background: Dmitry Medvedev, former President of Russia and Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on 12 December. During the talks, the Russian delegation once again voiced its ultimatum demands to Ukraine, with China providing a platform for their dissemination under the guise of advocating for peace. Analysts at the ISW noted in their assessment dated 12 December that Xi Jinping continues to echo the Kremlin's rhetoric, which is justifying aggression against Ukraine and advocating for Ukraine's surrender. The US Treasury Department announced the imposition of sanctions on 17 October against three Chinese legal entities and one individual involved in the production of Garpiya (Harpy) long-range strike drones for the Russian army. In September, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that China was providing direct support to the Russian war machine, thereby assisting it in its war against Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! BJP leader CT Ravi, who was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in the defamation case, on Saturday asked for government support as he claimed that he still has a life threat and demand a judicial enquiry. He claimed that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar have planned something against him. Addressing a press conference, Ravi said, "I still have a life threat, that's why I'm asking the government to provide me adequate support. If something happens to me, the government will have to take responsibility. DK Shivakumar and Lakshmi Hebbalkar planned something which will be a threat to me." Demanding a judicial inquiry, he said, "I demand judicial enquiry in the whole case which is filed against me and the way they (police) behaved with me. Police call records need to be investigated. I'm making one more serious allegation that my phone is being tracked...That also needs to be investigated. DK Shivakumar said it's a Lakshmi Hebbalkar area and I was allowed to go, what does he think, is Belagavi a Banana Republic? Is Kanakapura a Banana Republic?... I request you to suspend officials who don't work on directions." The case against Ravi was filed by Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar who alleged that CT Ravi used derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council. The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order for his release. Ravi was welcomed by BJP workers at the party office in Bengaluru on Saturday. CT Ravi's son, Swarthak Surya called it a "big relief" and affirmed his faith in the judiciary. He further said that he had unwavering faith in his father's innocence in the case and he would never use such language for anyone, especially women. "I was shocked when I heard the allegations. I know my father, he would never use such abusive language for anyone, especially women. He treats everyone with respect, whether young or old. I never doubted my father for a moment," Surya told ANI. Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar addressed the alleged derogatory remarks made by CT Ravi during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session. Speaking to reporters at her residence in Belagavi, she expressed distress over the incident. (ANI) Dec. 20Hours before a federal government shutdown would begin Friday, the U.S. House passed a bill to keep the lights on until March, which includes over $1 billion in disaster funding for New Mexico. The Senate was expected to pass the continuing resolution before government funding lapsed at midnight. President Joe Biden indicated he planned to support the bill. Although Biden was not expected to sign the bill before the deadline, the short delay should not impact government operations. All three of New Mexico's House representatives voted in favor, along with over 100 of their Democratic colleagues. "If you vote 'no' on this bill, you are effectively voting to shut down the government," Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said during debate on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near midday Friday, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., said waiting for Republicans to bring a deal to the table was like the play "Waiting for Godot." Finally passing a funding bill was "a huge win," she said in the evening. "I think the biggest win of all is for our democracy. ... Even though Elon Musk and Donald Trump derailed the appropriations process, and the bill was pared down from what was negotiated a few days ago, ultimately, the bipartisan process prevailed," Stansbury said. "We're keeping the government open. People will have money to buy Christmas presents and keep food on the table." The original bipartisan funding package was thrown out Wednesday after billionaire entrepreneur Musk and President-elect Trump objected to it on social media. House Republicans scrambled to assemble a new funding bill Thursday, which at Trump's behest included an increase to the nation's borrowing limit. That bill failed to garner enough support from House Democrats and Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill that passed Friday does not suspend the debt ceiling as Trump pushed for. Democrats in Congress said that Trump's push to raise the debt ceiling was part of a plan to create new tax breaks under his administration. "We defeated Elon Musk and Donald Trump's attempt to set up a $4 trillion giveaway in tax breaks for billionaires and the wealthiest corporations," Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., said in a statement. Fire assistance deadline extended The passed funding package includes $100 billion in disaster recovery funds and $10 billion to aid farmers, which were part of the original package. The disaster funding includes $1.5 billion for recovery from the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, and it pushes back the deadline that people affected by the fire and subsequent flooding have to file a notice of loss claim to March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package extends the Farm Bill, which authorizes agricultural and food assistance programs, until September 2025. The billions to aid farmers includes $166 million for economic aid and disaster assistance for New Mexico farmers specifically. "I voted to avoid a government shutdown and stop the Republican chaos in favor of hard-working New Mexicans who would have been impacted by yet another manufactured crisis," Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., said in a statement. The bill also includes $770 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which should bring water to a number of Western New Mexico communities. Some provisions from the original package were cut, like money for childhood cancer research, a measure to prevent investors from moving production of certain sectors from the U.S. to China, and a measure to lower prescription drug costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., encouraged passage during debate on the House floor with a poem modeled after "The Night Before Christmas." "It's time to fund our defense and aid for our farms and disaster relief to protect our very own citizens from harm," Alford said. CAIRO (Reuters) -The U.S. military said it conducted precision airstrikes on Saturday against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. In a statement, the U.S. military's Central Command said the strikes aimed to "disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden". The U.S. military also said it struck multiple Houthi one-way drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday's strike followed a similar attack last week by U.S. aircraft against a command and control facility operated by the Houthis, which control much of Yemen. On Thursday, Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen and threatened more attacks against the group, which has launched hundreds of missiles at Israel over the past year. The Iran-backed group in Yemen has been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea for more than a year to try to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's year-long war in Gaza. (Reporting by Menna Alaa and Muhammad Al Gebaly; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell) (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of State said on Friday that it is imposing visa restrictions on multiple individuals responsible for the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. "We note the continued failure of South Sudan's leaders to use their nation's resources to the benefit of its people, their failure to end public corruption and elite capture of the country's resources, their failure to protect the people of South Sudan from abuses and violations of their human rights, including civil and political rights, and their failure to maintain peace," the State Department said. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Leslie Adler) An anchor spot in Wood Colony Plaza on Pelandale Avenue in Modesto soon will be filled after 14 years of being vacant. Vallarta Supermarkets, a 54-store Mexican grocery chain throughout California, will open in the former Save Mart site Jan. 22, the company confirmed. Vallarta was founded by the Gonzalez family in 1985 as a carniceria in Van Nuys, selling traditional cuts of meats popular in Mexico. The founders all were butchers, and as new family members enter the business, they start in the meat department to ensure that legacy, according to the Vallarta website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carniceria in Vallarta supermarkets today is run by professional butchers who prepare meat cut to order. The store has a department called La Cocina a ready-made hot-food kitchen that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items including chilaquiles, tacos and meat plates. Party trays are also available. Future location of Vallarta Supermarkets in Wood Colony Plaza in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday Oct. 8, 2024. At least one of the Modesto stores the one on Pelandale Avenue or the one coming to Century Center will have a tortilleria, where tortillas are made throughout the day, according to previous Modesto Bee reporting. Other features include tamales made in store year round, a fresh-pressed juice bar, a bakery, a deli, a seafood department and a candy shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business hours are generally the same chainwide, and the Gonzalez family previously said the Modesto stores will likely be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The kitchen and other specialty departments will not close earlier than the store does. The Century Center store, which will be the bigger of the two, has a projected opening date of spring 2025. Dec. 21JAMESTOWN Construction of the Victory Christian School's new addition is on schedule, and the school plans to add the first class for high school in fall 2025, according to Mike Woodley, executive director. Victory Christian School plans to open enrollment for its first ninth grade class on Jan. 6. The school has a cap of 18 students for the ninth grade class, Woodley said. The school has nine eighth graders who will enroll into ninth grade, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's a good cohort for us to roll right into high school," he said. "We're pretty excited about that." The school plans to add a class every year. "By the fall of '28, we'll have a full high school at Victory Christian," Woodley said. He said Victory Christian School will need to add some elective classes that are required for the ninth graders. "We are going to have to add some teachers to teach electives," he said. "We do have the core teachers in place that we need for next year because they're certified (grades) five through 12." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victory Christian School, located at 510 9th Ave. SW, is an interdenominational evangelical school that provides "high quality Christian education that ministers to the whole child body, mind and spirit," according to its website. Victory Christian School offers classes for students prekindergarten through eighth grade. The school has 89 students. The school had 53 students in 2021-22 and 93 students in 2023-24. Woodley previously said the school could have 260 to 300 students in 10 years with its growth rate over the years and the addition of a high school. Victory Christian School launched its $5 million "Growing Together" capital campaign for the construction of a new addition in April. The school plans to add a high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school has received over $3 million for its capital campaign, Woodley said. "It's amazing the generosity that I've seen," he said. "The amount that people pour into Victory Christian School is amazing and I think that's because they see the fruit of what's happening here. They see lives being changed for the positive, people coming to know Jesus through their kids and our education is great." The addition is on the north side of Victory Christian School where its playground was formerly located. The addition connects to the existing school building. The playground was relocated west of the current facility. Victory Christian School's goal is to build a school campus for prekindergarten through 12th grade and to have enough space for two classrooms per grade,according to the school's pamphlet of the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project includes three phases. The first phase includes the construction of a 10,000-square-foot addition that will include a new gym, commons area, kitchen, storage area, multipurpose classroom and another classroom. The addition is currently constructed. All rooms for the new addition still need to be finished. The first phase also includes remodeling the current gym and kitchen area into additional classrooms and offices. The renovations of the current gym, kitchen and fellowship hall areas will begin in summer 2025. If all the funding for the $5 million capital campaign is raised in the next couple of months, the construction phase could be complete by March, Woodley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Basically, our plan is this will buy us about three to five years," he said. "If the school keeps growing, then we're going to have to add a second and third phase, which would be another building project." The second phase of the project includes the construction of the first half of the new school campus building that will serve as the main academic pod with classrooms, bathrooms and lockers. The third phase includes constructing the final half of the new school campus building. It would include adding two academic pods with classrooms, bathrooms and lockers. It also includes adding administrative offices. The cost for each phase is $10 million or $20 million total for both phases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new campus building would be built west of the current school. Woodley said Victory Lutheran Church owns land west of the facility that it would lease to Victory Christian School for $1 per year. "We can build out there whenever we need to," he said. The groundbreaking for the new addition was held in May. Nill Construction Inc. is the general contractor for the project. "We had a lot of months of dirt work and concrete work," Woodley said. "Oct. 3, it was just concrete. Then the building started going up and that went up very, very quickly." Woodley said one classroom has to be complete for Victory Christian School to have enough space to add the ninth grade class. He said the entire project will need to be finished to add 10th grade and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said stopping points in the construction process have been identified. "The crucial one is to make sure that classroom gets done," Woodley said. "As long as that classroom gets done, that buys us another year until we have to have the full project completed." It seemed fitting that Friday morning was cold and thick with fog as more than 50 people gathered at the Historic Union Cemetery to honor the lives of homeless people who've died in the last year. "We state very clearly today that no person should die for lack of housing," said Theo Deus, program manager at Mercy House. "No person should die for lack of housing, but many have, and many have died on the streets of our city." Friday's vigil was hosted by the Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative, a group of service organizations, local governments and other groups all working together to address the area's unhoused population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the fourth year the collaborative has convened the vigil, according to Jaki Sevieux, an administrative coordinator with BKRHC. The event is typically held around Dec. 20, when the hours of daylight are fewest. "We always want to do it on December 20th, as that is the coldest and (shortest) day of the year," Sevieux said. "Really just to drive home the point of like, look, this is what people are dealing with and how they're living. We're out here for maybe an hour. They're out here their whole lives, or years, or decades." Homelessness has become one of the most pressing issues for communities across the country, but particularly in California where housing costs are some of the highest in the nation. This year's Point-in-Time count, which attempts to annually survey local homeless populations, found a 37% increase in homelessness in the Bakersfield area. Sevieux wasn't sure how many homeless people have died this year deaths are recorded by the coroner's office, she said, but may not document that a person was homeless but he estimated the number to be about 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oscar Zubiran is operations manager at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Bakersfield, which provides services to people experiencing homelessness. When there's a death in the community, he said, the impact can be felt for days. "There's a few days of mourning. I can tell you that for sure. As soon as our gates are open, even before our gates open, we're hearing about it," Zubiran said. "It's really sad for the community. They're sad and we sit there, we talk to them, we offer additional counseling for them that need it." Oftentimes the deaths are the result of overdose or suicide, and Zubiran said the common bond between those who've died is a sense of loneliness, which is why centers that serve the homeless are important. "Just this morning at our at our breakfast, I reminded them, 'Hey, this is a spirit of giving and a spirit of community,' and I say 'Stay together so that those that do feel that moment of loneliness, you know, just help each other through that period.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several representatives from the various groups that make up the homeless collaborative gave remarks Friday. Many of the attendees worked with the homeless community. "Here's the thing that I know, is that Jesus said this: 'What have you done for one of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you've done it unto me.' And I want to thank you all for doing that," said Steven Peterson, program director at the Mission at Kern County. Friday's ceremony included several prayers, songs and the ceremonial laying of carnation flowers at the foot of an angel statue honoring the dead. Several white doves were released as the vigil came to a close. "Vigils and these memorial services are held all around our country. It's a powerful reminder that our unhoused neighbors were valued. They were valued members of our community. Their lives matter," said Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh. "Today we remember real people, real people created by God," she continued. "We remember Oscar. We remember Oscar's smile. His big smile. We remember Richard. We remember others who we've lost. Not as homeless, but as individuals, as brothers, as sisters, as daughters, as sons." The US Senate has approved a bill to extend government funding until March 14, maintaining the current level of funding, Azernews reports. The bill allows for the suspension of the national debt limit for two years, allocates $100 billion for disaster relief, and provides $10 billion in economic aid to farmers. Newly elected President Donald Trump supported the bill, calling it "a very good deal for the American people." The bill will now be sent to President Joseph Biden for his signature. According to reports, the President intends to sign it without delay. It should be noted that the Republican-led House of Representatives had previously voted on the bill to prevent a government shutdown. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Saturday released the "India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023" at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, expressing happiness over the fact that there was an increase of 1,445 square kilometres in the total forest and tree cover of the country. "The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17 per cent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover," a release issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said. As compared to the assessment of 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes 156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km increase in tree cover. The top four states showing the maximum increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (684 sq km) followed by Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km) and Rajasthan (394 sq km). The top three states showing the maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242 sq km) followed by Gujarat (180 sq km) and Odisha (152 sq km). Area-wise wise top three states having the largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km). The National Forest Policy of 1988 says that at least 33 per cent of the geographical area should be under forest to maintain ecological stability. Area wise top three states having the largest forest cover are Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km). In terms of the percentage of forest cover with respect to the total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 per cent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 per cent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 per cent). The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have more than 33 per cent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 per cent. Meanwhile, the total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km in the country. The total growing stock of India's forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 6430 million cum, of which 4479 million cum is inside the forests and 1951 million cum outside the forest area. There is an increase of 262 million cum of total growing stock as compared to the previous assessment which includes an increase of 91 million cum inside the forest and 171 million cum outside the forest area. The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670sq km. As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km in bamboo area. The total annual potential production of timber from trees outside the forest has been estimated as 91.51 million cum. In the present assessment, the total carbon stock in the country's forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes. There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment. Regarding the status of achievement of the target under NDC related to carbon sequestration, the current assessment shows that India's carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; which indicates that as compared to the base year of 2005, India has already reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030, added the release. The event was attended by Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh and Secretary of the Ministry Leena Nandan. Senior officials from the MoEFCC, along with representatives from organisations, including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Forest Research Institute (FRI), Central Academy for State Forest Service (CASFOS), Indian Remote Sensing Organization (IRO), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), participated in the program. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a biennial publication by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and has been published since 1987. The 2023 report marks the 18th edition of this series. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the country's forest and tree resources. The report is based on FSI's two key activities: Forest Cover Mapping (FCM) and the National Forest Inventory (NFI). Earlier, Union Minister Yadav, taking to X, shared a "historic" milestone where the MoEFCC conducted the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagging in Assam on Wednesday. "Happy to share the news of the first-ever tagging of Ganges River Dolphin in Assam--a historic milestone for the species and India! This MoEFCC and National CAMPA-funded project, led by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with Assam Forest Dept and Aaranyak, will deepen our understanding of conserving our National Aquatic Animal," Bhupendra Yadav wrote on X. According to an official release by MoEFCC, the initiative was implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, with funding from the National CAMPA Authority. This is the first tagging, not only in India but also for the species. This milestone marks a significant advancement of Project Dolphin. A healthy male river dolphin was tagged and released under utmost veterinary care after it was decided to undertake satellite tagging of dolphins. The tagging exercise will help in understanding their seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat utilization, particularly in fragmented or disturbed river systems, the release stated. (ANI) DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) A recent arrest in Dothan is raising a lot of questions. How much force is necessary? How much information should be released to the public? And should officers from the same department be investigating the incident? The legal team of a Dothan woman is claiming the actions and force used against her were excessive and uncalled for. Woman hit by police during Dothan arrest, attorney demands answers from police, city Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WDHN showed the video to a New Jersey professor, who is a recognized expert in policing and criminal justice. He wholeheartedly agrees. These officers did not engage in any de-escalatory actions here, said Dr. Jason Williams. On December 15, Dothan Police officers responded to the local nightclub, the Elks Lodge, after a fight allegedly started inside after attempting to make what police are calling a lawful detainment or arrest on someone outside. Police say Dothan resident April Franklin got too close to the arresting officers. And refused to step back, prompting her arrest. In the video provided by an eyewitness on the scene, you can see a female officer on top of Franklin repeatedly striking her in the head. However, Dr. Williams, a criminal justice expert and Montclair State University professor, says the officers actions are not warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just seemed to me to be a bit much. Excessive use of force against a defenseless woman whos already subdued on the ground. I mean, shes not going to run. She cant possibly reach for a weapon. Fraklins attorney, Dustin Fowler, has called on city officials and the Dothan Police Department to release the bodycam footage of that night, but getting the footage will be easier said than done. Over the years, Alabama has been named one of the nine states with the strictest rules on releasing bodycam footage. All bodycam and dashcam videos are investigative materials and exempt from disclosure requirements of the states public records law. In April, state lawmakers voted against making bodycam footage a public record. That means police can keep the public from ever seeing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This continues to be a very pervasive problem, not only in the state of Alabama but also around the country. Where we really havent seen our policymakers and elected officials practice or show any will to show transparency to the people that they govern. The Dothan Police Department has said the departments Internal Affairs division is investigating what happened that night, a division of three Sergeants and a Lieutenant on the same Dothan police force. Some legal experts are concerned about Dothan Police officers investigating themselves, but others in Wiregrass say its not that uncommon. Hartford Police Chief Brant Parrish tells WDHN its pretty common for larger departments to have their own staff handle internal affairs, while the smaller ones like Hartford will bring in help from the county or state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WDHN will continue to follow the investigation into the arrest And bring you the latest developments.. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Dec. 20Taopi-area family recognized at annual state conference for SWCDs Using a variety of practices on their cropland to improve soil health and reduce erosion, Voigt Family Farms is a strong example of conservation-minded farmers in Mower County. This month, members of the Voigt family were recognized with dozens of other conservationists at the 88th annual convention of the Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts in the Twin Cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based in the Taopi area of southeast Mower County, the Voigts Devin, Darin, Dustin and Dallas, with their parents David and Beth are Mower County's 2024 Outstanding Conservationists of the Year as chosen by the Mower Soil & Water Conservation District's Board of Supervisors. "They really are a great family to work with on projects that support their farming operation while also protecting our natural resources," Mower SWCD manager Cody Fox said. "The Voigts have seen firsthand the value of rotating crops, applying cattle to the landscape and reducing tillage." Aside from raising beef cattle, the Voigts' operation also grows cash crops on a corn-soybean rotation and running a manure-pumping business. Over the years, they have maintained and installed numerous grassed waterways that help protect against field erosion on their cropland. More recently, the Voigt family has focused on incorporating soil-health practices, including starting a strip-till system, planting more small grains, using cover crops and adopting no-till on some fields. Strip till involves tilling a narrow band of soil, placing fertilizer and leaving the other soil undisturbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Voigts also have worked voluntarily with the Cedar River Watershed District, staffed by Mower SWCD, on major flood-reduction projects and the ongoing SWCD-CRWD water-monitoring efforts for 16 years. MASWCD's annual convention this year brought together more than 760 conservation leaders from across the state for two days of state leaders and environmental professionals discussing conservation policies, implementation strategies and the latest technologies in natural-resource management. With more than 75 percent of Minnesota's land under private ownership, voluntary conservation on private lands is key to protecting and enhancing natural resources for all to enjoy, said Chuck Rau, MASWCD's board president and a Benton County SWCD board member. "Creating abundant habitat for wildlife, healthy soil to grow our food and clean groundwater for our homes and businesses does not happen in a vacuum," Rau said. "These resources don't follow property lines. An impact in one area will affect another area downstream." Dec. 20Cars and vans kept coming to Muskogee Salvation Army Friday morning as volunteers rushed to distribute Angel Tree gifts. "It's a little hectic," said Oktaha student council member Olivia Shackelford. "But we're getting it done. We're doing great." Muskogee Salvation Army Major Kelly Durant said 520 children were signed up to receive the Angel Tree presents, the most ever. Family members and others were to pick up the presents Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salvation Army Ladies Auxiliary and board members worked with volunteers from Oktaha High and Youth Volunteer Corps to distribute bags of clothing and toys, as well as bicycles. Among the piles of donations was a mattress, box springs and headboard set. "One of the applications said a child was sleeping on the floor," Auxiliary member Amber Hacker said. "I just got chills from that. It's nice that we have some families go out of their way for these kids." Durant said volunteers doing registration and distribution had to be meticulous to ensure the right gifts go to the right people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You know how Santa makes a list and checks it twice? We've done it three or four times to make sure," Durant said. JoAnn Clark with the Salvation Army Ladies Auxiliary said they had three ways to trace who got the right Angel Tree presents. "We worked 60 hours," Clark said. "All of us worked on doing the bagging, getting the bikes assigned to the right people. It's just a real process." Oktaha student council sponsor Carrie Hutson said 15 to 20 students had been working with the Salvation Army since Dec. 13. "We've been sorting toys, bagging toys, and today we're distributing them," Hutson said Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the student council has helped with Angel Tree distribution for five years. "We try to serve our community," she said. "We appreciate being the ones they call." Oktaha junior Joe Bunch said he had to wake up earlier than usual to get to the distribution site. "It's been a little stressful in the beginning, but once we got it rolling it's been fun," Bunch said. Clark said donors have been generous. "It's nothing to see the tag they put in there and they spent $150 to $200," she said. "One man told me he bought two bikes." Toys collected through Muskogee Police Department's Camp Out for Kids lined one wall at the distribution center. Durant said police also donated 20 bikes. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Local and state officials joined community members Friday to celebrate the start of a new era. In the next few months, construction crews will build a brand new $4 million visitor and nature center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. It will include a community center, a nature exhibit, and new restrooms. PCPD: Dead male found at a residence in the Cove neighborhood Theyre just going to be immersed in the resources. Theyre going to see everything that we have that is available here, all the natural resources, the imperiled species. Theyre going to see it all, Florida Park Service Director Chuck Hatcher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topsail Hill had over 250,000 visitors in 2023 and an economic impact of more than $32 million, making it one of the highest-grossing parks in the state. While the Florida Park Service continues to invest more in the current state park, theyre also adding more local parks for visitors and residents to explore. State officials bought over 2400 acres of land Tuesday, near the Eglin Air Force Base reservation. It will become the states newest park, called the Upper Shoal Land. It marks the 5th state park in Walton County. The main draw in Walton County is always going to be the beach. Thats kind of the bread and butter of why people come here. But what we also understand is when people do come here, they also want to do things besides go to the beachOur coastal dune lakes are really a diverse ecosystem, and they only exist in five places in the entire world and only two of those are actually in the United States. I think thats a huge draw for, you know, visitors who love the outdoors and want to experience something theyve never had a chance to see, Tourism Director Matt Algarin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeFuniak Springs man dies in pedestrian accident There is no timeline yet for when the Upper Shoal Land will officially open. Officials hope to open the new visitor and nature center at Topsail Hill by the end of 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 mypanhandle.com. House Speaker Mike Johnson says he joked with Elon Musk about taking his job after several members of the Republican delegation in the chamber floated the billionaire Tesla CEO for the role. Johnson successfully passed a resolution to continue funding the federal government after days of GOP squabbling. The third attempt at funding the government beyond midnight tonight was without an agreement package to suspend the federal debt ceiling for two years, something President-elect Donald Trump insisted upon. The speaker lost 34 Republican votes on the bill, some of whom lambasted the speaker earlier in the week for playing ball with Democratic Party leadership on a budget extension. If Johnson is worried that those defectors will take the gavel from him in next year's Congress, he didn't show it while chatting with reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk and I talked about an hour ago. We talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, Johnson said on Friday. I said, Hey, you wanna be Speaker of the House? I dont know. He said this may be the hardest job in the world.' I think it is. Speaker Mike Johnson: Elon Musk and I talked about an hour ago. We talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job. I said, Hey, you wanna be Speaker of the House? I dont know. He said this may be the hardest job in the world. I think it is pic.twitter.com/l2UbByD4C7 Acyn (@Acyn) December 20, 2024 Johnson, who took the speaker role in a MAGA-led revolt against former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, faces a difficult path in retaking the position. He will have to contend with a slim 5-vote GOP majority in January when the caucus chooses a speaker. Any alternative candidate could block Johnsons selection with just a handful of votes. Prominent Republican voices, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Utah Sen. Mike Lee, have argued that Johnson has to go. Musks name has been tossed around as a serious alternative contender by Republicans. 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, Rand Paul wrote in a post to X. I wanted him to live with me being gone, suspect in deadly Las Vegas police shooting confesses LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Body camera video from the scene of a police shooting that resulted in the death of a 911 caller shows the moment police realized an officer shot the wrong person. This is the suspect, red hoodie, an officer said. Take him away! A Clark County grand jury indicted Alejandra Boudreaux, 31, for four felony charges including home invasion with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon constituting domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, and fourth-degree arson, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family wants Las Vegas-area DA to charge officer who killed homeowner LVMPD Officer Alexander Bookman shot and killed 43-year-old Brandon Durham after Durham called 911 to report the home invasion on Nov. 12. Durham told a dispatcher that he was inside his home with his 15-year-old daughter and said he was locking himself in the bathroom. Fourteen seconds after breaking down Durhams front door, Bookman shot and killed Durham as he and Boudreaux struggled over a knife, video indicated. Body camera video shows Bookman kicking in the door. He appeared to be the first officer to encounter Durham and Boudreaux. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bookman discharged his weapon five times, according to grand jury testimony. Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. (LVMPD) A Clark County grand jury indicted Alejandra Boudreaux, 31, for four felony charges including home invasion with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon constituting domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, and fourth-degree arson. (LVMPD) Grand jury indicts Las Vegas home invasion suspect accused of sparking deadly police shooting Boudreaux wanted to die by suicide by cop, according to a recorded interview. I wanted the cops to shoot me dead and I wanted him to live with the wreckage I caused in his home and I wanted him to live with me being gone, Boudreaux said. Needles, broken windows & knives on floor: Transcripts describe scene of controversial Las Vegas police shooting Crime scene photos show the aftermath of Boudreauxs destruction. There was a propane tank in the driveway used to break windshields, rocks used to break windows, one kitchen knife in the bedroom, and another on the bathroom floor. Clicking is heard on body camera video as an officer turns off burners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One photo showed pills and an unidentified crystal-like substance with hypodermic needles in Durhams mancave. Las Vegas police officer who killed 911 caller was at same home hours earlier A pre-toxicology report showed Durham had methamphetamine in his system, a detective testified. Officers found Durhams daughter inside the home. She did not yet know her father had been killed. Brandon Durham, 43, was shot and killed by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer after calling 911 during a home invasion. (Durham family) Is my dad here? she asked after officers took her to the front of the home. Wheres my dad? Police suspected Boudreaux broke into the home after Durham had police, including Bookman, remove her from the property the night before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family reacts to video of Las Vegas police officer shooting father Boudreaux said the pair had a casual sexual relationship. The charges indicate prosecutors suspect Boudreaux and Durham has had or was having a dating relationship. Boudreaux told police the pair met Grindr, a dating app geared toward gay and bisexual men and the transgender community. The indictment means Boudreauxs criminal case automatically bypasses the justice court process where judges weigh probable cause before a case is transferred to district court. Bail set at $1M for home invasion suspect involved in deadly Las Vegas police shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a previous court hearing, Boudreaux flashed a photographer which resulted in an additional charge of open and gross lewdness. Boudreaux remains in custody on a $1 million bail. A judge ordered a competency evaluation for Boudreaux. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 10 Boudreaux is also referred to as Robert Boudreaux in court documents. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has announced the return of seven cabinet heads. The reappointments announced Thursday include Joel Sacks as director of the Department of Labor and Industries; Allyson Brooks as director of the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation; Bill Kehoe as director of Washington Technology Solutions; and John Batiste as chief of the Washington State Patrol. On Friday, he announced that he was also reappointing Shauna Bilyeu as executive director for the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY); Scott McCallum as superintendent for the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB); and Drew Shirk as director for the Department of Revenue (DOR). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With our challenges ahead, proven and thoughtful leadership is more important than ever, Ferguson said in a Dec. 19 news release. Washingtonians deserve committed leadership that will make government work better for the people. The reappointments take effect Jan. 15. Batiste was originally chosen as WSP chief by then-Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2005, according to the news release. Gov. Jay Inslee reappointed him in 2017. Batistes career with the State Patrol started in 1976. Hes an executive member of multiple boards, including the state Criminal Justice Training Commission and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Brooks, who holds a Ph.D. in anthropology and two masters degrees, has worked for more than two decades as the states historic preservation officer, the release says. She also serves as a trustee with The Evergreen State College. Brooks has co-authored legislation and advocated for initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the states environmental, historical and cultural landscapes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sacks tenure as head of the states labor and industry department started in 2013, the news release states. He is one of three ex-officio members serving on the Washington State Investment Board (WSIB), for which he has served as chair. Sacks has worked in other leadership roles as well, including at the states Employment Security Department and within the U.S. Department of Labor. Kehoe has served as director and state chief information officer (CIO) for Washington Technology Solutions since 2021, according to the release. He previously worked as Los Angeles County CIO and before that, as the King County CIO and information department director. He was the Washington state Licensing Departments first CIO from 2002 to 2010. Shirk was appointed as the director of the Department of Revenue in 2023. Prior to his appointment he served as the executive director of Legislative Affairs for Inslee. Shirks tenure with the Governors Office included numerous legislative victories including the enactment of historic climate legislation, the Working Families Tax Credit, capital gains and the Washington College Grant program. He also helped shepherd legislation transforming the states behavioral health system, bills reducing gun violence and crucial legislation creating the Office of Equity, the Office of Independent Investigations, police accountability, Juneteenth holiday, and environmental justice. Before he joined the Governors Office, he served nearly 30 years at the Department of Revenue (DOR). Bilyeu has worked in deaf education for over 28 years. She has served in a variety of roles for the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) since 2005, ranging from teacher to school administrator, and has been in her current role of executive director for a year and a half. CDHY is responsible for operating Washington School for the Deaf in Vancouver, and providing educational support for districts throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCallum has 25 years of experience working on behalf of children and young adults who are blind or have low vision (BLV). Before being appointed superintendent of the Washington State School for the Blind in June 2016 by Inslee, McCallum served for six years as the Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund administrator for the state of Oregon. His work to support implementation of the nations first online adaptive state assessment accessible to students who read Braille and his contributions to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium have given him a national reputation as a collaborative leader. In 2022, McCallum was honored by the National Federation of the Blind as the nations 2022 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students. Additional Ferguson reappointments already announced include David Puente Jr. as director of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Marcus Glasper as director of the Department of Licensing. Also, Derek Sandison will again head the Department of Agriculture, Major General Gent Welsh will return as the adjutant general of the states Mlitary Department and Cami Feek will lead the Employment Security Department once more. In November, the governor-elect said he would hire new leadership for nine state agencies. Earlier in the week he announced that state Rep. Tana Senn, a Mercer Island Democrat, will helm the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Ferguson names Tim Reynon new director of the Governors Office of Indian Affairs Ferguson names Casey Sixkiller new director of the WA Department of Ecology PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two cougars in Washington have died after contracting the states first reported cases of bird flu among its species, according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Both wild cougars were young adult males found in Clallam County at the northern end of the Olympic Peninsula, near Sequim and Port Angeles, a spokesperson of WDFW told KOIN 6 News on Friday. Both tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, after their death. The first cougar was found November 19, and the other was found November 28, officials with WDFW said. One of the cougars was found dead while the other was humanely euthanized after it was found ill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orphaned elk raised by Oregon cows accepted by local elk herd WDFW has also confirmed avian influenza in numerous wild birds in the fall, especially in the western part of the state, amid outbreaks across the United States. While the spread of HPAI, in particular H5N1, from birds to mammals is concerning, it is not surprising. To date, there is no indication that HPAI viruses are circulating in wild mammals. Rather, cases are directly related to mammals scavenging on infected wild birds such as waterfowl, WDFW said. PGE rate increase: Portland residents will likely see 5.5% hike in 2025 Since 2023, WDFW has confirmed cases of H5N1 in striped skunks and a bobcat in northeast Washington, harbor seals in Puget Sound, and raccoons in various areas, in addition to the recent raccoon and cougar cases. H5N1 has also been detected in red foxes, striped skunks, and bobcats in other North American states, the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases come amid bird flu outbreaks across the United States, including an outbreak reported on a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County, Washington, where the state also saw its first reported cases of humans with bird flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans have a low risk of catching HPAI. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday refused to comment on the case against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CT Ravi, stating that since the case is in court, it is "not right" to discuss it. Speaking to reporters in Sadashivnagar, he said, "The case is in court; it is not right to discuss any issues related to it." He also mentioned that the matter of whether an FIR should be registered based on Ravi's complaint of alleged death threats would be considered. "He has complained, I have noticed his statement. He also said about death threats in the media. I noticed it too, Let's think about whether to file an FIR," the Karnataka Home Minister said. Regarding the alleged attacks on CT Ravi, he added, "24 people were arrested on the spot for attempting to attack CT Ravi. And then left them. If he had not been arrested, more incidents would have happened. He said that they will discuss and decide to clear the restraining order given by the court. Earlier on Friday, the BJP leader was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court after being arrested based on a complaint by state minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who alleged that he had used derogatory remarks against her. The Karnataka Home Minister also stated that he had "no information" regarding CT Ravi's claim of being moved around various districts. "There is no information about it. I am asking the police for that information," he added. Earlier, the BJP leader told ANI that he was shifted to four districts in under 15 hours. "For almost 15 hours I was shifted from one place to another in four districts... why was this done...I doubt that there is some hidden agenda...Some of the isolated places were also there where I was taken to...If they can't give security to an MLA then how will they provide security to the common man? I complained also but no FIR has been registered yet. Why was my FIR not registered? The law is equal for everyone," he said. Ravi further claimed that he was arrested based on false allegations. He added, "I feel very sad. I have been working for the past 20 years...I was arrested with false allegations against me...Without the permission of the Assembly speaker, a case was registered against me and I was arrested without any prior notice." (ANI) Ukrainian drones struck a skyscraper in the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday morning during an unusually long-range attack. Authorities in the republic of Tatarstan, which is located 620 miles from the border with Ukraine, said there were fires in three districts of the regions capital following strikes on residential buildings. No casualties were immediately reported but Kazan airport was closed as a precaution, according to Russias aviation agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine did not immediately comment. Videos posted to Russian social media show a large drone exploding after hitting the upper storeys of a glass-fronted skyscraper. The 121-metre Lazurnyye Nebesa tower is the tallest building in Kazan. State media said that at least two drones struck the same spot between the 25th and 29th floors of the elite residential building. The Lazurnyye Nebesa tower is the tallest building in Kazan at 121 metres high - Baza State media said the same spot on the buildings upper floors was hit twice - Baz Ilsur Metshin, the mayor of Kazan, said that residents were from some properties but would not provide figures. In a post to Telegram, Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Tatarstan, said: Today, Kazan suffered a massive drone attack. While before industrial enterprises were attacked, now the enemy attacks civilians in the morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias defence ministry added that the city was attacked by three waves of drones between 7.40 and 9.20am and said that it had shot down six of them. Mr Minnikhanovs press service later went on to say that at least eight drones were involved in the attack. Kazan is an oil-rich city that is home to 1.3 million people and situated some 440 miles east of Moscow. Despite being deep inside Russia, it is not the first time the region has been targeted. In April, Ukrainian drones hit an oil facility and drone factory at Nizhnekamsk and Yelabuga, two other Tatarstan towns that are more than 100 miles east of Kazan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Vladimir Putin used the city of Kazan to host a summit of BRICs leaders. 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. TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM) A Waverly man will spend up to two years in jail for leading police on a high-speed chase through Sayre over the summer. Logan C. Dondero, 27, was sentenced to a minimum of seven months and a maximum of 23 months and 29 days in the Bradford County Correctional Facility. Dondero was sentenced after being convicted of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer (a third-degree felony). According to the Bradford County District Attorneys Office and the Pennsylvania State Police, an officer from the Sayre Borough Police Department saw Dondero standing next to what appeared to be a broken-down motorcycle on the side of Spring Street and looking for something in the road on July 19. The officer stopped and noticed that the motorcycle didnt have a license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous: Waverly man arrested following Sayre police chase involving motorcycle Authorities say that Dondero frantically pushed his motorcycle down the road, jumped on it, and drove away at a speed of more than 100 miles per hour as the officer attempted to stop him with the patrol vehicles lights flashing. Dondero managed to get away, but police later learned that Dondero was the motorcycle driver through Facebook messages. Dondero had 17 active bench warrants for not paying a total of nearly $4,000 in fines and fees to various courts throughout Bradford County at the time he fled police. Dondero was previously convicted of drug charges in multiple Pennsylvania and New York counties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. In a dramatic courtroom scene that one wrongly convicted woman called "a Christmas miracle," a Los Angeles County judge on Friday vacated the murder sentences of two people 17 years after they were locked up and ordered their immediate release. "Those charges are dismissed," said Superior Court Judge William Ryan, adding: "You have to understand how rare this is." As weeping family members and friends of Lombardo Palacios, 33, and Charlotte Pleytez, 37, looked on, the courtroom exploded in applause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair were convicted in 2009 for the 2007 murder of Hector Flores, who was shot to death in his car in a strip mall off Sunset Boulevard. The two had come onto the radar of LAPD detectives after word hit the street that the killers were associated with the White Fence gang, a predominantly Latino group operating in the area, according to court records. The pair were identified by two witnesses who picked their faces out of a book of photographs of gang members. However, the shooting happened at night, and one witness had poor vision and wore trifocal lenses. Still, a jury convicted Palacios and Pleytez, who was pregnant at the time of her arrest and later gave birth behind bars, sentencing them to 50 years to life. In the wake of the shooting, police had pulled Palacios, then 15, out of bed and interrogated him for hours. Eventually, the teenager implicated himself in the killing although details of what he said did not match the crime, according to descriptions of the incident included in court filings. Palacios later recanted and in the years since has maintained his innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to the Innocence Project released by his attorney, Palacios explained why he confessed to something he didnt do. The detectives, he said, kept repeating the story of the crime to me. I was frustrated and tired of the situation. Frightened and exhausted, he said, he began to agree with them. I took the story and placed myself in it. I said everything they wanted me to say," he wrote. Read more: At 15, he faced pressure to confess to murder. The L.A. County D.A. says he should be freed His co-defendant, Pleytez, a woman a few years older whom he barely knew, has always maintained she was not involved in the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Palacios' interrogation was ultimately not used at trial, his lawyer, Nicolas Tomas, said the confession likely played a role in the outcome in that it gave detectives a degree of confidence that they had the right people in custody. Years later, a private investigator working for Palacios' defense team would make a critical discovery: other suspects overlooked by police. Armed with that new evidence, the defense team asked former Dist. Atty. George Gascon and his Conviction Integrity Unit to review the case. In October, Gascon moved to have Palacios and Pleytez declared factually innocent." At the time, Gascon told The Times that he was "convinced that not only are they innocent, but we believe we might know who committed the murder. The motion his office filed jointly with attorneys for Palacios and Pleytez identified new suspects, though their names were redacted in court records. But the move to release the pair in October hit an unexpected twist: The original prosecutor who tried the case, Dayan Mathai, still a member of the district attorney's office, showed up in court to protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mathai's appearance in court created an unusual situation: two prosecutors from the same office arguing for different outcomes. Mathai said he wanted to offer comment on the credibility of some of the witnesses who were supporting the exoneration. "You have to understand how rare this is," L.A. County Superior Court Judge William Ryan told Lombardo Palacios and Charlotte Pleytez after vacating their murder convictions. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Judge Ryan continued the October hearing to a later date, dashing the immediate hopes of the two defendants, as well as of family members who had gathered at the prison gates expecting their release. In the interim, Los Angeles County voters removed Gascon from office and replaced him with Nathan Hochman. After reviewing the case, Hochman agreed with his predecessor that the pair should not be in prison. This week, Hochman, in a brief also signed by Mathai, asked the judge to vacate their convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New evidence uncovered has caused the LADA to lose confidence in the conviction, he wrote. He asked the judge to consider at a later date the question of whether the pair are factually innocent," which means that authorities acknowledge they did not commit the crime. Hochmans brief also said that the prosecutors and police officers who initially put the pair in jail had done nothing wrong. This newly discovered evidence was not available" at the time of the original investigation, he wrote. There is no evidence to suggest that any of the investigating officers, responding officers, or prosecutors involved in the case acted inappropriately, unethically, or illegally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Three dead girls and a man on death row. Did lies put him there? Mathai's original opposition to the pair's release created a moment of tension in the courtroom again Friday. Initially, the judge said he would release the pair, but only if they wore ankle monitors. He explained that he was doing so because of the concerns Mathai had raised in his October filing. Hochman assured the judge that Mathai no longer had concerns about the pair's release. "We've lost confidence in the conviction," he said, adding: "We went through everything." For Pleytez, Palacios and their families, the legal intricacies paled in comparison to the fact that they were, finally, going home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a Christmas miracle," Pleytez told the judge. "I'm just beyond grateful." Charlotte Pleytez, second from right, embraces her sister Jennifer Pleytez, left, her mother Carla Campos and friend Annie Abbago, right, during a press conference at the Hall of Justice on Dec. 23. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) After the hearing was over, Pleytez's mother presented her with a gift she will need now that she is free. "I have a phone," she exclaimed. "My mama bought me a phone!" Before the hearing, Palacios, too, was presented with a new phone. "This is my first time holding a phone in 18 years," he said as his sister, Sigry Ortez, showed him how to send texts. Before the hearing, Hochman had gathered with the families outside the courtroom, making introductions and exchanging hugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will be a good one, a good Christmas," Hochman said to Palacios' mother, who told him that seeing her son freed was something she had wished for during the holidays every year of his incarceration. Palacios thanked Hochman for backing his release and added, "I knew that justice would prevail." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Writers Guild of America has prohibited its members from working with Village Roadshow for the time being after the company refused to pay numerous writers. It has come to the Guilds attention that over the last few months, Village Roadshow hasnt paid writers on numerous projects, the WGAW wrote in a statement on Saturday. Village Roadshow owes writers compensation, interest and benefit contributions but has refused to pay. As such, the Guild has determined that Village Roadshow is not reliable or financially responsible and requires the posting of a bond to protect writers. Village Roadshow has, to date, refused to do so. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the company is on the guilds strike list until further notice. It is crucial that Village Roadshow be prevented from undercutting writers standards and conditions, the statement continued. Village Roadshow cannot be allowed to benefit from writing services provided by WGA members. The guild encouraged its members to reach out to the legal department if they believe they are owed money from the company, have been approached about working for them or are currently in production with them. The strike notice comes almost two weeks after news first broke that the WGA was on the verge of ordering its workers to stop working with Village Roadshow because the shingle behind the Oceans movies, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Lego Movie was behind on paying its writers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can confirm that theyre late on paying their writers and a stop-work order is imminent, a WGA spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter at the time, while a Village Roadshow representative declined to comment. As Hollywood has continued to contract, the production company has been trimming costs. A few months ago, it conducted a round of layoffs affecting business affairs, administration, and film and television roles. Earlier this year, it signed a first-look deal with Content Cartel, Kevin Garnetts production banner. The company was once a close collaborator with Warner Bros, but it has been stuck in arbitration with the studio after filing a lawsuit over the day-and-date release of 2021s The Matrix Resurrections. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On Friday, the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office announced that the Washington State Attorney Generals Office has awarded the county $125,000 in support of a gun buy-back program and firearm storage. This makes Whatcom County one of 12 law enforcement agencies in the state to be awarded money for this program. The AGs office awarded the grant to promote firearm safety, combat gun violence and support victims of gun violence, the sheriffs office wrote in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office will use part of the funds to buy the gift cards they will exchange for firearms. As the Sheriff of Whatcom County, I want to emphasize that combating gun violence is extremely important to me, not only as a law enforcement officer but also on a deeply personal level, said Sheriff Donnell Tank Tanskley. Having tragically lost several family members to gun violence, I understand the devastating impact it has on families, communities, and our entire society. The sheriffs office will put out more information on how the community can participate in the coming spring. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A Utica Comet will be representing Team Canada in this years Spengler Cup, to be held in Davos, Switzerland next week. Team Canada announced their 26-man roster on Friday, December 20 and Comets defenseman Colton White is one of 13 AHL players who will be playing in Davos beginning on Thursday, December 26. White has played two seasons with the Comets 2021-22 and 2024-25 while being in the New Jersey Devils system since being drafted in 2015. This year, the defenseman scored 11 points in 20 games for Utica before being called up to New Jersey on Thursday, December 12. Since being called up to the Devils roster, White has yet to play a game in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White spent the last two seasons with the San Diego Gulls, the minor league affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. He played in 46 games in Anaheim and 58 with the Gulls over the last two seasons. The Comets defenseman will join three other North Division rivals on the team: Torontos Logan Shaw, Clevelands Madison Bowey, and Lavals Noel Hoefenmayer. The tournament will begin on Thursday, December 26 and conclude on Tuesday, December 31. Team Canada will begin play against HC Davos the host team in the second of two games on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Since 2012, the U.S. Dept. of Justice has defined rape as the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object without the consent of the victim. To be redundant, no penis is required. On May 9, 2023, a New York jury determined that Donald Trump had shoved his unwelcome fingers into E. Jean Carrolls vagina, after he pushed her against a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room wall, and that he later defamed her. Trumps whats a little groping among friends defense argued that $5m in damages was excessive because the jury didnt say Trump raped Carroll, only that he sexually assaulted her. Trumps claim led presiding U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan to clarify in a memorandum that, in legal parlance, inserting anything into a womans vagina against her will, including Trumps nasty fingers, was, indeed, rape: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Indeed, as the evidence at trial recounted below makes clear, the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that. ABC settled a case they knew they would win Months after Kaplans clarification of the jurys finding, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos said on the air that Trump was found liable for rape. Because Trump relies on frivolous lawsuits to silence his critics and uses protracted and unethical litigation as his bullwhip, he sued ABC for defamation. Given Kaplans clarification that the jury found Trump had legally raped Carroll, Stephanopouloss on-air statement was judgment proof. And yet, to protect the separate corporate interests of its parent company, Disney, ABC News decided to settle the case, pay Trump $15m, and officially apologize for telling the truth. Under controlling jurisprudence on the free press, Times v. Sullivan, Trump had no chance of winning the case because he would have to prove Stephanopoulos spoke with reckless disregard of the truth, a finding blocked by the presiding judges clarification of rape. ABCs decision to pay Trump and apologize nonetheless is an Orwellian warning that, when covering an ascendent fascist, up will be down and down will be up, and only Trump can decide which is which. The Lincoln Project shows us how its done ABCs capitulation is a study in contrast with another 1st Amendment case from last week. In Flynn v. Wilson, right-wing provocateur Mike Flynn sued Rick Wilson, one of the founders of the Lincoln Project, a group of Republicans committed to fighting Trumps criminality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For context, Flynn was Trumps former national security advisor who championed using the military to overthrow the federal government after Biden won in 2020. Flynn also admitted he lied to the FBI about communications with Russia in order to protect Trump, a performative admission since the FBI already had him on a wiretap doing what he claimed he hadnt. Following Flynns dalliance with Putin, Wilson referred to him on X as "Putin employee Mike Flynn," retweeting separately that, "FYI, Mike Flynn is Q." In Wilsons book, Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever, Wilson wrote that Flynn, a disgraced former army general was so outrageously in bed with the Russians that even Trump was forced to fire him. Taking a page out of Trumps lawfare book, Flynn sued Wilson for defamation. Flynn argued that although hed been paid for speaking at a Russian RT event, it wasnt legally the same thing as being a Putin employee (just like rape isnt the same as sexual assault). Flynn also argued that there was a difference between being "Q" and marketing products and conspiracy theories associated with Q, which Flynn could hardly deny. Wilson moved for summary judgment, arguing that his tweets were protected opinion and that Flynn could not prove he acted with "actual malice. Last week the Florida Court of Appeals agreed with Wilson and affirmed the lower courts dismissal. Citing N.Y. Times Co. v. Sullivan, the appellate court found no error in the trial court's determinations that Flynn's lawsuit against Wilson lacked merit and that it was brought "primarily" because of Wilson's exercise of his First Amendment rights. Whether Flynn was a Putin employee or, in fact, embodied Q, was splitting hairs as to the overall message Wilson was conveying: that Trumps own national security advisor was a moron who supported Russian interests over the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalists worried about Trumps vexatious litigation should tape the appellate courts conclusion to their refrigerators for courage: We (have) a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks Like it or not, such attacks are a characteristic feature of our democracy Wilson's tweets may not have been polite, and they may not have been fair. But the First Amendment required neither, and so we affirm. Corporate elites are digging their own graves In Trump v. ABC, the president of ABC News was no doubt opposed to caving to Trump on his specious claim. But ABC News has a bigger boss: the Disney corporation. Bob Iger, the $31 million a year CEO of Disney, calculated that making nice with an unhinged president was in Disneys long term corporate interests, free speech be damned. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. ABCs capitulation reflects a chilling pattern among corporate-owned media outlets: Metas Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAIs Sam Altman, Washington Posts Jeff Bezos and Time magazines Mark Benioff have all similarly and prematurely capitulated to Trump. L.A. Times Patrick Soon-Shiong groveled even lower, killing an editorial criticizing Trumps clown-car Cabinet picks. Soon-Shiong has now officially limited the L.A. Times criticism of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of these CEOs acted to subordinate the 1st Amendment- and thereby democracy itself- to the bottom line of their other corporate concerns. For Bezos, its Amazon and Blue Origin, a federal NASA contractor. For Soon-Shiong, its for-profit healthcare corporation NantWorks, involved with federal vaccine distribution. For Benioff, its Salesforces lucrative contracts with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, while Altmans Open AI is positioned to become a major contractor with the Pentagon. These corporate tycoons, prematurely capitulating on free speech to protect their unrelated corporate interests, have demonstrated the perils of for-profit legacy media. Doing so, they have all but guaranteed that Trump will attempt to imprison his media critics. They need a reminder of their own, taped to their sub-zero refrigerators, from the BBCs History Magazine: Many members of (Germanys corporate elites) thought Hitler was going to be the useful idiot who was going to play their games they wanted to ride the Nazi movement like a horse.. They would use the momentum and the political potential of the Nazi party (to advance their corporate interests) but still keep it at bay Within three or four months, they discovered that they were the horse and that Hitler was the horseman. Brigham Young University is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower courts ruling that would force a religious university to include members on its board of directors with different religious beliefs. BYU joined five other faith-based colleges and universities in a friend-of-the-court brief filed this week that asks the Supreme Court to hear the appeal of Bethesda University, a Pentecostal school founded by a South Korean megachurch. Bethesdas president organized the election of four non-Pentecostal Presbyterians to the board because he believed an accrediting agency would require the school to have a more diverse board, according to another brief. The majority of the board then removed the new members and terminated the presidents employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president and the ousted board members sued. The original trial court and an appeals court ruled in their favor, deciding that Bethesda must retain the four non-Pentecostal board members even though they had not signed the universitys Statement of Faith and do not hold to the Pentecostal and charismatic mission and worldview of Bethesda University, the brief said. Bethesda is asking the Supreme Court to hear its appeal. The brief from the schools states that the court should take up the case and enforce faith-based criteria for the selection of leadership at religious schools. BYU is joined in the brief by Patrick Henry College, Houston Christian University, Arizona Christian University, Liberty University and Regent University. How religious organizations choose leaders to direct their mission is a sacred right protected by the First Amendment, First Liberty CEO Kelly Shackelford said in a news release. We are hopeful the Supreme Court will protect the religious independence of Bethesda University and all such religious institutions to operate their ministries according to their beliefs. What BYU says When asked for comment, BYU officials directed the Deseret News to the brief from the schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In (our) experience, the cultivation of a Christian identity is not organic. It is a conscientious and deliberate top-down effort that starts with the schools board of trustees, the trustees selection of the schools leadership, and the leaderships hiring of faculty, states the brief. For religious higher education to survive, it is critical that religious colleges and universities set the religious and doctrinal requirements for their leaders, without subjecting themselves to second-guessing by the courts, the brief continued. Unless corrected by this court, the California courts ruling strikes at the heart of the First Amendment protections that allow religious higher education to continue to thrive. The lower courts ruling is government interference in the leadership of a religious institution, the brief states. It is particularly important to (us) that this court acknowledge that religious colleges and universities have autonomy to adopt and apply faith-based criteria for leadership without government interference. For (the six colleges and universities), maintaining an explicitly religious identity is mission-critical to their desire to provide a faith-based education to college students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BYU is governed by a board of trustees whose members are leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors the university. Both BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ regularly file amicus briefs the legal term for friend-of-the-court briefs in religious liberty cases. How this case is unusual The number of amicus briefs asking the Supreme Court to take on the Bethesda case has already reached double figures. This is a large list for a case that is still at this stage, Blaine Evanson told the Deseret News. Evanson is an attorney for a brief filed on behalf of a group of religious leaders. Once the court agrees to hear a case, then its not uncommon for there to be 10, 15, even 30 amicus briefs. To have this many amicus briefs at the petition stage, before the court has agreed to hear the case, is unique, Evanson said. It shows theres a lot of support for the court to take the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ecclesiastical abstention doctrine requires it to abstain from resolving ecclesiastical questions in a legal claim and to defer to a religious entitys authority. The BYU brief says this is a case the Supreme Court has wanted for years The brief filed by BYU and other colleges and universities traces that precedent back to the 1800s and beyond, to Thomas Becket, the Magna Carta and John Locke. Courts have no more business adjudicating who may be in (or out) of a religious schools leadership and employ on the basis of their adherence to a schools statement of faith than they do prescribing what doctrines may be in (or out) of a church creed, the brief states. The brief, joined by BYU, also argues that the Bethesda case is one that several Supreme Court justices have long anticipated. They have written in past decisions that a future case could allow the court to clarify how the religion clauses protect religiously affiliated groups that are not themselves a church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brief specifically mentions Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch. Members of this court have repeatedly signaled that, given an appropriate vehicle, the court should consider explicitly affirming that the protections of the Religion Clauses apply broadly to all religious organizations. This petition provides such an opportunity, the BYU brief said. The brief argues that the Supreme Court has been making that clearer in decisions over the past 15 years, from Hobby Lobby to Hosanna Tabor and Our Lady of Guadalupe. This case is an ideal vehicle for the court to resolve any doubts that the abstention doctrine applies to all religious organizations, not just traditional churches with hierarchical structures, the brief states. In recent years, a majority of justices have recognized the need for the court to explicitly confirm that First Amendment protections necessarily flow to all religious organizations, not just churches. How the case applies to BYUs governance structure BYUs governance structure differs from Bethesdas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BYUs president is selected by a board of trustees of the Church Educational System under the direction of the chairman of the board, President Russell M. Nelson, who is also president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The boards executive committee, comprised of the three members of the churchs First Presidency, selects the board members, which currently includes two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other church leaders. The church annually gives $1 billion to sponsor BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii and Ensign College. The brief BYU joined also notes that while colleges are beginning to see the start of what has been dubbed a five-year enrollment cliff a demographic reduction in the number of college-age Americans religious schools are seeing increased enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brief argues that students want what religious colleges and universities offer a faith-based approach to higher education, free from governmental interference. It also argues that preserving the First Amendment ability of religious colleges and universities to set doctrinal requirements for their leadership is essential to the survival of religious higher education. The California courts ruling threatens to undermine amicis ability to offer and students ability to receive a scholastic experience steeped in religious teachings and tradition, it states. It is commonplace for religious schools amici included to adopt a statement of faith, which trustees, administrators, faculty and, in some cases, students, must to affirm as part of their continued involvement with the school. Whats happens next in the case Evanson said it could take a couple of months for the Supreme Court to decided whether to hear Bethesda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court first will allow the former Bethesda president to respond to the universitys appeal. The university will have a chance to reply to that response. Then the justices will hold a conference to discuss the case and decide whether to take it. The court hadnt taken up a religious liberty case since April 2023 until last week. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump will take office and his administrations new Solicitor General could take the opportunity for a new Trump-led Justice Department to weigh in on a religious liberty case. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Dikshabhoomi in Nagpur on Saturday, paying tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar and highlighted his pivotal role in uplifting Dalits and the deprived classes into the mainstream. "Today we have come to Baba Saheb's Diksha Bhoomi. This place is a source of inspiration...When our workers come here, they go with energy and inspiration... That is why I come here every year and pay my respects to Baba Saheb Ambedkar at Diksha Bhoomi... Baba Saheb's ideas have worked to bring the Dalit, exploited, oppressed and deprived class into the mainstream," Shinde said. This visit follows the recent row over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's alleged controversial remarks on Ambedkar. Shah reportedly said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, "If they (the opposition) had taken the name of God as many times as they did Ambedkar, they would have attained heaven for seven lives." Meanwhile, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) held a protest outside the Maharashtra assembly on Thursday against Shah's remarks on Ambedkar and demanded his resignation. In a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded the resignation of the Home Minister, stating that it was due to Babasaheb Ambedkar that rights had been provided to the citizens of the country. "In this country, it was possible because of Babasaheb Ambedkar that citizens have been granted rights. We all consider him a God. All the hatred that Amit Shah had against Babasaheb Ambedkar came out in his speech. We are not going to accept this. This is very wrong," Thackeray said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders held a protest near Mantralaya on Friday against Shah's statement in the Rajya Sabha during the Constitution debate. On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs from the INDIA alliance led protests in the Parliament complex, demanding an apology and the resignation of the Union Home Minister for his remarks on former law minister BR Ambedkar. INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest on the Parliament premises, during which a scuffle broke out between the two sides, injuring two BJP MPs. During the scuffle, BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured on their heads. Both parties alleged that their members were pushed around. Moreover, an FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi by Delhi Police regarding the incident. (ANI) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency leadership held a press conference Thursday to explain their recent decision to euthanize bear cubs housed at the local Appalachian Bear Rescue. University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Dan Grove said during the press conference that the bears could still possibly carry disease they had out into the wild. As a result, state wildlife officials elected to euthanize 13 bear cubs to help protect the broader bear population. Dr. David Unger, the Associate Professor of Biology at Maryville College, shared an outside perspective on why decisions like this are made. He explained more about the bacteria and tough wildlife decisions are often based on overall population health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10 best albums of 2024: Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX and more Unger explained even if an animal is no longer sick, the bacteria could still exist because they are harboring it. When they are put into the wild, the disease can spread and make it nearly impossible to contain. An example of this would be of the Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin beginning in 2002. They attempted to treat this disease. It was already in the wild and for the last 22 years theyve made attempts by culling deer, by having hunters increase their take, Unger explained. Yet, chronic wasting disease is still a problem. By taking a very difficult decision at a moment in time, you can prevent decades of hardship. TWRA opted to look at the population from a broad long-term standing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When youre talking about a population of 6,000 bears in Tennessee, all of whom could eventually come under risk if this disease were to escape, it suddenly is put into a context that makes a great deal more sense, Unger added. 1,000-Lb Sisters star pleads guilty to drug charges after arrest at Tennessee Safari Park Unger notes that black bears have strong immune systems, so the fact that this bacteria was able sicken one to this extent suggests that it is a very serious illness. This is not the first time ABR has delt with this bacteria. In 2023, several cubs also developed cases of pneumonia that veterinarians later discovered was linked to a specific streptococcus bacteria found in gallinaceous birds, such as domesticated chickens and turkeys. By the end of the illness, two of the bear cubs died. TWRA has made the decision not to bring in any additional bear cubs to ABR until they take measures to prevent future illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appalachian Bear Rescue officials said in a statement Wednesday that they are committed to moving forward and forging a new relationship with TWRA. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Since Election Day, President-elect Donald Trump has moved quickly to name his picks for key cabinet posts such as attorney general and the secretaries of defense, health and human services, and state. Reaction to these nominees ranges from excitement to shock, but one thing is clear: Trump seeks a cabinet filled with staunch allies, even if those allies have little experience in government. The Constitution requires the Senate to confirm each of these nominations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History shows that, even when the Senate majority and the president are from the same party, the nomination process does not always go according to presidential plan. The spoils system When contemplating appointments, the Framers of the Constitution largely focused on the potential for abuse of government power. During the debates over ratification, some raised concerns that the presidents ability to appoint people to executive positions could lead to a dictatorship supported by officials who owed their allegiance to the president. To address that concern, the Framers designed the appointments clause of the Constitution to require all officers of the United States appointed by the president to be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The Supreme Court has interpreted this clause to require Senate confirmation of any appointee exercising significant executive authority. Roger Taney was the first cabinet nominee to be rejected by the Senate. President Andrew Jackson then named him to the Supreme Court. Fotosearch/Getty Images The first cabinet official was confirmed in 1789 when the Senate unanimously approved President George Washingtons nomination of Alexander Hamilton to be treasury secretary. Shortly thereafter, the Senate confirmed Washingtons picks for attorney general and the secretaries of war and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before making these nominations, Washington consulted senators to gain their approval. The tradition of informal consultation with Congress during the nomination process continued for some time but led to controversy as presidents and senators met behind closed doors to trade favors and use appointments for political gain. This spoils system rewarded political loyalists and punished enemies. As New York Sen. William L. Marcy famously declared after Andrew Jacksons 1828 election, to the victor belong the spoils of the enemy. Battles over confirmation But soon the tide turned against Jackson. The Senate became increasingly uncomfortable with political patronage when Jackson used his constitutional authority to make appointments during a Senate recess to avoid confrontations with Congress over the Second Bank of the United States. Specifically, Jackson appointed Roger Taney, who was outspoken against the bank and vowed to work to destroy it, as treasury secretary in 1833. When the recess appointment ended in 1834 and Taney was up for reappointment, the Senate rejected the nomination, making Taney the first cabinet nominee not to be confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson then nominated, and the Senate ultimately confirmed, Taney to the Supreme Court. Taney went on to write the majority opinion in the 1857 ruling in Dred Scott v. Sanford, which held that enslaved people were property who had no constitutional rights. Battles over cabinet nominations have only increased since then. One notable confirmation battle occurred over President Dwight Eisenhowers nomination of Lewis Strauss to be commerce secretary. As depicted in the blockbuster movie Oppenheimer, Senate Commerce Committee hearings over the nomination lasted two months and included allegations of government-wide political corruption, antisemitism and questions over the role of science in government. Ultimately, the Senate refused to confirm Strauss. The last rejection of a presidents nomination was in 1989 when President George H.W. Bush nominated John Tower as secretary of defense. Allegations involving Towers alcohol abuse, sex life and financial conflicts of interest led to an FBI investigation that ended without any formal charges. But the inquiry also led to five weeks worth of Senate confirmation hearings followed by a 53-47 vote to reject Towers nomination. Getting through the process Today, rather than face such public scrutiny, presidents are much more likely to withdraw nominations that provoke conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Trump all withdrew nominations of cabinet officials when it became clear that the nominations would likely fail. These withdrawals have been the result of a nomination and confirmation process designed to unearth national security, financial and political concerns over nominees. After the president identifies the person he would like to serve in a particular position, that person typically goes through a formal investigation by the FBI and the Office of Government Ethics. The FBIs investigation usually goes back at least 15 years, depending on the position and extent to which the person will deal with classified information. The findings go directly to the president, but the Senate may request a report summarizing the FBIs investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, these checks are used to vet nominees eligibility for a security clearance. However, Trump ignored FBI security concerns about certain nominees in his first administration, and his current transition team is, in some cases, bypassing FBI background checks in favor of vetting by private companies. A nominees financial affairs are reviewed by the Office of Government Ethics, an independent agency designed to prevent and resolve conflicts of interest in government. This process is so complex and time-consuming that most nominees retain lawyers and accountants to help them navigate the process. During the investigation, nominees may have to sell assets or rearrange their finances to comply with federal laws that govern financial conflicts of interest. At the conclusion of its review of and negotiations with the nominee, the Office of Government Ethics provides the Senate with a report detailing its investigation, negotiations and findings. However, a year into his first term, at least three of Trumps cabinet officials refused to fully disclose their assets to the Office of Government Ethics, and one investigative story revealed that more than half of his cabinet allegedly engaged in questionable or unethical conduct while in office. The FBI has historically conducted background investigations of presidential nominees. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Once a president officially sends a nomination to the Senate, it goes to the committee that has primary oversight jurisdiction over the department the person would lead. While each committee has its own standards and procedures for processing these nominations, the vetting process is the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committees require the nominee to provide information about their background, as well as some sort of financial statement. Committees then use this information to launch their own investigations. During this process, most cabinet nominees will meet with committee staff and privately with individual senators. Some committees are renowned for their thoroughness. The Senate Judiciary Committee has staff devoted exclusively to investigation of nominees, and the Senate Finance Committee is known for tracking down inconsistencies in decades worth of tax records. Most cabinet nominees will also face a public hearing where senators will ask about their qualifications, question the nominees plans for the agency and highlight any concerns raised by constituents or the media. What is a recess appointment? During the constitutional debates in 1787, some were concerned that the need for Senate confirmation would require the Senate to be perpetually in session in order to receive appointments. Given the time and resources required for senators in the 18th century to work in their home states and also conduct business as a group, regular meetings were not feasible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the Framers placed a clause in the Constitution that allows presidents to appoint officials when the Senate is in recess. That appointment expires at the end of the Senates next session. Presidents have historically exploited this constitutional loophole. They have used this recess appointments power for political gain and to temporarily install people in office who would not otherwise be confirmed by the Senate. However, there is some evidence that the uncertainty and partisan conflict that result from such appointments leads to administration problems. The Supreme Court reviewed this practice in 2014, when Obama appointed three members of the National Labor Relations Board without Senate confirmation. The court held the president lacked the power to make such appointments and that a Senate recess has to be at least 10 days long before a president can bypass confirmation. As a result, the Senate now holds pro forma sessions where no business is conducted but the chamber is technically open to prevent a recess appointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Trump has called on the Senate to stop this practice and allow him to make recess appointments. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not ruled that out, stating that all options are on the table, including recess appointments. This story is part of a series of profiles explaining Cabinet and high-level administration positions. 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: Jennifer Selin, Arizona State University Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer L. Selin has received funding and/or support for her research on the executive branch from the Administrative Conference of the United States. The views in this piece are those of the author and do not represent the position of the Administrative Conference or the federal government. Flags in Arizona were at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Mayor Ed Honea who passed away on Nov. 22. Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered on Saturday, which is the day of a memorial service for Honea. Individuals, business and other groups were encouraged to join in tribute. Honea was a long-time Marana resident who dedicated his life to public service, according to statement from the town. He served as mayor since 2005 in addition to serving on the town council and as mayor in the '90s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Mayor Ed Honea, a devoted leader who dedicated nearly 40 years to Marana," Hobbs said in a statement. "His unwavering service and deep love for the community will leave a lasting legacy for generations. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. Here's what to know about the difference between half-mast and half-staff and why flags are flown at half-staff. What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff? Typically, the difference between the two is where the flag is being flown. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land. When are flags flown at half-staff? There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States. The Arizona state website outlines those days as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Patriot Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Firefighters Memorial Day. U.S. presidents can also declare that flags be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable person, according to the site. In those cases, the flag would be flown at half-staff in these instances: 30 days from the death of the president or a former president. 10 days from the day of death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the day of death until the interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president or the governor of a state. The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress. The governor can also order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable present or former government official or member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arizona, the governor can also require that the state flag be lowered at all state, institutional and educational buildings. The law also allows the state flag to be lowered on the death of an incumbent elected state officer for seven days beginning on the day following the death of the officer. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are flags at half-staff in Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 21? WINDHAM Windham Hospital was recognized as a Top General Hospital by the watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group, highlighting its achievements in patient safety and quality. Leapfrog has recognized Windham Hospital and all seven Hartford HealthCare acute care hospitals with A Grades for quality and safety, achieving this distinction twice. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is highly regarded as one of the most competitive honors that American hospitals can receive. Windham Hospital stands out as one of only 36 hospitals in the nation to be awarded the Top General Hospital award. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers address the Legislature in his 2024 State of the State message. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner) Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that Wisconsins Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which is published by the Department of Administration, recorded a $4.5 billion positive balance in the states general fund at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year. In addition to the general fund, the states Budget Stabilization Fund or rainy day fund ended the fiscal year at the highest level in state history with a balance of $1.9 billion. The rainy day fund has set a new record every year since Evers took office in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For thirty consecutive years, our states checking account ran at a deficit. Thanks to our efforts to pay down our states debt and work across the aisle to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, Wisconsin has never had a deficit since I took office, Evers said in a statement. This is great news for the people of Wisconsin and our states economy. The balance in the general fund a budget surplus will likely be a major point of discussion next year as Evers and lawmakers begin work on the states next two-year budget. Writing the state budget is a process that will take several months as Evers first gets to present his budget proposal to lawmakers, then the states Joint Finance Committee will write its own version. The budget bill will need to pass the Senate and Assembly before going to Evers to be signed. As we begin the important work of deliberating our states next two-year budget, we have a responsibility to keep staying well within our means while still investing in needs that have long been neglected, Evers said. We must continue to make the smart, strategic investments we have for the last five years to maintain our economic momentum and ensure Wisconsins continued stability and success. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX VIROQUA, Wis. (WFRV) A western Wisconsin man was arrested after allegedly making frequent harassing, intimidating, and profane telephone calls to a local sheriffs office communications center. According to the Vernon County Sheriffs Office, 51-year-old Jacob Tomas Sell of La Farge was taken into custody on the morning of December 19 around 6:30 a.m. after showing up at the Sheriffs Office, disrupting staff who were busy during a winter storm. Before reportedly disrupting the Sheriffs Office in person, Sell allegedly made a barrage of harassing, intimidating, and profane telephone calls to the Sheriffs Office Communications Center frequently in the days leading up to Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citations will be issued: Sheriff in northern Wisconsin reminds drivers to be patient after one caught on camera passing snow plow Sell was booked into the Sheriffs Office Detention Center for Unlawful Use of Telephone, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. He appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on Thursday, at 1 p.m., and was released on a $1,000 signature bond. Jacob Tomas Sell, 51 That bond reportedly carries the following conditions: No contact with the Village of La Farge Police Chief unless it is an emergency No contact with the Village of La Farge Police Chiefs residence nor the Chiefs family No contact with the Village of La Farge Police Department unless it is an emergency and only after calling 911 No contact with the Village of La Farge village hall or employees except by mail for official business No contact with the Vernon County Sheriffs Office unless it is an emergency Sell is allowed to contact the Sheriffs Office by mail for official business The court specifically included Dispatch and Corrections in the no-contact prohibition Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police: Wisconsin 12-year-old in custody after allegedly making threats towards school faculty Sell is due back in court on January 8, 2025. Deputies say that formal charges will be sought through the Vernon County District Attorney. Besides the defendants constitutionally protected presumption of innocence, I would like to thank not only my deputies who took an oath but all staff who worked tirelessly, in many difficult situations to protect the defendants First Amendment right to free speech. Again, I want to thank my staff for their dedication, patience, and highest level of professionalism in communicating with the defendant as he expressed his grievances. Sheriff Roy Torgerson, Vernon County Sheriffs Office No additional information was provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A 73-year-old defendant was sentenced to the maximum 12 years in prison Friday for vehicular homicide by intoxication in the death of a 27-year-old wife and mother after a 2022 crash on Lebanon's town square. Sandra Strickland took responsibility for her actions and apologized as Judge Michael Collins issued the sentence during an emotionally intense hearing in Wilson County Friday as seven family members and friends of victim Ashley Bailey spoke about the impact the April 25, 2022 deadly crash had on their lives. "It doesn't feel just, but it's as just as the law allows," the victim's husband, Larry Bailey, said after the hearing. "I know that a lot of people in the community have followed along for this entire case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The support has been overwhelming. If people are like me and feel this isn't enough time for the crime, talk to your local representative and your legislators." Sandra Strickland, right, after being sentenced in Wilson County on Dec. 20, 2024. Vehicular homicide by intoxication is a Class B felony that carries an 8-12-year prison sentence, according to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson. Prosecutors argued that Strickland was intoxicated when she crashed into Ashley Bailey's car at about 4:30 p.m. on that April day in the square. Bailey was killed and her three-year-old son was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released. Strickland's vehicle reached at or near 80 miles-per-hour when the crash occurred, based on testimony. The sentencing came after Strickland entered an open plea in October, putting an end to trial proceedings that had already gotten underway, police said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family and friends who made impact statements in court Friday spoke about Ashley Bailey's hugs and her devotion to her little boy, Colson. "You have broken me, and I am slowly trying to put the pieces back together," Larry Bailey said during his emotional statement. He and the other speakers requested the maximum sentence allowed by law for Strickland and many expressed deep anger towards her, saying she'd shown a lack of remorse throughout the court process. That was amplified by a quip that Strickland reportedly made. She said the court system was the reason she pleaded guilty when answering a standard question from the judge in October about being pressured to enter an open plea, according to testimony. Strickland followed up by saying she was joking, the testimony noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You heard a lot of pain today," District Attorney General Jason Lawson said after the speakers had finished. Strickland, wearing an orange jail suit, also took an opportunity to speak during the Friday hearing. "I would like everyone to know that I accept responsibility for my actions," she said. "When I heard were the reason that a little boy lost his mother, the only way I knew to handle it was to put on that tough exterior." After the statement, Strickland faced where family and friends were sitting and apologized. When Strickland entered the open plea in October, she essentially admitted guilt without a sentencing agreement from prosecutors, so the judge had the final say in how much time she would spend behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strickland's original sentencing date was scheduled for Dec. 10, but she checked herself into a local hospital that day, causing the judge to revoke her bond, order Wilson County Sheriff's Office personnel to guard her hospital room and to take her to jail upon discharge, officials said. According to testimony, Strickland went to the hospital because of a heart issue, though the prosecution did not believe it involved an emergency. The April crash that killed Bailey occurred shortly after Strickland left Chili's Bar & Grill in Lebanon, according to prosecutors. A civil lawsuit has been filed in connection with the case, alleging that workers at the Lebanon Chili's knowingly sold alcoholic drinks and allowed Strickland to leave despite the fact that she was intoxicated. Larry Bailey, left and Ashley Bailey, right, with son Colson Bailey. There were other charges filed against Strickland as a result of the April crash, but only the vehicular homicide by intoxication charge was prosecuted as part of the plea. A DUI charge that was issued against Strickland is effectively absorbed into the vehicular homicide by intoxication charge, Lawson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Strickland, 73, gets max penalty for crash that killed Tennessee mom A woman was arrested for allegedly operating a brothel at her home in Thousand Oaks. The suspect was identified as Jian Hu, 35, of Monterey Park, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office announced Friday. Detectives began investigating Hu in April 2024 when they received tips on suspicious activity occurring at a home in the 200 block of Camino Manzanas in Thousand Oaks. Investigators suspected the residence was operating as a brothel where commercial sex acts were taking place. Authorities also described the brothel as high-end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, a search warrant was served at the home and deputies made contact with Hu. Evidence was found at the home allegedly proving that Hu was financially benefitting from workers who were providing sex acts at the property, officials said. Detectives also contacted two women who were later confirmed to be potential victims of human trafficking. Both women were connected with local victim services providers. Woman accused of operating brothels disguised as skin care spas across SoCal Hu was taken into custody on charges of pimping and booked into the Ventura County Sheriffs Main Jail. She was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was investigated by the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force which is comprised of members from the Ventura County Sheriffs Office, Ventura County District Attorneys Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, and several victim service providers. The Ventura County Sheriffs Office extends its gratitude to the community for their continued support and vigilance in providing valuable information that aids in solving crimes, authorities said. Our success is strengthened by the vital partnerships we share with the public. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing at a Boston park. According to Boston police, around 12:48 p.m. on November 16, officers responded to a radio call for a person stabbed at Ramsey Park, located at 1917 Washington St, in Boston. Upon arrival, officers found Celia Simmons, 65, of Boston, suffering from multiple stab wounds. EMS transported her to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where she was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, December 20 around 4:45 p.m. officers arrested Rasheedah Hughes, 40, of Boston, in the area of Hammond Street on an outstanding warrant issued out of Roxbury District Court for the alleged murder of Simmons. Hughes is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on Monday, December 23. Anyone with information regarding this incident is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A 61-year-old woman drowned in a pond on her Ashtabula County property while trying to rescue her dog. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Family members had not heard from Carol Beebe since last Friday and went to her home in the 5000 block of Caine Rd to check on her, CBS affiliate WOIO reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members found Beebe in the pond, according to Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi. Video from the homes surveillance system showed Beebes dog had fallen through the ice on the pond and Beebe then fell through the ice while attempting a rescue, WOIO reported. Water rescue personnel from Geneva helped recover Beebes body. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Former Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur on Saturday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for transferring the cases involving Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi saying that it was done to divert attention from the insult Amit Shah has done to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his address in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, reportedly said, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have gotten heaven for seven lives." Thakur claimed that the person who got hurt was himself saying that Rahul Gandhi was standing in front and someone pushed him from behind. So who is the case against? Speaking to ANI, former Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur said, "This is very sad. This kind of action is being taken only and only to create publicity in the media. Bring out the CCTV footage, everything will be clear. The person who got hurt is himself saying that Rahul Gandhi was standing in front and someone pushed him from behind. So who is the case against?" "The BJP people must have been behind the leader and they pushed him. The truth is that this kind of action is being taken to divert attention from the insult Amit Shah has done to Baba Saheb Ambedkar," he said. Earlier today, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also criticized the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for transferring the cases involving Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi saying, "The PM Modi Government can give this case to ED and FBI because they can do anything, they file fake cases." On Thursday, 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. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged he was pushed. Following the incident, 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. (ANI) Christina Robinson, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pleaded guilty on Friday to embezzling over $1 million from her Charlotte-based employer. Real Housewives stars ex-husband sentenced to prison She abused her position as the companys controller making false and misleading entries in the companys records to try to hide the theft, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was using the companys bank account to move the embezzled funds and withdraw them in cash. Robinson then made fake accounting entries in the books and records. She admitted in court that she used the embezzled money to spend: Over $330,000 in purchases Over $324,000 in credit card payments Over $80,000 in loan payments Over $40,000 in mortgage payments Over $35,000 in car payments Robinson was released on bond after the plea hearing. She still has a pending sentencing date where she could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud charges. The FBI investigated the case. CHEYENNE A Cheyenne woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Laramie County District Court to charges of embezzling approximately $350,000 from the South Cheyenne Water & Sewer District over the past decade. At the time of the alleged embezzlement, Dena Hansen had been employed by SCWSD for more than 30 years, serving as the general manager since 2008. According to court documents, Hansen was placed on administrative leave in April after SCWSD hired a forensic accounting firm, Jacobson and Associates, to audit the water districts finances. Hansen was fired in May based upon the findings of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Jacobson and Associates audit and an audit by SCWSD employees, Hansen allegedly embezzled $350,000 from the water district between 2014 and 2024 by altering deposit slips. SCWSD is a tax-exempt entity that provides water and sewer infrastructure to a large unincorporated area south of Cheyenne in Laramie County. Customers make payments in several ways, including paying at a drive-up window, dropping payments in a drop box on the building or by mail. Hansen was responsible for development and permit fees, which cover services such as water and sewer hookups, meter fees and permits. It was common for Hansen to have customers write a check for each fee or permit rather than one check for the overall charge, even though the funds went to the same account, according to the report. SCWSD had both a paper and carbon copy of the deposit slips; the white copies went to the bank, where Hansen received a receipt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation by Jacobson and Associates determined that the white copies of the deposit slips were being altered with correction fluid and redone so that the total amount of money taken in by SCWSC and then delivered to the bank was the same. The alterations subtracted large sums of cash from the deposits, then the checks for the same amount from other deposits or developmental fees would be lapped into the deposit. A lapped check is a fraudulent accounting technique where the employee alters financial records to hide stolen cash. Then the employee would take cash received after the theft and apply it to an accounts receivable to cover the crime. Hansen was interviewed in October by the sheriffs office, during which she denied knowing why she had been fired, knowing there was an issue with missing money, taking work or deposits home with her and ever working remotely while employed by SCWSD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen denied knowing how any cash went missing in her interview with LCSO. She further denied knowing that deposit slips were modified or that the white copy could be different from the yellow carbon copy. Hansen made additional claims that the girls at the front office did all the work on the customer deposits, and she only dropped the money off at the bank, according to the affidavit. Further investigation alleges that in 2024 Hansen had taken cash, but had not lapped checks into the deposits, as she had in the past. Search warrants for financial institutions where Hansen banked found approximately $242,573.88 in cash deposits that went into Hansens bank account between 2014 and 2024, however, she is believed to be responsible for a total loss of $350,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of cash missing from the SCWSD deposits in 2014 was relatively small; however, the amount taken from each deposit grew as time went on and was commonly several thousand dollars per month by mid-2015. Hansen is out on bond, set at $5,000 cash on Oct. 23, and a trial has been set for the week of April 14. El Buen Samaritano, a nonprofit in Worcester, is giving back to the community beyond just healthcare. On Friday, volunteers helped residents with food and clothing distribution, along with toy shopping for families in need. Boston 25 photojournalist Ken Lucas spoke with organizers and volunteers about the event. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Wyoming man suspected of raping a child in South Dakota is now accused in federal court. 40-year-old Richard Gray is charged with bringing a minor across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity He has also been charged with several crimes in Pennington County, including raping someone under the age of 13 and sexual exploitation of a minor. Court documents say the federal crime occurred in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) It was one of those calls that changed everything for Shauntae Singletary. After the passing of my sister, I feel like this is a nightmare I wish I could wake up from, she recalled two years later. Her sister Laqueeneia died during an emergency C-section. More Local News Shauntae immediately began raising baby Alicia, who survived. I made sure that I was going to put the best effort I could to make sure my niece was safe, cared for, and loved, and it changed my life, Singletary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, grief turned to determination and a quest for justice. It is in that point Singletary found out about New Yorks wrongful death laws. They have not been updated since 1847, which makes things difficult for Singletary and countless others like her. These are tragic deaths that can be prevented and have not been prevented, said Maria Morano, Singletarys attorney with Sanocki Newman & Turret. She is suing Mount Sinai over Laqueeneias death alleging her life could have been saved. Mount Sinai said in a brief statement it does not comment on litigation. Morano explained that New Yorks current laws are extremely limiting in who can sue for damages and when it comes time to pay, New York Courts value the lives of high-income earners as opposed to Seniors, Children, or stay-at-home moms like Laqueeneia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also argues because hospitals know they will not have to pay up for mistreating people who literally look like Singletary it is one of the reasons so many black and brown women keep dying in childbirth. Advocates say a piece of legislation called the Grieving Families Act would solve these problems. Its only New York and Alabama that do not have a law like this in place, Morano said. However, despite passing in Albany with a high level of bipartisan support, Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed different versions of the bill for the past two years saying it could raise the cost of insurance for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, she is deciding whether to sign a third version of the bill, which has been narrowed to address her concerns. Speaking a few days ago, the Governor still seemed uncertain: Its still being looked at as we speak, Hochul said. The Governor has until Monday to decide, or grieving families will automatically become law. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW YORK (AP) New York's governor has ordered more than a dozen prison staffers to be fired over the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this month. Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Saturday that she has directed the state's corrections department commissioner to begin the process of terminating 14 workers involved in the fatal attack at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Robert Brooks died on Dec. 10 after an encounter with officers the day earlier at the prison located in Oneida County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul's office didn't elaborate on the circumstances leading up to the death but said her decision comes after an internal review. The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service," the Democrat said in a statement. "But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse." The corrections department on Saturday provided a list of 13 employees, including correctional officers, sergeants and a nurse, who have been suspended without pay as well as another correctional officer who has resigned. But the agency declined to provide more details about the incident other than to say that Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital in Utica in the early morning hours on Dec. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 43-year-old had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, according to the department. State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III also denounced the staffers' actions and said the suspensions are in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve. There is no place for brutality in our department and we will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act, he said in an emailed statement. "These investigations are ongoing and additional suspensions may be issued. The labor union representing correctional officers didn't immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks' family said in a statement from their lawyer that they are incredibly shocked and saddened" about the death, according to The Times-Union in Albany, which first reported the death. We are grateful that Gov. Hochul is taking swift action to hold officers accountable, but we cannot understand how this could have happened in the first place, the family said in its statement, according to the newspaper. No one should have to lose a family member this way. State Attorney General Letitia James said her office is also investigating the use of force by correction officers that led to the death. The Democrat said her staff has obtained video of the incident and will make it public after Brooks' family has viewed it. Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve," James said in a statement. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown and Police Chief Carl Davis welcomed some new additions to the police department on Friday. Four cadets were sworn in as officers in a ceremony at the Covelli Centre. Joseph Roth, Emmanuel Hernandez, Alycia Bailes and Brandon Lee all took the oath and had their badges pinned on them by a special guest. Chief Davis says its been challenging to retain officers because of money but hes excited to welcome these four officers to the force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were losing officers at a rapid pace to surrounding agencies that may pay more. Well address that later on but Im especially proud of this group, that they were willing to come and work in Youngstown for our fine citizens who deserve the best, he said. The new officers will immediately get started in the patrol division. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 21 that he met with CIA Director William Burns in Ukraine, marking a rare public acknowledgment of their discussions during Russias full-scale invasion. The United States has been Ukraine's key ally, providing substantial financial and military aid since the all-out war began nearly three years ago. Washington is also reported to have consistently shared military intelligence to bolster Ukraine's defense. "Bill Burns visited Ukraine on his final trip as CIA Director. Throughout this war, weve had many meetings, and I am deeply grateful for his assistance," Zelensky wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of himself and Burns shaking hands in front of Ukraine's state crest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky noted that he and Burns had met multiple times throughout the war, but such encounters were typically kept confidential. "We dont disclose secrets, but we keep in touch. We will likely meet again, and we will surely see how this war ends with a real and lasting peacea peace we are working toward together," Zelensky said. Burns is set to step down from his role as CIA chief as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to appoint a successor. The last publicly confirmed meeting between Zelensky and Burns took place in mid-2023 when U.S. officials disclosed in July that Burns had recently made a secret visit to Ukraine. While Zelensky did not specify the exact date of their final meeting, he emphasized its significance as Burns prepares to leave his post just one month before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly, raising concerns that Kyiv may face pressure to accept peace terms that favor Moscow. Read also: Trump plans to continue US military aid to Ukraine after inauguration, FT reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has threatened further attacks on military installations in Russia, after Ukrainian strikes hit the Russian city of Kazan and a village in the Kursk border region. "We will definitely continue to strike Russian military targets with drones and missiles, increasingly with Ukrainian-made ones, specifically targeting military bases and Russian military infrastructure used in this terror against our people," he said in his evening video address from Kiev on Saturday. He said the clean-up operations after a ballistic missile attack on Kiev on Friday had only just been completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also said that a cancer clinic in southern Kherson had been hit by a strike on Saturday. "Fortunately, there were no casualties: people patients and medical staff had taken shelter." Last week, Russia used more than 550 cruise missiles, almost 550 combat drones and more than 20 missiles of various types against Ukraine, Zelensky wrote on X. Ukrainian drone attack hits residential buildings in Kazan Zelensky's comments came after a Ukrainian drone attack on Saturday hit several residential buildings in the Russian city of Kazan, located far from the front line, according to local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city administration announced on Telegram that the attack caused fires. No initial information about casualties was available. Major weekend events were cancelled for security reasons and air traffic at the airport in Kazan, the capital of the Russian republic of Tatarstan, has been temporarily suspended, officials said. The drone attacks occurred in three waves and from different directions, the Defence Ministry wrote on Telegram, accusing Ukraine of attacking civilian infrastructure. Three drones were destroyed and three were repelled, it added. No information was provided on possible military targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the aviation authority Rosaviation, the regional airports of Izhevsk and Saratov have also temporarily suspended take-offs and landings for security reasons. These restrictions usually last for a few hours. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for nearly three years with Western support and frequently targets Russian sites as part of its counteroffensive. Five dead after Ukrainian missile strike on Rylsk A Ukrainian missile strike on the small town of Rylsk in Russia's Kursk border region killed five and injured 12, the newly appointed regional governor, Alexander Khinshtein, said on Saturday, correcting his earlier statements that six people had died in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khinshtein said 88 homes in the town still had no heating. The Ukrainian military launched a surprise offensive across the Russian border in the summer and has since occupied parts of the Kursk region. Rylsk, home to nearly 15,000 people, is located about 30 kilometres from the border and serves as a deployment area for Russian forces aiming to repel Ukrainian incursions from the Kursk region. In recent weeks, Ukraine has expanded its attacks on Russia, using its own and Western weapons systems. The attacks have mostly targeted military installations, supply routes and industrial facilities. Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers protested in Jaipur on Sunday against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech. The police used water cannons to disperse the workers and later detained the protesters. This comes after Shah's address in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, at the conclusion of a two-day discussion on 75 years of the Constitution, where he lashed out at the Congress party, stating 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 7 lives," he said. Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati called for a nationwide protest on December 24 against the Union Home Minister. In a series of posts on X, Mayawati said that Shah's remarks have hurt the hearts of the people. "Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people," she said. She further demanded that the Home Minister take back his statement. "People from all sections of society in the country are quite agitated, angry by the words spoken by him in the Parliament regarding such a great man. Ambedkarite BSP has demanded him to take back his statement and repent, which has not been implemented till now," Mayawati said. "In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country," she added. The BSP Chief asserted that her party is dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar who fought hard all his life for the Dalits / Bahujans to stand on their own feet and live with self-respect and got them many legal rights including reservation. "Therefore, if Congress, BJP etc., cannot respect Baba Saheb from their heart, then they should not disrespect him either. The day SC, ST and OBC classes got legal rights in the Constitution due to Baba Saheb, they also got heaven for seven lives," she added. (ANI) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that William Burns, Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), will visit Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy noted that this would mark Burns' last visit to Ukraine as CIA director. "Usually, such meetings are not made public. All our meetings, whether in Ukraine, other European countries, the United States, or other parts of the world, were held without official announcements. However, after his final visit, it is worth speaking openly," he tweeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian president also extended his best wishes to Burns and his family, expressing hope that they would meet again. Background: William Burns, as director of the CIA, was involved in non-public connections between Joe Biden's administration and the Ukrainian side, as well as negotiations with the Russian side, particularly on the possible use of nuclear weapons and the exchange of hostages. This year, Burns also made a trip to the Balkans to oppose Russia's hybrid influence. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that Ukraine will persist in targeting Russian military sites, increasingly relying on domestically produced drones and missiles. Source: Zelenskyy in an evening address Quote: "And we will definitely continue to strike Russian military targets with drones and missiles, increasingly with Ukrainian-made ones, specifically targeting military bases and Russian military infrastructure used in this terror against our people. Our defense is entirely just. I thank all those around the world who support Ukraine in this, particularly those advocating for increased defence spending in European countries, for the modernisation and technological advancement of arsenals in Europe. And I thank all those who ensure that the pressure on Russia for this war is increased." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The president noted that Ukrainian emergency workers had finished clearing the rubble in Kyiv following the missile attack on 20 December and that efforts were ongoing in Kherson after Russian bombs struck an oncology clinic. "This center remained operational even during the war, in a limited capacity providing only those services that could not be relocated from Kherson to other hospitals in the region. In particular, the linear accelerator was located exclusively there, in Kherson, and it was the only place in the city offering radiotherapy treatment. The Russians could not have been unaware that this is specifically a medical facility, and one of great value to the residents of Kherson. So this deliberate strike was nothing less than a heinous act of cruelty against civilians." Zelenskyy stressed. Background: Russian forces attacked a medical facility in the city of Kherson by dropping two aerial bombs on it on the night of 20-21 December. Support UP or become our patron! The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed an agreement to collaborate on activities related to astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments. The agreement was signed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, who is also Secretary, Department of Space (DoS), and Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA. According to ISRO, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperative activities in human space exploration and research, focusing on astronaut training, support for experiment development and integration (including the use of ESA facilities on the International Space Station), human and biomedical research experiments, as well as joint educational and outreach initiatives. For the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, where ISRO's Gaganyatri and an ESA astronaut will be part of the crew, the two agencies are collaborating to implement experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators for the ISS. ISRO stated that efforts are also underway to participate in ESA's human physiological studies, technology demonstration experiments, and joint educational outreach activities. In his remarks, S. Somanath emphasised ISRO's roadmap for human spaceflight activities and noted that the recent approval of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) offers a valuable opportunity to develop interoperability between human spaceflight platforms. Dr Aschbacher expressed his gratitude to Dr Somanath for addressing the ESA Council and highlighted that the agreement serves as a strong foundation for cooperation between the two agencies. The leadership of both organisations expressed satisfaction with the progress of joint activities for the Axiom-4 mission and stressed the importance of continuing collaborative efforts in human spaceflight in the future, ISRO said. (ANI) the Congress party is going to organise nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar. All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah's comments. General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal has issued a circular to all party leaders. The circular, accessed by ANI, mentions that a 'Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March' will be taken out in every district of the country. The march will start with garlanding a statue of Ambedkar and will continue till a memorandum is submitted to respect District Magistrates (DM). On the press conferences, the MPs and CWC members are set to address reporters in their respective constituencies. During the Parliament winter session, which concluded yesterday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a 'fashion' 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 had said. Congress lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar. During the protests in Parliament, BJP took out parallel protests to Congress, in turn accusing the BJP of insulting the legacy of India's first Law Minister. During the protests of both sides, a face-off occured at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too. Kharge alleged that BJP MPs pushed him while trying to enter Parliament during a face-off. 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 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. (ANI) Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday that Hungary is in a relatively safe situation regarding energy security for a few months, and it will be able to work together with the new government in Sofia to extend this positive period. Orban told Bulgarian journalists after talks with Boyko Borisov, leader of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party which won the early parliamentary election in October, that he was certain that Borisov would be able to stabilise the political situation in Bulgaria. He added that it was important to Hungary and for the European Union that a stable government would be set up in Sofia. Commenting on the issue of gas supplies, he said Borisov had always been helpful in preventing the stoppage of gas supplies from Bulgaria to Hungary. Orban added that some 7 billion of the approximately 9 billion cubic metres of gas that Hungary receives arrives through Bulgaria, so the country played a key role in Hungary's security. He also said that an agreement had been made with the US to suspend the sanctions against Gazprombank for three months, so the danger has been eliminated there. Additionally, an agreement has been made with Russia about an alternative method of making payments, he added. Commenting on sanctions against Russia, Orban said talks were ongoing in the EU, and a decision would have to be made by the end of January. In response to a question whether the community should wait until the inauguration of the new US president concerning the issue of sanctions against Moscow, Orban said the 27 member states had to make a decision together and proposed "strategic patience" in the matter. Orban: Bulgaria key to Hungary's secure energy supply Bulgaria is of key importance to Hungary's safe energy supply, especially since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, as this is the only secure way for the necessary energy resources to arrive to Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in Sofia. Following talks with Bulgarian president Rumen Radev, Orban said 5.6bn cubic metres of natural gas was transported to Hungary via Bulgaria last year and 7bn cubic metres this year compared to Hungary's total consumption of 9bn cubic metres. Procurement of the fuel necessary for the Paks nuclear power plant would also currently be impossible without Bulgaria, he added. Orban congratulated Radev on the achievements that led to Bulgaria's full membership of the Schengen zone, and Radev gave thanks for the work of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union that made Bulgaria's accession possible. Radev promised that Sofia would remain a reliable partner for Hungary in energy transit, securing diversification and the safety of supplies. Orban said Bulgaria's Schengen membership will not only mean major changes in free movement, but also Bulgaria's "liberation" from its secondary status. From now on, "they will enjoy the benefits of EU membership on an equal footing with any other country," he said. He added that the Schengen membership had been achieved despite a serious resistance within the European Union as some member states blocked the accession of Bulgaria and Romania for a long time, which has now been moved forward finally, after 13 years. The sides also discussed that Bulgaria would join the green energy corridor initiative, of which Hungary was a founder, Orban said. Both Orban and Radev acknowledged the results achieved in bilateral cooperation. He also highlighted plans to boost cooperation in defence industry, which both sides were interested in. Orban said the government will strive to encourage as many Hungarian investors as possible to enter the Bulgarian market and will welcome Bulgarian investors in Hungary. "We would also like to participate in strategic developments. (...) We would be happy if Hungarian companies were received by Bulgaria as strategic partners in the energy sector," he said. Radev indicated that important memoranda of understanding would be signed soon on infrastructural connections, transport, the use of Bulgarian ports, as well as defence industry, security policy and tourism. Radev also emphasised that their shared position was that today Europe's priority is to restore peace, ensuring a leading role for diplomacy. Without peace, it is impossible to talk about security and sustainable development, he added. Viktor Orban's programme in Sofia also included a meeting with former prime minister Boyko Borissov. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. Hungarys film industry continues to earn global recognition, with Variety magazine praising the countrys role in shaping international cinema. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, talented professionals, and competitive tax incentives, Hungary has become a premier destination for filmmakers, hosting blockbusters like Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and The Martian. A Magnet for Major Productions Budapest, in particular, has cemented itself as a filmmaking hub, offering both rich architectural heritage and advanced production facilities. Varietys recent coverage emphasizes Hungarys ability to cater to visually ambitious projects like Dune: Part Two and The Brutalist. The citys blend of historic landmarks and cutting-edge infrastructure, such as the sprawling Origo Studios and Korda Studio, has helped filmmakers seamlessly merge cultural depth with modern cinematic demands. Comprehensive Industry Guide For those interested in the ins and outs of Hungarys film industry, the Variety feature aligns with a comprehensive industry guide created to spotlight the countrys advantages for future productions. This guide, available here, details Hungarys financial incentives, diverse filming locations, and a growing network of experienced professionals. Cultural and Economic Impact The rise of Hungarys film industry has brought substantial economic and cultural benefits. The influx of international productions has created jobs, boosted local businesses, and provided Hungarian talent with increased exposure on a global stage. As Variety notes, this thriving industry is not just about hosting international projects but also about fostering a vibrant film culture that bridges local and global cinema. Hungarys Bright Future in Film Hungarys continued recognition by industry leaders like Variety underscores its importance as a global filmmaking hub. The countrys innovative approach to blending tradition with cutting-edge technology positions it as a critical partner for future productions. For more insights into Hungarys growing role in the film industry, read Varietys full feature here. Whether youre a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, Hungarys influence on the global cinematic landscape is impossible to ignore. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. New Delhi: Actress Taapsee Pannu, celebrated for her fearless roles and impactful performances, has redefined the portrayal of women in Indian cinema. As Dunki completes one year today, the film marked the first time Taapsee Pannu and Shah Rukh Khan shared the big screen. Taapsee delivered a compelling performance as Manu, a character full of grit and determination, perfectly complementing Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of Raj. The film's unique storyline and their on-screen chemistry captivated audiences worldwide. Earlier, Superstar Shah Rukh Khan praised his co-star Taapsee Pannu, reaffirming her position as one of the industry's finest talents. He had tweeted, "@taapsee is so awesome in the film!! Really really good too much fun and learning with her as an actor. #Dunki," On the professional front, Taapsee, basking in the success of her OTT hit 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba,' is gearing up for her next project, 'Gandhari.' Taapsee's collaboration with Kanika Dhillon promises another unforgettable cinematic experience as the actress begins shooting for her upcoming film. Fans eagerly await more details about the project. New Delhi: Varun Dhawan's Baby John, set to release in five days, promises a thrilling cinematic experience with director Kalees collaborating with eight international action directors for high-octane sequences. Eight massive action scenes in the movie have been choreographed by renowned international action directors Anl Arasu, Stunt Silva, Anbariv, Yannick Ben, Sunil Rodrigues, Kaloyan Vodenicharov, Manohar Verma, and Bronwin October, with each director uniquely assigned to a high-octane sequence. Varun Dhawan reflected on his experience with the action sequences in Baby John, saying, The scale of action in this film is massive, and Ive personally performed nearly all the stunts myself, with minimal use of a body double. Working with Kalees was a challenge in the best wayhe pushed me to explore my physical limits every day. One of the most demanding scenes had me hanging upside down for over six hours, which tested my endurance like never before. I remember Atlee stepping in at one point to remind us to prioritize safety and not let the pursuit of perfection lead to unnecessary risks. Its been a tough but fulfilling journey. Director Kalees on getting 8 expert international action directors on board for Baby John says, We were fortunate to have assembled a team of eight renowned action directors, each bringing their unique expertise to craft distinct and thrilling fight sequences. It was an absolute privilege to collaborate with the creme de la creme of action directors from both India and abroad, resulting in a truly exceptional cinematic experience. Baby John stars Varun Dhawan, national award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles. Produced by Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee, and Jyoti Deshpande, Directed by Kalees, Baby John is set to hit theaters on 25th December 2024. New Delhi: Nana Patekar's Vanvaas, recently released in theaters, is creating buzz with its emotionally powerful storyline. The film features Utkarsh Sharma and Simratt Kaur in key roles. Before its release, reports surfaced about Nana Patekar recording a special podcast with Superstar Aamir Khan. Today, the two stars were spotted together at Juhu Mumbai while shooting for the podcast, further fueling anticipation. The podcast, featuring Nana Patekar and Aamir Khan, will focus on Vanvaas, which explores themes of family, honor, and self-acceptance with a contemporary twist. As the film continues to captivate audiences, the podcast serves as a special promotional highlight, further building excitement around the film. Vanvaas, released in theaters on December 20, has been receiving an amazing response from audiences, with fans flocking to theaters to watch its unique storyline. Viewers have been praising the films direction, captivating story, and the stellar performances from the cast, Vanvaas, backed by Zee Studios and Written, produced, and directed by Anil Sharma, Vanvaas stars Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, and Simratt Kaur in the lead roles. New Delhi: As the 55th meeting of the GST Council was set to begin in Jaisalmer on Saturday, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the proposed rate cut on health insurance premiums and the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under the GST ambit would be among the key focus areas. The GST Council is also set to deliberate on revising the rates of nearly 150 items during the meeting which is likely to help the Centre generate additional revenue of nearly Rs 22,000 crore. A significant agenda for the GST Council is the proposed rate cut on term health and life insurance premiums. The GST exemption/reduction on life and health insurance is a long-pending demand of the industry, as the move would alleviate the tax burden on both insurers and policyholders. While most of the panel members of the Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, pitched for "full exemption" on health and life policy premiums, a few panel members suggested reducing the rate to 5 per cent from the current 18 per cent. Additionally, insurance policies offering coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh may also receive GST relief. Another key agenda is to decide whether the 5 per cent GST on delivery charges by food delivery platforms will be applied retrospectively from 2022. Currently, food delivery companies do not pay GST on delivery charges. Also, the GST Council is likely to take up the issue of bringing aviation turbine fuel under the GST ambit. At present, the central excise duty of 11 per cent is levied on ATF. It also has a concession of 2 percent under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. Moreover, there is a recent proposal from the GoM to introduce a 'Sin Tax' on demerit goods such as tobacco and aerated drinks. Currently, there is no specific 'sin goods' category under the GST structure. The creation of such a category would send a strong message that India prioritises the well-being of its people over the profits of industries that thrive on unhealthy habits, according to industry experts. Additionally, a new slab of 35 per cent is likely to be introduced targeting sin goods. New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Friday hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for fair average quality of milling copra to Rs 11,582 per quintal and for ball copra to Rs 12,100 per quintal for the 2025 marketing season, according to an official statement. The MSP has been increased in accordance with the governments decision that mandates the MSP for crops will be fixed at levels of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production, the statement said. "The Government has increased MSP for milling copra and ball copra from Rs 5,250 per quintal and Rs 5,500 per quintal for the marketing season 2014 to Rs 11,582 per quintal and Rs 12,100 per quintal for the marketing season 2025, registering a growth of 121 per cent and 120 per cent, respectively," the statement said. A higher MSP will not only ensure better remunerative returns to the coconut growers but also incentivise farmers to expand copra production to meet the growing demand for coconut products both domestically and internationally, it added. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), the statement added. The main objective of the Centres procurement is to assure farmers get remunerative prices and distribution to consumers, particularly the vulnerable sections of society takes place at affordable prices. The Centre maintains a buffer stock for food security and price stability. Similarly, the Central government extends price support to paddy, coarse grains and wheat through the FCI and state agencies. All the food grains (wheat and paddy) conforming to the prescribed specifications offered for sale at specified centres are bought by the public procurement agencies at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), inclusive of the bonus announced, if any. The farmers have the option to sell their produce to the FCI/state agencies at MSP or in the open market as is advantageous to them. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Saturday expressed shock over the reports of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal set to be prosecuted in the excise policy case, asserting that there was no prosecution sanction issued in this regard. The minister informed that a prosecution sanction was required to prosecute a Chief Minister or a minister. "I am shocked...don't they have the basic knowledge that prosecution sanction is required to prosecute a chief minister or a minister? They are saying that today they have given sanction to prosecute (Arvind Kejriwal), what was the BJP doing for the last two years? If they did not have permission to prosecute (Arvind Kejriwal), what were they doing? We have information that there is no prosecution sanction today also. This is part of a conspiracy being pushed for political reasons," Bhardwaj told ANI. Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Saturday rejected the reports of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal set to be prosecuted by the ED in connection with the excise policy case, saying that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena should make the letter public. "This fake news has been circulating since the morning. I don't know what is the source of this information. If Delhi LG has given any sanction, then he should make it public. Where is that letter of the sanction? If the ED (Enforcement Directorate) has been given the nod to prosecute (Kejriwal), the LG should show the letter. It is important to have evidence before running such baseless news. Delhi LG has given no such letter," Singh told ANI. This comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena reportedly granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute AAP Chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. Earlier, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendraa Sachdeva on Saturday accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being the "kingpin" of Delhi's liquor scam. Sachdeva asserted that Kejriwal would be punished for his alleged involvement in the excise policy case. "It is clear that Arvind Kejriwal is the 'kingpin' of the Delhi Excise Policy scam and he has looted Delhi. We have been saying this since the first day that once you are out on bail, it is not evidence of your innocence. As the investigation progresses, Arvind Kejriwal is the culprit in this and will be punished," Sachdeva told ANI. On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate sought permission to sanction Kejriwal's prosecution. This development follows months of investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy, which has been at the centre of controversy and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the ED additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The petition challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5 by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri. (ANI) In a recent incident in Tamil Nadu, a devotees iPhone was accidentally dropped into the hundi (donation box) at a temple, but the temple authorities have refused to return the device, citing that any items placed in the hundi are considered offerings to the deity. Dinesh, a resident of Vinayagapuram, visited the Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple in Thiruporur, located near Chennai, last month with his family to offer prayers. After the worship session, he proceeded to drop some cash into the hundi. However, while retrieving notes from his shirt pocket, his iPhone slipped and fell into the donation box along with the money. Realizing the mistake, Dinesh approached temple authorities, hoping to retrieve his device. However, the officials informed him that once an item is placed in the hundi, it becomes the property of the deity. As per temple tradition, the hundi is not opened until every two months, making any immediate retrieval impossible. 'Offerings Are Sacred': Temple The temple authorities maintained that any object placed in the hundi, whether money or otherwise, is considered a sacred offering to the deity. They explained that this custom is an integral part of the temples tradition and cannot be altered or reversed, even in cases of accidental drops. Dineshs request to get his iPhone back was declined for this reason. Complaint Lodged, But No Resolution Frustrated by the response, Dinesh turned to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) officials, requesting updates on when the hundi would be opened so that he could retrieve his device. The temples executive officer said they were unsure whether Dinesh had intentionally dropped the phone as an offering or if it was a genuine accident, as the hundi is secured by a protective iron fence. The Offer to Retrieve Data Eventually, after two months, the temple authorities opened the hundi to collect the donations. Dinesh rushed to the temple with hopes of recovering his phone. However, the authorities stuck to their position and denied the return of the device, even though they offered him the option to take his SIM card. This would allow him to download any important data from the phone, but Dinesh had already obtained a new SIM card and left the decision to the authorities regarding the fate of the iPhone. As of now, Dineshs phone remains with the temple, with the authorities continuing to uphold the belief that the items in the hundi belong to the deity. The incident has sparked curiosity and debate over the temple's traditions and how accidental offerings are handled. A war of words erupted between Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor over a 2009 dinner hosted by Puri in New York. At the time, Puri was serving as India's ambassador to the UN and US billionaire George Soros was among the attendees. Puri hits out at Tharoor and said Congress leader himself provided the list of invitees for the dinner, which included Soros. He said in a post on X,"In retrospect, it is clear that the name was included because the gentleman in question was among the benefactors of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, and the Minister of State was keen to meet him." In his X post, Puri said, "Since I was just a few months old in the city then, but Dr Tharoor had spent considerable time in New York, I did not choose the list of invitees for the dinner. It was given to me by Minister Tharoor." "Language has frequently been accorded pride of place amongst major arts of deception. Some of my friends in the Congress Party excel in obfuscation; but they tweet at their own peril," BJP leader added. Language has frequently been accorded pride of place amongst major arts of deception. Some of my friends in the Congress Party excel in obfuscation; but they tweet at their own peril. I want to take up two issues raised by them. First - my friend Dr @ShashiTharoor Ji, who was a pic.twitter.com/sIWc2omjg8 Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 20, 2024 The Haryana government declared a three-day state mourning and school holiday in the state on Saturday following the demise of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo and Haryana former Chief Minister Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala. "As per the fax message received from the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Haryana dated December 20, the State has decided to observe 3-days mourning in view of the death of Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala, Ex-Chief Minister, Haryana on December 20. The Haryana Govt. has declared a public holiday in all the State Offices as a mark of respect to the departed Soul. Accordingly, a holiday is declared in all the schools of the state on December 21. All DEOS and DEEOs are requested to ensure the compliance of the above orders," Directorate School Education Govt of Haryana said in the issued notice, ANI reported. Aditya Chautala, Nephew of Om Prakash Chautala said, " His mortal remains have been brought to the farmhouse. Tomorrow (December 21) morning, from 8 am to 2 pm, his mortal remains will be kept for people and party workers to pay their last respects." The mortal remains of former CM Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala have been taken to Teja Khera, where his last rites will be performed at 3 pm today. The Haryana government has also declared December 21 a public holiday for all state government offices in honour of the departed soul. Jaipur Fire Tragedy: The death toll from the tanker collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur reached 14, DCP West Jaipur Amit Kumar confirmed. The accident on Friday caused a massive fire after a chemical-laden truck collided with an LPG tanker and other vehicles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of those killed in the Jaipur-Ajmer highway accident. In a post on X, the PMO said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected." The PM announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the deceased's families and 50,000 for the injured. How The Tanker Caught Fire On Jaipur Highway Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph said the crash on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway was caused by damage to the LPG tanker's outlet nozzle, which led to a gas leak igniting a massive blaze. The incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m., while it was still dark, near a school, officials stated. "Vehicles behind the tanker were engulfed in flames. Other vehicles coming from the opposite direction also caught fire and collided," Joseph explained. The gas leak rapidly spread the fire, leaving little chance for nearby occupants to escape. Eyewitnesses reported people desperately rushing and removing clothes as flames engulfed them. Meanwhile, Dr. Sushil Kumar Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, described Fridays tanker collision on Jaipurs Bhankrota Ajmer Road as horrific. He explained, The accident and subsequent fire occurred in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur early today on the main Ajmer Road. Nearly two dozen vehicles caught fire, and many trucks and trolleys were reduced to ashes. The accident took place near a petrol pump. Dr. Bhati further stated that the fire was triggered by a series of vehicle collisions. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fire, he added. (With ANI, PTI inputs) Two terrorist associates were approached during checking in the Sopore area of the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir. In a handout, police said, During Naka checking by the joint team of security forces, including Sopore Police, 32RR, and CRPF at Yarbugh Under police station Dangiwacha, 02 persons were arrested, identified as Rashid ah Bhat S/o Gh. Mohd Bhat R/o Arwani Anantnag and Sajid Ismail Haroo S/o M. Ismail Haroo R/o Arwani Anantnag, and recovered 01 pistol, five live rounds (9 mm), 2 hand grenades (Chinese), and cash 10600. Earlier in another operation, a terrorist associate was apprehended along with arms and ammunition in Bandipora. Top officials said, Security forces apprehended a terrorist associate along with arms and ammunition in the Nadihal area of Bandipora during checking at a mobile check post. He further added, A joint checkpoint was set up by the Bandipora Police, CRPF, and Army's 14 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) at Nadihal when they noticed a person moving suspiciously. Upon being challenged, the suspect attempted to flee but was tactically intercepted and apprehended by the security forces. During the search, a pistol, a hand grenade, and 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the suspect's possession. All three are being questioned by Sopore and Bandipora police to get further leads, and police believe the investigation will help them to know the conspiracy and their handlers for whom they were working, and further arrests cant be ruled out. As Christmas approaches, Kashmir's papier-mache artisans are busy fulfilling bulk orders worth crores, months in advance. The region exports approximately 15 crore worth of Christmas decorations to dozens of countries globally, including the UK, US, Germany, Australia, and many others. These handcrafted ornaments, which adorn Christmas trees, walls, and ceilings around the world, are meticulously created by Kashmir's skilled artisans. They begin crafting items like Christmas balls, bells, and tree ornaments up to 7-8 months before the festival. The demand for these items has surged in recent years, not just within India, but across the globe, particularly in countries with large Christian populations, where Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Among the artisans, Maqbool Jan, an award-winning papier-mache artist, has been a key player in this flourishing industry. His handmade creations, ranging from Christmas balls to tree decorations, are sold across the globe, making homes sparkle with festive cheer. "We eagerly wait for Christmas," says Maqbool Jan, "because it brings us work and sustenance for our families. Every year, new designs emerge, blending the old with the new, driven by the creativity of the next generation. Our products are shipped worldwide, reaching countries like the US, Germany, Australia, and beyond, months before the festival." The demand for Kashmiri papier-mache decorations has grown significantly, thanks to their beauty and craftsmanship. Though cheaper, machine-made products from China are available, they do not match the appeal of the handmade items from Kashmir, which are in high demand due to their quality and artistry. As a result, Kashmir's papier-mache exports, which include Christmas balls, bells, Santa heads, and tree ornaments, are sold in bulk, with orders often reaching into the crores. Shahnaz Yousuf, an exporter, explains, There is a strong demand for our quality items, both in India and internationally. Our products are exported in large quantitieslakhs of Christmas balls and other decorations are sent to the UK, US, Germany, and many other countries. By January or February, we start receiving new orders, and it takes us 7-8 months to fulfill the demand. Importantly, all these decorations are eco-friendly and sustainable. Papier-mache, a French technique of turning raw paper into artistic objects, is hand-painted and designed to create unique, beautiful items. Despite the small Christian population in Kashmir, the valley buzzes with excitement in the months leading up to Christmas, as the festive decorations produced here reach homes across the globe. This thriving industry not only showcases Kashmir's traditional craftsmanship to the world but also provides employment to thousands of people in the region. Kerala Lottery Results Saturday 21-12-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "KARUNYA KR-685" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya Kr-685, December 21, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KR-685" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KR-685 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-685 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 21-12-2024 Dec: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-685 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: KV 829857 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: KW 948415 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: KN 945606 KO 322540 KP 593182 KR 720541 KS 503309 KT 275016 KU 613871 KV 743878 KW 879908 KX 146265 KY 425661 KZ 764391 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: KN 829857 KO 829857 KP 829857 KR 829857 KS 829857 KT 829857 KU 829857 KW 829857 KX 829857 KY 829857 KZ 829857 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0992 1885 2404 2999 4205 4287 4292 6016 6441 7535 7691 8372 8533 9022 9024 9114 9142 9219 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0590 1220 1954 2700 3389 4160 5731 6254 7189 7904 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0288 1542 1757 2021 2566 3078 5287 6259 6308 7372 7896 7949 8033 8076 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0299 0429 0665 0668 0703 0820 0862 0896 0940 0973 1023 1184 1229 1241 1256 1417 1506 1547 1588 1601 1613 1633 1645 1658 1818 2345 2378 2535 2544 2892 2944 3047 3140 3264 3331 3775 3998 4008 4439 4464 4937 5120 5205 5238 5249 5292 5448 5808 5858 5919 5967 6126 6269 6288 6319 6361 6443 6470 6498 6731 7085 7155 7159 7201 7410 7416 7736 7948 8104 8147 8151 8224 8491 8649 8808 9100 9296 9414 9790 9959 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To Be Announced KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 21-12-2024 December TODAY: KARUNYA KR-685 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote the lottery in any way.) PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed Kuwait for the warm welcome and said that there is a different sense of belonging in the Gulf country. While addressing the community program 'Hala Modi,' the Prime Minister said that after seeing the crowd in the event, he felt like he had witnessed a mini Hindustan in front of him. "I have reached Kuwait just two and a half hours ago. since the time I have stepped here, I am feeling a different sense of belonging, a different warmth all around. You all have come from different states of India, but seeing all of you, it seems as if a mini Hindustan has come in front of me," he said. #WATCH | Kuwait: Addressing the community program 'Hala Modi', Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "I have reached Kuwait just two and a half hours ago, since the time I have stepped here, I am feeling a different sense of belonging, a different warmth all around. You all have pic.twitter.com/UgILDfQK2R ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 PM Modi, who is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was addressing a gathering of the Indian community. His visit to the Gulf nation is the first for any Indian Prime Minister to this Gulf nation in 43 years. Hailing the relationship between India and Kuwait, the Prime Minister said that the two countries are not linked just by diplomacy but also by hearts. "The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not only our present but also our past connects us," he said. #WATCH | Kuwait | PM Modi at the Community Event #HalaModi, says, "The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not pic.twitter.com/UxNRWewD7m ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 Every year, hundreds of Indians come to Kuwait; you have added Indian touch to Kuwaiti society. You have filled Kuwaits canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed with the essence of India's talent, technology and tradition, he added. India has manpower, skills and technology needed by 'New Kuwait', he also said. In a massive breakthrough, Assam Police has unearthed one of the largest terrorist modules in the northeastern state, exposing a deep-rooted conspiracy aimed at spreading religious hatred across India. Authorities have revealed a series of shocking discoveries that highlight the extent of the plot to destabilize the nation. According to the evidence in possession of Zee News, the terrorists had been using religious extremism to undermine the countrys social fabric. In today's episode of DNA, ZEE News tried to analyse the operation carried out by authorities and all the discoveries done. Here's an exclusive look at what has been uncovered so far: Key Developments In Operation Praghat: - Assam Police has arrested 8 individuals linked to the terror network. - The evidence recovered from the terrorists has been shared exclusively with Zee News. - A thorough investigation is underway into the recovered material, which sheds light on the operations scope. Evidence Revealed 1. Jamaat Ulema-e-Hind ID Card: Found to be issued in Murshidabad, this organization has been under scrutiny for its links to Bangladesh's terror network. 2. Suspicious Mobile Phones: The recovered mobiles contain possible connections to terrorist activities. Investigations are ongoing, and it's expected that they will help uncover the network. 3. Fake Aadhar Cards: Eight of the arrested individuals were found with counterfeit Aadhar cards, indicating a local network being created for false identities. 4. Fake PAN Cards: Along with Aadhar cards, fake PAN cards were also seized. Investigations are underway to determine their origin. 5. Passports: A passport found among the evidence reveals regular travel between terrorists in Pakistan and Bangladesh, pointing to cross-border terrorism. 6. Bangladeshi National Among Arrested: One of the arrested suspects is a Bangladeshi citizen who had integrated so well into the local community that his capture was difficult at first glance. 7. Radicalizing Book Khut Baatul Islam: This book, aimed at inciting jihad, was being circulated among youth to fuel radicalization. It encourages young people to take up arms in the name of Islam and spread religious extremism. Published in Bangladesh, it falsely claims that Indias Muslims are under threat and encourages violent actions for their protection. Watch Full Episode Here The Plan To Spread Terror The evidence suggests that a highly organized effort was underway to foster terrorism from Bangladesh into India. The operation was designed in stages: Phase 1: Indoctrinating madrasa teachers, using jihadist texts to incite local youth, and spreading the book "Khut Baatul Islam" to push radical ideologies. Phase 2: Providing jihad training to imams. Phase 3: Brainwashing common Muslims to rally behind the jihadist cause. Phase 4: Training operatives in weaponry and suicide attacks. This plot had been active for months, particularly in Assam's Gwalpara and Morigaon regions, where several imams and madrasa teachers were arrested in 2023 and 2024 under suspicion of being sleeper cell operatives. Terrorist Networks Exposed The operation has linked multiple terror groups to the plot, including Al-Qaeda, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and Ansarul Bangla Team. Sources also indicate ties to Pakistan, suggesting foreign support for spreading the agenda of terror. The network was attempting to expand its reach beyond Assam into West Bengal, Kerala, and northern India. The terrorists were allegedly recruiting operatives in Bengali, planning attacks against leaders of RSS and other Hindu organizations. Since the political changes in Bangladesh, extremist organizations have gained more freedom to pursue anti-India activities. However, Indias security agencies, alerted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), acted swiftly, preventing the terrorists from executing their plans. Targeted Locations The key cities targeted by this network include Dhubri, Gwalpara, Guwahati in Assam, and Malda, Murshidabad, and Kolkata in West Bengal. As Operation Praghat continues, authorities remain vigilant, determined to prevent the spread of terror from Bangladesh into India. The country's security agencies are on high alert, and these terror plans are unlikely to succeed in the face of India's preparedness and vigilance. 8:25 PM: Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE India-Kuwait Linked Not Just By Diplomacy But Also By Hearts, Says PM Kuwait | PM Modi at the Community Event #HalaModi, says, "The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not only our present but also our past connects us." #WATCH | Kuwait | PM Modi at the Community Event #HalaModi, says, "The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not pic.twitter.com/UxNRWewD7m December 21, 2024 7:05 PM: Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE: PM To Shortly Address Community Event 'Hala Modi' Kuwait: PM Narendra Modi to shortly address the community Event 'Hala Modi' at Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. A member of the Indian diaspora says, "...I am wearing a Gujarati attire and I love Gujarat...I am very excited to see PM Modi...With the visit of PM Modi, he is giving us an opportunity to invest within the country..." #WATCH | Kuwait: PM Narendra Modi to shortly address the community Event 'Hala Modi' at Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. A member of the Indian diaspora says, "...I am wearing a Gujarati attire and I love Gujarat...I am very excited to see PM Modi...With the visit pic.twitter.com/qR7UBWe2fV ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 6:15 PM: PM Modi In Kuwait: People Wave Indian Flag At PM's Community Event 'Hala Modi' People wave Indian flag as they gather to attend PM Narendra Modi's community Event 'Hala Modi' at Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Kuwait. #WATCH | People wave Indian flag as they gather to attend PM Narendra Modi's community Event 'Hala Modi' at Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Kuwait pic.twitter.com/EccDtfinaZ ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 5:40 PM: Modi In Kuwait: Why PM's Visit To Gulf Country Significant? The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. He would also meet the vibrant Indian diaspora here. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its work-force (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) work force list, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Kuwait is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billion. 4:46 PM: PM Kuwait Visit LIVE Modi Meets Alnesef, Who Published Ramayana, Mahabharata In Arabic Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abdullateef Alnesef, who published Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic language and Abdullah Baron, who translated them into Arabic, in Kuwait City. PM Modi also met 101-year-old Ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abdullateef Alnesef, who published Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic language and Abdullah Baron, who translated them into Arabic, in Kuwait City PM Modi also met 101-year-old Ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa. (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/hyvbFKP5g1 ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 4:30 PM: Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE Looking Forward To Scheduled Programmes, Says PM Upon Arrival PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Landed in Kuwait to a warm welcome. This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors. I look forward to the programmes scheduled for later today and tomorrow." PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Landed in Kuwait to a warm welcome. This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors. I look forward to the programmes scheduled for later today and tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/0luty5fv4C ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 4:20 PM: Modi In Kuwait LIVE PM Watches Performance By Artists Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a performance by the artists, in Kuwait City. PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a performance by the artists, in Kuwait City PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. #WATCH | Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a performance by the artists, in Kuwait City PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime pic.twitter.com/udJtBr8MuP ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 3:30 PM: Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE Modi Greets Members Of Indian Diaspora Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets and interacts with members of the Indian diaspora as he arrives at a hotel in Kuwait City. PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets and interacts with members of the Indian diaspora as he arrives at a hotel in Kuwait City PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is pic.twitter.com/WeGR3c7DZn ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 3:27 PM: PM Kuwait Visit LIVE Members Of Indian Diaspora Await Arrival Of PM Kuwait: Members of the Indian diaspora await the arrival of PM Modi at Kuwait City. PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. #WATCH | Kuwait: Members of the Indian diaspora await the arrival of PM Modi at Kuwait City. PM Modi is on a 2-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/Ol5ei8b8yC ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 3:25 PM: Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE PM Reaches Kuwait Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Kuwait for a 2-day visit at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Kuwait for a 2-day visit at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/ccNDGwthhU ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 PM Modi Kuwait Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Kuwait on a two-day visit where he will hold talks with Kuwaiti leadership and also meet the Indian diaspora. The Prime Minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His visit to Kuwait will be the first of any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. PM Modis Schedule During the visit, the Prime Minister is set to hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait and also interact with the Indian community. PM Modi issued a departure statement ahead of his visit. In the statement, he said that his talks with top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and Kuwait. "We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interests in peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the West Asia region," he said. Modi said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the crown prince, and the prime minister of Kuwait. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here in Kuwait. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. He would also meet the vibrant Indian diaspora here. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Significance Of Kuwait Visit? Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its work-force (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) work force list, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Kuwait is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billion. India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy. The Chief Minister also unveiled the official 50-Year Golden Jubilee Logo. He congratulated the HP State Pollution Control Board on its 50th anniversary and commended its efforts to protect the environment. The environmental calendar outlines 50 key activities to celebrate 50 environmentally significant days between 21 December 2024 and 21 December 2025. These activities aim to raise awareness and promote environmental conservation across the state. The newly launched Golden Jubilee Logo will be prominently featured on all official correspondence of the HPPCB. Regional offices and laboratories of the Board will commemorate the occasion by organising cleanliness drives on 21 December 2024. A special commemorative event will be held in the last fortnight of January 2025 or the first fortnight of February 2025 to mark the Golden Jubilee Year. During the event, retired employees of the Board will be honoured in the presence of dignitaries. Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Rattan, Sanjay Awasthy, Suresh Kumar, Sudarshan Babloo, Vivek Sharma, Malender Rajan, Hardeep Singh Bawa, Neeraj Nayyar, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Member Secretary of HPPCB Anil Joshi, and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (ANI) New Delhi: In a significant political development, former MLA and long-time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sukhbir Dalal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday. The move was announced in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva, and other senior leaders at a press conference at the Delhi BJP headquarters. Joining Dalal was Balbir Singh, an executive member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee from Vivek Vihar. Dalal, who represented Mundka as an AAP MLA, clarified that his decision to switch allegiance was not due to being denied a ticket but stemmed from his confidence in the BJP's policies. "Ever since Arvind Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' was built, corruption within AAP crossed all limits," Dalal remarked. He accused the AAP government of prioritising corruption over development and ignoring the needs of rural areas in Delhi. Dalal also credited the BJP for supporting his efforts to execute developmental projects in rural Delhi. Expressing his gratitude after joining the party, he pledged his commitment to contributing to the nation's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. This follows a series of switches by the AAP leaders to the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. Recently, Delhi Ministers Kailash Gahlot and Harsharan Singh Balli joined the BJP. Along with this, many others also switched to the BJP ahead of polls. Balbir Singh, too, cited his admiration for PM Modi's policies as a motivating factor. "The Prime Minister has worked extensively for the Sikh community, which inspired me to join the BJP," he said. Singh highlighted his electoral success as a member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee and noted that his appeal transcended religious boundaries. He further praised the BJP and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for their recent contributions to the Sikh community. Singh contrasted this with the lack of action by other parties, stating, "Everyone talks about 1984, but they never provided jobs or opportunities. The BJP has offered both support and work." With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025, the AAP faces increasing challenges as it aims for a third consecutive term. In the 2020 elections, the party won an overwhelming majority, securing 62 out of 70 seats. This political realignment adds to the mounting pressures on AAP as it prepares to defend its stronghold in the upcoming elections. New Delhi: Pan-India star Yash, who captured hearts with the cinematic phenomenon KGF, marks six years today since the Indian audience was first introduced to the character of Rocky. Yashs portrayal of Rocky left a lasting impact, not only as a symbol of rebellion and strength but also as a deeply emotional character that resonated with audiences nationwide. As the film celebrates its 6th anniversary, one standout moment is the heart-wrenching scene where Rocky helps a distressed mother and delivers the profound line, ''The greatest warrior is a mother''. This emotionally charged scene became an iconic reflection of Rocky's core motivation, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Yash revealed that the emotional scene wasnt in the original script. Initially showing Rocky helping an elderly woman, it was reimagined by executive producer Rama Rao to reflect Rockys deep connection with his mother, a key part of his journey. When asked by the interviewrs, ''If there is a creative discussion, so Steven Spielberg famously said that his problem wasnt nobody said no to them! Can you make a conversation between equals?'' Yash said, I think I give that space for even the last assistant director hell be coming and telling me the previous take was good, boss. I always do that because you give that kind of space is when there are so many instances where people come and give us great ideas, even in KGF, me and Prashant were sitting and watching the edit and we were working on it and the mothers in the famous scene was not with the mother. It was with some old lady crossing the road. I just take out my gun and it was supposed to be the gun scene right. So my EP Mr Ramrao was watching, and he just came and said whole Cinema is about mother. Why cant mother be there in that scene? Just sitting in both of us looked at each other. It was a Damn good idea! Then I said what to do, to which Prashant said dont worry we will reshoot this scene then we brought one lady with a small kid.'' He further added, ''Then he thinks of his mother and then I go out and talk to her and tell her then you know while discussing we had to come up with some line, then the line came well, so its like you dont know. You never know we have done that script work for 4-5 years. I dont know how many years from 2014, we were working, but we didnt realise its some the person who is taking care of production came and told us something you have to take it if it is good. I think that should be the mindset and atmosphere. Otherwise nobody knows everything. Its a collaborative thing. Cinema is absolutely collaborative, Director, all of them should come together, and thats when the magic happens!'' As fans and cinephiles celebrate six years of Yashs rise as a pan-India superstar, this story highlights the impactful storytelling and heartfelt performances that turned KGF into a cinematic milestone. Meanwhile on the work front, Yash will next be seen in 'Toxic', 'Ramayana' and 'KGF 3.' Kozhikode: Malayalam literary icon M. T. Vasudevan Nair, undergoing treatment for breathing and cardiac complications at a private hospital here, continues to be critical on Saturday. Nair has started responding to the treatment but continues to be critical, a medical bulletin issued by the private hospital said. The hospital has constituted a medical board and a team of specialists to closely monitor the health of the 91-year-old Jnanpith awardee. A large number of prominent personalities continue to arrive at the hospital to find out about the hugely admired literary personality. Nair, a Padma Bhushan awardee, has left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature and cinema. He has won four National Film Awards for screenplay and directed seven films while scripting about 54 films. His screenplays, now available in book form, are regarded as essential reading for aspiring filmmakers. Over the years, Nair has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Award, Ezhuthachan Award, Mathrubhumi Literary Award, and O.N.V. Literary Award. In 2013, he was conferred the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema. In 2022, he received the inaugural Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Kerala Government. Nair was awarded the Jnanpith, India's highest literary honour, in 1995 for his outstanding contributions to literature. He also served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly for several years. In October this year, Nair made headlines after gold ornaments were stolen from his residence while he and his wife were away. The police later recovered the items, implicating a domestic helper. New Delhi: Banks in India follow the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) guidelines and remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. However, today, December 21 falls on the third Saturday which means that all banks will remain open and continue business operations. So, if you were planning to visit your bank today, you can go ahead. Will banks be open or closed on Saturday, December 21, 2024? Banks on Saturday, December 21, 2024 will remain open as it falls on the third Saturday of the month. According to the Reserve Bank of Indias guidelines, banks in India are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. However, they remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays, unless otherwise mentioned in the holiday schedule. Bank Holidays to Observe in December 2024 Banks will be closed on several days in December 2024 due to various occasions. These include the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Pa-Togan Nengminja Sangma, the Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham, Goa Liberation Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, U Kiang Nangbah, and New Years Eve/Lossong/Namsoong. State-wise Bank Holiday List for December 2024 December 24 (Thursday): Banks will be closed in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya for Christmas Eve. December 25 (Wednesday): Banks will be closed across India for Christmas. December 27 (Friday): Banks will be closed in Nagaland for Christmas celebrations. December 30 (Monday): Banks will be closed in Meghalaya to observe the death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah. December 31 (Tuesday): Banks will be closed in Mizoram and Sikkim for New Years Eve/Lossong/Namsoong. What Banking Services Are Available on Bank Holidays? Although bank branches will be closed on the listed holidays, customers can still access digital banking services such as net banking, banking apps, UPI, and ATMs, unless there is scheduled maintenance. These services will remain available year-round. You can even open a fixed deposit or recurring deposit digitally on these days. OnPlus 13 India Launch: The Chinese electronics brand OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus 13R in India on January 7 in the OnePlus Winter Launch Event, alongside the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 earbuds. Ahead of the launch, the company has confirmed the chipset for the OnePlus 13R. The upcoming OnePlus 13R will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. For reference, the OnePlus 12R, its predecessor, was equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. OnePlus 13R Price In India (Expected) The OnePlus 13 is expected to be priced at around Rs 45,000, similar to the Vivo V30 Pro and Realme GT 6. OnePlus 13R (Expected Specifications) The smartphone is expected to feature a 6.82-inch Quad-HD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 4,500 nits, and Dolby Vision support. Both the handsets may run ColorOS 15 based on Android 15. It will likely be powered by a 6,000mAh battery, supporting 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Under the hood, the phone is likely to pack a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. On the camera front, the global variant is rumoured to sport a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and another 50-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. 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Philips BT1235/15 suits sensitive skin users, the VGR V-903 adds style to grooming, and the Bombay Shaving Company Power Styler Edge Trimmer offers versatile functionality. Each trimmer brings something unique to the table, ensuring theres an ideal pick for everyone. Select the one that complements your routine and enjoy hassle-free grooming every day. Disclaimer: The above mentioned article is a sponsored feature. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever. Eight idols in three Hindu temples in Bangladesh were vandalized earlier this week, PTI reported, citing local media. Miscreants wrecked temples in Mymensingh and Dinajpur over two days. The incident comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Bangladesh over increased atrocities on minorities in the country. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri flagged regrettable incidents of attacks on minorities and conveyed Indias concerns, in a meeting with nations leadership in Dhaka. These are the latest in a series of incidents against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. So far, the authorities have arrested one person in connection with the alleged vandalism at one of the temples, PTI cited The Daily Star newspapers report. Two idols at Bonderpara Temple in Haluaghats Shakuai union were ransacked early Friday, said Abul Khayer, OC of Haluaghat Police Station, citing locals and temple sources. No case has been filed, and no arrests have been made so far, he claimed. An idol at Polashkanda Kali Temple in Beeldora union, Haluaghat, was vandalized early Thursday. Police arrested a 27-year-old man from Polashkanda village on Friday. The accused, Alal Uddin, confessed during interrogation, said the OC. He was sent to jail after being presented in a Mymensingh court this afternoon. Bangladesh reported 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, mostly Hindus, last week following Sheikh Hasinas ouster. On November 29, three Hindu temples in Chattogram were vandalized by a mob shouting slogans. The city has seen unrest since a former ISKCON member and Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das faced sedition charges. India-Bangladesh relations worsened after Muhammad Yunus's interim government took over on August 5, following Sheikh Hasinas departure amid student-led protests. Tensions escalated further with continued attacks on Hindus and the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member and spokesperson for a Hindu rights group. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: India and Russia have decided to step up joint efforts in dealing with challenges of radicalisation and terror financing. Ways to deepen cooperation in tackling threats of terrorism were discussed at a meeting of the India-Russia joint working group (JWG) on counter-terrorism cooperation. At a separate meeting on issues relating to the United Nations, Russia reiterated its support for India as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council. The meeting took place in Moscow on December 19 and 20. "In the 13th JWG on counter-terrorism, both sides shared their experiences in countering terrorism including cross-border terrorism, extremism and agreed to enhance cooperation to address problems of radicalisation as well as terror financing," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday. "They discussed current terrorist threats at the global and regional level and combating the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes," it said in a statement. The MEA said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation in bilateral as well as multilateral platforms. India and Russia also held the sixth round of consultations on UN related issues in Moscow. "In the consultations on UN-related issues, both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments and issues pertaining to the UNSC (UN Security Council), including its reform," the MEA said. "Russia reiterated its support for India as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council," it said. Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA, led the Indian delegation at the JWG on Counter Terrorism (CT) cooperation and the consultations on UN related issues. The Russian side was headed by Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Representatives of respective departments and agencies from both sides also participated in the meetings. On December 19, Lal also held a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and discussed current international and regional issues, especially the Ukraine conflict. Describing Gujarat's Rann Utsav as an "unforgettable experience," Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to visit Kutch to immerse themselves in a "unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty." In a post on social media, PM Modi wrote "The White Rann beckons! An unforgettable experience awaits! Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty!" The festival, which began on December 1, 2024, will run until February 28, 2025, with the Tent City remaining open until March. "Through this post, I am extending my personal invitation to all of you, dynamic, hard-working professionals, and your families to visit Kutch and enjoy the Rann Utsav. This year's Rann Utsav, which commenced on 1st December 2024, will go on till 28th February 2025, wherein the tent city at Rann Utsav will be open till March 2025. I assure you all that Rann Utsav will be a lifetime experience," he added. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the region's thriving arts and crafts, warm hospitality, and its role as a beacon of India's cultural and historical richness. "Each year, the warm-hearted people of Kutch open their doors for the iconic Rann Utsav--a four-month-long vibrant celebration of the region's uniqueness, breathtaking beauty and enduring spirit. The Tent City ensures a comfortable stay in the stunning backdrop of the White Rann. For those who want to relax, this is just the place to be. And, for those who want to discover new facets of history and culture, there is much to do as well," PM Modi stated. The Rann Utsav, launched in 2005 to harness the untapped tourism potential of Kutch, has since drawn visitors from far and wide and has also received several domestic and international awards. "Therefore, I do hope to see you in Kutch very soon! Do share your experiences on social media as well, to inspire others to visit Kutch. I also take this opportunity to wish you a happy 2025 and hope that the coming year brings with it success, prosperity and good health for you and your families!" PM Modi stated. Dhordo, a village where every year Rann Utsav is celebrated, was named the 2023 Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The village was recognized for its cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and rural development. (ANI) Mount Qomolangma sees record number of tourists Xinhua) 10:24, December 21, 2024 This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2024 from the Mount Qomolangma base camp in Tingri County of Xigaze City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region shows a view of Mount Qomolangma. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) LHASA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Mount Qomolangma scenic area in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region welcomed a record number of tourists in 2024, surpassing 500,000 visitors, local authorities said. As of Dec. 15, the scenic area had seen over 540,200 visits from both domestic and international tourists, marking an 18 percent year-on-year increase, according to the local government of Tingri County, Xigaze City. This year, the county invested 163 million yuan (about 22.7 million U.S. dollars) in infrastructure projects to enhance basic tourism services, including scenic spot planning, transportation, accommodation, catering and smart tourism solutions. So far, the scenic area has generated 111 million yuan in revenue in 2024, with over 1 million yuan earned by a workshop of local craftsmen. "The goal of our trip is Mount Qomolangma. Although it is very cold in winter, the chances of seeing the summit bathed in golden sunlight are higher. The roads are well-constructed, making it very convenient to visit," said Gao Bowei, a tourist from Shanghai. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Solar panels have been installed in the Vatican Museums, Azernews reports. A new solar panel roof was inaugurated in the Cortile delle Corazze hall at the entrance of the museum complex ahead of the Holy Jubilee Year to be celebrated in the Vatican. This project is part of the "green vision" for the Vatican announced by Pope Francis in June. Additionally, solar panels are being installed on the roof of a warehouse in the Vatican, with these works expected to be completed in the early months of next year. Another project involves the construction of charging stations for electric vehicles in the Vatican. "The Vatican State has commitments on the international stage. We not only meet them but also set an example for other international realities. We have informed the international community about this at COP29. We have set goals for 2030 and are adhering to them," said Salvatore Farina, Head of the Vatican's Infrastructure and Services Department. It is noteworthy that the Vatican is focusing on renewable sources and innovative projects to transition to green energy and achieve sustainable energy resources. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called upon the Chief Ministers, Governors and people of the northeast to spare no effort to make the region drug and addiction-free within the "shortest possible time." Addressing the 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala, he said the larger target is to make "entire India drug-free." "During the past few years, this region has emerged as a major corridor and consumption centre of highly addictive and contraband drugs. A lot of work has been done in the last six years, but our speed is not enough. I request the chief ministers, governors and people of the northeast to spare no effort to make the region drug-free. We must all try together to get rid of this sin; the entire Northeast has to be drug and addiction-free within the shortest possible time. The larger target is to make the entire India drug-free," Shah said He further asserted that the time has come that every citizen of the Northeast should also get the rights given in the Constitution. "We have been associated with terrorism and non-violence for years, so the goal of the police of all the states was to get rid of violence, that work is almost complete now. Now the time has come that every citizen of the Northeast should also get the rights given in the Constitution, the right to protect his property, the right to protect his honor and the right to protect his family, which are in these three new criminal laws. Now our focus should be on giving citizens their rights instead of confronting the extremists and the Home Ministry of all the states will have to focus on this. For this, the approach, training and focus of the police of every state of the Northeast needs to be changed. But the pre-condition for this is that the three new criminal laws should be fully implemented in the states of the Northeast," Shah said. He further said that the government has adopted a multi-pronged approach in the field of security. "We have made progress in the last 10 years by making a specific strategy for every state and the result is that the police, army, Assam Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force together have succeeded in creating a very good system here, due to which violent incidents have decreased by 31 per cent and civilian deaths have decreased by 86 per cent in the last 10 years. About 10,574 militants have surrendered and many agreements have been signed," said Shah, who chaired the 72nd Plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC). Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the commencement of the session via a post on X. The session is being held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala. "The 72nd Plenary of NEC chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, begins at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. In the presence of Union Minister for DoNER JM Scindia & Union MoS for DoNER Sukanta, Governors, HCMs and high officials, joined the important NEC Meet that aims to discuss various matters including growth and prosperity of the NE region," CM Saha's X post read. This is the second time when Agartala has hosted the plenary since 2008 underscoring the city's growth in the regional development discussions. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted the importance of 'Dharma' as duty, saying that it is written in Chanakya Sutra how only the nations which follow dharma (as duty) can live in peace and happiness. Clarifying that the Chanakya Sutra talks about dharma as a duty, he said, "Chanakya sutra says - only those states and nations can live in happiness and peace where people follow Dharma - which here means duty and not religion... He further says that of which nation, people can follow duty - the nations which are prosperous." Shah was addressing the North East Bankers Conclave 2.0 in Agartala, Tripura. State's Chief Minister Manik Saha also attended the event. "Till we do not fulfil the economic needs of the 140 crores of people, till then we cannot become a developed nation. A developed nation's imagination is that itself, that every person is successful in raising their families, each person to have basic needs met, contributes to the nation's development," Shah said in the Conclave. In a post on X, Shah also highlighted how a "robust ecosystem" for commerce and industries is being built in the north east, while highlighting a broadcast of his speech. Talking about the economic development in the north east region further, he said that India cannot become a 'Viksit bharat' till that is achieved for north east. "In north-east, when there is less economic connectivity, development is less, there is less peace among people then how can India become a Viksit rashtriya (developed nation)," he said. Talking about the plan for a 'Viksit Bharat 2047, he added how on the day India completes hundred years of Independence, it will become a developed nation. He added, "On August 15 2047, when India will celebrate hundred years of Independence, then India will be number one in all aspects and India will be a completely developed nation. To achieve that, everyone has to work towards the development of the nation, only then in 2047 can we become a 'Viksit Rashtriya.'" (ANI) Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain on Saturday, accused the BJP and RSS of undermining the freedom struggle and called for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah over Ambedkar's remark. "The BJP, RSS and their alliance want to discredit the freedom struggle at any cost because no one from their side was involved in that movement. They want to divert people's attention from this fact... Their MP says that Rahul Gandhi was standing in front of him and he pushed him from behind. How can Rahul Gandhi be in two places at once?... The fact is that our country's Home Minister insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha on December 17. He should apologize and resign," he said. Earlier on Saturday, the Congress party announced organising nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on BR Ambedkar. All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences on December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah's comments. The march will start with garlanding of a statue of Ambedkar and will continue till a memorandum is submitted to respect District Magistrates (DM). During the Parliament winter session, which concluded yesterday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a 'fashion' 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 had said. Congress further lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar. During the protests in Parliament, the BJP took out parallel protests to Congress, in turn accusing the BJP of insulting the legacy of India's first Law Minister. During the protests of both sides, a face-off occurred at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too. Meanwhile, on the atrocities of the Hindu genocide in Bangladesh, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain urged the Indian government to raise its voice and address it in International forums. "Whenever any minority group across the world faces discrimination, the Indian government should raise their voice and address it in International forums. Similarly, they should protect and empower minorities in India as well," he said. (ANI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Saturday visited the city's Rangpuri Pahari area and said that the Aam Aadmi Party government has not provided basic facilities in the area. "Today I visited Delhi's Rangpuri Pahari area and found that the basic facilities that should be provided by the government are not being provided. There are no roads, sewer lines are overflowing, and there is filth everywhere," Saxena told ANI. The LG said that he had instructed the officials to provide the people in the area with basic facilities as soon as possible. "People are not getting water, electricity is not coming even for 8 hours...I have instructed the officials to provide them with basic facilities as soon as possible... There is no drainage system in the area... On the one hand, it is being said that electricity is being provided 24 hours but then why is there a power cut? It is being said that free water is being provided but they are not getting water," he said. Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly Polls, Saxena has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP Chief and Former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in the excise policy case. On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate sought permission for sanction of prosecution against Arvind Kejriwal. This move comes after months of investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy, which has been at the centre of controversy and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The petition challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5, by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri. Recently Delhi High Court had issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party' leader Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia plea challenging the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against them in the alleged excise policy scam. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Saturday lauded the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence scheme calling it a matter of pride and joy. Talking to the reporters here, Atishi said that the scheme has been implemented with a dream to ensure that students from poor families get proper education. "It is a moment of pride and joy for us that the Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence scheme was implemented with a dream to ensure that students from poor families get proper education. Students of government schools are performing very well in the field of arts, I invite everyone to attend the 'Lehar Exhibition 2024'," she said. In a post on X, she also praised the arts work displayed in the Lehar Exhibition said that the students of SoSE have proven that their artistic talent knows no bounds. "From mesmerizing music and captivating dance to stunning paintings and thought-provoking installations, the works of art displayed at 'Lehar'--an art exhibition by the students of Delhi's Govt Schools of Specialised Excellence (SOSE) have proven that their artistic talent knows no bounds. 10 years ago when govt schools did not have desks, drinking water or clean toilets, who could imagined that we would have 'Performing and Visual Arts' Schools of Specialised Excellence that would be producing world class artistes! This is the visionary leadership that @ArvindKejriwal and @msisodia have brought to Delhi!" she posted on X. Notably, the Delhi government has established 31 Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSEs), of which 30 SoSE were renamed after Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Earlier in the day, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship for the higher education of Dalit students. Kejriwal stated that under this scholarship scheme, the Delhi government will cover the expenses of Dalit students after they gain admission to top universities across the world. Government employees from the Dalit community can also avail of this scholarship. Addressing a public event, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, "I want to ensure that no person from the Dalit community is deprived of higher education, for this, I am announcing the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship. Now any student from the Dalit community who wants to study in top universities across the world, the Delhi government will bear their expenses after the admission of the students...This scholarship will also be applicable to government employees from the Dalit community." He added that this scholarship is a response to BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar. "We are giving an answer to BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah who disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar by announcing the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship," he said. On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his address in the Rajya Sabha, reportedly said, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have gotten heaven for seven lives." On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs from the INDIA alliance led protests in the Parliament complex, demanding an apology and resignation of the Union Home Minister for his remarks on former law minister BR Ambedkar. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the proposed GST hike for the Kashmir Shawl was not taken up during the 55th meeting of the GST council. The 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Coming as a relief for the artisans of the J&K, Omar Abdullah told reporters here after the meeting, "Some things were agreed on, some things were deferred. There had been a lot of speculation that GST on shawls particularly Pashmina shawls will be hiked, so we had come prepared to ensure that wouldn't happen." The J&K CM underscored that any hike on the Kashmiri Shawl would badly hit the Pashmina Shawl industry. "Thankfully, it wasn't taken up and we will also ensure that in the future, something like this is not considered because it would be life-threatening to our Pashmina shawl industry...," CM Omar Abdullah said. Hours ago, Peoples Democratic Party supremo Mehbooba Mufti requested CM Omar Abdullah to clear his position on the proposed GST hike on Kashmiri Shawl. "... Today, when you increase GST by 28% in the capital of Kashmir, our art will automatically end... Efforts are being made to destroy it by doing development work on horticulture land and by imposing GST on shawls and handicrafts, efforts are being made to destroy this art. Both these things kept Jammu and Kashmir alive in difficult times." The PDP supremo expressed hope that the NC government will address the concerns of the artisans. "I request Omar Sahab what are you doing to save it? What are you doing on the matter of increasing GST by 28%?... I hope that Omar Sahab will pay attention to this and solve the problems of the people...", She said. (ANI) Amid the controversy over 'Ambedkar' remark, the Mahila Congress staged a protest march to Kerala Rajbhavan demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. President of Kerala Pradesh Mahila Congress and Party's MP Jebi Mather called Amit Shah's remark "derogatory" and demanded an apology over the same. "Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar is the father of a constitution, he is an emotion for Indians and we have the utmost regard for him but what country witnessed in Rajya Sabha, the remark made by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah is so derogatory to the level that our emotions and Indians' emotion are hurt and we demand that Amit Shah should resign immediately and also he should apologize to the nation..." said Jebi Mather. Meanwhile, the Congress party has announced nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar. All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences on December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah's comments. During the Parliament winter session, which concluded yesterday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a 'fashion' to take Ambedkar's name. Notably, Shah stated, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives." Congress lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar. During the protests in Parliament, the BJP took out parallel protests to Congress. A face-off occurred at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too. (ANI) Praising RSS chief for advising people against 'raking up new temple issues,' Ajmer Dargah's spiritual head Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan on Saturday said if people adopt what Mohan Bhagwat has said then the country will be united and developed. "RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement is correct... Even in 2022, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat gave a statement that we should not look for Shivling under every mosque... We should adopt what the RSS chief has said is commendable. If we adopt this we will be united in front of the world and our country will develop," the spiritual head of the Ajmer Dargah said. On December 20, the RSS chief urged for unity and harmony in the country, stressing that divisive issues should not be raised to create enmity, even as he highlighted the importance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a symbol of Hindu devotion. Recently, clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal resulted in four deaths in November and a Rajasthan court also accepted a petition submitted by the Hindu Sena claiming Ajmer Sharif Dargah to be Lord Shiva's temple. Both developments have sparked concerns about the potential for increased communal tensions and conflicts over religious sites. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav in Pune on Thursday, Bhagwat said, "Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram temple, and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus." However, he cautioned against creating divisions and said "But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country." Highlighting India's diverse culture, Bhagwat said, "We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country." Bhagwat also spoke about Hinduness as an eternal dharma, stating that the Acharyas of this eternal and Sanatan Dharma follow the "sewa dharma," or the dharma of humanity. Addressing the audience, he described Sewa as the essence of Sanatan Dharma, transcending religious and social boundaries. He urged people to embrace service not for recognition but for the pure desire to give back to society. The Hindu Sewa Mahotsav, organised by the Hindu Adhyatmik Sewa Sanstha, is being held at the Shikshan Prasarak Mandali's college ground in Pune and will continue until December 22. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath on Saturday highlighted how King George Medical University (KGMU) has contributed to India's medical fraternity, training hundreds of doctors in various fields, all the while bringing in various initiatives for trainee doctors. "Today you have a big army (of doctors). There are very few institutions in the country which have 250 seats for MBBS, 100 seats for BDS, 100 seats for BSc Nursing, 50 seats for MSc Nursing, 46 seats for MDS, and 355 seats for MD and MS...The campus of KGMU has all this," the UP CM said while addressing the 120th foundation day for KGMU in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He said that the government too has supported the university in various ways. "Today, KGMU is coming up with a lot of initiatives. The government never said no to any demand of the institution, infact, I always tell that the world and the country has to see this, and we need to look forward 50-100 years ahead and plan for development like that." CM Adityanath also mentioned how the college itself has around 550 doctors, more than 5000 students, and 60 departments too. He highlighted how KGMU has been an institution which has faced the COVID-19 pandemic head on, narrating a story of another hospital, where he claimed that it was not receiving any Covid-19 patients. "There was an institute in another place, where there was not one covid patient who was coming, when we started investigating what had happened, some of the doctors quarantined themselves. When a team was sent to their place, multiple tests came back negative, and then I made sure that they were not let out before the lockdown was lifted," he said during his address. Contrasting that with KGMU, he said that this institute was ready to face the pandemic from the start. "But KGMU is an institute which was ready to face this crisis (covid-19) readily. Many times I had gotten an opportunity to see the facilities and covid hospital of this institute too," he added. (ANI) According to a statement by the security force, the BSF intelligence wing conducted a search operation early morning today, leading to around 545 grams of heroin in Ferozpur. "Based on information of BSF intelligence wing, a search operation conducted by BSF troops culminated at about 08:35 am today, leading to the recovery of 01 packet of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 545 Grams) from a farming field adjacent to village- Jhangar Bhaini in district Ferozepur," BSF's statement said. Talking about another incident in Amritsar, the force said that 544 grams of heroin were intercepted in the afternoon from a farming village. "Acting on a tip off from the BSF intelligence wing, the vigilant BSF troops recovered 01 drone DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone alongwith 01 packet of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 544 Grams)," read the statement. "The consignment was wrapped with yellow adhesive tape along with 01 copper wire loop and 02 illuminating strips attached to the packet," BSF added. Earlier on December 89, BSF Punjab successfully neutralized an intruding drone and recovered a heroin packet on the Amritsar border. "A BSF intelligence-based search operation culminated at about 07:10 am with the recovery of one packet of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 580 grams) from a farming field adjacent to the village Ballaharwal of district Amritsar. The narcotics packet was wrapped in yellow colour adhesive tape with a nylon loop attached to it," read the BSF statement. In the earlier incident, it was also a DJI Mavic 3 drone, recovered early in the morning in a Daoke village in Amritsar district. "One DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone was recovered at about 08:50 am by the BSF troops, while acting on an intelligence tip, from a farming field adjacent to village- Daoke of district Amritsar. The drone is presumed to have been knocked down due to the timely activation of technical countermeasures deployed on the border," the statement read. (ANI) In accordance with President Ilham Aliyev's directive, a group of IDPs temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings in various parts of the republic has departed from the Garadagh district of Baku to the newly reconstructed city of Shusha, as part of the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories. Azernews reports that 49 families or 191 people have been relocated to Shusha during this phase. The residents of Shusha, returning to their homeland, expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state care they have received. They also extended their thanks to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, as well as the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated the lands from occupation, and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this cause. It should be noted that currently, nearly 30,000 people reside in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. This population includes not only the recently resettled former internally displaced persons but also those involved in implementing various projects in the region, as well as employees of local branches of different state institutions. Additionally, the region hosts individuals working in newly operational healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy enterprises. Congress workers on Saturday performed evening Aarti of the Constitution in honour of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar in Vikasnagar of Dehradun district. Former cabinet minister and chairman of the Congress Discipline Committee Navprabhat stated the intent of holding this programme is to create public awareness against attempts to change the constitution of the country. "Since 2014, attempts have been made to bring changes to the constitution. Now the situation has reached to a level where disrespectful language has been used against BR Ambedkar. We have organised this programme to create public awareness against such attempts. Today we take a pledge to protect the Constitution of India and the honour of its maker. BR Ambedkar gave us such a Constitution in which people of every class are considered equal today," said Navprabhat. Meanwhile, the Congress party has announced nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar. All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences on December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah's comments. During the Parliament winter session, which concluded on Friday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah's remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a 'fashion' to take Ambedkar's name. Notably, Shah stated, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives." The Congress lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar. During the protests in Parliament, the BJP took out parallel protests to Congress. A face-off occurred at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too. (ANI) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday accused the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the ruckus created in the Parliament and appealed to the opposition to behave 'democratically'. He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi instructed the Opposition leaders to act in a "particular manner" that led to the "ugly ruckus" in the House. In an interview with ANI, Rijiju said, "If you go through the entire proceedings of the winter session of the Parliament, the main problem lies with the Congress party. If you see the conduct of the Congress party, it is the Leader of the Opposition who has instructed his people to act in a particular manner which resulted in the ugly ruckus in the House." Rijiju urged the Congress Party to respect the democratic principles of the nation, emphasising that the Congress Party, being a family-run party, should not impose its "non-democratic" values on the country or other parties. "My only appeal to the Congress party is to be democratic, if Congress cannot be democratic because Congress is a family-run party, don't impose it on the nation, don't impose it on other parties because we are all democratic people. We belong to a Democratic party. We believe in democracy," he said. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister expressed his disappointment with the Congress party's behaviour during the recent session, stating that they should prevail upon Rahul Gandhi to be more responsible. "We want to run the House as per the rules and regulations as part of the conventions. But the way the Congress party started behaving during this session I was very perturbed. Good people in the Congress party should prevail upon Rahul Gandhi to be more responsible," Rijiju said. He further alleged that that the Treasury Bench was clear with the timing of every bill and business of the house, but the Congress party disrupted the session citing the US-registered case against industrialist Gautam Adani. "The issue is very clear. We appealed to all that the House should function well. We had already decided the time of every bill and business of the House, but suddenly the Congress came with placards and slogans written on the t-shirts over a case that was registered in the US," Rijiju said. The Union Minister further called for a collective effort to run the House, emphasizing that the government is open to discussions and has appealed to opposition parties to join in. "We are very open to all the discussions we have already asked and appealed to the opposition parties to join and run the house because it is the collective effort. The government puts up the bills and business and the timeline and everything to run the House. But the cooperation of the opposition parties is necessary. Congress parties should realize that the people of India have voted for the members to perform in the Parliament not to display their physical strength and cause injury to other MPs. Good sense should prevail to Congress party," he said. Rijiju also criticized the Congress party, particularly Rahul Gandhi, for "insulting" the Constitution, "damaging" BR Ambedkar's legacy, and causing injury to MPs. He expressed doubt about Rahul Gandhi's willingness to change his outlook, stating that he doesn't think that the LoP is capable of improvement. "I have asked apology from the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi for insulting the Constitution, for damaging the legacy of BR Ambedkar and for causing injury to the MPs for many things. But I don't think Rahul Gandhi is corrigible. He is not going to improve in his outlook in a positive manner," he said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, in connection to a scuffle that took place in Parliament. The tensions erupted when members of the opposition and the ruling parties held parallel protests. During the protests, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed, and two BJP members were injured during the incident. Multiple Congress leaders have condemned the FIR against Gandhi, calling it a diversionary tactic from Shah's comments. The winter session of the Parliament concluded on Friday. Both Houses were adjourned sine die after uproarious scenes. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday stated that Gujarat has moved forward with the commitment of a targeted approach to realize the determination made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India TB-free, adding that 3.21 lakh nutritional kits given by more than 10 thousand Nikshay Mitras in state. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched "100 Days of Intensive TB. Gujarat CM participated from Gandhinagar in the video conference organized for the comprehensive review of the work done in the states of the country under the Nirmulan Campaign. In this video conference, the Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of the states of the country joined and informed the Union Minister about the action being taken in their states. CM Patel said that under this campaign mapping of 33.92 lakh high-risk populations and screening of 4.42 lakh has been done besides more than 34 thousand X-ray examinations have also been done. The main objective of this campaign launched by the central government is TB rapid detection of new cases and treatment of all new cases is to bring about a significant reduction in mortality. Treating patients detected during screening, benefiting from Nikshay Nutrition Yojana and providing nutrition kits through adoption by Nikshay Mitra and TBIn this meeting, the Chief Minister also provided details about the preventive treatment etc. of the persons infected with the virus in the state. Chief Minister Patel also said that the government will ensure that not a single patient in the state is deprived of joining Nikshaya Mitra for this purpose by distributing Nikshaya nutrition kits to NGOs, reputed industries, social service leaders. He also said that as many as 2,706 nikshay camps have been organized in the state and 3 lakh 21 thousand nutrition kits have been given by a total of 10,132 nikshay Mitras. The Chief Ministers of states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Goa have declared TB in their states and the operations of the eradication campaign were detailed. Principal Secretary Health Dhananjay Dwivedi, Secretary to Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Commissioner for Health Harshad Patel and Mission Director of NHRM Remya Mohan also joined the Chief Minister in this review meeting from Gandhinagar. (ANI) AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday announced new office bearers of his party's Maharashtra unit. Syed Imtiaz Jaleel has been selected again as AIMIM's Maharashtra President. Farooq Shabdi will be the State working president of the party. Mohd Yusuf Punjani is the party's Maharashtra vice president. The general secretaries of the party in the state are Sameer Sajid and Ateek Ahmed Khan. Saif Pathan and Shafiullah Quaz are the new joint secretaries. "I am happy to announce the new office bearers of AIMIM Maharashtra unit. My best wishes to them all," Asaduddin Owaisi said in a post on X announcing the names. In the recently held Maharashtra Assembly election, the AIMIM contested 16 seats but won only one seat. Nearly half of its candidates lost deposits. The party's winning candidate's margin was just 162 votes. In five seats, the party's candidates were the runners-up. The BJP-led Mahayuti swept the election winning 230 of the 288 seats. By bagging 132 seats, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the state. Meanwhile, on December 12, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi termed the Supreme Court's order as a "correct" and "good decision" after the court restrained all courts in the country from passing any effective interim or final orders, including survey orders, in pending suits against existing religious structures. Speaking to ANI, Owaisi emphasised that the objective of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, was to prevent instability and riots in the country and ensure peace. "What we can see now, especially what happened in Sambhal, is that a case was filed in one day, and the order was granted within 1.5 hours. A survey was conducted, violence ensued, and five innocent Muslims were killed in police firing. Today, the Supreme Court has said no further surveys will be held until the hearing is complete. This is a correct and good decision," he said. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan also ordered that no fresh suits can be registered over such claims while the court is hearing pleas challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in the Gangadhara-Vicharon Ka Aviral Pravah program organized at Doon University, Dehradun and said that such events nourish our culture and traditions as well as bring positive change in the society. Wishing the organizers the best for the program, CM Dhami said, "Such events nourish our culture and traditions as well as bring positive change in the society. Just as the flow of Ganga is uninterrupted, the flow of our thoughts also remains dynamic. The flow of thoughts inspires us to move forward in life." He said that the exchange of ideas has always been a part of our tradition. In our ancient Gurukuls also, dialogue and discussion have been considered the basis of education. The Chief Minister said that in this program we will get the guidance of revered Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj on Indian culture. "During this two-day lecture series, topics like migration, education, culture, and environment along with the carrying capacity of the Himalayan regions will also be discussed. All the subjects are important for the welfare of our state as well as the entire Himalayan region" The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is working towards the preservation and promotion of rich cultural traditions. "The dream of self-reliant India is being realized through Local for Vocal, Make in India, Made in India and Startup India," he said. The Chief Minister said that the state government is working with full commitment to promote cultural traditions in the state and for overall development. "The state government is going to establish the Centre for Hindu Studies in Doon University. Where in-depth study and research work will be done on Hindu civilization, philosophy, history and principles. The all-round development of the state is being taken forward with the coordination of economy and ecology. Uttarakhand is the only state where an attempt has been made to measure GEP along with GDP," he added. CM Dhami said that Uttarakhand ranked first in the country in the list of Sustainable Development Goals released by NITI Aayog. "The state government is strengthening the local economy through many schemes like State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, New Tourism Policy, New Film Policy," he said. He also reiterated that the state government's Uniform Civil Code will be implemented from January 2025. "The Uttarakhand government was the first in the country to work on the Uniform Civil Code. This will be implemented by January 2025. Many provisions of the Uniform Civil Code are being simplified. An application is also being prepared to understand it," he said. The Chief Minister said that the state government has intensified action against encroachment. Strict conversion law, anti-riot law and anti-copying law have also been implemented. CM Dhami said that whatever action the government has taken is not against any particular religion or community but with the aim of maintaining the cultural unity and social harmony of the state. (ANI) Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday informed that 33 Naxals have been killed in the last year and said that the North Part of Gadchiroli district has become completely "Naxal-free". The CM was speaking in the state assembly on the last day of the Winter session. Fadnavis also said that as many as 55 Naxals have been arrested and 33 have surrendered in the same period. Speaking in the Maharashtra assembly earlier he said, "North Part of Gadchiroli district is completely Naxal-free. 33 Maoists have been killed, 55 Maoists have been arrested, 33 Maoists have surrendered, in the last year". He further said that the government will continue its fight against Naxalism and fixed a timeline of three years to crush the left-wing extremism. He added, "1500 youths of Gadchiroli have joined the police force, out of which 33 youths are Naxal victims, the main leader of Maoists Giridhar and his wife have surrendered, Giridhar had recruited the cadre of South Gadchiroli, the government's goal is to eliminate Naxalism in the coming 3 years..." Earlier in the month, CM Fadnavis said, "The threat of Naxalism is not limited to remote areas only. Many front organizations have been formed. They are trying to shake the faith in the Constitution through an ecosystem. Many of these organizations try to rescue the arrested Naxalites. They create a safe haunt for them," he said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reiterated his resolve to "completely eradicate" Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026. "In the last 10 years, we have fought Naxalism on multiple fronts. Today, there is a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian deaths in areas that have been Naxal strongholds since 1973. By March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country," Shah had said. (ANI) Around a year ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav announced to launch of 'Mai Behan Maan Yojana' promising to give Rs 2,500 per month in the accounts of women if his party forms the government in the state. The former Deputy Chief Minister said that in the 'caste-based survey' carried out by them, it was found that the income of 94 lakh families is less than Rs 6,000 He further said that they'll also increase the social security pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1500 and will give 200 units of free electricity after coming to power in the state. "We have done a caste-based survey, which revealed that the income of 94 lakh families is less than Rs 6,000. To financially strengthen women, we have decided to bring Mai Behan Maan Yojana. It will be implemented within a year of the formation of the government and we will deposit Rs 2500 in the accounts of women. We will also increase the social security pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1500," he said. Yadav further promised to create the Seemanchal Development Authority and Kosi Vikas Pradhikaran. "Bihar has the most expensive electricity. If our government is formed, we will give 200 units of free electricity... We will create Seemanchal Development Authority and Kosi Vikas Pradhikaran," he said. Earlier on Friday, Tejashwi Yadav demanded an apology from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of failing to address crucial issues in the state despite being in power for over 20 years. Yadav, in a post on X, questioned Kumar's leadership and alleged that despite his 'political tourism,' the Bihar CM had not been able to address the problems faced by the people of Bihar. "Before leaving for the Rs 2 billion, 25 crore, 78 lakh farewell journey, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should apologize to the people of Bihar. Despite going on political tourism through so-called journeys in the last 20 years, why has he not been able to understand the facts, truth, and evidence till now?" Yadav wrote in his post. He listed several critical issues that he believes Nitish Kumar should answer for. Yadav raised questions about Bihar's underdevelopment, asking why the state's per capita income remains the lowest in the country despite Kumar's leadership. He also pointed out that Bihar lags behind in key human development and sustainable development indicators, despite being under the same leadership for two decades. The RJD leader highlighted the condition of schools in Bihar, revealing that 36.7 per cent of schools lack toilets for girls, and many government schools operate without proper buildings. "Why, after twenty years, has the CM not realized that 36.7 per cent of schools in Bihar do not have toilets for girls? 5,681 government schools in Bihar do not have their own buildings and are being run by attaching them to adjacent schools, while 933 of them have land available. Among the schools that have their own buildings, why do 62 per cent of primary schools and 20 per cent of secondary schools not have boundary walls on their campuses?" Yadav asked. Yadav also slammed the state's healthcare system, questioning why the condition of district hospitals and medical colleges remains poor despite repeated visits by the Chief Minister. "Why didn't the CM know why the condition of district hospitals, medical colleges, and sub-divisional hospitals was so bad despite repeated visits? In just one month, we ensured the availability of doctors, health workers, equipment, and medicines along with revolutionary changes in all hospitals and health centres under Mission-60, Mission Parivartan, and Mission Buniyad. Why did health services and facilities deteriorate in the next year after we left? Will the Chief Minister try to improve it?" he wrote. Other issues raised by Yadav included the closure of sugar mills in the state, the lack of employment opportunities, and the rising migration of people in search of work. He also pointed out the state's ongoing struggles with floods and droughts. Yadav further accused Nitish Kumar of failing to fulfil promises made to the public and demanded that he apologize for his failure to address these pressing issues. "Shouldn't the Chief Minister apologize for his failure?" he asked. The assembly elections in Bihar are likely to be held in October-November 2025. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that seventeen bills have been approved and that direct money has been transferred into the accounts of 85 lakh farmers. Informing the reporters here after the end of the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session, CM Fadnavis said, "17 bills have been approved and the government will work for development. A decision has been taken to help orange farmers. It has been decided to help 55 thousand farmers having up to 3 hectares of land. Work is going on to rehabilitate 25 thousand slums in The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). " "Direct money has been transferred into the accounts of 85 lakh farmers (soybean and cotton farmers). The purchase has been started at 557 centres, and will continue till 12 January," Fadnavis added. Earlier, the Chief Minister also informed the assembly that the Northern part of Gadchiroli was now Naxal free. "North Part of Gadchiroli district is completely Naxal free. 33 Maoists have been killed, 55 Maoists have been arrested, 33 Maoists have surrendered, in the last year. 1500 youths of Gadchiroli have joined the police force, out of which 33 youths are Naxal victims, the main leader of Maoists Giridhar and his wife have surrendered, Giridhar had recruited the cadre of South Gadchiroli, the government's goal is to eliminate Naxalism in the coming 3 years," he said. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that 170 projects have been approved by the Maharashtra state government. He also took a dig at the Uddhav Thackery, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. "...The proposal to name the Pune airport, Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport has been sent to the centre... 170 projects have been approved by our Maharashtra government...," Shinde said. "Uddhav Thackeray is coming to the session only like a tourist," Shinde said. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and NCP also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Mahayuti alliance consisted of BJP, Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar faction). (ANI) Telanagana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday defended his government over the arrest of Cine Star Allu Arjun for the incident at the Sandhya Theatre. The Telangana goverrnment had been criticised by several people including Union Minister Ashwini Vasihnaw for the action. However, the Telangana CM said that there would be "no special privileges" for anyone, adding that protecting the lives of people is the "priority" of the state government. "Akbaruddin Owaisi submitted a request to the Chikkadpally police station on 2nd December to make arrangements for the cast and crew of Pushpa 2 coming to Sandhya theatre for the film's release on 4th December. On 3rd December, the Chikkadpally Circle inspector gave a written reply rejecting the request citing that since the theatre is in a crowded place and has only one exit and entry point, the police will not be able to control (any bad situation). The police refused the request due to concerns about managing the crowd. However, the police asked the theatre management to advise the actor against visiting the theatre. Yet, the hero came to watch the movie the next day and got out of the car roof, doing a roadshow at the RTC X road," Revanth Reddy said in the Telangana Assembly on Saturday. CM Reddy also criticised Allu Arjun for holding a roadshow and waving to the crowd despite the large gathering, which led to chaos. "The police saw their predicament and shifted them to a hospital where Revathi was declared dead on arrival. The boy was in a critical condition. It was heart-wrenching to see Revathi holding her son's hand tight even after her death. After the stampede, the ACP went to ask the hero to leave to gain control of the mob. At first, the actor refused saying that he would leave after finishing the movie. Then the DCP had to intervene, asking the hero to leave or he would be arrested as two people had already fallen outside... Even while leaving, he again came out of the roof and did a roadshow," he said. Telangana CM also criticsed the film personalities who had questioned the Government's intent when Allu Arjun was arrested. "I appeal to the top film personalities that they should not be inhuman. There would be no special privileges for anyone involved in incidents like the stampede death. The government would not spare those responsible for troubling the common people. Protecting the lives of the people is the highest priority of my government," the CM asserted. CM Reddy's remarks came after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised the issue in the Assembly. "I do not want to name that famous film star, but as per my knowledge, when that film star was told that there was a stampede outside the theatre, two children had fallen and a woman had died, then that star smiled and said that 'the film is going to be a hit now.' Despite this, he watched the entire film and was waving his hand towards the crowd while leaving. He is giving the message that the government is doing injustice... he did not even bother to go and inquire about their condition (the injured)," Akbaruddin Owaisi said. On December 16, Actor Allu Arjun was released on interim bail following his arrest in the Sandhya theatre incident. He expressed his concern about the health of the injured victim and wished him a speedy recovery. He said that he has been advised not to visit victim Sri Tej, due to the "ongoing legal proceedings" but added that his prayers remain with him. He also affirmed his commitment to help with his medical needs. The 'Pushpa' actor was granted bail by Telangana High Court after furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000. The incident occurred on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of his movie 'Pushap 2'. A woman named Revathi died and her son Sri Tej was injured. The incident leading to Allu Arjun's arrest. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Kishan on Saturday said that a nationwide protest called by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar is an attempt to revive the political fortunes of the party. "See, the 2027 assembly elections in Bihar are approaching. You can think how Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah ji is protecting the Constitution," the BJP MP told ANI, in response to a query. "It is just an attempt towards political survival," the BJP MP alleged."Amit Shah ji will never ever even in his dreams in any form disrespect the Babasaheb," he said. He said that Congress never gave Bharat Ratna to Babasaheb."Now, these people have an opportunity to twist and turn the remarks (of Amit Shah)." BSP Chief Mayawati on Saturday called for a nationwide protest on December 24. In a series of posts on X, Mayawati said that Shah's remarks broke the hearts of the people. "Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people," she said. "In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country," she added. Shah on Wednesday reportedly said in Rajya Sabha, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI) Restoring At-Risk Assyrian Cultural Heritage The dais uncovered by Penn Museum and Iraqi archaeologists at Nimrud, Iraq. ( Penn Museum) At the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq, a temple razed by fire around 612 BCE, has remarkably preserved shrines that were recovered by the Penn Museum and Iraqi archaeologists on a site excavation this year as part of the Penn Nimrud Project, one of several cultural heritage preservation and protection initiatives of Penn's Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program (IHSP). These recent discoveries enhance our understanding of one of the world's first empires while also highlighting archaeology's integral role in cultural heritage restoration. Penn Nimrud Project expands 19th-century excavations Known as Kalhu by Assyrians and Calah in the Bible, Nimrud's vast archaeological mounds first excavated in the 19th century, provide evidence confirming how ancient Mesopotamia contributed to human advancement. Assyria also represents a crucial part of Iraq's cultural identity, which the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) attempted to erase by destroying major Mesopotamian monuments between 2014 and 2017.Two of these sites at Nimrud were the Ninurta Temple and its Ziggurat (stepped temple tower) and the famed Northwest Palace built by King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BCE) who reigned over Nimrud, the newly appointed capital of the Neo-Assyrian state. Despite previous excavations led by the English archaeologist Sir Austen Henry Layard and then by British archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan, husband of renowned mystery author Agatha Christie, the temple remained poorly documented and predominantly unexplored until now. Penn IHSP safeguards at-risk cultural heritage sites in Iraq and Syria. By working collaboratively with government authorities, international experts, and local stakeholders, the Penn Nimrud Project, a part of IHSP, seeks to repair recent damage, reopen the site to tourism, and refine our understanding of Nimrud's temples and Assyrian religious practices. All artifacts recovered from excavations remain in Iraq. Findings at the temple In its third season, project excavations unearthed two new shrines within the sprawling Ninurta Temple. Inside the larger shrine, the team found a monumental stone dais (a low platform for the statue of a god or goddess worshipped in the temple (measuring about 12 ft. by 9.5 ft.) with a cuneiform inscription, presumably of King Ashurnasirpal II. The smaller shrine contained a dais severely damaged in antiquity. These artifacts provide valuable clues regarding Assyrian religious practices and the deities worshipped there for centuries. The most intriguing find for archaeologists at Nimrud (2024) was a kudurru, a cuneiform-inscribed stone monument. It documents a royal decree granting the governorship of an area near the Euphrates River at the Syria-Iraq border. ( Penn Museum) Other noteworthy finds in the shrines were possible parts of statues of unknown deities, which would have once stood on the daises. Yet only fragments of these types of statues and their accouterments were found after invaders from Babylonia (southern and central Iraq) and Media (ancient western Iran) pillaged and burned the temple around 614-12 BCE, overthrowing the Assyrian Empire. Through careful examination, excavators hope to develop a detailed picture of the religious practices surrounding the state god Ninurta, the war god of the mighty Assyrians, and closely associated deities as the kingdom emerged as one of the world's first empires. Despite the looting and destruction of the temple in antiquity, the discoveries reveal Ninurta's central role in the state religion and the incredible wealth held by the temple. "The burning and sudden collapse of the Ninurta Temple left it in a remarkable state of preservation. The team located preserved cedar wood brought to Nimrud from the Lebanon Mountains for the temple's construction--exactly as it was recorded in the inscriptions by King Ashurnasirpal II, in which he describes building the temple precinct," says Dr. Michael Danti, Program Director of the IHSP. "The condition and distribution of artifacts strongly suggest that the shrines and associated treasures were looted and intentionally damagedby the Babylonians and Medes before being set ablaze." According to Dr. Danti, the most intriguing find was a kudurru, a cuneiform-inscribed stone monument in the temple, which dates to 797 BCE and features symbols of important deities. It documents a royal decree granting the governorship of Hindanu, an area located on the Euphrates River at the Syria-Iraq border. "The Assyrian king Adad-Nerari III (811-783 BCE) assigned this strategic region to a governor named Nergal-Eresh of Rasappa (located west of the Tigris and northwest from Nimrud in the Khabur River region)," Dr. Danti explains. "It strongly emphasizes that no one may refute Nergal-Eresh's claim to his new territory. It closes with a long list of curses for anyone who breaks the agreement, damages the stela, or removes it from the temple." Researchers also found well-preserved clay tablets with cuneiform inscriptions written in Assyrian (a dialect of Akkadian) that revealdetails about the temple's economic activities, such as silver loans and lists of assets, along with a note written in Aramaic--a language and script widely used during the later Assyrian Empire. Other objects recovered during the excavations include a stone bowl set into the brick floor of the shrine, likely used for pouring libations during religious ceremonies, the sculpted head of a griffon, fragments of glazed potteryand stone tablets,carved ivories, and jewelry. The wide range of object types, materials, and artistic styles reflect the burgeoning wealth of the Assyrian Empire and its vast military conquests and trade connections. Preserving Assyria exhibition at the Penn Museum Another site included in the Penn Nimrud Project is the Assyrian capital of Nineveh in the modern city of East Mosul, where the IHSP is helping to repair damage from terrorist attacks to the ancient fortifications of the Assyrian city. In support of the reconstruction effort, excavations at the Mashki Gate revealed detailed reliefs depicting military campaigns of King Sennacherib (705-681 BCE), which were 3D scanned by IHSP. Portions of their replicas will be the focus of an upcoming exhibition at the Penn Museum, Preserving Assyria, opening February 8, 2025. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday criticized the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu over the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) issue. He asked what steps the DMK had taken to ban NEET in the state? Palaniswami accused DMK MPs of remaining silent on the issue in Parliament. "DMK said that the NEET ban will be implemented in Tamil Nadu. What steps DMK has taken so far on the issue? Why DMK MPs are sitting silent at the Parliament," Palaniswami said in a press conference here. In June, this year, the State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the NEET, urging the Centre to scrap NEET and allow state governments to undertake medical admissions based on class 12 marks, as was done before NEET's implementation. Barring BJP, the major political parties in the state are against NEET. Palaniswami also slammed the DMK over the tungsten mining issue. He said that no DMK MP has raised their voice in the Parliament against tungsten mining in the state. "Not even a single DMK MP has raised their voice against the tungsten mining at the Parliament. The central government has said that only after the State government's approval, the mining will be done. I have asked many times about the tungsten mining issue at the TN Assembly but the DMK government failed to take steps on it," he said. Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Centre's decision to grant tungsten mining rights in the Madurai district of the State. The Ministry of Mines recently announced it had granted tungsten mining rights to Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, through an auction on November 7. Chief Minister MK Stalin had said that as long as he is the Chief Minister of the state he will not allow tungsten mining at Melur in Madurai district. "The DMK government will not allow tungsten mining in Madurai. I clearly say that as long as I am the Chief Minister, Tungsten Mineral Mine in Nayakkarpatti Village, Melur Taluk, Madurai District will not be allowed," Stalin said. (ANI) Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar to 101 Railway officials and 22 Shields to best-performing zones in different categories at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on Saturday. Addressing the gathering after conferring the awards and shields, the Union Minister congratulated all the awardees for their exceptional work and effort. He highlighted the transformative progress achieved in Indian Railways over the past decade. Vaishnaw emphasized the rapid construction pace, completing projects like the Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail link and pending North-East connectivity initiatives. "Electrification efforts have surged, with a goal of 100 per cent electrification by 2025, while projects such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and the freight corridors have gained momentum. The Kavach safety system has been implemented on a massive scale. Vaishnaw underlined the remarkable progress in station redevelopment, substantial reduction in consequential accidents (from 345 to 90), and an efficient recruitment process, free of complaints, filling 1.5 lakh positions. "Cleanliness initiatives have drawn praises, including commendation from opposition leaders, and a new Super App is set to revolutionize passenger experience soon," he added. Vaishnaw exhorted the need for tripling efforts in safety, maintenance, quality, and training, to modernize infrastructure and provide a world-class experience to commuters. He announced a significant focus on maintenance innovation, including industry collaborations, enhanced inspection systems, and improved training for officers and technicians, incorporating feedback from grassroots levels. "Safety remains a top priority, with initiatives such as zero derailment zones being incentivized with shields and financial rewards," he said. He emphasized the integration of modern technology, policy reforms, and structural changes to ensure sustainable progress. Reflecting on the ethos of "Rashtra Pratham, Sadaiv Pratham," the Minister called for unparalleled teamwork and relentless efforts to uphold the Railways as a symbol of excellence, serving every citizen, especially the underprivileged, with efficiency and care. He also announced financial rewards along with shields for bringing excellence in the work culture of Railways through excellent SMQT (Safest, Maintenance, Quality and Training) practices from next year. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board (CRB) Satish Kumar, Members of the Railway Board, and General Managers of various Railway Zones and Production Units. In his welcome address, CRB Satish Kumar emphasized the commitment of Indian Railways to provide affordable rail services along with world-class travel experience to Rail commuters in India. Addressing the gathering in Hindi in Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, CRB said that excellence in principles of Speed, Comfort and Safety is our top priority. He added the Railways are incorporating state-of-the-art technology to enhance passenger experience. Highlighting the importance of safety he praised Railways officials for cultivating a culture of vigilance. "Projects like Amrit Bharat Station are transforming stations with world-class facilities, including lifts, escalators, and Divyangjan-friendly infrastructure," Kumar said. Kumar acknowledged the unmatched teamwork within the Railways, calling it the heart of its operations, and underlined the role of true leadership in executing large-scale projects. "Encouraging everyone to work together, he reaffirmed the Railways' mission of modernization and safety to meet contemporary demands while setting future benchmarks," he said. Indian Railways confers ATI VISHISHT RAIL PURASKAR to its employees every year. These awards are given into two categories, the individual awards, as well as Shields presented to the best-performing Railway Zones. Individual awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions of Railway personnel towards making the Indian Railways a more efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly organization. Shield awards in various categories are presented recognizing their outstanding achievements and contributions to the overall performance of the Indian Railways. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed the Yuva Udyami Manch Summit 2024 on Saturday, and highlighted his government's achievements in promoting investment in the state. "Ever since our government was formed, we have made efforts to encourage investments by making sure that our investor summits are available even at the smallest level... In metros, we organised roadshows to promote the businesses of Madhya Pradesh," he said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister also performed the bhoomi pujan of an IT Park worth Rs46 crores in Ujjain, underlining the state government's commitment to fostering industrial and technological growth. https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1870482108076245337 Sharing the development on social media X (formerly known as X), the Chief Minister said, "Our endeavour is to pave the way for industrial development by creating favourable conditions for investment in Madhya Pradesh, along with promoting technology and innovation through entrepreneurship, thereby increasing employment opportunities in the field of technology." Earlier on Friday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the Nivesh Mantrana program organized by mutual fund distributors in Indore. He emphasized the importance of utilizing wealth wisely in light of future challenges and stressed the need to promote the mutual funds industry. "I am happy to attend the Nivesh Mantrana program here today. As the country progresses economically, there is a growing need to promote industries like mutual funds. "Given the challenges ahead, we must use our wealth wisely, both for personal growth and for the betterment of the country and the state," CM Yadav told reporters earlier. He also highlighted the remarkable growth of the mutual fund industry, noting that investments in mutual funds have increased from Rs 10 lakh crore in the past to Rs 68 lakh crore during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) On the occasion of International Pheran Day, the Indian army distributed traditional Pherans to underprivileged families in far-flung villages of the Kashmir Valley, a press release said. In a heartwarming initiative to provide relief to the impoverished and needy populace during the coldest period of winters, the iconic Pherans, a symbol of Kashmiri identity and resilience, brought much-needed warmth and comfort as Chillai Kalan set in, with sub-zero temperatures recorded in the valley. The initiative came in the wake of International Pheran Day on Saturday, a day that highlights the cultural and emotional significance of this timeless attire. The Pheran, deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture, has become a unifying symbol during Chillai Kalan, embodying warmth, resilience, and tradition. Since 2021, International Pheran Day is celebrated across Kashmir, with locals and tourists gathering at Srinagar's historic Ghanta Ghar and SKICC to showcase the traditional attire. The event has featured fashion shows, including one at SKICC with eminent personalities and specially-abled persons, aiming to promote Kashmir's cultural heritage. The distribution drive also saw the participation of local volunteers who helped identify families in need, ensuring that the Pherans reached the most deserving persons. The smiles on the faces of elders and children alike captured the spirit of giving that defined this initiative. The effort has been widely appreciated by locals, with many acknowledging the Army's role in promoting care and compassion alongside security and stability in the region. The distribution drive stands as a testament to the Army's commitment to this noble cause and to supporting the welfare of communities during the most challenging time of the year. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended a key meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior ministers regarding the centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belagavi convention. After a meeting, DK Shivkumar said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) would discuss the right direction for the nation. "The Congress Working Committee will decide on the approach the party will take to guide the country in the right direction," the Deputy CM told reporters. Congress Leader DK Shivakumar announced the CWC Meeting on December 26. The meeting, scheduled for 3 pm, will be attended by CWC members, PCC Presidents, AICC General Secretaries, office bearers, and 150 MPs. "The CWC meeting will take place at 3 pm on December 26. All members of the CWC, Presidents of all PCCs, AICC General Secretaries and office bearers, and 150 MPs will take part in the meeting," he said. DK Shivakumar further said that invitations will be extended across party lines for the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Suvarna Soudha on the centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belagavi convention on December 26 and 27, which will be performed by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. "The CM today held a meeting to take stock of the preparations for the centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belagavi convention on December 26 and 27. We will extend invitations cutting across party lines for the unveiling of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Suvarna Soudha. Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will unveil the statue. The public is not allowed for this event given security restrictions," he said. He added, "There will be a mega public rally under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge on the morning of December 27. Many national leaders will speak on the occasion. Party workers from across the state will participate in the public meeting." Earlier in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister attended the 11th-day ceremonies of the late S M Krishna Punya Thithi at Maddurm, stating, "Many people from Bengaluru, Mandya and Mysuru attended the ceremony. I would like to thank everyone who helped in conducting the final rites with full state honours." (ANI) Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday demanded a reversal of purported changes in Conduct of Election rules by the BJP-led government and said it shows "they have a lot to hide, and want to keep the public in the dark about how the electoral process is functioning". In a post on X, Venugopal also slammed Election Commission, saying it has chosen "opacity and a pro-government attitude" in its dealings and accused it of "disdain towards the Opposition". He said there is widespread suspicion and concern today about the integrity of the entire electoral process. "Sunlight is the best disinfectant. If something is kept in the dark, it's decaying slowly but surely. There is widespread suspicion and concern today about the integrity of the entire electoral process today. From strategically planned voter deletions to the lack of transparency in the EVMs - the public is concerned about whether their vote is secure," he said. "More broadly, the Election Commission of India has chosen opacity and a pro-government attitude in its dealings thus far. Their lack of integrity points to a disdain towards the Opposition and its demands," he added. He said Congress will also explore legal options to challenge the amendment. "Such a proclamation by the Centre where the government will have the power to "prescribe as per rules" what election-related details are permitted or prohibited shows they have a lot to hide and want to keep the public in the dark about how the electoral process is functioning. We demand a reversal of this notification and will also explore legal aspects to challenge this amendment," he said. According to the reports in a section of the media, the government has made changes to restrict the type of poll-related "papers" open to public inspection. (ANI) At least two people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening, CNN reported. The attack occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to local public broadcaster MDR, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the two victims included an adult and a toddler. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the heart of the popular holiday market, left 68 people injured. Of these, 15 sustained serious injuries, with 37 others moderately injured and 16 suffering from minor injuries. Emergency response teams, including around 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene to assist the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals. Local authorities have been working swiftly to manage the crisis and prevent further harm. In the aftermath of the suspected attack, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her shock and sorrow over the devastating event, reported CNN. "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families," Faeser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. https://x.com/NancyFaeser/status/1870202235948237258 She also assured the public that security authorities were investigating the incident to clarify the details surrounding the attack. According to German Prime Minister Haseloff, the suspected driver of the car involved in the attack has been apprehended. Haseloff stated that preliminary information suggests the driver acted alone, and authorities were in the process of compiling further data and conducting an interrogation. "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him," Haseloff said in a televised statement on Friday night. Security forces have been working tirelessly to investigate the motive behind the attack, with authorities stressing that there is no indication of further threats. The local community has been left shaken by the tragic loss of life and the chaos that unfolded in the festive environment of the Christmas market, CNN reported. As police continue their investigation, both local officials and citizens are grieving the loss of life and supporting the injured in this difficult time. (ANI) Prime Minister's aide on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has indicated potential progress in initiating talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after founder, Imran Khan, threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement if his demands are not met by Sunday. Sanaullah reiterated that political issues should be resolved through dialogue, Geo TV reported. "[National Assembly] speaker has contacted the prime minister [...] I think there will be progress in this regard in a day or two," Sanaullah said on Geo News' Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath. His comments come as the government and PTI face growing pressure to engage in negotiations amidst the volatile political climate. Imran Khan, in a post on X, called for a judicial probe into the May 9 events and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters, as well as the release of under-trial political prisoners. "These are both legitimate demands, and if the government does not implement them by Sunday, the first phase of the civil disobedience movement, 'boycott of remittances,' will be launched," he warned. Amid these developments, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram denied claims that the party had surrendered and emphasised that initiating negotiations was the government's responsibility. "It is their [the government's] job to begin the negotiations, we will not make the first move," Akram clarified on Naya Pakistan. He also noted that while there had been engagements between PTI and government representatives, these interactions should not be labelled as negotiations. The ambiguity surrounding a potential dialogue was further highlighted by PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser, who dismissed reports of any formal negotiations following his recent meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. "No discussion regarding negotiations took place with the [NA] speaker," Qaiser stated, adding that his visit to Sadiq's residence was purely for condolences, reported Geo TV. Sanaullah acknowledged the presence of the PTI negotiation committee and confirmed their contact with Speaker Sadiq. However, he emphasised, "Every issue can be discussed, but no guarantee can be given about which demand will be accepted and which will not. If they force us to accept these demands, then what is the need for talks?" The looming Al-Qadir Trust case verdict, scheduled for December 23, raised concerns about its potential impact on the negotiation process. Sanaullah expressed scepticism, stating, "I do not think the decision would impact the negotiation process," adding that the case is being handled by a trial court. Imran Khan defended his offer for dialogue, asserting that it was made "in the broader national interest" and not from a position of weakness. "If the government shows no interest, we will not force negotiations upon them. Our offer should never be seen as a sign of our weakness," he wrote, adding that the government must address PTI's demands or convince the party of their unconstitutionality, Geo TV reported. As the Sunday deadline approaches, the situation remains tense, with PTI standing firm on its conditions and the government hinting at a possible breakthrough. Whether the dialogue can avert the threatened civil disobedience movement remains uncertain. (ANI) Gaza [Palestine], December 21 (ANI/WAM): Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), described Sweden's decision to stop funding the agency in 2025 as disappointing, stating that it comes at the worst time for Palestinian refugees. In a press statement, Lazzarini said the decision was made just one day after the members of the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution supporting UNRWA. He added that Sweden had been a long-term and reliable partner to UNRWA, providing both political and financial support for decades, and that this is a sad day for Palestinian refugees and the multilateral system that Sweden has been a leader in. Lazzarini warned that the cessation of funding to UNRWA would undermine decades of Sweden's investment in human development, including depriving hundreds of thousands of girls and boys in the region of their right to education. He clarified that the decision would exacerbate the suffering of Gaza's residents, who have endured hardship for the past fourteen months, expressing hope that the Swedish government would reconsider its decision and continue its long-standing solidarity by investing in political solutions and human development for Palestinian refugees through UNRWA. (ANI/WAM) Gaza [Palestine], December 21 (ANI/WAM): Louise Wateridge, Emergency Officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza, stated on Friday that more than two million people remain trapped in dire conditions in Gaza, deprived of their basic needs. Wateridge emphasised that residents are unable to flee, describing the situation as one where every possible route leads to death. UNRWA reported that worsening weather conditions in recent days are expected to continue. Despite this, the agency has been forced to prioritise food over shelter assistance. Supplies intended for Gaza have been held outside the region for six months, leaving UNRWA to make difficult choices between feeding people or providing them with shelter. Meanwhile, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) expressed deep concern over the ongoing impact of the crisis on children in Gaza. Rosalia Bolin, UNICEF's Chief Communications Officer in Gaza, stated that the war on children serves as a stark reminder of the global responsibility to end their suffering. Bolin highlighted that a generation of children is bearing the brunt of severe violations of their rights and the destruction of their future. Bolin described Gaza as one of the most heart-wrenching places for humanitarian workers, where every effort to save a child's life is overshadowed by relentless devastation. For over 14 months, children have lived on the brink of disaster, with reports of over 14,500 children killed and thousands more injured. UNICEF also warned of the worsening situation as winter sets in. Children in Gaza are enduring cold and damp conditions, many still dressed in summer clothes and walking barefoot. Bolin added that children are scavenging through rubble for plastic to burn for warmth, while diseases are spreading across the region due to the lack of healthcare services and ongoing attacks on hospitals. (ANI/WAM) You are here: Business A vendor arranges seafood at the Fushansuo Market in Shinan district of Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, Aug. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft of the country's first basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector. The law will be conducive to creating a law-based environment that is favorable to the growth of all economic sectors, including the private sector, said He Rong, minister of justice, while explaining the draft on Saturday during the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature. The draft private sector promotion law covers areas such as fair competition, investment and financing environments, scientific and technological innovation, regulatory guidance, service support, rights and interests protection and legal liabilities. Lawmakers agreed that 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. The draft has incorporated suggestions solicited from representatives of the private sector, experts, scholars and the general public, He said. US diplomat Barbara Leaf revealed that the United States has announced the withdrawal of a USD 10 million reward for the capture of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new leader and head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Al Jazeera reported. The decision came after discussions in Damascus, marking the first visit by US officials to Syria since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted earlier this month. Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, revealed the development following a meeting with al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, and other officials in Syria's transitional administration. Leaf stated that the US received "positive messages" during the talks, including assurances that HTS would prevent any "terrorist" threats. "Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years," Leaf said. The discussions in Damascus highlight a significant shift in US diplomatic efforts toward Syria. HTS, which led the offensive that removed Assad from power, was designated a "terrorist" organisation by the US in 2018 due to its ties with al-Qaeda. However, Leaf emphasised the importance of inclusion during Syria's transitional period, saying, "We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria's diverse ethnic and religious communities." While the US has not lifted HTS's designation as a terrorist group, the talks suggest a cautious approach to fostering stability in the region. The designation imposes sanctions but does not restrict US officials from engaging in dialogue, reported Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan highlighted that the decision to drop the reward is not a direct exchange but aims to facilitate discussions that could lead to a "productive, safe, and secure Syria." Efforts to resolve cases of missing Americans were also a focus of the talks. Journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared near Damascus in 2012, remains a central concern for US officials. HTS has reportedly expressed willingness to assist in locating Tice, reaffirming their commitment during the dialogue. "Again, not a quid pro quo, but a chance for the Americans and the Syrians to really talk about how they can work together in the weeks and months ahead," Jordan added. Simultaneously, the US military continues its operations in Syria, targeting remnants of ISIL (ISIS). On Friday, the US conducted an airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, killing an ISIL leader, Abu Yusif, also known as Mahmud. The strike occurred in a region previously under Syrian government and Russian control. "As stated before, the United States -- working with allies and partners in the region -- will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute," said CENTCOM commander Erik Kurilla. Despite the changing political dynamics, the US has maintained approximately 2,000 troops in Syria. The Pentagon has indicated no immediate plans to withdraw forces, citing ISIL's continued presence as a significant threat. Kurilla stressed the urgency of preventing ISIS from regrouping and attempting to free over 8,000 operatives detained in Syrian facilities. The developments reflect a complex interplay of military operations and diplomatic efforts, as the US navigates its role in Syria's post-Assad landscape, Al Jazeera reported. Leaf's visit marks a potential turning point in US-Syrian relations, balancing counterterrorism objectives with fostering a stable political transition. (ANI) Police in Bangladesh arrested one person for vandalizing Hindu idols in the Shakuair area on Saturday morning, officials said. "We have arrested one person early today for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area," said Abul Khair, Officer in Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station under northern Mymensigh district. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Khair informed that the accused is a 37-year-old male, named Azharul. He will be produced in court today. "The arrested person's name is Azharul (37). We will produce him to the court today," he told ANI. According to the police, the miscreants vandalised the heads of two idols of an under-construction temple in the Shakuair area. "Miscreants on Thursday night broke the heads of two idols under construction at a temple in the Shakuair area," OC said, without elaborating. Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, relating to violence in Bangladesh, informed that the 2, 200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh till October of this year. "2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases in Pakistan were reported till October 2024," he replied. He added that the Government of India has taken "serious" note of these incidents and expressed its concern to the Bangladesh government. "Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities," he stated. Notably, Bangladesh is currently facing a tumultuous period following a student-led movement that led to the ousting of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement was sparked by a series of violent incidents, including attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the demolition of Hindu temples. The situation in Bangladesh began to escalate in June 2024, when students from various universities in Dhaka united to demand reforms to the country's quota system for government jobs led to the ouster of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Following this, Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a former priest of ISKCON, was arrested by police from Dhaka Airport on November 25 on a charge of sedition in Bangladesh, sparking protests worldwide. Bangladesh also reported several attacks on Hindus and other minorities after Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government. (ANI) Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, informed that 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities were reported in Bangladesh till December 8 of this year. MoS Vardhan Singh said that the government has taken "serious" note of these incidents and shared its concern with the Bangladesh government. Singh also informed that 112 cases of violence against minorities were reported in Pakistan. "2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases were reported till October 2024. Zero cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh," Singh answered. Singh highlighted India's expectation from the Bangladesh government to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of minorities. He added that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continue to monitor the situation in the neighbouring country. "India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same has also been reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely," he said. Notably, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain in Dhaka on December 9 where he raised the issue of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladesh leaders and officials and reiterated India's views on the attacks. "We had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties," he said. Earlier in the day, Police in Bangladesh arrested one person for vandalizing Hindu idols in the Shakuair area on Saturday morning, officials said. "We have arrested one person early today for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area," said Abul Khair, Officer in Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station under northern Mymensigh district. Notably, Bangladesh is currently facing a tumultuous period following a student-led movement that led to the ousting of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement was sparked by a series of violent incidents, including attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the demolition of Hindu temples. The situation in Bangladesh began to escalate in June 2024, when students from various universities in Dhaka united to demand reforms to the country's quota system for government jobs led to the ouster of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Following this, Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a former priest of ISKCON, was arrested by police from Dhaka Airport on November 25 on a charge of sedition in Bangladesh, sparking protests worldwide. (ANI) An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has rejected the acquittal pleas of several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including party founder Imran Khan and senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in connection with the May 9, 2023, GHQ attack case, The Express Tribune reported. The court also rejected the acquittal requests of PTI leaders Shibli Faraz, Kanwal Shauzab, Shahryar Afridi, Umar Tanvir Butt, and Fawad Chaudhry. Lawyers Faisal Chaudhry and Faisal Malik represented the PTI leaders, while Special Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued against the acquittal petitions. The court stated that the pleas were rendered "infructuous" after the accused were indicted in the case. Additionally, the court dismissed requests from four of the accused to travel abroad due to incomplete documentation, according to The Express Tribune report. Further, the report stated that on December 20, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah indicted Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with 12 others, bringing the total number of indicted suspects in the case to 113. The court has summoned six other accused individuals for trial on Saturday. Meanwhile, on May 9 of last year, Khan, who served as Pakistan's PM from 2018 to 2022, was arrested on the premises of the Islamabad High Court, where he had appeared for a hearing in a corruption case. Protests erupted across the country following Imran Khan's arrest, as his supporters and party workers took to the streets to demand his release. PTI protesters attacked and vandalized several civil and military installations, including the Jinnah House in Lahore, the Mianwali airbase, and the GHQ of the army in Rawalpindi, among others. The protests led to numerous cases being registered against PTI leaders and members, with several facing trials under the Army Act. (ANI) Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasised the necessity of meditation during his address at the inaugural session of the first-ever World Meditation Day at United Nations headquarters in New York. Gurudev Ravi Shankar called meditation "mental hygiene" and reflected on its importance in today's time when "mental health took a big toll" on the population. "Today, meditation is not a luxury as it was thought, but it is a necessity. I would call it mental hygiene. Like you have dental hygiene, we have mental hygiene wherein meditation can help us to be more centred and away from aggression and depression. The mental health crisis has taken a big toll on our population. On one side, our young population is undergoing such aggressive behaviour. On the other side, there is depression," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said. Ravi Shankar added that meditation brings us sensitivity and sensibility, "two important factors of any civilized society." He advised people to be more sensitive towards themselves, towards fellow beings and also for the environment. "We need to be sensitive towards ourselves, towards fellow beings and also for the environment. Meditation makes us more conscious about our environment, and conscious about the feelings of people around us. It helps us to stay away from those antisocial activities which would harm oneself and others," he said. Gurudev Ravi Shankar also gave a special meditation session during the event to more than 600 enthusiastic participants. The event was attended by the President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang, Under Secretary General Atul Khare and several other dignitaries. Notably, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution, declaring 21st December as WorldMeditation Day on December 6. India was instrumental in the unanimous adoption of the said resolution. Adoption of the resolution at such a time highlights the importance of promoting calm, peace, and overall human well-being when the world is facing conflicts and suffering. It also marks a significant milestone in global recognition of meditation's transformative potential, an official release stated. 21 December marks the Winter Solstice, and in the Indian tradition, Uttarayana begins with the Winter Solstice and is considered an auspicious time of the year, especially for meditation and inner reflection. It also falls exactly six months after the International Day of Yoga on 21 June, which is the summer solstice, the release added. (ANI) World leaders have expressed shock over the car attack in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. At least two people were killed and dozens injured in the attack at a Christmas market, CNN reported. The incident occurred when a car deliberately rammed into a crowd of people at the market, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. According to local public broadcaster MDR, Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the victims included an adult and a toddler. Haseloff also stated that the suspect, a Saudi national who has been residing in Germany since 2006 and worked as a doctor, was responsible for the attack, DW reported. The incident left 68 people injured, including 15 with serious injuries, 37 with moderate injuries, and 16 with minor injuries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed horror over the incident, offering support to Germany. In a post on X, he said, "I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1870242769660232131 French President Emmanuel Macron also conveyed his solidarity with Germany. Macron on X wrote, "Deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity." https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1870216218923168028 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, stating, "I am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. I stand with the entire government, the families of the victims, the injured and all the German people. Violence must have no place in our democracies." https://x.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1870221824597856742 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Taking to X, Leyen stated,"My thoughts today are with the victims of the brutal and cowardly act in Magdeburg. My condolences go out to the family and friends, my thanks to the police and rescue workers. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1870222309153234972 NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte offered condolences to Germany after the car attack in Christmas attack in Magdeburg. In a post on X, Rutte stated, "Horrific scenes from a Christmas market in #Magdeburg. I have reached out to @Bundeskanzler to offer my condolences. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. #NATO stands with #Germany." https://x.com/SecGenNATO/status/1870224860619948106 Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue a statement to condemn the car attack incident in Germany's Magdeburg. It offered condolences to the families of victims and expressed support for people of Germany. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the run-over incident that occurred in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people, expressing its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims," Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X. https://x.com/KSAMOFA/status/1870248905079734322 US has also issued a statement on the car attack in Magdeburg. In a statement posted on X, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "We are horrified by the attack today in Magdeburg, Germany. We send our condolences to those affected and stand by our friend and Ally Germany." https://x.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1870300399556596207 In the aftermath of the car attack attack, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed her shock and sorrow over the devastating event. "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families," Faeser wrote on X. Faeser also assured the public that security authorities were investigating the incident to determine the motive and circumstances. According to German Prime Minister Haseloff, the suspected driver of the car involved in the attack has been apprehended. Haseloff stated that preliminary information suggests the driver acted alone, and authorities were in the process of compiling further data and conducting an interrogation. "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him," Haseloff said in a televised statement on Friday night. Security forces are continuing their investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack, with authorities stressing that there is no indication of further threats, CNN reported. (ANI) The recently concluded COP 29 summit held in Azerbaijan in November, failed to address urgent climate crisis in the "Third Pole", Himalayan region including Tibetan Plateau, due to the acute marginalization of Tibetan representation because of China's influence, according to an opinion piece in The Diplomat. The opinion piece by Varuna Shankar and Jagannath Panda in The Diplomat raised questions over lack of core Himalayan issues in the UNFCC agenda and acute marginalization of Tibetan representation in multilateral climate forums, attributing the reason to China growing influence. The piece in 'The Diplomat' accused China of using its control over Tibet's water resources to slowly develop into a water hegemon. China has also built major dams on Tibet's major rivers to block access to water to downstream countries, impacting Tibet's people and environment. They also argued that China used financial incentives and economic coercion to suppress the dissent against the country or its interest. The piece in Diplomat stated that China's "unprecedented" development policies in its "relentless pursuit" of infrastructure and military facilities have widened the Tibet's climate crisis. China's increasing militarization in Himalayan territories and influence in countries such as Pakistan and Nepal also have repercussions for the instability of the South Asian region as a whole, the piece in Diplomat stated. The piece in the Diplomat also said that the issues raised by the Himalayan ministers' council at COP29, tackling transboundary issues with a common approach has to be given the spotlight. Regarding the climate crisis, Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in a ministry, expressed the need for "coordination and support" at global forums to "represent and amplify" regional concerns that have global implications. The piece in the Diplomat urged that UN climate conferences to represent and amplify common issues and concerns is critical in attracting global attention to the Himalayan region. (ANI) Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, Radharaman Das on Saturday voiced concern over the violence against Hindu minorities,citing the answer given by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stating 2200 cases of violence have been reported in Bangladesh. "Yesterday in the Parliament, it was presented that 2200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities have been reported in Bangladesh in 2024 and also around over 100 cases in Pakistan. In Bangladesh, we know what has been going on there for the last 100 days," Radharaman Das said. The Vice President of ISKCON also expressed concern over the recent attack on Hindu Temples and cautioned the Christian minority in Bangladesh over celebrating Christmas. "Yesterday or today we came to know that in the last 2-3 days, 3 temples have been attacked...We know that now the Christmas holidays are going to be there. The Christian communities have been told that they should celebrate very carefully because there are chances of attacks on them. We hope that the interim government of Bangladesh will provide enough security so that the minorities of Bangladesh can celebrate their festivals without any fear," Das said. On Friday, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, informed that 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities were reported in Bangladesh till December 8 of this year. MoS Vardhan Singh said that the government has taken "serious" note of these incidents and shared its concern with the Bangladesh government. Singh also informed that 112 cases of violence against minorities were reported in Pakistan. "2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases were reported till October 2024. Zero cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh," Singh answered. Singh highlighted India's expectation from the Bangladesh government to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of minorities. He added that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continue to monitor the situation in the neighbouring country. "India expects that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same has also been reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely," he said. Earlier in the day, Police in Bangladesh arrested one person for vandalizing Hindu idols in the Shakuair area on Saturday morning, officials said. "We have arrested one person early today for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area," said Abul Khair, Officer in Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station under northern Mymensigh district. Notably, Bangladesh is currently facing a tumultuous period following a student-led movement that led to the ousting of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement was sparked by a series of violent incidents, including attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the demolition of Hindu temples. (ANI) Governing Body Commissioner of ISKCON Gauranga Das on Saturday expressed concern over the violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh as a fresh case of vandalism of Hindu Temple emerged in the country. Gauranga Das requested the Bangladesh government to provide security to citizens and protections Hindu Temples. "ISKCON is very concerned about this situation in Bangladesh and we are very concerned about the safety of all the Hindu minorities. We request the Bangladesh government and all the officials there to provide complete security to all the citizens, especially the minorities. All our temples there where all the citizens voluntarily pray according to their religion, those temples should be protected, those idols should be protected and those devotees should be protected," Gauranga Das said. Gauranga Das also requested the Bangladesh governemnt to give the right to adopt and follow their religious freedom to all minorities. "We also request the Bangladesh government that all minorities, whether they are Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, should be given the right to adopt and follow their religious freedom and all their places of worship should be protected," Das said. Earlier in the day, Police in Bangladesh arrested one person for vandalizing Hindu idols in the Shakuair area on Saturday morning, officials said. "We have arrested one person early today for vandalising Hindu idols in the Shakuair area," said Abul Khair, Officer in Charge (OC) of Haluaghat Police Station under northern Mymensigh district. Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, relating to violence in Bangladesh, informed that the 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh till October of this year. "2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported till 8th December 2024 and 112 cases in Pakistan were reported till October 2024," he replied. Notably, Bangladesh is currently facing a tumultuous period following a student-led movement that led to the ousting of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement was sparked by a series of violent incidents, including attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the demolition of Hindu temples. The situation in Bangladesh began to escalate in June 2024, when students from various universities in Dhaka united to demand reforms to the country's quota system for government jobs led to the ouster of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Following this, Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a former priest of ISKCON, was arrested by police from Dhaka Airport on November 25 on a charge of sedition in Bangladesh, sparking protests worldwide. (ANI) Prominent human rights activist and organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Mahrang Baloch has pledged to persist in her fight for justice and human rights in Balochistan, despite facing significant threats and legal obstacles, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Mahrang Baloch stated, "As a Baloch woman and human rights defender, I have spent more than a decade campaigning against enforced disappearances, custodial killings, and widespread human rights abuses in Balochistan. This activism has come at great personal cost, including harassment, persecution, and numerous terrorism charges." Mahrang Baloch shared the painful story of her father's forced disappearance in 2009 and his subsequent killing in 2011, events that deeply influenced her activism, The Balochistan Post reported. She claimed that Pakistani intelligence agencies abducted her father and later killed him. In 2017, her brother was also taken. At that moment, she vowed to speak out and ensure that other girls like her would not suffer silently. She further added that her brother was eventually released. She further stated that her activism has increased restrictions on her freedom. After attending the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) and PEN Norway in May 2024, where she was a speaker, she became the target of what she referred to as a "coordinated propaganda campaign." After returning to Pakistan, Mahrang Baloch encountered further obstacles, including being added to a no-fly list in October. She recounted an incident on October 7 when she was prevented from boarding a flight to New York, where she was scheduled to attend a TIME Magazine event, The Balochistan Post reported. She also revealed that her name was added to the Exit Control List (ECL) and later to the Fourth Schedule, a local anti-terror watchlist. She explained that this designation imposes strict restrictions, such as freezing bank accounts, blocking financial support, and prohibiting employment clearances. She also mentioned that her brother had also been placed on the Fourth Schedule. Despite facing these difficulties, Mahrang Baloch reiterated her steadfast commitment to her activism. Acknowledging the serious risks to her safety, she emphasized her resolve. "The threats to my life are real, but our fight is for the basic right to live peacefully," she said. "Without the rule of law, corruption and human rights abuses will continue." (ANI) Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center of Advanced Textile Technology in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang province, Dec. 19, 2024. Li made an inspection tour of Zhejiang province from Wednesday to Friday. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed that efforts should be made to fully implement the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference and strive to create new achievements in high-quality development. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour of Zhejiang province that ran from Wednesday to Friday. He urged efforts to vigorously carry out basic research and research on key generic technologies, move faster to plan and build new infrastructure such as computing power, and produce more original and leading innovations. It is imperative to support enterprises to increase investment in research and development, promote the large-scale application of new technologies, new products and new scenarios, expand emerging industries and future industries, and foster new growth drivers, Li noted. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Zhejiang Lab in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, Dec. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The premier underscored efforts to empower traditional industries through advanced technologies such as digital and green ones to promote the smooth transition from traditional drivers to new ones. More work should be done to speed up the construction of an international logistics service system and improve international transportation capacity, to strongly support the development of foreign trade and high-standard opening up, said Li. China attaches great importance to the development of foreign-invested enterprises in China, and will steadily expand the opening up of more sectors, strengthen services, and support domestic and foreign enterprises in fair competition on an equal footing, Li noted, adding that he hopes that more foreign enterprises will take root in the Chinese market and share development opportunities. Governments at all levels should continue to optimize the business environment, implement beneficial and supportive policies for enterprises, actively help address their demands, and support the better development of enterprises, said Li. The Baltistan Students Federation is set to launch a protest campaign titled "Build Tunnels, Save Lives", aimed at advocating for the construction of tunnels along Jaglot-Skardu Road, as reported by the Pamir Times. According to the Pamir Times, the campaign is focused on ensuring safer travel and reducing the frequent accidents attributed to the road's flawed design. The protest will feature a march by students from the Karakoram International University, Gilgit Unit, who will walk from Gilgit to Skardu to draw attention to the issue. The goal is to highlight the urgent need for safer infrastructure and to pressure the government and relevant authorities to address the hazards posed by the current road design. The protesters lamented that the original blueprint of the Jaglot-Skardu Road included plans that eight tunnels would be developed to bypass areas susceptible to landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards. However, these tunnels were removed from the final design without explanation, leaving the road more vulnerable to such risks, as reported by the Pamir Times. The protesters argue that this alteration has significantly increased the danger to travellers, resulting in frequent accidents and tragic loss of life. The protesters have emphasized that the campaign is open to everyone, not just students. They are encouraging all individuals who support the cause to join the march. Representatives from the Baltistan Students Federation expressed optimism that this collective effort will compel policymakers to revisit the road's design and reinstate the tunnels, which they believe are critical for public safety. This protest provides a platform for the people of the region to come together, voice their concerns, and demand a safer, more sustainable infrastructure that prioritizes their lives and well-being. Through this united action, the student federation hopes to spark a meaningful change that will improve road safety and reduce the risk of further accidents in the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan region, the protestor emphasised. (ANI) At least six people including a child were killed in a Ukrainian rocket attack on a town in Russia's Kursk region, The Moscow Times reported, citing authorities. In an initial video message on Telegram, Kursk region's Acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein, who was meeting with federal lawmakers in Moscow, accused Ukraine of deliberately choosing peaceful sites and public facilities as their targets. He said that the attack took place on Friday evening in Rylsk, which has a population of less than 15,000 people. Khinshtein said, "I've already sent the acting chairman of the [Kursk region] government, Alexei Dedov, and his deputies to the site [of the rocket attack]," adding that emergency service personnel were responding to the incident," The Moscow Times reported. Later on Friday, he confirmed reports that five adults and one child were killed in the strikes, which he said were conducted using US-made HIMARS rockets. As many as eight people, including a teenager, were injured, and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Khinshtein said, "I am sure that the perpetrators of this bloody crime will receive well-deserved retribution." He stated, "Our army and law enforcement agencies will do everything necessary for this." Videos that surfaced online showed the aftermath of Friday's strike on Rylsk, with several cars engulfed in flames and multiple buildings badly damaged, The Moscow Times reported. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Rylsk district head, Andrei Belusov, said that facilities used by the people were among the buildings that were targeted in the town. Belusov said that "around 15 strikes" were reported in the attack, the report said. The Kremlin or Russia's Defence Ministry has not yet issued a statement. Ukraine has also not issued any statement on the rocket attack. Earlier on Friday, Russia conducted a missile strike on Kyiv in what it termed as retaliation for a strike using Western-supplied missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier in the week. One person was killed and nearly a dozen others were injured in that attack. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that nine Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Saturday. Of the nine People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor Beijing's activity. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "9 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." So far in December, Taiwan detected 331 Chinese military aircraft and 220 ships, Taiwan News reported. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan. According to Taiwan News report, gray zone tactics are considered "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force." The recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan have raised concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. On December 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticised China's stance towards Taiwan and said that "China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies." The remarks by Rutte came while delivering a speech at Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels on December 12. He also sounded the alarm over China's increasing military and technological advancements, warning of their implications for global security. He said, "We need to be clear-eyed about China's ambitions. China is substantially building up its forces, including its nuclear weapons - with no transparency and no limitations. From 200 warheads in 2020, China is expected to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Its space-launch investments are skyrocketing. China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to our critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple our societies" (ANI) Neom [Saudi Arabia], December 21 (ANI/WAM): Chancellor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, participated in the 4th annual meeting of the Arab Association for Prosecutors held in Neom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was attended by Prosecutors-General from Arab countries. In his speech, the UAE Attorney-General emphasised that the meeting, with its constructive discussions and dialogues, offers a valuable opportunity for exchanging experiences and finding solutions to enhance the performance and effectiveness of public prosecution offices. He highlighted that it serves as an ideal platform to discuss the future role of public prosecutors, given the high regard and respect for the prosecution services in Arab countries, which are based on their commitment to the rule of law, transparency, impartiality, professionalism, and their continuous pursuit of development to serve justice and uphold the value of fairness. A workshop was held alongside the meeting, with participation from delegations of public prosecution offices from the attending countries, under the themes of "Artificial Intelligence and Criminal Justice" and "The Evidentiary Value of Investigative Procedures". (ANI/WAM) Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency has announced a temporary block on landing and takeoff at Kazan International Airport and restrictions at Gagarin Airport in Russia's Saratov, ABC News reported on Saturday, citing RIA Novosti agency. Flight restrictions at two Russian airports were announced after authorities alleged an attack by Ukrainian drones. Kazan is over 600 miles away while Saratov is at a distance of more than 350 miles from the closest Ukrainian-controlled territory. The press service of the head of the Tatarstan region -- of which Kazan is the largest city -- said authorities recorded eight drones targeting the city, with no reported casualties, ABC News cited TASS news agency report. "One was at an industrial enterprise, one was over a river and six were at a residential area," TASS quoted the press service as saying. Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin said that fires were reported in houses in three districts of the city. He also announced the selective evacuation of schools where it was required, TASS reported. In a post on Telegram, Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov stated the region was subjected to "a massive UAV attack." He added, "All forces have been deployed." Minnikhanov stressed that the most important thing is to not panic. He further said, "We have instructed the government to inform the population about evacuation sites in a timely manner." Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry said it shot down six Ukrainian drones over the city. According to the Defence Ministry, these drones were "flying in three waves from different directions," ABC News reported. Earlier, Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 113 drones into Ukraine on Friday night. According to Ukraine's Air Force, air defence teams shot down 57 of the 113 Russian drones. The Ukraine's Air Force further said that 56 other drones went missing due to "active countermeasures" by Ukrainian defenders. On Saturday morning, air raid sirens were sounded in Ukraine with the air force warning of a "threat of the use of ballistic weapons throughout the territory of Ukraine." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that the latest Russian attack destroyed an oncology center in Kherson and damaged apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. "Last night, Russian terrorists launched over 110 strike drones against our people. An oncology center in Kherson was destroyed, apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia were hit, ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv earlier, and shelling struck Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, as well as the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions," Zelenskyy wrote on X. Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to all the partners who continue to stand with Ukraine. "This week alone, the terrorists have used over 550 guided aerial bombs, nearly 550 strike drones, and more than 20 missiles of various types. This is the Russian terror we are countering. I am grateful to our partners who continue to stand with Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. Together, through our collective strength, we will secure a lasting peace," he added. The attacks on Saturday followed a combined missile and drone strike on Kyiv early on Friday, which the Kyiv City Military Administration said caused significant damage to buildings in the city centre and killed at least one person, according to ABC News report. Several foreign embassies were also damaged in the strike. (ANI) The Tal-Parachinar road in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has remained closed for the 74th consecutive day, causing severe disruptions in Kurram as tensions continue in the conflict-stricken region, Geo News reported. The roadblock and the ongoing closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Kharlachi border have halted trade activities and led to critical shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicines, fuel, firewood, and LPG, in Parachinar. The closure has significantly impacted daily life and economic activities. Local authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve the situation, with tribal elders actively involved in jirgas and negotiations. The prolonged road closure has also resulted in the shutdown of all public and private educational institutions in protest, with headmasters and principals joining the demonstrations. Earlier, the religious leaders from the region held protests, demanding the immediate reopening of the roads and better security measures. The Deputy Commissioner of Parachinar stated that emergency supplies, including life-saving medicines, have been sent to the region. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM's Adviser Barrister Muhammad Saif dismissed reports of a medicine shortage, asserting that all emergency medications had been provided and that further discussions with tribal leaders were ongoing, Geo News cited The News report. The religious scholars, including Allama Noor Hussain Najafi and Allama Khyal Hussain, criticised Barrister Saif for downplaying reports of child deaths due to the blockade, calling his statements "misleading," Geo News reported. Since November 21, at least 133 people have been killed and 177 wounded in clashes. The situation escalated after an attack on a security convoy escorting residents in November, which resulted in more than 40 deaths. Recently, a severe shortage of medicines and healthcare services, compounded by extended road closures, led to the death of at least 29 children in the Kurram district. As tensions continue to rise, both residents and religious leaders have been urging the government to take swift action to restore peace and reopen key roads in the district. (ANI) Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West), Tanmaya Lal, co-chaired the 13th India-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) cooperation, and the 6th round of India-Russia consultations on United Nations-related issues during his visit to Moscow from December 19 to 20, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Saturday. He co-chaired both meetings with Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in the presence of other representatives from respective departments and agencies from both sides. During the 13th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, both sides shared their experiences in countering terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and extremism, and agreed to enhance cooperation to address problems of radicalisation as well as terror financing, the MEA said in a statement. Both sides discussed current terrorist threats at the global and regional levels and the combating of the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation on both bilateral and multilateral platforms. During the 6th round of India-Russia consultations on UN-related issues, both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments and issues pertaining to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including its reform, the statement added. "During this meeting, Russia reiterated its support for India as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council," the MEA stated. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India next year. He has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dates for his visit will be set in early 2025, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on December 2. Notably, this will be Putin's first visit to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. PM Modi's official visit to Russia in July marked his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time. Following this, he also visited Kazan, Russia for the BRICS Summit in October. (ANI) A US judge on Friday ruled in favour of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a vulnerability in the messaging app to install spyware for unauthorised surveillance, as reported by Reuters on Saturday. US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, granted WhatsApp's motion and found NSO Group liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to trial only on the issue of damages, according to Hamilton, as reported by Reuters. Head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, described the ruling as a "victory for privacy." "We spent five years presenting our case because we firmly believe that spyware companies could not hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for their unlawful actions," Cathcart said in a social media post. "Surveillance companies should be on notice that illegal spying will not be tolerated," she added as quoted by Reuters. A WhatsApp spokesperson also expressed gratitude for the decision. "We're proud to have stood up against NSO and thankful to the many organisations that supported this case. WhatsApp will continue to protect people's private communications," the spokesperson said as quoted by Reuters. Cybersecurity experts also hailed the judgement. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the Canadian internet watchdog Citizen Lab, which first exposed NSO's Pegasus spyware in 2016, called the ruling a landmark decision with major implications for the spyware industry, as reported by Reuters. "The entire industry has hidden behind the claim that whatever their customers do with their hacking tools is not their responsibility," Scott-Railton said. "Today's ruling clarifies that NSO Group is indeed responsible for breaking multiple laws," he added. According to Reuters, WhatsApp sued NSO in 2019, seeking an injunction and damages, accusing the company of accessing WhatsApp servers to install Pegasus spyware on victims' devices six months earlier. According to the lawsuit, 1,400 people, including dissidents, journalists, and human rights advocates, were able to be monitored as a result of the intrusion. NSO argued that Pegasus was used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to fight crime and protect national security, targeting terrorists, paedophiles, and criminals. NSO appealed a 2020 trial judge's decision to deny it "conduct-based immunity," a legal doctrine protecting foreign officials performing official duties, Reuters reported. In 2021, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling, finding that NSO's role in licensing and providing technical support for Pegasus did not shield it from liability under the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The US Supreme Court declined NSO's appeal of the lower court decision, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. (ANI) A prominent Tibetan rights activist, Tsering Tso, was detained for two weeks in Qinghai province from November 29 to December 13 on charges of "spreading false information" and "causing trouble" via social media, as reported by Radio Free Asia. The 39-year-old has long been outspoken against Chinese authorities, advocating for equal rights for Tibetans and exposing discrimination faced by her community. Radio Free Asia reported that Tso, who operates a travel business in Tibet and across China, has been detained or harassed multiple times in the past five years. Her recent detention stemmed from a video she posted in November 2024, in which a police officer at the Public Security Bureau in Trika County, also known as Guide in Chinese, denied her passport application, claiming she had a criminal record. Tso's social media posts frequently criticise Chinese authorities for their discriminatory practices, particularly regarding the treatment of Tibetans. Upon her release, Tso expressed defiance, stating, "The laws in Qinghai differ from those in China. Each time I report on the police force's discriminatory practices and violations of their disciplinary rules, they exert their power to detain and pressure the whistleblower on false charges arbitrarily." Tso has been a vocal critic of the challenges Tibetans face in running businesses in their homeland, accusing local officials of corruption and abusing their power for personal gain. In October 2023, two videos surfaced showing Tso highlighting the difficulties Tibetans face in obtaining business licenses and accusing local leaders of corruption. She also raised concerns over the unfair treatment of two Tibetan monks, who were subjected to additional scrutiny and required to obtain extra permits during their pilgrimage, while Chinese tourists were not. Earlier this year, Tso endured a 10-day detention for "endangering social stability" after speaking out against these discriminatory practices. Tso's activism reflects the ongoing struggle for equal rights for Tibetans, who continue to face systemic discrimination under Chinese rule. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 21 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates has condemned the criminal car-ramming attack at a market in the German town of Magdeburg, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of innocent people. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence targeting innocent people and aimed at undermining security and stability. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany, and to the families of the victims of this deplorable attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. (ANI/WAM) You are here: China A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday expressed condolences for the victims of a fire in the city of Taichung in central Taiwan. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks while also extending sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the incident. A large fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at an incomplete warehouse in Taichung, killing nine and injuring eight. India has condemned the car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which claimed five lives and injured dozens, with numbers showing more than 200 injured. In an official press release, the MEA expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost, and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims." The statement confirmed that the Indian Mission in Germany is in contact with the injured Indian nationals and their families, providing all possible assistance. "Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance," the statement read. The attack unfolded on Friday evening when a car deliberately ploughed into a crowd at the bustling market, causing widespread devastation. According to local authorities, among the five fatalities were an adult and a toddler, while the injured included over 200 people, of whom 15 sustained serious injuries, 37 moderate injuries, and 16 minor injuries confirmed. The suspect, identified as a Saudi national residing in Germany since 2006 and working as a doctor, has been apprehended. Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed the arrest and stated, "According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him." World leaders have expressed shock and solidarity in the wake of the attack. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "horrifying," offering support to Germany in his statement: "I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany." French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his condolences and solidarity through a post on X, saying, "Deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the act of violence, stating, "I am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. I stand with the entire government, the families of the victims, the injured, and all the German people. Violence must have no place in our democracies." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also extended her condolences and called for justice. She wrote, "My thoughts today are with the victims of the brutal and cowardly act in Magdeburg. My condolences go out to the family and friends, my thanks to the police and rescue workers. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished." In Germany, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed deep sorrow over the attack, acknowledging the extensive efforts of emergency responders. She remarked, "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families." Faeser assured the public that authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident to uncover the motive and any underlying circumstances. German officials have emphasised that preliminary investigations point to the suspect acting alone, and there is no indication of further threats. Haseloff noted, "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation." The attack, however, has cast a sombre shadow over the festive season in Magdeburg, prompting heightened security measures at public events across the country. (ANI) At least 10 major news organizations have either amended or retracted articles they published about a Chinese man portrayed as a government dissident but who turned out to be a con man. The changes were prompted by an investigation by National Public Radio into Wang Jingyu who amassed a large social media following and has been widely quoted in the news media as a brave critic of the Chinese Communist Party. NPR found that Wang is a grifter who swindled a Chinese exile out of his $17,000 life savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press, Al Jazeera, German news outlet Deutsche Welle, US-funded Radio Free Asia and leading newspapers in the Netherlands and Norway have been forced to review their stories as a result of the NPR expose. Wang Jingyu, a 22-year-old Chinese national portrayed by media groups as an anti-government dissident, has been accused of being a con man. Safeguard defenders According to NPR, Wangs intricate plot involved preying on Gao Zhi, 44, who fled to Holland several years ago after being critical of Chinas Communist regime and was desperate to be reunited with his wife and two kids. The media outlets months-long investigation found that Wangs long con included tormenting the family with fake emails from immigration authorities, bogus accusations of bomb threats made by their son and correspondence claiming to be from the Chinese government. In late 2022, Gao met 22-year-old Wang at a candlelight protest that Wang organized in The Hague after 10 people died in a fire that ripped through an apartment building in northwestern China, the entrances to which were blocked and sealed as a result of COVID restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the vigil, Wang asked Gao if he and his girlfriend could stay with him at his home in the Dutch countryside. Gao agreed. Last spring, Gaos wife, Liu Fengling, escaped with their children to Thailand and applied for visas to the Netherlands after cops in China raided her home and seized her cellphone. While living in a Bangkok hotel, Liu received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Chinese diplomat. The person alleged that her son had threatened to blow up the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. Liu also received an email from someone claiming to be a Dutch immigration officer who alleged that she and her son had sent bomb threats to European airports and that as a result, they would not be allowed to travel to the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this blitz of missives, Liu and her 17-year-old daughter overstayed their tourist visas and were sent to immigration detention for two months. Wang (at left, with an unidentified person) is accused of ripping off a Chinese exile who went into hiding in Europe. China Aid The same Dutch immigration official then sent Gao an email saying that his wife and daughter confessed to making bomb threats against European embassies in Thailand. They apologized for this and volunteered to return to China, according to the email, which Wang handed over to NPR after being reluctant to trust the agency. In July last year, Wang, who fashioned himself an anti-Communist activist speaking out against the regime in Beijing, encouraged AP and NPR to cover the Gao familys incarceration, bolstering Wangs image as a brave dissident. Wang amassed a social media following and has been widely quoted in the press. Wang Jingyu The following month, an email from the Dutch immigration officer to Gao falsely stated that Liu and their daughter were released from Thai detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gao then received an email from a Thai Airways official asking for credit cards to facilitate flights from Thailand to Europe. According to Gao, the credit cards were charged $17,000 the familys entire life savings. Around that time, Wang and his girlfriend left Gaos house. Gao told NPR that Wang said he was going to Switzerland to meet Liu and their daughter. But weeks later, Liu and her daughter called Gao to tell them that they were still in custody in Thailand contradicting what Wang had said about their release. National Public Radio conducted an investigation into Wangs claims. Bloomberg via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang then convinced Gao that he wasnt actually speaking to his wife but an artificial intelligence-generated avatar created by the Chinese Communist Party as a ruse to trick him. Gao told Liu that he didnt believe her story leading her to become so distraught that she contemplated suicide, according to NPR. A day later, Gao traveled to Germany after the Dutch immigration official emailed him to let him know that his family arrived there. But Gao ended up being arrested after an associate of Wang who lives in the German city of Essen told police that Gao was part of a Chinese Communist Party cell and that he had threatened the associates life. The Associated Press retracted a story about Wang in the wake of NPRs report. AP Police released Gao a few days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his release, Gao sent NPR hundreds of email exchanges with the Dutch immigration official, the Thai Airways official and Thai police only for the news agency to determine that the accounts were fake. Gao suspects that Wang orchestrated the entire scheme by impersonating Dutch, Thai and Chinese Communist Party officials in order to scam him out of his life savings. Wang denied this, telling NPR: This is ridiculous, and I promise I will sue all of them. When asked if he made bomb threats, Wang told NPR: Never. This is, honestly, ridiculous. SAN FRANCISCO A California ecosystem has gotten a big boost from an adorable, fluffy and hungry friend. At Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a newly-reinvigorated population of native southern sea otters has eaten so many invasive European green crabs that researchers say the otters have locally solved a problem that has plagued the West Coast for years. States are spending millions to protect their inland waterways from the tiny crabs. Though small they reach only four inches in width the invaders harm native wildlife and shoreline ecosystems. At stake are multi-million dollar shellfish industries for Dungeness, king crab and other species. Advertisement Advertisement But at the reserve, otters have almost wiped the crabs out, helping the estuary's ecosystem come back into balance. "The otters are a just super voracious predator," said Kerstin Wasson, research coordinator with the Reserve. "We calculated that the current otter population here eats somewhere between 50,000 and 120,000 green crabs a year." A sea otter eyes its lunch, one of two invasive European green crabs it was able to retrieve underwater. Photo taken in 2011 in Moss Landing, CA. Green crabs are originally from Europe and arrived on the West coast sometime in the 1980s. They are considered one of the most invasive species in the marine environment, destroying seagrass, devouring baby crab and salmon and basically laying waste to coastal waters from California to Alaska. Alaska has an early detection and response plan in place. Washington has allocated $12 million to fight the invaders, Oregon encourages crabbers to harvest up to 35 of them a day. Advertisement Advertisement In California, researchers from the University of California, Davis spent years trying to eradicate them from the state's Stinson Beachs Seadrift Lagoon, only to have them bounce back with a vengeance. A southern sea otter eating a female green crab carrying orange eggs at Elkhorn Slough near Monterey Bay in California But researchers in California's Elkhorn Slough (pronounced "slew") have been watching the invasion for two decades and they noticed something surprising. "In 2000, the green crabs were quite abundant," said Wasson. And then over the past ten years, they started to disappear. A few things had happened in that time. The water in the seven-mile-long tidal estuary on Monterey Bay got cleaner. Native eelgrass beds were restored. The natural tidal exchange of water and marshes began to be restored. Advertisement Advertisement And the sea otters came back. Southern sea otters along the West coast were hunted almost to extinction for their thick, soft fur, only gaining protection in 1913 when California declared them a "fully protected mammal." Even that didn't stop them from being hunted. Also at danger from oil spills, which robbed them of the ability to stay warm, the number of sea otters is believed to have declined to as few as 50 individuals, down from a high was 300,000. But by then it was almost too late. Southern sea otters were thought to be extinct until the early 1900s. Then a tiny remnant population was found surviving in Bixby Cove near Big Sur in 1914, site of the now Instagram famous Bixby bridge. It wasn't until 1977 that the otters were listed as threatened and named a protected federal species. Advertisement Advertisement From that small group they've begun a slow comeback. The first male sea otter arrived in the Elkhorn Slough, 35 miles north of Bixby Cove, in the late 1990s. Only in the early 2000s did females arrive, and soon thereafter pups, said Wasson. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's sea otter rehabilitation program also released 37 pups into the Slough, helping create a thriving and robust community. The Elkhorn Slough, a tidal estuary in California's Monterey Bay. It is home to a growing, healthy population of southern sea otters, which were almost hunted into extinction by the early part of the 1900s. Today, the estuary is home to more than 120 otters and is the only one along the West coast that has been significantly colonized by southern sea otters. And they love to eat green crabs. "Other marine mammals like seals have blubber to keep them warm. But sea otters don't have blubber, so they have to eat an enormous amount of food every day," said Wasson. While clams are their preferred food, the sinuous sea creatures were more than happy to chow down on the crabs. Advertisement Advertisement As they did, a positive feedback loop began, what biologists call a trophic cascade. "The otters eating the crabs benefited the eel grass, which contributed to better water quality which helped the otters, said Rikke Jeppesen, an estuarine ecologist with the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve who was the lead author a paper published December 10 about the otters. The paper reported the welcome news that over the past decade, the Elkhorn sea otters have significantly reduced the impact of the global invaders. "Back in the early 2000s, we would sometime catch up to 100 green crabs in one trap. When we set the traps in the same place today well get under ten and often not even five," Jeppesen said. Advertisement Advertisement Green crab abundance was consistently lowest in Elkhorn Slough, the only California estuary with sea otters, the paper published in the journal Biological Invasions found. Healing the ecosystem so the otters could come back had the win-win effect of helping manage an invasive species. "The sea otters, they're like an assistant manager for us," she said. The pattern is striking. When the otter population was the lowest back in 2003-2004, we thought the green crabs were going to take over Elkhorn Slough." "And then they didn't she said. And for that we thank the otters. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cute, hungry otters gobble up invasive green crabs in California Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of Dec. 15, supported by your subscriptions. Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com: Shoppers walk along the Level 3 stores at Providence Place. PROVIDENCE More security and more cleaning are two of the biggest changes shoppers can expect to start seeing at Providence Place as two receivers, appointed permanently, change operations in preparation to try to sell the mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new management company, Centennial Real Estate Management, out of Texas, has replaced Brookfield Properties. Two lawyers, John Dorsey and Mark Russo, appeared in court earlier this month, where Superior Court Judge Brian Stern appointed them as the mall's permanent receivers, giving them control over its budget and the power to sell it, which they said is the final plan. Read the full story for more on what changes tenants and shoppers can expect to see in the months ahead. Business: What's the future of Providence Place mall? Here's what changes are coming. Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi presides over the last session of the House in June. PROVIDENCE A housing crisis that hasn't gone away. A primary care doctor shortage that shows no signs of easing. And a mountain of questions about responsibility for Rhode Island's failed westbound Washington Bridge that legislative leaders seem reluctant to ask, in public, while the state is suing private companies for damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of these problems are new. In fact, they were all top of the agenda during the last legislative session that ended in June. But they remain big unsolved problems Rhode Island lawmakers will face when the new legislative session begins on Jan. 7 under the shadow of a projected deficit between $300 million and $350 million that will limit the lawmakers' ability to spend their way out of any dilemma. For more on possible strategies to ease that deficit, and how the money crunch will affect House leaders' legislative priorities, read the full interview with the speaker and House majority leader. Politics: The bridge, health care and taxes: RI House leaders lay out their priorities for next session Photos taken at one of Josh Perez's residences showcase his "drug lab/pill production operation" that featured two industrial-strength pill presses used to "manufacture fentanyl pills ... designed to look like prescription pharmaceutical pills," according to federal prosecutors. A nephew of Providence police chief Col. Oscar Perez is one of the "biggest" and "most dangerous" drug kingpins to face sentencing in U.S. District Court, Boston, according to federal prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasdrual "Josh" Perez "likely sold hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl the deadly drug most responsible for the opioid epidemic that has been ravaging New England," says a sentencing memorandum that prosecutors filed on Thursday in advance of an expected sentencing hearing on Monday. On their way to detailing the scope and brazenness of Josh Perez's trafficking operation, federal prosecutors pay plenty of attention to his connections to his two uncles in the Providence police department. But they do not accuse either the chief or his younger brother, Sgt. Andres Perez, of breaking any laws. Yet their sentencing memorandum said that the ability of Josh Perez's large-scale operation to stay off the department's radar "strongly suggests" that either Perez "completely duped" his two uncles in law enforcement or he "somehow benefited" from "one or more connections" with Providence police. On Monday, Josh Perez was sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts: Drug kingpin's family ties to Providence police raise questions before sentencing Mary Hardy, who is looking for a match through online dating, shares her dating profile photo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columnist Mark Patinkin has bad news for single people in Warwick. Its supposedly one of the worst places for dating in America. Out of 182 American cities surveyed by WalletHub, Warwick ranked in the bottom eight, below Grand Prairie, Texas, Yonkers, New York, and Jackson, Mississippi. Providence isnt so great, either. It ranks 109th. That comes as no surprise to Mary Hardy, 66, an X-ray and ER assistant from Smithfield, who had told Mark in 2023 about her travails on the online dating scene. Mark checks back in with Mary and shares some of his own dating experiences in the Ocean State, along with asking readers in Warwick for their feedback on the WalletHub ranking. Mark Patinkin: Dating stories from RI as a survey places one city among the worst for singles in US The new Dune Brothers Seafood at 170 Ives St. in Providence has a dining room, a fish market and a takeaway window. The menu will expand beyond what diners have come to know at their urban clam shacks in Providence and East Providence. Dune Brothers Seafood opens its first year-round, sit-down restaurant by year's end at 170 Ives St. in Providence. The space is also home to a fish market for shopping and a takeaway window for takeout orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, fans of Monica and Nick Gillespie's pier-to-plate fish were limited to meals from their seasonal clam shacks in Providence and East Providence. In the new year, the Gillespies will expand to Warwick as they open a new retail market at 16 Warwick Neck Ave. That will also be their wholesale site where they will bring in fish from local suppliers, said Nick. Food editor Gail Ciampa previews what you can expect at the new restaurant and fish market, including non-fish options, and at Dune Brothers' raw bar at Track 15, the Providence food hall set to open in 2025. Dining: Dune Brothers opens its first sit-down restaurant in Providence, and there's more to come Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Future of Providence Place; legislative preview; RI's dating scene A missile launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv early Saturday in a rare instance of a failed interception over the city. The attack came just hours after seven children were killed in northern Gaza on Friday when Israeli airstrikes struck a house in Jabaliya, the Palestinian Civil Defense said, as Israel continues its offensive after 15 months of war that has spilled over into the region. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv's Jaffa district as a missile landed in the area after interception attempts failed, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No deaths were reported, but Israels emergency services said it was treating 14 people in mild condition after they were injured by glass shards. Israeli police said property damage had also occurred. Yemens Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed responsibility, announcing they had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile named Palestine 2 at an Israeli military site in the Jaffa area. The crater left by a Houthi missile fired on Tel Aviv on Saturday. The missile hit its target accurately and the defense and interception systems failed to intercept it, the Houthis said in a statement Saturday morning, adding that the attack was in response to the massacres against our brothers in Gaza. Hamas praised the strike in a statement shortly afterward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people in Gaza, according to Reuters, citing health officials. Dr. Muneer Alboursh, the director general of health in Gaza, said an attack on a house in Jabaliya in northern Gaza killed 12 people, "most of them children and a woman." He called the attack a "bloody massacre" and said the bombing had injured several other people. Israeli attacks have killed 45,000 people in Gaza since the war started 15 months ago, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. The conflict was sparked when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. A wounded Palestinian woman bids farewell to her child, killed in an Israeli strike the previous night, as she lies in a bed at Al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City on Saturday. A man carries the shrouded body of a child killed in an Israeli strike the previous night at a funeral in Jabalia. Israel has been trading retaliatory strikes with Houthi rebels since the war began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, nearly all Houthi missiles have been intercepted over the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest waterways, where the group has also targeted commercial vessels. In September, nine people were injured running to shelters after a ballistic missile launched from Yemen crossed into Israel, landing in an open field outside Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv, Israels second-largest city, is the countrys commercial and diplomatic hub. Direct impacts on the city from incoming projectiles are uncommon, thanks to Israels usually robust air defense systems. On Thursday, the IDF said a school near Tel Aviv was damaged after the partial interception of a missile launched from Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, it said Israel had launched strikes against "military targets" on Yemen's western coast and inland, including "fuel and oil tanks, two power plants, and eight tugboats." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. PROVIDENCE A federal judge this week struck down a move to halt the looming ban on the sale of flavored vape products in Rhode Island, set to take effect Jan. 1. U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy on Thursday denied Vaporetti LLC, and Sunshine Vape LLCs motion for a restraining order to bar the enforcement of the ban on the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products, or ENDS products. The vape stores had argued that the new law was overly broad and would devastate their businesses financially. The state countered that the businesses had not shown a likelihood of success on their constitutional challenges and that the ban enacted by state lawmakers in June was rational and evidence-based in order to safeguard Rhode Islands youth and protect public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McElroy ruled that the ban was rationally related to the states interest in preventing young people from accessing flavored vapes and protecting the health of adults. We are pleased with yesterdays ruling, in which the court declined plaintiffs request to stop enforcement of Rhode Islands flavored vape ban a ban aimed at protecting kids from the harmful effects of nicotine and that had already been in effect by regulation for nearly five years. We applaud the decision and look forward to continuing our defense of this important ban, Timothy Rondeau, spokesman for Attorney General Peter F. Neronhas office, said in an email. Law codified an order in place since 2019 Late last month, Vaporetti, based in East Providence, and Sunshine Vape, with three locations, sued the state Department of Revenue; its director, Thomas Verdi; the Division of Taxation; Administrator Neena S. Savage; and the Department of Health and its director, Dr. Jerome Larkin, seeking to invalidate the law, which was included in the state budget that passed in June. The law codified a 2019 executive order by then Gov. Gina Raimondo, entitled Protecting Rhode Island Youth Against the Harms of Vaping, that banned the sale of flavored vape products. Raimondo emphasized that youth vaping had been declared a nationwide epidemic by the U.S. surgeon general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passage of the law was meant to give teeth to that order and ensure increased enforcement. The law and the executive order exempt cannabis compassion centers and licensed cultivators from the flavor ban. The sale of menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes can continue under the law, but will now be taxed 50 cents per milliliter for prefilled vapes and 10% of wholesale for other products. Adam Ramos, lawyer for the vape interests, did not respond to an email or phone inquiry. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI flavored vape sale ban will go into effect Jan. 1 after challenge From the iconic Shirokuma dessert to the mouthwatering local dishes, this vibrant city is a food lover's dream. In this video, we'll take you on a delicious journey, highlighting the must-try foods and the best spots to enjoy them. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why Kagoshima is a hidden gem in Japan's food scene! (TabiEats) TOKYO, Dec 21 (News On Japan) - Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn is reportedly in talks with Renault, the French automotive major and a key shareholder of Nissan, to acquire a stake in the Japanese automaker. Taiwanese media reported the negotiations, highlighting a potential shakeup in Nissan's stakeholder structure. The head of Foxconn's electric vehicle (EV) division, formerly Nissan's third-ranking executive, has traveled to France for discussions. Meanwhile, sources indicate that Nissan is moving forward with talks aimed at a potential management integration with Honda, which could significantly impact the automotive industry landscape. Source: ANN You are here: China A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying a test satellite for communication technology blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China successfully sent a test satellite for communication technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province on Friday. The satellite was launched by a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 11:12 p.m. (Beijing Time) and has entered the planned orbit. This satellite will be used for satellite communications, radio and television, data transmission, and other services. It will also carry out tests and verification of related technologies. This launch marked the 554th mission of Long March series carrier rockets. TOKYO, Dec 22 (News On Japan) - The number of aesthetic clinics in Japan, offering services like skin enhancement, has surged by 40% over the past three years. A growing trend, known as 'Chokubi,' involves newly trained doctors immediately joining aesthetic clinics after completing their clinical internships. Meanwhile, rural areas continue to struggle with shortages in fields like obstetrics and pediatrics. What is driving the rapid growth of aesthetic medicine? Naomi Trauden reports from the field. Aesthetic medicine has undergone a significant transformation in public perception. One patient remarked, It used to be something people kept secret, but now it feels more open. The popularity of procedures such as non-invasive double eyelid surgeries and liposuction has grown, particularly among younger generations. Many patients are drawn to the ability to achieve an "Instagram-ready" appearance. For example, the Tokyo-based Tensei Clinic, founded by Tsujii, has been fully booked since its inception. Tsujii, who spent 42 million yen on his own cosmetic surgeries, emphasizes the importance of credibility in aesthetic medicine. When a doctor openly embraces cosmetic procedures themselves, it instills confidence in their recommendations, he explained. Tsujiis career path mirrors the Chokubi trend, with more than 200 young doctors each year opting to join the aesthetic field immediately after completing their mandatory two-year training. High income potential is a key motivator, with many clinics offering annual salaries of 30 to 40 million yen for skilled practitioners. Recruitment sites show positions for aesthetic doctors growing 1.6 times over the past three years, highlighting the lucrative opportunities in the field. However, this shift raises questions about the future of general medical care. Professor Takeda from Kitasato University Medical School commented, Its essential to balance financial incentives to ensure that medical graduates contribute to general healthcare, at least for an initial period. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare is introducing measures to address these disparities, including financial incentives for doctors to work in underserved regions. However, as Takeda noted, "Sustainable solutions must respect the doctors career ambitions and provide viable paths for them to return to urban practices after serving in rural areas." Source: BIZ Casablanca municipality announced on Friday its new membership at the global network C40 Cities, a collective of nearly 100 cities committed to climate action. The municipality stated in a press release that Casablanca has become the 14th African and first North African city to join the network. Casablancas membership was approved at the C40 Steering Committee meeting held in Rio de Janeiro last November. The Moroccan city will officially join the network in January 2025. By becoming the first city in North Africa to join C40, Casablanca is standing as an example of commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change, the press release said, emphasizing that the city is thus strengthening the continents presence in global initiatives against climate change. Joining C40 Cities testifies to our commitment to building a green, smart, and inclusive city, Mayor of Casablanca Nabila Rmili was quoted in the release as saying. As the first city in the Maghreb to join this network, we want to share our actions and learn from other cities to better combat climate change, she stressed. This membership falls in line with the progress achieved by Casablanca, notably in the expansion of green spaces, development of smart transport, sustainable management of water resources, and climate resilience. Thanks to this collaboration, Casablanca will benefit from C40 support to fully integrate climate objectives into its urban planning and exchange best practices with other members of the network. Joining this global coalition marks a new chapter in our quest for sustainability, and we look forward to Casablancas membership bolstering African cities representation in the fight against climate change, the Casablanca municipality noted. C40 Cities is a global network representing over 700 million inhabitants and a quarter of the world economy. It brings together nearly 100 of the worlds largest cities, which are making bold and innovative moves to address climate challenges, and supports their efforts to become leaders in sustainability. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly assured the United States that it will not supply arms to Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the north-east African country continues to be ravaged by a bloody civil war. The UAE has reportedly told the US it has cut off weapons supply to the paramilitary forces in Sudan, two US lawmakers said Thursday (19 December). The assurance came as the US announced $200 million in new aid for the conflict-torn country, where tens of thousands have died in fighting since April 2023 and as the civil war continues to foster one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters, placing millions on the verge of famine. Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen released a letter addressed to him from the White House that described UAE assurances on its relationship with Sudans RSF. The UAE has informed the administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward, said the letter from a senior White House official. The lawmakers said Abu Dhabi made the promise to address their concerns and that in return, it expects them not to block $1.2 billion in sales of advanced rockets and long-range missiles to the Gulf power. Fellow Democratic senator Sara Jacobs asserted that 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. The UAE has long denied arming the RSF, with which it had a relationship fighting Yemens Houthi rebels. Members of a delegation from the Chilean Parliament have praised the socio-economic achievements and the development momentum in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region in different fields. During the visit to the region, the Chilean delegation, led by the Speaker of Chiles Chamber of Deputies, Karol Cariola, and the Vice-President of the Chilean Senate, Matias Walker, expressed admiration for the multi-faceted development and progress attained by Dakhla-Oued Eddahab the region. The delegation members also welcomed the quality of infrastructure and investments in the region, just as all other Moroccan regions, highlighting that Dakhla-Oued Eddahab has a bright future thanks to the large-scale projects underway. Speaking on the Moroccan Sahara, the members of the Chilean delegation reiterated their countrys continuous support to the process led by the UN in order to achieve a just, pragmatic, lasting, realistic, viable, definitive and mutually acceptable solution to this conflict, within the framework of the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco to the UN in April 2007. During the meeting, attended by elected officials, representatives of human rights bodies and civil society stakeholders, the Secretary-General of the regions Wilaya, Abderrazak El Gourji, stressed that the visit was an ideal opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties, highlighting the regions all-round development momentum, which has had a positive impact on the well-being of the population. The Speaker of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies told the press that her visit to Dakhla was an opportunity to see for herself the development underway in the region, describing this momentum as interesting and impressive. Cariola also highlighted the large-scale projects launched in the region, citing in particular the Dakhla Atlantic port, the Dakhla seawater desalination plant, and the huge investments in renewables. For his part, the Vice-President of the Chilean Senate, Matias Walker, said that the visit provided an opportunity to learn about all the investment efforts being made in various sectors, expressing the wish to benefit from the Moroccan experience in several fields. For his part, Chilean Senator Francisco Chahuan welcomed HM King Mohammed VIs initiative to facilitate Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean, adding that his country sees Morocco as its gateway to the African continent. The members of the Chilean delegation paid a field visit to the Dakhla Atlantic port, where they followed a presentation on the mega-projects completed or underway. Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday. Photo: Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trumps first term in office was a shitshow on Capitol Hill. Congress was constantly turned upside down with sudden missives from the president. (In 2018, he even egged on the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.) Based on the past week, those will be considered the good old days in Trumps second term. At the dawn of unified rule in Washington, Republicans couldnt even agree on whether to keep the lights on. What had been a relatively formulaic affair, a bipartisan deal struck by Speaker Mike Johnson to avert a government shutdown, turned instead into 48 hours of pure chaos. Without the support of dissident House conservatives, he would need to work with Democrats to craft a bill that would receive the support of two-thirds of the entire House. By Wednesday morning, both sides had reached a compromise bill that kept the government running into March and crammed in a host of other priorities, including disaster relief, funding for farmers, as well as funding for childhood cancer research, new restrictions on American investments in China, and a ban on revenge and deepfake pornography. This was always going to spark anger from hard-right Republicans, but then Elon Musk started tweeting about it. The worlds richest man, owner of X, and key Trump ally posted hundreds of times about how the legislation was a wasteful abomination, often making false claims like that it would fund bioweapons labs. He wanted other provisions stripped out and even threatened to bankroll primary challenges against Republicans who supported the bill, starting a panic among Republicans. Not to be outdone, Trump weighed in against it, adding his demand they increase the debt limit too. (Without further action, the government is expected to breach the debt ceiling by the middle of 2025.) Republicans immediately balked and Johnson came back with a stripped-down bill that did what Trump and Musk wanted, keeping the government open, providing aid for disaster victims and farmers, while also preventing the government from hitting the debt ceiling until 2027. Trying to steamroll the opposition, Trump threatened to primary any Republican who supported a bill that didnt include a debt-limit increase, specifically targeting Chip Roy, a senior member of the restive, right-wing Freedom Caucus. Debt-limit increases have long been anathema to hard-right Republicans concerned about the deficit. Only last year, an effort to raise the debt ceiling under then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy sparked a crisis that required Democrats to bail him out and sowed the seeds of his ouster in the fall. Why would I say that the right thing to do is make sure you dont have a debt ceiling, and the sweetener is spending more money? said Rich McCormick of Georgia of the new proposal on Thursday. As a conservative, that is insulting to me. With Musk and Trump now onboard, Johnson pushed forward with a vote, only to see 38 Republicans defy their leaders and vote no, along with all but two Democrats. The next morning, Republicans huddled for hours in hopes of reaching a satisfactory resolution that would not only fund the government but let everyone get home for Christmas. At one point, according to Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Johnson was asking members to raise their hand to signify which legislative path that they preferred. The compromise Johnson put forward stripped the debt-limit increase from the bill, among other things, but included a closed-door promise to House conservatives to pair a future debt-limit increase with $2.5 trillion in long-term budget cuts. Speaking after the meeting, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin expressed his sympathy for the Speaker. I think the equivalent of what Mike Johnson has had to do over the last couple weeks is like trying to eat a live porcupine, he said. The porcupine has been consumed. For Democrats, dumping the debt-limit hike Trump craved was sufficient to win their support for a less expansive bill than they had negotiated before. They had denied the president-elect a legislative win he publicly demanded and kept the government open. While Democrats were dismayed to lose various provisions in the original deal, none of them was worth shutting down the government over. All fell into line on Friday night and supported the bill. In contrast, 34 Republicans, most from the partys hard right, did not. There were idiosyncratic reasons for some to object, but there were 20 members returning in 2025 who had objected to both bills, voting no on both Thursday and Friday. It showed the outlines of just how big the rump of dissident Republicans could be in the next Congress to frustrate Johnsons ambitions. Musk took a victory lap on Friday night on X, celebrating that his constant posting had drastically changed to the bill. Your actions turned a bill that weighed pounds into a bill that weighed ounces! he posted, which included stripping out the provision about China, where he has major investments through Tesla. Democrats immediately made Musk out to be the new Republican puppet master. You have a unelected wannabe oligarch who has made billions of dollars since this election and they cave to him and almost shut down the government for that, said Brad Schneider of Illinois, who also called out the billionaires posts that same day in support of a far-right political party in Germany. And put those two together, and its even worse. So this is one where two wrongs make a bigger concern. Though a shutdown was averted, the fight leaves House Republicans deeply uncertain over their prospects over the next two years. When asked if he had any worries about what would happen with an even smaller majority in January, Mike Simpson of Idaho sarcastically predicted, Its gonna be smooth. Were all gonna be together. With Matt Gaetzs resignation to dodge what is expected to be an ugly report from the Ethics Committee, Republicans can only afford to lose one vote in the House. The next major piece of business will be the swearing in of the new Congress on January 3, the same day the House must pick its Speaker. Johnson, who narrowly won the first time after multiple rounds and candidates, will face a difficult challenge holding on to the gavel. Thomas Massie, a gadfly Republican from Kentucky, has already said that he would not vote for Johnson, and other Republicans have expressed dissension with his leadership, which has relied on Democratic votes for critical legislation. Trumps favor might save him though, at least in the short term. Remember, if we dont have a Speaker, then we cant certify the election, all right? said Carlos Gimenez of Florida. And I think somebody else is going to be really upset about that. And even if Johnson manages to avoid defenestration on January 3, he still has to manage a paper-thin majority that will range from Mike Lawler, who is expected to run for governor of New York as a moderate, to Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently floated Musk for Speaker. Northeastern moderates will want to restore the deduction for state and local taxes, fiscal conservatives will want to cut entitlement spending to reduce the deficit, defense hawks will want to increase military spending. It is impossible to satisfy all of these impulses, let alone on wider divides such as Ukraine and abortion. A diminished Johnson, still trying to cling on to the gavel, will have to steer his conference around all of these pitfalls in order for Republicans to pass any legislation of substance. A major early bill planned for the cherished conservative goals of tightening immigration and slashing taxes now seems far more perilous to achieve, especially given Johnson wont be able to rely on Democratic support. The debt-ceiling fight will reemerge in the spring. And through it all, there will be two impulsive billionaires ready to sic their devoted followers on Republicans who displease them. You are here: China A file photo shows Sam Hou Fai attends a press conference in Macao, south China, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Sam Hou Fai was sworn in on Friday as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). In his inaugural address, Sam pledged to lead the new-term Macao SAR government to stand united with people from all walks of life and, with collective efforts, to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, maintain constitutional order in the SAR as stipulated in China's Constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and faithfully implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao." Born in Zhongshan, south China's Guangdong Province, in 1962, Sam graduated from Peking University as a law major. He moved to Macao in 1986 and joined the first group of Macao's judicial auditors in 1995. On Dec. 20, 1999, the day Macao SAR was established, Sam was appointed president of the SAR's Court of Final Appeal. After serving for almost 25 years as the head of the top court, Sam resigned in August this year before announcing his bid for the chief executive election. On Sept. 20, Macao's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election confirmed Sam as the accepted candidate for the election. On Sept. 28, Sam presented his political platform, which highlighted enhancing public governance capabilities, accelerating appropriate economic diversification, better integration into the national development, improving educational systems, and improving people's livelihoods. Sam was elected as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR on Oct. 13, securing 394 votes from the 400-member election committee. On Oct. 25, China's State Council appointed Sam as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR. On Nov. 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sam in Beijing. Witnessed by Xi, Premier Li Qiang presented Sam with a decree of the State Council appointing the latter. The project highlights Virginia's commitment to clean energy and addressing the increasing energy demands of data centers. The fusion power plant is expected to be operational by the early 2030s and will generate enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. Virginia will be home to the world's first commercial nuclear fusion power plant, developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Nuclear adoption continues accelerating, and now Virginia sure thinks it has found the way to "clean energy, billions in investment, and a solution to surging power demand". The state is going to host the world's first fusion power plant, according to the Virginia Mercury. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said this week: Commonwealth Fusion Systems plans on building the worlds first grid scale commercial fusion power plant in the world, full stop, and its going to be right here in the commonwealth of Virginia. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), founded in 2018 in Cambridge, Mass., plans to build a fusion power plant in Chesterfield County's James River Industrial Park. The facility, set to produce 400 megawatts of electricity to power 150,000 homes, could be operational by the early 2030s. Fusion power, replicating the suns energy production, offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fission. The 25-acre project highlights Virginias role in advancing energy solutions amid surging demand from energy-intensive data centers supporting big tech. A JLARC report projects Virginia's data center energy demand could triple to 30,000 megawatts by 2040 if infrastructure supports it. To meet rising needs, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power are exploring modular nuclear reactors, wind, solar, and natural gas, the Virginia Mercury reported. Fusion power offers a clean alternative, avoiding emissions tied to climate change. It combines hydrogen isotopes under extreme heat and pressure, using magnets to generate electricity via steam turbines, with helium as the only byproduct. Dominion Energy Virginia President Edward H. Baine said: Our customers growing needs for reliable, carbon-free power benefits from as diverse a menu of power generation options as possible, and in that spirit, we are delighted to assist CFS in their efforts." The report says that CFS chose Chesterfield after a global search and will lease the site from Dominion Energy. Virginia secured the project with $2 million in state and county funding, a tax exemption for equipment, and federal DOE support. Gov. Youngkin estimates it will bring "billions" in development and "hundreds" of jobs. CFS is building its SPARC demo plant in Massachusetts to pave the way for ARC technology in Chesterfield. Unlike laser-based fusion by California's Lawrence Livermore Lab, CFS uses a tokamak, a donut-shaped device, to confine and fuse molecules. Alex Creely, CFS director of tokamak operations, concluded: One of the big advantages of fusion is that it doesnt produce any long lived waste material, and theres no risk of some kind of meltdown even. Its a very safe energy source something that you can live right next to and feel very comfortable with. Recall earlier this week we wrote that nuclear startup Oklo joined the long list of names signing deals with data centers for power heading into the next decade. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, has led to an oversupply of electricity in Europe, causing prices to plummet. Energy prices across Europe fell below zero for a record number of hours in 2024. An accelerated buildout of large-scale wind and solar farms has flooded European grids at peak production hours, causing surplus energy to be sold at a loss at increasingly frequent increments, for a grand total of 7,841 hours during the first eight months of this year. At their worst, prices have fallen below -20 per megawatt hour, according to the consultancy ICIS. While rapidly expanding solar capacity is the main culprit for the price inversions, a decades-long boom in wind power is also a major contributor. This reality was underscored earlier this month in Denmark when an offshore wind auction failed to receive a single bid. The government-run event was the biggest-ever auction for offshore wind farms in Denmark. This is a relatively clear sign that the market for wind power is pretty much saturated in Denmark and in other European countries, like Sweden, that started renewable buildout early and aggressively. Last year, Denmark generated 58% of its electricity from offshore wind, setting a world record. But it looks like that number is set to plateau. The expansion of thousands of wind turbines over the past two decades is discouraging investors from backing new renewable developments in the country as rock-bottom power prices offer little return, gCaptain reported earlier this month. Doubts are also growing over what demand will be in the future as a number of energy-hungry green industrial mega-projects in the north get delayed or canceled altogether, the article continued. The offshore wind industry has been in trouble at a global level for several years now as supply chain snags and rising operational costs have caused no small number of offshore projects to stall out. In the United States, project costs increased by a whopping 57% in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, creating a huge disincentive for would-be investors. Whats more, a little over a year before this months auction flop in Denmark, an offshore wind auction in the United Kingdom similarly failed to attract a single bid from offshore wind developers. In Europe, the continent-wide rapid buildout of clean energy is good news for the climate, but ultimately destabilizing for European energy markets and a potential driver of punished price shocks. Already, a cottage industry has sprouted up around trading on renewable energy price volatility. Across Denmark, companies are employing automated trading desks (computers that run trades based on complex algorithms) ato buy and sell gargantuan volumes of energy contracts based on forecasted weather conditions, which impact electricity consumption on one end and renewable energy production on the other. And these trading firms are getting filthy rich. However, such trading could ultimately helpt to smooth out energy markets and better balance supply and demand, mitigating the current market saturation and potentially making new investment in offshore wind attractive again. In laymans terms, these energy trading firms are performing an important service in the markets in which they operate by helping to balance out supply and demand on the grid, Oilprice reported earlier this year. This means that those traders in Denmark are helping to keep the lights on for Europeans. The search for commercial-scale, long-term energy storage solutions is also heating up. Energy storage technologies capable of capturing and storing excess renewable energy until demand outstrips supply will be critical to achieving a 100% renewable power grid. But technology is not quite there yet. For now, we cannot have an electricity system thats based solely on wind and solar, Brian Vad Mathiesen, a professor at Aalborg University in Denmark, told gCaptain. There are stark technical and economic limits to how much we can integrate into the grid. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Even though the EU sanctions Russian oil, Bulgaria still allows crude to be processed at the Lukoil Burgas refinery. An investigation by Ukrainian journalist Mykhailo Tkach, working for the Ukrainska Pravda, shows that Lukoils Bulgarian Burgas refinery is still processing Russian crude. The volumes are being transported by Russias shadow fleet and transshipped offshore near the coast of Bulgaria. Tkach has made videos of the ship-to-ship (STS) transfers just opposite the port of Rosenets, the main port for crude oil deliveries to the Burgas refinery. The Ukrainian reporter shows that the Liberian-registered tanker Lipari, arriving on November 24 from Novorossiysk, Russia, docked near the Rosenets port. Via an STS, the Maltese-registered tanker Stames took delivery of crude oil at sea. This STS appears to have delivered Russian naphtha, for which the EU in 2022 granted Bulgaria an exemption to import until the end of 2024. Reports, such as those from Global Witness, show Bulgaria imported much more Russian naphtha than necessary in 2023. Global Witness also stated that the Burgas refinery processed 5 million tons of Russian naphtha in the first ten months of 2023, contributing around 1 billion to Russian government coffers. In response, the Bulgarian government announced in 2023 that it plans to decrease Russian naphtha imports by 80%, stopping all imports by 2024. However, Tkachs video indicates that the Burgas refinery is still processing Russian oil. To limit the ability of the Russian dark fleet to bring crude and products to European markets, the EU imposed additional sanctions on December 1, 2024, targeting around 50 additional Russian oil tankers, bringing the total sanctioned dark fleet to approximately 80 vessels. Tkachs findings suggest that the Bulgarian government remains complicit in Russian STS operations linked to Burgas refinery activities. Analysts have proposed that the Russian naphtha could be rebranded as KEBKO (Kazakh Export Blend Crude Oil) to bypass restrictions. Ukrainian and Bulgarian media claim that Bulgarian government officials are likely aware of the multimillion-dollar deals involved. Reports also suggest that the Russian-Bulgarian oil connection is part of Moscows disinformation and influence strategy. As evidence of Moscows sway, Bulgarias government, led by Prime Minister Grachev, has declined to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, creating a rift with 25 EU member states that have signed similar agreements. Grachevs government appears to be following Hungarys Viktor Orban in aligning with Russian interests. Interestingly, Lukoils Bulgarian assets, including the Burgas refinerythe largest in the Balkansare up for sale. Hungarian oil and gas company MOL is reportedly in the process of acquiring the assets. Hungarian President Orban has been pushing for the deal, as evidenced by his visits to Bulgarian officials, including President Radev. Analysts warn that Russian financing could be involved, as MOLs financial capacity is limited. Orbans involvement should raise concerns for European authorities, who might consider blocking the deal if Russian connections are proven. Hungarian ownership of Lukoils assets could further entrench Moscows influence in the Balkans. Another issue complicates the sale of Lukoils assets. The company holds a dominant position in Bulgarias fuel market but has not paid profit taxes. Bulgarian sources estimate that Lukoil owes around BGN 500 million ($265 million) in unpaid taxes. Bulgaria is not the only European country importing large volumes of Russian oil and products. Reports show that Romania has also violated EU sanctions. In November, the Panama-registered tanker Sredina arrived in Romanian waters near the port of Constanta and performed an STS transfer with another Panama-registered tanker, Melahat. According to Marine Tracking, Melahat later docked with the Russian-registered vessel VF Tanker 3, which had come directly from Novorossiysk, Russia. Other vessels, such as the Altai, have also transported Russian crude to Romanian ports like Midia. Turkey is another route for Russian crude and products into Europe. The EUs Anti-Fraud Office is investigating the Turkish route, where vessels from Russia pass through ports without refining capabilities. Marine Traffic has documented other vessels coming from Novorossiysk, further establishing Turkeys role in the ongoing trade of Russian oil to European markets. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has described the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed as the biggest liar in the history of Nigeria politics. The former minister made this statement in reaction to the interview of the Minister of information with Tim Sebastien of Hardtalk. According to Fani-Kayode, the Nigerian minister made a huge mistake by going on international TV to cross words with the interviewer. This is coming a day after Fani-Kayode expressed that President Buhari should be in jail. Fani-Kayode stated this in a post on his Twitter handle- @realFF, on Friday. See the tweets bellow: File photo Two Nigeriens, who attended a wedding in the Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State, have lost their lives after eating food suspected to have been poisoned, The PUNCH reports. The victims, Bilkisu Surajo, 20, and Ibrahim Sani, 13, were among the 19 guests who ate the poisoned food. The incident occurred on Saturday. Eyewitnesses said the 19 guests, who ate from the poisoned food, became unconscious and were rushed to the General Hospital, Mani, where the two Nigeriens eventually died. The spokesman for the state police command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident on Thursday. He said two suspects, Musa Suleiman, 25, and Shafaatu Sirajo, 20, both of Ali Yaba village in the Mani Local Government Area of the state, had been arrested in connection with the incident. It was learnt that the two suspects allegedly conspired to put a substance, known in Hausa as Zaqami, in the food that was served the guests. Two suspects, Musa Suleiman (male) and Shafaatu Sirajo (female) have been arrested and have confessed to the crime. Investigation is ongoing, Isah stated. In a related development, operatives of the Operation Puff Adder in the Batsari Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday, arrested a suspected bandit, Abubakar Alti, 26, of the Dogon Dutsen Akata Fulani Camp in the area and recovered a herd of cattle from him. Isah described Alti as a notorious bandit, who had taken part in various attacks in the council area. KOTEK PICKS WINNERS AND LOSERS, OVERREACHES EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY, WITH NEW PUBLIC WORKS EXECUTIVE ORDER By Oregon House Leader Christine Drazan, SALEM, Ore. Today, House Republicans leaders criticized Governor Tina Koteks overreach of executive power with Executive Order 24-31, while affirming their support for apprenticeships and workforce development. Governor Koteks short-sighted leadership picks winners and losers and abuses the role of the executive branch by inappropriately sidelining the legislature, said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). House Republicans are committed to increasing apprenticeship opportunities and developing Oregons workforce, but the Governors out-of-touch approach adds layers of bureaucracy that increase costs while reducing opportunities for hardworking Oregonians, added Drazan. Oregons leaders should do all we can to follow existing laws that protect fair competition while providing the highest quality workmanship with public funds, concluded Drazan The executive order raises questions as to whether Governor Kotek has the legal authority under ORS 279A.015(5) to implement this executive order. l appreciate that Oregon law explicitly confirms our commitment to open and fair competition in statute, giving Oregons small and emerging businesses an opportunity to work on public projects, said Co- Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany). It is critical that Oregon continues its commitment to these principles in all projects in our state, added Boshart Davis. She concludes by stating that Governor Koteks executive order systematically denies BIPOC and women owned open shop small businesses and contractors of these opportunities. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com The Federal government and New York authorities are showing full use of force when they hunted for the CEO assassin Luigi Mangione and for then the parade him around. Notice the headline indicating the death penalty prospects. The death penalty cant happen in Oregon because Governor Brown and the liberal lawmakers (roughly party-line Democrat vote at the time) voted to spare all Oregon criminals from the death penalty for almost all cases for those on Oregon death row. Even serial killers like this guy were spared. Not only are Oregons serial killers treated more nice than most states, but even Luigi himself was given a favorable headline by The Oregonian last week. It implied that people have justified anger when they sometimes kill over political frustrations. As stated, Oregon could use: 1) More aggressive law enforcement manhunts for Oregon murderers 2) More death penalty for Oregon murderers. Unfortunately, Oregons liberal politicians have already moved Oregon in the opposite direction. Was this helpful? Consider a donation (it is how we make this article possible) Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). 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: Tattooed right foot of Ghz-1002. A) original; B) DStretch enhanced; C) pigmented pixels enhanced; D) pigmented pixels isolated. Full-spectrum photographs: E) original; F) DStretch enhanced; G) pigmented pixels enhanced; H) pigmented pixels isolated. Credit: K.A. Guilbault in Guilbault et al. 2024 Recently, a team of researchers published their study on a medieval Nubian tattoo in Antiquity. The researchers conducted a post-excavation analysis on individuals who had been interred at the Ghazali Monastery Cemetery (Sudan). One of these individuals was found to have a tattoo, making him only the second ever identified case of a tattooed medieval Nubian. The research team included Ph.D. candidate Kari A. Guilbault, Dr. Robert J. Stark, and Dr. Artur Obuski. The Ghazali Monastery Cemetery is located in the Bayuda Desert of northern Sudan. First established around AD 680, it remained in use until around the year 1275. The monastery consisted of a church and communal living quarters and was built near iron smelting facilities, a settlement, and four cemeteries. These cemeteries included Cemetery 1, which was used for ad sanctos burials (interments near areas of religious importance); Cemetery 2, which was intended for burials of the monastic community; and Cemetery 3, which served as the final resting place for lay individuals. The use of Cemetery 4, however, remains unclear. It was within Cemetery 1 that the tattooed individual (Ghz-1-002) was recovered. The individual was likely male and died at age 3550. Based on radiocarbon dating, he likely died around AD 667-774. His body had been semi-mummified, a result of the natural climate, explains Guilbault: "Generally, skeletal preservation tends to be good in the region due to the arid desert climate. However, soft tissue preservation is limited. While aspects of Ghz-1-002, the tattooed individual, were naturally mummified, the remains are mostly skeletonized. Essentially, purposeful mummification or preservation did not occur. Both feet of Ghz-1-002 are the exception, with the right foot inscribed with the tattoo." During post-excavation analysis, a dark discoloration of the foot was noted. Using full-spectrum image analysis and DStretch technology (image enhancing software), the team identified a small tattoo approximately 16 x 26 mm. The tattoo consisted of three signs: a Christogram (made up of the Greek letters rho (P) and chi (X)), an alpha (A); and an omega (either or ) sign. According to Guilbault, the tattoo was representative of the Christian faith, and even its location on the foot may have signified a link to pilgrimage. "The tattoo symbols have long been representative of the Christian faith. The Roman emperor Constantine introduced the chi rho symbol, which was incorporated into the military standard. The alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively, symbolic of Christ as the beginning and end, encompassing everything. Graffiti representations of feet were widely used in the Nile Valley region and throughout antiquity to denote pilgrimage to sacred sites," stated Guilbault. Due to its design, which meant it would only appear upright to the bearer, its small size, and its location, the tattoo likely served as a private sign of devotion meant for the bearer's viewing only. Tattoos have a long history in Nubia; however, this tattoo is only the second ever instance from this time and place, explained Guilbault. "The history of tattooing in the Nile Valley is quite long, so it is not that tattooing was new or novel in the medieval period of Nubia. The early tattooed individuals were mostly female and had dot/dash geometric designs and botanical motifs. In general, tattooing has been found on the arms, torso, and legs. However, an individual found in Egypt has tattooing on her neck. One other individual buried in Sudanese Nubia was reported to have tattoos on the foot. That individual is dated to the C-group period (ca. 24001550 BCE). Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The only other current known tattoo from the region and time is also religious in nature. A monogram of St. Michael was found on a female's thigh during research on mummified individuals at the British Museum." Ghz-1-002 was possibly a particularly religiously devout individual and was hence interred in Cemetery 1 (meant for ad sanctos burials). This is further supported by the positioning of the cemetery in relation to other sites such as the monastery (a site of religious importance) and Cemetery 3 (where individuals of the settlement were buried). The combination of the religious tattoo and this strategic burial placement makes it highly likely that Ghz-1-002 was a particularly devout member of the local community who wished to be interred ad sanctos. The discovery of this tattoo is a rare and significant archaeological discovery that provides unique insights into medieval Christian practices in the region at that time. More information: Kari A. Guilbault et al, Faith embodied: a tattooed individual from medieval Ghazali, Antiquity (2024). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.193 Journal information: Antiquity 2024 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artist's impression of the asteroid slamming into tropical, shallow seas of the sulfur-rich Yucatan Peninsula in what is today Southeast Mexico.[13] The aftermath of the asteroid collision, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago, is believed to have caused the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs and many other species on Earth.[13] The impact spewed hundreds of billions of tons of sulfur into the atmosphere, producing a worldwide blackout and freezing temperatures which persisted for at least a decade. Credit: Donald E. Davis, NASA; Public Domain It's the last week before Christmas and not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse model bred to exhibit characteristics of ADHD for in vivo studies of central nervous system stimulants. This week, we reported on the discovery of the world's oldest-known mammalian ancestor; the surveying of 1,300 burial mounds in western Azerbaijan; and a quasiparticle present in all magnetic materials. Additionally, researchers have shut down another alternate theory about the end of the dinosaurs; LLMs are becoming more brain-like, according to one study, but another one suggests that they exhibit signs of cognitive decline: Rock, paper, volcano We all know that a massive meteorite impact in the Gulf of Mexico killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. But what some researchers presuppose is maybe they didn't? Actually, geologists have theorized that massive volcanic eruptions on the Indian Peninsula may have expelled enough ash and CO 2 into the atmosphere to cool the planet to uninhabitability. But climate researchers at Utrecht University have now ruled out this scenario, finding that while the roughly contemporaneous volcanoes had a measurable impact on the climate, those impacts were different in degree, type and timescale compared to a meteorite impact. The researchers analyzed soil particles in ancient peats to reconstruct air temperature across the time period covering both the volcanoes and the meteorite impact. They found that the volcanoes occurred 30,000 years prior to the impact and corresponded to a 5-degree-Celsius global atmospheric cooling, likely the result of atmospheric sulfur input. About 10,000 years later, temperatures were climbing back, probably aided by volcanic CO 2 emissions. "These volcanic eruptions and associated CO 2 and sulfur release would have had drastic consequences for life on Earth. But these events happened millennia before the meteorite impact and probably played only a small part in the extinction of dinosaurs," says Lauren O'Connor at Utrecht University. 12 brains agree Researchers at Columbia University and Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Northwell Health report that as LLM models advance in sophistication and function, they're also becoming more brain-like. By creating a kind of book club for 12 recent LLMs and training them on a single text, the researchers extracted the internal representations of the textcalled "embeddings"and compared them to the results of a human experiment. In the human experiment, they recorded the neural responses of neurosurgical patients as they listened to the text. Then the researchers attempted to predict the recorded neural responses to words from the word embeddings derived from the LLMs. "The ability to predict the brain responses from the word embeddings gives us a sense of how similar the two are," says Gavin Mischler, first author of the paper. Using computational tools, they tried to assess which LLM layers aligned most closely to human neural responsesspecifically, those in brain regions associated with language processing. They conclude that as LLMs become more powerful, their embeddings become more similar to the brain's responses to language. However While it's great that LLMs have their own researcher-mediated book clubs now, a report in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal finds that nearly all of the leading LLMs exhibit signs of mild cognitive impairment in standard diagnostic tests for dementia. According to the researchers, this is the first study of cognitive decline in large language models. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment test consists of short tasks and questions to assess attention, memory, language and spatial skills; it is widely used to detect cognitive impairment and early signs of dementia. The instructions the researchers gave the LLMs were identical to those given to human patients; the LLMs were scored and the results were evaluated by a neurologist. They report that all of the chatbots exhibited poor performance in visuospatial skills, executive tasks and the clock drawing test. The models tended to score more highly in naming, attention, language and abstraction. In a concluding leap of science-fictional conjecture, the authors write, "Not only are neurologists unlikely to be replaced by large language models any time soon, but our findings suggest that they may soon find themselves treating new, virtual patientsartificial intelligence models presenting with cognitive impairment." 2024 Science X Network Chinese FM holds talks with Serbian counterpart Xinhua) 10:52, December 21, 2024 TIANJIN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Tianjin on Friday. Noting that China and Serbia are iron-clad friends and the bilateral ties conform to the correct direction of history, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Serbia to create new prospects for bilateral relations. China is constantly improving its high-level opening-up system, which will not only provide impetus for China's development, but also provide new cooperation opportunities for Serbia and other countries in the world, said Wang. Wang said Serbia is welcome to join hands with China to realize their respective modernization, adding that China will continue to firmly support Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will support Serbia's development and growth. Djuric said that deepening cooperation with China has become a cross-party and social consensus in Serbia, adding that Serbia will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and firmly support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Serbia looks forward to working with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for greater development of bilateral relations, said Djuric. He noted that Serbia supports all major initiatives put forward by China, supports the promotion of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and looks forward to close communication and coordination with China to jointly tackle global challenges. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Flash The United States needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba's territory, close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing. It is reported that U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain there. In recent years, successive U.S. administrations have promised multiple times they would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven't acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the United States has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years. Lin said the United States has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. "What the United States has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba's sovereignty and rights and interests." The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the United States to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson. The repeated failure of the United States to keep its promise of closing this U.S.-run "concentration camp" will only add another stain to the poor U.S. track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of U.S. commitment to human rights, said the spokesperson. The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba's protracted wound, and it is a living witness to more than a century of U.S. illegal interference in Cuba, Lin said, adding that the United States, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called "state sponsor of terrorism." "The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this," he added. China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes U.S. interference in Cuba's internal affairs, Lin said, adding that the United States needs to stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, give the Cuban people's land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism." Puerto Morelos opens its first Walmart brand store Puerto Morelos, Q.R. The town of Puerto Morelos has opened its first Walmart brand store. On Friday, Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Munoz cut the ribbon, welcoming the first Bodega Aurrera Express. The Alborada store in the municipal capital began operations Friday responding to meet the needs generated by the growth that is taking place in Puerto Morelos. I am pleased that they have turned to the municipality, that they create jobs and generate economic benefits that will strengthen the local economy, Merari Tziu said. The small version of their warehouse brand store has created 10 jobs. Arturo Hermandez Salazar, Puerto Morelos Bodega Aurrera Manager, said the location aims to offer the lowest prices. The new establishment will operate from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., he added, confirming the hiring of 10 local residents. The new Bodega Aurrera Express offers self serve checkouts. Photo: December 20, 2024. Fernando Matus, the Assistant Director of Operations for Walmart in Quintana Roo and Yucatan, thanked Puerto Morelos authorities for their support as well as the people who gathered outside the store early on opening day. Dozens lined up outside the new store early Friday ahead of its official opening. Photo: December 20, 2024. Matus says their goal is to continue contributing to the development of the municipality, the state and the country. Flash The China Coast Guard (CCG) has urged the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements and provocations after the illegal intrusion of a Philippine aircraft into the airspace over China's Huangyan Dao on Thursday. "Huangyan Dao has always been part of China's territory. The Philippines' moves seriously violate China's sovereignty and could easily lead to unexpected incidents at sea or in the air," CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said. A British-Singaporean teenager was reportedly killed in a tragic snorkelling accident involving a boat propeller while on a school trip in the Maldives. Jenna Chan, 15, is said to have died on November 8 while assisting the British charity Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, according to The Sun. The St Joseph's International Institution student was reportedly "sucked under" when the propeller of a stationary boat was turned on after students had been given the all-clear to enter the water. Her parents, Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw, have said they are still waiting for answers and criticised the schools anti-mobile phone policy, which left them unable to contact their daughter throughout the trip. ADVERTISEMENT Jennas sister Alice Chan had launched a fundraiser to try and find out more information. She wrote on a GoFundMe page: There has been silence from the Maldivian government and all news about her has ceased. The circumstances leading to her sudden death and negligence of the company are truly shocking to our family and her teenage friends, who witnessed her death. Please help support us during this tough time for our family and loved ones, and spread the word about her case, she added. All donations will go towards our fight for Jenna and protection of all future children and tourists, by providing our Maldivian lawyers with the legal fees and financial support to take more cases just like this one. A report by the Maldives police rereported in The Times said: On 8th November 2024, during [an] excursion while snorkelling between Lux Maldives Resort and Dhidoo, an incident occurred and Miss Jenna [Chan] was struck by the boats propellers. ADVERTISEMENT It was reported that the students had been hoping to swim with dolphins on the trip and that Jenna had followed the instructions that she had been given. Its almost Christmas and we still have no answers. We want to know what happened. The whole truth [and] if somebody was negligent, Mr Chan said. Jenna was just sunshine. She was the warmest, smiliest person. She held the family together for us. She was her sister Alishas soulmate. She wanted to be a geriatrician because she loved old people. She was always helpful. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: We are supporting the family of a British national who died in the Maldives and are in contact with the local authorities. Richard Rees, managing director of the charity, said: The accident occurred while students were involved in marine activities offshore. The emergency services immediately attended the incident. The whole team at the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. The students family and friends continue to be in our thoughts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/biden-signs-temporary-budget-bill-ending-formal-us-government-shutdown--1121230765.html Biden Signs Temporary Budget Bill, Ending Formal US Government Shutdown Biden Signs Temporary Budget Bill, Ending Formal US Government Shutdown Sputnik International US President Biden has signed a temporary budget bill, ending the formal US government shutdown, the White House said on Saturday. 2024-12-21T16:43+0000 2024-12-21T16:43+0000 2024-12-21T16:43+0000 americas joe biden us congress white house government shutdown https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/04/1120770086_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_af816caae45176f1630e278ee8667ff5.jpg "On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the President signed into law which provides fiscal year 2025 appropriations to Federal agencies through March 14, 2025," the White House said in a statement. The upper chamber of the US Congress has belatedly supported a bill for a temporary extension of federal government funding, allowing a shutdown. However, the suspension of the work of the US federal government was merely formal due to the weekend. A shutdown would have entered its full phase on Monday. By the March 14 funding deadline, a new US administration under President Donald Trump will be in power. The new bill "provides disaster relief appropriations and economic assistance to farmers; extends the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; and extends several expiring authorities," the statement said. americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us government shutdown, biden signs temporary budget bill https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/cutting-edge-tucha-missile-ship-admitted-to-russian-navy--russian-defense-ministry-1121228090.html Cutting-Edge Tucha Missile Ship Admitted to Russian Navy Russian Defense Ministry Cutting-Edge Tucha Missile Ship Admitted to Russian Navy Russian Defense Ministry Sputnik International Russian corvette Tucha, part of Project 22800, has been admitted to the Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. 2024-12-21T11:11+0000 2024-12-21T11:11+0000 2024-12-21T11:11+0000 military russian navy russian defense ministry project 22800 black sea fleet https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/15/1121227929_0:160:3074:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_f825acde0b72613ef2a2ca4abcd03f94.jpg In Kaspiysk, at the naval base of for the Caspian Fleet, a grand ceremony of admission of the Project 22800 'Tucha' missile ship to the Russian navy has taken place. The admission to the Russian Navy and rising of the St. Andrews Flag has been held under the leadership of deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, vice-admiral Igor Mukhametshin, the ministry said. At the ceremony, Mukhametshin thanked the staff of the Zelenodolsk Shipyard for their contribution and expressed certainty that the ships crew will successfully perform all the tasks. The ceremony was also attended by Commander of the Caspian Flotilla Oleg Zverev and Zelenodolsk Shipyard CEO Alexander Filippov. Tucha is the fourth ship of Project 22800. Its construction was launched in 2019 and finished in 2023. The ships of this type have high-precision rocket weapon complexes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/russia-rolls-out-nuclear-powered-icebreaker-chukotka-1120801203.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian navy, black sea fleet, black sea tucha, russian warships https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/hungary-proposing-russia-ukraine-to-preserve-gas-transit-by-changing-owner--orban-1121228458.html Hungary Proposing Russia, Ukraine to Preserve Gas Transit by Changing Owner Orban Hungary Proposing Russia, Ukraine to Preserve Gas Transit by Changing Owner Orban Sputnik International Hungary is interested in preserving the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine and negotiates this opportunity with both states by proposing an option to transfer gas under Hungarian ownership right on the Russian-Ukrainian border, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday. 2024-12-21T11:59+0000 2024-12-21T11:59+0000 2024-12-21T12:17+0000 world russian economy under sanctions ukrainian crisis ukraine hungary viktor orban russian gas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/12/1119422796_0:0:3095:1742_1920x0_80_0_0_cd8e9c64dea802ac8887b5ef58eb6db8.jpg "We are not abandoning our plans to receive energy through Ukraine, and we are holding talks with both Russia and Ukraine. We will continue to negotiate next year as well. We want to pull off such a trick: what if the gas entering Ukraine was no longer considered Russian, but would be owned by the buyer? In other words, when it crosses the border into Ukraine, it would no longer be Russian but Hungarian gas. It is currently being discussed whether Ukrainians and Russians would agree to this, but we are not giving up on the idea," Orban told a press conference. Hungary is interested in diversifying its energy supply routes, Orban said, adding that "if you rely on energy from only one pipeline, you are always vulnerable." "We are dissatisfied that the Ukrainian route has been replaced by another one. Of course, if it hadn't worked out, there would have been problems. But this does not bring joy. We would be happy if three or four affordable energy sources were constantly available," Orban stated.Lift Sanctions Against RussiaHungary believes that the sanctions against Russia have to be fully lifted as soon as possible, but only a few EU member states agree with this, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday.If it [the Ukrainian conflict] ends, the sanctions [against Russia] tormenting Europe will end. Hungarys point of view is that the sanctions have to be lifted as soon as possible and to the full extent, Orban said at a press conference.The removal of Russia sanctions will end the streak inflation and the economy will start to recover, the Hungarian prime minister said. He stressed that Hungary advocates for this at European discussions, but with no success, as "only one or two member states think the same way, while the rest, including the big players, are opposed and not even discussing this."The West stepped up sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the West's long-term strategy of containing Russia hurts the global economy. The sanctions target Russian politicians, companies, athletes, students, scientists and artists. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/hungary-still-ready-to-host-peace-negotiations-on-ukraine---szijjarto-1121225739.html ukraine hungary Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine conflict, ukraine crisis. russian economy under sanctions, russian gas, russian hydrocarbons Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Tianjin on Friday. Noting that China and Serbia are iron-clad friends and the bilateral ties conform to the correct direction of history, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Serbia to create new prospects for bilateral relations. China is constantly improving its high-level opening-up system, which will not only provide impetus for China's development, but also provide new cooperation opportunities for Serbia and other countries in the world, said Wang. Wang said Serbia is welcome to join hands with China to realize their respective modernization, adding that China will continue to firmly support Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will support Serbia's development and growth. Djuric said that deepening cooperation with China has become a cross-party and social consensus in Serbia, adding that Serbia will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and firmly support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Serbia looks forward to working with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for greater development of bilateral relations, said Djuric. He noted that Serbia supports all major initiatives put forward by China, supports the promotion of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and looks forward to close communication and coordination with China to jointly tackle global challenges. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/hungary-still-ready-to-host-peace-negotiations-on-ukraine---szijjarto-1121225739.html Hungary Still Ready to Host Peace Negotiations on Ukraine - Szijjarto Hungary Still Ready to Host Peace Negotiations on Ukraine - Szijjarto Sputnik International Budapest stands ready to provide a venue for possible peace negotiations on Ukraine, Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti. 2024-12-21T04:37+0000 2024-12-21T04:37+0000 2024-12-21T08:52+0000 world hungary ukrainian crisis peter szijjarto https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/0d/1120527104_0:0:2965:1668_1920x0_80_0_0_ba80088ef6c6ce53955ecc40998b8ca7.jpg Budapest stands ready to provide a venue for possible peace negotiations on Ukraine, Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti. He promised that his country would offer everyone a safe, fair level playing field. US Political Revenge Against HungaryThe United States' decision not to exempt Russian-built Paks II nuclear power plant from sanctions on Gazprombank constitutes an act of "political revenge" against Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister said.In November, the US imposed sanctions on Gazprombank and six of its foreign subsidiaries. On Wednesday, the US Treasury issued a general license authorizing transactions with Gazprombank related to civil nuclear energy through June 30, while excluding transactions related to Paks II."They were absolutely aware what kind of impacts they caused with such a decision in some central European and southeast European countries. It's so obvious, and the fact that deliberately, they have not given the waiver for Gazprom when it comes to Paks II, shows that they try to make a political revenge just because we have always represented a patriotic, sovereignistic political strategy," Szijjarto said.The current US administration "cannot digest" that the Hungarian government serves national interests and therefore seeks to cut its energy cooperation with Russia, the minister said.Szijjarto called US sanctions on Gazprombank a "concerning" and "clearly politically motivated decision" by the United States.Hungary is working to find a way on how to pay Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom for the construction of the Paks II nuclear power plant in the wake of US restrictions but expects to find a solution, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti.In November, the US imposed sanctions on Gazprombank and six of its foreign subsidiaries. On Wednesday, the US Treasury issued a general license authorizing transactions with Gazprombank related to civil nuclear energy through June 30, while excluding transactions related to Paks II."We are working on it with Rosatom, how to do that. I'm pretty sure we will find some legal solutions for that," Szijjarto said regarding payment issues.He noted that when it comes to gas payments, Budapest has found an alternative financial mechanism for that."As we have found the legal solutions for the payments for gas, we have the alternative financial way for that, which we don't have to use for a while, because now Gazprombank got a three month long waiver from the Americans to be involved in financial transactions in relationship to gas," Szijjarto said.The minister added that despite the sanctions, Hungary will continue looking into ways to pay for the NPP construction."We can stay with the already existing pipeline, financial pipeline, but in case there's a change in this regard, we already have constructed the alternative way of payment when it comes to gas and when it comes to nuclear fuel as well. When it comes to the construction of the new nuclear power plant, we still have to work on the legal solution, we have some options, and we will finalize one of those," Szijjarto concluded.On Russian Chem Defense Chief Assasination The terrorist attack that killed Russian chemical defense chief Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov causes concern and risks escalation, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti.Szijjarto warned that if escalation occurs before US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on January 20, it could have a "very negative impact" on a chance to "make peace as soon as possible" after that date.Kirillov and his aide were killed in Moscow early on Tuesday by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter. An official with Ukraine's security service SBU confirmed to The New York Times that Ukraine was responsible for the assassination.On Wednesday morning, Russia's Federal Security Service said it had arrested the perpetrator of the terrorist attack, Uzbek national Akhmad Kurbanov. Kurbanov said he had been recruited by Ukrainian security services who promised $100,000 and a resettlement in a EU country in exchange for the killing.Chance for Peace in Ukraine After Trump Inauguration 'Bigger Than Ever'US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January could open a historic opportunity to achieve peace in Ukraine, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti.The minister referred to decisions that have been made "on both sides of the ocean" after the November 5 election and carry a "huge risk of escalation," such as allowing Kiev to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia and pushing the Ukrainians to lower the draft age to 18.No Peacekeepers in Ukraine Discussions about a possible deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine are premature at the moment as a ceasefire and peace agreement should be achieved in the first place, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241220/ukraine-launched-ugly-campaign-against-hungary---foreign-minister-szijjarto-1121218169.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20241218/kiev-killed-kirillov-for-exposing-wests-hand-dirty-money-in-ukraine-biolab-scheme---ex-cia-officer-1121202983.html hungary Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine crisis, hungary, hungary ukraine, russia-nato showdown, ukraine conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/lessons-never-learned-how-us-pushes-taiwans-militarization-1121229605.html Lessons Never Learned: How US Pushes Taiwan's Militarization Lessons Never Learned: How US Pushes Taiwan's Militarization Sputnik International Beijing, which considers Taiwan an essential part of China, has repeatedly lashed out at Americas weapon sales to Taiwan, which it says undermines Chinese-US relations and jeopardizes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 2024-12-21T14:53+0000 2024-12-21T14:53+0000 2024-12-21T14:53+0000 military us china taiwan militarization missiles radars tanks https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/15/1121229447_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e5564c550f89b341ce2d3a3841f1d055.jpg Taiwan has received a first batch of 38 US-made Abrams tanks, with 70 more such armored vehicles due to be delivered to the island before the end of 2026.Lets delve into what other military equipment Washington sold to Taipei under outgoing US President Joe Biden between 2021 and 2024, and what American weapons Taiwan plans to purchase. Information is based on open sources and media reports.Already Bought (Approved Deals are Worth About $7 Billion)To Be Purchased (Package is Worth More Than $15 Billion) The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement earlier this month that Washington's arms sales to Taiwan seriously violate the One-China principle and the provisions of the three joint China-US communiques.The situation around Taiwan worsened after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in early August 2022. China, which sees the island as part of its territory, condemned Pelosi's visit as US support for Taiwanese separatism and held large-scale military exercises. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241029/china-warns-of-resolute-countermeasures-after-us-approval-of-2-billion-arms-sales-to-taiwan-region-1120715167.html china taiwan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg an essential part of china, military equipment , us's arms sales to taiwan, chinese-us relations, outgoing us president joe biden between https://sputnikglobe.com/20241221/nazi-apologizer-and-shrewd-relations-spoiler-check-out-the-profile-of-new-ukrainian-envoy-to-un-1121227685.html Nazi Apologizer and Shrewd Relations Spoiler: Check Out the Profile of New Ukrainian Envoy to UN Nazi Apologizer and Shrewd Relations Spoiler: Check Out the Profile of New Ukrainian Envoy to UN Sputnik International In Germany, Andriy Melnyk is notoriously known as "a very undiplomatic diplomat" over his rude and controversial remarks. 2024-12-21T11:05+0000 2024-12-21T11:05+0000 2024-12-21T11:05+0000 world ukraine the united nations (un) envoy volodymyr zelensky olaf scholz diplomat support https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/07/0a/1083353164_0:123:2367:1454_1920x0_80_0_0_f737657aeb0f3247f1acb3025a8ed9ad.jpg Volodymyr Zelensky hasnt thought twice before appointing notorious diplomat Andriy Melnyk as Ukraines new representative to the UN. Lets check out Melnyks record.In May 2022, then-Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Melnyk slammed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not yet visiting Kiev in a show of support as other European leaders had done.Several months later, Melnyk used obscene language toward billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk over the latters plan on a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict."F**k off is my very diplomatic reply to you @elonmusk", the 49-year-old wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page back then. Musk responded by switching off Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite network.Also in 2022, Melnyk provoked public uproar by claiming that Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera "was not a mass murderer of Jews and Poles" during the Second World War and that there is no proof that Bandera supporters killed hundreds of thousands of Jews."And last year, Melnyk, then-Ukrainian Ambassador to Brazil, said that his country is not supported by "naughty Brazilian land. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/fact-check-general-syrsky-hero-of-kiev-or-butcher-of-bakhmut-1116691878.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg notorious diplomat andriy melnyk, public uproar, a show of support, the second world war A big carryover led to big play, which led to a big payout in the 20-cent Pick-6 on Friday night, Dec. 20 at The Meadowlands. A carryover of $15,667 motivated bettors to pump just over $65,000 of new money into play to bring the total pool to $80,742. Because of the low 15 per cent takeout which only applied to the new money winning tickets would get a return of 109 per cent, a negative takeout. After a sequence with winners odds of 3-5, 6-5, 8-1, 22-1, 30-1 and 5-1, one ticket was exchanged for a whopping $70,980.10. The keys to the sequence were legs four and five, when driver Bradley Chisholm guided B Like Cruiser ($46.40) to victory in the 11th race before Leon Bailey scored with Monis Heaven Cent ($63.60) in the 12th. The 20-cent Pick-5 provided another potent payoff, as two winning tickets were worth $17,227.74. The sequence had winners' odds of 2-1, 5-1, 10-1, 49-1 and 3-1. The key came in the fourth race, when Justin Irvine kept Chuck, who had gone off stride in each of his two 2024 starts, on gait and won, paying $100.40. Driver Jonathan Ahle worked out an ideal trip for Keystone Apache on the way to pulling off an 8-1 surprise in the featured $15,714 conditioned trot. The Frank Calcagni trainee picked up cover from You Got It before the half and did not tip off that tow until there was just over an eighth-of-a-mile to go. The nine-year-old gelded son of Explosive Matter-Found An Angel then closed well while bearing out, hitting the wire a safe half-length winner in 1:54.1 for owner R B H Ventures Inc. Reckless Reviver, the 2-1 favourite, closed well along the inside for second, while You Got it finished third in a brave performance. He dropped in class and seemed to be in good form, said winning driver Ahle. The trip worked out. He came home with a lot of trot. Keystone Apache returned $19.80 as he recorded his 46th lifetime win from 214 starts. He now has earnings of $509,603. Chisholm finished the night atop the driver leaderboard with three victories. In addition to winning one-third of the Pick-6 races, the 27-year-old driver also swept the Late Daily Double, which returned $117.80. All-source betting on the 14-race program totalled $2,393,959. Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m. (With files from Meadowlands Racetrack; Photo of Keystone Apache winning on Dec. 20) Flash German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives an interview ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 19, 2024. Scholz on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to quickly reach a deal with China on the tariff dispute over electric vehicles (EVs). (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to quickly reach a deal with China on the tariff dispute over electric vehicles (EVs). "It makes no sense to have conflicts about this. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to bring these negotiations to a good result now," said the German chancellor Scholz upon arriving at the European Council summit. China hopes that the EU will take concrete steps as soon as possible to jointly advance consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. China always stands for the resolution of trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and has been doing its utmost in the price commitment talks, said the ministry's spokesperson He Yongqian. Scholz also called on the European Commission to ease the enforcement of financial penalties for EU carmakers that fail to meet the region's carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets set for next year. "In the current global pressures facing the automotive industry, especially in Europe, it makes no sense to further burden companies with penalties for unmet targets in 2025," Scholz said. "The Commission should find a way so that, if penalties become necessary, they do not impact the financial liquidity of the companies that now need to invest in electro-mobility, modern products, and vehicles," he added. The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, including a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport. To support this goal, stricter EU emissions rules for automakers will take effect from 2025, requiring average emissions of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer or less. Automakers exceeding this limit face fines of 95 euros (about 98.45 U.S. dollars) per gram per car. Industry estimates suggest European automakers could face penalties totaling 15 billion euros for failing to meet the targets, with Germany's Volkswagen, the region's largest automaker, among the most exposed. (1 euro= 1.04 dollar) 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. 21/12/2024 Everton Ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart donned their Santa hats to pay a respectful Christmas visit to the Woodlands Hospice in Liverpool. The Hospice is dedicated to providing palliative care for the people of North Liverpool, South Sefton and Kirkby. And the duo spent several hours on site, visiting each of the patients and their families in turn, armed with mince pies and Everton-themed gifts. Ian said: Its fantastic to visit Woodlands Hospice patients and staff, especially at this time of year. We were regular visitors prior to the pandemic hitting everyone so hard, so its been a while but it was wonderful to be back here speaking to everyone. The staff at Woodlands are so welcoming and the patients and families that we had the pleasure of meeting were so complimentary about the care they receive, during difficult times in their lives. We just hope to add a little bit of Christmas cheer for them all. The Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust, which opened in 1996, is currently providing the only in-patient services for end-of-life care in Liverpool. Originally set up as a direct response to the needs of local people living with cancer, it also provides care and support for those with life-threatening illnesses in North Liverpool. The facility, which has a dedicated staff and a further 238 volunteers who give their time each day to help keep the doors open, added an out-patient unit in 2005, and a 15-bed in-patient unit in 2009. Hayley Smallman, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Woodlands Hospice, said: A massive thank you to Everton, Ian and Graham for making today happen. At Woodlands, aim to create a haven where patients and their families find solace, comfort, and support during their journey through palliative care and the smiles and memories that you have created are just priceless. Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () How to get rid of these ads and support TW ToffeeWeb You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Kuwait-based Burgan Bank has announced that it has obtained the final approval from the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) to acquire 100% stake in United Gulf Bank (UGB), a licensed conventional wholesale bank headquartered in Bahrain. A strategic investor, UGB possesses a 60% stake in Kamco Investment Company (Kamco Invest), a regional non-banking financial powerhouse headquartered in Kuwait with offices in key financial markets across the region. The execution of this transaction remains subject to closing formalities that are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. Burgan Bank said the purchase price of this transaction has been settled at $190 million, which roughly translates to 1.0x of UGBs current shareholders equity or book value. This acquisition is expected to have an impact of 60 to 70 basis points on Burgan Banks regulatory capital ratios, predominantly due to the consolidation of UGBs assets, it stated. The final impact would be determined at the closing of shares transfer, it added. Established in 1977, Burgan is a Kuwait-based conventional bank with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institution sectors. From its earliest days, it had significantly sought to diversify its offering to cater to its growing retail and private banking customer base. On the strategic move, Group CEO Tony Daher said: "The 100% acquisition of UGB aligns with Burgan's new asset reallocation strategy and efforts to build new and diversified revenue streams." "This transaction would benefit Burgan by providing access to Kamco Invests platform to further drive its non-interest income," he stated. "Additionally, it will help expand the Banks footprint across the GCC region while contributing to bolstering potential revenues and synergies through UGBs banking license," he added. Daher pointed out that Burgan's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable growth and implement expansion plans are guided mainly by its vision to become the most modern and progressive bank in Kuwait. This vision is driven by a focus on key strategic pillars, including asset reallocation, embracing digital transformation, investing in human capital development, and adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in order to deliver an outstanding banking experience that lives up to customers aspirations and meets their needs. In June, Burgan Bank had received CBKs initial approval to engage with Bahrains regulatory authorities regarding the acquisition of a 100% stake in UGB. Shortly thereafter, the bank secured a no-objection from the Central Bank of Bahrain in August, followed by final approval from CBK. The transaction is expected to be finalized during the first three months of 2025.-TradeArabia News Service DP World has announced that it has started maritime construction work at the new Port of Ndayane in Senegal being set up at a total investment of $1.2 billion in collaboration with British International Investment (BII), the development finance agency of UK government. The Senegalese port builds on DP Worlds success at the Port of Dakar, which has grown from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023. However, the Dakar ports location within a densely urbanized area limits expansion, making Ndayane a strategic solution to support Senegals long-term trade and economic growth ambitions. The project is being developed in phases with the intitial one comprising an 840m quay and a 5-km channel capable of accommodating the worlds largest container ships. According to DP World, the construction in Phase I will create a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually, while Phase II will add a further 410m quay, positioning Ndayane as a leading logistics hub in West Africa. The arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck in Ndayane this month marks the start of maritime works for the Port of Ndayane, a project set to transform Senegal into a major centre for global trade. The vessel will dredge a 5 km-long shipping channel an essential step in building this state-of-the-art, high-capacity port designed to elevate Senegals trade infrastructure, it added. On the project, BII said once completed the port is likely to boost Senegals GDP by 3% through increased trade flows, potentially adding $15 billion in trade value by 2035. During the construction phase, the project will create over 1,800 jobs and once operational, it is expected to support 2.3 million jobs across Senegal, including 22,000 tied directly tied to expanded trade, it added. DP World pointed out that the Port of Ndayane will transform Senegal into a regional trade leader, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, employment and global connectivity. Following a recent meeting with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasised the companys long-term commitment to Senegal. "We believe in Senegals economic potential and fully support the governments ambitions for the nation. The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal and impact trade across the African continent," he stated at the meeting. "We are proud of our achievements with the Port of Dakar, and Ndayane marks the next levelpositioning Senegal as a key trade hub for the region. Our plans extend beyond the port. We will develop an economic zone near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is expected to create even more employment than the port itself," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Dubais Roads and Transport Authority has announced that a consortium of leading Turkish and Chinese companies - Mapa, Limak and CRRC - has secured the contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project being set up at an investment of AED20.5 billion ($5.6 billion). The construction is slated to begin in April next year, with all works expected to be completed and operations officially commencing in September 2029. This milestone will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro Red Line. Once operational, the Blue Line will cover a total length of 30 km - of which 15.5 km will be underground and 14.5km elevated tracks - with 14 stations along the route, said RTA in a statement. The Blue Line was meticulously designed with sustainability at its core, linking major current and future high-density areas projected to accommodate approximately one million residents by 2040, it stated. It includes three interchange stations - Al Khor on the Green Line, Centrepoint on the Red Line, and International City (1). A signature architectural station will be constructed in Dubai Creek Harbour, serving as a highlight of the project. Additionally, the Blue Line will feature Dubai Metros first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge, said the RTA statement. The line will also serve prominent residential neighbourhoods such as Al Rashidiya, Al Warqaa and Mirdif, along with Dubai Silicon Oasis, a strategic urban centre under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and Dubai Academic City, anticipated to host over 50,000 university students by 2029, it added. Announcing the contract award, Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the RTA Board of Executive Directors, said the consortium was selected through an international tender process that attracted five alliances comprising 15 global firms specialising in metro systems and infrastructure. "These alliances submitted detailed technical and financial proposals, with three consortia advancing to the final stage. After a thorough evaluation process, the contract was awarded to the Turkish-Chinese consortium led by Turkish group Mapa. As per the deal, Mapa and Limak will be responsible for overseeing civil works, while CRRC will handle the rail systems. The signing ceremony was attended by the heads of consortium companies: Mehmet Nazif Gunal, Chairman of the Board Mapa, Nihat Ozdemir, Chairman of the Board Limak, Liu Gang, Chairman CRRC, along with senior RTA officials, including Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Younes Kalbat, CEO of the Rail Agency; Ahmed Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Finance; and Saeed Al Marri, Director of Contracts and Procurement. Al Tayer pointed out that the project builds on the remarkable success of the Dubai Metro since its inauguration on September 9, 2009. "As the backbone of Dubais transportation network and the preferred choice for residents and visitors, it now accommodates over 850,000 riders daily and has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch," he stated. "It currently accounts for 60% of all public transport users in the emirate," he added. With a capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and a train frequency of two minutes, the Blue Line is expected to serve nearly 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, rising to 320,000 passengers daily by 2040, remarked Al Tayer. According to him, the Blue Line also supports urban planning initiatives like the 20-Minute City, ensuring that over 80% of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute, while promoting transit-oriented development (TOD). Al Tayer said a key highlight of the project will the Dubai Creek Harbour station, which will be distinguished by its unique architectural design that embodies Dubais forward-thinking vision. Designed by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) - creators of landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago - the station harmonises with the modern urban character of the surrounding residential and commercial towers. Spanning 10,800 sq m, the station can accommodate 160,000 passengers daily, with an anticipated 70,000 daily users by 2040, said Al Tayer. Additionally, the Blue Line will feature International City (1), the largest underground interchange station in the metro network. Covering over 44,000 sq m, this station will have the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily, significantly enhancing connectivity across the metro system, he added. On the big challenge, Nazif Gunal said: "We do not underestimate the challenges that a project of this scale and complexity will have to overcome to achieve successful completion and the start of commercial operations on the Blue Line by 9/9/29. This date represents 20 years since the opening of the first metro lines in Dubai, which have been instrumental in the extraordinary growth of the city and in bringing highly flexible and accessible mobility." "We are confident that with the support and encouragement of our esteemed client and appointed consultants, together with the combined local, international, and technical strengths of our consortium members and design partner, we will meet the challenges as one team for the success of the project," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Korean auto giant Hyundai has announced that it has teamed up with its exclusive UAE distributor Juma Al Majid Company to deliver two hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) Green Bus programme for public transportation in UAE capital. The Green Bus Programme in Abu Dhabi is a comprehensive plan to assess and manage public transport buses in the emirate. Its objective is to evaluate and select the most suitable technologies and solutions in hydrogen and electric power and to provide these options to residents, visitors, and commuters in the UAE capital. This will be achieved through collaboration with international government bodies and bus manufacturers. The programme is tailored to be more appropriate for the local environment. It also includes the enhancement and development of Emirati skills and expertise through specialised training programmes in hydrogen and electric buses, as well as practical training opportunities abroad, it stated. Hyundai said its UAE arm continues to lead the way in sustainable transportation solutions. From the initial launch of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to these recent achievements in the emirates, Hyundai remains committed to driving innovation and building a hydrogen economy across the region, it stated. Suliman Al Zaben, Director of Hyundai UAE, said: "We are proud to embark on this transformative journey with ITC towards sustainable and innovative transportation solutions." "The delivery of these advanced hydrogen-powered buses to ITC marks a new chapter in our commitment to promoting clean energy and pioneering technologies in the region," he stated. Al Zaben said this comes close on the heels of handover of the first buses in November. The Abu Dhabi Mobility Green Bus Programme consists of electric and hydrogen buses in the city and regional bus categories. According to him, Hyundai Elec City FC and Universe FC are participating in the programme, which runs until 2025-end. The Hyundai hydrogen buses are operating on their respective routes, Elec City FC on City Route 65, and Universe FC on Regional Route 160, he added.-TradeArabia News Service In a major move, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has acquired a key stake in XAI, an US company owned by celebrity billionaire Eleon Musk which specialises in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, as part of its global expansion strategy, reported Oman News Agency. OIA is also a stakeholder in SpaceX, Musk's space technology company which owns the Starlink satellite communication system. Announcing the move, OIA Chairman Abdulsalam Al Murshidi said this was in line with the Authority's strategy to invest in advanced technologies across diverse sectors. XAI is one of Musk's companies and ranks among the top five in its field, having achieved milestones such as the creation of a massive data center in the US and the launch of the upgraded Grok 2 platform. It aims to lead AI technology by understanding and analyzing real-time data, a feature lacking in many competing models, he stated. The platform provides advanced tools and comprehensive analytics to help users explore and improve AI models, processing a wide range of visual data, including documents, charts, graphs, and photographs, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Musk, through video conference, said that the partnership with XAI will yield results in developing superintelligent AI capable of solving numerous problems. He also revealed that the company was nearing completion of training the 'Grok 3' model, which will be the smartest AI model in the world. IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Sayed Tayoun as the new Cluster General Manager for InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi. With over 20 years of distinguished experience in hospitality, Tayoun is celebrated for his visionary leadership, innovative approach to elevating guest experiences, and operational expertise, said IHG Hotels & Resorts in a statement. Known for his unwavering dedication to guest excellence, he is an ideal fit for leading two of Abu Dhabis most established properties, it stated. Tayoun is also committed to driving commercial success, optimizing technology, building high-performing teams, and engaging with local communities further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking and results-driven leader, it added. Abu Dhabis tourism boom and success as a premier global destination are fueled by strategic government initiatives, creating positive, high-quality visitor experiences. In his new role, Tayoun will oversee two distinguished properties. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, a heritage hotel built in 1981 to host the first GCC Summit, is celebrated as one of Abu Dhabis first 5-star establishments. The hotel is renowned for its timeless charm and seven signature dining venues, including the iconic Fish Market, Michelin-selected Byblos Sur Mer, and the popular Belgian Cafe. Alongside it, said the IHG statement. InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, the newest addition to the citys upscale hospitality landscape, offers refined living spaces tailored to travelers and residents alike. Tayoun envisions enhancing the elevated status of these properties by blending upscale hospitality with historic appeal, refining service standards, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with both international travellers and the local community. His goal is to establish both properties as leaders in innovation, creating exceptional, unforgettable moments for guests, said the statement. Tayouns recent success as General Manager at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park included an exemplary pre-opening phase, during which he established the property as a vibrant community-centric hotel. His dedication to sustainable practices led to pioneering initiatives, such as an in-house water bottling plant and a no single-use plastics policy, said IHG in its statement. These sustainability measures, paired with Tayouns focus on innovation and community engagement, have set a high bar for eco-friendly hospitality in the region, it added.-TradeArabia News Service UAE low-cost carrier Air Arabia has announced the launch of its inaugural flights to two major European destinations - Polish capital Warsaw and Austrian capital Vienna - from its hub in Sharjah in line with the airline's ambitious growth and expansion strategies. The first direct flights to Warsaw and Vienna are the latest additions to the expanding network of direct international routes from Sharjah, offering customers greater travel options at competitive costs to destinations across the globe, said a statement from Air Arabia. Air Arabia will operate five weekly flights (Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) between Sharjah Airport and Warsaw Chopin Airport using Airbus A320 aircraft, while it will operate four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) to Vienna International Airport. The launch event was attended by Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), along with senior executives from Air Arabia. Joining them was Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the UAE, who attended the inaugural ceremony for the Vienna route alongside other dignitaries and officials. Al Midfa said: "The new routes enhance trade and economic exchange opportunities between the UAE, Poland, and Austria while fostering foreign investment with both European nations." "This initiative further solidifies Sharjahs leading position on the Middle Easts aviation and cargo transportation map and provides a strong boost to its growing economy across various sectors," he stated. Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali said: "The launch of our new route to Warsaw and Vienna underscores Air Arabia's unwavering commitment to expanding our network and offering passengers more travel opportunities to explore exciting destinations." With this launch, Warsaw has become the second city in Poland to be connected directly to Sharjah, following its Krakow operations early this year, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says she is prepared to have her United States visa revoked, as she urged Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries to ensure they are able to explain...what the Cubans have been able to do for us as they seek to defend the Cuban health brigade programme. This matter, with the Cubans and the nurses, should tell us everything that we need to know. Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the (Covid-19) pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors, Mottley said in a statement in Parliament. Hotline service a "Chinese solution" for Beijing's urban governance Xinhua) 10:55, December 21, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Braving the chilly winter morning, Guo Changyi, a bus driver for Beijing Public Transport, arrived at the company office before sunrise to inspect and clean the bus and adjust its interior temperature. Precisely on the scheduled time at 6:55 a.m., Guo's bus arrived at a stop on Chaoyang Road in Beijing's Chaoyang District to pick up pupils heading to Hujialou Central Primary School, about six kilometers away. This tailor-made direct bus route offers convenient and efficient transportation for primary and middle school students in the Chinese capital who travel between their communities and campuses without being accompanied by their parents. The service also helps alleviate traffic congestion and parking difficulties around schools during rush hours, often caused by parents driving their children to and from school. Beijing introduced the service in September 2023 to address urban traffic congestion. Through the joint efforts of local authorities, including education and transportation departments, over 300 such bus routes have been launched, transporting 23,000 students and parents daily, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport. The service is also accessible to parents who accompany their young children. The dedicated bus service reflects Beijing's new approach to urban governance. In 2019, Beijing, home to over 20 million residents, launched an innovative "swift response to public complaints" initiative aimed at addressing public concerns promptly and resolving everyday challenges efficiently. The initiative has integrated more than 60 hotline services into a single unified hotline number -- 12345 -- which serves as the primary channel for residents to voice their concerns. Operating 24/7, the hotline is staffed by over 1,700 operators who work in shifts to address calls and handle requests covering nearly every aspect of urban life, including transportation, housing, education, healthcare, employment and business services. According to official data, in the past six years, Beijing has processed approximately 150 million public complaints, with both the resolution and satisfaction rates reaching nearly 97 percent. PEOPLE-CENTERED URBANIZATION "The Beijing 12345 hotline dates back to 1987 with only one telephone and three operators," said Wang Yue, an official of the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center. According to Wang, in the 1980s, dozens of large and medium-sized cities across China set up mayor's hotline services, which were gradually unified into 12345 government hotlines around 2000. "There were hotlines before, why didn't people call more often? Because even if you do call, the problem usually didn't get solved," said Liu Huan, an operator of Beijing's 12345 hotline, adding that the appeal of the hotline service lies in the swiftness in addressing people's concerns. Once a complaint is filed through Beijing's 12345 hotline, it is promptly forwarded to relevant government departments and public service companies for resolution. The outcome is then evaluated by the complainants, ensuring active engagement, assessment and oversight in the city's governance by the public. "The swift response to public complaints has significantly raised the awareness of staff at all levels to better serve the people," said Yao Lei, director of the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center. "In particular, those directly providing services to citizens and the business community have made significant improvements in their work style." As Beijing continues to refine and improve the mechanism, staff at the 12345 hotline, along with local authorities, are shifting from merely reacting to calls to proactively solving problems. Since 2021, Beijing has used big data analysis to identify key concerns of the residents and launched targeted monthly projects, such as installing elevators in old buildings, facilitating property ownership certificate applications, and upgrading traffic lights. Over the past four years, Beijing has addressed more than 60 categories of issues through special governance projects, completing over 1,800 tasks and introducing 400 policies, according to Sun Fang, deputy director of the Beijing municipal bureau of government service and data management. "I want to call 12345 again to thank everyone involved in resolving my issue," said Yang Jiansheng, a resident of Xicheng District. Yang had previously contacted the hotline to complain about failing to obtain his property ownership certificate for a house he purchased over a decade ago. Thanks to concerted efforts by all involved parties, Yang recently received his certificate. "CHINESE SOLUTION" Over the years, "Need help? Dial 12345" has become a catchphrase among Beijing residents. With the increasing popularity of the hotline service, even foreigners choose to turn to it for help. "We often receive phone calls from foreigners in Beijing, mostly consulting about visa extensions and work permits, as well as other aspects of life in the city," said Wang Shuo, an English operator of Beijing's 12345 hotline. According to the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center, the foreign-language services are now available in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Korean. Gleisi Hoffmann, president of Brazil's Workers' Party, praised Beijing's 12345 hotline during a visit to the center in April. She said the platform that integrates resources and strength from all parties embodies the Communist Party of China's philosophy and purpose of putting the people first and serving the people wholeheartedly. "The 12345 is a successful example of meeting people's needs and solving complex problems in modern megacities. You have inspired all of us," Andreas Grammatikogiannis, deputy mayor of Athens, said when addressing the 2024 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, which was held from Wednesday to Thursday. "The Beijing hotline integrates the human touch with the technological component. I think this is part of the wonderful innovation of the Beijing model," said Erik Nilsson, an editor at China Daily, at the forum. An evaluation report on global city hotline services and governance effectiveness, released during the forum, highlights Beijing's unique governance model, characterized by whole-process feedback, comprehensive services and citizen participation. This approach offers a "Chinese solution" to the global urban governance reform centered on city hotline services, the report said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Minh Duc Secondary School in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City will assign Vietnamese teachers to officially teach several subjects in English from the second semester of the 2024-25 academic year, according to the school principal. After successfully conducting the trial program in the first semester, the school board has decided to officially start teaching mathematics, natural science, history and geography in English from the second half of the school year, headmistress Tran Thuy An said. Teachers who have met all the requirements set by the board during the trial period will be eligible to continue their English teaching in the second semester, An stated. These classes will be attended by other teachers or school board members who can provide opinions and comments about the teaching quality, she added. With a view to promote English as a second language at schools, the school will encourage teachers to improve their English skills with a maximum financial support of VND10 million (US$393) per teacher per course. The school wants to give students more opportunities to improve their English skills without having to pay extra fees, she shared. Truong Quoc An, a math teacher at Minh Duc, said preparation for a lesson in English is a bit more difficult than in Vietnamese. However, he felt no pressure as he has learned English since elementary education. In addition, I was trained in math teaching in English during my university years, he said. An was one of the schools teachers who offered math classes to Japanese students during a working visit by a Japanese school to Minh Duc in October. Tran Minh Thanh, vice principal in charge of academic affairs at Minh Duc, said that many school teachers have improved their skills of teaching various subjects in English through their professional exchange sessions at many schools in Singapore, Japan and China over the past years. Currently, the schools has a line-up of teachers qualified for teaching math, natural science, history and geography in English, Thanh affirmed. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Party General Secretary of Vietnam To Lam held a phone call with Secretary-General of the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong on Friday, during which both leaders discussed efforts to deepen the Vietnam - Singapore strategic partnership and seize new cooperation opportunities in various fields. Lam congratulated PM Wong on his election as PAP Secretary-General and praised the partys contributions to Singapores development over the past six decades. He expressed confidence in Singapores continued success under Wongs leadership and its growing global influence. Lam highlighted the close cooperation and support from Singapore since Vietnams early days of reform and international integration, reaffirming Vietnams commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with this city-state. He emphasized the importance of enhancing political trust through high-level exchanges and closer ties between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the PAP. Relevant agencies of the two nations need to closely coordinate to develop strategies and plans for cooperation in areas such as digital transformation and renewable energy, aiming to meet the demands and development goals of the new era. He also proposed intensifying defense and security cooperation, including the establishment of a national population data center and the integration of digital platforms such as SingPass and VNeID, which are actively being studied by both sides to facilitate entry and exit for citizens of the two countries. Party General Secretary of Vietnam To Lam holds phone talks with Secretary-General of the ruling Peoples Action Party and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong on December 20, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency The top Singaporean official agreed with Lams proposals for tightening bilateral cooperation in the years to come. Wong said that Singaporean businesses are keen to increase investment in Vietnam in sectors like renewable energy development, carbon credit trading, development of new-generation Vietnam - Singapore industrial parks (VSIPs), semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the achievements in bilateral relations over the past 50 years, especially during the 10 years of their strategic partnership. They highlighted the VSIP network of 18 industrial parks throughout Vietnam as a symbol of successful cooperation. Vietnam and Singapore also reaffirmed their commitment to the Digital Economy - Green Economy Partnership, aiming to drive sustainable innovation and tackle challenges like climate change. Both countries are aligned with the shared goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The two top officials agreed to enhance collaboration within ASEAN and other regional and international forums to build a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable ASEAN. To further deepen ties, both sides tasked their agencies with developing plans for elevating their bilateral relations to new heights. Wong invited Lam and his spouse to visit Singapore in 2025. The Vietnamese Party chief accepted the invitation and, in turn, invited Wong and his spouse to visit Vietnam at a convenient time. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A growing trend in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, where young people take photos in front of strong waves crashing against the shore, has posed a serious safety risk. In recent days, photos and videos of people posing while rough waves were crashing against the shore at Nha Trang beach have flooded local social media. These waves, reaching heights of up to two meters, have been splashing onto the Pham Van Dong coastal road, endangering pedestrians and vehicles. Seeking unique photo opportunities, many people have been risking their safety by standing close to the water, posing as if they are riding or playing with the waves, and sharing the stunning scenes online. Tran Anh Tuan, a student at Khanh Hoa University, noted that this trend has gained popularity since the recent rainy days, with young people braving the risk of being soaked or knocked over by waves to take photos. Young people call these crashing waves a musical water show, which is why they rush to take photos, Tuan explained. But its very dangerous because there are many unforeseen risks. A man poses amid crashing waves in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: TikTok Earlier, fierce waves caused damage to a fishing boat. Nguyen Van Hung, head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Boards patrol and rescue team, expressed his concerns, saying the team has issued warnings to the public and urged people to avoid the embankment areas where large waves regularly hit. These waves can reach up to two meters high, and are strong enough to break boats, Hung warned. People should stay away from these areas because the waves pose significant dangers, including the risk of injury or even death. Khanh Hoa Province has been experiencing heavy rainfall since December 12. Last weekend, a combination of heavy rains and reservoir discharges at night caused severe flooding in low-lying areas in the southwest of Nha Trang City. Waves up to two meters high crash onto a coastal road in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre The sea area from Quang Tri Province to Ca Mau Province, including Khanh Hoa, faced strong winds, rough seas, and waves reaching 3-5 meters in height. Due to the influence of a low-pressure system south of the East Vietnam Sea, combined with a cold front, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that from December 23 to 26, provinces from Thua Thien-Hue to Khanh Hoa will experience heavy rains, with some areas receiving over 600mm of rainfall. The sea area from Binh Dinh Province to Ca Mau Province, including Khanh Hoa, is expected to experience strong northeast winds and waves reaching 3-5.5 meters in height. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A dog and cat meat restaurant owner in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam succumbed to rabies on Thursday after a brief illness, a local hospital where he was given treatment confirmed the same day. Three days before his death, the restaurant owner, identified as 33-year-old Nguyen Van B. hailing from Long Dien District, experienced fatigue and difficulty breathing. His family took him to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where doctors diagnosed him with rabies. He was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for testing, with the results confirming that he was infected with the rabies virus. Subsequently, he requested to leave the hospital and return home. On Thursday, he exhibited severe rabies symptoms, including agitation, frothing at the mouth, muscle spasms, and confusion. He was rushed to Ba Ria Hospital but passed away at noon despite continuous sedation. This man had regularly handled and butchered dogs and cats at his establishment. A dog is securely leashed by its owner when allowed outside. Photo: D.H. / Tuoi Tre In related news, the administration of An Ngai Commune in Long Dien confirmed on Wednesday morning that five local residents had been bitten by a stray dog with probable rabies infection. The dog, described as a 3-4-year-old female with yellow fur, displayed aggressive behavior, attacking people and other animals without showing typical rabies symptoms like excessive drooling, drooping tail, red eyes, or light sensitivity. Local residents then killed the stray dog to prevent further incidents. The victims received rabies vaccinations and serum, while samples from the dog were sent to veterinary authorities for testing. Late last month, 53-year-old V.T.T.D. from the provincial city of Ba Ria died of rabies months after a scratch from her pet cat caused mild bleeding. A pet cat gets vaccinated against rabies. Photo: Tuoi Tre Health authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau are urging residents to take necessary precautions against rabies, which is nearly 100-percent fatal once symptoms appear. Both recent fatalities resulted from delayed medical treatment after exposure to potentially rabid animals. Therefore, dog and cat owners should get their pets vaccinated against rabies regularly and follow annual booster schedules. Residents must seek immediate medical care and rabies vaccinations after being bitten or scratched by animals, even if the wound seems minor. Pet owners must also leash or muzzle their animals in public places to reduce risks. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Health authorities in Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam are investigating a suspected poisoning incident that left a young child dead and another hospitalized, the Vietnam News Agency reported. The two kids, identified as four-year-old N.T.P. and five-year-old N.T.K., both hailing from Phu Binh District, were admitted to Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Hospital on Thursday evening with symptoms including abdominal pain and repeated vomiting. Upon admission to the hospital, both children exhibited critical symptoms such as seizures, pale skin, blue hands and feet, excessive vomiting, and increased salivation. Despite efforts to save them, N.T.P. passed away, and N.T.K. was transferred to the Vietnam National Childrens Hospital in Hanoi for intensive care the same night. According to initial reports, the children attended a family gathering for lunch on Thursday, but no signs of illness were reported among other attendees. Later in the afternoon, the children consumed unidentified substances at home. By 6:30 pm that day, both began developing symptoms of suspected poisoning, including vomiting and abdominal pain, and were rushed to the hospital. The reports also revealed that two family dogs that consumed the childrens vomit also died shortly afterward. The provincial Department of Health then ordered local health agencies to investigate the familys environment and potential sources of poisoning. Authorities are working to identify the toxic agent and prevent similar incidents. Local officials have offered condolences and support to the victims' family. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Thousands of people lined up early on Saturday morning, with some showing up as early as 5:00 am or 6:00 am, to secure a good viewing spot at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi. According to continuous updates from the exhibition organizers, by Friday evening, nearly 100,000 people had registered to attend the four-day event, which opens to the public for free starting from 9:00 am on Saturday. Many visitors arrived early on Saturday morning at the expo venue. Security forces were busy guiding the crowds, ensuring they lined up in blocks, maintained order, dressed appropriately, and prioritized the elderly and children. In formal uniforms, 81-year-old Major Tran Truong Ha and 74-year-old Tran Thi Hoai, both from Thai Nguyen City in the namesake northern province, shared that they had been eagerly waiting for the defense exhibition. Thousands of people line up at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi, December 21, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre Over the past few days, the two veterans, along with a group of former soldiers, had visited the Vietnam Military History Museum and President Ho Chi Minhs Mausoleum. Having served in the Central Highlands battlefield from 1964 to 1974, Major Ha deeply understands the sacrifices of his comrades and is proud of the increasing modernization of Vietnams military and national defense. Im very excited to visit the exhibition, he said. Ive been following the news and updates about the event every day. Thousands of people line up at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi, December 21, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre Despite the cold weather, Le Van Dong and Hoang Thi Thien, along with their three children, also made their way to Gia Lam Military Airport to visit the exhibition. We woke up at 6:00 am, and by 6:30 am, we were heading to the exhibition to line up, Dong said with a smile. The kids woke up earlier than us. They werer so excited to see the planes, missiles, and tanks. At home, I often show them YouTube channels about military knowledge and defense news, and we even buy toy tanks and planes. The family of Le Van Dong (L) and Hoang Thi Thien (R) poses at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi, December 21, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre The Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 opened on Thursday and 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. Security forces regulate blocks of visitors to the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi, December 21, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre Thousands of people line up at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held at Gia Lam Military Airport in Long Bien District, Hanoi, December 21, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! The tagline for Superman 1978 was You will believe a man can fly. And thousands of cinema-goers did just that, transfixed by the sight of Christoper Reeve taking flight from the Fortress of Solitude for the first time, to the stirring music of John Williams. Reeve was just 25 at the time and largely unknown outside of his emerging stage career. Trained at Juilliard School, he had his sights set on Shakespeare and Chekhov. Director Richard Donner had already cast Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman in principal roles for his $55m movie, and every A-list star had either been seen or rejected for the title role. But Reeve attended, against his better judgment, turning up as a gangly young man -deemed perfect for the role of Clark Kent. Committed to his craft he bulked up in readiness for the red suit -there is nowhere to hide after all. While the film hit major delays filming at Pinewood Studios in London, its reception was overwhelming. Reeve became a superstar overnight, booked onto Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The Late Show, SNL, The Muppets. Documentary Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman pivots around an unseen interview with Reeve filmed in 2004, the same year he died, aged 52. I was the caretaker of Superman, the one to hold the cup for a little while and then pass it on, he reveals. The French doco plays things very straight, with a reserved narration sticking to the facts. That includes how Reeve struggled against being typecast with a role the size of Superman. His next movie Somewhere in Time bombed, but at least he met wife Jane Seymour. Other films followed: Monsignor, Street Smart, Bump in the Night, The Sea Wolf (he rejected offers for Amerigan Gigolo, Body Heat, Mutiny on the Bounty). But he would return to the red suit for three more features, no longer under Richard Donner, to mixed susccess. The documentary draws parallels between the fictional superhero and the true life super-man who used his powers for good, first visiting Chile to campaign for actors being persecuted by General Pinochet. He would subsequently become an environmental activist for a range of causes, including scripting an anti-nuclear message in Superman IV. But of course his career would be cut short by a tragic horseriding accident in 1995 when he became paralysed from the neck down. While it would have defeated most, Reeve again used his fame to establish the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation raising funds for research the world over. The doco includes his Smallville cameo (who knew?) and hears from comic book authors, film producer Ilya Salkind, family friends and President of DC Comics, Jenette Khan. They unversally praise Reeves talent, humility and achievements. 2025 will see a new man in the red cape on the big screen. David Corenswet is the next custodian of the title, with expectations the film pays homage to the 1978 classic. Its a very tall order, after believing a man could fly and ultimately believing in Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve: The Eternal Superman 8:30pm Sunday December 22 on SBS VICELAND. Pawan Kumar Maurya, TwoCircles.net Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh): Tribal villagers in the isolated hills of Kelhadiya, located about 130 km from Varanasi (Prime Minister Narendra Modis parliamentary constituency) and 80 km from the Chandauli district headquarters, grapple with a constant battle against thirst, whether it is the blistering summer heat or the freezing winter chill. Support TwoCircles Nestled in the Nagdah tehsil between the Vindhya Mountain ranges and evergreen dense forests, the village, with a population of 130-135, lacks basic amenities like electricity, roads, schools, anganwadis, hospitals, security and most crucially, clean drinking water. Generations have passed in search of potable water. Although millions have been spent on water projects, alleged corruption has led to no results. The villagers here continue to face an acute water crisis. By December, water from chuaad (a source of water seeping from mountain stones) will stop. As a result, the villagers will have to venture into the jungle to collect water amidst the threat of wild animals like bears and jackals. We have been forced to drink water from chuaad for generations. We will get water till December, but after that, we will have to search for it in the forests. For the last 20-25 years, during elections, candidates and their supporters promise roads, hospitals, tube wells, anganwadis and handpumps. But once they win, they never bother to check on how the villagers are living. We have applied for a solution to the water crisis, but nothing has changed. We are living as if we are already dead. With the water shortage, we cannot even grow crops properly. This time, even our rice crop has been destroyed due to the lack of water, shares Bhola Kol a resident of the village. As the country is celebrating Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of independence), women, children and youth in the village are forced to walk one kilometer daily to collect water from the chuaad. The water here is neither clean nor suitable for drinking, yet it is the only available option. Every day, women, children and the elderly spend two to three hours fetching water. Each person must make at least 8-10 trips to chuaad per day. Sixty-year-old Naurangi Devi, who suffers from knee and back pain due to the daily task of fetching water, says, I have to walk to Chuaad 8-10 times a day to collect water. It takes me more than two hours daily just to fetch water. After Holi, the situation becomes even worse, and water is supplied through tankers, but it never satisfies the entire village. The steep and rocky path to chuaad poses health challenges for women, children and the elderly who have to carry water for the family. Climbing back with water-filled buckets causes breathlessness, back pain, knee pain, dizziness and frequent injuries from tripping on the rough terrain. This impacts their ability to perform other daily tasks. Preeti, the most educated woman in the village, has completed her 12th grade and suggests a solution to the villages water problems. There is a well in the village, but the water is too contaminated to drink. This is a hilly region, and efforts to install handpumps after boring 350-400 feet deep have failed. The water comes for a couple of months, then stops. If we drill up to 900-1000 feet, we might get water for a year. We demand that the government drill deep bores here. Once water is available, half our problems will be solved, and half the population will be freed from the daily struggle of fetching water, she suggests. Virendra Kharwar, a teacher from Pandi village, cycles through rocky, forested paths to reach Kelhadiya every day. He teaches 25 children in the village, including 11 girls and 14 boys. He believes no other village in the five neighboring states faces the kind of hardships and neglect that Kelhadiya does. The water shortage is severely affecting the future of the new generation. Most villages in Naudgh Tehsil, including Kelhadiya, struggle to access clean water. Yet, the claims of Indias rapid development and progress are far from the reality in villages like Kelhadiya, where citizens still do not have clean drinking water. The governments policies are failing these villagers, who live in complete deprivation, he points out. The villagers of Kelhadiya are mostly cattle herders, farmers and laborers. When the nearby water sources dry up, they face a shortage of water for their cattle and crops. This area has been facing drought for several years. The villagers day starts and ends with filling water from chuaad. During the monsoon, the contaminated water from the chuaad causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, typhoid, stomach aches, indigestion and gastric problems. This also affects the education of children, he complains. According to the 2011 census, Chandaulis population stands at 1,952,756, with 1,017,905 men and 934,851 women. The districts urban population is just 12.42%. The Scheduled Caste population is 22.88%, and the Scheduled Tribes population stands at 2.14%. In the forests of Chandauli and Sonbhadra, eight tribal communities reside, including the Kol, Kharwar, Bhuiya, Gond, Oraon, Pannika, Dharkar, Ghasia and Baiga tribes. In 1996, Chandauli became a separate district after splitting from Varanasi, and several of these tribes were added to the Scheduled Caste list. Lal Sahab Kharwar, the village head of Kelhadiya, says, Even before I became the pradhan of the village, I had been pleading with the authorities for water resources. The people of Kelhadiya, Pandi and Aurwatar are still facing severe problems for access to drinking water. There seems to be no solution in sight. The new generation is also suffering, and their future is slipping away. In June 2020, the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state launched the Har Ghar Jal scheme, promising to deliver drinking water to every household in Naudgh by June 2022. Later, the deadline was extended to 2024, and a Rs 250 crore project was approved to bring water from the Bhaisoada Dam to the village through a 600 km pipeline. However, despite the passing of the deadlines, Kelhadiya has not seen any implementation of the scheme. Acknowledging the water crisis, Naudgh Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kundan Raj Kapoor says, Efforts are being made by the government. The issue was raised in a meeting with the chief development officer of Chandauli. We are planning to lay the pipeline within a month or two to start water supply. In the meantime, we are making arrangements for tanker water supply. Despite the governments claims of governance and development, the severe water shortage in Kelhadiya remains a glaring failure of the authorities. The question arises: when will the villagers of Kelhadiya receive basic amenities like schools, roads, healthcare and clean drinking water? While the government promotes slogans of good governance, where is the reality? Who will take responsibility for bringing these tribal villagers into the mainstream and addressing their fundamental needs? Global Recognition for Academic Excellence This year, Vinschool students once again demonstrated their academic prowess on the global stage. Seven Vinschool students (Vinsers) achieved the Top in Vietnam award, earning the highest scores nationwide in subjects such as Computer Science, Combined Science (IGCSE), Art & Design (AS Level), Business (AS Level), Psychology (AS/A-Level), and Chemistry (A-Level). Furthermore, eight Vinsers were honored with the Top in the World award for achieving the highest scores globally in Cambridge exams, excelling in Mathematics and English as a Second Language (Speaking) at the IGCSE level. These outstanding accomplishments in the 2024 IGCSE and AS/A-Level exams earned 14 Vinsersincluding one student who achieved dual awardsthe prestigious "Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards" from Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Achieving Top in the World reflects our commitment to providing a globally competitive and academically rigorous curriculum, said Daniel Peter Scovell, Vice Principal of Vinschool Secondary and High School. At Vinschool, we foster a holistic, student-centered education that empowers learners to maximize their potential. By combining academic excellence with critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning, we prepare our students to excel in an interconnected world. The 2024 Cambridge exam results marked a record-breaking year for Vinschool. Six out of seven IGCSE subjects saw an increase in A*/A rates compared to the previous year, and 39.4% of A-Level grades were A*/A, reflecting a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Vinschool also led the nation with 1,282 A*/A grades, and 142 students achieved perfect A*/A scores across all subjects, solidifying its reputation as Vietnams top-performing school in Cambridge exams. As a parent of two Vinschool students in the Cambridge program, I am impressed by the teachers dedication and expertise, said Ms. Nguyen Hong Giang, a Vinschool parent. The personalized guidance and detailed feedback have helped my children grow more confident and develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally. A Launchpad to Top Universities With its robust academic foundation, Vinschool empowers 80% of its students to secure direct admission to top universities in Vietnam and globally before graduation. More than one-third of 12th graders at Vinschool have been accepted to prestigious institutions, including the University of Cambridge, New York University, University of Brighton, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Monash University. Nearly 40% of these students received scholarships ranging from 30% to full tuition. The Cambridge program at Vinschool helped me align my studies with my career aspirations, said Ngo Phuong Ngan, a Vinschool alumna. She was awarded the Australian National University Chancellors Scholarship, along with several other prestigious scholarships, after achieving Top in Vietnam honors for Mathematics and Computer Science at the A-Level exams and attaining perfect A* scores across all A-Level subjects in 2023. The Cambridge International program at Vinschool is considered a passport to top universities worldwide. A-Level qualifications are recognized by all universities in the UK, over 850 institutions in the US, and leading universities in Vietnam. With the most diverse selection of Cambridge subjects in Vietnam, a team of internationally experienced teachers, and personalized one-on-one academic advising, Vinschool ensures its students are well-prepared to reach their full potential. At Vinschool, every student takes official Cambridge examinations administered by CAIE. HA NOI The Ha Noi Promotion Month 2024 programme, a large-scale, citywide event aimed at promoting trade activities, fostering business connections and stimulating consumer demand, has been launched. By enhancing production and facilitating the sale of goods, this initiative is expected to contribute to Ha Noi's overall economic growth. Organised by the Ha Noi Promotion Agency (HPA), under the direction of the Ha Noi People's Committee, the event will take place throughout December 2024, offering a vibrant and festive shopping experience for residents and visitors alike. HPA Director Nguyen Anh Duong said: Ha Noi Promotion Month provides consumers with the opportunity to shop smartly and safely, purchasing quality products, goods and services at competitive prices. This is made possible through a variety of attractive policies and promotional offers from participating businesses. The programme aims to better meet the diverse needs of consumers, while also strengthening the role of State agencies in driving trade activities linked to digital transformation and the growing trend of cashless payments. In response to the Politburos Vietnamese People Prioritise Vietnamese Goods campaign, the Ha Noi Promotion Month is designed to boost local consumption, support Vietnamese businesses and encourage a sense of pride in domestically produced products. The programme is set to unfold across the city, with a particular focus on districts, communes and towns, ensuring widespread participation from businesses spanning all sectors of the economy. A key feature of the programme is the participation of hundreds of businesses from a variety of economic sectors. These include shopping centres, general supermarkets, electronics stores, markets, convenience stores and specialised shops. It also brings together manufacturers and traders of consumer goods, alongside key players from travel, hospitality, transportation, banking, telecommunications, IT, construction and e-commerce sectors. This diverse representation highlights the programmes broad appeal and its capacity to engage a wide array of industries. The opening ceremony of the Ha Noi Promotion Month took place at Roman Square, located in the An Binh City Urban Area in Tu Liem, Ha Noi. From December 19-22, this location comes alive with the Ha Noi Shopping Festival 2024, which features a mix of exciting activities and uniquely themed shopping zones. The event also showcases the Ha Noi Mega Sale 2024, a special promotion featuring 80 to 100 booths aimed at fostering trade, encouraging shopping and raising brand awareness. The Ha Noi Mega Sale 2024 offers a unique shopping space divided into several themed zones, representing various sectors of the economy. These zones highlight categories such as 'Popular Vietnamese Brands', 'Fashion & Beauty', ' Food & Beverages' and 'Regional Specialties'. These sections allow consumers to discover and purchase products from different industries, creating a comprehensive shopping experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. To further engage consumers and enhance the overall experience, a variety of fun activities and promotions are hosted here. Visitors can participate in games like Check-in for Shopping Vouchers, Guess the Right Price and Lucky Spin. These dynamic and interactive programmes are designed to keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining, offering shoppers more than just great deals, but also memorable moments. In addition to the mega sale, Ha Noi Promotion Month will feature the 1,000 Promotional Points Bursting with Offers campaign, which will be rolled out across the city. This campaign will activate 1,000 sales points in various locations, including production hubs, retail chains, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. Participating businesses will offer a mix of online and offline promotions, loyalty perks, lucky draws, game shows with gifts and other exciting activities to attract and retain customers. Throughout the month, shoppers will be able to take advantage of special discounts, with at least 20 per cent of the items on offer, wih big price reductions of up to 50 per cent. These discounts are expected to create a festive, bustling shopping atmosphere, giving Ha Nois residents an opportunity to purchase high-quality products at reduced prices. From December 21-22, the 'Golden Days of Shock Deals' will also be a highlight of Ha Noi Promotion Month. Taking place at 50 Golden Shopping Points, including major supermarkets and shopping centres across Ha Noi, this event promises exciting promotions such as electronic discount vouchers, direct price cuts at stores, online shopping discounts and special offers for customers using selected e-wallets or partnered banks. This initiative is designed to enhance the shopping experience, offering more opportunities for consumers to save while enjoying a diverse range of products and services. Ha Noi Promotion Month 2024 is more than just a shopping extravaganza. It serves as a vital bridge between producers and consumers, helping to stimulate domestic demand, boost business revenues and drive up retail sales and service turnover. By creating a lively and engaging environment for both businesses and consumers, the event is poised to foster a deeper connection between the two, encouraging the growth of local industries and the promotion of Vietnamese goods. In addition to its immediate economic benefits, Ha Noi Promotion Month plays a key role in supporting Ha Nois broader economic goals. By stimulating both demand and production, the programme aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous economic environment for the city in the long term. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam's ongoing efforts to streamline and restructure its administrative apparatus will not affect foreign investment procedures, as the core functions of state management remain unchanged, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed on Friday. Speaking to Reuters, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said, "The restructuring and rearrangement process will not impact the implementation of investment procedures in Viet Nam because the state management functions remain consistent." The spokesperson also emphasised that alongside this restructuring, the country continues to simplify investment processes, aiming to create a favourable environment for long-term operations of foreign enterprises. Viet Nams plans, initiated earlier this month, to streamline its ministries and governmental agencies have garnered significant attention from international media. According to Reuters, diplomats, officials, and investors have welcomed the reforms, which are designed to cut administrative red tape and improve efficiency. However, concerns among a small number of foreign investors, as with any reforms globally, are inevitable. At the Partys 2024 Annual Conference on December 16, General Secretary To Lam clarified that the objective of the administrative reforms is to enhance efficiency while reducing bureaucracy. Under the restructuring roadmap, the government will retain eight ministries and agencies but streamline their internal structures. For the remaining 14, the government will carry out reorganisation and mergers to reduce the number of administrative bodies. One notable merger involves the Ministry of Planning and Investment with the Ministry of Finance, with the new entity tentatively named the Ministry of Finance and Development Investment or the Ministry of Economic Development. Viet Nam has long been a standout destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Southeast Asia and Asia, a legacy of the countrys 1986 economic reforms and the introduction of the Foreign Investment Law in 1987. In the first 11 months of 2024, total registered FDI in Viet Nam reached US$31.4 billion, while disbursed FDI was estimated at $21.68 billion, up 7.1 per cent year on year. VNS THAI NGUYEN The northern province of Thai Nguyen has implemented many policies to support local businesses in maximising the potential benefits of the UKVFTA, opening up multiple opportunities for exports to the UK. Nguyen Huy Hoang, deputy director of the provinces Department of Industry and Trade (DoIT), said that over the years, Thai Nguyen has always been in the group of the nations leading localities in export value. UKVFTA is considered an important agreement that opens the way for Vietnamese goods to have many export opportunities, including for businesses in Thai Nguyen, he said. The province now has 11 enterprises with goods imported into the UK market. Local exporters have taken advantage of the UKVFTA to maximise export opportunities when exporting to this market, he said. The provinces export items to the UK market include mobile phones and components, machinery, equipment, spare parts, textiles, wood and wood products, and iron and steel of all kinds. These products are the countrys major export items and enjoy incentives under the UKVFTA, he said. As a result, in the first 11 months of 2024, the export value of these items to the UK reached US$685 million, accounting for 2.6 per cent of the province's total export value. Main export products include wooden flooring products, plastic flooring, phones and components, garment products, and medical equipment. Import value from the UK market reached $250 million, including raw materials for the production of Dainess fashion helmets, temporarily imported mobile phone and computer components, and other raw materials. The province has assigned specific tasks to departments, branches, sectors and relevant agencies to effectively implement and exploit the UKVFTA, including carrying out dissemination on information about UKVFTA and the UK market, and providing legal support guidance to businesses during their investment and production process in accordance with regulations and commitments in the UKVFTA. The provincial DoIT also advised the provincial People's Committee to closely coordinate with the local agencies on international economic integration and relevant ministries, branches and localities to ensure effective implementation of the agreement. The province continues to promote the application of information technology in administrative procedure reform, enhance the provision of online public administrative services (OPASs), and improve the provincial competitiveness index (PCI). It has implemented social policies, including financial support, vocational training and career transition; and provided consulting services and job introductions to labourers. In the coming time, the department will set out a number of solutions to help local businesses increase their exports into the UK. First, it will continue to propagate the Party's guidelines and the State's policies on economic integration, such as the signed and implemented Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the UKVFTA, that have advantages for industries in Thai Nguyen. It will identify the province's strengths, focusing on local key products such as garments, machines, and processed agricultural products. It will continue to raise awareness for local businesses to understand the culture and business practices of the UK market, and change their sales mindset to meet UK market needs. It will also encourage local businesses to diversify their products to meet the growing demand for high-end products of UK customers. Finally, it will coordinate with relevant agencies to promote investment attraction in local projects in fields and industries taking advantage of opportunities from the UKVFTA and other FTAs. To achieve the best results in implementing the UKVFTA, the department has proposed that the Government and relevant ministries and sectors strengthen support to analyse and provide information on the UK market, and demand for product groups; build the provinces brands in the UK; and provide information on barriers to entering this market and ways to overcome these barriers. It asked to support the development of human resources, especially FTA implementation experts, to increase the effectiveness of FTA implementation. It suggested organising seminars for business ecosystems based on key industry groups in order to identify the tasks and coordination work of relevant agencies in supporting and promoting local exporters effectively. It also proposed the Vietnamese Trade Office in the UK provide Thai Nguyen a list of reputable firms that have a need to import key products of Thai Nguyen; and support the organisation of programmes connecting exporters of Thai Nguyen with traders in the UK in the coming time. VNS HA NOI The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence on Friday evening opened an exhibition celebrating 80 years of culture and arts of the Viet Nam People's Army (VPA) in the pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem Lake in Ha Noi. The event saw the participation of General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defence; Sen. Lieut. Gen. Trinh Van Quyet, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, member of the Standing Board of the Central Military Commission, and Chairman of the VPAs General Department of Politics; and others. In his opening speech, Quyet emphasised that over the past 80 years of the VPAs establishment and development, under the leadership and direction of the Party, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence, particularly the General Department of Politics, generations of "soldier-artists" formed a strong cultural and art force that encouraged the public to participate in the struggle for national liberation and reunification. According to him, the military is not only the cradle of talented commanders but also nurtures the soul and talent of "soldier-artists". With the achievements gained, the culture and arts of the military have truly become a "mainstream" of Viet Nam's revolutionary culture and arts. He expressed his confidence that the exhibition will be a "red address" that ignites the souls of the Vietnamese people, fostering love for the homeland as well as pride in the solidarity between the military and the people and the 80-year glorious tradition of the VPA. It also aims to preserve and develop advanced Vietnamese culture and arts, embracing national identity, and enriching the cultural and artistic values of Viet Nams revolution in the late President Ho Chi Minh era. At the opening ceremony, a grand art programme themed "80 Years of the Epic of Soldier-Artists" was held to honour the contributions of the VPA soldier-artists to the ideological and cultural front and highlighted the role of military culture and arts in the nation's revolutionary cause, in national building and safeguarding, and in establishing a people's defence. The exhibition will run until December 22. VNS As Viet Nam marks 80 years of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) and a decade of its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping, these milestones reflect the nations evolution into a proactive and responsible member of the global community. Professor Carl Thayer, an expert in Southeast Asian security and diplomacy, talks with Viet Nam News about Viet Nams defence diplomacy, its growing international role, and how its military modernisation aligns with regional security trends. As Viet Nam celebrates a decade of UN peacekeeping and the 80th birthday of its army, how significant are these milestones in the nation's history and global integration efforts? The 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam Peoples Army is a chance to reflect on its remarkable evolution. Established on December 22, 1944, as the Viet Nam Propaganda and Liberation Army with just 34 cadres and combatants, the VPA has grown into a globally respected institution. Within a decade, it expanded to include regional and main force units that defeated the French at ien Bien Phu in 1954, a watershed moment in Viet Nams history. After Viet Nams partition, the VPA undertook dual responsibilities of national defence and economic reconstruction. It played a pivotal role during the American intervention, both in defending the north against air campaigns and engaging in ground combat in the south. Following reunification in 1975, the VPA continued its dual tasks but soon faced new challenges along the southwest and northern borders, including a prolonged conflict with the Khmer Rouge. In the 1980s, Viet Nam began demobilising its forces and modernising its military, prioritising the navy and air force. By the 1990s, Viet Nam entered an unprecedented era of peace, expanding economic and diplomatic relations while reducing its military footprint. A significant milestone was its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2008-2009, where it played an active role in addressing global challenges, including the promotion of Resolution 1889 on women and girls in post-conflict settings. In 2014, Viet Nam made its first direct contribution to UN peacekeeping, gradually expanding its involvement by deploying medical and engineering units. By 2024, over 1,000 Vietnamese personnel will have served in UN missions, reflecting a significant expansion of the VPAs traditional roles and enhancing Viet Nams international profile. How do Viet Nam's peacekeeping efforts reflect its evolution as a responsible international actor, and how do they contribute to global peace? Viet Nams involvement in UN peacekeeping began modestly, with two officers deployed to South Sudan in June 2014. This cautious start allowed Viet Nam to gain experience in peacekeeping operations. By 2017, Viet Nam expanded its commitment, sending officers to the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. The turning point came in 2018, when Viet Nam deployed its first Level-2 military hospital with 63 staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. This marked its first large-scale deployment in a peacekeeping operation, offering medical care to civilians affected by conflict. In 2022, Viet Nam increased its engagement by deploying an engineering unit to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei. This unit undertook critical infrastructure projects, including road repairs, school construction, and water well drilling, directly benefiting local communities. By September 2024, Viet Nam had 291 personnel deployed in various peacekeeping roles, including military observers, trainers, and communications specialists. Notably, Viet Nam consistently exceeds UN benchmarks for the inclusion of women in its peacekeeping forces, showcasing its commitment to gender equality in international missions. These efforts have earned Viet Nam widespread recognition from UN officials, including the Secretary-General and other senior leaders. Its decade-long peacekeeping contributions highlight Viet Nams dedication to promoting stability and humanitarian values on a global scale. How does Viet Nams approach to peacekeeping align with broader trends in military diplomacy within Southeast Asia? The end of the Cold War brought new security challenges, such as disaster relief, countering piracy, and combating transnational crime. These issues spurred the growth of multilateral defence frameworks like the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM), and ADMM-Plus, fostering closer cooperation among member states. Viet Nam has actively embraced this trend by establishing defence attache networks with 42 countries and participating in international military education programs. Vietnamese officers regularly attend staff colleges in countries like Australia, and foreign military personnel are hosted at Viet Nams National Defence University. In peacekeeping, Viet Nam collaborates with regional and global partners to enhance its capabilities. For example, the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations was accredited by the UN in 2018 as one of four training centres in the Asia-Pacific under the Trilateral Partnership Program. This partnership includes the UN, Viet Nam, and other countries, allowing Viet Nam to train its personnel to international standards. In July 2024, Viet Nam hosted a United Nations Military Observer Training Course in Ha Noi, attended by participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka. Such initiatives highlight Viet Nams growing leadership in regional military cooperation. Within ASEAN, Viet Nam ranks among the top peacekeeping contributors, although Indonesia leads the region with 2,747 personnel deployed as of September 2024. Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand also maintain significant contributions, while Viet Nams participation has steadily grown, reflecting its commitment to regional and global peace. How have Viet Nam's peacekeeping contributions influenced its military modernisation and diplomatic strategy? Viet Nams peacekeeping efforts have strengthened its military through enhanced training, international collaboration, and exposure to modern operational standards. Vietnamese personnel have received training from countries like Australia, the US, and the EU, covering areas such as aeromedical evacuation and emergency response. As Viet Nam gained experience, its officers assumed leadership roles within the UN, serving as staff officers and training instructors. In 2020, Viet Nam chaired the Association of Asia-Pacific Peace Operations Training Centres, highlighting its growing expertise in peacekeeping operations. Collaborative exercises, such as the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX), have further boosted Viet Nams operational capacity. In November 2024, the fifth VINBAX exercise focused on peacekeeping scenarios and disaster response, incorporating drones for the first time. Participants conducted simulations for earthquake, fire, and flood rescue missions, improving coordination and readiness for complex operations. Viet Nam has also advanced the UNs Women, Peace and Security agenda. In August 2024, it released its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality. This initiative aligns with Viet Nams broader diplomatic strategy, which emphasises multilateralism and responsible global engagement. How do these achievements reflect on Viet Nams strategic vision for its army and its role in the international community? Viet Nams peacekeeping contributions underscore its transition from a country focused on national defence to a proactive global actor. By participating in UN missions, Viet Nam has not only enhanced its international standing but also modernised its military capabilities in niche areas like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. These efforts align with Viet Nams broader strategic goals of promoting peace, fostering regional stability, and strengthening defence ties with key partners. Through its network of defence attaches, participation in multilateral forums, and leadership in peacekeeping training, Viet Nam has positioned itself as a reliable and responsible partner in addressing global security challenges. The VPAs 80-year journey, from its humble beginnings to its current role in international peacekeeping, reflects the resilience and adaptability of Viet Nams defence policies. As the country looks to the future, its contributions to global peace and stability will remain a cornerstone of its diplomatic and military strategies. As Viet Nam celebrates 80 years of the VPA and a decade of peacekeeping contributions, these milestones highlight the nations commitment to building a more secure and stable world. Through its dedication to multilateralism and proactive diplomacy, Viet Nam continues to make its mark as a respected and responsible global player. VNS On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the VPA (December 22, 1944), and the 35th anniversary of the All-People National Defence Day (December 22, 1989), General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, and Minister of National Defence, penned the article entitled Promoting the heroic tradition and glorious cause, building a strong Viet Nam Peoples Army to protect the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam* Eighty years ago, under the directive of President Ho Chi Minh, the Viet Nam Propaganda and Liberation Army Teampredecessor of the Viet Nam Peoples Armywas established on December 22, 1944. This marked a pivotal development in the armed revolutionary struggle under the Communist Party of Viet Nam's leadership. For the first time in history, the Vietnamese working class and people had a new style organised army, led, educated and trained by the Party and President Ho. Born amidst the difficulties of the Vietnamese revolution, the army grew under the absolute, comprehensive leadership of the Party, the support of the populace, and international friends. Over the past 80 years, it has developed and achieved brilliant victories, enriching the heroic and indomitable traditions of the nation, and fulfilling President Hos praise: Our army is loyal to the Party, devoted to the people, ready to fight and sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Motherland and socialism. No task is too difficult, no enemy is undefeatable. From its humble beginnings of 34 personnel armed with rudimentary weapons, the VPA quickly won the battles of Phai Khat and Na Ngan, laying the foundation for its invincible tradition. Within less than a year, the VPA spearheaded the August 1945 Revolution, establishing the Democratic Republic of Viet Namthe first peoples democratic state in Southeast Asia -- on September 2, 1945. During the resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists, the VPA played a pivotal role alongside the people in achieving historic victories such as the ien Bien Phu Battle (1954), the ien Bien Phu in the air campaign (1972), and the 1975 Ho Chi Minh Campaign, culminating in the liberation of South Viet Nam. These triumphs across the two resistance wars lasting three decades forced the world's leading colonialist and imperialist powers to withdraw from Viet Nam, reuniting the nation and heralding a new era of independence and socialism. Following national reunification, the army continued its heroic role in defending the country during border conflicts and fulfilling international duties in Cambodia, and defending the northern borders of the country. It then led efforts to build a national defence system and addressed non-traditional security challenges such as natural disasters and epidemics and search and rescue operations. The VPA has participated in national construction, thwarted 'peaceful revolution' attempts by hostile forces, engaged in international integration and defence diplomacy, especially peacekeeping efforts by the United Nations, thereby enhancing Viet Nam's global reputation while ensuring long-term peace and stability, key for national development. Currently, the global and regional situation is undergoing major, unpredictable changes. Peace, cooperation and development remain dominant trends, but strategic competition, local conflicts, territorial disputes in many regions, as well as the emergence of new forms of warfare, methods, and tactics both in traditional and non-traditional fields, are threatening global peace, stability and security. The Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, continues to enjoy dynamic development, but risks of instability remain, potentially leading to conflict. Domestically, the oi moi (renewal) process has brought our country wealth, potential, and increasing international prestige, yet challenges persist, and new complex issues are emerging. Hostile forces, both domestic and foreign, continue to promote peaceful evolution, drive self-evolution, self-transformation, and depoliticisation of the military using increasingly sophisticated and insidious methods. This situation demands that the entire military continue to uphold its heroic tradition and glorious achievements over the past 80 years, focusing on building a streamlined, strong, modern military capable of meeting national defence requirements in all situations, with many decisive, compatible solutions; in which it is essential to focus on a few key issues and solutions. First, to remain steadfast and enhance the political strength of the military. This is a fundamental issue in building a revolutionary armed force for the Party and is a great lesson learned from the VPA's 80-year journey of building, fighting, overcoming challenges, and maturing. Strengthening the militarys political foundation ensures the preservation and enhancement of the militarys working-class nature, the Vietnamese people's characteristics, and national identity. It ensures the clear determination of the goal and fighting ideals for national independence and socialism, for the happiness of the people. Therefore, building a politically strong military must be the most crucial task in building a streamlined, strong, and modern military, with an emphasis on maintaining and strengthening the Partys absolute and direct leadership over all aspects of the military. Accordingly, the Party committees at all levels within the military need to continue to carry out the resolutions and directives of the Party and military leadership. The military must strengthen the building and rectification of the Party organization, ensuring the militarys Party organisation remains clean, strong, and exemplary in politics, ideology, ethics, organisation, and personnel. Further, leadership capacity and fighting strength should be continuously improved. The military must continue to implement the Partys policies regarding military, national defence, and the protection of the homeland in the countrys new development phase. In parallel, agencies and units must innovate and improve the quality and effectiveness of publicity and education, promoting Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, the traditions of patriotism and revolutionary struggle, along with the spirit of self-reliance of the nation. Efforts must continue in implementing the Partys directives and resolutions regarding the strenthening of revolutionary ethics, promoting the virtues of "Uncle Ho's soldiers", and focusing on fostering revolutionary morality among cadres and soldiers, and fighting against the emergence of individualism. Second, focus on building human resources, especially high-quality human resources, for the development of a streamlined, strong, modern military. The strength of a revolutionary military is the synthesis of many elements: human resources, organisation, weapons, materiel, and combat skills. Among them, human resources are a critical component, and weapons and equipment play an essential role. Building a streamlined, strong, modern military requires focusing on the development of high-quality human resources, with a particular emphasis on the training and development of capable military personnel, especially at the strategic and operational levels that will play vanguard, example-setting role in military and defence activities. Military schools should continue to make reforms and adapt training methods to meet the needs of building the military in the modern context. This includes modernising the educational system, integrating research, and aligning training with field practice. Units and schools must apply scientific and technological progress, integrating international cooperation into training, especially in the training of leading cadres, scientists and experts. There is also the need for the military schools to do research on military science, to supplement and develop Vietnamese military art. In particular, focusing on researching and applying the achievements of modern military science and theory in the world to the actual conditions of the country, based on all-people national defence and people's war posture; studying and compiling a system of textbooks and documents suitable for the goals and requirements of training high-quality human resources in the new situation. Military units must also increase night combat training, training in complex, high-intensity conditions, with practice the main focus; hold drills, training, competitions, etc. at all levels safely; improve the capacity to master weapons, equipment, especially new ones; and actively apply IT, simulation technology and other technical methods in training. Along with education and training, agencies, units and schools need to promote the building of strict regularity and discipline in training, combat readiness, management of personnel, weapons and technical equipment; ensuring unity from will to action. Third, accelerate the organisational restructuring of military forces and the modernisation of weaponry and equipment across all branches. Following the Party's directives, the military has focused on concerted efforts to streamline and strengthen its forces, ensuring balance between regular and reserve units and military branches. Significant investment is being made in developing a self-reliant and modern dual-use defence industry, while international cooperation is being enhanced. The military is also paying attention to research and development to produce, as well as master, a number of strategic weapons necessary for national defence and ensure a step forward in quantity and improve the quality of weapons and technical equipment. The restructuring must consolidate new units, streamline party organisations, and integrate administrative reforms, IT applications, digital transformation, and e-government development within the Ministry of National Defence. Efforts should also focus on enhancing mobility and modernising equipment with high quality and compatibility with the nation's economic conditions. Simultaneously, existing weapons and equipment must be well-maintained and used effectively, integrating both old and new systems for modern warfare aligned with the all-people's war strategy. The military must secure modern weaponry, continue investing in a self-reliant, dual-use defence industry, and prioritise strategic modern weapons. Expanding international cooperation and technology transfer in defence will also remain crucial. Fourth, continue to leverage the strength of the entire political system and the militarys role in constructing a strong, all-encompassing national defence. Over the past 80 years, Viet Nam has combined the peoples strength with modern military capabilities, using the military as the core force for both the revolution and ongoing national defence. Moving forward, building a streamlined, modern military must remain closely tied to strengthening the militarys central role in constructing a national defence based on the peoples security, in line with the Partys directives on safeguarding national interests in the new era. Military agencies at all levels and defence economic groups must uphold their responsibilities, promote their core role, coordinate with departments, branches and organisations in advising local Party committees and authorities to lead and direct the combination of defence and economy; focus all resources on defence, especially the system of combat and defence infrastructure works; prioritising defence works on borderlines, seas, islands, strategic and key areas; have plans to protect the country early and from afar, not to be passive or surprised strategically. Fifth, expand and improve the effectiveness of international cooperation and defence diplomacy in the new global context. International integration and defence diplomacy are vital components of Viet Nam's foreign policy, contributing to increasing resources to build the army, consolidating national defence, meeting the requirements and tasks of the revolution in each period. During the resistance war against the French, defence diplomacy mobilised the sympathy, support and assistance of socialist fraternal countries and international friends, contributing to building a stronger army with high mobility and strong firepower, launching large, continuous and long-term campaigns, gaining and maintaining strategic initiative, moving towards crushing the highest military effort of the French at the ien Bien Phu battle in 1954. During the resistance war against the United States to save the nation, once again, defence diplomacy made an important contribution to building our army into a relatively modern, full-fledged army that joined forces with the people to defeat a superpower's professional army equipped with modern weapons that dominated on land, at sea and in the air, regaining independence and national reunification. Today, building a strong and modern army, along with promoting internal strength, relies mainly on our own strength, but this will also require expanding and improving the effectiveness of international cooperation and defence diplomacy. Accordingly, Party committees and commanders of all armies and branches need to focus on thoroughly disseminating and educating cadres and soldiers, especially those working in foreign affairs, to firmly grasp the foreign policies and guidelines of the Party and State as defined in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, the Resolution of the 11th Military Party Congress; Resolution of the 8th Party Central Committee, 13th tenure on the Strategy for National Defence in the new situation, as well as viewpoints, principles, goals, requirements, and tasks of international integration and defence diplomacy; creatively applying the "bamboo diplomacy" policy. We must maintain sound defence cooperation relations with neighbouring countries, major countries, strategic partners, ASEAN countries, and traditional friendly countries; firmly adhere to the "four nos" defence policy (no partaking in military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, no foreign military bases in the Vietnamese territory or using Viet Nam as leverage to counteract other countries, and no using force or threatening to use force in international relations); ensure the highest national interests based on international law; strengthen research, accurately and promptly forecast trends in international relations, especially relations between countries and organisations that directly affect Viet Nam's national interests. Under the leadership of the Party and the light of Ho Chi Minh's Thought, promoting the heroic tradition, the entire army continues to strive to complete national defence tasks, determined to achieve the goal of basically building a streamlined, strong and modern army in 2025, contributing with the entire Party and people to bring the country into a new era - "the era of the nation on the rise", building and defending the socialist Viet Nam motherland. *The article was edited for length Viet Nam took a significant step onto the global stage in June 2014 by sending its first two military officers to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan. Over the past 10 years, this commitment has grown steadily, with 1,065 personnel deployed as of December 2024. Viet Nam now ranks 39th out of 117 troop- and police-contributing countries, maintaining a regular presence of 274 personnel, including 36 women. Over 10 years of participating in UN peacekeeping operations, units and officers of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) have consistently fulfilled all tasks assigned by the UN and the Ministry of Defence. Many officers, upon completing their assignments, have been commended by the UN for outstanding performance, receiving certificates of merit and letters of appreciation. Notably, all deployed personnel have been awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, a testament to their professionalism and dedication. Viet Nams rate of personnel excelling in their duties significantly surpasses the UN average. After 10 years of participating in UN peacekeeping operations, The country is proud to have been involved in all aspects of peacekeeping. We have had officers and soldiers contributing directly to the UN Secretariat and serving on the ground in missions. These contributions are meaningful and comprehensive, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs ang Hoang Giang. Viet Nams participation in UN peacekeeping is highly regarded, not only for the quality and capability of its deployed forces but also for its focus on priority areas encouraged by the UN, such as healthcare, engineering, and gender equality. Viet Nams engagement in UN peacekeeping marks a significant milestone in its international integration and cooperation with the UN, as it expands its contributions to the organisations shared missions. Strong commitment Major General Pham Manh Thang, director-general of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) under the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that Viet Nams participation in UN peacekeeping reflected its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. We follow a path of multilateralism and diversification in international relations. By actively integrating into the global community, Viet Nam demonstrates its responsibility as a UN member state, contributing to peacekeeping, Maj Gen Thang said. He said that Viet Nam had numerous international partners in peacekeeping. The Viet Nam Peacekeeping Department had proactively signed multiple memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements with major partners, including the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, France, Canada, and India. Expanding these partnerships allows us to receive external support, enhance the capacity and expertise of Vietnamese military personnel, and strengthen the material and technical equipment used by our armed forces, Thang said. When we participate in international activities, we elevate Viet Nams international standing. We consistently receive support from international partners, whether addressing multilateral or global issues. This is a testament to Viet Nams credibility and commitment. He also stressed the importance of modernising Viet Nams military equipment through peacekeeping activities, saying that participating in UN peacekeeping missions enabled Viet Nam to use advanced equipment, such as engineering units and Level-2 field hospitals. These deployments required training and mastery of modern technologies, which subsequently enhanced the overall expertise of Viet Nam's personnel when they return to serve domestically. This approach to peacekeeping not only enhanced Viet Nams military capacity but also solidified its reputation as a responsible and proactive member of the international community. Serious training and education Central to Viet Nams success in peacekeeping is its emphasis on training and education, according to Maj Gen Thang. Before deployment, peacekeeping personnel undergo extensive preparation to ensure they can adapt to challenging mission environments. This includes general military training, specialised courses, foreign language instruction, and pre-deployment exercises. Training covers critical areas such as international law, UN peacekeeping mandates, survival skills, and cultural awareness of host countries. To enhance expertise, Viet Nam collaborates with international partners, including the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These partnerships have led to domestic training courses for UN logistics officers, staff officers, and military observers, as well as workshops on preventing sexual abuse and conducting practical exercises. Hundreds of Vietnamese officers have also received training abroad under sponsorship programmes from countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, and China. Viet Nam, in collaboration with the US, launched the International Trauma Training Centre at Military Hospital 175 in April 2024. Meeting UN standards, the centre provides certified training for medical personnel participating in peacekeeping missions. In language training, the VDPO has conducted over 50 English courses for more than 600 officers and personnel of Level-2 Field Hospitals and Engineering Units, taught by instructors from the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. French language courses have also been opened in cooperation with the French Defence Attache Office in Ha Noi to prepare personnel for missions in Francophone countries like Central Africa. In June 2018, the UN recognised the VDPO as one of four international training centres in the region. This prestigious designation authorises Viet Nam to deliver training under the Triangular Partnership Programme alongside the UN and partner countries, underscoring the countrys growing role in global peacekeeping capacity-building. The Ministry of Defence has been instrumental in fostering partnerships to strengthen Viet Nams peacekeeping capabilities. Over the past decade, Viet Nam has signed 10 MoUs with key international partners. Additional agreements have been signed with the UN to deploy Level-2 Field Hospitals to South Sudan and Engineering Units to Abyei, as well as with the European Union to bring EU technical instructors to Viet Nam for training. A strategic partnership agreement with Australia further upgraded a previous MoU, highlighting the growing depth of Viet Nams international peacekeeping cooperation. Through these partnerships, Viet Nam has also secured essential aid and training equipment from countries such as Australia, the US, Germany, Canada, and China. This support has significantly enhanced Viet Nams technical capabilities, helping to modernise its peacekeeping operations. Ambassadors of peace In terms of individual deployments, 122 Vietnamese officers have since 2014 participated in a wide range of work at UN peacekeeping missions, including operational staff, training officers, logistics officers, intelligence analysts, and military observers. These individual contributions have consistently highlighted the expertise and dedication of Viet Nam's personnel. On the unit level, Viet Nam deployed its first Level-2 Field Hospital in South Sudan in October 2018, which UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said essential to the success of the mission and the health and wellbeing of our personnel, even more so during the pandemic. The hospital's outstanding performance also earned praise from mission commanders. UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare for Operational Support expressed his admiration for Viet Nams efforts and contributions, saying that this showed Viet Nams strong commitments and efforts, and was a wonderful thing in the partnership between Viet Nam and the UN. In June 2022, Viet Nam successfully deployed its first engineering unit to the Abyei area, consisting of 184 personnel and nearly 2,000 tonnes of equipment. Within three months, the unit quickly stabilised and commenced operations, earning high praise from mission commanders. Although Viet Nam joined UN peacekeeping later than many other countries, its strong political commitment, proactive participation, and professional capabilities had earned it high regard from the UN and other countries, Maj Gen Thang said. Over the past decade, Vietnamese peacekeepers have brought the image of a peaceful, friendly, and responsible Viet Nam to both local communities and the international arena. They have become true ambassadors of peace, embodying the spirit of solidarity and commitment, he said. The resilience and dedication of Vietnamese peacekeepers have left a lasting impression on local communities in impoverished regions of Africa. Their efforts have included teaching locals how to grow vegetables and engage in agricultural practices, assisting with road construction and school building, and even serving as teachers for children. Their presence in remote areas has become a source of encouragement for both children and adults, providing hope in difficult circumstances. Hendrik J. Hamman, an engineering expert with the UNISFA Mission, praised the Vietnamese peacekeepers: "They never say no. Every task given to Viet Nam is handled quickly, with great enthusiasm and goodwill." Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, described Viet Nams peacekeeping force as one of the best in the world, underscoring the global recognition of their efforts. Enzo Sim Hong Jun, Malaysian history and international politics researcher from Penang Institute, also appreciated the role of the Vietnamese peacekeepers in restoring peace and order in some of the most unstable regions in the world, including Abyei, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, as well as in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York. "In the fragile peace context of these regions, as one of the main contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, Viet Nam has become a model for the international community in contributing more to international humanitarian missions and serves as a testament to how a developing country can support less developed nations in 'sowing seeds of peace'," he said. Advancing gender equality Viet Nam has over the past decade deployed 20 female officers individually and 131 female personnel in its Level-2 Field Hospitals and engineering units. This exceeds the United Nations' recommended female participation rate of nearly 15 per cent and reflects Viet Nam's dedication to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. With women making up 15 per cent of our personnelwell above the UN average of 10 per centthis reflects Viet Nams ongoing commitment to gender equality in peacekeeping, said Hoang Kim Phung, former director-general of the VDPO. In the broader context of international relations, Viet Nam has consistently advocated for womens roles in peace and security at multilateral forums. It has led and supported initiatives focused on women and girls, fostering closer ties between ASEAN and the UN to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Through these efforts, Viet Nam has solidified its position as a proactive and responsible member of the global community. The country's remarkable contributions to UN peacekeeping over the past decade not only reflect its growing role on the international arena, but also align with the nations broader strategic vision. The General Secretary of the Viet Nam Communist Party, To Lam, in a recent speech at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in Ha Noi, stated that Viet Nam was entering "an era of the nation on the rise". In his address, the Party leader underscored the period from now until 2030 as a critical time for Viet Nam to help shape a new global order. This strategic opportunity, he said, would represent the final phase of the Vietnamese revolution to achieve its century-long goals under the Partys leadership. It would be a time for Viet Nam to lay a solid foundation for its continued development, building a peaceful, prosperous and strong nation. However, as Lam noted, this transformation would not be without challenges. To seize opportunities amid an evolving global landscape, Viet Nam must ensure a peaceful and stable environmentone that fosters economic growth, national construction, and international integration. This stability would be essential for attracting investment, generating jobs, and unlocking the countrys full potential. At the heart of this vision lies a steadfast commitment to national defence, with the army serving as the core force to safeguard the country and realise the peoples aspirations. The role of Viet Nams peacekeeping forces is, therefore, not only a symbol of global responsibility but also a vital component of the nations broader strategy to elevate its international standing and secure a stronger, more prosperous future. VNS Viet Nams national defence industry has made significant strides in recent years, expanding its range of products to include dual-use capabilities while ensuring high quality and contributing to the self-sufficiency of weapons and equipment. These advancements play a vital role in modernising the military, strengthening national defence, and safeguarding the country. Beyond its military contributions, the defence industry has also supported Viet Nams broader industrialisation and modernisation goals. The Air Defence-Air Force (ADAF) has been equipped with new-generation fighter jets, such as Su-30MK2. However, mastering advanced aircraft requires thorough training, particularly in managing in-flight emergencies. This ensures young pilots can quickly adapt to new equipment while minimising the number of flight hours required for training and combat readiness on real fighter jets. To address these challenges, Vietnamese defence engineers have developed an advanced flight simulator for the Su-30MK2 fighter jet. During a recent training session using the simulator, young pilots from the 927th Air Regiment under the ADAF faced a simulated scenario where the engine fire warning light illuminated shortly after take-off. The cockpit alarm was followed by instructions from ground control on extinguishing the in-flight fire and executing an emergency landing. Thanks to their training and coordination, the Su-30MK2 safely landed despite operating with only one functional engine. These emergency scenarios, critical for combat readiness, are made possible by the advanced flight simulator entirely developed by Viet Nams defence industry. Lieutenant Colonel Le Ngoc Hai of the 927th Regiment highlighted the simulators value, saying, "The simulator shortens the time required for pilots to practise real flights, saving flight hours while still meeting mission requirements during combat readiness and training with advanced weapon systems." Unlike the Russian-designed simulators, which feature a single cockpit for two pilots, Vietnamese engineers have created a training centre equipped with 12 flight simulators and a ground control station. This setup replicates the structure of a fighter jet regiment, providing an environment for pilots to refine their skills and facilitating complex air combat simulations. According to the regiments officers, the Vietnamese-developed simulator allows regular practice for take-offs, landings, and emergency situations. It also enhances coordination among flight teams and ground control crews, offering capabilities that the Russian simulators lack. One of the simulator's key advantages is its full localisation in Vietnamese, making it easier for pilots and technicians to operate. Lt Col Tran Xuan Quyen, head of the flight simulation team, explained, "The systems operations, from creating flight scenarios to controlling aircraft parameters and weather conditions, can be set up quickly and intuitively. This simplifies the process compared to the Russian system." After five years of research, Viet Nams defence engineers developed the Su-30MK2 flight simulator with superior features compared to the original Russian product. This achievement makes Viet Nam the second country in the world, after Sukhoi, to successfully design and develop a simulator for the fourth-generation Su-30MK2 fighter jet. Notably, the simulator is the only one globally that enables simultaneous training for both pilots and ground control personnel within the same scenario. National Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang praised this accomplishment, saying, "We are demonstrating to the world that the Viet Nam Peoples Army is a combat force, a working force, and a labour force. Our national defence industry is advancing towards self-reliance, dual-use capabilities, and modernisation." Building a modern defence industry According to Col Nguyen Phuc Linh, director of the Institute of Weapons under the Ministry of National Defence, developing new-generation defence weapons requires a high level of scientific expertise. Many components of defence technology involve intricate research and precision manufacturing, supported by substantial investments in advanced testing and production technology. Lt Gen Ho Quang Tuan, chief of the General Department of National Defence Industry, said that the development of Viet Nams defence industry is a strategic initiative guided by the Communist Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence. Since the ninth National Congress of the Party in April 2001, Viet Nam has prioritised building a modern, self-reliant, and dual-use national defence industry. The 13th National Congress of the Party in February 2021 further outlined the need to "develop a modern, dual-use national defence industry that serves both national security and socioeconomic development". On January 26, 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution 8 for the military to accelerate national defence industry development by 2030 and beyond. The plan envisions creating a self-reliant, modern defence sector capable of mastering advanced technologies to meet the needs of a modern military and safeguard the country. The General Department of National Defence Industry has implemented initiatives to enhance infrastructure, human resources, and technological capacity. Viet Nam has made significant progress in the research, design, production, and repair of weapons and equipment, including new-generation firearms, guided weapons, and modern navy ships. Additionally, the defence industry has developed technical materials and supplies to reduce dependence on imports, contributing to Viet Nams industrialisation and modernisation. Viet Nams international cooperation in the defence sector has also expanded, enhancing its global reputation and military power. This cooperation includes technology transfers, joint ventures, and collaborations in developing weapon prototypes. Lt Gen Tuan stressed the importance of mastering the design, technology, and manufacturing of advanced weaponry to build a modern defence industry. "We must focus on developing high-tech weaponry, smart systems, and strategic armaments to equip our forces for future challenges," he said. Achieving these goals requires strong political will and coordinated efforts, particularly in three key areas: scientific and technological capabilities, institutional frameworks, and human resources. Defence and civilian needs Col Phan Thi Hoai Van, deputy chief of Staff of the General Department of National Defence Industry, highlighted the importance of dual-use technology. "The defence industry can produce military as well as civilian goods," she said. "Most countries prioritise dual-use technologies to accelerate innovation in defence while promoting industrial and economic development." By adopting a dual-use approach, Viet Nams defence industry can optimise its internal strengths and address both national security and economic needs. This strategy helps reduce dependency, diversify technology acquisition, and create flexibility in achieving strategic goals. Lt Gen Tuan emphasised the need for Viet Nam to participate in global value chains, focusing initially on economic and dual-use products. "We must leverage our strengths to develop competitive products for domestic and international markets while prioritising export production that complies with legal regulations," he said. Efforts should also include technology transfer, joint ventures, training cooperation, and branding military and dual-use products for export. Strategic planning and promotion of international partnerships would be essential for achieving these objectives, he said. Integrating defence into broader economic strategies ensures that Viet Nams defence industry remains a crucial driver of both security and industrial progress, contributing to the countrys long-term development goals. VNS HCM CITY UK Government has accelerated trade promotion activities and co-operation with Vietnamese provinces in various aspects including minimising the impact of climate change, education, energy transition, trade, and investment in order to boost the effectiveness of the UKVFTA and CPTPP. Earlier this week, British Ambassador Iain Frew visited and met with the Chairman of Nam inh Province People's Committee, Pham inh Nghi, and representatives of provincial departments. Speaking at the meeting, ambassador affirmed the strong diplomatic relationship between the two governments and hoped that Nam inh Province and partners of the United Kingdom will strengthen comprehensive co-operation in many fields; including education, climate change response, green energy conversion, and clean energy. The ambassador also highlighted that the UK-Viet Nam trade relationship is already valued at 6.4 billion (US$7.7 billion) and is underpinned by the UKVFTA and CPTPP. The UK has officially been a member of CPTPP since 15 December this year. He wants to see this bilateral trade relationship continue to grow across a range of key sectors including healthcare, financial and professional services, and education. Speaking at the meeting, Nghi expressed his desire to strengthen and deepen the co-operation with UK partners in the future. In the coming time, Nam inh will continue to mobilise and effectively utilise all resources, focusing on synchronous investment in transport infrastructure, roads, waterways and airports and expanding industrial zones, prioritising environmental protection to ensure sustainable development. The province hopes to receive co-operation and support from the United Kingdom in important areas such as education and training, clean energy, waste treatment, investment, trade, biodiversity conservation, and climate change response. At the same time, both sides committed to creating the most favourable conditions for projects between the two sides to be implemented effectively, bringing practical benefits, and contributing to promoting the increasingly strong diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the UK. The ambassador also mentioned the potential of eco-tourism, fostering leadership, promoting co-management strategies involving local communities and Government agencies, and raising awareness of marine conservation in Nam inh. Earlierly, in HCM City the British Embassy introduced British seafood at the GREAT seafood showcase. At the event, prominent importers, restaurateurs, retailers and more came together to celebrate the diversity of British seafood and taste for themselves the quality of GREAT British products. Guests were treated to Chef Bao Babs expert take on staple British seafoods including lobster, mackerel, whelk and herring, all of which enjoy favourable tariff conditions under the UK Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement and are set for even greater trade facilitation as the UK joined the CPTPP trading bloc. Situated between the warm Atlantic Ocean and cool North Sea, the British Isles are uniquely placed to deliver some of the world's highest quality and most diverse seafood, from Scottish Smoked Salmon, to Lobsters, Oysters, Mackerel and many more. VNS NEW DELHI Vietnam Coast Guard ship CSB 8005 departed Kochi on Friday, after a 4-day visit that strengthened the partnership between the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG). According to a statement released by the ICG, the visit aimed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces. A key highlight was a comprehensive sea exercise code-named SahayogHop Tac, conducted off the coast of Kochi, Kerala state in southern India. The exercise addressed critical maritime security challenges and included various scenarios, such as search and rescue, a pollution-response demonstration like oil spills, and other environmental hazards at sea. The exercise also simulated Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations to inspect vessels suspected of illegal activities and to combat drug trafficking. Additionally, it included joint training activities to neutralise asymmetric threats. The statement emphasised that the visit of the CSB 8005 to Kochi is a strong symbol of the increasingly cooperation between VCG and ICG through collaborative efforts, as both India and Viet Nam strive for a more secure and safe maritime environment. VNS by Nguyen My Ha Time flies, doesn't it? This time five years ago, news of a strange respiratory-related disease began circulating on daily news channels. However, Viet Nam didnt record its first patient until January 23, 2020. The country followed these initial cases with great interest, and everyone sighed with relief when they were discharged from the hospital on February 12, 2020. One memorable moment was a 65-year-old patient shakily thanking the doctors at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for saving his life a second time. The first cases in Viet Nam involved a father and son from Wuhan, China, where the virus was first reported. Their activities and updates were closely followed on social media as well as mainstream news. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the virus SARS-CoV-2, noting its potential to disrupt global supply chains and cause casualties on a scale few could have imagined, surpassing even the devastation of wars. Exactly one month later, on March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. By April 1, 2020, Viet Nams Prime Minister had declared the outbreak a national pandemic, and a national steering committee was established to coordinate the response. Provinces were instructed to report new cases, set up emergency response teams, and ensure the detection and treatment of patients. Schools, already closed for the Lunar New Year holiday in January, remained shut as the pandemic escalated. The school break became the longest in history, with classes only resuming online. Viet Nam briefly declared itself COVID-free for about two weeks before new cases emerged. A structured method of categorising patients was introduced, using designations like F0, F1, F2, and F3 to track infection chains and broadcast updates on national television. Daily news briefings detailed the situation and emphasised home isolation measures. Online classrooms were launched nationwide, supported by local philanthropists and companies donating computers to students in need. However, the shift to online learning produced mixed results. Some students thrived, studying at their own pace and making significant progress, but many struggled with the new format. Five years later, many of the lessons learned -- such as maintaining clean and sanitary homes -- still hold value. During the pandemics three waves in Viet Nam, 43,206 people lost their lives. Ho Chi Minh City was hardest hit, with 19,985 deaths, while mountainous provinces like Son La and Lai Chau reported no fatalities. Ha Noi was severely affected during the second wave, but the virus variant at the time was less contagious than those in later phases. Entire homes, offices, and residential areas were locked down, isolating communities from the world. The deepest pain came from losing loved ones. Many children lost one or both parents. Scandals also emerged, including companies profiting from overpriced flights repatriating Vietnamese citizens and the fraudulent sale of overpriced COVID-19 test kits. These scams led to jail sentences for the Minister of Health and others, yet the damage -- both financial and emotional --cannot be undone. Reflecting on those challenging times, many people have personal stories to share. One colleague recalled being labelled an F2 contact and living under strict isolation. Another resisted being sent to a COVID camp, fearing that poor conditions would expose him to the virus. One woman, living with her elderly in-laws, vividly remembered local officials clad in anti-virus gear coming to disinfect her home while neighbours looked on. Another colleague, breastfeeding a newborn, worried about the impossibility of isolating from her baby. Others lived with elderly parents or spouses battling cancer, adding to their fears. These shared experiences fostered stronger bonds among colleagues and communities. Difficult times revealed true friendship and the kindness of those who extended a helping hand. As we look back on the pandemic, we are grateful for having survived one of the most challenging periods of the 21st century. VNS Waco officials say rebuilds are needed for Texas Central Parkway, a key industrial corridor, and Speegleville Road, where hundreds of new houses are planned. But money to tackle the road work will not be available in the coming year, and the city is looking for ways to get the projects done before too long. By not including the projects in the 2025 proposal for capital improvement program funding, city staff are not saying they do not need to be done, City Manager Bradley Ford told the city council during a recent meeting on the program. They absolutely need to be done, Ford said. We just cant do them next year. Rebuilding and widening almost the full length of Texas Central Parkway, from near Highway 84 to near Bagby Avenue, would cost an estimated $64 million if it is tackled in 2027, according to city council documents. Rebuilding and widening the citys portion of Speegleville Road, from Highway 84 to the Middle Bosque River bridge, would cost an estimated $26 million, and replacing the bridge itself would cost an estimated $21.1 million, according to material presented during a public meeting on the projects earlier this month. Texas Central Parkway provides a route for tractor-trailers to bring materials in and take finished products away from several manufacturing businesses , including VanTran Transformers, Versalift, Holt Manufacturing and more than 85 others that employ thousands who live in Waco and surrounding cities. The corridor is also growing with Graphic Packing International in the process of building a $1 billion recycled paper mill and Electrolit building a $400 million drink manufacturing plant in the area. Rebuilding the road will be key to Wacos future industrial and manufacturing growth, Assistant City Manager Paul Cain told the Waco City Council during the meeting on capital improvement projects. Trying to show a parcel to a potential economic development partner with a poor quality road leading to it is not the way to make a sale, Cain said. Texas Central Parkway has roadbed failure in a number of locations, Ford said. Plans for its $64 million rebuild, covering about 2.9 miles, include adding at least one lane in each direction and would require buying additional right of way, he said. The road is not just a lifeline to future growth of new companies, but also for expansions of existing companies, much like Mars Drive, Ford said. When Allergan told us we were competing with another plant in their system for a $200 million expansion, but the road was so bumpy they couldnt guarantee their glass vials wouldnt break in transport, that made rebuilding Mars Drive more important, Ford said. Its the same with Texas Central Parkway. The Speegleville Road corridor with its bridge over the Middle Bosque River will also be key to growth over the next 10 to 30 years, Waco Mayor Jim Holmes said in an interview. Thats right in the crosshairs of a fast-growing area, Holmes said. We know that from China Spring to the west side of Highway 84, that whole area around Highway 6 is going to fill in for the next 10, 20, 30 years, so its important for that bridge to be expanded and restructured. Finding a way to pay for it is challenging, Holmes said. Plans for the $26 million Speegleville Road rebuild, covering about 1.25 miles, include adding one lane in each direction, a median or turn lane in the middle, and a sidewalk on at least one side for the entire length, with a sidewalk on both sides for much of it. The $21 million bridge replacement would include one two-lane span in each direction and sidewalks on each of the spans. McLennan County recently rebuilt its portion of Speegleville Road, which runs from the Middle Bosque bridge to Highway 6. Based on current property values and tax rates, the city of Waco can sell about $37 million in bonds to pay for all the capital projects needed by various departments, city spokesperson Monica Sedelmeier said. So, in essence the trio of Texas Central Parkway and Speegleville Road projects totaling about $111 million are competing with capital projects for the Waco Fire Department, Waco Police Department, parks, libraries, other roads and more for the pool of up to $37 million bond funds, Ford said. While Texas Central and Speegleville are not on the proposed list, other significant road and bridge projects are. Some of the competing projects city staff have recommended for the capital improvement bonds, which the council could authorize next year, include: $9.5 million for repairs and maintenance on other bridges $1 million for work on West Warren Road $8 million to widen the citys portion of Chapel Road $5.4 million for two new fire trucks and 150 new breathing packs for the fire department $1.9 million to replace the the crime lab and evidence property room for the police department $2.5 million for a new playground at the Bledsoe-Miller STEM Center. The city will also contract for about $39 million in street resurfacing, or pavement management, paid for in part by the street fee included on utility bills and in part with general fund revenue, officials said. Capital projects for water and wastewater utilities are funded with bonds backed by the fees users pay for the services, so they are separate from the other bonds backed by tax revenue and other sources. Both Speegleville projects and Texas Central Parkways rebuild could be funded through general obligation bonds if approved by voters in a bond election, Sedelmeier said. However, there are no plans at this time to call for such a vote. Texas Central Parkway is in the citys sprawling Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 4, and its rebuild would be eligible for TIF funding, Sedelmeier said. However, it is not included in the TIFs project or financing plan, and there have been no discussions with the TIF board, she said. The city is working to find ways to pay for the work, Sedelmeier said. City staff are not aware of any state economic development funds that would help pay for Texas Central Parkway, Sedelmeier said. Federal highway bills from the past two years included about $2.5 million for the Speegleville Road bridge. The city in recent years was seeking $15 million in federal funding for the bridge, and worked with U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, to include it in a House infrastructure bill during 2021. Sessions voted against the bill, citing other items he considered wasteful. The bill cleared the House, but the Senate version that was ultimately adopted did not specifically include the Waco project. In the new year, city staff members will continue to work with state and national representatives to find potential funding sources for the three projects, Sedelmeier said. The city council in recent years has typically voted on capital improvement program projects in January. Can you help locate family of Buckley man who passed away in Liverpool? This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 21st, 2024 British Transport Police are trying to locate the family of a man who died on the railway in Liverpool, are today appealing for information. On 18 November 2024, at 5.05pm, officers were called to Broadgreen Station to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious. The man was identified as 77 year old, Mr David Lloyd Hughes. BTP say Mr Hughes was born in Buckley, but at the time of his passing was believed to live in Penyffordd. It is believed he may have a brother in New Zealand, however despite extensive enquiries, officers say they have been unable to trace Mr Hughess next of kin or any other family members to inform them of this sad news. They are appealing for any relatives or anyone who may have information about Mr Hughess family to come forward and assist their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 465 18/11/24. Conference champions high street success in embracing technology to record footfall and customer trends in Wales This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 21st, 2024 An event celebrating digital innovation and entrepreneurship in west Wales has been hailed as a major success. Organised by Antur Cymru Enterprise, the SMART Busnes Cymru Conference welcomed organisations, start-ups and individuals from across the country to historic Cardigan Castle in Ceredigion. Together they championed the strides made by town centres and high streets embracing advances in technology notably in recording footfall and consumer trends and encouraged neighbouring local authorities and other stakeholders to adopt bespoke, sustainable IT solutions such as IoT (Internet of Things) and LoRaWAN. The forum explored opportunities and challenges in Ceredigions tech revolution and the impact of the SMART Busnes Project, delivered by Antur Cymru in partnership with Ceredigion County Council via the UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund, which has helped more than 150 start-ups and small businesses in the last year alone. Among the speakers on the day was Antur Cymru Business Development Manager Kevin Harrington, who explained how technology is revolutionising data collection, efficiency, and connectivity in rural and urban settings. It was good to speak to businesses and organisations about their digital journey and share knowledge and expertise, he said. We have enabled a lot of them to collaborate and talk about their issues as organisations and the challenges they face, getting people interested in IoT and technology, which is brilliant its been a really successful day. Councillor Clive Davies, a Project Manager for Antur Cymrus SMART Busnes programme, agreed and said: This was a great event with people from across Wales representing different local authorities, including our own here in Ceredigion. It was heartening to see small businesses and councils networking and sharing ideas before, during and after the conference. Those conversations need to continue, as does the work to collaborate further with the learnings and experiences we have heard about in other parts of the country. Those words resonated with Brad Wilshire, a Broadband Officer with Powys County Council, who said: It was clear from today how important it is that any sort of data is given to shops and communities, and how the technology can really get down to the basics of what is important within businesses. David Evans, from Wrexhams SMART City Initiatives, later presented real-world examples of how they are using IoT to optimise operations, enhance sustainability, and boost profitability. Explaining how moisture and temperature sensors in flowerbeds have saved around a thousand litres of water daily, and traffic and parking technology improved public safety and urban planning, he added: Ultimately Its not about sensors, its about doing things better, smarter, and cheaper. Jane Roche, who owns the Fishermans Rest and Catch of The Day venues in Cardigan, reiterated those points as SMART solutions had a positive effect on her day-to-day operations, including a move to IoT fridge sensors to ensure food safety and efficiency. Im not a digital person, but this technology has been invaluable, she said. Meirion Davies, Director of Cardigan Castle, reinforced those comments: The digital support from Antur Cymru has been invaluable and I would advocate that other heritage sites should look at where they can start using this SMART technology. Jan Martin from Snail of Happiness new and pre-loved craft supplies added: My advice to others is to not dismiss this technology just because you are a small business, it really is worth getting to grips with and taking it forward. Antur Cymrus Managing Director Bronwen Raine thanked those in attendance and said the overall feedback pointed to a determination and need for local authorities and town planners in Wales to utilise technology to support retailers and small businesses at a challenging time for high streets. These systems and solutions can give businesses detailed data and feedback which helps to make them more sustainable and efficient, cut costs and identifies the trends and habits of their customers the results cant be ignored. Did you witness collision between a cyclist and white tipper style vehicle ask police? This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 21st, 2024 Police have circulated a short appeal following an incident on Kingsmills Road. Local police say on Tuesday at around 16:19, .a collision occurred between a cyclist and a white tipper style vehicle on Kingsmill Road, Wrexham, at the junction with Whitegate Road. Can any witnesses, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, please make contact with North Wales Police on 101, quoting reference Q190418. Thank you. Tesco supports local primary school with uniforms donation This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 21st, 2024 The generosity of a major supermarket has delivered some early festive cheer to a local primary school. Tesco, and its Community Champion David Roden donated school uniforms including the remaining stock from the a local Uniform Shop to Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol, in Cefn Mawr. These contributions will support families at the schools Christmas Fair. Andrew Ruscoe, the Community Development Officer for Cefn Community Council, said: This partnership with Tesco exemplifies the power of community collaboration. By supporting Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol, were helping to ease financial pressures on families and fostering a sense of togetherness during the festive season. Were incredibly grateful to David Roden and Tesco for making this possible. David Roden, Tescos Community Champion, shared his pride in being part of the project: At Tesco, we believe in supporting the communities we serve, especially during the holidays. Working with Cefn Community Council to provide uniforms for Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Seeing the smiles on peoples faces is what this season is all about. The annual Salvation Army Media Bell Ringing competition happened at Scheel's on Friday to help raise money that goes 100% back into our community. 2 News Nevada was there all morning long saying hello to all of our generous viewers who came out to donate. 2 News Nevada, our viewers and the Salvation Army all love the friendly competition that is the Media Bell Ringing Day. "Media Day is absolutely one of my favorite days," said Major Randy Hartt, the Northern Nevada Coordinator for the Salvation Army. "I look forward to it. Last year between the three stations you guys raised $9,000 and this year we're hoping to go over $10,000." The Salvation Army is on target to raise $135,000 by Christmas Eve. and they may even raise more than expected. "We've been very grateful to this community for supporting the Salvation Army because you're supporting your neighbors in need, and it's awesome," said Major Hartt. "I mean look at this, look at all these people supporting, it's just fantastic." Allyson Edgington, a Reno Resident who came out to donate says "I think Christmas is for giving, so we give to all different organizations and that's the fun part." Major Hartt adds "All the energy that goes with it, I tell my bell ringers you're basically joy ambassadors. We see people walk by all the time and people seem heavy sometimes and I know it's been because of the economy, and it's been tough for people. But when they hear that bell it takes them back to different times, maybe simpler times." All of the funds raised go towards rent assistance, utility assistance, purchasing food for those facing food insecurity, emergency transportation, the young adult youth program, senior activities, their adult rehabilitation program and so much more to help stabilize the community. "And this is the thing that really makes me think, between 26% and 28% increase in people who've never used our services ever before," said Major Hartt. All of the money raised in the red kettles stays in our community. "They are helping somebody, and they don't even know who it is," said Major Hartt. "You could be going to school or working with people who are trying to figure out how to make it or whether or not the paycheck to paycheck thing, so we never know what's happening with our neighbors around us, so you are able to help. Doing this helps." Allyson Edgington tells us "I think competitions are great and if you can raise more money I think it's a wonderful idea." K tc x vung bin tai x Tam Quang, huyen Tuong Duong (Nghe An). Anh: TTXVN phat Chap cnh nhung uoc mo Tai Nghe An hien c 2 m hnh K tc x vng bin do cc on Bin phng trien khai, o au at tai x Tam Quang (Tuong Duong) v Truong Trung hoc co......[Nhieu Hon...] 2025-02-25 Amid his high-profile lawsuit representing multiple women alleging past sexual assault by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z, Texas attorney Anthony "Tony" Buzbee finds himself entangled in legal woes of his own, with a surprising arrest record from the past coming to light. A new legal complaint lodged last Thursday alleges that Buzbee "deliberately [gave] a woman a sexually transmitted disease" and "hit her so hard that he smashed her teeth." The lawyer allegedly took advantage of the woman's faith in him, starting from their initial interaction on the internet in 2018. As reported by The Post, the accuser said that Buzbee pursued a romantic relationship with her, asking her to visit Houston for a dinner outing and a show. After securing accommodations at an upscale hotel, Buzbee persuaded her to extend her stay beyond the event. Subsequently, they participated in intimate relations. The legal claim alleged that Buzbee neglected to reveal a sexually transmitted infection. Following their rendezvous, the woman reported feeling uneasy in her private regions upon arriving home. She then sought medical attention, and the doctor diagnosed her with a sexually transmitted disease. The woman immediately reached out to Buzbee to inform him of the news. His response, allegedly, was apologetic but showed no surprise, almost as if he had been aware of his infection beforehand. She further stated that Buzbee urged her to keep her diagnosis confidential and promised free legal assistance in return. According to the woman, Buzbee coerced her into silence, leading her to maintain their romance. It was also alleged that Buzbee exhibited aggressive behavior when he witnessed her engaging in conversation with another man at a New York City bar, "leaving her with two broken teeth." Years later, Buzbee proceeded to act as legal counsel for the woman during her divorce proceedings in 2021. Allegations in the legal complaint suggested that Buzbee took advantage of the situation by "doctoring the Plaintiff's medical records to make it look as if he could not have been the one who infected her with a venereal disease." The legal paperwork also indicated that the attorney reportedly changed the year of the STD test findings from 2018 to 2020. The lawyer reportedly leveraged medical documents in an attempt to coerce the husband, bypassing standard negotiation channels. Ultimately, Buzbee reportedly agreed to a settlement significantly below what the purported victim was entitled to in the divorce proceedings. Two other cases were discovered that were brought upon Buzbee. The lawyer found himself in legal trouble in 2016 for driving while intoxicated in Texas. According to Radar Online's findings, official records reveal that the Harris County District Attorney's office decided to drop the drunk driving charge once Buzbee successfully finished a one-year intervention program ahead of schedule, completing it in just eight months. In a separate legal action, Matthew Thompson, his former client, lodged a federal complaint in Louisiana, alleging that Buzbee had deceived him in relation to funds from a personal injury settlement. However, in a statement to the outlet, Thompson said, "This issue was litigated and we were found to have handled it correctly." Meanwhile, the woman's case and other cases coming to light of Buzbee's alleged assault are reportedly efforts aimed at tarnishing his reputation and deterring him from pursuing legal action against Diddy, have escalated to criminal levels. The lawyer told The US Mirror in a statement, "This latest case, like the others, is frivolous, laughable, and ridiculous and will be dismissed along with the others. It now seems that every other day there is another false claim filed, all of which are being ginned up by individuals working on behalf of or in concert with Roc Nation." Shashwat Vatsa is the Assistant Vice President (AVP) - Brand at Olyv, formerly known as Smartcoin. With extensive experience in brand strategy and development, Vatsa has been instrumental in redefining the brands identity and aligning it with its evolving business objectives. Under his leadership, Olyv has strengthened its presence in the market, focusing on innovative solutions and customer-centric approaches. Vatsas expertise lies in crafting impactful narratives and leveraging strategic insights to build memorable and trusted brands. In conversation with Adgully, Shashwat Vatsa, AVP - Brand, Olyv, discusses the challenges of brand leadership and shares insights into his daily workflow, career milestones, and inspiration for pursuing branding. He reflects on the mentors who shaped his approach and the strategies he uses to maintain work-life balance. He also highlights his passion for branding, how he stays updated on industry trends, and his commitment to continuous growth and innovation. How do you balance the diverse responsibilities that come with being a Brand Lead, and what are the main challenges you encounter when managing these duties? Balancing responsibilities as a Brand Head requires strategic prioritization and effective delegation. On any given day, Im coordinating cross-functional teams, be it product or the performance side of the marketing, ensuring the alignment of brand messaging, and overseeing the brands growth trajectory. The main challenge lies in balancing long-term brand vision with ROI driven immediate performance goals, particularly in a fast-moving digital landscape where we constantly need to respond to changing user expectations. Staying adaptive while consistently embodying our brand values is key. I also tend to put a lot of emphasis on adhering to legal and compliance backed work and have always set guardrails around the same for any of our work that goes LIVE. What does a typical day look like for you in your role at Olyv? Could you share the top 5 to 7 key activities that are essential to your daily workflow? Each day at Olyv is dynamic, but my workflow often includes these key activities: Strategic Planning: Mapping out brand initiatives to align with our monthly and quarterly goals. Business stays at the heart of all the decision making. Mapping out brand initiatives to align with our monthly and quarterly goals. Business stays at the heart of all the decision making. Team Collaboration: Engaging with marketing, creative, and product teams to ensure a cohesive approach to asset and brand narrative creation Engaging with marketing, creative, and product teams to ensure a cohesive approach to asset and brand narrative creation Performance Monitoring: Analyzing performance metrics to ensure were meeting campaign goals and optimizing strategies where needed. Analyzing performance metrics to ensure were meeting campaign goals and optimizing strategies where needed. Creative Development Oversight: Reviewing and refining creatives, ensuring theyre on-brand and resonate with our target audience. Reviewing and refining creatives, ensuring theyre on-brand and resonate with our target audience. Market and Competitor Analysis: Benchmarking stays one of the rigorous iterative processes that we have set in our team. Staying attuned to market trends and competitor moves, allow us to stay agile and relevant. Benchmarking stays one of the rigorous iterative processes that we have set in our team. Staying attuned to market trends and competitor moves, allow us to stay agile and relevant. Mentorship and Guidance: Supporting the team in skill-building and growth to foster an empowered, creative environment. Supporting the team in skill-building and growth to foster an empowered, creative environment. Stakeholder Engagement: A proactive approach to keeping the relevant stakeholders well informed via mailers, performance reports, future marketing strategies ensure key stakeholders are aligned with our brand vision and initiatives. What inspired you to pursue a career in branding, and how did you prepare for this field? What motivates you to continue on this path? Branding appealed to me because of its potential to shape perceptions and create meaningful connections with audiences. Nothing can match that feeling of creating something from scratch and own the same as a proud medallion of the work you are capable of doing. A lot goes in building and sustaining a brand depending on where exactly does a brand stand in its respective journey. My preparation involved a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and a genuine curiosity to understand consumer psychology and market dynamics. What continues to motivate me is the evolving nature of the field each campaign, initiative, and market shift presents new learning and creative possibilities. Seeing our brand resonate with users and positively impact their lives is incredibly rewarding. I believe at the end of it when I will sit back to reflect on the work that I have done I want to be proud of the brands I have helped in building during the entire course of my professional career. Did you have any mentors or industry icons who guided you in your career journey? How did their influence help shape your approach to brand leadership? Yes, Ive been fortunate to work with mentors who taught me the value of authenticity, resilience, and innovation in brand leadership. They emphasized understanding the consumer deeply and building a brand that resonates beyond superficial metrics. Their guidance helped me see branding not just as a business function but as a tool for connection and influence. Today, I try to pass these values on to my team, fostering a culture of empathy and creativity. How do you manage a healthy work-life balance in such a fast-paced role? Are there specific practices you rely on for managing stress and ensuring personal well-being? In a role thats inherently fast-paced, establishing boundaries and setting realistic priorities is essential. I make it a point to disconnect after work hours and engage in activities that recharge me, whether thats swimming, meditation, travelling, or spending time with family. Mindfulness practices and time management help me focus on what truly needs my attention, allowing me to approach my work with renewed energy. I want to believe that I have been incredibly lucky with the kind of work assignments I have been able to pick in my career. This has ensured I enjoy the hustle instead of feeling stressed due to work. Could you share some of the key milestones or accomplishments in your career so far? How have these achievements impacted your professional growth? I have worked on a bunch of brand assignments and each one of them has come up with a set of challenges that I have enjoyed solving for. Some memorable milestones include launching impactful brand campaigns that exceeded engagement goals and building a high-performing team aligned with our brands values. To name a few, IPL campaigns of 2020,2021 and 2022 working in different capacities for each of my respective brands, gave me the kind of professional high that has stayed with me. To be able to tap into the biggest sporting event of India ensuring phenomenal success for the brands I worked for, gave me a lot of satisfaction. These experiences are also the reflections of how good a team I have been a part of and how well they have responded to the requirements. These professional moments have refined my strategic thinking, but have also taught me the importance of leading with empathy and adaptability. Every achievement reinforces my commitment to pushing the brand forward and fostering an innovative and collaborative culture within my teams that I have worked with. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and insights in brand management? Are there specific resources or strategies you rely on? To be working in the brand management space, one needs to be a student throughout their life. Its an ever evolving process driven by dynamic changes happening in different segments of the businesses. You need to be ahead of the curve with the industry practices as well as sharpening your skills to continue thinking innovatively. I believe in continuous learning and staying curious. I follow industry publications, attend webinars, and actively network with other branding professionals. Benchmarking against industry leaders and engaging with cross-functional insights helps us remain agile and responsive to new trends. Leveraging data analytics tools and feedback loops also provides real-time insights that guide our brand strategy. What drives your passion for branding, and how do you continue to grow in this field to ensure ongoing success and relevance? My passion for branding is fueled by its power to create emotional connections and shape culture. To stay relevant, I prioritize adaptability, seeking out emerging tools and methodologies, and staying attuned to consumer behaviour shifts. Mentorship, industry networking, and an openness to new ideas allow me to grow alongside the brand, ensuring that we remain impactful and responsive to our audiences needs. Also Read: Ad lands young guns: Shashwat Vatsa, AVP - Brand, Olyv The year 2024 was critical for the news industry. Major elections across the globe, impacting over half the worlds population, underscored the need for reliable journalism to combat misinformation and enable informed decision-making. Simultaneously, conflicts and crises dominated headlines, highlighting the important role newsrooms play in providing accurate and timely information. However, research has shown there is declining trust and engagement among users. In her blog, Durga Raghunath, Head of India News Partnerships at Google, wrote that working with news partners, the goal has always been to identify and address the fundamental challenges facing the news industry sustainability and user growth, so that news media businesses can better achieve their business goals. Raghunath highlights the significant impact of Googles scaled and in-depth work with Indian news publishers, spanning efforts to understand new user behaviours and revenue streams, programs that have driven modernization and substantial revenue increases, and collaborative initiatives like Shakti, which has established a robust framework for combating misinformation. The tech giant continues to partner with news organisations through the Google News Showcase. She emphasised that Googles commitment to support, collaborate and deeply partner with the Indian news ecosystem remains strong as it looks to build on the existing work and create value for both news publishers and Google in 2025. A look at some of Googles programs in 2024 Driving performance, growth and revenue: Over the span of two years, the GNI Indian Languages Program has supported publishers in delivering news across Indias diverse linguistic landscape. Googles research on Indian Languages Understanding Indias Digital News Consumer revealed a large, underserved audience seeking news in their native languages. This led the company to launch the Indian Languages Program to empower local publishers with the tools and training they need to build robust digital infrastructure, modernize their online presence, and enhance user experience and engagement across platforms. Since its launch, the program has supported 500+ publishers from 28 states in nine languages. Participating publishers have seen a 15% increase in active users and a 32% increase in page views, along with wider reach; a 39% increase in digital ad revenue; and deeper audience insights with GA4 and NCI. They have also adopted new content formats and reduced story production time using AI tools like Pinpoint. Building on the focus on revenue sustainability, Google conducted a study titled, The Indian News Consumer: Willingness to Pay and Key Drivers, to help publishers build sustainable revenue streams. The study revealed that quality, flexibility, and convenience are key to winning Indian news subscribers. Specifically, 67% of current subscribers cited reliable content as their primary motivation to subscribe, while barriers include confusing pricing plans, limited budgets, and a lack of flexible payment options. These insights are being used to equip publishers with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape, capitalize on the opportunities, and support sustainable growth, keeping the news consumer at the heart of their strategies. Further supporting emerging news organisations, the GNI Startups Lab India program a 16-week initiative crafted to cater to the unique needs of news startups empowered the 10 participating publishers with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to drive sustainable business growth. Through workshops, sustainability diagnosis (assessing performance across product, audience, monetization, and financial resilience), and one-on-one mentoring, startups received actionable insights to plan for future growth and explore new monetization and engagement strategies. By the end of the program, participants experienced a total digital ad revenue increase of over 150% month-over-month, 36% increase in monthly page views and 43% increase in user engagement. In addition to Googles scaled programs, it also partnered with publishers like ABP Network, Amar Ujala, Eenadu, Indian Express, India Today, Malayala Manorama, HT Media, NDTV and The Times of India on tailored digital transformation initiatives that support experiments to better understand users, aid modernization and innovation and improve revenue. Combating misinformation: In addition to driving performance, a critical focus has been combating misinformation, especially during key events like Indias general elections. And so, this year, Google supported Shakti, a consortium of news publishers and fact checkers in India, launched to combat misinformation. This initiative brought together over 50 news publishers and 300 journalists to debunk misinformation and deepfakes in 10 local languages, reaching a vast audience. In just three months, over 6,600 fact-checks were amplified, leading to a 180% surge in regional language fact-checks and a 92% increase in election-related fact-checks. By providing a collaborative platform for sharing fact-checks, research resources, and alerts, Shakti enabled newsrooms to publish fact-checks 78% faster and facilitated the creation of over 67 new fact-checking desks. With over 1,700 journalists receiving specialized training, the Shakti program has now expanded to include 100 publishers across languages, formats and new topics and is covering state elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi. Complementing this effort, Googles support to award-winning news and information literacy programs Sach Ke Saathi Seniors, FactShala, and more provided capacity building and mentoring in over 100 cities this year, empowering diverse groups, including youth and senior citizens, to develop critical thinking skills, identify misinformation, and locate trustworthy sources. Advancing newsrooms with AI: Recognizing the transformative potential of AI in journalism (with transcription, research, translation or data analysis), Google introduced new training programs to empower news organizations to integrate these technologies responsibly. The tech major partnered with FT Strategies earlier this month to host an AI Design Sprint for 14 news publishers. This workshop focused on practical AI use case implementation, providing hands-on experience in solution design, action planning, and risk management, enabling participants to holistically consider the implications of AI adoption and adopt a practical, agile approach. Expanding Google News Showcase: In May 2021, Google announced a package of investments to support Indias news ecosystem, including launching Google News Showcase a product experience for readers and licensing program for news publishers. Since its launch, Showcase deals have been signed with 90+ partners representing 175+ publications in India, with many of these renewed this year. Showcase now covers 8 languages, including Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Hindi. Raghunath concluded by stating that Google is dedicated to supporting news organizations with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to thrive in the digital age. Over the course of 2025, it will partner with more news organizations to help them meet their business goals. Also Read: Vinay Singh on how Fireside Ventures is empowering Indias new-age consumer brands Ethereal beauty, graceful dance moves and impeccable acting skills have helped Sanjeeda Shaikh make her place in everyones hearts! Venturing into movies, television and digital platforms across languages, Sanjeeda Shaikh has proven her mettle with diverse roles and varied genres. As the graceful and beautiful Sanjeeda Shaikh turns a year older today, we take a look back at some of the most remarkable performances of the actor. Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka: Making her television debut with Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka, Sanjeeda Shaikh turned into a household name earning love and appreciation from a wide audience. With her charismatic beauty and fresh energy, Sanjeeda instantly made her way into the hearts and homes of the audience. Ek Hasina Thi: Receiving phenomenal critical appreciation as well as abundance of love from the audience, Sanjeedas performance as Ek Hasina This Durga Thakur is strongly etched in the minds of the viewers. Ashke: Making her debut in Pollywood with Amrinder Gills Ashke, Sanjeeda Shaikh soon became a sensation in Punjab. Fighter: Leaving a strong impact with her emotional sequences in the film, Sanjeeda made her presence noteworthy earning praises from across quarters. Particularly being appreciated for the scene with Hrithik Roshan, Sanjeeda Shaikh has begun the year with a bang. Heeramandi: Emerging as the breakthrough performer of the year, Sanjeeda stole the show with her killer performance as Waheeda in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi. Also Read: Happy Birthday Lin Laishram: Unknown facts about the model-actress Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the countrys largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is gearing up to revolutionize electric mobility in India. The company will unveil its production-ready eBorn SUV, the e VITARA, at the prestigious Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The e VITARA is a global model manufactured in India for the world, and it was recently revealed by Suzuki Motor Corporation at a special event in Milan, Italy. Commenting on the upcoming launch, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said: The e VITARA is a testament to our commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation. Drawing on decades of automotive expertise, weve seamlessly integrated advanced electric technology with a customer-first approach to deliver something truly transformative. At Maruti Suzuki, we have always believed that promoting EV adoption requires creating a holistic ecosystem that simplifies the ownership experience for our customers. Banerjee emphasized the importance of addressing key barriers to EV adoption, particularly the lack of accessible charging infrastructure. One of the biggest challenges to widespread EV adoption is the lack of reliable and convenient charging options. To overcome this, we are committed to introducing a comprehensive EV ecosystem alongside the e VITARA. This will include home charging solutions and a nationwide network of fast chargers available at Maruti Suzuki dealerships and service touchpoints. Our goal is to make EVs more accessible, convenient, and appealing to a broader customer base, and thats exactly what we aim to achieve with the e VITARA, he added. The e VITARA is built on the HEARTECT-e platform, which is specially designed for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency. The SUV is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced safety features, promising a superior driving experience for Indian consumers. As Maruti Suzuki moves forward with its EV strategy, the e VITARA will play a central role in the companys drive to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future for the automotive industry. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR celebrates 25th Anniversary Indias favourite In his previous role in Michigan, Birminghams Catholic bishop once ruled a sexual abuse allegation against a priest was unsubstantiated a case that was later found to be credible and that the church settled, according to a new report. Steven J. Raica, the bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham , was named in a new report by the Michigan Attorney General this week for his role at the Diocese of Lansing. The Michigan report reviewed church and tipline reports and investigated claims of clergy abuse. Raica was a priest in the Diocese of Lansing in Michigan for nearly four decades until 2014, and then became Bishop of Gaylord before he moved to Alabama in 2020. He received multiple reports of at least 17 other priests abusing mostly children while at the Diocese of Lansing most of which happened years earlier according to the report. The report does not accuse Raica of abusing anyone, but describes his role in investigating and receiving reports of abuse against other priests. In one instance, in 2010, after a report that a deceased priest, John Slowey, had sexually abused a child at an orphanage in Lansing between 1954-55, Raica and another priest ruled the claim was unsubstantiated, per the report. Later, the John Doe 110 allegation was found to be credible and was settled , the Michigan Attorney Generals report reads. Donald Carson, spokesman for the Diocese of Birmingham, responded to questions in an email to AL.com. In his role as Chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, then-Monsignor Raica managed all records for the diocese, and as such, researched diocesan records for information that could substantiate claims or allegations, Carson said in an email. It is not unusual that over time, additional information could be brought forth that would change initial findings. In another case, Raica defended a priest with criminal convictions and multiple sexual misconduct allegations who was later removed as a priest for sexual abuse against an adult man, the report says. That priest at the Diocese of Lansing had been convicted of disorderly conduct after twice being arrested for sex charges, was rejected by another diocese, was investigated for sexual harassment at a college, and was reported for allegedly abusing children at a school, per the report. Raica wrote a letter in 2010 defending that priest on behalf of the Diocese of Lansings bishop, saying that, beyond a 1985 arrest, [t]here has never been any further episode of indiscretions, and that the diocese had no reservations about his priestly service, per the report. Then, in 2018, a man alleged that that priest sexually assaulted him in 1980 when he was 18 years old, and claimed he had informed the Diocese of Lansing about it in 2004 and accused the diocese of gross negligence, per the report. The diocese investigated his claim in 2018, which resulted in the priest being removed that year, per the report. This report the fourth of seven total is part of a yearslong investigation into clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church throughout Michigan. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels office found that 56 priests and other clergy in the state, including 42 incardinated in the Diocese of Lansing, may have engaged in sexual misconduct since 1950. Most of the reports of abuse or assaults were against children and occurred before 2002, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s, per the report. Raicas name appears 171 times in the report, which identifies him as currently overseeing the Diocese of Birmingham. Throughout the report on the Diocese of Lansing, you will see Bishop Raica, then-Monsignor Raica and serving as Chancellor of that diocese, cited repeatedly in expressing deep sorrow in face of the horrendous actions of accused clergy, in thanking abuse survivors for their courage in coming forward, and in tending to their long-term spiritual and mental health, Carson said. In addition, you will see his consistent, methodical, and professional handling of every allegation. A Michigan native, Raica was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Lansing in 1978 and served there until he was installed as a bishop of Gaylord in Michigan in 2014. He also had an 11-year stint in Rome , including serving as spiritual director and adjunct faculty for the North American College between 1999 and 2005. He now leads more than 104,000 Catholics across north and central Alabama, as Pope Francis nominated him to the position following the retirement of the previous bishop, Robert J. Baker. His participation in internal investigations listed in the report occurred mostly between 2008 and 2014, per the report. His role included receiving reports of abuse and interviewing alleged victims, informing priests of allegations against them and recording their responses, as well as in some cases filing paperwork and letters, according to the report. Raicas response to victims, on behalf of the Diocese of Lansing, was often to refer alleged victims to Catholic healing retreats, to speak with the dioceses bishop, and offer compensation for counseling and sometimes other stipends, such as for tuition assistance, the report says. In many of the cases, alleged victims told Raica and other church officials that they had attempted to report sexual abuse years earlier, but nothing happened, or they were told to not speak of it again, according to the report. I truly regret that the Diocese did not respond differently in the past, Raica wrote to one alleged victim in 2010. I certainly and sincerely apologize for what happened to you and so many others by this priest who wielded so much power in the local community. As a priest, it is as though I have been slugged in the gut once again. I ache. At a school in Michigan that Raica previously served at when he first was ordained as a priest, an alleged victim said that another priest named Vincent DeLorenzo sexually abused him for three or four months in 1979 when he was 8 years old, per the report. The alleged victim said that he told Raica that the priest made [him] take his clothes off, and that Raica allegedly told him that it would stop, and it didnt happen again, according to the report. John Doe 18 believed Fr. Raica talked to Fr. DeLorenzo because, after he told Fr. Raica, it never happened again, the report reads. John Doe 18 stated that Fr. Raica never reported the sexual abuse to the school principal or to John Doe 18s parents. Raica said in a 2007 memo that he didnt recall receiving any complaints regarding sexual impropriety about DeLorenzo while he was at the school, per the report. Carson called the details of the attorney generals report confusing. The attorney general report includes at least seven sexual abuse claims against DeLorenzo, at least three of which were ruled as unsubstantiated by the Diocese of Lansing. DeLorenzo died in jail in January while serving a sentence for the attempted sexual abuse of a 5-year-old. According to the police report, reads the Michigan report, John Doe 18 said he holds a grudge to this day against Fr. Steve, because [he] could have stopped future issue[s] right then and there if he would have called his parents. The Diocese of Lansing has published a list of 17 priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. The cases span a period for the priests service going back to 1937. So far, the Michigan Attorney Generals office has brought 11 cases involving all seven of the states dioceses, and nine of them resulted in convictions, per the report. But for most of the cases, a criminal prosecution isnt possible because the statute of limitations expired, the priest died, the person who alleged sexual abuse didnt want to pursue criminal charges or the conduct didnt violate state law. The Michigan Attorney Generals investigation intends to determine whether any criminal charges for sexual misconduct or abuse could be filed against any of the clergy members as well as to determine if the Archdiocese and Dioceses properly reported the sexual abuse to law enforcement, the report said. It is our intent to share what was learned during the investigation as to ensure that any past failure to report sexual abuse will never happen again, the report reads. The former CEO of a Birmingham IT company was indicted in federal court on wire fraud, money laundering and bankruptcy fraud for allegedly defrauding customers and a COVID-19 loan program, prosecutors announced Friday. Thomas Aaron Kane, the 44-year-old former owner and CEO of Keep Information Technology Simple, LLC -- and later Keepitsimple.us -- was indicted on 19 counts in federal court in Birmingham: 12 counts of wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud customers; five counts of wire fraud stemming from a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); one count of money laundering; and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Between at least July 2017 and December 2021, Kane used his customers credit cards -- which were placed on file to pay a monthly service fee and authorized expenses --to make unauthorized charges, according to then indictments. When confronted by his customers, Kane would make up an excuse, such as claiming there was an accounting error or creating false invoices to send to customers, the charging documents stated. Kane also allegedly engaged in a scheme to receive unauthorized funds from the COVID-19-era PPP from the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to Prim Escalona, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and U.S. Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, who announced the indictments Friday. The former tech CEO allegedly made false representations to obtain three PPP loans totaling more than $625,000. He tried to receive two more PPP loans in the name of his second business, Keepitsimple.us., totaling more than $450,000, according to the indictments. Kane allegedly made false representations in support of those two applications and submitted false tax documents to try and get the applications approved. The money laundering fraud charges stem from allegations Kane used $150,000 in PPP funds to repay a prior victim of the unauthorized charges scheme. Kane allegedly committed bankruptcy fraud by withdrawing a more than $20,000 cashiers check from a Keepitsimple.us bank account and depositing those funds into a personal bank account, even though the money was property of the business bankruptcy estate and were funds he was not allowed to use. If convicted, the former CEO faces up to 20 years in prison on wire fraud, up 10 years in prison on the money laundering allegations and a maximum of five years in prison for bankruptcy fraud. Two drug traffickers in the U.S. illegally have been sentenced to decades in prison for the slayings of three men whose charred skeletal remains who were found inside a burned vehicle on a Chilton County logging road. Abraham Perez, 30, and Noel Esquivel, 31, have pleaded guilty to murder, said 19th Judicial Circuit of Alabama District Attorney CJ Robinson. Chilton County Circuit Judge Amanda Baxley on Friday sentenced Perez to serve 32 years of the 35-year sentence set out in the plea agreement. The judge sentenced Esquivel to serve the full 35-year-old sentence. Killed were Gabriel Alonzo Rios Jr., 24, Gilberto Munoz Cabrera, 27, and Javier Quintero Gonzalez, 36. The victims were from the Metro Nashville/Hendersonville, Tennessee area. Sheriffs deputies responded shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021, to the non-public road off of Highway 155 in north Chilton County near Montevallo. The sheriffs office had received a call reporting the charred vehicle with a body inside. Sheriffs investigators, along with Jemison police, responded to the scene and initially reported one body had been discovered. The investigation continued and it was determined to be the skeletal remains of three people, Shearon said. Law enforcement officers worked throughout the night processing the vehicle and removing the remains, which were then sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in In August of that year, authorities released the images of men they said were missing persons from Tennessee and were headed to Alabama for a job. Investigators were ultimately able to identify the victims through evidence collected at the scene and samples provided from family members in Mexico. On Jan. 27, 2022, investigators carried out search warrants at County Road 5014 and County Road 1080 in Chilton County. They recovered evidence believed to be linked to the investigation. That evidence, as well as statements obtained during the probe, led to the charges against the suspects. Multiple agencies took part in the investigation including the Alabaster Police Department, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Fast-Lab in Thorsby, the Metro Nashville Police Department, the Hendersonville Police Department, the Cheatham County Sheriffs Office, the Dickson County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and DEA. Robinson praised investigators and prosecutors for their tenacity on the case. It was a challenge, he said, because out of the three victims and two suspects. Only one was in the U.S. legally. These men and women worked to identify victims and build a solid case against these two defendants who never should have been in the U.S., Robinson said. Many people come to our country, work hard, pay taxes and contribute to their communities, the district attorney said. But not in this case. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. A Fairfield man is charged is charged in the shooting deaths of two men during a repass one week ago today in Brighton. James David Abercrombie III, 27, is charged with capital murder for the killings of two or more people in the Dec. 13 slayings DAngelo LeMarcus Samuel, 27, also known as rapper Landlord Lo, and Roderick Hall, 38, of Midfield. Abercrombie, who has a lengthy criminal history including a robbery conviction, is also charged with certain persons being in possession of a firearm and several shooting into a building charges. He is also charged with shooting and wounding Samuel in a separate incident in October. The deadly shooting happened that Friday following the funeral for Samuels uncle, 62-year-old Fredrick Lee Samuel. Authorities were called to the Brighton Community Center, at 3810 7th Ave., shortly before 2:30 p.m. Samuel, Hall, and at least one other man, were standing just outside the front door when the shooting happened. Samuel and Hall were pronounced dead under the awning at the community centers entrance. According to law enforcement radio, one was shot in the eye and the other was shot in the head. Cries of family members could be heard coming from the crime scene. Abercrombie was booked into the Jefferson County Jail today at 9:52 a.m. He is being held without bond. A motive has not been disclosed but the victims were killed with a rifle, according to charging documents. Video of killing was shared on social media and showed the suspect shooting the victims from just feet away before running the community center parking lot, still armed with the rifle. Rod Hall was among two people shot an killed at a funeral repass on Dec. 13, 2024, at Brighton Community Center.(Contributed) Brighton police Capt. Kenneth Hooten, who is also the citys assistant fire chief, was among the first responders on the scene. Hooten said hed known Hall since elementary school and described him as a down to earth guy. He didnt bother anybody, Hooten said. I went to elementary school with him before I became a cop or a firefighter, hung out, and wed check in on each other from time to me, Hooten said. When they would run into each other, Hall would always ask Hooten if he needed anything. You need anything, all you gotta do is ask, he would tell Hooten. Hall would also tell Hooten that he was proud of him. D'Angelo Samuel, a rap artist from Brighton, was shot to death Dec. 13, 2024, outside his uncle's repass. Another man was also killed in the shooting.(YouTube) Samuel performed under the name Landlord Lo. In 2020, the rapper teamed up with Pooh Shiesty in the Chance video that garnered more than 1.7 million views. Samuel was 18 when he was arrested and charged with murder for the shooting death of 23-year-old reputed drug dealer Kevin Hatter. The shooting happened in the 1200 block of 47th Street in Brighton about 6 p.m. on April 8, 2015. Hatter had faced drug and attempted murder charges before his death. Samuels attorney at the time claimed self-defense, and a jury in 2018 acquitted Samuel of the murder charge. Another suspect in Hatters slaying had his case dismissed that same year. Samuel was also indicted earlier this year on charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into occupied vehicle in connection with the 2020 shooting of a woman. Those cases were dismissed after the victim recanted. Two months ago, Samuel was interviewed by The Family TV on YouTube titled Beats & Bullets: The Alabama Rapper Who Lived to Tell His Story, in which he talked about his music, past criminal charges, and other Birmingham area homicides. A suspect has been charged in a double shooting in Leeds that critically wounded his wife and killed her boyfriend. Charles Richard Bryant, 40, is charged with capital murder in the Wednesday death of 25-year-old Luis Enrique Herrera-Valenciana. The charge is capital because the killing happened during a burglary. Police said Bryant kicked in the door to the mobile home before opening fire. He is also charged with attempted murder of his wife. The status of their marriage was not immediately available. Police responded just before 1 p.m. Wednesday to a mobile home in the 700 block of Morgan Street. Herrera-Valenciana was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:28 p.m. Chief Paul Irwin said a female victim was taken to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Bryant was taken into custody at the scene. He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. The Irondale Police Department and the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics assisted in the investigation. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Friday became a founding member of a Senate caucus inspired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trumps nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Alabamas senior senator signed up for the Make America Healthy Again Caucus -- a group that takes its name from the slogan of RFK Jr.s agenda. The caucus, according to a news release from Tubervilles office, will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, creating health care transparency, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. The groups creation came after RFK Jr. made the rounds on Capitol Hill to shore up support for his nomination. Both Tuberville and Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said they intend to confirm RFJ Jr. as HHS secretary. Earlier this week, I met with RFK Jr., President Trumps nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, Ive heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again, Tuberville said in a statement. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again. The other founding members of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus are Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., Cynthia Lummis R-Wy.,, and Ron Johnson, R-Wisc. Newscaster Lesley Stahl claims she doesnt know what to do about the embarrassing demise of the legacy media. She was lamenting to her colleague, Peggy Noonan, that we are at the point where even the president, then corrected herself saying, Elon Musk, asserted that legacy media is dead. She appeared extremely worried, spilling her deepest concerns, in front of an empathetic audience gathered at the 92nd St. YMCA studio in New York. It was as if Stahl was having an out-of-body experience, where she failed to factor in herself, in accounting for the reason why audiences were abandoning network news in droves. You know youre in trouble as an award-winning reporter when the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, on the Food Network manages to pull in higher ratings than the 24-hour news coverage, CNN. I dont know how it (media) recovers, Stahl confessed: It is sort of kind of hobbling along. There was some editing in her statement: She didnt require the qualifier of sort of, kind (of) hobbling along. Sounding like sorority sisters, Stahl then confessed to Noonan, Im in a very dark place about it. The gal-pal team then proceeded to engage in a hug-fest to lift up each other spirits, never hinting at they might be part of the problem. Were talking about something so essential, Noonan offered in her media overview. You dont want to say well see. Or, maybe the world will end. Well see. Wow! Noonan, in a moment of candid reflection, had actually compared something so essential as corporate media, and it being thrown on the trash heap of cancelled programing, with the world ending. Such serious contemplation negates the wider view of just how they got into such a dark place. Still, they went along their merry way, as two titans in the media, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their smugness and Trump-bashing served as an integral part of the toxic behavior that fueled the rot in the legacy media. Noonan proved it didnt matter how nonsensical a joke or outright lie at Trumps expense was -- it was still worth working into the conversation. She made an off-the-cuff quip, shortly after the November election, when President-elect Trump was at the top of news reports in more than 100 countries, saying: We havent been seeing much of Mr. Trump, and Im enjoying that. The audience laughed appreciatively. So what if the joke indicated the speaker appeared clueless about an avalanche of news overtaking every newsroom in the nation? You must say this -- Stahl and Noonan know their audience, no matter how much it may be shrinking. Once the laughter stopped, Stahl may have found it productive to engage in some good-old fashioned reporting to figure out what she could do to better understand the medias abysmal ratings. And even more concerning, the loss of public trust. In her 53-year journalism career, she never thought shed witness her once-premiere news program, 60 Minutes, becoming increasingly irrelevant in a post-Trump election world. Ratings stayed in the toilet bowl, as one CBS executive noted, as the show pulled in a pitiful five million viewers in mid-November. It wouldnt take much digging for Stahl to find out whats going on in audienceville. She, like her colleagues, would have to get up out of their chairs, leave their network buildings and stop relying on corrupted news sources. (That would include themselves.) The best -- and obvious -- place to start would be for Stahl and Noonan to review comments made by viewers watching their unscripted exchange. Reactions from the audience is merely a click away on the accompanying YouTube comment thread: The media titans may have appeared untroubled by their intense partisanship, but viewers were taking a dimmer view. One viewer identified as @CharlieWhitmore, was diligent enough to perform Stahls job for her: He reviewed one of her most startling Trump-bashing moments on 60 Minutes. I went back and reviewed Leslies interview with Trump in October 2020, he wrote. Leslie you are the problem He referred to Stahls pathological tendency, like her colleagues, to disbelieve and discredit (then) President Trump and their refusal to report on the Hunter Biden laptop story. This, in turn, would have opened the door to investigating the Biden crime familys behavior, President Trump claimed, and their influence peddling to negotiate lucrative contracts. The snippet below speaks volumes about Stahl acting more as a White House spokesperson as opposed to a working journalist. Hes in the midst of a scandal, President Trump said referencing Hunter Bidens lap tops incriminating content. Hes not, Stahl interrupted. Hes not. No. Later in the interview, Stahl claimed the Delaware computer contents had been investigated and discredited. This attitude of nothing-to-see-here-folks has become an integral part of the legacy media. They never failed in their efforts to come to the defense of the Biden Family along with Democrat operatives' criminal activities. It cant be verified, Stahl repeated numerous times of the laptop. She was relying, of course, on her anonymous sources, corrupted intelligence contacts and biased news outlets. Nothing in the interview indicated that Stahl would divert from her political ideology and runaway bias. What cant be verified? Trump asked. The laptop! Stahl responded as if confirming the obvious. The biggest scandal, Trump continued, 'was when they spied on my campaign. Theres no real evidence of that, Stahl said never wavering from her ludicrous and now embarrassingly false version of events. Owning up to this shameful chapter of reporting wasnt on Stahls agenda, nor was correcting her distorted worldview. Other viewer reactions were equally revealing, and not very sparing in their comments of Stahl and Noonan: Madame Stahl, you reap what you sow, wrote @I.marciago5030, Just listening to you (makes it) easy to understand why the corporate media (has) lost all credibility. Lesley, thank you for all the good work you put into helping destroy legacy media, responded another @woodyharrelson2624. Lesley Stahl just doesnt get it. No wonder legacy media is dying, wrote @Grad1067. A few of the remarks were dripping in sarcasm including: Big shout-out to these two ladies for helping Trump get elected. Bravo, wrote @neildepoy77320 It might prove useful, for Stahl, to juxtapose the 60 Minutes sparring match between herself and President-elect Trump in the wake of viewing the irrefutable facts. Sadly, Stahl appeared unwilling to take a moment of introspection to understand her personal responsibility -- after all, shes a big-deal journalist -- for a media that has become corrupted by its own bias. Instead, she spent a moment fawning over herself and offered up a different interpretation of the exchange between herself and President Trump. She recounted, without a hint of irony, that she asked the president in October 2020: Why do you keep pounding on the press? Trump, being Trump, offered a pragmatic answer: I do it and I repeat it because that way fewer people are going to believe you. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service It has been a triumphant phase for the MAGA movement. President Trump won a landslide electoral victory last month. The bogus cases against him, which were part of the establishment's attempts to outlaw political opposition, appear to be winding down. Trump had a triumphant return to the global stage during the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He effectively won a case against vicious slander by ABC News and George Stephanopoulos which compelled the outlet to initiate a settlement payment of $15 million. Gorgeous George himself had to pony up $1 million. Trump won Time magazine's Person of the Year, which meant a lot to him and his supporters. Trump secured a $100 billion investment from the Japan-based SoftBank Group Corp which will create 100,000 U.S. jobs, doubtlessly encouraging other investors. Hamas has expressed intentions to end the conflict with Israel. Canada announced new border security rules to avoid a 25% tariff after Trump threatened them. Trump was in command during his recent presser which sent a signal globally that the U.S. is back. Elon Musk was an important ally in Trump's massive victory last month. Musk joined the Trump campaign after being impressed by Trump's exemplary bravery and defiance following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Musk made X a free-speech platform, preventing the Democrats from manipulating the narrative on social media as they did in 2020. This time the public had access to all information and the lies were with 'community noted.' Trump announced that Musk and Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a watchdog focused on cutting wasteful government spending and reducing bureaucratic impediments. To sum it up, President Trump has had a triumphant start even before being sworn in. He seems on track to be delivering key campaign promises. DOGE is already on the job, both Musk and Ramaswamy have been vocal about the scandalous recent 1500-page spending bill. The D.C. swamp could render DOGE irrelevant by preemptively mending its ways, but will not, because its existence is based on corruption and government excesses. The swamp dwellers are now in a quandary. They know that they cannot misuse agencies to target Trump as they did before. Their media proxies aren't going to engage in blatant lies, after the ABC settlement. They desperately need to derail this Trump train. So what do they do? They resort to petty ploys. Following Trump's victory there were memes by some Democrat proxies that Musk was the new first lady. In time they attempted to suggest Musk was the equivalent of Vice President and that Vance was sidelined. But neither of these had any impact. Now they are pushing another hoax -- that Musk is the President and Trump is the Vice President. This is similar to the Trump-Russia collusion hoax where they attempted to credit Putin for Trump's amazing victory in 2016 and suggested that Putin was in charge. This time around, Putin has been replaced with Musk. The usual hoaxers Kinzinger, Sanders, the Lincoln Project, Democrat representatives, etc. are pushing this falsehood. Democrats allies are posting memes depicting Trump as subservient to Musk. USA Today, the WaPo, MSNBC, and CNN are also pushing this hoax. This divide-and-rule tactic has been used throughout history to overcome seemingly invincible enemies. It may appear petty but it can be effective and it doesn't cost anything. All one has to do is sow seeds of division. This is depicted in Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece Yojimbo and its remake A Fistful of Dollars with Clint Eastwood. They are hoping that the constant bombardment of this narrative will enrage Trump. They are also hoping it will color his judgment about Musk, if he finds a comment or a Tweet that appears to be a difference of opinion, Trump will interpret it as an act of defiance. They are also hoping that Musk will succumb to the flattery and think of himself as a puppet master and make a display of it on X. The main goal is to cause a massive feud which will lead to Musk's sacking and the dismantling of DOGE. Many Democrat proxies are openly declaring this on X. They are hoping that the rift will make Musk one of Trump's worst adversaries and that they will engage in a vicious war of words on social media. In subsequent days, expect mainstream news outlets to use unnamed sources to declare a battle royale between Musk and Trump. We will learn of 'sources' claiming that Musk ridiculed Trump among friends. 'Sources' will claim Trump is furious with the President Musk hoax and told allies he will 'kick Musk the f---k out of Mar-a-Lago and banish his aforever.' In the coming weeks, months, and years both Musk and Trump have to be careful. Musk must understand that Trump is the founder and will always be the leader of the MAGA movement. He was a great support and an ally. But it was Trump who won. During the early 80s, rock superstar Sting's manager Miles Copeland revealed that his primary job was to keep the egos of his Police bandmates in check. He said bandmates would complain they had better ideas than Sting and he had to remind them that if Sting dropped out, the concert would be canceled. But if any bandmate quit, he would be replaced and nobody would notice. Musk is a guitarist in the MAGA band, but Trump is the lead. Musk is a valuable bandmate, as is Lara Trump, Dan Scavino, Susie Wiles, Dana White, Vivek Ramaswamy, etc. While exercising his opinions Musk must be clear that he reports to Trump in DOGE. Musk must not be seen to defy Trump in any way. Musk is accustomed to being the boss and doing as he pleases, and he will have to exercise restraint given this new role. To be clear, Musk hasn't shown any disloyalty or defiance toward President Trump. There is also no indication that Musk is behind this hoax. Musk even praised Trump in a recent tweet. Trump too must exercise caution while reacting to this hoax. During future pressers, he will likely be bombarded with questions about 'President Musk.' It would be a good idea to ridicule this premise without an answer while expressing support for Musk. Trump, Musk, and the rest must remember that they thoroughly vanquished the Democrats last month. The Democrats have nothing to offer but lies, petty ploys, and hoaxes. Hopefully, everyone will remember a lesson that history frequently teaches us -- to be victorious, total unity is essential. Image: AT via Magic Studio The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft (QIRS) was founded in 2019 with initial funding from George Soros and Charles Koch, libertarians supposedly working to free the world from war. Other funding has come from the Carnegie Corporation, the Ford Foundation, and Barbara Streisand, among other hard-left sources. Of note is backing from the Ploughshares Fund which opposed President Ronald Reagans policies that won the Cold War and collapsed the Soviet Union. Soros is a well-known left-wing critic of American society, a virtual prophet of suicidal anarchy. His Open Society Foundation wants to defund the police, close prisons, open borders, and staff local governments with officials who will not prosecute criminals or cooperate with federal immigration laws. Championing enemies within naturally extends to embracing enemies overseas as well. His society is open to barbarians. Koch, posing as a patriot, is different. He just doesnt want national security to get in the way of conducting his business with whomever he wants. Trading with the enemy is not a bad thing if there are no enemies. As British Radical Richard Cobden argued two centuries ago, commerce is the grand panacea that will remove the motive for large and mighty empires, for gigantic armies and great fleets. Cobden was a Little Englander who opposed Making Britain Great Again. QIRS continues this line, welcoming the emergence of a multi-polar world in the 21st century where economic power is more evenly shared across nations. Thus, QIRS wants to erode American prosperity as well as security. This notion of peaceful globalization has come and gone repeatedly. President Donald Trumps 2017 National Security Strategy explicitly rejected it. It saw a world of Great Power competition, in particular where China and Russia challenge American power, influence, and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity. The classic view of free trade was part of the problem. We stood by while countries exploited the international institutions we helped to build. They subsidized their industries, forced technology transfers, and distorted markets. These and other actions challenged Americas economic security. QIRS was then created to contest Trumps nationalist view and work against the policies devised to Make America Great Again. In typical leftist fashion, QIRS turns words inside out to mislead the public. It claims to foster realism when in fact its writers live in a fantasy world. Conservative-nationalists are by nature realists as they seek to learn the lessons of history as a guide to understanding the world as it is. Leftists (and other ideologies) seek to escape from history because its record makes a hash of their abstract notions of global transformation. They hate America as the leader of the Free World and premiere economy because it is not built on their ideas. Americas success mocks them. Thus the U.S. must be defeated, or at least have its motives and actions discredited as immoral, so that we do not feel good about our achievements. A recent example of the QIRS contempt for history is a column by Mark Episkopos, a Eurasia Research Fellow at QIRS and an Adjunct (i.e. part-time) Professor of History at Marymount University. He wants to abandon the Munich analogy of appeasement because The real lesson of Munich is how corrosive ideologically-driven historicism, completely untethered from actual history, can be to the foreign policy debate. Yet he is the ideologue who wants to reject Munich because it does not fit his desire to base policy on appeasement today. The situation in Ukraine is as close to a repeat of the Czechoslovakian crisis of 1938 as one can find. Adolf Hitler demanded that the Sudetenland along the German-Czech border be given to Berlin because a majority of people living thee spoke German. This is the same argument Vladimir Putin makes about the Donbas and Crimea regions of Ukraine. Nazi agents were fomenting violence in the disputed territory. In the notorious negotiations held in Munich, England and France abandoned their support for the Czechs, and German troops stormed across the Czech border. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declared peace in our time. Two weeks later, Hermann Goring announced plans to increase the Luftwaffe five-fold and expand German artillery and tank units. Six months after the Munich Pact, Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia. In the same way, Putin wants all of Ukraine, not just settle for the Russian parts. A negotiated settlement along Putins demands, where Kyiv is neutral and unarmed, will make it vulnerable to such a conquest. Putin knows history. With the western democracies revealed as feckless, Russia entered the notorious Hitler-Stalin Pact in 1939. Poland was partitioned (again) between the two powers. The Soviets then overran the Baltic states and attacked Finland to regain lands lost when Russia was defeated in World War I. Putin has the same revanchist goals to overturn Moscows loss of the Cold War. He has repeatedly claimed that Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland have no legitimate claim to independence because they were once part of the Russian Empire (the same kind of claims China makes about Taiwan and the South China Sea: once in the empire always in the empire). NATO expansion is the direct result of Putins revanchism. Nations that have suffered decades, even centuries, under the Russian yoke asked to join in collective security to maintain their freedom. There is no comparison between this and Russian expansion, which has always been by fire and sword, as proven again in Ukraine. NATO is no threat to a peaceful Russia but does stand in the way of Putins aggression. But as appeasers, QIRS believes that war is not the result of aggression, but of standing up to aggression. It sides with Putin on denying Ukraine any NATO security guarantees as part of a peace settlement. QIRS even hopes that Trumps America First ideology will leave Ukraine exposed. It should be remembered that Neville Chamberlain was the leader of the Conservative Party. He was not a leftist; he was just weak. When Germany invaded Poland, he did nothing. It was called the phony war. He finally resigned when Germany invaded Norway. Winston Churchill took his place, having warned against the Nazi threat from its beginnings. Churchill is now considered one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century. In his study of Winston Churchills World View, Kenneth W. Thompson notes the deficiencies of contemporary bourgeois conservatism which Chamberlain exhibited and which also blinded American conservatives, who were isolationists. In contrast, Churchill was in the Tory tradition having suffered less disillusionment and dismay over the abrupt and violent reappearance of barbarism was better able to meet the threat by organizing power against predatory foes he belonged to traditional Western conservatism enriched by an aristocratic heritage long acquainted with the brutal facts of power and the unending rivalries among nations. And while Liberalism and Marxism have marched hand in hand to the beat of a militant utopian rhythm, Thompson credits Churchill with having little in common with the proponents of utopian philosophy. He was a true realist. What kind of conservative will Trump be in his second term? His support for Israel is stronger than President Biden, who at the UN denounced Israel for escalating the war against Hezballah -- only to try to take credit later for Hezballahs retreat and Syrias collapse. Trump should also back Ukraine, since it is also a victim of the Russia-Iran alliance, supported by China and North Korea. He understood these threats in 2017, and the situation is worse today because Bidens restraint failed to deter or contain, let alone win, the wars that broke out on his watch. Trump should note that in response to his call for a cease-fire in Ukraine, Putin launched the largest attacks of the year. President Trump should embrace Churchills understandings of history and duty to leave the same kind of legacy. We see all around us the detritus left by the wrecking crew of woke-ism, damaging our institutions and savaging our traditions, customs and history by preaching the poisonous theme that America was never great as it was built on the backs of slaves and is forever tainted by that history. This note will be about one of those traditions, the sacred doctrine in American law that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Examples of the damage done to that bedrock principle abound in the past few years of vicious lawfare, principally against President Trump and several lawyers who had the temerity to represent him in the various spurious lawsuits, impeachments, indictments, arrests, etc. to which he has been subjected. One example out of many would be the preposterous filing of the Special Counsels report in the record of the so-called January 6 case. It is replete with numerous unproven and untested allegations, especially egregious after the Supreme Court had all but finished off any remaining vitality that case had in its presidential immunity ruling. It must also be noted that the federal judge in that case, who had publicly made her loathing of President Trump clear in on-the-record comments in her Court, was only too happy to go along with this outrageous stunt. We are now seeing another version of this tragedy play out in the case of former Rep. Matt Gaetz who is facing the nearly unprecedented release of the House Ethics Committee report after his resignation from Congress. This report, which could well be public by the time this post is published, will almost certainly contain untested, unproven, unchallenged assertions; these allegations were considered by the Biden Department of Justice, no friend of the former Congressman, but determined to be too weak upon which to base a prosecution. Here I should note something in the way of a disclaimer: As a constituent of Mr. Gaetz when he represented the First Congressional District of Florida, I should make it crystal clear that I am no fan of his and that the reasons for my opinion of him are not germane to this discussion. That is since I write this not in the defense of Matt Gaetz, the person, but of Matt Gaetz, the American citizen entitled to the full panoply of rights and privileges we know as due process under the law. The early stages of these attacks started within hours of President Trumps announcement of his nomination as Attorney General. Several Republican senators raced to the TV camerastheir natural habitatto announce, without the benefit of hearing from the nominee himself, that they would likely vote against his confirmation. Enough senators expressed their reservations to persuade Gaetz to ask President Trump to withdraw his nomination. He subsequently resigned from Congress which, according to reports of commentators who have studied the history of similar ethics investigations, is a move that almost always brings the case to an end with the certainty that the report would not be officially released by the committee. It goes without saying that given the current milieu prevailing in Washington, in which even a draft opinion of a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States was leaked, it may be considered a strong presumption that some enterprising Trump-hating stafferthey are, after all, thick on the groundwill find a way to get all this important for the American people to know slanderous gossip in the early editions of the Washington Post. When the decision of the committee to release the report was announced, Gaetz released this statement which cuts right to the heart of this denial of his right to confront his accusers and present a full defense in a proper forum: The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me. Then, the very witnesses DOJ deemed not-credible were Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024 Andrea Widburg had this to say in a piece entitled Has the House denied Matt Gaetz even a pretense of due process?: During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Matt Gaetz was a firebrand in the name of conservative politics. What he forgot is that there is no one more vindictive than a politician who is blocked from getting what he or she wants. So, when he left the House in November, he left few friends behind. That may explain why the House Ethics Committee has decided to go ahead and release its report on Gaetz. Gaetz, however, claims that he was denied due process, and if he's correct, this is an utterly sleazy, dishonorable, and vindictive act. The news broke today that the House Ethics Committee will be releasing the report in Januarya vote that it took in secret, which itself is sleazy. The reason for the investigation was because Gaetzs political enemies claimed for years that he had affairs with underage girls and even transported them across state lines. The thing is that the FBI and DOJboth of which despise Gaetz and undoubtedly wish him at the bottom of the oceanwere unable to dig up any evidence that he engaged in criminal acts. What this suggests is that the House report simply says that Gaetz had a tawdry private lifeas if thats something exceptional for members of Congress. [snip] Whats even worse, if Gaetz is to be believed, is that anything in the report that goes beyond saying he was a party boy was collected without regard for Gaetzs due process rights. Not only was he denied a chance to confront the witnesses against him, but he was denied even the chance to know their allegations [emphasis added]. In 2006 the lives of three young Duke University students and members of its lacrosse team were all but destroyed by the allegations of a woman that she had been hired to perform at a party at their house and was sexually assaulted in grotesque ways over the evening. The incredible, in the true sense of the word, scenario which followed was exhaustively researched and reported in an excellent book entitled Until Proven Innocent: Political Correctness and the Shameful Injustices of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case. The essence of the case is summed up in a review of the book: What began that night shocked Duke University and Durham, North Carolina. And it continues to captivate the nation: the Duke lacrosse team members alleged rape of an African-American stripper and the unraveling of the case against them. In this ever-deepening American tragedy, Stuart Taylor Jr. and KC Johnson argue, law enforcement, a campaigning prosecutor, biased journalists, and left-leaning academics repeatedly refused to pursue the truth while scapegoats were made of these young men, recklessly tarnishing their lives. The story harbors multiple dramas, including the actions of a DA running for office; the inappropriate charges that should have been apparent to academics at Duke many months ago; the local and national media, who were so slow to take account of the publicly available evidence; and the appalling reactions of law enforcement, academia, and many black leaders. The authors reporting and conclusions about the disgraceful rush to judgment of so many involved in the case, especially the DA Michael Nifong, and perhaps even more sickening, the mob of faculty members which published a letter condemning the young men due to the political correctness virus then in its beginning stages, now appear even more prescient in view of a very recent development. The accuser, now in prison for killing her boyfriend in a later incident, has publicly confessed that she made the entire story up. One reviewer, revealing the origin of the title of the book: Guilty until proven innocent was a concept expressed by Duke Universitys president Richard Brodhead, among others, betraying a stunning misapprehension of Americas justice system in the case of the Duke lacrosse players wrongfully indicted for raping a black stripper in 2006. All of this may seem to be the abstruse rantings of a retired trial lawyer until one asks this question: How would I want to be treated if, God forbid, I wound up in the same situation as Mr. Gaetz or the Duke lacrosse team members or President Trump? Image: Free to use via Pexels. Since the early 2000s, whenever there was a terrorist attack, a meme circulated showing a South Park newscaster saying some variation of ...and its Islam. The point, of course, was that no matter how the media tried to hide it, the greater likelihood was that the attacker was Muslim. Whats interesting about todays mass terror attack on a German Christmas market is that the German authorities immediately announced that it was an Islamic terrorist attack. Maybe Europeans are finally realizing that the viper theyve nursed at their bosom needs to be expelled. A little background is helpful to understand todays attack: After WWII, Germany and Japan were completely flattened. However, this time, the Allies had learned their lesson. They were not going to let Germany become an economic basket case, out of which another Hitler could rise. America, the last great nation standing at wars end, worked to rebuild both Germany and Japan as modern, democratic, free nations. In both cases, America was aided by the fact that these countries had cultures that were built around meticulous hard work. As well as rebuilding its former enemies, America instituted the Pax Americana, which saw it spearhead the Cold War against communism and generally exert itself around the world to put out fires. This Pax Americana created a global economic boom unlike any seen before in history. Two of the greatest beneficiaries were Japan and Germany, which received American money, had America pay their military budgets, and, as noted, had highly productive cultures. The rest of Europe did well, too, but these two countries really soared. But something else happened, not just in Germany and Japan, but across the world that sheltered under Americas umbrella: People stopped having children. I cant speak to what drove Japans childlessness, but I do know that Europe after WWII was a soft-socialist, anti-Christian region (despite its long Christian history), and socialist, anti-biblical regions dont have children. Currently, Germanys birth rate is 1.58 children per woman, which is far below the replacement rate. The same story is true across Europe, where the average EU fertility rate is 1.46 children per woman. (Japans birth rate, incidentally, is a miserable 1.26 births per woman.) These are all dying countries. The decline in European birth rates began in the late 1950s and became apparent by the early 1960s. When combined with the Pax Americana standard of living, this meant that fewer Germans were able and willing to do the dirty work thats required to make any country functional. So, in 1961, with its economy growing and its population shrinking, Germany created a guest worker program for Turks. Around 650,000 workers came, many bringing with them their families. Most of these Turks were fairly secular, reflecting the fact that they were raised in the Turkey of Kemal Ataturk. For that reason, most assimilated fairly well (although I suspect many have become more radicalized with Erdogans rise in Turkey). And then, in 2015, thanks to Barack Obamas disastrously handled Arab Spring, Syria collapsed into a maelstrom of violence that saw hundreds of thousands become refugees. Germany, with its declining population, still needed labor, as did the rest of Europe. That fact, combined with Merkels naivete or willful ignorance about the reality that these immigrants were nothing like the secular Turks of the 1960s, opened Europes doors. Thus, beginning in 2015, Germany took in around 1 million Muslims from across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and North Africa, a substantial percent of whom were hardcore Islamists who viewed this as an easy form of conquest. The same continent that ejected Muslims during the Reconquista and defeated them at the Gates of Vienna cheerfully welcomed tens of millions of Muslims, making Islam second only to Christianity as the dominant religion on the continent. But while modern Christians are pluralists (live and let live), and many are apathetic, Muslims are not. As always, I suggest you check out this 2010 post by Michael Haltman to understand how Muslim immigration works. Islam now accounts for between 10% and 20% of the population across Europe, although its most dense in European capital and industrial cities (i.e., pressure points). As the Middle East Forum wrote a year ago, Islam is transforming Europe. And of course, Muslims in Europe are doing what Muslims always do when they have the wind at their back: They kill civilians to establish dominance. Christmas markets are a favorite pressure point because they revolve around the enemy Islam must conquer: Christianity. (See here, here, here, and here for examples.) Thats why it was no surprise at all in early December to see Syrians parade through Essens Christmas market shouting their war cry of Allahu Akbar: Germany took in over 1 million Syrians supposedly fleeing Assad in 2015/6. Today they said thank you to Germany by marching through Essens Christmas Market shouting Allau Akbar. pic.twitter.com/Ogntkm1sBB Dr. Eoin Lenihan (@EoinLenihan) December 10, 2024 Nor was it a surprise, although it was terribly sad, to see that a Saudi national plowed through a Christmas market in Magdeburg, definitely killing two and possibly more people (its not clear yet) and leaving between 60 and 80 people badly injured. This video gives a sense of the attacks scale (and there are rumors the driver had a bomb, too): Breaking: P2. Video from the Terrorist Attack in Magdeburg, Germany. Christmas Market Attacked in Magdeburg, Germany. Reports of at least 11 fatalities and 60 injuries. A car drove into a crowd. A suspected bomb was reportedly found in the car. Pray for the victims. pic.twitter.com/WWllTQVICs T (@T59544082) December 20, 2024 It turned out to be an even bigger plot than one car and drive. At last report, five perpetrators were involved: BREAKING Attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg: 5 perpetrators. One was arrested, the second was apparently shot. The rest are on the run. The first suspected perpetrator has stated that more is apparently planned./ to kill as many people as possible. pic.twitter.com/wbB53Bj78W Sjaak Aaij (@AaijSjaak) December 20, 2024 So far, this is business as usual for Europes radical Muslims. Whats different this time is that the authorities immediately made it plain that this was an Islamic terror attack. Thats what has me wondering. Is Europe finally ready to fight back? Has Trumps election given them courage? Maybe, despite most of Europes disgraceful, knee-jerk antisemitism, October 7 made them realize that Zionism is not a civilizational enemy. Or maybe Im reading to much into this. The one thing thats certain is that if Europe wishes to save itself and not become a Muslim continent (and Islamic history shows that this is not a desirable fate), it has a rapidly closing window of time within which to act. Europeans have long been vicious in their own defense. Still, its possible that, by now, a combination of leftist self-loathing and citizen disarmament has made them helpless, no matter their desires. Image: X screen grab. Christmas is a season of hope. At the level of nature, it arrives just after the winter solstice, when the day begins to conquer back the minutes lost to the night, and we can begin to look forward again to springs return. And at the spiritual level, it is the anniversary of the moment when the star shone brightly over Bethlehem, heralding the birthno matter what ideas you have about religion in general and Christianity in particularof our Judeo-Christian civilization. For many in America and, indeed, the world, this Christmas seems especially hopeful because it marks the return of a man with big dreams who never gave hope, no matter the odds against him. In that vein, Donald Trump is a classic American figure, so it seems right to remember Cyrus West Field (18191892), another classic American figure who changed the world. Like Trump, Field demonstrated an unwavering will, strong determination and integrity, business flair, a clear understanding of the world, and the love of country that can accomplish things that are close to miracles and reshape America and the world. In 1854, when Field was just a wealthy, successful American paper merchant, he chanced to speak with a telegraph magnate. That conversation sparked in him a passion for linking places and people through telegraph cables; that is, to unite the world. Image made using AI and a photo of Cyrus W. Field. Field managed to find enough rich associates to fund a NewfoundlandNova Scotia cable, which was laid between 1854 and 1856. That success led Field to an even bigger dream: to lay a cable between the New and the Old Worlds by linking Newfoundland and Ireland. For Field, what was decided had to be done, no matter what difficulties he faced. He traveled between England and America 30 times, getting both the British and American governments to collaborate on the plan, which involved their business communities and their navies, and launched the enterprise. However, during the first attempt to lay the cable in 1857, the cable snapped about 300 nautical miles from the shore. Undeterred, he tried again. The second attempt in 1858 almost ended in disaster, as a nearly ferocious storm nearly sank one of the cable-carrying ships and, again, destroyed the cable. Nevertheless, Fields confidence and will proved stronger than the elements. He tried once more, just a month after that disaster. This time, he achieved his goal: For the first time in human history, human wordsa telegram of about 100 wordscrossed the ocean (a message from Queen Victoria, to which President Buchanan quickly responded). Field instantly became a kind of American heroa new Columbus, the benefactor of the nationand Americans held festivities to honor him. However, the cables signals soon became increasingly faint until they died entirely due to the cables poor quality. As often happens when a great man who is also a visionary fails, Field was immediately viewed as a villain. He was accused of fraud and of being a profiteer. Before he could resurrect his reputation, the Civil War stopped all efforts at relaying a transatlantic cable. Field, however, did not give up. Although Rudyard Kipling penned his immortal If a half-century later, he might have been thinking of Field when he wrote If you can dreamand not make dreams your master; If you can thinkand not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth youve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build em up with worn-out tools: ... Yours is the Earth and everything thats in it, Andwhich is moreyoull be a Man, my son! So it was that the moment the Civil War ended, Field mounted another consortium. This time, despite another accident that might have ended the project, Fields dream came to fruition. After more than a decade of work and thirty ocean trips between Britain and America, Field presided over the first ever fully operational transatlantic capable, which was completed in July 1866. For his magnificent accomplishment, Field received a gold medal from Congress and the grand prize at the International Exposition in Paris. Poems were written in his honor. When he died in 1892, these words were inscribed on his tombstone: Cyrus West Field, To whose courage, energy and perseverance, the world owes the Atlantic telegraph. Field did what he did not for money (he did not make any profit), not for power (he did not acquire any), not even for glory (yes, he was revered, but only for some short enough time). He did it because he loved his country and humanity, was a real business organizer, and, most importantly, was, according to the Kipling rubric, a real Man. All of this should remind you of another real man stepping to the fore. On the threshold of a New Year, let us hope. If 2024 were a movie, itd be a dystopian thriller, where the hacker is both the hero and the villain. Picture this: Change Healthcare a linchpin in Americas healthcare system gets breached, exposing the private data of millions and prompting everyone to wonder if their medical records are now on sale alongside cheap knockoff sunglasses in a darknet bazaar. Meanwhile, CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity bigwig supposedly built to stop such calamities, faced its own cyber-event. Thats like hearing that a fire station caught fire and no, the irony doesnt make it any less terrifying. Add to this chaos a laundry list of cyber-skirmishes: Iranian hackers weaponizing IoT devices; the endless menace of ransomware attacks, keyloggers, and trojans; and state-sponsored espionage campaigns from the usual suspects (China and Russia, heres looking at you). In short, cybersecurity in 2024 was less of a strategy and more of a Whac-A-Mole game but with the moles being sophisticated state actors and American institutions holding the mallet backward. And now, just as the dust from one administrations digital debacle begins to settle, Donald Trump is gearing up to re-enter the Oval Office. The question is, can Trump 2.0 deliver the cyber-safe America that the past year has shown we desperately need? The Geopolitical Soup: Why Cybersecurity Is the Great Equalizer Its impossible to talk about cybersecurity without acknowledging the sheer chaos of the world today. The Ukraine War rages on; Israel is knee-deep in conflict; Iran remains a loose cannon; and oh, yes, the Islamic State is staging a comeback in Syria. Add the U.S. southern border mess, and youve got a global potluck of instability. Amid this disorder, cyber-warfare has emerged as the great equalizer. You dont need a trillion-dollar defense budget to wreak havoc on an adversary. A clever hacker with a state sponsor can bypass tanks and drones to hit hospitals, power grids, and even elections. This is why ignoring cybersecurity is akin to leaving the front door wide open while all the sinks and tubs are filling up. Sure, the impending water damage is urgent, but so is the burglar waltzing in. The CISA Draft Plan: A Too-Little, Too-Late Band-Aid? In one of its final acts, the outgoing Biden administrations Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a draft of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan. On paper, this sounds promising a blueprint for how the U.S. should respond to future cyber-incidents. But heres the rub: with mere weeks before new leadership takes over, the plan feels more like a homework assignment turned in right before the bell. Will it be actionable? Or will it be another government report that gathers dust while the hacks keep coming? The Trump administration has a golden opportunity to take this draft and run with it. But lets be honest: Trump isnt known for playing by someone elses rules. If history is any guide, expect an overhaul, possibly branded as Cybersecurity MAGA or something equally unsubtle. What Does the U.S. Need to Do in 2025? So what should Trumps playbook look like if he wants to keep America cyber-safe? Reinvestment in Cyber-Defense for the Public and Private Sectors: The Change Healthcare hack and CrowdStrikes issues underscore a glaring problem our private sector is a juicy target. Public-private partnerships must evolve into something more robust than the current potluck approach. Recent news that software giant Adobe has discovered 160+ vulnerabilities in popular software. Uncle Sam needs to step in with both funding and strict standards. Regulate IoT Devices and Potentially A.I.: Iranian hackers using IoT devices to target critical infrastructure isnt just a headline; its a warning. From your smart fridge to industrial machinery, these devices are now attack vectors. Legislation to enforce IoT security standards and potentially the surging A.I. sector should have been yesterdays news. Push for International Cyber-Norms: China and Russia continue to be the digital boogeymen, and while sanctions and saber-rattling make for good sound bites, the U.S. needs to lead the charge on international cyber-norms. Yes, its like herding cats, but better diplomacy might reduce the frequency of these attacks. Restructure CISA: The agency has good intentions but is overburdened and underfunded. Think of CISA as the TSA of cybersecurity: present but often outmatched. A major reorganization backed by real money is overdue. Cybersecurity Education for All: Lets face it: most Americans are about as cyber-savvy as a raccoon with a smartphone. Millions of Americans may be facing a surge of Blue Screen of Death issues as hundreds of millions of Windows 10 devices still in use lose support. National awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are critical, especially as many breaches start as simply as clicking on a phishing email asking you to reset your password. Cyber-hygiene isnt just for I.T. pros; its everyones job. As we stumble into 2025, the stakes couldnt be higher. Cybersecurity isnt just about protecting data; its about safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and democracy itself. Trumps administration has a chance to pivot from the reactionary tactics of the past to a proactive, strategic approach. The question is, will they seize it? Or will we be back here in another four years, writing about the next cyber-apocalypse while our data, dignity, and digital infrastructure hang by a thread? Julio Rivera is a business and political strategist, cybersecurity researcher, founder of ItFunk.Org, and political commentator and columnist. His writing, which is focused on cybersecurity and politics, is regularly published by many of the largest news organizations in the world. Image via Pxhere. Former German chancellor Angela Merkel just released her autobiography with the absurd title Freedom. Right as if she had anything to do with freeing Eastern Europe. Frau Dummkopf, as I like to call her, barely ever heard of Ronald Reagan or Konrad Adenauer or any of the real heroes of the late 20th century. In a lot of ways, Merkel is the Joe Biden of Europe a corrupt and incredibly stupid person who somehow managed to attain the highest post in the land. She doesnt even have dementia for an excuse. Merkel was the daughter of a famous left-wing East German Lutheran minister. Neither she nor her father technically joined the Communist Party, but both occupied a privileged position behind the Iron Curtain as useful stooges. She enjoyed one of those pretend science careers communist countries would bestow on children of the well connected. When the Wall collapsed, she suddenly became interested in politics, coming from nowhere through the new democratic system in eastern Germany, as one rival after another found himself exposed for various Stasi connections during the Cold War. No such embarrassing info on Merkel ever appeared, and eventually, she got to lead the entire Christian Democratic Union, the CDU, Germanys center-right party and perhaps the closest European thing to Americas Republicans. But unlike here, where a RINO is just some Washington opportunist looking for a cable TV gig, in Germany, they are chock-a-block full of actual commie rats people with links and helpers in the Kremlin who meddle in the country to this day. Former SDP chief Gerhard Schroeder was paid millions by Putins Russia. Merkel was long suspected of having some kind of secret Stasi connection, owing her amazing rise in German politics to patrons in Moscow. More evidence comes in every day that Merkel was some kind of communist asset. She was certainly never a conservative, even of the mildest European variety. Now the German parliament is headed for elections this winter, the ruling SDP having lost a vote of confidence. The big issue is Muslim immigration, especially from Syria. A decade ago, Frau Dummkopf welcomed millions of Muslims into the country, about 60% of whom became welfare idlers, uninterested in assimilation, often manifesting violent behavior. The appalling Christmas market massacre in Magdeburg is just the latest outrage. Merkel claims in her book that Germany had no choice; it needs more immigrants to fill the economy. So you just let in millions of uneducated young Muslims, most with no screening and no skills? Great thinking. Actually, Germany and Europe do need more immigrants to fill their jobs. But thanks to Mr. Putin and his war, millions of Russian and Ukrainian youngsters are already moving west. Given the mess that war will leave even after it gets settled, Western Europe will have all the assimilable job-seekers it needs for years to come. Fortunately, the German Christian Democrats have put Merkel behind them. The current party leader, Friedrich Merz (as opposed to Fred Mertz, the old guy on I Love Lucy), and his supporters see the end of the Syrian Civil war as a great time to send the refugees home. They will even throw in a plane ticket and a cash bonus if the Syrians will get out. Lets hope the CDU keeps its newfound courage. Polls show the party leading big for the February vote, but heres the rub. The second-place party is Alternative fur Deutschland a right-wing populist bunch that no other party will accept as a coalition partner, because a few members are still embarrassingly Nazi-nostalgic. There is no way Herr Merz can win an outright majority, so he is going to have to govern in one of two ways. Either make clear to his potential junior partners on the left that they will have to sign on for get-tough immigration policies to be part of government. Or play hardball: invite the more acceptable populists to work with him on a limited basis, to save the country from the disaster of illegal immigration. Europe is ready for this. Italys Meloni is making some progress in reversing the illegal tide. The main obstacle has been the E.U.s bureaucrats and judges throwing up roadblocks. Get Germany on board, and it may shift the whole E.U. apparatus. It would also be nice if the other senior partner in Europe, France, could come around as well, but France is experiencing its own political chaos right now. The French, however, at least never did something so stupid as to shut down their wonderfully cheap and reliable nuclear power sector. That was Frau Dummkopfs brilliant idea. Or maybe Putins, as Germany once got 30% of its power from nuclear, but Herr Schroeder and Frau Dummkopf decided to replace it all with Russian natural gas and make-believe renewables. Higher energy costs have now been wrecking the German economy for years. She, of course, stubbornly insists that this was a great idea, even as the rest of the world comes to the conclusion that nuclear power is the future. Thanks to the Kremlin funded anti-nuke hysteria in Germany, though, the industry is going nowhere there. The CDU faces an uphill fight ever to rebuild German nuclear power. Back during WWII, there was proposed the infamous Morgenthau Plan, a lefty revenge scheme to remove all German industry after the war and make the worlds second largest economy a rustic backwater. The lunacy of such an idea was obvious, and blessedly, the world instead got Adenauers democratic Wirtschaftswunder. But apparently, Dummkopf Merkel has been plotting her own little version of Morgenthaus plan 80 years on. Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville, Ky. Image: Angela Merkel. Credit: Arno Mikkor via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. In Oregon, with so many questions remaining about elections, illegal voter registrations, dirty voter rolls, and a certification of the election from state officials, even though there are thousands of ballots with unknown status, specifically whether they were used to vote by people not registered as citizens of Oregon or even the United States. The Democrats have supermajorities in the state house and Senate, with one supermajority being dependent on a 165-vote margin, far below the reported 62,949 noncitizens illegal registrations and thus 62,949 ballots illegal sent out. How do you certify an election where the publicly acknowledged illegal registrations may have become suspected illicit votes? The Secretary of State can pronounce the elections accurate and fair, but our question is, what happened to the 62,949 ballots mailed to illegal noncitizens? Did 166 or more illegal votes give the Democrats a supermajority? Where is the accounting for these illegal ballots? From the Oregon Secretary of State 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. Now, with all those questions hanging in the air, let us turn our attention to Eastern Oregon, where many Oregon counties want to be released from Oregon and join the state of Idaho. The Greater Idaho movement has risen out of the frustration and proven belief that Eastern Oregon has no representation in the State Capitol in Salem. Instead of following the founders' wisdom with one chamber population-weighted and the other numerically weighted, Oregon has a system with both chambers population-weighted, thus biasing the government to empower urban areas like Portland to override everything the rural counties want. When you have one Eastern Oregon senator representing five massive counties in a voting district and multiple senators and representatives in a tiny urban geographic area of less than ten miles, then you have unequal representation. Most of Eastern Oregon is conservative and Republican, while most of the Portland metropolitan area is liberal Democrat. Thus, the number of lawmakers is so skewed toward the urban areas that secession is the only way rural Oregonians can have a voice and gain representation. Secession is a peculiar thing -- once it is mentioned it never goes away. Each time the state of Oregon proves that rural residents do not have a voice, the secession monster gets fed more and grows larger and louder. For Oregon to survive as a state, it needs to stop the cheats, it needs to figure out a way to bring fair reciprocal representation to the eastern rural residents. A person remarked that when 80% of your counties want to secede, it is only a question of time before they secede. If Oregon does not address its questionable elections and give the rural voters a voice or representation in the Oregon State government, then secession will be the only route the disenfranchised rural Oregon voters will have to pursue. The Greater Idaho movement is already contacting the incoming Trump administration to discuss allowing them to split from Oregon. We may soon see Oregon split between east and west counties. This maybe the end point of a Democrat power dynasty in Oregon and a new ascendancy of conservative Idaho. Image: A. Kampfer In Fulton County, Georgia, justice has taken a backseat to impropriety or at least thats the conclusion one might draw from the Georgia Court of Appeals recent ruling. District attorney Fani Willis has been disqualified from her much-hyped Trump election interference case due to what the court described as a significant appearance of impropriety. And what an appearance it is a tangled web of personal relationships, questionable financial arrangements, and prosecutorial antics that could make the Fyre Festival organizers look above board. A Significant Appearance of Impropriety The appellate courts decision minced no words in describing the flaws in Williss conduct. The court found that her decision to supervise and keep special assistant district attorney Nathan Wade as lead prosecutor while engaging in a romantic relationship with him impacts more than a mere nebulous public interest because it concerns a public prosecutor. Williss and Wades financial entanglements further muddied the waters. The court documented an impressive travel itinerary for Willis and Wade: a trip to Aruba, two Caribbean cruises, Miami, Belize, and Napa Valley. Their wanderlust didnt stop there; the duo also embarked on day trips crisscrossing Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even other parts of Georgia. All of this raised significant questions about professionalism and judgment, as the trips were partly funded by Wade while Willis maintained authority over his contract. Why It Matters Williss actions didnt just create bad optics; they struck at the heart of her role as a public prosecutor. The court noted that prosecutors are entrusted with immense discretion deciding whom to prosecute, what charges to bring, and when to exercise restraint. With that power comes the expectation of impartiality and integrity, expectations that were profoundly undermined by Williss behavior. This is especially critical in a high-profile case such as this one, where Willis actively sought the spotlight, basking in the national attention even as she approved and kept her questionable arrangement with Mr. Wade. The result? That unmistakable odor of mendacity has poisoned not just the public perception of this prosecution, but its foundation, casting a shadow over every decision made under her watch. A Wake-Up Call for Prosecutorial Ethics The appellate courts decision to disqualify Willis and her office is rare but entirely proper under the circumstances. As the court noted, an investigation of this significance, garnering the public attention it necessarily does and touching so many political nerves in our society, cannot be burdened by legitimate doubts about the District Attorneys motives. Prosecutors are granted significant discretion to ensure that justice is served, but with that discretion comes the expectation of impartiality and integrity. Williss actions, by contrast, created reasonable doubt about whether her decisions were motivated by personal interests rather than justice. Lessons Learned? For now, the Trump case will continue without Willis, but this sordid chapter of lawfare against him seems to be approaching a just end. Fulton County faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust in its justice system. Whether it succeeds remains to be seen. The Georgia Court of Appeals deserves credit for taking a stand in this case. By disqualifying Willis, the court has sent a clear message: public prosecutors must avoid even the appearance of exploiting their positions for personal gain, whether financial or otherwise. This ruling also serves as a cautionary tale for other ambitious prosecutors: if youre going to pursue high-profile cases, leave the romantic getaways and questionable accounting schemes out of it. Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder and editor of The American Salient and the host of The Modern Federalist podcast. Image via Picryl. There was another devastating terror attack on a Christmas market in Germany yesterday. The video is sickening. | Terrorist attack on #Magdeburg #christmasmarket The perpetrator from Saudi Arabia has been arrested. According to the latest information, up to 11 dead and 80 injured after the perpetrator drove a car at high speed into the crowd. I've been saying it for years: Those pic.twitter.com/FYTqaUCrv0 Christine Anderson (@AndersonAfDMdEP) December 20, 2024 This venue was targeted specifically because it was a Christmas market, whatever progressive Germans themselves may call it. Had it been a holiday market it wouldn't have held quite as much allure for the Saudi terrorist. In fact, Christmas market terror attacks have sadly become almost commonplace in Germany. There are constant calls for common-sense gun control in the United States. But, if firearms were banned, citizens would simply be unable to defend themselves against evil. Should there be common-sense knife control in formerly jolly olde England where people are getting stabbed on a routine basis? And, in Germany, should there now be talk of common-sense automobile control? To hell with their Volkswagens, their Audis, and their BMWs, right? They should have their right to drive automobiles taken from them because another Middle Eastern terrorist used one to murder and maim dozens and dozens of innocent folks who were enjoying the peace on earth and good will towards men that characterizes Christmas season. And doing a little shopping. This madness has to stop. Mass-murder events are not caused by inanimate objects -- or ones that can only be animated by human beings. Period. They, like all other crimes, are caused by criminals. What a concept! When criminals are coddled and released, when illegal immigrants are allowed into a country unchecked, when a societys culture has become so depraved and enervated, when standards and merit are mocked, when nearly everything but standards, merit, and tradition are tolerated, a nation has entered its denouement. But it doesnt have to be thus. Even at this late stage, salvation is possible. But only if evil is not tolerated and civilizational confidence is restored. Maybe more Germans will listen to Elon Musk now, and support the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Probably not. But I will tell you this: The alternatives to the AfD party are a stagnating economy, terror attacks in perpetuity, cultural dissolution, general decayand the resultant continual nightmares, hopelessness, and familial devastation. Say what you will about Germany, but it is filled with hard-working people who have historically made Germany the engine of the European economy. Germany gave the world the diesel engine, the electron microscope, contact lenses, bicycles, beer, the programmable computer, chip cards, helicopters, the printing press, and coffee filters, among many other inventions. Though many of us may not agree with Deutschland uber Alles, there is a line, repeated, in the German anthem that reads: Unity, justice, and freedom. Germans have long since been reunited. It is time they have justice. That they may continue to be free. It would be beyond sad if Germany just let itself fade away, gradually absorbed by another cultureand a tad ironic if it failed to repel what amounts to a foreign invader. Germany has long since proved its remorse over its role in World War II. There is nothing wrong with the idea of Germany, too, making itself great again. In fact, it would be a good thing-- not only for Germans, but for the civilized world. Image: Twitter video screen shot In less than two weeks, those of us whove made New Years Resolutions will once again face that terrible reality of waking up on New Years Day and forcing ourselves to begin doing whatever healthy and thoroughly unpleasant thing weve been meaning to do for so very long. For many people, that process will be made a little bit easier on Christmas morning when they unwrap a set of exercise bands or even a new stationary bike or treadmill. And we already know what happens to those things. The exercise bands end up hanging from a doorknob or tossed into a closet, and the stationary bikes and treadmills assume temporary duties as clothing racks until theyre sold on eBay or given away. Were watching this play out nationally as our military and law enforcement agencies repeatedly fail to meet their recruitment goals. Low fitness levels among recruits are not the only reason. Americans are losing enthusiasm for endless wars for questionable motives, and commercials for victims of toxic water certainly dampen enthusiasm. At the local level, not many young people want to be police officers if they can be sued by the city that employs them just for doing their jobs. However, recruiting poorly educated, unfit individuals simply to fill vacancies presents very real security issues at the local, state, and national levels. Obesity rates in the U.S. have tripled over the last 60 years, with 70% of adults being overweight or obese. In the early 1970s, 5% of children were obese, and by 2020, that number had jumped to 19%. Doubt me? Compare pictures of beach-goers and urban pedestrians from decades ago with similar scenes from today. Daniel Bornstein, a faculty member at The Citadel and now chair of the military sector of the National Physical Activity Plan, said, Were having trouble keeping up with our near peer adversaries. And if we go to war? We may lose because were not physically fit enough to fight the enemy. Thats the reality. And that reality extends beyond the military into law enforcement, fire departments, EMTs, and into every level of society. I know a number of elderly people who were active up until retirement, at which point they became mostly sedentary. After a few years of that, their health problems began to pile up. They started using canes, walkers, and, in a few cases, wheelchairs. I am convinced that many of our health problems can be attributed to the aggressive pursuit of comfort. Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times. G. Michael Hopf Ideally, our schools should be training our kids to develop a love for physical activity. Physical education in school is commonly maligned, and its not uncommon for it to be shortchanged for other activities. I taught Tae Kwon Do to a great many people of all ages, and the benefits derived from vigorous physical activity make it worth the effort. Beginning a home exercise program is simple. I work out with weights at home four days a week, and I loathe the idea of going downstairs to lift. But after working out for a few minutes, I feel better, and the session goes well. The honest fatigue and sense of accomplishment I feel after a workout are far superior to the way I feel on my rest days. Yet inertia is a formidable foe so much so that I put it in the same category as an addiction. Just as alcoholics and drug addicts cannot recover solely due to being temporarily motivated, the same is true of exercise. What is needed indeed, the only thing that works is discipline. Our exercise routine must be part of our daily lives. Just get started. Do simple things at first. Park a little farther away from the store entrance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk outside. Smell the air; look at the sky and the scenery as you pass by. Do it at the same time every day, and notice the subtle daily changes in your environment. Invite a friend to go with you and talk! If its raining, put on a raincoat and go anyway. If the weather is really that bad, then go to a large store and walk around inside instead, but remember that youre walking, not shopping. We need to restore our enjoyment in physical activity not just in ourselves, but in our children. Image via Picryl. ABC News host George Stephanopoulos, who forced his network to cough up $15 million to Donald Trump's presidential library in order to settle a lawsuit, following his false on-air claims that the former president was convicted of "rape" is reportedly boiling angry. According to the New York Post: ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos is apoplectic and humiliated by the networks decision to pay $16 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump, The Post has learned. Stephanopoulos, who claimed Trump had raped E. Jean Carroll during an interview with Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace, was particularly upset about being forced to apologize, a source with knowledge of the situation said. The humilation we all can understand -- he's humiliated because he did something humiliating. Or more likely, got caught. But the rage element is bizarre. He made the statement, his executive producer told him not to, he did it anyway, and sure enough, the network got sued. What's he mad at? The only person he can possibly be mad at in a sane world is himself. But that's not how Democrat propagandists roll. The Post continued: Another source told The Post that George is defiant. A third source said Stephanopoulos is a very guarded person. His circle of trust is so small, and a lot of them dont work [at ABC anymore]. I have no idea who he's mad at, given that his network gave him a pay raise in the wake of this suit, and didn't get rid of him as would have happened in the rest of the private sector. He already hated Trump, so I can't see how he can get madder at Trump. Who's he flying into a rage at? Who did him wrong? Who was the fool who didn't listen to the producer? So here we are, George the Apocalyptic, steam coming out of his ears, all the result of his own actions. That calls to mind a book written by former FBI agent Gary Aldrich, called "Unlimited Access" about the Clinton White House staff, which included Stephanopoulos, and just how arrogant, ignorant and spoiled rotten they were. Aldrich wrote this passage, transcribed by me from Google Books: One of the Clinton staffers who might have pushed Melba into early retirement was George Stephanopoulos. Stephanopoulos had taken over the big office that had been used by President Bush's press secretary, Marlin Fitzwater. ... I had an appointment with Stephanopoulos. He kept me waiting for half an hour. When I was finally allowed into his office, it was a mess. There was a half-eaten sandwich on a paper plate that was on the coffee table. Potato chips littered the rug. Newspapers had been strewn all over the room, and work papers had been balled up and thrown around. A birthday cake that had been given to him on 10 February--nine days ago--was still sitting on an end table. A vase of wilted roses was nearby. Tired birthday balloons limped along the floor. There were doodads and coffee mugs, and what looked like trash, sitting in boxes in the middle of the room. I noticed that he had to walk around the boxes to get from the door to his desk. This was day 29 of the administration. Stephanopoulos made no effort to greet me or to be friendly. He was clearly annoyed, which seemed to be the usual mood of Clinton staffers when they met the FBI. It was a hard attitude to swallow, especially after the graciousness of the Bush people. Stephanopoulos looked younger than his 32 years. He had a boyish tilt to his head. His hair was obviously something he was proud of. He must have spent hours in front of a mirror with a brush, a hair dryer, and hair spray, working hard to perfect the "fluff" and "cascade" over his forehead. I completed my interview with Stephanopoulos very quickly. I can't tell you what this interview was about, but he was knowledgeable about someone who needed to be interviewed. I cannot claim that his answers were deceptive, but they were not terribly informative, either. He never uttered one syllable more than he had to to cover himself. Before I retired from the White House, I would interview Stephanopoulos several more times. His office never got any neater, though the cake and balloons eventually disappeared. I remember during one press conference early in the administration, Stephanopoulos was seen blowing a big, pink, bubble gum bubble that ended up hiding half of his face. Bubble gum, blown by the director of communications during a presidential press conference -- that was one reason the media started talking about the Clinton administration as being a bunch of kids. The Reagan and Bush administrations had had plenty of twenty- and thirty-something staffers, too, but none of whom behaved like this. It wasn't a matter of age; it was a matter of maturity. That rather sounds like someone so egotistic he could be "apocalyptic" about the $15 million he cost his network employer. His ego is so big, in fact, that he feels put-upon when he's called to live by the same standards as the rest of us -- as in, not knowingly defaming others. He blows up a lot, he seems to be less than forthcoming about the truth of things, and he makes messes for others to clean up. He lived a charmed life because he was nothing but a propagandist, as The Federalist reports here. Same old George described by Aldrich back in the '90s. What a wretched character. If ABC sticks with this guy, they will deserve him. Image: Screen shot from ABC video, via YouTube Yesterday, a Saudi Arabian man drove his heavy-duty Mercedes through a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five (as of now) and injuring 200 others. The killers Saudi background screamed Muslim!!! However, were now being told that the killer is an ex-Muslim. I keep thinking of those old Clairol hair dye commercials. Younger readers wont remember them, but older ones will: Does she or doesnt she? Only her hairdresser knows for sure. In this case, whether he really was an ex-Muslim is one of those things that, perhaps, only Allah knows for sure The cars driver was a guy named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, and were now being told that he was actually more of a right-wing conspiracy theorist. Thus, the Daily Mail explains, MailOnline can reveal that al-Abdulmohsen, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf, moved to Germany in 2006 and lives in Bernburg. He has been recognised as a refugee since 2016. Previous media reports suggest he had worked to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, to flee Saudi Arabia after turning their backs on the religion. Analysis of his social media reveals tweets in support of Germanys anti-immigration party AfD, while he has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The accounts bio reads: Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe. The New York Post has much the same story: Saudi Arabia warned Germany three times about the Saudi doctor who allegedly killed five and injured more than 200 when he plowed through a busy Christmas market and repeatedly promised he would die justice in the Islamic war waged by Germany months before carrying out Fridays terror attack. The first warning came in 2007, just one year after psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, fled to the European country, sources told CNN. The alleged terrorist had a history of expressing radical views of varying kinds. Saudi Arabia considers him a fugitive and had requested his extradition between 2007 and 2008 but German authorities refused over concerns for al-Abdulmohsens safety upon his return. In spite of this, al-Abdulmohsen spewed anti-German and anti-Muslim rhetoric on social media for years and urged fellow asylum seekers to avoid living in Germany. Based upon this information, there are three possible scenarios: (1) The guy is a former Muslim who hates Germany for being complicit with Islam, so he decided to slaughter innocent people at a Christian-oriented Christmas market; (2) the guy is a complete lunatic; and (3) the guy is a Muslim who has played a Taqiyya game for almost two decades as a Muslim sleeper agent in Germany. Image: X screen grab. I consider the first possibility the least likely, even though it aligns most closely with the known facts. Its just...well...ridiculous. The second scenario is a distinct possibility because the facts of scenario number one describe someone who is a fruit-loop. And then theres the third possibility: Taqiyya. Thats when Muslims hide their religious belief. Wikipedia assures us that Muslims do this for their safety, and thats certainly a possibility. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Jews in Spain and Portugal ostensibly converted to escape being slaughtered but continued to practice their faith in secret. Over the centuries, some eventually embraced Christianity, but they never lost that Jewish memory. So yes, taqiyya could, indeed, be a protective cover against a hostile society. However, the last twenty-plus years have also made us aware that taqiyya is a form of dissimulation that enables terrorists to operate undercover, like sleeper agents. For example, in 2013, after a terrorist attack in Toulouse, the French police discovered taqiyya: Its not the money, its the deception thats critical, said the 23-year-old French-Algerian shortly before he jumped off his Toulouse apartment window and was gunned down by an elite French anti-terror unit. The somewhat cryptic cry was a likely reference to taqiyya a form of religious dissimulation or legal dispensation in which believers deny their faith or even commit blasphemous acts as a deception if they are seriously threatened or at risk of persecution. [snip] For the traditionally persecuted Shiite minority [in the 7th century after the Sunni schism], deception or taqiyya was considered a matter of survival. Although the term does not exist in Sunni jurisprudence, there have been rare cases of Sunnis practicing taqiyya in extraordinary circumstances. But it was not until the term was recovered by Sunni jihadists trained in the Afghan terror camps that it began to get the attention of counterterrorism experts as trained and radicalised young men began practising taqiyya as a means of integrating and disguising themselves in Western societies. Taqiyya, as its understood today, is actually a radicalised version of concealment, in the sense that some religious extremists have found 'dalils' (or 'evidence') in the Koran that would justify their actions, said Trevidic. Muslims in Europe have used pretend anti-Islam sentiments as a cover for illegal, violent acts: The phenomenon of Muslims pretending to leave Islam and converting to other faiths or claiming atheism to secure asylum is not new. Recently, a case in England highlighted this trend. Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, an Afghan migrant, applied for asylum in the UK, claiming a false pic.twitter.com/Q4Ik1ClPfD Brother Rachid (@BrotherRasheed) December 21, 2024 So, is there evidence that Taleb al-Abdulmohsen was a sleeper Muslim radical? Yes, and he was probably an Iranian agent: Despite claims made by the German press, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen is not an ex-Muslim atheist, nor is he a fan of the AfD or Elon Musk. While he may have spread this misinformation himself, it aligns with the practice of Taqqiye, an Islamic doctrine that permits lying and deception pic.twitter.com/tU2tRS51Lr Maral Salmassi (@MaralSalmassi) December 21, 2024 Here is his reply with the google translation pic.twitter.com/3ou8SZKY1A (@NiohBerg) December 21, 2024 Even if option three is the correct onethat is, the killer is a sleeper Iranian agentI expect the German authorities to hide behind his anti-Muslim rhetoric. Nevertheless, given all the warnings they had that he was a killer, the fact that they did nothing is itself a scandal. Europes self-imposed suicide marches on. Donald J. Trump and other appellants in the alleged 2020 election interference case can breathe a sigh of relief today as the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that District Attorney Fani Willis and her entire office must be disqualified from the case. Thursdays ruling is another significant legal victory for Trump, who has been beleaguered by what he and many Americans believe to be frivolous lawsuits from a politicized Department of Justice (DoJ). The Court of Appeals stopped short of dismissing the case altogether, arguably leaving the case in legal limbo. In its decision, the court cited State v. Lampl, which states that [D]ismissal of an indictment [is] and extreme sanction[], used only sparingly for unlawful conduct. Notably, the court repeatedly emphasized that disqualification due to a significant appearance of impropriety is rare but appropriate in this case because of potential damage to public confidence if the ruling be allowed to stand. 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 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 appellants in the case were charged by the state in a [98]-page indictment with RICO violations and other crimes in connection with an alleged conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, according to Thursdays ruling. Trump and others in the case argued that DA Fani Willis should be disqualified and the case dismissed. Defendants in the case argued before the trial court that there was an appearance of impropriety due to her alleged romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade. While trial court Judge Scott McAfee did not find sufficient evidence of an actual conflict of interest regarding Willis relationship with Wade, he acknowledged a significant appearance of impropriety given the nature of the relationship. McAfee did state that the appearance of impropriety could potentially undermine public confidence in the fairness of the prosecution. McAfee added, However, an odor of mendacity remains, because of untruth[ful] testimony from Wade about the timing of their relationship. The trial court also rejected claims of financial misconduct and other allegations of improper conduct, stating they were insufficient to warrant disqualification. Specifically, McAfee found based largely on the District Attorneys testimony, that the evidence demonstrated that the financial gain flowing from her relationship with Wade was not a motivating factor on the part of the District Attorney to indict and prosecute this case. Judge McAfee gave Willis or Wade the option to withdraw from the case. Willis refused to leave but Wade resigned. Margot Cleveland provides valuable background on the case, explaining that Judge McAfee focused only on the conflict-of-interest issue using Georgia law as a basis for his ruling. Cleveland also reminds us that under Georgia law disqualification is appropriate for a prosecutors forensic misconduct, which, generally defined, is any activity by the prosecutor which tends to divert the jury from making its determination of guilt or innocence by weighing the legally admitted evidence in the manner prescribed by law. Defendants in the case sought to disqualify Willis, Cleveland continues, by highlighting her many public statements that seek to try the defendants in the court of public opinion. The motions to disqualify point to Willis speech in a church soon after news broke of her affair with Wade, and her attempt to frame the attacks on her and Wade as racist. Defendants also highlighted the fact that Willis called them fake electors in the press, which arguably was a term that is both legally inaccurate and prejudicial. Finally, Cleveland points out that Willis engaged in forensic misconduct by providing the authors of the book Find Me The Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election access to information related to the criminal case. That book, published last month, included details from the authors extensive interviews with Willis. These issues argued by the defendants seem to point to convincing evidence that Willis should have been disqualified by law for attempting to argue her case in the court of public opinion assisted by a willing and politicized press. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service OpenAI just wrapped up its 12-day event called Shipmas where it made some amazing announcements. As a proper send-off, OpenAI introduced us to o3, its upcoming reasoning model, and it looks like it will be extremely smart. During Shipmas, OpenAI announced some other great AI goodies. For starters, it introduced its $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan. This will give users access to the most powerful version of o1 and other great features. Also, the company released Sora, its AI video generator that pretty much broke the internet when the company first showed it off. You can use it if youre a ChatGPT Plus member. OpenAI gives us a sneak peek at o3, its latest reasoning model What happened to o2? Well, its in the farm up-state along with Windows 9, the OnePlus 4, and the iPhone 9. OpenAI decided to skip to o3 because theres a British telecommunication company named O2. So, this was a way to avoid any legal issues down the road. o3 will be a reasoning model, which is similar to a regular model. However, the key difference is that, instead of giving you the answer all at once, a reasoning model will actually break down the process and show you all of the steps it took to come to the conclusion. Googles Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking is a good example of a reasoning model. So, if you want to take a closer look into how a model arrived at its answer, then youll want to use reasoning models. Since this will be OpenAIs magnum opus, you know that it will come with some insane AI smarts. The company released some statistics on how it performs, and it shows that its well past the point of making AI thats smarter than a human (well, mostly). For example, the company put the model through the SWE-Bench Verified coding tests, and it beat o1 by 22.8%. Next, OpenAI put o3 through the GPQA (Google-Proof Q&A Benchmark) Diamond science benchmark, and it scored 87.7%. OpenAI also put o3 through the AIME (American Invitiational Mathematics Examination), and it only missed one of the 15 questions. The AIME is an extremely hard math competiton. It looks like OpenAI really outdid itself this time around. We dont know when the company will release this model to the public. Just dont count on it anytime soon, as o1 is still rather new. The launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is just around the corner. In January 2025, the company will announce its next-gen mobile flagships alongside One UI 7 stable and possibly two new sizes for the Galaxy Ring. According to leaks, 2025 will also bring a new Slim model to the Galaxy S lineup. A new report has revealed the thickness of the Galaxy S25 Slim. The Galaxy S25 Slim thickness could be under 7mm The possible launch of the Galaxy S25 Slim seems like a direct response to the alleged iPhone 17 Air, with which Apple could replace the increasingly unpopular Plus models. However, Samsungs approach to a super-slim smartphone will be very different from Apples. The South Korean giant wants to offer a visually attractive device without compromising too many tech specs. Ice Universe, a reliable leaker focused on Samsung devices, said on Weibo (a Chinese social media site) that the thickness of the Galaxy S25 Slim will be under 7mm. For reference, the current Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are 7.6mm, 7.7mm, and 8.6mm thick, respectively. So, the device could be noticeably thinner than any recent Galaxy S models. Samsung doesnt want many compromises in its Slim phone That said, Samsungs approach to this device could prevent it from surpassing the iPhone 17 Air in thinness. According to reports, Apples smartphone will be a ridiculous 6mm thick. However, the Cupertino giant will have to make some compromises in terms of specs, with the battery and cameras being the most affected. The battery capacity of the device is not known, but the phone is said to have a single 48MP rear camera. On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Slim aims to achieve a more balanced ratio between thinness and tech specs. Ice Universe said in November that the phone will have an Ultra camera. This suggests that it will inherit at least some sensors and photography capabilities from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. For instance, the 200MP main camera that Samsung uses in its more expensive smartphones could be present. Kuliang forum held in Beijing to discuss China-U.S. relations Xinhua) 10:57, December 21, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- More than 150 participants from China and the United States, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended a forum on China-U.S. relations in Beijing on Friday. The 2024 Kuliang Forum included important topics such as striving for steady and sustained China-U.S. friendly exchanges and exploring correct ways for developing China-U.S. relations. The participants agreed to carry the Kuliang spirit forward to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. They also witnessed the launch of the official website of Kuliang Forum, release of the initiative for friendly exchanges among Chinese and American youth, and the initiation of the collection of stories of China-U.S. friendship and cooperation. The forum, themed "Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust", was co-hosted by People's Daily Digital Communication and Global Times. Kuliang is a hillside resort in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, capital city of east China's Fujian Province. Since the 1880s, foreign expatriates residing in Fuzhou have built summer villas there, blending cultures and sentiment with local residents. Today, Kuliang continues to tell tales of friendship that has lasted for a century. In the United States, descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang founded the group "Kuliang Friends" to extend the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Some flights and ferries have been cancelled amid a perfect storm of the Christmas getaway and bad weather. The disruption has been caused by strong gusts after the Met Office announced yellow warnings for parts of the country. Heathrow Airport confirmed a small number of flights had been cancelled on Saturday due to strong winds and airspace restrictions. A spokesperson said: This will ensure the vast majority of passengers can still safely travel as planned. We know how important travel at this time of year is and have extra colleagues on hand in our terminals to support people on their journeys. We encourage passengers to check in with their airlines for the latest information about their flights. British Airways said it had been forced to make a small number of cancellations due to the restrictions at Heathrow. A spokesperson for the airline said: Due to adverse weather this weekend, restrictions have been put on the number of flights able to take off and land at Heathrow and therefore weve had to make a small number of cancellations. Were offering free flight changes for those customers booked on short-haul services who dont wish to travel this weekend, and we will be offering rebooking and refund options as always to those whose journeys are disrupted as a result of the restrictions. While the vast majority of our customers will travel as planned, our teams are working hard to help those who have been affected get their travel plans back on track at this important time of year. P&O Ferries also confirmed journeys between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled for at least 24 hours. A spokesperson said: Due to adverse weather conditions, all P&O Ferries sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled from 2000 tonight (21st December) until at least 2000 tomorrow night (22nd December). We ask our customers please not to travel to either of the ports if their sailing has been cancelled, to avoid causing traffic congestion. The AA predicted 23.7 million drivers would hit the road on Friday, making it the busiest day on the roads since the groups records began in 2010. It projected that Saturday would see 22.7 million drivers and Sunday 21.3 million. A spokesperson for the group said: With more than 20 million car journeys expected on both Saturday and Sunday if the congestion wasnt enough of a headache, the inclement weather could create the perfect storm. We advise those heading out to allow extra time to travel and increase the distance between themselves and other road users. The RAC has estimated seven million leisure trips will be made on major roads during the weekend, which excludes everyday traffic. (PA Graphics) It predicted that congestion hotspots will be on both directions of the M1 to Gatwick via the M25 and the M23; Liverpool to Chester on the M53; Oxford to the south coast via the A34 and the M3; the M25 to the south coast along the M3; and at the Taunton to Almondsbury Interchange in Bristol heading down the M5. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday morning, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis urged drivers to be patient: What were saying to people is just be patient. These are journeys that matter to us this time of year. Just dont expect to get there the minute your sat-nav says it will. Allow yourself a bit of time to make it easy and get there safely. Sundays warning also includes London, the South East, the South West, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and all of Wales and Northern Ireland. Westerly winds are forecast to pick up over Saturday with 50-60mph gusts expected, with a small chance of some reaching 80mph. (PA Graphics) The Met Office said: The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80mph in coastal districts including Orkney. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially with respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations. Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature on Saturday and may merge into a longer spell of rain for a time in the far north and north west. Showers could turn to several centimetres of snow on the hills in the north west of Scotland from Saturday evening into Sunday. Some sleet, snow and hail may fall at lower levels and produce icy conditions by Sunday morning. The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, meteorologists said. A Met Office weather warning for very strong winds of up to 80mph will be in place today from 0700 until 2100 tomorrow. This has the potential to disrupt train services, please check before you travel using the ScotRail app, website or https://t.co/3rhLVOdKTt page. pic.twitter.com/HickZNZP5T ScotRail (@ScotRail) December 21, 2024 Ferries have been cancelled and train services impacted as high winds hit Scotlands Christmas getaway. By noon on Saturday, CalMac, which operates ferry services on Scotlands west coast, reported that sailings on 21 of its routes were cancelled for the day, with other services facing disruption. Meanwhile, Northlink Ferries, which runs services between Aberdeen and the Orkney and Shetland isles, also reported disruption. It said adverse weather conditions meant a sailing between Kirkwall on Orkney and Lerwick in the Shetland Isles was cancelled, along with sailings between Aberdeen and Lerwick, which were scheduled for Saturday evening. Rail operator ScotRail announced that speed restrictions would be in place for part of the route between Glasgow and Oban/Mallaig, and the Inverness service to Kyle/Wick. Until you become a pet parent yourself, it can be hard to understand that a dog is so much more than a pet. They're your best friend, biggest fan, cuddle buddy, and so much more! Once you know the love of a dog, however, it's easy to see why they're considered family members. Since dogs love us with their whole hearts, it's only right that we go above and beyond to make them happy, too. The good news is that there are so many ways to make a dog smile! Dog owner Hails has discovered many of those ways since bringing home her Great Dane, Leo, but his reaction to his very first pup cup will live rent-free in her heart forever. On December 11, she shared the adorable throwback video of Leo's very first Starbucks pup cup, and it was even cuter than I imagined. Take a look! Aww! Leo was such a sleepy puppy, but he woke right up when he tasted the sugary sweetness of the whipped cream. But to be fair, I would, too! There are days when a sugar-filled coffee is my only motivation for getting out of bed, and a little whipped cream on top would definitely help. Related: Dog-Loving Starbucks Employees Create 'Great Dane-Sized' Pup Cups for Their Biggest Customer A commenter named Ozzie pointed out my favorite detail of the video: "That little tongue shake when the taste hits." It was priceless! I'd never seen a dog's tongue react like that before, but I could immediately tell that it was a positive thing. In fact, I think Leo may have discovered his new favorite food! Now that this Great Dane is an adult dog, though, I can't help but wonder if he still has a sweet tooth. "OK, but why can't I be woken up like this just once?" asked another commenter. Finally, someone is asking the right questions! Waking up to a snack waiting for you is the best feeling, and it's only right that the precious Great Dane puppy got to experience it, too. Pup Cups for Dogs Pup cups are a popular treat for dogs on the go, whether they're in the Starbucks drive-through or on a dog-friendly restaurant patio. In most cases, pup cups are just cups of whipped cream, but some places may add something yummy on top, like a dog treat. Once, my Poodle mix got a pup cup from Panera with bacon bits on top! Most of the time, pup cups are perfectly safe for canine consumption. Unless your dog is lactose intolerant or diabetic, a little whipped cream won't do them any harm. However, it's important to watch out for low-sugar or sugar-free whipped creams, as they are more likely to contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol or birch sugar, which are toxic to dogs. Overall, though, it's a wonderful treat for dogs to eat and for dog owners to watch! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is pleased to be back at Old Trafford for Sundays fixture with Bournemouth and eager to put smiles back on the faces of supporters before Christmas. It has been a gruelling period for United, with three consecutive away matches since a shock 3-2 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on December 7. Back-to-back wins at Viktoria Plzen and Manchester City appeared to have the Amorim regime up and running, but they were brought back down to earth with a 4-3 loss at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. Ahead of a return to Old Trafford, Amorim said: Yeah, it was really hard the Nottingham game, to lose that game in the way we lost. I am always looking forward to hear that song and to play with our fans and to try to put some happiness in their lives because (Thursday) was really tough for sure for them. Former Sporting boss Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline during a seven-goal thriller at Spurs, but declared himself happy with his teams performance. Victor Lindelof limped out of that fixture to join Mason Mount and Luke Shaw on the treatment table. Marcus Rashford is set to be available, though, despite being omitted from the squad for selection reasons for the last two matches. Ruben provided a fitness update on Victor following yesterdays full-time whistle.#MUFC Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 20, 2024 Amorin has overseen three wins, one draw and three defeats since he replaced Erik ten Hag, but can see green shoots in his squad. I think we are improving near the opponent box. We have some games that we are near the box but without real threat. You could see different things (against Tottenham), Amorim added. You could see we can shoot, we are near the goal and you feel it, you really feel it. I think it is a good thing in our team. I feel that our team is faster at pressing more, the physically is improving and the understanding of the game. You can see it by the controlling of the game and you see it more especially in this game, but also the last game that we understand more the position and the movement we should do. Amorim believes Antony is improving (Mike Egerton/PA) There is a lot of things, but it is hard to think of the good things because we are out and lets focus on the next competition. Former Ajax forward Antony made his second start under Amorim in the midweek loss at Tottenham and the Brazil international is set to be given another lifeline to turn around his Old Trafford career by the new man in the dugout. Amorim insisted: He needs more confidence. If you remember the Antony that play in Ajax, he lacks a little bit of confidence to go one against one, but he will improve. He is working really hard and trying and playing more inside than outside, especially in this game. He just has to do that. To work really hard and I will help him to be a better player. Blake Lively at the It Ends With Us premiere in London, England, on 8 August 2024. Photograph: Anthony Harvey/Rex/Shutterstock Actor Blake Lively has made accusations against her former It Ends with Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni, filing a legal complaint in California claiming sexual harassment and making allegations of a coordinated PR effort to damage her reputation. According to Livelys complaint, matters got so bad during the production of the film, which premiered in August this year, that a meeting was held to address her claims of a hostile work environment that was attended by husband, Ryan Reynolds. As part of the tense meeting, Lively and Reynolds demanded there would be no more showing nude videos or images of women to Lively, no more mention of Baldonis alleged previous pornography addiction, and no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Lively. They further stipulated that Baldoni should not make inquiries about Livelys weight and make no further mention of her dead father. The complaint also says Lively demanded during filming that she would no longer be asked to add sex scenes, beyond what she had approved when she signed on to the troubled project. It claims the demands were embraced and approved by the studio but Baldoni and the production company, Wayfarer Studios, later engaged in a social manipulation campaign to destroy her reputation. The plan, the complaint said, included a proposal to plant theories on online message boards, engineer a social media campaign and place news stories critical of Lively. The complaint also says Baldoni abruptly pivoted away from the movies marketing plan and used domestic violence survivor content to protect his public image. The complaint, which the New York Times reported was filed with the California civil rights department on Friday, is a precursor to a lawsuit. It includes purported texts from Baldonis publicist to the studio publicist, which says Baldoni wants to feel like [Ms Lively] can be buried, and We cant write we will destroy her. In a statement to the Times, Lively, whose film career came after she rose to prominence in the teen drama series Gossip Girl, said: I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted. Baldoni hit back in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, slamming Livelys claims. It is shameful that Ms Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations, Bryan Freedman, a lawyer for Baldoni, said. The statement called Livelys action yet another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions. Freedman said his client previously had hired a crisis manager due to multiple demands and threats Lively allegedly made, including threatening to not [show] up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met. The publicity campaign for It Ends with Us, based on a romance novel by Colleen Hoover that features depictions of domestic violence, got off to a rocky start in August when social media sleuths noticed that Baldoni was absent from publicity events. Production insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that there was a fracture among the film-makers and two cuts of the movie had been produced, prompting speculation that Lively, a producer on the picture, had brought in Reynolds to help take over creative control of the film. Soon after, an awkward interview with Lively from 2016 re-surfaced online. Hollywood journalist Kjersti Flaa said the encounter had been the most uncomfortable situation she had ever experienced and said Lively had made her want to quit her job. Baldoni who previously starred in the telenovela Jane the Virgin, directed Five Feet Apart and wrote Man Enough, a book pushing back against traditional notions of masculinity responded to claims that the film romanticized domestic violence. If anybody has had that real-life experience, I can imagine how hard it would be to imagine their experience being in a romance novel, he said. To them, I would just offer that we were very intentional in the making of this movie. Associated Press contributed to this report Roz Snyder and David Gertler were shocked after DNA tests revealed they are half-siblings - DAVID ROSE Some of Britains test tube babies could have hundreds of half siblings they do not know about because of gaps in the countrys sperm bank system, a charity boss has claimed. A rule stipulating that serial numbers on sperm donations from abroad are not shared in Britain is stopping Britons born via IVF from tracking down possible relatives, Donor Sibling Registry, a US-based charity, has revealed. More than half of sperm used by families in the UK now comes from abroad in response to rising demand for fertility treatment, with the lions share imported from the US and the Netherlands. Serial numbers on imported donations can include identifying information, but are typically withheld to protect the identity of the donor. But Wendy Kramer, of the charity, said: Lots of British families have no idea that they have half siblings or a donor willing to connect abroad, because they arent being given the originating donor number. All it does is keep donor-conceived people away from their families. Her remarks follow revelations in The Telegraph relating to the UKs famous fertility doctor Patrick Steptoe, who died in 1988, that two people whose parents attended his clinic made the shock discovery that their biological father is a lab scientist who worked in the same hospital as the physician. The parents of Roz Snyder, 52, and David Gertler, 51, attended the clinic around the 1970s after struggling to conceive children. But Ms Snyder and Mr Gertler were shocked after DNA tests revealed they are half-siblings. IVF pioneers Sir Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, right, with the worlds first test tube baby Louise Brown - KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES The pair were recently alerted by the genealogy website Ancestry that their late fathers are not their biological ones, but that they shared a biological father in Roy Hollihead, who ran a pathology laboratory one floor above Dr Steptoes clinic. Labour MP Rachael Maskell has said the IVF regulator should investigate the findings, which The Telegraph understands have now been shared with the Department of Health and Social Care. Peter Thompson, chief executive of the regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said that prior to 1991, no regulations were in place, so we do not hold any records of fertility treatments that took place before then and said the watchdog would therefore not be able to conduct an investigation. He added: We appreciate it can be difficult to find out as an adult that you are donor conceived. Dutch sperm donor Jonathan Meijer - CEN Addressing the issue in the current system, the HFEA said a patient will be told when looking at a donor profile that the sperm came from an overseas sperm bank. But the law prohibits staff working in an HFEA-licensed centre from releasing original donor codes to patients. Britons born via IVF can apply for more information on their donors when they turn 18, but this does not apply to those conceived before April 2005. In 2020, a British man used the Donor Sibling Registry only to discover he had 25 siblings in the US from the same American sperm donor dad. His story was covered in an investigation by the BBC, 25 siblings and me, which highlighted that while the UK has a cap, donors only being used for a maximum of 10 families, in the US, there is no cap. In the Netherlands, a Dutch man named Jonathan Meijer was said to have fathered as many as 1,000 children across several continents, although he admits to only some half that figure. In 2017, he was banned from donating sperm in the Netherlands. Earlier this year, Netflix aired a documentary about the case, The Man With 1,000 Kids. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006, is an ex-Muslim who expressed support for the far-Right AfD German police had been repeatedly warned that a Saudi doctor who is suspected of ploughing a car into crowds at a Magdeburg Christmas market posed a terror threat. Saudi Arabias government sent four warnings to German authorities over the extreme views of Taleb al Abdulmohsen, a former Muslim who posted of his plans to do something big on social media. On Friday night, a man killed at least five people and wounded more than 200 by driving his BMW full speed down a narrow alley in the market. A nine-year-old child was among those killed, police said in a press conference on Saturday. Local Magdeburg officials said the suspect was able to drive to the area as a gap had been left in security bollards for emergency vehicles. Abdulmohsen fled Saudi Arabia for Germany in 2006. He was granted asylum as he feared persecution over his rejection of Islam. German authorities said on Saturday that a potential motivation for the attack was his belief that Berlin was mistreating Saudi refugees. A still from the scene shows the moment a car ploughed into crowds of people at Magdeburg Christmas market On social media, Abdulmohsen repeatedly condemned the Islamisation of Europe and expressed support for the far-Right AfD, alongside Elon Musk and conspiracist Alex Jones. Nancy Faeser, Germanys interior minister, said the suspect was a known Islamophobe. According to the BBC, the Saudi government sent four note verbale warnings to Berlin over the doctor, who worked as a psychiatrist in the town of Bernburg just south of Magdeburg. Three were sent to police and one to the foreign ministry. In December 2023, police received a separate complaint after Abdulmohsen threatened on social media to make Germany pay a price for its alleged persecution of Saudi refugees. Local and federal police investigated but concluded that he posed no specific danger, the German newspaper Die Welt reported, citing security sources. Visiting the market on Saturday, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, said it was a terrible act... to injure and kill so many people with such brutality. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them, he said. Emergency responders are photographed at the scene of the attack in Magdeburg - Getty Prosecutor Horst Nopen said the suspect, who was detained at the scene, has at least talked about the motive. And we have to clear up how much of that is true. Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016 despite having a criminal record over public order offences committed three years earlier. Abdulmohsen was well known in the Saudi diaspora for running a website helping refugees flee the Middle East. But he was considered a pariah because of his paranoid and aggrandising behaviour. Speaking on a US podcast just eight days before the attack, he said Germany was persecuting Saudi former Muslims and actively trying to destroy their lives. He said the persecution was being conducted covertly by a Gestapo-like police unit and was taking place across the globe. Taha Al-Hajji, legal director of the Berlin-based European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, said: He is a psychologically disturbed person with an exaggerated sense of self-importance. People gather to light candles and lay flowers in tribute to those who were injured or killed in the attack - Reuters/Christian Mang Saudi Arabia said in a statement that it condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. Jorg Lau, a well-known columnist for liberal newspaper Die Zeit, said that the attack was an echo of Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik and was part of a global threat posed by far-Right terrorism. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD, said that staggering failures by the authorities made the horror of Magdeburg possible. The party has organised a protest in Magdeburg for Monday. Viktor Orban, the Right-wing prime minister of Hungary, told a press conference in Budapest there is no doubt that there is a link between the terror attack and immigration. Greta, 65, a retired historian, told the Telegraph as she quietly sobbed beside the Old Market entrance on Saturday: This is our hometown, this attack has struck us right in the heart. She continued: It was a form of pure hatred to do this, and we must confront that hatred, adding that migration has been too much and too fast, I would have preferred it if it had been done in a more regulated way and with more planning. I fear that we have lost our cultural identity in Magdeburg, she said. Germany is set to hold a snap election on Feb 23. Front-runner Friedrich Merz, of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has promised much stricter limits on asylum and called for mass migration to be viewed as a national emergency. 05:39 PM GMT Thats all for now Thank you for following our live coverage. This live blog is now closed. 05:34 PM GMT Biden: attack a despicable and dark event US President Joe Biden has called the attack a despicable and dark event and said that Washington was in contact with German officials. The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Germany grieving the terrible attack, Biden said in a statement. No community - and no family - should have to endure such a despicable and dark event, especially just days before a holiday of joy and peace. 05:32 PM GMT Opposition accuse security services of ignoring threat posed by killer Several opposition politicians have said that the police could have stopped Fridays deadly rampage but did not take complaints seriously enough. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD said that staggering failures by the authorities made the horror of Magdeburg possible. While politicians deploy the security apparatus against the opposition and government critics, there is a lack of resources to defend against real threats, she claimed. Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the small left-wing BSW party, said that the government would need to answer questions over why so many tips and warnings were ignored in advance. Police have confirmed that they considered including Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen on a dangerous persons list and held a conversation with him. A newspaper report on Saturday suggested that they decided not to put him on the list, which is used to monitor political extremists, because he did not pose a concrete danger. Saudi Arabia also reportedly warned Germany about the suspect, who was a fierce critic of his home countys government. 05:14 PM GMT Scholz flees from angry mob at Christmas market Chancellor Olaf Scholz left the scene of the attack in a hurry after a group of around 250 people gathered who booed at him and his ministers and called them murderers, according to a journalist for Bild newspaper who was at the scene. A line of police officers shielded Mr Scholz and two of his ministers, interior ministers Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, from the crowd. The crowd shouted get lost and the politicians left the scene under police sirens, the newspaper reported. 04:48 PM GMT Orban: attack was terror and EU wants it to happen to Hungary too Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and has described the attack as a terrorist act. Speaking to the press in Budapest, he said that there is no doubt that there is a link between migration and terrorism, and claimed that the EU leadership wants Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too. Orbans anti-immigrant government has taken a hard line on people entering Hungary since 2015, and has built fences protected by razor wire on Hungarys southern borders with Serbia and Croatia. 04:40 PM GMT Injured victims being treated in 15 different hospitals Doctors in hospitals far beyond Magedburg are treating the wounded, with some 41 people still in a critical or severely critical condition. City authorities have said that victims are being treated in 15 hospitals some of which are in different states, including in Brandenburg, a state to the northeast that surrounds Berlin. 04:33 PM GMT All church bells in city to ring at 7.04pm The protestant church in Magdeburg has said that all the citys churches will ring ther bells this evening to mark the minute when they attack took place on Friday evening. A special service of mourning is going to take place in the city cathedral this evening. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germanys president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, are set to attend. 04:20 PM GMT Pictures: mourners pay respects at site of tragedy Two women pay tributes and cry outside St. Johns Church near the Christmas Market where the attack took place. Reuters A woman holds a candle as people leave floral tributes to the victims near the site of the attack./ Reuters Plush toys, candles and floral tributes lie near the site of the attack/ Reuters A woman pets a dog as people leave floral tributes to the victims near the site of the attack. Reuters 04:06 PM GMT Left and Right seize upon killers unusual past With the killers background and potential motives so unusual, both the German Left and Right are seeking to fit the crime into their own narratives. The suspect is a Saudi man who was given asylum in 2016 despite having a criminal record. He is also a fierce critic of Islam. Jorg Lau, a well known columnist for liberal newspaper Die Zeit, said that the attack was an echo of Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik and was part of a global threat posed by the far-Right terrorism. The hard-Right AfD have organised a protest in Magdeburg for Monday and are seeking to portray the attack as the latest in a line of violence by asylum seekers, similar to an Isis attack on a street festival in the city of Solingen in the summer. 03:46 PM GMT Attacker acted out of dissatisfaction, says prosecutor Also at the press conference, prosecutor Horst Nopes has said that: As things stand at the moment, the motive could have been dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi Arabian refugees in Germany. He has at least talked about the motive, Nopens said. And we have to clear up how much of that is true. As we reported earlier in the blog (post at 2.45pm), the suspect was convinced that German authorities were persecuting Saudi nationals who had left the Muslim faith. 03:42 PM GMT Killer used escape routes to enter Christmas market Local authorities in Magdeburg are giving a press conference. The main theme has been how the killer was able to drive his car past a security perimeter. A police official said that the killer exploited the fact that gaps had been left in the perimeter to allow for ambulances to get in and out. City officials have said that gaps between bollards were there as an escape route for emergency services but that they were guarded by the police. I think our security concept is good because it was coordinated, said Ronni Krug, a spokesperson for the city hall. The case we are now discussing here is one that we could not have anticipated in terms of its dimensions and that perhaps could not have been prevented. Questions had been raised after the attack about why there were such big gaps between bollards at entrances to the Christmas market. 03:16 PM GMT Suspect granted asylum despite criminal record Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016 based on a claim that he would face persecution on religious grounds in his home country of Saudi Arabia. But he already had a criminal conviction at the time. In 2013 a German court sentenced him to a fine a public order offence. He had threatened to carry out crimes, according to a record of the trial seen by Der Spiegel. The level of the fine - 900 - suggests that he was living of state welfare at the time, the news outlet reports. He originally came to Germany in 2006 to study medicine. 03:06 PM GMT Witness describes hours-long effort to help victims Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is located in a mall across from the Christmas market, has told of how her husband spent hours trying to help victims. She was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs and thought at first they were fireworks, she told news agency AP. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed and a child was thrown into the air by the car. Shaking as she described the horror of what she witnessed, she recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee Street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. The number of injured people was overwhelming. My husband and I helped them for two hours. He ran back home and grabbed as many blankets as he could find because they didnt have enough to cover the injured people. And it was so cold, she said. 02:58 PM GMT Suspected killer was pariah in Germanys Saudi diaspora Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, the suspect in the Magdeburg attack, was well-known in the Saudi diaspora in the country and had helped asylum seekers, particularly women. But his erratic personality seems to have led many in the community to avoid him. He is a psychologically disturbed person with an exaggerated sense of self-importance, Taha Al-Hajji, legal director of the Berlin-based European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, told AFP. Hajji said Abdulmohsen was a pariah among the Saudi community in Germany, despite his work with asylum seekers. This is definitely not an Islamist-motivated attack, he added. 02:45 PM GMT Suspected killer believed Germany police might kill him The suspected attacker appeared on an US podcast just eight days before his attack in which he made a series of claims that gave insights into his paranoid state of mind. Speaking to an organisation called the Rair Foundation, Taleb al Abdulmohsen claimed that Germany was persecuting Saudi ex-Muslims and actively trying to destroy their lives. He said this campaign of persecution was being conducted covertly by a Gestapo-like police unit and was taking place across the globe. Rair Foundation USA Germany is committing serious crimes including sexual abuse, leading Saudi ex-Muslims to consume drugs, and lying in order to deport them to Saudi Arabia to be executed, he claimed. He also asserted that German authorities had made his private address public in an attempt to intimidate him or because they might be planning to do something. They might kill me, he stated, asking Why would they expose my address? He also said that he had tried to expose this plot to the German public but most people avoid helping me because they are afraid. Abdulmohsen is a Saudi national who came to Germany in 2006 and started a website to help Saudi women who had rejected Islam to flee their country. 02:31 PM GMT Pop band Tokio Hotel were at Christmas market on day of attack Members of Tokio Hotel, one of Germanys most successful pop bands, were at the Magdeburg market moments before the attack. The bands drummer, Gustav Schafer, wrote a long post on Instagram in which he said that: We feel numb. Only a few moments separated us from a moment that changed everything for many people. Before the attack, Schafer had posted a picture of the Christmas market alongside the caption it was nice. 01:18 PM GMT Pictures: police measures after the attack Police raided the suspects home in a small town outside Magdeburg early in the morning on Saturday. Special police forces stand in front of an apartment building that is believed to be connected to an attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. - Sebastian Willnow/DPA UK police have also increased patrols at a Christmas market in Manchester in response to the attack. A bigger police presence today in Manchester after the atrocities in Germany. - Zenpix Ltd 01:12 PM GMT Suspect was due in court on Thursday Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, the suspected attacker, was due in court in Berlin on Thursday on charges of misuse of an emergency number, Der Spiegel reports. In February, he turned up at a police station in Berlin and filed a criminal complaint. The statement he gave to the police was reportedly confusing. He then used a phone in the station to call the fire department after growing angry with the officers on duty. On Thursday, a court was supposed to deal with his appeal against a fine for misusing an emergency service number. However, he never turned up at the court and his appeal was dismissed. 12:40 PM GMT Christmas market attacker was Islamophobe, says interior minister The suspect arrested in connection with the deadly car-ramming attack was Islamophobic, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Saturday. This was clear to see, Ms Faeser said. She declined to elaborate on the mans political affiliations. The suspect, Taleb A., ran a social media channel in which he claimed that Germany was planning to Islamise Europe and voiced support for the hard-Right AfD due to their opposition to Muslim migration. 11:44 AM GMT Saudis warned Germany about suspect three times: report Security officials in Saudi Arabia warned Germany about suspect Taleb A. on three occasions, according to news outlet Der Spiegel. It is not clear what the contents of the warnings were. Taleb A. saw himself as persecuted by Saudi authorities and reportedly claimed that he would be murdered if he went back to his home country. German police also received a complaint in December of last year after Taleb A. threatened on social media to make Germany pay a price for its alleged persecution of Saudi refugees. The complaint was dealt with by police in Saxony-Anhalt who decided not to pursue an investigation, Der Spiegel reports. 11:34 AM GMT Scholz bemoans terrible, brutal attack German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken from the scene of the attack. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality, Scholz said. Almost 40 are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. The chancellor called on the nation to stand together against hate. 11:23 AM GMT Questions asked over how attacker beat security perimeter As Magdeburg mourns, German authorities are facing questions over how the attacker was able to gain access to a Christmas market by vehicle, writes James Rothwell from Magdeburg. Since 2016, when a similar attack occurred in Berlin, German Christmas markets are supposed to be under heavy security, with ram-proof bollards blocking all entranceways. Hans-Jakob Schindler, a German terrorism expert, told T-Online: The authorities have to ask themselves, how does a car even get anywhere near a Christmas market in December 2024? That definitely should not have happened. He said it was possible that there were gaps in the bollard perimeter that the attacker may have managed to slip through. Bollards and barriers at Christmas markets only help if they dont leave any gaps, he said. Otherwise, you can do without bollards altogether. There are reports that bollards were not put up everywhere because a tram runs near the market. If that were the case, the city would have had two options: either the tram would not have been allowed to run during the market or the market would have had to be moved to a place that can be completely cordoned off. 11:15 AM GMT Magdeburg residents: something needs to change Residents of Magdeburg are in a state of shock as they gather at the scene of the attack on Saturday morning, reports The Telegraphs James Rothwell. We saw it on TV last night and came straight here this morning, Manfred, 60, said as he arrived at the scene of the attack in a bright blue Magdeburg FC bobble hat. It is terrible. It is a very shocking thing for Magdeburg. Weve never seen anything like this before. This will definitely affect the elections [in February] , he said, what is clear is that on security, something needs to change in Germany. Floral tributes have been laid at St Johns Church, Johanniskirche, including cuddly toys, candles, and messages of support. Many of the shops in central Magdeburg remain closed this morning. At the train station, digital advertising boards displayed the message The victims are in our thoughts...Magdeburg is strong. 11:10 AM GMT Pictures: Scholz visits Magdeburg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is shown around the Christmas market by local governor Reiner Haseloff (left), along with other cabinet ministers. - RONNY HARTMANN/AFP Olaf Scholz, in the company of federal ministers, prepares to lay a flower in front of a church at the site of the attack. - JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP Firefighters work at the cordoned-off Christmas Market in Magdeburg on Saturday. - Michael Probst/AP 10:47 AM GMT Scholz arrives at site of attack Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Magdeburg to pay tribute to the victims of the attack, writes The Telegraphs James Rothwell from Magdeburg. Mr Scholz pulled up in a convoy of black vehicles just outside the market before heading in with bodyguards and local officials. He then stopped at a church near the Christmas market, where locals have been laying flowers and other tributes. The scene of the attack has been completely sealed off to reporters and to the public. Large, concrete blocks shaped like Lego pieces can be seen forming a cordon around the Christmas market itself, which is adjacent to the high street in the city centre. It is currently unclear how the attacker managed to get his car through those bollards, though he may have been able to exploit a gap in the cordon. 10:42 AM GMT Attacker vowed revenge, said he was prepared to die The suspect at the centre of the attack posted a stream of conspiracy theories to his social media accounts. German media have been working their way through his postings. In one post from last December he said: I assure you that revenge will come soon. Even if it costs me my life. In another post from August of this year, he wrote that: If Germany wants war, we will have it. If Germany wants to kill us, we will slaughter them, die or proudly go to prison... Germany will pay the price. Taleb A. was reportedly convinced that Germany was involved in a conspiracy to Islamicise Europe. 10:36 AM GMT Saudis tipped off Germany about attacker A source inside the Saudi government has told the news agency Reuters that it warned German authorities about Taleb A., who was a vocal critic of the Saudi state and posted regular comments on social media about his life as an ex-Muslim. Taleb A., is a Saudi national who came to Germany in 2006 and later claimed that he faced persecution in his home country. 10:24 AM GMT Attacker had taken drugs before attack A drug test carried out by German police on the driver of the BMW has come out positive, according to Bild newspaper. The test can detect several drugs including cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines. It is not yet clear what drug the suspected tested positive for. 10:16 AM GMT Video of the moment of the arrest Footage reportedly shows German police arresting Magdeburg Christmas market driver after terror attack | Credit: Visegrad24/X 10:15 AM GMT Local governor announces full investigation Reiner Haseloff, governor in Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdeburg is the state capital, has made a statement to the press. I will work to ensure that this crime is fully investigated. We owe this to the victims, he said. Such a tragedy in a place where families and friends were looking forward to Christmas and spending a beautiful moment with one another, is shocking, he said. He added that victims must now receive all our support and help. I especially hope that the injured will recover and that there will be no further fatalities. 10:05 AM GMT Crime evokes memories of 2016 terror attack German authorities have recognised Christmas markets as weak spot in the countrys security architecture since a terror attack in Berlin in 2016. Shortly before Christmas that year a Tunisian Islamist hijacked a lorry and rammed it into a street market in the centre of the capital, killing eleven people. That incident led to greater security precautions, such a bollards being placed at the entrance to Christmas markets. But the markets, which spring up across Germany during Advent are often on the sides of streets, making it hard for the police to completely guarantee security. 09:59 AM GMT Death toll rises to five The number of people confirmed dead in the attack has now risen to five, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel. A small child has been confirmed among the fatalities. Some 41 people remain in a critical condition in hospital, Bild newspaper reports. 09:56 AM GMT German cities tighten security around Christmas markets Throughout December, Christmas markets take over streets and squares of German towns both big and small. Several cities announced on Saturday that they would be putting more police on patrol over the coming days. Police in Bavaria, Hamburg and other regions of the country have said that they have no evidence that anyone is planning to attack their markets but said that they would tighten security as a precautionary measure. The RSPCA Assured scheme has been called into question by an investigation by Animal Rising. Photograph: David McNew/Getty The BBC presenter Chris Packham and the former Green party leader Caroline Lucas have resigned from the RSPCA animal-welfare charity, accusing the organisation of legitimising cruelty. It comes after an undercover investigation from Animal Rising, which campaigns for a plant-based food system, used hidden cameras to reveal animal cruelty at RSPCA-approved abattoirs. Packham, who was RSPCA president, and Lucas, who was vice-president, criticised the charitys response to the videos. I believe the charity has lost sight of its mandate to protect all animals from cruelty and suffering, Packham said. The charity runs the RSPCA Assured scheme as a stamp of approval for humane animal farming, intended to drive up industry practices by setting standards above legal requirements. But two investigations by Animal Rising the first published in May and the second in December revealed animal abuse. Workers were seen kicking and hitting pigs, inappropriately stunning sheep, hitting cows in the face with a paddle, and other improper and violent acts against animals. Packham and Lucas attempted to pressure the RSPCA internally to address the breaches. But, according to a joint letter seen by the Times, Lucas reported numerous fruitless meetings with RSPCA leaders, delays [and] defensiveness but no urgent action. In a statement, Packham said he had been tirelessly pushing for reform, but Ive seen no meaningful change. With the irrefutable evidence of abuse uncovered, I must prioritise my love for animals above all else and step down immediately. Packham told the Guardian that the abuse footage made him physically sick, bringing him to tears and causing him to lose sleep, and added the RSPCAs certification scheme was an ecological, environmental, social and economic catastrophe that should be shut down. Lucas said the systemic cruelty exposed was unbearable to witness. While the RSPCAs response was to suspend the implicated facilities and launch yet another investigation, they failed to confront the deeper flaws of [RSPCA Assured] itself, she said. This approach not only fails to uphold their own standards but also risks misleading the public and legitimising cruelty. An RSPCA spokesperson said: Were very sorry to see Chris Packham and Caroline Lucas step down after many years of support and having achieved so much together for animal welfare. The organisation said it had openly discussed how to boost welfare standards with the pair and have welcomed their challenge, but that differing views on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare eventually led to their resignations on Friday. The charity defended its record with the RSPCA Assured scheme, pointing to improvements including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life. After Animal Risings first investigation, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of certified farms. It concluded the scheme was operating effectively to provide assurance that animal welfare standards are being met. The news comes after Brian May, the Queen guitarist and former RSPCA vice-president, resigned in September, saying the charitys response was completely inadequate. Critics of Germanys chancellor Olaf Scholz will say the market attack is yet another sign that he is hopelessly weak on national security - Christian Mang/Reuters Migration was already set to dominate Germanys election campaign, which starts in earnest in the New Year. But Friday nights attack will supercharge the issue. It is the third major terror attack involving a foreign suspect to hit Germany this year, following a mass stabbing at a festival in Solingen and a knife attack in Mannheim. Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-Right party polling at second place nationwide, will no doubt seize on the identity of the attacker, a Saudi migrant worker who came to Germany in 2006. The bloodshed will also heap more pressure on the elections frontrunner, Friedrich Merz of the centre-Right Christian Democrats, to announce even tougher policies on security and migration. Earlier this year, he said Germany needed to declare a national emergency on migration, following the attack in Solingen. Taleb al-Abdulmohsens decision to target a Christmas market just a few days before the holidays makes this tragedy particularly incendiary. Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz meets rescue workers at the scene of the attack - Christian Mang It struck a blow to the heart and soul of German culture: a gleeful, boozy winter festival where people from all walks of life come together to chat and snap up some last-minute gifts. When will this madness end? wrote Alice Weidel, the AfDs co-leader, in a post on social media shortly after the attack took place. She was said to be on her way to Magdeburg to pay tribute to the victims later on Saturday, while the AfD is planning a demonstration this Monday. The notion that Germany is being ruined by mad liberal policies on migration, the economy, and foreign policy has been a common refrain in the AfDs campaigning for many years. That line seems to have resonated with voters: the AfD is very likely to emerge from next Februarys elections as the biggest party in opposition, polls suggest. And while it will be frozen out of coalition talks Germanys traditional parties refuse absolutely to co-operate with the AfD it will still wield significant influence in the Bundestag. Protesters call for Remigration now! following the attack in Magdeburg - Christian Mang Nine years on from Angela Merkels famous open-door refugee policy under which more than a million people enter the country nearly all German political leaders have soured on migration. Mr Merz has vowed to turn away migrants from German borders in significant numbers if he is elected as chancellor in the February elections. Olaf Scholz, the incumbent chancellor and leader of the centre-left SPD party, has also toughened his stance on migration. Earlier this year, his government introduced temporary passport controls at all of Germanys land borders to try and reduce illegal immigration. Even the new, hard-Left BSW party, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, is weary of mass migration: she has complained that refugees Ukrainians in particular are a drain on Germanys schools, hospitals and dentists. Critics of Mr Scholz will rush to claim that Fridays tragedy is yet another sign that he is hopelessly weak on national security. Mourners lay flowers at the scene of Fridays attack on a Christmas market - Christian Mang But the suspect in this attack was a very unusual figure. While the act itself carries all the hallmarks of an Islamic State-style attack ploughing a car into a Christmas market he holds Islamophobic views, according to the German interior ministry. Ironically, he has also expressed admiration for the AfD due to the partys staunch opposition to mass migration to Germany from Muslim countries. That could make things slightly awkward for the AfD if they choose to make the Magdeburg attacker a major part of their election campaign: their opponents will argue that he actually shares many of their views on Islam. There is also a subtle difference between the Magdeburg Christmas market attack and those two appalling incidents that occurred in Solingen and Mannheim. German police officers commemorate a fallen colleague following a knife attack in Mannheim in June - Michael Probst In the case of Magdeburg, the attacker is a Saudi citizen who legally migrated to Germany in 2006 and subsequently was granted asylum due to a risk of persecution if he returned to Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the Solingen attacker was a rejected Syrian asylum seeker whom Germany had failed to deport leaving him free to carry out his attack last August, killing three people. By the same token, the Mannheim attacker who murdered a policeman and stabbed a far-Right activist was an Afghan citizen who had his asylum bid rejected in 2014 but remained in the country on a technicality. The fact that the Magdeburg attacker came legally to Germany suggests local security failures and domestic intelligence shortfalls are more to blame than national migration policies. This could also slightly take the winds out of the AfDs sails. In any case, this is set to be one of the most intense, and most divisive German election campaigns in recent memory and it is clear that German voters demands for tougher border security will have to be addressed in some way. Rally in London against proposed tax changes that have angered farmers - Paul Grover for The Telegraph Town halls across the country are in open revolt against the family farm tax, with Labour MPs under mounting pressure on the policy. In recent weeks, almost two dozen councils have passed motions calling on the Chancellor and Environment Secretary to axe the measure which they say is an assault on the countryside. The 22 councils include those where Labour has newly elected MPs who are now facing rebellions from their town hall leaders. They represent almost 10 million people, equivalent to 15.8 per cent of the population across England and Wales, or one in six Britons. Under the changes, which come into force from April 2026, farms worth more than 1 million will be subject to a 20 per cent levy, half the usual inheritance tax rate. Rural groups have argued that the 1million threshold will hit the majority of working family farms, asset-rich but cash-poor, instead of targeting wealthy landowners seeking to avoid inheritance tax. Some 50 Labour MPs in rural constituencies are said to want to water down the planned rise in inheritance tax on rural land - Andrew Matthews/PA In Rushcliffe, where the Labour MP James Naish overturned a previous Tory majority, the district council passed a motion demanding that he lobbies the Chancellor to drop the plans. Cllr Neil Clarke, the leader of Rushcliffe Council, warned that the changes to inheritance tax threaten to cripple many family farms which have no means to pay such punitive amounts. Meanwhile, Jon Pearce, the Labour MP for High Peak, has been sidelined by his borough council and the local authority will be writing to the Chancellor directly to urge an about-turn. Other town halls to pass motions expressing their dismay include Devon County Council and Norfolk County Council, where councillors hit out at the Chancellors assault on the countryside and rural way of life. Cornwall, Kent, Somerset, Suffolk and Buckinghamshire councils also passed motions against the policy. The increase is meant to target people who buy rural land to dodge tax - Tolga Akmen/EPA-EFE About 50 rural Labour MPs have reportedly joined a WhatsApp group pushing to revise the policy, concerned about the impact on their constituents. The MPs are said to want the 1 million threshold raised to hit wealthier landowners and are also pushing for the 20 per cent tax rate to be changed to the standard 40 per cent, to discourage the purchase of farmland purely to reduce inheritance tax. Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance said: The list of councils opposing the family farm tax is growing quickly and we expect more will be signing up in the New Year. This is undoubtedly a challenge for those rural Labour MPs representing seats in these council areas, many of whom understandably feel like theyve been thrown under the bus by this hated policy. He added: But sympathy can only go so far rural people need to see those MPs joining the rural sector in demanding a policy rethink. The Treasury needs to put ego aside and find a way forward out of this mess with rural experts, or risk it plaguing the Government until the next general election. A Government spokesman said: Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast we have committed 5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come. Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year. For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free. This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on. Gaie Delap, a retired teacher, outside the Royal Courts of Justice - Brian Farmer/PA Wire A 77-year-old Just Stop Oil protester has been recalled to prison after her wrists were too small for an electronic tag. Gaie Delap, a grandmother from Bristol, was sentenced to 20 months in August for her part in disruptive protests on the M25 in November 2022. Four activists including Delap were released early and three were successfully tagged, according to the activist group. But Delap, a retired teacher, who was freed on Nov 18, is now back behind bars. The Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) was unable to fit a tag to Delaps ankle because of a health condition, so attempted to fit one to her wrist instead. When staff were unable to do so, a warrant was issued for her arrest on Dec 5 despite, according to Just Stop Oil, her being fully compliant with the terms of release. The campaign group said Delap suffers from numerous health conditions and suffered a stroke in the run-up to her trial. It added that she experienced significant mistreatment in prison, suffering wrist problems after being handcuffed to a bed in hospital, and the warrant for her arrest was reportedly issued while she was receiving treatment in hospital. Gaie Delap, left, with other Just Stop Oil activists when they arrived for their trial in October last year - Aaron Chown/PA Wire A Just Stop Oil spokesman said: Gaie took action in 2022 after the Government announced that it would issue over 100 new oil and gas licences. This was despite summer temperatures climbing above 40C, railways buckling in the heat, harvests being decimated, and the London Fire Brigade experiencing the most calls since WWII. There were 61,000 excess deaths from the heat in Europe that year. Gaie took this brave action out of a deep sense of duty to protect her children, grandchildren and indeed all of us. Meanwhil, those causing real disruption the fossil fuel executives, the water company bosses, the corrupt politicians who profited over dodgy PPE contracts all walk free. Cruel and unnecessary Friends and family of Delap issued a statement through the campaign group in which they said: We are outraged by her recall to prison. We know this is cruel, and totally unnecessary. We know there are alternatives to the tag. We know that if she had been a man, a tag would have been available. Because of medical conditions, Gaie requires a wrist tag, or some equivalent. And we know from our own investigations and enquiries there are many out there. Moreover, Gaie is absolutely no threat to the community. This recall to prison is a ridiculous waste of resources and money. It will cost the taxpayer 12,000 to keep Gaie in prison. We cannot believe that there is not an electronic monitoring device that can be fitted at a fraction of the cost. We want common sense to prevail. Delaps family have called on supporters to contact Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, to ask her to reverse the decision. A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: We have a duty to enforce sentences passed down by the independent judiciary. The law states anyone released under home detention curfew must be tagged and recalled if no alternative solution is available. Reform treasurer Nick Candy, tech billionaire Elon Musk and Nigel Farage at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last week Photograph: Stuart Mitchell/PA For many Labour and MPs and party officials, it was a nightmarish image that encapsulated the forces buffeting politics across the west. A gleeful Nigel Farage standing next to Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, having discussed the possibility of a political donation big enough to bankroll any British party, with cash to spare. Related: Ministers resist calls to block Musk donations to Farages Reform UK At Musks other shoulder stood Nick Candy, the former Tory donor and now Reform UKs treasurer. And hanging above them all, a portrait of the political disrupter-in-chief, Donald Trump. When the picture emerged on Tuesday, hours after a meeting between Musk and the Reform duo at Trumps Mar-a-Lago Florida estate, it inevitably kicked off demands for a change in Britains porous political donation laws. For years, figures across the legal, security and political worlds have come to the unanimous view that the rules are far too lax. Yet by the end of another fraught political week, attitudes towards the issue inside the government were hardening. Related: Could $100m of Elon Musks money sway a general election for Reform UK? According to a source familiar with discussions, a common view began to emerge among key figures in Keir Starmers team. Yes, the government should eventually pursue a manifesto pledge to strengthen donation rules. But any kneejerk reaction or specific laws targeting a Musk donation could backfire. [Reforms] message is that the Tories and Labour are exactly the same, the establishment has failed and you need to do something different, said one influential figure. But if we can show the country is improving, were getting better; that feels like the best way to combat a third party rather than getting embroiled in an argument directly with Nigel Farage. The government is looking at measures to tighten donation rules, but insiders said there was little prospect of action soon. One dismissed the idea that we are going to suddenly dream up or rush through stuff in response to the idea Musk may or may not give money. Others believe that if Farage opts to be financed by a rightwing tech billionaire, then it may also provoke support for Labour from figures wanting to combat it. In effect, Starmers team recommitted to the idea that the best way to deal with populism is to make hard decisions now in order to deliver improvements by 2029. Even those most passionate about Labours plan, however, acknowledge that it requires short-term pain and a lengthy period of holding their nerve. The next big flashpoint where that resilience will be needed comes in Mays local elections. They offer an opportunity for Reform to continue its momentum and exploit the early unpopularity of a Labour government that has raised taxes, cut the winter fuel allowance and rejected compensation for Waspi women. Unusually, it is not yet clear which local elections will take place because of Labours plans for a rearrangement of local government. However, there are a series of potential areas that will be of serious interest to Reform across the south-east and the East Midlands. Essex and Kent will also be targeted, along with Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Recently, Reform strategists were prioritising the mayoralty of Lincolnshire, where they have former Tory MP and Boris Johnson acolyte Andrea Jenkyns as their candidate. Control of Thurrock council in Essex is also one of their aims if elections take place there. Meanwhile, Doncaster could give Reform the chance to show its credentials for taking on Labour. There is also the curve ball of a potential byelection in Runcorn and Helsby, where the MP Mike Amesbury, already suspended by Labour, has been charged with assault after an incident following a night out. Labour won the seat comfortably at the election, with Reform in a distant second. But it would represent a free hit for Reform and a test of its efforts to professionalise and mobilise. While there continues to be evidence that Reforms rise threatens the Conservatives more than Labour, pollsters point to some worrying early signs for the governing party. In Dudley, Labour lost a council byelection to the Tories, pushed into third place by Reform. In a byelection in Swale, Kent, it lost a seat to Reform. Farages party also picked up a council seat in St Helens, Merseyside, earlier this month. For Starmers team, the new year will be another test of the partys willingness to stick to the plan. You cant really fight against a party that has five MPs and can say whatever it wants you have to focus on delivering for people, said one influential figure. If were able to deliver, well have a really good argument and platform to stand on at the next election. Other experienced heads are also urging caution in assuming that the interest from Musk, combined with the early unpopularity of the Labour government, will inevitably see UK politics veer farther to the right. Theres quite a lot of panic, said Theo Bertram, who advised both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and now oversees the Social Market Foundation thinktank. Its not like it was when Theresa May was tottering, or even David Cameron when he was playing up to the right of the Conservatives on Europe. The ceiling for Farage was not reached at this years election, but in 2014, when 4.3 million people voted for Ukip. Reform thrives on the idea of mistrust. Theres a need for reaffirming that sense of hope and confidence in the social contract the idea that if you work hard and play by the rules, you expect that your salary is going to pay for your house, food and a holiday. Both Conservative and Labour have not yet found a way of making the case. I dont think theyve given that vision. The police presence at Britains Christmas markets was stepped up on Saturday, including at Manchester, where bollards prevent vehicles reaching the site - Paul Cousans/Zenpix Ltd Police have urged people attending Christmas markets in Britain to remain on their guard in the wake of the deadly attack on shoppers in Germany. At least five people were killed in the town of Magdeburg when a Saudi doctor rammed his car into a packed Christmas market on Friday evening. Dozens are said to be critically ill. Following the attack, UK police have repeated warnings to those attending similar events in Britain, urging the public to immediately report anything suspicious. It came as armed officers were seen patrolling Christmas markets across several regions, including a number in Surrey, with the aim of deterring serious crime and terrorism. Magdeburg was mourning its dead on Saturday, with flowers being laid at the site of the east German citys Christmas market, which suffered a terrorist attack on Friday - Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images Chief Supt Kris Wright, head of protective security operations for the Metropolitan Police, said: At this time of year, we naturally see more people heading out and about to enjoy the festive period. We want people to enjoy themselves, but also to stay safe, so we are asking the public to report anything that doesnt look or feel right to us. The power of public reporting should not be underestimated. It is never a waste of time to speak to us, or submit an online report. Sadly, the threat from terrorism is a real one, so it is vital that we have the support of the public, which helps our own operations and activity to keep everyone safe. Since 2017, we, along with our partners, have disrupted over 40 terrorist plots. That is down to many dedicated, specialist officers and staff, but also due to the public helping us in that crucial work. Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, centre, visited the Magdeburg market site on Saturday with members of his cabinet and Reiner Haseloff, front left, the premier of Saxony-Anhalt - Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images South Wales Police also moved to reassure festive shoppers. A spokesperson for the force said: This Christmas, South Wales Police officers, staff and volunteers will be working around the clock as always, to keep our communities safe. This includes having extra patrols in the busiest areas of our towns and city centres. The warning came after organisers of a Christmas fair in Lincolnshire cancelled the event after being told to block off roads to prevent a potential terrorist attack. The Rotary Club of Woodhall Spa said an insurmountable level of onerous health and safety paperwork and accompanying measures meant it was no longer feasible to host the fair, due to have been held on Dec 6. Armed police at the site of the Magdeburg attack on Friday night - Filip Singer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock In Surrey last week, armed police were seen patrolling Christmas markets across the county as part of what the force described as routine foot patrols. Chief Supt Justin Burtenshaw, Surrey Polices head of protective security, said: Armed police are deployed 24 hours a day and they have several responsibilities. One of these is a standing authority that enables us to patrol throughout the year, to deter serious crime and terrorism. He added: There are no particular threats to Surrey, but we look at where the high footfall is, and at this time of year, lots of people are at Christmas markets. One of the organisers of Cardiffs Christmas market has questioned the security at a number of similar events around the country, pointing out that in several cases cars and other vehicles have direct access to where shoppers are gathered. She said: At Cardiff, you cannot get any vehicles anywhere near our Christmas market because of the bollards and traffic restrictions. Im amazed that some markets seem to allow cars to come much closer. Forensic teams at work on the BMW used in the Magdeburg attack in the early hours of Saturday morning - Hendrik Schmidt/dpa via AP Birminghams Christmas Market - one of Britains largest such events - said on Saturday that following the attack in Magdeburg, its security processes were reviewed and discussed with a police security adviser. It said no changes were required and all staff remain vigilant. In a statement, Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd, the German firm behind Birminghams market, said: Incidents such as those now occurring in Magdeburg reaffirm the efforts of all those responsible for the Christmas market in Birmingham to constantly rethink and optimise the security concept and demonstrate the need to continue this with the aim of achieving the greatest possible safety for visitors. The warnings to UK shoppers came after a BMW was driven at full speed into Magdeburgs Christmas market as it was teeming with shoppers. The car sped for a quarter of a mile through the crowds, killing five people, including a small child, and injuring at least 200 others. The 50-year-old suspect, who was arrested at the scene, was identified as a Saudi doctor, who was active on social media as an anti-Islam activist and supporter of the hard-Right AfD. Elon Musk meets Nigel Farage and Reform UKs treasurer Nick Candy at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last week. Photograph: Stuart Mitchell/PA Ministers are resisting demands to rush through measures to block Elon Musk from handing millions to Nigel Farage, amid a growing clamour for an overhaul of Britains political donation laws. The government is facing mounting calls this weekend for an urgent clampdown that would limit the amount a foreign national can donate via their UK-based companies. Related: Labour fears grow as Reform eyes victories in local election battleground Margaret Hodge, the governments new anti-corruption champion, is one of a series of prominent political, security and legal figures calling for reforms. The calls come after Farage caused anxiety among senior figures in both main parties with his claim that Musk, the richest man in the world, was giving serious thought to donating millions of pounds to Reform UK after the pair met last week at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trumps Florida estate. However, there are concerns at the heart of the government that a hurried attempt to introduce rules targeting a Musk donation could backfire and hand Farage the chance to claim that Reform UK was being sabotaged by the establishment. One source rejected the idea that ministers were poised to rush through rule changes in response to Musks interest. Well beat Reform by defeating their arguments rather than changing the rules to stop them getting money from Elon Musk, said a source. You dont successfully take on populists by changing the rules in bid to thwart them. While Labour has pledged to tighten up rules around political donations, insiders suggested reforms were not likely until the end of next year at the earliest. In the meantime, proposals being pushed in Whitehall that link the amount that can be donated through a company to the last two years of profits may do little to restrict Musk. As a US citizen, Musk cannot legally make a personal donation to a British political party, but he could do so through the UK subsidiaries of his various companies, which made about 90m in profits over the last two years. The latest Opinium poll for the Observer shows that most voters believe there should be a cap on political donations. It found that 56% believe there should be such a limit, while only 16% think there should be no cap. A third wrongly believed a cap was already in place. The Electoral Commission, the political finance watchdog, last week repeated its demand to link donations to the UK profits of the companies used to make them. Farage immediately pounced on the comments, describing the Electoral Commission as establishment stooges and suggested that the main parties were fearful of Reforms rise. Never mind peerages for donations or the millions given to them by foreign businessmen via UK companies in the past, he said. This old order needs to be swept away. However, several senior Labour figures said the party had to take on Reform by showing its tough decisions on tax rises and planning reforms would ultimately improve peoples lives, despite short-term unpopularity. According to the latest Opinium poll, Keir Starmers net approval remains at a lowly -32%, while Farage is significantly ahead on -9%. The news comes as a series of influential figures called for a change in the law around party financing - particularly a new cap on donations made through a company. Jonathan Evans, who chaired the committee on standards in public life when it drew up tighter rules on donations that were never adopted, said it was now time to introduce a cap and force parties to make enhanced checks on gifts. Our report on the regulation of electoral finance got support across our committee, which included representatives of all the major political parties, Lord Evans said. We were very disappointed that the government of the day did not accept any of our recommendations. I dont think the situation has really improved since that point. Its important that voters and members of the public should have confidence that the money is coming from appropriate sources. That seems to us to be the absolute basic minimum that you would expect We have suggested that companies should not be able to donate more money to a political party during a particular campaign than they generate in the UK in profits within thetwo preceding years. If you havent made any profits, then one does wonder where the money is coming from. The current committee chair, Doug Chalmers, also backed reforms. Lady Hodge said that a cap was essential and called for tighter rules on foreign donations. You should get transparency, tougher regulation and proper enforcement and accountability, she said. Theres lots of agreement on this and I think weve just now got to legislate. Youve just got to sort it out. David Anderson KC, the former independent reviewer of terrorism laws, said Labour must live up to its manifesto commitment to tighten donation rules, warning that not doing so risked further undermining public trust. The current controversy about Elon Musk and Reform illustrates a much broader problem, Lord Anderson said. The Electoral Commission, the committee on standards in public life, parliamentary select committees and others have been saying for years that the current rules are insufficient to guard against foreign interference in UK elections. In particular, the lax rules on business donations leave the door open for foreign money and proceeds of crime being channelled into politics via UK-registered shell companies. Labour promised in their manifesto to protect democracy by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties. Trust in our politics is dangerously low: they need to get on with it. Princess Beatrice, pictured arriving at the royal carol service, is due to welcome her second child in spring - Aaron Chown/Getty Images Princess Beatrice will join the rest of the Royal family for Christmas at Sandringham after being advised not to travel while heavily pregnant. The Princess, 36, who is due to give birth in early spring, had planned to spend Christmas abroad with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, and his family. However, Buckingham Palace sources said she had been advised by her medical team that it would be inadvisable to travel long distances at this late stage of pregnancy. She has therefore decided to remain in the UK and, alongside her husband and their children, Wolfie and Sienna, will spend Christmas with other members of the Royal family. The decision was unconnected to the furore surrounding her father, the Duke of York, and his involvement in a Chinese spy scandal, it is understood. Prince Andrew chatted to well-wishers at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham last year, but will keep out of the spotlight at this years festivities - ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP Prince Andrew decided last week not to join the traditional family gathering in Norfolk after being urged by royal insiders to steer clear to avoid further embarrassing the King. He also pulled out of the familys pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace last Thursday, after some last minute deft family diplomacy on the part of his ex-wife, Sarah, the Duchess of York. The King was said to be very grateful for her intervention. Prince Andrew and the Duchess will probably spend Christmas at Royal Lodge, the home they still share in Windsor. It had been decided several months ago that their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, would not go to Sandringham this year. Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at a carol service in Westminster abbey - Isabel Infantes/REUTERS Family members had suggested they might instead like to enjoy the festivities with their respective in-laws, having not done so since they were married. Eugenie will stick with plans to spend Christmas with her husband Jack Brooksbanks family, alongside their sons August, three, and Ernest, one. Buckingham Palace announced on Oct 1 that Beatrice was pregnant with her second child. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzis son Beatrices stepson eight-year-old Wolfie. The Yorks fourth grandchild will be born 11th in line to the throne. Both families were said to be delighted with the news, which followed a difficult few months that saw the King, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess all diagnosed with cancer. Princess Eugenie arrives at Buckingham Palace for a pre-Christmas party - Paul Grover Sarah was treated for malignant melanoma skin cancer in January, just months after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer. She was given the all clear in May. Beatrice and Eugenie were pictured arriving for the familys pre-Christmas lunch with their respective husbands and children last week. The Duke stayed away after it emerged that he had been a close confidant of alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was invited to Buckingham Palace twice and to Windsor Castle and St Jamess Palace. While it is accepted that the apparent infiltration of the Royal family may not have been of the Dukes making, it put him at the centre of another PR crisis that heaped further humiliation on the royal brand. The crowd flowed over London Bridge and up King William Street Rachel Reeves is being urged to halt a diversity drive officials estimate will cost the City up to 1 billion. Regulations that will force financial firms to collect and report diversity and inclusion data threaten British competitiveness and erode meritocracy, the Chancellor has been warned. In a letter to Ms Reeves, three members of the Conservative front bench point out the proposals are based on scientifically unsound ... contested ideological principles. The new regulations, drawn up by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), require firms to the report sex or gender of employees as well as ethnicity, age, disability, religion and sexual orientation. The FCA also wants firms to recognise a lack of diversity as a non-financial risk. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, speaking at the City of Londons annual Mansion House dinner in November - Isabel Infantes/Reuters But Ms Reeves has been told that the regulations are at odds with the Governments growth targets and promises to businesses to reduce red tape. Andrew Griffith MP, the shadow business and trade secretary, Mark Garnier MP, the shadow economic secretary to the treasury, and Claire Coutinho MP, the shadow women and equalities minister, have written to the Chancellor, urging her to intervene and stop these regulations from coming into force. We believe that these proposals, if enacted, would damage the City of London and the wider British economy, and could contravene the FCAs statutory objectives, as well as being beyond its legal authority, they wrote. The regulatory and administrative burden these rules would impose on firms would take resources away from serving consumers and divert them to regulatory compliance, which would be detrimental to consumer welfare. Regulators acknowledge costs The MPs pointed out that the City regulators acknowledge in their own impact assessments the measures will impose significant costs, adding: Combined, the regulators estimate these proposals would cost businesses a net 1 billion. The FCA estimates that the one-off cost to firms to introduce the new regime will be 561 million, plus an additional 317 million each year. Meanwhile, the PRA forecasts that it will cost the firms it regulates 75 million in one-off costs plus 58 million in ongoing annual costs. The Tory MPs also pointed out that Labour ministers had promised to cut red tape for the City and the regulations would appear to contradict such pledges. The proposed regulations would threaten British competitiveness, erode meritocracy in British financial services, and embed scientifically unsound and contested ideological principles in regulations, they wrote. They not only appear to exceed the statutory powers of the regulators, but they also directly contradict the statements made by Government ministers about the importance of regulators promoting innovation, inward investment and economic growth. Earlier this year, Kemi Badenoch argued the proposals were counterproductive and would stifle Britains growth. In April, as business secretary, she wrote to the FCA and PRA, urging them to rethink the proposals. An FCA spokesman said: To be competitive, financial services must attract and promote the most talented. When we consulted, we noted fewer than one in five senior positions in banking, capital markets and payments were held by women. We recognise there are a range of views on our proposals. Weve prioritised our work on non-financial misconduct, for example, sexual harassment. Well set out the next steps in 2025. A Treasury spokesperson said: Economic reform is needed if we want to unlock the full growth potential of the British economy, and regulation is a critical part of that. While operationally independent from the government, we are determined they can help serve our number one mission of growth. The Government is working with the financial services sector to set out the first ever UK financial services growth and competitiveness strategy. That plan will deliver sustainable, inclusive growth for the financial services sector and secure the UKs competitiveness as an international financial centre. The PRA declined to comment. Keir Starmer, right, with Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, at Downing Street in July. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images A secretive group that donated 130,000 to Labour and claimed to be merely a platform for people is in fact funded by property developers, the Observer can reveal. The firm behind a 200m project to build a skyscraper in Birmingham and three other developers are behind the West Midlands Breakfast Club, which gave money to Labour in February. The breakfast club an unincorporated association with no legal status had previously refused to name its funders and failed to declare details to the elections watchdog. In July, after questions about its backers, the groups coordinator, Stephen Goldstein, said they included a cross section of businesses in the West Midlands. He said the donors were people that connected with each other from across the communities, adding, theres nothing machiavellian about it. Now the Observer can reveal the club gets most of its funding from four property developers with business interests in the region, including luxury apartments and student lets. Court Collaboration, which is leading the One Eastside skyscraper development, gave 40,000 to the club and is its biggest financial backer. The others include three property firms that each gave 20,000: Corbally Holdings, Garrison Group Holdings and Prosperity Wealth and Developments. The Breakfast Club is understood to have donated to the central Labour party to help the campaign of Richard Parker, who beat Tory candidate Andy Street to become West Midlands mayor in May after standing on a pledge to build more social housing. It raises questions about secrecy and loopholes in political finance rules. The WMBC is an unincorporated association an informal group without a legal status that is not required to publish accounts or disclose its funding sources unless they meet a certain threshold. Labour has criticised the Conservatives for taking shady donations through the groups, which campaigners warn can be a conduit for impermissible or opaque funds. The Electoral Commission said it was worried about weaknesses in the rules that mean unincorporated associations were not required to ensure that those who donate to them are permissible donors. The developers had not previously been linked to the donation and their identities remained hidden throughout the mayoral and general elections. While 100,000 of the 130,000 donation can now be traced to the property firms, the source of the remaining 30,000 is still not known. This is probably because unincorporated associations only have to declare the names of funders that give more than 11,180 in a year. Steve Goodrich, research director at Transparency International, said it was a transparency black hole. We still dont know where a decent chunk of money to this unincorporated association has come from. This might be someone whos seeking planning permission at the local level or to curry favour with those theyre supporting to run for office. Without this information we cant judge whether something malign is afoot, he said. Labour has promised a revolution in housebuilding, announcing major planning reforms to help deliver a manifesto pledge to build 1.5m homes in five years and get Britain building again. In the West Midlands, Parker has said he is committed to doing all we can to streamline planning processes to boost investment. The ties to the property firms were only revealed after the Electoral Commission intervened, with the WMBC registering as an unincorporated association five months late and failing to meet the legal deadline for declaring its funders. Under political finance rules, unincorporated associations must register with the Electoral Commission within 30 days if they make political donations above 37,270. The WMBC did not register until August despite donating to Labour in February, the Electoral Commission said. The group was also four months late in declaring the names of the companies that had given it money. It should have reported gifts received from the four property firms within 60 days but did not do so until August. The donation also raises questions about a potential conflict of interest for the West Midlands mayor. As chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Parker is not involved in individual planning decisions but oversees investment and priorities in the region. He has committed to a revolution in housebuilding and publicly backed projects he likes. Under devolution reforms announced by the government last week, mayors will get new development management powers, similar to those exercised by the mayor of London, including the ability to call in planning applications of strategic importance. The WMBCs largest donor, Court Collaboration, has several ongoing projects in Birmingham targeting luxury markets. They include the 200m project to build a 51-storey, 155m skyscraper with 667 build-to-rent apartments. Of those, 20 are expected to be affordable housing, available at 20% below market rate. The companys co-director Anthony McCourt lives in Indonesia and manages an overseas investor base. Another backer, Garrison Group, is working on a project to build four housing blocks with 546 homes and 710 student beds. It has close ties to Sama Investment Group, a residential developer and investor with offices in Dubai, Doha and Riyadh. Sama has seven live projects in the West Midlands, including a student accommodation project approved earlier this month. Prosperity Wealth and Development and Corbally Holdings, which both gave 20,000 to the West Midlands Breakfast Club, also have developments planned or in progress in the region. None of the companies responded to requests for comment. A political source said there had been a total lack of transparency. Details of the donation come as Labour faces mounting pressure to tighten political donations loopholes after Elon Musk suggested he could donate $100m (78m) to help Reform UK in the next election. Foreign donations are supposed to be banned but loopholes such as unincorporated associations exist. Jess Garland from the Electoral Reform Society said: We need to urgently improve transparency requirements. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said work to tighten the rules was ongoing. The West Midlands Combined Authority, which Parker leads, failed to respond to requests for comment last week. Related: Starmer urged to change donation rules amid talk of Musk bankrolling Reform Decisions made by the board of the WMCA, which encompasses seven local authorities, are subject to scrutiny and legal frameworks. Labour said the donations, though registered late, were all within the rules. It said the delay in declaring the funding was a matter for the West Midlands Breakfast Club, which did not respond to requests for comment. Parker declined to comment. A source close to him said: It should obviously go without saying that the mayor would not let whether someone is or is not a donor to the Labour party influence decision making. The WMBCs website which previously contained just a logo, email address and phone number for Goldstein has now been replaced with a near-identical site for a group called West Midlands Connect. A company has been registered with that name, with Goldstein as its director. Goldstein, a local businessman who is an active director of 44 firms, including property companies, previously told the Telegraph he was responsible for coordinating the WMBC but not the donations. He said he could not share the members identities without their permission. Goldstein owns Malvern House, an office space that was also used as Parkers mayoral campaign office. He described Parker as a friend and said the WMBC was set up primarily to support to have a platform for Richard prior to getting elected, so he could talk to people that were not necessarily members of the Labour party, just interested people, that wanted to hear from him. North East ISD notified 5,000 current and former employees of a possible data breach caused by a cyberattack in August. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images Hackers raided the private data of more than 1.4 million Texas Tech Health Sciences Center patients in September, getting away with information from its centers in Lubbock and El Paso. The university told the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services it discovered the breaches in September after some of its computer systems and applications were temporarily disrupted by the cyberattack. It said the data of 815,000 customers of the El Paso site and 650,000 at the Lubbock site was accessed. The investigation confirmed that a cybersecurity event caused the technology issues, resulting in access to or removal of certain files and folders from the HSCs network between September 17 and September 29, the Health Sciences Center said in its notice to patients. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It told them the types of compromised data varies by individual and could include, name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, drivers license number, government-issued identification number, financial account information, health insurance information and medical information including medical records numbers, billing/claims data and diagnosis and treatment information. The universitys incident notice did not say ransomware was used in the attack but cybersecurity news sites have reported the Interlock ransomware group has claimed responsibility. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. The HIPAA Journal reported last month that the group has been attacking health care sites since September. Texas Techs Health Sciences Center has six schools and five satellite campuses across West Texas serving more than 2.75 million people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Federal law requires health providers to disclose to HHS breaches of unsecured protected health information affecting 500 or more individuals. The agencys Office for Civil Rights investigates the cases. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 400 health care cyber-attacks had been reported in the U.S. by early October. In the past few years, several San Antonio health systems have been attacked. They include Methodist Healthcare, Baptist Medical Center and CentroMed. Health care companies are prime targets because they accumulate vast troves of sensitive personal data that can be used in ransomware or data-theft schemes. The state attorney generals website that tracks data breaches impacting Texans does not yet list the Texas Tech breaches. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Launched in 2020, Hair Syrup is the viral hair care brand that's grown 967% in the past year. Lucie Macleod is still only 25, yet to even dedicate a third of her life to hair care, but already at the helm of a multi-million pound business. After concocting homemade, pre-wash oil treatments in her late teens, the Welsh entrepreneur is now helping solve her customers' own damaged hair issues through her rapidly growing brand Hair Syrup. Macleod was a student at the University of Warwick when she posted her first TikTok video during COVID at her parents house. Demand for her product was instantaneous. In the flick of an eye, I went from being a sole trader in my parents conservatory with a 3.99 website to walking up to the local post office with an armful of parcels," she recalls. Read More: How premium tea brand Birchall has shunned price war for quality Initially a student side hustle, Macleod saw demand and sales soar with her oil-based hair care range in less than 12 months. After launching in 2020, Hair Syrup is projected to hit revenue of 8.5 million by 2026 and is now stocked by the likes of Boots, Superdrug and Urban Outfitters. Hundreds of people were asking me to sell them something so why wouldnt I? says Macleod. At the beginning it was exciting, fun and with minimal risk as I didnt invest anything. I saw it as a pastime hobby. From a young age Ive wanted to work for myself but only when I was in my late thirties. But it took off unexpectedly and I was knee deep before I knew what to do. As Macleod grappled with early-stage business growth pains, Hair Syrup snowballed in late 2022 before the business, which employs 16 staff, secured its first unit and manufacturer. For the latter, Macleod says she put in around 100 calls to find the right partner. Lucie Macleod began trialling hair oil experiments at university before launching her cult favourite brand. "People dont realise how difficult that is, adds Macleod. I didnt know where to find them or they wouldnt speak to me as I was such a small brand. Where do I find the factory to mix my oil? Where to find a supplier for bottles or to print my labels? I was making it up on the spot. Macleod says getting a grip on stock control has been key for the cult favourite brand. She notes that if a video is published which uses a Hair Syrup product and goes viral, the company could sell six months worth of stock in one week. By having our own stock reserve we can be reactive, which makes all the difference, and it also keeps local jobs, she says. Read More: UK's youngest winemaker is on a mission to boost people's faith in English wine Macleods firm is based in North Pembrokeshire and she is intent on keeping Hair Syrup there, rather than move towards Cardiff. We are making Pembrokeshire more of an identity of Hair Syrup, says Macleod. Four years on, we have people commenting how they didnt know we were a Welsh brand. There are so many talented and creative people in Pembrokeshire who otherwise wouldnt get the chance to gain the experience. "Its great to have something like this here and offer something different to the community. Macleod originally had 23 staff but says being lean has helped to run a smooth business as she continues to learn as a young leader. Having a business mentor Nigel Hall, who helped roll out the Orange mobile network in the 1990s has also been pivotal for her. Lucie Macleod created Hair Syrup to treat her own hair damage, using DIY pre-wash oils that quickly resonated with her audience on TikTok. Talking about five-year plans and SWOT analysis didnt interest me [at the beginning], she adds. It felt tiresome but we are now at the point that these things need my attention and focus and to spread the workload. With no signs of business stagnating, Macleod says that expansion to the US, the UAE and, in particular, Australia are the next ports of call for the in-demand brand. Yet Macleod insists that she will not forget the hundreds of initial social media comments, the roots behind turning a personal problem into a mainstream solution. Read More: The rise of Neom Wellbeing: 'The true story is hard graft' It plays into one of the big reasons why Hair Syrup became so successful, she says. It was so obvious that I wasnt there to make money. I was in a privileged position as a student, living at home during COVID and it was a pastime. I never set out thinking I would be the next LOreal. People are sceptical about hair care and conscious about what they put on their skin. I think seeing a founder who was generally there because they were experiencing the struggles that customers were experiencing and wanting to help others was refreshing for people. With a first class honours degree in English literature under her belt, Macleod could yet utilise her creative talents on her current runaway success. "Everyone says that to me that I could write a book," she smiles. "It seems presumptuous to write it now, maybe one day." Behind the brand: Hair Syrup founder on Growing a business I didnt take any significant risks. A lot of people think you have to do that in running a business but I completely disagree. You dont have to put your neck on the line and there are means and ways of doing it without having, say, 50,000 to start off with. Lucie Macleod aims to put Pembrokeshire on the map with her rising business. Advice to young entrepreneurs Resilience and tenacity are so important. I would say to anyone who wants to start a business that you have to be so obsessed and committed where others see you as insane to do it. Why would you put yourself through the hardship and the grind? But I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. Ego can be a problem within founders and entrepreneurs who have an end goal in sight and are not engaged with the here and now, which is arduous. If you arent into that and just thinking of an exit strategy in two years, that is not necessarily the best attitude to take. You need a certain grind and mentality which you have to learn. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. The Israeli flag was hanging in a studio at the Royal College of Art before it was torn down The Royal College of Art has been accused of allowing Jewish students to be intimidated after an Israeli flag was torn down while the Palestinian flag was left on show nearby. Jewish students at the prestigious college complained after the flag of Israel was removed from a studio and thrown to the floor. Nearby workspaces were left festooned with Palestinian flags and symbols. There are claims a tutor had earlier told a photography department meeting that the flag of Israel was a symbol of hate and genocide and that putting it on display was a deliberate provocation. Jewish and Israeli students claimed that when they tried to express their views they were shouted down, told to shut up and threatened. Rising tensions over the thousands killed in the Gaza conflict have led to a series of incidents at the central London college, whose former students include David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Zandra Rhodes and Ridley Scott. Other students hostility no excuse Lawyers have now written to Professor Christoph Lindner, the president and vice-chancellor of the RCA, calling for an end to what they describe as discrimination, harassment and hostile atmosphere for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist students. Jonathan Turner, the chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), told The Telegraph: The RCA must stop discrimination against, and harassment of, its Jewish and Israeli students. Hostility of other students is no excuse, especially when that hostility has been promoted by extremely biased anti-Israel lectures, which have very little, if any, connection with the RCAs objects. Freedom of expression should be protected at universities and it is unless it supports Israel, in which case it is increasingly suppressed. We have seen this development in disciplines ranging from international law to politics, history and even to sciences and arts. For visual arts students, images are particularly important. So at the Royal College of Art, emblems of Palestine are sacrosanct, while flags of Israel are torn down and Jewish students are told to shut up. UK Lawyers for Israel has warned the college that it would be discriminatory for it to attempt to ban Israeli flags or other items related to the national or ethnic identity of Jews from students work spaces, while still allowing other national flags and items to be displayed. One faculty member was also accused by the students of having made personal comments about one of the students. The UKLFI letter stated: [The faculty member] insisted that the student explain his ethnicity and how he qualified as an Israeli. [The faculty member] said that it was questionable whether the students mother was Jewish and that it did not qualify him to be an Israeli. It is also being claimed that one of the RCAs courses, Forensic Architecture which examines the architectural history of Gaza and the wider region includes anti-Israel propaganda which many Israeli and Jewish students find offensive. Students have complained about a number of lectures in which Israel was accused of committing genocide in Gaza, including one given in the school of architecture by Nadia Abu El-Haj, a professor of anthropology from Columbia University, in November. UKLFI said: Lectures such as this promote an extremely hostile atmosphere for Jewish and Israeli students, contributing to events such as those described above. Professor defends controversial talk Prof Abu El-Haj defended her comments, telling The Telegraph: My talk was actually about why it is despite all of the evidence we have, despite reports by major human rights organisations and a preliminary ruling by the ICJ that Israel is (plausibly) committing genocide that we cannot even have the conversation without being accused of anti-Semitism. Their response is precisely the problem. We need to have this conversation. However, the UKLFI has disputed Prof Abu El-Hajs interpretation of the ICJs ruling. It stated: The allegation that the ICJ made a preliminary ruling that Israel has plausibly committed genocide is incorrect. As the then president of the ICJ confirmed, the ICJ did not say this it merely said that the Palestinians have a plausible right to be protected from genocide and South Africa has a right to assert that claim at the ICJ. The RCA, founded in 1837 as the Government School of Design, said it was dealing with the flag incident through its internal procedures, and that it was aware of obligations under discrimination and equality laws. The RCA added that it was a diverse, multi-faith and multi-cultural community which was committed to supporting all staff and students with connections to Israel, Palestine, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, and other areas impacted by the current conflict. It also urged students or members of staff to report incidents of harassment, bullying or any other form of misconduct. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen is suspected of driving a BMW into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday night - Rair Foundation USA The man suspected of driving a car into a Christmas market in Germany is an exiled Saudi doctor who praised far-Right politicians for combating the Islamisation of Europe and pledged to take revenge for the harassment of female refugees. Five people have died after a BMW drove at speed into shoppers in Magdeburg on Friday night, and dozens more were critically injured. In a five-minute audio message posted online shortly before the terror attack, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen said he held the German nation responsible for crimes including the killing of Socrates in Athens in 399 BC. He went on to compare socialism and liberalism and accused the German authorities of stealing a USB stick from his post box. Signing off the message on his X, formerly Twitter, account, Abdulmohsen said he held the Germans responsible for what I am facing. A still from a video shows a German police officer confronting the Magdeburg attacker The message appeared to air grievances accumulated over years about mass immigration, legal difficulties, and a court battle with a refugee charity. Abdulmohsen, 50, arrived in Germany in 2006 and lives in Bernburg, about 30 miles from Magdeburg, local media reported. After settling in Germany he became active in Saudi refugee circles, describing himself on multiple social media accounts as an ex-Muslim concerned with the rights of women. But his erratic behaviour caused some other activists to warn against working with him. Nora Abdulkarim, a Harvard-based scholar of Saudi feminism who met Abdulmohsen in 2017, said at the time he should be avoided because he had issues and that there is something wrong with his mind. Ms Abdulkarim said on Saturday that she believed the grievance Abdulmohsen referred to in his last messages related to a legal dispute with a charity for atheist refugees that he had accused of taking advantage of Saudi women. The BMW drove at speed into a crowd of shoppers - five people had died by Saturday afternoon, with dozens more critically injured - Hendrick Schmidt/DPA via AP I first encountered Taleb in 2017 while looking into the case of Saudi asylum-seeker, Dina Ali Lasaloom. En route to Australia, she was stopped in transit in Manila, Philippines, and forcibly returned home on April 11, 2017, she said. From the Dina Ali case, I wasnt comfortable with Talebs style, shall we say. I noted ego, paranoia, aggressiveness, unclear and at times suspicious access to information, questionable ethics in terms of activist methods, and emotional instability. The Saudi Arabian authorities also reportedly warned the German security services three times about Abulmohsen, although it it is unclear what was contained in the warnings. Over the years, Abdulmohsen appeared to become increasingly angry with the German government, public, and legal system. In one tweet he wrote: I have to admit that I was deceived by western Leftists. I thought they welcome refugees because they care for human rights. But my experience in Germany showed me that they welcome refugees because they want to Islamise Europe. The real hero is this man, he added, quoting a tweet from Geert Wilders, the far-Right Dutch politician, that read: Islam is a lie. Mohammed is a criminal. The Koran is poison. Two police officers stand guard at the scene of the attack in a Christmas market on Friday - Filip Singer/EPA-EFE He also voiced support for Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and Alternative for Germany, the far-right anti-immigration party. His concern about immigration and Islam appeared to run in parallel with a specific grievance against Germany and the German public, including threats of revenge. In a post in December 2023, Abdulmohsen wrote: Germany is the only country other than Saudi Arabia that chases female Saudi asylum seekers all over the world to destroy their lives. He wrote: Revenge will come soon. Even if it costs me my life. I will make the German nation pay the price of the crimes committed by its government against Saudi refugees. In another post, he wrote: If you are [a] concerned German citizen then demand justice now. If you are not concerned, then okay, but dont complain later. A Saudi woman tried to alert police to Abdulmohsens plan to kill random German citizens in September 2023, but mistakenly emailed the police in Berlin, New Jersey, rather than in Germany, Die Welt reported. In November this year, Abdulmohsen posted a four-point manifesto from the Saudi liberal opposition that demanded Germany protect its borders from illegal immigration, repeal laws banning defamation of the religion, and reform its libel laws. He said Angela Merkels decision to open borders to refugees in 2015 was a plan to Islamise the country and demanded Germany ban a charity called Atheist Refugee Relief. Abdulmohsens dispute with that charity appears to be at the root of his claim that Germany harassed female Saudi asylum seekers. According to previous posts, he had accused the Cologne-based group of exploiting Saudi women and was fighting a court battle with it. The alleged theft of the USB stick, which is not explained in comprehensible form in his last audio message, appears to be linked to this case. In November, Abdulmohsen wrote on an Arabic language forum: If I am assassinated, the culprit is [the] German authorities. And if they accuse Daesh, that is a lie because I havent received any serious threats from Islamists over the 9 years of my rights activism on Twitter. Last year, I received serious threats from supporters of [the] Saudi government and I reported them. Since then a year has passed and I havent faced any harassment, except from German authorities due to my insistence on exposing a corrupt organisation that the German police created specifically to destroy Saudi atheist asylum-seekers. On social media, some claimed Abdulmohsen was in fact a supporter of Hamas, pointing to a post on X where he said We will return Hamas to Gaza and if you like we can bring Hamas to your home so you can taste it. But the post, in Arabic, matches several others where he uses Hamas as a threat, casting it as the exemplar of all that is wrong with Islamic extremism. In another example, he says: Hamas rule over Gaza means you are the first person to be executed for your writings. This is in addition to the women, gays and atheists who contact me from Gaza asking me to help them get asylum. Mark Burnett talks with Donald Trump during a National Prayer Breakfast - Evan Vucci/AP US president-elect Donald Trump has appointed British TV producer Mark Burnett as his special envoy to the UK. Mr Burnett, who worked with Mr Trump after creating the US series The Apprentice, has also been involved in a series of reality shows including Shark Tank, The Voice and Survivor. In a statement, Mr Trump said: It is my great honour to appoint Mark Burnett as the special envoy to the United Kingdom. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role. Mr Burnetts focus will be on building diplomatic relations, along with areas of mutual interest, such as trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges, the statement revealed. Mr Trump previously put forward businessman Warren Stephens to become the US ambassador to the UK. TV career remains central Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Mr Trumps television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The Apprentice presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Mr Trump launched his first campaign from the buildings lobby. Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in television history, Mr Trump wrote in his statement on Mr Burnett, listing many of his biggest hits before adding, most notably, The Apprentice and noting that Mr Burnett has won 13 Emmy Awards! Special envoys are usually picked by presidents for the worlds traditional hotspots, including the Middle East, where Mr Trump has already said he would like Steven Witkoff to fill the role. The UK, which has long enjoyed a special relationship with the US that makes it one of Washingtons strongest global allies, is not typically a candidate for such posts. In October 2016, Mr Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, distanced themselves from Mr Trump, criticising the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign. Absolute moron Sir Keir Starmer this week named Labour grandee Lord Mandelson as the UKs ambassador to the US. The former Cabinet minister and European Union trade tsar said it is a great honour to serve the country in this way. However, the Labour grandees past remarks about Mr Trump whom he once described as little short of a white nationalist and racist may yet plague attempts to foster close US-UK relations. Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Mr Trumps 2024 election campaign, described Lord Mandelson as an absolute moron. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the president-elect, said on Saturday she has removed her name from consideration to replace outgoing US senator Marco Rubio. At least two people are dead and dozens more were taken to hospital - Getty A car ploughed into a crowd at a German Christmas market on Friday, killing at least two people, including a small child, and leaving almost 70 wounded in a lone wolf terror attack. The dark-coloured BMW crashed through barriers protecting the market in Magdeburg and drove straight into shoppers at 7.04pm local time. Video purportedly taken by a nearby camera showed a car mowing down pedestrians as it sped through a narrow alleyway with stalls on either side. People could be seen fleeing in panic as some attended to bodies left strewn on the ground. Police arrested the 50-year-old suspect who is a doctor from Saudi Arabia and has lived in Germany since 2006, the premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, said. The suspect had been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 23 miles (36 kilometres) south of Magdeburg, according to officials As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city, Mr Haseloff said. This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the atrocious attack. In a statement, Sir Keir said: My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack heinous and offered solidarity with the German people. The Kingdom condemns this heinous act and stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time, a statement from the ministry read. Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has called on Mr Sholz to immediately resign in the wake of the attack, and called the Chancellor an incompetent fool. Magdeburg city officials said that two people had been killed, an adult and a small child, 68 were wounded, with 15 of those in critical condition. Read below to see how the event unfolded. 04:11 AM GMT This live blog is now closed Coverage will continue on Saturday morning please check back for updates. 02:47 AM GMT Doctor held over attack feared Islamisation Social media posts now under investigation suggest that the suspect held extreme anti-Islam views and had expressed fears about what he perceived as the Islamisation of Germany. He had also shared posts in support of the AfD, the right-wing nationalist party. Authorities have also confirmed that the suspect was not previously known for Islamist activity. 01:47 AM GMT Suspect had been granted asylum in Germany The man police arrested has been identified as a prominent spokesperson for refugees in Germany. The 50-year-old doctor is a respected figure in the Saudi exile community and had worked closely with asylum-seekers. He was granted asylum in 2016 as a political refugee and had since been employed as a psychotherapist in the eastern federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The man has been a trusted advocate within the refugee community, known for his work helping foreign women adapt to their new life in Germany, according to investigations by WDR and NDR news agencies. 01:08 AM GMT Saudi Arabia condemns the attack The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now issued a statement, slamming the heinous attack and offering solidarity with the German people. The Kingdom condemns this heinous act and stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time, the statement read. A 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia is in custody over the deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg. 01:04 AM GMT Attacker acted alone Tamara Zieschang, interior minister for Saxony-Anhalt, called Friday one of the darkest days for her state. As things stand, we have two fatalities to mourn and a large number of injured, Ms Zieschang said. She confirmed the suspect was a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who had been granted a permanent residency permit after moving to Germany in 2006. According to our current information, he acted alone, Ms Zieschang said. There is no information on other perpetrators. Everything else is the subject of further investigations. 12:48 AM GMT New close-up of arrest This photograph captures the moment police made the arrest. Officers had drawn their weapons and yelled at the driver to lay on the ground with his hands behind his back. A police van then pulled up to the scene, and a dozen officers rushed towards the suspect. German police arrest the terror suspect 11:51 PM GMT No bombs found The suspects car did not contain explosive devices, police have confirmed. The area around the car had previously been cordoned off. Investigators have since checked the car and declared it safe. 11:47 PM GMT Police consider suspects mental state, political views Police said they were still unsure of the motivation for the attack. Security experts believe the suspect may suffer from psychological issues, possibly combined with political radicalisation. However, he is not known to have a prior record of Islamic extremism. We do not yet know the background to the crime, we are taking everything into consideration, a police spokeswoman told MDR Sachsen-Anhalt news service. 11:30 PM GMT Starmer: UK stands with Germany Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the atrocious attack. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected, Sir Keir said. We stand with the people of Germany. 10:50 PM GMT Pictured: Rescuers hug at the scene Emergency services faced a scene of devastation - AFP 10:25 PM GMT Pictured: Scene cordoned off Late into the evening, victims were being treated in tents or on the ground where they had been struck down A view of the cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg - Heiko Rebsch/Avalon 10:12 PM GMT Foreign Office closely monitoring situation The Foreign Office said it is closely monitoring the situation in Germany. A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. Our thoughts are with all those affected. 09:55 PM GMT Latest casualty details released Magdeburgs city website currently states there are two fatalities with 68 people injured. Of those, 15 people are reported to be in a serious condition, with a further 37 moderately injured and 16 with minor injuries. 09:51 PM GMT Moment alleged attacker was arrested Footage reportedly shows German police arresting Magdeburg Christmas market driver after terror attack | Credit: Visegrad24/X 09:44 PM GMT Scholz to visit site German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit the region on Saturday. The Chancellor will come here tomorrow and assess the situation with us and will certainly not only mourn with us but also discuss the necessary measures, said Reiner Haseloff, the regional prime minister. And I can imagine that due to the seriousness of this attack, the Federal Prosecutor General will also take action, he added. 09:42 PM GMT Macron profoundly shocked Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said he was profoundly shocked by the attack. Mr Macron added that he shares the pain of the German people. 09:34 PM GMT More pictures from the scene: Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Magdeburg Christmas market in the city centre - Getty Images Europe Special police forces attend the scene - DPA 09:31 PM GMT Suspect is Saudi doctor, 50, based in Germany We have arrested the perpetrator, it is a man from Saudi Arabia... a doctor who has been in Germany since 2006, Reiner Haseloff, the state premier of Saxony-Anhalt, told reporters at the scene. From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we dont think there is any further danger for the city, he added. The suspect is reported to live in Bernburg, a town around 25 miles south of Magdeburg. Bild newspaper said he was working at a clinic in the city. According to the state premier, the perpetrator used a rental car registered to Munich. 09:25 PM GMT Incident being treated as terror attack Michael Reif, spokesperson for the city, has confirmed the incident was being treated as a terror attack rather than an accident. The pictures are terrible, Mr Reif said. My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I cant yet say from what direction and how far. Matthias Schuppe, regional government spokesperson, also confirmed Mr Reifs assessment. 09:17 PM GMT Death toll rises to two, including small child At least two people have now been confirmed dead, including a small child, Reiner Haseloff, Saxony-Anhalts prime minister, said. 09:06 PM GMT How the attack took place: 09:02 PM GMT Pictured: Armed police and ambulances at the scene Police and ambulances stand guard outside the scene of the suspected terror attack in Magdeburg - AFP 08:58 PM GMT Musk: Scholz should resign over attack Elon Musk has called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resign in the wake of the Christmas market attack. Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool, he wrote on X. 08:46 PM GMT One dead, almost 70 injured, 15 seriously At least one person has been killed, 68 injured and 15 very seriously wounded, according to the latest figures released by Magdeburg city authorities. 08:40 PM GMT Explosive suspected to be in suspects car Police have cordoned off the city centre because an explosive device is believed to be inside the suspects vehicle, German public broadcaster MDR said, citing police reports. The vehicle is still at the scene. 08:33 PM GMT Suspect was from Saudi Arabia The suspect driving the dark BMW was reportedly a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, according to the Die Welt newspaper. Pictures, shared on social media, appeared to show the arrested suspect with his head on the pavement surrounded by armed police. 08:29 PM GMT Pictured: Paramedics help the injured A man is loaded into an ambulance at the scene 08:27 PM GMT Mapped: 08:26 PM GMT The car drove 400m into crowd The car was driven at least 400 meters across the Christmas market into the crowd, a police spokesman told German media. 08:24 PM GMT The aftermath of the attack Emergency services attend an incident at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany | Mick_O_Keeffe/X 08:23 PM GMT At least 11 dead, says report At least 11 people have been killed, German outlet Bild reported, without citing its sources. 08:15 PM GMT Scholz: Something terrible is to come Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned that something terrible is to come. The reports from Magdeburg suggest something terrible is to come. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours, he said in a statement. 08:10 PM GMT German party leaders react: Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and candidate for chancellor, has responded to the events, saying: This is very depressing news from Magdeburg. He added on X: My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all emergency services who are caring for the injured on site. Alice Weidel, leader of the hard-Right AfD party, also wrote: The images from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and injured. When will this madness end? 08:06 PM GMT Warlike conditions A man, who watched the car speed by as he worked on a burger stand inside the market, told German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung that the scene had turned into war-like conditions. Another eyewitness said lots of families had been in the fairy tale area of the market when the car slammed through the barriers. She said she just managed to jump out of its way with her child. 08:00 PM GMT Pictured: More ambulances arrive at the scene Emergency services attend an incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany - DPA 07:51 PM GMT Between 60 to 80 injured, say emergency services Magdeburg emergency services reported that between 60 to 80 people were injured in the attack. Several people were severely injured, a spokesman told AFP. 07:48 PM GMT Let the emergency services do their job On Instagram, Magedeburgs Christmas Market warned people to avoid the area. Please let the emergency services do their job and leave the market in an orderly manner!, a statement read. 07:46 PM GMT A terrible event This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas, Reiner Haseloff, Saxony-Anhalts prime minister, said, adding that he was on the way to see the scene himself. 07:44 PM GMT Neighbouring cities stepping up security The city of Halle, around 80km from Magdeburg, was preparing its hospitals to take in the injured. It also stepped up security measures at its own Christmas market immediately after the attack. 07:35 PM GMT Footage from the incident Videos circulating on social media show people lying on the ground and a massive police presence near the market. Emergency services rush to the scene after car ploughs into people at Magdeburg Christmas market | Credit: Quellgeist/X 07:34 PM GMT Several police cars at the scene At least nine police vehicles could be seen parked around the area with their lights flashing. A spokesperson for local police said: We do not yet know exactly what happened. 07:33 PM GMT European Christmas markets frequently targeted Christmas markets in Europe have been frequent targets for terror attacks and both France and Germany have stepped up security in order to protect the public. In 2016, a truck drove into shoppers at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and leaving 17 injured in an attack claimed by the Islamic State. Already this year, a series of security incidents at Christmas markets have raised concern. On December 1 in Schoneck, Saxony, the mayor and another individual were shot at with a Softair pistol. Three days later, a 37-year-old Iraqi national was arrested in Augsburg, Bavaria, for allegedly scouting the Christkindlesmarkt, and sharing Islamic State propaganda. In November, a 17-year-old German-Turkish national was apprehended in the northern town of Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, for planning a truck attack inspired by the 2016 Berlin market tragedy. And authorities in Mannheim and Frankfurt also arrested two German-Lebanese brothers on charges of planning attacks on local Christmas markets. A Syrian refugee went on a knife rampage in the city of Solingen in August, killing three people and sparking a national debate on immigration. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Germanys likely next Chancellor, called for a complete overhaul of the asylum system to face what he described as a national emergency. 07:23 PM GMT Terrorist attack just before Christmas Matthias Schuppe, a government spokesman in the province of Saxony-Anholt, said it was an attack in comments to local media. Bild newspaper reported that the incident was a terrorist attack just before Christmas! 07:19 PM GMT The scene in pictures A car crashed through barriers protecting the market in Magdeburg - DPA The Alpha Genesis research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina. Photograph: Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images The US Department of Agriculture is investigating allegations from an animal rights organisation concerning Alpha Genesis Incorporated (AGI), the animal experimentation facility and breeder, from which 43 monkeys escaped last month. AGI is accused of abuse and neglect, and of violations of the Animal Welfare Act, as leaked documents show that between 2021 and 2023, multiple primates held at AGI centres endured preventable traumatic injuries and deaths. Related: Four monkeys still free weeks after escaping South Carolina facility The emails, veterinary reports and photos were passed to Peta by a veterinary whistleblower who alleges neglect, incompetence and a culture of disregard for animal welfare at AGIs Yemassee and Hampton primate centres in South Carolina. Records reveal at least 82 monkeys were injured or died from trauma due to unsafe equipment, inadequate care and untreated health conditions. The revelations include that in December 2022, a young long-tailed macaque was found dead in his enclosure with his arm stuck in a chain-link fence in front of a heater. The AGI necropsy report cites entrapment and dehydration as the cause of death and notes that staff had not checked the pen since the afternoon prior. In May 2022, an infant strangled herself to death with a piece of gauze used to secure a water bottle. An email from a clinical veterinarian to staff notes that the bottles being used did not fit their holders properly so had been tied to the crates rather than secured with clips. In May 2021, a monkey died having sustained a fractured leg and dislocated knee after she had become caught in a slide bolt lock known to cause problems for the animals. Monkeys also reportedly suffered from chronic malnutrition andf died of hyperthermia and heatstroke, as well as from infectious diseases such as campylobacter. The complaint to the USDA from Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) includes 270 pages of evidence, cites the pain, psychological anguish, and misery suffered by monkeys at AGI, and also alleges a lack of qualified personnel caring for the primates. In November 2022, a pregnant monkey at AGIs Hampton facility was experiencing a traumatic birth with staff forced to perform emergency surgery. However, there was no experienced anaesthetist present and crucial medical equipment was missing. In the time it took to gather these, the monkeys uterus had ruptured and adhered to her organs. She was euthanised. An attending vet said in an email: I nearly had a full-blown meltdown today and I am wanting to know if Im overreacting or not regarding the inability to provide minimal standards of care in these situations. The vet continued: Im pissed that I dont have any adequate staff when this stuff comes up, and its such a systemic problem here at AGI. An outside consultant who reviewed the incident said: The lack of trained personnel at HPC is unacceptable. Internal documents also reveal monkeys sustained injuries as a result of incorrect handling, including broken arms and fingers, and tongues that were severed. In February 2021, a monkeys tail was torn to the bone during capture. Further deaths occurred due to unsecured cages and monkeys fighting, as well as numerous escapes. Of the 43 monkeys that escaped AGI Yemassee on 7 November, due to a gate left unlocked, four remain free. Lyndsay Cole, assistant director of public affairs for the agriculture department, said: We can confirm that we recently received a complaint from Peta with detailed allegations about that facility. We take all complaints seriously and look into the allegations to determine whether there are Animal Welfare Act noncompliances that need to be addressed. Dr Alka Chandna, a Peta vice-president, said: The allegations brought forward by a whistleblower reveal systemic problems at Alpha Genesis. These are not the result of isolated incidents or a few bad actors. Neglect and disregard for the wellbeing of the animals in their care are not anomalies but appear to be woven into the very fabric of Alpha Genesiss operations. Alpha Genesis has a history of animal welfare violations. The USDA, which oversees the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act, has conducted 33 inspections since 2014 and has found six critical violations resulting in three enforcement actions. However, Peta says recent revelations raise questions about their efficacy. Chandna said: USDA inspections can last as little as eight hours at facilities like Alpha Genesis, where thousands of monkeys are confined. Such a limited timeframe is wholly insufficient and raises serious concerns about the agencys ability to fulfil its mandate to ensure the humane treatment of animals under its jurisdiction. Alpha Genesis is registered with the USDA as a primate breeder and supplier, as well as providing pre-clinical trial services for drug development. Its website says the company provides the highest quality non-human primate products and bioresearch services worldwide. AGI also holds $19m in US National Institutes of Health contracts. The NIH did not respond to requests to comment. Primates are commonly used in toxicology testing and infectious diseases research. Proponents say their use is essential for the development of medicines. Dr Jarrod Bailey, director of medical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said: Many monkeys are used in experiments in an attempt to understand the human brain, or diseases like HIV/Aids and Alzheimers. However, overwhelming evidence shows this is futile. Witness the lack of safe, effective new drugs and vaccines for neurodegenerative diseases, HIV/Aids, stroke, et cetera, despite decades of effort and billions in investments. The USDA is also reviewing additional allegations concerning the deaths of 20 long-tailed macaques at AGI Yemassee on 25 November, from a heater malfunction. Alpha Genesis has not responded to requests to comment. Donald Trump has named the producer behind The Apprentice as his special envoy to the UK. The president-elect said Mark Burnett would bring a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to the role. British producer Mr Burnett helped build Mr Trumps profile, but distanced himself from the tycoon during the 2016 presidential contest. Mark Burnett and wife Roma Downey (Ian West/PA) Announcing the envoy role, Mr Trump said: It is my great honour to appoint Mark Burnett as the special envoy to the United Kingdom. With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role. Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in television history, including Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice and, most notably, The Apprentice. He is the former chairman of MGM, and has won 13 Emmy Awards. Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges. In October 2016, Mr Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, distanced themselves from Mr Trump, criticising the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign. Mr Trump has already nominated businessman Warren Stephens to serve as the US ambassador to the UK. Lord Mandelson will be the next UK ambassador to the US (Jonathan Brady/PA) On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that Lord Peter Mandelson had been chosen as the UKs ambassador in Washington. The former Cabinet minister and European Union trade tsar said it is a great honour to serve the country in this way. However, the Labour grandees past remarks about Mr Trump who he once described as little short of a white nationalist and racist may yet plague attempts to foster close US-UK relations. Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Mr Trumps 2024 election campaign described Lord Mandelson as an absolute moron. A young woman has launched a campaign urging people to sign the stem cell register in a bid to potentially save her little sisters life. Sofia Adamou, 22, from south London, said her world has been turned upside down. Her sister Natassa Adamou, 19, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) earlier this year. However, two weeks ago she was told her condition had progressed to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Sofia, who is working with stem cell charity Anthony Nolan, said: You never think its going to be you or your family until it is, and then its like your whole world is just turned upside down. Natassa Adamou, 19, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) earlier this year but her disease has now progressed (Sofia Adamou/PA) The business owner from Anerley is currently waiting to see if she is a match for Natassa, but in the meantime has taken to social media to raise awareness of the stem cell register in case she is not. If I am a match, that would be the best thing in the world and Ill be able to save my sisters life, Sofia said. I am trying to get social media up and Im trying to basically prepare. I know in doing this Im not just helping my sister; I am helping many other people that are looking for donors. The family, which includes mother Tina Adamou, 58, and father Adam Adamou, 57, have owned the Marlow Fish Bar on Marlow Road for more than six decades. They have Cypriot heritage, so are also appealing for people in Cyprus to sign up as well as people in the UK. People with heritage from different parts of the world can have different chances of finding a matching unrelated donor as they are more likely to have a rare tissue type. Natassa who Sofia describes as bubbly with a passion for theatre, reading and Formula 1 was studying to be a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and special effects when she started experiencing symptoms such as extreme tiredness and seizures around Christmas last year. She was diagnosed with CLL, which was being treated with chemotherapy tablets until earlier this month. Natassa (far left) with older sister Sofia and their parents Adam and Tina (Sofia Adamou/PA) Her disease must now be treated with chemotherapy and, ultimately, a stem cell transplant. Speaking of her social media campaign, Sofia added: Whether that helps my sister, or it helps someone else, its important to do. Miracles can happen. You never know, you might have a friend that might be a match, and you never would have met that friend if it wasnt for something that you did in your life. Life has a very mysterious way of doing things. Rowena Bentley, head of programme and community recruitment at Anthony Nolan, said: Natassas family are doing an incredible job in spreading the word about the stem cell register and Sofia is right, it only takes one person to sign up and potentially save a life like Natassas. Our research shows that younger stem cell donors give patients the best chance of survival, thats why were calling on healthy 16 to 30-year-olds to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. The more people we get on the register, the more matches we can make, and the more lives we can save. Signing up is easy, its a quick questionnaire and a simple swab then you are lifesaver ready. For more information, or to sign the register, click here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/patient-appeals/current-appeals/natassasmissiontoremission U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaking into a microphone at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, December 16, 2024. Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz is under consideration to serve as President Trumps Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, people with familiar with matter told The Post. The position, an ambassador-level gig requiring Senate confirmation, is currently held by historian Deborah Lipstadt. Dershowitz is being considered. . . . People who care about this are pushing it, said one person close to Trump. Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz has emerged as a contender to be Trumps President Trumps Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, LightRocket via Getty Images Hes a brilliant defender of the Jewish people, a fighter, and has enough intellectual integrity to oppose all the lawfare against Trump, even [when he was] a Democrat. Dershowitz, 86, was spotted walking around Mar-a-Lago last week, chitchatting with club members. The longtime lawyer served on Trumps defense team during his 2020 impeachment trial and regularly defends the president on Fox News. Hes advocacy has even gotten him cancelled in Marthas Vineyard, where he has a home. Dersh, however, could be facing competition from glamorous social media influencer Lizzy Savetsky. Savetsky, 39, has been an outspoken defender of Jewish people online, and was faced with a torrent of online abuse for her pro-Israel stance after she was announced as a star of Real Housewives of New York in 2022, prompting her to ultimately step away from the show. Savetsky was recognized for her work fighting antisemitism by Mayor Adams earlier this week. Savetsky is married to plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky who made headlines (and earned death threats) for offering free plastic surgery to victims of Hamas Oct 7 attack. Her cause is being championed on the inside by Trump fundraiser Blair Brandt. Among other aspirants for the job is former Real Housewives star Lizzy Savetsky. Getty Images Other insiders note that being a beautiful social media star isnt hurting her chances with Trump. Others in the mix reportedly include career State Department official Ellie Cohanim, who served as the deputy special envoy during the first Trump administration and Brooke Goldstein, founder of the nonprofit Lawfare Project, which specializes in using litigation to fight antisemitism. [Goldstein] wants it badly. Shes running around telling everybody she was born for this job, an insider said. Dershowitz, Savetsky and Cohanim declined to comment. Dershowitz served on Trumps defense team during his 2020 impeachment trial and frequently defends him publicly. REUTERS Goldstein told The Post she would be honored to receive the appointment and would happily accept the job if offered. The special envoy position was first created in 2004 after Congress passed the Global Antisemitism Review Act. The office advances U.S. foreign policy on antisemitism and has an annual budget of $1.75 million. In his first term Trump left the office vacant for two years, before finally naming attorney Elan Carr to the post in 2019. The role will likely be more high profile this time around. Trump made fighting antisemitism a cornerstone of his 2024 presidential campaign, with bold promises to bring peace back to the Middle East and crackdown on antisemitism at home. Neil Rasmus/BFA.com/Shutterstock Chic singer Alfa Anderson Alfa Anderson, a vocalist known for her work with the iconic 1970s disco band Chic, has died. She was 78. Niles Rodgers, founder of Chic, shared the news in an Instagram post on Dec. 17. RIP Alfa Anderson. CHIC Organization, he wrote in his caption. Forever loved . A cause of death has not yet been revealed for the musician. 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. Born on Sept. 7, 1947, Anderson began her professional singing career at an early age, working alongside some of the industry's most talented vocalists and musicians. According to her official bio, she made her professional debut in Cannonball Adderley's Big Man (1976), which premiered at Carnegie Hall, and later went on to star in the Lincoln Center's production of Children of the Fire, a piece scored by legendary trumpeter "Hannibal" Marvin Peterson. Anderson was also an educator with a masters degree from Columbia University when she made her professional stage debut. Throughout the '70s, the star recorded background vocals for a variety of artists, including Nat Adderley, Ray Barretto, Odyssey, Major Harris and Roy Buchanan. Anderson also lent her voice to the Quincy Jones-produced soundtrack for The Wiz (1978), starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty The dance group Chic. Related: Nile Rodgers, Flea, Rev. Jesse Jackson, More Pay Tribute to Tony Bennett: 'Last of His Kind' In 1977, Andersons life changed when Luther Vandross introduced her to Rodgers and his writing partner Bernard Edwards, who were leading members of the newly formed Chic. The band also included Tony Thompson on drums and Norma Jean Wright on vocals. Anderson ended up singing backing vocals on one of Chic's first singles for Atlantic Records, "Everybody Dance," which brought Chic one of its first dance-chart hits in 1977. She also performed on Dance Dance Dance from the bands debut album. After joining Chic on tour, Anderson was promoted to lead vocalist, a role she and Luci Martin shared from 1978 to 1983, after Wright left the band in 1978. From there, Anderson would go on to record other notable hits like Le Freak and Good Times, bringing Chic to the mainstream. Le Freak, one of the bands most successful singles, was the biggest-selling single in Atlantic Records history for more than 30 years and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. After Chic called it quits in 1983, Anderson continued her career with a variety of solo artists and reunited with her longtime friend Vandross, whom she toured with from 1982 through 1987. Throughout the '80s and '90s, Anderson provided vocals for a long list of big names in music, including Bryan Adams, Gregory Hines, Mick Jagger, Teddy Pendergrass, Jennifer Holliday, Billy Squier, Sheena Easton, Jody Watley, Bryan Ferry and Jonathan Butler. Raymond Boyd/Getty Singers Alfa Anderson and Luther Vandross perform at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, Illinois in Sept. 1987 Related: Watch Nile Rodgers Surprise Roller-Skating Fans Listening to Chic's 'Le Freak' in London's Hyde Park In recent years, Anderson released Music from My Heart in 2017, her very first full-length solo effort. She premiered the album with a standing-room-only concert at Joe's Pub (The Public Theater). Eventually, Anderson returned to her roots as an educator and earned a second masters degree in school leadership from Bank Street College in New York City. She also served as a principal of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice High School in Brooklyn. During her tenure, Alfa inspired and transformed the lives of our young people and community with her profound grace, wisdom, artistry and indomitable spirit, the school wrote in a touching statement on Instagram. We thank you, dear Alfa and may you continue to dance with the angels with eternal peace and power! Read the original article on People Jim Bailey speaks during public comment in favor of reforming the zoning code for transit-oriented development, which could encourage denser construction, during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor City Council listens to public comment about reforming the zoning code for transit-oriented development, which could encourage denser construction, during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor Catherine Hernandez, the citys Transportation Department Director, answers questions from city council members about the proposal to reform the zoning code for transit-oriented development during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor Catherine Hernandez, the citys Transportation Department Director, answers questions from city council members about the proposal to reform the zoning code for transit-oriented development during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor Dane Willette speaks during public comment in favor of reforming the zoning code for transit-oriented development, which could encourage denser construction, during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor Megan Navarro speaks during public comment against reforming the zoning code for transit-oriented development, which could encourage denser construction, during a city council meeting in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/Contributor San Antonio has laid the ground work for denser development along VIA Metropolitan Transits planned Green Line, despite resistance from dozens of community members who fear the changes will lead to a displacement of residents and too few places to park. VIAs 10.4-mile advanced rapid transit route is set to run along San Pedro Avenue from Interstate 10 near the vacant Lone Star Brewery, south of downtown, to San Antonio International Airport north of Loop 410. When the route launches in 2027, it will offer more frequent service, with buses stopping every 10 minutes on weekdays, doubling what's currently offered along San Pedro. Advertisement Article continues below this ad City Council voted 10-0 Thursday to amend the city zoning code to allow for transit-oriented development, a type of zoning meant to encourage construction of housing, businesses and amenities near rapid transit lines. Council also adopted a transit-oriented policy framework that sets goals for improving housing affordability, economic development and walkability along such transit lines. District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, an early backer of changing the city code to foster transit-oriented development, said the goal was to eliminate barriers for residential and commercial projects around public transit in order to benefit residents who rely on bus service. The code updates dont immediately change the zoning of properties along the $466 million Green Line. It'll be up to developers to apply to change zoning to accommodate transit-oriented development. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Once work on the Silver Line another advanced rapid transit line that VIA plans to operate east-west through downtown gets further along, city staff will return to council with maps outlining which areas along that route may qualify for the new zoning designation. Construction of the Silver line, which will run from Our Lady of the Lake University on the West Side to the Frost Bank Center on the East Side, will begin in 2027. And if VIA develops more rapid transit lines in the future, those may also be eligible for transit-oriented development zoning. Less parking, more development Transit-oriented development is not new to San Antonio. The zoning designation has been on the books since 2001 but has largely been ignored. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Catherine Hernandez, director of the citys Transportation Department, said only three properties have ever pursued the option, and all of them are currently under development. Before Thursdays revamp, developers who opted for the zoning designation would be allowed to build businesses that werent compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. A tall multi-story building, for example, could rise up next to a modest single-family house. Hernandez said that lack of guardrails to protect neighborhoods made it tough for developers to ever get support from the surrounding neighborhoods, so the zoning option went untouched for years. The update comes with height restrictions and mandated buffers that could make the zoning easier for neighborhoods to stomach if a developer wanted to take advantage of it. The revamp also slashes the number of places the zoning could be used. Before Thursdays vote, 300 square miles of properties were eligible for the designation because anyone within a half-mile radius of any bus line could seek it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now, only about three square miles of properties along the Green Line are eligible for the special zoning. The code changes created three districts where developers can apply for transit-oriented development zoning: one is for home- and apartment construction; another allows for a mix of retail, office and residential; and the final one mixes light industrial with other uses. The latter two districts drop minimum parking requirements that the city has in place for development, a change that could cut construction costs, an enticement for developers. Hernandez said parking spaces for development can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The citys minimum parking requirements which vary based on the project were established in 1965. Many cities have ditched minimum parking requirements altogether out of concern that they can reduce walkability, raise the cost of development and housing prices, and lead to urban sprawl. The zoning revamp will be the citys first real step toward moving away from minimum parking standards. But Hernandez said developers will still need to provide parking. Instead of deciding how much, based on a blanket city code, the developer could propose the number of spaces they think they'll need for their TOD project. Neighbors and city staff can weigh in, and City Council will have the final say on each project. The uses have evolved. The behavior has evolved. The driving has evolved, Hernandez said of changes since the parking minimums were adopted in the 1960s. Its different. Community backlash Transit-oriented zoning has plenty of critics. Last month, about 200 people spoke out against the revamp at a Zoning Commission meeting, and nearly 40 people on Thursday called for changes before the council took its vote. Most were concerned the parking changes could lead to congestion on their neighborhood streets. Others feared more development could drive area property values, resulting in bigger tax bills and the displacement of lower-income homeowners. Bianca Maldonado, vice president of the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association, said stripping out parking minimums would further strain narrow residential streets. She said many streets are already difficult for emergency vehicles and fire trucks to navigate. We want to support TOD, but we know that developers wont build the parking, she said. We cant say, 'The market will park it.' We need accountability to protect neighborhoods. Marisa Grimaldo said she believes the changes will widen the gap between rich and poor San Antonians. This project is not about improving the quality of life for all of us its about gentrification, she said. The people calling the shots on this plan arent the community members who will be most effected. This plan is supposed to make our city more connected, more walkable, more accessible, but the only thing it will connect is the wealthier parts of town to the places they want to meet, while leaving the rest of us in the neighborhoods we cant afford anymore. The revisions won the support of District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo, one of council's strongest proponents of affordable housing. Castillo said she understands the concerns about the new zoning, but believes the citys commitment to community land trusts, land banking and other affordable housing initiatives will prevent residents from being displaced. The first signs of alarm came hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced what could prove to be one of his most consequential Cabinet picks. Less than a day after Trump named Kash Patel as his choice for FBI director, a former federal law enforcement official asked me a question: "curious if I'm on that list?" He was referring to a list of roughly 60 people who Patel had said were members of the deep state in a memoir last year, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth and the Battle for Our Democracy." Days later, a former intelligence official reached out to ask the same question. After checking the book, I told them they hadnt made the list. But even for those not on the list, their absence hasnt quelled alarm at a potential Patel tenure as FBI director. A dozen current and former Justice Department, FBI and intelligence officials expressed fears to NBC News that Patel, if confirmed, would use his power as FBI director to criminally investigate Trumps perceived adversaries, including them. The choice of Patel, who has used claims of deep state conspiracies against Trump to fuel his rise in Trumpworld and apparently gain the president-elects trust, signaled to current and former officials, as well as many observers, that Trumps campaign trail talk about seeking vengeance was more than just that. On Wednesday, those fears deepened when the head of a Republican-controlled House subcommittee formally requested that the FBI criminally investigate former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., for her work on the House committee that investigated Trumps actions before and during the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. capitol. The announcement came ten days after Trump said in an interview with NBC News that members of the Jan. 6 committee were political thugs and, you know, creeps, and that, for what they did, honestly, they should go to jail. Cheney dismissed the calls for her to be criminally investigated in a post on Bluesky. She said Trump and his allies were fabricating "lies and defamatory allegations in an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did... No reputable lawyer, legislator or judge would take this seriously. Patel, a 44-year-old lawyer who grew up on Long Island, has worked as a federal public defender in Florida, a Justice Department prosecutor and a congressional staffer. While he was working for former Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Patels standing with Trump and Trump loyalists soared after he wrote a memo accusing FBI officials of political bias and abuse of power during their investigation of possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. The memo accurately described what were later found to have been abuses by the FBI relating to surveillance of Trump aide Carter Page. But the DOJ inspector general uncovered no evidence of political bias driving the FBI's Russia investigation. Patel then worked in the White House as a senior director for counter-terrorism before briefly serving in the Pentagon as the Defense Secretary's chief of staff. Kash Patel on Capitol Hill, on Dec. 11. Critics say that Patel does not have managerial experience to run the FBI and that his rise has been primarily fueled by his willingness to spread unproven conspiracy theories that paint Trump as the victim of plots engineered by Democrats. But Patel has so far received strong support from Republican senators in his bid to direct the FBI. If he gets the job, Patel has made no secret of what his priorities might be, and who could face investigation. In "Government Gangsters," he describes the Deep State as a corrupt cabal of Republican and Democrats, elected officials and civil servants, and senior FBI, DOJ and Pentagon officials who he says have committed crimes against Trump. The Deep state is continuing to weaponize the power of the state against internal dissidents, Patel wrote. They are the ones who covered up their own crimes. They are the criminals. Patels list of Deep State members ranges from top Trump political adversaries, such as Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, to lifelong Republicans who served in Trumps first administration but declined to support his false claims that he won the 2020 election, including former Attorney General Bill Barr and former national security adviser John Bolton. His definition of the 'deep state' appears to include the organization he hopes to lead. One of the most cunning and powerful arms of the Deep State is the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he wrote. The FBI is now the prime functionary of the Deep State. The dozen current and former officials who have spoken to NBC News said that the various federal investigations of Trump were fueled by his statements or actions and that they were all conducted properly. They said they do not fear going to jail because they committed no crimes. Echoing legal experts, they said they expected federal judges, who are lifetime appointees, to throw out meritless charges filed against them. They said they expected juries to throw them out as well though they do worry about the impact protracted federal investigations could have on their lives and finances. They contend that Patel is simply accusing anyone who declines to carry out Trumps wishes, Republican or Democrat, of being corrupt or committing crimes. And some have noted that, by having written this book, Patel has likely made it much easier for anyone on his list to have a case against them dismissed on grounds of vindictive prosecution. Patel and other pro-Trump Republicans say that Democrats, along with DOJ and FBI officials, have weaponized law enforcement agencies against Trump. They say the criminal investigations into whether Trump cooperated with Russia and paid hush money during the 2016 election, tried to reverse the results of the 2020 election and declined to return classified documents after leaving office were all meritless. Alex Pfeiffer, a Trump transition spokesman, said that Patel would end politically motivated criminal investigations, not launch them. Kash Patel is going to end the weaponization of law enforcement, Pfeiffer said. The FBI will target crime, not individuals with Kash leading the bureau. He added: Kash Patel has served in key national security positions throughout the government. He is beyond qualified to lead the FBI and will make a fantastic Director. Democrats have said that claims that the Justice Department and FBI during the Biden administration have been politically biased are false, citing recent prosecutions of some prominent Democrats, as well as Bidens son Hunter. This Department of Justice has brought charges against a Democratic U.S. senator in New Jersey, a Democratic congressman in Texas, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a member of the Jan. 6 committee, said in a CNN interview earlier this month, referring to Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas. I mean, the deep state, nobodys ever defined it, Raskin added. Apparently, it just means anybody who doesnt do the will of Donald Trump. Fear among current and former officials In interviews with NBC News, multiple people whom Patel declared members of the deep state expressed alarm at being publicly labeled as possible criminals by a potential FBI director. All of them said they were not part of the deep state and were not part of any secret effort to undermine Trump or any other president. The former federal law enforcement official who first asked about Patels list urged senators to not confirm Patel as FBI director, citing fear that Patel would use the bureau for intimidation and retribution, as longtime bureau director J. Edgar Hoover did. Kash Patel is a political extremist who has no business coming anywhere near the FBI, let alone serving as its director, said the former official, who asked not to be named because of concerns about potential retaliation. Under no circumstances should he be confirmed for such a position. Rod Rosenstein, who served as deputy attorney general during Trumps first term and who is on Patels list, noted that senior DOJ officials, including the FBI director, are supposed to follow longtime Justice Department procedures that call for the facts and the law to drive criminal investigations, not politics. When I was deputy attorney general, President Trump regularly expressed his opinion about who should be fired or prosecuted, Rosenstein said. I didnt treat his opinions as orders. Lawyers who take leadership positions at the Department of Justice know they need to base prosecution decisions on the facts and the law. In addition to his memoir, Patel has written three childrens books in which he appears to portray himself as a truth-seeking wizard Kash the Distinguished Discoverer who uncovers plots against a character named King Donald, who appears to be Trump. The characters plotting against King Donald are Hillary Queenton, Baron Von Biden, Comma-la-la and the Shifty Knight, apparent references to Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Adam Schiff. In Patels third childrens book, The Plot Against the King 3: The Return of the King, the Dragon of Jalapenos, an apparent reference to the Department of Justice indeed the dragon is sometimes just referred to as DOJ is deceived by the Shifty Knight into believing that Trump is an enemy. The dragon tries to eat King Donald, but the Kash character helps rescue him and the dragon learns he has been lied to. The book ends with King Donald riding the Dragon of Jalapenos, chasing Baron Von Biden and Comma-la-la out of the kingdom as the dragon breathes fire at them. An image of the "Dragon of Jalapenos" from Kash Patel's third children's book, "The Plot Against the King 3: The Return of the King" A mass exodus from the FBI? One former FBI official predicted a mass exodus of agents who are eligible for retirement from the bureau if Patel is confirmed. I have received calls from lifers who are putting in their papers, said the former FBI official, who asked not to be named, citing fears of retaliation. Agents will continue to do their jobs. They will follow the rule of law and the Constitution. It is the circus that they want to avoid. A staffer on the Jan. 6 committee defended its work but asked not to be named because he feared being investigated by Patel. The staffer said the panel's work was fully legal and constitutionally protected Congressional activity but that they wouldnt be surprised if they were criminally investigated by Patel regardless. They said Patel could "launch an investigation just to make our lives miserable, and added that they believe Trump and Patel are trying to send a message: If you try to hold Trump accountable for his bad behavior, youre going to face retribution. The former intelligence official said that some members of the intelligence community are concerned about being investigated by a Patel-run FBI and by the GOP-led Congress. As various individuals are named as potential targets, people are left to wonder, Where in the hierarchy of retribution are you? said the former intelligence official. A former DOJ official who worked in the first Trump administration said that Patel and Pam Bondi, Trumps current choice for attorney general, in the end would be on a mission impossible if confirmed. He said that Trump will make clear what he wants Bondi and Patel to do and then push them out if they dont do it. If the Attorney General and the FBI Director seem to resist doing what he makes clear he wants, he will attack them publicly in social media posts and through conservative media pundits, to bring pressure on them, said the official. We saw that with Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr, and he will do it again. Ultimately, he will fire the Attorney General and the FBI Director or force them out if they dont do what he wants. A series of drone sightings over military bases across the country has renewed concerns that the US doesnt have clear government-wide policy for how to deal with unauthorized incursions that could potentially pose a national security threat. Were one year past Langley drone incursions and almost two years past the PRC spy balloon. Why dont we have a single [point of contact] who is responsible for coordination across all organizations in the government to address this? the recently retired head of US Northern Command and NORAD, Gen. Glen VanHerck, told CNN. Instead, everybodys pointing their fingers at each other saying its not our responsibility. Indeed, there have been multiple instances of drone incursions over military bases since mysterious drone swarms were spotted around Joint Base Langley-Eustis and other sensitive military sites in Virginia last year, and since a Chinese spy balloon transited the continental US in 2023. Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that was downed by the United States over the weekend over U.S. territorial waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S., February 5, 2023. - U.S. Fleet Forces/U.S. Navy/Reuters Over a period of six days earlier this month, there were six instances of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, entering the airspace of the Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton in California, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN, adding that they posed no threat to installation operations and no impact to air and ground operations. There have also been incidents in the last month at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey; Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey; and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. A Chinese citizen, who is a lawful permanent resident of the US, was recently arrested in connection to the California incident. The drone incidents are a problem that has been brewing for over a decade and we have basically failed to address it, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Rob Spalding, who previously served as the chief China strategist for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior director for strategic planning on the National Security Council. Its unclear what specifically the drones could be doing the intent could be anything from attempting to gather intelligence on the base or testing its defenses and response time, to gaining a better understanding of how the bases work, or they could simply be harmless hobbyists flying drones too close to restricted areas. A flurry of sightings across multiple states But the issue isnt just impacting military installations; in recent weeks, a flurry of drone sightings across multiple states has garnered media attention and led politicians to call for the government to take action. Officials have stressed that they dont believe the drones spotted in New Jersey and other states pose a national security or public safety risk, attributing many of the sightings to explainable instances of confusion with manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters or hobbyist drones. 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, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this week. This photo provided by Brian Glenn shows what appears to be multiple drones flying over Bernardsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, December 5, 2024. - Brian Glenn/TMX/AP But as one Senate aide familiar with discussions on drone defense and policy told CNN, just because the drones arent directly impacting the military or military installations doesnt mean its not a national security issue. Despite the incursions and the risk they could pose, officials say there is no coordinated policy to determine what agency leads the response to such activity, or how to determine where the drones originate. CNN reported this week that government agencies have struggled to keep pace with the development of drones and drone technology, particularly by adversaries like China, though legislation is being discussed and the Pentagon just recently released its strategy for countering unmanned systems. The Senate aide said the gray area between posing a risk to the military and posing a threat to the public is part of the problem in authorities if its not strictly DOD then it must be DHS, but we just kind of go round and round. The challenges the US national security establishment faces when it comes to drone operations, as well as operations in the cyber and information environments, have been pointed to repeatedly and publicly by military officials and lawmakers. In 2023, VanHerck said in a NORAD/NORTHCOM posture statement that the US must move beyond outdated assumptions and plans in order to defend the homeland. In an era of incredible innovation and technological achievement, inflexible, outdated processes are a greater impediment to success than many of our competitors capability advancements, he said. The two heads of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sens. Jack Reed and Roger Wicker, sounded the alarm in a Washington Post op-ed at the beginning of 2024 that the US lacks adequate drone detection capability and that agencies lack clear lines of authority about which agency is responsible for stopping these incursions. Military installations have the authority to protect themselves and respond to threats, but a former senior military official said that if the drone enters the airspace and subsequently leaves, determining where the drone originated from and what it was doing can be difficult. Military law enforcement typically coordinates with civilian law enforcement off base in that instance, the former official said, but are often limited in what they can do given laws that restrict intelligence collection within US borders. Catching up with a new phenomenon But sources also said the lack of ability to do more also stems at times from a failure to prioritize defense against this kind of activity within the US. The topic is such a relatively new phenomenon that the law has not caught up and the agencies have not adapted quickly enough, the Senate aide said. Were going to get there, but its a pretty surprising gap that can be exploited, they said, adding that until theres clear leadership from the White House, this is all going to keep spinning. Experts also pointed to what they described as a generalized belief in the US that conflict primarily happens abroad, and that the national security establishment hasnt adjusted quickly enough to threats at home. Spalding said the US has been focused on the away game, which has left us incredibly vulnerable at home as technology has advanced. We have a perception that the fight will occur elsewhere, that a fight with China will happen in the South China Sea or Taiwan, or with Russia in Europe. Its happening right now in the cyber domain or information space every single day here, VanHerck told CNN. The former senior military official said that over the years, a number of senior military commanders have testified before Congress about gaps in domain awareness in the US and limitations on the US ability to detect drones and more broadly defend the homeland. And while lawmakers generally seem receptive, and to understand the problem, that understanding hasnt been reflected in policy, the official said. The need for Congressional action was made clear in a joint statement this week from the DoD, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Federal Aviation Administration. The agencies said they urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge. [The drone issue] is not something we can deal with at scale anytime soon, Spalding said, unless we can raise the alarm at a much higher level and deal with the political repercussions of the fallout. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON The post-election honeymoon period is officially over. Democrats and Republicans were back to trading barbs this week as both parties tried to evade blame for a near government shut down. Lawmakers were on the verge Wednesday of passing a bipartisan spending agreement when Donald Trump ally and billionaire Elon Musk intervened and pushed Republicans to walk away from the deal. The president-elect soon joined in the cajoling. "If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under 'TRUMP.' This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!" the incoming president wrote on Friday morning in a social media post. House Republican leadership scrambled to come up with a bill that met the stipulations while relying on GOP votes. Ultimately, lawmakers reached a bipartisan agreement on a spending package that funds the government through March 14. WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 20: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) walks to the House Chamber from his office at the U.S. Capitol on December 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. The House approved a stopgap funding bill Friday to avert a government shutdown, extending funding into mid-March and including disaster relief, but omitting a debt ceiling suspension sought by President-elect Donald J. Trump after Republican opposition. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) The last-minute gambit paid off, and 30 minutes past the Friday midnight deadline, Congress managed to dodge a shutdown. The bill passed by a vote of 366 to 34 in the House and 85 to 11 in the Senate. But the reprieve is only temporary, kicking decisions down the road and likely setting up additional conflict when the next Congress, under slim Republican majorities, takes office. In January we will make a sea-change in Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters Friday evening, noting the incoming red trifecta as Republicans are also about to control the White House. Things are going to be very different around here. "We are excited about this outcome tonight," Johnson added. "We're grateful that everyone stood together to do the right thing and having gotten this done now as the last order of business for the year, we are set up for a big and important new start in January." His comments cap what had been a conflict-laden few days in Washington and where the politics of the 2026 and 2028 election cycles are lurking just beneath the surface. At a White House briefing Friday afternoon, the sitting president's press spokeswoman said Republicans "blew up" the original bipartisan deal earlier in the week and needed to "get out of their own way" to fix the situation. "This is a mess that Speaker [Mike] Johnson created. This is his mess to fix," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. The US Capitol is seen in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2024. The US House of Representatives voted on December 20 to avert a government shutdown with just hours to spare, with Democrats joining Republicans to advance a funding bill keeping the lights on through mid-March. Lawmakers sent a package to the Senate that would keep federal agencies running through mid-March -- but the upper chamber only has until midnight (0500 GMT) to follow suit or federal agencies will begin shutting. (Photo by Richard PIERRIN / AFP) (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images) She blamed Trump and Musk for collapsing the previous deal in her comments. Over at the Capitol, the GOP said Democrats should bear the blame. GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna laced into Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who she said had boasted to members of his caucus that he had "Republicans by the balls." "So, that's not cute Schumer," she said. "It's not cute to mess around with the future, and frankly with people that are relying on us to do our jobs." Political gamesmanship returns to Washington The political gamesmanship ended a period of post-election calm following Trump's unprecedented victory in November. Lawmakers found themselves in the middle of a Trump-induced storm that could have left millions of federal employees without paychecks during the holidays if a compromise had not been reached by midnight. Until this week Trump had mostly refrained from attacking his predecessor, sitting President Joe Biden, since the election, as both men emphasized that a peaceful transition of power would soon take place. For the most part, Biden had also declined to criticize Trump. The detente was teetering on Friday as Trump needled lawmakers to raise the debt ceiling under Biden and nudged them to shut down the government until he gets what he wants. Sep 24, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; House Leader Mike Johnson walks with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries , right, before the dedication ceremony to unveil the statue of Johnny Cash in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-904194 (Via OlyDrop) Lawmakers in Congress had originally worked together to craft a bipartisan spending deal that included the Biden administration's request for robust disaster assistance following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Yet the deal blew up on Wednesday when Musk and Trump publicly pressured lawmakers through a series of posts on his social media platform, X, to craft a bill on their own that cut out compromise elements. Trump said the spending bill should lift the debt ceiling so that deficit spending limits, which lawmakers do not need to address until next year, is attached to Biden. Fiscal conservatives in the House banded with Democrats to sink the revised legislation. Biden stayed out of the negotiations, as he has throughout his presidency, and publicly remained silent. On the floor of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader, stood on Thursday next to an easel affixed with a deep red and black poster board that declared it the #REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN in block white lettering. The initial deal, he said, would have provided disaster assistance to struggling communities and helped farmers, families, children, seniors, workers, veterans and members of the military. Jeffries said Democrats negotiated the Republican-drafted bill in good faith. "And then, one or two puppet masters weigh in, and the extreme MAGA Republicans decide to do the bidding of the wealthy, the well-off, the well-connected millionaires and billionaires," he argued. Jeffries said a GOP bill, which later failed, was "part of an effort to shut down the government," unless Congress bent a knee to wealthy Americans and agreed to suspend the debt ceiling for two years, which he said was tantamount to an unpaid tax cut that would only benefit the rich. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks to members of the news media along with U.S. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) after President-elect Donald Trump called on lawmakers to reject a stopgap bill to keep the government funded past Friday, raising the likelihood of a partial shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 19, 2024. REUTERS/Leah Millis "For decades, the Republican Party has lectured America about fiscal responsibility, about the debt and the deficit. It's always been phony, this bill proves it," he said. Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz told Republicans in a searing floor speech on Thursday evening to "put on their big boy pants" and pass a bill with their majority. "We're only here because you guys can't agree amongst yourselves." "Democrats will keep government open for the American people, we will mediate the disagreements between that side of the room and that side of the room, we will do that for you, but you've got to at least invite us to that meeting. So, if you want us to solve your problem, because you can't agree amongst yourselves, reach out," Moskowitz, who recently joined the newly formed, GOP-led DOGE caucus that aims to shrink the size of the federal government, said. Luna said Friday that the agreement Democrats initially made with Johnson's team came about in a closed-door meeting that did not include rank and file Republicans. "We're not playing with them anymore," she told reporters. "We're not going to be held hostage." White House hammers Republicans The White House accused Republicans on Friday of sabotaging the original compromise deal at Musk and Trump's behest and trying to saddle Biden and the outgoing administration with the blame for government dysfunction. "They need to fix it. It is their mess to fix," Jean-Pierre said of Republicans. Biden did not speak publicly about the potential shutdown. He had calls with Jeffries and Schumer, his spokeswoman said. She noted that Biden has taken a hands-off approach to Capitol Hill negotiations in the past but said Friday he stood ready to help get a bipartisan deal through Congress. "This is something that Republicans should own here," Jean-Pierre said. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Leah Millis "Congressional Republicans did what they did because of what the president-elect said and what Elon Musk said," she said. Federal employees who would have had their paychecks withheld in the event of a shutdown were informed Friday about the imminent possibility, while the White House assured there was still time to make a deal. Had Congress failed to find an eleventh-hour solution, federal employees who are deemed nonessential would have been barred from working and not receive paychecks for the duration of a shutdown. Members of the military and essential employees are required to work without pay in the event of a shutdown; both groups of workers would have eventually received backpay. The now-averted shutdown would have also been the first to occur under Biden's presidency. The longest shutdown in U.S. history, 35 days, took place during Trump's first term in office and also stretched across the holidays and New Year's Day. Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon told reporters earlier in the week, when the prospect of a shutdown still loomed, that both parties were likely to be blamed by the public. I think its going to blow back on all of us to a degree," he said. Bacon added, when pressed: Theres enough blame to go around right now, Ill just say it that way. Contributing: Riley Beggin, Zac Anderson This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans, Democrats cast blame as Congress avoids shutdown A Colorado man is asking his neighbors to sell him their home to solve a 'desperate' situation what he's doing and why After 10 moves in the 11 years he's lived in Frisco, Colorado, Alex Beach says he's ready to put down roots. He's on a mission to buy a home, but he's not scouring property websites or browsing online listings. Instead, hes taking a more hands-on approach by sending out postcards 150 of them asking neighbors if theyre willing to sell their home to him. "It only takes one person, right?" Beach told CBS News. "I'm getting desperate and I'm hoping." Beach isn't looking for just any home he's asking for a deed-restricted property. Don't miss Accredited investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger and benefit from regular distributions without lifting a finger. Heres how Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But less than 2 minutes can save you more than $600/year These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how Homes in Summit County, on average, sell for around $960,000, according to Zillow far out of reach for many in the area like Beach. To help bridge the affordability gap, a program for purchasing deed-restricted properties was created to provide support for community members. "Unfortunately, we're now in a situation where there is no alternative for the working local," Beach said. So, what exactly is a deed-restricted home, and what's so radical about Beach's approach to buying one? What's a deed-restricted home? Deed restrictions regulate how a property can be used by its owners. In the case of Summit County, individuals can access homes at well-below market price if they meet specific criteria. These can include falling within a certain income range and working a minimum number of hours locally. But the catch may be, for example, a cap on how much the home's value can appreciate. Such a restriction is designed to allow the property to be affordable for the next owner, too. Frisco is a popular resort town, and deed-restricted homes help ensure that its workers can live close by, creating a vibrant year-round community. Read more: Lock in juicy quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund even if youre not a millionaire. Heres how to get started with as little as $10 What's strange about Beach's method? There are many locals like Beach who desire a deed-restricted home, but there simply aren't enough to go around. Buying one of these properties often comes down to luck, as many applicants are selected via lottery. Beach says he's played and lost the lottery multiple times, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Instead of relying on chance, he sent out 150 postcards, hoping to connect with someone who owns a deed-restricted property and is willing to sell It's an unconventional strategy, but it reflects his determination to stay in the community and continue living in the town he loves. "This is a real neighborhood, Beach said. "People live here, people work here, people raise their families here. This is a dream." At nearly 40 years old, Beach doesn't want to start over somewhere else. He's holding out hope that one of his postcards will help him find a house he can finally call home. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RD Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco Salads are great, but as the temperature drops, cooked greens might start seeming more appealing than a bowl of even the most delicious combination of chilled ingredients. As much as we love our Green Salad with Peaches, Feta & Mint Vinaigrette, recipes like Braised Greens with Smoked Turkey start calling to us as coat weather commences. But just because we can expect more gray days on the horizon, that doesnt mean our vegetables should match. In fact, theres evidence that the chlorophylls that give green vegetables their vibrant colors are packed with healthy nutrients. According to one 2023 study, chlorophyll may boast not only antioxidants but also cancer- and obesity-fighting properties. The only problem? When we cook greens, its easy to let them leach out the colorand consequently, vitaminsthat might benefit us. It depends on how we prepare them. One test found that boiled greens hold the least vitamin C, while microwaved greens maintain the most. Whats the Best Way to Keep Green Vegetables Green? We spoke to Sylvia Casares, a food scientist and restaurateur, to find out. Casares left her decade-long tenure in the lab at Bens Original to follow her passion for cooking border-style Tex-Mex food with her Houston restaurants, Sylvias Enchilada Kitchen. Known as the Enchilada Queen, her reputation for fresh, colorful food is what makes her two locations lastingly popular. She says that the first secret to keeping green vegetables the color theyre intended to be is to make sure you cook them while theyre still fresh. The key to keeping them fresh is proper storage, Casares says. Wash them, then dry them off. You dont want to store them when theyre all wet. Take a paper towel and store them. At the restaurant, we line them with brown rolls of paper towels. Another obvious step that Casares recommends: Avoid overcooking your vegetables. Once youre overcooking them, youre changing everything about them. Cooking them fast and fresh and really watching them can be almost as good as eating them raw, Casares explains. Recently, a TikTok trend has emerged that has seen users washing their produce with baking soda, supposedly to better eliminate pesticides. According to research, this is not the most efficient way to get rid of the offending chemicals but still potentially worth pursuing. Related: How to Clean Vegetables to Remove Dirt and Pesticides, According to a Food Scientist However, another baking soda hack may be just the ticket to keeping greens fresh and colorful. Adding a small amount of the pure sodium bicarbonate powder to the water in which you blanch your green beans, for example, will help them retain their vivid green hue. How Does It Work? Casares explains that cooking vegetables changes the chemical structure of the chlorophyll, making it lose its telltale shade, eventually leaving bright greens more of an olive color. But adding baking soda can combat much of that reaction. How? It helps to make your food a little more alkaline, she says. Alkalinity, or absence of acid, will make the chlorophyll more stable. But theres a downside. The baking soda also weakens the walls of the vegetables cells, leaving them potentially mushy and even a little slimy. The only way to avoid that is by following Casares original advice and not overcooking, even if you do decide to use some baking soda. Related: 8 Surprising Ways to Use Baking Soda to Cook or Clean And the method isnt just excellent for green vegetables. The softening properties can actually be an asset for some ingredients. For example, soaking dry beans in water with baking soda further softens them and helps them absorb all the flavors you add when you cook them. It also helps to remove the oligosaccharides that make us gassy. And potatoes can also be even better after a bath in boiling water and baking soda. The extra step brings the starches of the potatoes to the surface, so when you roast them, they crisp and brown more efficiently. Try our Garlic-Rosemary Roasted Potatoes to taste for yourself. The Bottom Line Whether youre cooking calabacitas as Casares does, blanching our Garlicky Green Beans, or preparing home-grown chard for the freezer, if you want to keep your greens as close to fresh as possible, basic (as in alkaline) can be best. And thats not just true of their appearance. By preserving the chlorophyll in your healthy greens, youll be taking best advantage of their benefits, potentially lowering any inflammation you have in your body, and therefore improving your heart health and your ability to fight off cancer cells. After all, Casares points out, baking soda is excellent for practically everything. Its also fabulous in baking, and brushing my teeth and doing laundry, she jokes. All the more reason to buy the biggest box of your favorite brand. Read the original article on EATINGWELL 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Brianna LaPaglia and Grace O'Malley at the Golden Globes in January. Brianna LaPaglia, better known to her followers as Brianna Chickenfry, and her Plan Bri Uncut podcast co-host, Grace OMalley, are encountering some troubles in their longtime friendship. Throughout the past year, rumors have been flying that the best friends were no longer such. Now, each of them are speaking out to explain their sides of the story and how their friendship broke down. Heres what to know. TODAY.com has reached out to LaPaglia and OMalley respectively for additional comment. Who are Brianna LaPaglia and Grace OMalley? LaPaglia, 25, and OMalley, 26, had been best friends growing up in Massachusetts and had together hosted the Plan Bri Uncut podcast under Barstool Sports. LaPaglia also co-hosts Barstools BFFs podcast and spoke in a Dec. 11 episode about starting the Plan Bri podcast solo from her dorm room as a college advice show. When LaPaglia moved to New York to pursue the podcast with Barstool, she invited OMalley to move with her. OMalley eventually became co-host of Plan Bri and had been for the last two years, according to LaPaglia. LaPaglia had went through a public breakup with country music star Zach Bryan in the fall. In a Nov. 7 episode of BFFs, LaPaglia had reflected on the split and accused Bryan of narcissistic, emotional abuse for a year. (Bryan has not responded to LaPaglias claims. He and LaPaglia did not return TODAY.coms requests for additional comment at the time.) As for OMalley, she is pursuing a career in comedy. She opened several shows for Whitney Cummings on her Big Baby Tour this fall. Shes now on her own stand-up tour that goes into the spring. After her fallout with LaPaglia, OMalley said in a statement on her Instagram story Dec. 16 that she was parting ways with Barstool. On Dec. 19, OMalley and the Unwell Network, headed by podcaster (and former Barstool talent) Alex Cooper, said she was joining the Unwell family. They did not provide details about what that entails. The two Plan Bri Uncut podcast hosts at the 2024 People's Choice Awards. When did Brianna Chickenfry and Grace OMalleys fallout happen? Its unclear when exactly OMalley and LaPaglias friendship began to falter. However, fans began to speculate that something was amiss with the duo after OMalley celebrated her 26th birthday in October. She posted on Instagram a myriad of photos with friends, thanking them for celebrating with her. i had myself one of the best birthdays of all time, she wrote in the caption. thank you so very kindly to all of you sweeties who reached out and showed out. much love xoxo. LaPaglia was not pictured in any of the photos. Plus, Plan Bri hadnt had a new episode since Oct. 10, leading fans to wonder if something was amiss. What has Brianna Chickenfry said? Some had speculated that LaPaglias relationship with Bryan had caused a strain in hers with OMalley. When LaPaglia opened up about her breakup with Bryan on the Nov. 7 episode of BFFs, co-host Dave Portnoy asked LaPaglia how her friendship with OMalley was now that she and Bryan split. Good, she said. Me and Grace will always be fine. Then in the Dec. 12 episode of BFFs, LaPaglia shared that she and OMalley were indeed on the outs and opened up about her side of the story. She said about a year and a half ago, the internet began pitting her and OMalley against each other. Then when she began dating Bryan, that relationship formed a wedge in her friendship with OMalley. But she knew that this was the worst year of my life, LaPaglia said. This is when the internet started attacking me. They only lift Grace up when they're beating me down. ... It was, like, whatever because it helped her career, and she was fine and happy about it. But it got to a point where she was, like, never defending me. You can hate (Bryan), but you can still be there for me, LaPaglia added. And she never was. LaPaglia claimed she went to OMalley in May and asked her to defend her online. She said OMalley responded by saying she knows the truth and that LaPaglia has supported her. On top of everything that I was going through, I just couldnt take it anymore, she said. I ended our friendship I was like, I have to take a step away from this because it was, like, months of me being like, Grace, can you just defend me? I needed her so bad, and I know she needed me too during that year. She felt like I left her. Thats why Im saying these are two separate conversations, she added. Everyone's saying Grace deserves better, Grace lost her best friend. But I lost my best friend too. ... I brought her along for everything in my life. I gave her everything, and I would do it all over again. ... But when things get hard, and she knew what I was going through, I really needed her. She then commented on their work dynamic on Plan Bri. I couldnt do the podcast anymore because were sitting there pretending to be friends. ... I needed to set a boundary I cant continue this show anymore. So I ended the show. What has Grace OMalley said? OMalley hasnt responded to LaPaglias claims on the BFFs podcast about what she says led to their fallout. According to Portnoy, whos also the founder of Barstool, he asked OMalley to come on BFFs to explain her side of the story, but she declined. OMalley has, however, spoken out about Plan Bri. In early December, LaPaglia posted an Instagram story when Plan Bri made Spotify Wrappeds Breakout Creators of 2024 list. She wrote: working on bringing back some version of Planbri guys. This elicited a response from OMalley. She posted on her Instagram story Dec. 6 that she was unaware of LaPaglias effort to bring back Plan Bri. She said: hi guys! if you know me you know i truly hate having to be serious about anything ever, but sometimes you just have to be. so, here it is (can you tell im trying to stall even in this weird notes app post) for months ive been radio silent about the status of plan bri and it has killed me to leave you guys hanging. the plan was for brianna and me to put out a joint statement about the end of the podcast. everythings so weird and unfamiliar at the moment so ive just waited for the cue to put that out. seeing all of you tag us in your spotify wrapped made me feel a few things: proud of what weve built, nostalgic for all these years, and frankly outright heartbroken that this chapter is closed. but, we agreed to make a joint statement, so i replied, cried, and chose not to repost or saying anything until it was time. on that same day, you may have seen brianna post that shes working on bring back some version of plan bri. to give you guys the much needed info you deserve, all i can say is that that was my first time hearing about this. so, i feel as if its only fair to share my piece about all this jazz with you now. my favorite part of this chapter of my life was not only all of you, but also getting to work with my best friend. it has truly been a dream job and im eternally grateful to both brianna & barstool for giving me the opportunity to work on such a fantastic show with an even better team. this last year, ive bit my tongue so much that i shouldnt have one anymore. i was willing to wait out of respect, but things dont always work out the way you think they will. in fact they rarely do. i most defiantly did not foresee any of this EVER ending. i dont think ill ever fully get into every aspect of how this came to be, but it should be said that, although this was not a mutual decision, im realizing that, in the grand scheme of things, it might actually end up being the right one. i really dont want to be the goofed up person who says things like stay tuned and big things coming soon bc we all know i just mean im working on creating another type of the same thing, but more me. thats kind of how it goes. i want you all to know that im staying at barstool and, when it comes to chit chatting on a weekly basis, ill be right back. im always transparent and honest with you and ... honestly i have a pit in my stomach as i post this but hey ... thats showbiz baby! i love and adore you guys. see you soon xoxo Though she said in that statement on Dec. 6 that she was staying at Barstool, she then shared Dec. 16 on her Instagram story that she was parting with Barstool. I wanted you guys to hear it from me first that this is my last day at Barstool, she wrote in the post. Im so grateful to everyone at the company and to Dave for taking a chance on me. Im just as surprised as you are there are no typos in this statement. On Dec. 19, OMalley and the Unwell Network home to Coopers Call Her Daddy, Alix Earles Hot Mess and other podcasts shared in a joint post on Instagram that she is joining Unwell in some capacity. Neither shared specifics about projects or what her role might be. This article was originally published on TODAY.com After 25 years of Christmas decorating, Logan Moore has learned a thing or two. He programmed his first Christmas light show in the early 2000s, syncing color-changing lights on his childhood home to a playlist of songs, a novel approach back then. The display made headlines in his hometown and sent so many cars down his street that the police had to step in to provide traffic control. Now, his acre of property in Southside, Ala., is home to Moore Family Lights, a 10-to-12-song-long light show that evolves every year. Visitors can tune their car radios to his playlist, which includes personal favorites like songs from cinematic songwriter and producer Tommee Profitt. Moore is part of a growing community of super-decorators who spend months each year plotting elaborate displays and computerized light shows. Since the advent of social media, many promote their work online and draw crowds from around their cities. Their motivation? Pure holiday cheer. Decorating costs can easily run into the thousands and require hundreds of hours of installation and back-end work. Neighbors get to enjoy it all for free. The community has grown over the years, thanks in part to a seasonal ABC reality competition show, The Great Christmas Light Fight, a robust number of forums and Facebook groups, and displays that go viral online. 'The kids go crazy' Mitch and Shenan Faas of Saratoga Springs, Utah, have garnered more than 120,000 YouTube views for a medley of songs from Wicked set to lights. Now how did I get chills from the defying gravity performance of a house, one viewer inquired. Its the most popular part of their show this year, which also includes a Deadpool tribute set to NSYNCs Bye Bye Bye and more traditional Christmas songs like Mary Did You Know? and Carol of the Bells. When Wicked comes on we hear a hush throughout the crowd, like Yes! Mitch Faas said. The kids go crazy for it. Being a noted Christmas house takes a certain level of buy-in from neighbors. Tim Mays, who puts on a 90-minute show, the Mays Family Light Show, in South Elgin, Ill., sends letters to his neighbors when he begins setting up his over 120,000-light display, reminding them what to expect and providing contact information in case of any incidents like blocked driveways. Feedback, generally, is good. My No. 1 goal is to bring joy to everybody, Mays said. "Ive gotten numerous emails and letters saying, I didnt have the Christmas spirit. Now that we came to your house, now we have the Christmas spirit. Moore, in Alabama, said several neighbors have grandchildren who enjoy the show each year. One neighbor installed a light-up sign reading Ditto and pointed it to Moores house. That was a lot of fun, he said. Contrary to popular belief, an all-out display doesnt mean a sky-high electric bill, thanks to LED technology. Lights enthusiasts Yahoo Finance spoke with generally reported increases of $50 to $150 on their bills. They consider this a relatively small price to pay for displays that run several hours a night for a month or more. My mom hasnt complained to me about the electric bill, said Lucas Tran, a college student who has been running a show at his parents house in Apalachin, N.Y., for five years. Bigger and better Many decorators attempt to go a bit bigger every year. Moore added a new roof decoration with 5,200 lights, also known as pixels, and is working on an animatronic snowman. He spent 2023 rigging a large present with a light-up Christmas Spirit Meter and theatrical fog. In Illinois, Mays installed four moving spotlights on his roof, an upgrade that initially gave him pause. I knew once those went up on the roof, the traffic was going to increase exponentially because you can see them from far away, he said. Mom hasn't complained: Lucas Tran stands outside his home in Apalachin, N.Y. He's in his fifth year of producing his show, Lights on Springtree. (Photo: Lucas Tran) (Lucas Tran) The planning can be time-consuming. Shannon Harold recalled falling asleep to Christmas techno music while her husband Nico worked on their show in Riverview, Fla. in October. Creating a 40,000-light, 60-inch screen that can play snippets of music videos became a family project spanning several months. Every prop we have, hes pushing the pixels in one by one, she said. Hes recruited our kids. Ive done a few. In nearby St. Petersburg, Fla., decorating took on a special meaning this year for Peter Schorsch after his neighborhood was devastated by back-to-back hurricanes. For the holidays, he has his usual Disney-festooned display, including multiple Santa Mickeys, light-studded palm trees, and a Rudolph blowup. On select nights, he arranges for a real-life Santa to wave at passers-by. The crowds have been thinner this year, though, because so many of his neighbors have had to move after their homes were damaged by the storms. It was a little sad and a little eerie, Schorsch said. The lights are much brighter at our house because theres less light around us. Initially, he was reluctant to put up his annual Halloween display, which ultimately transitions into Christmas. At the time, many of his neighbors lacked power. But when he asked his local Facebook group whether they wanted the decorations, the response was overwhelmingly in favor. It was like, If you dont put up those lights, my children are going to have nothing, Schorsch said. I had to do it at that point. Claire Boston is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering housing, mortgages, and home insurance. Click here for real estate and housing market news, reports, and analysis to inform your investing decisions Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Saturday drew a direct link between immigration and an attack in Germany where a man drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others. During a rare appearance before independent media in Budapest, Orban expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims of what he called the terrorist act on Friday night in the city of Magdeburg. But the long-serving Hungarian leader, one of the European Union's most vocal critics, also implied that the 27-nation bloc's migration policies were to blame. German authorities said the suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor, is under investigation. He has lived in Germany since 2006, practicing medicine. Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. Orban claimed without evidence that such attacks only began to occur in Europe after 2015, when hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees entered the EU after largely fleeing war and violence in the Middle East and Africa. Europe has in fact seen numerous militant attacks going back decades including train bombings in Madrid, Spain, in 2004 and attacks on central London in 2005. Still, the nationalist leader declared that there is no doubt that there is a link between migration and terrorism, and claimed that the EU leadership "wants Magdeburg to happen to Hungary too. Orban's anti-immigrant government has taken a hard line on people entering Hungary since 2015, and has built fences protected by razor wire on Hungary's southern borders with Serbia and Croatia. In June, the European Court of Justice ordered Hungary to pay a fine of 200 million euros ($216 million) for persistently breaking the blocs asylum rules, and an additional 1 million euros per day until it brings its policies into line with EU law. Orban, a right-wing populist who is consistently at odds with the EU, has earlier vowed that Hungary would not change its migration and asylum policies regardless of any rulings from the EU's top court. On Saturday, he promised that his government will fight back against what he called EU efforts to impose immigration policies on Hungary. Liz Teitz covers environmental news and the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. She writes about the San Antonio Water System, news in New Braunfels and Comal County and water issues around Central Texas. She can be reached at liz.teitz@express-news.net. Liz joined the Express-News in June 2023. She has been a reporter for eight years, covering housing, government, education and other topics for the Ouray County Plaindealer, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and the Beaumont Enterprise. Liz grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Georgetown University. Warning: This story contains spoilers for "The Six Triple Eight." No mail, low morale. That was the motto of the 6888th, a battalion that made history in World War II as the first and only Womens Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas. The heroic efforts of the battalion are captured in Netflix's The Six Triple Eight, written and directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington as the battalions commander, Major Charity Adams. The 6888th was tasked with handling a backlog of over 17 million of pieces of mail, an especially important task at a time when letters were the only way soldiers could interact with loved ones. Capt. Mary Kearney and Maj. Charity Adams, played by Kerry Washington in "The Six Triple Eight," inspect the first arrivals to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion at a temporary post in Birmingham, England, on Feb. 15, 1945. They were inspiring the soldiers to keep fighting by getting them the letters from home, Perry said in the film's press notes. When thats the only way that you can communicate across seas in wartime, it was so important that those soldiers got those letters in their hands. That was life to them." Keep reading to learn more about The Six Triple Eight and the real-life events that inspired the film, which premieres on Netflix Dec. 20. Who were the Six Triple Eight? The Six Triple Eight is a nickname for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only U.S. Womens Army Corps (WAC) unit of color stationed in Europe during World War II, according to Netflixs Tudum blog. The battalion of 855 women were mostly comprised of Black service members, but also included some women of Caribbean and Mexican descent. In February 1945, the 6888th was tasked with managing a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail, sorting letters and packages that filled three aircraft hangars. It was a formidable job, especially given that so many letters were improperly addressed, or addressed to common names like Robert Smith, according to the Buffalo Soldier Educational and Historical Committee. In 1945, members of the real 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion took part in a parade ceremony in honor of Joan d'Arc at the marketplace where she was burned at the stake. The women devised an efficient system for sorting the mail and worked round-the-clock shifts in Birmingham, England. They had minimal heating despite freezing conditions and, due to the threat of air raids, they worked in aircraft hangars with blacked-out windows, making visibility difficult. In addition to the physical challenges, they faced racism and misogyny within the Army. According to the battalions historical committee, they were not allowed to sleep, shower or eat in the same facilities as the other female personnel and soldiers. Kerry Washington stars as Maj. Charity Adams in "The Six Triple Eight." The battalion was commanded by Maj. Charity Adams (later Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley), the first Black woman to serve as an officer in the WAC. By the time the war ended, Adams was the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. Army. The 6888th battalion was given six months to complete their task, but they finished in 90 days. After they completed their mission in England, the battalion was relocated to France. How accurate is Tyler Perrys The Six Triple Eight movie? The movies protagonists are based on real people from the 6888th. Kerry Washingtons character, Maj. Charity Adams, was based on the battalions real-life leader. Several moments from the movie are taken directly from documented and real-life events. Washington tells TODAY.com that one of those real-life moments was when Adams was confronted by a superior officer who told her he would send a white officer to show her how to run her unit, to which Adams replied, "Over my dead body." "There are so many courageous moments that happened in the script that I then read in (Adams') memoir," Washington, who serves as an executive producer on the film, says. "I think that was like a wonderful surprise to me, that we really were going to be presenting this story in a way that was so rooted in truth and in their lived experience." Milauna Jackson as Lt. Campbell, Kerry Washington as Maj. Charity Adams, and Ebony Obsidian as Lena Derriecott King in "The Six Triple Eight." Washington also shares that similar to the film, Adams was "threatened with being court-martialed." "In real life, she was court-martialed," Washington tells TODAY.com. "But because, as she says to the chaplain (in the film), 'Ive learned these laws and rules of the army inside and out,' she was able to win her court-martial, maintain her status and her position in the army. And she went on to earn multiple degrees on the GI Bill." Lena Derriecott King, played by Ebony Obsidian, was also a veteran of the battalion who helped Perry with his research. I met her when she was 99 years old. I didn't know what to expect," Perry told Hoda on TODAY Dec. 17. "I wanted to ask her about the 6888 before I started writing. When she comes down the stairs -- comes down to sit and talk to me, I'm like, 'Is she going to be in the right mind? Is she OK?'" Perry said his clear interaction with King quickly washed away all of his concerns. "99 and sharp as a tack. She told me these incredible stories. Her recall and memory was so great that when I ran it by a historian, he was blown away that she could recall that much." Perry was able to show King a rough cut of the movie before she died at 100 in January 2024, and the filmmaker said she loved it. She was saluting the screen. She was laughing. But at the end of it, it was so powerful, he said, according to Netflixs Tudum. She was in tears. She just said, Thank you so much for letting the world know that we contributed. Several other characters in the film are based on real-life figures, including Oprah Winfreys character, civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, as well as President Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, played by Sam Waterston and Susan Sarandon. While much of the film closely follows historical events, Perry revealed he did take one creative liberty toward the end of the film, when the entire battalion is applauded and saluted. "That salute didnt happen. It didnt happen until many, many, many years later," Perry told the audience at a recent screening of the film, attended by TODAY.com. "So the liberty that I took at the end was having everyone of them be saluted," he continued. "They all are saluted as they walk in because they represent all 855 to me. And you see them walking through this door into a new life, into a new future." What happened to the Six Triple Eight? The 6888th disbanded in 1946 and did not receive public recognition in the immediate aftermath of World War II. According to Washington, there were even rumors when they returned home that they "were only sent over to be concubines to the Black soldiers." "This rumor got started to kind of diminish their legacy," Washington tells TODAY.com. "So a lot of women when they came back, not only were they not celebrated, but they didnt talk about what they did." In recent years, however, the battalions work has been honored on a national level. In 2018, a monument to the 6888th was erected in Leavenworth, Kansas, and in 2022, the battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Six of the members from the battalion who were alive at the time received the honor. In 2023, the U.S. Army also changed the name of the Fort Lee Army base in Virginia to Fort Gregg-Adams, in honor of Lt. Col. Charity Adams and Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg, the first Black officer in the U.S. Army to reach the rank of lieutenant general. As of 2024, there are two remaining members of the 6888th: Fannie McClendon and Anna Mae Robertson. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The man accused of killing five people and injuring more than 200 others by ramming a car into a crowded German Christmas market had a history of making anti-Islam statements, which had grown increasingly dark and threatening towards Germany in recent months. The suspect, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, was arrested at the scene of the deadly attack in Magdenburg on Friday. German authorities said they believe he acted alone. A Saudi Arabian citizen, the 50-year-old psychiatrist came to Germany in 2006. Once settled in the country, he began sharing advice online with other people about how to escape repressive regimes in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, setting up the platform wearesaudis.net. While initially appreciative of Germany, in recent years he appeared to grow increasingly disgruntled with the country and its immigration policies. In 2015, Germany welcomed more than a million refugees from the Middle East but has since moved to tighten border controls. German authorities said on Saturday that they were examining Al Abdulmohsens dissatisfaction with Germanys treatment of refugees, although they said more time was needed to establish a motive. On social media, Al Abdulmohsen posted openly about renouncing his Islamic faith, expressed sympathy for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and accused Germany of promoting the Islamization of the country. Earlier this year, he made dark threats against Germany and the German people online something the German authorities were apparently alerted to. On his account on X, formerly Twitter, he posted in May to his nearly 50,000 followers: German terrorism will be brought to justice. Its very likely that I will die this year in order to bring justice. He made a similar statement in August, when he posted: I assure you that if Germany wants a war, we will fight it. If Germany wants to kill us, we will slaughter them, die, or go to prison with pride. Reuters news agency released this image of the suspect, Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, sourcing it from a US-based activist group called RAIR Foundation USA. - RAIR Foundation/Reuters As part of efforts to promote his activism work, Al Abdulmohsen had been in touch with many media organizations, including CNN. He told news outlets he had regular contact with vulnerable women and would often be their only point of contact outside Saudi Arabia. He said he helped them plan travel to visa-free countries, and, on several occasions, he facilitated contact between these women and the media. CNN communicated with him when reporting a story about two women who had fled Saudi Arabia for the former Soviet state of Georgia that was published in 2019. He helped facilitate contact with the women, although he was not interviewed for the piece. The BBC interviewed him about his activism in 2019. He told the broadcaster he left Saudi Arabia after his life was threatened there. He said he spent up to 10 to 16 hours a day helping Saudi asylum seekers and added that 90% of people contacting him were women. He also gave interviews to German media about his work. His contact with CNN subsided around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Al Abdulmohsen began reaching out again early this year, sending a barrage of aggressive messages to the CNN journalist with whom he was previously in touch, which contained unsubstantiated stories and claims related to his advocacy work. CNN ceased direct communication with him, blocking notifications from him on WhatsApp and X. Subsequent messages from Al Abdulmohsen sent on X, including direct threats against the German people that were similar to those he made publicly, were not seen by CNN until after the attack. CNN has reached out to the police and public prosecutors office in Magdeburg for comment on whether Al Abdulmohsen was known to mental health services or other relevant agencies before the attack. The police declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities said that Al Abdulmohsen worked as a psychiatrist in Bernburg, a small town about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. The clinic that employed Al Abdulmohsen said he had been a psychiatric specialist at a correctional facility for criminals with addictions in Bernburg since March 2020, but added he had not been to work since October 2024 due to vacation and illness. People visit a makeshift memorial outside a church near the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 21. - Ronny Hartmann/AFP/Getty Images Al Abdulmohsen appeared particularly frustrated with Atheist Refugee Relief, a German NGO that was supporting women who escaped Saudi Arabia and other oppressive regimes while they awaited the results of their asylum claims. Messages sent by Al Abdulmohsen to CNN suggest he believed the group was disrupting his efforts and accused them, among other charges, of questioning whether he had instructed the women to say they had renounced Islam while claiming asylum. He made some of the allegations against the group publicly on social media, which led to Atheist Refugee Relief making a formal complaint with the police in 2019. According to a statement published by the group on Saturday, Al Abdulmohsen was eventually ordered by the Cologne Regional Court to delete the defamatory and accusatory posts. The case is currently going through the appeals process. Questions had also been raised about Al Abdulmohsens practice of publicizing the cases of some of the Saudi escapees despite the risks they would face if their asylum applications were rejected, and they had to return to Saudi Arabia. The German Office for Migration and Refugees said Saturday it received a tipoff about him via social media. This was taken seriously, as were all the other numerous tips, the office said in a statement on X. The person providing the information was referred directly to the responsible authorities, as is usual in such cases, it said. The warnings went well beyond social media statements. Saudi authorities had warned their German counterparts about Al Abdulmohsen on several occasions, two sources with knowledge of the communications told CNN on Saturday. The first warning came in 2007 and was connected to concerns held by Saudi authorities that Al Abdulmohsen had expressed radical views of varying kinds, one of the sources said. Saudi Arabia considers the suspect a fugitive and requested his extradition from Germany between 2007 and 2008, the source said, adding that German authorities refused, citing concerns for the mans safety should he return. A second source told CNN the Saudis alerted Germany to the individual in four official notifications. Three of the notifications, known as Notes Verbal, were sent to the German intelligence services and one to the countrys foreign ministry. The source said all of the warnings were ignored. CNN reached out to the German Foreign Ministry for comment about the warnings and was referred to the Ministry of Interior, which in turn referred CNN to the public prosecutors office in Magdeburg. CNN has not received a response from the prosecutors office. A police officer walks through the shuttered Christmas market in Magdeburg on December 21. - Omer Messinger/Getty Images Speaking to the German public broadcaster ZDF on Saturday, the president of the German Federal Office of Criminal Investigation Holger Munch confirmed that a tipoff from Saudi Arabia was received by his office and that proceedings were initiated. Munch said the police in Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdenburg is the capital, then began investigating, but added the threats were too unspecific. The man also published a huge number of posts on the internet. He also had various contacts with the authorities, insults and threats. But he was not known for violent acts, he told ZDF, adding that the case will need to be looked at again to check again whether we, as security authorities, have let something slip. Munch said the action of the suspect appeared to follow a completely atypical pattern something some experts have also pointed out. After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar, Peter Neumann, professor of security studies at Kings College London, wrote on X. The German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Saturday described Al Abdulmohsen as an Islamophobe, but gave few other details and said the investigation was just starting. A 9-year-old boy and four women, aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, died in the attack, police said in a statement on Sunday. Authorities are holding Al Abdulmohsen in pre-trial detention on five counts of murder, several counts of attempted murder and several counts of dangerous bodily harm. This story has been updated with additional information CNNs Sophie Tanno, Nadine Schmidt, Isaac Yee, Billy Stockwell, Catherine Nicholls, Benjamin Brown and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com It was writings laid bare in a notebook found in Luigi Mangiones possession, authorities say, that would help investigators build the federal case against him a well-planned homicide that involved stalking the movements of his alleged victim, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. An entry dated August 15, reads: the details are finally coming together, according to a federal complaint unsealed Thursday. Im glad in a way that Ive procrastinated, Mangione allegedly wrote, saying it gave him time to learn more about the company he was targeting, whose name was redacted by prosecutors. The target is insurance because it checks every box, the notebook read, according to the complaint. The federal complaint marked investigators first public acknowledgment of the notebook, more than a week after its existence was first reported by CNN. The high-profile case took an unusual turn when Mangione, 26, was hit with new federal charges Thursday, on top of state charges hes already facing for the executives December 4 killing in Manhattan, including for first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. The move appeared to take his lawyers by surprise. Now, the state and federal trials will work in parallel, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. But Mangiones defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said the new charges which include murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense raise serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns. Though its unusual for federal prosecutors to take on a case like Mangiones, legal experts say, a motion for double jeopardy a doctrine that prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for the same offense is unlikely to succeed. Mangione, who will now be held in federal detention, is expected to face the state trial before his federal trial, prosecutors said. Manhattan prosecutors are working with the federal authorities to schedule an arraignment for Mangione on state murder charges that could happen as soon as Monday. Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, are next expected to seek an indictment from a grand jury. The federal charges introduce the possibility of Mangione being sentenced to death if hes found guilty of the federal murder charge, while the state charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek the death penalty, and the decision would ultimately need to be approved by the US Attorney General. Notebook helps feds build their case The notebook authorities say was in Mangiones possession contained several handwritten pages that express hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular, according to the federal complaint. The details from the notebook helped the feds build their case because it demonstrates the interstate stalking and the premeditated lying in wait, said David Shapiro, a lecturer at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Its all there and part of a months-long plan to cross state lines. In an entry on October 22, the writer said, This investor conference is a true windfall and most importantly the message becomes self evident. The entry also described the intent to wack the CEO of an insurance company at the conference. Its unusual for federal prosecutors to take on a case like Mangiones, Shapiro says, because historically, murder has been primarily prosecuted by the states since its a crime committed in a specific jurisdiction. The federal complaint added four new federal charges against Mangione, who was previously indicted on 11 counts this week in New York. The charges include two counts of second-degree murder, one of which alleges he committed murder as a crime of terrorism. Luigi Mangione is escorted from the Blair County Court House in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, after an extradition hearing on Tuesday, December 10. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters But, bringing both state and federal charges is not unprecedented. The push for federal charges came from the US Attorneys office, multiple law enforcement sources told CNN. Because the FBI was already involved in the investigation assisting the NYPD with out-of-town leads, FBI agents were asked to draw up the federal complaint based on evidence collected by NYPD detectives working on the state charges and police in Pennsylvania who arrested Mangione. Federal prosecutors say they have jurisdiction in the case because Mangiones travel in interstate commerce taking a bus from Atlanta to New York prior to the killing as well as use of interstate facilities by allegedly utilizing a cell phone and the internet to plan and carry out the stalking, shooting, and killing of Thompson in broad daylight on a Manhattan sidewalk. Defense questions concurrent charges As Mangione made his first New York court appearance on Thursday, Agnifilo asked prosecutors to clarify whether theres a joint investigation among the federal and state prosecutors or two separate investigations. Mangiones defense team appears to be poised to argue the concurrent charges may run afoul of his rights as a criminal defendant, several legal experts told CNN. 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, Agnifilo said. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought. Agnifilos request to prosecutors on Thursday is about creating smoke and doubt, Shapiro said. Mangiones lawyer could make a motion for double jeopardy, but its unlikely to succeed, according to both Shapiro and Elie Honig, a CNN senior legal analyst and former federal and state prosecutor. The Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that state and federal agencies can bring charges against a person for the same conduct because they operate as separate entities. It does not violate double jeopardy principles to have the same person charged by the feds and the state separately, Honig told CNN. The rationale there is, these are separate governmental entities, and in this case, the nature of the charges is different in technical respect. Its not likely that a judge at the trial level is going to take a chance on ruling this is double jeopardy and throwing it out, according to Shapiro, because the societal stakes are huge. Karen Friedman Agnifilo, lawyer of Luigi Mangione, walks outside a US district court in New York, on Thursday, December 19. - Jeenah Moon/Reuters Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the state case against Mangione will proceed in parallel with the federal case. According to Shapiro, however, parallel suggests sort of two independent tracks, one above the other. Instead, he says, the two federal and state investigators are in fact intersecting tracks, like threads in yarn. They are working together. Finding an impartial jury could be tough Federal prosecutors asked that Mangione be detained and his attorneys told the court they will not seek bail at the moment but reserve the right to do so later. Mangione is being held in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, the only federal jail operating in New York City. The biggest issue facing Mangiones prosecution is jury nullification because, according to Shapiro, youre going to get a jury pool that is going to be somewhat familiar with the case. The killing of Thompson, a husband and father of two, exposed many Americans fury toward the health care industry and Mangione garnered widespread support on social media after his arrest. Since his killing, officials have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Luigi Mangione sits between his defense attorneys Karen Friedman Agnifilo and her husband Marc Agnifilo during his federal court hearing in New York on Thursday, December 19. - Jane Rosenberg/Reuters Jurors can choose to nullify the law and return a not guilty verdict based on their own personal convictions, Shapiro said, even when they believe evidence presented at trial proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jury nullification is the secret hope and dream of every defense attorney that doesnt have a case, Shapiro said. You cant argue for nullification as a defense attorney. But a juror can decide on his or her own to nullify the law, to ignore the evidence, and to say they wont convict because of their own reasons. Whats at play in both the federal and state cases against Mangione, according to Shapiro, is that its likely prosecutors dont want to try the case because it gives Mangione a soap box to air his views. I think they want Mangione to plead out, which is why theyre holding the death penalty against him, he said. CNNs Andy Rose, Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle, Aditi Sangal and John Miller contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com youtube Alabama rapper Landlord Lo. A man has been charged in connection with the double homicide outside a funeral reception in Brighton, Ala., that killed two men including rapper Landlord Lo. James David Abercrombie, 27, was charged with the murders of Roderick Hall, 38, and DAngelo LeMarcus Samuel, 27 (a.k.a. Landlord Lo), after they were fatally shot on Dec. 13 during a funeral that honored Samuel's uncle, Fredrick Lee Samuel, 62, Al.com reported. Abercrombie also faces charges related to shooting into a building and possessing a firearm, the outlet added. He was taken to the Jefferson County Jail on Dec. 20 and is being held without bail, per inmate records seen by PEOPLE. Related: Kidnapped and Left for Dead by the Indiana Slasher, 3 Women Fought for Nearly 50 Years to ID Their Attacker (Exclusive) The Dec. 13 shooting took place at the Brighton Community Center. Police were called to the scene just before 2:30 p.m. local time, according to AL.com. Both victims sustained injuries to the head and were pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet added. 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. Brighton Police Captain and Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Hooten was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the double homicide. Hooten described Hall to AL.com as a "down-to-earth guy" who "didn't bother anybody." "I went to elementary school with him before I became a cop or a firefighter," he said. "[We] hung out, and we'd check in on each other from time to time." Jefferson County Jail James David Abercrombie, who has been accused of the double homicide outside a funeral repass in Brighton, Alabama. Under the stage name Landlord Lo, Samuel released a number of songs, including his most recent tracks: "Bang For Heat" and "Sneaky Link." Read the original article on People Flames could be seen where a military helicopter made an emergency landing at Camp Pendleton on Friday, causing police to warn drivers of potential traffic delays along Interstate 5. All four crew members were reported safe with no injuries, James Estillore, spokesman for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Communication Strategy and Operations, said. PHOTO: Military helicopter makes emergency landing in Oceanside California, Dec. 20, 2024. (Oceanside PD) Shortly after 4 p.m. local time, "a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced an engine fire in-flight," Estillore said. "The aircrew conducted emergency procedures and safely landed the aircraft at a landing zone," Estillore's statement continued. PHOTO: Military helicopter makes emergency landing in Oceanside California, Dec. 20, 2024. (Oceanside PD) The helicopter landed along the northbound side of the freeway, near the Aliso Creek Rest Area, California Highway Patrol said in a statement. "Please use caution and expect delays in the area," CHP said. Local and Marine Corps emergency responders attended to the scene to extinguish the fire. Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base for the Marine Corps, located in San Diego County. Military helicopter makes emergency landing on California base: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean police have questioned Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo as part of an investigation into the short-lived decision this month to impose martial law, an official at his office said on Friday. The acting president was among 12 people present at a cabinet meeting on Dec. 3 shortly before President Yoon Suk Yeol's shock late-night announcement on martial law. Nine of those people have been questioned by a special police unit investigating the case, the Yonhap news agency reported. Han, a career technocrat, became acting president after Yoon was impeached on Saturday following a parliamentary vote. The official at Han's office did not say when he was questioned, but said it took place before Han was appointed acting president. He was being investigated as a suspect, Yonhap reported. Earlier this month, the main opposition Democratic Party reported Han to police after accusing him of insurrection. Police officials were not immediately available for comment. Han has previously said he had opposed the martial law declaration, which Yoon withdrew after barely six hours when outraged lawmakers rejected his decree. Yoon faces a Constitutional Court trial on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers following his impeachment. He 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. A team of legal representatives and opposition lawmakers who will take on the role of prosecutors in the impeachment trial met on Friday. "We gathered here today to fulfill our historical duty of impeaching Yoon Suk Yeol," said lawmaker Jung Chung-rae, who chairs the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee leading the impeachment case. The team includes a former Constitutional Court judge who was part of the panel that deliberated in the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. The joint investigation team including police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials summoned Yoon for a second time on Friday to appear for questioning on Dec. 25, Yonhap said. Yoon did not respond to the first summons by the team earlier this week. Police have tried unsuccessfully to raid Yoon's office to seek evidence after the presidential office security service denied them entry. The opposition is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing on new Constitutional Court judges next week that the ruling party has vowed to boycott. South Korea's Constitutional Court currently has only six judges with three seats vacant. Opposition parties and the ruling party have clashed over whether an acting president has the authority to appoint new judges to the court. One judge was appointed to the court by an acting president previously during the impeachment of former President Park in 2017. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Lincoln Feast.; Editing by Ed Davies and Lincoln Feast.) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A trade-dispute panel ruled on Friday that Mexico's restrictions on U.S. genetically modified corn exports violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, handing the Biden administration a major trade victory in its final weeks. The U.S. Trade Representative's office said the USMCA dispute settlement panel ruled in favor of all seven U.S. legal claims in the long-running case. It said the panel found Mexico's restrictions are not based on science and violate the USMCA's chapters on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and on market access and national treatment. The three-member panel's final report recommended that Mexico bring its corn-trade policies into compliance with the trade agreement. It has 45 days to do so under the 2020 trade deal's rules and failure to comply could result in punitive duties on some exports to the U.S. Mexico's economy and agriculture ministries said in a joint statement they disagreed with the ruling but would respect it, providing no details on what steps they would take. "The Government of Mexico does not agree with the Panel's decision, as it considers that the measures in question are aligned with the principles of public health protection and the rights of Indigenous peoples," the agencies said. Nonetheless, they said that dispute resolution was a key component of the USMCA trade deal, noting that Mexico and Canada prevailed over the U.S. in an automotive rules of origin dispute case last year. The corn dispute began six months after USMCA came into force in July 2020 when then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador decreed that GM corn be banned by the end of 2024 -- a move largely targeting U.S. corn exports. His successor, President Claudia Sheinbaum, has supported the policy. After years of little movement in consultations, USTR requested arbitration to settle the dispute, challenging Mexico's 2023 decree that immediately banned use of GM corn in tortillas and dough, and instructed government agencies to gradually eliminate its use in other foods and in animal feed. The U.S. argued the Mexican government's claims that GM corn is harmful to human health were not based on science. "The panel's ruling reaffirms the United States' longstanding concerns about Mexicos biotechnology policies and their detrimental impact on U.S. agricultural exports, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a statement. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the decision ensured that U.S. farmers and exporters "will continue to have full and fair access to the Mexican market." "It is also a victory for the countries around the world growing and using products of agricultural biotechnology to feed their growing populations and adapt to a changing planet, Vilsack added. In February, Mexico's government softened its initial ban on GM corn, explicitly allowing its use for livestock feed and industrialized products for human consumption, but maintained the ban for use in tortillas. Mexican officials have defended restrictions on GM corn in tortillas and argued it is up to Washington to demonstrate its exports do not harm human health. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% blanket tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico when he takes office on Jan. 20 unless they stem the flow of illegal migrants and fentanyl to the U.S. If implemented, those duties would appear to violate the USMCA's rules, possibly spawning another dispute case. TOP BUYER Mexico, birthplace of modern corn, prohibits planting of GM corn due to fears it would contaminate native strains of the grain. Yet the country is the top foreign buyer of U.S.-grown yellow corn, nearly all of which is genetically modified. Mexico's government expects local buyers will import a record 22.3 million metric tons during the 2023/24 agricultural season. In 2024 through October, the U.S. exported $4.8 billion worth of corn to Mexico, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mexico boasts over 60 native varieties of corn, known as landraces, many coming in a kaleidoscope of colors and featuring distinct flavor profiles. This month, Deputy Economy Minister Luis Rosendo Gutierrez stressed that the government was doing everything it could to protect the free trade pact amid Trump's tariff threats. He added Mexico would comply with the panel's ruling. U.S. and international agriculture and biotechnology groups applauded the ruling. "This is the clearest of signals that upholding free-trade agreements delivers the stability needed for innovation to flourish and to anchor our food security," said Emily Rees, president of CropLife International, which represents the plant science industry. (Reporting by David Lawder and Adriana Barrera; additional reporting by Brendan O'Boyle, David Alire Garcia and Cassandra Garrison in Mexico City, Tom Polansek in Chicago and Leah Douglas in Washington; editing by Diane Craft, Rod Nickel and David Gregorio) By Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) -As the future of warfare pivots towards artificial intelligence, Ukraine is sitting on a valuable resource: millions of hours of footage from drones which can be used to train AI models to make decisions on the battlefield. AI has been deployed by both sides on the battlefield during Russia's invasion of Ukraine to identify targets, scanning images far quicker than a human can. Oleksandr Dmitriev, founder of OCHI, a non-profit Ukrainian digital system which centralises and analyses video feeds from over 15,000 drone crews working on the frontlines, told Reuters his system had collected 2 million hours, or 228 years, of battlefield video from drones since 2022. That will provide vital data for AI to learn from. "This is food for the AI: If you want to teach an AI, you give it 2 million hours (of video), it will become something supernatural." According to Dmitriev, the footage can be used to train AI models in combat tactics, spotting targets and assessing the effectiveness of weapons systems. "It is essentially experience which can be turned into mathematics," he said, adding that an AI program can study the trajectories and angles at which weapons are most effective. The system was originally made in 2022 to give military commanders an overview of their areas of the battlefield by showing them drone footage from all nearby crews side by side on one screen. After the system was rolled out, the team running it realised that video being sent back by drones could prove useful as a record of the war so they began to store it. On average, Dmitriev said five or six terabytes of new data were added every day from the fighting. IMAGE QUALITY Dmitriev said he was talking with representatives from some of Ukraine's foreign allies that had expressed interest in his OCHI system, but declined to provide details. Samuel Bendett, adjunct senior fellow at the U.S.-based Center for a New American Security, said such a vast pool of data would be extremely valuable in teaching AI systems to identify what exactly they are seeing, and what steps they should take. "Humans can do this intuitively, but machines cannot, and they have to be trained on what is or isn't a road, or a natural obstacle, or an ambush," he said. Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at Wadhwani AI centre at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said the size of the data set and the image quality were important, as AI models learned to recognise targets based on shapes and colours. Bondar said that the dataset was valuable in the context of training to fight Russia. However, she said U.S. officials and drone makers prefer a dataset that trains AI systems to operate in the Pacific against a potential Chinese adversary. "(They want) systems ready and able to fight against China because thats the main priority for the U.S. right now, rather than getting a lot of footage of Ukrainian fields and forests." Ukraine also has another system, called Avengers, developed by its defence ministry, which centralises and collects video from drones and CCTV. The ministry declined to provide information about this system. However, it has previously said that Avengers spots 12,000 Russian pieces of equipment a week using AI identification tools. Thousands of drones are already using AI systems to fly themselves into targets without human piloting, and Ukraine is using AI technologies to help demine its territory. Ukrainian companies are developing drone swarms, where a computer system will be able to execute commands for an interlinked cloud of dozens of drones. Russia has also touted its use of battlefield AI, most notably for target recognition in Lancet strike drones, which have proved lethal against Ukrainian armoured vehicles. (Reporting by Max Hunder;Editing by Alison Williams and Peter Graff) Alon Alexander, 37, right, and his twin brother, Oren, left, remain in federal custody in Miami after being repeatedly denied bail Alleged playboy rapists Oren and Alon Alexander will be cooling their heels in federal custody for the time being after they were deemed a flight risk. The Israeli-American Alexander twins, 37, and their older brother Tal, once wealthy, high-flying real estate brokers who moved in some of the most elite circles in New York and Florida, are facing state and federal charges of sex trafficking and gang rape involving at least 40 women. They tried to leverage a $115 million loan package as bail that involved some of their parents properties as collateral, but were turned down. Alon and Oren Alexander, twin brothers, are alleged to have raped and sexually assaulted more than 30 women. Oren is a former Douglas Elliman broker. Patrick McMullan/PatrickMcMullan After federal prosecutors argued Friday that the brothers were a flight risk and a danger to the community, Southern District of Florida Judge Ellen DAngelo set a Dec. 20 detention hearing. At the same time, even more women are coming forward to report being assaulted by one or more of the three brothers, the Miami Herald reported Friday. A 38-year-old woman identified only as Maria S. went to Miami police Thursday to say Oren Alexander had raped her at the Versace mansion in Miami Beach in 2014. Another woman in New York told the Herald that the Alexander twins took turns raping her after their birthday party, two years before Marias assault. The multi-millionaire Alexander twins, Alon and Oren, 37, have been arrested on state and felony charges involving the alleged drugging and raping of dozens of women over the past decade. Their brother, Tal, 38, faces the same charges. MDCR/MEGA A third woman, identified only as Jane, contacted the Herald just a few days after the brothers arrest and said she felt incredibly guilty for not reporting the Alexander twins after they took turns raping her at their apartment in Chinatown in Manhattan. All three brothers were charged in New York with luring, drugging, and violently raping dozens of women for more than a decade. The brothers are eventually expected to appear in Manhattan federal court. Alon and Oren Alexander also face state charges in Florida stemming from three alleged sexual assaults. FBI agents arrested the trio on Dec. 11 in Miami. Alon Alexander, 37, right, and his twin brother, Oren, left, are sometimes seen smirking in court. via REUTERS The trio allegedly raped dozens of victims over the span of a decade, including women they drugged after meeting them at bars and nightclubs, according to the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. Oren and Tal co-founded the posh real estate firm Official in 2022 after working at brokerage giant Douglas Elliman. The Alexander brothers Israeli-born property tycoons, Shlomi and Orly Alexander, attended most of their sons court hearings. Shlomi sometimes gave a smile to photographers. MATIAS J OCNER/MIAMI HERALD/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Meanwhile Alon has been an executive for Kent Security, which is a successful private security firm started by Shlomy and his wife Orly Alexander, who is the companys CFO. Shlomi and Orly Alexander, appeared in court Friday to support their sons, as they have done in previous hearings. Shlomi appeared to smirk at times for the camera, as his son has done at times in court. If convicted, all three Alexander brothers face up to life in prison. They have denied the allegations, saying through their attorneys that any sex was consensual. with Post wires An observance of the disappearance of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, was held Friday. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Riaz Khil speaks through an interpreter during an observance of the disappearance of his daughter Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer An artist sketch of an age-progression image of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who disappeared on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, is displayed during an observance of her disappearance on Friday. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Water bottles with photos of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, are seen during an observance of her disappearance on Friday. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer An observance of the disappearance of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, was held Friday. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Linas father Riaz Khil speaks through an interpreter during an observance of the disappearance of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer An observance of the disappearance of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, was held Friday. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer An observance of the disappearance of Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio, was held Friday. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Riaz Khil poses for a portrait during an observance of the disappearance of his daughter Lina Sardar Khil, a 3-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, who went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 in San Antonio. She disappeared from a playground at her apartment complex. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer On the three-year anniversary of Lina Sardar Khils disappearance, her father expressed frustration with law enforcement officials who have not found his little girl and said he was using his own money to increase the reward to find her. Riaz Sardar Khil said Friday he was adding $30,000 of his own money for a total reward of $280,000 to find his daughter. It was money earned through hard work, spent thinking about Lina, Khil, a truck driver, said Friday at a gathering to remember his daughter. Every dollar is worth it to find Lina. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lina, an Afghan refugee, was 3 years old when she went missing on Dec. 20, 2021 from a playground at her apartment complex near the intersection of Fredericksburg Road and Bluemel Road. She was wearing a red dress and a black jacket. Her father fought back tears during a somber gathering of about 40 people on Friday afternoon on the steps of the American Muslim Community Center on San Antonios Northwest Side. The observance was coordinated by local nonprofit Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach. The mission: keep the search for Lina alive. My only hope is to find Lina safe and sound, and that she will come back to our hearts, Khil said through a translator, Abid Esmatullah. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Azim Jan, the head of the local Afghan council, said they held the gathering outside of the Muslim-American Community Center in the hopes of keeping the search for Lina in the publics eye. She is now 6 years old old enough to realize she has been abducted, Jan said. Her family deserves an answer, Jan said. Their life is a nightmare. It is not right to let them suffer in silence. Khil and others wore red shirts bearing a photo of Lina. Water bottles and posters displaying the age-progressed image of Lina, which was released in March, were distributed at the gathering. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said the days without Lina have been a blur for him and his wife and two sons; theyve lost track of the days. Khil, who took a polygraph test in an attempt to clear himself as a suspect last year, spoke Friday about what he perceives as a lack of communication from the San Antonio Police Department. Shortly after Linas disappearance, police officers searched every unit of the apartment complex where she lived. Some apartments were searched twice. Investigators also worked with the FBI, bringing in a dive team to search through a creek a few miles away off Babcock Road. In a statement to the San Antonio Express-News on Friday, the San Antonio Police Department said investigators are still searching for her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After nearly three years investigating the disappearance of Lina Khil, the San Antonio Police Department remains committed to following-up on and investigating every lead that we receive, an SAPD spokesperson said. SAPD continues to use all tools available, including working with our partners at the FBI to investigate all leads. Also on Friday, the FBI posted a plea on its FBI Most Wanted Facebook page, asking for the publics help to find Lina. Four photos of Lina are included in the post. Pamela Allen, CEO of Eagles Flight Advocacy, has provided support for the family since Lina disappeared. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She said she helped the family connect with forensic experts, including a Houston-based forensic artist who sketched the image of what Lina may have looked like in 2023. Recently, Allen helped Khil unite with other families of missing persons, including the family of 8-month-old baby Gabriel, who disappeared during the Christmas season in 2009. His mother was later convicted and sentenced to prison in connection with his disappearance. Families are frustrated, Allen said. The biggest question is, 'How long is too long? ' she said. For some of the families Ive met with, 29 years is too long. For others, four years, two years three years, is too long. Members of the State Board of Elections in North Carolina are (top, from left) Alan Hirsch, Jeff Carmon, Siobhan Millen, (bottom, from left) Stacy Eggers and Kevin Lewis. Hirsch, Carmon, Millen, Eggers, Lewis (NCSBE.gov), sign (Alan Wooten | The Center Square) (The Center Square) With 292 ballots in question and the difference of votes counted 734, the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Friday voted to dismiss remaining protests by Republican Jefferson Griffin in his race against Democrat Allison Riggs. On the 45th day after Election Day, Seat 6 on the state Supreme Court remains in litigation started by Griffin. And Fridays board action did not include mention of issuing a certificate of election. Republican board members Kevin Lewis and Stacy Eggers were against what the latter called a "sweeping motion" of dismissal, advocating for each candidate's protest to be voted on individually. Carrying the motion of Democrat Jeff Carmon were Siobhan Millen and Chairman Alan Hirsch. Hirsch said he "can't for the life of me" understand why there was opposition, saying counsel for the protestors had "conceded" the protests examined by county boards had reached a point that were not outcome determinative. Lewis disagreed any "concession" had been and multiple times across the two-hour, 17-minute meeting reminded last week's rejection of more than 60,000 ballots in protest is in litigation and itself outcome determinative. On Wednesday, Griffin asked the bench he hopes to join to take action, and the state elections board on Thursday filed paperwork asking for it to be removed there and heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The dismissal of protests puts Griffins route only through appeals in the courts. Further state board action, potentially, would be dictated by court rulings. The state board met for consideration of protests of Jefferson Griffin, Ashlee Adams, Stacie McGinn and Frank Sossamon initially considered by county boards of elections. In each race, the state board was given information showing the ballots potentially in question would be less than the difference in the vote count. In a series of votes, the protests of each race all ended pending any legal appeals. All of the Republicans were denied election victories. On Election Night, with 2,658 precincts reporting, Griffin led Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs by 9,851 votes of 5,540,090 cast. Provisional and absentee ballots that qualified were added to the totals since, swinging the race by 10,585 votes to a Riggs win by 734 votes. Democrat Bryan Cohn defeated Sossamon by 228 votes of 42,202 cast for House District 32 seat; Woodson Bradley defeated McGinn by 209 votes of 124,311 cast for Senate District 42; and Terence Everitt defeated Adams by 128 votes of 119,206 cast for Senate District 18. Scent diffuser attached to subway ceiling at left; at left, inset of security worker Nelson Victor describing scent; at right, person in black jacket walking down subway stairs. If you smell something, say something! Two New York City subway stations are sporting fresh new scents thanks to diffusers installed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as part of a pilot program which aims to improve travels for straphangers, The Post has learned. The Grand Avenue-Newtown station in Elmhurst and the Rockaway Avenue station in Bed-Stuy got the new Scent Marketing Inc. devices, which are attached to the ceilings near turnstiles, in August. New scent diffusers installed in subway stations as part of a pilot program were praised by some and mocked by others. Helayne Seidman for NY Post Scent diffusers have been installed in two Queens and Brooklyn subway stations in an attempt to improve the station environment. Helayne Seidman for NY Post Notice something different? signs at the stations read. Theres a fresh scent in this station. Take a deep breath and let us know what you think. Many people on social media choked on the suggestion to breath deep in the subways. Asking people to take a deep breath down there is just weird! one Reddit user who snapped a picture of the new sign wrote. The smell was just so bad, like poopurri with an undercurrent of rotting rat carcass. Why cant they spend money on actually helpful stuff, others wondered, questioning the use of chemicals on top of already toxic subways fumes. The devices cost up to $2,200 each, according to Scent Marketings website. QR codes hanging in the stations lead to a two-question survey asking if riders noticed the enhancements and if they liked the scent. Social media users poked fun at the new scent diffusers, which are being used to mask the smell of the subway. reddit Some criticized the MTA for not spending money on more important transportation improvements. reddit Ah yes the fresh smell of ass,' one Reddit user joked. reddit The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, an MTA spokesman said. Some riders liked what they got a whiff of. It isnt so bad, one person commented. The baby powdery scent actually completely consumes most other smells on the station level. The track level thats another story. It smells so nice now I wish every station had these, Josephina Tavarez, 46, told The Post. Josephina Tavarez, an employee at the nearby Queens Center mall, said the improved aroma at the Elmhurst station has made her commute much more pleasant. Helayne Seidman for NY Post Tavarez travels from Astoria to the Elmhurst station five days a week for her job at the Queens Center mall. The Steinway Street station needs one next! she said. Everybody asks me about the smell, theyre so surprised by it, said Nelson Victor, 52, a security guard at the Elmhurst station. He likened the aroma to fresh flowers. Another MTA employee described attempts to spruce up the station with recent paint jobs and efforts to get homeless people out and into nearby shelters. Nelson Victor, a security guard at the Grand Avenue station, said straphangers frequently inquire about the new smell. Helayne Seidman for NY Post Victor, an Allied Universal security supervisor, said the new subway scent reminds him of flowers. Helayne Seidman for NY Post Aside from cosmetic issues, the Queens station has been plagued with violence in recent years. Earlier this year, a man was hospitalized after being struck with what appeared to be a hammer while exiting the Grand Avenue-Newtown station. Last year, a shirtless man randomly attacked a straphanger with a chair and a scooter. In 2021, a man believed to be homeless was killed on the platform. Signs at the Queens station, which was previously filled with homeless and plagued with violence, read, Were working to make your time in this station more pleasant. Helayne Seidman for NY Post The Rockaway Avenue station in Bed-Stuy and the Grand Avenue-Newtown station in Elmhurst got the scent diffusers in August as part of a pilot program. Paul Martinka Other signs at the station read, Were working to make your time in this station more pleasant. Well be asking for your feedback soon. The MTA last year spent $64,495 on improving station environment[s], according to records. The MTA is planning to spend up to $1 million in federal funds to study the mindset of the average fare evader, The Post reported last week, a move critics bashed as wasteful and hypocritical. BERND WEISSBROD/DPA/AFP/Getty Theresienwiese Fairground in Heilbronn How many years does it take to track down a killer who doesnt really exist? Two years, police in Germany found out in 2009, after it was revealed that one of the countrys most untraceable killers was, in fact, non-existent. The case of the Phantom of Heilbronn turned out to be one of history's most embarrassing. German law enforcement, having spent two years and well over 16,000 overtime hours investigating dozens and dozens of crimes they thought to be connected, found out that the "culprit" they had in mind was a figment of faulty DNA samples. Time magazine reported that police across the country were convinced a female serial killer was in their midst for more than 16 years, with DNA evidence tying the mysterious suspect dubbed the Phantom of Heilbronn all the way back to a 1993 murder. But in 2009, a discrepancy during a DNA test began to shine light on the real culprit: an innocent factory worker in Austria, whose DNA happened to have wound up on swabs used by German investigators in every instance. Fifteen years later, PEOPLE is taking a look at how the bizarre case unfolded. BERND WEISSBROD/DPA/AFP/Getty Theresienwiese Fairground crime scene The Phantom of Heilbronn News of the Phantom of Heilbronn first spread across Germany and throughout Europe in 2007, when a 22-year-old police officer in the southern city of Heilbronn was murdered and DNA recovered at the scene matched a number of other crimes throughout Germany. Police traced the suspects DNA to 40 crime scenes throughout the country, as well as Austria, leading the public to dub her the "Phantom of Heilbronn" and "The Woman Without a Face," according to the BBC. In what may have been a red flag in retrospect, police tied the Phantom to a wide range of crimes: six murders and a multitude of thefts and break-ins, ranging from schools to car dealerships. According to Time, the supposed Phantom killer had also collaborated with accomplices from Serbia, Slovakia, Albania, and Romania, among other people. In every instance, people already behind bars for those crimes denied they had a collaborator who matched the profile of the Phantom. Years of Searching, But No Results Time reported that German polices two-year search for the Phantom stretched to Austria and France. According to the BBC, police also offered a 300,000 reward for information leading to her arrest. In 2009, police finally began to suspect something far more embarrassing had been taking place, according to The Times of London. Investigators testing DNA on the charred remains of a male asylum-seeker in France found that, surprisingly, the DNA matched that of the "Phantom of Heilbronn. Obviously that was impossible, as the asylum-seeker was a man and the Phantoms DNA belonged to a woman, Ernst Meiners, a spokesman for the public prosecutors office in Saarbrucken, Germany, told The Times. That aroused suspicions that the materials were contaminated. What Really Happened Now, with suspicions turned solely on themselves, police began to investigate what they could be doing wrong when taking DNA samples. According to the BBC, police soon realized that every DNA sample for the crimes in question dating back to 1993 matched a female factory worker in Bavaria, Austria. The factory where she worked produced cotton swabs that had been used for DNA collection. A spokesperson for the police union in Baden-Wurttemberg called it a very embarrassing story, according to The Times. 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 factory behind the cotton swabs clarified that their products were for medical purposes and not qualified for DNA testing, according to the publication, which also reported that although cotton swabs are disinfected before leaving the factory, disinfecting them does not remove DNA. DNA analysis is a perfect tool for identifying traces, Stefan Konig from the Berlin Association of Lawyers concluded in an interview with Time in 2009. What we need to avoid is the assumption that the producer of the traces is automatically the culprit. Read the original article on People A missile fired from Yemen hit Tel Aviv overnight into Saturday, Israeli authorities said, in a rare instance of a failed interception over the city. Israels military said the projectile landed in Tel Avivs southern Jaffa area, adding that attempts to intercept a missile from Yemen failed shortly after sirens sounded in the area. More than a dozen people sustained minor injuries, according to emergency services, but no fatalities were reported. Israels second-largest city, Tel Aviv is the countrys commercial and diplomatic center. Direct hits from projectiles fired at the coastal city are rare, due to Israels extensive air defenses. After the strike, the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen said they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile labeled Palestine 2 at an Israeli military target in the Jaffa area early on Saturday. The missile struck its target accurately and the defenses and interception systems failed to intercept it, the militant group said in a statement. At least 16 people sustained minor injuries from glass fragments that broke in nearby buildings, Israels Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said. In addition, 14 victims were treated for slight injuries they sustained seeking shelter, as well as seven panic victims. Resident Beth Shahai, 69, told the Reuters news agency that she heard sirens but the missile exploded before she had time to flee her home. The ballistic missile landed right behind our building, and all the windows blew in on the first, second floor, and the whole area. It was very frightening, she said. Since Israels war with Hamas in Gaza started in October last year, the country has come under fire from missiles and rockets from Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, both Iran-backed militant groups, as well as from Iran itself. Almost all of the projectiles have been intercepted by Israels air defenses. People gather at the scene of a missile strike that, according to Israels military, was launched from Yemen and landed in Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv, Israel, December 21, 2024. - Stoyan Nenov/Reuters Israels besiegement and bombardment of Gaza has led to tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian catastrophe, while its attacks on Lebanon have killed about 4,000. The Houthis have for months targeted ships in the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest waterways, calling the attacks a response to the war in Gaza. The Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah are all part of an Iran-led alliance spanning much of the region, that has attacked Israel and its allies since the war began last year. They say they wont stop striking Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave. Hamass October 7 attack on Israel in which militants killed more than 1,000 people and took hundreds hostage sparked the more than 14 months of conflict. On Thursday, the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with shrapnel causing extensive damage to a school near Tel Aviv. In November, shrapnel from an intercepted Hezbollah rocket hit a building in the city. And in July, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv the first such strike on the city by the group. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Sharon Murphy and Brittany Murphy during 2002 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Brittany Murphy was raised by a single mom, Sharon Murphy, and the two remained incredibly close until Murphy's death on Dec. 20, 2009. The Clueless star was born on Nov. 10, 1977, to Sharon and her father, Anthony Bertolotti, in Atlanta. However, Bertolotti and Sharon split when Brittany was 3 years old, and she grew up in Edison, N.J., with her mom. The two developed a close mother-daughter relationship, with Sharon living with Brittany and her husband, Simon Monjack, at the end of the actress' life. It was Sharon who discovered her daughter in the bathroom of their home, as she told her mom, "Mommy, I can't catch my breath. Help me," before passing out in her arms, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Brittany died at 32 years old, with her cause of death noted as pneumonia. Sharon continued to live with Monjack until he died from similar causes in their home five months later. "My daughter and I were our only family, and we were inseparable and always there for each other in good times and bad," Sharon wrote in a letter published by The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. From raising her as a single mom in New Jersey to supporting her acting career, here's everything to know about Brittany Murph's mom Sharon Murphy and where she is now. She raised Brittany as a single mom Rebecca Sapp/WireImage Brittany Murphy and mom Sharon Murphy. In her letter in THR, Sharon wrote that Bertolotti was no longer part of Brittany's life as early as 1 year old. "I raised Brittany alone," she wrote. "We didnt have much at first, but we always had each other." While Brittany was growing up, Bertolotti was imprisoned for 12 years on three criminal felony convictions and was tied to the Italian mafia, per The Hollywood Reporter. Sharon wrote that Bertolotti occasionally saw Brittany when she was a teenager but hadn't seen her in the last three years of her life nor met her husband. Sharon moved with Brittany to Los Angeles to support her career Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage Brittany Murphy and mom Sharon at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California. In November 1998, Brittany detailed to PEOPLE how she grew up with a love for acting and, before she started high school, told her mom she wanted to commit to the craft fully by moving to Los Angeles. Believing in her daughter's talent, Sharon quit her job in advertising and sold her furniture, moving across the country in 1991. "It didn't make sense to hire a chaperone to be with her when I'm her mom," Sharon said, referring to the chaperone who worked with Brittany while she was shooting a commercial in Hollywood before their move. "When I asked my mom to move to California, she sold everything and moved out here for me," Brittany told the Associated Press in 2003. "I was really grateful to have grown up in an environment that was conducive to creating and didn't stifle any of that. She always believed in me." Sharon was the last person to talk to Brittany before she died J. Vespa/WireImage Brittany Murphy and her mother Sharon Murphy. On the morning of Dec. 20, 2009, Brittany collapsed in the home she shared with Sharon and her husband. Monjack recalled in a 2010 interview with Larry King after her death that her last words to her mom were, "Mom, I'm dying; I love you." The same month, Monjack and Sharon spoke to PEOPLE of Brittany's death, with her husband recalling that the day started off normal until he heard Sharon "screaming" upon finding Brittany passing out in the bathroom. Sharon called 911 as Monjack performed chest compressions on Brittany in an attempt to revive her. "Brittany, please come back," Sharon sobbed on the call. "I would sleep on her clothes if I could," Sharon told PEOPLE. "She was the other half of me." She continued living with Brittany's husband after she died Frazer Harrison/Getty Simon Monjack, husband of deceased actress Brittany Murphy and Sharon Murphy mother of Brittany Murphy, during a photo shoot on January 13, 2010 in Hollywood, California. Following Brittany's death, Sharon remained in the Hollywood Hills home with Monjack. "I loved Simon like a son, and he loved me like a mom," she said in a statement to PEOPLE after Monjack's May 2010 death. "I've lost a son-in-law and a daughter, and I'm devastated." She spoke out against Brittany's father's conspiracies surrounding her death Frazer Harrison/Getty ; The Doctors Sharon Murphy during a photo shoot on January 13, 2010 in Hollywood ; Father of late actress Brittany Murphy, Angelo Bertolotti. In the years after Brittany died, her father began investigating her death further himself, not believing pneumonia was the sole cause. He sent samples of her hair to be tested by an outside toxicologist, who found that she allegedly had high levels of heavy metals. However, experts, including Dr. Scheinin in the 2021 documentary What Happened, Brittany Murphy?, explained that the heavy metals weren't in her bloodstream nor were they found in the roots of her hair, meaning they likely came from hair dyes and hairspray. Berolotti went a step further and alleged Sharon had murdered Brittany and Monjack to inherit their estate. "My theory is that the mother did the job on both of them," he told PEOPLE in 2013. Sharon denied the accusation in her letter published in THR, citing experts' explanations of the lab's findings. "She was my baby, and we stood together throughout Brittanys life," she wrote. "Now I must stand up for her again. It is time for those who really knew and loved her to put those who want to exploit her on notice: Your lies will no longer be tolerated, and as long as I live will continue to be exposed." Sharon has lived out of the public eye for a decade Frazer Harrison/Getty Sharon Murphy, mother of deceased actress Brittany Murphy, during a portrait shoot on January 13, 2010 in Hollywood, California. In 2011, Sharon sold the Hollywood Hills home at a massive loss for $2.7 million. It was torn down in 2013 and rebuilt, but it is unclear where the grieving mother moved to next. After her 2014 letter, Sharon disappeared from the public eye. In October 2021, Vanity Fair spoke with Cynthia Hill, the director of What Happened, Brittany Murphy?, asking if she had been able to contact Sharon. She revealed that it was "very hard" to connect with her, and she had even hired a private investigator to track her down since no one could pinpoint where she was. "We did locate her, and we hand-delivered a note to her," she said. "She didnt respond, but I did get confirmation that she had received itI understand she has been mourning the loss of her daughter this whole time." Meanwhile, Bertolotti died in January 2019 at 92 years old. Read the original article on People Marysville, CA (95901) Today Windy with light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers for the afternoon. High 51F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 43F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. 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. by Joseph Masilamany The Malaysian government has accepted Ocean Infinitys proposal on a no find, no fee" basis. The investigations carried out from 2014 to 2018 led to nothing. Today, the British robotics company says it wants to explore 15,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) What happened to Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is still one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in aviation history. On 8 March 2014, the Boeing 777-200ER took off from Kuala Lumpur airport bound for Beijing, but never reached its destination. Along with the aircraft, the 239 people on board, mostly Chinese nationals, disappeared. Ten years later, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, said that the Malaysian government has accepted the proposal of Ocean Infinity, a Southampton-based robotics company, to launch a new search mission, stressing that it will be based on the "no find, no fee" principle. This means the government will not pay anything to the company if the wreckage is not found. If it is found, it will pay a US$ 70 million fee. According to what is known so far about flight MH370, the plane made an unplanned detour towards the South China Sea before heading towards the Andaman Sea. It flew over the Indonesian island of Sumatra to finally disappear into the Indian Ocean. The most expensive search in aviation history began in 2014, involving 26 countries, but was called off four years later, on 29 May 2018. The companys proposal is credible and merits further examination by the Malaysian government, Loke said. Based on recent data analysis, Ocean Infinity has proposed a new search in an area of 15,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean. The minister stressed that the 18-month contract is being reviewed by lawyers, and that the search will begin once both parties have signed it. "The best time for them to search that area is between January and April, Loke explained. The search will begin once the contract is signed, which the Malaysian government aims to finalise as soon as possible. [U]nder the terms and conditions, any discovery must be credible. It cannot just be a few fragments; there are specific criteria, he explained, adding that the British company feels confident. Speaking about the governments role, the minister insisted that, Our responsibility and obligation and commitment is to the next of kin. Today's headlines: Ukraines military drops leaflets in Korean on North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia. In Myanmar, the Arakan Army seized another important outpost. Cracks appear in Afghanistans Taliban over media repression. Central Asian countries repatriate their own citizens jailed in Syria. SOUTH KOREA Rival protests were held in Seoul this morning, for and against President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is under investigation for imposing martial law earlier this month. So far, despite Parliament's approval of his impeachment, Yoon has not complied with court summons and failed to respond to the Constitutional Court's requests. UKRAINE NORTH KOREA The Ukrainian military is dropping Korean-language leaflets urging North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia to Surrender today and join South Korea tomorrow, writes Radio Free Asia. The flyers appear in a video shared on Telegram by InformNapalm, an organisation reporting on the Ukraine war. In the video, a drone with a camera can be seen dropping flyers on a wooded area. A caption in Ukrainian reads: Leaflets are dropped into the woods where North Korean soldiers are hiding. MYANMAR The Arakan Army said it captured the headquarters of the military junta's Western Command in the city of Ann in Rakhine State after two weeks of intense fighting. In early August, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a group of anti-junta armed groups that includes the Arakan Army, seized the Northeastern Command in Lashio. INDONESIA Hundreds of treasures looted by the Netherlands during its colonial rule over the country have been returned to Indonesia following a 2020 recommendation by a Dutch advisory body. The head of the repatriation team, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, stressed that it is important to "demonstrate to the international community that Indonesia is capable of having these objects returned to counter sceptics who claim Indonesia lacks the capacity to preserve such valuable heritage. AFGHANISTAN On Wednesday, the Taliban's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, criticised the government for its media crackdown, including a ban on showing living beings. Too many restrictions and hurdles for media organizations dampen their morale, he said. While it is hard to see the Taliban repeal the bans, Stanikzai's words reflect internal divisions within the Islamist group. GEORGIA Vakhtang Golandzia, a member of the People's Assembly of Georgias breakaway republic of Abkhazia, was killed in a shooting at the parliament building in the capital Sukhumi, while trying to separate Adgur Kharazia and Kan Kvarchia, two lawmakers from different factions. In the heat of the moment, the former pulled out a gun and began shooting, wounding his adversary, during a debate over a bill to ban cryptocurrency mining. The shooter fled the scene. SYRIA CENTRAL ASIA In an interview, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) chief Khalid Kosser said that Central Asian countries have repatriated more than 2,200 people held in prisons in northeastern Syria: 754 from Kazakhstan, 533 from Kyrgyzstan, 531 from Uzbekistan and 381 from Tajikistan. Most of them are wives and children of former Islamic State fighters. The camps are run by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the United States. by Stefano Caprio At the end-of-year press conference, Putin wanted to show the face of a winner, not only because of the additional bits of territory conquered in the Donbass, but also to convey the sense of Russia's superiority against the many uncertainties of the West. The war itself has "sovereignty" as its main purpose, not so much to defend the countrys borders as to assert its independence and greatness in front of the whole world. Russian President Vladimir Putin held the traditional end-of-year press conference on Thursday, along with the "direct line" with citizens, who had the opportunity to ask him questions. As announced by the Kremlin, about two million requests came through, selected by an artificial intelligence network run by Sberbank, the Savings Bank of Russia, and priority was given to the "veterans of SVO", the special military operation (i.e. invasion) in Ukraine, now in its third year, especially those who suffered disabling injuries. Last years sermonising meeting with the president was not held, while this year Putin wanted to show the face of a winner, not only for the extra pieces of territory conquered in the Donbass, but to convey the feeling of Russia's superiority over the many uncertainties of the West, at the end of an election year full of contradictions that saw the election of Donald Trump in the United States and the crisis of Olaf Scholz's government in Germany. Throwing down the gauntlet to an American journalist, the tsar proposed a "technological duel" with the Western enemy, choosing a target in Kyiv on which to concentrate all air and missile defence forces, which Russia will try to hit with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, assuring that we are ready to do the experiment. In the throes of the exaltation of war rhetoric, Putin declared that "Russia's army is in the best condition of all time", and that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria is not a defeat for Moscow, which had only the task of "avoiding the creation of a terrorist enclave", and "we have somehow achieved the goal". After all, he noted that many Western countries wish to have normal relations with the new regime in Damascus, and all the groups active today in Syria want Russian bases in the country to remain, so "the rumours about my death are overrated," he concluded, quoting Mark Twain. Above all, again in the verbal joust with American journalists, Putin replied to one saying that "you and those who pay your salaries in the United States would like Russia to be in a position of weakness ... Instead, I believe that we have become much stronger in the last three years, we have become a sovereign country, we depend on a few people, and we are strengthening our defence capabilities. The main purpose of the war therefore is sovereignty, not only and not so much for the defence of the borders, which has always had a relative meaning in Russias endless landmass, but to affirm its independence and greatness in front of the whole world. Recently, the Parliamentary Gazette ( ) published an article by the political philosopher Aleksandr Shipkov, dean of the Russian Orthodox University of Saint John the Theologian, one of the greatest ideologues of Orthodox sovereignism. In it, an attempt is made to explain the theory of war sovereignism, fundamental not only "for the material survival and resources of the country, but above all for its historical-cultural significance". According to Shipkov, "our people are defining their national goals, and this is a historical turning point of exceptional importance." With the recovery of sovereignty, according to this reasoning, "the need for a true national ideology is reinforced", because without clarity on its contents, it is not possible to define Russia's true position in wartime. Victory, according to the ideologue, depends on the "formulation of historical goals and the image of the nation's future," and he wonders who really has the right and duty in Russia to determine them: State authorities? Religious leaders? The community of experts? People from the world of culture? It is essential to decipher the ideology of the adversary, to overcome disorientation, when people "get confused about what they themselves want and why they live, a condition in which Russia found itself in the late 1980s until the early 2000s, when under Putin it began to rediscover its identity. Shipkov compares this transition to the Time of Troubles, the Smuta, (Smutnoye vremya, ) of the early 17th century, which ended with the victory over the Polish invaders and the beginning of the dynasty of the Romanov tsars. Historians Jaroslav Shimov and Nikita Sokolov also reflect on this on the Radio Svoboda ( ) programme on the Life and Death of Great Empires", wondering whether the Russian Empire has definitively disappeared or is rather resurrecting. They remember the words of Sergei Witte, the Minister of Finance of the last tsar, perhaps the best administrator Russia has ever had, who said: "I don't know the word Russia, I only know the Russian Empire". For centuries, the empire was the meaning and the prevailing form of existence in Russia, to which people, the entire economic system, and the well-being of citizens were sacrificed. The Russian Empire disintegrated at least three times, in the 17th century Smuta and more recently with the revolution of 1917 and the end of the USSR in 1991, and each time it reformed itself under new guises. Putin's "sovereignty" is the latest attempt to restore the imperial structure and, above all, the imperial mindset. Scottish historian Geoffrey Alan Hosking, one of the patriarchs of Russian studies in the United Kingdom, looked at the British Empire and the Russian Empire, noting that "from Moscow to Washington, we are still in these aspects, going back to the first Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible and Elizabeth I of England, the Virgin Queen, in the mid-16th century, up to the present day. For Shimov, there is a difference between maritime empires, like the British one, which has always had possessions far from the homeland, and those such as Russia, or even China, the Habsburgs, and the Ottoman Empire, that expanded over land as one piece. These "continental" empires are based on the close link with the metropolitan capital, the centre from which expansion starts, and to which all the provinces refer. This type of empire is always turned inwards, it does not integrate with other peoples and other cultures, but subjugates them and adapts them to its own identity, and this is precisely the meaning of "sovereignism" the imposition of a vertical hierarchy of values and expressions, or it risks losing itself. The cradle of all empires, ancient Rome, summed up both aspects, the vertical and the horizontal, embracing the entire Mediterranean Sea and extending over different continents, granting citizenship even to those who had never seen the capital nor the original land of Italy, like the Apostle Paul, who was granted Roman citizenship and was thus provided with the legal excuse to evangelise pagan Rome. Russia aspires to be reborn always as the "Third Rome", Russifying peoples and cultures by land and sea, and in the contemporary world, also through the virtual spaces of information and artificial attraction. The current structure of the Russian Federation contains many "imperial relics", as Sokolov put it, with uncertainties in the definition of the "supranational" units that are intertwined in more than one hundred Russian regions, which often refer to the dynastic principle centred around powerful elites, as in Siberia and Central Asia, or to the religious principles of Orthodoxy and Islam, with the aftertaste of the "inversely religious" Soviet ideology, of which evident traces remain at the top of the state and in the soul of people. In this sense, the imperial principle is the opposite of the national one, and this is evident in today's Russia. Putin speaks of "sovereignism" in the imperial sense, whereas "nationalism" reflects mainly the separatist impulses of minor peoples, or the xenophobia of Russian movements of the far right. The war for Ukraine is the war for empire, for what is its "original piece", and Moscow cannot take its teeth off Kyiv, regardless of possible peace negotiations that will probably begin in the new year. Ukraine's sovereignty is the end of Russias empire, and Ukrainian identity will be the real gamble for the future, having never really defined itself in past struggles between European empires and the Soviet Cold War. Europes great empires have all disappeared in the 20th century, and with America's current anti-globalist turn, so is Americas, which symbolically put an end to its world claims with the pullout from Afghanistan in 2021. All that remains is Russias anachronistic empire, the sovereignism of zombies that roam the planet, looking for some country to conquer in order to find themselves. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. 21 December 2024 20:15 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Some American politicians, bribed by Armenian lobbies, continue to disgrace themselves and the country they represent. These politicians, who cannot even locate Armenia on a map, present so-called statements or resolutions prepared by unknown sources. These so-called "documents" are so biased and unfounded that they cause nothing but disgust. Reading them, one can conclude that through these black sheep politicians, a mighty country like the USA is belittled as much as being a tool for Armenians. Recently, two American Senators, Gary Peters and Bill Cassidy, introduced such a resolution, more precisely a scribble. Needless to say, the so-called resolution was full of biased and unfounded accusations. It is crystal clear that either these black sheep politicians at the US Congress did not prepare the so-called resolution themselves, or they are ignorant of their history. Otherwise, they would not use phrases like "Whereas the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh have continually sought to exercise their right of self-determination and established a government separate from Azerbaijan." Everyone knows that when the Southern States sought self-determination and departed from the USA, Washington declared war against them and quashed their self-determination. It seems these politicians, who do not know where Garabagh is located, forget about this. Additionally, it seems they also forgot that even today, after 150 years, the flag of the Confederate is prohibited from being hoisted in the USA. Or maybe they are too egotistical to think that self-determination cannot occur in their country but can be acceptable in other countries. Here, we would like to remind these politicians of the proverb: "What is good for the goose is good for the gander." Unfortunately, the accusations are not limited to the aforementioned one. The resolution reads, "Whereas, on December 12, 2022, the Government of Azerbaijan initiated a gruelling blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh that deprived the regions population of food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities for nearly 10 months." No American has the right to voice such an accusation. First of all, blocking Garabagh is a barefaced lie. Azerbaijan never blocked Garabagh. Only eco-activists did not allow trucks carrying natural resources from Garabagh. Vehicles carrying daily necessities passed freely. Even Azerbaijan's Red Crescent Society sent humanitarian aid to Garabagh, which separatists blocked. Besides, there are numerous reports about the creation of a black market by the separatist leaders. Secondly, it is well known that dozens of countries worldwide are under US sanctions, and the citizens of these countries are deprived of medicines, food, and other necessities. So, how can a senator from a country that deprives millions of people of their daily needs accuse Azerbaijan of something that did not happen? However, claiming on September 19, 2023, the Government of Azerbaijan launched a full-scale military offensive against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh that took the lives of hundreds of soldiers and dozens of civilians is even more ridiculous. Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and did not invade other countries, unlike the USA. Unlike the said Senators, people worldwide do not suffer from amnesia and recall very well how America invaded countries like Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It is interesting to consider whether the Senators know how many Vietnamese died from American chemical weapons or how many Iraqis and Afghans were killed. As for the so-called 100,000 Armenian refugees from Garabagh mentioned in the resolution, it once again confirms that the resolution is manipulated, biased, and hypocritical. First of all, it should be noted that Azerbaijan did not expel anybody from Garabagh. Azerbaijan introduced a reintegration policy for Armenians living in Garabagh. However, the separatist clique in Garabagh and their supporters in Yerevan hindered the process and forced people to leave Garabagh. All countries in the world fight against separatism and illegal migration. Even the laws against separatism and illegal residence in the US and Armenia are much stricter than in Azerbaijan. On the contrary, Armenia expelled local residents of different origins living in Garabagh in the 1990s. Over one million refugees and IDPs have been living in Azerbaijan for over 30 years. However, the same black sheep in the USA have never voiced the fate of these refugees and IDPs. Needless to say, such politicians harm the reputation of their country. When elected officials engage in actions that are perceived as biased, unfounded, or influenced by external lobbies, it undermines the integrity of their office and erodes public trust. The introduction of resolutions based on manipulated information not only discredits the politicians involved but also tarnishes the image of the institutions they represent. It is crucial for politicians to base their actions on accurate information and genuine concern for justice and human rights, rather than succumbing to external pressures or personal biases. Only through integrity and accountability can they truly serve the best interests of their constituents and uphold the dignity of their nation on the global stage. 21 December 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan has officially become a member of the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization, marking a significant milestone in its foreign relations and economic diplomacy. With this new addition, the organization will now be referred to as the D-9. Despite its name, the D-9 does not position itself as a rival or alternative to other international organizations but instead emphasizes fostering economic collaboration. The roots of the D-8 trace back to October 22, 1996, when preparatory work began at the "Development Cooperation Conference." The organization was formally established on June 15, 1997, during a summit in Istanbul, Turkiye, where the Istanbul Resolution laid its foundation. The D-9s six-star flag symbolizes its core principles, emphasizing peace over war, dialogue over conflict, justice over double standards, equality over superiority, and human rights over oppression. These ideals have guided its member nationsAzerbaijan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistanin their quest for collaboration across diverse sectors, including agriculture, science, finance, trade, energy, and health. While the D-9 boasts significant potential, its effectiveness has been a topic of debate. Nearly three decades since its inception, the organization has struggled to fully realize its ambitious goals. Trade and economic relations among member states remain underwhelming compared to other regional and international frameworks. For instance, Turkiye, the largest economy in the D-9, reported a foreign trade turnover of $585 billion last year. However, its trade with fellow D-9 members accounted for less than $50 billionjust a fraction of its overall trade. This disparity highlights the limited integration within the bloc and raises questions about its ability to foster meaningful economic ties. The reasons for these shortcomings are manifold. Bilateral relations between member countries have not reached their full potential, and many prioritize their involvement in other organizations. External factors, such as global pressures and international sanctions, have further constrained the D-9's development. What are the new perspectives with Azerbaijans membership? Azerbaijans entry into the D-9 injects fresh energy into the organization. As a rising economic and diplomatic power, Azerbaijan has the potential to bring a positive dynamic to the bloc. However, this membership is not without risks. The Azerbaijani government is likely to approach its involvement cautiously, balancing its commitments to the D-9 with its broader economic interests. By seeking new opportunities for collaboration within the D-9 while maintaining strong ties with other partners, Azerbaijan can maximize its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. To achieve its original vision, the D-9 must adapt to the changing global landscape. A comprehensive action plan is needed to reinvigorate its mission and make the organization more relevant. Azerbaijans membership could serve as a turning point, encouraging member states to reassess their priorities and deepen their cooperation. As trade relations with the other D-8 members (excluding Turkiye) remain modest, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to lead by example, fostering stronger economic ties and championing reforms within the organization. The question remains: will the D-9 capitalize on this moment to redefine its future, or will it continue to fall short of its potential? For Azerbaijan, the journey within the D-9 has just begun, and its success will depend on strategic decision-making and a shared commitment to economic progress. A shaded stage area is seen in Plaza de Valero on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Plaza de Valero, a new space to meet up with friends and relatives by the Alamo, is opening to the public this weekend. The space has been closed to the public for about five years as the area around the Alamos iconic mission church has undergone street closures and other changes. Lead contractor Clark Guido removed the fencing and completed pressure washing and other finish-out work Friday so the public could visit the space while theyre seeing the holiday lights downtown and Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza this weekend. Construction crew members put the final touches on Plaza de Valero before opening on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Crew members remove fencing around Plaza de Valero on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Construction is seen underway on the Woolworth Building on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Pedestrians walk past Plaza de Valero before it opens on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Construction work is seen underway in Alamo Plaza on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A construction crew member walks a walkway into a building under construction on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A crew member spays a sealant on the brick in Plaza de Valero on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Plaza de Valero as seen before it opens on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The now-closed Alamo Street is seen through Plaza de Valero as crew members put the final touches on the plaza on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The new Plaza de Valero in front of the historic Menger Hotel includes a pavilion and grassy lawn, to serve as a community gathering space in the Alamo District. It's opening to the public this weekend. Courtesy / Alamo Trust Inc. The area includes outdoor seating, a grassy lawn and a pavilion. Itll be open for picnics and will be used for history talks, movie nights and events for Christmas, Fourth of July and other holidays. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its part of a $550 million expansion of the mission and battle site into a fully accessible and pedestrian-friendly Alamo District. Alamo podcast host Emily Baucum said the new plaza will be a premier community gathering space in the heart of downtown San Antonio. In the weekly podcast, Stories Bigger Than Texas, Alamo Trust Executive Director Kate Rogers said the area just south of the historic footprint of the 1836 Alamo compound was a communal space long after the Mission San Antonio de Valero was established there in 1724 as the first permanent Spanish-Indigenous mission along the San Antonio River. A construction crew member wheels a section of concrete to instal as crews put the final touches on Plaza de Valero before opening on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The city and state have designated an Alamo District where the mission and battle site will be improved. It is bounded by Houston Street to the north, Commerce Street to the south, Bonham Street to the east and Losoya Street to the west. Courtesy/Alamo Trust Inc. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A view from a balcony at the Menger Hotel shows workers finishing out the new Plaza de Valero by the Alamo. The area was closed to the public for about five years as street closures and other changes were made to the area around the Alamo Church. Courtesy / Alamo Trust Inc. The view of grass in Plaza de Valero as seen from the shaded stage as seen on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Its always been envisioned to be a place for community to gather. But then for a while, because of commercial encroachment and the presence of cars, that kind of went away, Rogers said. My biggest hope is that it becomes a place thats known for family traditions. The plaza has new and existing shade trees, native plantings and a 167,000-gallon underground cistern thats part of a rainwater harvest and reuse system. Local planners have long said the space in front of the Menger Hotel was underutilized, despite having benches and a 1970s bandstand mimicking one from the late 1800s. Calling it Plaza de Valero is a nod to the sites mission era and distinguishes the space from Alamo Plaza, where the heaviest fighting occurred during the 1836 battle inside the walled-in mission-fort. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mission San Antonio de Valero is seen from inside Plaza de Valero on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The new Plaza de Valero in front of the historic Menger Hotel includes a pavilion and grassy lawn, to serve as a community gathering space in the Alamo District. It's opening to the public this weekend. Courtesy / Alamo Trust Inc. A construction crew member carries a broom as he sweeps Plaza de Valero before opening on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The Plaza de Valero and nearby Mission Gate and Lunette exhibit create a sense of arrival for about 30 percent of Alamo visitors who walk up from the south, Rogers said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Completion of Plaza de Valero represents another huge milestone in the public-private Alamo project, which has been in discussion and planning for more than 10 years, she said. So far, a collections center and three outdoor exhibits have opened. Completion of an education center and renovation of the Paseo del Alamo, linking Alamo Plaza to the River Walk, are expected next year. Work began in October on a 160,000-square-foot visitor center and museum, to open in 2027. Other work set to start next year include repairs and restoration of the Alamo Cenotaph and a massive undertaking to replace the roof and repair and improve drainage of the Alamo Church. 21 December 2024 12:40 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan released the volume of exported and imported fertilizer in 2024, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 20 December 2024 21:11 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to Azernews, the letter reads: Dear Mr. President, My dear Brother, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the brotherly Republic of Turkiye and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 organization at the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 19 December 2024. I am grateful to you for your words that Azerbaijans admission to D-8 will contribute to the strengthening of the organization. Established on the initiative and under the leadership of Turkiye 28 years ago, this organization currently works effectively to enhance the role of developing countries in the world economy, diversify their economic and trade relations, create new opportunities, and strengthen their positions at the international level. The adoption of the first historic decision in Cairo regarding the expansion of D-8 is an indicator of international confidence in Azerbaijan and, at the same time, a source of tremendous pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijan's candidacy is a manifestation of our strong friendly and cooperative relations, unity, and solidarity with every member country of the organization. I am convinced that Azerbaijan, together with all member countries, will contribute to the mobilization of efforts for the protection of the fundamental principles of D-8, deepening of cooperation within the organization, promotion of our common interests, strengthening of Islamic solidarity, and its transformation into a great power. My dear Brother, I would like to note with a sense of pride that Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations, which are underpinned by the resolve of our peoples sharing deep historical roots, common national and spiritual values, are at the highest level today. Our unshakable friendship and brotherhood, our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, military, military-technical, humanitarian and other fields, and the large-scale projects we have jointly implemented are among the important factors defining our strategic alliance. I appreciate your visit to Azerbaijan to participate in COP29 in November and have the warmest memories of our meeting and exchange of views, which took place in an atmosphere of sincerity, mutual trust, and kindness. I express my gratitude to you once again and wish you good health, happiness, and success in your activities, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Turkiye. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 20 December 2024 20 December 2024 20:43 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, congratulating him on the high level of organization and successful outcomes of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the excellent organization and successful results of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 19 December 2024. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 organization during this prestigious event hosted by your friendly country. As you noted in your congratulatory message, Azerbaijans membership in the organization will open a new page in the relations between our countries. It is quite remarkable that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, has adopted a decision on its expansion for the first time. This historic decision, which is an indicator of international trust in Azerbaijan, is a source of special pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijan's candidacy is a manifestation of our strong relations of friendship and cooperation, as well as unity and solidarity with each member state of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member states, will contribute to the mobilization of efforts for the protection of the fundamental principles of D-8, deepening of cooperation within the organization, promotion of our common interests, strengthening of Islamic solidarity, and its transformation into a great power. Dear Mr. President, The current level of Azerbaijani-Egyptian relations and cooperation, which are developing in the spirit of mutual respect and trust, is truly gratifying. Your visit to Azerbaijan at the beginning of last year and my visit to Egypt in June this year laid the foundation for a new stage in the history of our interstate relations. I do believe that we will continue our joint efforts towards strengthening the friendly relations between our countries, maximizing the potential of our joint activities, and expanding our fruitful cooperation within the framework of international institutions. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wish you good health, happiness and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Egypt," the letter reads. 20 December 2024 20:46 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and personally to President Pezeshkian for the support in the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, I extend my profound gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) during the 11th D-8 Summit held on December 19, 2024, in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. It is noteworthy that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly thirty years, has for the first time made a decision regarding expansion. This historic decision, reflecting international trust in Azerbaijan, is a special source of pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijan's candidacy is a testament to our strong friendship, cooperative relations, unity, and solidarity with each member country of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member countries, will contribute to safeguarding the fundamental principles of the D-8, deepening cooperation within the organization, promoting our common interests, strengthening Islamic solidarity, and mobilizing joint efforts to transform it into a greater power. Taking this opportunity, I express my confidence that we will continue our joint efforts to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, based on mutual respect and good neighborliness, in line with the interests of our peoples and countries. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wishing you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity for the friendly and brotherly people of Iran," the letter reads. 20 December 2024 21:06 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, expressing profound gratitude to the brotherly nation of Pakistan and to the Prime Minister personally, following Azerbaijan's unanimous election as a member of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. Prime Minister, My dear Brother, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to you personally for the unanimous election of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 organization during the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 19 December 2024. It is quite remarkable that the D-8 organization, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, has adopted a decision on expansion for the first time. This historic decision, which is an indicator of international trust in Azerbaijan, is a source of special pride for us. The unequivocal support expressed for Azerbaijans candidacy is a manifestation of our strong relationship of friendship and cooperation, unity, and solidarity with every member country of the organization. I am confident that Azerbaijan, together with all member states, will contribute to the mobilization of efforts for the protection of the fundamental principles of D-8, deepening of cooperation within the organization, promotion of our common interests, strengthening of Islamic solidarity, and its transformation into a great power. It is gratifying that the Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations are based on mutual trust, respect, and support, and are enriched with new content day by day. We attach special importance to continuously expanding our multifaceted cooperation and strategic partnership with brotherly Pakistan in political, economic, trade, transport, military-technical, humanitarian, and other areas. My state visit to your country in July this year opened a new page in the history of our relations, and I have the warmest memories of that visit. I appreciate your visit to Azerbaijan to participate in COP29, our meeting, and exchange of views in an atmosphere of friendliness, sincerity, and mutual trust. I look forward to your state visit to Azerbaijan in 2025 and am sure that it will give a strong impetus to the strengthening of our fraternal relations and the further deepening of our fruitful joint activities. Once again, I express my gratitude to you, wishing you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Pakistan," the letter reads. 21 December 2024 14:50 (UTC+04:00) In the heart of Garabagh, the district of Khajaly stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and remembrance. Once a site of unimaginable tragedy, Khajaly is now witnessing a new chapter of hope and renewal. Following a decisive one-day Anti-Terror operation in 2023, Khajaly was liberated from 30 years of occupation. Today, it is welcoming its IDPs back home, as tireless restoration and reconstruction efforts continue. One of the villages in this region, Ballija, has recently seen the return of its residents, former IDPS. As part of the ongoing restoration and reconstructions works, street lights will soon illuminate the village's streets, marking a significant step towards normalcy. This initiative is not limited to Khajaly alone; similar efforts are underway in all liberated areas. Hasanriz village in Agdara district is also set to receive new street lights, enhancing the living conditions for its returning residents. According to information obtained by Azernews from the unified internet portal of state procurements, the "Restoration, Construction, and Management Service" public legal entity in the cities of Khankendi, Agdara, and Khajaly has completed the preparation work for these projects. The execution of these works has been entrusted to "Enerji Insaat" Limited Liability Company (LLC), which has signed a contract worth AZN 353,619.8 for the project. "Enerji Insaat" LLC, registered in 2022 with a charter capital of 100 manat, is represented by Musayev Abubekir Alimurat oglu. Ballija village, located 10.6 km from the city center of Khajaly, is situated on the left bank of the Ballija River, at the foothills of the Garabagh range. The village, named after the river, was occupied by the Armenian army in 1992. It was liberated on September 19-20, 2023, as a result of local anti-terror operations. Similarly, Hasanriz village in Agdara district, located on the left bank of the Tartar River, was occupied by the Armenian Armed Forces in 1993 and was returned to Azerbaijan's control on September 20, 2023, following an anti-terror operation by the Azerbaijani Army. The restoration efforts in Khajaly are deeply intertwined with the memory of the Khojaly Massacre, one of the darkest chapters in the region's history. On the night of February 25-26, 1992, Armenian armed forces, with the support of the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Soviet Union, launched a brutal attack on the town of Khojaly. The massacre resulted in the deaths of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. Hundreds more were wounded, and many were taken hostage or went missing. The Khojaly Massacre is remembered for its sheer brutality and the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians. Survivors recount harrowing tales of torture, rape, and the indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children. The massacre left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people and is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the conflict. As Khajaly rises from the ashes, the memory of those who perished in the Khojaly Massacre serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of those who survived. The ongoing restoration efforts are not just about rebuilding infrastructure but also about healing the wounds of the past and honoring the memory of the victims. 21 December 2024 15:25 (UTC+04:00) Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, in Nairobi. Azernews reports that Leyla Aliyeva conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the President of Kenya. During the meeting, discussions were held on the relations between the two countries, including cooperation opportunities in various fields with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by Azerbaijan's First Vice President, Mehriban Aliyeva. Emphasizing the importance of expanding bilateral relations, Leyla Aliyeva highlighted the significance of projects to be implemented within the framework of the Foundation's "Development of Education and Culture in African Countries" project. She mentioned that projects would be carried out in the fields of education, healthcare, environmental protection, combating climate change, and culture, along with educational exchange programs and cooperation on the joint presentation of art pieces in international projects. President Ruto noted that Azerbaijan successfully hosted the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in November. He expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Kenya. President Ruto emphasized the great potential for developing cooperation and expanding partnerships in various directions, including climate action, energy, trade and investments, tourism, education, and other areas. He noted that state-level projects, including those supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in education, culture, healthcare, and other humanitarian fields, play an important role in the development of these relations. During the meeting, an invitation letter from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, inviting President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya to visit Azerbaijan was presented. President Ruto expressed his gratitude for the invitation and stated that he would gladly accept it. 21 December 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Chinese e-commerce platform Temu continues to expand its operations in Sweden, recently announcing the establishment of local warehouses aimed at speeding up the delivery of goods, Azernews reports. Romina Purmokhtari, Sweden's Minister for Climate and Environment, has sharply criticized the growing consumption of products from Chinese companies like Shein and Temu, particularly in Sweden. She expressed concerns over the environmental and ethical implications of these platforms' business practices. "Every day, planes transport 9,000 tons of goods from Temu and Shein to Western countries," Purmokhtari said. "Many of these goods contain toxic substances, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and are produced under conditions that may involve human rights violations." In response, Purmokhtari proposed a range of measures aimed at curbing the mass consumption of these goods, including: Banning advertisements for companies like Temu and Shein. Imposing a tax on each unit of production imported from these companies. A veto on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), harmful chemicals found in a wide range of products, including textiles and footwear. Reducing VAT on second-hand goods, promoting sustainable consumption. Introducing eco-labeling to help consumers make more informed, environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. The minister also took aim at Swedish consumers, particularly influencers, who often advertise products from these brands. She argued that, given Sweden's current income levels, consumers should opt for more sustainable alternatives. Although the Liberals, the smaller party in Swedens ruling coalition, have proposed these measures, Purmokhtari remains hopeful that coalition partners will lend their support. However, she has voiced concerns over the slow pace of change at the EU level, and has called for national action. Representatives from Shein and Temu, on the other hand, defend their operations, asserting that they comply with all local laws and regulations, and are actively working to improve labor conditions and reduce their environmental impact. Despite this, Purmokhtari remains steadfast in her belief that the current model of mass production and consumption, driven by these companies, is unsustainable and unacceptable. The rise of platforms like Temu and Shein has sparked a global debate on the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion and e-commerce. With the ability to offer extremely cheap products, these platforms have transformed global consumer habits, but at the expense of environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices. The debate in Sweden reflects broader European concerns, as the EU grapples with its role in regulating consumer imports and reducing the environmental footprint of global supply chains. Purmokhtaris proposals are part of a larger movement in Sweden and Europe to ensure that consumption patterns align with environmental goals. 21 December 2024 19:10 (UTC+04:00) South Korea's Hanwha Group said Friday it has completed a US$100 million acquisition of Philly Shipyard, a leading U.S. shipbuilder for commercial and government projects, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap news. The acquisition was finalized six months after signing a contract with Norway's Aker ASA, the parent company, in June. Hanwha Ocean Co. and Hanwha Systems Co. jointly undertook the acquisition. Philly Shipyard was established in 1997 on the site of a former U.S. Navy shipyard in Philadelphia. It has been newly named Hanwha Philly Shipyard. The shipyard specializes in constructing coastal transport vessels and has supplied approximately 50 percent of large commercial vessels subject to the U.S. Jones Act, including petrochemical carriers and container ships. The shipyard also has a proven track record in projects such as constructing multipurpose training ships for the U.S. Maritime Administration. Hanwha Philly Shipyard plans to create a significant number of local jobs, expand the yard's capabilities and scale into new markets, the group said. State Reps. David Cook, Jeff Leach and Brian Harrison listen as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to take testimony from former airline pilot Josh Burns who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich Josh Burns gives testimony as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to hear the former airline pilot who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich Texas lawmakers meet with Robert Roberson at a prison in Livingston, Texas, Sept. 27, 2024. AP Former pilot Josh Burns testifies as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to take testimony from Burns who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich Chairman Joe Moody, D-El Paso, reads emails from the Attorney General's office as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to take testimony from former airline pilot Josh Burns who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich State Reps. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and David Cook, R-Mansfield, listen as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to take testimony from former airline pilot Josh Burns who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, surveys the crowd as the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee meets Friday, December 20, 2024 to take testimony from former airline pilot Josh Burns who was wrongly convicted of "shaken baby syndrome" in 2015 and later exonerated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton again blocked the testimony of Robert Roberson in a similar case. Bob Daemmrich Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton blocked death row inmate Robert Roberson from testifying before state lawmakers on Friday, and this time it may mean Roberson never appears in Austin. The move is the latest in a back-and-forth over Robersons request for a new trial ahead of his expected execution. It comes as a bipartisan group of Texas House members has been trying to hear directly from Roberson over his claims that he was wrongfully convicted of killing his daughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence had called for Roberson to testify Friday afternoon, but Paxtons office intervened late Thursday, arguing in a legal filing in Polk County, where Roberson is being held, that the subpoena was invalid and unlawful and that it would be an undue burden for the prison system to transport Roberson to the Capitol in Austin. The office asked for a detailed evidentiary hearing no earlier than Jan. 13, saying Paxton would be out of the country until early in the new year. The committee membership is set to reset on Jan. 14, when the new legislative session begins, meaning its current subpoena would become null. The Texas Supreme Court ruled last month that prosecutors could seek a new execution date for Roberson after his latest date was delayed by the Houses subpoena. But it also gave the green light for the committee to call Roberson to testify before them in the meantime as long as his appearance does not delay any future execution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was not immediately clear if a judge in Polk County had granted the evidentiary hearing Paxton was seeking or if the judge would agree to his offices timeline. State Rep. Joe Moody, an El Paso Democrat who chairs the House committee, said Friday that Paxtons filing was filled with dishonest and factually disprovable claims, including that the committee hadnt worked with prison officials on other ways to take Robersons testimony. They've clearly shown what they intend to do, which is to run out the clock so that the public and this legislature can't hear from Robert, Moody said, adding that his committees efforts were far from over on this issue. And we don't intend to leave it undone. Paxtons office did not respond to a request for comment. The Texas House is welcoming a surge of new conservative members next month, which could complicate efforts to win a new trial for Roberson. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roberson was convicted in 2003 of killing his young daughter Nikki by violently shaking her, leading to brain hemorrhaging. He would be the first person executed for a murder conviction tied to shaken baby syndrome. His lawyers at the Innocence Project argue that the science behind a shaken baby diagnosis has been thrown into doubt, and that Robersons initial defense failed to point out alternative medical explanations for Nikkis death. But Paxton has opposed any efforts to reexamine his innocence claims, labeling him a child murderer and saying he not only shook Nikki but viciously beat her to death. Even before Thursdays filing, lawmakers who have taken up Robersons case worried that Paxton could intervene again: My belief is that the attorney generals office is trying to delay until the start of the next session, which is just horrifying and maddening to me, state Rep. Jeff Leach, a Plano Republican who chairs the chambers judiciary committee, said in an interview at a Texas Tribune event last month. S. Oregon Coast's Cape Blanco and Hughes House Hold Holiday Teas, Open House, Concert Published 12/17/24 at 5:35 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Port Orford, Oregon) Out on the very fringe of the continent, at the westernmost point in Oregon, Christmas is slowly erupting towards a lovely seasonal peak. (All photos courtesy CBHS) At the south coast's Cape Blanco, history is getting remade before your eyes with its holiday open house and the Hughes House and Ranch concert on December 23. Cape Blanco State Park, its lighthouse and the historic home are hosting the open house until December 19. However, at the last minute the group in charge extended the event to Saturday (December 28) and Sunday (December 29). The home will be open for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with exhibits to explore as well as a silent auction, all of it put on by the Cape Blanco Historical Society (CBHS). The auction is to support our beloved historic sites which are such a vital part of our identity as a town and a community, said CBHS executive director Rebecca Malamud-Evans. This year's theme is MUSIC and the decorators selected Christmas classics to accompany their visual creations. This year's a special one, Malamud-Evans said. It just looks so amazing, she told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. And it is an interactive experience as well: we have a soundtrack of music while people tour the home (based on our decorator's music selections), our silent auction is really more of an art exhibit, plus we have a couple of beautiful museum exhibits in the rooms. Malamud-Evans said there's a lot of surprises. The south Oregon coast landmark also hosts three other holiday events: Port Orford Main Street Holiday Teas will be on Friday (Dec 20), Saturday (Dec 21), and Sunday (Dec. 22). All are held at the historic Hughes House and all its charming holiday trimmings. Attendees can also get a tour of the fancy ol' home and bid on items in the silent auction. Ask a host onsite about that during the tea event. Each day has two seatings: at 11 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. You'll have to go to the Port Orford Main Street site to RSVP https://www.mainstreetportorford.org/. Then comes the live concert on December 23 in the main parlor, featuring jazz vocalist Shaymus Hanlin. That happens from 2 to 4 p.m. See the Cape Blanco events page for more. https://capeblancoheritagesociety.com/events.html. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Cajoling Cracks 'n Crevices of One Out-of-the-Way Oregon Coast Beach Near Newport Published 12/19/24 at 6:25 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Seal Rock, Oregon) A mere few miles south of Newport, and just few more miles north of Seal Rock, you'll find a fascinating hidden beach access which at first doesn't seem like much at all. Indeed, it doesn't appear to have a name (well, it does, but you have to dig to find out). (All photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Heading south from South Beach, you wander through a stretch filled with wind-ravaged trees and periodic views of the ocean popping up in between. Oregon Coast Highway 101 becomes more forest than beach. Then, directly south of MP 146, a nondescript gravel pullout lurks by the side of the road. You see no beach here, however. It's just gravel with loads of brush and foliage. But there does appear to be an opening through that tuft of trees and other greenery. It turns out you've bumped into Thiel Creek and what is known as Holiday Beach (although it's sometimes simply called Thiel Creek). Lost Creek State Recreational Site is less than a mile down the road: it seems it could almost be a part of that state park. It's entirely possible it doesn't have an official name yet. Stroll through that brush, however, and your first words will likely involve wow. You emerge onto a nice tract of pleasant, wide-open beach - the kind that dating website commercials love to film people walking on. Continue swiping right, in this case. You'll find a trippy little strand filled with funky geologic features. You emerge from forest to this These sandstone cliffs start unremarkably enough, but still comely and pretty in their way. You enter the beach after a bit of a forested walk through a trail, and if the sun is shining just right, these cliffs fire up to vibrant oranges, yellows and browns. Walk a bit around the corner, to the south, and it looks like endless hand-holding-walks-on-the-beach possibilities. The strand seems to go on as far as the eye can see. Oregon Coast's Mega-Cool Holiday Beach Near Newport - What You Don't Know Walk a tad longer and you start encountering numerous cracks and crevices dug into the sandstone walls by erosion. They get deeper and deeper the farther you walk, and slightly more mysterious. They even seem to become small sea caves. Then at the one point they deepen to become small coves enclosed areas in the cliffs that you allow to shield yourself from the wind, should you decide to take on the task of sun bathing in this often chilly clime. These photos were taken in the summer, showing the sand levels much higher. When winter comes, sand levels get quite low and some bedrock appears. You can see this here: Oregon Coast Virtual Tour: Winter Views of a Secret Spot South of Newport. Thiel Creek / Holiday Beach even hosts ghost forests at times: you have to wait for winter sands to drop enough, however. This hauntingly beautiful spot was nonetheless site of a slightly unusual beach event one summer. Bedrock was showing in spite of the super-high sand levels, but the culprit was paradoxically the result of those very same high sands. It was an Oregon coast curiosity. Bedrock, New Fishing Holes Appeared on Oregon Coast Beach Near Newport Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Waldport - Where to eat - Waldport, Seal Rock Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Oregon Wildlife Officials Say Someone Dumped Possibly Invasive Koi into Eugene River Published 12/20/24 at 8:25 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Eugene, Oregon) Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is concerned about a find of possible invasive species in a river near Eugene, after someone apparently intentionally dropped koi into the water. (Photo ODFW) ODFW said staff responded to the Armitage Boat Landing on the McKenzie River on Wednesday, December 18, after getting a call on their Oregon Invasive Species Hotline about the fish. District fish biologists successfully removed the large koi from the waters on the northern edges of Eugene (about 60 miles from the Oregon coast). However, they are worried about the potential impact of koi, which can be considered an invasive species in the wild even if perfectly acceptable as pets. ODFW said koi fish can live up to 25 years, reproduce rapidly, and endure very cold winters. They can produce between 5,000 to 10,000 eggs, with the largest koi capable of laying up to 500,000 eggs. Jeff Ziller, ODFW District Fish Biologist, highlighted the risks associated with non-native fish. "Introduced, non-native fish can spread deadly diseases to wild fish populations," Ziller said. "In many states and countries, koi have altered aquatic ecosystems extensively, leading to significant public resource allocation for their eradication, often with little success." Koi are omnivores with a voracious appetite, consuming fish and amphibian eggs, aquatic insects, and competing with native fish for food. They also disturb sediments while uprooting and consuming aquatic plants, which can reduce forage and cover for waterfowl and other animals. ODFW urges the public to avoid dumping unwanted fish or aquarium contents into waterways, as non-native species are nearly impossible to remove once introduced. This practice can have serious ecological consequences and ruin recreational opportunities for future generations. Once non-native species are introduced to a waterbody, they are nearly impossible to remove. Help spread the word to never dump unwanted fish or aquarium contents in or near waterways, streams, ponds, lakes, or stormwater drains, ODFW said. It can have serious ecological consequences and can ruin recreational opportunities for future generations of Oregonians. ODFW staff appreciate the report to the Invasive Species Hotline. Non-native, invasive species, such as koi, can be reported to the hotline at 1-866-INVADER. In 2011 and 2012, Oregon coast officials had run-ins with a possible inundation of invasive species, after the tsunami in Japan in March of 2011 brought a large array of life-covered debris. At last count, over 200 species of sea creatures had been discovered still alive on the objects shuffled across the Pacific. However, in 2016, researchers from OSU in Corvallis and the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport said it was likely the region has dodged the bullet, as one scientist put it. Tsunami dock in Newport, 2011 (Oregon Coast Beach Connection) John Chapman, an Oregon State University expert on tsunami debris said they had not found populations of non-native species firmly established just beyond the breakers. More threatening was the concrete dock that arrived in Newport in 2012, coming from Misawa, Japan. That arrived with nearly 200 different species on it, including varying kinds of mollusks, sea stars, oysters, amphipods, barnacles and worms. Some were open water creatures that had hitched a ride along the way and presented no threat. Others were definitely not from around here and could wreak havoc with the ecosystems of the Oregon coast near-shore environment - perhaps even the tide pools much beloved by visitors. Tsunami dock in Newport, 2011 (Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Chapman said his team was blown away by the find. We had always thought these organisms would not be able to survive the long trip across the Pacific Ocean, the middle of which is a biological desert, Chapman said. Yet here they were. Oregon Coast Hotels - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Tsunami debris with life clinging to it (Seaside Aquarium) More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Winter Solstice and What It Means for Your Oregon / Washington Coast Sunset Shots Published 12/18/24 at 8:25 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Yachats, Oregon) - Any minute now it will be the famed and twinkly Winter Solstice. The astronomical event that essentially gave us the Christmas celebration this time of year happens on Saturday, December 21, bringing a slow rise to longer days and some awesome aspects for your sunset shots on the Oregon coast and Washington coast. (Above: Lincoln City in winter / Oregon Coast Beach Connection) According to astronomy expert Jim Todd at Portland's OMSI, the Winter Solstice officially begins at 1:20 a.m. that morning. This date is the Winter Solstice, the day on which the Earth's northern pole is tipped away from the sun, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. If you're in Portland for example Todd said you'll see the sun reach its lowest southern point at 21.5 degrees on the southern horizon on the winter solstice. At noon in this part of the Pacific Northwest, the sun gets directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Those unlucky enough to be in the polar regions of Earth will experience night for a total of 24 hours. Which means those of us in Washington and Oregon are lucky, believe it or not. Right now, sunset is starting to happen a minute later just about every day. On December 17-25, we will have nearly 8 hours and 42 minutes of daylight to enjoy, Todd said. Port Orford, photo Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts Yet there's a caveat here: though sunset gets later so does sunrise at least until December 26. Daylight hours shift slightly in an odd way for about a week. Starting December 27, sunrise stays at 7:50 a.m. for awhile as sunset ticks upward by about a minute each day. Then by January 9, sunset is almost 15 minutes later and sunrise finally ticks down to 7:49 a.m. Those are Portland times: areas on the coast such as Seaview, La Push, Bandon or Newport will vary quite a bit. A funky little fact: sunset on the Oregon coast or Washington beaches happens a few minutes to 10 minutes later than the I-5 Corridor, depending where you are along the shoreline. The difference is more pronounced between the beaches and valley on Oregon's northern half. The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol-stadium, for sun-standing, Todd said. The winter solstice is when the sun stops its southern climb and stands briefly before turning back toward the equator. Winter solstice celebrations were so widespread in our Western culture that the early Christian church decided to move Christmas to the time of the solstice. Also see When the Green Flash and Oregon Coast Whale Research Meet: Science Explanation - Researcher captures green flash; explanation of that and Novaya Zemlya Some of your sunset shots on the coastline will improve this time of year. In fact, one scientist, NOAA's Stephen F. Corfidi, called winter sunset peak season. Sunsets are actually more intense in winter, say experts like Todd and Corfidi. There's real data to support that. Yachats Because of the low angle of the sun's arc, it will produce the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets of the year, Todd said. Yet maybe the biggest factor is the cleaner air this time of year. The haze of spring's damp air or summer and fall's more particle-filled skies tend to subdue colors of the sunset. When it's cold out, there's less of that. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Depoe Bay / Oregon Coast Beach Connection More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A stalemate between the producer of James Bond movies and the company that distributes them has resulted in no movement forward for another Bond movie. Amazon bought MGM which has contractual control of distribution of Bond films, and its chief over movie distribution, woke Jennifer Salk, is demanding that the new Bond be either homosexual or black. The longtime producers of the Bond films is standing firm that Bond must remain a real man and British. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14212899/Future-James-Bond-hangs-balance-amid-stand-Barbara-Broccoli-Amazon-following-6-5-billion-MGM-purchase.html The woke mind virus seems to destroy everything it touches. Amazon should be ashamed of itself. The Bond movie franchise has already been more "inclusive" by changing Bond's CIA colleague Felix Leiter from a white male as he is Ian Fleming's books to a black male. That is more than enough tampering with Fleming's characters. These woke idiots should not be allowed to destroy James Bond the way they have destroyed Star Wars. It is great that the producer is standing firm against that. Mayve they need to find a way to get out of their distribution contract with Amazon. UPDATE: official count: 4 adults and one 9 year old child killed; 205 injured, including 80 seriously injured. There has been chatter for weeks about a Muslim terrorist attack on a German Christmas market, and one Christmas market had so far been disrupted by Muslim demonstratots. Now a serious attack has occured at the Christmas market at Madgburg in the State of Saxony-Anhalt. A psychiatrist with a German residence permit as a "refugee" who is a Saudi Arabian citizen drove a BWM that he had just rented at high speed into the crowd at the Christmas market. According to German media reports, he had a bomb with him in the passenger compartment but it did not explode. Reports say at least seventy people were injured. The death toll is officially two, so far, including a toddler, but German media are reporting at least eleven dead. The attacker posted on social media before his attack about "killing Germans indiscriminately" and boasted about helping asylum seekers from the Muslim world get to Germany. There was a similar terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin a few years ago where a Muslim terrorist drove a truck into a Christmas market killing and injuring many. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14215355/magdeburg-germany-suspect-saudi-arabia-arrested-christmas-market-explosive-device-bmw.html https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/20/car-plows-into-german-christmas-market-crowd-in-apparent-deliberate-attack/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14216295/Magdeburg-Christmas-market-car-attack-Saudi-Arabian-doctor.html A canvasser for a liberal "non-partisan" activist group has been indicted for fraudulent voter registrations of dozens of fake voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. Jennifer Hill was a paid canvasser for the New Pennsylvania Project. Of the over 300 voter registrations she submitted through a state elections app, 129 of them were deemed invalid. They included dead people, fictitious people, and forgeries. Hill is now indicted on 40 felony charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Among the deceased voters she attempted to register was her own father. One of her fictitious voters used her own grandmother's name with a more recent birthdate. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/12/pennsylvania-woman-faces-charges-registering-dead-fake-voters/ Given how easy it is to register fake voters, many conservatives beleive that the procedures for voter registration need to be tightened up. In 2024, major health systems embraced artificial intelligence across various applications, including easing documentation burdens, revenue cycle, and addressing claims denials. Heres a look at how the five largest health systems leveraged AI in 2024, as reported by Becker's: Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.): Advocate Health continued to expand its use of Microsoft's DAX Copilot, which ambiently records patient encounters then drafts a note for the EHR, after being the first health system to pilot the technology in 2023. Advocate expanded the AI tool to its Midwest sites in 2024 and now has more than 2,500 clinicians using it. Neurologists at some Advocate hospitals deployed AI to determine patients' candidacy for endovascular thrombectomy. Meanwhile, physicians at Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist employed AI to better predict and diagnose lung cancer. Some Advocate clinical teams draft MyChart messages with AI, while others use AI to find and summarize the most important information in a patient's chart. Advocate is also piloting Project Nursing, an AI solution from Microsoft to capture spoken observations and automatically populate nursing workflow sheets in Epic. "One of our biggest focuses has been artificial intelligence," Advocate Health CIO Bobbie Byrne, MD, told Becker's. "That began with creating a robust AI governance framework that aims to be equitable, ethical, valid, reliable, transparent, accountable and impactful." Ascension (St. Louis): In May, Nashville, Tenn.-based Ascension Saint Thomas began utilizing egnite's CardioCare technology, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance cardiovascular care. The platform helps physicians identify at-risk patients earlier, aiming to reduce deaths, strokes, and hospitalizations. It also facilitates timely referrals to specialists for conditions like valvular disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure while prioritizing life-saving treatments. Furthermore, it ensures patients with critical cardiovascular conditions receive care consistent with established medical guidelines. By August, Ascension Saint Thomas expanded its use of AI by introducing an AI-powered administrative assistant for its second- and third-year internal medicine residents. Through this initiative, residents can leverage Suki, an AI healthcare assistant, to alleviate documentation burdens. CommonSpirit Health (Chicago): In March, CommonSpirit unveiled its proprietary AI assistant, Insightli. This tool enables the organization to generate written content securely, eliminating the risks associated with sharing sensitive information externally. The health system has established a data governance team to support the ethical application of AI. "CommonSpirit Health's rapid adoption of AI tools reflects our commitment to improving operations, patient care, and employee engagement," CommonSpirit CIO Daniel Barchi told Becker's. "We now have over 130 AI and RPA [robotic process automation] tools in production nearly double the number deployed this time last year significantly enhancing our operational efficiency and patient care." HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.): HCA Healthcare has been using Google's AI-powered nurse handoffs. The nurse handoff note allows providers to leverage AI to improve workflows for time-consuming clerical tasks. The tool was developed by HCA with Google's AI and is being tested at four HCA Healthcare hospitals in Tennessee and Florida. Additionally, during an October earnings call, HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen described the organization as being at an "inflection point" with AI, highlighting the tangible benefits the health system has begun to realize. He pointed to AI's role in optimizing staff scheduling through patient demand forecasting and workforce allocation, as well as its impact on the revenue cycle, including managing receivables and addressing claims denials. Also in October, HCA revealed a partnership with Commure to develop and implement an ambient AI platform across its network of healthcare professionals. The collaboration has produced a multi-specialty, EHR-agnostic platform designed to enhance critical workflows in emergency departments, hospitalist operations, and ambulatory care settings. Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.): Kaiser Permanente embarked on the largest generative AI rollout in healthcare history when it started offering Abridge's generative AI clinical documentation tool across its footprint of 40 hospitals, 600-plus medical offices and eight states in August. "This has been the fastest implementation of a technology in my over 20 years at Kaiser Permanente," Desiree Gandrup-Dupre, senior vice president of care delivery technology services at Kaiser Permanente, told Becker's in August. "The demand and interest from the clinicians has been driving us to launch this quickly and also make sure that we're being as efficient as we could with the right amount of quality." The health system in April also teamed up with health tech company Innovaccer to deploy its AI platform for value-based care and reported that it could resolve a third of patient messages with AI. Inside 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 The Biden administration has been working to add hundreds of immigrant detention beds to facilities in Texas, an expansion that advocates say could provide a boost for President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation drive. The expansion, which has been in the works much of the year, comes as Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, has said he wants to more than double the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention beds, from roughly 40,000 to 100,000, to carry out the deportations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Biden expansion would not come anywhere near that, and ICE would need a major funding boost from Congress to house as many immigrants as Homan is suggesting. Still, the Biden expansion drew fresh criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union this week as the advocacy group released documents it says show the plan is still underway. The ACLU documents show proposals ICE received after it issued calls for information in May and August to expand detention centers in South Texas and El Paso, as well as in several other states. The agency said it was looking to add 850 to 950 beds for each field office. The proposals came from some of the nations largest private prison companies, including GEO Group, Inc. and CoreCivic, which already run detention facilities for the federal government. You cannot have mass deportations without a significant expansion of ICE detention capacity in states across the country and thats exactly what the incoming Trump administration is preparing to do, Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU, said in a statement. The Biden administration is paving the way for President-elect Donald Trump to make good on his cruel and inhumane mass deportation proposals. But it is unclear whether ICE has moved forward with any of the proposals the ACLU published this week. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In June, ICE issued a press release saying it was adjusting existing detention facility contracts to expand the number of beds in ICEs detention network. A dual Russian-Israeli national has been charged in connection with the LockBit ransomware group, which has targeted thousands of victims worldwide, including hospitals. Rostislav Panev, 51, was arrested in Israel in August and is awaiting extradition to the U.S., according to a Dec. 20 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Mr. Panev is accused of serving as a developer for LockBit since its inception in 2019, helping to create malware that enabled the group to execute ransomware attacks on over 2,500 victims across 120 countries, including 1,800 in the U.S. Victims included hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure, and government agencies, resulting in at least $500 million in ransom payments and billions in damages, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The complaint alleges Mr. Panev developed and maintained LockBit's infrastructure, including coding tools to disable antivirus software and deploying malware across victim networks. He also allegedly managed a dark web repository containing LockBit's ransomware builder and other tools, and communicated directly with the group's administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, also known as "LockBitSupp." U.S. authorities also uncovered evidence of cryptocurrency transfers totaling over $230,000 from LockBit's administrator to Mr. Panev between 2022 and 2024, laundered through illicit mixing services. Mr. Panev admitted to Israeli authorities that he received these payments for coding and consulting work for LockBit, including developing malware to print ransom notes and providing technical guidance. The Justice Department has now charged seven members of the LockBit group, arresting three, as part of its broader efforts to dismantle the organization. Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle has spent two decades applying a management methodology inspired by the Toyota Production System. This approach has become central to the hospital's culture, driving improvements to quality and safety. It has helped the hospital become one of 12 in the U.S. to receive 26 consecutive "A" safety grades from The Leapfrog Group. "Virginia Mason Medical Center was founded on a deep commitment to clinical quality and patient safety, so this is the cornerstone of the culture here," hospital President Monica Hilt told Becker's. The hospital is home to the Virginia Mason Production System, which trains employees in tools and techniques to prioritize patient-centered care and improvement. This has been the foundational element in its consistent safety grade, Ms. Hilt said. The management system has guided the hospital's operations, influencing how team members approach their work and solve problems, Chief Clinical Officer Andrew Ross, MD, told Becker's. While elements of Toyota's philosophy have been adopted by various hospitals, Tacoma, Wash.-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health was the first to integrate it across its system. Training is now offered to others worldwide through the Virginia Mason Institute, according to VMFH leaders. This approach emphasizes safe, high-quality care through patient and staff engagement. "One of the foundational principles of our management methodology is to go to the people doing the work to say, 'Here's where we need to go, but we need to engage you in the process,'" Dr. Ross said. The hospital's standardized management system has led to improvements in critical areas. Across the system, all seven eligible hospitals received an "A" safety grade in fall 2024. In addition, as colorectal surgery infection rates were found to exceed benchmarks nationwide, the hospital engaged staff to take a closer look at this issue. By implementing standard work processes around perioperative care, surgical site infection rates decreased, Dr. Ross said. Coming out of the pandemic, length of stay was identified as an area that needed improvement. "Having that stable platform and management method to allow us to implement the work in a standardized fashion across all departments of our hospital, and all of our inpatient units allowed us to see the gains in length-of-stay reduction," Dr. Ross said. Ms. Hilt emphasized the importance of engaging employees and providers in the hospital's mission. "We're only as strong as our teams, and so we remain committed to our employee engagement satisfaction, as well as our physician and advanced practice provider satisfaction," Ms. Hilt said. "As we're working around advancing our performance, clinical quality and patient safety, we know that it is just as important to be advancing our commitment within the organization and building and supporting a strong team in the organization as well." Dr. Ross highlighted the critical role of culture in sustaining the hospital's success. "It's not a matter of acing the test or changing one metric," he said. "It really takes a culture to have this hardwired and ingrained in everything that we do, to ensure that we meet the mark on an annual basis. And I think the fact that we've seen this safety grade 26 straight times is a testament to that." Union representatives are challenging Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare over its decision to promote a nurse occupying a labor-designated seat on its oversight board to a management role just weeks later, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune. Tykia Hess, RN, BSN, PHN, who was appointed in November, will now serve on the board. Representatives from the Minnesota Nurses Association argued this decision undermines the intent of labor-designated seats, and accused hospital leadership of selectively appointing members to favor management. "It is deeply disappointing to witness [Hennepin CEO] Jennifer DeCubellis' continued disregard for labor voices and her persistent attempts to undermine union efforts at every turn," said Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, a registered nurse and MNA leader, in a statement shared with Becker's. "While Tykia is a strong and dedicated nurse, hospital leadership should not be taking seats away from front-line labor union workers. These seats were established to ensure true labor representation, and filling them with leadership undermines their purpose," he added. The 11- to 15-member Hennepin Healthcare board of directors, which oversees Hennepin County Medical Center, is made up of community representatives appointed by the board and approved by the Hennepin County commissioners. Two Hennepin County board commissioners also serve on the HHS board each year. Hennepin Health System contends it kept union leaders informed and involved in the process. "We provided union leaders with advance notice of our application process and timeline," spokesperson Christine Hill told Becker's. "We invited them to circulate the applications to their members to ensure an inclusive opportunity for applications. All candidates received the same consideration, including union leaders, and followed the same process and timeline." Ms. Hill explained that candidates submitted an application and completed an interview before advancing to the health system board and then to the county board of commissioners for approval. "Two of the three union leaders were able to meet the timeline as set, and one will be placed on a board committee. One union leader submitted an application, was promptly invited to an interview, but indicated he was not available for an interview until after the interview schedule had closed and the final slate had already been set," she said. Union members, however, are questioning why management selected candidates rather than allowing employees to elect them, according to the Star Tribune. The MNA is now calling on the health system board to "demonstrate their commitment to labor by reaffirming the two designated labor seats through a bylaw revision. If they are truly serious about honoring the voices of front-line workers, this is the path forward." Throughout 2024, Hennepin County Medical Center and hospital leadership have sparred over several issues. In April, MNA members, along with healthcare workers from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs, called on commissioners to dissolve the health system board. This request, which commissioners did not support, came months after county commissioners placed greater oversight on the health systems budget and management decisions. Two Hennepin Healthcare board members resigned after this oversight was tightened. In November, the county board approved Hennepin Healthcare's new board member recommendations for 2025, as well as its spending plan, according to the Star Tribune. Nearing the end of 2024, several insurance companies proposed reducing reimbursements for anesthesia services, particularly claims from certified registered nurse anesthetists. In November, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said it would deny anesthesia claims for cases in New York, Missouri and Connecticut that exceed CMS' definition of physician work time values. The implementation was scheduled for February, but the payer on Dec. 5 said it was scrapping that plan. However, Anthem and Cigna said they will reimburse CRNAs 15% less than other providers for the same anesthesia services, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. The organization, which has a membership of 65,000, has asked a federal court to compel the payers to reverse course. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington stopped reimbursing anesthesia services without identifying who performed the service, and CRNAs' reimbursements were reduced to 85% of the physician fee schedule. The change took effect Nov. 1, but by mid-December, Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser reverted to its original policy. "As one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare providers in the country, Kaiser Permanentes mission is to provide high-quality, affordable care to our members and the communities we serve," a Kaiser spokesperson told Becker's on Dec. 12. "While we will continue our focus on keeping care affordable for our members, we will not implement changes in reimbursement rates for anesthesia services provided by certified registered nurse anesthetists." Most recently, Medical Mutual, an insurer based in Ohio, said it will reduce CRNA reimbursement to 85% of fee schedule, effective Jan. 24. "This policy announcement is a blatant, dangerous, and self-serving attack on CRNAs and the patients they seek to care for," AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, said in a statement. Becker's has reached out to Medical Mutual for comment and will update this article if more information becomes available. Ketul Patel, CEO of Tacoma, Wash.-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is driving improvements in community health through expanded care, strategic partnerships and a focus on workplace culture. As CEO of the 1,800-bed system and president of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health's Northwest region, Mr. Patel is addressing both local and national healthcare challenges. He spoke with Becker's about his 2025 strategy, touching on outpatient care, employee retention and financial issues. Expanding inpatient and outpatient care "We have over 300 sites of care within our system," Mr. Patel told Becker's. "We always look at things through the lens of what the patients truly need. We know as healthcare becomes more and more ambulatory in nature, we need to expand our footprint even more aggressively in the outpatient ambulatory arena." While VMFH is investing heavily in ambulatory care, it is also increasing inpatient capacity, adding beds at three of its hospitals, including 74 beds at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Wash. To further address community needs, the system is opening freestanding hybrid emergency department/urgent care locations in the region. These facilities aim to reduce the total cost of care while extending the system's clinical reach into underserved communities. Strategic partnerships and community collaboration VMFH, formed through the 2021 merger of CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason, operates 10 hospitals and employs more than 18,000 people. "We have a long, storied history of many hospitals coming into our family," Mr. Patel said. "We also believe that for our future unless there's a very important strategic move for us we're going to build our health network through partnerships." The system recently launched the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Care Network, which allows partnerships with independent hospitals that wish to remain independent while accessing added support from VMFH, he said. The network provides clinical, business, operational and research expertise with key contracted services spanning telehealth and virtual care, peer-to-peer guidance and interim executive and leader placement. The care network provides structure for collaboration as hospitals across the Northwest express interest in partnering with VMFH, Mr. Patel noted. The system also works with community organizations to address social determinants of health. Initiatives include a medically tailored food box program and the Community Health Improvement Grants program, which provided more than $1.7 million to local nonprofit organizations in 2024. "At the end of the day, we are here to take care of people in the community and be partners to people in the community," Mr. Patel said. Financial challenges Stagnant reimbursements remain one of VMFH's most pressing financial challenges, Mr. Patel said. "The denials are getting more and more acute and significant, to the point where we have almost 11% of our expected reimbursement lost to denials, and I think that's going to continue to be a big issue for us," he said. "We believe we're very strong partners to our payers, and we are very transparent with them about some of the issues, but we need to see that level of partnership the other way." Additionally, he said rising wage rates in the Tacoma and Seattle region are creating financial strain that will require continued focus in 2025. Investing in workplace culture "Particularly through the pandemic, and post-pandemic, we were challenged with workforce recruitment and with keeping people in healthcare," Mr. Patel said. "There's been such a large focus on our culture in the last couple years." Developing a supportive culture in which employees feel valued and can work at the top of their licenses is essential for retention, he said. VMFH also uses the Virginia Mason Production System, a standardized management approach. "It is a way for us to make sure we're all speaking the same language in terms of our local health system and regional health system," Mr. Patel said. "It's also a way for us to allow our team members to redesign their work so that we're eliminating waste, and they have the ability to say, 'This is how we're going to continue to grow in our profession and take care of our patients.'" These efforts have contributed to VMFH being the only Washington-based health system to achieve "A" safety grades across all hospitals from The Leapfrog Group, he added. "It's been a pretty significant journey," Mr. Patel said. "We have patients that are coming from all over the country, and even in some cases from around the world, to get the care that they need at Virginia Mason Francican Health, so I'm very proud of that. It comes down to our team members and everything that they're doing every day to take care of our patients and keep people healthy in the community, so I always want to recognize them." Interested in sharing your own thoughts? Take this quick survey about your system's outpatient strategy here. Former Strictly dancer Giovanni Pernice made it into the final of the Italian version of the show (Danny Lawson/PA) Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has thanked his UK supporters before performing on the final of Italian dance show Ballando con le Stelle. Pernice, 34, announced he was joining the Italian equivalent of Dancing With The Stars following his departure from the BBC One dancing show amid an investigation looking into allegations about his behaviour made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. Signs are looking good for Belfast traders as thousands of shoppers pounded the pavements in search of a bargain on what is traditionally the busiest trading day of the year. The festive spirit was hampered last year by a Translink strike which put many people off going into the city centre on the last Saturday before December 25. However, Retail NIs Glyn Roberts believes its been a very successful day this year. There has been no major traffic congestion problems which is good, the chief executive said. The city centre was very, very busy but in the end its not footfall that counts, its sales. "So we dont know for sure yet, but from talking to traders they have had a good day. And it doesnt look like the weather put anyone off. A yellow weather alert came into force at 7am on Saturday, with the Met Office warning of Christmas travel disruption caused by winds of up to 70mph this weekend. But festive shoppers and revellers braved the elements and flocked to the Belfast Christmas Market in droves to enjoy the penultimate day of the annual spectacle and sample the delights on offer. Mr Roberts said the stalls always attract significant numbers onto the streets and has established itself as a key part of the citys offering in December. However, he suggested its time to freshen up the Yuletide fixture. "Its always popular, but I think we need to take a look at how to enhance it and make it bigger, Mr Roberts explained. "We also need to look at how we can do more with St Georges Market even it that involves moving things to other parts of the city. "Traders in St Georges dont get the attention or profile they deserve. The lobby group chief was keen to remind members of the public to be kind to shop workers who are operating under huge pressure to ensure everyone gets what they want for Christmas. Meanwhile Hospitality Ulster boss Colin Neill said its too early to do the numbers on how the citys bars and eateries are performing this season as theres still a few more sleeps to go until the big day. "Its busy, he said. "But it is not as busy as we would like it to be in some places. "Belfast has been impacted by traffic issues and it means people are arriving late for bookings. "But its all to play for still. Mr Neill was among business leaders who called for a pause on roadworks in the run-up to Christmas to mitigate the damaging impact on traders and met with infrastructure minister John ODowd to discuss traffic jam solutions last week. Now, with just three days to go until December 25, he cautioned that despite booming numbers in pubs and restaurants profit margins will not be as big as they should be as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. "Turnover is flatlining because of soaring costs, he added. That also means people dont spend as much as they maybe used to. Sisters selling icons deny pro-Putin support and insist they pray for both sides Ukrainians in Northern Ireland have claimed that a Belfast Christmas market stall run by nuns is linked to support for the Russian war campaign. The community group Ukrainians in Northern Ireland have written to Belfast City Council, outlining their concerns. They urged the council to reconsider allowing the Orthodox St Elisabeth Convent Minsk (SEM) to operate in the popular festive market. In their letter, they allege that the SEM group is linked to support for the Russian war campaign, including reports that seven vehicles were purchased for soldiers in April 2023. There was also a letter-writing campaign hosted by the convent for civilians to write to soldiers in the warring eastern regions. When the Belfast Telegraph visited this week, sisters on the stall in question strenuously denied any pro-Russian sentiments or support for the war. They stated they pray for both sides and do not support either side, noting that some of their nuns hail from the Kharkiv region, one of the contested regions of Ukraine where the conflict is centred. Belfast City Council has pledged to raise the concerns with the operator of the Christmas market, Marketplace Europe. Matryoshka dolls at the St Elisabeth Convent stall, Belfast Christmas Market Based in Minsk, Belarus one of Russias strongest allies SEM advertises its frequent humanitarian campaigns on its site. However, many believe there is another side to the Orthodox Christian organisation. The nuns are known to travel Europe with charity collection buckets, though they are most famous in the West for selling Christian icons, matryoshka dolls and other festive trinkets at Christmas fairs and markets. But it is feared that the profits made from these stalls in Europe may go on to support Russian troops. In 2022, in Winchester, England, Ukrainians in the town voiced their grievances over the presence of the merchant nuns of SEM at a Christmas fair, which led to its closure. Another case earlier this month this time in the Polish city of Szczecin saw Belarusian migrants protest against the presence of the vendors. This led to another closure. Inside the St Elisabeth Convent stall at Belfast Christmas Market The convents confessor, the pro-Russian Archpriest, Andrey Lemeshonok, is known for his steadfast support for the Russian war effort. He has in the past referred to Russia and Ukraine as one people and one state, rather than two separate nations. He is also known for branding the ongoing conflict as a liberation struggle. The Ukrainians in Northern Ireland community group said: Evidence suggests that this organisations activities, including the sale of products at such events, are linked to financial support for entities complicit in Russias ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Allowing such a stall to operate at the Belfast Christmas Market not only risks legitimising these activities but also stands in stark contrast to the values of peace and solidarity that Belfast is known for. The group fears that their presence under the guise of cultural exchange is an attempt to spread influence to places far removed from the active conflict. A spokesperson from Belfast City Council said: The Belfast Christmas market is run by Marketplace Europe, which leases the area around City Hall. While council does not have responsibility for the stall businesses, the contents of the letter will be raised with Marketplace Europe. Marketplace Europe was approached for comment. China refutes so-called Xinjiang chili pepper report Xinhua) 11:03, December 21, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday that a handful of Western media and long-time disinformation manufacturers have concocted one lie after another about Xinjiang, but what is made up will not hide the truth and a lie is still a lie even if it is told a thousand times. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing. Certain Western media's articles cited a report by Adrian Zenz, who is an anti-China academic, saying that chili pepper products sold in UK and U.S. supermarkets contain ingredients from Xinjiang, which are probably produced using "forced labor." Noting this so-called report mentioned by certain media outlets is deeply flawed, Lin said it pretentiously quotes some vague accounts by so-called anonymous witnesses, but does not provide any factual basis, and even lacks the most basic field investigation. "The fact is, the farming process of chili peppers in Xinjiang has largely been mechanized already. In some major production areas, 100 percent of the chili peppers are now harvested by machines. Is the report suggesting that there is forced machine labor?" Lin asked. The spokesperson noted that earlier this week, an international symposium on employment and social security was held in Urumqi. More than 200 participants from over 40 countries, regions and international organizations attended the event, and many said the Xinjiang they saw is very much different from the false propaganda they had seen from sources outside China. "They condemned the 'forced labor' narrative, calling it a lie that deprives people in Xinjiang of their right to work, subsistence and development," Lin said. From cotton to tomato and now to chili pepper, a handful of Western media and long-time disinformation manufacturers have concocted one lie after another about Xinjiang, Lin said, adding what is made up will not hide the truth and a lie is still a lie even if it is told a thousand times. "For those behind these same old clumsy theatrics, it is high time they quit this 'creative' business for good," Lin said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness on Thursday to negotiate a compromise over Ukraine in potential discussions with President-elect Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing conflict. Putin stated he had no preconditions for initiating talks with Ukrainian authorities. Trump, known for portraying himself as a skilled dealmaker and author of the 1987 book "Trump: The Art of the Deal," has pledged to quickly bring an end to the war, though he has yet to outline a concrete strategy for achieving this goal. During his annual question-and-answer session with Russian citizens on state TV, President Vladimir Putin responded to a U.S. news reporter's inquiry, stating that he was open to meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, whom he had not spoken to in years. When asked what Russia might offer Trump, Putin rejected the notion that Russia was in a weakened position. He emphasized that Russia had grown significantly stronger since he ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022. "We have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises," Putin said. "Soon, those Ukrainians who want to fight will run out, in my opinion, soon there will be no one left who wants to fight. We are ready, but the other side needs to be ready for both negotiations and compromises." Putin said Thursday that Russia had no preconditions for starting talks with Ukraine and was willing to negotiate with anyone, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he insisted that any deal could only be signed with what the Kremlin considered Ukraine's legitimate authorities, which, for now, was the Ukrainian parliament. Putin clarified that Zelensky, whose term was extended under martial law, would need to be re-elected for Moscow to regard him as a legitimate signatory to any agreement, ensuring its legal validity. He dismissed the idea of agreeing to a temporary truce with Kyiv, emphasizing that only a lasting peace deal would be acceptable. Putin also mentioned that talks should begin with a preliminary agreement made in Istanbul in the early stages of the war, although this agreement was never implemented. Many Ukrainian politicians view the draft deal as a form of capitulation that would have undermined Ukraine's military and political ambitions. Karen Cummings was killed at her home in Banbridge. The funeral of murder victim Karen Cummings will take place on Monday. The childrens nurse (40) was killed at her home in Banbridge, Co Down, last weekend. It is understood the mother-of-two died from gunshot wounds. Two men appeared in court on Wednesday charged with her murder and were remanded in custody. Crowds of people turned out for a vigil in her memory at Solitude Park in Banbridge on Thursday evening. Banners bearing the names of the 25 women killed here since 2020 were held up during the event organised by Women's Aid Armagh and Down. Karen Cummings was killed at her home in Banbridge. Candle-lit vigil held after murder of Karen Cummings A family notice said Ms Cummings funeral will take place on Monday afternoon. Requiem Mass will be held in the Church of St Therese, Banbridge, with burial afterwards in St Patricks Cemetery. Her family has requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Paediatric Fund at Daisy Hill Hospital, where Ms Cummings worked. Earlier this week, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said ministers had discussed the fact that seven women had been killed in Northern Ireland in 2024, and 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." A man has suffered a broken jaw after being attacked by a gang of men in Belfast city centre. The assault happened in the Donegall Square West area at around 11.30pm on Friday night. The victim, who is in his 20s, was set upon by four unknown males. PSNI Chief Inspector Louise Dunne is urging anyone with information to come forward. "Our appeal is to anyone who saw what happened, and who hasn't spoken with us yet, is to get in touch," she said. "Not only has the victim sustained a serious injury, but he has also been left extremely distressed by what happened. The number to call with information is 101, quote reference number 73 of 20/12/24. The Met Office is advising of Christmas travel disruption amid an ongoing weather warning in place across Northern Ireland. The forecaster has warned of winds of up to 70mph this weekend. The yellow alert is in place from 7am this morning, with another alert issued for tomorrow. People have been warned it could affect Christmas travel plans. A number of ferries have been cancelled today and tomorrow. Windy weather is hitting Northern Ireland today. Stock photo. Watch: NI Travellers arrive home for Christmas A fallen tree partially blocked the inner lane of the Knock Road at the PSNI HQ in the direction of the Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast. It has since been cleared. P&O Ferries announced a 24-stoppage between Larne and Cairnryan. It said: Due to adverse weather conditions, all P&O Ferries sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled from 8pm tonight (December 21) until at least 8pm tomorrow night (December 22). "We ask our customers please not to travel to either of the ports if their sailing has been cancelled, to avoid causing traffic congestion. All remaining sailings for today are fully booked, customers can manage their booking online or call us on 01304 884488 to amend or cancel their booking. We apologise for the inconvenience. Stena Line have also said disruption is expected with sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan cancelled late on Saturday and into Sunday. The Met Office said Strong westerly winds are expected to develop through the course of Saturday, with gusts of 50-60mph developing quite widely across this region, and a small chance of gusts reaching 70mph around some coasts and high ground areas. This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard. Todays warning is in place for counties Antrim, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone. It also affects Scotland and northern parts of England and Wales. Meanwhile, a second alert is in place for Northern Ireland on Sunday, amid warnings of prolonged strong winds. The Met Office added: Strong and gusty northwesterly winds are expected to develop on Sunday. Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely, and around some exposed coasts and hills of gusts 70mph are possible, especially in the north and west. In addition, squally showers are likely with some hail and thunder possible in places. The alert is in place for all six of Northern Irelands counties, running until 9pm tomorrow. In the Republic of Ireland, a two-day yellow warning has been issued for eight counties. The alert for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo lasts from 3am on Saturday until 2pm on Sunday. A separate alert for Clare, Kerry, Limerick lasts from 3am on Saturday until 3pm on Sunday. A 77-year-old Just Stop Oil protester has been recalled to prison after her wrists were too small for an electronic tag. Grandmother Gaie Delap, from Bristol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in August for her part in disruptive protests on the M25 in November 2022. According to Just Stop Oil, four activists including Delap were released early and three were successfully tagged. The 77-year-old was released on November 18 on a home detention curfew. The Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) was unable to fit a tag to Delaps ankle due to a health condition, so attempted to fit one to her wrist instead. When they were unable to do so, a warrant was issued for her arrest on December 5 despite, according to Just Stop Oil, her being fully compliant with the terms of release. Just Stop Oil took action which led to the closure of parts of the M25 (Just Stop Oil/PA) The campaign group said Delap suffers from numerous health conditions and suffered a stroke in the run-up to her trial in August 2024. She experienced significant mistreatment in prison, suffering wrist problems after being handcuffed to a bed in hospital and the warrant for her arrest was reportedly issued whilst she was receiving treatment in hospital. A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: Gaie took action in 2022 after the government announced that it would issue over 100 new oil and gas licences. This was despite summer temperatures climbing above 40C, railways buckling in the heat, harvests being decimated, and the London Fire Brigade experiencing the most calls since WWII. There were 61,000 excess deaths from the heat in Europe that year. Gaie took this brave action out of a deep sense of duty to protect her children, grandchildren and indeed all of us. Meanwhile those causing real disruption the fossil fuel executives, the water company bosses, the corrupt politicians who profited over dodgy PPE contracts, all walk free. Friends and family of Delap issued a statement through the campaign group in which they said: We are outraged by her recall to prison. We know this is cruel, and totally unnecessary. We know there are alternatives to the tag. We know that if she had been a man, a tag would have been available to EMS. Because of medical conditions, Gaie requires a wrist tag, or some equivalent. And we know from our own investigations and enquiries there are many out there. Moreover, Gaie is absolutely no threat to the community. This recall to prison is a ridiculous waste of resources and money. It will cost the taxpayer 12,000 to keep Gaie in prison. We cannot believe that there is not an electronic monitoring device that can be fitted at a fraction of the cost. We want common sense to prevail. Delaps family have called on supporters to contact Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ask her to reverse the decision. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: We have a duty to enforce sentences passed down by the independent judiciary. The law states anyone released under Home Detention Curfew must be tagged and recalled if no alternative solution is available. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: On Friday December 20, a woman aged in her 70s was arrested in Bristol after she was recalled to prison. Sofia Adamou (left) with her little sister Natassa, who is in need of a stem cell transplant (Sofia Adamou/PA) A young woman has launched a campaign urging people to sign the stem cell register in a bid to potentially save her little sisters life. Sofia Adamou, 22, from south London, said her world has been turned upside down. Her sister Natassa Adamou, 19, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) earlier this year. However, two weeks ago she was told her condition had progressed to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Sofia, who is working with stem cell charity Anthony Nolan, said: You never think its going to be you or your family until it is, and then its like your whole world is just turned upside down. Natassa Adamou, 19, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) earlier this year but her disease has now progressed (Sofia Adamou/PA) The business owner from Anerley is currently waiting to see if she is a match for Natassa, but in the meantime has taken to social media to raise awareness of the stem cell register in case she is not. If I am a match, that would be the best thing in the world and Ill be able to save my sisters life, Sofia said. I am trying to get social media up and Im trying to basically prepare. I know in doing this Im not just helping my sister; I am helping many other people that are looking for donors. The family, which includes mother Tina Adamou, 58, and father Adam Adamou, 57, have owned the Marlow Fish Bar on Marlow Road for more than six decades. They have Cypriot heritage, so are also appealing for people in Cyprus to sign up as well as people in the UK. People with heritage from different parts of the world can have different chances of finding a matching unrelated donor as they are more likely to have a rare tissue type. Natassa who Sofia describes as bubbly with a passion for theatre, reading and Formula 1 was studying to be a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and special effects when she started experiencing symptoms such as extreme tiredness and seizures around Christmas last year. She was diagnosed with CLL, which was being treated with chemotherapy tablets until earlier this month. Natassa (far left) with older sister Sofia and their parents Adam and Tina (Sofia Adamou/PA) Her disease must now be treated with chemotherapy and, ultimately, a stem cell transplant. Speaking of her social media campaign, Sofia added: Whether that helps my sister, or it helps someone else, its important to do. Miracles can happen. You never know, you might have a friend that might be a match, and you never would have met that friend if it wasnt for something that you did in your life. Life has a very mysterious way of doing things. Rowena Bentley, head of programme and community recruitment at Anthony Nolan, said: Natassas family are doing an incredible job in spreading the word about the stem cell register and Sofia is right, it only takes one person to sign up and potentially save a life like Natassas. Our research shows that younger stem cell donors give patients the best chance of survival, thats why were calling on healthy 16 to 30-year-olds to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. The more people we get on the register, the more matches we can make, and the more lives we can save. Signing up is easy, its a quick questionnaire and a simple swab then you are lifesaver ready. For more information, or to sign the register, click here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/patient-appeals/current-appeals/natassasmissiontoremission If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. The project outside Town Hall organized by former state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli will honor Berkshire County members of the military who died in service to the U.S. from World War I to the present. PITTSFIELD On a frigid morning while thick snowflakes tumbled down upon Pittsfield, jolly old St. Nicholas greeted residents cramming in pre-Christmas errands at the Pittsfield post office. Standing near the corner of Fenn and Willis streets, Santa Claus was collecting donations from sometimes hurried patrons who jetted inside to send last-minute letters and gifts to loved ones far away. "Merry Christmas!" Santa exclaimed to 2-year-old Colin Vrabel, who wore a pointed elf hat in his mother's arms. Jennifer Vrabel had brought her son along to pick up stamps and ready their Christmas cards. Colin stuffed a dollar into Santa's red kettle. In exchange, Colin walked off with a smile and a green and red candy cane. It was part of the Salvation Army's ubiquitous Red Kettle fundraiser, which it's held since 1891. Originally organized by Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee to raise money to provide a free Christmas dinner for residents in San Francisco, it has since expanded its scope and spread across the country and internationally, making its way to places like South Korea, Japan and Chile. According to volunteer Jeff Turner, the Salvation Army will use the money to feed people and operate relief operations for first responders, who provide critical relief for emergencies like the Butternut Fire. He said the money stays in the community, going to work to help neighbors. "All the proceeds from here stay right here," Turner said, ringing a (red plated) silver bell. "They're always doing something; feeding people and helping out." According to its annual report, last year the Salvation Army raised $104 million through its red kettle campaign, a $2 million increase from 2022. The funds were used to assist over 2.4 million people through the holidays through myriad social programs. Nearly $580,000 in donations were raised during its six-week 2023 Red Kettle campaign at Price Chopper/Market 32 stores alone, the nonprofit announced in February. The Massachusetts division of the Salvation Army has currently raised over $16,000 of its $100,000 goal, according to the organization's website. Santa told The Eagle that he's already spread cheer to area children Saturday morning. One family stopped by and had him record a video greeting for some of their young relatives in absentia. For many children, seeing Santa is a highlight of the magical season. But you ask Santa himself, the best part of Christmas is the caroling. "The music!" he said. LEE As the new year dawns in less than two weeks, the future looks especially bright for Tri-Town Health, the regional agency established in 1929 to serve Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge. After nearly 50 years in the now-dingy, soon to be demolished Airoldi building at 45 Railroad St., Tri-Town is moving to new, more spacious quarters at the Stockbridge Town Offices, 50 Main St., with ample space for the agencys leaders, inspectors and other staff. The Lee site will be razed to make way for the towns $36.7 million public safety project that will house the police and fire departments. The agency is expected to be open to the public at the new site as of Jan. 11. "Tri-Town Health plays a critical role in serving Stockbridge, Lee, Lenox, and the broader Southern Berkshire region," Stockbridge Town Administrator Michael Canales told The Eagle. "Their services, from inspections to public health initiatives, were especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain essential today." Canales, who initiated the move, noted that reviewing the Stockbridge Town Halls capacity compared to Tri-Town's cost of renting commercial office space revealed that a planning room primarily used for occasional department head meetings could be effectively revamped without impacting the towns other operations. "Hosting them at Town Hall strengthens our partnership with the agency and ensures they have the proper resources to support all three towns," he said. Tri-Town Health, with a staff of 10 or 11, and a laboratory, has been housed on Railroad Street in Lee since the 1970s. The agency, which includes the Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge boards of health, recently digitized records going back nearly 90 years. During a conversation at his soon-to-be former office in Lee, Tri-Town Health Departments Executive Director James Wilusz acknowledged that I think weve outlived the use of this building. With demolition looming, Wilusz was relieved when Canales proposed the move, aided by state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, and Lee Town Administrator Christopher Brittain. "For years, Lee had generously hosted Tri-Town Health, but with Lenox unable to provide space for at least two years, Stockbridge was in the best position to offer a solution," Canales noted. "Productive discussions often informal, yet effective helped us craft a proposal, which the Stockbridge Select Board enthusiastically endorsed." For Tri-Town, it's a home for the long term, Wilusz pointed out, with a new intermunicipal agreement or a lease arrangement cost-shared among the three towns expected to settle finances, budgets and staffing. "This relocation enables us to collaborate even more closely with Tri-Town Health, ensuring their vital programs and services are accessible directly from Town Hall," Canales said. "Stockbridge is proud to step into the role of host community, supporting their invaluable contributions to our residents and the greater region." Theres a one-time cost to furnish the new Stockbridge office on the main floor, with each of the towns paying their fair share of departmental operating costs, Wilusz said. Operationally, I dont think anything will really change; Stockbridge is centrally located. Wilusz, 50, who has headed Tri-Town Health for nearly 25 years, acknowledged the departure from Lee as bittersweet. He started in 2002 as an intern, trained by the director then, Peter Kolodziej, succeeding him in 2011 when Kolodziej retired in 2011 after 37 years with the countys only regional health department. I have a lot to do still, Wilusz said. Stockbridge is welcoming us with open arms, and everything seems to be worked itself out. In a digital age, the agency has been evolving, moving all records and permitting online. Were in a new generation of public health where more and more things are accessible virtually, Wilusz said. Looking ahead, he resisted the notion that the COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror, noting that Tri-Town gave out 1,200 vaccines this season, up from 500 in 2023. Were keeping our eye on the H5N1 [bird flu] and the Housatonic Waterworks situation since it serves some Stockbridge residents, he said, referring to water quality problems plaguing customers of the small utility. He also noted concerns over the increase in accessory dwelling units and their requirements for septic systems. Tri-Towns affiliated Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will be housed on the ground floor at the Stockbridge Town Offices. It supports the boards of health in Alford, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge and Tyringham. These rural towns need to come together, whether to share resources, to push essential services such as the household hazardous waste collection," Wilusz said. "We have 17 towns in it and its expanding every year. Theres no borders in public health; we learned that with the pandemic." If its a priority to provide and increase services with a professional staff, were going to have to work together, he said. "Were here to collaborate and provide services to our great membership towns." Kyiv on Saturday staged a major drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the frontier, the latest in a series of escalating aerial attacks in the nearly three-year conflict. A drone smashed into a high-rise apartment building in Kazan, a city of more than 1.3 million, damaging a skyscraper but leaving no victims, local officials said. Though attacks so far into Russian territory are rare, Kazan and the surrounding oil-rich region of Tatarstan have previously been targeted by Ukrainian drones. Such strikes are seen as embarrassing for Russia, almost three years into its military offensive on Ukraine. "Today Kazan suffered a massive drone attack," Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Tatarstan, said in a post on Telegram. "While before industrial enterprises were attacked, now the enemy attacks civilians in the morning," he added. Videos on Russian social media networks showed drones hitting high rise buildings and setting off fireballs. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said two drones hit a 37-storey apartment block. She said Ukraine had been targeting an unspecified industrial facility, but that it suffered no damage. Ukraine, which has staged regular attacks on targets inside Russia since the start of the full scale military offensive in February 2022, did not immediately comment. Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia temporarily closed Kazan international airport, one of the country's busiest. Some residents were evacuated, but authorities did not provide figures, and all major public events in the area were cancelled as a precaution. Alongside the two drones that hit the apartment block, three drones were shot down and three were suppressed by air defence systems, Zakharova said. In a post on Telegram, she said Kyiv was taking out its "anger for tangible military defeats on the peaceful population of Russia." Russia's defence ministry said Saturday that the army had captured a new village near the key city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces have made major advances in recent months. The attack on Kazan comes a day after Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv killed one and wounded 13, and after five were killed by a Ukrainian attack on the Russian border region of Kursk, where its troops have been staging an offensive since August. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. This meme, and variations on it, appeared earlier this month, purporting to tell people how to stop Siri and Apple Intelligence from read secure messages in the app Signal. Most of it is wrong. Chronicle screenshot Using the new Apple Intelligence feature, Siri can read messages from most apps and then summarize the contents. But you can turn it off per app, if you have the correct instructions. (Apple handout and Chronicle screenshot) With the release of new Apple Intelligence features in the companys mobile and desktop operating systems, the Siri digital assistant can now read and summarize messages. While the focus of many reviews and online discussion has been around its varying degrees of success ranging from the comical to the journalistically incorrect the issue of privacy recently bubbled up. The summarization feature, part of Apples approach to artificial intelligence, can happen in apps and with notifications. That has rung alarm bells for those who rely on privacy-focused apps for communications. What happens when that feature works with messages the user would hope would remain private? A text-based meme circulating earlier this month on social media and in forums warned that Siri could see normally encrypted exchanges in Signal, a messaging app favored by whistleblowers, journalists and their sources for its strict privacy. As is often the case with memes, it got a lot of things wrong, including incorrect instructions on how to disable the summarization feature. But its existence highlights the growing tension around AI and how it handles personal information, and invites scrutiny on how Apple Intelligence works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I first ran across the meme in a friends Facebook post. Replies included a lot of thank you for sharing this, I didnt know! sentiments. Most of the responses were unquestioning. But I saw several inaccuracies in it, so I started checking it out. Heres the text: From an NLG Legal Observer: Apple Intelligence can now read Signal messages on new iPhones. If you have a newer iPhone, 15 or 16, and you have downloaded ios 18.1, please make sure you either disable Apple Artificial Intelligence under settings, or go under Siri/ AI and ensure it is not enabled for Signal. If you do not, it will scan your Signal messages and read the content. To do so, navigate to Settings Siri scroll down to Apps Signal turn off Learn from this app and the other two settings. And heres whats wrong or suspect in the post: Advertisement Article continues below this ad The citation of NLG Legal Observer refers to the National Lawyers Guild, which describes itself as the nations oldest and largest progressive bar association, founded in 1937. Legal Observer is a program in which volunteers document events to provide evidence that might later be used in court cases. But theres no evidence on any of the NLGs social media accounts that these instructions originated there. It does appear, however, on two Instagram accounts mentioned at the bottom of the image: @empiremustfall and @thegeneralstrikeus. The caption for the image on both accounts (which appear to be linked, as comments posted to one appear on the other) says it was created by NLG-related accounts but not posted publicly by them. Next, the post speaks to users of a newer iPhone, 15 or 16, and you have downloaded ios 18.1 Apple Intelligence indeed began rolling out with iOS and iPadOS 18.1 and continued with this months release of 18.2. However, the message gets wrong which phones support Apple Intelligence. Its only available on two of the iPhone 15 models, the Pro and Pro Max, and all of the iPhone 16 handsets. The post suggests that disabling Apple Intelligence altogether will prevent Siri from reading Signal messages. Thats correct. But then it offers step-by-step instructions for how to turn it off just for Signal, and those instructions are flat-out incorrect. Yes, the settings shown do exist, but they have nothing to do with Apple Intelligence, and in fact date back to earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS. The settings are for a feature called Siri Suggestions, in which the digital assistant can recommend using apps at certain times or under specific circumstances. It first appeared in iOS 9 in 2015, and appears in various forms on current Apple devices. For example, theres a Siri Suggestions widget that can be set up on a devices home screen. Lets say you sign on to Signal (or any other app) at a certain time each day. Eventually Siri learns that you use that app at that time and will suggest it when you pick up your phone. It learns from calendar items, location and other usage patterns. But it does not read your messages. You can indeed instruct Apple Intelligence not to do summaries on a per-app basis, but strangely enough its not in the Apple Intelligence / Siri section of Settings. Instead, head to Notifications and tap on Summarize Notifications. Here youll see a long list of apps that produce notifications and accompanying slider buttons that let you disable summaries. But before you do, there are some things you should know about how the summarization process works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yes, Siri can see messages that produce notifications and uses Apple Intelligence to generate summaries. The premise is that a summary of the whole message can be more useful than just the first line or two and from what Ive seen so far, thats true about 60% of the time. But this is done securely and only on your device. Apple has made a big deal out of the privacy of its approach to AI, and the summarization process takes place completely on your phone. AI takes a lot of computing power, which is why Apple Intelligence is only available on the more powerful Pro models of the15 line and all of the new iPhone 16 devices. These devices have 8 gigabytes of memory, the minimum required to handle Apple Intelligence. That said, there are instances in which a task may need more muscle than a phone can provide. In those cases, Apple does send information over the internet to servers it operates. The connection is encrypted, and the servers use the same processors and security protocols as the phones themselves. After the task is complete and the results sent back in encrypted form to the requesting device, the data is deleted. Apple has published a paper on the approach, called Private Cloud Compute, and invites security researchers to study and verify its privacy. Some tidbits from Apple: Summaries are applied only to messages that are 200 characters or longer in length, and at this point, developers do not have the ability to opt-out of allowing Apple Intelligence summarizations. For most people, the concern about summarizations of messages from a communications app with a privacy focus which can include Metas WhatsApp or Telegram, among others is overblown. Just as the messages youre reading in Signal and other apps are only visible on your phone, so are the summaries. But for those who remain concerned, you can indeed turn them off. And now you have the correct instructions for doing so. A video posted on the social media platform TikTok shows a photograph of political activist Tommy Robinson alongside footage of Nigel Farage. In the video, the Reform UK leader says: Because I respect him for his courage. The guy has got guts, the guys got balls he stands up and fights for the right values. Evaluation Despite the placement of the image suggesting Nigel Farages comments were about Tommy Robinson, he was instead praising Donald Trump in the footage taken from an interview conducted in October 2024. Earlier this year, Mr Farage publicly criticised Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Advertisement The facts Nigel Farage was interviewed by The Spectator in October for the news magazines podcast focusing on American politics. In video footage of the conversation posted to YouTube, Mr Farage can be heard to say: Ive never tried to make a quick buck off the back of knowing Donald Trump or anything like that. I genuinely havent and I never ever will because I respect him for his courage. The guy has got guts, the guys got balls he stands up and fights for the right values both in America and for western values and against our potential enemies. This is the footage used in the TikTok post, which presents a truncated version of Mr Farages statement without the context linking his words to the incoming US president. When challenged on whether the post had been made with artificial intelligence tools, the user who uploaded the video replied and confirmed the origin of the clip. He wrote: I used the clip from when he was talking about Trump one day hopefully he will talk about Tommy like this. Mr Farage has been publicly critical of Robinsons activities, largely involving protests against Muslims and Islam in the UK. Robinson was a co-founder of the now-defunct right-wing activist group the English Defence League. Advertisement In 2018, Mr Farage claimed the fixation Ukip the political party he twice led had with Robinson and the English Defence League had driven him away. Earlier this year, Robinson accused Mr Farage of throwing me under the bus and lying while kicking people out of Reform for standing with his supporters. Links Original post on TikTok (posted) Nigel Farage on Trump, Labour, and why hes the natural candidate for US ambassador YouTube (" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">archived page and video) Nigel Farage video on Facebook (archived post and video) Post on X by Tommy Robinson (archived) Second post on X by Tommy Robinson (archived) The death toll in the attack on a busy Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has risen to five. Saxony-Anhalt governor Reiner Haseloff also said that more than 200 people in total were injured, many seriously, when a Saudi doctor intentionally drove a black BMW into the market on Friday evening. Advertisement Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that nearly 40 of them are so seriously injured that we must be very worried about them. There is no more peaceful and cheerful place than a Christmas market, he said. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. Neurosurgeon Mahmoud Elenbaby said some 80 patients were brought to Magdeburgs university hospital on Friday night. We managed to stabilise most of them, but many are still in intensive care, and some are also in critical condition, Mr Elenbaby told the Associated Press. Advertisement Authorities identified the suspect as a 50-year-old who has been living in Germany for nearly two decades and practising medicine there. He was arrested on Friday evening at the site of the attack as medical officials tended to the injured, and was taken into custody for questioning. Several German media outlets identified the man as Taleb A, withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. There were still no answers on Saturday as to what caused him to drive into a crowd in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. Advertisement Describing himself as a former Muslim, he shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticising the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the Islamism of Europe. Some described him as an activist who helped Saudi women flee their homeland. He has also voiced support for the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Recently, he seemed focused on his theory that German authorities have been targeting Saudi asylum seekers. Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann said he had yet to come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. Advertisement After 25 years in this business you think nothing could surprise you anymore. But a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance towards Islamists that really wasnt on my radar, Mr Neumann, the director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence at Kings College London, wrote on X. The violence shocked the country and the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that is part of a centuries-old German tradition. The cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg (Heiko Rebsch/dpa via AP) Mourners lit candles and placed flowers outside a church near the market on Saturday. Several people stopped and cried. A Berlin church choir whose members witnessed a previous Christmas market attack in 2016 sang Amazing Grace, a hymn about Gods mercy, offering their prayers and solidarity with the victims. It prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Advertisement Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser were due to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday and a memorial service is to take place in the city cathedral in the evening. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives, Mr Scholz wrote on X. We stand beside them and beside the people of Magdeburg. Magdeburg is a city of about 240,000 people, west of Berlin, that serves as Saxony-Anhalts capital. Fridays attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspects arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone, his head arched up slightly. Other officers soon arrived and took the man into custody. As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city, Saxony-Anhalts governor Reiner Haseloff told reporters. Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many. Authorities identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006 and who had been practising medicine in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. A police officer guards a cordoned-off area of the market in Magdeburg (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Saudi Arabias foreign ministry condemned the attack on X but did not mention the suspects connection to the kingdom. Christmas markets are a German holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages, now successfully exported to much of the Western world. Hours after Fridays tragedy, the wail of sirens clashed with the markets festive ornaments, stars and leafy garlands. Magdeburg resident Dorin Steffen told dpa that she was at a concert in a nearby church when she heard the sirens. The cacophony was so loud you had to assume that something terrible had happened, she said. She called the attack a dark day for the city. We are shaking, Ms Steffen said. Full of sympathy for the relatives, also in the hope that nothing has happened to our relatives, friends and acquaintances. The attack reverberated far beyond Magdeburg, with Mr Haseloff calling it a catastrophe for the city, state and country. He said flags would be lowered to half-staff in Saxony-Anhalt and that the federal government planned to do the same. It is really one of the worst things one can imagine, particularly in connection with what a Christmas market should bring, the governor said. Germans have mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people and injuring 200 others. The alleged attack on Friday evening in Magdeburg, about 80 miles west of Berlin, killed a nine-year-old and four adults and injured 41 people badly enough that authorities warned the death toll could rise. Advertisement Magdeburg marked the tragedy on Saturday with the tolling church bells at 7.04pm, the exact time of the attack in the city of roughly 240,000 people. People paid their respects outside Magdeburg Cathedral as a memorial service took place on Saturday evening (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) The driver, a 50-year-old doctor who immigrated from Saudi Arabia in 2006, surrendered to police at the scene. Hes being investigated for five counts of suspected murder and 205 counts of suspected attempted murder, prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens said at a news conference. Among other things, investigators are looking into whether the attack could have been motivated by the suspects dissatisfaction with the way Germany treats Saudi refugees, Mr Nopens said. There is no more peaceful and cheerful place than a Christmas market, Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. What a terrible act it is to injure and kill so many people there with such brutality. Advertisement Although Mr Nopens mentioned the treatment of Saudi immigrants angle, authorities said on Saturday that they still did not know why the suspect drove his black BMW into the crowded market. Police have not publicly named the suspect, but several German news outlets identified him as Taleb A, withholding his last name in line with privacy laws, and reported that he was a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. Describing himself as a former Muslim, the suspect appears to have been an active user of the social media platform X, sharing dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticising the religion and congratulating Muslims who had left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he referred to as the Islamification of Europe. Advertisement The cordoned-off Christmas market in Magdeburg (Heiko Rebsch/dpa via AP) The violence shocked Germany and Magdeburg, which is the capital of the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring the centuries-old German tradition of Christmas markets. It led several other communities to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Berlin kept its many markets open but increased its police presence at them. Germany has suffered a string of extremist attacks in recent years, including a knife attack that killed three people and wounded eight at a festival in the western city of Solingen in August. Fridays attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. Mr Scholz and interior minister Nancy Faeser travelled to Magdeburg, where a memorial service took place on Saturday. Ms Faeser ordered flags lowered to half-staff at government buildings across the country. Advertisement Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz talking to reporters at the Christmas market in Magdeburg on Saturday (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noorozi) Although many people went to the site with candles to mourn the victims, several hundred far-right protesters gathered in a central square in Magdeburg with a banner that read remigration, German news agency dpa reported. Verified bystander footage distributed by dpa showed the suspects arrest at a tram stop in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone, his head arched up slightly. Other officers swarmed around the suspect and took him into custody. Thi Linh Chi Nguyen, a 34-year-old manicurist from Vietnam whose salon is in a shopping centre across from the Christmas market, was on the phone during a break when she heard loud bangs that she thought were fireworks. She then saw a car drive through the market at high speed. People screamed and a child was thrown into the air by the car. A police officer guards a cordoned-off area of the market in Magdeburg (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Shaking as she described what she had witnessed, she recalled seeing the car bursting out of the market and turning right onto Ernst-Reuter-Allee street and then coming to a standstill at the tram stop where the suspect was arrested. Advertisement The number of injured people was overwhelming. My husband and I helped them for two hours. He ran back home and grabbed as many blankets as he could find because they didnt have enough to cover the injured people. And it was so cold, she said. The market itself was still cordoned off on Saturday with red and white tape and police vans, as armed officers guarded at every entrance. Some thermal security blankets still lay on the street. A NSW court has knocked back approval for a luxury apartment development in Sydneys eastern suburbs over housing supply concerns, in a decision quoting the Rolling Stones You Cant Always Get What You Want. The judgment was delivered months after the multimillion-dollar residences were first advertised as now selling. The proposed redevelopment in the harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay stoked debate about housing affordability and density because it would replace 28 units with 20 larger apartments and push out renters in more affordable flats. The original residents have moved out. Developer Fortis, which is not giving up on its $23 million proposal, sought approval to demolish two 1970s apartment blocks running from Onslow Avenue to Billyard Avenue and to construct two eight and five-storey buildings of mostly three-bedroom apartments. The news Queenslands transport department will go back to the drawing board on a proposed route for part of a key south-east road connection dubbed the Moreton Motorway. Consultation on stage four of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative fielded hundreds of community concerns, many over its proposed path and impact on more than 100 homes. As a result, the state government has announced it will instead pursue routes to the west of Elimbah a town north of Caboolture which, like the Moreton Bay area, has been identified as a future growth area. Washington: The US Congress has passed spending legislation in a down-to-the-wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilising government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed the bill with an 85-11 vote to continue government funding 38 minutes after it expired at midnight. The government did not invoke shutdown procedures in the interim. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrates as the Senate begins voting on the government funding bill. Credit: AP The bill will now be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. The package had earlier cleared the Republican-controlled House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The House approved the new plan from Speaker Mike Johnson that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid but drop President-elect Donald Trumps demands for a debt-limit increase into the new year. Gary Clark is the weekly nature columnist for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He also publishes feature articles in state and national magazines and has written four books: "Texas Wildlife Portfolio," "Texas Gulf Coast Impressions," "Backroads of the Texas Hill Country" and "Enjoying Big Bend National Park." Gary is also a contributing author in the book, "Pride of Place: A Contemporary Anthology of Texas Nature Writing." He has won eight Lone Star College writing awards and is the recipient of the Houston Audubon Society 2004 Excellence in Media Award and the Citizens' Environmental Coalition 2010 Synergy Media Award for Environmental Reporting. Gary is professor of business and developmental studies at Lone Star College--North Harris. In 32 years at the college, Gary has served as vice president of instruction; dean of Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences; associate dean of Natural Sciences; professor of marketing; professor of developmental writing; and Faculty Senate president. He is a recipient of the Teacher Excellence Award. Gary has been active in the birding community for more than 30 years. He founded the Piney Woods Wildlife Society in 1982 and the Texas Coast Rare Bird Alert in 1983. He served as president of the Houston Audubon Society 1989-1991 and purchased the North American Rare Bird Alert for Houston Audubon in 1990. He was vice president of the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory 2001-2008. He currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Houston Audubon Society and Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. He is also a member of the American Mensa Society. The Harris County Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Prosecutor Tanisha Manning speaks during closing arguments in the murder trial of former Houston police officer Gerald Goines in the 482nd District Court at the Harris County Criminal courthouse Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Houston. Goines faces two felony murder charges in the January 2019 deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Retiring prosecutor Ruben Perez is reflected in a puddle as he crosses the street after leaving the Harris County Criminal Courthouse on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Several members of the Harris County District Attorneys Office, including a prosecutor who helped secure former Houston police officer Gerald Goines conviction, have been axed by incoming DA Sean Teare as he prepares to take office in January. The notices carried out Dec. 13 over email and in phone calls effectively fired about at least a half dozen prosecutors and staff members although the extent of the job losses may not be known until next year, when Teare is sworn into office and his administration takes shape. District Attorney Kim Ogg said the departing employees ranged from prosecutors to investigators and support staff who were excellent employees and public servants. I thank them for their commitment to public safety, Ogg said in a statement. This is a big loss for the people of Harris County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The known departures appears to pale in comparison to when Ogg told about 40 prosecutors in 2016 they wouldnt have jobs with her. Teare, who said he would avoid repeating Ogg's mass firing, will take over Jan. 1 after unseating Ogg in a volatile primary race and beating his Republican challenger in November. Some of the lawyers expected to join his team left Oggs office and became vocal critics of her tenure. A spokesperson for Teare, Courtney Fischer, declined to identify who was given notice but issued a statement vowing to treat outgoing employees and others with respect. Regardless of reappointment status, we are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect throughout this process, Fischer said. We sincerely thank each team member for their dedication, hard work, service to the office and our community. Tanisha Manning told the Chronicle she was among the lawyers whom Teare notified they were out of a job nearly three months after gleaning Goines guilty verdict from a jury. Im grateful to the jury and my trial partner, said Manning, whose colleague on the case was spared. As my last case, I am proud to say that we got the appropriate verdict and we were able to get justice for those families. I can walk out of the building holding my head high. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During Goines trial, Mannings grilling of a former Houston police officer prompted misleading testimony about the potential existence of a body-worn camera during the Harding Street raid, prompting the judge to tell the jury otherwise. Defense attorneys later rebuked her efforts to chase down potential evidence in the case. Manning defended her 15 years at the office but blamed her departure on Oggs handling of an internal investigation into a leaked spreadsheet she created in March 2020 to track COVID-19 illnesses and deaths. During the inquiry, Ogg sought the personal phones of her prosecutors to identify the source of the leak. At least one prosecutor who came forward was fired, Texas Monthly reported at the time. Another prosecutor, Eric Prince, who was let go, was a high-ranking member of the embattled intake division. Teare pledged to undo Ogg's changes to the intake unit that switched the mandatory rotation to full-time workers with mixed experience. Karen Barney, posted to Oggs financial crimes division, lamented her own job loss with less than two weeks until Christmas. I am a single mother with a 5-year-old special needs child, Barney said in an email. I have 30 years of experience and a great reputation with the defense bar and judiciary for fairness and competence. I was given no reason for this decision and wasnt even granted a conversation with the new administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She said Teares transition team wrote in an email that they attempted to reach her by phone but she had no record of a call. Candice Freeman, who led the unsuccessful prosecution of former Harris County deputy Garrett Hardin on a murder charge, confirmed by email that she was fired. Members of Oggs communications team the frequent target of defense attorneys over allegations of heightened pre-trial publicity to fuel political prosecutions were also asked to not return. Several high-ranking members of Oggs team, including First Assistant David Mitcham and Chief of Staff Vivian King, made plans to leave ahead of the notices. One veteran bureau chief, Ruben Perez, said he is retiring next week after more than 44 years of public service including a stint as a federal prosecutor and ties to the storied Chicano Squad. Dans une declaration parvenu a la redaction de cameroun24, le leader du MRC demande egalement l'interpellation de l'ancien depute Ali BACHIR, pour faire la lumiere dans cette affaire. DECLARATION SUR LE TRAFIC DE CARTES NATIONALES D'IDENTITE EN LIEN AVEC LE SCRUTIN PRESIDENTIEL A VENIR. Grace a la vigilance des Camerounais, nous avons connaissance d'une video devenue virale sur les reseaux sociaux. Cette video scandaleuse montre un individu, vraisemblablement un militant du RDPC si l'on en juge par son accoutrement, assis devant un important stock de cartes nationales d'identite. Les commentaires qui accompagnent la video font ressortir le nom d'un ancien depute de la Vina, dans l'Adamaoua, monsieur Ali BACHIR, comme pouvant etre celui qui, dans l'ombre, mettrait en place, avec les autorites de la police nationale et d'ELECAM, ce dispositif de fraudes electorales. Cette video, qui n'est pas une preuve isolee des fraudes electorales massives en preparation par le regime RDPC, ne presage rien de bon pour le scrutin presidentiel a venir. Ces fraudes en preparation annoncent des temps difficiles pour notre pays : en 2018 ou on s'etait contente de denoncer les faux sondages, les faux observateurs internationaux de Transparency International, les trafics de cartes electorales, les exclusions de nos representants de nombreux bureaux de vote, les achats de votes et autres formes de corruption electorale, la falsification des proces-verbaux, et j'en passe, et a la fin, comme vous l'avez vecu en direct, le Conseil Constitutionnel nous avait vole la victoire; Pour le scrutin presidentiel de 2025, le Peuple du Changement par l'Alternance ne tolerera plus cette barbarie des fraudes electorales d'ou qu'elles viennent. Il faut mettre fin immediatement a ces actes de provocation du peuple camerounais, ces actes criminels contre l'Etat de droit et la democratie. Ils ne pourront plus rester impunis. Aussi, j'invite monsieur le Delegue General a la Surete nationale, qui s'est remis, je l'espere, des secousses des routes defoncees, a s'expliquer sur ces scandales recurrents au sujet des cartes nationales d'identite en lien avec les elections a venir. Car a la lumiere de la video sus-citee, la responsabilite de la police nationale est desormais engagee sur tout ce qui adviendra lors du prochain scrutin presidentiel en lien avec les fraudes electorales basees sur l'utilisation de la carte nationale d'identite. Le directeur general d'ELECAM doit expliquer aux Camerounais pourquoi tous les cas allegues de preparation des fraudes electorales mettent toujours en scene son organisme et le parti au pouvoir, le RDPC. Or voici que ce parti est, une fois encore, au cur des preparatifs des fraudes electorales. L'obligation de loyaute de son president national, monsieur Paul BIYA, envers la Republique lui impose de s'expliquer sur ces implications repetees de son parti dans ces fraudes electorales endemiques. La reaction determinee des populations de Massagam, dans le Departement du Noun, Region de l'Ouest, en avril 2024 a la suite de la decouverte des kits d'inscription sur les listes electorales et de production de cartes nationales d'identite clandestins chez un militant du RDPC devrait conduire le president national de ce parti a se desolidariser expressement de toutes les fraudes electorales en cours a son profit. Au risque de voir sa responsabilite personnelle engagee en cas de crise pre ou post-electorale dans notre pays. Les autorites judiciaires, en ce qui les concerne, doivent ouvrir de toute urgence une enquete sur ce scandale electoral aux consequences incalculables pour la paix dans notre pays. Monsieur Ali BACHIR, membre du comite central du RDPC et president de section de ce parti dans la Vina, dont le nom est cite dans la video doit etre interpelle pour enquete. Fait a Yaounde le 19/12/2024 Le President National du MRC, Maurice KAMTO A STATEMENT ON THE TRAFFICKING OF NATIONAL ID CARDS IN CONNECTION WITH THE UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. Thanks to the vigilance of Cameroonians, we are aware of a video that has gone viral on social networks. This scandalous video shows an individual, probably a CPDM activist judging by his attire, sitting in front of a large stock of national identity cards. The comments accompanying the video mention the name of Ali Bachir, a former member of parliament for the Vina in Adamaoua, as the person who, behind the scenes, is allegedly setting up this electoral fraud scheme with the national police and ELECAM authorities. This video, which is not isolated evidence of the massive electoral fraud being prepared by the CPDM regime, does not augur well for the forthcoming presidential elections. These frauds in the making herald difficult times for our country: in 2018, we were content to denounce the fake polls, the fake international observers from Transparency International, the trafficking of electoral cards, the exclusion of our representatives from many polling stations, the buying of votes and other forms of electoral corruption, the falsification of reports (proces verbaux), and so on, and in the end, as you experienced live, the Constitutional Council stole victory from us; For the 2025 presidential election, the People of Change through Alternance will no longer tolerate this barbaric electoral fraud, wherever it may come from. These acts of provocation of the Cameroonian people, these criminal acts against the rule of law and democracy, must be stopped immediately. They can no longer go unpunished. I also invite the General Delegate for National Security, who I hope has recovered from the shocks of the broken roads, to explain these recurring scandals concerning national identity cards in connection with the forthcoming elections. In the light of the above-mentioned video, the responsibility of the national police is now engaged for everything that will happen during the next presidential elections in connection with electoral fraud based on the use of the national identity card. The Director General of ELECAM must explain to Cameroonians why all the alleged cases of electoral fraud always involve his organisation and the ruling CPDM party. Yet once again, this party is at the heart of the preparations for electoral fraud. The obligation of loyalty of its national president, Mr Paul BIYA, to the Republic requires him to explain the repeated involvement of his party in these endemic electoral frauds. The determined reaction of the people of Massagam, in the Division of Noun, Western Region, in April 2024 following the discovery of clandestine voter registration and national identity card production kits at the home of a CPDM militant should lead the National President of this party to expressly disassociate himself from all electoral fraud currently being perpetrated for his benefit. At the risk of being held personally liable in the event of a pre- or post-electoral crisis in our country. The judicial authorities, for their part, must urgently open an enquiry into this electoral scandal with incalculable consequences for peace in our country. Mr Ali BACHIR, member of the CPDM central committee and president of the CPDM section in Vina, whose name is mentioned in the video, must be arrested for investigation. Done in Yaounde on 19/12/2024 The National President of the CRM, Maurice KAMTO Yoji Kuri, the legendary Japanese animator and filmmaker, passed away from natural causes on November 24, 2024, at the age of 96. His death was announced on December 14 via his social media and official website. A private wake and funeral service are to be held. Born Hideo Kurihara on April 9, 1928 in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, Kuri was celebrated for his surreal and biting animated shorts, which challenged conventions in storytelling and societal norms. Inspired by the satirical works of newspaper manga artist Taizo Yokoyama, Kuri defied his familys disapproval and moved to Tokyo to pursue a creative career. After graduating from the art department of Bunka Gakuen University in 1956, he started as a one-panel satirical manga artist for Kyodo News, earning the prestigious Bungei Shunju Manga Award in 1958. In 1960, Kuri partnered with two other illustrators Hiroshi Manabe and Ryohei Yanagihara to form the organization Animation Group of Three (Sannin no Kai), which is widely considered to be the beginning of independent animation production in Japan. Kuri became the most prolific of the three and started winning awards at major film and animation festivals around the world, including an award at the Annecy animation festival in 1963, where he became the first Japanese filmmaker to ever be honored by the event. Kuris influence in animation was profound and his films carved a unique path for Japanese animation, moving it away from cozy, narrative-driven works into realms of graphic and conceptual experimentation. His films often mocked modernity and critiqued societal issues like overpopulation, consumerism, and urban alienation. At their heart, they reflected Kuris disillusionment with Japans rapid post-war transformation and the rise of materialism. In Two Grilled Fish, an early work, Kuri critiques modernization through the story of a couple who build a peaceful life on a deserted island, only to see it destroyed by industrialization, pollution, and war. Similarly, The Man Next Door portrays a man seeking refuge from noisy neighbors, only to find himself in an even worse environment an allegory for Tokyos overcrowding and urban chaos. Kuris films brim with cynicism. In The Window, he depicts a city apartment as a microcosm of vice and despair, while Au Fou humorously yet darkly addresses violence and Japans struggles with suicide. Relationships are also stripped of romantic ideals; in Human Zoo, a man and woman locked in a cage engage in brutal and dehumanizing interactions. Its sequel, Love, pushes the theme further as a woman obsessively chases, devours, and discards a man in a grotesque cycle. Thematically, he often explored the monotony of modern life, the tension between individuality and conformity, and the violence lurking beneath societal norms. Works like The Chair choreograph everyday human movements into absurd, mechanical displays, questioning the frenzied pace of contemporary existence. Kuri also delved into stream-of-consciousness and avant-garde animation, often blending surrealism with harsh social commentary. In The Midnight Parasites, he depicts a barren landscape populated by grotesque creatures locked in cycles of predation, embodying his dark view of humanity. His collaboration with Yoko Ono on AOS combined her avant-garde vocalizations with surreal black-and-white visuals of dismembered body parts, emphasizing isolation and disconnection. Stylistically, Kuris minimalist, experimental approach stood in stark contrast to the Disney-inspired traditions of early Japanese animation. Instead, his work drew from Western influences like James Thurber, Saul Steinberg, and the Zagreb School of Animation. His films surreal, graphic aesthetic and satirical edge redefined the possibilities of animation in Japan, paving the way for future animators to embrace bold, unconventional storytelling. Besides his personal shorts, beginning in 1964, Kuri created a weekly animated segment for the Nippon Television Network program 11 PM. The series, titled Mini Mini Animation, ran for 18 years. Director and animator Koji Yamamura reflected on Kuris passing, telling Cartoon Brew: When I heard the news of Yoji Kuris passing, I thought that one era of Japanese independent animation had come to an end. In the 1970s, Kuri, a taciturn artist, appeared every week on late-night tv as Kojimachi no Musina (Badger in Koji-town), presenting his freewheeling short animations. Those nonsense animations cracked the ordinary and gave us glimpses of other worlds. The intensity of Kuris animated shorts and his influence through the Animation 3-nin no Kai (Three-Person Animation Club) in the 1960s illuminated a path different from Japans industrial animation. Collaborating with leading musicians and graphic designers like Toru Takemitsu, Yoko Ono, Makoto Wada, and Tadanori Yokoo, Kuris work inspired countless creators. Unfortunately, such a creative synergy feels hard to replicate today. Taku Furukawa, an animator and close friend of Kuris, also shared his thoughts: When I was a student, I was deeply moved by Human Zoo. The film changed my life. Since then, Kuri has been my master not just in animation but in life. People often misinterpret his work as being about the battle between men and women, but its much deeper. He says, Look at the human zoo; love humanity. Rest in peace, Kuri-san. Kuris legacy is that of a playful provocateur who dared to question, subvert, and redefine the boundaries of animation. His films remain a testament to his unflinching critique of modern society and his visionary contributions to the art form. Samantha Ketterer is a Houston Chronicle reporter covering higher education. She can be reached at samantha.ketterer@houstonchronicle.com. Since joining the staff in 2018, Samantha has also covered criminal justice and the Harris County courthouse. She is a former reporting fellow for the Dallas Morning News' state bureau and a former city hall reporter for The Galveston County Daily News. Samantha, who is from Houston's suburbs, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumna of The Daily Texan. This is in response to the article in the Chattanoogan in which the Hamilton County school board passed a resolution Thursday night asking the Tennessee General Assembly to stop the expansion of the private school voucher program. The article alludes to the fact that the passage of this bill would send the message that the school system is failing, well the public school system is failing. If a student in the Hamilton County system must go to a private school to get a good education, then the monies allocated by the State of Tennessee should follow the student. If the public school system is doing such a great job educating our children the school system should welcome the competition not try to stifle it. The public school system does not want to have to compete against other schools because they are not up to the job of educating our children. Richard Genter * * * I believe if Hamilton County Public Schools had $30,000 to $50,000 per student to educate them as most of the private schools do in this area you might call it a competition It isnt a game folks, it is sometimes the difference in coming out of poverty one day or living long enough to even see the hope of the American Dream. Do some schools fail students? Do some parents fail students? Do some communities fail students? Private, public, charter, homeschoolany of these will and do fail some students. The Tennessee legislature (and Im sure there are many private school and public school graduates there) will fail their constituents if they pass this bill especially without any guardrails attachedwill that be the test that they have to take to prove if they represent all of Tennessee or just the governor and the minority who could even afford the difference in $7,000 and what private school actually costs and call it parental choice. Dianne Shrum * * * A recent opinion by a reader stated that public schools did not want to compete for students with private schools and did not want vouchers extended to all students. That public funding for public schools should follow the student to private schools. If any public monies are allocated to private schools then those same private schools should have identical admission standards as public schools. Further, those same private schools should accommodate all students and their needs as is done in public schools. Put the competition between private schools and public schools on a level field of play. Ed Mahn Ringgold, Ga. * * * In my opinion when we give public money to a "private" school, then it is no longer "private". The whole idea behind private schools is so they have different rules, different teachers and higher standards. If I could have afforded to send my kids to private schools, I would have done so, but, no they had to go to the public schools like so many others. If I say so myself, they have done alright for themselves. So give the public money to the public schools and let the parents that can afford it send their kids to private school. Melvin Gillilan Claire Partain is a Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering student achievement. She can be reached at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com. She got her start as sports editor at Texas State University (go Cats!) before covering professional soccer team Austin FC and other Austin news at digital startup Austonia. Claire has also freelanced with her hometown paper, appearing in the Fairfield Recorder, Teague Chronicle and Corsicana Daily Sun. Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Saint Augustine's University Saint Augustines University (SAU), an African American university affiliated with the Episcopal Church, has had revoked its accreditation due to financial difficulties but is actively appealing the decision. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) recently voted at their annual meeting in Austin, Texas, to revoke SAUs membership. However, the decision is not final; SAU retains its accreditation while it moves forward with the appeal process, as noted in a December 10 press release from the university. Because of the current appeal, students graduating this month and in May 2025 will still receive their degrees from an accredited institution. SAU President Marcus Burgess expressed confidence in overturning the decision, highlighting that the decision did not consider a newly secured deal financing the leasing of university property to 50 plus 1 Sports. Burgess stated, 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. Burgess is optimistic about the upcoming February appeals hearing, where the university plans to present additional evidence to address remaining concerns. SAU has faced financial struggles over recent years, including a probation period from 2014 to 2018, though it later regained full accreditation, as reported by WRAL. In December of last year, SACSCOC trustees initially voted to remove SAUs accreditation due to concerns about financial stability. In response, SAU launched the Falcon Pride Initiative Fundraising Campaign in February to preserve its accreditation, but an appeals committee upheld the removal ruling later that month. In light of ongoing challenges, SAU transitioned most of its classes from in-person to online formats, beginning in April. The U.S. Department of Labor announced an investigation into the university following reports of employees missing paychecks over multiple periods in May. In July, an arbitration committee appointed by SACSCOC unanimously voted to reverse the decision to remove SAUs accreditation, though they kept the university on probation. Brian Boulware, Chair of the SAU Board of Trustees, described the arbitration committee's decision as a pivotal moment for the university's redemption and renewal. He added, 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. In efforts to improve financial standing, SAU recently announced reductions impacting 67 staff positions, 37 full-time faculty positions, and 32 adjunct faculty positions, comprising around 50% of its employees. Home News Germany Christmas market attack: Death toll rises to 5, over 200 injured Saudi-born psychiatrist identified as suspect in terrorist incident The death toll from a terror attack at a Christmas market in eastern Germany has risen to five after a man identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi-born psychiatrist, plowed his rented black BMW into a crowd, injuring over 200 others. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said 40 of the injured are in severely critical condition. Videos circulating on social media show the vehicle driving at high speed into the bustling market, though officials have yet to verify the authenticity of the clips. The BMW plowed through shoppers for approximately 400 meters (437 yards) toward the town hall, eyewitnesses told The Guardian. One of the five deceased is a toddler, according to The U.K. Times, which reported that makeshift tents were set up to manage the influx of the injured. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Emergency responders arrived promptly, treating victims amid chaotic scenes of blood and panic. Reiner Haseloff, leader of Saxony-Anhalt, described the aftermath as reminiscent of a war. The suspect is a 50-year-old medical doctor from Saudi Arabia who has resided in Germany since 2006 and was recognized as a refugee in 2016. The Belfast Telegraph reported that Al worked as a psychiatrist at a correctional facility in Bernburg and had recently rented the BMW used in the attack. Initial tests indicated that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. In a 2019 interview, al-Abdulmohsen claimed that he was the most aggressive critic of Islam in history, adding that he had sought asylum in Germany to escape threats in Saudi Arabia. Media reports also suggest that he worked to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, flee Saudi Arabia after abandoning their faith. According to the Daily Mail, the suspects social media activity included retweets of graphic videos, such as one depicting a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage. Another retweet featured a post that simply read: Can you find one positive thing about Islam? In videos uploaded hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items, including a USB stick. I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing, he stated in one video. In another, he asserted, Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation. A Saudi source told Reuters that Saudi authorities had alerted German officials about Al due to his extremist online activities. However, Der Spiegel noted that Al was not previously known to German authorities as having an Islamist background. Security experts expressed surprise that the vehicle breached the markets protective bollards, which are designed to prevent such attacks. Stephen White, a former PSNI assistant chief constable now working as a security consultant, told Sky News that the attack exhibits the hallmarks of a lone wolf terrorist incident. Local people are saying it was a deliberate act, and therefore, one can only assume that it was some sort of murderous attempt by the driver. White cautioned against overreaction, stating, If it is a terrorist act, and I use the word if very deliberately, then it will have succeeded in the sense that therell be a reaction, perhaps overreaction, by the state and by the authorities as we lead up to Christmas. The attack has sent shockwaves through Germany, leading several towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and in solidarity with Magdeburgs loss. Local authorities assured the public that Al was acting alone and posed no further threat to the city. World leaders have voiced their condolences, with the United States expressing that it is horrified and French President Emmanuel Macron stating he is deeply shocked by the events in Magdeburg. This is a developing story. Some information, such as fatalities and details about the suspect, might change as authorities provide further information throughout the investigation. Home News Iraqi Parliament may legalize child rape, allow men to marry 9-year-olds Iraq is considering a constitutional amendment that would lower the legal age of marriage for girls to 9 years old, effectively legalizing child rape. The proposed legislation, driven by Shia Muslim politicians, also threatens to strip women of fundamental rights, including divorce, child custody and inheritance. The amendment seeks to overturn Iraqs personal status law, known as Law 188, which was introduced in 1959 and hailed as one of the most progressive in the Middle East. Law 188 provides a unified set of rules governing family affairs for all Iraqis, regardless of their religious sect. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The proposed changes would dismantle these protections, allowing religious laws to dictate personal matters without judicial oversight. The governing coalitions push for the amendment is part of a strategy by Shia Islamist groups to consolidate power and regain ideological legitimacy, Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, told The Telegraph last month. Its the closest its ever been, Mansour said. It has more momentum than its ever had, primarily because of the Shia parties. Its not all Shia parties, its just the specific ones that are empowered and are really pushing it. The second reading of the amendment was passed on Sept. 16, marking a significant shift after previous attempts to amend Law 188 in 2014 and 2017 failed due to strong opposition from Iraqi women. Groups like Human Rights Watch have voiced severe concerns over the proposed changes and how they will negatively impact women and children. "This draft personal status law flies in the faces of the Iraqi governments legal commitments to protect womens and girls rights," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW, in a statement. "Passage of this law by parliament may lead to further discriminatory laws. It is all well and good to have a good constitution on paper, but lawmakers need to respect its principles." UNICEF reported in April 2023 that around 28% of Iraqi women are married by the age of 18, and under the current law, girls as young as 15 can be married with parental and judicial consent. These marriages often occur in economically disadvantaged, fundamentalist Shia communities, where religious leaders officiate thousands of marriages annually. These unregistered marriages leave girls and their children without access to healthcare, education and legal protections. Jeff King, president of the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern, says the amendment legalizes child rape, attributing the legislative push to fundamentalist Islam, CBN News reported. King called for global support to oppose the amendment, urging individuals to stand up for these women by contacting representatives and seeking ways to apply pressure on Iraqi lawmakers. The amendment has sparked widespread protests and condemnation within Iraq, including demonstrations in August in Baghdad and other cities, organized by Coalition 188, a group of female activists opposing changes to Law 188. What they aspire to in parliament is not in the interest of society, but their personal interest, Al-Hassan told The Telegraph. Home Opinion Christians in the West must reject false choices of linear thinking There is a century-old debate in the West about the issue of evangelism versus social action. There have been disagreements that have led to compromises that have led to further disagreements. Even today, many think of these two ideas social action and evangelism as irreconcilable. Yet I myself am disheartened that we are still debating this issue. I believe that the story of Christmas poses an answer to this age-old debate. In the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, we find the seemingly impossible fully God, fully man reconciled into a beautiful unity. Id suggest that something similar is possible here. In fact, it is already being lived out in the majority world and its time the wider Christian world observes this reconciliation. Evangelical Christians in the majority of the world, who are not financially dependent on the West, have already developed their own biblical construct of what the Gospel and comprehensive salvation mean for humanity. They are hard at work freeing themselves from the neo-platonic construct of seeing humans merely as souls, and rather as whole persons whom Christ came to redeem body and soul through his death and resurrection. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In the decades since the inception of the Lausanne movement, I had hoped that global evangelical Christians would have recognized that Christians in the majority world are already addressing these questions in their own cultural context the very same questions the rest of the world is asking now. The complete work of salvation and ministry to the whole person are the priority of focus for majority world Christians. The debates about Calvinism and Arminianism, how best to conduct worship services, when should baptism occur touchy subjects in the Western world are non-issues in the majority world. Conversely, the Gospels impact on earthly justice is a significant issue in the non-Western world. Central to this issue is a more robust understanding of what the Bible means when it says Jesus is the righteousness or justice of God. This helps us to see the justice of God, not only in the forensic sense regarding how Jesus paid the price for our sins, but also in the holistic sense where he would not allow humans to be enslaved forever to the devil and the power of darkness. It is this God that intervenes in human history to free humanity from all forms of enslavement. In the Kingdom of God, how does the Spirit of God work in the billions throughout the majority world who have never had the chance to authentically know and understand the true person of Jesus Christ? This is an especially timely question to answer at Christmas, as many will wonder who Jesus is, and how he can lift the darkness in their life here and now. Additionally, how does the Kingdom of God restore the plight of the hundreds of millions of abused, discriminated, and enslaved children and women, both in the world and inside the church? We cannot divorce the theoretical side of faith from the practical. In fact, we look to Jesus Christ as the perfect example of this unity. When Jesus was asked the question about what truth was, he presented an unorthodox answer to the question that introduced another dimension to the concept of truth. His answer was that He the unique person as the Son of God was the truth. That is why both theory and practice are essential to the Christian life. Dogma in itself is insufficient if it does not point to and explore the person of Jesus Christ. We see this so clearly in the lives of the Pharisees, who had extensive religious knowledge, but failed to see Jesus for who he really was. Christians around the world have much to learn from their Asian and African brothers and sisters. Many cultures across the globe use non-linear logic, which helps them understand how the incarnated Son of God is the truth and that to understand the Bible they need to constantly go to him. Only through Jesus Christ can we hope to understand the complex and beautiful truths found in Scripture. The habit in the West to debate theologically vexing topics, and posing either/or questions, is not the way forward for the majority Christian world. Instead, through a renewed focus on the person and work of Jesus, it is time to focus on the tangible concerns of the people in our neighborhoods. As Christians, we must all engage in the more pressing topics of pain, sorrow, community, and identity with Jesus. Home Opinion Christmas price tag: Commercial vs. spiritual Each year, the National Retail Federation predicts the spending patterns of Americans during the holidays. As 2024 winds down, Christmas expenditures are ahead of last year, with an anticipated total of $989 billion nationwide. The typical shopper will spend $641 on family or friends and an additional $261 on seasonal items like wrapping paper and decorations. Interestingly, 57% of consumers plan to buy something for themselves this Christmas. Since most dont budget for these additional financial strains, many of us will not know exactly how much we spent on Christmas until that first credit card statement arrives in January. Through finance charges and late fees, the Ghost of Christmas Past often keeps our celebrations alive well past the New Year. One in five Americans will live with the ghoulish reminder of overindulged shopping and impulse purchases until Independence Day of next year! These observations notwithstanding, I want to suggest that no matter how much our festive indulgences cost us, the real price tag for Christmas is astronomically higher. No amount of spending can begin to compare to the great sacrifice the Lord Jesus made because of His first coming. From beginning to end, His mission to seek and to save the lost was costly in every conceivable way. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Though we herald the birth of the newborn King, Jesus incarnational arrival was an incredible step down from His eternal home. Taking on human flesh veiled the glory that Jesus had with the Father before the world was (John 17.5). As Mary held the Lord in her arms, the omnipotent One was too weak to raise His head; the omniscient One could not form a single sentence; and the omnipresent One resided as a tiny baby boy within time and space. Added to all of this was the sobering reality that Jesus birth was one unto death. The miracle of Christmas was not merely that Jesus was born to live among us, but that He was born to die for us. As inspiring as the manger is, the real wonder this season is in the mission the manger represents. Jesus left His home in Heaven in order to long for home on a cross as He died for sinners like you and me. The salvation which is free to all who will believe was the most costly gift in human history. And what was the price Jesus had to pay? The Scripture simply says the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Biblically, death is both a physical and spiritual reality. Because all people are sinners, all of us will physically die one day. Those who are outside of Jesus Christ, however, will face a second death that is spiritual in nature. Though the reality of Hell has become uncouth to some, the saving purpose of Christmas is tied directly to Gods effort to rescue the lost from perishing (Luke 19:10). Thus, the same Jesus covered in swaddling clothes under a Bethlehem sky would later be wrapped in similar burial rags after dying on a cross. Recording his final hours before death, the gospel of Matthew offers clues about the tremendous expense of providing salvation. For three hours, from high noon to 3 p.m., darkness fell upon the land while Jesus hung in agony (Matt. 27:45) as a picture of mourning (Amos 8:9-10). During those painful moments, Jesus received the punishment we deserved as He became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). No wonder Jesus described Hell as a place of outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12). Even worse, however, was the relational separation from His Father that Jesus faced. In anguish, He lamented, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me (Matt. 27:46)? The God who is light, and in whom there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5) cannot tolerate sin of any kind. As Jesus became the curse for us (Gal. 3:13) and the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10), God the Father was pleased to crush Him on our behalf (Isa. 53:10). Remarkably, the One in whom the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form (Col. 2:9) drank deeply from the wrath of God for those He came to save. Admittedly, these reminders are not pleasant. In fact, the efforts of many to minimize the true meaning of Christmas may be nothing more than a refusal to own the universal wickedness of humanity. Yet, the sobering price tag of our favorite holiday reveals the glory of our Savior. Despite the tremendous cost, Jesus paid it all. Because of Him, salvation is possible for any person who will call upon His name in repentance and faith. So, as we remember who He is this Christmas, lets celebrate why He came. Home Opinion Gods peace and the worlds peace are not the same Peace is not just a feeling, it is also a condition, a mindset, a state of being. It is a relationship with God Almighty who created you and loves you. Peace is where we want to live. But we live in an unpeaceful world full of strife, envy, jealousy, rage, competition, anxiety, fear, worry, and yes lust. We crave what we dont have, and we dont want what we do have. We long for peace. The peace of God is the opposite of all that the world has to offer. The worlds definition of peace is a state of tranquility, freedom from disturbance, and harmony in personal relations. Who doesnt want that? Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Now listen to the story of Jesus and the peace He offers you and me. And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2:10). Jesus comes to give peace! Now you may think you know what peace is. But listen to what Jesus says about it, Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:1). Look at what Jesus also says in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Jesus is the way to peace. And you may say, Oh, I know what peace is! But you dont. You dont know what peace is until you know Jesus. His peace is not like the worlds peace. If you know Jesus, you will experience peace. If you dont know Jesus, you wont. Not in any real sense, that is. The peace of God is a state of wholeness, calmness, and completeness. As you compare the two definitions, the worlds definition of peace is an external definition based off circumstances and human relationships. If you are trying to get to a permanent condition of peace based off external circumstances and human relationships, you are going to be more unpeaceful than you are now. The peace the world offers you is circumstantial. The peace God offers you is complete, consistent, whole, and perfect regardless of what is going on in your life. It doesnt come from without, it comes from within. Let me explain. When Jesus returned to Heaven he promised to send the Holy Spirit. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you(John 14:26). The Greek Word here is Paracletos, the one who comes along side or the Comforter. The Peace giver! Jesus left earth and sent the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. Now look at the fruit of the Spirit that lives inside you: But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:18). How do we unwrap Gods gift of peace in our lives? You and I must accept Jesus as Gods peace to the world. We must realize the worlds peace and Gods peace are not the same. True peace comes when we follow Jesus and not our own wishes or wants. I dont have to be worried because Jesus is my peace. I dont have to be jealous because Jesus is my peace. I dont have to be angry because Jesus is my peace. He has sent the Holy Spirit to live in me. I just need to keep in step with Him as He leads me into the peace He has for me in Jesus name. May you experience Gods peace this Christmas season! Home Opinion Why I am not a Catholic Speaking at the Leonine Forum in D.C. recently, I was asked a friendly but pointed question: Why are you not a Catholic? The questioner noted that in my talk I had expressed a love for the early Church Fathers, admiration for Thomas Aquinas, and an approach to ethics that resonated with John Paul IIs theology of the body. Its hard to answer such a question in brief compass at the end of a lecture. Many issues are important in my commitment to Reformed Protestantism: authority, salvation, the nature of the ministry, and the significance of sacraments are just a few of the more obvious. And while I am open to the criticism that Protestantism hasnt given Mary her due, I believe the Catholic Church has given her a significance that is well beyond anything the Bible would countenance. But above all, at the current moment, Catholicism doesnt appeal to me because of the man at the top: Pope Francis. In my answer, I did try to be respectful of my audience, but I could not help but observe that the present pope seems to be nothing more than a liberal Protestant in a white papal robe. And as a Protestant, I am acutely aware of the damage such people do. J. Gresham Machen, the Presbyterian controversialist who came to prominence in the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy, argued that confessional Protestantism and Roman Catholicism were separated from liberal Christianity by, among other things, their commitment to supernaturalism. (Both agreed that the tomb was really empty on the third day.) In other words, the former were species of Christianity while the latter was a completely different religion. I would update his critique today by saying that liberal Christianity need not necessarily deny the supernatural. It can also be characterized by a commitment to the supernatural that is nonetheless eclipsed by the natural. It has a concern for the immanent and no real use for the transcendent. Joel Osteen is a fine Protestant example of this: I see no reason to doubt he believes in the Resurrection, but the doctrine is at best merely instrumental to his vision of Christianity, a means toward achieving personal happiness and material success. The same applies to those, left and right, for whom party politics and influence in D.C. seem far more important than the rather less exciting realities of everyday Christian worship, catechesis, and discipleship. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Ironically, Pope Francis seems to fit into this Protestant liberal paradigm too. I have numerous friends who have swum the Tiber over the last decades, mainly for intellectual or aesthetic reasons. Ironically, the intellectual heft of historic Catholicism and its enviable aesthetic achievements seem to be the very things that the pope regards with indifference. And both of these seem to connect to that telltale sign that always presages trouble in Christian circles: a loss of the transcendent in favor of the immanent. Hints of this appeared in the confusion surrounding the issue of blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships. A leader with both a strong grasp of Christian teaching and firm confidence that the teaching is true would never have presided over such a mess. Such a person, rooted in the transcendent, would always fear the wrath of God more than the op-eds of men. The latest example of this apparent pandering to matters of immanent importance is the popes decision to have a special pilgrimage for the LGBT community in the 2025 Jubilee Year, titled Church: Home for All, LGBT+ Christians and Other Existential Frontiers. This will involve a prayer vigil for LGBT Catholics on September 5 at the Church of the Gesu in Rome. They will then pass through the Holy Doors of St. Peters on September 6. As an outsider, I have no way of knowing how this move connects to the internal politics of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. But one thing is clear: Here we have the Church allowing the categories of our immanent frame categories that seem to stand at odds with Catholic teaching on sexuality and the human body to drive the Jubilee celebration. However well-intentioned the pastoral motivation may be, the impression is one of either ignorance or contempt not merely for traditional Catholicism in particular but for orthodox Christianity in general. Liberal Protestants are always a day late and a dollar short in their social teaching. In the 1960s, they dialogued with Marxists as Marxism started to fall apart under the weight of its own contradictions. Today, the Anglican Church moves to offer blessings for gay couples long after the wider world has affirmed gay marriage. Pope Francis keeps that tradition going, offering a pilgrimage to the LGBT community just as the L, the G, and the B are finding that, beyond a common foe in white heterosexual normativity, they are not really a unified community at all. Confessional, orthodox Protestants should take no satisfaction in Romes increasing resemblance to the old enemy of liberal Protestantism. Rome still has the money and institutional weight to make a difference in these great struggles over what it means to be human. If Rome equivocates and falls on these issues, the world will become colder and harsher for all of us. To quote Elrond, our list of allies grows thin. And Pope Francis is not reversing that process. Originally published at First Things. Home News Biden admin. accused of failure to prosecute church attacks, 'one-sided' FACE Act enforcement Despite skyrocketing violence against churches and pro-life organizations, the U.S. Department of Justice didn't prosecute anyone under the FACE Act for such crimes against churches and prosecuted only two attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers, according to a recent congressional hearing. The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee held a hearing Wednesday, led by Chairmen Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to discuss concerns with they believe are disparate prosecutions of pro-life advocates under the Biden administration. Witnesses included Erin Hawley, senior counsel and vice president of the Center for Life and regulatory practice at Alliance Defending Freedom, and Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Steve Crampton. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Paul Vaughn, a Christian father of 11 convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, and Jessica L. Waters, a pro-choice professor at American University, also testified. Lawmakers sought answers to the accusation that the Justice Department hasn't charged pro-choice activists who engaged in violence and vandalism against churches and pro-life pregnancy centers in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in the same way as pro-life advocates charged with protesting and disrupting abortion clinics. "Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration until May 2024, the DOJ had brought a total of 24 FACE Act prosecutions against 55 defendants, with only two of these cases concerning attacks on pregnancy resource centers," Roy said during the hearing. Signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994, the FACE Act makes it a federal crime to block or use intimidation to prevent people from receiving an abortion or "reproductive health services." The law does not only apply to abortion facilities, however, as places of worship and pro-life pregnancy resource centers are also protected under federal law. "Statues of Lady Justice show her wearing a blindfold because it is not supposed to matter who is being judged, what they believe, or who they voted for," Roy stated. "Unfortunately, over the last four years, the Biden-Harris administration has weaponized this act [through] disproportionately targeting pro-life Americans for FACE Act violations while simultaneously failing to protect pregnancy resource facilities, despite being the target of growing violence," the subcommittee chairman added. Following the Dobbs decision leak and the subsequent overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 that allowed dozens of states to enact restrictions on abortion access, pro-choice radicals also engaged in a wave of violence against pregnancy centers, including firebombing and vandalism. Highlighting these concerns about the potential misuse of the FACE Act, Hawley cited the Family Research Council's February 2024 Hostility Against Churches report during her testimony. The report identified at least 436 acts of hostility against churches in the United States in 2023, more than double the number identified in 2022. The hostile actions reported include 315 acts of vandalism, 75 arson attacks or attempts, 10 gun-related incidents, 20 bomb threats and 37 other incidents. While the FACE Act is also supposed to protect houses of worship, Hawley noted that the Department of Justice under the Biden administration didn't prosecute individuals under the law for this type of violence. Hawley questioned why the DOJ had prosecuted more pro-life advocates who obstructed access to abortion facilities than the pro-choice activists who committed hostile acts against pregnancy centers. "The Biden DOJ's one-sided use of the FACE Act raises serious concerns about viewpoint-based selective enforcement," Hawley testified. "While the executive branch does have discretion to decide whether to prosecute a case, it cannot selectively enforce the law in a way that violates the Constitution." She argued that the DOJ's actions have left churches and pro-life organizations "largely unprotected." While some pro-life activists are still waiting for prosecutions of activists who vandalized or firebombed their clinics, the Justice Department is prosecuting four pro-abortion activists who pled guilty earlier this year to vandalizing several pro-life pregnancy centers in Florida. Their guilty pleas come more than two years after vandalizing the centers. Vaughn, sentenced to three years of supervised release following his conviction under the FACE Act, argued that there is "no reason" for the federal law to remain on the books. The pro-life advocate believes that state laws are sufficient when it comes to addressing crimes like trespassing. In October 2022, Vaughn was one of originally 11 people indicted for blocking the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic in the Nashville suburb of Mt. Juliet on March 15, 2021. The FBI arrested the advocate in front of his family during an early morning raid. "My family spent 20 months of having a potential decade in prison hanging over their heads," the father told lawmakers. "We endured long, stressful days of the actual trial for the sake of government winning a case with no regard to actually seeking justice." "If abortion is returned to the states, so should the laws governing," he added. The American University professor who also testified at the hearing expressed support for the FACE Act. Waters cited an uptake in pro-lifers blockading clinics, as well as violence against abortion facilities and their staff around the time Congress decided to implement a federal remedy to address it. According to the professor, state laws often failed to act as a "deterrent effect," adding that most states didn't have enough resources to respond to large blockades formed by pro-lifers. "It is plain that many of us differ on questions of the legality and morality of abortion,'" Waters said. "I'm under no Illusions about that as I sit here." "But where I do hope we do not differ is in our condemnation for vandalism, violence, threats against any reproductive health care facility, whether it is a pro-life facility, an IVF clinic, or a facility that offers comprehensive ranges of services including abortion," she added. Home News Blue Christmas Draws Grievers to Church It's a blue Christmas for many who find themselves without loved ones. Although surrounded by a spirit of togetherness and holiday cheer as millions celebrate the birth of Christ, some struggle to find the joy as they grieve the loss of family members. Many churches are responding by opening their doors not only to the thousands of churchgoers and Easter/Christmas crowds but also to the grieving with special "Blue Christmas" services this weekend. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe At Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, Del., Blue Christmas service attendants won't be singing the traditional celebratory hymns or hearing the traditional sermons about the birth of Christ. They will instead seek peace as they remember their deceased loved ones. "People who come aren't celebrating, just reflecting," said Kay Lanasa, pastor of the Ocean View church, according to The Daily Times. "[The service] gives people a place where they can just be, and rest in a quiet place for their souls." Nancy Piel, who lost her parents more than 10 years ago and her nephew this year, says it's okay not to feel jolly during Christmas. Every year, she falls into a "funk" of reliving the tragedies. She said she wants to share the strength God has given her and seek guidance. The church will hold a Blue Christmas ecumenical remembrance service Sunday evening. The service is open to the community. This year's tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, Westroads Mall in Omaha, Neb., Youth With a Mission center in Arvada, Colo., and New Life Church in Colorado Springs, in particular, have devastated many families, friends and communities. But many have turned to the church for comfort and guidance. "I think there is far more suffering during the holidays than we are aware of , and if the service provides even a brief respite to a few, I'll be very happy," said Scott Hagler, minister of music at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Durango, Colo., according to Episcopal News Service. Hagler has offered Blue Christmas services in the past in Denver and held his first at St. Mark's Friday night. "I think the main thing I kept in mind as I was doing research and designing the service was that I wanted to begin with the acknowledgment of pain and loss, and by the end of the service offer some sense of relief, hope or uplifting," Hagler said. "We'll offer opportunities for worshipers to light candles, sing, pray, and to meditate." For the Rev. Deacon Richard Spencer of Trinity Church in Ossining, N.Y., Blue Christmas services are about "bringing the light of Christ into the darkness of their lives," he said, according to Episcopal News Service. The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chatham, N.J., said Blue Christmas services should be simple because "grief is very complex." "Just let the service be and let the people take out of it what they will," Kaeton advised, according to the Episcopal News Service. While Blue Christmas service crowds can be small, Kaeton tells church leaders not to be disappointed by the turnout but instead know that "the really powerful message" that the church cares does come through. Home News Christian minister, realtor found guilty of 'hate speech' for posting Bible verses on social media Realtor group held drag event last month A Virginia realtor and Christian minister has been found guilty by an ethics panel after he quoted Bible verses on social media. Wilson Fauber, 70, a longtime realtor with over four decades in the industry, was found in violation of National Association of Realtors' (NAR) Code of Ethics, which prohibits realtors from using "harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs" related to "race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity." The posts in question, which were made years before the NARs adoption of the rule in 2020, included Faubers views on marriage and human sexuality according to traditional Christian teachings, attorneys said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a statement released Thursday through his attorneys at the Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC), Fauber said: In 44 years as a realtor, I have loved and served all people. Regularly, I hear from other faith-based realtors that live in fear of being similarly prosecuted for their faith, and potentially losing their livelihoods, if they don't hide their faith well enough." The controversy began when Fauber ran for Staunton City Council in 2023. Opponents of his campaign uncovered several social media posts from years earlier, including a 2015 post in which Fauber shared his Christian views on marriage, particularly in response to the U.S. Supreme Courts consideration of same-sex marriage. At the time, Fauber had posted a Bible-based perspective on the issue, sharing thoughts from the Rev. Franklin Graham and other Christian leaders. Earlier this year, Faubers social media posts became the subject of a complaint lodged with the Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR) over the purported violation of NARs code of ethics. Sylvester expressed disappointment that the VAR didn't dismiss the complaint as frivolous, but rather issued a statement a few months afterward in April saying that if the allegations are true, then Wilson might have violated this new hate speech rule. The posts, which Fauber shared as part of his personal ministry, went unnoticed until two fellow realtors, who Fauber had never met, filed formal ethics complaints against him. The complaints alleged that his posts violated NARs vague "hate speech" rule. The VAR panel determined that Faubers views on marriage and sexuality, expressed through Bible verses and Christian doctrine, violated NARs Standard of Practice 10-5. One of the two men who filed the original complaint with the VAR is reportedly an openly gay man. Complainants are not typically identified publicly in real estate ethics complaints. Faubers attorney, Michael Sylvester, said they are obviously disappointed by the decision and are considering all legal options. The way the NAR rule is being applied, the message is simple: Bible-believing Christian realtors must be silent, Sylvester added. Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation, of which FFLC is a part, called the decision nothing short of anti-Christian bigotry in the real estate profession, adding, Wilson's punishment will have the effect of chilling the religious speech of over 1.5 million other realtors in the U.S." In a Facebook post dated shortly after the panels decision, Fauber responded to the NAR policy, writing, It is appropriate to not bring up one's 'religious' views while working with clients. It is altogether different when a minister cannot express his/her faith on their personal social media in the privacy of their home. The NAR policy is not limited to working with clients, it applies to the Realtors life 24/7! The cancel culture police are always watching! Fauber, an ordained minister, said the NAR policy potentially also applies to any realtor reading certain scriptures in church! Under NAR's Standard of Practice 10-5, realtors must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It's not clear whether NAR America's largest trade group representing over 1.5 million members officially deems the Bible to contain "hate speech" or whether members risk losing industry access if they publicly express their faith. The Christian Post reached out to both VAR and NAR for comment Friday. While a response from the VAR is pending, a NAR spokesperson told CP that the "Code of Ethics establishes NAR member duties to the public to including providing equal professional service to all clients and customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity." "Local and state associations are responsible for investigating complaints and enforcing the Code of Ethics," the NAR spokesperson stated. "It is up to the local association where an accused member is affiliated to determine whether any statements violate the Code of Ethics." In an interview earlier this month, Fauber told CBN he believes hes being targeted by the woke NAR over their involvement in endorsing and approving of LGBT ideology, including their funding of a drag show in Charlottesville, Virginia, in November. That event, titled Inclusivity and Celebration: Fair Housing Symposium with Drag Show and Fireside Chat, featured drag performers and offered attendees to hear from a local [LGBT] activist and help in understanding the Stop Hate in Real Estate Pledge, which lists the Charlottesville realtor association as a partner on its website. According to a social media post from one attendee, the event included a "drag queen panel" on homeownership and "drag performances." Home News Ex-Hamas hostage shares true evils of captivity: 'touched death' Ex-hostage Aviva Siegel was held for nearly two months after being captured by Hamas terrorists in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that shocked and horrified the world. Siegel sat down with Christian Post reporter Samantha Kamman to tell her harrowing story of being captured along with her husband, Keith, from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel and experiencing the unimaginable. "I remember not only thinking that I might die or Keith might die, but I was scared to look at him, just scared to look at his chest going up and down and then maybe see death," she said while describing the horror. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Keith is still being held hostage by Hamas. Listen to Kamman break down Siegel's story, and read more here: The Inside Story takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand whats driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Home News The little-known history of the Nativity play In the run-up to Christmas, primary schools and Sunday schools often put on Nativity plays. This custom, however, is a surprisingly modern tradition. Here is its story. Nativity plays A Nativity play is a production that tells the story of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. These plays are typically performed shortly before Christmas, either by primary schools in assembly halls or by Sunday schools in local churches or chapels. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The word Nativity entered English via Norman French from the Latin nativitas, meaning birth. The root of this word also gives us native. In English, Nativity can simply mean birth, but it is usually used in the context of the birth of Jesus. Mystery plays In medieval England, religious mystery plays brought Bible stories to life for the largely illiterate population. During a time when few could read and even fewer had access to a Bible (which was usually in Latin), dramatic enactments of these stories became an effective means of teaching. Initially, monks performed these plays in Latin as a form of evangelism, which limited their accessibility. In 1210, Pope Innocent III expressed concerns about the popularity of mystery plays and decreed that clergy could no longer take part in or write them. This effectively banned the plays in their original form. As a result, local town guilds took over and secularized the plays. Freed from clerical control, they began writing the scripts in English, which increased their popularity. When mystery plays were performed around Christmas, they often told the story of Jesus' birth and the surrounding events. The first Nativity play The first Nativity play is often attributed to St Francis of Assisi, who staged one in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. According to tradition, St Francis invited the locals to a nearby cave, where he delivered a Christmas sermon in front of a manger, complete with a real baby, a donkey, and an ox. This portrayal of the Nativity proved so popular that it became an annual tradition, spreading throughout Europe via Franciscan monks. However, after the Reformation, theatrical performances that took liberties with biblical texts were discouraged in Protestant Europe. In England, Puritans went so far as to ban Christmas and Nativity plays, classifying them as sacrilegious. These plays survived only in Catholic countries. Consequently, despite their historical roots, the re-emergence of Nativity plays in Britain is a surprisingly modern phenomenon. The London revival The popularization of Nativity plays in Britain is largely credited to Laurence Housman (18651959). Housman wrote "Bethlehem," a Nativity play adapted from a 14th century Coventry mystery play. Set to music by Joseph Moorat and interspersed with Christmas carols, it was first performed at the University of London on Dec. 17, 1902, for five nights. The play was later published as "Bethlehem: A Nativity Play" by Macmillan, enabling others to stage their own productions using the script. Housman's play gained widespread attention in the 1920s. From December 1923, "Bethlehem" was performed at the Regent Theatre in King's Cross, London, running for six weeks. It then toured the country in 1924, inspiring local productions and leading to a national revival of Nativity plays. The Liverpool Daily Post noted in 1924: "Never since the Reformation, when things were repressed by stern measures, has there been such revival of the Nativity plays which formed so important a part the life of mediaeval England." The Nativity play on the BBC The first Nativity play to be broadcast on radio was aired on Dec. 22, 1926. This play, also titled Bethlehem, was adapted for radio by the Rev. Bernard Walke, vicar of St. Hilary's Church in Cornwall. Performed by members of his congregation in their Cornish accents, the play was broadcast live from St Hilary's Church. The broadcast received thousands of supportive letters and became a beloved annual tradition on the BBC's Christmas radio schedule until 1936. The modern revival Thanks to the influence of Housman's play and the popularity of the Nativity broadcasts, Nativity plays began to be performed more widely. By 1932, the Bucks Examiner observed: "A striking feature of the religious observance of Christmas this year is the number of Nativity plays being produced in so many churches across the country." During World War II, evacuee children often swelled the cast of village Nativity plays. By the 1950s, Nativity plays had become a standard part of school and church life across Britain and all Christian denominations. Nostalgia For many children, participating in a Nativity play marks their first experience on stage. These plays are cherished for their charm, humor and occasional mishaps whether from forgotten lines or ad-libbed surprises. Many adults fondly remember their own roles, such as a misguided innkeeper offering a room or a wise man bringing "Gold, Frankenstein and myrrh." The biblical story Nativity plays take creative liberties to condense the biblical story. The accounts of Jesus' birth are found in the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. Both Gospels describe Mary's betrothal to Joseph (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:27), the divine conception by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:35), and the angelic announcement of the name Jesus (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:21). Both also agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem during King Herod's reign (Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-7). Luke details the angel's announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-56), the census, the journey to Bethlehem, and the shepherds' visit (Luke 2:1-20). Matthew, on the other hand, recounts the visit of the Magi, or wise men, guided by a star (Matthew 2:1-12). Artistic license Artistic license often includes animals in the Nativity scene, despite the Bible only mentioning a manger. Similarly, while the Bible does not specify the number of wise men, tradition assigns three, corresponding to their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Nativity plays typically compress the timeline, placing the Magi at the stable alongside the shepherds, although the biblical account implies they arrived much later. Modern Nativity plays Today, Nativity plays are a cherished tradition in British primary schools and Sunday schools. Children dress as angels, shepherds, wise men, and key figures like Mary, Joseph, and King Herod. Sometimes they also portray animals, such as the donkey or stable creatures. Plays may be narrated with mimed roles or feature spoken lines. Smaller groups might include adults to fill roles or have children take on multiple parts. The baby Jesus is often represented by a doll. Audiences typically consist of parents, grandparents and teachers, or in the case of church performances, congregations bolstered by friends and family. Nativity plays have become an integral part of British culture, offering a way for even those who do not regularly attend church to engage with the biblical story. This article was originally published at Christian Today (Photo: Merge PR) A global Christian event made possible by new technology has announced its first tranche of contributors, unveiling a list of multinational and multidenominational Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents. Running over a 25-hour period, Gather25 will use television broadcasts, radio, and live streams in order to enable Christians anywhere in the world to take part from their homes, theatres, and local churches, or attend one of the live broadcast sites in person. The guests announced so far include pastors and church leaders like Jennie Allen, the founder and visionary behind Gather25 and a bible teacher and author, Cristian Barbosu, the senior pastor of Harvest Church in Arad, Romania, Sarah Breuel, founder and executive director of Revive Europe and church planter in Italy, and Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church and author of over a dozen best-selling books. The list also includes notable authors such as Christine Caine, a speaker, author, and activist with over 30 years' experience in serving the local church, and Francis Chan, church planter and the best-selling author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and You and Me Forever. It also features world-renowned author, Rick Warren, who wrote The Purpose Driven Life, and whose books have been translated into 200 languages. They will be joined by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, who pioneered the Alpha teaching system, an introduction to the Christian faith which now runs in churches of all denominations across 147 countries. There will also be powerful worship led by Matt Redman and Sinach, who has written some of the most popular songs in contemporary worship, including "Way Maker", "I Know Who I Am". "The Name of Jesus", and many more. Gather25 will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday 1 March 2025, before moving around the world and coming to an end in Peru at 02:00 UTC, Sunday 2 March 2025. The full list of contributors announced so far can be found on the Gather25 website. Over the course of its continuous broadcast, it will seek to engage its audience using stories and testimonies of God's hand at work around the world, inspiring believers to reach out to the 5.5 billion people who have yet to discover what having a relationship with Jesus truly means. Each of the host countries will deliver their own session, offering stories, teaching, and worship from multiple locations, as well as sharing new stories from the ongoing work of the underground church. "It's so easy to underestimate just how beautiful, powerful, and vast the Church really is. But the more we look around the world, the more we see that Jesus' Church is very much alive and well - and we recognize that every day amazing stories are being written," said Redman. "What I love about the vision of Gather25 is it will help get us more in touch with that glorious reality. As we join our voices together across the globe on March 1st, the Word, worship, witness, and prayer will be so powerful. "But perhaps what will be most stunning of all will be our unity - with so many streams and expressions joining together as 'one' - just the way Christ always wanted it. Please join us!" (Photo: Getty/iStock) Every year, thousands of children across the UK attend a Christingle service at a local church. This is the story ... Christkindl In the German-speaking world, Christmas was very much about the coming of the Christ-child. In the German language, the word for child is Kind, and children is Kinder, which we know in English from the word kindergarten and from the Kinder egg chocolates. In German, the word for the Christ-child is the Christkind, who is traditionally the one who brings gifts in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. In English, we can create a diminutive form of a word with the suffix -let, such as piglet, booklet, and droplet. Similarly, some forms of German achieve this with the suffix -el or -l, so a small child can be a Kindl. Thus, in southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, the small Christ-child is the Christkindl. Christkindl apples and oranges In the Victorian era, it was the tradition in German-speaking communities to decorate Christmas trees with brightly coloured apples, nuts, and sweets on the branches. Sometimes, they would also put beeswax candles on the trees, although this might feel like a fire hazard to us today. Apples hung from trees were called Christkindl apples, and sometimes they would have a small candle placed in them. Over time, wealthier families began to use oranges instead, which gradually became more decorative. In some places in continental Europe, it became fashionable to hang or display oranges decorated with cloves on Christmas trees. Later, more elaborate forms were used as table decorations, into which people would stick feathers or candles. The name of these Christkindl decorations was misheard or anglicised into English as "christingle". Christingles As German-style Christmas trees and decorations became more fashionable, books and articles in England began to report on some of these customs. Mentions of christingles can be found in British books and newspapers dating back to the mid-1800s. In each case, they are described as a German-style Christmas table or tree decoration. They typically consisted of a candle in an orange, and there would typically be one for each child. The christingle became more widely known from 1868. That year, Macmillan's Magazine, published on 23 December, included a long four-page poem titled "Christingles". Macmillan's Magazine was a popular monthly British publication featuring stories and poems. The poem, written by "B.B.B.", begins with the description: "Christingles are made in this way. A hole is made in an orange, and a piece of quill, three or four inches long, set upright in the hole, and usually a second piece inside this. The upper half of each quill is cut into small strips, and the end of each strip inserted into a raisin. The weight of the raisins bends down the little boughs of quill, forming two circles of pendants. A coloured taper is fixed in the upper quill, and lighted on Christmas Eve. The custom is German." The poem relates the story of a mother mourning the deaths of two of her children, symbolised by two fewer christingles on the family dining table. This poem became a popular recital piece for Christmas concerts and events, especially after it was included in school reading books. Thus, the word "christingle" entered the English language. However, we have the Moravians to thank for the Christingle Service. The Moravians The Moravian Church is one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. Its history traces back to the Czech reformer Jan Hus (John Huss), based in Prague, who was influenced by John Wycliffe through connections with Anne of Bohemia, England's first evangelical queen. The Hussites were early evangelicals persecuted during the Counter-Reformation, with many fleeing to safe havens outside the Catholic Austrian Empire. In 1727, one group from Moravia settled in Herrnhut, Saxony, under the protection of Count Zinzendorf, where they lived communally. Many of the early members of this church came from the province of Moravia (now in the Czech Republic), hence they were known as Moravians. On 3 August 1727, there was a revival among the Moravians, marked by a Pentecostal-style outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a desire to spread the Gospel. They became the first Protestant missionary group. From central Europe, they brought the Christian message to other countries, including England, where some remained before travelling on to British North America. It was at a Moravian meeting in London in 1738 that John Wesley experienced his heart being "strangely warmed", sparking the Evangelical Revival. The Candlelight Service On 20 December 1747, in Watteville, Saxony, the Moravian pastor Johannes de Watteville held a service and decided to do something special for the children. Speaking in German, the minister explained the symbolism of Jesus as the light of the world. Each child was given a candle tied with a red ribbon symbolising the blood of Jesus. As the candles were lit on a cold and dark winter's afternoon, the castle where they met gradually illuminated. This became an annual tradition known as the "Candlelight Service" or the "Children's Lovefeast", held on Christmas Eve or the Sunday before Christmas. The British Christingle service As the Moravians came to Britain, they brought their customs, including the candlelight service, with them. Originally, children were just given a candle to hold, but at some point, the candle was placed into an apple, and later into an orange. By the Victorian era, a Christmas decoration of an orange with a candle in it was known as a christingle, and so the candlelight service became known as the Christingle service. At the climax of the service, every child would be given a christingle, and the church building was then lit up by the candles, a visual symbol of the Christ-child (Christkindl) who is the light of the world. Slowly, the symbolism developed. Nuts, raisins, and sweets on cocktail sticks were stuck into the orange to represent God's goodness in providing the fruits of the earth. The Christingle service was a feature of many, but not all, Moravian churches in Britain and Ireland, and a similar service was held in some Moravian churches in Canada and the USA. Christingle services on the BBC Slowly, people outside the Moravian community became aware of it. In 1947, the BBC's Northern Ireland Home Service featured a Christingle service at Gracehill Moravian Church in Ballymena, County Antrim. In 1953, a Christingle service at Westwood Moravian Church in Oldham, Manchester, was broadcast during Children's Hour on the BBC North of England Home Service. This was so popular that it was featured again in 1954 and 1956. Then in 1958, it reached a large audience when this Moravian Christingle service was included in the "Royal Prologue: Christmas at Home", a special film by the BBC that preceded the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day. The first Anglican Christingle Until 1968, the Christingle service was a peculiarity of the Moravian churches in Britain and Ireland. Alan Le Cras of Spilsby, in Lincolnshire, was the local secretary of the Children's Society. He had witnessed a Christingle Service and thought it would be a great idea to hold one. He obtained details from the Moravian bishop, who gave him permission to replicate the idea. On Saturday, 7 December 1968, the Children's Society held their first Christingle service at 2:30 pm at Lincoln Cathedral. The Lincolnshire Echo on 6 December 1968 explained that the christingle was "an orange representing the world, into the top of which is stuck a candle (The Light of the World) decorated with nuts and raisins (the Fruits of the Earth) and a broad red band (Christ's blood)." It was attended by 1,200 people, mainly children from parishes across the diocese, and each child received a christingle made by ladies of the Lincoln Committee of the Church of England Society. It was organised by John Pensom of the Lincoln branch of the Children's Society. The event raised 192 13s 5d. Each child who presented some money was given a christingle. The lights were lowered, and the cathedral was illuminated by the lit candles as the children paraded around the nave. The event generated interest locally and nationally, and other churches adopted the idea. It was repeated in 1969 and was held in seven places of worship, including Southwell Minster, St Wulfram's Church in Grantham, Peterborough Cathedral, Birmingham Cathedral, and St Saviour's in the Strand. By 1970, it had spread around the country, mainly in Anglican churches. A few Methodist churches adopted it as well, given their historic links with the Moravians. In 1973, London Weekend Television (LWT) filmed a service as part of its Treasures of Britain series. In 1997, the Children's Society held 250th Anniversary Christingle services in different cathedrals, including Liverpool and Coventry, celebrating the first Moravian children's candle service held in 1747. The organiser John Pensom died in 2005, aged 78, and his obituary in the Church Times said that he was affectionately known as "Mr Christingle". On 7 December 2018, a special 50th anniversary Christingle service was held at Lincoln Cathedral. Christingle services today This Christmas, Christingle services will be held across the country and across denominations to the delight of children. Few people realise that the service is an old Moravian tradition, popularised by the Anglican Children's Society, and that the word "christingle" is an English corruption of the German word "Christkindl", meaning small Christ-child. 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. Brandon Bell/AP Thumbs down: Elon Musk, the Texas-based supreme commander of the solar system, demanded this week that his Earthling followers and President-elect Donald Trump blow up a bipartisan plan to keep the United States government funded. And just in time for Christmas! Never mind that air traffic controllers will be expected to work without pay during holiday travel madness unless a deal is struck soon. Fingers crossed that well at least be able to reach grandmas house in time to open the gifts. Musk doesnt have any official government role, but that hasnt stopped him from turning his appointment as co-leader of the made-up Department of Government Efficiency into a chance to unleash mayhem in Washington the way he did with the social media platform formerly known as Twitter after buying it for $44 billion. What could go wrong? Maybe well be pledging allegiance to the United States of X in 2025 and struggling to access our tax returns because no workers will be left at the IRS. Thumbs twiddled: Trumps alternative to the bipartisan funding bill failed Thursday after Democrats were joined in voting it down by a faction Republican rebels who objected to suspending the government's debt limit. Now the president-elect is calling for primary challengers to the Republican obstructionists, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin, who made a fiery speech on the House floor ahead of his vote: Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday on certain respects, but to take this bill and congratulate yourself because its shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion is asinine, and thats precisely what Republicans are doing, Roy said. The guys clearly got a spine, which is rare these days as many conservatives succumb lovingly to Trump's tyranny. But did we mention wanting to get to grandmas without enduring an air traffic control apocalypse? Thumbs twiddled: Musk is also getting tangled up with fellow Texas transplant Ted Cruz. Our state's junior U.S. senator is defending Lockheed Martins F-35. Each one costs about $100 million and Musk has called the program the worst military value for money in history and obsolete in the age of drones. So why is Cruz speaking up for the jet? Well, theres the need for superior fighter power to clean up the mess of foreign policy that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris created. Not terribly persuasive but at least he got that partisan swipe in.And theres also the matter of the F-35 being made in Fort Worth. So you know, why cant Musk cut military waste somewhere else, like around Seattle? Dont say you werent warned, fellow Texans. Some Californians were thanking us for taking Musk of their hands back in 2020. At what point will we be wishing he bought some other state like, say, North Dakota? We hear theyve got plenty of empty space up there to blow things up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thumbs down: Democrats are still licking their wounds after last months election, but the schadenfreude over the GOPs various civil wars must ease the pain a bit. Even Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick with his iron-grip on the Texas Senate has been caught off balance in the post-victory frenzy. When chatter picked up over border wall material that the federal government had off-loaded to a private auctioneer, Patrick called it a pile of junk. Then Trump said President Biden should stop selling the wall and that it would be almost a criminal act not to use the steel bollards on the border. So Patrick hit rewind and now says Texas wants to buy the material because its in better condition than he originally thought. Any chance we could sell him our old fencing that fell over during the derecho? We'll even throw in some ocean-front property in Arizona! Thumbs up: The uber environmentalist Bostonians on the board of Greentown Labs in midtown area of Houston have apparently gotten over their discomfort with the oily embrace of Houstons energy industry. Earlier this year, the climate tech incubators CEO stepped down after the Houston Chronicle reported on tensions within the nonprofit over which oil and gas companies they would deign accept as funding partners. Wed like the name and number of whatever counselor they hired to smooth over their relationship with Houston because it just got a big reset. The board has several new members from Houston including Bobby Tudor taking over as the board chair. We guess those Yankees just had to accept that if youre trying to clean up the environment, youre going to end up working closely with Big Oil. Theyve got the engineers, the capital and the belching refineries, plus know-how in exploiting lax regulations that eco-pioneers might appreciate. UNICEF Moldova is contracting a National Individual Consultant, to identify legal barriers for foreigners (non-citizens) children access to health care services in the Republic of Moldova. Qualifications and experience: How to apply: To read more detailed information and apply for this position, please visit UNICEF webpage: https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/job/578083/national-individual-consultant-to-identify-legal-barriers-for-foreigners-noncitizen-children-access-to-health-care-services-in-the-republic-of-moldova Extended application deadline: 29 December 2024 UNICEF is here to serve the worlds most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered staff members under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFs policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. Alte articole de la acest autor: WASHINGTON, D. C. - In a last hurrah for departing Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the U.S. Senate on Saturday morning approved legislation he authored that will repeal two laws that reduce the Social Security benefits that public employees earn. Seventy-six senators supported the measure and 20 opposed it. Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Cincinnati - who is about to become Donald Trumps vice-president - was one of four senators who missed the vote. Opponents said Browns bill would take $200 billion out of Social Security over the next 10 years and hasten the programs insolvency by six months. I hope somebody, over the next eight to 10 years, fixes Social Security in the future, because in 10 years, there will be a mandatory minimum 17% cut in the Social Security benefit across the board, if we continue to fail to act here, and if we continue to dig a deeper hole by the vote that were having today, Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, said on the U.S. Senate floor. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill last month by a 327-75 margin, with support from all Ohio members, so it now goes to President Joe Biden for a signature. Brown says more than 270,000 Ohioans who dedicated their lives to public service have been blocked from receiving their full Social Security benefits due to laws from the 1970s and 1980s that his measure will repeal. The Windfall Elimination Provision, enacted in 1983, reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. The Government Pension Offset (GPO), enacted in 1977, reduces Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. He said his Social Security Fairness Act would repeal both of these laws, ensuring nearly 3 million affected law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, park rangers, and other public sector workers and their families receive the full Social Security benefits they earn. The legislation is endorsed by numerous public sector unions. Brown spent decades in Congress seeking its adoption. As he urged bill passage in a Senate floor speech, Brown cited the case of an special needs school bus driver who drove 200 miles a day over 40 years for a district along Ohios border with West Virginia. He said Fairland Local Schools driver Barbara Ward received her husbands $2,100 monthly Social Security surviors benefits after he passed away 10 years ago, but those payments were cut to $500 monthly after she retired with her own pension because of one of the provisions Browns measure would repeal. They earned that Social Security, they paid into it, said Brown. Over and over, Americans like that bus driver have watched corporations get tax cuts and Wall Street get bailouts. All these workers are asking for is what they have earned. Its an issue that has a huge impact on a workers life, but it doesnt get enough attention in Washington. Another supporter, Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana recalled meeting with a retired Louisiana school teacher who cried in his office, not understanding why she was getting less in Social Security spousal benefits than if she had never worked at all. She felt like she was being punished for educating generations of Louisiana children, said Cassidy. Another Republican supporter, U.S. Sen Susan Collins of Maine, said mostly woman are penalized by provisions the bill would repeal. She cited the case of a retired Bangor teacher who had to re-enter the workforce at age 72 after her widow benefits were cut by two thirds, so she no longer had the financial security to remain retired. 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, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Its deeply unfair. In statements released after the vote, unions that represent public employees said theyd spent decades fighting to finally be able to access the Social Security benefits they spent their careers paying into, as American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees President Lee Saunders put it. This historic victory will improve the lives of educators, first responders, postal workers and others who dedicate their lives to public service in their communities, added National Education Association President Becky Pringle. There is no more fitting final act for Sen. Brown than to help deliver on behalf of Americas working families. Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greets Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a Turning Point Action campaign rally, Oct. 23, 2024, in Duluth, Ga. Alex Brandon/AP Polio came for 5-year-old Lynn Lane when she was visiting her grandmother in rural Indiana . Suddenly, her arms and legs became weak, and by the time she got to a hospital in Indianapolis , she was totally paralyzed and in respiratory failure. Lane spent the next several months in an iron lung. "I don't really remember too much about that," Lane, now 73, told me Monday from her home north of Sacramento . "The only memories I really have are mainly at night. You could hear the swooshing of all the iron lungs." Lane's family moved to Northern California a few years after her bout with polio, when she was 8. "That's when I started noticing I was different than other kids," she said. "I was in leg braces and had to learn to walk all over again." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her parents took her to Shriners Hospital in San Francisco , where she lived on and off for the next eight years. "It was kind of like a boarding school, except with surgeries," Lane said. "They did all these muscle and tendon transfers. I think I had maybe 15 to 18 surgeries. They transferred my quads from the front to the back so I could stand." In her early 40s, Lane was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, which afflicts between 25% and 40% of childhood polio survivors. It is similar to chronic fatigue syndrome and can range from mild to debilitating. "I'm not in a wheelchair yet," said Lane, who uses leg braces and crutches, "but it's heading that way." The idea that anyone would question the polio vaccine now, she said, "makes me nuts." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week, the New York Times reported that in 2022, Robert F. Kennedy Jr .'s attorney and close advisor Aaron Siri had petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the polio vaccine in use for the last three decades until its safety can be studied further against an unvaccinated control group. Kennedy, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime vaccine skeptic who spouts nonsense about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and a lot of other things. He is, in the view of many medical professionals, a danger to public health. The Times' report set off shock waves. Before Jonas Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine in the mid-1950s, the disease killed or paralyzed more than half a million people around the world each year. Many high-profile Americans who suffered from childhood polio, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and the actor Mia Farrow , immediately condemned the questioning of the vaccine. Kennedy and Trump were forced to reassure Americans that they support the lifesaving treatment. As Kennedy met with Republican senators to shore up support for his nomination this week, he told reporters that he is "all for" the polio vaccine. Trump, in his first post-election press conference, insisted, "You're not going to lose the polio vaccine. It's not going to happen." And yet Trump also persisted in promulgating the oft-debunked lie that childhood vaccines are linked to autism, vowing to "look into" the conspiracy theory. Kennedy, he said, will "come back with a report as to what he thinks. We're going to find out a lot." Advertisement Article continues below this ad This fear-mongering is unconscionable. We already know a lot. In fact, we know more than a lot. The autism question has "been studied to death in some ways," said Richard Pan , a pediatrician and former California state senator who led the successful 2015 campaign to eliminate a "personal belief" exemption from vaccine requirements for the state's schoolchildren. "Do we know what causes autism? Not yet," Pan said. But, he added, we do know what does not cause autism: the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which was implicated in a long-since-discredited 1998 paper based on 12 cases by the defrocked English physician Andrew Wakefield . "What will it take to convince Trump and RFK Jr. that a retracted 12-subject study with fake data was actually wrong?" asked Pan. In any case, he added, blaming the vaccine is an "ableist" response to autism by some parents. "They don't want to accept that their child is neurodivergent," Pan said. "You want to say your child is broken and my life has been ruined and it's the fault of Big Pharma or whoever." Advertisement Article continues below this ad People who do not vaccinate their children, he said, are risking the health of the very people they are supposed to protect. "You are playing with your children's lives," he said. "All of these adults have already been vaccinated." Although polio has essentially been eradicated in the U.S. , it still exists in parts of the world and could certainly make a comeback here if enough people refuse to vaccinate their children. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that an unvaccinated New York man had contracted polio. And earlier this year, amid Israel's war on Hamas , a 10-month-old child in Gaza contracted the virus, confirming fears about the war's potential effect on preventable childhood disease. As for the Kennedy advisor's petition, Pan said, how could we withhold a potentially lifesaving treatment from children in a control group to test the efficacy of a vaccine that has been used successfully for decades? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon responds to a question during a keynote conversation at CES 2024, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 10, 2024. Qualcomm 's central processors are properly licensed under an agreement with Arm Holdings , a jury found in a trial in U.S. federal court that removed some, but not all, uncertainty around the mobile chipmaker's expansion into the laptop market. A week of courtroom arguments and deliberations ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to resolve one of three questions put before it in the trial between the two chip giants. Qualcomm said the result affirmed its right to innovate, but Arm vowed to seek a new trial. Arm's shares were down 1.8% in extended trading after the news, and Qualcomm's shares were up 1.8%. The outcome means the case could be tried again in the future something Arm vowed to pursue in a statement following the verdict. Judge Maryellen Noreika, who presided over the case in U.S. federal court in Delaware, encouraged Arm and Qualcomm to mediate their dispute. "I don't think either side had a clear victory or would have had a clear victory if this case is tried again," Noreika told the parties. After more than nine hours of deliberations over two days, the eight-person jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the question of whether startup Nuvia breached the terms of its license with Arm. But the jury found that Qualcomm which purchased Nuvia for $1.4 billion in 2021 did not breach that license. The jury also found that Qualcomm's chips, created using Nuvia technology and central to Qualcomm's push into the personal computer market, are properly licensed under its own agreement with Arm, clearing the way for Qualcomm to continue selling them. "The jury has vindicated Qualcomm's right to innovate and affirmed that all the Qualcomm products at issue in the case are protected by Qualcomm's contract with Arm," Qualcomm said in a statement. An Arm spokesperson said the company was "disappointed" that the jury was unable to "reach consensus" about the company's claims and said from the outset the goal has been to protect the company's intellectual property. For now, the outcome paves the way for Qualcomm to continue to push what it calls the "AI PC" in laptop chips that are aimed at handling tasks such as chatbots and image generators. That is a market where Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and MediaTek are also planning to make Arm-based processors. "My biggest worry was what happens to the future roadmap if they (Qualcomm) no longer have access to Nuvia (computing) cores," Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said. "At this point, that risk is a lot closer to being off the table." The dispute between Arm and Qualcomm centered on what royalty rate Qualcomm should pay for each chip. Nuvia was set to pay higher rates than Qualcomm before Qualcomm bought the startup firm and wove its technology into chips under its own license with Arm at lower royalty rates. Ben Bajarin, chief executive of tech consulting firm Creative Strategies, said that Arm's current growth projections have not depended on reaping higher rates from Qualcomm as Arm chips enter the PC market. "They haven't factored in, via their quarterly (earnings) calls, a win," Bajarin said. "So none of this changes their economic upside. It's really just a matter of contractual argument." However, the trial's outcome leaves open the question of where Arm's technology begins and ends. Arm licenses its computing architecture to firms but also sells designs for computing cores as off-the-shelf products. Some of Arm's more sophisticated customers, such as Apple, Qualcomm and Nuvia, license Arm's architectures but develop their own custom cores. During the trial this week, Arm's attorneys insisted its architecture license terms with Nuvia gave it rights to demand the destruction of Nuvia's custom core designs. "This does have ramifications for the entire industry," Jim McGregor of Tirias Research said in an interview. "Whether you're using a standard Arm core, or developing your own Arm core, it has been the rock of everything from electric toothbrushes to satellites." Investors on the hunt for real-world applications of artificial intelligence may want to consider humanoid robots, which some analysts predict could begin replacing human workers at scale by the end of the decade. "Breakthroughs in generative AI are bringing 3D perception, control, skill planning and intelligence to robots," Rev Lebaredian, Nvidia's vice president of omniverse and simulation technology, told CNBC. "Humanoid robots will help close the gap as labor shortages increase around the world, especially in sectors like retail, warehousing and distribution or manufacturing." Some analysts say there's a bigger market for these kinds of robots than for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles. And while advancements in autonomy have driven up the share price of stocks such as Tesla , analysts suspect not much value has been priced in for the potential of humanoid robots, creating an opportunity for investors who want to bet on the emerging technology. Adding to the bull case, some think President-elect Donald Trump's expected deportation efforts could be another boon to automated labor. The best use cases are yet to be determined. While the adoption of humanoid robots could pick up rapidly in factories, RBC analyst Tom Narayan sees the big upside coming from when and if humanoid robots can be part of a consumer's everyday life. The real opportunity is in "more than just cutting vegetables," he said. The urgency is 'palpable' "I think the majority of the value [in humanoid robotics] is not on the industrial side. ... It would have to be on the consumer side, like in people's houses like a personal assistant to help raise your kids or babysit," Narayan said in an interview. "In most manufacturing plants in the U.S., for example, robots are already working. If you look at auto, most of those plants are already largely automated." Predictions already anticipate massive sales, but Wall Street's estimates are wide-ranging: Morgan Stanley predicts the humanoid robot population will be 40,000 by 2030 and swell to 63 million by 2050. Citigroup is even more bullish, predicting a $7 trillion humanoid robot market by 2050 with 1.19 billion humanoid robots in operation. Goldman Sachs forecasts "significant growth in humanoid robotics" with a total addressable market of $38 billion worldwide by 2035. Robot density per worker has already doubled from 2016 to 2022, the firm noted. Macquarie expects there to be 6.3 million humanoid robots by 2035. By the end of that year, the firm estimates, the global market size for humanoid robots will reach a whopping $139 billion, with a 50% compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2035. Morgan Stanley's Adam Jonas anticipates humanoid robots will be a multidecade, trillion-dollar opportunity largely because the adoption curve could accelerate faster than for autonomous cars on public roads. Far more capital will be pumped into the humanoids given the thousands of repetitive and dangerous human tasks that could be made significantly easier with robots being incorporated into factory lines, warehouses and kitchens, Jonas wrote in a September note to clients. "The urgency to scale humanoids is palpable," Morgan Stanley equity strategists Edward Stanley and Matias Ovrum wrote in a recent note. "The number of catalyst events is on the rise, and we expect U.S. workers to begin being substituted from 2030 onwards." Just a few publicly traded companies are looking to meet this need. Many are electric vehicle makers with AI skills. XPeng , Nvidia , Tesla and Xiaomi are at the forefront and could be major long-term beneficiaries, Morgan Stanley and Goldman analysts said. There's also a slew of hot startups. A leader in humanoid robots XPeng, a Chinese auto giant, is poised to capture "the next AI megatrend," according to Morgan Stanley analyst Tim Hsiao. The company's AI Technology Day in early November gave investors a peek at how far humanoids have come. Its second-generation humanoid robot Iron is integrated into XPeng's factories and stores and uses XPeng's own chips to operate its more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom with technology shared from its AI vehicles, XPeng said. A leader in humanoid robots, XPeng's first-generation PX5 was released in October 2023. After the event, Hsaio reiterated an overweight rating and raised his price target by $6 to $17, which implies more than 33% potential upside from Friday's close. Shares have fallen more than 14% this year, hurt by China's economic growth struggles and concerns that growing EV competition will pressure auto sales. However, Hsiao said XPeng has a strong vehicle pipeline, established smart driving capabilities, and an enriched ecosystem of humanoids and other products, such as its eVTOL multicopter aircraft. "XPeng shares offer superior risk-reward among major EV start-ups," Hsaio wrote in a Nov. 6 note to clients. "To rival increasing tech entrants, XPeng's investment in embodied AI via autonomous driving and humanoids will be continuous." Making a human friend Xiaomi is another Chinese company that's been tackling humanoid robots, Morgan Stanley said. Its shares have rallied roughly 94% year to date. Xiaomi first announced its CyberOne humanoid in 2022, unveiling a robot that it said was capable of perceiving three-dimensional space and recognizing individuals and expressions in its environment. CyberOne also has characteristics of a human friend as it is able to recognize dozens of classifications of human emotion, the company said at the time of release . "CyberOne is able to detect happiness, and even comfort the user in times of sadness," it said. The Chinese humanoid industry has received substantial government support that's led the country to produce "some of the most advanced humanoids revealed to date," Morgan Stanley's Jonas said. China the world's largest car manufacturer and biggest car market is, by far, also the top robot market in the world, according to the International Federation of Robotics. Policymakers have recently been pushing the technology as a way to further industrialize and grow the country's struggling economy, which is also facing a population crisis. China's Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday that local government officials in China have released robotics policies and unveiled a plan, which will run until 2029, promoting the innovation and deployment of humanoid robots. According to Citi, China has accounted for 78% of all robotics patents over the past two decades. Favorable political climate Closer to home, Tesla is a big player with the ear of the incoming Trump administration, which could open the door to more support of the emerging industry and accelerate the company's robotics developments to help it compete with rivals in China. Tesla's ambitions in the space have become one of the biggest talking points behind the company's long-term growth forecasts, particularly as it struggles to sustain its domestic EV market share. "While we see some fundamental headwinds to the core auto business over the near to medium term, we also believe the stock could remain at a higher multiple to reflect the long-term opportunity tied to [full-self driving]/robotics given broader market interest in potential AI beneficiaries," Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delaney wrote in a Dec. 3 note to clients. Pockets of Wall Street are still deciding how to value Tesla's grandiose robotics visions. The company first revealed its ambitions to work on humanoid robots in 2021 at an AI Day event. However, its Optimus robots, seen folding laundry in a demo video earlier this year, were criticized for being operated by humans using controls, rather than acting autonomously. CEO Elon Musk hasn't been clear on Optimus' capabilities, but claimed in June that its humanoid robots could eventually boost Tesla's market cap to $25 trillion. Tesla's shares have popped about 46% over the past month, largely because of Musk's close ties with Trump. Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu recently reiterated his buy rating on the stock, saying the incoming administration could drive increased support for Tesla's humanoid robotics. "Beyond attributing the price action to tactical factors, we see potential large terminal value benefits to Tesla's efforts in auto, robotaxi, and even humanoid robotics," Yu wrote in a Nov. 12 note. Yu said the Trump administration could back the development of a supply chain that could support the industrialization of humanoid robots, which he said would need to be produced at a large scale and low cost. That could look similar to the federal support given to the semiconductor industry, he said. Trump's expected hard-line immigration policies could also eventually "lead to a smaller pool of cheap labor, thereby favoring more investment in automation," he added. Many are still in wait-and-see territory, meanwhile. RBC's Narayan is waiting to see how Tesla's humanoid robot efforts will be deployed and applied in the real world and has valued humanoid robots at just $5 of his $313 price target on Tesla stock. He remains bullish on Tesla's progress in autonomy, particularly with its robotaxis and full self-driving technology, which account for most of his valuation. "Tesla ... has a market cap of over a trillion dollars. To me, for humanoid robots to be a big contributor to that, it would be on the consumer side. And I currently don't include that just because I don't know what that looks like," Narayan said. Macquarie and Morgan Stanley remain enthusiastic that Tesla, like XPeng, has its own in-house manufacturing plants for its humanoid robots, which could help cut costs. But Morgan Stanley is similarly holding back on attaching the technology to its Tesla price target, as its $500 bull case on the company values its humanoid business at exactly $0. A platform for humanoid robotics Nvidia is a clear AI play, but investors are keeping an eye on its expansion into robotics, where the chipmaker focuses on providing the brains behind the robot. Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers' bull case on Nvidia predicts that the company's Omniverse robotics business could offer additional upside. Several companies racing to make humanoid robots are using Nvidia's Project GR00T model, which was announced in March. Nvidia also announced a supercomputer called Jetson Thor earlier this year for deploying into humanoid robots. GR00T or Generalist Robot 00 Technology is a platform for developing humanoid robotics and includes foundation models, data capture and generation pipelines as well as robot simulation tools, Nvidia's Lebaredian told CNBC. The company is working on several GR00T models, including ones for robot motion, whole-body control and multimodal sensing. Lebaredian said XPeng, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Boston Dynamics and Skild are among the humanoid robot makers currently developing on Nvidia's robotics platforms. "Humanoid robots are an ideal general-purpose embodiment because the world is built for humans stairs, tools, shelving, kitchens, and workcells and more," Lebaredian said. Sentiment around humanoid robotics appears to agree on one thing: Humanoids could make everyday life easier, and therefore more advanced. "What many people really want is help with mundane tasks, such as cleaning, so they can do more thinking, art, and leisure. AI robots can help with this utopian angle," Rob Garlick, Citi Global Insights head of technology and innovation, said in a note to clients this month. Tesla's Optimus robot gestures at an unveiling event in Los Angeles, Oct. 10, 2024. Tesla | Via Reuters Investors on the hunt for real-world applications of artificial intelligence may want to consider humanoid robots, which some analysts predict could begin replacing human workers at scale by the end of the decade. "Breakthroughs in generative AI are bringing 3D perception, control, skill planning and intelligence to robots," Rev Lebaredian, Nvidia's vice president of omniverse and simulation technology, told CNBC. "Humanoid robots will help close the gap as labor shortages increase around the world, especially in sectors like retail, warehousing and distribution or manufacturing." Some analysts say there's a bigger market for these kinds of robots than for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles. And while advancements in autonomy have driven up the share price of stocks such as Tesla , analysts suspect not much value has been priced in for the potential of humanoid robots, creating an opportunity for investors who want to bet on the emerging technology. Adding to the bull case, some think President-elect Donald Trump's expected deportation efforts could be another boon to automated labor. The best use cases are yet to be determined. While the adoption of humanoid robots could pick up rapidly in factories, RBC analyst Tom Narayan sees the big upside coming from when and if humanoid robots can be part of a consumer's everyday life. The real opportunity is in "more than just cutting vegetables," he said. The urgency is 'palpable' "I think the majority of the value [in humanoid robotics] is not on the industrial side. ... It would have to be on the consumer side, like in people's houses like a personal assistant to help raise your kids or babysit," Narayan said in an interview. "In most manufacturing plants in the U.S., for example, robots are already working. If you look at auto, most of those plants are already largely automated." Predictions already anticipate massive sales, but Wall Street's estimates are wide-ranging: Morgan Stanley predicts the humanoid robot population will be 40,000 by 2030 and swell to 63 million by 2050. Citigroup is even more bullish, predicting a $7 trillion humanoid robot market by 2050 with 1.19 billion humanoid robots in operation. Goldman Sachs forecasts "significant growth in humanoid robotics" with a total addressable market of $38 billion worldwide by 2035. Robot density per worker has already doubled from 2016 to 2022, the firm noted. Macquarie expects there to be 6.3 million humanoid robots by 2035. By the end of that year, the firm estimates, the global market size for humanoid robots will reach a whopping $139 billion, with a 50% compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2035. Morgan Stanley's Adam Jonas anticipates humanoid robots will be a multidecade, trillion-dollar opportunity largely because the adoption curve could accelerate faster than for autonomous cars on public roads. Far more capital will be pumped into the humanoids given the thousands of repetitive and dangerous human tasks that could be made significantly easier with robots being incorporated into factory lines, warehouses and kitchens, Jonas wrote in a September note to clients. "The urgency to scale humanoids is palpable," Morgan Stanley equity strategists Edward Stanley and Matias Ovrum wrote in a recent note. "The number of catalyst events is on the rise, and we expect U.S. workers to begin being substituted from 2030 onwards." Just a few publicly traded companies are looking to meet this need. Many are electric vehicle makers with AI skills. XPeng , Nvidia , Tesla and Xiaomi are at the forefront and could be major long-term beneficiaries, Morgan Stanley and Goldman analysts said. There's also a slew of hot startups. Public companies involved in humanoid robot development Ticker Company Year-to-Date Performance (as of 12/21/2024) Consensus Rating, per FactSet XPEV Xpeng -13.37% Overweight TSLA Tesla 69.45% Hold NVDA Nvidia 172% Buy HSYDF Harmonic Drive Systems -43.61% N/A ARM ARM Holdings 75.8% Overweight HMC Honda Motor -22.7% Overweight XIACY Xiaomi 104.32% Buy SKFRY SKF -4.08% Overweight Source: Morgan Stanley Research, Goldman Sachs, FactSet A leader in humanoid robots XPeng, a Chinese auto giant, is poised to capture "the next AI megatrend," according to Morgan Stanley analyst Tim Hsiao. The company's AI Technology Day in early November gave investors a peek at how far humanoids have come. Its second-generation humanoid robot Iron is integrated into XPeng's factories and stores and uses XPeng's own chips to operate its more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom with technology shared from its AI vehicles, XPeng said. A leader in humanoid robots, XPeng's first-generation PX5 was released in October 2023. After the event, Hsaio reiterated an overweight rating and raised his price target by $6 to $17, which implies more than 33% potential upside from Friday's close. Shares have fallen more than 14% this year, hurt by China's economic growth struggles and concerns that growing EV competition will pressure auto sales. However, Hsiao said XPeng has a strong vehicle pipeline, established smart driving capabilities, and an enriched ecosystem of humanoids and other products, such as its eVTOL multicopter aircraft. "XPeng shares offer superior risk-reward among major EV start-ups," Hsaio wrote in a Nov. 6 note to clients. "To rival increasing tech entrants, XPeng's investment in embodied AI via autonomous driving and humanoids will be continuous." Xpeng Inc XPEV ANALYST CONSENSUS 26 Ratings Buy 6 Strong Buy 6 Strong Buy 12 Buy 12 Buy 6 Hold 6 Hold 1 Underperform 1 Underperform 1 Sell 1 Sell Current Price ( ) 29.03 Highest Price Target Upside (-29.18%) 16.75 Average Price Target 7.01 Lowest Price Target Making a human friend Xiaomi is another Chinese company that's been tackling humanoid robots, Morgan Stanley said. Its shares have rallied roughly 94% year to date. Xiaomi first announced its CyberOne humanoid in 2022, unveiling a robot that it said was capable of perceiving three-dimensional space and recognizing individuals and expressions in its environment. CyberOne also has characteristics of a human friend as it is able to recognize dozens of classifications of human emotion, the company said at the time of release. "CyberOne is able to detect happiness, and even comfort the user in times of sadness," it said. The Chinese humanoid industry has received substantial government support that's led the country to produce "some of the most advanced humanoids revealed to date," Morgan Stanley's Jonas said. China the world's largest car manufacturer and biggest car market is, by far, also the top robot market in the world, according to the International Federation of Robotics. Policymakers have recently been pushing the technology as a way to further industrialize and grow the country's struggling economy, which is also facing a population crisis. China's Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday that local government officials in China have released robotics policies and unveiled a plan, which will run until 2029, promoting the innovation and deployment of humanoid robots. According to Citi, China has accounted for 78% of all robotics patents over the past two decades. Favorable political climate Closer to home, Tesla is a big player with the ear of the incoming Trump administration, which could open the door to more support of the emerging industry and accelerate the company's robotics developments to help it compete with rivals in China. Tesla's ambitions in the space have become one of the biggest talking points behind the company's long-term growth forecasts, particularly as it struggles to sustain its domestic EV market share. "While we see some fundamental headwinds to the core auto business over the near to medium term, we also believe the stock could remain at a higher multiple to reflect the long-term opportunity tied to [full-self driving]/robotics given broader market interest in potential AI beneficiaries," Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delaney wrote in a Dec. 3 note to clients. Pockets of Wall Street are still deciding how to value Tesla's grandiose robotics visions. The company first revealed its ambitions to work on humanoid robots in 2021 at an AI Day event. However, its Optimus robots, seen folding laundry in a demo video earlier this year, were criticized for being operated by humans using controls, rather than acting autonomously. CEO Elon Musk hasn't been clear on Optimus' capabilities, but claimed in June that its humanoid robots could eventually boost Tesla's market cap to $25 trillion. Tesla's shares have popped about 46% over the past month, largely because of Musk's close ties with Trump. Tesla Inc TSLA ANALYST CONSENSUS 54 Ratings Hold 7 Strong Buy 7 Strong Buy 19 Buy 19 Buy 16 Hold 16 Hold 9 Underperform 9 Underperform 3 Sell 3 Sell Current Price ( ) 550.00 Highest Price Target Upside (36.4%) 338.71 Average Price Target 24.86 Lowest Price Target Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu recently reiterated his buy rating on the stock, saying the incoming administration could drive increased support for Tesla's humanoid robotics. "Beyond attributing the price action to tactical factors, we see potential large terminal value benefits to Tesla's efforts in auto, robotaxi, and even humanoid robotics," Yu wrote in a Nov. 12 note. Yu said the Trump administration could back the development of a supply chain that could support the industrialization of humanoid robots, which he said would need to be produced at a large scale and low cost. That could look similar to the federal support given to the semiconductor industry, he said. Trump's expected hard-line immigration policies could also eventually "lead to a smaller pool of cheap labor, thereby favoring more investment in automation," he added. Many are still in wait-and-see territory, meanwhile. RBC's Narayan is waiting to see how Tesla's humanoid robot efforts will be deployed and applied in the real world and has valued humanoid robots at just $5 of his $313 price target on Tesla stock. He remains bullish on Tesla's progress in autonomy, particularly with its robotaxis and full self-driving technology, which account for most of his valuation. "Tesla ... has a market cap of over a trillion dollars. To me, for humanoid robots to be a big contributor to that, it would be on the consumer side. And I currently don't include that just because I don't know what that looks like," Narayan said. Macquarie and Morgan Stanley remain enthusiastic that Tesla, like XPeng, has its own in-house manufacturing plants for its humanoid robots, which could help cut costs. But Morgan Stanley is similarly holding back on attaching the technology to its Tesla price target, as its $500 bull case on the company values its humanoid business at exactly $0. Nvidia's Project GR00T, announced March 18, 2024, is a platform for developing humanoid robotics. Photo: Nvidia A platform for humanoid robotics Bank of America said a slew of stocks, including Nvidia , have plenty of upside in 2025. The firm recently named a few buy-rated stocks that every investor must own heading into the new year. In addition to the chip juggernaut, the names include Block , Cadence Design Systems , Chevron and East West Bancorp . Block Wall Street is gushing over the payment fintech company, including Bank of America analyst Jason Kupferberg and team. "As a US-centric re-acceleration story, we believe shares can outperform," he wrote recently. An increase in crypto prices is also an expected tailwind, the firm said. "While 41% of SQ's revenue comes from bitcoin trading, most of it is pass-through, and only 3% of SQ's gross profit comes from bitcoin," Kupferberg added. The analyst also said the stock is well positioned to benefit from an improving macro and a lighter regulatory environment heading into a new White House administration. "SQ should also benefit from a more robust US SMB [small mid size business] backdrop, plus mgmt has provided initial high-level '25 guidance, reflecting a healthy combination of top-line growth and profitability," he added. Block shares are up nearly 16% year to date. "SQ is our top Payments pick for '25," Kupferberg said. East West Bancorp Top pick East West Bancorp is teed up for strength in the new year, according to analyst Ebrahim Poonawala. "We believe the stock offers among the most compelling risk/rewards to investors looking to position for accelerating loan growth," he said of the regional bank. Further, the analyst said the bank has some of the "highest levels of capital" among peers in the sector. Poonawala also praised East West's "resilient" margins with "tailwinds on the horizon." "Additionally, strong capital levels and best-in-class profitability offer defensibility if the economy surprises negatively," he wrote. Shares of the company are up 33% in 2024, with plenty more room to run, the firm said. Cadence Design Systems Analyst Vivek Arya said the electronic systems design manufacturer is firing on all cylinders. He recently came away from a meeting with company management feeling more constructive on Cadence's growth prospects. In particular, Arya notes Cadence has plenty of potential for share gains as the company works to diversify its business. "CDNS has invested aggressively in digital, revamping its entire portfolio and are now present at all 20 top semi companies (vs. only 2 historically), performing well across the different digital design phases," the analyst wrote. Arya also raised his price target on the stock to a Street high of $365 per share from $310. Shares are up 10% in 2024. "We see CDNS as an attractive/defensive alterative levered to durable R & D [research & development] and higher visibility subscription driven AI spending versus (lumpier) hardware/capex exposed semis," he said. Block "SQ is our top Payments pick for '25. SQ should also benefit from a more robust US SMB backdrop, plus mgmt has provided initial high-level '25 guidance, reflecting a healthy (and we think under-appreciated) combination of top-line growth and profitability. While 41% of SQ's revenue comes from bitcoin trading, most of it is pass-through, and only 3% of SQ's gross profit comes from bitcoin." Chevron "2025 is a pivotal year for CVX with a lot of catalysts. There are a number of 2025 catalysts, both positive and negative for the stock. We keep a running list in this note along with our view. We will break these down into the following buckets: 1) GoM [Gulf of Mexico] 2) TCO [Tengizchevroil] 3) Hess 4) Refining/Biofuels and 5) Venezuela. We reiterate our Buy thesis. It is our top pick going into 2025." East West Bancorp "We believe the stock offers among the most compelling risk/rewards to investors looking to position for accelerating loan growth (an industrywide rebound would offer upside to our 6.3% FY25 YoY loan growth forecast). Additionally, strong capital levels and best-in-class profitability offer defensibility if the economy surprises negatively. NII [net interest income], margin resilient with tailwinds on the horizon." Nvidia "We see 2025 as a year of two different trends. In the first half, AI investments and NVDA Blackwell deployments driven by US cloud customers sustain momentum in AI semis. However, in the 2H, interest could shift to less-crowded auto/industrial chipmakers on inventory replenishment and pick-up in auto production assuming a global economic recovery." Cadence Design Systems "CDNS has invested aggressively in digital, revamping its entire portfolio and are now present at all 20 top semi companies (vs. only 2 historically), performing well across the different digital design phases. We see CDNS as an attractive/defensive alterative levered to durable R & D [research & development] and higher visibility subscription driven AI spending versus (lumpier) hardware/capex exposed semis," he went on to say." What's on Richard Branson's shopping list this holiday season? The billionaire Virgin Group co-founder says there are a few items his friends and family can expect to receive from him and that he recommends to CNBC Make It's readers as well. Because Branson is a consummate salesman, it should come as little surprise that he recommends products from his own company and from brands with ties to the Virgin Group. Still, Branson tells CNBC Make It via a spokesperson that he genuinely endorses these products. 1. Change Please Coffee Branson, who once admitted to drinking 20 cups of tea every day, says he's now trying to cut back on caffeine. Still, he just "can't resist sharing" this impact-focused coffee brand, he says. It launched in 2015 with a loan from Branson's non-profit Virgin StartUp business development arm. The London-based Change Please Coffee, which has 10 locations and sells bags of coffee online starting at $13 apiece, is dedicated to "tackling homelessness through the power of social enterprise and great tasting coffee," according to the website. "Change Please is doing incredible work beyond just serving up great coffee," says Branson. The business puts 100% of its profits toward a barista training program that "trains and employs homeless people as baristas, giving them the tools and support to build a stable future," he adds. "The profits go straight into housing, mental health support, and paying a fair wage to baristas. It's a brilliant way to enjoy your coffee while making a real difference." 2. Virgin Points Virgin Points can be put toward items and experiences from across the family of Virgin Group brands, like flights on Virgin Atlantic, cruises on Virgin Voyages and stays in the group's hotels, meaning "there's something for everyone to enjoy," Branson says. Customers accrue points by making purchases from the Virgin family or partnered brands. You can also buy points directly or donate them to others. "Virgin Points always make a brilliant gift because they give people the freedom to choose what suits them best," Branson says. For 2 million Virgin Points (which would cost around $50,022 to buy directly), you can earn a week-long stay for two people, minus airfare, on Branson's own private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. 3. Made51 If you're looking for a "truly special" gift, Branson recommends a "favorite" from his own list: holiday ornaments from Made51. Launched by UNHCR, the United Nations' Refugee Agency, Made51 sells jewelry, accessories and home decor crafted by artisans who happen to be refugees. Branson's company is a longtime partner of Made51, selling the products in its retail stores. The proceeds from each Made51 sale go directly to refugees, helping them earn an income in their new host countries. Their holiday collection features ornaments made by refugees from East Africa, Syria, Afghanistan, Mali and Myanmar who now live in countries around the world. The ornaments start at $13 apiece and are "beautifully handcrafted," says Branson. "They not only add a bright touch to your tree but also support a brighter future for those who need it most." Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC's online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. With the decision by the Hong Kong-based Fitch Ratings to upgrade Sri Lankas credit rating, the island nation has officially ended its debt default, the Finance Ministry said in Colombo on Saturday (December 21).Fitch upgraded Sri Lankas long-term credit default rating to CCC+ from CCC- on Friday as it said that the risk of another default on local currency debt has been reduced by the completion of the international sovereign bond restructuring and an improved outlook for macroeconomic indicators."Mahinda Siriwardana, a top bureaucrat in the Finance Ministry, said in a statement, "December 20 marked a major milestone in our economic recovery process as Sri Lanka officially exited sovereign default."Sri Lanka had plunged into an economic crisis when the island nation declared sovereign default in mid-April of 2022, its first since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Almost civil-war-like conditions and months of public protests led to the fleeing of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Ranil Wickremesinghe, who then took over as the president, began the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon after. His government then clinched the bailout a year later in March 2023. Siriwardana said the crisis was man-made and could have been averted if the early warnings had been heeded with an early engagement with the IMF.While macroeconomic outcomes have indeed been satisfactory and the debt restructuring process is completed culminating in this rating upgrade, people still feel the pain from the crisis and the difficult remedial measures."He was perhaps referring to the time of unprecedented forex crisis that had triggered shortages of essentials and long queues were witnessed for fuel and cooking gas while the island faced power cuts for over 10 hours in 2022.Siriwardana stresses that no room exists for a repeat of policy errors, the collapse happens rapidly but the recovery is painful. "This is indeed a historic moment and a time to celebrate but it is a moment that should never be repeated.Siriwardana was one of the two top officials besides the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, who saw through the recovery process from its start in 2022. There have been three presidents and three finance ministers since the country was plunged into crisis.Earlier on Wednesday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka has achieved flexibility with the IMF on its rigid state revenue tax regime, something that was part of his election promise.Speaking about the agreements reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its third review of the $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, told the parliament that his government has been able to raise the tax threshold.We have been able to raise the tax threshold of pay as you earn (PAYE tax) so that those who have bigger incomes pay more while those who earn pay less, Dissanayake said, adding there would be other VAT exemptions and withholding tax on interest incomes for the retired. Dissanayakes government has recently concluded its third review of the IMF bailout and is awaiting the fourth tranche of the nearly $3 billion facility.Sri Lanka had on November 26 announced that it has ratified the agreement for debt restructuring of $14.2 billion, compulsory to maintain debt sustainability by the IMF through an exchange of new bonds for the existing bonds.A week prior to it, the National People's Power (NPP) government got the IMF approval for a staff-level agreement to secure the fourth tranche of the nearly $3 billion bailout package, something that President Dissanayake backed despite his pre-presidential election rhetoric to renegotiate with the global lender to water down tough conditions.The NPP was highly critical of the cost recovery based on utility tariffs and high taxes, which came conditional to the bailout. The debt restructuring agreement was reached in the last week of the then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe's regime in September, days before the presidential polls. China urges U.S. to stop illegally occupying Cuba's territory Xinhua) 11:08, December 21, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba's territory, close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing. It is reported that U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain there. In recent years, successive U.S. administrations have promised multiple times they would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven't acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the United States has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years. Lin said the United States has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. "What the United States has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba's sovereignty and rights and interests." The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the United States to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson. The repeated failure of the United States to keep its promise of closing this U.S.-run "concentration camp" will only add another stain to the poor U.S. track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of U.S. commitment to human rights, said the spokesperson. The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba's protracted wound, and it is a living witness to more than a century of U.S. illegal interference in Cuba, Lin said, adding that the United States, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called "state sponsor of terrorism." "The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this," he added. China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes U.S. interference in Cuba's internal affairs, Lin said, adding that the United States needs to stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, give the Cuban people's land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Hongyu) Families with children living in Minnesota may get their child tax credit payments earlier under a new plan announced by Gov. Tim Walz, D-MN. In a Wednesday news release, Gov. Walz announced that taxpayers who are qualified to receive child tax credits would be given the option to receive advance payments. This would make Minnesota the first state in the United States to offer such an option. "The goal of this nation-leading tax credit is to lower child poverty and provide tax relief for working-class families in Minnesota. With the advance payment option, we're making it easier for families to manage their annual household budget," Walz said in a news release. How Would the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Work? Under the new option, families would be allowed to receive parts of the following year's child tax credit in three installments---all of which will be sent in the second half of 2025. Those advance payments would be on top of a full child tax credit for the current filing year. The rest of the 2025 child tax credit will then be applied to the tax return in the following year. Prior to that, tax filers had to wait until the following April to receive their child tax credit payments. Walz noted that the new option aims to keep children out of poverty and provide their families with financial freedom. Families who qualify for child tax credits can receive $1,750 for each qualifying child. There were no limits on the number of children claimed. That said, the sum will decrease for individuals who are earning more than $31,090 and couples filing jointly over $36,880, per KSTP. Which States Offer Child Tax Credits? Apart from Minnesota, 15 other states offer child tax credits as of October 2024. Of those, only 12 states are offering refundable child tax credits. Arm has lost a battle over licensing of its microprocessor designs to Qualcomm, ending doubt over the immediate future of some of the chip makers products. The jury in the US District Court for the District of Delaware spent the week listening to arguments in the protracted and increasingly rancorous licensing dispute between Arm and Qualcomm over whether Qualcomm is properly licensed to use technology acquired when it bought startup Nuvia in 2021. The verdict, delivered Friday, is hugely significant, not only for the parties involved but for the maze of other companies that have built their product development around their technology, however, the battle is not over yet. Although the jury found that Qualcomm did not breach Nuvias license with Arm, and Qualcomms chips using Nuvia technology are properly licensed, it could not agree on whether Nuvia had breached the terms of its license with Arm. That means there could potentially be yet another trial. Popular comedian and equine therapy slanderer John Mulaney is currently starring in the Broadway show All In, penned by his friend, former Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich. To promote the play, which is made up of short stories all about romance, Mulaney and Rich have been giving several interviews. And a not insignificant number of them have been about scrapped SNL material. The pair told The New York Times that when they first met at SNL, they wrote a sketch together called Cash for Silver, a parody of cash-for-gold commercials that made it to dress rehearsal, but was ultimately cut from the show. Mulaney and Rich went into more detail about the sketch during their appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, describing how it began as a traditional ad with Bill Hader asking viewers to send in their silver. But Haders character becomes increasingly desperate until its revealed that he and his family are marooned on Werewolf Island and need to make silver bullets before the next full moon. It had everything, Mulaney argued. Don't Miss Meyers pointed out that there was also a role played by Kenan Thompson. Theres a boatman who made peace with the werewolves, Mulaney recalled. They let him come and go and they dont kill him, thus preserving the airtight logic of the Cash for Silver fictional universe. Play While SNL could have only benefited from a sketch featuring the phrase Werewolf Island, another of Mulaney and Richs sketches didnt make it to the show for slightly more understandable reasons. Meyers pointed out that Switcheroo was a sketch idea that no host was ever interested in doing. Advertisement Nor, I should say, did the read-through table like, Mulaney added, explaining that Switcheroo was about an old sitcom called Switcheroo, focusing on a father and his young son who swap bodies, not unlike the Kirk Cameron/Dudley Moore vehicle Like Father, Like Son or Vice Versa starring Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage. But the theme song lyrics reveal a slight twist: Son goes to work, dad goes to work and the son has sex with the mom. Whatre gonna do, its a switcheroo? Yeah Advertisement Advertisement Its a really detailed examination of the sexual dynamics of a full parent-child switcheroo, Mulaney noted. The original draft was about 30 pages long, Rich joked. While the sketch was, unsurprisingly, rejected during Mulaneys time as an SNL writer, when he was invited back to host, things changed. According to Rich, when Mulaney called to tell him the news that hed be hosting, before Mulaney had even finished his sentence, the writer proclaimed: Were resubmitting Switcheroo. Yes, the only way that John Mulaney could convince a host to appear in Switcheroo was if the host was John Mulaney. I wanna be clear, Mulaney stressed to Meyers audience, it wasnt like this More Cowbell thing, where everyone loved it and everyone wanted it on the show people didnt like Switcheroo at all. Sure enough, when Mulaney hosted for the first time in 2018, Switcheroo (or rather, Sitcom Reboot) finally made it onto the air. Advertisement And the world was never the same again. A judge in Indiana on Friday sentenced Richard Allen, the person behind the murders of two teens in Delphi in 2017, to a maximum of 130 years in prison. The sentence includes 65 years each for the murders of 13-year-old Abigail "Abby" Williams and 14-year-old Liberty "Libby" German. Specifically, the charges included felony murder, attempting to commit kidnapping, and murder for knowingly killing the teens. The jury deliberated for 19 hours before reaching their verdict. Allen, whose family did not attend his sentencing, showed no reaction when he was handed 130 years in prison, according to ABC News. Behind the Delphi Murders On February 13, 2017, Abby and Libby disappeared during their walk along the High Monon Trail. Investigators found their bodies the next day covered with sticks and left in a wooded area about a mile from where the teens were last seen on the trail. Abby and Libby had their throats cut. In the months that followed, investigators pursued plenty of leads. They had also released multiple composite sketches of the suspect based on accounts from an eyewitness. They also uncovered audio and video evidence from Libby's phone. The audio recording revealed a man telling the teens to go "down the hill." A video recording, specifically a Snapchat video, also showed a man police believed to be the murderer. Catching Allen Allen, who was employed at a local CVS pharmacy, had been interviewed by police in the days following the discovery of the teens' bodies. He told investigators that he had been on the trail when the murders were thought to have occurred. He also noted that he saw three "females" near a bridge at the trail while he was out on a walk but added that he had not spoken to them. Allen was arrested on October 26, 2022, nearly two weeks after he was again interviewed by police, and investigators found a pistol in his home that matched the unspent cartridge found between Abby and Libby's bodies. Following his sentencing, Allen's attorneys have hinted plans to appeal the verdict. In a memo, his attorneys said Allen "maintains his innocence," as reported by Fox News. 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The more our electricity is generated by renewables like wind turbines and solar panels, his argument goes, the less we'll need to rely on oil and gas from autocratic regimes who control supply (and, to a lesser extent, price) in their own interests. It is a beguiling assertion nice if it was true. It is regularly peddled by the growing army of green grifters with an axe to grind and a begging bowl to rattle as they top up on the billions in subsidies, doled out at our expense, to those providing the renewables, at little financial risk to themselves. In reality as with almost everything Miliband touches in his zealous pursuit of Net Zero it is so full of stuff and nonsense that it's hard to know where to start unpicking it. So let's begin with a simple fact: we stopped using oil to generate electricity years ago. More renewables will have no impact on our demand for oil. As for natural gas, on which we still depend for electricity generation, almost 60 per cent of what we import comes from Norway which, last time I looked, was a prosperous social democracy, not a dictatorship. America is our second biggest natural gas supplier. Not that long ago we imported no gas from the US. Then came the fracking boom, turning America into a net exporter of oil and gas. Today over a quarter of the gas we import comes from the US, arriving by ship in high-tech liquified natural gas carriers, to be turned back into gas on arrival. America, of course, is also a democracy. Ed Miliband visits a Zero Bills home in Stafford last June in his zealous pursuit of a Net Zero Britain The only dictatorship from which we import a reasonable amount of gas is the Gulf state of Qatar, nominally a friend. But we've been reducing reliance on Qatar for some time now and it accounts for only 6 per cent of our imports these days. We could easily replace it with more gas from America, as Trump's 'drill, baby, drill' energy policy increases American fossil fuel production and exports. Or, more sensibly, we could source more from our own gas fields in the North Sea. True, the North Sea is well past its peak when it comes to oil and gas production. But it still supplies almost 30 per cent of our domestic gas needs and that's even after we export a fair chunk of its current output. If licences were issued to exploit what remains of our gas (and oil) reserves, the North Sea could continue to make a meaningful contribution to our gas supplies without recourse to Miliband's foreign dictators. But he will issue no new licences for oil or gas. What fossil fuels are still under the North Sea will be left there. Labour is continuing with a windfall tax on our declining offshore energy industry long after any windfall profits have disappeared and regulating it out of existence by refusing any further development. Yet just about everybody, bar Miliband, understands we will need gas for electricity generation for the foreseeable future. So perhaps we'd better not be too rude to these foreign fossil fuel dictators just yet. In fact, far from freeing us from the need to cosy up to nasty autocrats to keep our homes warm and our appliances running, Miliband's dash to decarbonise the grid by 2030 will put us in hock to the biggest dictatorship of all: China. Miliband aims to treble solar power capacity before the end of the decade, which will involve carpeting 180 square miles (about 30 square miles bigger than the Isle of Wight) with solar panels. He has already approved three huge new solar farms in eastern England, despite the official planning inspectorate concluding that one in particular would involve an unacceptable loss of productive farmland. But when it comes to Miliband's Net Zero mission, nothing is allowed to get in the way, not even food security. Or British jobs for that matter. For, when it comes to paving the countryside with solar panels, there will be precious few jobs for British workers. All the panels will come from China. President Xi Jinpings China has produced 98 per cent of the UKs solar panels Chinese manufacturers now account for 80 per cent of the global supply of solar panels and an incredible 98 per cent of those already installed in Britain. Indeed China is churning out so many there is now a global glut of these panels, piling up in ports and warehouses all over the place. So much so that farmers in Holland and Germany are using then for fencing. Miliband, in his 2030 rush to decarbonise, will not be able to resist using China's over-production of panels as a cheap and plentiful supply to fulfil his Net Zero mission. America has already slapped tariffs on Chinese panels and the European Union is looking to do the same, in response to what is effectively Chinese dumping in Western markets. But not Britain. We have no plans for tariffs because nothing can get in the way of whatever can facilitate Miliband's Net Zero crusade. There will be jobs as Britain rolls out its massive expansion of solar power. Just not British jobs. Chinese jobs though not the kind any self-respecting Labour government should be happy with. The Xinjiang region in north-west China plays a pivotal role in Beijing's solar panel supply chain. It is there that hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and Kazakhs produce the polysilicon solar panels needed in what are effectively slave labour conditions. The Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam University reports that labour is rounded up from rural villages, herded into camps where, behind barbed wire, steel gates and an array of security cameras, they toil for little or no pay, the local police confiscating their ID cards, without which you cannot travel in China. The British Parliament has accused China of genocide in Xinjiang, given its in-human treatment of the Muslim Uyghurs. None of this seems to matter to Miliband. The march to Net Zero cannot be impeded. The US and the EU are devising laws to ban the purchase of solar products made by slave labour. The British Government has no such plans. The grid must be decarbonised. Needs must, you might say, if we are to deal with the so-called climate emergency and save the planet. Except that, even if you accept the more outlandish claims of the climate catastrophists, there is nothing green about Britain installing solar panels made in China. Ed Miliband alongside Sir Keir Starmer during Labour's General Election campaign earlier this year Almost 60 per cent of China's electricity generating capacity comes from coal-fired power stations. A new coal plant was even opened in the Xinjiang region in 2008 to provide the cheap energy solar panel production requires (our industrial energy costs are four times China's). It is a major reason China is so competitive when it comes to solar (that and, of course, workers either aren't paid or get a pittance). Yes, China is rolling out renewable power wind turbines, solar panels, hydro-electric dams at pace. But that largely meets rising demand for electricity. It is not eating into coal's share. The International Energy Agency forecasts every year that demand for coal in China is about to turn down. Every year it is proved wrong. Its latest forecast is more in line with reality. It says global demand for coal, led by China (which uses more coal than the rest of the world put together), has reached a new record high this year and will stay at this level or more for at least the next three years. Coal, let us not forget, is the dirtiest way of generating electricity. Yet China is still opening a new coal-fired station roughly every week. The idea that even a large expansion of solar farms in Britain could reduce CO2 emissions by anything like enough to compensate for the huge emissions China continues to spew out every year making these panels is fantasy energy policy. But then Miliband's energy policy is driven by fantasy. For all his enthusiasm for freeing us from the clutches of dictators, when it comes to fossil fuels Miliband seems strangely unconcerned about tying us to yet another Chinese supply chain one that uses slave labour provided it furthers his green agenda. But then the Labour Government regularly indicates it is in the market for appeasing China if it can see some kind of economic advantage (like cheap solar panels). This is a risk to national security which I fear Keir Starmer does not appreciate. China has mounted a massive programme of infiltration and influence-peddling in most major democracies, nowhere more so than Britain. Its tentacles spread into our universities, businesses and public life. Ken McCallum, head of MI5, has called it a 'sustained campaign on a pretty epic scale'. Its aim, over time, is to undermine our resolve, cohesion and power. It is, in MI5's view, the biggest threat the UK now faces. Yet Starmer is curiously slow to do anything about it. The previous government passed the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). Though never explicitly stated, its clear purpose was to counter the activities of Beijing's insidious United Front Work Department, which works closely with China's Ministry of State Security, Beijing's top spy agency. Yang Tengbo, Prince Andrew's Chinese pal, was almost certainly working for United Front. His mission was to schmooze the upper echelons of the British establishment, report back anything he might glean and put a pro-China word in the right ears. His royal connections got him in front of two prime ministers (David Cameron and Theresa May, both patsies for the Chinese). FIRS would require those working for a foreign government to declare their lobbying role or face criminal prosecution. It was based on an Australian law designed to combat Chinese Communist interference and infiltration. Vitally, it included an enhanced tier of countries thought to be the highest risk to security, to allow greater scrutiny of the activities of countries like China. Yet Labour shelved the scheme after it came to power, claiming it needed more work. Ministers talk of it coming into force next year but 10 Downing Street is cagey about China being in the enhanced tier. It's almost as if Starmer doesn't want to do anything to annoy the Chinese. Chancellor Rachel Reeves heads to Beijing next month to discuss 'economic and financial cooperation'. That's already proceeding fast when it comes to Miliband's Net Zero strategy. As well as solar panels, China is a massive producer of wind turbines but, unlike solar panels, most are installed in China to increase its wind capacity. But Miliband wants the Chinese to build floating offshore wind farms in the North Sea, so desperate is he to increase UK wind power. The company he's wooing has already been banned from Norwegian supply chains because Oslo feared the Chinese would snaffle all the technology involved. As America and Europe look to tariffs to protect their car industries from an onslaught of cheap Chinese electric vehicles, Britain plans to keep its borders wide open. Why? Because to meet his Net Zero targets Miliband needs a massive uptake of EVs and only China can make them cheaply enough. If that means the destruction of our automotive industry than so be it. We will be further down that magical road to Net Zero. The car industry will surely be saved, I hear you say. Really? Our steel, fertiliser and chemical industries have already been sacrificed at the alter of Net Zero, which has given us the highest energy costs in the world and made energy-intensive industries uneconomic in the UK. So why would the car industry not be consigned to the knackers' yard too? According to the prestigious Royal United Services Institute, China already has a 'near monopoly' of the rare minerals supply chains need to meet Net Zero targets. Miliband has concluded that, given China's dominance in EVs, solar panels, rare minerals, batteries and wind turbines, his Net Zero obsession cannot be satisfied without embracing Beijing closely. In doing so he raises the stakes way beyond his pay grade. His policy is no longer a threat just to energy security. He is now a threat to national security. That cannot be allowed to stand. It will come as no surprise to beleaguered commuters that Manchester Victoria is the worst railway station for cancellations. A staggering one in ten services through there have been axed so far this year creating chaos for passengers. The Government claims the key to solving these problems is to bring the trains back into public ownership. Yet the very worst performing operator, Northern Rail which serves Manchester Victoria is already under state ownership and has been for nearly five years. The truth is that whoever runs the railways, they will not be improved until productivity and working practices are brought into the 21st century. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledges the need for modernisation yet her party gave the rail unions a bumper pay deal without insisting on reform. The result, by her own admission, is that drivers have more money, so no longer need to work overtime causing even more cancellations. Yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed that improving public services was not just about throwing money at them. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has acknowledged the need for modernisation of the railway, yet her party gave unions a bumper deal without insisting on reform To no surprise to commuters, Manchester Victoria was named the worst railway station for cancellations (file photo) She wrote: We must first look at what can be done better. Faster. Or perhaps whether it needs to be done at all. To achieve these aims, any future public sector pay deals must be linked to greater efficiency. Doling out cash with no strings will only make a very bad situation worse. House of hypocrisy Just last year Angela Rayner accused the Tories of undermining the House of Lords and turning it into a carousel of cronies. So how did she feel when it became clear her boss had bought himself a ticket on that very same merry-go-round. Having promised to abolish the Upper Chamber, he has added to its absurdly inflated size by ennobling his own cronies. Thirty out of the 38 new peers are Labour nominees. They include Sue Gray, the supposedly impartial civil servant who sealed Boris Johnsons fate with her damning Partygate report, then became Sir Keirs chief of staff. Her peerage will be seen as a consolation prize for being thrown out of Downing Street when she was no longer useful. Then theres education union leader Mary Bousted, who campaigned tirelessly against schools being reopened after the worst of Covid was over and described young pupils as mucky creatures who spread germs. It was already the biggest legislature in the world bar the Chinese National Peoples Congress (some say almost as Left-wing). At this rate, the Lords circus will soon need to move out of Westminster to a bigger venue. A big top, perhaps? Mandys mission Peter Mandelson has long been known as a man of flexible principles. Although a professed socialist, he enjoys the high life. He has rubbed shoulders with Russian oligarchs, arranged passports for wealthy Indian Labour donors and was twice forced to resign as a minister. Peter Mandelson is undoubtedly a smooth talker and, like Mr Trump, a natural wheeler-dealer Lord Mandelson is also fanatically pro-European and has described President-elect Donald Trump as a white nationalist and racist who is a danger to the world. So he may seem a curious appointment to be our new ambassador to the US. But he is undoubtedly a smooth talker and, like Mr Trump, a natural wheeler-dealer. And compared to the overgrown student politicians running this hapless government he is a veritable colossus. So, perhaps not such a poor choice after all. The hideous murder of a defenceless child will certainly happen again. How I wish that grand persons in the law and the media would stop intoning, when this takes place, that it must never happen again. They surely know that it will. It is always the same. The child is seen somewhere, bruised and miserable. Perhaps there is a brief flurry by social services. And then the child is killed and there is a great fuss. Here is a far from complete list: Maria Colwell, killed by her stepfather in 1973; Heidi Koseda, starved to death in a locked room in 1984; Tyra Henry died after being battered by her father, also in 1984; Kimberley Carlile starved and beaten to death in 1986; Doreen Mason, died of neglect in 1987; Leanne White, beaten to death in 1992; Chelsea Brown, battered to death in 1999; Victoria Climbie died after months of unspeakable abuse in 2000. Their names live on in official inquiry reports and media documentaries. There will, alas, be others. I offer no explanation beyond the bottomless human capacity for evil, which much modern thinking pretends does not exist. And I offer no solution. I am not even sure if there is one. It is easiest to blame failings among social workers, but the social workers did not do these crimes. They just failed to spot them in time, as many humans fail in many ways. Those truly to blame were the adults who beat, starved and burned their helpless victims. But I am worried by the way such cases tend to be used to increase the intrusive power of the state. Does it do any good, in practice? Might it do some harm? Last week, after the frightful trial of Sara Sharif's killers, there was a sudden chorus saying that home-schooling ought now to be more tightly restricted in this country. This makes little sense. It seems odd to conclude that home-schooling, of all things, should be held to blame for what happened to Sara Sharif, pictured Sara's parents - pictured, her father Urfan Sharif - had been known to social services since 2010 Teachers spotted that Sara was bruised, several times, while she was still attending school. Somehow this did not save her. Her killers pretended to home-school her only in her final six months on earth. Her parents had been known to social services since 2010, and concerns about Sara's welfare were expressed within a week of her birth. It seems odd to conclude that home-schooling, of all things, should be held to blame. Yet the trial judge, Mr Justice Cavanagh, declared that the murder of Sara 'starkly illustrates the dangers' of the existing automatic right of all parents to educate their children at home. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pretty much immediately announced a Bill to block parents from home-schooling if the child is suspected of being at risk of significant harm. This looks like the thin end of a very thick wedge to me. And the Children's Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, said the proposed legislation must go further, as it would not have helped Sara in its current form. In fact the English education establishment has been muttering about restricting home-schooling since Ed Balls commissioned the Badman Review of 2009. I have mixed feelings about home-schooling. Some of it is quite brilliant, and in the USA it has freed multitudes of children (and their parents) from terrible 'progressive' state schools. Many of them go on to achieve very highly at college and beyond. Some of it is just a fancy name for truancy. Some of it is a justified response to the chaos and bullying in Ms Phillipson's dreadful schools. But, without the escape route it provides for those who don't like state schools but who can't afford private fees, we would be much worse off. JK's charming sleuths look as baffled as me I cannot make any sense of the plots of J.K. Rowling's Cormoran Strike detective books and TV series, which she wrote under the name Robert Galbraith. And I find them more than a bit dark. Yet I can cheerfully watch them because of their co-stars, the captivating Holliday Grainger and Tom Burke, playing private detectives in modern London. Holliday Grainger as Robin in the new Strike drama The Ink-Black Heart I realised during the latest series, The Ink-Black Heart, that neither the sleuths nor I had the faintest idea what was going on, that characters appeared and disappeared without much reason, and also that I didn't care. I just enjoy watching it, though is Denmark Street in London, where their office lurks, ever as uncrowded these days as it looks here? One mystery I would like to have solved is what has happened to their clapped-out Land Rover, a vehicle which sort of symbolises their ramshackle relationship? Has it, in fact, finally broken down? Since I first heard it more than 60 years ago, one of my favourite bits of the Bible has been the one where 'there ariseth a cloud out of the sea, as small as a man's hand'. In a short time this has become a storm in which 'the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain'. I have found that events are often like this, a tiny, seemingly trivial beginning, swelling speedily into something vast. This is more and more so with the campaign to reopen the case of the nurse Lucy Letby, whose convictions for murder and attempted murder seem to me to be gravely unsafe. There is much, much more to come in this effort, which has united former foes. But last week I felt a deep shift. Thanks to the efforts of dozens of committed experts, working without reward to discover the truth, I think the tide of national opinion is going to turn during 2025. The real Blitz, covered by bike Last week in the Daily Mail I reviewed the new film Blitz, in which the bombing of London is turned into a backdrop for a load of old propaganda. It impelled me to rummage in the attic for the ancient tin hat, pictured, crudely daubed with the word PRESS, which my late father-in-law, David, as a 15-year-old local newspaper writer, wore as he tore round London on his pushbike, reporting on the actual Blitz. The tin hat that Peter Hitchens's father-in-law David wore as a 15-year-old local newspaper writer during the Blitz Perched each night on the roof of his parents' Bloomsbury block of flats, he watched the bombs fall and pedalled furiously to be first at the scene. On one occasion he had just left a phone box after dictating his story, when the box itself suffered a direct hit. If you don't find that exhilarating, I can't help you. Happy Christmas. The Prince and Princess of Wales are teaming up with a mental health charity to support people in a place that has brought them solace during a difficult year; Norfolk. Prince William, 42, and Kate, also 42, are collaborating with Norfolk and Waveney Mind to boost mental health support and resources for rural and farming communities in the north west of the county. Norfolk has long been a place of comfort for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who often retreat to their residence of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in the East Anglian region during the school holidays and when they want to take a break from public facing duties. Notably, the extraordinarily intimate clip released by the Waleses when Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy was filmed in the woodland around Anmer Hall and also at Holkham Bay, where they also shot anniversary and Father's Day family photos. The royals will be co-funding a new pilot programme which will provide additional mental health support to communities in the area including, but not limited to, those living and working on the Sandringham Estate. The new pilot will have the potential to reach across the 1,500 strong community in Northwest Norfolk, nearly half of whom live on the Sandringham Estate. The pilot programme, which will last two years, will officially launch in 2025, and will provide two part-time roles including one Rural Mental Health Coordinator and one Counsellor. The announcement comes as evidence suggests a strong need for further mental health support for rural and farming communities across the UK. The Prince and Princess of Wales have announced a new collaboration with mental health charity, Norfolk and Waveney Mind Rural isolation and poor mental health are still widespread in across the UK, and sadly, one farmer loses their battle with mental health issues each week. Sonja Chilvers, Interim CEO, Norfolk and Waveney Mind said: 'We are all too aware of the specific mental health challenges faced by people in rural settings, particularly those in the farming community. 'We're delighted to be working with The Prince and Princess of Wales, who know our Northwest Norfolk communities well, and we are keen to see the difference that this pilot will make to local people's mental health. 'Our innovative new partnership will drive proactive outreach and preventative measures to the whole community and form a vital step in better protecting the wellbeing of local people. 'If successful, it could be used as an example and replicated in other rural estates and communities across the UK. 'Delivering these new services is part of an exciting series of developments for our charity in Northwest Norfolk, as we also prepare to launch our new-look Talking Therapies service from our REST Heacham site, opening up free counselling for people experiencing anxiety and depression.' As well as boosting local provision of direct, face-to-face counselling and drop-in sessions, the pilot programme will also run targeted sessions for different members of the community, including parent and toddler groups, menopause and men's groups. Prince William , 42, and Kate, also 42, aim to boost mental health support for the rural and farming communities of Northwest Norfolk (pictured at Pant Farm near Abergavenny in 2022) The royals will be co-funding a new pilot programme which will provide additional mental health support to communities in the area including, but not limited to, those living and working on the Sandringham Estate (pictured) These ensure that support is provided in a safe, non-judgemental environment, and build supportive relationships between attendees. The pilot programme will also involve the roll out of mental health training to local employers so that members of the community can be better supported at looking after their mental health before they hit crisis point. It is also hoped the project can become a blueprint for sustainable rural mental health funding, which if successful could be rolled out to other rural estates across the UK. The pilot comes following the pledge from Prince William to provide mental health support for tenant farmers on the Duchy of Cornwall Estate. William's 'evolution' of the Duchy of Cornwall was hailed as he launched the new mental health scheme for tenants of the estate in September last year. The announcement coincided with the Prince and Princess visiting a farm in Hereford to discuss the importance of prioritising farmers' mental health in the agricultural industry. Matthew Morris, the Rural Director of the Duchy, said: 'So far Prince William as our new Duke, it's been evolution rather than revolution, however, he's been very clear that mental health is one of his priorities.' During the visit, the Royal couple met Sam and Emily Stables, who started the mental health charity We Are Farming Mind three years ago to help struggling farmers deal with the uncertain nature of their job, bereavement, depression and more. The royals sat and spoke with a group of farmers who have benefitted from the support of Sam and Emily's charity Prince William and Kate talk to Emily Stables during their visit to We Are Farming Minds charity at Kings Pitt Farm in Hereford last year During the visit, the royal couple met Sam and Emily Stables (pictured with Alfie and the royals), who started the mental health charity We Are Farming Mind three years ago Speaking about why they had been inspired to start it, Sam said: 'A number of years ago, I went through a really bad time and made the decision that I don't want to be here anymore.' Breaking down in tears, he continued: 'I just know how tough it is in the farming industry and the support I had was unbelievable.' 'When we moved to Hereford we realised there was a real lack of mental health support, especially for the farming community, there was a massive stigma surrounding mental health,' Emily added. It was announced that week that William will put mental health schemes at the heart of his approach to running the Duchy going forward. 'The conversations evolved this year from him saying this is an absolute priority to us being where we are today,' Morris said. 'His Royal Highness has absolutely led on this,' he added, saying: 'He looked at me and said: 'Matt, what are we doing about this?' The move marks the first significant change from how the estate, which generates an annual income of some 24 million for the Prince of Wales's family, was run by his father. His new strategy will aim to provide mental health care and support for all tenants of the 130,000-acre estate he inherited on the death of his grandmother. As well as providing ongoing mental health support to all the Duchy's tenants, it will also have a specific focus on those in rural and more isolated communities, helped by the We Are Farming Mind charity. 'They're just so passionate about mental health and so genuine. They want to support us and support British farming, what more could you want?' Sam said once William and Kate had left. '[The Duchy's new initiative] is massive and I know it will be a fantastic partnership and hopefully we can provide the tenants with specialised support,' he added. Late night shifts are inevitable if you work in journalism, with weekly rotas planned in such a way that the newsroom is always staffed for a big breaking news story. Being assigned the graveyard shift typically involves overhauling your daily routines to accommodate night-time work patterns - from going to bed at dawn to rejigging your meal times so 'lunch' is served after midnight. Producers and journalists have shared what it's like to work a late shift for broadcasters like the BBC and Sky News - working across radio and television - amid declining TV viewership figures. Taking her followers inside MediaCityUK, the Manchester home for BBC North and ITV studios, newsreader Katie Walderman detailed everything she got done during her shift working for BBC North West Tonight. Katie clarified it's not all 'tea and biscuits' until dawn - but rather an intense schedule that involves watching for breaking news, updating the social handles, and writing scripts for the bulletin. Sky News radio journalist Laoise MacCana, who regularly gives her followers a behind-the-scenes look at her job on TikTok, said she 'I literally get five hours of sleep every time I do a night shift' in a video documenting her routine before work. 'I mean, I try to have a lie down and have a sleep before my shift, but obviously that doesn't happen,' she continued. 'I don't sleep when I'm meant to at night-time let alone just randomly sleeping in the day.' Laoise added she swaps out her regular make-up routine for moisturiser and 'the tiniest bit of concealer', explaining 'I literally just treat these shifts like I'm going to bed'. Producers and journalists have shared what it's like to work a late shift for broadcasters like the BBC and Sky News - working across radio and television - amid declining TV viewership figures Business reporter and senior presenter at the BBC World Service Leana Bryne quipped late shifts make her 'contemplate my life decisions' Sky News runner and script writer Jack Darlington regularly documents his overnight shifts that run from 9pm until 5am in posts on TikTok, noting he usually arrives at the studio with ten minutes to spare Business reporter and senior presenter at the BBC World Service Leana Bryne said she eats her dinner at half-seven, noting 'you really can't beat those rice packets from Aldi' for a quick and convenient meal. She continued: 'At half-seven, quarter to eight in the BBC, in MediaCity, there is nobody around. 'The producers and I, we have to take it in shifts, when we go and have our dinner.' She quipped late shifts made her 'contemplate my life decisions', adding: 'Is this really a way to spend a Friday night, reading a Daily Mail on your own in the canteen.' TV news host and radio presenter Greg McKenzie also documented the start of a late night shift at the BBC on TikTok, noting: 'This is me on the night shift heading into BBC. 'Look, I have my suit, my cupcakes, my bag, laptop, Let's do this, this is the night shift, the overnight. 'Whilst most people are sleeping, I'll be here, watching out for the latest breaking news.' Sky News runner and script writer Jack Darlington regularly documents his overnight shifts that run from 9pm until 5am in posts on TikTok, noting he usually arrives at the studio with ten minutes to spare. Jack said his job is to 'floor manage' the overnight Sky News presenter from floor from midnight to 5am Leana said she eats her dinner at half-seven, noting 'you really can't beat those rice packets from Aldi' for a quick and convenient meal 'First thing I'll do when I start my shift is check the runner's phone,' he said. 'One of the guests had arrived so I made her a coffee. 'I'll print off the front pages [of the UK's national newspapers] as they arrive, making a list for the presenter and for both guests. 'At about 10:15pm, 10:20, the paper's list will be confirmed,' he continued. 'At half eleven, I'll head over to the newsroom to meet the overnight presenter and print out the running order. 'And I'm here to basically floor manage the presenter from midnight to 5am and basically help out if there's any breaking news,' he finished. Althought late shifts are an inextricable part of life as a journalist, Harvard Health warns about the effects of 'shift work disorder' that 'mainly strikes people who work the overnight or early morning shift, or who rotate their shifts.' Eric Zhou, an assistant professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, said: 'People who work 9-to-5 shifts are typically awake when the sun is up, which is aligned with their body's internal circadian clock. 'But for shift workers, their work hours and sleep hours are misaligned with the natural cues to be awake or asleep. 'They're working against the universe's natural inclinations - not just their body's.' A 2022 research review in the in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medecine also linked shift work with higher risks for serious health problems, such as heart attack and diabetes. Adverse effects of shift work can include metabolic syndrome, which refers to a group of conditions that raises the potential risks for heart disease and stroke, as well as certain types of cancer. Zhou recommended minimising exposure to light after leaving work by using 'blue lightblocking glasses or blackout shades' in the bedroom, and making enough time for sleep on your days off. Wedding bells may be ringing soon for Lauren Sanchez and her billionaire hubby-to-be, Jeff Bezos - and she's showing all the signs that she's ready to walk down the aisle. Sanchez and Bezos have been engaged for over a year now, as he popped the question in May 2023, but they have left the public in the dark over when they will tie the knot. But according to a recent report by The Sun, it seems like they could be going to the chapel sooner rather than later, as insiders claim that they're throwing a winter wonderland wedding in Aspen this Christmas. 'They're planning an extravagant ceremony and are sparing no expense in creating a white Christmas affair,' a source alleged to the outlet. They also added that guests will be treated to a gorgeous scene of 'festive decor, twinkling lights, and holiday charm' while attending the wedding of the year. 'He loves her and would marry her tomorrow, the only thing holding up the wedding is his, and her, lawyers,' the insider claimed. However, while it's unclear exactly which day their wedding will be taking place, Sanchez seems to be dropping hints that her nuptials could be coming sooner rather than later. Now, FEMAIL is lifting the lid on all of the the subtle ways that the journalist is showing the world that she's ready to become Mrs. Bezos any day now. Wedding bells may be ringing soon for Lauren Sanchez and her billionaire hubby-to-be, Jeff Bezos - and she's showing all the signs that she's ready to walk down the aisle Sanchez and Bezos have been engaged for over a year now, as he popped the question in May 2023, but they have left the public in the dark over when they will tie the knot Sanchez has been hitting the gym and looking as toned as ever Over the past few months, it appears that the business woman has been hitting the gym more than ever, her arms looking especially toned. Of course, she's always kept an extremely tight and trim figure, but it seems like she's been showing off her waist more by accessorizing with dainty, designer belts. In a new video posted to her Instagram page on Wednesday, the star documented herself visiting the Ronald McDonald House in Miami to share her new children's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space. For the visit, the former Good Day LA co-host wore a pair of baggy jeans, but emphasized her small waist with a black and gold belt and tight t-shirt. She sported a similar look while at a bookstore in Montecito earlier this month, wearing a pair of maroon-colored trousers cinched in with a thick, black leather belt. And, for a date night with her man in October, Sanchez bared her strong, toned arms in a strapless black velvet jumpsuit. During a November 2023 interview with Vogue, the mogul shared that she and the Amazon founder work out together, but their exercises look a bit different. She sported a similar look while at a bookstore in Montecito earlier this month, wearing a pair of maroon-colored trousers cinched in with a thick, black leather belt Of course, she's always kept an extremely tight and trim figure, but it seems like she's been showing off her waist more by accessorizing with dainty, designer belts And, for a date night with her man in October, Sanchez bared her strong, toned arms in a strapless black velvet jumpsuit. 'But we cannot do the same exercises,' she admitted to the outlet at the time. 'Hes on a whole different level than I am. He is a monster in the gym,' she added of her soon-to-be husband. She's been using Pinterest to help create her dream wedding vision board Like many other brides, Sanchez has been using the social media platform Pinterest to help her plan her upcoming nuptials. For those who may be unfamiliar, Pinterest is a social media app that allows users to save and share style and home inspiration. It's often used by brides to help organize their wedding planning and ideas - and it looks like the the former Good Day LA anchor has jumped on the bandwagon, just like the rest of us. She admitted that she was using the platform during a November appearance on Today, after she was asked about wedding planning by hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. 'Very excited about it, thinking about the dress, I have to say, I do have a Pinterest, I'm just like every other bride, so I do have a Pinterest board,' Sanchez shared at the time. Like many other brides, Sanchez has been using the social media platform Pinterest to help her plan her upcoming nuptials She admitted that she was using the platform during a November an appearance on Today, after she was asked about wedding planning by hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie 'Very excited about it, thinking about the dress, I have to say, I do have a Pinterest, I'm just like every other bride, so I do have a Pinterest board,' Sanchez shared at the time During the appearance, she also admitted that she was 'thinking about the dress.' However, it's unclear what Sanchez's username is on Pinterest - and what she's planning. The bride-to-be has taken her manicure to the next level Her pristine manicure may be a tell-tale sign that she is ready to wed Mr. Bezos, as she has upped her nail game this month. In early December, she was spotted with short, square nails with no nail polish on or a very light pink color. However, when she visited the Ronald McDonald house in Miami just a few weeks later, the media personality was wearing long, almond-shaped nail extensions. She has worn this shape before, but this time, instead of donning a bold blue or a dark red color like she has in the past, Sanchez has opted for a neutral shade. Celeb-loved manicurist Milly Mason previously told DailyMail.com that they like to see brides three months before their wedding in order to 'train the nails into the perfect shape and length.' In early December, she was spotted with short, square nails with no nail polish on or a very light pink color Celeb-loved manicurist Milly Mason previously told DailyMail.com that they like to see brides three months before their wedding in order to 'train the nails into the perfect shape and length' However, when she visited the Ronald McDonald house in Miami just a few weeks later, the media personality was wearing long, almond-shaped nail extensions She has worn this shape before, but this time, instead of donning a bold blue or a dark red color like she has in the past, Sanchez has opted for a neutral shade Some of her favorite shades for those walking down the aisle include pinks, whites and nudes. But at the end of the day, it's important to stay true to your own style. 'I think you have to stay true to your own style, dont try to do something because its bridal style,' Mason told DailyMail.com. 'Traditional shades are beautiful, I love to mix and blend a custom shade for a bride but equally if you love a red or black manicure and that makes you feel good - thats what you should wear!' The children's book author is now wearing white more than ever In case she wasn't dropping enough hints lately, Sanchez has been donning a lot of white outfits in recent months. While attending the NY Times DealBook event earlier this month, the pilot wore a crisp white pantsuit that featured a deep, v-neck blazer held together with a single button. Underneath the revealing blazer, Sanchez had on a lacy, white bra to match. In case she wasn't dropping enough hints lately, Sanchez has been donning a lot of white outfits in recent months She also wore an off white bathing suit cover up on a recent yacht trip with her girlfriends While attending the NY Times DealBook event earlier this month, the pilot wore a crisp white pantsuit that featured a deep, v-neck blazer held together with a single button And, when she traveled to Dallas , Texas, to a Barnes and Noble to do a reading of her children's book, the mom of three cut a cool, casual-figure in another all-white ensemble She showed off the outfit in a post on Instagram, posing for a selfie as she smiled in the full-body mirror. 'Winter white,' Sanchez wrote in the caption, accompanied by a heart emoji. The bride-to-be also opted for a skintight, curve-hugging white dress while celebrating 50 years of designer Diane Von Furstenberg in Los Angeles in October. And, when she traveled to Dallas, Texas, to a Barnes and Noble to do a reading of her children's book, the mom of three cut a cool, casual-figure in another all-white ensemble. Sanchez wore a pair of baggy, cream-colored cargo pants, along with a cropped white cardigan and matching tank. At the time, she accessorized with white sneakers and a pair of thick black glasses. She's staying positive throughout the wedding planning process While other brides may be stressed out while they plan the wedding of their dreams, Sanchez tries to stay positive. 'You know what, I really try to stay positive,' she said. 'When someone knocks you down, it's like, "Ah, it's okay, I'll get back up and there will be something else."' 'I really have the attitude of spreading love and peace and happiness, that's what really feels good,' she continued During a recent interview on Extra TV, host Billy Bush asked if she 'ever got negative,' to which she responded that she always tries to look on the bright side of things. 'You know what, I really try to stay positive,' she said. 'When someone knocks you down, it's like, "Ah, it's okay, I'll get back up and there will be something else.'" 'I really have the attitude of spreading love and peace and happiness, that's what really feels good,' she continued. 'I want to make someone else's day better.' Doctors have revealed the myriad of causes of autism spectrum disorder, as diagnoses of the condition surge in the US. Recent figures suggest rates in kids and adults have tripled in the last decade. A study in JAMA Network Open found autism diagnoses among all age groups surged 175 percent between 2011 and 2022, from a rate of 2.3 to 6.3 per 1,000 people And the biggest increase was among young adults ages 26 to 34, with a 450 percent jump. A host of research points to doctors becoming better at diagnosing the condition due to more screening and a broader diagnostic criteria. But, more and more, other factors are being considered behind the rise, including environmental factors like increased exposure to pollution and pesticides. Dr Cooper Stone, a psychiatrist in Philadelphia, told DailyMail.com exposure to toxic metals, pesticides, and pollution could also play a role in the surge. He said: 'There is a strong belief that environmental factors may in part be implicated in developing this condition. While no direct environmental causes have been linked to ASD, there are many associated risk factors that seem to have a relation.' Experts told DailyMail.com that autism rates could be rising due to increased screening, broader definitions, and environmental exposures Your browser does not support iframes. About one in 36 US children and one in 50 adults have autism, according to the CDC. Generally, most with the disorder are diagnosed by age five, though some can be tested as young as age two. Children between ages five and eight were still the most likely group to be diagnosed, at a rate of 30 per 1,000. The condition is marked by repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities; deficits in social communication and social interaction; and the presence of high or low sensory sensitivity. There is no cure, but doctors may provide therapies to help with symptoms. A review published last year found people with a genetic predisposition to autism, such as a parent having the condition, who were exposed to pollution in early life were more likely to develop autism than those exposed to less pollution. Older research from Harvard also found exposure to air pollution like particulate matter in early childhood may raise the risk of ASD by as much as 64 percent. While in the womb, exposure to particulate matter may raise risk of ASD by 31 percent. An Australian study published earlier this year also found boys exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in the womb were six times more likely to be diagnosed with autism before age 11 than those without exposure. That team suggested BPA - which lines plastic and metal food packaging - was associated with neurological and behavioral changes associated with autism. The US has also seen a surge in the use of synthetic pesticides, which same say could be a contributor, as well. Use of these chemicals increased 50-fold since 1950. In 1952, for example, just one in 10 corn fields used pesticides to help kill pests. But by 1982, 95 percent of corn fields used them. Some research indicates up to 80 percent of Americans have detectable levels of pesticides in their blood. The above chart shows the increases in autism diagnoses from 2011 to 2022 by age group, according to research published earlier this year in JAMA Network Open The above chart shows the gap in autism diagnoses between males and females, suggesting that diagnoses in females are catching up to those in males Earlier this year, the EPA announced an emergency suspension of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) due to evidence suggesting babies exposed to it in the womb could be born underweight and with a decreased IQ and development. A recent study also suggested unborn babies exposed to traffic-related air pollution had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with autism. Additionally, a 2021 review found 'the odds of an autism diagnosis were 3.3 times higher in individuals born preterm than in the general population,' as premature babies are vulnerable to birth complications and inflammation associated with autism. This means the increase in autism could be due to more preterm babies surviving birth, as the survival rate has increased from 76 percent between 2008 and 2012 to 78 percent between 2013 and 2018, according to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). About one in 10 babies in the US are born preterm, according to the CDC, meaning they are born before 37 weeks gestation. Some experts also believe the surge is because doctors have gotten better at recognizing and diagnosing the condition. This also means older people with autism may have never been properly evaluated and are only just receiving their diagnosis. In 2013, officials from the American Psychiatric Association updated the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used to diagnose mental conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The changes collapsed autism, Asperger syndrome AND pervasive developmental disorder into one category, autism spectrum disorder. This may have led to more children being considered autistic. Dr Courtney Scott, Medical Director of Momentous Recovery Group, told DailyMail.com: 'The introduction of new diagnostic criteria by the DSM-5 has resulted in the considerably wider range of presentations and behaviors that clinicians associate with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 'This strategy is beneficial because it also includes milder or less typical symptoms of ASD, so that more people with this disorder who were likely to be missed previously are able to be provided with comprehensive support resources. 'Such an increase in the number of diagnoses could also be explained, in some degree, by this expanded viewpoint.' Dr Stone said social media sites like TikTok have brought more attention to the condition, especially with groups less likely to be diagnosed like adults and girls sharing symptoms that they had overlooked. He said: 'Though in many cases social media can be a great purveyor of misinformation on the subject, it still results in more individuals seeking a diagnostic evaluation, and some portion of those individuals receiving a diagnosis.' Last year, researchers at the University of South Carolina looked at data from 700,000 children to map counties where autism is most prevalent. Using this data, they found hot spots in the Southeast, East coast and Northeast. Rates were specifically high in New Jersey, ranking between 2.6 and 8.1 percent of the total population of children. Meanwhile, rates were especially low in the Texas Panhandle and in Oklahoma. The experts suggested these areas could have a higher rate of diagnoses due to pollution from urban populations and more access to therapists and screening programs. While none of this research has found a definitive cause, Dr Scott said that it could help spot the condition earlier and prevent it. He said: 'Although no causes have so far been achieved, [study] results are helping unravel the enigma of ASD and in the long-run assist in the formulation of better ways of preventing and treating the condition.' The holiday season is associated with vibrant decorations, meals with family, baking festive cookies, and picking out gifts for loved ones. But for many, the holidays can be a time of abrupt tragedy. Known as the deadliest time of year, the Christmas holiday effect describes a noticeable spike in injuries and deaths beginning December 22 and peaking through Christmas day. While many incidents are caused by heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow, over indulging on food and alcohol, the cold weather or stress of making sure you buy a gift for everyone on your list, in some cases, holiday injuries and fatalities are freak accidents. A study found approximately 160 decoration-related injuries occur daily in the US during the holiday season. Automobile accidents also spike every year around the holidays, with nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes during this period involving a drunk driver. Between 2016 and 2020, Christmas trees caused about 100 fires annually, with December being the peak month for such incidents, and the increased use of candles and cooking activities around the holidays leads to higher rates of house fires. And data from 2016 to 2018 reveals during the months of November and December of those three years, Christmas trees caused 100 fires and candles caused 1,000 fires in the US. Below, DailyMail.com lists the most bizarre holiday injuries that have occurred around the world. Crushed by a metal tree The metal Christmas tree (pictured) was set up by Lamsa, a company which over the last 18 years has been contracted by the Colombian city of Girardot to set up Christmas displays Kevin Navas, a 19-year-old auxiliary police officer, was crushed to death by a 30-foot-tall metal structure that resembled a tree in Girardot, Colombia In Bolivar Park in Girardot, Colombia earlier this month, police officer Kevin Andres Navas, 19, was crushed to death when a 98-foot metal Christmas tree fell on top of him. Dozens of people at the city's holiday festival rushed to lift the behemoth metal object off of the officer. Witnesses reported after the fact that the upper part of the tree had broken, causing the entire thing to collapse in what festivalgoers said was a terrifying sound. 'My God, the foot. Lift it up. Good God, look at this,' a woman said in the background. 'Right now they're looking for someone underneath.' The group was able to partially lift the structure, while multiple people used their cellphones to search for the spot where Navas was trapped. By the time the crowd managed to free him, it was too late. He was taken to the hospital in a critical state and died from his injuries. Freak Christmas lights electrocution Antonio Pascual Mateo was found hanging from a tree upside down after he was electrocuted while hanging up Christmas lights Last month, San Diego, California-native Antonio Pascual Mateo, 24, was electrocuted to death in a freak accident that left him hanging from a tree upside down for an hour. Mr Pascual was hanging Christmas lights when he threw the cable over a nearby high-voltage power line. Law enforcement who rushed to the scene found a worker suspended in the air via a waist harness, it appeared that he had come in contact with some high-power tension lines. According to his family, Mr Pascual was hanging upside down in a tree for up to an hour while the fire department urged the city to shut power to the area so they could safely retrieve him. But the family said it was too late to save their loved one. Paramedics performed life saving measures on the way to the hospital but Mr Mateo was pronounced dead. His family said: He had so much to live [for], only 24 years old. He always took care of his mother and family forever young he will remain. Christmas lights forever have a meaning to us. He will remain in our hearts for eternity. Falling from a roof Felipe Gallegos, 39, (left) was working on the roof of a Rhome, Texas residence while his wife was working in the front yard. The couple's 17-year-old son was also working on the home Another victim of Christmas decorations, a Texas man died after he fell off a roof while hanging Christmas lights with his teenage son. Thirty-nine-year-old Felipe Gallegos ran a window cleaning business with his wife, Alisha Flick. He also provided Christmas light installation services for his clients. It was while performing his job one Saturday in 2019 that he tragically fell. Ms Flick called it a freak accident. Mr Gallegos had been doing this for years for the members of his community. She didnt see what happened when he fell, but she heard a loud noise and, when she went outside, found him lying on the concrete saying, Help me. Help me. Ms Flick said: The CT scan came back and he had a skull fracture and bleeding in the brain. 'And then he had a chest fracture and they had to drain blood from his chest. 'They rushed him into emergency surgery but he didnt make it. Stuck in a Chimney In 1990, Darryl Williams, 30, had to be rescued from a St Augustine, Florida restaurants chimney in December, with law enforcement finding him near suffocation. The self-named Christmas bandit was rescued by firefighters who sang Here Comes Santa Claus as they hauled him up and out of the structure. Mr Williams was charged with burglary and sent to the St. Johns County Jail. Capt. J. A. Williams of the St Augustine Fire Department said: He was smiling until he saw the police. Crushed by a real tree Security camera footage showed the moment a tree toppled in a Belgian market. The tree is seen next to a carousel falling in a historic Belgian square (right) A woman at a Belgian Christmas market in the city of Oudenaarde was crushed to death when a 66-foot tall Christmas tree toppled in December 2023. Security footage at the Markt of Oudenaarde showed the tree leaning over slowly as particularly windy weather began to blow it over. A spokesperson for the Oost-Vlaanderen province prosecutor confirmed the victim was a 63-year-old woman from Oudenaarde. Additionally, two other women from the same town sustained minor injuries in the incident. Officials said at the time an investigation into the incident would take place and 'focus on whether the tree had been properly secured and will also look at the impact of the weather.' A Christmas gift gone wrong A father-of-three in New Zealand died on Christmas day two years ago when he took his new prized Christmas gift - a bright yellow canoe out on the water. Varun Chand was facing his daughter in the canoe when her foot became tangled. In trying to wrestle it free, the canoe flipped over. His daughter, seven, was thankfully wearing a life jacket. Mr Chand, though, was not. At some point during the struggle, he went under water. While Mr Chand, 37, plunged deeper and deeper, his daughter swam to shore and called for help. But rescuers could not find him. They eventually located his body at the bottom of the lake the next day. Fatal allergy Cason Hallwood, 12, from Winsford, died on Christmas Day last year after suffering from an allergic reaction Cason (second right) had eaten Christmas dinner with his mother Louise and three brothers (all pictured together) before heading out to play with his friends at Wharton Recreation Ground in Cheshire Twelve-year-old Cason Hallwood from Winsford, Cheshire, in the UK died of a severe allergic reaction from nuts that had unknowingly made it into his holiday meal. Cason was frequently in the hospital due to his asthma, but he was excited to be home for Christmas in 2020. That year, he spent the day with his family, finishing off with a sumptuous dinner at his grandparents house. After his meal, he went to the park with friends, but about 20 minutes later he called his mother to ask for his inhaler. His brother rushed it to him, but even after taking a several puffs, Cason was still unwell. Soon after, Casons mother rushed to the park. When she got to her son, Casons eyes were puffy, and he was suffering an allergic reaction. Usually treated with an EpiPen injection, the one Cason's mother brought to him in the park had expired and made no difference. When Cason was rushed to the hospital, it was too late. It was discovered that Cason's grandfather had mistakenly used a glaze for the ham that contained nuts, which triggered the allergic reaction. A spirited stunt gone horribly wrong Grandfather Frost is seen in his red fur coat attempting to descend the building The man suddenly lost his grip and fell 240ft, landing on a structure above the first floor Last year, a man acting as Father Christmas plummeted 240 feet to his death in the western Russian city of Chelyabinsk. He had intended to climb down a building on ropes to greet children below as a magical surprise. The man was dressed as 'Grandfather Frost,' a mythological figure similar to Santa Claus, is seen lit up with a spotlight as he loses his grip and falls. An eyewitness said: My son didnt understand anything, others understood, and they left in hysterics. All the parents, naturally, are in shock. Another said: Everyone was having fun, and no one could even think this would happen. I thought until the last minute that it was some kind of dummy, that it was a prank. 'The festivities carried on. There was at first no suspicion that this was a tragedy. The residential management company responsible for organizing the event issued an apology for the incident, stating the climber involved was an experienced specialist. It added the accident was unforeseen, despite the climber's qualifications and the company emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety at future events. If hubris could be bottled, Neil Woodford's latest video appearance would keep a bottling plant busy for years. During a 90-minute interview on his own Woodford Views online vlog, the ex-fund manager once heralded as a genius of UK equity income investing showed the same self regard that arguably caused the collapse of his once mighty empire more than five years ago. His flagship fund, Woodford Equity Income (WEI), launched in 2014, reached 10 billion before shrinking to 3.7 billion ahead of its suspension in June 2019. Its subsequent break-up months later left hundreds of thousands of fund investors out of pocket even after an inadequate 230 million financial redress scheme was organised by the City regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority. In the video, recorded in Dubai, Woodford, 64, looked as fit as a butcher's dog, firing shot after shot at those he felt responsible for the demise of his investment fund. He directed blame at regulators, the media, Link Fund Solutions (WEI's supervisor) and even Brexit during his teary-eyed recounting of events leading to the suspension of WEI. The blame game: Neil Woodford during his video interview Missing from the narrative was any meaningful acknowledgment of his own key role in the tragedy most glaringly, his decision to invest a significant portion of the fund in highly illiquid companies. This deviation was at odds with the mandate of a UK equity income fund, which traditionally prioritises stable, dividend-paying stocks. Investing in such 'boring' stocks was how Woodford achieved great success at Invesco, his previous employer, and how he was able to go on and create his own investment brand. Alan Miller, co-founder of the investment house SCM Direct, has long helped me analyse issues with Woodford's funds besides WEI, there was Patient Capital (PC) and Woodford Income Focus (WIF). Miller's view is that the sheer size of WEI's illiquid investments made it almost impossible for Woodford to navigate any prolonged period of underperformance. Last week, he told me: 'Had he managed Woodford Equity Income with a similar liquidity profile to his former funds at Invesco, Woodford would probably still be managing money today.' A symphony of self-pity Listening to the video on Friday, there wasn't one ounce of remorse on offer from Woodford and no use of the word 'sorry' other than when he shed tears talking about the moment he told staff at his Oxford-based investment operation that the show was over and he had to fire them. Fine, and genuine, but it would have been nice if he had also shed a few tears for investors. His video's title, The Darkest Five And A Half Years Of My Life, aptly encapsulated the tone poor Neil, wronged by the world. But what about those who lost everything, including retirees who depended on his promise of steady investment returns? A simple apology might have gone a long way. Instead, Woodford stuck to the script of victimhood, pointing fingers in every direction but his own. Delusional? Maybe. The barrage of blame Instead, Woodford went on the attack, launching a scathing assault on various parties who he felt were responsible for the end of WEI and the loss of WIF and PC to rival investment groups. In the interview, Woodford: Accused the regulator of foisting Link upon it when WEI was launched; Stated that Link's decision to suspend the fund in June 2019 was done without consultation ('It was a shock'); Described Link's subsequent move to wind up Woodford Equity Income in September 2019 as a 'disaster for our investors' and the 'worst outcome'; Criticised the regulator for ignoring his plea to stop Link from killing the fund and for refusing to get involved; Complained about the unfairness of the subsequent investigation into both his conduct and that of his wider investment company. With appeals, the results of this regulatory work may not be known for three years. 'Painful,' he described it. 'We didn't do anything wrong.' Really? I'm sure most WEI investors would dispute that comment. As for the media, Woodford accused it of 'demonising people [like him]' and 'making a lot of stuff up'. He also claimed that by portraying him as having lost his investment touch during the fund's poor performance (20172019), the press influenced institutional investors, such as Kent County Council, to redeem their investments an action that forced Link to suspend the fund, signalling its collapse. Yet, glaringly absent was any explanation for his decision to allocate substantial portions of the fund to illiquid stocks, which became nigh-on impossible to sell during WEI's underperformance. This move turned the fund into a slow-motion car crash. My side of the story: Woodford was talking to host Spencer Lodge (pictured) The flawed bid for a comeback The interview also offered a window into Woodford's desire for a comeback, with comparisons to investment titans such as the legendary Warren Buffett. He claimed the lessons of the past five years had made him a better investor, ready to rebuild his legacy. But as one comment on YouTube succinctly put it: 'No amount of post hoc explaining can wipe away the mess you made and the damage you caused while simultaneously making tens of millions [of pounds] for yourself.' Woodford's hubris during the fund's heyday, coupled with his inability to recognise his own fallibility, remains central to his downfall. Had he managed liquidity risks and portfolio structure more prudently, he might still be managing money today even if his performance had faltered. Instead, by overreaching into speculative territory, he created a fund that could not withstand external shocks. A missed opportunity for answers The sycophantic nature of the interview, which was hosted by the Dubai financial hotshot Spencer Lodge, left many glaring questions unanswered. Why didn't the interviewer press Woodford on the illiquid investments in his fund? Or challenge him about the fees charged to investors while the fund was suspended? Why didn't Lodge demand accountability or even a simple acknowledgment from Woodford of the distress caused to ordinary investors in his fund? As Woodford continues to evade responsibility for the downfall of his investment empire, I return to the comments made by viewers of his video. They strike a resounding chord. 'Neil, you're not going to get your old reputation back,' wrote one. 'Slightly ridiculous, you can't shift blame,' said another. For those who lost money in the Woodford debacle, the interview provided little solace just a reminder of the hubris that brought down one of the UK's most celebrated fund managers. Woodford's story is a cautionary tale of what happens when unchecked self-belief meets poor decision-making. As Alan Miller aptly observed on Friday: 'It's not just about financial management it's a study in psychology. Unless Woodford finds genuine humility, his bottles of hubris will accompany him to his investment grave.' Finally, if you've watched the video or plan to do so in the coming days, do tell me what you think of it. Don't hold back, even if you think Woodford is right to feel hard done by? Contact me at jeff.prestridge@mailonsunday.co.uk Ps: Merry Christmas to all you lovely readers. I adore you, even when you tell me off for bashing the unions or our current inept Government. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. WE'RE WATCHING YOU What could possibly be worse than discovering that the trusted top salesman at a multi-million pound gold investment company is using an alias and has a dodgy past? Well, how about the fact that the owner of the same firm also uses an alias and has a dodgy past! Two weeks ago, I revealed that salesman Clive Lindsay, of Solomon Global Limited, is really Clive Mongelard, whose record as an investment scammer dates back over a decade. He is banned by the Financial Conduct Authority from working for any firm it regulates. Two days after The Mail on Sunday's report appeared, Solomon Global's managing director Paul Williams wrote: 'Thank you for bringing the issues surrounding Clive Lindsay to our attention through your article. 'We take these matters seriously, and as a result we have terminated Clive's employment.' So far, so good. But a closer look into Solomon Global, which sells gold coins as investments and had a turnover last year of almost 14 million, found surprisingly little at first about the background of its shadowy owner, Scott Wilson. Company records show that last January he acquired a more than 50 per cent stake in the business, and Solomon Global told Companies House that while he was not a director himself, he had the power to appoint or dismiss directors to run the business for him. Since then, Wilson has boosted his stake to 75 per cent or more. All that glitters: Solomon Global boss Scott Wilson is actually Scott Assemakis He describes himself as a 'business consultant specialising in marketing and sales', but his LinkedIn page does not include a photograph and mentions only a spell as a self-employed salesman at an art gallery. From 2014 to 2022 he claims vaguely to have worked in financial services, but does not name a single employer, let alone any directorships or controlling shareholdings. And this is not surprising, since I can now reveal that Scott Wilson is actually Scott Assemakis. Under his real name, he recently had an 11-year ban on acting as a director of any company lifted. The restriction came in 2013, after he played a leading role in what the Insolvency Service described as a '7million land-banking scam'. Using a variety of business names including Ultraclass, Burnhill Land Investments, and The Property Partnership, Assemakis and his crew sold plots of vastly overpriced land with false claims about its development potential. One investor paid 10,000 for a strip of land near Towcester in Northamptonshire, only to find that the council had already banned building even a fence on it, and its real value was about 75. Investigators from the Insolvency Service found Assemakis had pocketed over 1.3 million from the scam, while millions more vanished without trace. When the ban began in 2013, Assemakis had to stand down as a director of another of his investment companies, European Fine Wines Limited. It marketed wines at well above the prices charged by legitimate wine merchants and went into liquidation soon after he quit. Creditors claimed 3.4 million. They received just 1.4p for every pound they were owed.Another one-time director at European Fine Wines was Emrah Ceyhan. And until last January, when he handed over to Scott Assemakis, he was the behind-the-scenes boss of Solomon Global. Both Williams and Assemakis were invited to comment, but neither did so. However, with the owner of Solomon Global and its leading salesman both feeling the need to use aliases because of past offences which have left investors nursing big losses it is not surprising that the Advertising Standards Authority banned the company's recent promotion for making misleading claims. It would perhaps be foolish to expect anything less. Bailiffs after me for an error that wasn't mine C.S. writes: I am being pursued by Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd for alleged unpaid parking charges imposed by Britannia Parking, but this is entirely due to an error made by the parking firm itself. Tony Hetherington replies: You told me that you and your wife paid for parking at Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire coast, in a car park controlled by the local authority. However, the cafe there was full, so you drove to the nearby car park at North Landing, wrongly believing it was also run by the local council. Later that day, you left the car park, but drove back to let your disabled wife use the public toilets there before returning home. Costly: The Flamborough Head car park on the Yorkshire coast is controlled by the local authority You realised your error when Britannia Parking, the company behind the North Landing car park, contacted you. But to your shock, you received two Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), not one. Each was for 100, reduced to 60 if you paid quickly and without appealing. You paid the first 60 PCN but appealed against the second. This is where things went badly wrong, because Britannia attached your appeal to the first PCN, which you had paid. Confusingly, it cut the second penalty to 20, which you also paid. Even worse, it passed the first PCN to debt collectors and the sum rocketed to 170. I contacted both Britannia and its debt collectors. The latter quickly told me that Britannia had asked them to cease further action. Britannia itself admitted it had made an 'administrative error' with your appeal. It explained that it counted each separate entry into the car park as a new visit, with a new fee even though the original charge covered you for both. Britannia has withdrawn all demands against you, but refuses to offer any comment or explanation, saying it 'cannot comment on individual cases', despite the fact that it held your signed authority to discuss its mistakes with me. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Women in a hundred countries will be unwrapping a sparkly something from Pandora this Christmas. The Danish firm, valued at 100 billion kroner, or 11.5 billion, on Copenhagen's stock exchange, is the world's largest jeweller. Its chief executive, Alexander Lacik, says its dominance of the bauble sector is based on tapping in to customers' life stories. The lab-grown diamonds and the charms that dangle from its bracelets have, he argues, just as much emotional significance as costly gems in celebrating milestone moments. In 2023, sales in Pandora's 7,800 outlets, including 2,800 of its own shops, hit 3.1 billion. Turnover in the UK, its second market after the US, was 448 million. Ads for the jewellery are all over British TV but its shares are a hidden gem. They have soared 339 per cent in the last five years so would you be better off asking for Pandora shares in your stocking, rather than a trinket? Pandora is one of the world-beating Scandi super-trooper stocks with fellow Danish company Novo Nordisk, maker of the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Accessibility is its secret: you don't have to be rich to buy a 25 charm for your bracelet, which is why 50 million are sold every year. Out of the box: Pamela Anderson in Pandora's lab-grown diamonds at the Met Gala The firm sold 107 million pieces of jewellery in 2023, ranging from those 25 charms to the diamonds sported by Pamela Anderson at New York's Met Gala. The 57-year-old actress, an ambassador for the brand, wore 200 carats of pink and white lab grown diamonds thought to be worth about 1,800. About 40 per cent of Pandora's sales are racked up at Christmas, so when Lacik flew into London for 48 hours this month, he was on a mission to put more Pandora goodies under British Christmas trees. Lacik, 59, was born in Czechoslovakia. After the Russian invasion in 1968, his parents fled to Sweden, and he was brought up there from the age of three. After spells at consumer goods firms Procter & Gamble and Reckitt, he took over at Pandora in 2019. His predecessor stepped down after a profit warning in 2018. 'There was a narrative that Pandora was going to disappear,' he cheerfully recalls. Previous management, he says, had lost focus introducing too many new products that weren't quite right, followed by streams of discounts. Under Lacik, Pandora has got its shine back, despite having had to contend with the pandemic. Shares are up 36 per cent this year in spite of pressure on profit margins from higher gold and silver prices and a tough background for the wider jewellery sector as customers tighten their belts. Pandora has been well placed to benefit from people seeking affordable adornments. Lacik says his jewellery is 'all about sentiment' rather than spending big sums. 'We serve a profound human need to tell stories,' he adds, referring to the role of jewellery as a memento, token of love or badge of pride, marking some of the major moments in women's lives. We have found a way to do it through jewellery. If we were a tech firm, we would have invented TikTok or Meta.' It sounds like an overblown way to describe costume jewellery. But the philosophy helped Pandora evolve to today's heights from a single Copenhagen store opened in 1982 by goldsmith Per Enevoldsen and wife Winnie. The firm is still based in Copenhagen, though its charms have been produced in Thailand since 1986. The chain has 240 stores in the British Isles with three more set to open in the next year. There will be more in the US, where there are already 479 stores. In the group's most recent third quarter, profits rose 7 per cent to 110 million while sales were up 9.5 per cent to 682 million. Sceptics may feel the company, and its share price, are vulnerable to the vagaries of fashion. Its best known item is the charm bracelet, but Lacik wants to 'unlock a significantly larger market', by moving into the engagement ring business with lab-made diamonds. The annual market in these gems seen as more ethical than mined diamonds may be 20 billion, according to Statista. They are as much as 90 per cent cheaper than mined stones, which boosts their attraction to Pandora's young and cost-conscious clientele. Lacik insists they are as 'real' as any other diamond, yet somehow they are seen as less meaningful. So would he give Pandora jewellery to his wife? Yes, he says. He recently gave her a 90 North Star charm and there might just be another piece wrapped under the Christmas tree this year. But for investors looking for Santa to bring other Scandi-grown goodies from his Nordic haunts there is plenty to chose from. Boost: Under boss Alexander Lacik, Pandora has got its shine back MORE NORDIC SPARKLERS Scandinavia may be small but some of its shares are mighty and you can invest directly through leading platforms in the UK such as Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor. There are also managed funds, such as Fidelity Nordic, where an expert will pick shares for you. Or consider a fund that tracks the performance of a relevant index, such as the Amundi Nordic Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). 'Charges are higher as you've got currency conversion to take into account, but it's as easy as buying UK listed shares in my view,' says Ben Yearsley, director of Fairview Investing. Novo Nordisk: 589 Danish kroner Despite losing 82 billion in value late last week, the Danish maker of weight loss drug Ozempic has had a roaring two years. It has been Europe's most valuable listed company since knocking French luxury goods giant LVMH off the top spot in September 2023. Sceptics point to increasing competition in the sector. But Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, says if operational issues, including huge demand, are overcome 'investors could be further rewarded'. Recommendation: BUY Carlsberg: 830 Danish kroner The Danish brewer has had a tough 2024 after a cold, wet summer in Europe hit sales, and the poor reception for its 3.3billion takeover of tonic water maker Britvic, which has just got a green light by competition watchdogs. 'It is still set to have a reasonable year,' says Jeremy Fialko, a research expert at HSBC. He adds it could see a sales revival in China and calls the 19 per cent share price fall over a year 'unjustified'. Recommendation: BUY AstraZeneca: 102.56 Most UK investors think of AstraZeneca as British, but it is Anglo-Swedish. The drugs powerhouse overtook Shell as Britain's most valuable company in April. It has done well over the past decade, though lately shares have been hit by corruption allegations against senior staff in China. Nathan says: 'The reaction looks somewhat overdone and could represent an opportunity to gain exposure to a quality name in the sector. However, until more clarity emerges from China, further volatility can be expected.' Recommendation: BUY Zealand: 728 Danish kroner A minnow compared with the other pharma firms, Danish group Zealand has enjoyed a 105 per cent rise in its share price this year. It is trialling a new weight loss drug that could see it come up against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown points to 'hurdles' bringing the drug to market, but says: 'It's clear there is huge appetite for any developments in this field, given how weight loss drugs have such mass appeal in development markets.' Recommendation: BUY It may be December, but Julius Wells is still happily wearing shorts as he and his wife Mary enjoy getting to know the wonderful restaurants and attractions that their new neighbourhood has to offer. Thats because two years ago the couple moved from Bristol, where they had lived for decades, to balmy Malta. I was born and bred in Bristol but found that life was getting too stressful, says Julius, 59. The cost of living kept going up and up we decided it was our time to get out. Malta and its sister island of Gozo are not the most obvious choice for a retirement in warmer climes Britons are more likely to default to Spain or France. The cost of living in Malta is said to be 18 per cent cheaper than in the UK Julius Wells and wife Mary always enjoyed holidaying in Malta - then decided to move there But, for the 15,000 Britons who have taken the leap, it offers a high-quality, desirable way of life. Unlike most other European destinations, there is no language barrier as Malta is mostly English speaking. Motorists drive on the left side of the road. There are other familiarities. M&S opened its first store outside the UK in Malta in 1962, and youll find endless other UK names, such as Iceland and Matalan. But for many, a real draw is the cost of living. It is 18 per cent cheaper in Malta than in the UK, according to Numbeo.com, with a single person expected to live on 638 a month 7,656 per year without rent. Fortunately, Julius has the right to residency through a family connection his late mother was born in Malta and retained her citizenship despite moving to the UK. Mary, 61, who works for a legal company, achieves this as his spouse. However, there are other options for British retirees who do not have a family connection to Malta. While Spain is trying to ditch its so-called golden visa, Malta still has a scheme that allows non-European nationals to obtain a residence card by buying or renting a property at a qualifying level, paying a government contribution of 30,000 (25,000) and proving that they have at least 500,000 (415,000) of assets. This Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) can be an option for wealthier Britons especially those who are still working or have significant investments that arent formal pension plans. A second option is the golden passport or Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES, MESDI). It requires the purchase or rental of a property, a government contribution of 590,000-740,000 (plus another 50,000 per dependent) and a 10,000 charitable donation. The couple - pictured with their daughter Jodie - bought their three-bed home for 280,000 Because it gives EU citizenship, plus visa-free travel to over 180 countries after just one year of residency, it has been controversial, as critics suggest it could foster corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. Nonetheless, the scheme offers much greater freedom than options for wealthy retirees to other EU countries. A third option is the most popular for British retirees. The Malta Retirement Programme is preferred due to its requiring less capital and also its tax benefits, according to Serine Wattar, managing partner at migration advisory company Henley & Partners Malta. Open to over-55s from the EU or outside, it comes with a beneficial flat tax rate of 15 per cent on foreign income, subject to a minimum annual tax liability of 7,500 (6,234). To be eligible for this regime you need to own or rent a property in Malta. If you buy, it must be worth at least 275,000 (229,000) if in North Malta, or 220,000 (183,000) in South Malta or Gozo. If renting, the figures are 9,600 (7,980) and 8,750 (7,273) per year respectively. Applicants must live in Malta for at least 90 days a year, cannot live in another country for more than 183, and have health insurance. Julius and Mary Wells always enjoyed holidaying in Malta and the Mediterranean lifestyle that came with it. Julius spent his 30-year career renovating houses. Now, he is enjoying taking on a special project the couples own retirement home. The centuries-old three-storey townhouse is in the fortified Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from the domes and spires of the capital, Valletta. Julius and Mary bought their three-bedroom townhouse for 280,000 (231,416) in Senglea. It is classified as a House of Character due to it being an historic traditional home with original features Julius calls it rundown. We are building on top of the roof so it will gain another bedroom, says Julius, whose daughter Jodie, a beautician who featured in TVs The Only Way Is Essex and her two-year-old son Bear will come to stay. We will probably spend the same amount on renovating the house as buying it, he says, though a 10,000 grant from the Maltese government to fund the restoration of the stone facade will help its in a conservation area. While waiting for their home to be habitable, the couple rented a two-bedroom flat for 1,700 (1,413) per month. Pensioners need around 43,100 a year to enjoy a comfortable retirement in the UK, according to The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), or 31,300 a year for a moderate lifestyle. Julius and Mary live comfortably with a high standard of living in Malta for around 24,000 a year. The couple are currently covering the cost with savings and private pensions as they are still some way off claiming their UK state pensions. With a plentiful supply of restaurants, the couple eat out a few times a week. Julius says the cost of dining in good restaurants is similar to the UK, but it is possible to find great-quality food in restaurants off the tourist track for less. A light lunch might cost 10 to 15, he says. Julius does admit he misses his friends and the live music and nightlife of Bristol A coffee is 2, a local beer 4 and a glass of wine around 6. But a meal for the two of us in a good restaurant is 100-120 (83-100) with one or two bottles of wine. Their favourite Senglea fish restaurant is the seafront Enchante where their signature lobster tagliatelle costs 28 (23). What does Julius miss about the UK? He admits not seeing friends and enjoying the live music and nightlife of Bristol is a downside. But we had Robbie Williams and Liam Gallagher come to Malta to perform. There are pop-up raves too. The couples living expenses are considerably lower than in Bristol where the council tax on their house in Fishponds was more than 3,000 a year. In Malta there is no annual property tax or council tax, and they pay 125 (104) a month for combined water and electricity. Its 100 (83) a month for their two mobile phones and broadband. The couple run a Jeep Renegade for which motor insurance is 900 (748) per year. Unleaded petrol is around 1.30 (1.07), per litre, cheaper than the UKs average 1.36. Clearly enjoying a lifestyle long relinquished by the average retiree, Julius rides his BMX bike to the gym, which costs 225 (186) per year; he also loves to whizz around the island on his electric skateboard. Otherwise we might spend our time chilling out at the beach, but maybe I will do a few renovation jobs too, he adds. Malta is well known for its cutting-edge hospitals and as residents they can access free healthcare. There are pharmacies everywhere, and they always have a doctor, so you can just walk in and ask to see them, says Julius. They may be busy, and you might have to come back later, but its a very good system. He says they pay cost price for prescriptions which is around 3 (2.50). You wont find cheap properties as easily in Malta as on the Spanish Costas. The islands popularity as an online gaming and financial services centre has helped push up property prices so rents are not that much lower than in the UK. Grahame Salt of Frank Salt Real Estate says: In the most popular areas, 250,000 (206,590) will get you a one-bedroom apartment, but in towns that are more inland, you would get a two-bedroom property for that. Or you could spend 350,000 for something more spacious. Most retirees do not wish to renovate, but to buy a house like Juliuss when renovated will cost between 400,000 and 750,000 or even over 1million if the roof terrace views are impressive enough, says Salt. Yet buying such an historic property took 15 months of ownership searches going back to the Napoleonic era and cost the couple 6,000 (4,958). Buying a property usually only involves paying 5 per cent stamp duty plus another 1 per cent for the notary (legal) costs, and perhaps 300 (250) for searches. Low taxes are tempting the rich set Malta offers two residency schemes with special tax rates The islands choice of investment visas and low-tax regimes attracts growing numbers of wealthy individuals. Between 2013 and 2023, Maltas millionaire population increased by 74 per cent to more than 10,000, according to Henley & Partners and New World Wealth. Malta offers two residency schemes with special tax rates, including the Malta Retirement Programme the go-to option for most British retirees, according to Jason Porter of Blevins Franks, a cross-border tax adviser. Like the UK, Malta distinguishes between Residence and Domicile tax status (Domicile refers to your permanent home for tax reasons) with different tax liabilities. Maria Grech of Maltese legal firm Muscat Azzopardi & Associates says that there has been an increase in the number of Britons looking to move to Malta since Octobers Budget. The tightening of inheritance tax rules has further motivated British retirees to move out of the UK. By moving to Malta, they can structure their succession planning in a way that ensures their inheritance will not eventually be subject to higher tax rates in the UK, she says. Retirees should beware that Malta has forced heirship rules. In other words, if you dont make a provision in your will, set portions of your estate will go to your surviving spouse and descendants. There are no succession taxes in Malta, but a 5 per cent stamp duty on the transfer of assets. She adds that Malta is also growing in appeal since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced non-domiciled status would be abolished in the UK. Those individuals inevitably started considering relocation to jurisdictions like Malta, where they can continue to enjoy favourable tax treatment as residents but non-domiciled individuals, she says. In Malta, capital gains tax (CGT) is payable on profits from the sale of Maltese property but not on property sales outside of Malta. For a Maltese property the gain is added to an individuals taxable income and taxed at 15 to 35 per cent. If you are selling a business, or generating a substantial capital gain, Malta is an interesting option, says Porter. But remember you will need to remain non-UK resident for at least five complete UK tax years, otherwise the gain is deemed to arise on the day you resume UK residence, he adds. In Malta, if you sell your main home after three consecutive years, theres no CGT to pay. Julius Wells will be nearly three years in when his townhouse is finished and has no plans to move back to the UK anytime soon. Lord Spencer is donating 20,000 to the Royal Osteoporosis Society after winning a wager against his arch-rival, the well-known fund manager Terry Smith. Michael Spencer is the man who built Nex Group, formerly ICAP, from scratch, turning it into one of the world's biggest inter-dealer brokers. He is making the donation after promising a year ago to hand the money to a charity supported by The Mail on Sunday if his Nutshell Growth Fund outperformed the Fundsmith Equity fund, Smith's flagship, in 2024. He said the Nutshell fund, run by Mark Ellis, did even better than he had hoped. Nutshell Asset Management was founded in 2019 and uses a model developed in-house that mingles artificial intelligence (AI) with human judgment. Spencer earlier this year increased his stake in the operating company, Nutshell Asset Management, from 25 per cent to just over 40 per cent and took the role of chairman last month. He is also a big investor in the 69 million Growth Fund itself, having put in 20 million during the year alongside significant equity investment in the management company and other strategic commitments, totalling 60 million. Wager: Lord Spencer, right, with Ruth Sunderland and fund boss Mark Ellis In the summer, total fees on the fund for the cheapest share class were slashed from 1.55 to 0.85 per cent. Small investors can put in lump sums starting at 100, or 25 for regular monthly savings. 'It is designed to be for everyone, not just for the big boys,' Spencer added. The Nutshell fund has returned 23.8 per cent so far this year, compared with 10.7 per cent to the end of November at Fundsmith. It has returned 160 per cent since launch. Terry Smith is a hugely successful fund manager thanks to his strategy of backing growth stocks. He now lives in Mauritius. Fundsmith has been a stellar performer over the long term with a return of 619 per cent since it was founded in 2010. It returned 12.4 per cent in 2023, compared with 26.47 per cent from Nutshell. In 2022, which was a rough year for markets, Fundsmith came out better, with a loss of 13.8 per cent compared to Nutshell's loss of 19.16 per cent. A former Conservative Party treasurer, Spencer also described Keir Starmer's Labour Government as 'the most socialist administration this country has ever had by a significant margin'. He is 'very pessimistic' about Labour's economic policies and says he believes the Government has 'no hope of generating the economic growth that it has spoken about'. 'I forecast economic growth in the UK will remain on a per capita basis at derisory levels and that is a very sad outlook,' he said. 'Sadly, there are no grounds for hope under Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.' He called on Ministers to abolish stamp duty on share trading to revitalise the City. 'The UK is the only big market in the world where we still have stamp duty, and turnover in shares is lower today than 20 years ago,' he said. He also hit out at the current craze for cryptocurrency, saying: 'We would never invest in bitcoin. It doesn't generate a dividend and there never will be a dividend. 'At some point, I have no idea when, the bubble will burst.' This newspaper has campaigned with the Royal Osteoporosis Society to roll out diagnostic services for the debilitating bone disease across the UK. Spencer said: 'The Mail on Sunday's osteoporosis campaign is very convincing, very powerful and a wonderful idea.' Zoe Lyons was heralded as one of the UK's brightest comedians 20 years ago when she won the Funny Women Award 2004, writes Dan Moore. Since then, she has been making live audiences up and down the country laugh, as well as turning in memorable appearances on shows such as TV's QI, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and Live At The Apollo. Zoe, 53, lives with her long-term partner Sindy in Hove, East Sussex. Her first job after York University, where she read psychology, was as a waitress to pay her way through drama school in London. Next year, she takes to the road with her comedic tour, Werewolf. On tour: Next year, Zoe takes to the road What did your parents teach you about money? The problem was my dad, who was a chemical engineer, was very reluctant to talk about money. I remember asking him how much he earned and he'd never tell me. It wasn't so I could wheedle more out of him, I was just genuinely trying to gauge how much you need to survive. My mum, who'd had various secretarial jobs over the years, always used the line 'There's money here if you need it,' but I never worked out how much that was. Was it a fiver, 500, 5,000? I grew up with my brother Fintan who is now a project manager for BP. My step-father came along when I was ten. He was a bank manager, but it turned out he wasn't the best with money. I think he was impressed with money, but not the best with money. He worked for the Bank of Scotland and invested all his money in their shares, then the bottom fell out of the market and he lost the lot. What I learned from him was to hedge your bets. Have you ever struggled to make ends meet? When I began to do comedy in 2003 and started earning. It was hand to mouth for quite a few years. I had no Plan B. I got paid 15 for my first gig, which made me think: 'There's gold in them there hills'. That's how desperate I was. You'd take anything offered to get stage-time. I remember getting paid 100, which was quite a lot of money but it was in Plymouth. I had to drive there, fill up with petrol, buy a sandwich and on the way, I got flashed by a speed camera, so I think I made minus 5. There was a lot of that, a lot of just staying afloat. Have you ever been paid silly money? A few years back I got nice money, not silly money, but nice money to do infomercials for travel firm Tui, and they flew my fellow comedian Mark Watson and me out to Jamaica for a week. That was one of those jobs where you go, 'This isn't bad, is it?' I've had a couple of these over the years, and they come out of the blue. In this case, my agent called and asked what I was doing Friday. I said, the Comedy Store in Manchester, and she asked if I wanted to go to Montego Bay instead. I said: 'Yeah, all right.' What was the best year of your financial life? Probably 2022. I had a few big telly jobs, including the BBC2 quiz show Lightning, which boosted the coffers. I also got quite good at doing corporate work, which changed the landscape significantly. It gave me freedom to choose what I did, so that I didn't need to do the weekend clubs and the circuit. Travelling was getting to me and I was constantly exhausted, so I'm forever grateful. I think there was a snobbery among comics about it for a while, saying it's not real comedy, but I took to it. I'm quite money-motivated and worked out that if I got good at these things, it would do me no harm financially. The most expensive thing you bought for fun? I stupidly bought an old Porsche Boxster for 12,000. It was a mid-life crisis, really. I soon realised this old Boxster wasn't going to make me happy, so I sold it and bought another for 27,000. It was fun, but I came to my senses and got rid of the second one, too, although I miss them like long-gone members of family. What is your biggest money mistake? I had a real blind spot about pensions, which is weird, because I'm pretty good with money, finding the right Isas, mortgages and so on. But for some reason, I went down a black hole when it came to pensions and didn't have one for years. I have one now, of course, starting about three and a half years back, so my biggest money mistake was not seeking financial advice. Best money decision you have made? Locking into a five-year mortgage five years ago at 1.4 per cent. It still makes me chuckle because the interest I've paid is nominal. It's meant that when we come to renew in April, I can get rid of the mortgage. Early days: Zoe back in 2011 Do you own any other property? No, just our flat in Hove. We've lived here for 12 years, having moved from London about 20 years ago. I live really close to Hove station, so I'm in London in an hour, I've got the sea at the end of the road. The South Downs are behind us about a mile away. I'm very lucky, I suppose, in that a lot of the things I enjoy doing are free, but there's also so much culture going on here. It has got a bit silly and expensive now, with a lot of people moving down post-pandemic, but we don't plan to move. Our philosophy with property is to have a very small footprint, so we can shoot off and do nice things. What is your number one financial priority? Making sure we don't die in penury! My attitude to money has changed over the years. Now it's about having enough. Owning our flat outright is a massive thing, as is having that pension and being a bit more financially savvy than I was when I started out. I did a corporate event the other night for Women in Finance, and we got around to how we were never taught about finance at school. I find that really interesting and sad because if your parents don't talk about money, investments, futures and planning, where are you supposed to learn it? We find talking about money a bit grubby in this country. My brother lived in the States, where discussing money is what they do, and young people there are very clued up about money matters. So, my top priorities are to stay informed and financially independent. Another day in America, another school shooting. This week, it is Madison, Wisconsin's turn to mourn and wonder why. A student and a teacher were killed and six others wounded on Monday when a 15-year-old student, a girl, opened fire inside Abundant Life Christian School. Natalie Rupnow, the shooter, lies dead, killed by an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Her motives are, as of yet, unknown. Inevitably, this tragedy evokes memories of the very worst shootings, including the notorious 2022 massacre that claimed the lives of 19 elementary school students and two teachers, overwhelming the small border town of Uvalde, Texas. It was nearly 11:30am on Tuesday, May 24 when 18-year-old Salvador Ramos crashed his pickup truck into a ditch, climbed out and headed on foot for Robb Elementary School. The minutes that followed shook America, not just because of the savagery unleashed. But because of the bewildering inaction of officers, agents and police commanders who spent more than an hour waiting while, just a few feet away, Ramos was murdering with impunity. Nineteen children and two teachers would eventually lie dead. Many more were injured. Glued to the police scanner, journalists at the local newspaper monitored the unfolding disaster from the beginning. To them, it was the most personal of stories; by the end of it, a staff reporter's daughter, Lexi Rubio, was among the victims. Now the owner of the Uvalde Leader-News, Craig Garnett, has published his own devastating account of the 2022 catastrophe in Uvalde's Darkest Hour. Bloodstained Khloie Torres, who was trapped in room 112 of Robb Elementary School while Salvador Ramos killed her teachers and classmates. She made four 911 calls asking for help. Police wait outside the classrooms while, on the other side of the door, the killer is terrorizing two classes full of fourth grade students. Calling on personal testimony from those caught up in a nightmare every American parent must fear, 'Uvalde's Darkest Hour' walks us through 77 terrifying minutes a living hell in which young children and teachers cowered amid the darkness, dead bodies and gunfire praying that someone in authority would come to help. No one did. 11:33am Salvador Ramos, an 18-year-old former pupil, steps through the unlocked west door of the school. He has already sprayed the playground with his AR-15, scattering students and teachers. Now, he approaches two connected fourth-grade classes, rooms 111 and 112. This is school awards day at Robb and the mood is celebratory. The children in 111 are watching The Addams Family on Netflix. There is no warning. It's only when class teacher Arnulfo Reyes hears gunfire from 112 next door and sees lumps of sheetrock flying from the walls that he realizes the danger. According to the author, Reyes tells the children to 'go to their places, close their eyes and play like they were asleep'. That's when Ramos appears, first blasts the teacher then turns the assault rifle on the children in 111 who, in Reyes' words, are now crouched 'like sitting ducks' beneath a computer table stretched along one side of the room. Uvalde County Justice of The Peace, Lalo Diaz, later says Ramos had swept the gun backwards and forwards as if using a water hose. Reyes miraculously survives. The exact sequence of what happened inside the school is still unclear. What is undisputed is that within the first two and a half minutes, Ramos fires more than 100 rounds of .223caliber ammunition at two groups of nine- and 10-year-olds. Teacher Irma Garcia in room 112 is shot 11 times and falls forwards with seven children gathered behind her, holding out her arms as if to protect them. Police officers convinced themselves they were dealing with a gunman who was barricaded into a room by himself. They were catastrophically wrong. Teacher Irma Garcia (pictured) in room 112 is shot 11 times and falls forwards with seven children gathered behind her, holding out her arms as if to protect them. 11.35am The alarm had been raised as soon as Ramos approached the school and officers from the Uvalde Police Department (UPD) are quickly on the scene. But gunfire is already echoing as they follow the shooter's path through dust and debris inside. Walls are riddled with holes. Brass shell casings lie underfoot. In room 109, teacher Elsa Avila lies struggling. A bullet from rooms 111 or 112 has passed through the wall and struck her in the right side of the chest, lodging in her colon. She falls to the ground in front of her students and her phone spins across the floor. But Avila crawls after it and texts a family group saying, 'I'm shot and bleeding'. She also texts Mercedes Salas, a friend and fellow teacher in room 106, directly across the hall from room 112. Salas and her students are already crouched in darkness, the air thick with dust as bullets rip through the walls, inches above their heads. The gunfire doesn't stop, she later tells the author. It continues on and off for 45 minutes as they pray for the police to come and pull them from the windows. In room 109, teacher Elsa Avila (pictured) lies struggling. A bullet from rooms 111 or 112 has passed through the wall and struck her in the right side of the chest, lodging in her colon. The alarm had been raised as soon as Ramos approached the school and officers from the Uvalde Police Department (UPD) are quickly on the scene. But gunfire is already echoing as they follow the shooter's path through dust and debris inside. 11:37am Officers from the UPD and the school district police converge on rooms 111 and 112. One officer peers into a darkened vestibule between the two classrooms and draws fire. They don't shoot back, fearing they might hit students. 11:38am Eduardo Canales, who heads the UPD SWAT team, can see the truth and demands immediate action: 'Dude, we gotta get in there!' he says. 'He's gonna keep shooting! We gotta get in there.' Yet it would still be more than an hour before anyone did that. In 111, teacher Arnulfo Reyes is lying on a shredded arm. There's now a gaping hole in his back, as well. After terrorizing Room 112, Ramos returns to torment the wounded teacher. Kneeling in front of him, Ramos flicks blood from the floor on to Reyes's face to see if he's really dead. He tries dripping cold water on the body. Reyes' phone is chirping with texts and calls from desperate friends and relatives. Ramos responds by dropping it on his back no fewer than four times. Reyes is in too much pain to even flinch. It seems to be around this time, writes Garnett, some five minutes into the bloody debacle, that fear and incompetence overwhelm the official response. The lesson of the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado that the shooter must be stopped at the earliest opportunity flies out of the window. The realization that Ramos has a weapon capable of firing body armor-piercing bullets at the rate of 100 rounds a minute seems to paralyze officers and commanders, Garnett writes, and a bewildering series of delays now follows. Uvalde police chief Pete Arredondo investigates room 110 and finds it empty. Mercifully, the children had been herded to safety by their teacher, but Arredondo concludes that 111 and 112 might be empty, too, because this is awards day at Robb Elementary and, perhaps, the children are out enjoying themselves. His conclusion flies in the face of logic. The police have already evacuated second- and third-grade classrooms that were full of children. A simple phone call to the principal locked down in the cafeteria would have told them that the fourth-grade classrooms were also nearly full. Uvalde police chief Pete Arredondo (pictured, far left) investigates room 110 and finds it empty. Somehow, those in command embrace the fiction that they are dealing not with an active gunman murdering children, writes Garnett, but a 'barricaded suspect'. They believe the gunman is hiding in an empty classroom or a classroom already filled with dead bodies. They can, in other words, proceed with caution. 'Fear,' says Garnett, has 'sucked the wind from active shooter protocol.' 11:43am Officer Daniel Coronado from the UPD is recorded saying, 'Oh no, oh no' under his breath. He has just heard over the radio that teacher Eva Mirales an officer's wife is inside 112 with a full class of children. And the gunman. Coronado does not yet realize that his ten-year-old cousin Xavier Lopez is among them, fighting for his life with gunshot wounds. 11:48am Mirales has somehow tied a plastic bag around her wounded arm and she calls or texts husband Ruben Ruiz, an officer with the school district police. He is stationed just yards from her room. Bodycam footage shows Ruiz holding up his phone 'as if in supplication', writes Garnett. 'My wife says she has been shot,' says Ruiz before he is led away. Officer Daniel Coronado from the UPD is recorded saying, 'Oh no, oh no' under his breath. He has just heard over the radio that teacher Eva Mirales (pictured) an officer's wife is inside 112 with a full class of children. And the gunman. 12:03pm One of the first 911 calls is made. 'There's a school' says a muffled voice, but the call breaks up before concluding with, 'at Robb elementary.' When the dispatcher asks for a name and room number, there is no reply. 12:10pm Khloie Torres, a student in room 112, calls 911 and gets through, saying, 'There's a lot of bodies.' She is not the first to try. Her best friend, Amerie Jo Garza was dialing when Ramos shot her along with teacher Irma Garcia. Torres tries to switch her friend's phone off, afraid it would attract attention, but as she does so, Ramos tries to shoot her, too. At great personal risk, wounded by shrapnel, she tries the phone belonging to wounded teacher, Eva Mireles. She would later recall: '[Mrs Garcia] ran over to us, sat down and started covering my friend. She started saying "no" because he said, "you will die" and he shot my friend with the phone and he shot my teachers Ms Garcia and Ms Mireles.' Khloie describes Mireles 'screaming and crying and calling for her daughter.' 12:12pm The 911 message is relayed to police commanders including Lt Mariano Pargas, Acting Chief of the UPD, who is on the scene at the school. 12:16pm Pargas calls the 911 dispatcher for more information. It is confirmed that Khloie is in 112, that many students are dead but that she believes eight or nine are still alive. 12:18pm Footage shows Pargas leaving the scene. There is no footage of him returning until the shooting is over, writes Garnett. News of the 911 call is shared with Paul Guerror, acting commander of the Border Patrol's elite Tactical Unit (BORTAC). It would be another 40 minutes before they act. Distressed crowds of parents and relatives gathered outside the school and, later, the Uvalde Civic Center, where the surviving students from Robb Elementary were taken. 12:19pm In 112, 10-year-old Noah Orona lies bleeding. The bullet has shredded his back and exited near the shoulder blade His parents later recount how Noah heard a boy saying 'hide with us' beneath the computer table with a curtain hanging down to the floor. Noah, big for his age, was afraid that if he made it to the table his legs would stick out. He can hardly move, in any case. He lies still, listening to a girl nearby who is struggling to breathe. 12:21pm Surveillance videos in the hallway record four more shots being fired. Yet, officers still take no direct action. They are waiting for ballistic shields, for more firepower and even for keys to unlock a door that in all probability was not locked, writes Garnett. The search for a master key takes more than 40 minutes. Arredondo tries more than 30 keys to room 109, where Ms Avila is crouching behind the door. If he'd said who he was, she likely would have opened it. Officers begin evacuating students on the west side of the school. Some windows are thrown open by teachers, others have the glass smashed by police. Terrified students run in the direction of the fearful, angry crowd of parents gathering outside. 12:30pm A team from BORTAC finally moves into position but then waits for another 20 agonizing minutes. 12:36pm Khloie Torres makes another call, saying 'there's been a school shooting'. The dispatcher responds: 'I was talking to you earlier. Are you still in 112?' 'Can you tell the police to come to my room?' Khloie whispers. The dispatcher says, 'I've already told them to go to the room.' Khloie had called 911 a total of four times, pleading with the police to save them. 12:50pm Finally, four members of BORTAC enter room 111. Ramos opens fire but is overwhelmed by a hail of bullets. The killer is hit with 25 rounds. He is found face down but with his body twisted so that he appears to be face up, says one witness, as if 'completely broken in the middle'. Classroom teacher Arnulfo Reyes is also face down in his own blood, eyes tight shut. When the barrage stops, a Border Patrol agent advises him to get up and leave the room. But Reyes cannot move. The last thing he remembers is being dragged into the hallway by the leg. Eva Mireles, 44, Irma Garcia, 48 and Xavier Lopez, ten, were among the 21 students and teachers murdered at Uvalde. Two weeks later, Irma's husband, 50-year-old Joe Garcia, died of a heart attack. They were buried together. Uvalde's Darkest Hour by Craig Garnett is published by Texas A&M University Press, price $30 Wealthy homeowners in California are increasingly investing in personal fire hydrants to protect against the growing threat of wildfires. The trend has led to the unlikely object emerging as a new status symbol in ritzy areas such as Malibu, with realtors even claiming they can help homes sell faster because they 'mitigate fear', the Wall Street Journal reported. Personal hydrants are connected to municipal water systems or private tanks, and provide an immediate water source in the event of a fire. Some homeowners choose to install such a device as an extra safety measure, whereas others have no choice because their property is located in a remote area. The rise in demand for the feature reflects growing concerns around the frequency and severity of wildfire outbreaks. In the 2000s, wildfires in the U.S. were four times larger, three times more frequent and significantly more widespread compared to the previous two decades, researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, found. In California, nine of the 10 largest wildfires in the state's history have occurred within the last decade, with fire speeds increasing by 400 percent. As well as personal fire hydrants, many homeowners are investing in advanced sprinkler systems and fireproof roofing as well as removing flammable landscaping to help safeguard their properties. Wealthy homeowners are increasingly investing in personal fire hydrants to protect against the growing threat of wildfires. A yellow fire hydrant can be seen to the right of the driveway in the listing for a $14.995 million house in Westlake Village, California Some realtors even claim that mentioning personal fire hydrants in marketing materials could help homes sell faster Developer Michael Owens has highlighted a yellow personal fire hydrant located on the driveway in a listing for a $14.995 million five-bedroom property called High Knoll Estate in Westlake Village, California. He told the Journal: 'I certainly didn't try to hide it. It's a selling point. It mitigates fear'. The idea is that if there are not enough firefighters to protect entire areas in the event of a widespread disaster, fire hydrants can help homeowners protect their own properties and reduce the toll of destruction. However, they are not cheap to install. The fire hydrant itself cost around $20,000 and there was an additional one-off $35,000 fee to the local water company and fire department to ensure it met regulations. But that's just the fire hydrant. The entire systemwhich includes permitting, design, a concrete foundation for the tank, and a retaining wallcan drive the cost into the six-figure range. Victoria Waldorf, the listing agent for a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home spanning 4,691 square feet and priced at $1.775 million in Agua Dulce, California, said she also highlights the personal fire hydrant to every prospective buyer during showings. 'There's relief in people's faces,' she told the Journal. Speaking to DailyMail.com, John McNicholas, a California-based real estate agent with Compass, said: 'While it may seem overkill to pay for all of these fire defenses, when you own a property that is worth between $10 million and $50 million, it is a fraction of what it would cost to rebuild the home in the event of total loss.' 'Because these properties are so valuable, it really becomes a form of wealth and asset protection,' he added. Fire hydrants are entirely legal but homeowners must comply with strict regulations set out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - from the size of the valves to how far from the water main they should be. As well as potentially enhancing a property's value and appeal to buyers, fire hydrants could also help lower insurance premiums. However, in California, homes in high-risk wildfire areas often face challenges securing traditional insurance coverage. Pictured: Installation and maintenance of private fire hydrants Installing a private hydrant is legal but expensive, costing up to $20,000 (Pictured: $1.775 million in Agua Dulce, California, listed with Victoria Waldorf) A private hydrant can enhance the property's value and potentially lower insurance premiums Portable fire pumps, which draw water from sources such as swimming pools, are also gaining traction. According to Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the portable fire pump market is expected to grow by 3.76 percent a year between 2024 and 2032. Meanwhile, the global fire-hose market is projected to grow by 6.85 percent annually from 2022 to 2028, with fire-nozzles in North America increasing by 5.68 percent. McNicholas emphasized that private hydrants should be part of a broader fire defense strategy. 'One of the most significant risks to homes during a fire is ember ignition,' he explained. 'Embers can easily slip under roof tiles or eaves, igniting the entire structure. Wildfire embers are particularly dangerous, and many fire prevention strategies focus on mitigating this threat.' While installing a fire hydrant on your property can significantly aid firefighters in accessing water to defend your home, McNicholas said proactive measures such as using metal roofs, metal window frames and specialized fire sprinkler systems may offer more robust protection against ember ignition. The other important aspect is landscaping. 'Making sure that there is a large clearance between the home and any trees or shrubs is an important aspect of protecting the home as well, creating what is known as a defensible space barrier,' McNicholas said. 'I often advise my clients on these prevention methods when selecting properties that are located within a high fire zone.' Meanwhile, Greg Anderson, Chief of Fire Engineering and Investigations for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, emphasized that private hydrants should be accessible for fire department use. Pictured: The Franklin Fire burns next to powerlines at the Pacific Coast Highway in the morning on December 11, 2024 near Malibu, California Proactive measures such as using metal roofs, metal window frames and specialized fire sprinkler systems may offer more robust protection against ember ignition 'We do not recommend homeowners to stay behind and fight the fire,' Anderson told the Wall Street Journal. 'It is most important to save your life and evacuate when requested to do so. Homes and items can be replaced.' Just this month mass evacuations were underway in Malibu, which is home to many celebrities, as a rapidly spreading wildfire wreaked havoc. The fire, which ignited late on a Monday night, expanded to a staggering six square miles, with more than 15,000 firefighters deployed to combat the intense blaze. PM Modi wins hearts by agreeing to meet ex-IFS officer in Kuwait Known for his popularity among the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday won hearts on social media by promising to meet a Kuwait-based retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, albeit, on the request of his granddaughter. Shreya Juneja had sent a request to PM Modi to meet her 101-year-old grandfather, Mangal Sain Handa, an ex-IFS officer, during his visit to Kuwait. Though she wasnt sure of getting a positive response, a reply from PM Modi, who loves to give a personal touch to his engagement with the Indian diaspora during foreign visits, left her overjoyed. It's an honour to receive a response from you, sir! You've won our hearts once again. Nanaji @MangalSainHanda is overjoyed, and his smile means the world to us. We're deeply grateful for this kind gesture, said Juneja on X. Earlier, accepting her request for meeting Handa, PM Modi had communicated on X, Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today. Ex-IFS officer Handa served in Kuwait, the UK, Iraq, China, Argentina, and Cambodia, before retiring about four decades ago. The PMs gesture floored not just Juneja but also many other social media users. One X user said, Thats the level of connect PM has with people who may never have thought of meeting Bharats PM by writing to him on social media. Envious of Shreyas success in reaching the PM, many other social media users on X sent in requests to her to share contact details of PM Modi with her. PM Modis plans to engage with the Indian diaspora come in the backdrop of his crucial visit to Kuwait, which aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues concerning Indian expatriates, especially following the Mangaf building fire incident. At least 46 Indian workers were killed on June 12 when a residential building in Mangaf in Kuwait's Ahmadi Governorate as gutted. There were 196 migrant workers in the building at the time of the incident and 50 out of these were killed and 50 injured. PM Modis landmark two-day visit to Kuwait, starting Saturday, marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The trip, undertaken at the invitation of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, underscores the deep and growing ties between the two countries. "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," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said ahead of PM Modi's historic visit. A leading domestic abuse expert has warned how smartphones can be used by abusers to control their partners but also as a means for victims to escape them. Alessia Bianco heads up the Everyone's Business team at the crisis support charity Hestia. She and her team work with employers to support victims of domestic abuse. One in three women and one in seven men in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. Two women are killed by a current or ex-partner every week. Hestia in partnership with Vodafone Foundation released the Bright Sky app and website in 2018 to provide victims and concerned bystanders with practical support and information. Now, Vodafone and Hestia have teamed up again to share some expert tips for how Brits can better secure their devices from the prying eyes of an abusive partner. It comes as new research from Vodafone reveals three quarters (75%) of women have considered using their smartphone to escape an unsafe situation. Vodafones research found that for women who have experienced abuse or been in unsafe situations, nearly nine in 10 (88%) who were able to connect with others online to discuss their experiences said this was vital for their mental health. While 73% of people agree that websites and dedicated apps are helpful [4] for those impacted by domestic abuse, almost one in three (29%) would currently consider using apps or online resources for support if they or someone they know was in an abusive or unsafe situation. A leading domestic abuse expert has warned how smartphones can be used by abusers to control their partners but also as a means for victims to escape them (File image) Around two-fifths (42%) of women said they would prefer to access support for abuse or safety issues online or on the phone, rather than in person. The majority (68%) of women reported that looking up an issue online (e.g. via Google) would be their first port of call if they were concerned about something. How to protect yourself from an abusive partner who may be spying on you Look for signs of unusual activity: Drained battery life, increased data usage or slow performance could indicate that someone has access to or has tampered with your device. If there are signs of unusual activity, consider if someone could have installed spyware or a tracking device software: Consider whether the perpetrator has helped set up any accounts or apps on the phone if you believe accessing information could put you in any form of danger, delete the app and access help in another way. Uncouple iCloud and online accounts from multiple devices: Review connected devices in iCloud or Google accounts and remove any linked devices that you dont recognise or trust. Remove browser history: Clear browsing history, cookies and cached data regularly and use private or incognito mode when appropriate. Enable two-factor authentication: Including email, banking and social media to prevent unauthorised access. Be mindful of phone records: Consider phone records and whether the perpetrator has access to these as, if so, it will provide them with updated addresses and contact details. Calls will also show up on the call log and on bills. Access Bright Sky in a safe space: Consider downloading the Bright Sky app on a friend or family members phone or accessing it on your own device in a safe space like a bank or pharmacy. Advertisement Alessia has worked in the domestic abuse sector for 15 years a decade of which on the frontline, working in refuges and fielding calls from victims. She believes that new and increasingly sophisticated technology in our lives can be used by both the perpetrators but crucially also the victims of domestic abuse. While her charity regularly hears how spyware and tracking software is being used by perpetrators, apps like Bright Sky are a genuine life saver for victims. Tech-based coercive control can seem caring and helpful, and these 'red flags' can often be overlooked during the exciting early stages of a relationship when emotions are higher. A partner helping to set up digital accounts and apps by accessing login details may give perpetrators the ability to monitor an individual's activity online. Alessia said: 'Domestic abuse is about power and control and what we often see at the start of a relationship is 'love bombing' the perpetrator giving someone lots of affirmations. It is often during this time when it's exciting and people are smitten that they miss the red flags. 'Sometimes things move really quickly, the couple move in together, they're engaged, next there's a pregnancy. But then the abuser will start to change the 'rules of the relationship'. 'Often, it'll start off being something really subtle with the perpetrator saying things like 'why are you wearing that dress today? You should wear something different'. 'They might start to control what the victim eats, and who they see. We often see victims and survivors who are moved miles away from their support network. 'Then it might be 'who is that texting you?' or the victim may start to see their battery running out quicker than normal. But it's all very subtle. 'We speak to women saying they find tracker tags in their cars and in their bags. Perpetrators are using them and programmes like 'find my phone'.' The Bright Sky app and website provides information and support for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or concerned that someone they know might be. Two key features of the app are the quiz that helps users identify abusive behaviours and the journaling function, which allows users to document their concerns and abuse. Alessia said: 'The questionnaire is a yes/no quiz and depending on people's answers it might say 'you may be experiencing domestic abuse' and give you some things to think about. Hestia in partnership with Vodafone Foundation released the Bright Sky app and website in 2018 to provide victims and concerned bystanders with practical support and information (File image) 'The other really useful aspect of Bright Sky is the journal. It allows you to share videos, voice-notes, pictures, evidence essentially to document the abuse you may be experiencing. 'Many clients use the journal function specifically to document what's happening around them, because perpetrators can gaslight and be really manipulative by saying things like 'you're misremembering, I didn't do or say that'. 'Bright Sky doesn't store any of that information, it sends it to whatever email address you put, it could be an employer or a trusted friend.' Alessia added: 'But there is still a large percentage of people who are not tech literate, particularly older people who are often the forgotten victims of domestic abuse.' In the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's shock assassination in Manhattan, the high-end security business has been booming. The December shooting shook America - showing that ultra-wealthy executives are not immune to violence on the streets and sparking fears about copycat killings. Health industry heavyweights, executives and politicians across the country from New York to California are scrambling to secure their homes with infrared robotic cameras, bulletproof glass and secret doors to safe rooms. Jon and Eva Michelle Harris own Fortified Estate, a Texas-based firm which fits properties with interior 'armor' designed to complement the existing aesthetics in any home - from a glass-walled Florida mansion to a Victorian-style Hamptons estate. The security power couple said they have seen a rise in client inquiries of about 50 percent since Luigi Mangione is alleged to have gunned down Thompson on December 4. 'There has been an uptick in calls [from potential clients] since the CEO shooting,' Eva told DailyMail.com this week. Usually when we see an increase, its because there have been break-ins in a neighborhood, but sometimes theres a correlation between what's going on in the news.' We definitely have got more direct clients - as well as designers incorporating safe spaces into their plans,' Jon added. In the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's shock assassination in Manhattan, the high-end security business has been booming. The owners of Fortified Estates, which supplies the ultra-wealthy with property 'armor', said they have seen a 50 percent increase in calls Pictured: Fortified Estate employees demonstrate the impenetrability of a door fitting Jon and Eva Michelle Harris (both pictured above) own Fortified Estate, a Texas-based firm which retrofits properties with interior 'armor' designed to complement the existing aesthetics in any home - from a glass-walled Florida mansion to a Victorian-style Hamptons estate On average, Fortified Estate works on around 30 projects per month - ranging from $9,000 bulletproof door fittings to a multi-million-dollar mansion retrofit. The secure doors are their most popular feature, and the latest flood of clients have also been requesting concealed exits, Eva said. Fortified Estate creates fittings which complement existing aesthetics It would look like a cabinet, but its really a door that leads into another room,' she explained. An intruder wouldn't know that there's another room - but also as somebody living in the home itself, you dont want to feel like you are living in a bank vault or a prison.' Fortified specializes in subtlety, with the safety features designed to blend in with a range of interiors. We match the aesthetics that already exist,' Eva said. 'It's very custom.' The company, founded by Jon in 2018, also saw a marked increase in demand during and after seismic events including the 2021 storming of the Capitol, the October 7th Hamas attack in Israel, and this year's US presidential election. Last year's Hamas incursion sparked the biggest surge, with about 10 times the usual amount of business flooding in. This was mostly from synagogues and members of the Jewish community who felt threatened by the rise in anti-Semitism across the US. Fortified typically supplies to residences of CEOs and political figures, along with the entrances to embassies, major Fortune Global 500 companies, state courthouses and police stations, and even Department of Homeland Security agency buildings. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down at point-blank range on December 4 The company integrates panic or safe rooms into many of the homes - a secret space designed to blend in with a bedroom or closet, which come with access to a designated security specialist available via phone or text. Many clients also opt to install infrared robotic cameras into their second homes, allowing them to keep an eagle eye on their palatial estates even from a yacht in the Mediterranean. Pictured: An intricate handle by Fortified Meanwhile, ballistic panels can be fitted beneath wood-paneled walls as an extra layer of protection, complete with security doors and openable bulletproof windows. Clients also commission Fortified to install gun safe rooms - a protective vault for storing weapons, art, currency, and other valuables. The rooms are 'hardened against fires, storms and all manners of human attack,' according to Fortified's website. The rise in demand for high-end home security services comes amid calls for violence against corporate bosses by cult-like fans of accused killer Mangione, who police said was found with a manifesto expressing 'ill-will toward corporate America'. Alarming 'wanted' posters showing top healthcare executives were plastered across New York City in the days following the assassination. The menacing signs were spotted on Canal Street - one of Manhattan's busiest thoroughfares - flanked with the red and black words: 'Wanted. Denying medical care for corporate profit. Health care CEOs should not feel safe.' Fortified retrofits properties with 'armor' designed to complement the existing aesthetics in any home - from a glass-walled Florida mansion to a Victorian-style Hamptons estate Clients also commission Fortified to install gun safe rooms - a highly-secure vault for storing guns, art, currency, and other expensive belongings Ballistic panels can be fitted beneath wood paneled walls as an extra layer of protection, complete with security doors - and bulletproof windows like those pictured above Along with the ramp-up in home security, some CEOs have also responded by hiring mock intruders to investigate potential flaws in their security details, according to Tim Gallagher, the chief security officer at investigations firm Nardello. Major companies have also become more vigilant, including Goldman Sachs, who brought in extra security for a recent conference in Lower Manhattan. Ivy League engineering graduate Mangione was arrested on December 9 moments after eating a hash brown in an Altoona, PA McDonald's. Cops closed in on the alleged killer after an employee at the restaurant recognized him from surveillance images NYPD shared online in the wake of the Midtown Manhattan shooting. He was later charged with second-degree murder over the slaying of Thompson, 50, just before 7am on Wednesday outside the Hilton hotel where the exec had been set to make a speech to finance heavyweights later that day. Mangione appears to have led police on a 280-mile manhunt from New York City's 6th Avenue to the small Pennsylvania city of Altoona, around 100 miles east of Pittsburgh. The gunman left a trail of overt clues about his motive, including ammunition etched with the words 'delay' 'deny' and 'depose' and a bag of Monopoly board game money in his backpack left in Central Park. The bulletproof doors are their most popular feature, starting at $9,000 per fitting Panic or safe rooms are integrated into many of the homes - a bulletproof secret space designed to blend in with a bedroom or closet, which come with access to a designated security specialist available via phone or text Fortified Estate said they've seen an estimated 50 percent increase in client inquiries since Luigi Mangione allegedly gunned down Brian Thompson on December 4. (Pictured: Mangione arriving for his extradition hearing at Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania last week) Officials believe the bullet etchings refer to the 'three Ds of insurance' - tactics used by American insurance giants to reject patients' claims. This motive appeared to be even more clearly outlined in a handwritten manifesto cops seized from Mangione during his arrest. 'To the Feds, I'll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country,' the three-page document reads. 'To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone.' 'I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done,' the document adds. 'Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.' Mangione also allegedly had a ghost gun believed to be the rare World War Two era-inspired 9mm pistol used in Thompson's murder, which the New York Post reported was a Swiss-made Brugger & Thomet VP9, and a silencer. He will next appear in court in New York at a later date. A fashion designer who chased a phone snatcher for over a mile caught the thief and recovered six stolen smartphones after police refused to help. Izzy Du, 26, pursued two e-bike riding thieves on foot after they grabbed her iPhone 15 Pro Max on Seven Sisters Road in Tottenham on the morning of December 17. After bravely catching and restraining the thug - described as a black teen aged between 16 and 20 - police arrested the man but told her he didnt have the phone on him and they were too busy to look for it even though her Find My iPhone GPS service showed it was nearby. But within an hour Chinese-Canadian Izzy - who has designed custom garments for stars including Katy Perry - and another man whose phone was also taken had managed to locate their devices hidden in a plastic bag in Finsbury Park along with four other stolen phones. She said: I had a big heavy tote bag and headphones in listening to my music when two guys in balaclavas just grabbed my phone. I just thought 'no, no' and I started running and shouting after them. I didnt think of the danger, I just went for it. One guy gets off and goes on foot so I chase after him for 2km (1.3 miles) through council estates. The guy kept looking over his shoulder and was shocked I was still running after him. I wanted to punch him so badly but I didnt hurt him, just restrained him Izzy Du, 26, pursued two e-bike riding thieves on foot after they grabbed her iPhone 15 Pro Max on Seven Sisters Road in Tottenham on the morning of December 17 Izzy - who has designed custom garments for stars including Katy Perry - and another man whose phone was also taken had managed to locate their devices hidden in a plastic bag in Finsbury Park along with four other stolen phones Your browser does not support iframes. *This graphic is for illustrative purposes and does not represent the exact route Izzy took. I stalked him until I got close enough then I pinned him to a wall and was just like Give me my phone back, he said I cant breathe because I was pinning him so hard so I eased up and he got away but there were people and cops nearby who arrested him. Izzy gave a statement to police and provided a location for her phone through Find My iPhone but was shocked to be given a series of excuses why they couldnt help including because the location isnt precise enough, its too dangerous and they are too understaffed to go. A Met Police spokesman confirmed a 16-year-old man was arrested. He was subsequently charged with theft and appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Wednesday December 18. He will next appear at the same court on 24 January for a further hearing. Work continues to identify the other person involved. Met Police Commander Owain Richards said: We understand the impact that mobile phone theft can have on victims it's an invasive and sometimes violent crime - and were committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer. Met officers are targeting resources to hotspot areas with increased patrols, including utilising plain clothes officers, which deter criminals and make officers more visibly available to members of the community. We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working with phone firms to design out the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft. We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly. She said: I couldnt believe it. All they would say is I can go without their protection. When we found the phones in some undergrowth there were maybe 20 discarded cases so its obviously a drop point for somebody else to pick them up. Apparently they take out the sim and wrap it in foil and keep moving it around until they know its clean but they didnt realise I have a dual sim for work and personal so I still had signal. In one video, Izzy and another man can be seen unpacking a plastic bag full of phones including her own as the designer exclaims Oh my god.. f***ing crazy. f*** the police. Izzy - who works out of a studio in Tottenham - says she tried to hand in the other phones to the nearest police station but they were reluctant to take them. She said: I kept thinking I found these phones for you and you wont even take them and it was only when I said Id throw them in the bin then that they agreed to take them. Pictured: Izzy holding the stolen phones after tracking down the stash in Finsbury Park Pictured: A Met Police officer holds up a stolen phone Your browser does not support iframes. I honestly was so shocked it happened at all, they took it out of my hand but the cops reaction was crazy to me that its nothing to them, they didnt care. The police just seemed incredulous that they had to do something about it, they told me unless Id been hurt they wouldnt even consider it robbery. The rates it happens every year are insane. She shared the incident with her 38,000 Instagram followers and was shocked to receive hundreds of messages from people who have had similar experiences. Met Police figures suggest a mobile phone was stolen in the capital every six minutes last year in a seemingly uncontrollable surge. Robberies have risen more than a third between October 2020 and September this year. But thefts - under which snatching would fall - have almost tripled from 23,106 in the year to September 2021 to 66,528 three years later. A host of politicians and celebrities have also fallen victim, with some able to snatch their phones back. Among those who managed to hold onto their device is presenter Nicky Campbell who nearly had his phone nicked near Oxford Circus. Izzy shared the incident with her 38,000 Instagram followers and was shocked to receive hundreds of messages from people who have had similar experiences Izzyadded: The police just seemed incredulous that they had to do something about it, they told me unless Id been hurt they wouldnt even consider it robbery' The veteran broadcaster managed to grab his phone back after it was snatched from his hand before shouting 'f*** you' at the thief. Labour MP Chris Webb, by his own admission a 'big lad' at 6'2'' who would normally repel trouble, fell victim to a group of mobile muggers earlier this month. He had been walking to a local shop to pick up a delivery close to his parliamentary property in London when a gang of bikers rode up alongside and snatched the phone from his pocket. They had been 'deadly silent,' he said. The Met Police has since arrested two boys aged 16 and three aged 15 in connection with the incident, all of whom have since been bailed. TalkTV presenter Mike Graham also revealed he reported a phone theft in person to a police officer, who replied that his own phone had been snatched the week before while he was in uniform, and the best thing to do was fill in an online form. Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who leads on phone robbery and theft in the Met, previously told MailOnline the force is targeting hotspots with plain clothes cops. 'Met officers are targeting resources in hotspot areas with increased patrols and plain clothes officers - and this result makes clear this approach is having a positive impact. 'We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been the victim of a robbery or theft so officers can attend the scene and investigate swiftly.' DS Hussain is not surprised that London has become a hotspot for the so-called 'i-jackers'. 'Its the largest metropolis, its the area that most people come to visit both nationally and internationally. Its got a lot of footfall, especially tourists,' he said. 'We have some of the best transport networks in the world in London. The Elizabeth line has been wonderful for me to commute, but its also a wonderful opportunity for those that have been committing thefts elsewhere to come into London, which is a more lucrative market. 'Its the opportunists capital of the nation. You cant change that.' The phones are typically swiped by thugs to pawn off or send abroad, as recounted by a number of people on TikTok who share images of the Find My iPhone app showing their Apple devices travelling to China or other far-flung destinations. Joe Biden kept the grieving relatives of the Marines killed in Afghanistan waiting for three hours while he napped on Air Force One on the tarmac before a dignified transfer, multiple military families have told Daily Mail. The shocking allegation comes today amid growing calls for the Biden administration to be investigated over its scandalous cover-up of the president's ailing health. Biden, it has emerged, has not been present for key moments of his presidency, nor has he been involved in major decisions like the disastrous withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021. Instead, an unknown team of handlers made the decision to hastily pull out of the region, triggering an onslaught of panic and a rush of Afghans and foreign citizens to Kabul Airport. On August 26, a Taliban suicide bomber capitalized on the busy crowds, killing 13 US Servicemembers and over 170 Afghans. While Biden was absent from the withdrawal planning, he did show up to greet the caskets of the US Servicemen and woman who were killed, infamously checking his watch on the tarmac before their coffins were brought out. It was his second insult to their families that day, according to the sister of Rylee McCollum, one of the men who died. '(Biden) made us wait an extra three hours to receive the bodies of our dead family members because he couldn't pull it together,' Roice McCollum told DailyMail.com. Grieving military families claimed President Biden kept them waiting for three hours while he napped on Air Force One on the tarmac before the dignified transfer of their loves ones' remains. He is seen emerging from the aircraft to greet the bodies on August 29, 2021 It was the same ceremony where Biden infamously checked his watch while the bodies were being prepared The casket of a marine who lost their life in the Kabul Airport bombing is seen being carried at the dignified transfer, where families have told DailyMail.com they were kept waiting for hours for Biden to 'get it together' Roice said she and others were waiting for Biden to appear when a military officer told her he was napping on his plane. Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, and Darin Hoover, the father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who were also killed in the Kabul blast, told DailyMail.com that their families were also left waiting on the tarmac. 'We sat in that office for what seemed like an eternity waiting on the doddering old fool,' Hoover recalled. The White House denied the families' claims. A spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'That claim is untrue. As President Biden said on the 4th anniversary of the tragic attack on Abbey Gate and in the letters he wrote to family members after meeting with them in Dover, these 13 Americansand the many more that were woundedwere patriots in the highest sense and we owe them and their families a sacred debt we will never be able to fully repay, but will never cease working to fulfill. 'The President honors these families, who have given more to their nation than anyone ever could, and holds them in the highest regard' Summing up the experience that day, Roice said Biden 'was far beyond a position where he should have been in office, but the powers that be covered it up. We were left in the dark - worse than that, we were blatantly lied to.' The sister of marine Rylee McCollum (pictured), who was killed in the Kabul Airport suicide bombing in August 2021, said President Biden kept grieving military families waiting for over three hours during the dignified transfer because he had to nap Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of marine Sgt. Nicole Gee (pictured) who was also killed in the Kabul blast, said when she met Biden in 2021: 'One of the biggest shocks for me was meeting a Commander-in-Chief who was clearly not well or fit for the position he was in' Darin Hoover, the father of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover (pictured) who was also killed in the withdrawal, told DailyMail.com that the way the White House handled the crisis 'is nothing short of seditious and treacherous' Now, the families are demanding answers as to who exactly planned the withdrawal - and why America has been lied to for years about it. Rylee was 20 when he died in a Taliban suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul, and was just weeks away from the birth of his first child. A Wall Street Journal expose this week claimed Biden was too out-of-it to understand the potential bloodshed an Afghan withdrawal could cause. The report detailed several instances when the oldest president in US history struggled with the day-to-day ordeals of the presidency, including claims Biden couldn't even repeat back to his staff lines they fed him while preparing for his interview with a special counsel. The McCollum family is not alone in feeling that President Biden's ailing health let her and her family down, with Shamblin also saying she knew Biden 'was clearly not well' the moment she met him at the dignified transfer. 'One of the biggest shocks for me was meeting a Commander-in-Chief who was clearly not well or fit for the position he was in.' The 13 US Service members were killed when a suicide bomber targeted Abbey Gate at Kabul Airport, where hundreds were desperately trying to flee Afghanistan, along with the US Army, before the Taliban took over Rylee McCollum was among 13 members of the US military, and a total of 182 victims, who lost their lives in a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021 (pictured) A White House National Security spokesperson said in a statement to DailyMail.com that the claim President Biden was napping and kept the families waiting is 'untrue.' 'As President Biden said on the 4th anniversary of the tragic attack on Abbey Gate and in the letters he wrote to family members after meeting with them in Dover, these 13 Americansand the many more that were woundedwere patriots in the highest sense and we owe them and their families a sacred debt we will never be able to fully repay, but will never cease working to fulfill,'' the statement read. 'The President honors these families, who have given more to their nation than anyone ever could, and holds them in the highest regard.' At the dignified transfer of marines including Rylee McCollum who died in the Kabul airport bombing, Biden angered many as he was seen continually checking his watch as others paid their respects. The McCollum family never heard from the Biden administration again, she says. 'It's very frustrating that this investigation is being done at the end of his term when it very clearly should have been from the start,' she told DailyMail.com. 'The American people deserve to know what is going on with our commander in chief. (Biden) was still showing up to do the job in whatever capacity he was able to do, and it was his call, according to the generals, to withdraw from Afghanistan.' DailyMail.com has contacted the White House for a comment. The frantic withdrawal of US troops from the nation's longest running war drew international condemnation, including a stunning security lapse in the days after that allowed at least 65 known Afghan terrorists to slip into the US through lax vetting processes. The Washington Post report also noted that in a follow-up interview after the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden didn't even remember in prep sessions that he had been shown his own handwritten memo arguing against increasing the US military's presence in region. The frantic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan was marred by scenes of desperate Afghani civilians fleeing (pictured) - and revelations that at least 65 known Afghan terrorists slipped through lax vetting processes Darin Hoover, the father of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover who was also killed in the withdrawal, told DailyMail.com that the way the White House handled the crisis 'is nothing short of seditious and treacherous.' 'We have known that he was pretty much MIA during the drawdown of Afghanistan. He refused to take the advice of his military leaders as they have stated in their testimonies before Congress and we have found out that Secretary Blinken was also MIA during those days leading up to the bombing' at Kabul Airport, he said. 'The ultimate responsibility rest squarely on the shoulders of the President. Now if the President was not answering his phone or taking advice from anyone, who really made the final decision to go through with the withdrawal?' 'Biden is just a figurehead and everyone has been covering for him. They should all be jailed for this!! And I fully believe our kids would still be here had it not been for the stumbling, bumbling old fool occupying the White House. 'The blood of our 13 and those 45 wounded in that bombing, along with 170 injured is on the hands of Biden.' Insiders alleged to the Journal that Biden was insulated by a small cabal of aides who kept his decline a secret from even top Washington lawmakers, however McCollum said the buck still stops with the Oval Office. 'Kamala Harris is obviously the last person in that room, as she always likes to point out, but he was our commander in chief, so the blame has to be on him,' she said. 'The problem is a bigger structural problem in our government. There were many people royally screwed up their jobs. The damage is done from Biden. I want accountability in our government, and in the media that lied for him. One of those who expressed their frustrations to the Post was Rep. Adam Smith, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee at the time of the withdrawal. Smith claimed he tried to raise the alarm even before troops began to be withdrawn, but couldn't even get Biden on the phone before the disastrous pull-out stunned the world. Rep. Adam Smith, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee during the Afghanistan crisis, said in a bombshell report this week that he was essentially ignored when he tried to warn Biden the withdrawal would be a disaster And after the withdrawal - which was marred by scenes of desperate Afghanis clinging to US military planes and tragedies including the Kabul airport blast - Smith said he only heard from the White House after making a critical comment to a newspaper. 'The Biden White House was more insulated than most,' Smith said. 'I spoke with Barack Obama on a number of occasions when he was president and I wasnt even chairman of the committee.' Shamblin said she realized Biden was not in a good state when she met him soon after the tragic Kabul airport bombing. 'And that was 3 years ago,' she added. 'I'm beyond grateful that the American people saw past all the lies and believed their own eyes. 'The failure of elected and appointed officials to raise the flag of alarm is not without notice.' Shamblin said she would also personally like an apology from his former press secretary Jen Psaki 'for calling us liars in her book.' 'I think the more these facts come out the more Americans will understand they were lied to purposely for the last 4 years on even the most basic facts,' she continued. 'President Biden was not fit for office and its sad he did not have someone to speak up earlier.' Taxpayer-funded woke art events, including erotic poetry readings, 'sex educator clowns', a BDSM-classical music mashup, and performances in aid of prison abolition, have got a New York government watchdog hot and bothered. Nonprofit 'good governance' group One City Rising (OCR) has sparked a fight with the New York City Council by writing a letter demanding a review of $787,000 taxpayer funds given to an organization putting on the controversial art acts. The letter prompted the citys Department of Cultural Affairs to issue a statement saying they stand against all attempts at censorship of [Arts] important function in our society. The spat is a microcosm of a culture war raging in the US one side fearing they are under attack from prudish busybodies policing free expression, the other claiming government institutions are feeding 'woke' propaganda. Last year the city's Department of Cultural Affairs gave $130,000, one of its biggest cultural development grants, to the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), a group founded in 1973 to promote the arts in the Big Apple. LMCC also received $657,600 in New York state government funds in 2023, records show. One City Rising said there are 'significant questions about appropriateness, oversight, and fiscal responsibility' of the cash handouts, which they say are being used 'for purposes that taxpayers might find objectionable', in a December 20 letter to NYC Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. The letter highlighted taxpayer-funded events, including a BDSM-themed 'concert series celebrating queer identity through classical music and the aesthetics of the Leather subculture' and a show by a self-described professional clown teaching sex education. Nonprofit 'good governance' group One City Rising (OCR) has sparked a row with the New York City Council by writing a letter demanding a review of $787,000 taxpayer funds given to an organization putting on the controversial art acts The nonprofit sent the December 18 letter to NYC Commissioner Laurie Cumbo in regards to the Department of Cultural Affairs giving $130,000 to the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). City council member Shahana Hanif, was previously paid through LMCC taxpayer grants It also pointed to a series of 'socially-conscious musical works' by Black and Pink, a group 'dedicated to abolishing the criminal punishment system and liberating LGBTQIA2S+ people,' as well as 'raising money for bail funds across the country.' The 'fetish fantasia' classical music event that 'explores the homoerotic undercurrent of British musical history' was titled ERATO and held in June, with promotional pictures showing two men in leather fetish gear, one playing the violin. Black and Pink's show was titled 'Our Anthem: An Orchestral Activation'. It was described by LMCC as 'bring[ing] together the orchestral forces of musical-abolitionist collective Sound Off: Music for Bail and justice-seekers Black & Pink NYC to perform socially-conscious musical works by leading Black composers and envision new ways of creating public safety in our city and our world.' When taxpayer funds are awarded to arts groups through your office, you are responsible for ensuring that the money is used for legitimate purposes, said OCR executive director Maria Danzilo in her letter. It is unclear if the funds allocated for these groups are also being provided to individuals around the country who need cash bail. Black & Pink declined to comment. Self-described 'actual sex educator, clown & Long COVID long hauler' Una Osato received an LMCC grant to perform 'Ask Me Anything: Even MORE Teaching Sex Ed in a Pandemic', which was listed as 'a hilarious show about the ups and downs of a Sex Ed teacher, pandemics & friendship.' Osato, who received LMCC grants since 2011, has won awards for her shows including Best Female Solo at the San Francisco Fringe, Best of Fest at Winnipeg, and accolades at past FRIGID NY arts festivals, according to her website. The 'fetish fantasia' classical music event held by the LMCC that 'explores the homoerotic undercurrent of British musical history' was titled ERATO and held in June, with promotional pictures showing two men in leather fetish gear, one playing the violin Osato is a self-described 'actual sex educator, clown & Long COVID long hauler' and received an LMCC grant to perform 'Ask Me Anything: Even MORE Teaching Sex Ed in a Pandemic - she's received LMCC grants since 2011 The letter pointed to a series of 'socially-conscious musical works' by Black and Pink, a group 'dedicated to abolishing the criminal punishment system and liberating LGBTQIA2S+ people,' as well as 'raising money for bail funds across the country' who also received funding 'As stewards of public funds, it is crucial that we ensure that art that is financed by taxpayers is also appropriate and viewable for all New Yorkers, including children and families,' the One City Rising letter said. One group funded by the Cultural Council, Shrew Brew, describes itself as putting on 'works by composers with uteruses to create space for the stories of people with uteruses', referring to women and non-binary musicians. At a time when our city government is facing budget constraints, it is imperative that we critically examine all expenditures to ensure they represent the best use of taxpayer dollars, the nonprofits letter said. In its letter, which copied New York Mayor Eric Adams, OCR also claimed there was 'insufficient scrutiny' of LMCC grants and questioned 'whether a project was in fact, carried out at all' after receiving city funds. In response, the Department of Cultural Affairs issued a statement saying: From children's museums to experimental theater, the city supports the full breadth of cultural life across New York's five boroughs, and freedom of creative expression is a bedrock value in how we support our diverse cultural sector. Art can entertain, it can inspire, and it can also provoke - no matter what, we stand against all attempts at censorship of its important function in our society. A source close to the department told DailyMail.com that while it funds nonprofits, it doesnt have a say over what shows those groups put on. Other grant recipients, Hanif, and LMCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Archives of LMCC events also show that the arts organization had direct links with the city's current leadership. A member of the city council, Shahana Hanif, was previously paid through LMCC taxpayer grants for a poetry reading from her erotic diaries about sexual escapades in a public park. In 2014, before her election as a councilor, Hanif received an 'honorarium' for performing at an LMCC event called 'Lust, With Some Caution! An Evening of Erotic Readings'. At the titillating event, Hanif read her autobiographical prose about naked 'make-outs' in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, where 'we would walk deep into what was only greenery because I was always afraid that my father or some Bengali uncle or aunty would spot me without bra and catch a glimpse of my luscious 36 double Ds.' She described how she 'envied the white women I had watched in porn. They knew how to maneuver the penis so comfortably [] I pushed him to direct me but I guess his lack of response and happy moans meant I was doing okay.' And she confessed that when bedridden from Lupus, 'all I could think about was masturbating'. A flyer for the event said performers were 'given a modest honorarium'. The disgruntled non-partisan group argued in the letter that with the city facing budget restraints, it's the city government's responsibility to 'ensure they represent the best use of taxpayer dollars'. Council member Hanif received an 'honorarium' for performing at an LMCC event called 'Lust, With Some Caution! An Evening of Erotic Readings' that described having intense make outs in Prospect Park, Brooklyn The letter highlighted taxpayer-funded events, including a BDSM-themed 'concert series celebrating queer identity through classical music and the aesthetics of the Leather subculture' and a show by a self-described professional clown teaching sex education Mayor Adams announced cuts across all departments were necessary after the city spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on the migrant crisis, including NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, education taking a $1 billion hit over two years and the borough's public libraries being forced to close their doors on Sundays. One City Rising requested the council gave them a 'comprehensive' breakdown of how LMCC uses their funds, a review of the city's selection process for funding, ensure projects that are chosen have oversight to meet standards and a re-evaluation of where funds are currently going to with a focus on NYC's pressing needs. The organization did acknowledge that cultural programming 'plays a vital role in our city's vibrancy and diversity' but argued that they need to align with the values of 'all New Yorkers'. One City Rising describes itself as a 'non-partisan, independent, grassroots organization dedicated to addressing New York City's most pressing issues', including homelessness, mental health and public safety. 'If either of you treated a dog like that, you would be going to prison'. This was what a horrified judge told a monstrous mother and father as he jailed them for neglecting a three-year-old boy so badly a doctor said he looked like he'd been kept in a 'concentration camp'. The couple from Nottingham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found to have habitually left the young boy alone in the conservatory away from their other children with only a pet lizard and rabbit to keep him company. He was so starved he tried to eat pet food. But the most chilling detail of this case is the sickening reason for the ill treatment found in text messages between the parents. While it was admitted in court that the mother could not 'give a good answer' as to why she had treated her son in such a shocking way, it was said that phone conversations suggested that she had 'failed to bond with him from birth'. Medics raised concerns after the young boy was rushed to Queen's Medical Centre for critical care in July last year after turning blue and collapsing at a pub in Stoke Bardolph, Nottinghamshire. A consultant called the police after the boy arrived as he 'clearly recognised he was the victim of extreme neglect'. The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court after severely neglecting their son to the point he tried to eat pet food (pictured) Judge Steven Coupland said at the court: 'It was obvious he had been severely neglected over a period of time' The boy weighed just 6.2kg - 7.8kg less than he should for a someone his age. And he smelt of stale urine, the Nottingham Post reported. The couple were arrested at their six-bedroom home the following day. Nottingham Crown Court heard that the mother told officers the boy, one of their three children, was a 'picky eater' and that he did not want to eat anything on the day he collapsed. But the truth turned out to be much more sinister. And as he unraveled the sick details of the case, Adrian Amer, prosecuting, suggested the reasoning behind the evil mother's actions. He told the court: 'The reasons for the neglect is not clear but various text messages between the defendants indicate (she) failed to bond with him from birth.' It was also heard in court that the boy was born 'very premature' and was not aware she was pregnant with him 'until her waters broke'. Phone records showed the boy's 'health was a frequent topic of conversation. '(They spoke of) hiding him from other family members and he was habitually left alone in the conservatory away from the other children with a pet lizard and rabbit to keep him company', Amer added. The prosecutor cited medical records showing that the boy had his first and only GP appointment in 2021 when he was just one. They had actively tried to hide the boy from family members and from 'those tracking his condition'. When the boy was taken to hospital, another doctor said the child was 'extremely small for his age and was extremely emaciated and described the child as 'looking like it had been in a concentration camp' and smelling of stale urine', according to Amer. To even the judge's surprise, it was said that social services and family court had decided to return the boy to the parents' care after spending nine months with social services and with one set of grandparents. David Watts, representing the mother, said that the parents were 'doing things correctly now' and that 'things have improved greatly' since the incident. He told the court: 'They failed to look after (this child) in a way they had looked after their others and I don't think she can give a good answer to why it happened. 'But since it happened things have improved greatly. 'Family courts are satisfied (he) could be returned to the family. Information from social services is that he is now making good progress. He was born very premature. She did not know she was pregnant with him until her waters broke. 'He's at school and the teachers have told social workers he is doing well. They are doing things correctly now.' During sentencing, following the couple's decision to both plead guilty to a single charge of wilful neglect and ill-treatment of a child, Judge Steven Coupland said: 'In July 2023, your three-year-old son collapsed while you were out. 'He turned blue, stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. At the hospital it was obvious he had been severely neglected over a period of time. 'One doctor described him as looking like he had been in a concentration camp because the two of you were effectively starving him both physically and emotionally. 'You deliberately treated him this way despite others (family) telling you otherwise. 'You were each deliberately hiding him from those tracking his condition, you were treating him differently from the other children, deliberately leaving him alone at a time he was so hungry he tried to eat pet food left in the room with him. 'A significant aggravating feature is that you deliberately tried to conceal what you were doing. Social services and family court have made a decision to return him to your care. 'Given the facts of the case I am surprised by that and both should be given the criminal case papers at the end of this hearing. 'If either of you treated a dog like that, you would be going to prison. He was a little boy.' The pair were sentenced to three years each. There are some scams that are so preposterous it is hard to see why anyone would give them a moment's credence. Yet for three years Leigh Voysey, 46, was able to persist in the fiction that her former headmistress Maureen Renny had changed her will to bequeath her the entirety of her vast 4.2 million estate. Voysey had once been head girl at the fee-paying Hertfordshire school that Mrs Renny founded and ran until 1998 in her rambling mock Tudor home. Insisting she had been favoured by her teacher, who elevated her to prefect and gave her all the best parts in school plays, Voysey claimed that Mrs Renny decided to leave her everything, disinheriting five relatives in the process. Earlier this month Voysey, single mum to a ten-year-old daughter, was jailed for six-and-a-half years for fraud and forgery, having finally cracked seven days into her trial at St Albans Crown Court and admitted her improbable story was a tissue of lies. Given the will the shelf-stacker had produced was a crude DIY document which Mrs Renny had supposedly approved in 2019 after suffering a stroke and dementia which incapacitated her both physically and mentally, what's perhaps most astonishing is that Voysey was able to maintain her claim for so long. She was pursuing a civil case against the legitimate heirs and, as Maureen Renny's step-grandson told the Mail this week, there were times when they feared she might actually pull off the hoax. Private tutor Tom Renny, 32, says the toll on them, as legal fees mounted, was huge. 'I was pushed to the brink,' he says. 'My wife and I went through such emotional and financial trauma. At one point we feared we would have to sell our home and move back in with our parents. Leigh Voysey, 46, was convicted of fraud and forgery after persisting that her former headmistress had changed her will to bequeath her the entirety of her vast 4.2 million estate The fee-paying Hertfordshire school that headmistress Maureen Renny founded and ran until 1998 in her rambling mock Tudor home and where Leigh had once been head girl 'Money was haemorrhaging from our bank account to defend the case. I'm still processing it even now. There were times when the legacy that had been a blessing seemed like a curse and we genuinely wished we'd never been given the money.' He is now campaigning for a change in the law so 'off-the-shelf' wills DIY kits which can easily be bought on the High Street for as little as 10 only become valid if they are signed and witnessed by a lawyer. Tom, who has written a book about his ordeal, also believes a time limit should be imposed on anyone challenging a will. Voysey emerged to contest Maureen Renny's will more than a year after she had died, aged 82, in 2020, by which time the majority of her estate had been distributed. The Mail also spoke to those who know Voysey, and who paint a picture of a woman who grew up in middle-class comfort but failed to make the most of a privileged education and yet was able to sustain a lavish 'champagne' lifestyle despite a modest income. One former work colleague told the Mail how Voysey confided in her that she planned to fake a will to get hold of a big estate because she 'deserved it'. But if anyone deserved to benefit, it certainly wasn't Voysey. Maureen Renny, the wealthy widow at the centre of the drama, had married Tom's paternal grandfather, accountant Murray Renny, in 1973 after his first wife died of skin cancer. But Murray died when Tom was eight and he and his sister Katherine were not close to their step-grandmother, though their mum kept in touch. When Tom married Alexandra, 31, who works in HR, in 2018 Mrs Renny sent them money. They replied with warm thanks. The inheritance was, says Tom, 'a very generous gift'. Mrs Renny, who had no children of her own, had bequeathed him and Katherine, 29 Murray's only grandchildren a five per cent share each of her will. Her other beneficiaries were three cousins and 16 of her favourite charities. She owned properties in London and on the south coast, as well as two in the picturesque village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire. One was a 900,000 house she rented out. The other was the sprawling seven-bedroom Hill House, set in eight acres of grounds, which she had formerly run as the private Barn School and where in later years she lived with round-the-clock carers until her death. After inheritance tax, Tom would receive 107,000: it allowed him and Alexandra to purchase their 'forever home', a 275,000 three-bedroom Edwardian semi in Newcastle. Maureen, the wealthy widow at the centre of the drama, owned properties in London and on the south coast, as well as two in the village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire It was as he waited, in May 2021, for the last payment from Mrs Renny's estate, that he first realised all was not well. 'The final instalment of the inheritance about 40,000 was due and our solicitor went silent,' Tom recalls. 'Then he said someone was contesting the will. At first I was just baffled. I thought there must be some misunderstanding that was being sorted out. I wasn't too worried. Then I started to hear the name Leigh Voysey... 'The story she concocted was delusional and greedy. The brazenness, the audacity of it. How was it possible she was taken seriously? I thought: Who will believe this woman? Surely she will be laughed out of court. 'Then I started to realise we'd have to defend our claim through the civil courts. It was a real shock and it knocked me for six. We did not know if we would have had to pay the money back. This was so worrying. It seems no one had contested an entire will when the money had been largely distributed. She was unrelenting.' Tom and Alexandra faced escalating solicitor's costs. 'I've never borrowed from my family; I've always budgeted wisely and lived within my means, but one month I had to find over 1,000; other times it was hundreds,' he says. 'My mum and dad chipped in, so did Alexandra's parents and my maternal grandad. They all lent us money. 'We ate into our savings. We didn't know, from one month to the next, what our bills would be. I began to wish we'd never bought our house. The whole thing took a toll on my mental health. 'The case preyed our minds all the time. I'd get angry and frustrated. I couldn't sleep.' The five beneficiaries of Maureen's will one of whom has since died accrued legal costs of 197,000 for the civil case. While Tom doesn't yet know the extent of his share, they were calculated in proportion to the size of each legacy. Although Voysey has now been ordered to reimburse them, Tom fears they have scant hope of getting the money back. And what of Voysey? Her upbringing was distinguished by its privilege. Social media photos show her dressed for horse-riding as a child and she was raised in a comfortable home by her parents who have since separated in the Hertfordshire market town of Bishop's Stortford, five miles from the Barn School. Today, her mother, who is unwell and has regular visits from carers, lives in a 900,000 converted barn while her father has moved to Portugal and has a new partner. Friends speak of an uneasy relationship between mother and daughter. Maureens step-grandson Tom, 32, with wife Alexandra, 31. Tom has written a book about his ordeal, and also believes a time limit should be imposed on anyone challenging a will Leigh claimed that her headmistress Maureen decided to leave her everything, disinheriting five relatives in the process 'There was always tension between them,' recalls an acquaintance. 'Her mother used to say, 'She was privately educated but did nothing with it.' After leaving the Barn School she attended the high-achieving state Hertfordshire & Essex High School in Bishop's Stortford but left at 16 to pursue a job as a shelf-stacker and cashier at Homebase, where she remained for 25 years, never seeking promotion. Yet, despite her modest earnings, Voysey pursued a champagne lifestyle. 'It is a mystery how she funded it, but she loved money. It has always been a big thing for her,' says the contact. While rarely working more than 16 hours a week, she managed to eat out often, go on cruises and regularly attended Newmarket races. She bought a flat in Bishop's Stortford for 112,000 in October 2005 and let it to tenants, living in a rented house in Much Hadham, the village where her former headmistress lived. Voysey was also 'known for her tall stories'. When her maternal grandmother Mary Tayler died in 2007 friends were led to believe that Voysey acquired a generous inheritance. In fact, Mary's will stipulated that each of her grandchildren receive 1,000. But maybe this planted the germ of an idea in Voysey's mind? Fiona House, a former work colleague and friend of Voysey, believes she had an audacious sense of entitlement. Mother-of two Fiona recalls Voysey confiding in her in 2021: ' 'I've got something to tell you. It's really, really big. I want to do a fake will.' She said it was to get hold of a big estate. I asked her why, and she said, 'I deserve it'. 'She wanted me to witness the will and be a part of it. I was sitting there thinking, 'What the hell are you talking about?', and imagining it was another one of her compulsive lies. 'I refused and she said I could be so rich and would not have to work any more.' Fiona's later intervention she called the Renny family's solicitors helped police launch a criminal case against Voysey and her accomplices and she later gave evidence in court. But Fiona paid a high price for her integrity. 'Leigh made my life hell, and my children's lives hell,' she recalled. 'She phoned me up and threatened to stab me and kill me when it came out what I had done. When I gave evidence against her in court, I asked to be shielded. 'It was very scary for me, but it was the right thing to do. I did it for a family who I had never met, but I had to do it because I knew it was a lie.' Certainly, Voysey's claim was riddled with lies. The court heard she went to Hill House to work a one-off shift as a relief carer for her old headteacher in 2016. By then Mrs Renny had dementia and had had a stroke. She was not, her regular carers attested in court, thinking or talking cogently. Fiona is highly sceptical her former friend ever worked, even temporarily, as a carer. However Voysey claimed this was how she reconnected with her old headteacher, who apparently remembered her after 25 years, and told her she wanted her to have her Grade II listed house as she feared her family would sell it to developers. Voysey then lied that she had visited Mrs Renny three or four times a year before her death. 'During one of my visits, she asked me what I thought about the Barn, ie Hill House, and I said I loved it. Mrs Renny said to me: 'I hope it never gets built on',' Voysey told the court. 'She said Mrs Renny had mentioned leaving her estate to her in a new will.' Tom Renny knows this is all nonsense: 'Maureen couldn't speak at the time; she wasn't of sound mind. It was all concocted lies.' Mrs Renny had been dead for 16 months when Voysey produced her forged will, claiming that she had not done so earlier because she had been ill. She had enlisted the help of her friends, security guard Amber Collingwood, 44 since sacked from her job at Stansted Airport and Ben Mayes, 42, a convicted drug user, to sign as witnesses. Seven days into their trial, the accomplices changed their plea to guilty. 'After that, Voysey had no choice but to follow,' says Tom. He travelled hundreds of miles to be in court for the sentencing and, despite his quiet manner, his anger is still palpable. 'I wanted to look this woman in the eye. I saw her once behind a Perspex screen in court yet she had dominated my life for three years. She was a deranged fantasist who thought the world owed her a living.' Tom Renny's book about the trial, Inheritance Hell: A 4.2 Million Fraud, is available on Amazon at 9.99. Additional reporting: Andrew Young A California mother and daughter were curled up on the couch when three masked men burst into their home, threatened them at gunpoint and strapped fake dynamite to their bodies. Michelle Renee had been employed as a Bank of America branch manager in Vista on November 21, 2000, when the attackers held the mother-daughter duo and their roommate hostage overnight. Kidnapper Christopher Butler and his two accomplices - Christopher Huggins and Robert Ortiz - duct-taped the three victims' hands and feet, leading the little girl to ask: '[Are you] going to kill my mommy?' Over the next 14 hours, Renee would be forced to rob the bank, shoving $360,000 into a duffle bag and escaping with Butler in her own red Jeep - all while believing dynamite had been strapped to her and her daughter. Now, two decades on, despite Renee's furious protestations, Butler has been granted his freedom. The convict appeared before a parole board for the third time on Friday and convinced them to release him after spending 24 years behind bars for robbery and kidnapping. The decision bought Renee and her daughter, now 31, to tears. The mother had been looking for deep remorse in Butler over the year and insisted she has not found any. Only recently did he admit to lying about the notion that Renee had helped plan the robbery. 'It hasn't been 20-some years of him doing that deep work,' Renee said. 'It's all of a sudden. I appreciate it's happening. It's not about getting out, it's about getting it right. It has only just begun. Michelle Renee and her daughter Breea were curled up on the couch on November 21, 2000, when Christopher Butler and two other men broke into their home and held their hostage until morning, where they force Renee to rob the bank she worked at Butler and his co-conspirators strapped fake dynamite to the mother, her daughter, and their roommate and told them they would detonate the device if Renee didn't follow the plan Butler appeared before a parole board for a third time on Friday after spending 24 years behind bars and granted parole. Despite the more than two decades that have passed, Renee and her daughter Breea are not ready to allow their captor to be free. 'It doesn't take four to six months to fix what caused him to do this.' For his part, Butler said: 'I pray one day God touches them the way he touches me to have remorse, empathy and compassion. I am sorry to my victims, I am sorry to my victims' family and my family.' Despite his apology, to Renee, Butler - who the bank employee knew as 'Money One' - will always be the monster who told her to say goodbye to her daughter. 'You have about 10 minutes to say whatever it is you'd want to say to your daughter because it might be the last thing you ever say to her if you screw up,' Renee previously recalled him saying to CBS 8. 'I told her that she was perfect for me. That she was everything I'd ever dreamed of in a daughter, that when I wanted to become a mom, and I chose to become a mom, that there would never be another more perfect soul for me as a mom, and how much I just loved her.' In Friday's meeting, Butler admitted that he and his accomplices 'figured out that the daughter was the weapon we would use to [make her] risk her own life to go into the bank' after seeing a picture of the child days before the robbery. 'At the time, my daughter was only 5 years old in that photo,' Renee said. Christopher Huggins (left) and Robert Ortiz (right) were also apart of the plan. Huggins faces a parole hearing in March, while Breea recommended Ortiz be released at his 2021 hearing 'For somebody to come in and point to a photo of a 5-year-old child and say, "Im going to weaponize that, and then they say that this person is suitable for parole, I find that not only fascinating, but semi-horrifying as well.' 'What kind of person lies about the person whose life they destroyed?' she said at the hearing. 'Who is the kind of person that hangs onto that lie and perpetuates it for 20 years? Is that the type of person that we can consider being safe and who is capable of making decisions?' Butler had even tried to get rapper Ludacris - who was a childhood best friend - to write a letter to the board, but the musician never responded, according to CBS 8. On the day of the robbery, Renee was forced to drive to the Vista branch with her back not touching her seat over fears she would set off the explosive. 'You're driving, and you're seeing these people in the car next to you, just having a normal morning, going to work, and I still have the dynamite on my back,' she told the outlet. 'I just want to scream for somebody to please help me and help us and tell somebody what's going on. And I can't.' When she arrived to work, she entered the vault with a coworker and showed her the dynamite, causing the other woman to hyperventilate. The dynamite (pictured) turned out to be broken drumsticks that were painted red and had wires taped to it Butler had even tried to get rapper Ludacris - who was a childhood best friend of his - to write a letter to the board, but the musician never responded Renee told her to calm down and prepare to shut the bank down before starting to shovel money into the duffle. 'I told her I had five minutes, or we're gonna blow. I just started stuffing stacks of cash into a bag,' she said. By the time she got back out to her car, where Butler was crouched in the back seat, she had $360,000 in the bag. The pair drove off together and then Butler, who was wearing a ski mask, directed her where to go before telling her to get out of the car. He gave her directions on where to find her Jeep and took off. A few blocks away, she watched her tormentors drive off in a getaway car and found her Jeep exactly where he said it would be, according to the outlet. With the fake explosive strapped to her back, Butler - who Renee knew as 'Money One' - told her to say goodbye to her daughter. 'I told her that she was perfect for me,' she recalled Renee put $360,000 into a duffle bag before leaving the bank and driving away with Butler She quickly began scribbling everything down on her car seats, which 'turned out to be really helpful for the police.' Quickly after, she rushed home to find Breea and her roommate safe, dynamite free. The trio ran over the neighbor's house when they realized Renee still had the dynamite strapped to her back. The neighbor called 911, and a bomb squad determined the explosive was simply drumsticks painted red with wires taped to it to make it look real, according to CBS News. As the police investigated the heist, Renee began putting together the pieces herself and recalled an odd interaction with a bank client the day before. She remembered Butler had met with her the day before about opening up a business account at Bank of America and started rambling. Before he left, he had given her a business card that belonged to Christopher S. Butler and claimed he was a night club photographer. Shortly after, Butler, Huggins, and Ortiz were arrested during a traffic stop. After she returned home, she realized she still had the dynamite on her and they ran to a neighbor to call the police, who easily determined the explosive was harmless Renee drove her red Jeep to and from the crime scene The mother-daughter duo do not believe Butler has shown remorse for his crimes (pictured: the gun used) Leading up to Friday's hearing, Renee and her daughter had strongly opposed Butler's prospective release. 'I think, like with the others, I've been looking for clear evidence of remorse, looking for clear evidence of the deep work that needs to be done so there are not any of those dangerous red flags in terms of whether everyone will be safe if he's released,' she told CBS 8. 'I cannot say with any confidence that I've seen any of those signs from Mr. Butler.' Despite their wish for Butler to stay in custody, they have forgiven Huggins and Ortiz, they told the outlet. Breea even spoke at Ortiz's hearing in 2021, where she said: 'I believe it's time for him to go be with his family and to be released from prison.' Huggins is due to go before the board in March 2025. 'Huggins, just like Ortiz, has put in so much work since the day he got there,' the mother said. 'There is clear evidence of remorse. There is clear evidence of wanting to make amends.' When Butler was asked what was the worst thing he had done to the mother and daughter, he told the board he 'couldn't give an answer,' according to Renee. Pictured: Renee and her daughter Breea today Pictured: The duct tape used to bound their wrists and feet while they were held hostage in their home Renee remembered Butler had met with her the day before about opening up a business account at Bank of America and had started rambling. Before he left, he had given her a business card that belonged to Christopher S. Butler and claimed he was a night club photographer For Renee, he stole her career and the life that they knew. They, on the other hand, have a very clear idea what they lost that night. 'He stole a seven-year-old's childhood and made me restart,' Breea told CBS 8. 'That's the worst he did, to me at least.' 'So much was gone in an absolute blink of an eye that night. I think the worst thing he did was destroy the life we knew,' she told the outlet. Before, she thought she had to embody the 'corporate-ladder-climbing mom' to give her daughter a good example, but after the strange ordeal, she realized family had to come first. 'I wanted to do this right, get through this well, get through this in a really healthy way. It became my number one focus, and that is still true today,' she told the outlet. Since then, Renee has started a media company and a podcast, the pair have traveled to 17 countries, and Breea has got married. 'I want people to understand that no matter what you've survived, you can move your life in a direction that is positive, full of love, full of joy,' the mother said. Butler may have been granted parole, but there is one final hurdle for him before achieving freedom; Governor Gavin Newsom now has 180 days to approve the parole, reverse it, or send the decision back for review by a panel. In response to Butler walking the streets again, Renee said she's 'just hoping that whatever he started there is going to stick and he continues along that path should he get out.' The investigation into a traumatizing home invasion where a family was tortured with searing hot knives has taken a new turn as cops revealed a new arrest is imminent. Maricela Morales, her husband Arturo Torres, their three children and a friend of their daughter's were attacked by a gang of masked intruders at their home in Harnett County on Father's Day weekend in June. The ordeal began at around 2am on Saturday, June 15, when the family were in their garage with the door open. They were bound with duct tape, held at knife-point and tortured in what cops later called the most horrific scenes they had ever encountered. Three suspects were arrested in October but authorities now believe a fourth person may have been involved. 'We are in the process of filing charges on one other suspect and should have warrants before Christmas,' Captain Joseph Webb of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office told the DailyMail.com. Despite the new lead, Webb admitted that the authorities 'still have several unanswered questions'. 'I cannot say what the motive is,' he added. The three suspects already in custody are Christopher Jamal Richardson, 22, Isaiah Rashun Speed, 25, and a 17-year-old juvenile. All face charges including first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, possession of stolen property and assault with a deadly weapon. The case of a brutal home invasion in North Carolina has taken a shocking turn as authorities revealed they believe a fourth suspect was involved Maricela Morales, her husband and three children were all targeted in the horrific ordeal, which her sister said left them 'suffering physically, emotionally and mentally' When announcing the arrests in October, Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described the attackers' actions in gruesome detail. The intruders are believed to have staked out the home before storming in and launching their vicious assault. 'They put a knife and fork on top of the stove and heated it up and they just started sticking it to the body,' Coats said. 'They were trying to get them to tell them where their money and guns were.' Despite their efforts, the attackers reportedly found nothing of any value in the home After ransacking the property, they then fled the scene in two stolen vehicles - leaving the family injured and traumatized. Sheriff Coats called the methods of torture 'the worst' he had seen in his career. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Morales' sister, is seeking to support the family as they recover from the attack. 'Words cannot describe the pain and devastation that our family is experiencing right now,' the fundraiser read. 'My sister and her family unit are suffering physically, emotionally and mentally. Our extended family and close friends are devastated. Isaiah Rashun Speed, 26, was arrested in Detroit, Michigan, on October. 2 on warrants out of Harnett County Christopher Jamal Richardson, 22, was arrested on October 9 Pictured: The car the alleged attackers drove to the residence of Morales and Torres before tying them up and torturing them 'Their home was vandalized and their peace of mind and safety will never feel the same.' The incident shook the quiet North Carolina neighborhood, leaving residents on edge. Neighbor Jeffery Miller told WRAL he has since installed security cameras at his home. 'I thought I was the security, but now I need to have a camera,' Miller said, adding that he feels 'so sorry for their family.' As for Morales, Torres and their children, 'they're coping with it,' Coats said. 'This family was tortured so badly they're never going to get over it. It's something they're going to have to live with a long time and these arrests hopefully will help them heal.' Speed and Richardson's cases are still pending, but Richardson has a disposition hearing scheduled for January 20. It is unclear if they have entered a plea at this time. DailyMail.com has reached out to the family for comment. Alarming revelations about Joe Biden's decline have raised questions about how long the president was impaired while leading the country and how long his staff, close advisors, and family were covering up the truth. Concerns about Biden's age had already begun when he announced his 2020 campaign at the age of 77. Democrats groaned as the former vice president struggled through primary debates, frequently stumbling over talking points while mixing up his sentences. At the time, the most favorable interpretation was that it was just 'Biden being Biden' - he was the affable gaffe-ridden politician who struggled from early youth with a stutter. When the coronavirus pandemic took place during the general election, Biden's staffers almost breathed a sigh of relief when the president was no longer expected to campaign publicly, risking slip-ups and errors. Instead, he was quarantined in his family basement where he could be trusted to deliver short scripted speeches and tightly controlled remote video interviews over Zoom. Despite some concerns about his age, the public saw Biden successfully perform during the 2020 presidential debates as he rhetorically tangled with Donald Trump on two occasions about the future of the country. Biden won the presidency in 2020, but he was still protected in a closely watched cocoon of staff as the pandemic raged and his public and media appliances were limited and carefully scripted. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wait to take a photo with staff outside the White House Perhaps the first time the public started to become alarmed was when President Biden demonstrated his dramatic physical limitations, falling repeatedly on the stairs while boarding Air Force One on March 18, 2021 for a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted the president was doing '100 percent fine' and blamed the wind for his stumbles. By August 2021, however, Biden started to demonstrate real struggles in communicating and reacting to major public events. During the botched exit from Afghanistan, President Biden continued keeping his remarks closely scripted for days, refusing to respond to shouted questions from reporters and staying on script with his talking points. The country was not satisfied with his responses, prompting staff to schedule an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos to allow the president to defend his decision to pull U.S. troops from Afghanistan Biden made multiple errors and gaffes throughout the interview that aired on August 19, 2021 and they had to be clarified and corrected by the White House. The subsequent terrorist suicide bombing that killed 13 American warfighters and more than 170 Afghan civilians shook Biden as he struggled to defend the botched exit from the country. U.S. President Joe Biden pauses and grips his folder while listening to a question from a reporter Joe Biden slips three times as he climbs stairs to Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland When he finally took questions from the press, Biden found himself frustrated, struggling to finish sentences and recall basic facts and talking points. At one moment he bowed his head with frustration and anger, clenching his briefing book of talking points as Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked him a question. Even many who voted for Biden questioned the president's ability to handle the chaotic events, and the decisions he made about the way to withdraw forces from Afghanistan. Biden's performance as a major world leader during the Russian aggression in Ukraine also prompted questions about his abilities. In January 2022, Biden held an extended press conference after a long drought in commutations with the White House press. Even before it was over staff had to clarify Biden's remarks about Russia making a 'minor incursion' into Ukraine that might not trigger a response from the United States and NATO allies. A National Security Council spokeswoman immediately said that Biden was only speaking about possible non-military, paramilitary, or cyber attacks. The president had not even finished speaking. After his press conference White House press secretary Jen Psaki also issued a statement to clarify the president's remarks. President Joe Biden delivers a speech marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine In March 2022, White House staff also scrambled to correct Biden after he delivered a speech in Poland to confront Putin's aggression in Ukraine. 'For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power,' Biden declared forcefully, suggesting he was supportive of regime change in Russia. The White House immediately said that Biden's comments were not about regime change and that it was not in his prepared remarks. Biden continued his presidency clutching detailed notecards from his staff reminding him where to go, what to say, and who he was talking to. His coughing was no longer smothered by the occasional cough drop, his voice grew thinner and weaker, and his gait grew more stiff, prompting additional questions about his abilities. In June 2022, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre hyperbolically defended Biden's acuity. 'Oh, my gosh, he's the President of the United States, you know, he I can't even keep up with him,' she told CNN's Don Lemon in an interview, urging skeptics to look at the work he was achieving. But in September 2022, Biden sparked more concern after he arrived at an event with members of Congress and called out to Rep. Jackie Walorski, who had passed away more than a month earlier in a car crash. 'Jackie are you here? Where's Jackie?' Biden said, appearing unaware of her passing. The White House defended Biden's question and would only say that the deceased congresswoman was 'top of mind,' during his remarks. In June 2023, Biden tripped over a sandbag and fell sprawling on stage at the Air Force Academys commencement ceremony. White House aides responded that the president was 'fine' after the undignified incident. 'Calm down you nervous nellies,' wrote Biden's former chief of staff Ron Klain on social media, scolding Democrats for questioning the president's health. 'He's fine,' White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt tweeted afterward. 'There was a sandbag (seen left) on stage while he was shaking hands.' By October 2023, Biden struggled during his interview with Special counsel Robert Hur about classified documents found in his possession. Hur's report revealed his honest assessment, that Biden was a 'sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.' When the details were released in early January, Biden was furious about the accusation. He was running for reelection and already fighting off suggestions that he was too old and senile to be seeking a second term. Biden held a press conference defending his abilities, but after insisting 'my memory is fine,' he mistakenly referred to the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as 'the president of Mexico' without correcting himself. Throughout, Biden's staff repeatedly defended the president's mental and physical abilities. But behind the scenes donors attending fundraising events were incredibly alarmed as he often trailed off during speeches and struggled to remember who he was talking to. At public events, Biden appeared at times to be lost on stage, looking to staff to point him in the proper direction. Biden's public demeanor was so bad by the summer of 2024 that donors were openly questioning the president's decision to run for reelection. President Joe Biden participates in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios In the presidential debate in June 2024, Biden struggled to finish his sentences and mixed up his prepared talking points as he tried to compete with Trump. Biden's frail, hoarse and raspy voice alarmed debate viewers as he claimed there were 'a thousand trillionaires' in the United States who needed to be taxed more. Later in the debate he declared that 'we finally beat Medicare' and struggled to deliver his prepared attacks on Trump. 'I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don't think he knows what he said either,' Trump quipped. The botched debate performance prompted a host of Democrats to publicly call for Biden to exit the race. But the White House continued defending Biden's abilities During a NATO summit on July 11, Biden introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'President Putin' before correcting himself. The president also referred to his vice president as 'Trump' instead of Kamala Harris during a press conference at the summit. 'Look, I wouldn't have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if I didn't think she was qualified to be president,' he said. Biden continued insisting he was 'fine' and fit for reelection. 'If I slow down, I can't get the job done. That's a sign that I shouldn't be doing it. But there's no indication of that yet, none,' he said. By July 21, Biden announced he would drop out of his presidential campaign. Sukhbir Dalal In a significant political development, former MLA and long-time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sukhbir Dalal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday. The move was announced in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva, and other senior leaders at a press conference at the Delhi BJP headquarters. Joining Dalal was Balbir Singh, an executive member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee from Vivek Vihar. Dalal, who represented Mundka as an AAP MLA, clarified that his decision to switch allegiance was not due to being denied a ticket but stemmed from his confidence in the BJP's policies. "Ever since Arvind Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' was built, corruption within AAP crossed all limits," Dalal remarked. He accused the AAP government of prioritising corruption over development and ignoring the needs of rural areas in Delhi. Dalal also credited the BJP for supporting his efforts to execute developmental projects in rural Delhi. Expressing his gratitude after joining the party, he pledged his commitment to contributing to the nation's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. This follows a series of switches by the AAP leaders to the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. Recently, Delhi Ministers Kailash Gahlot and Harsharan Singh Balli joined the BJP. Along with this, many others also switched to the BJP ahead of polls. Balbir Singh, too, cited his admiration for PM Modi's policies as a motivating factor. "The Prime Minister has worked extensively for the Sikh community, which inspired me to join the BJP," he said. Singh highlighted his electoral success as a member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee and noted that his appeal transcended religious boundaries. He further praised the BJP and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for their recent contributions to the Sikh community. Singh contrasted this with the lack of action by other parties, stating, "Everyone talks about 1984, but they never provided jobs or opportunities. The BJP has offered both support and work." With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025, the AAP faces increasing challenges as it aims for a third consecutive term. In the 2020 elections, the party won an overwhelming majority, securing 62 out of 70 seats. This political realignment adds to the mounting pressures on AAP as it prepares to defend its stronghold in the upcoming elections. A diabetic company director whose boss joked 'Slimline for the lady' when he asked for a low-calorie tonic water with his gin has won more than 20,000 in a discrimination claim. Mark Davis was fired because bosses at his consultancy firm believed his condition would mean he would be unable to work at the level they wanted, an employment tribunal found. Defending his claim of disability discrimination, they claimed that when they sacked the 80,000 a year executive, they were unaware of his illness. Mr Davis cited the remark about his choice of 'slimline' mixer as part of his argument that they knew he was diabetic in the months leading up to his dismissal. Now, after a seven-year legal battle, he has been awarded 20,661.64 in damages after the tribunal found that he was sacked as a result of his condition, an illness his bosses had refused to acknowledge. The hearing in central London was told Mr Davis was recruited to P2CG in January 2015, charged with bringing in 500,000 a year in sales. The firm, which places consultants with clients, had been set up two years previously by 'three amigos' - Pip Peel, Dr Simon Rawling and Jason Knight - with whom he had worked before. The hearing was told that part of the role involved 'wining and dining' potential clients and that, when well, Mr Davis could drink eight to ten pints in an evening. A diabetic company director has won more than 20,000 in a discrimination claim after he was fired by his bosses who believed his condition would mean he would be unable to work at the level they wanted (file photo) In March 2016, after seeing his GP, Mr Davis went to A&E with 'dangerously elevated' blood glucose levels, after which he was given a diagnosis of diabetes, the tribunal heard, although he required further tests to find out which type. Mr Davis told the panel that as he underwent further tests, he lost a significant amount of weight, lacked energy and took time off for medical appointments. But his bosses said they hadn't noticed any changes and that June, Mr Peel gave Mr Davis a written warning for failing short of his gross profit contribution target. Two weeks later a board meeting took place at which he said a colleague asked him how his diabetes was going. The tribunal heard that after the meeting, Dr Rawling ordered a round of drinks. When Mr Davis asked for a slim-line tonic with his gin: 'Dr Rawling quipped, 'Slimline for the lady'.' Mr Davis told the panel that later on, he spoke to the three company founders about the effects of diabetes. Dr Rawling denied making the 'slimline' remark and claimed that he himself would drink low calorie mixers. But the tribunal found he did say it, albeit in a 'light-hearted' manner. The tribunal heard that the next month Mr Davis was diagnosed with Type One diabetes. Mr Davis was dismissed for poor performance that August, following a meeting. The tribunal heard he had been suffering from 'fatigue', having had two hours sleep after a late night out with two colleagues entertaining prospective clients. An employment tribunal heard that Mark Davis's boss quipped 'slimline for the lady', when Mr Davis asked for a slim line tonic with his gin (file photo) When he responded that he could not believe that he was being treated in this way given his serious ill health struggles, Dr Rawlings replied that he had 'absolutely no knowledge' of his ill health, a declaration that left Mr David 'gobsmacked'. Mr Davis took the firm to the tribunal claiming disability discrimination and won two of his claims relating to his dismissal and Mr Peel and Dr Rawlings' refusal to acknowledge his condition. The panel found that both bosses knew about his diabetes by the time of his firing and that his illness was a factor in his sacking. Employment Judge Andrew Glennie said: 'We considered that, as a matter of probability, Mr Peel took into account [his] disability as something that meant that his performance was unlikely to improve, or at least lessened the chances of that occurring.' Donald Trump's campaign manager branded Lord Mandelson a 'moron' who should 'stay home' just minutes after he was confirmed as Britain's new ambassador to the United States. Chris LaCivita savaged Keir Starmer's decision to replace Dame Karen Pierce with the controversial Labour peer. His intervention came after it emerged that Lord Mandelson had made a series of disparaging remarks about Mr Trump during his first term in office. In 2019, he criticised Tory attempts to 'make common cause with an American President who is little short of a white nationalist and racist'. Downing Street confirmed Lord Mandelson's appointment to Washington at 4.22pm, with the Prime Minister saying the man deemed by No 10 to be a safe pair of hands would bring 'unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength'. But just 23 minutes later, Mr LaCivita posted a message on X criticising the PM's decision to replace a 'professional universally respected ambo with an absolute moron'. He added: 'He should stay home! SAD! Mandelson described Trump as a danger to the world and 'little short of a white nationalist'.' The extraordinary diplomatic spat threatens to undermine Sir Keir's attempts to gloss over Labour's past vitriol about Mr Trump and forge a working relationship with the incoming President. Downing Street confirmed Lord Mandelson's appointment as Britain's new ambassador to the United States to Washington at 4.22pm Chris LaCivita (pictured) savaged Keir Starmer 's decision to replace Dame Karen Pierce with the controversial Labour peer. Mr LaCivta's intervention came after it emerged that Lord Mandelson had made a series of disparaging remarks about Donald Trump during his first term in office Bryan Lanza, another senior figure from the Trump campaign, said Mr LaCivita had a 'colourful' turn of phrase, but added: 'That's certainly his view and I wouldn't be surprised if it is reflected by others in the inner circle... it is sad.' Earlier, another ally of Mr Trump warned Lord Mandelson that he would have to drop Labour's 'snobbery' towards the incoming president if he wanted to build strong relations and avoid a trade war. Republican congressman Glenn Grothman said Labour's past condemnation of Mr Trump would affect the initial relationship, because 'he takes things personally'. He told Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's important for people in the Labour Party to look at the positive side of Donald Trump. 'I think there is an element of snobbery in Left-wing parties... they feel themselves more refined or superior to President Trump.' Lord Mandelson has recently urged Labour to adopt a 'pragmatic' approach to the incoming Trump administration, including exploiting Nigel Farage's links with the Republicans as a 'bridge' to pursue British interests. Downing Street believes Lord Mandelson's networking abilities and trade experience, both as a former EU trade commissioner and business secretary, make him ideally qualified to deal with the Trump administration. He is expected to start work in Washington shortly after Mr Trump's inauguration on January 20. Sir Keir said: 'The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength.' Lord Mandelson said the appointment was a 'great honour'. A man has been charged with murder over a horror double killing on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Jackson Gilmour, 29, was asleep inside the Parson Street home in Rye when a woman and man allegedly broke into the home just after 4am on December 2. Mr Gilmour, 29 and Charlyze Hayter, 19, were treated for gunshot wounds by paramedics, but both died at the scene in Melbourne's south. It is believed Ms Hayter and a 24-year-old man broke in to the property. A female guest staying at Mr Gilmour's home rushed to the bathroom and called police while he confronted the pair. Ms Hayter then allegedly beat Mr Gilmour with a baton and demanded he hand over his wallet and other personal belongings as she rummaged through his drawers. Mr Gilmour fatally shot Ms Hayter before he was allegedly shot by the male intruder who fled the scene in a vehicle. On Friday, police arrested two Narre Warren men, aged 25 and 24, as well as a 24-year-old Narre Warren South man and a 28-year-old Narre Warren North man. Jackson Gilmour, 29, died after he was shot inside his home on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula on December 2. The tradie had lived in the area for 10 years before his death Charlyze Hayter, 19, died from gunshot wounds after allegedly breaking in Mr Gilmour's property with a 24-year-old man. She was treated by paramedics but could not be saved Property records show Mr Gilmour moved into this three-bedroom home last December A 24-year-old man has since been charged with murder, aggravated home invasion and armed robbery. He was remanded and will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 23. Police interviewed the three other men and they were released pending further investigation. Mr Gilmour, who was affectionately known as Jack to friends, had lived on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 10 years. Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Gilmour worked as a tradesman, with his family owning and operating construction and plumbing businesses in the area. Property records show he had moved into the three-bedroom rental property in December last year. Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson previously said police believe Mr Gilmour and the two intruders were known to each other and that it was a targeted incident. Det Supt Stevenson said police are yet to determine what led the couple to break into the home, but one line of inquiry was whether drugs were involved. Police and forensic teams are pictured at the home on December 2 following the incident She said police are still investigating how many people were at the home at the time and where the guns involved in the shooting came from. Mr Gilmour was known to police, but Det Supt Stevenson would not confirm the nature of previous interactions. The double-death has shocked residents of Rye, a wealthy seaside suburb 98km south of Melbourne, known for its picturesque beaches. Scott Rush is still in Darwin after returning from Bali An outstanding arrest warrant means Bali Nine inmate Scott Rush will be unable to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones this year after almost 20 years behind bars. Matthew Norman, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephens and Si Yi Chen have each left the Howard Springs Accommodation Village near Darwin on flights to their home states after touching down in Australia on Sunday. Rush is the only Bali Nine inmate who won't be reunited with family this Christmas as his legal team liaises with the Queensland Police regarding a prior arrest warrant. The outstanding warrant against Rush is regarding his alleged involvement in stealing less than $5,000 from the Commonwealth Bank in 2005. He is expected to fly home from the Northern Territory in the coming weeks. Queensland Police have said they are aware of the existing warrant against Rush and are in contact with his legal team. The Bali Nine were arrested on drug smuggling charges for attempting to smuggle 8.6kg of heroin out of Denpasar Airport in April 2005 and have since spent more than 19 years living in squalid prison cells. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto struck a top secret deal with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese which granted the surviving members clemency. The five men are banned from returning to Indonesia for life. Bali Nine member Scott Rush (pictured arriving in Darwin on Sunday) will not be able to return to Queensland because of an outstanding arrest warrant Smugglers Martin Stephens, Michael Czugaj, Scott Rush, Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen look on as Australia and Indonesia sign an agreement Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said neither Rush nor Czugaj, who also lives in the state, would be receiving any help from his government in returning home. 'Drug importations have horrendous consequences at both ends, through both nations, and this was an incredibly sad and tragic tale,' Mr Crisafulli said. 'What I hope happens as a result of this is I do hope it reinforces the message to a new generation of younger people who might not even heard of this case that there is a zero-tolerance approach for drugs. 'If by highlighting this case and the repercussions of decisions made many years ago can prevent even one person from running that risk and destroying their lives, and potentially thousands of other lives, then there will be a glimmer of good that comes from a really tragic situation.' A police spokeswoman said officers were in contact with Rush's legal team. 'Queensland Police are aware of the warrants for a 39-year-old man in relation to outstanding matters and are in contact with his legal representation,' she said. 'For privacy and operational reasons it is inappropriate to provide further comment on the matter.' Rush's legal representatives are in contact with Queensland Police regarding his alleged involvement in stealing money from the Commonwealth Bank in 2005 Ironically it was Lee Rush, Scott Rush's father, who contacted the Australian Federal Police requesting they stop his son from leaving Australia, desperate to prevent him from getting involved in any drug activity in 2005. The AFP forwarded that information to Indonesian authorities who pounced on the group and arrested them at the airport. Rush's lawyer claimed in 2005 that the AFP had abandoned promises to stop the group from leaving Australia, instead letting them fly to a country that they knew could execute the smugglers. Subsequent arrests at Bali's Denpasar Airport and other locations in Indonesia saw the plot foiled, and ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were sentenced to death. Both were executed by firing squad in April 2015. Rush was originally sentenced to life in prison but later appealed the verdict to have his sentence reduced to 20 years. Rush's father, Lee, is the person who tipped off the AFP that his son was going to try smuggling drugs out of Bali which led to the Bali Nine being caught (Scott Rush and Lee Rush pictured) Czugaj returned to Brisbane on an overnight Qantas flight from Darwin that touched down in Queensland at 5.30am on Friday. He was accompanied by a squad of AFP officers and refused to speak to the media upon arrival. His father was seen leaving his Beerwah home at 12.30pm en route to Brisbane Airport and it is understood that Czugaj returned home with him later that night. Meanwhile, Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen reportedly arrived at Gate 10 in Melbourne Airport at 6.50am on Friday where they were greeted by a small group of family members. Neither commented to waiting media. Martin Stephens also arrived in Sydney on the same day. Norman, 38, is expected to 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 tourist and young families. Other surviving members of the Bali Nine all returned home on Friday, including Matthew Norman (pictured) who will be moving into a $4million Melbourne home Mr Albanese said the surviving members of the Bali Nine had paid 'a serious price' for their crimes. 'It is time for the Bali five to have come home. They committed a serious crime. They paid a serious price [As did] their familiesThey had paid a significant price for the crime that they committed,' he said on Friday. 'It is time for them to come home and I am pleased that has occurred.' A statement released on behalf of the men said they were 'relieved and happy' to be back home on Sunday. 'In both Australia and Indonesia, at both a senior level and in prison visits and personal assistance, over many years, DFAT have offered professional and enduring support,' the statement read. 'The men and their families will always be grateful. 'They look forward, in time, to reintegrating back into and contributing to society. 'The welfare of the men is a priority, they will need time and support, and we hope and trust our media and community will make allowance for this.' The heartbreaking moment an eight-year-old girl tightly grips the hands of detectives after being rescued from her alleged abductor has been revealed. The little girl was allegedly taken by her 44-year-old father from a Department of Child Safety facility in Maroochydore, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on Thursday. The man is alleged to have coaxed his daughter into his blue Toyota Hilux before driving several hours away from the government facility. The pair were pursued by police onto a rural property in Eerwah Vale with a helicopter, bearcats and tactical officers arriving at the scene at 6pm. After a tense standoff the man eventually released his daughter, who was captured gripping the hands of two detectives as they walked along a dirt road. 'The girls safe...probably highly traumatised,' a female detective is heard saying. Moments later, her father is seen walking up the same road in handcuffs. He was charged with child stealing and trespass - unlawfully enter or remain in dwelling or yard. The heartbreaking moment an eight-year-old girl tightly grips the hands of detectives after being rescued from her alleged abductor, her father, has been revealed The 44-year-old man was led down the same dirt road in handcuffs a short time later He fronted Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday where he was refused bail. The man will face court again in 2025. It comes after a state-wide Amber Alert was issued by police on Thursday, who also released a photo of the eight-year-old and a dark blue Hilux. The little girl was found 'safe and well' on a regional property at 6pm, police said in a statement on Thursday. 'Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance,' it said. Detective Acting Inspector Wiggins earlier described the alleged abduction as 'forceful' but that there was no evidence the man had been armed. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was asked by reporters on Friday how the girl was taken from under the noses of staff at the government facility. 'It should be looked at, and I make the point and I make the point that the matter is now before court,' Mr Crisafulli said. The owner of a pizza shop in Washington D.C. is speaking out after she was ruthlessly attacked on social media for congratulating Donald Trump for winning the presidential election. Mariya Rusciano and her husband Ettore, who is originally from Naples, Italy, have been running Menomale Pizza in the Brookland neighborhood since 2012. According to multiple reports, Rusciano was behind the post on X that riled up so many D.C. locals, 92 percent of whom voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. 'The people have spoken. @realDonaldTrump won the popular vote and the electoral college. Congratulations!' she wrote on November 6, the day after the election. 'Can we gift @WhiteHouse a nice Italian wood burning pizza oven?' The reaction to the post from Rusciano, who is a registered Democrat according to Fox News, was swift and unforgiving. 'What an odd tweet! You were on my radar as I spend a lot of time in Brookland but I am so confused - are you trying to go out of business?' one local replied. Several others threatened to boycott the restaurant or left nasty, profanity-laden comments for what they thought was a 'tone-deaf' response to the election results. 'Made it pretty easy to skip your business. I live in Brookland too,' another person wrote. 'Thanks for exposing who you are! Will never be buying anything from this business,' a third wrote. Mariya Rusciano and her husband Ettore (pictured together) run Menomale Pizza together. Their business was attacked for congratulating Donald Trump on winning the election Pictured: Rusciano's post-Election Day message, which angered many D.C. locals, some of whom threatened boycotts The negative reaction to her post was mostly limited to social media, she told Fox, though she did say the pizzeria did receive some emails. She also claimed a woman yelled profanities from outside the restaurant. Rusciano told Fox and NBC 4 Washington that she would have posted the congratulatory message regardless of who won the election. In a post to Instagram on Election Day - which got barely any attention - Rusciano mentioned both Trump and Harris. 'We'd really like to see a pizza oven in the White House,' Rusciano told NBC. 'Whether it happens or not it's a longshot but it's an opportunity.' She also hoped to get across a message of unity in a time when Americans are increasingly divided politically. In a post to Instagram on Election Day, Rusciano mentioned both candidates and suffered no backlash whatsoever. 'Whether we wake up to a Trump or Harris presidency tomorrow, America will still remain the land of opportunity, a melting pot of cultures where all have a shot at the American Dream,' she wrote. 'We are forever thankful for the chance to build our American Dream right here in DC!' Her original post on X has now been flooded with supportive comments and promises to visit her pizzeria after the media coverage. After the pizzeria's post was initially perceived as supportive of Donald Trump (pictured at the New York Stock Exchange on December 12), dozens of people on social media pledged to visit the restaurant Menomale Pizza (pictured) has been in business since 2012 and is on the east side of Washington D.C. It's about one-and-a-half miles from the Maryland-D.C. border 'Thanks for demonstrating civility. I appreciate your commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian food! I will definitely visit your restaurant next time I'm in DC!' one person wrote. 'Brookland resident and longtime Menomale enthusiast. See you soon for another great pizza!' another wrote. 'Next time I'm in town I'll definitely be giving you my patronage! Merry Christmas and have a phenomenal New Year!!' a third wrote. Rusciano said she respected those who said they didn't feel comfortable patronizing her business. 'I respect that,' Rusciano said. 'We all vote with our wallets every day, but there was no reason to get personal, telling us to go 'F' ourselves, wishing for us to shut down.' It can't be easy delivering millions of presents to millions of homes from a flying sleigh when all you can see is an endless succession of roofs. But Santa's job may be a little easier this year thanks to AI technology developed by Ordnance Survey just in time for Christmas. The map-maker has created 'machine learning tool' software to provide detailed information on the UK's 40million rooftops. Clearly, this will be vital to help Father Christmas find a suitably flat and stable surface to land his sleigh on although it does have other practical applications. The technology can identify almost every feature of every roof in the land from its aspect to its pitch, size and even the material it is made from. The data is only available to Santa Claus at the moment, but it's due to be released in March for use by local authorities and commercial organisations. John Kimmance, chief customer officer at Ordnance Survey, said he hoped 'Santa will give the technology a proper test for the first time this Christmas Eve'. He added: 'We have a huge amount of data from aerial and satellite images, along with hundreds of surveyors on the ground, and this AI machine learning tool helps collate all that data together to accurately predict what any building's roof is like without having to climb on top or individually assess each one. The AI map-maker has created ' machine learning tool' software to provide detailed information on the UK's 40million rooftops Santa's job may be a little easier this year thanks to AI technology developed by Ordnance Survey just in time for Christmas (file image) 'We knew emergency services, local authorities, insurance companies, logistics companies all wanted to know what was on top of buildings, and with the help of cutting-edge AI, knew we could help. 'We've been using the AI product since August and it's incredibly accurate. We're sure it'll have a huge range of applications. One is hitting net zero targets seeing if roofs are suitable for solar panels. 'It identifies if a roof is made from tile, slate, stone, thatched, metal, glass, polycarbonate, has a waterproof membrane, the slope it has basically, a way of seeing what it could be used for... and, of course, if its suitable for Santa to land his sleigh.' Eight people have been convicted for being involved in the death of teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded outside of his school near Paris four years ago. Mr Paty was killed outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, west of Paris, on October 16, 2020, by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old Chechen migrant to France. He was beheaded days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression - an incident that shocked the entire country. Anzorov - an Islamic extremist -was shot dead by police minutes after the attack. The death of the 47-year-old teacher left an indelible mark on France, with several schools now named after him. A trial begun in late November, against several defendants who were accused of assisting a perpetrator or organising a hate campaign online in lead-up to the murder. France's anti-terrorism court on Friday convicted eight people of involvement in the beheading of teacher's murder, to a packed 540-seat courtroom. In the front row was Paty's nine-year-old son, accompanied by family members, as 50 police officers guarded proceedings. History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris A Republican Guard holds a portrait of Samuel Paty in the courtyard of the Sorbonne university on October 21, 2020 The seven-judge panel met or went above most of the terms requested by prosecutors, citing 'the exceptional gravity of the facts.' Naim Boudaoud, 22, and Azim Epsirkhanov, 23, friends of the attacker, were convicted of complicity in murder and sentenced to 16 years in prison each. Boudaoud was accused of driving the attacker to the school, while Epsirkhanov helped him procure weapons. Both must serve around two thirds of their sentence - around 10 years - before applying for parole. Brahim Chnina, 52, the Muslim father of the schoolgirl whose lies sparked the events leading to Paty's death, was sentenced to 13 years for association with a terrorist enterprise. Prosecutors had sought for him to be handed 10-year prison sentence. Abdelhakim Sefrioui, a Muslim preacher, was given 15 years for organising a hate campaign online against Paty. At the time of the attack, there were protests in many Muslim countries and calls online for violence targeting France and the satirical French newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The newspaper had republished its caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad a few weeks before Paty's death to mark the opening of the trial in relation to the attacks on its newsroom by Islamic extremists in 2015. The cartoon images deeply offended many Muslims, who saw them as sacrilegious. But the fallout from Paty's killing reinforced the French state's commitment to freedom of expression and its firm attachment to secularism in public life. Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020. Anzorov was then shot by police Brahim Chnina, 52, the Muslim father of the schoolgirl whose lies sparked the events leading to Paty's death, was sentenced to 13 years for association with a terrorist enterprise French President Emmanuel Macron leaves after paying his respects by the coffin of slain teacher Samuel Paty in the courtyard of the Sorbonne university on October 21, 2020 Chnina's daughter, who was 13 at the time, claimed that she had been excluded from Paty's class when he showed the caricatures on October 5, 2020. Chnina sent a series of messages to his contacts denouncing Paty, saying that 'this sick man' needed to be fired, along with the address of the Parisiene school. In reality, Chnina's daughter had lied to him and had never attended the lesson in question. Paty was teaching a class mandated by the National Education Ministry on freedom of expression. He discussed the caricatures in this context, saying students who did not wish to see them could temporarily leave the classroom. An online campaign against Paty snowballed, and 11 days after the lesson, Anzorov attacked the teacher with a knife as he walked home, and displayed the teacher's head in a post on social media. Chnina's daughter was tried last year in a juvenile court and given an 18-month suspended sentence. Four other students at Paty's school were found guilty of involvement and given suspended sentences. A fifth child, who pointed out Paty to Anzorov in exchange for money, was given a 6-month term with an electronic bracelet. Sefrioui, the preacher on trial, presented himself as a spokesperson for Imams of France although he had been dismissed from that role. People stand in front of flowers and candles next to a placard reading 'I am a teacher, I am Samuel' at the entrance of a middle school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 30kms northwest of Paris, on October 17, 2020, after Paty was decapitated Hundreds of people gather on Republique square during a demonstration Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in Paris in support of freedom of speech and to pay tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded near Paris He had filmed a video in front of the school with the father of the student, referring to Paty as a 'thug' multiple times. He released the video in a bid to pressure the school administration via social media. Some of the defendants expressed regrets and claimed their innocence on the eve of the verdict, however Paty's family were not convinced. 'It's something that really shocks the family,' lawyer Virginie Le Roy said ahead of the verdicts. 'You get the feeling that those in the box are absolutely unwilling to admit any responsibility whatsoever.' 'Apologies are pointless, they won't bring Samuel back, but explanations are precious to us,' Le Roy said. 'We haven't had many explanations of the facts.' Following the guilty verdict, Paty's sister Gaelle tearfully said: 'I am moved, and I am relieved. Hearing the word 'guilty' that's what I needed.' 'I spent this week listening to a lot of rewriting of what happened, and it was hard to hear, but now the judge has stated what really happened, and it feels good.' The death toll of a deadly Christmas market massacre carried out by an anti-Islam doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia has now risen to four, according to local reports. An adult and a toddler are among those killed after an anti-Islam doctor rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm on December 20 with a dark BMW. The initial death toll from the horrific attack on Friday evening had stood at two, although police are now reporting there have been four deaths, according to German newspaper Bild. It added that 86 people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries, while another 78 sustained minor injuries. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. Footage taken in the minutes after the crash showed al-Abdulmohsen being arrested at gunpoint by German police. MailOnline can reveal that al-Abdulmohsen, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf, moved to Germany in 2006 and lives in Bernburg. He has been recognised as a refugee since 2016. Previous media reports suggest he had worked to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, to flee Saudi Arabia after turning their backs on the religion. Analysis of his social media reveals tweets in support of Germany's anti-immigration party AfD, while he has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Footage taken in the minutes after the crash, which happened at around 7pm, showed Taleb al-Abdulmohsen lying on the ground next to the smashed up BMW German police can be seen aiming their weapons at Abdulmohsen shortly before his arrest Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson The account's bio reads: 'Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe.' Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death 'because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.' Another was a retweet of a post that simply read: 'Can you find one positive thing about Islam?' In videos posted hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items including a USB stick. 'I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing' he said in one video. 'Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation', he said in another. He also appears to be a fan of AfD. In June, he retweeted party leader Alice Weidel, writing with typos: 'The left are crazy. We need the AfD to protect the police from them.' He also retweeted the right-wing extremist AfD activist Naomi Seibt with the following quote: 'Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave.' He was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm in the city of Magdeburg, according to unidentified government officials in the state of Saxony-Anhalt who spoke to the dpa news agency. A search of his name and details of his work revealed he was interviewed by the Frankfurter Rundschau, a regional newspaper, in 2019. The car that was crashed into a crowd of people at the Magdeburg Christmas market is seen on Saturday morning following the attack in Magdeburg, Germany Emergency personnel stand next to a damaged car that drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 21, 2024 A police officer walks at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in Magdeburg on Saturday morning Police officers walk through the streets in the aftermath of the crash on Saturday morning A mourner lights a candle near the site of the crash on Saturday morning Police guards the entrance to the closed Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd 'He came to Germany as a visiting doctor during his specialist training as a psychotherapist and later applied for asylum here because he had been threatened with death for turning away from Islam. The 44-year-old is recognized as a political refugee', the newspaper wrote of him five years ago. In the Frankfurter Rundschau interview, he described his work with the wearesaudis.net website, a group dedicated to providing information on 'escape routes' for people living in Saudi Arabia, particularly women. He said in the 2019 interview: 'Nine out of ten people from Saudi Arabia who ask me about the asylum system are women. 'Other asylum activists report similar figures. This may be because for Saudi Arabian women, asylum is the only path to justice. Even if a woman is not oppressed, her fate depends on her male guardian. 'There are women who say that they have good husbands who do not oppress them, but they wonder what will happen if the man dies. 'If the new man beats her, she will not get any help. A woman is only protected if she has powerful men in her family.' Just five days before carrying out the attack, Al-Abdulmohsen gave an interview with the right-wing RAIR Foundation in which he said: 'If a Syrian citizen applies for asylum in Germany, the chance to be granted asylum is 99.8% While if a Saudi citizen applies for asylum in Germany, that chance is only 70%, and I know personally that many of those rejected are ex-Muslims. Firefighters work at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg Officers standing guard outside the entrance to the christmas market on Saturday morning Overturned wheelie bins and debris are seen as police officers walks through the closed christmas market in Magdeburg Police and firefighters walk at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening A stretcher and a pile of clothes lies at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market Police officers walks through a closed Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd injuring more than 60 people 'Germany is welcoming Syriansincluding many Islamistswhile simultaneously rejecting Saudi apostates, people who are genuinely fleeing Sharia-based death sentences.' Since news of the attack spread around the world, RAIR said in a statement: 'If these reports are accurate, it appears we and other media outlets were misled regarding his true intentions. 'We are actively seeking more information and will provide updates as they become available.' Several cops were seen crowding around the man with their weapons drawn while shouting at him. Cops were also seen shooing the growing crowd around the arrest incident, as a police officer crouches down over him with a torch. 'From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don't think there is any further danger for the city,' he added. German broadcaster MDR reported that a suspected explosive device is currently sitting in the vehicle. Local officials had initially said at least two people were killed and had warned that the toll could rise. Police officers take security measures after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20, 2024 Special police officers at the scene after a car was driven into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, 20 December 2024 This is the moment the alleged Saudi perpetrator of the horrific Christmas market car smash was arrested with an explosive device after he drove through a massive crowd Video grab taken from a footege by News5 shows an injured person lying on a stretcher as police and ambulances stand next to the Christmas market, where a car crashed into a crowd Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, Germany Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson. Local authorities said that around 100 firefighters attended the scene on Friday with seven fire brigades, while 50 rescue service personnel are there. Horrific video footage showed countless revellers fleeing for their lives in the wake of the crash. Separate footage showed children crying loudly as several small crowds of people formed over those injured in the crash, in apparent attempts to help them. One man who spoke to German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung said the Christmas market has turned to 'war-like conditions', while another eyewitness told the newspaper that there were countless families in the 'fairytale area' of the market when the car crashed through the crowd. Local police said on X that 'extensive police operations are currently taking place', adding that further reports will be made shortly. The Magdeburg Christmas market is located on the Old Market, directly next to Magdeburg Town Hall near the River Elbe, and was closed by organisers following the incident. Organisers have also asked people to leave the city centre. A spokesperson in the city said that all hospitals are 'preparing for a mass casualty event.' Magdeburg's University Hospital said it was 'taking care of 10 to 20 patients', adding it was preparing for more. Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, are preparing its hospitals to take on victims. Halle is also stepping up its own security measures in the wake of the incident. Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected it was a deliberate act. Emergency personnel work at a Christmas market after a car drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 20, 2024 Police have swarmed the area around the Christmas market Organisers have also asked people to leave the city centre The driver of the car, reported to be a dark BMW, was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm A car drove into a group of people at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, leaving between 60 and 80 people injured At least one person is reported to have died in the crash 'The pictures are terrible,' Reif said. 'My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I can't yet say from what direction and how far.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concern in a post to X, writing: 'The reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.' In a post to X, Germany's interior minister said: 'The news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. 'Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The security authorities will clarify the background.' Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff said in the wake of the attack: 'This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.' Haselhoff is said to be travelling to the city to bear witness to the aftermath of the attack. Robert Habeck, Germany's vice-chancellor, said in a post to X: 'What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community. 'My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.' CDU candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) wrote on X: 'This is very depressing news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all emergency services who are caring for the injured on site.' According to emergency services, several people were 'severely' injured Organisers of the Christmas market have asked people to leave the city centre AfD leader Alice Weidel, meanwhile, wrote on the platform: 'The images from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and injured. When will this madness end?' The world has already begun reacting to the horrific news. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: 'I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. 'My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.' The Government is in contact with German authorities, the Foreign Office said, and is closely monitoring the situation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was 'appalled by the news from Magdeburg' and offered support to his German counterpart. Saudi Arabia, where the attacker was from, said in a statement on X: 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the run-over incident that occurred in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people, expressing its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. 'The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Federal Republic of Germany, government and people, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.' The UK's Foreign Office, meanwhile, said it was 'closely monitoring the situation,; A spokesperson said: 'We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected.' Magdeburg, which is west of Berlin, is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has about 240,000 inhabitants. Haliey Welch, better known as the 'Hawk Tuah Girl,' responded to the lawsuit filed against the shady foundation behind the launch of her crypto token, which cratered by over 90 percent just hours after reaching a $490 million market cap. Notably, Welch wasn't named as a defendant in the Thursday lawsuit, despite the fact that her name and likeness was used to promote the '$HAWK token,' which debuted on December 4. 'I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community,' the social media star began in a post to X on Friday. 'I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter,' she continued. Welch then provided a link to a form that affected investors can fill out on the website of cryptocurrency litigator Burwick Law, the firm that is representing the plaintiffs suing the creators of $HAWK. Some of the responses to Welch were various forms of 'I told you so' from people who are experienced in the crypto space. ZachXBT, a well known crypto investigator, shared a screenshot of someone warning investors that Welch would do a crypto coin. 'Only if you were warned by the entire community prior to launching the token,' he replied to Welch's post about the lawsuit. Haliey Welch, who got launched into social media superstardom as 'Hawk Tuah Girl,' broke her silence Friday about the lawsuit filed against the failed cryptocurrency project she was attached to Welch responded to the lawsuit filed Thursday against the creators of '$HAWK token,' which cratered by 90 percent hours after reaching a $490 million market cap Others in the replies to her post dunked on the people who thought $HAWK would be good investment. One called what Welch was doing a 'cop out,' and said: 'You promoted it. It was purchased because your likeness was attached . You deserve the same consequences as any "responsible party."' But the vast majority of people were simply trolling Welch by joking that they lost their life savings or by asking her if she 'slept well.' This is an apparent reference to a Twitter space she engaged in about two weeks ago that was meant to be a forum for people to ask questions about her failed crypto project. She didn't participate much in the space, only interjecting here and there. But her involvement abruptly ended when she declared she needed to go to bed as the coin's creators were being grilled over the alleged scam. 'Hey guys! I hate to interrupt you Nick, but hello there. But anywho, I'm gonna go to bed, and I'll see you guys tomorrow,' she said. The lawsuit named defendants Alex Larson Schultz, better known online as Doc Hollywood, and the Tuah The Moon Foundation, the organization said to be behind $HAWK. Schultz, who emerged as the main defender of Welch and the crypto project, appears to have deleted his entire social media presence. Also named in the suit was token launch organization overHere and Clinton So, the founder of overHere. Alex Larson Schultz, better known online as Doc Hollywood, is pictured alongside Welch and her friend Chelsea Bradford. Following the controversy, Schultz appears to have deleted his entire social media presence The lawsuit accused the project's creators of taking advantage of first-time crypto participants by using Welch's fame and celebrity to convince them to invest The lawsuit accused the project's creators of taking advantage of first-time crypto participants by using Welch's fame and celebrity to convince them to invest. It also argued that the crypto token they promoted was sold as unregistered security. To lawfully sell a security, a company needs to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission providing financial statements, information about what their company does, and who is employed by the company. According to the agency, the regulation is in place to prevent people from falling victim to fraudsters. If the violation is prosecuted criminally, selling unregistered securities is punishable by a maximum of five years in federal prison. A total of seventeen people who claim they lost over $151,000 from investing in $HAWK are behind the lawsuit. The Thursday complaint also alleges that the day after the failed launch, Clinton So - who initially launched the coin - made the Tuah Foundation an off-shore entity and sold 17 percent of the tokens through the organization to a subset of people to skirt securities laws. However, defendants continued marketing the remaining 83 percent of the tokens, making 'no serious attempt' to restrict purchasers outside of the US. 'The project clearly was intended to take advantage of the American market,' the complaint said. Welch has faced harsh backlash online as critics accuse the 22-year-old and her team of participating in the 'money-grab' scheme, which she later denied on X The failed memecoin was inspired by the internet celebrity who was launched into the spotlight earlier this year following a cheeky comment during a TikTok video that went viral By Clinton So 'linking the success of the social media influencer like Welch, he literally said that the Token holders would essentially be shareholders,' the investors said. 'Despite these clear indications of its status as a security, the $HAWK Token was not registered by defendants,' they added. 'We have been extremely transparent about the limited scope and extent of our involvement in the Hawk Tuah token project. We are confident that we have done nothing wrong,' a spokesperson for overHere said in an email. 'As for any litigation, we will let the process play out in court.' Welch has faced harsh backlash online as critics accuse the 22-year-old and her team of participating in the 'money-grab' scheme, which she later denied on X. 'Copy and pasting: Hawkanomics: Team hasn't sold one token and not 1 KOL was given 1 free token We tried to stop snipers as best we could through high fee's in the start of launch on @MeteoraAG. Fee's have now been dropped,' she posted. The failed memecoin was inspired by Welch who was launched into the spotlight earlier this year following a cheeky comment she made about oral sex during a TikTok video that went viral. She has since made the most of her stardom as she launched custom merchandise company and a hit podcast, 'Talk Tuah', which has featured comedians like Hannah Berner and Whitney Cummings, pop star JoJo Siwa, and entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Joanna Herrera, right, and other San Francisco members of the Unite Here Local 2 union celebrate the passage of a new contract with the Hyatt hotel chain Saturday. Hyatt workers unanimously approved an agreement with the hotel chain Saturday that will bring hundreds of people back to work as holiday travel ramps up. Ted Waechter/Unite Here Local 2 Hotel workers and union members picket outside the Grand Hyatt San Francisco in Union Square in September. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Striking hotel workers march outside the Grand Hyatt San Francisco in Union Square in September. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle San Francisco members of the Unite Here Local 2 union celebrate the passage of a new contract with the Hyatt hotel chain Saturday. Ted Waechter/Unite Here Local 2 Striking Hyatt workers unanimously approved an agreement Saturday with the hotel chain that will bring hundreds of people back to work as holiday travel ramps up in San Francisco. The agreement is the same as the one striking Marriott workers reached this past week that was approved by 99.8% of votes, said Ted Waechter, a representative for the Unite Here Local 2 union. The Hyatt workers voted on the agreement Saturday morning and afternoon and announced the results Saturday evening. The union cautioned that the citys hotel strikes are not over, with about 650 workers still on strike at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, the citys largest hotel. Workers at Hiltons Parc 55 hotel voted in August to authorize a strike and could walk off the job at any time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Winning this contract is the biggest victory of my life, Sergio Hernandez, a busser at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco for 16 years, said in a news release. Securing affordable health care and having respect on the job were my main goals. Now I wont have to worry about our health care being cut. Everything we won was because of the sacrifice we made to fight for our rights. Now, Im going to the Hilton to walk with them on the picket line until they win. Striking hotel workers march outside the Grand Hyatt San Francisco in Union Square in September. Hyatt workers unanimously approved an agreement with the hotel chain Saturday that will bring hundreds of people back to work as holiday travel ramps up. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Michael DAngelo, Hyatts head of labor relations for the Americas, confirmed the agreement, which will apply to workers at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco and Hotel Kabuki. The agreement includes competitive wages and comprehensive health care coverage, he said. The agreement preserves the unions health insurance plan, secures wage increases and includes new protections against understaffing and workload increases, according to a news release from the union. It will expire in 2028. The Hyatt agreement will apply to about 600 workers, including about 250 who have been on strike at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco for 91 days, according to the union. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The strike began in September, when about 1,500 housekeepers, bellhops, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders and other workers walked off their jobs at Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton hotels. Their previous contract in San Francisco expired Aug. 14. Unite Here Local 2 members Yesenia Salas Herrera, left, and Joanna Herrera, workers who had been on strike at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, count ballots on a new contract Saturday. Ted Waechter/Unite Here Local 2 More than 10,000 hotel workers have gone on strike in 11 cities nationwide since Labor Day. Hyatt and Marriott did the right thing, wrote Lizzy Tapia, the unions president. Now all eyes are on Hilton. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Christmas revellers have began to soak up the festive atmosphere piling into pubs and clubs as the party season gets well and truly underway. The festive cheer was seemingly palpable among the party-goers in Leeds as they hit the streets yesterday. Santa hats, elf costumes and Christmas jumpers filled the northern city as celebrations kicked off. Various women donning their finest outfits shielded themselves from the gusts of winds, while others preformed karaoke from the street floor. Other cheery clubbers belted a duet in the open air, as one girl was carried away by her friend at the end of the night. While many might be have some sore heads tomorrow, MailOnline takes a look the partiers kicking off the festive season in the north of England. LEEDS:A group of friends getting the Christmas party going by doing their very own karaoke performance LEEDS: A partygoer dons a Santa hat as she and her two friends head off on a night out LEEDS: A reveller sits on the floor in a lace black outfit as she sings away into the microphone LEEDS: Two women appear full of Christmas glee as one sips away at her drink whilst holding a Santa hat LEEDS: A club-goer, wearing a denim jumpsuite, holds up a peace sign LEEDS: The night is well and truly underway as revellers soak up the festive atmosphere LEEDS: A young woman dressed in all black waves her arms smiling as she approaches a friend LEEDS: Its Christmas cheer all around with one man donning a Santa hat expresses his festive joy LEEDS: Three friends are all smiles as they hit the streets of Leeds filled with Christmas glee LEEDS: Three young women appear slightly glum as they shield themselves from the wind LEEDS: Two other revellers see the funny side as their umbrella is forced inside out by the gales LEEDS: The blonde clubbers head into a venue wearing white outfits with their long blonde tresses flowing over their shoulders LEEDS: One partygoers carries three drinks in only two of her hands as she continues to enjoy the night of festivities LEEDS: A group of friends enjoying their night out are all smiles as they celebrate the run up to Christmas LEEDS: A group of three women are feeling the festive cheer as they head out in their Christmas jumpers LEEDS: However not everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit as one man is approached by police LEEDS: A man dressed as an elf speaks with officers on a street in Leeds LEEDS: The elf holds back a woman as she appears unhappy with another Christmas jumper wearer LEEDS: The officers also approach a group of young girls who are out in the northern city LEEDS: The young woman was quite literally swept off her feet by a young man LEEDS: One man carries his female friend down the Leeds street LEEDS: Two individuals share a hug as a festive hat lies on the floor LEEDS: Others weren't feeling so festive as one person cries into the chest of a tall man in a Santa hat GPs will receive hundreds of millions of pounds extra and have performance targets slashed under plans to bring back the traditional family doctor. Practices will be rewarded if they ensure patients regularly see the same medic, rather than allocating appointments 'like a taxi rank'. Those who identify patients with high blood pressure and prevent the 'most common killers', such as heart disease and strokes, will also cash-in under the terms of a new contract. Meanwhile, GPs' admin burden will be reduced, and their list of targets cut from 76 to 44, to free-up more time for treating patients. Writing in today's Mail, Health Secretary Wes Streeting describes the proposals as a 'huge step to achieving the reform GPs and patients have been calling for'. He urges doctors to back the contract and to end industrial action. The British Medical Association, the doctors' union, said it will examine the details before a formal consultation in the New Year but is hopeful the funding will be a 'positive starting point'. Mr Streeting yesterday pledged an extra 889million for GP surgeries in England, starting from April next year. GPs will receive 889million in extra funding and have performance targets slashed to bring back the traditional family doctor (file photo) Wes Streeting described the proposals as a 'huge step to achieving the reform GPs and patients have been calling for' This represents a 7.2 per cent rise in cash terms and around 4.8 per cent in real terms above the expected 3 per cent rise for the wider NHS. It is on top of the 100million for building upgrades. Mr Streeting said: 'The system is broken, which is why we are slashing red tape, binning outdated performance targets, and instead freeing doctors up to do their jobs.' A survey earlier this year by the Liberal Democrats found only half of patients always or sometimes saw the same GP each time. Tory former health secretary Jeremy Hunt in 2022 compared GP services to taxi ranks, urging: 'It is fundamentally safer to make a diagnosis if you know a patient's context.' The plan is to ensure patients with complex needs, such as the elderly and those with long-term conditions, can regularly see the same GP, while those with simpler, one-off issues can be seen quickly by whoever is available. It may not be unusual for men to buy their wife or girlfriend a dubious last-minute Christmas gift. But they should avoid the lure of a Brazilian butt lift abroad no matter how 'enticing' the festive discounts appear, the country's top NHS doctor has warned. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said hospitals are under immense pressure and dealing with complications from surgery is the 'last thing they need'. Social media feeds are 'full of enticing looking offers in the run up to Christmas', he added, but 'the reality is these bargain basement cosmetic procedures are potentially deadly'. The NHS has seen clinics offering 25 per cent discounts, all-inclusive packages including hotels and flights for under 3,000, as well as finance deals in a bid to pull people in. Professor Powis' warning follows a spate of deaths and medical complications arising from botched surgeries, with the NHS frequently having to treat patients when they return home. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said hospitals are under immense pressure and dealing with complications from surgery is the 'last thing they need' Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction. Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures as the fat injected into the buttocks can lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs that can be fatal. Other serious side effects include the skin infection, cellulitis, as well as lumpy scars around the area of surgery. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has advised its members not to carry out BBL surgery, which has increased the risk of people undergoing unsafe procedures abroad. Clinics in Turkey have been at the forefront of the boom in botched cosmetic procedures in recent years with BBL surgery costing as much as 70 per cent less than in the UK. Professor Powis said: 'At a time when NHS staff have never been busier, the last thing they need is patients turning up at their door with medical complications following a BBL from an unregulated surgeon in Turkey. 'While many people's social media feeds will be full of enticing looking offers in the run up to Christmas, the reality is these bargain basement cosmetic procedures are potentially deadly. 'BBLs have the highest death rate of all such treatments, and all to often it is left to the NHS to repair the damage and taxpayers to foot the bill. 'At a time when NHS staff have never been busier, the last thing they need is patients turning up at their door with medical complications following a BBL from an unregulated surgeon in Turkey. Liposuction, Brazilian butt lifts, eye colour-changing laser treatments and hymenoplasties are all offered in clinics across Turkey 'The NHS will always be there for those who need it, but it should not be left to deal with the consequences of botched BBLs.' An inquest heard last month [November] how Hayley Dowel, 38, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, died following a Brazilian bum lift in Turkey after the surgeon allegedly walked out halfway through her procedure. She paid 7,000 for a series of operations, including the BBL, a tummy tuck and liposuction but died hours later, in October last year, after suffering an embolism. Foreign Office data shows that 28 British nationals have died in Turkey following planned surgery since 2019. And new research suggests two in three patients who suffer complications after traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery end up regretting their decision. Health secretary Wes Streeting has previously warned that people risk life-changing injuries if they jet-off abroad for substandard cosmetic surgery and has vowed to work with international partners to improve safety. Professor Vivien Lees, a consultant plastic surgeon and vice president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 'Sadly, we are hearing all too often about patients seeking cut price surgery abroad only to pay the true price later with their health. 'These patients deserve better protection. Melissa Kerr (pictured), from Gorleston, Norfolk, died at a private hospital in Istanbul in 2019 aged just 31 while undergoing a BBL Leah Cambridge (pictured), 29, from Leeds, died at a private hospital in Turkey in 2018 after she suffered a massive pulmonary embolism while having the procedure 'The NHS will provide care in emergency situations but will not be responsible for sorting out poor results from operations that would not otherwise be available through the NHS. 'It's welcome news that the government has said they will work with international partners to try and improve safety for UK citizens going abroad for cosmetic surgery. 'Achieving this will need a multifaceted approach. 'This could include clamping down on aggressive marketing, promoting best practice and introducing proper insurance and after care for patients who need revision surgery. 'This week RCS England brought together representatives from the NHS, regulators and government to discuss how we can bring about the changes needed to protect people choosing to go abroad for treatment.' The Foreign Office website says anyone considering travelling to Turkey for treatment should discuss the plans with their own doctor or dentist, adding that 'private companies have a financial interest in booking your treatment and their literature should not be your only source of information'. The website said embassies 'cannot usually help if you have travelled abroad for medical treatment, for example if you have issues with the care received or costs involved. A Perth dentist who spiked the drinks of multiple young women he met online before raping them will spend over a decade behind bars. Farzem Mehrabi, 34, who was found guilty of 24 charges in September, was sentenced to 15 years in prison with a non-parole period of 13 years in Perth District Court on Tuesday. His sentencing followed a four-week trial in which the court heard evidence that he had committed more than 20 offences against six women aged between 18 and 22 who he had met on dating apps in 2022. Mehrabi strongly denied the accusations despite being caught on CCTV spiking one of his victim's water glass with MDMA and methamphetamine. Seven women made complaints about Mehrabi who was found guilty of rape, indecent assault, strangulation, stupefying and supplying a prohibited drug. The court heard Mehrabi had lied to the women about his age and living situation, telling them he was 24-years-old instead of 31 and lived with an older couple who were family friends, when he actually lived with his parents. Judge Troy Sweeney said the CCTV footage of Mehrabi spiking a drink was 'damning' and a clear example of how 'emboldened' he had become. 'As a good looking, educated, up-and-coming dentist, soon to be surgeon, you believed you were entitled to live this way,' Judge Sweeney said in her judgement. The 34-year-old dentist was sentenced to 15 years in jail with a non-parole period of 13 years The woman who was captured being spiked on CCTV was the first to bring accusations against the dentist. While the pair were travelling home in his Jaguar the woman became panicked as the effects of the drugs started kicking in and jumped out of the car to seek help from nearby security guards. Another woman recalled waking up in Mehrabi's bed one morning with no recollection of the night before despite only having four drinks, the court heard. She found bruises, scratches and abrasions on her body and marks around her neck. Others said they drank alcohol in Mehrabi's backyard and began feeling nauseous with hair tests revealing some had unknowingly consumed MDMA. 'It shows a complete lack of respect and a complete willingness to manipulate and control another person,' Judge Sweeney said. 'Each of the victims who ended up back at your house intoxicated and affected by drugs, whether consumed voluntarily or unknowingly, was thereby rendered vulnerable because they were at your home in a state in which their judgment and their physical independence was completely compromised, and that was deliberate on your part.' Mehrabi was a third-year medical student at Notre Dame University studying to become a surgeon at the time of his offending. Mehrabi (pictured) was a third-year medical student at Notre Dame University studying to become a surgeon at the time of his offending CCTV (pictured) played to the court showed Mehrabi mixing a substance into the drink of a woman while she was in the bathroom Judge Sweeney said Mehrabi was 'embarrassed' that he was living with his parents at their home in Shelley in Perth's south so he painted himself as 'successful, professional, well-heeled, polished and interesting'. She said Mehrabi's actions had become so 'self absorbed' that he didn't stop his offending even after two of his victims showed clear signs of distress. '[That] didn't temper your behaviour, because you were all about you and your needs,' the judge said. 'You did deceive the young women to whom you surreptitiously gave MDMA in a highly controlling move on your part and with no regard for them.' Seven women made complaints about Mehrabi and he was found guilty of sexual assault charges against five of them along with other drugs charges and a count of impending a person's breathing by applying pressure to the neck. He was cleared of one drink spiking charge. Mehrabi testified the drug use and sex was consensual but the jury found him to be an unreliable witness with a history of telling lies, including about his age, height and whether he lived with his parents on the dating apps. Labour minister Tulip Siddiq was facing fresh questions last night after it emerged her aunt penned a $1billion Russian arms deal on their family visit to the Kremlin. The Treasury minister, who is responsible for stamping out economic crime in Britains financial sector, was this week named in an anti-corruption probe in Bangladesh. She is alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, from which up to 4billion is said to have been embezzled. Ms Siddiqs aunt, Sheikh Hasina who was until recently prime minister of Bangladesh for more than 20 years is also being investigated, along with her mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, court papers revealed. Footage from 2013 shows Ms Siddiq watching on as Hasina and the Russian president signed the deal at the Kremlin. She is also pictured posing next to her aunt and Putin. But as well as signing the agreement for the nuclear power plant, Ms Siddiqs aunt also penned a deal for a $1billion (800million) loan to Bangladesh to buy Russian weapons and military equipment. In a statement following talks between Hasina and Putin, the Russian president said: Our countries intend to expand defence cooperation. Russia (and you have seen the signing of this agreement) will extend a $1billion loan to Bangladesh to buy Russian weapons and military equipment. At the time, Ms Siddiq was a Labour councillor, before becoming an MP in 2015. Labour sources have claimed Ms Siddiq only went to Russia to spend time with her family and had no role at any events she attended, aside from being a family member. Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq is facing fresh questions over her involvement in a $1bn Russian arms deal penned by her aunt on a family visit to the Kremlin Footage from 2013 shows Ms Siddiq watching on as Hasina and the Russian president signed the deal at the Kremlin. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin, third right, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, third left, tulip siddiq MP She is alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh A party spokesman told the Mail last night: The dealings of two countries from two years before Tulip became an MP have absolutely nothing to do with her. Labour has also said she totally refutes the claims relating to the anti-corruption investigation. But the Conservatives urged Ms Siddiq, who has so far not publicly commented on any of the allegations, to come clean. Shadow home office minister Matt Vickers said last night: The questions Tulip Siddiq and Keir Starmer need to answer are growing. Starmer must also set out why he has chosen to stand by another beleaguered minister. The latest revelation that Tulip Siddiq, Labours own anti-corruption minister, was also there when an arms deal with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was struck, is deeply concerning. Ms Siddiqs aunt, Sheikh Hasina who was until recently prime minister of Bangladesh for more than 20 years is also being investigated Labour cannot hide from the truth forever, and in light of this latest development there must now be a full and urgent investigation. A Conservative MP has written to Daniel Greenberg, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, calling for him to look into the allegations. The Treasury confirmed that Ms Siddiq recused herself of any decisions relating to Bangladesh when she entered office. A spokesman said: The Economic Secretary is not involved in policy-making that has a direct link to Bangladesh. The minister has not been involved with any decisions relating to Bangladesh since entering government and will not be in future as she recuses herself to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. Her interests are publicly disclosed as part of the List of Ministers Interests. The Army is facing humiliation over plans to drop Britains pledge to Nato that it will provide an armoured division of tanks and troops. Ministers are locked in talks with the alliance over what it wants this country to focus on, in terms of its military capabilities. In part due to the Armys manning and equipment issues, Nato has apparently told Britain to focus on nuclear, maritime and expeditionary warfare instead. Last night, Army sources told the Mail they feared dropping the armoured division pledge would lead to further reductions in its size. The Army has just 70,000 full-time soldiers and this figure could fall to 69,000 next year. UK tank numbers have also collapsed. Defence chiefs have invested 420 million to build 148 Challenger 3 tanks, described by sources as an appalling return on such a high investment. But they have bought only 60 defence aide suites to protect the tanks, indicating how many would be sent to the frontline. A British Army soldier sits on a Challenger 2 tank during Exercise Immediate Response in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. The UK may ditch its offer of a division of armoured tanks and troops for NATO British Army soldiers from the 12th Armoured Brigade. In part due to the Armys manning and equipment issues, Nato has apparently told Britain to focus on nuclear, maritime and expeditionary warfare instead Today, an armoured division requires at least 130 tanks and as many as 15,000 troops. The Royal United Services Institute recently described the UKs armoured division pledge to Nato as fanciful. A source said: Nobody in Nato talks about the UK providing an armoured division any more, because it has so few troops and tanks. It would be humiliating for the Army. Last night the Ministry of Defence said: This is pure speculation. The Government is committed to a Nato-first approach. Questions were raised about Britains most eminent fertility doctor yesterday after it emerged two children whose parents attended his clinic were secretly fathered by the same lab technician. DNA tests reportedly revealed the two seemingly unrelated adults were both conceived using sperm donated by a senior lab technician who worked one floor above Patrick Steptoes fertility clinic at Oldham Hospital. Dr Steptoe later pioneered in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the worlds first test tube baby, Louise Brown, was conceived in his Oldham clinic in 1978, a historic first that won a Nobel prize and was recently dramatised in the Netflix movie Joy, starring Bill Nighy as the fertility expert. David Gertler and Roz Snyder, who only discovered they were half-siblings after taking at-home DNA tests, said they believed their mothers were impregnated with the donor sperm without their knowledge or consent, in the early 1970s. At the time, Dr Steptoe was pioneering a technique to improve the chances of natural conception and Mr Gertler and Mrs Snyder believe their parents did not know that donor sperm was being used at all. Mr Gertler and Mrs Snyder, who are both in their 50s, grew up in separate families with men they believed were their biological fathers and only discovered they were related earlier this year after taking DNA tests and registering on the genealogy website Ancestry.com. The results matched them with Roy Hollihead, a scientist who ran a pathology laboratory one floor above Mr Steptoes fertility clinic in the 1970s. Dr Steptoe later pioneered in vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) and the worlds first test tube baby, Louise Brown, was conceived in his Oldham clinic in 1978 The historic first won a Nobel prize and was recently dramatised in the Netflix movie Joy, starring Bill Nighy as the fertility expert (pictured) The retired technician, now 84, told them Dr Steptoe organised a liquid nitrogen sperm bank and used sperm from lab staff, medical students and doctors... but no records of any were kept. He said he did not know if Oldhams hospital bosses were aware the senior physician was running the insemination clinic as part of his private practice. Mr Holliheads sperm was reportedly used to impregnate at least two other women. One of the resulting children was said to remain unaware of the identity of his biological father, five decades later. Mrs Snyder, 52, was raised by her father Eddie Kravitz after her mother Doreen died of cancer when she was only 12, and said the discovery of her true biological father was shocking. She said: I couldnt speak. It was a shock. My dad is still my dad, but now I know its all a lie. Historians who documented Dr Steptoes work have found no official record of donor insemination carried out at his clinic and paperwork has reportedly been destroyed or gone missing. Mrs Snyder told The Daily Telegraph that Dr Steptoes work on IVF was amazing, but she added: If he hadnt done what he had done I wouldnt be here, my children wouldnt be here. But its how he got there is wrong and the seeming dishonesty surrounding it all. Mr Gertler, 51, said he believed his parents were never told the truth about his conception. Dr Steptoe died in 1988, shortly before he was to be made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his work. The NHS trust that now runs Oldham Hospital said it had no records of Dr Steptoes clinic. A spokesman said: After trying to gain this information, we have no record of this. Two serving Special Air Service soldiers have been charged with drug dealing after armed raids near the regiment's headquarters. For the first time in the SAS's history, two elite operators will appear in court over their alleged involvement in trafficking banned substances. They will give evidence behind screens and remain anonymous, following a request by Special Forces chiefs. Pending the outcome, they have been banned from the SAS's top-security base in Herefordshire and relieved of their duties. The pair had been serving in an SAS 'sabre squadron' and participating in classified operations in the Middle East prior to their arrests. As the Mail exclusively revealed, they were taken into custody by West Mercia Police in December 2023 following drug seizures from farm buildings. The dramatic operation during which locals were ordered to stay in their homes and the SAS base put on lockdown involved all roads in the vicinity of the farms being cordoned off. Drones were also deployed and three arrests made. The other suspect was the wife of one of the soldiers. Firearms officers from the local constabulary accompanied military police as there were concerns that weapons were also being hidden. For the first time in the SAS's history, two elite operators will appear in court over their alleged involvement in trafficking banned substances (pictured: A famous SAS sand coloured beret, with the Special Air Service insignia and motto) The pair had been serving in an SAS 'sabre squadron' and participating in classified operations in the Middle East prior to their arrests (NOTE: The two soldiers are not pictured here) It is not unusual for SAS troops in isolated areas to store weapons for their own security, but this must be authorised by commanders. The raids on November 30 last year came after a lengthy surveillance operation. A year on, both soldiers have now been charged with making an offer to supply a Class B drug, cannabis or cannabis resin, and possessing the drug. Last night, defence sources confirmed the charges and that a formal application for anonymity had been submitted to the court. The decision to charge the soldiers could scarcely have come at a more challenging time for Special Forces chiefs. UKSF is at the centre of a High Court inquiry into claims that elite British troops executed as many as 80 Afghans in custody between 2010 and 2013. These 'murders' were supposedly committed by men from the SAS's D and G squadrons. Special Boat Service troops may also have been involved. Evidence gathered by the inquiry, led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, could lead to a criminal probe by the Metropolitan Police. The Mail has also revealed how SAS chiefs used a top secret computer server to store indecent images of children which had been kept by troops. UKSF is at the centre of a High Court inquiry into claims that elite British troops executed as many as 80 Afghans in custody between 2010 and 2013 The harvesting of the material in a classified compartment on the 'Sonata' system meant it could not been seen by military police. Meanwhile, the two soldiers will appear before magistrates next month and the case is expected to reveal evidence of connections between SAS soldiers and high- level organised criminals who traffic huge quantities of drugs. At the time of the arrests an SAS source suggested the regiment had been 'turning a blind eye' to troops' off-duty activities. They told the Mail: 'If this is true, it basically means SAS soldiers are mixing with criminal gangs at a high level and acting as mules and dealers. What does that say about the security of the regiment and its vetting?' Last night, the Ministry of Defence said: 'Two service personnel will appear at Hereford Magistrates' Court on January 8 charged with drug offences. We won't comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing. The first images have emerged of the car driven at high speed towards a crowd of revellers at a Christmas market on Friday, killing at least two people, as German police arrested a Saudi Arabian man over the deadly attack. One of the deceased is a young child, while 68 people were also injured in the incident, which happened in the city of Magdeburg, located about 130 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Berlin. Photographs from the scene show the black BMW, with all doors open, heavily damaged on all sides and the windows smashed. Forensic officers dressed in white and blue overalls, with blue gloves, appeared to be carefully inspecting every inch of the vehicle, as an investigation now gets underway to determine the details of the attack. One was seen photographing evidence around the driver's door, as their colleague looked on and held a torch. Video footage too graphic to share appears to show the dark car careening into the dense crowd, leaving dozens of people lying on the floor. The suspect is a 50-year-old medical doctor from Saudi Arabia living in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, said regional premier Reiner Haseloff, speaking at a scene cordoned off and guarded by police commandos. 'We have arrested the perpetrator, a man from Saudi Arabia, a doctor who has been in Germany since 2006,' he told reporters, calling the attack a 'catastrophe' for the city and the country. 'From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don't think there is any further danger.' German media named the suspect as Taleb A. and said he was a doctor of psychiatry. The first images have emerged of the car driven at high speed towards a crowd of revellers at a Christmas market on Friday, killing at least two people Emergency personnel stand next to a damaged car that drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 21, 2024 Special police officers at the scene after a car was driven into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, 20 December 2024 He is an anti-Islam, AfD-supporting doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, MailOnline can reveal. Taleb A. is a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf who has lived in Bernburg, Germany, since 2006 and has been recognised as a refugee since 2016. Analysis of his social media reveals he is a huge proponent of AfD, the far-right anti-immigration party that is currently polling in second ahead of the upcoming snap election, and is a harsh critic of Islam. The account's bio reads: 'Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe.' Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death 'because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.' A second image emerging tonight showed dozens of armed police officers positioned around the perimeters of the crime scene. The black BMW barrelled through the crowd at high speed just after 6pm (UK time) when the market was filled with revellers. Video footage showed the moment the driver was arrested as police holding handguns shouted 'lie down, hands on your back, don't move!' at the bearded man with glasses, who was lying on the ground next to the heavily damaged car. One was seen photographing evidence around the driver's door, as their colleague looked on and held a torch Police said the vehicle drove 'at least 400 metres across the Christmas market' leaving a trail of bloodied casualties, debris and broken glass at the city's central town hall square. Ambulances and fire engines rushed to the chaotic site, which was doused in blue police lights and wailing sirens, as the most severely injured were treated on site and rushed to hospital. Cries and screams rang out as around 100 emergency responders deployed to the litter-strewn market decorated with Christmas trees and festive lights. 'The pictures are terrible,' said city spokesman Michael Reif. Friday's deadly carnage recalled a 2016 jihadist attack in which a Tunisian man driving a lorry killed 12 people in a Christmas market in Berlin, the country's worst such attack. A 13th victim died later having suffered serious injuries in the assault, claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X that 'the reports from Magdeburg raise the worst fears'. 'My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.' Dozens of armed police officers were positioned around the perimeters of the crime scene Investigators are now combing every inch of the market and the vehicle to determine the details of the attack Police officers take security measures after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20, 2024 Footage taken in the minutes after the crash, which happened at around 7pm, showed Taleb A. being arrested at gunpoint by German police (pictured) Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson Scholz was expected to travel to the city on Saturday, said the state premier. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has recently called on people to be vigilant at Christmas markets, although she said that authorities had not received any specific threats. Domestic security service the Office for the Protection of the Constitution had warned it considers Christmas markets to be an 'ideologically suitable target for Islamist-motivated people'. Germany has in recent times seen a series of suspected Islamist knife attacks. Three people were killed and eight wounded in a stabbing spree at a street festival in the western city of Solingen in August. Police arrested a Syrian suspect over the attack that was claimed by IS. In June, a policeman was killed in a knife attack in Mannheim, with an Afghan national held as the main suspect. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote that 'the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas was suddenly interrupted' in the attack, but he cautioned that 'the background to the terrible deed has yet been clarified'. Video grab taken from a footege by News5 shows an injured person lying on a stretcher as police and ambulances stand next to the Christmas market, where a car crashed into a crowd Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, Germany Emergency personnel work at a Christmas market after a car drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 20, 2024 Police have swarmed the area around the Christmas market Organisers have also asked people to leave the city centre The driver of the car, reported to be a dark BMW, was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm A car drove into a group of people at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, leaving between 60 and 80 people injured The leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, which has focused on jihadist attacks in its campaign against immigrants, wrote on X, 'when will this madness stop?' The Saudi government expressed 'solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims', in a statement on social media platform X, and 'affirmed its rejection of violence'. French President Emmanuel Macron said he was 'profoundly shocked' by the attack and that he 'shares the pain of the German people'. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the 'brutal attack on the defenceless crowd' and Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez voiced his sorrow at the 'terrible attack'. A woman has drowned at a beach on the NSW South Coast, despite the frantic efforts of a teenage surf lifesaver to help her. The 66-year-old woman was pulled from the surf unconscious at Werri Beach near Gerringong, around 130km south of Sydney, at 9am on Saturday. The area of Werri Beach where the woman was swimming was not patrolled, but Surf Lifesaving NSW said that a 13-year-old member of the club pulled the woman from the water. The teenager was not on duty at the time, but happened to be at the beach and tried to save the woman. Other members of the club and public attended to the woman before paramedics took over but she could not be revived and died at the scene. Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District also attended. A report will be prepared for the coroner. The woman's death comes as holidaymakers flock to the NSW South Coast for their summer holidays. The 66-year-old woman drowned at Werri Beach (pictured) near Gerringong, around 130km south of Sydney, at 9am on Saturday Gerringong locals took to social media on Saturday to express their condolences to the woman's family. 'So sad, saw lots of emergency vehicles on our way to the Gerringong Christmas Parade,' said one. 'So sad for the family right on Christmas,' said another. Werri Beach is one of the top attractions in Gerringong, a town of 4000, famous for its spectacular coastline. It is a popular beach for surfing, fishing and swimming with a rock pool at one end and the southern point of the Kiama Coastal Walk at the other. Earlier this year Yuliya Pashkovska, 43, died at Pebbly Beach near Batemans Bay. Ms Pashkovska, a nurse at Wollongong Hospital, was caught in a rip at about 1pm on March 19. Two surfers pulled the nurse from the water and dragged her onto their boards. They began CPR on Ms Pashkovska, before she was winched to shore by the Westpac helicopter. She sadly could not be revived. The wife of a US Navy aviator gave him the surprise of a lifetime after he came home to western Kentucky from a more than two-year-long deployment. Patrick Brennan, who is a weapons system officer on an F/A-18 fighter aircraft, has been stationed in Japan since the spring of 2022, Fox News reported. His wife Cecilia Brennan told Fox News her husband often tells her how much he misses friends and hobbies, one of which are hunting. In a now-viral video posted to her Instagram, Brennan caught the moment her husband's jaw dropped after she revealed his best buddies were there to go on a duck hunting trip with him. Previously, his friends arrived at his door and Patrick laughed in disbelief when he saw them. Once they were inside and catching up with each other, Brennan was seen lugging a suitcase down the stairs before presenting it to her husband. She packed all of his clothes and hunting gear for him, telling him that he was going with his friends hunting. 'Merry Christmas! Your woman is amazing!' one of his friends could be heard saying. Pictured: The moment Patrick Brennan, a Navy aviator, realized he was going on a duck hunting trip with his friends right then Cecilia and Patrick Brennan hug one another after the heartfelt surprise from his wife The married couple have a six-month-old daughter and Brennan said that she and her husband have been apart for most of this year due to his service Patrick said he hadn't ever planned on going hunting that soon, instead thinking he might go sometime next year or the year after. 'I was catching up with his best friends and keeping them in the loop. They told me they were going on their yearly duck hunting trip to Fowl Plains Outfitter. 'They were thinking about driving from their home in Virginia to Kansas, and I asked if they would want to stop by,' Brennan told Fox. Fowl Plains Outfitters is located in Great Bend, Kansas, and offers duck and goose hunts. 'Having his best friends knock on the door was a surprise enough, but to actually be going with him, he was in shock. I still can't believe we pulled it off,' Brennan added. The married couple have a six-month-old daughter and Brennan said that she and her husband have been apart for most of this year due to his service. 'After all he has sacrificed, he more than deserves a chance to relax and recharge before he dives head-first into family life,' she said. Brennan said she's her husband's biggest fan and is a supporter of all his hobbies. 'Nothing brings me more joy than knowing hes happy. And now, we will be having duck for Christmas,' she said. Out-of-control bushfires are raging in different corners of Australia, with evacuation warnings issued for more towns, in what is shaping up to be difficult emergency season ahead. A fast-growing fire in Victoria's Grampians National Park had razed 30,000 hectares on Saturday evening despite the efforts of 350 firefighters to contain it. Residents in the nearby towns of Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction and Halls Gap had all been told to evacuate immediately earlier on Saturday. 'Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,' VicEmergency said. A relief centre for evacuated residents has opened at Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat. Emergency services said firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire, but after tripling in size overnight authorities warned it won't be contained for weeks. Residents northwest of Melbourne at Bullengarook in the Macedon region have also been issued an emergency evacuation warning in light of an out of control fire burning north from Coffeys Road. Authorities have cautioned that leaving after 2.30pm would be considered life threatening. A fast-growing fire in Victoria's Grampians National Park razed 28,000 hectares by Saturday morning (pictured, firefighters at the scene) Emergency services said firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire, but after tripling in size overnight authorities warned it won't be contained for weeks The uncontrolled bushfire (pictured) is still raging despite firefighter's efforts 'After 2.30 Saturday 21st December it may be too late to leave,' the Country Fire Authority said. Coffeys Road and Waterloo Flat Road remain closed while an evacuation centre has been set up at the Kyneton Racecourse at 44 Campaspe Place. Emergency warnings are also in place for residents in The Gurdies in South Gippsland. Firefighters in Western Australia and NSW have brought scores of fires under control in recent days, but temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s are expected to hit the west coast over the weekend before pushing eastward. Elevated fire dangers are forecast for the south of WA with dry thunderstorms possible for western parts. Heatwave conditions are also persisting across the state's midwest affecting Mingenew and Coral Bay as well as the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Above-average temperatures are predicted for the 2024-25 summer in many parts of the nation, according to long-range forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, underscoring a grim outlook from emergency services. With hot temperatures expected to persist into Christmas, Victoria's Country Fire Authority has urged people to plan ahead. Residents in the nearby towns of Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction and Halls Gap have all been told to evacuate immediately' Very hot conditions have returned to #WA. Temps are up to 10C above average & could reach 15C above average in the south-west on Sunday & Monday. Elevated fire dangers are forecast for the south. Dry thunderstorms are possible for western parts. Latest: https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ pic.twitter.com/Fn6JjY0Z0u Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 20, 2024 'We know people have a lot to think about this festive season but taking a few minutes to plan and prepare could save the lives of you and those you love,' chief fire officer Jason Heffernan said. 'On hot, dry and windy days, have a back-up location to visit that is not in a high-risk bushfire area.' A partial government shutdown went into effect at 12:01am Saturday morning after Congress failed to pass a stopgap bill in time. A little over an hour after the midnight deadline, the Senate passed the bill 85 to 11. It cleared the House of Representatives on Friday evening. All that has to happen now for the shutdown to be lifted is for President Joe Biden to sign the funding package, which will also deliver disaster aid to the southeastern US that was rocked by hurricanes and get economic assistance to farmers throughout the country. The partial shutdown comes just days before Christmas and New Year's, and if an agreement hadn't been reached, hundreds of thousands of federal workers would have been furloughed indefinitely. Biden will be signing the bill imminently and has already said he supports it. Before the Senate passed the bill, the White House released a statement pledging that no agencies would shut down 'because there is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations.' The statement also confirmed that Biden would sign the crucial legislation when it is sent to his desk. During a partial shutdown, federal agencies and non-essential services are usually stopped immediately, but that didn't happen this time because the White House said the Office of Management and Budget had ceased government shutdown preparations. That's because there was confidence that the funding bill would ultimately be successful. President Joe Biden has confirmed he will sign the bill that has now passed both chambers of Congress, making it certain that a full government shutdown will be averted House Speaker Mike Johnson was able to get the stopgap bill passed through his chamber 366 to 34. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer presided over a Senate that failed to pass the bill before 12:00am on Saturday As the deadline rapidly approached Friday night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, announced that the upper chamber had reached an agreement on the spending bill, often referred to as a continuing resolution (CR). 'I have very good news for my colleagues and the country,' he said on the Senate floor. 'Democrats and Republicans have just reached an agreement that will allow us to pass the CR tonight before the midnight deadline.' The House passed the spending bill Friday evening. The CR extends government funding until March and provides over $100 billion dollars in relief funds to hurricane victims, farmers and more. It does not include a suspension of the debt limit as President-elect Donald Trump had demanded. The 118-page bill passed with bipartisan support in the House, 366 - 34, after Republican Speaker Mike Johnson negotiated with his Democratic counterpart Hakeem Jeffries over the details in multiple conversations on Friday. The 11th-hour passing of the GOP spending deal late Friday came after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk demanded Johnson capitulate to their policy priorities during his negotiations. Johnson originally proposed a 1,547-page CR, but that was quickly derided by many in the GOP and most notably by Musk, who used the bully pulpit of his X app and his 200 million followers, to ridicule Johnson's plan until the speaker went back to the drawing boards. After deliberating with Trump's team Johnson then produced a 116-page bill backed by the president-elect and Musk. But that went down in flames with a 174 to 235 vote on Thursday after nearly every Democrat and 38 House Republicans voted against it. President-elect Donald Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk each had their own problems with the original 1,547-page CR. Their statements against it ended up torpedoing it The new slimmed down Republican bill included a provision demanded by Trump to push back the debt ceiling limit until 2027. Democrats opposed it because it eliminates one of the only leverage tools they would have under Trump and some conservative Republicans are completely against raising the debt limit altogether. All day Friday Johnson and many House Republicans were sequestered in private meetings to discuss the best path forward. Many were unsure how the final vote for the bill that passed tonight was going to go. But the speaker's last gambit, coming just hours before federal funding expired, ultimately didn't quite come through in time. Still, the effects of the partial shutdown will not be felt since no agencies will be shuttered, per the White House's statement. 'We will not have a government shutdown,' Johnson said earlier in the day. Democrats were blasting Republicans Friday for scrapping the original bipartisan deal worked out over weeks of negotiations. But Jeffries reportedly indicated to his Democratic members that they 'will live to fight another day' and instructed his party to support Johnson's plan. A female police officer is being airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a man allegedly attacked her with a sword. Police were called to a home in High Street, in Port Augusta, South Australia around 10.40am on Saturday following reports of a domestic disturbance. As soon as the two officers arrived at the property a 30-year-old man allegedly struck the female officer in her left arm. Police said she suffered a serious injury and they used capsicum spray to subdue the man. Paramedics attended to the female officer at the scene but she needed further treatment. An SA Ambulance spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the officer was being airlifted to hospital in a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFSD) helicopter on Saturday evening. She will be taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital as soon as she arrives in Adelaide. The condition of the officer has been described as non-life threatening. Police were called to a home in High Street, (pictured) in Port Augusta, in southern South Australia around 10.40am on Saturday following reports of a domestic disturbance Following the alleged incident, police arrested a 30-year-old man and he will face several charges including assaulting a prescribed emergency worker. SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the alleged attack was shocking. 'Policing is an inherently dangerous occupation because of the nature of some incidents officers are called to,' Commissioner Stevens told the Advertiser. 'An incident of this nature highlights the risk police face on a daily basis serving the community. 'Thankfully the officer's injuries are not life-threatening and measures are being taken to fully support her and her family.' Shadow Minister for Police Jack Batty condemned the alleged attack and described the incident as 'senseless' and 'violent'. 'Enough is enough. We need a zero tolerance approach to cowards who attack cops,' Mr Batty said. Anyone found guilty of assaulting a prescribed emergency services worker in South Australia faces a maximum jail term of 15 year behind bars. A man has been arrested after a female police officer was allegedly attacked with a sword in a horror incident (pictured stock image) Last month, another officer was allegedly stabbed in the back and chest by a man during a wild Sydney pursuit which only ended after a car crashed into a pole. The constable was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition. Musa Musa, 20, has since been charged with wounding a police officer, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and several assault and knife-related charges. Daily Mail Australia has contacted SA Health for further comment. He maintains he owns leaseholds and the ban is unfair Julian Petroulas has been banned from the country An Aussie man who went viral claiming he made millions from his Bali property investments has been banned from Indonesia, as authorities say he owns nothing on the island. But Julian Petroulas, 33, insists he does hold the leasehold rights to 1.1 hectares of land, as well as a popular restaurant in Bali, and that the country's immigration officials have unfairly barred him. Mr Petroulas has garnered thousands of followers on social media with posts showing off his luxury lifestyle on the holiday island. He is currently based in Dubai. 'I've owned a lot of villas here in Bali over the last few years,' he said in one video posted to YouTube earlier this year, titled 'how to make MILLIONS of dollars in Bali'. 'I started investing here a few years ago and it was honestly a gold mine.' Later in the video, Mr Petroulas showed off a jungle-covered piece of land, describing it as 'my biggest land purchase ever - 1.1 hectares, it's absolutely f***ing nuts'. He also showed viewers his lavish eatery in Canggu, called Penny Lane, adding that 'this restaurant, in Bali of all places, actually makes millions of dollars per year'. But the Indonesian government has soured on Mr Petroulas after becoming aware of the videos and coverage about them in the local press. Julian Petroulas, 33, has garnered thousands of followers on social media with posts showing off his ritzy life on the holiday island Mr Petroulas insists he does hold the leasehold rights to 1.1 hectares of land, as well as a restaurant in Bali Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration told Daily Mail Australia this week that it had banned Mr Petroulas from entering the country. The immigration department said it had disproven his claims that he owned 1.1 hectares of land on the island, as well as a restaurant called Penny Lane in Canggu. Acting Director General of Immigration, Saffar M. Godam, said Mr Petroulas' videos had the potential to damage Indonesia's image as an investment destination. 'This kind of content can create a negative perception among foreign investors,' he said. 'Investors will think twice about investing in Indonesia if a lot of inaccurate information is spread.' Mr Godam said on that basis, Mr Petroulas had been placed on a blacklist and 'will no longer be able to enter Indonesia'. 'We hope this case can be a warning to other foreign nationals to always comply with the regulations in force in Indonesia.' Mr Petroulas told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday he did own the leasehold rights to 1.1 hectares of land, and the restaurant Penny Lane in another part of the island. Saffar M. Godam said Mr Petroulas' videos had the potential to damage Indonesia's image as an investment destination. Only Indonesians can buy land in Bali, while foreigners can take out a long-term lease, typically of 20 to 30 years. Mr Petroulas said the trouble started when he filed a lawsuit in a Balinese court against the French citizen who sold him the 1.1 hectares, alleging breach of contract. Since then, negative articles had surfaced about him in the local press, which his lawyers believed were part of a 'retaliatory smear campaign'. The unfounded claims in the Balinese media had led to an 'emotional response' from the government, Mr Petroulas said. The Indonesian government never contacted him to verify his ownership rights before the ban. 'The escalation to immigration and the subsequent ban are both shocking and disappointing,' he said. 'This ban sends a concerning message to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who have followed the law and contributed significantly to Indonesia's economy. 'I hope the authorities will carefully review the facts and reconsider their actions in light of the evidence, because everything I have done in Indonesia is 100 per cent legal and by the books.' Penny Lane confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Mr Pertroulas did indeed own the restaurant. 'He is not involved in day to day operations as he lives in the UAE but owns a stake in the business as a shareholder, we hope that the government will rectify this quickly.' In early February, Mr Petroulas told Daily Mail Australia that the Indonesian government had since allowed him back into the country. The perpetrator of the deadly Christmas market massacre that has left at least five dead wrote that 'slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately' may be a 'path to justice' just months before the horrifying attack. An adult and a toddler are among those killed after an anti-Islam doctor rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm on December 20 with a dark BMW. The perpetrator was identified as 50-year-old psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia. He was arrested on Friday evening at the site of the attack. It has since emerged that just months before the horrific massacre, al-Abdulmohsen, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf, made a harrowing tweet about 'slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately'. Analysis of his social media also reveals tweets in support of Germany's anti-immigration party AfD, while he has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Al-Abdulmohsen described himself as a former Muslim and shared dozens of tweets and retweets daily focusing on anti-Islam themes, criticizing the religion and congratulating Muslims who left the faith. He also accused German authorities of failing to do enough to combat what he said was the 'Islamism of Europe'. The doctor also appeared in a 2019 interview with the BBC World Service, where he spoke about his work in helping asylum seekers to 'escape' from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Footage taken in the minutes after the crash, which happened at around 7pm, showed Taleb al-Abdulmohsen lying on the ground next to the smashed up BMW German police can be seen aiming their weapons at Abdulmohsen shortly before his arrest Just months before the horrific massacre, al-Abdulmohsen made a harrowing tweet about 'slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately' Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson Al-Abdulmohsen's X bio reads: 'Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe.' Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death 'because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.' He wrote on August 21: 'Is there a path to justice in Germany without bombing a German embassy or slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately? I have been looking for this peaceful way since January 2019 and I have not found it. If anyone knows it, please guide me.' In videos posted hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items including a USB stick. 'I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing' he said in one video. 'Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation', he said in another. He also appears to be a fan of AfD. In June, he retweeted party leader Alice Weidel, writing with typos: 'The left are crazy. We need the AfD to protect the police from them.' He also retweeted the right-wing extremist AfD activist Naomi Seibt with the following quote: 'Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave.' The car that was crashed into a crowd of people at the Magdeburg Christmas market is seen on Saturday morning following the attack in Magdeburg, Germany Emergency personnel stand next to a damaged car that drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 21, 2024 A police officer walks at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in Magdeburg on Saturday morning Police officers walk through the streets in the aftermath of the crash on Saturday morning A mourner lights a candle near the site of the crash on Saturday morning Police guards the entrance to the closed Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd He was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm in the city of Magdeburg, according to unidentified government officials in the state of Saxony-Anhalt who spoke to the dpa news agency. A search of his name and details of his work revealed he was interviewed by the Frankfurter Rundschau, a regional newspaper, in 2019 'He came to Germany as a visiting doctor during his specialist training as a psychotherapist and later applied for asylum here because he had been threatened with death for turning away from Islam. The 44-year-old is recognized as a political refugee', the newspaper wrote of him five years ago. In the Frankfurter Rundschau interview, he described his work with the wearesaudis.net website, a group dedicated to providing information on 'escape routes' for people living in Saudi Arabia, particularly women. His plight to help asylum seekers settle in Europe was also documented in a 2019 interview with the BBC World Service, in which it was revealed he was forced to leave his home country due to his atheism. 'If I have time, I spend, you know, totally helping Saudi asylum seekers between 10 to 16 hours a day, if I have time', he told the broadcaster at the time. He also explained how most people who approached him for help through his website were Muslim women seeking to escape their strict families. Firefighters work at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg Officers standing guard outside the entrance to the christmas market on Saturday morning Overturned wheelie bins and debris are seen as police officers walks through the closed christmas market in Magdeburg Police and firefighters walk at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening A stretcher and a pile of clothes lies at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market Police officers walks through a closed Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd injuring more than 60 people Just five days before carrying out the attack, Al-Abdulmohsen gave an interview with the right-wing RAIR Foundation in which he said: 'If a Syrian citizen applies for asylum in Germany, the chance to be granted asylum is 99.8% 'While if a Saudi citizen applies for asylum in Germany, that chance is only 70%, and I know personally that many of those rejected are ex-Muslims. 'Germany is welcoming Syriansincluding many Islamistswhile simultaneously rejecting Saudi apostates, people who are genuinely fleeing Sharia-based death sentences.' Since news of the attack spread around the world, RAIR said in a statement: 'If these reports are accurate, it appears we and other media outlets were misled regarding his true intentions. We are actively seeking more information and will provide updates as they become available.' No official motive for the attack has been identified by police. 'As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city,' Saxony-Anhalt's governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters. 'Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many.' A Saudi source told Reuters news agency that Saudi Arabia had warned German authorities about the attacker following his posts on X. Local media reported that police raided al-Abdulmohsen's home in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. Authorities added that he appears to have rented the car shortly before the attack. Police officers take security measures after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20, 2024 Special police officers at the scene after a car was driven into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, 20 December 2024 This is the moment the alleged Saudi perpetrator of the horrific Christmas market car smash was arrested with an explosive device after he drove through a massive crowd Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, Germany The initial death toll from the horrific attack on Friday evening had stood at two, but this has since risen to five, according to German newspaper Spiegel. Bild, another local news site, reported that 41 others were gravely injured, 86 people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries, while another 78 sustained minor injuries. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. Eighty-six people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries incurred in the incident on Friday evening in the central city, while another 78 sustained minor injuries, the report said. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. Local officials had initially said it least two people were killed and had warned that the toll could rise. The black BMW tore through the traditional market in the centre of Magdeburg, southwest of Berlin on Friday night. Police said the vehicle drove 'at least 400 metres across the Christmas market' leaving behind destruction, debris and broken glass on the city's central town hall square. Horrific video footage showed countless revellers fleeing for their lives in the wake of the crash. Separate footage showed children crying loudly as several small crowds of people formed over those injured in the crash, in apparent attempts to help them. One man who spoke to German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung said the Christmas market has turned to 'war-like conditions', while another eyewitness told the newspaper that there were countless families in the 'fairytale area' of the market when the car crashed through the crowd. The Magdeburg Christmas market is located on the Old Market, directly next to Magdeburg Town Hall near the River Elbe, and was closed by organisers following the incident. Organisers have also asked people to leave the city centre, while several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution and out of solidarity with Magdeburg's loss. Local media reported that police raided al-Abdulmohsen's home in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg Special police forces stand in front of an apartment building that is believed to be connected to the Christmas market attacker Crime scene tape hangs at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market A police vehicle stands at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market On Saturday morning, residents went to the Johanneskirche church, just opposite the market, to lay candles in tribute to the victims. Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected it was a deliberate act. 'The pictures are terrible,' Reif said. 'My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I can't yet say from what direction and how far.' Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser were due to travel to Magdeburg on Saturday, and a memorial service is to take place in the city cathedral in the evening. Scholz expressed his concern in the wake of the attack in a post to X, writing: 'The reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.' In a post to X, Germany's interior minister said: 'The news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. 'Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The security authorities will clarify the background.' Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff said in the wake of the attack: 'This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.' A person stands by flowers and candles placed outside St. John's Church opposite the Christmas market Cuddly toys, flowers and candles have all been laid in tribute to those killed and injured in the attack on Friday Police officers stand at a barrier at Magdeburg's Christmas market on Saturday People lay flowers and candles at the memorial site at St. John's Church in Magdeburg Police officers walk at the cordoned-off Christmas Market on Saturday morning German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Magdeburg on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday's attack. His Social Democrats are trailing both the far-right AfD and the frontrunner conservative opposition in opinion polls ahead of snap elections set for February 23. The AfD has led calls for a crackdown on migration to the country. Its chancellor candidate Alice Weidel and co-leader Tino Chrupalla issued a statement on Saturday condemning the attack. 'The terrible attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg in the middle of the peaceful pre-Christmas period has shaken us,' they said. A leading member of Scholz's Social Democrats in the Bundestag parliament warned against jumping to conclusions and said it appeared the attacker did not have an Islamist motive. Robert Habeck, Germany's vice-chancellor, said in a post to X: 'What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community. 'My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Magdeburg on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday's attack Scholz visits a Christmas Market where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening along with Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt Reiner Haseloff (left), and German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (second from left) An emergency blanket is seen among debris and closed stalls on the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks through the site of the crash in Magdeburg on Saturday The aftermath the morning after Friday's attack at a christmas market in Magdeburg CDU candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) wrote on X: 'This is very depressing news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all emergency services who are caring for the injured on site.' The world has already begun reacting to the horrific news. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: 'I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. 'My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.' The Government is in contact with German authorities, the Foreign Office said, and is closely monitoring the situation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was 'appalled by the news from Magdeburg' and offered support to his German counterpart. Saudi Arabia, where the attacker was from, said in a statement on X: 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the run-over incident that occurred in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people, expressing its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. 'The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Federal Republic of Germany, government and people, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.' The UK's Foreign Office, meanwhile, said it was 'closely monitoring the situation,; A spokesperson said: 'We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected.' Magdeburg, which is west of Berlin, is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has about 240,000 inhabitants. The Magdeburg Christmas market massacre suspect had boasted to the BBC about a website he set up to help ex-Muslims seek asylum in the West. Psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, last night rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in the German town of Magdeburg, leaving at least two dead and nearly 70 injured. Al-Abdulmohsen, an anti-Islam doctor from Saudi Arabia, arrived in Germany in 2006 and had worked to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, flee their countries after turning their backs on Islam. He created a website called wearesaudis.net to provide information on 'escape routes' for people leaving Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. His plight to help asylum seekers settle in Europe was documented in a 2019 interview with the BBC World Service, in which it was revealed he was forced to leave his home country due to his atheism. 'If I have time, I spend, you know, totally helping Saudi asylum seekers between 10 to 16 hours a day, if I have time', he told the broadcaster at the time. He also explained how most people who approached him for help through his website were Muslim women seeking to escape their strict families. Meanwhile, analysis of his social media reveals tweets in support of Germany's anti-immigration party AfD. The Magdeburg Christmas market massacre suspect had boasted to the BBC about a website he set up to help ex-Muslims seek asylum in the West Psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen told the BBC he was forced to leave Saudi Arabia due to his atheism Footage taken in the minutes after the crash, which happened at around 7pm, showed Taleb al-Abdulmohsen lying on the ground next to the smashed up BMW He has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. His X bio reads: 'Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe'. Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death 'because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.' Another was a retweet of a post that simply read: 'Can you find one positive thing about Islam?' In videos posted hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items including a USB stick. 'I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing' he said in one video. 'Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation', he said in another. He also appears to be a fan of AfD. In June, he retweeted party leader Alice Weidel, writing with typos: 'The left are crazy. We need the AfD to protect the police from them.' German police can be seen aiming their weapons at Abdulmohsen shortly before his arrest yesterday after he rammed a car into a crowd of people at Magdeburg Christmas market Forensics police inspect the car that rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 21, 2024 German police officers stand guard beside their vehicle at the scene of a vehicle-ramming attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, 21 December 2024. According to the Magdeburg police, at least two people were confirmed dead, scores were injured, and the suspect, a Saudi national, was taken into custody Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20 Firefighters work at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg Overturned wheeliebins and debrisn are seen as police officers walks through a closed Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd injuring more than 60 people the evening before A mourner lights a candle near the Christmas market today where a car crashed into a crowd killing at least two and injuring more than 60 people the evening before. At least two people were killed and over 60 injured He also retweeted the right-wing extremist AfD activist Naomi Seibt with the following quote: 'Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave.' No official motive for the attack has been identified by the police. Authorities in Magdeburg say two people are dead, including a toddler, while 68 people were injured in the rampage, 15 of them seriously. The suspect was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm in the city of Magdeburg, according to unidentified government officials in the state of Saxony-Anhalt who spoke to the dpa news agency. A search of his name and details of his work revealed he was interviewed by the Frankfurter Rundschau, a regional newspaper, in 2019. 'He came to Germany as a visiting doctor during his specialist training as a psychotherapist and later applied for asylum here because he had been threatened with death for turning away from Islam. The 44-year-old is recognized as a political refugee', the newspaper wrote of him five years ago. He said in a 2019 interview with the paper: 'Nine out of ten people from Saudi Arabia who ask me about the asylum system are women. Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson. Car can be seen ploughing into crowd of people 'Other asylum activists report similar figures. This may be because for Saudi Arabian women, asylum is the only path to justice. Even if a woman is not oppressed, her fate depends on her male guardian. 'There are women who say that they have good husbands who do not oppress them, but they wonder what will happen if the man dies. 'If the new man beats her, she will not get any help. A woman is only protected if she has powerful men in her family.' Just five days before carrying out the attack, Al-Abdulmohsen gave an interview with the right-wing RAIR Foundation in which he said: 'If a Syrian citizen applies for asylum in Germany, the chance to be granted asylum is 99.8% While if a Saudi citizen applies for asylum in Germany, that chance is only 70%, and I know personally that many of those rejected are ex-Muslims. 'Germany is welcoming Syriansincluding many Islamistswhile simultaneously rejecting Saudi apostates, people who are genuinely fleeing Sharia-based death sentences.' Several cops were seen crowding around the man last night with their weapons drawn while shouting at him. Cops were also seen shooing the growing crowd around the arrest incident, as a police officer crouches down over him with a torch. 'From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don't think there is any further danger for the city,' he added. With Christmas just around the corner, revellers up and down the country hit the town on 'Black Eye Friday' to celebrate the festive season. The Friday before Christmas Eve has earned the nickname 'Black Eye Friday' due to the number of fights that break out in bars, pubs and clubs, with A&E departments in full swing. But revellers seemed in good spirits as they flooded into city centres to drink, eat and dance the night away. Partygoers donned their Christmas finest, with necklines almost as plunging as the temperatures. The fancy dress was also out in full force, with people dressed as Santa, reindeers and some epic Christmas jumpers on display. While many of the revellers may have only hazy memories of what went on last night, MailOnline takes a look at the evidence... LEEDS: Two young women roar with laughter as they swig from a bottle of wine in the street LEEDS: Three young woman walk past the bright lights of a bar in Leeds clutching their handbags and phones LEEDS: A blonde woman clutches her karaoke microphone in the street as two friends sing along LEEDS: A woman is held back by her friend as police officers and a man in an elf jumper look on LEEDS: Three women brave the lashing Yorkshire rain as they head out for a night of partying LEEDS: A woman's umbrella is blown inside out as two revellers stand on rain-soaked streets in Leeds city centre NEWCASTLE: Three friends strut their way down the street on their way to a Christmas event NEWCASTLE: Two revellers take to the streets of the northern city in short skirts - despite the plummeting temperatures NEWCASTLE: A woman wearing a Santa hat clutches her handbag as she walks up the street with a policeman NEWCASTLE: A woman cuddles her friend as she sits on the stairs outside a bar during a smoking break NEWCASTLE: Four friends in their Christmas finest as revellers pour into town on Black Eye Friday NEWCASTLE: A group of lads show off their Christmas jumpers NEWCASTLE: A man gets into the Christmas spirit by giving his friend a piggyback NEWCASTLE: It was all a bit too much for one reveller, who stares at the floor while clutching what looks like a can of beer NEWCASTLE: Partygoers channel their inner grandma with some spectacular Christmas jumpers CARDIFF: A police officer adjusts the shoe strap of a partygoer in Cardiff on Friday evening CARDIFF: A woman smooches her Christmas elf in Cardiff town centre CARDIFF: Santa and one of his reindeer get into the Christmas spirit in Cardiff CARDIFF: A reveller hoists his friend, dressed in a fun Christmas suit, high into the air CARDIFF: Two women, one in a Santa hat, stroll along the street, oblivious to the mayhem behind them CARDIFF: A woman carries a woman down the centre of a busy street CARDIFF: A reveller channels his inner Frosty as he steps out in the most Christmassy of blue suits CARDIFF: Police stop for a chat with Santa as he takes a breather from present delivery on a nearby park bench CARDIFF: Police arrest a man after an incident at a club in Cardiff city centre BIRMINGHAM: Four women out on the town in Birmingham on Friday, known colloquially as 'Black Eye Friday' BIRMINGHAM: Two revellers lie on the floor during Black Eye Friday in Birmingham city centre BIRMINGHAM: Police detail a reveller in Birmingham city centre LEEDS: Three woman hit Leeds City Centre to celebrate the festive season LEEDS: A group of friends get ready to belt out the Christmas classics with a spot of karaoke LEEDS: A reveller sits on the floor in a lace black outfit clutching a microphone as she prepares to serenade passersby LEEDS: The night is well and truly underway as revellers soak up the festive atmosphere in the Yorkshire city LEEDS: A club-goer, wearing a denim jumpsuite, holds up a peace sign for the cameras LEEDS: It's Christmas cheer all round as a man in a Santa hat (front) expresses his festive joy LEEDS: Two blonde clubbers head into a venue wearing white outfits with their long blonde tresses flowing over their shoulders LEEDS: A group of three women are feeling the festive cheer as they head out in their Christmas jumpers LEEDS: Police officers also approach a group of young girls who are out in the northern city LEEDS: This young woman was quite literally 'swept off her' feet by a young man LEEDS: The man then carries his female friend down the Leeds street LEEDS: The woman being carried along the street The family of a British teen who was killed by a boat propeller while on a school trip to the Maldives say they are still waiting for answers as they set up a fundraiser to help with legal fees. Jenna Chan, 15, was killed in a horrific snorkelling accident on November 8 during a week-long school trip assisting the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. She was a student at St Josephs International Institution, a private school in Singapore. According to Maldivian news outlet The Edition, the teen and her peers had just gotten into the sea when suddenly the engine of the boat turned on. The ship then reversed into the crowd of school children and Jenna was dragged under by the propeller. It has been over a month since Jenna's sudden death, and her heartbroken parents Alan Chan and Jennifer Liauw have spoken out about how they are 'still waiting for answers'. Speaking to The Times, Jenna's parents said they had not been able to contact their daughter during her week-long trip due to a no phone school policy and regret that they never 'properly said goodbye'. They also claim that Maldivian officials were unable to offer them a post-mortem examination of their daughter's body and have not been shown any witness statements from the teachers and students who were with Jenna at the time of her tragic death. British-Singaporean Jenna Chan, 15, was killed last month in a horrific accident while on a school trip to the Maldives after she was dragged under by the propeller of a boat It has been over a month since Jenna's sudden death, and her heartbroken family say have they are 'still waiting for answers' The family also claims there was 'no real investigation' into the accident and believe there was a 'chain of errors' throughout the excursion. Jenna's older sister Alice, 17, has started a GoFundMe to raise awareness over the schoolgirl's horrific accident and to help with legal fees as the family fights to get answers. 'My sister, 15 year old British-Singaporean Jenna Chan, was killed in a propeller accident during a school trip in the Maldives', the caption for the fundraiser said. 'There has been silence from the Maldivian government and all news about her has ceased. 'The circumstances leading to her sudden death and negligence of the company is truly shocking to our family and her teenage friends, who witnessed her death. 'Please help support us during this tough time for our family and loved ones, and spread the word about her case. 'All donations will go towards our fight for Jenna and protection of all future children and tourists, by providing our Maldivian lawyers with the legal fees and financial support to take more cases just like this one.' The fundraiser has so far raised nearly 4,600 of its 10,000 target. Jenna pictured on the day she travelled to the Maldives. Her family says there was 'no real investigation' into the accident and believe there was a 'chain of errors' throughout the excursion A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British national who died in the Maldives and are in contact with the local authorities.' Jenna has been described by her loved ones as 'caring' and 'nurturing'. She was laid to rest on November 15 in Singapore. Californias population has increased during the past year, a change from the early years of the pandemic when the states population was contracting. Estefany Gonzalez/Special to the Chronicle After shrinking during the pandemic and then stagnating for several years, Californias population is finally growing thanks to immigration from abroad. Thats according to two different estimates released this month within 24 hours of each other. The first is the U.S. Census annual estimates of population growth by state. The second is from the states Department of Finance, which estimates population change twice yearly. Both show that the state is growing, but at different rates: The Department of Finances estimate said the state added about 49,000 residents slightly less than last Januarys reading while the census estimated growth by a more robust 232,000 residents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... Each entity estimates population growth differently: While the Department of Finance marries census household data with state vital records, tax returns and drivers license records, the census relies on its own annual surveys as well as federal Homeland Security, IRS and entitlement program records. Both estimates get less accurate as the decennial census (last taken in 2020) grows more distant. Walter Schwarm, chief of demographic research at the Department of Finance, suspected that the differences in estimates were due to diverging approaches to counting the large number of asylum-seekers at the southern border. As of July, Schwarm said, the census estimates were relatively higher than what his office inferred from MediCal records and the like. He added that he expected the real number to be in between the two estimates, and that future estimates would be more similar. The pandemic represented a dramatic reversal for the state. From 2020 to 2021, California lost population for the first time. For more than a decade before that, though, more Californians had been leaving the state than out-of-staters moving in. Declines in fertility had also been dragging down natural population growth. Only international migration kept growth chugging. Loading... Data show that immigration was the most important cause of this years population jump, as it was throughout the country. Immigrants matter disproportionately to California, which is home to one-10th of the nations population but nearly a quarter of its immigrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If President-elect Donald Trump clamps down sharply on immigration, Californias population could go back into decline as soon as next year. Population size matters, not just because a larger population means more economic activity and a larger tax base for local and state governments. It also impacts Californias clout in Washington. Slow growth relative to other states meant that, between 2010 and 2020, California lost a congressional seat for the first time since the states founding. Loading... With a population that has shrunk even as other Sun Belt states continue to boom, California could lose three to four additional seats in 2030. Since congressional seats are a component of electoral college apportionment, Californians also stand to lose influence in deciding presidential elections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This years figures could temper projections of those declines, but the growth wasnt distributed evenly throughout the state. The fastest growth was in the relatively affordable Central Valley and Inland Empire regions, with slower growth in coastal Southern California and continued stagnation in the Bay Area. Meanwhile, rural parts of the Sierra Nevada and the states far north continued to contract. For 79 years, the details surrounding Adolf Hitler's death have been the subject of intense speculation. Did he take his own life in a bunker of the Reich Chancellery in on 30 April 1945 by shooting himself in the head, as is widely supposed? Or did he follow Eva Braun, whom he had married the previous day, in also swallowing a cyanide capsule? Were their bodies doused in petrol, burned and buried, as eyewitnesses claimed? Or did he survive, fleeing abroad, as Soviet investigators suggested? While Eric Laurier, head of forensic medicine at Valenciennes hospital in northern France, is hardly the first author to explore these questions, some of his findings certainly rank among the strangest. Not least among the dazzling array of anomalies and curiosities in the investigation conducted by Soviet forensic experts, which Laurier analyses in his new book Le Cadavre dHitler, is the revelation that one of the 13 bodies discovered in the bunker was ruled out as Hitler's because of a sock. The Soviets concluded that, since the sock was darned, and the Nazi dictator would never wear such a shoddy item of clothing, the body could not be Hitler's. 'Neglecting to properly examine a corpse on the grounds of a small detail of clothing shows the Red Armys fanciful approach to selecting the bodies for examination,' Laurier told the Times. It is just one example, Laurier contends, of the extent to which the Soviet investigation was influenced by political considerations in a climate where scientific fact became subservient to Stalinist propaganda. By claiming that the Fuhrer may have escaped to Spain or Argentina, Stalin redirected the world's gaze away from a bungled and contradictory account of Hitler's last days and instead threw doubt on the claims of Britain and other countries that he had died in Berlin. Adolf Hitler and his mistress Eva Braun, whom he finally married after 14 years in his bunker beneath Berlin - the day before they both died The final moments of Hitler and Braun, seen here dining together, have long been the subject of intense speculation among researchers and scholars Hitler, right, is seen during an exchange with his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels during a dinner at the Fuhrerbunker Such obfuscation lived on long after Stalin's death in 1953, Laurier believes, with a 1968 Soviet autopsy report that claimed Hitler died from cyanide poisoning shaped by a desire to portray his demise as a craven affair. Notable in this respect is that Hitler had his dog, Blondi, poisoned the day before his own death in order to test the effectiveness of the cyanide capsules with which the SS had provided him. By claiming that the dictator took cyanide, the Soviets were implying Hitler had died a dog's death. 'The remains of those who died in the bunker were numbered from 1 to 13 and those of Hitler and Eva Braun were those numbered 12 and 13,' said Laurier, the title of whose book translates as Hitlers Corpse. 'The Soviets were advancing the hypothesis that Hitler and Braun took cyanide, but they only carried out toxicological examinations that would have proved it on the first 11 corpses, not on the remains of Hitler and Braun.' In 1993, Russia announced that it had a fragment of Hitler's skull, which had been pierced with a bullet. However, when researchers from the University of Connecticut analysed the bone in 2009, extracting a DNA sample, they concluded it belonged to a woman - reigniting theories that Hitler had indeed fled. Laurier takes the view that the provenance of the fragment remains unproven. The obvious question is how such evidence could have survived if - as eyewitnesses claimed when interrogated by Allied officers - his petrol-doused corpse was burned and buried, together with Braun's, after being taken outside the bunker. While the Soviets claimed troops dug up the fragments and reburied them in Magdeburg, East Germany, other reports suggested the KGB recovered the skull fragments and conveyed them to Moscow. Whatever the reality, Laurier's findings - socks and all - would seem to reaffirm that truth is often stranger than fiction. Imagine this: Its May 2029 and Britain has just held a General Election. You turn on the television to find Nigel Farage standing outside 10 Downing Street. Hes wearing a Union Jack tie, flanked by hundreds of new Reform MPs, and is thanking the British people for having just made him Prime Minister. The Peoples Army have taken over British politics! declares the new PM. The political class in this country used to laugh at me. Well, theyre not laughing now! Sound fanciful? Some will say so. But having successfully predicted many events the Establishment dismissed as preposterous from Brexit to both of Donald Trumps presidencies I think that Nigel Farage has every chance of pulling it off. Im not a member of the Reform Party but I do know Farage well. Over time, weve become friends. From left, Nick Candy, Elon Musk and Nigel Farage in Florida this week Im also a passionate patriot who sympathises with the millions of ordinary Britons who have flocked to his upstart party, fed up with the consensus on soaring immigration, tax, wokery and Net Zero that unites Left and Right or what Reformers call the Uniparty. This is why I sense what many elites in this country do not: Nigel Farage now has all the momentum while the old dinosaur parties will be blown apart in a few years time. Its not just because of Farages seminal meeting this week with US billionaire Elon Musk who, after helping orchestrate Trumps return to the White House, is reportedly considering a donation of up to 80 million to Reform. Nor is it because of the growing numbers of former Conservative Party supporters defecting to Reform such as billionaire Nick Candy who looks set to give Farage the money, insight and advice he has lacked in the past. No, its because of what we can already see taking shape in the country. At the last election, Reform mobilised 14 per cent of the national vote four million voters. But last week, they surged to a new record high of 25 per cent in the polls pushing ahead of the Tories and trailing Labour by just one point. In other words, Farage and his Peoples Army are now within what canvassers call the margin of error of leading the polls: quite an achievement for a party that still has only 15 full-time staff. Remarkably, Reform is also now more popular than the Tories among men and under-65s and is poaching one in five of the voters who stuck with the Tories in July. Farage is continuing to devour the Tory vote. What do these numbers mean? If they translated to a General Election, Reform would rocket from its current five seats to around 100. Clearly, this populist revolt against the system is growing and quickly. I have studied Reforms strategy in detail, and Im privy to many of their tactics. Key to it is the two-prong strategy: Invading Tory seats on Englands coast in Lincolnshire, Essex, Kent and Hampshire while simultaneously smashing Labour in the Red Wall and Wales. Reform believe they can win in areas where the Tories are toxic, while exploiting the widespread unpopularity of Keir Starmer in former Labour strongholds. Clearly, winning 100 seats would not be enough to gain power. But Im convinced this is just the start. Between today and the next General Election, I believe Nigel Farage will manage to take over the entire system, pulling off the same kind of political realignment as his close ally Trump just achieved in America. Growing numbers of former Conservative Party supporters defecting to Reform such as billionaire Candy, centre The first step in this takeover would need to be ideological. Neither of the old parties is connecting leaving a political vacuum for Farages party to fill. Only this week, pollster Ipsos Mori found that the share of Britons who feel dissatisfied with Sir Keir Starmers hapless Labour Government has soared to 70 per cent. Meanwhile, two-thirds of people expect the economy to get worse, while three-quarters are fed-up with mass immigration still one of Britons top priorities. If things are this bad now after just five months of Labour, what will they be like after five years? And the Tories arent much better. New party leader Kemi Badenoch is failing to inspire. She wont commit to leaving the European Convention on Human Rights or protecting our borders, while demoralised Tory MPs have described her performances at Prime Ministers Questions as woeful. Indeed, that same Ipsos Mori poll has her rating at minus 15. Shes not cutting through and it seems both the public and Westminster know it. This leaves a massive open goal for Farage. He must use his appearances both in the Commons and media to feed off of the Establishments unpopularity while targeting Reform voters top two priorities: slashing legal immigration and stopping the small boats. With this foundation, Reform can focus on political gains in its second step: the county council elections next May. I know from my conversations with the party that they plan to copy the Liberal Democrat strategy of going local building their local branches and activist armies to convert support into votes. If theyre smart, Reform will focus on the areas they plan to target at the next General Election such as Essex, Hampshire and Lincolnshire councils now under Tory control. Farage himself will also want to go on a national tour, collecting data and new members as he goes. The third step will come a year later, with the Welsh Senedd election. Farage with Donald Trump at the US president-elect's Florida residence Currently, the Welsh Parliament is dominated by Labour which has overseen record NHS waiting lists in the country and the disastrous leadership of First Minister Vaughan Gething who served just 118 days in office. However, Reform could be poised for big wins, having received the third largest share of the Welsh vote in the last General Election. Personally, I expect 2026 will see a massive breakthrough in South Wales, the home of the Industrial Revolution, including Cardiff Bay the first sizeable crack in the Red Wall. By the end of this third stage, around 2027, Reforms momentum would have grown exponentially. It would have recruited more than 100,000 members and would want to claim it is a bigger force than the Conservatives. This could also see more defections from the senior echelons of the Tory Party. From my conversations at Westminster, I personally know at least half a dozen Tories who are thinking about defecting a few are household names. As high-profile donations continue to roll in, these would be used to fund a nationwide billboard campaign. The party would also ramp up its investment in social media platforms such as TikTok, where Farage has already amassed more than one million followers. By the run-up to the next General Election in 2029, Reform will be in prime position having moved from the margins to the mainstream. Can the Tories stop it? To be honest, I doubt it. Kemi Badenoch would need to change course radically, pledging more border protections and an end to uncontrolled immigration. Whether voters trust her and her party after the past 14 years, however, is another question. Bodies such as the Electoral Commission would surely try to stop Farage by fiddling the rules around overseas donations. Already, the head of the watchdog has warned that the rules need strengthening to protect the electoral system from foreign interference. But sometimes revolutions grow so fast, no ceiling can quash them. When ordinary people decide theyve had enough, they will push forward somebody who is willing to speak on their behalf. And right now, like him or loathe him, that person is Nigel Farage. A California volunteer has revealed her 'living nightmare' after she was kidnapped by a scammer posing as a donor for a holiday toy drive. Erin Quinn was lured to a home in Winchester on the premise of collecting the toys on December 18, KTLA reports. She said received a text from an anonymous number which claimed to be from an old woman named Connie wishing to donate gifts. She arrived at the address and began to walk up to the home before receiving another message stating someone would bring the toys to her car. As she got back into her vehicle, Quinn was grabbed from behind by a woman who began yanking her hair and tasering her. Quinn was ordered to drive by the woman, but she ended up crashing her car after about 25 minutes due to the pain from being tasered around 30 times. Eventually she managed to escape her vehicle and the women began tussling at the side of the road - with Quinn even biting off part of her attacker's finger. California volunteer Erin Quinn recounted her terror after she was kidnapped by a scammer posing as a donor for a holiday toy drive Quinn said her attacker climbed into her car and began tasering her, causing her to crash her car Quinn was left with burns on her scalp after being tasered around 30 times during the ordeal 'I kicked her as hard as I could,' Quinn explained. 'She tried to put her fingers in my mouth, maybe in an attempt to rip my mouth open, and in a complete panic, I bit part of a portion of her finger off in self-defense because I didnt know what else to do.' In a stunning twist, Quinn said that she suddenly recognized her assailant as a former house keeper. She claimed that the woman had disguised herself in a blonde wig. She fled the scene when a bystander rushed over to help. 'My brain was jolting so bad and my body was shutting down and I thought either I was going to die or I was going to pass out,' Quinn said. The force is choosing to withhold the suspect's name as she has not been formally charged. She currently remains at large. 'I am completely terrified,' Quinn said. 'I don't know why she would do this.' Quinn was left with bruising on her limbs, taser burns to her scalp, missing clumps of hair and broken nails. 'My entire world has been turned upside down,' she wrote on a GoFundMe set up to cover the cost of her bills while she takes time to recover. The victim sustained bruises from the attack, which continued after she crashed her car She described how she was forced to bite off part of her attacker's finger in a desperate bid to escape Quinn believes the culprit is a former housekeeper who had plans to take her to Mexico for ransom money Police are now investigating but said the suspect, who has not been formally charged, remains at large 'All I was trying to do was help with the Christmas toy drive and thought Id be able to stop by really quick to pick up these presents before I started my workday. 'I was completely set up (there were no presents) and when I got back into my vehicle, I had no idea someone was waiting for me, ready to attack.' She believes her attacker, who she has not spoken to for nine months, was hoping to take her over the border. 'I strongly believe that her plan was to kidnap me and take me to Mexico for either ransom or sale,' Quinn added. She said she and her mother had previously supported the suspect by providing housing and money for her and her daughter. Quinn also hit out at other bystanders who saw what was going on but did not intervene. 'Several construction workers around the area witnessed what was going on, videotaped, and did nothing,' she said. But she praised passerby William King as a 'hero' for managing to pull the attacker off her. Millions of Australians have been warned to brace for a dangerous bushfire season this summer that could be similar to the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019 and 2020. The major warning comes as firefighters continue battle out of control flames in Victoria. A fast-growing fire in Victoria's Grampians National Park had razed 30,000 hectares on Saturday evening despite the efforts of 350 firefighters to contain it. And authorities have warned it could just be the beginning, with the summer bushfire outlook for 2024 showing large parts of Australia are at an increased risk of fire danger. The outlook, which was prepared by the National Council for Fire and Emergency services in November, has identified significant fire danger for four states. These include the southern coastline and central west of WA and the lower coastal and southeast region of the lower Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. 'Large areas of the southwest and far west of Victoria, portions of the northeast, and the Mornington Peninsula in southwest Gippsland have an increased risk of fire,' the outlook said. Central northern and central southern NSW have also been placed on alert, while significant portions of the Northern Territory were deemed at risk of fire danger. The major warning comes as firefighters continue battle out of control flames in Victoria A fast-growing fire in Victoria's Grampians National Park had razed 30,000 hectares on Saturday evening despite the efforts of 350 firefighters to contain it The outlook, which was prepared by the National Council for Fire and Emergency services in November, has identified significant danger for four states The massive blaze in Victoria on Saturday has spread quickly over the past 24 hours, after it tore through around 7,500 hectares of land on Friday morning. Residents in several nearby towns including Bellfield, Flat Rock, Fyans Creek and Halls Gap were ordered to evacuate immediately on Saturday. The Vic Emergency website has issued 16 different warnings ranging from Watch and Act to emergency warnings for dozens of areas across the state. The Watch and Act alert has been issued for several areas including Bullengarook and Lederberg in Melbourne's north-west. Watgania, Mafeking, Jimmy Creek, Barton, Jallukar and Londonderry have also been issued with Watch and Act alerts as of Saturday evening. An emergency warning that was issued for Lake Fayans and Pomonal has since been downgraded to Watch and Act since 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Fire Rescue Victoria Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Gunning said the bushfire in the Grampians region could burn for weeks. Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Heffernan said a dry winter across Victoria has provided fertile ground for dangerous fire conditions as the weather continues to get warmer. The summer bushfire outlook for 2024 has indicated large parts of Australia is at an increased risk of fire danger 'The underlying dryness during winter, the lowest on record, for some parts of Victoria has led to significant dieback and undergrowth vegetation,' Mr Heffernan said. Mr Heffernan urged residents to have a bushfire plan ready to go in the event of a heightened bushfire risk. 'On hot, dry and windy days, have a back-up location to visit that is not in a high-risk bushfire area,' he said. 'If you're staying in a bushfire risk area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on a catastrophic or extreme day.' The bushfire outlook also noted the limited rainfall that parts of southwestern Victoria and and parts of WA received this year. The lack of moisture has contributed to substantial amounts of dry plant material. 'Southern Australia received below average rainfall for the cool season and into spring. As a result, soil moisture is below average across much of southern and eastern Australia,' the outlook said. 'Communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert this summer even if in areas of Australia showing normal risk of fire as catastrophic fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons.' The warning comes five years after the devastating Black Summer bushfires that wreaked havoc across Australia The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer than average temperatures during the next few days and nights across the country. Northern and eastern parts of Australia are set to reach high minimum temperatures. Parts of northern and central Queensland are also set to experience above average rainfall this week. The bushfire outlook has also indicated above average rainfall is likely to be seen in South Australia and WA this summer. The warning comes five years after the devastating Black Summer bushfires that wreaked havoc across Australia leaving the world shocked by the trial of destruction that was left behind as a result. The disaster claimed the lives of 33 people across the country and the bushfires ripped through a massive 19million hectares of land. Around 3,000 homes were destroyed and tens of thousands of people were displaced. The disaster also claimed the lives of native flora and fauna with billions of animals estimated to have been killed, according to findings by Natural Research Hazards of Australia. Saudi Arabia reportedly warned German authorities three times about the perpetrator of a Christmas market massacre that killed five people and injured hundreds. Officials said a nine-year-old child is among the dead. Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke of the 'brutality' of killing and injuring so many people. 'It is a terribly tragic accident', he told reporters. Germans on Saturday mourned the victims and their shaken sense of security after an anti-Islam doctor rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm on December 20 with a dark BMW. Psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia, was arrested on Friday evening at the site of the attack and was taken into custody. In 2013 he was sentenced by a German court for 'disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes', according to Der Spiegel. Three years later, he applied for asylum in Germany and his application was approved within four months. German officials said emergency services received their first call about the attack at 7:02pm local time and brought the situation under control by 7:05pm. Prosecutors expect to charge the suspected driver who rammed his vehicle into the Christmas market crowds with murder and attempted murder, according to the head of the local prosecutor's office. The motive for the attack remains unclear but the suspect's dissatisfaction with Germany's treatment of Saudi refugees may have played a role, the prosecutor in Magdeburg told a press conference today. Psychologist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen has been revealed as the perpetrator of a Christmas market massacre that killed at least five people and injured hundreds Footage taken in the minutes after the crash, which happened at around 7pm, showed Taleb al-Abdulmohsen lying on the ground next to the smashed up BMW This undated HO image obtained on December 21, 2024, shows Taleb Jawad Al Abdulmohsen, the alleged car-ramming perpetrator that killed 5 and injured more than 200 in an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 20, 2024 Saudi Arabia recently issued three warnings about al-Abdulmohsen to German security authorities, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel, although it is unclear what details those warnings contained. A source also told Reuters that Germany was warned about the attacker after he posted extremist views on social media that threatened peace and security. Elsewhere, it has also been reported that the Saudi suspect, who is considered to hold 'Islamophobic' views, may have taken drugs before the attack, having given a positive drug wipe following his arrest. The 50-year-old also made a series of harrowing social media posts months before Friday's attack, including one where he vowed 'revenge will come soon, even if it costs me my life'. It comes as several UK police forces, including Greater Manchester Police and Hampshire Police, urged the public to be vigilant of similar attacks taking place across the country in the run up to Christmas. The initial death toll from the horrific attack on Friday evening had stood at two, but this has since risen to five. Bild, another local news site, reported that 41 others were gravely injured, 86 people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries, while another 78 sustained minor injuries. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. Local officials had initially said at least two people were killed and had warned that the toll could rise. German police can be seen aiming their weapons at Abdulmohsen shortly before his arrest Bild reported that the car was driven 'at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market', per a police spokesperson Local media reported that police raided al-Abdulmohsen's home in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg. Authorities added that he appears to have rented the car shortly before the attack. The black BMW tore through the traditional market in the centre of Magdeburg, southwest of Berlin on Friday night. Police said the vehicle drove 'at least 400 metres across the Christmas market' leaving behind destruction, debris and broken glass on the city's central town hall square. Horrific video footage showed countless revellers fleeing for their lives in the wake of the crash. Separate footage showed children crying loudly as several small crowds of people formed over those injured in the crash, in apparent attempts to help them. The Magdeburg Christmas market is located on the Old Market, directly next to Magdeburg Town Hall near the River Elbe, and was closed by organisers following the incident. Local media reported that police raided al-Abdulmohsen's home in Bernburg, about 25 miles south of Magdeburg Special police forces stand in front of an apartment building that is believed to be connected to the Christmas market attacker The Salus Fachklinikum Bernburg, a medical center for psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy, where al-Abdulmohsen worked as a doctor, in Bernburg Crime scene tape hangs at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market A police vehicle stands at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market On Saturday morning, residents went to the Johanneskirche church, just opposite the market, to lay candles in tribute to the victims. Regional government spokesperson Matthias Schuppe and city spokesperson Michael Reif said they suspected it was a deliberate act. 'The pictures are terrible,' Reif said. 'My information is that a car drove into the Christmas market visitors, but I can't yet say from what direction and how far.' Scholz expressed his concern in the wake of the attack in a post to X, writing: 'The reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.' In a post to X, Germany's interior minister said: 'The news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The security authorities will clarify the background.' Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff said in the wake of the attack: 'This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.' Prominent German terrorism expert Peter Neumann posted on X that he had yet to come across a suspect in an act of mass violence with that profile. Al-Abdulmohsen was reportedly due in court on Thursday on charges of 'misuse of an emergency number' but failed to turn up, according to Der Spiegel. A person stands by flowers and candles placed outside St. John's Church opposite the Christmas market Cuddly toys, flowers and candles have all been laid in tribute to those killed and injured in the attack on Friday Police officers stand at a barrier at Magdeburg's Christmas market on Saturday People lay flowers and candles at the memorial site at St. John's Church in Magdeburg Police officers walk at the cordoned-off Christmas Market on Saturday morning Police were seen removing five large cardboard boxes containing evidence from the suspect's flat yesterday afternoon. The alleged killer was said to have lived on the ground floor of a smart apartment building in Bernburg some 30miles away from the scene. Several forensic officers were seen working inside the property for much of the day before removing the items in an unmarked police van. Local residents said the police had arrived at the address at around 10pm on Friday night just hours after the deadly attack. The suspect was believed to have lived in the apartment, where his name appears on the mailbox and doorbell, for several years. 'There were no sirens, just two vans arrived in the night and we had no idea what it was regarding,' one neighbour said. 'My cousin was working at the market at the time and saw what happened, he saw the bodies of children being thrown through the air by the car,' she added. 'But we didn't know the two were related at the time.' Other neighbours said they had not known the suspect who was said to have kept himself to himself and his blinds drawn most of the time. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen's name is displayed on the mailbox outside a house where he is believed to have lived The alleged killer was said to have lived on the ground floor of this apartment building in Bernburg some 30miles away from the scene Vehicles are parked on the street where the house of the suspect is located in Bernburg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Magdeburg on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday's attack. His Social Democrats are trailing both the far-right AfD and the frontrunner conservative opposition in opinion polls ahead of snap elections set for February 23. The AfD has led calls for a crackdown on migration to the country. Its chancellor candidate Alice Weidel and co-leader Tino Chrupalla issued a statement on Saturday condemning the attack. 'The terrible attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg in the middle of the peaceful pre-Christmas period has shaken us,' they said. A leading member of Scholz's Social Democrats in the Bundestag parliament warned against jumping to conclusions and said it appeared the attacker did not have an Islamist motive. Robert Habeck, Germany's vice-chancellor, said in a post to X: 'What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community. 'My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Magdeburg on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday's attack Scholz visits a Christmas Market where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening along with Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt Reiner Haseloff (left), and German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (second from left) An emergency blanket is seen among debris and closed stalls on the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks through the site of the crash in Magdeburg on Saturday The aftermath the morning after Friday's attack at a christmas market in Magdeburg Analysis of Al-Abdulmohsen's social media also reveals tweets in support of Germany's anti-immigration party AfD, while he has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Al-Abdulmohsen's X bio reads: 'Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe.' Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death 'because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.' He wrote on August 21: 'Is there a path to justice in Germany without bombing a German embassy or slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately? I have been looking for this peaceful way since January 2019 and I have not found it. If anyone knows it, please guide me.' In another discerning post in December: 'In a post in December 2023, Abdulmohsen wrote: 'Germany is the only country other than Saudi Arabia that chases female Saudi asylum seekers all over the world to destroy their lives.' He wrote: 'Revenge will come soon. Even if it costs me my life. I will make the German nation pay the price of the crimes committed by its government against Saudi refugees.' In videos posted hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items including a USB stick. I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing' he said in one video. 'Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation', he said in another. Just months before the horrific massacre, al-Abdulmohsen made a harrowing tweet about 'slaughtering German citizens indiscriminately' The car that was crashed into a crowd of people at the Magdeburg Christmas market is seen on Saturday morning following the attack in Magdeburg, Germany Emergency personnel stand next to a damaged car that drove into a group of people, according to local media, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 21, 2024 A police officer walks at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in Magdeburg on Saturday morning Police officers walk through the streets in the aftermath of the crash on Saturday morning A mourner lights a candle near the site of the crash on Saturday morning Police guards the entrance to the closed Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd He also appears to be a fan of AfD. In June, he retweeted party leader Alice Weidel, writing with typos: 'The left are crazy. We need the AfD to protect the police from them.' He also retweeted the right-wing extremist AfD activist Naomi Seibt with the following quote: 'Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave.' A search of his name and details of his work revealed he was interviewed by the Frankfurter Rundschau, a regional newspaper, in 2019 'He came to Germany as a visiting doctor during his specialist training as a psychotherapist and later applied for asylum here because he had been threatened with death for turning away from Islam. The 44-year-old is recognized as a political refugee', the newspaper wrote of him five years ago. In the Frankfurter Rundschau interview, he described his work with the wearesaudis.net website, a group dedicated to providing information on 'escape routes' for people living in Saudi Arabia, particularly women. His plight to help asylum seekers settle in Europe was also documented in a 2019 interview with the BBC World Service, in which it was revealed he was forced to leave his home country due to his atheism. 'If I have time, I spend, you know, totally helping Saudi asylum seekers between 10 to 16 hours a day, if I have time', he told the broadcaster at the time. He also explained how most people who approached him for help through his website were Muslim women seeking to escape their strict families. Firefighters work at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening, in Magdeburg Officers standing guard outside the entrance to the christmas market on Saturday morning Overturned wheelie bins and debris are seen as police officers walks through the closed christmas market in Magdeburg Police and firefighters walk at a cordoned-off Christmas Market, where a car drove into a crowd on Friday evening A stretcher and a pile of clothes lies at the site where a car drove into a crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market Police officers walks through a closed Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd injuring more than 60 people Just five days before carrying out the attack, Al-Abdulmohsen gave an interview with the right-wing RAIR Foundation in which he said: 'If a Syrian citizen applies for asylum in Germany, the chance to be granted asylum is 99.8% 'While if a Saudi citizen applies for asylum in Germany, that chance is only 70%, and I know personally that many of those rejected are ex-Muslims. 'Germany is welcoming Syriansincluding many Islamistswhile simultaneously rejecting Saudi apostates, people who are genuinely fleeing Sharia-based death sentences.' Since news of the attack spread around the world, RAIR said in a statement: 'If these reports are accurate, it appears we and other media outlets were misled regarding his true intentions. We are actively seeking more information and will provide updates as they become available.' 'As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city,' Saxony-Anhalt's governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters. 'Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many.' Police officers take security measures after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20, 2024 Special police officers at the scene after a car was driven into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, 20 December 2024 This is the moment the alleged Saudi perpetrator of the horrific Christmas market car smash was arrested with an explosive device after he drove through a massive crowd Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, Germany The world has already begun reacting to the horrific news. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: 'I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. 'My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.' The Government is in contact with German authorities, the Foreign Office said, and is closely monitoring the situation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was 'appalled by the news from Magdeburg' and offered support to his German counterpart. Saudi Arabia, where the attacker was from, said in a statement on X: 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the run-over incident that occurred in a market in the city of Magdeburg in the Federal Republic of Germany, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people, expressing its solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims. 'The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence, and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Federal Republic of Germany, government and people, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.' The UK's Foreign Office, meanwhile, said it was 'closely monitoring the situation,; A spokesperson said: 'We are in contact with the German authorities following an incident in the city of Magdeburg and are closely monitoring the situation. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected.' Magdeburg, which is west of Berlin, is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt and has about 240,000 inhabitants. The Magdeburg attack came eight years and a day after a jihadist attack in Berlin in which a Tunisian man committed to the Islamic State group rammed a truck through the capital's Christmas market, claiming 13 lives. The perpetrator's motive remained unclear and security experts say his age, professional profile and views he had expressed online are very different to those of previous attacks. A musical family-of-six has apologised after they released a 'remarkably tasteless' Gisele Pelicot parody of Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, as critics attack them for trying to cash in on her rape trial. The Marsh family, from Faversham, Kent, excitedly announced over social media that they had 'hastily assembled' what they described as a 'work of heart rather than of art'. But the subject matter - pertaining to the biggest rape trial in French history - has left many feeling outraged. Their song came just hours after Dominique Pelicot was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in jail for orchestrating and committing the mass rape of his now ex-wife. Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist were among those found guilty of raping and sexually abusing 72-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband over the course of a decade at their home in Mazan, southern France - all without her knowledge. The 51 men face a collective sentence of 400 years given out by a panel of five judges, such was the seriousness of their crimes. In the wake of the sentencing, history lecturer Dr Ben Marsh, 48, his wife Danielle, 47 and their four children - Alfie, 18, Thomas, 16, Ella, 15 and Tess, 12, shared their rendition of the Paul Simon classic, which they have named Legal Case That's Like No Other. But the song was met with backlash from fans, forcing the family to take down the video and apologise. The musical Marsh family has apologised for its remarkably tasteless' and 'shameful'parody song exploring the Gisele Pelicot mass rape trial Their controversial song came just hours after Dominique Pelicot was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in jail for orchestrating and committing the mass rape of his now ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot The Marsh family took to X today to issue an apology Speaking today at the front door of the family's bricked semi-detached home on a small new-build estate near Faversham Dr Ben Marsh acknowledged that the family had taken down the controversial video. Asked if they wanted to add anything Mr and Mrs Marsh declined. In a statement posted today on X the family said: 'Thanks for comments and responses. The message we intended from the song - commending Gisele Pelicots remarkable resilience and bravery in waiving anonymity, and utterly condemning those convicted - was not getting across, [and] weve taken it down. 'At no point was it being monetised. At no point was it intended to trivialise, or upset people. Weve always covered difficult news stories / subjects (murders, war, gendered violence) in musical commentary, and dont think anything should be off limits. But weve pulled this one, and will assess how we revisit.' Their statement comes after the parody, which has been viewed more than 307,000 times on X, sparked a torrent of comments from those who said it 'misses the mark' and is 'really really poor taste.' Many simply said: 'Please delete'. One X user wrote: 'This badly misses the mark. It trivialises Gisele Pelicots ordeal and her courage, and its an extremely ill-chosen melody given the inevitable association in most peoples minds with the original lyrics. 50 convictions for rape is not a clever play on the original.' Another said: 'This is so disgusting. Using the horrific gang rape of a woman to get attention for your Van Trapp wannabe family. Shameful.' Dr Ben Marsh and his wife, Danielle, alongside their four children, presented their twist on Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover earlier this week Actor James Dreyfus, best known for playing Constable Kevin Goody in The Thin Blue Line, called the song 'remarkably tasteless and opportunistic' The song has sparked a torrent of comments from those who say it 'misses the mark' and is 'really really poor taste' A third wrote: 'Can you talk us through the mental process which led to you thinking a jaunty song about prolonged gang rape was a good idea at all, before you chose to then do it in the style of a song about lovers?' Some fans queried whether their children should have been involved in such a song given the adult content matter. One, who called it 'absolutely disgusting', said 'you should delete, apologise, and reconsider subjecting your children to this. For their sake if nothing else.' Actor James Dreyfus, best known for playing Constable Kevin Goody in The Thin Blue Line, called the song 'remarkably tasteless and opportunistic.' He added: 'To use the horrific exploitation & abuse of Gisele Pelicot & set it to the tune of 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover for clicks seems bafflingly tone deaf to me.' When the song was first released by the Marsh family, they described it as 'super-topical' in a joint statement. 'It's our twist on Paul Simon's fantastic '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' released in December 1975, but parodied to address the culmination of the mass rape trial in France which ended today with the conviction of 51 men in Avignon', the family added. 'It's a news story we've been following, like many others, with a mix of horror and disbelief, and one that we touched on in our latest song reflecting on sexual pressure, workplaces, attitudes. 'But we were very struck by the incredible courage of Gisele Pelicot, and the inspiring solidarity shown by supporters.' Dominique Pelicot, who has been dubbed 'The Monster of Avignon', was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in jail for orchestrating and committing the mass rape of his now ex-wife Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist were among those found guilty of raping and sexually abusing 72-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband over the course of a decade at their home in Mazan, southern France - all without her knowledge The family also swapped out the names from the original song for those of the convicted men. Lyrics for the otherwise jaunty tune include 'La honte change du camp' (shame must change sides), Dom, Youre facing the can, man' and 'Its a pretty long haul, Paul, For your sexual assault.' Other lines include 'cant take it back, Jacques, knew it was wrong, Jean,' and 'just pull up your pants, Vince'. Among the dissenters there were however those who applauded the family. One fan called it 'so powerful and very sensitively accomplished.' The Marsh family first found fame in 2020 during lockdown with their version of Les Miserables' One Day More, which went viral. They followed up on this success with their rendition of the Bonnie Tyler classic, Total Eclipse of the Heart, now renamed Totally Fixed Where We Are. Their viral fame has seen the family appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live, BBC's Comic Relief and Children In Need. A judge has slammed officials who ruled the death of a teacher found with 20 stab wounds a suicide, calling her cause of death 'puzzling'. Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her apartment in Philadelphia in the middle of a blizzard on January 26, 2011. She had 10 stab wounds to her neck and the back of the head, and 10 to her stomach, abdomen and chest - with a 10-inch knife still plunged into her heart. Assistant Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide, but changed it to suicide after a meeting with police and prosecutors. Earlier this month, a judge told her parents Josh and Sandee Greenberg that the decision to switch the ruling baffled him as well. Judge Michael Erdos made the comments during a hearing as part of the parents ongoing lawsuit they filed that accused officials of covering up their daughters death. It was the first time that her parents had sat in a courtroom and listened to arguments in the case. Erdos said: 'I don't think anyone disagrees the crime scene should have been handled differently. The fact the death certificate lists the cause of death as suicide is puzzling.' Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her apartment in Philadelphia in the middle of a blizzard on January 26, 2011 Earlier this month, a judge told her parents Josh and Sandee Greenberg, seen here, that the decision to switch the ruling was baffling Fox News reported that Erdos dismissed one of the defendants in the lawsuit but witheld judgement on four others. Erdos also asked the attorney representing the Greenbergs to file briefs outlining how he plans on showing a jury how they 'intentionally inflicted emotional distress' upon the Greenbergs. Judge Michael Erdos, seen here,made the comments during a hearing as part of the parents ongoing lawsuit The judge added: 'Its a steep climb but not an impossible climb. You have a fighting chance.' The defendant that was dismissed was Lyndsey Emery, a former pathologist with the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office. The others named in the suit include Osbourne, former Chief Medical Examiner Sam Gulino, retired Sgt. Tim Cooney and Detective John McNamee. As the years have dragged on, pathologists, crime scene experts, law enforcement and lawyers have expressed doubts over the suicide ruling. The knife went through her chest and pierced her liver, slashed her aorta and severed the dura mater, the membrane surrounding her spinal column. Another wound was more than three inches deep, near the base of her skull, and caused a bleeding stroke. Greenberg's fiance Samuel Goldberg called 911 saying he found her in a pool of blood after forcing his way inside the apartment when she wouldn't answer. Greenberg is seen here with her then fiance Samuel Goldberg, who has since moved in and married In his 911 call Goldberg can be heard telling the operator, who had to urge him to perform CPR: 'She fell on a knife. Oh no, her knife's sticking out'. The knife is seen here He has spent the past decade as a target of suspicion by those convinced Greenberg was murdered. For the last 13 years Goldberg has always stuck to his story that he returned from the gym in the building and realized he had locked himself out. Speaking for the first time recently to CNN, Goldberg said: 'When Ellen took her own life it left me bewildered. 'She was a wonderful and a kind person who had everything to live for. When she died a part of me died with her. 'Unimaginably, in the years that have passed I have had to endure the unimaginable passing of my future wife and the pathetic and despicable attempts to desecrate my reputation and her privacy by creating a narrative that embraces lies, distortions, and falsehoods in order to avoid the truth. 'Mental illness is very real and has many victims. I hope and pray that you never lose someone you love like I did to a terrible disease and then be accused by ignorant and misinformed people of causing her death.' Over the course of 22 minutes he sent her nine messages while his fiancee lay dead on their kitchen floor. She had 10 stab wounds to her neck and the back of the head, and 10 to her stomach, abdomen and chest with a 10-inch knife still plunged into her heart In order, he texted her: 'Hello', 'open the door', 'what r u doin', 'I'm getting p*****', 'hello', 'you better have an excuse', 'what the f***', 'ahhh', and 'u have no idea'. Greenberg earlier texted her friend Alycia Young about 3:40pm and mentioned ongoing trouble in her work as a teacher, which according to friends was causing her stress, a CNN Investigation reported. Those were the last outgoing text messages sent from her mobile phone, with Goldberg's cell also going silent around then, according to records. His phone data also showed frequent and regular call activity in the day before her death, other than a gap between 4 pm and 7 pm. The routine of call-making continued the next morning and afternoon, but he was radio silent from 3:40 pm until 5:30 pm on the day she died. Surveillance footage showed him getting off the elevator and walking towards the gym in the building at 4:50 pm where he told cops he used the elliptical for a half hour. At 5:26 pm he was then seen walking towards the concierge desk to check his mail before he then returned to his apartment and realized he was locked out. Greenberg's parents have fought for years to get her manner of death in the autopsy report and death certificate changed from suicide to homicide or undetermined This graphic shows knife wounds Ellen suffered to her neck and chest, that pierced her brain and severed her spinal cord When asked by detectives why he didn't force the door right away, he said: 'I thought she was in the shower, doing her hair, or doing work with her headphones on, or even taking a nap.' In his 911 call, Goldberg can be heard telling the operator, who had to urge him to perform CPR: 'She fell on a knife. Oh no, her knife's sticking out.' Goldberg is increasingly in the minority in his insistence that Greenberg killed herself, particularly given the number and location of her stab wounds. Greenberg's parents have fought for years to get her manner of death in the autopsy report and death certificate changed from suicide to homicide or undetermined. After amassing a wealth of evidence pointing to homicide, they sued the ME's office and Osborne in 2019 but were rejected by the Commonwealth Court last September. But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted their request in July to hear an appeal as a 'matter of statewide importance'. Goldberg has never been charged, and moved on with Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, whom he married at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014, almost exactly three years after Greenberg's death. Teacher Alissa McCommon, who got pregnant after raping a Tennessee schoolboy, was sentenced to 25 years behind bars. In addition to her lengthy jailtime, McCommon, 38, will also be required to register as a sex offender after she took a plea deal on Friday. She pleaded guilty to one count each of rape of a child and the child protection act, and multiple counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, aggravated statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means, and solicitation of a minor: aggravated statutory rape. The former teacher will also be required to undergo community supervision for life as part of her plea, and she will not be eligible for parole, according to Fox 13 Memphis. She is also not allowed to have contact with her victims, nor her newborn child, who is in the custody of the grandmother. McCommon's teaching license has also been revoked. McCommon, who worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Charger Academy, may have up to 21 victims, between the ages of 12 and 17, according to Fox 13 Memphis. 'Your mind is sick and twisted for looking at a child and being turned on,' one of the victim's mother said in court on Friday. 'I loved you like family, opened my doors to you. You used our friendship to hurt me and the people I love in this world, took innocence from my son before puberty, took what was supposed to be a great experience and tainted it. 'The innocent child will be loved and raised without your influence. Theres no amount of time they can give you that will equal what God will give you. You will burn in hell.' Alissa McCommon, 38, will spend 25 years behind bars and be required to register as a sex offender after she took a plea deal on Friday. McCommon, who worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Charger Academy, may have up to 21 victims , between the ages of 12 and 17 'Your mind is sick and twisted for looking at a child and being turned on,' one of the victim's mother said in court on Friday. 'You will burn in hell' McCommon's child was confirmed through DNA to belong to one of the victims. She had called the father of her child nearly 200 times, played videos games with him, sent sexual photos to him on Snapchat and even threatened to kill herself if he broke off the relationship, according to WREG. Five of her victims testified against her and the teacher got to the children by befriending their mothers, according to the outlet. An investigation into her was announced in 2023 after a 16-year-old boy told police she had performed oral sex on him when he was 12, according to ABC 24. McCommon was arrested on September 8, but posted her $25,000 bail the next day on the promise she wouldn't contact the victim or any minors. Weeks later, police were informed she had contacted the baby daddy using a different phone number and she was re-arrested on September 28. McCommon told the victim he would 'regret doing this' and admitted to having a sexual encounter with him. The threatening phone call to the 12-year-old was recorded, and played aloud in court at a hearing in October 2023. Her child with one of the victims is in the custody of the grandmother. 'The innocent child will be loved and raised without your influence,' the mother said to McCommon An investigation into her was announced in 2023 after a 16-year-old boy told police she had performed oral sex on him when he was 12 Her lawyer had insisted the voice was not hers and that the text messages could have come from anyone. It's not a registered phone, it's just some random number, Mason told Fox News Digital prior to her guilty plea. The twisted educator's own two children were withdrawn from school last year after they were bullied following their mother's arrest. There are victims, arguably, on both sides of this case, regardless of her guilt or innocence,' her attorney Jere Mason said at the time. She's got two minor children herself. They've had to pull them out of school, and they're experiencing some ridicule. The Outer Sunset, a once-overlooked San Francisco neighborhood, is on the verge of becoming a property hotspot following the approval of a contentious ballot measure. The November initiative will permanently close a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway, paving the way for transformative changes and potentially skyrocketing home values. Nestled along Ocean Beach on the city's western edge, the Outer Sunset has long been known for its laid-back vibe and eclectic charm. Its streets are lined with colorful Doelger homes, modern townhouses and even a handful of historic 1906 earthquake shacks. With its relative affordability compared to other San Francisco neighborhoods, the Outer Sunset has steadily grown in popularity, especially among buyers drawn to single-family homes and multi-unit properties close to nature and outdoor amenities. This appeal is set to grow further with a new ballot initiative poised to transform the Upper Great Highway into a sprawling oceanfront park. Proposition K, backed by several city supervisors, will the stretch of the highway between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard to vehicular traffic. Approved by the California Coastal Commission on December 12, the project is slated for completion by early 2025. The park aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access, improve safety and restore critical coastal dunes. The Outer Sunset, a once-overlooked San Francisco neighborhood, is on the verge of becoming a property hotspot following the approval of a contentious ballot measure A 22-story, 446-unit housing complex has been proposed at 2700 Sloat Boulevard, though the project has faced criticism for its height and proximity to the ocean Local real estate agent Dimitris Drolapas, a lifelong Outer Sunset resident, believes the new park could spark a real estate surge similar to the 'halo effect' observed with New York's High Line. When the High Line debuted in 2009, it transformed the surrounding area into a dynamic outdoor destination, causing property values to soar. Drolapas anticipates that the park's increased foot traffic and outdoor attractions will attract more businesses and retail establishments, fostering a vibrant local economy. 'When you have more of that foot traffic, then you have more people that need to live in the immediate area, because you're creating like, its own local economy,' he told SF Gate. Developers are already eyeing opportunities in the Outer Sunset. A 22-story, 446-unit housing complex has been proposed at 2700 Sloat Boulevard, though the project has faced criticism for its height and proximity to the ocean. Coastal communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for their prime beachfront properties, boast median home prices of $2.7 million. In contrast, the Outer Sunset remains relatively affordable, with an average home price of $1.5 million, according to Redfin. The neighborhood's appeal has grown even without the proposed park, attracting increasing interest from younger families seeking more budget-friendly options. Drolapas highlighted the affordability compared to areas like Pacific Heights, where average home prices soar to $6 million. 'If you look at how much a house costs in Pacific Heights, about $6 million, whereas in the Sunset, it's one and a half million,' he said. Pictured: The Great Highway winding its way through Ocean Beach near Sutro Heights Park District Supervisor Joel Engardio launched a popular night market, revitalizing local interest Historically viewed as 'uncool,' the Outer Sunset is now seen as a desirable location with potential for growth 'Neighborhoods where it's cheaper than that in San Francisco are like Bernal Heights, Glen Park, Excelsior, Bayview ... Every other neighborhood is way more expensive.' Data from the San Francisco Association of Realtors through October 2024 shows a 6.2 percent increase in single-family home listings and a 22 percent rise in pending sales year-over-year in the Outer Sunset. However, condo sales have struggled, with a 50 percent drop in both listings and pending transactions. Real estate agent Colleen Cotter, another Outer Sunset native, noted the neighborhood's evolving appeal, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic heightened demand for outdoor spaces and larger homes. 'It's definitely a much more desired neighborhood today than it was pre-COVID,' Cotter said. 'There's a strong demand for single-family homes, for more space, particularly with work-from-home, and those houses move relatively quickly.' This marks a significant shift from previous decades when the Outer Sunset, far from San Franciscos bustling downtown, was often overlooked by residents. While Union Square has struggled to revive foot traffic post-pandemic through government-backed community events, the Sunset neighborhood has seen a different kind of resurgence. District Supervisor Joel Engardios campaign included launching a thriving night market, which immediately attracted thousands of attendees and brought new energy to the area. The park project, while promising, has sparked significant controversy as many Sunset residents opposed the highway closure, citing concerns about increased traffic. Election maps revealed that much of the initiative's support came from neighborhoods outside the city's west side. Some local residents have even threatened to recall Engardio for his support of the measure. Real estate agent Dimitris Drolapas anticipates that the park's increased foot traffic and outdoor attractions will attract more businesses and retail establishments, fostering a vibrant local economy Many residents oppose the highway closure due to traffic concerns as most support for Prop K came from outside the west side Engardio defended the initiative, emphasizing the benefits for the environment, local businesses, and future generations. 'It's also important to note that the movement to create an oceanside park is led by Sunset residents. I know many in the Sunset who voted for Prop K,' Engardio said in a post on X. 'Like them, I believe a park will be good for the environment, provide a boost to local businesses, and bring joy to generations of people. It's the best choice for how to use our limited coast.' Both Cotter and Drolapas acknowledge the project's potential but also its uncertainties. 'I think that it could be a huge win. I also think there's a lot of unknowns, though,' Cotter said. Drolapas stressed the need for significant reconfiguration of beachfront property to truly transform the area. 'You can't leave it the way it is. A lot of that beachfront property would have to be reconfigured in different ways, combining lots of retail, build bigger buildings,' he said. For now, the Outer Sunset remains a neighborhood of untapped potential. As Drolapas put it, 'It's still a great place to live, even if nothing changes.' Gustavo Erazo, 49, a Honduran citizen and former Oakland resident, could face life in prison if convicted of the drug trafficking charges. Rafe Swan/Getty Images A Honduran man who allegedly trafficked fentanyl, heroin and cocaine in the Bay Area was extradited from Honduras to the United States on Thursday to face federal charges, authorities said. Gustavo Erazo, 49, a Honduran citizen and former Oakland resident, was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 5, 2023, on charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Shortly after Erazo was indicted, authorities learned he had left Oakland and traveled back to Honduras. He was arrested there and extradited to the United States and was scheduled to appear in federal court in San Francisco on Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Erazo was first arrested in November 2022 outside a Berkeley apartment, according to a criminal complaint. Authorities found Erazo carrying a backpack containing close to 4 pounds of suspected drugs, including nearly a kilogram of suspected fentanyl and over half a pound each of suspected heroin and suspected cocaine, the complaint said. After arresting Erazo, officers searched the Berkeley apartment and found close to 21 pounds of suspected drugs inside, including about 15 pounds of suspected fentanyl, more than 2 pounds of suspected cocaine, and more than 1 pound of suspected heroin, according to the complaint. Authorities also located two firearms, ammunition, drug manufacturing equipment and cash in the apartment, the complaint said. If convicted of the charges, Erazo could face up to life in prison and a fine of over $10 million, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Erazos extradition is the sixth of an alleged trafficker from Honduras to the Northern District of California in 2024, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Pauline Hanson has lost the last member of One Nation in NSW, as Tania Mihailuk resigns over claims she was kept in the dark about party funding. The former Bankstown mayor was the last remaining member of Ms Hansons party in the state. 'After much careful consideration, I have made the decision to end my membership of Pauline Hanson's One Nation,' Ms Mihailuk said in a statement on Friday. 'In NSW, the Electoral Commission issues administrative funding to eligible parties and elected Independents. 'Members of parliament owe a duty to their constituencies to be confident that such funds are administered transparently, and in keeping with the NSW Electoral Commissions legislative requirements. 'Despite being the NSW Leader and the only PHON MP in NSW, I feel I can't continue to be the public face and representative of the party in NSW when I'm not informed fully about the administrative arrangements of the Party within the state of NSW.' Ms Mihailuk added that her values 'have not changed' and she would sit on the right wing crossbench as a conservative Independent MLC. She was appointed to the NSW Legislative Council last year after the resignation of former NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham. Ms Mihailuk was the last remaining member of the Ms Hansons party in NSW Pauline Hanson's One Nation party kept Ms Mihailuk in the dark about administrative funding, she claimed In 2022 she was sacked from the NSW Labor Party after she used parliamentary privilege to air her concerns about recently selected candidate Khal Asfour. She alleged Mr Asfour had property links with disgraced NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid, a charge he denied. Mr Asfour shot back, during a parliamentary inquiry investigating allegations of poor conduct in his office, by accusing Ms Mihailuk of using ratepayer funds to buy slabs of beer, vodka, Chinese meals and chicken nuggets. Mr Asfour sensationally withdrew from Labors NSW Upper House ticket before March 2023's state election, and later stepped down from the Canterbury-Bankstown mayoralty. Blake Lively is suing her former 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment. The Gossip Girl star claims Baldoni fostered a toxic workplace environment, which included the director showing her nude videos and images of other women and discussing his previous alleged porn addiction. 'I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,' Lively said. Baldoni's team has refuted the allegations and claim the legal action is an attempt to patch up Lively's reputation, which suffered in the wake of the beleaguered movie's release. The duo starred opposite each other in the hotly-anticipated film adaptation of the popular Colleen Hoover novel by the same name earlier this year. However, its release was mired by a series of scandals after fans picked up on tensions between Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 40. Now Lively has claimed Baldoni made inappropriate inquiries about her weight, comments about her dead father and sexual remarks about the cast and crew. The situation became so unworkable that she and husband Ryan Reynolds demanded crisis talks during filming to put a stop to the behavior, according to the lawsuit. Lively also requested: 'No more adding of sex scenes, oral sex or on camera climaxing by BL [Blake Lively] outside the scope of the script BL approved when signing onto the project,' per the filings. Blake Lively is suing her former 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment The Gossip Girl star claims Baldoni fostered a toxic workplace environment during filming The demands were allegedly accepted by the studio, but the movie's release was still hampered by a dispute between Lively and Baldoni about how it should be marketed, according to the lawsuit. Eagle-eyed fans soon spotted the frosty relationship between the movie stars and reports began to emerge about the rift. Lively claims that Baldoni's team then engaged in a 'social manipulation' campaign to tarnish her reputation. The lawsuit includes text messages from the director's publicist to the studio which allegedly say Baldoni, 'wants to feel like [Lively] can be buried, and 'We can't write we will destroy her'. Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman hit back at the lawsuit as, 'false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt'. He insisted the legal action is an attempt by Lively to 'fix her negative reputation' after rumors emerged of diva-like behavior on set. This included, 'threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release,' according to Freedman. It Ends With Us became one of the most talked about movies of the year following its release in August, but for all the wrong reasons. The duo starred opposite each other in the hotly-anticipated adaptation of the popular Coleen Hoover novel by the same name earlier this year But Lively claims Baldoni made her uncomfortable by showing her nude videos and images of other women and discussing his previous alleged porn addiction The romantic drama follows Lily Bloom played by Blake Lively as she becomes embroiled in an abusive relationship with Justin Baldoni's Ryle Kincaid. One alleged point of contention was how the movie should be marketed, with Lively reportedly wanting to make the tale more upbeat in contrast to Baldoni, who felt it should be more focused on the abuse aspect. Insiders revealed the concerning truth about the on-set tensions, telling DailyMail.com that Blake and Justin clashed over his 'dismissive' attitude to her 'input' while they were filming scenes that involved abuse. The insider claimed that Justin focused only on 'what he believed was the abusive male viewpoint' and had a very 'chauvinistic' approach to the topic. But as rumors of the feud persisted, social media reaction began to turn against Blake, who has been criticized for her responses in interviews promoting the movie. She was blasted as 'tone deaf' and 'shallow' after she hosted an interview with her It Ends With Us costars and failed to discuss the serious message behind the movie. Another clash came over Baldoni asking how much Lively weighed prior to a scene in which he was supposed to lift her. The A-list actress reportedly said this made her feel 'fat-shamed', while those close to Baldoni insisted that he was just trying to protect his back following an injury. Fans picked up on tensions between the lead actors during the movie's press run In her lawsuit, Lively claims Baldoni showed her nude images and videos of women, talked about an alleged previous porn addiction and made sexual comments about the cast and crew Speculation about drama on the set surfaced on BookTok, with social media users noticing that Lively and Baldoni never posed on red carpets together. Fans also spotted that Lively, author Hoover and none of the other cast members follow Baldoni on social media, though he follows all of them. Then The Hollywood Reporter confirmed in early August that a rift between Lively, who also served as a producer on the film, and Baldoni was in fact real. Lively also used her powers as a producer to commission a completely new cut of the movie from film editor Shane Reid, who cut her husband Ryan Reynolds' hit Deadpool & Wolverine. There is no indication whether anything from Reid's cut was used in the movie, which was credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan. Unlike many project where controversy affects the box office, It Ends With Us still emerged a box office hit, despite mixed reviews from critics - it scored just 57 percent on rotten tomatoes. DailyMail.com has approached Baldoni's representatives for comment. This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates.... Police have asked for help solving a mysterious suspicious death after a woman's body was discovered in the grounds of the iconic Vanderbilt Mansion in New York. The victim, believed to be in her 50s or 60s, was found on Vanderbilt Park Road in Hyde Park, roughly 100 miles north of New York City, on December 6. A hiker spotted her 'lying face down near the east shore of the Hudson River south of Bard Rock,' according to the New York State Police. She was described by the The Dutchess County Medical Examiner as a white 5-foot-5 woman with brown eyes, gray hair and no scars, marks, or tattoos. She was estimated to weigh 112 pounds. Police have said her death is suspicious and have gone as far as to release a photograph of the decades so the public can help identify her. DailyMail.com has reached out to the NYS Police for comment. The mansion was owned by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt and sits on a 211-acre historic site run by the National Park Service (NPS). Frederick purchased the Langdon House in Hyde Park in 1895, compromising of 153 acres, a farm, and 459 acres on the east side of Post Road, according to NPS. She was discovered after a hiker found her 'lying face down near the east shore of the Hudson River south of Bard Rock' on the estate's grounds (pictured: Vanderbilt Mansion) The woman, believed to be in her 50s or 60s, was found on Vanderbilt Park Road on the mansion's historical grounds in Hyde Park , roughly 100 miles north of New York City , on December 6, sparking confusion and mystery among officers He went on to build a new house that emulated the palaces of European nobility and the home became the model of other country homes by the extremely wealthy. The Vanderbilts established their mass fortune prior to the Civil War, starting with Frederick's grandfather Cornelius. The patriarch built their family fortune on steamboating and investing in the railroad, which eventually became the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. When he died in 1877, he left behind a fortune of $100 million, or equivalent to roughly $3 billion today, which was more than entire US Treasury at the time. The Vanderbilts were among some of New York's wealthiest, including the Astors and Rockefellers. Another Vanderbilt legacy is Vanderbilt University in Tennessee which was founded thanks to his $1million endowment in 1873. The donation was made under the persuasion of his much younger second wife, Frank Crawford, who was an avowed Confederate sympathizer and distant cousin of her husband. Cornelius left the bulk of his fortune to his son William Henry Vanderbilt. He was the only Vanderbilt who was able to double the family fortune. The home was owned by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. Frederick purchased the Langdon House in Hyde Park in 1895. He went on to build a new house that emulated the palaces of European nobility and the home became the model of other country homes by the extremely wealthy The Vanderbilts established their mass fortune prior to the Civil War, starting with Frederick's grandfather Cornelius. The patriarch built their family fortune on steamboating and investing in the railroad When he died in 1877, he left behind a fortune of $100million, or equivalent to roughly $3billion today, which was more than entire US Treasury at the time The mansion sits on a 211-acre historic site that is owned by the National Park Service Cornelius 'Commodore' Vanderbilt (pictured) was an upstart from Staten Island who quit school at the age of 11 and began working in his father's ferry business By the time William died in 1885, he amassed a staggering $200 million, or roughly $6.5 billion today, but all of it would be squandered within a few generations by heirs who only knew how to 'live well, marry well' and 'spend lavishly.' Third-generation Vanderbilts were keen to use their inheritance to infiltrate the gilded gates of New York Society. Until that point, they were considered nouveau riche vulgarians by the old guard. It would be their astonishing life of excess for which the family would become famous. Cornelius II, wasted no time throwing his inheritance into building an enormous palace on Fifth Avenue which featured 100 rooms and filled an entire city block. It was demolished in 1926, but it still holds the record for the largest private residence ever built in New York City to this day. Today the most notable Vanderbilt descendent is Gloria's son, Anderson Cooper, a journalist and political commentator for CNN. 'The dynasty ended with Gloria,' he said, in his 2021 book, which explored his family's legacy. 'She was the last to be born before the Depression, when the Vanderbilt riches seemed as limitless and eternal as the stars in the sky,' he says in the book. A California man forced a close friend at gunpoint to help him dump his wife's body into a freezer, a new report claims. Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones' remains were found inside the freezer in their rear of the San Diego home she shared with her husband Robert Haxby last December. She hadn't been seen in nine years, and her body was only discovered after her husband suffered a stroke and was taken to a hospital. An autopsy report unsealed this week and seen by The Los Angeles Times alleges that a friend, identified by CBS as Joseph Beneventin, told the family about her body. The report also claims that Beneventin helped Haxby put her remains inside the freezer. Her manner and cause of death have been left as undetermined, with police believing that her body was hidden so her husband could continue to claim her benefits. They have been unable to gather enough evidence in the case to prosecute it, with Haxby also passing away in February of this year. Beneventin has since came forward and said that she died from natural causes due to being obese and suffering from dementia. Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones' remains were found inside the freezer in their rear of the San Diego home she shared with her husband Robert Haxby last December They have been unable to gather enough evidence in the case to prosecute it, with Haxby, seen here, also passing away in February of this year Speaking with CBS8, he said: 'Mary died of natural causes, she was 400 pounds. Bob told me that Mary passed away. 'I go into the room, and she is inverted like 180 degrees. Her pelvic was in her face.' When questioned by the outlet however, he said he had 'nothing to do with' putting her remains in the freezer. He claimed that he found her body inside the freezer the next day, saying: 'I said "you can't do this", he said "why not?" 'I said it's against the law, you've got to bury her in the ground. So he went and got a shotgun and loaded it. He said: "Next time you talk about this guess where you're going".' Beneventin said she had died sometime in 2013 and her death was keep quiet so Haxby could continue to claim her benefits. He added: 'He did it for financial gain because Mary took all the equity out of the house. The only way to pay the mortgage back was the checks Mary was getting.' The outlet also uncovered that Beneventin resides in a property owned by Haxby, with the two homes now in probate court. Beneventin has since came forward and said that she died from natural causes due to being obese and suffering from dementia Her manner and cause of death have been left as undetermined, with police believing that her body was hidden so her husband could continue to claim her benefits The attorney now representing Haxby's children has questioned Beneventin's side of events. Nicole D'Ambrogi told CBS: 'There were ample opportunities for Joe to go to the police and indicate that Miss Haxby Jones was located in the freezer in the backyard. 'Yet he didn't do that. What he was doing was he was living in Mr. Haxby home, rent free.' She seemed to suggest that Haxby may have also been a victim of financial fraud, saying he too suffered from dementia and was in a state of decline. Haxby-Jones' stepdaughter Wendy Edick also said: 'It was completely shocking, also to know that nobody has missed her.' She told the outlet that she had been estranged from her father, and that the two had been veterans. Hundreds of passengers are facing Christmas travel chaos as 70 flights from Heathrow Airport are cancelled and several more delayed amid weather warnings for strong wind. A Heathrow spokesperson said 'a small number of flights' have been cancelled on Saturday due to 'strong winds and airspace restrictions'. They added: 'This will ensure the vast majority of passengers can still safely travel as planned. 'We know how important travel at this time of year is and have extra colleagues on hand in our terminals to support people on their journeys. 'We encourage passengers to check in with their airlines for the latest information about their flights'. Currently, 22 flights from the west London airport have been axed today, and another 48 have already been cancelled for tomorrow. Hundreds of passengers are facing Christmas travel chaos as 90 flights from Heathrow Airport are cancelled and 200 more delayed amid weather warnings for strong wind A Heathrow spokesperson said 'a small number of flights' have been cancelled on Saturday due to 'strong winds and airspace restrictions' Currently, 33 flights from the west London airport have been axed today, and another 58 tomorrow. It comes as a yellow warning for wind came into place today from 7am until 9pm on Sunday covering the North West, the North East, Scotland and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland. Westerly winds are forecast to pick up over Saturday with 50-60mph gusts expected, with a small chance of some reaching 80mph. Sunday will see the South West also under the yellow warning. The Met Office said: 'The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80mph in coastal districts including Orkney. 'Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. 'This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations. 'Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature on Saturday and may merge into a longer spell of rain for a time in the far north and north west.' Showers could turn to several centimetres of snow on the hills in the north west of Scotland from Saturday evening into Sunday. Queues on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel approach in Greenwich South East London as the Christmas getaway begins Passengers at London Euston station awaiting to leave London this morning Long delays at the Port of Dover saw holidaymakers in long queues as they tried to board the ferry for the Christmas getaway 'Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways' the Met Office warned. Strong winds and rain in West Bay, Dorset Showers could turn to several centimetres of snow on the hills in the north west of Scotland from Saturday evening into Sunday, the Met Office warned. Picture: People in the snow in Edinburgh, Scotland The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday, meteorologists said. Some sleet, snow and hail may fall at lower levels and produce icy conditions by Sunday morning. The delays and cancellations at Heathrow come after the airport had said earlier this week that it was bracing for the busiest Christmas period in history. The airport said it was expecting the number of passengers travelling through its terminals on December 25 to be 21 per cent higher than on the same day a year ago. Heathrow also predicted that the number of passengers for December will exceed the previous record of 6.7 million last year. But air plane passengers are not the only ones bracing themselves for mayhem this weekend. Drivers were warned that roads and public transport could be disrupted by the strong gusts, as 22.7 million motorists are expected to get away for Christmas today. Long Delays at the Port of Dover saw holidaymakers in long queues as they tried to board the ferry for the Christmas getaway. Meanwhile, passengers waited at St Pancras International station to get the Eurostar while others waited to board trains at Kings Cross Station for the festive season. Justin Baldoni has issued a stinging response to Blake Lively after she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. The director is being sued by Lively over allegations about his behavior on the set of their movie It Ends With Us. The film's release was mired in controversy after fans noticed tensions between the two leads, which Lively appears to have partially explained in the lawsuit. She accused Baldoni of making sexual comments about the cast and crew, showing her explicit videos and images of women and discussing his previous alleged porn addiction. However, Baldoni has now hit back and claims that Lively has only filed the lawsuit to try to repair her reputation in the wake of negative press she received following the film's release. Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman branded the legal action 'false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt'. He insisted Lively is attempting to 'fix her negative reputation' after rumors emerged of diva-like behavior during filming. This included 'threatening to not show up to set [and] threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release,' according to Freedman. Justin Baldoni has issued a cutting response to Blake Lively after she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him Baldoni is being sued by Lively over allegations about his behavior on the set of their movie It Ends With Us Meanwhile, Lively has accused Baldoni of fostering a toxic workplace environment, which allegedly became so tense that she demanded crisis talks attended by her husband Ryan Reynolds among other people, TMZ reported. The lawsuit states that Baldoni made inappropriate inquiries about Lively's weight, comments about her dead father and sexual remarks about the cast and crew which she insisted must come to an end. Lively also requested: 'No more adding of sex scenes, oral sex or on-camera climaxing by BL [Blake Lively] outside the scope of the script BL approved when signing onto the project', per the filings. The demands were allegedly accepted by the studio, but the movie's release was still hampered by a dispute between its stars about how it should be marketed, according to the lawsuit. Eagle-eyed fans soon spotted the frosty relationship between Baldoni and Lively on the red carpet and reports began to emerge about the rift. Lively claims that Baldoni's team then engaged in a 'social manipulation' campaign to tarnish her reputation. The lawsuit includes text messages from the director's publicist to the studio which allegedly said Baldoni 'wants to feel like [Lively] can be buried', and 'we can't write we will destroy her'. It Ends With Us became one of the most talked about movies of the year following its release in August, but for all the wrong reasons. But he claims that Lively has only filed the lawsuit to patch up her reputation which took a hit amid a wave of negative press following the movie's release Lively accused her director of fostering a toxic workplace and engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior Justin Baldoni with his wife Emily at the It Ends With Us New York premiere. Fans became suspicious of a feud after the cast did not post with Baldoni at photo opportunities Insiders revealed the concerning truth about the on-set tensions, telling DailyMail.com that Blake and Justin clashed over his 'dismissive' attitude to her 'input' while they were filming scenes that involved abuse. The insider claimed that Justin focused only on 'what he believed was the abusive male viewpoint' and had a very 'chauvinistic' approach to the topic. But as rumors of the feud persisted, social media reaction began to turn against Blake, who has been criticized for her responses in interviews promoting the movie. She was blasted as 'tone deaf' and 'shallow' after she hosted an interview with her It Ends With Us costars and failed to discuss the serious message behind the movie. A difference in opinion on how the movie should be marketed only contributed to the problems between its leads, with Lively favoring an upbeat approach while Baldoni was reportedly more concerned with communicating the film's themes of domestic violence. Also around the time of the movie's press run, some of Lively's old interviews resurfaced which garnered backlash for her 'rude' demeanor towards interviewers. Among them was an awkward encounter with Kjersti Flaa during which a visibly pregnant Lively appeared to take offense at Flaa referencing her baby bump. Another saw Lively accused of 'mean girl' behavior during an interview with Cafe Society costar Parker Posey during promotion for the movie. DailyMail.com has contacted Lively and Baldoni's representatives for comment. A 77-year-old Just Stop Oil protester was recalled to prison because her wrists are too small for an electronic tag. Grandmother Gaie Delap, from Bristol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in August for her part in disruptive protests on the M25 in November 2022. The demonstration brought traffic during the morning rush hour to a standstill at more than half a dozen separate locations along the motorway, with protesters scaling the gantries to fly a Just Stop Oil flag. Ms Delap was one of four activists who were released early and she was freed on November 18 on a home detention curfew. But while the other three early release protesters were successfully tagged, the Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) was unable to fit a tag to Ms Delap's ankle due to a health condition, so attempted to fit one to her wrist instead. When they were unable to do so since her wrists were too small for the tag, a warrant was issued for her arrest on December 5 despite, according to Just Stop Oil, her being 'fully compliant with the terms of release'. The activist group said police arrived at her home in Bristol to escort her to HMP Eastwood Park, which they accurately described as having the highest rates of self-harm of any women's prison in England and Wales, according to a 2023 report. The campaign group said Delap suffers from numerous health conditions and suffered a stroke in the run-up to her trial in August 2024. Grandmother Gaie Delap, from Bristol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in August for her part in protests on the M25 in November 2022 Just Stop Oil activists (Ms Delap on far left of shot) outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where they were accused of breaking a National Highways injunction during their M25 protest in November 2022 Activists protest during a Just Stop Oil protest in Parliament Square on October 30, 2023 in London, England 'Ms Delap will now spend Christmas in prison and is understandably terrified after her experiences during her last period of incarceration,' a Just Stop Oil spokesperson said in a statement. 'She experienced significant mistreatment in prison, suffering wrist problems after being handcuffed to a bed in hospital. The warrant for her arrest was issued whilst she was receiving treatment in hospital.' The M25 protest triggered mass anger among motorists - with long tailbacks at several stretches of the motorway - and even prevented one man from missing his father's funeral. However, there were figures willing to come to the group's defence, including former Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, who compared the group to Rosa Parks and the Suffragettes. Ms Delap was sentenced on August 1 to 20 months in prison at Basildon Crown Court after breaching a National Highways injunction that sought to stop protesters grinding the M25 to a halt. The retired teacher from Bristol previously told the judge that her 'heart was breaking' for the future of her six grandchildren. Mr Justice Soole found that she and nine of the others had not been made aware of the injunction by a Just Stop Oil mentor prior to the protest, describing the omission as a 'significant failure and breach of trust'. According to Ms Delap's daughter, Lily Pridie, the severity of the sentence came as a shock to the family. Friends and family of climate activist Gaie Delap, 78. Pictured (left-to-right): Gaie's brother Nick, and friends Mike Campbell and Annie Menter Retired teacher Gaie Delap, of Bristol, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London where she told a High Court judge why she climbed on to a motorway gantry to take part in a Just Stop Oil protest. Police watch as traffic is held back as an activist from Just Stop Oil occupies a gantry over the M25 near Godstone in Surrey as part of the November 2022 protests The M25 blockade in November 2022, which saw campaigners climb gantries over the motorway, caused 50,000 hours of delays and forced a man to miss his father's funeral Activists carried out the blockade across different parts of the M25 motorway orbiting London Upon sentencing, she said the family will 'miss the childcare' and that Ms Dalep's granddaughters, then both under one, will miss seeing her. Delap's family have called on supporters to contact Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ask her to reverse the decision. A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: 'Gaie took action in 2022 after the government announced that it would issue over 100 new oil and gas licences. 'This was despite summer temperatures climbing above 40C, railways buckling in the heat, harvests being decimated, and the London Fire Brigade experiencing the most calls since WWII. There were 61,000 excess deaths from the heat in Europe that year. 'Gaie took this brave action out of a deep sense of duty to protect her children, grandchildren and indeed all of us. 'Meanwhile those causing real disruption - the fossil fuel executives, the water company bosses, the corrupt politicians who profited over dodgy PPE contracts, all walk free.' Friends and family of Delap issued a statement through the campaign group in which they said: 'We are outraged by her recall to prison. We know this is cruel, and totally unnecessary. We know there are alternatives to the tag. We know that if she had been a man, a tag would have been available to EMS. 'Because of medical conditions, Gaie requires a wrist tag, or some equivalent. And we know from our own investigations and enquiries there are many out there. Just Stop Oil sparked rush hour chaos after an activist scaled the motorway gantry on the M25 A Just Stop Oil protester was detained after they climbed a gantry on the M25, leading to the closure of the motorway Specialist rope officers were deployed by Kent Police to remove the activists and limit disruption on the motorway National Highways had accused 12 people of taking part in M25 protests in November 2022, which led to police making 35 arrests 'Moreover, Gaie is absolutely no threat to the community. This recall to prison is a ridiculous waste of resources and money. 'It will cost the taxpayer 12,000 to keep Gaie in prison. We cannot believe that there is not an electronic monitoring device that can be fitted at a fraction of the cost. We want common sense to prevail.' A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: 'We have a duty to enforce sentences passed down by the independent judiciary. 'The law states anyone released under Home Detention Curfew must be tagged and recalled if no alternative solution is available.' A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: 'On Friday December 20, a woman aged in her 70s was arrested in Bristol after she was recalled to prison.' In many ways, John Coopers appearance on the Eighties television show Bullseye was quite unremarkable. There was some convivial chat with the shows chirpy host Jim Bowen about the joys of scuba diving off the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline, and then it was down to action. Cooper, a 45-year-old farm labourer and father-of-two, considered himself something of a dab hand at the dartboard, having honed his skills in the pubs of West Wales. But it was to be an ignominiously short-lived foray into fame, with Cooper stumbling in the quiz section of the show then, crucially, missing the target when given a chance to redeem himself at the dartboard. He forced a smile for the camera and walked away, empty-handed. No speedboat. No hostess trolley. But it would not be the last the public would hear of John Cooper, nor the last time that footage, recorded in May 1989, would be viewed. For, in a quite astonishing twist, it would transpire that Coopers unassuming appearance and genial demeanour were the mask of a serial killer; he was the man responsible for a string of crimes so chilling they remain among the most heinous ever recorded in Wales. John Cooper, left, appears on television show Bullseye in 1989 It would later transpire that Coopers genial demeanour was the mask of a serial killer As he stepped up to the oche, Cooper was already a double murderer, having slaughtered a brother and sister in their remote farmhouse in 1985. Then, just a month after recording the show, he would go on to gun down a middle-aged couple on a camping holiday. But it was not until 20 years later in 2009, when a cold case team unearthed that footage of his TV appearance and matched it against an artists impression of a suspect in the second murder that detectives were able to join the dots and finally identify the man who became known as the Bullseye Killer. Just how those crimes were solved is an astonishing tale of determination and detective work and is particularly intriguing now, as ITV prepares to launch its rebooted version of Bullseye in a Christmas special tonight. Back in the Eighties, up to 18 million viewers would tune in to watch the bizarre mix of quiz show and darts contest, under the gaze of comedian-host Bowen with his endless banter, and its animated mascot, Bully. The contestants were usually a motley bunch. Bowen once quipped that some of them, in the early years, wouldnt have been able to tell you who came second in the last war. So if there was anything strange about Cooper, no one noticed. His first foray into murder started on this very day in 1985 two bodies were found in the charred remains of a burnt-out three-storey manor house in Scoveston Park, a sleepy area of rural West Wales, not far from Milford Haven. Wealthy farmer Richard Thomas, 58, was found with a shotgun wound to his abdomen. His sister Helen, 54, had been bound, gagged and shot in the head. Theories soon started to circulate: was it an aggrieved local with a grudge? A scorned lover? Had the siblings been targeted because of their wealth? It was the largest police inquiry this picturesque corner of Pembrokeshire had known, but the hunt for the killer went cold. Then, in June 1989, another crime, just eight miles away, would come to cast a similar shadow. A married couple, on a camping trip to the coastal enclave of Little Haven, were reported missing. Marketing manager Peter Dixon, 51, and his wife Gwenda, 52, had holidayed in the area for 15 years but, when they didnt make it back to their Oxfordshire home to meet their two grown-up children, they raised the alarm. A police artist composed this sketch of Cooper after the murders of Peter and Gwenda Dixon Cooper protests his innocence as he is lead into court in 2009 A search was launched and six days later their bodies were found in a wooded spot, not far from a rocky cliff edge. They had both been shot. The killer took Peters wedding ring and wallet, using his bank card (with the correct pin) at an ATM, shortly afterwards. A huge murder inquiry was launched. A witness reported seeing a dishevelled man on a bike at the cashpoint, and a description enabled a police artist to compose a sketch. The wildman picture was even shown on Crimewatch, but no leads were forthcoming. Connie Stevens, 75, a local councillor whose own late father was the county councillor for the area at the time of both crimes, remembers the horror the murders brought to the area. Obviously everybody was shocked. Things like that didnt happen in our locality, she told The Mail on Sunday. I worked in a school near Milford Haven and strangely enough, in our school kitchen, the windows looked out on to Scoveston Manor. She added: People felt uneasy and certainly a lot of people felt frightened. The police did a fairly good investigation. They interviewed a lot of people and went house-to-house they came and questioned me. There was so much speculation as to who could have done it. But, as she points out, clues were scarce, and so the killer continued to walk free. The case would later be documented in the book, The Pembrokeshire Murders, written by retired Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilkins, with ITV journalist Jonathan Hill. The story was turned into a powerful drama series starring Luke Evans and Keith Allen, which aired in 2021 and has recently been relaunched on Netflix. It was in 2006 that advances in forensic science prompted Dyfed-Powys Police to launch a review, led by Wilkins, of what were by then two cold cases. Cooper was already known to police. In 1978 he had scooped 90,000 in a newspaper spot-the-ball competition, a substantial sum back then and enough for him to splash out on luxury holidays to the US with his wife Pat and even buy a smallholding where they could grow crops and breed horses with their two children. But Cooper had a gambling addiction, and once the winnings were squandered, he turned to crime to fund his habit. He became a prolific burglar, plundering his neighbours houses for jewellery, silverware and anything else he could sell, often stashing it around the Pembrokeshire countryside he knew so well. His crimes escalated to murder interspersed with that appearance on Bullseye, which hed hoped would be an easy earner. Seven years and two double murders later, in 1996, another two violent incidents shattered the peaceful community once again. Gwenda killed by Cooper on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in June 1989 The first involved five teenagers attacked at gunpoint. One of the girls was raped in a field near to the scene of the slaughter of Richard and Helen Thomas. The second was an armed robbery in which a lone woman was tied up at gunpoint. The culprit fled the scene after an alarm was activated, but in doing so abandoned items of clothing and a double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun in the hedgerows. This time police had forensic evidence, and it wasnt long before Cooper was arrested. A police search of his home unearthed more than 500 keys taken from burgled properties and hidden in a cesspit, along with a shotgun. Cooper was convicted of the robbery, and a string of burglaries, and received a 16-year sentence in 1998. But the evidence linking him to the two double murders and the attacks on the children would only come to light after a cold-case review was launched eight years later. Steve Wilkins and his team turned their focus on Cooper, who was still in prison but would be eligible for parole shortly. The forensic evidence against him was mounting, but it was still not enough to charge him. Identification was also still an issue; so much time had elapsed that an ID parade was of little use. What was needed was photographic evidence of what Cooper looked like when the Dixons were murdered and the artists sketch drawn up. In Bullseye, police hit the jackpot: it was well-known in the area that hed been on the show, and as Wilkins wrote in his book: We had amassed many images of Cooper over the years in various guises and with numerous hairstyles. What we didnt have was a picture of him at the time of the Dixons murder. If footage still existed of his appearance on Bullseye, this could be hugely significant. Hill hunted for the tape, unearthing a copy in the ITV archives. The two watched, aghast, as the decades-old footage of Cooper describing his love for the Pembrokeshire coastline and his passion for scuba diving came on to the screen. As Wilkins revealed: You could hardly make it up. There was Cooper, just a month before the killings, revealing on national television knowledge of the area where the Dixons would be murdered. It was Jonathan Hill who froze a frame of the TV footage and placed it next to the ageing sketch. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Wilkins said the moment he saw the images, side by side, was truly remarkable. Id never seen anything like it, in 33 years with the police, he said. However, the detective still needed his golden nugget of evidence, not least because Cooper, by now, had been released from custody. In a remarkable twist, on the very night he came out of prison and moved back in with his long-suffering wife Pat, she died. Cooper himself dialled 999 to report her death, inevitably prompting immediate suspicion. But as Wilkins would go on to note, she had a history of heart problems and I just think she gave up. Pat would, however, be at least in part responsible for giving the police their next breakthrough. A pair of Coopers shorts were recovered in a search of his home and it transpired they had been shortened by his wife: in doing so, she had unwittingly sealed damning forensic evidence inside the hem. And not just a tiny bit of evidence. The shorts became a veritable treasure trove. First there was a speck of blood, found to be Peter Dixons. Peter was also murdered while the couple holidayed in Wales I asked them then to unpick the hem of the shorts, because it looked like it was home stitching and his wife was a seamstress, says Wilkins. When the hem was unpicked, it revealed fibres that linked Cooper to the rape and attack on the five children. Very importantly they also found another DNA match to the Dixons daughter, who had been in Cyprus at the time her parents were killed. Wilkins is convinced they were Gwenda Dixons shorts, which had at some point been borrowed by her daughter, and which Cooper had snatched from her bag after the killing because the scene was so bloody. More extraordinary, fibres were later identified in the pocket of the shorts matching a sock worn by first victim, Richard Thomas, the only piece of clothing that survived the fire that destroyed his farmhouse. How did it get into the pocket, when Thomas was killed four years before Cooper even stole the shorts from the Dixons? Police deduced that Cooper had worn gloves at the scene of the Thomas murder. He must then, years later, have slipped them into the pockets of the shorts he had taken from Gwenda, transferring evidence. Suddenly, we had a pair of shorts that link him to four murders, five attempted robberies, one rape and an indecent assault, says the detective. And it just carried on like that. They had their man. In court, in 2011, Coopers son Andrew, who had left home aged 16, gave evidence for the prosecution. Chillingly, he told the court how his father kept his belongings in a locked room. Once, he said, he went in when his father was not there and found what looked like other peoples possessions in a metal cupboard. Those included photographs of people he did not know, trinkets, and burned jewellery and coins trophies that Cooper had kept from his crimes. Cooper was jailed for life in May 2011 for the two double murders; he was also convicted of holding the five teenagers at gunpoint, raping a 16-year-old girl and indecently assaulting another, aged 15. Maintaining his innocence until the end, he shouted at the judge as he was sentenced. He claimed on the stand that the truth would all come out on the internet, yet his attempt at an appeal was rejected a year later, and his name has since been linked to a series of other crimes. Now aged 80, John Cooper, the Bullseye Killer, will never be released. A Georgia homeowner was arrested and charged with criminal trespass after attempting to move back into her home, which was being occupied by an alleged squatter. 'I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home,' Loletha Hale told WSB-TV Atlanta. On December 9, Clayton County police and Sheriff's deputies were called to the home on Livingston Drive after Hale tried to regain access. A deputy, captured on body camera footage, advised Hale to consider the alleged squatter's perspective. 'Just think of it from this perspective, though. Everybody isn't as fortunate as you to have a bed. All the little things, a bed in their house, food in the kitchen,' the deputy said. The dispute began in August when Hale discovered the alleged squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson, in the home and contacted police. Authorities cited Johnson under Georgia's new Squatter Reform Act. However, Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Lates-Johnson ruled that Johnson wasn't a squatter, as she was related to a previously evicted tenant's partner. Georgia homeowner Loletha Hale (pictured) was arrested and charged with criminal trespass after attempting to move back into her home, which was being occupied by an alleged squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson A deputy, captured on body camera footage, advised Hale to consider the alleged squatter's perspective 'How can she not be squatting when I've never had any type of contract relationship with this person?' Hale said. In bodycam footage from the December 9 incident, Johnson explained to officers, 'I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasn't a squatter.' This led to a prolonged legal battle, with multiple filings, hearings and even Johnson filing for bankruptcy, naming Hale as her sole creditor. On November 18, a magistrate judge ruled in Hale's favor. Hale believed Johnson had vacated the property and returned to begin cleaning up. However, when she arrived on December 9, she found the locks had been changed and Johnson was still there. 'I returned on Monday to start painting and she had broken the locks at my property,' Hale explained. 'She just caught up out of nowhere. She had this guy with him, and I locked the door. I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out,' Johnson told police. Johnson, in the report, described how Hale and a man showed up and locked the door. She added that the man forcibly entered and demanded they leave. Hale was charged after trying to forcibly remove Johnson, and the case remains unresolved, with Johnson not facing any charges Pictured: Hale as she waits on the stoop of her own house before being arrested Officers confirmed Hale hadn't obtained the proper legal document, a signed writ of possession, to evict Johnson. Hale admits she had been waiting weeks for the writ, explaining her frustration: 'To see that woman walk into my mom's house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture.' The alleged squatter, Johnson, has not been charged with any crime. Meanwhile, Hale was charged with criminal trespassing and a misdemeanor count of terroristic threats. The New York Police Department's highest-ranking uniformed officer has stood down from his role after he was accused of predatory sexual harassment. Jeffrey Maddrey abruptly resigned from his post as the Chief of Department on Friday evening after the accusations were made by a female NYPD Lieutenant. On Saturday morning The New York Post reported that Maddrey had traded large numbers of overtime hours in exchange for sexual favors from a subordinate. Lieutenant Quathisha Epps told the outlet that Maddrey had 'preyed upon her' and even went as far as demanding sex inside the NYPD headquarters. In an interview with the outlet she said: 'He wanted to have anal sex, vaginal sex, oral sex. He was always asking me to kiss his penis.' Epps and her lawyer Eric Sanders said they planned to file a notice of claim with the city comptroller outlining her allegations. She had worked for Maddrey as she moved up the ranks in the force, from Chief of Housing to Chief of Patrol. She said that his sexual demands started in June 2023 when he landed the top job as Chief of Department. His lawyer has denied all of the accusations. Jeffrey Maddrey abruptly resigned from his post as the Chief of Department on Friday evening after the accusations were made by a female NYPD Lieutenant Maddrey is seen here alongside embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams at an event in March 2023 Epps claims that the married officer first demanded sex from her while inside his office inside One Police Plaza, the NYPD headquarters. She said that Maddrey was sitting at his desk with his pants open and wearing a undershirt while he rubbed his chest as he propositioned her. Epps told the outlet: 'He said he dreamed about f****** me in my a**. I said 'but Chief, you're the Chief of Department'. 'He rubbed his chest, his work pants were open. He was like 'I'm still a n***** and you look good'. Epps added that she was asked to go into the back room of his office where he has a couch and a bathroom. Sobbing, she told the post: 'He bent me over the arm of the couch and when I tried to back away but he was telling me 'just let me put it in a little bit'. Epps detailed the interaction the two had in which she claimed she asked him to stop multiple times and that he was hurting her. She claimed the two had sexual intercourse ten times after their initial interaction. Maddrey started being generous with overtime a few years after, she said. Epps, seen here, claims that the married officer first demanded sex from her while inside his office inside One Police Plaza, the NYPD headquarters She claimed the two had sexual intercourse ten times after their initial interaction. Maddrey started being generous with overtime a few years after, she said She said she told him of financial troubles including her house possibly foreclosing before the overtime started coming her way. Epps claimed that he then had her do jobs outside of police work which involved helping his 'girlfriend', another officer, under his direction. 'Part of the overtime was to take care of his girlfriend. He would have me go apartment hunting with her', she added. She also claimed that she had an apartment that he asked her to give to his girlfriend that had been in her children's name. Epps added: 'I think he's a predator. He'd say, 'We're going to save your house.' Like he's rescuing me. When he's really just f******* me.' According to her, as she tried to get away from him her high overtime earners were outed in a list. On Monday, it was revealed she had earned more than $400,000 in the fiscal year 2024, which included $204,000 in overtime for a total of 1,626 hours in the year. She filed for retirement after being outed for the eyewatering figures, and was then suspended on Wednesday. In a statement, Maddrey's attorney Lambros Lambrou denied the allegations against his client. He said: 'What a convenient time to accuse somebody of misconduct now that she's been suspended by the NYPD and accused of stealing time. 'She's obviously drowning and in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver. She wants to take down as many people as she can. This is completely meritless, and we deny every aspect of it.' The department said in a statement: 'The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter. The allegations come after former cop Tabatha Foster sued him in 2016 and accused him of making persistent sexual advances. In a statement, Maddrey's attorney Lambros Lambrou denied the allegations against his client Her case was dismissed in 2019 by a federal judge before a state suit against him was also dismissed this year. Maddrey joined the police force in 1991 at the age of 20 and rose through the ranks to become chief of housing in 2021 and then chief of patrol later that year. He was then promoted to chief of department last December, according to his department biography. Earlier this year, an administrative trial judge in the department recommended dropping a disciplinary case against Maddrey. That case had revolved around a November 2021 incident in which he ordered officers to void the arrest of a retired officer who previously worked for him. The judge ruled at the time that the citys Civilian Complaint Review Board, a police watchdog agency, lacked jurisdiction. to pursue the case. John Chell, the department's chief of patrol, will take over as interim chief of department and Philip Rivera will assume Chell's duties as the head of the patrol division, the department said.